Kudos 05

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Your free lifestyle magazine for Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks and surrounding areas

The fitness issue Exercise your rights

Sporting hero

TV presenter Davina McCall

Team spirit

Fashion plays the game

Chris Saga

HELLO Welcome to the July/August issue of Kudos, the new local magazine for Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks and the surrounding areas.

Summer’s here and the time is right for... well, if not exactly dancing in the street, then certainly for getting fit and healthy. And that means the whole family. So this issue has a bit of a fitness theme running through it. Where better to start than long-time fitness fan and local girl, TV presenter Davina McCall, recently crowned Britain’s queen of fitness when her DVDs topped Amazon’s list of all-time fitness bestsellers. Find out how she stays in shape on page 20.

If you’re looking for a personal trainer or workout class, you could find the answer on page 68, where we talk to some very fit locals. Whilst a fit body is important for adults, it’s even more important that children establish a routine of exercise while they’re young. Worryingly, research shows that children spend up to 10 times as long playing video games and watching TV as they do playing outdoors. We’ve found some local clubs that may just tempt them away from the screen. And then you can keep their energy levels (and yours) up with our selection of healthy smoothies and coolers.

Elsewhere, we visit some beautiful pub gardens in the area for al-fresco dining, meet the couple who’ve finally got the kitchen of their dreams, find out whether extra tuition guarantees your child a grammar-school place and give on-trend fashion a sporty theme.

As always, we’ve got your naughty pets named and shamed, scouted out some local fashionistas, and tracked down some interesting events. All proof that local life just keeps getting better!

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Hannah Tucek Publishing Director

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Managing Director: Robin Tucek Publishing Director: Hannah Tucek Editorial Director: Ann Wallace Creative Director: Neil Constant Chief Sub-Editor: Verity Willcocks Fashion Editor: Sally-Ann Carroll Photographer: Matt Harquail Beauty Editor: Lucy Hargrave Motoring Editor: Anthony ffrench-Constant Social Media Queen: Lady Katherine Sims

Advertising Sales 01892 300321 Kudos is published bi-monthly by Bad Betty Media, Blackadder House, 1 Andrew Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 9DN Printed by Polestar, Colchester, Essex

While every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publishers, authors and printers cannot accept liability for errors or omissions. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be produced in any form without the written permission of the copyright holder and publisher, application for which should be made to the publisher. Opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher.

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WELCOME TO KUDOS

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CONTENTS

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LOVE FEATURES Upfront 11

What’s new and happening

Pets corner 19

You name, we shame!

Let’s eat out 39

Visit one of our local pubs with a great garden this summer

Follow the leader 58

Audi’s RS Q3 shows what it’s made of

Sporting chance 68

Play the game with local fitness and sports instructors

Delicious juices, smoothies and coolers

A round-up of the latest foodie news

LOVE HOME AND GARDEN Now we’re cooking! 52

An 80s kitchen gets a 21st-century makeover

Home, sweet home 57

Ideas to turn your house into a home

Trees are tops 74

The perfect tree for your garden

All about your home 84

The charity that’s helping injured wildlife

Local experts answer your questions

LOVE CELEBRITY Jolly good sport 20

LOVE FAMILY Fit for life 62

TV presenter Davina McCall on being Britain’s fitness queen

Ideas to get the kids on the move

LOVE LOOKS Fashionista 17

Education experts answer your questions

Super sport glam 28

Kevin Whysall of New Wave AV talks about the rise in audio-visual technology

Fashion gets sporty with our pick of the on-trend summer looks

Beauty extra 45

Pick of the latest products

CONTENTS

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Let’s eat 51

A walk on the wild side 90

Style on the streets

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LOVE FOOD Liquid energy 46

Heads up 66

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LOVE BUSINESS Riding the wave 78

Business agenda 80

Help and advice for small and medium-sized businesses

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HARRISON’S ROCKS, GROOMBRIDGE

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LIV E LOC AL

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3pm

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UPFRONT

What’s new and happening DELICIOUS COCOLICIOUS

If you want fabulous food and fine coffee, head to Cocolicious in Cranbrook Lucinda Hamilton opened her debut pâtisserie café in April to share her passion for the tastiest food and the sweetest treats.

Having learnt the art of fine food while studying at hotel management and catering schools in Switzerland and London, she progressed her career under the watchful eye of Anton Mosimann in the kitchens of his Private Dining Club and later as front of house at The Ritz.

It was whilst nurturing her own brood of three children that the Cocolicious brand was born. The kitchen at home became Cocolicious HQ, the hub of a successful catering business. Now five years on, Lucinda has realised her real dream – to share her love of food in the surroundings of her own café.

The pleasures and principles of good food are at the heart of Cocolicious, with wholesome dishes created from the finest ingredients, sourced wherever possible locally. The lunch menu includes salads, tasty soups and fresh sushi, all to eat in or take out, and rounding off the delights are show-stopping pâtisserie bakes alongside the best coffee sourced from a boutique Sussex roasting house.

facebook.com/cocolicious instagram.com/cocoliciousloulou twitter: @loulouhamilton Cocolicious, Stone Street, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3HF 01580 714954

CALLING ALL MUSIC FANS! Free tickets up for grabs Music fans won’t want to miss the Family Festival at Ightham Mote in Sevenoaks on Saturday 26th July.

Tickets start from just £7.50 but we have 10 free family tickets (2 adults and 2 kids) worth £45 to give away! All you need to do is email fridaynightlive@ hotmail.co.uk and if you are one of the lucky winners, you will receive a promotion code that can be used on the booking website: www.fnl-ighthammote.eventbrite.co.uk Hurry, the entry deadline is Saturday 12th July, so you don’t have long!

The event is organised by Friday Night Live, whose founder, David Martin, explains: “Friday Night Live is all about setting the stage for local, unsigned bands and musicians to perform, as well as organising some truly-great entertainment for music fans of all ages. Friday Night Live is a pretty new set-up and started in Sevenoaks in 2011. Our first show was at the Stag Theatre and was a huge success.

“Since then we have run numerous live lounges, theatre shows, festivals and other gigs and will continue to put on more and more events. We’ve had a variety of amazing acts perform at our events, covering a range of styles and genres, all of whom have been really well received. We plan to run many more events throughout the years to come and hope to feature some more truly-incredible musicians.”

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The Family Festival at Ightham Mote will open its doors at 5.30pm and the evening will finish at midnight. Expect great live music from bands including The Diarys, The Violet Jive, Dan Clews, Alexander McKay and Band, The Breretons, Tom Tyler and Poppy Hopson.

There will also be a bar, hot and cold food and children’s entertainment. Parking is available. The event is sponsored

by Knight Frank. www.fridaynightlive.org.uk

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UPFRONT

What’s new and happening

WRITE ON

Two local authors are enjoying success with two very different kinds of books

FROM COUNTRY….

Kent has a well-deserved reputation as the garden of England, but what was the inspiration behind the county’s many gardens and how were they created?

In her new book, Digging up Paradise: Potatoes, People and Poetry in the Garden of England, Tunbridge Wells’ novelist and poet Sarah Salway looks at the stories behind some of the county’s best loved, as well as other less well-known, gardens.

The book combines original photographs, creative writing, poems and historical details from 26 gardens across Kent.

Sarah has written three novels, a collection of short stories and a poetry collection, but this is her first book about gardens.

Her interest in horticulture came from her garden historian mother, Elizabeth Peplow, who designed herb gardens that were opened to the public, but it was during Sarah’s term as Canterbury Laureate in 2012 that she first started to think about writing a behind-the-scenes book on Kent’s many public gardens.

“At the time, I was writing a booklet about Kent being the garden of England and it led me to think about producing a more representative book on how some of the county’s gardens came into existence,” she says. “I became fascinated by the idea of putting myself back in time and imagining what they were like beforehand and what the designers wanted us to see.”

The featured gardens range from tourist favourites including Sissinghurst and Leeds Castle to lesser-known gems such as Great Comp, Marle Place and Quex Park.

She says: “The garden creators knew they would probably never live to see how their vision turned out so they are an act of faith in the future. I love that even the trees we see today were planted for several generations ahead to enjoy.

Sarah hopes the book will encourage readers to look at the gardens in a different light and inspire them to collect their own thoughts and observations.

“Too often we just admire the flowers,” she adds, “but thinking about the people who created it and the people who have used it over the years, allows us to enjoy a completely-new experience.

The first she visited were the Secret Gardens of Sandwich, where the original owners – three unmarried brothers – had the house and gardens built close to some gasworks.

“The nicest thing people have said after reading the book is that they want to visit all the gardens in it.”

“This seemed strange, but in fact was deliberate, as at the time it was believed the combination of gas fumes and sea air were healthy!”

Sarah laughs.

She also discovered that some of the smallest gardens produced some of the biggest surprises, such as St John’s Jerusalem at Sutton-at-Hone and Margate’s Shell Grotto. So did one of the larger gardens, Finchcocks, near Goudhurst.

“It’s full of wonderful things – every doorway you go through you find something unexpected on the other side. It had a different feel from some of the more formal gardens I visited.”

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Sarah believes that one of the magical things about the gardens is how they allow visitors to “walk around someone’s dreams”.

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Sarah, who was the Royal Literary Fund Fellow at the London School of Economics for three years, now teaches creative writing in Tunbridge Wells and for the University of Kent in Tonbridge.

She will be running workshops for writing in gardens over the summer. More information can be found at her website www.writerinthegarden.com Interview by Caroline Hardy. Digging up Paradise: Potatoes, People and Poetry in the Garden of England, by Sarah Salway, is published by Cultured Llama and costs £12. It is available from the publishers, www.culturedllama.co.uk/books, or by order at bookshops.

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UPFRONT

What’s new and happening

…TO CRIME Architect Matthew Frank, who lives in Tunbridge Wells, has just had his first book published. If I Should Die is a crime novel about ex-soldier and trainee detective Joseph Stark and is set to become the first of a series.

From architect to author seems a big jump, but Matthew sees similarities.

“Architecture is essentially about creative thinking, problem-solving and communication,” he says, “so it’s not as massive a leap as it might seem.

I developed the writing bug about 10 years ago and quickly found myself wanting to spend more time on it that I had spare. I wrote a genre-hopping comedy thriller with a fantasy twist which will make a great book one day – if I ever get time to edit it. About five years ago I had an idea for a character that became Joseph Stark and I found myself writing a crime novel.

“The character of Stark emerged from my interest in the nature of service, in his case, not just the police force but the military. The more he formed in my head, and then on the page, the more interesting he became to me. His background and experiences give him a particular outlook and moral compass which makes the nature of the crimes he faces all the more personal to him, whilst equipping him with the fortitude to confront them head on.”

Given that the workings of the military or the police force aren’t something that Matthew knows much about, background research was a large part of preparation for the book, and Matthew hopes he’s got it right.

I completed the manuscript and was lucky enough to find an agent who saw its potential, and was kind enough to show me everything I’d been doing wrong. Only after a couple more drafts was it ready to send out to publishers.

“I’ve done my best. I hear established writers talking about going out on police patrols or checking facts with their forensics contact. As an (until now) unpublished author, I didn’t have that luxury. I did most of my research online. I had the additional complication of trying to get the soldiering bits correct, too. The best I can hope for is to tell a convincing tale. The feedback I’ve had so far has been encouraging.”

“Initially it went out to around eight publishers. Several said how much they loved it, but… Luckily the ‘but’ was the same each time, which told me what I needed to do. The editor at Penguin had come so close that he offered a meeting, so I stayed up half the night before drafting a synopsis to address the consensus concern. The meeting swung it, and after a final re-draft, If I Should Die was on its way to publication.

If you want to know more about the process, check out the blog on my website.”

With a busy full-time job, a wife and three sons, finding the time to write is difficult. “The actual writing gets squeezed into marginal time – mostly late at night when I should be sleeping,” says Matthew. “I’m trying to finish a sequel right now, and I have bags under my eyes. When I’m in the flow the words pour out, but I often get carried away and go off in directions I hadn’t anticipated. It’s actually one of the things I love the most about the process – whilst writing a single scene or conversation between characters, an idea or sentence forms that can add a whole new facet to the book or changes everything!”

Getting a first book published is notoriously difficult, but Matthew took the plunge and wrote If I Should Die entirely on spec.

“These days you pretty much have to have an agent before a publisher will even look at you,” he admits. “Some writers are fortunate enough to get an agent purely on the back of a few chapters, but this is rare.

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Matthew signed an initial two-book deal, but both he and Penguin hope it becomes a series. Says Matthew: “As a reader I love getting to really know characters. A long book is great, a series even better. I’m still hooked, and I hope Stark and his colleagues have a long road ahead.”

When he’s not working or writing, Matthew manages to squeeze in time for his main hobby, which is wreck diving. Although he admits it’s getting harder and harder to fit in. “I also enjoy mountain biking to get the heart and lungs working and clear my head,” he says, “but most of my time goes on my wife and three boys – I wouldn’t be where I am without their love and support.”

If I Should Die is published by Michael Joseph, price £14.99. You can follow Matthew at www.matthewfrank.co.uk

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UPFRONT

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS

What’s new and happening

Local housebuilder Hemsted is providing opportunities for young people interested in developing their career Tunbridge Wells-based housebuilder Hemsted has started to run their own opportunity programme for young people to give them a start on the career ladder and 20-year-old Luke Jenner, from Crowborough, has recently been taken on.

The company plans to recruit youngsters through local schools, taking on two or three students at a time, giving them the opportunity to try all areas of the building process so that they can find out what they enjoy and want to focus on, from bricklaying to interior design. They have the opportunity to take an NVQ or the appropriate equivalent, giving them the chance to further their career.

Over the next two years, the company has plans to take on further applicants, as Managing Director Vicky Risebrow explains: “We feel it is really important to support young people. The emphasis is on skill set and interests, rather than what their academic prowess might be. You identify the person, rather than what is on a piece of paper. They might not be good at maths or English, but that should not stop them from having a good career and finding their path. When Jason Gibbons, one of our building managers, told Luke he had been awarded the opportunity, he said he had never expected it and that it was the best day of his life! That response says it all.”

Luke is really enjoying this opportunity and is an excellent addition to the team. He works hard and is very motivated.

Says Luke: “I am so grateful to Hemsted for believing in me and for giving me this chance. I am really enjoying being part of a team and learning so many different skills. It’s exciting to think that this could be the start of my career.” www.hemsted.co.uk

CONTACT THE ELDERLY: APPEAL FOR VOLUNTEERS

Contact the Elderly’s Tunbridge Wells group needs a co-ordinator/driver, and new volunteers One Sunday afternoon a month, throughout the country, Contact the Elderly groups meet for tea and companionship. These groups are a lifeline of friendship for older, isolated people.

Each older member is assigned a volunteer driver and together they become part of a small group invited to a volunteer host’s home for tea with the other members of the group. They visit a different host each month but the group remains the same and relationships grow. A warm welcome, a family home and meeting old friends and new all provide older members with companionship and a vital link with the community from which they have become isolated. This simple idea is the essence of Contact the Elderly.

Members generally live alone and are well into their 80s and 90s. They are unable to get out without a little assistance, don’t have friends or relatives nearby so feel very lonely and live isolated lives.

Over time, this group of volunteers and older members get to know each other well and together they spend many Sunday afternoons full of fun and laughter, sharing stories over cake and cups of tea.

The national organisation has five existing groups in Kent and will be opening two more this year.

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The service is free, so Contact the Elderly needs your help! If you would like to volunteer, call 0800 716 543. www.contact-the-elderly.org.uk

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WHAT’S ON

Get out and about with our pick of local events

10–13 July See Art Fair The Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells South East England’s Art Fair sees thirty galleries from across the UK showcasing established and emerging artists. The boutique arts event raises the profile of the arts, social life and businesses in the South East of England. www.seeartfair.co.uk

11–20 July Uckfield Festival Originally a one-off millennium year celebration, the Uckfield Festival is now in its fifteenth year. Various events take place over ten days, with plenty of live music. Don’t miss the Big Day on Saturday 12th, which features plenty of stalls selling everything from crafts and jewellery, to plants and food, along with games and entertainment. www. uckfieldfestival.co.uk 19 July Walk Ten for Marie Curie Sissinghurst Castle Light up the night for Marie Curie Nurses. Join Walk Ten with your family and friends at Sissinghurst Castle and raise money to support Marie Curie. The 10k route will give you the opportunity to explore the woods, farmland and streams surrounding this grand Elizabethan house at sunset. Dogs are welcome so bring along your four-legged friends.

After completing the walk, settle down with your picnic and enjoy the festival-like celebrations with live music, entertainment and spectacular fireworks at 10pm. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sissinghurst-castle/ 24–27 July Burrswood Flower Festival Burrswood, Groombridge Burrswood’s church and grounds will be transformed with stunning flower arrangements on the theme of Inspiration, with more than forty floral displays inside the historic Decimus Burton house and the unique Renaissance-inspired Church. Outside, the grounds and gardens will host dramatic arrangements that complement the existing surroundings along a guided trail. www.burrswood.org.uk 26 July Sponsored Dog Walk The White Rock Inn, Underriver The White Rock Inn in Underriver has teamed up with Dogs Unite to make everyone’s dog a hero for the day to raise money for Guide for the Blind. Register online at www.dogsunite.org.uk or call Dogs Unite on 0845 600 6787. The walk starts at 1pm, but if you want to register on the day, make sure to arrive from midday. The White Rock Inn are donating a prize for the person (and dog) who raise the most money!

26–27 July Vintage Fair The Pantiles Put together by The Association of Pantiles Traders, there will be around thirty stalls selling vintage clothes, kitchenalia, crockery, books, furniture, luggage and more, along with live entertainment and food.

Who let the dogs out?

26–27 July Beer Festival The White Rock Inn, Underriver Now in its fourth year, hundreds of people are drawn to sample the variety of local beers, ciders and ales, while fifteen local acts keep you entertained with live music, along with face painting and garden games. www.thewhiterockinn.co.uk 27th July MCC Bike Festival The Huntsman Pub, Eridge What started as a side-car club 51 years ago, has turned into an exciting competition, which last year drew 1,200 spectators. You’ll find both vintage and super bikes at this spectacular event, along with live bands and a BBQ. 2–3 August Paws at the Castle Hever Castle, Edenbridge This year’s theme is working dogs, with displays and entertainment including a water event in the lake. There is, of course, a fun dog show with awards for the winners. Dogs welcome on leads. www.hevercastle.co.uk 9–10 August Newfoundland Rescue Dogs Display Event Bewl Water Country Park Newfoundlands were originally bred and used as working dogs for fishermen in the dominion of Newfoundland. Come and see these dogs in action. www.bewlwater.co.uk 22–25 August Local & Live Music Festival Calverley Grounds, Tunbridge Wells Local & Live Music Festival is Kent’s biggest free, original, unsigned music festival. This year is set to be the biggest yet, as the main stage moves to the idyllic surroundings of Calverley Park in the centre of Tunbridge Wells.

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LOV E EV ENTS

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FASHIONISTA

On a sunny weekend in Tunbridge Wells, Team Kudos went out to spot the local talent and to seek out the very best fashionistas. A fun day was had by all

MUTHONI

Blue dress, Harvey Nichols.

Boots, Bounty Hunter.

HOLIDAY DESTINATION: Malindi, Kenya.

OLIVIA WILLIAMS

Navy and white top, Anthropologie.

Trousers, Mango. Sandals, Jigsaw.

HOLIDAY DESTINATION: Austria and Switzerland.

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HATTIE PARRIS

SHARRON PARRIS

HOLIDAY DESTINATION: Cyprus.

HOLIDAY DESTINATION: Cycling on Hove Beach.

LYNNE MEEK

JAY HARVEY & TEEGAN HARVEY

Dress, Ilse Jacobsen.

White jeans, Ilse Jacobsen. Neon tunic, Minimaya. Sandals, Mint Velvet. Necklace, Katie Mullally. Bracelet, Minimaya.

Bag, Mulberry.

HOLIDAY DESTINATION: Mexico.

Dress, Ilse Jacobsen.

Jay: White dress, local boutique. Wedge sandals, New Look. Teegan: Blue skirt, New Look. Crochet top, Topshop.

Waistcoat, TK Maxx. Sandals, H&M. HOLIDAY DESTINATION: Portugal.

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PETS CORNER

We all love our pets, but often they are not the little angels we would like them to be. It’s time to name and shame your pet!

I don’t want my owners to leave me and go on holiday!

Dylan, a Parsons Jack Russell from Tunbridge Wells.

Anyone want to play ball with me?

Lunu, a Bulldog, who lives in High Hurstwood

I’m in denial about how naughty I really am!

It is such a pity my people can’t afford a proper bed for me

I like to hog the mirror in the morning. Well, it takes time to look this beautiful every day!

I have an Hons Degree in Escape Artism but I did fail dismally in the Obedience Training Course

Basil, a British Shorthair Blue, who lives in Rotherfield

Essie, a street cat turned princess, who lives in Tunbridge Wells

Otus, a Pug/Shitzu cross, who lives in Southborough

Finn, a Dobermann, who lives in Wadhurst

If you have a pet to name and shame, email a photograph and details to editorial@badbettymedia.co.uk

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JOLLY GOOD SPORT Local celebrity Davina McCall, who lives in Wadhurst, has been crowned queen of fitness after her DVDs topped the Amazon charts and this year she completed a seriously-brutal challenge for Sport Relief. But it doesn’t come easy…

Words Verity Willcocks 20

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“Until I was 25 I was usually clubbing four nights a week, dancing for four hours non-stop. That kept me fit, but after 25, my body just started disintegrating before my eyes”

Since her first big break on MTV back in the early ’90s, TV presenter Davina McCall has become the queen of the small screen. With her gung-ho, gregarious personality, she exudes warmth and a down-to-earth honesty that has attracted thousands of devoted fans.

in an interview with BBC Wales. “That kept me fit, but after 25, something physically happened to me. My body just started disintegrating before my very eyes, I got my first bit of cellulite, and suddenly I didn’t want to go out clubbing every night, and I started going to the gym.”

After presenting the original reality TV show Big Brother for 10 years, she has fronted The Million Pound Drop, Channel 4’s most successful prime-time game show, The Jump, Got To Dance and the tear-jerking Long Lost Family, the highest-rated and BAFTA-award-winning weeknight series on ITV, averaging five million viewers. She returns to our screens in July with a new series of Long Lost Family and The Million Pound Drop, and in August with a new series of Got To Dance on Sky1.

She also continues to work for Garnier, and has sports ranges with Argos.

But with her trademark refreshing honesty, Davina admits she didn’t really push herself. After gaining four stone with her first pregnancy and battling to lose the baby weight afterwards, when she fell pregnant for a second time, Davina was determined to avoid a repeat scenario.

And if that wasn’t enough, just a few months ago, Davina was crowned Britain’s queen of fitness when Amazon announced that her fitness DVDs had topped its list of all-time fitness bestsellers, with sales exceeding 1.5 million copies – outselling long-time favourite Rosemary Conley three to one. Her latest workout DVD, Fit in 15, promises to get you fit and toned with just 15 minutes of exercise a day and looks like being another bestseller.

If anyone needed further proof of Davina’s physical prowess, then her successful completion of a brutal Sport Relief challenge earlier this year added another jewel to her fitness crown.

It is easy to see why Davina’s DVDs have flown off the shelves – if you need inspiration to get in shape, then Davina’s figure more than measures up. Hers is a toned but not musclebound, fit yet womanly body – with sculpted abs to die for. It is the result of plenty of hard graft – thrice-weekly workouts with her personal trainers as well as weekly cycle rides of at least 16 miles. But it wasn’t always that way.

“Until I was about 25 years old I was usually clubbing four nights a week, dancing for four hours non-stop,” said Davina,

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She said, “I thought, ‘I’m not going to let this happen again.

I want to get fit and I want to stay fit.’ I didn’t like the way I looked. I didn’t feel confident; I didn’t want to put a bikini on; I didn’t want to wear anything figure-hugging; I kind of walked a bit differently. All of those things had an incredibly-big impression on my confidence.”

So she made a call – one that would get her back on track, as well as put her on the road to becoming Britain’s queen of fitness. The call was to Jackie Wren, a personal trainer, who, along with her husband Mark, has now trained Davina for over 10 years.

After exercising gently under Jackie’s guidance while pregnant, Davina began training three times a week after her daughter, Tilly, was born – and was ecstatic with the results.

“Six months after I had Tilly, I called Jackie up, and I was quite emotional. I said ‘I just want to say thank you, because it’s not just an outside job, it’s an inside job, too, you’ve made me feel amazing.”

The ultimate compliment to Jackie and Mark is that Davina, now 46, believes her body is better than it was over 10 years ago. “I look at myself on footage of TV series Don’t Try This at Home [1998-2001] and I think my arms, tummy and bum look so much better now,” she told Health & Fitness magazine last autumn.

Not content with entertaining the masses as a TV presenter,

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“I kept thinking, I’m 46 and I’ve had three kids. Have they made a mistake? Didn’t they mean to ask Fearne Cotton instead?”

Davina had caught the fitness bug and wanted to help the nation get off their sofas and get in shape, too. In 2004 – against the advice of her agent – she released her first fitness DVD, Davina – Power of 3. Co-presented with Jackie and Mark, it was such a hit that she has gone on to make nine more. She has also launched fitness app, Davina Fitness.

“My favourite thing in the morning is logging on and seeing how many people are working out. I love it.”

Unlike some celebrity fitness DVDs, Davina’s have stood the test of time. She loves exercising with her friends, and guess whose DVDs she uses when she invites them round to work out? “I’m embarrassed to admit this, but we exercise to my DVDs,” she said. “I know – so narcissistic – but at least I know what I’m doing.”

Diet goes hand in hand with any fitness plan, but Davina believes that ‘a little of what you fancy does you good’.

Although in the past she has confessed to having a weak spot for a slice (or two) of banoffee pie, she has made a concerted effort to cut down on the sweet stuff. “A healthy diet is easier to stick to when you’re putting food in your children’s mouths. I think my diet would be appalling if I was living alone and having to cook meals for one!”

Of course, once you’ve got fit and are happy with your body, half the battle is staying that way, and Davina admits she finds it hard work. “My weight yo-yos a lot, so I have to be really vigilant with food and exercise – it’s a pain in the butt.”

If she finds that her weight has crept up, she pins up a photo of herself in tip-top shape to motivate her to step up her regime and melt away the pounds.

Davina also believes in having a goal to help you get started.

“I always recommend signing up to a race or charity event if you’re finding it tough to get going,” she told Cosmopolitan Body. “I love it because it means I’m training for a reason.”

Last winter, there was no greater reason than a Sport Relief challenge to raise funds for a project that was providing education and an escape from grinding poverty for women and children in Africa who spent their days breaking rocks into small stones to sell to builders. After visiting Kenya and

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witnessing the plight of a young girl, Anne, who, thanks to Sport Relief, has now left the quarry where she broke rocks and is going to school, Davina knew she couldn’t say no.

Although she had taken part in Sport Relief challenges as part of a team before, this time she was set to make history by becoming the first woman to lead one solo. What’s more, it was no ordinary challenge: to cycle, run and swim 500 miles from Edinburgh to London – in just seven days.

She would be following in the footsteps of distinguished Sport Relief solo-challenge alumni Eddie Izzard, who ran 43 marathons in 51 days in 2009, David Walliams, who spent eight days swimming 140 miles down the Thames, and John Bishop, who cycled, rowed and ran 290 miles in five days from Paris to London in 2012.

It would be the biggest physical challenge of her life.

She said, “I kept thinking, ‘I’m 46 and I’ve had three kids.

Have they made a mistake? Didn’t they mean to ask Fearne Cotton instead?’”

Greg Whyte, who trained David Walliams and John Bishop for their challenges, was enlisted to get Davina ready for the triathlon, putting her on a punishing training regime of six gruelling sessions a week.

“Every time I trained for more than three or four hours, I had to go to bed before the school run, I was so trashed.

I was trashed every day for two months.”

Writing in The Telegraph just before embarking on the challenge, she confessed to having been “a snivelling, snorting wreck” over the previous few months, and, unbelievably, for the woman known for her optimistic, have-a-go spirit, she was terrified that she was going to fail. “I’m the first woman in the history of Sport Relief to lead a challenge. I know this sounds odd, but as a woman I really, really don’t want to be the first woman not to complete a challenge.”

The thought of swimming across Lake Windermere – Davina has a fear of swimming in open water – gave her the most

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sleepless nights. “This entire challenge makes my stomach do funny things, but the Windermere swim petrifies me,” she wrote beforehand.

When day one of the challenge, Saturday, 8th February, dawned, Davina was feeling good about the 130-mile cycle ride from Edinburgh to Keswick that lay ahead, but a battering by 50mph winds, plus rain, sleet, hail and snow meant that her good mood soon blew away. Just four hours into her cycle, she got the first signs of hypothermia and the tears started to flow. “I was just sobbing and saying, ‘I can’t do this,’” she said afterwards.

The title of the challenge – Davina: Beyond Breaking Point – seemed to become more apt as each day passed, with no let-up in the brutal weather conditions, which made the challenge even more excruciating. Day two brought 70mph gusts, and there were freezing winds so strong she had to pedal downhill. Next, she had to trek through knee-deep snow at Scafell Pike, before finishing the day with a 17-mile cycle to Windermere in the dark. At the end of that day, a tearful Davina was captured on film saying, “I’m so tired, how am I going to do this?”

Then, on day three, came, in her words, her ‘nemesis’; the Lake Windermere swim. “The moment I got in the water my chest felt crushed – I couldn’t do front crawl, I couldn’t put my head under water, I couldn’t breathe,” she said

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afterwards. Finally, she made it across the lake but was so weak she had to be carried out of the water – a sight that worried her husband Matthew Robertson so much that he drove for six hours to check she was OK. Incredibly, with the help of her support team, she was back on her bike within an hour for the 65-mile ride from Windermere to Accrington.

There was only the odd glimmer of the familiar Davina humour – on day five she wrote, “Things are hurting a lot. My legs are really sore, my knees are killing, but my undercarriage is desperate!”

Finally, day seven, the last day of the challenge, saw her tackle a marathon run from Windsor to central London – something that seemed barely possible given what she had put her body through in the previous six days. At last she jogged slowly across the Millennium Bridge to the finish line at Tate Modern and into the arms of her three children and her husband.

When her incredible fundraising total of £2,239,931 was revealed live on the BBC’s Sport Relief 2014 show, it was clear that Davina had demonstrated just what your body can do when you set yourself a goal. Davina had done it for the girls – and while she may have doubted herself, you can bet her fans never did. Not for a moment.

Davina McCall’s Fit in 15 DVD release is available now from www.bbcshop.com

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SUPER SPORT GLAM Feeling sporty? Sally-Ann Carroll plus Team Kudos help you look the part and dress ahead of the game. Keep to the guidelines and we can all be on a winning streak this summer

Photographer Matt Harquail

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HOOP HOOP

Floral jumpsuit, £38, trilby, £12, sandals, £32, necklace, £10, watch, £24, all from Next

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ON YOUR BIKE

Mint zip jersey, £70, and cycling shorts, £60, both by Mavic from Wildside. Mint plimsolls, £32, from Sahara. Sunglasses, £15, from Next. Zona King 2014 bike, £999.99, from Velocipede 30

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GAME SET AND MATCH

Yellow pleated dress, £125, and Breton stripe sandals, £120, both from Ilse Jacobsen.

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IT’S A GOAL

Yellow spot halter top, £22, and white trousers, £20, both from Next. Gold sandals, £50, from Ilse Jacobsen. World Cup football from Christopher Hull Sport 32

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GIVE US A TRY

Navy stripe dress, £22, from Next. Hot pink quilt gilet, £105, and raspberry rubber boots, £95, both from Ilse Jacobsen. Necklace, £39, from Sahara. Rugby ball from Christopher Hull Sport KUDOS JULY/AUGUST 2014

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SURF AND TURF

Blue floral shorts, £26, and white embroidered cami, £18, both from Next. Silver espadrilles, £40, from Ilse Jacobsen. Pendant, £49, from Sahara. Madrid long board kindly loaned by Rachel at Pacific Blue 34

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POOL SIDE

Navy and white stripe maxi, £115, pink flip-flops, £22, raspberry bag, £38, raspberry umbrella, £35, all from Ilse Jacobsen.

Sunglasses, £15, bracelet, £14, pink check blanket, £35, all from Next. Necklace, £29, from Sahara KUDOS JULY/AUGUST 2014

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OFF THE RAIL

Top row (left to right): Pink broderie chino shorts, £25, from Next. Red Aztec embroidered shell top, £16, from Next. Blue and white stripe polo top, £22, from Next. White smock top, £55, from Ilse Jacobsen. Raspberry quilted jacket, £105, from Ilse Jacobsen. Bottom row (left to right): Yellow stripe woven cami, from £12, from Next.

White linen trousers, £139, from Oska. Blue stripe sleeveless shirt, £22, from Next. White shorts, £90, from Ilse Jacobsen. Lime cycling jersey, £55, by Mavic from Wildside

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COLOURFUL FOOTWORK

Colourful flip-flops, £22 a pair from Ilse Jacobsen.

CREDITS

Fashion Editor: Sally-Ann Carroll Photographer: Matt Harquail (mattharquail.co.uk) Hair and make-up: Lauren Saunders (www.lauren-saunders.com) and Clare Osborne (clare-osborne@hotmail.com) Thanks to King John’s Nursery & Garden (www.kingjohnsnursery.co.uk), where we photographed this issue’s fashion, using their lovely tea room as our base.

Situated in Etchingham, this small, independent nursery propagates and grows most of its plants on site, primarily focusing on herbaceous perennials, but you’ll also find a selection of shrubs, roses, climbers and bedding plants, along with an extensive range of herbs and vegetables, available as plugs and small plants. Dotted around the site are an array of iron arches and gazebos, stone statues and urns, garden furniture and an assortment of antique collectables.

Step inside the shop and you will be greeted by what is often affectionately referred to by shoppers as an Aladdin’s Cave.

Far from being a simple garden nursery shop, you’ll find a wide and varied range of gifts and goods, from gardeners’ tools and organic plant feeds, to local artwork and eco-friendly products.

King John´s Lodge is a fine Grade II-listed Jacobean manor house. The romantic eight-acre gardens (open to visitors for most of the year) are as beautiful as they are tranquil and have captured the hearts of many a garden writer both in the UK and abroad.

With the stunning house as its backdrop, the grounds boast formal lawns with a fountain and lily pond, a wild garden with ancient apple trees and a meadow. By the front of the house, and a favourite with visitors, is a secret pond with a woodland walk featuring a statue of Oberon and Titania. Nearby, sheep graze and white fantail pigeons flutter in the picturesque parkland which surrounds the southern and eastern sides of the house and gardens.

Lauren was our top supermodel for the day. If you are interested in being part of our fabulous fashion, please email a recent picture with relevant details to editorial@badbettymedia.co.uk

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LET’S EAT OUT

Summer’s here, the sun’s shining, so why not eat al fresco in the beautiful gardens of one of our local pubs

THE HUNTSMAN, ERIDGE Tucked away, off the beaten track in Eridge, The Huntsman offers a taste of times gone by. This pretty traditional pub has a lovely garden for outdoor eating and drinking, with a river running at the bottom.

Emma and Jim Welch took over the pub three-and-a-half years ago. They didn’t want a gastro pub – they wanted a traditional ‘old-school’ pub with a difference, and so they set out to create something very special.

Eridge is a small village with a small community, so for Emma and Jim it was important to attract locals back to the village pub and to feel involved. So when they moved in, they asked local people to donate items – anything at all – and the result is walls that are covered in an eclectic mix of what they were given, creating a welcoming, friendly atmosphere. They stripped and sanded all the tables and each one has a game – chequers, chess, snakes and ladders, backgammon, noughts and crosses – some are even painted onto the tables.

There is one thing that really does set The Huntsman apart from other pubs, and that’s the strictly-members-only ‘secret pub’ downstairs. There’s a real charm to this room, which has a small bar and access to a private terrace. Quirky, rustic tables and lights made from beer handles contrast with burgundy-fabric chairs.

Membership of the secret pub is currently full and there is a waiting list. However, the room is available to rent for private events on Saturdays for £150, and it would make a fantastic place to have a party!

Outside in the large garden, under the willow trees, you can say hello to Piggly and Wigly, the pet pigs (who are part of the family and will never be eaten). And for those of you who want to stay the night, there’s always the Bedford and Breakfast Horsebox hotel.

From the menu

The Huntsman is very proud of its small, daily changing menu – after all, it’s not the size, it’s what you do with it. The menu is not gastro;

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it is happy, cared-for produce made by passionate chefs into good, honest food served in hearty portions. It is home cooking at its best.

Emma and Jim have worked hard to develop an ethically-sustainable menu concentrating on using farms with exceptional animal welfare standards, because they believe a happy animal will taste better.

They butcher on site where appropriate and ensure little or no wastage in the kitchen. They use local produce where appropriate.

They get their ice cream from Yorvale in Yorkshire because, in their opinion, it’s the best in the country, but they support as many local businesses as they can. Suppliers include fishmonger Chapman’s of Sevenoaks, Southborough Butchers and Eridge Game, with cheeses and patisserie from local companies and chutney from Trug & Trowel.

Emma and Jim are passionate about their cellar keep and pride themselves on serving the perfect pint. Whether you choose the Sussex 3.5%, Badger Best 4% or try one of six seasonally-changing Badger creations, you’ll find a quality pint.

You’ll also find draught cider, bottled cider, mulled cider and fruit cider over the seasons, plus an excellent wine list including wines selected by customers at an annual wine tasting. There is also a fine collection of spirits, syrups, cordials and fruit juices. Soft drinks are carefully selected to offer the non-drinker wide variety.

You are always guaranteed a warm welcome with very friendly staff sharing a mutual appreciation for good old-fashioned conversation and pub banter.

The Huntsman, Groombridge Lane, Eridge, East Sussex TN3 9LE The pub is closed Mondays

Tel: 01892 864258 www.thehuntsmanpub.com

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THE WHITE HART, SEVENOAKS

THE HARE, LANGTON GREEN

The White Hart in Sevenoaks is a truly-atmospheric coaching inn that has been looking after the needs of locals and travellers alike for some 350 years. The first turnpike road in Kent in 1709 ran from Sevenoaks to Woodsgate, past the White Hart. Passing traffic included a four-horse stage coach, which called at the White Hart three times a week on its long journey from the Nag’s Head in Southwark, south London, to Rye in Sussex.

The Hare sits in the village of Langton Green, on the edge of beautiful countryside. The terrace garden, an ideal place for a spot of al fresco dining with friends and family, has gorgeous views out across the dappled village green, which is delightful for a brief digestive stroll.

Apart from all the nooks and crannies inside this wonderful building, the terrace and gardens are a real suntrap and enjoy sunshine throughout the day. And when the weather is changeable, there’s a delightful large and airy garden room for the best of both worlds.

In 1840, Samuel Palmer, one of England’s greatest 19th-century landscape artists, stayed at the White Hart Hotel which, he said, cost him 26 shillings a week. Dinner was two shillings per head and breakfast, with eggs or meat, was 1/6d.

From the menu

The White Hart menu today includes starters of rosemary and courgette soup served with crusty bread; home-smoked duck with caramelised pears and spicy tomato chutney; and crispy almond goat’s cheese with beetroot panna cotta and basil purée. Light bites include pulled pork and macaroni cheese with caramelised onions; and teriyaki salmon and prawn skewers with wasabi dressing and oriental salad. For mains, there’s the likes of sweet potato, aubergine and spinach Malaysian curry with coconut rice and coriander fried okra; braised shoulder of lamb with dauphinoise potatoes, redcurrant and rosemary sauce; and oven-roasted hake served on lemon and coriander crushed new potatoes with plum tomato salsa.

Finish off with chocolate nut brownie with chocolate sauce or a hot waffle with banana parfait, honeycomb ice cream and butterscotch sauce. There is also a range of sandwiches and a children’s menu.

The White Hart, Tonbridge Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1SG

Tel: 01732 452 022 www.whitehart-sevenoaks.co.uk

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The original building dates from 1733 and became a pub in 1785, but this building was demolished in 1900 when a fire partially destroyed the living accommodation and revealed the old house to be in an advanced state of dilapidation. The current building was completed in 1901 and for several years served as a hotel. Once known as The Greyhound, the pub was renamed in 1986.

From the menu

Starters at The Hare include pan-fried pigeon breast with chicory, bacon and citrus salad and a red wine reduction; wholegrain mustard and honey glaze goat’s cheese salad with balsamic vinegar and ciabatta crouton; and seared sea scallops with lemon and pea risotto and a herb oil dressing. There are charcuterie and mezze platters for sharing, and mains including five-spiced duck leg with crispy pork wontons, crunchy pickled ginger salad and sour cherry dressing; roasted belly pork and braised pig cheek with buttered cabbage, mustard mash and an apple and cider jus; and fillet of sea trout with confit fennel, parmentier potatoes and crab mayonnaise.

Fancy something lighter? How about crispy beef salad with cashew nuts and sweet chilli and wasabi dressing or wild mushroom, leek and garlic pasty with celeriac slaw and wine grilled cherry tomatoes.

Follow up with lemon meringue pie with raspberry sorbet or bread and butter pudding with apricot sauce and clotted cream, just two dishes on the tempting dessert menu. There is also a range of sandwiches and a children’s menu.

The Hare, Langton Road, Langton Green, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 0JA

Tel: 01892 862 419 www.hare-tunbridgewells.co.uk

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NEVILL CREST AND GUN, ERIDGE GREEN

THE MIDDLE HOUSE, MAYFIELD

The Nevill Crest and Gun is a truly historic 500-year-old listed building that was part of the estate of the Nevill family, who are the Earls of Abergavenny.

You can’t miss The Middle House – it’s a heavily-timbered, sprawling Elizabethan building in the middle of the High Street. Inside there are beams and huge fireplaces and, at the back, a beautiful terraced garden overlooking the rolling countryside.

The ‘Nevill Crest’ refers to the crest of the Nevill family: it is their monogram that adorns the building and many others in the surrounding area. The ‘Gun’ arose from a forge on the estate which produced cannon for the Nevilles: at one time an ancient cannon was sited in front of the pub and fired on fair days or days of celebration.

The pub has extensive landscaped gardens and terraces: if the day is fine, you’ll always find a sunny spot to enjoy a drink or share a meal with friends and family, and if the weather is changeable, there’s an airy light-filled garden room with oak-framed glass walls to three sides.

From the menu

Starters at the Nevill Crest and Gun include crispy beetroot risotto cakes with Blacksticks creamy dressing; deep-fried whitebait with garlic mayonaise and pickled fennel salad; and Moroccan lamb skewer with aubergine pickle and naan bread. There’s a baked Camembert plate and a charcuterie platter to share, and light bites of dishes like warm king prawn, chorizo and roasted fennel salad with a lemon thyme dressing.

Mains include jerk-roasted belly pork with rice, peas, banana fritter and mango chutney; pan-fried duck breast with roasted beetroot, toasted almonds, red wine reduction, mustard croquettes; and pan-fried sea bass with crab crushed potatoes, chargrilled artichoke and spinach and basil cream. Desserts include white chocolate and Baileys cheesecake with cherry compote; and glazed lemon tart with raspberry sorbet.

The Nevill Crest & Gun, Eridge Road, Eridge Green, Tunbridge Wells East Sussex TN3 9JR

Tel: 01892 864 209 www.nevillcrestandgun.co.uk

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Much of Mayfield is classed as a conservation area and the High Street alone contains 40 buildings officially listed as being of special historical or architectural importance. The parish as a whole contains nearly 180 such buildings.

The Middle House has numerous tales attached to it, from secret priest holes and prison cells to murders. Many of these are based around the fact that in the 18th century, a notorious group of smugglers operated in Mayfield. The gang probably used a number of tunnels that run under the village, one of which terminates in the wine cellar of The Middle House.

From the menu

The bar menu includes starters of shredded pork and sweet potato patties with sweetcorn and chilli relish; smoked salmon, crab claw meat and dill cream cheese blini with quail egg and baby beetroot; and roasted mixed pepper and tomato gnocchi, topped with mozzarella. Mains include slow-cooked shredded blade of pork spring roll and fanned tenderloin with a Dijon mustard sauce; fanned rump of local lamb with parsnip purée and a rosemary and redcurrant sauce; and pot-roast Mayfield pheasant with root vegetables and chestnuts. Dessert lovers are in for a treat, with a menu that includes cranberry frangipane tart with chestnut and sultana ice cream; coffee bean panna cotta with chocolate and nut biscotti and coffee syrup; and peanut butter and chocolate cheesecake with peanut brittle and vanilla ice cream.

The Middle House Hotel, High Street, Mayfield, East Sussex TN20 6AB

Tel: 01435 872146 www.themiddlehousemayfield.co.uk

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THE VINEYARD, LAMBERHURST Nestled by the historic Lamberhurst vineyards and overlooking the village green in the rolling Kent countryside, The Vineyard pub and restaurant is a 17th-century inn given a completely new lease of life.

cheese and olive salad with sun-blushed tomatoes, watermelon and almond dressing, which includes a discretionary 25p donation to Lamberhurst Primary School.

Refurbished to a high standard, The Vineyard has a laid-back look created using an eclectic mix of natural materials with sturdy old wood furniture and unique features such as the large bespoke mural – a real link to The Vineyard’s surroundings, telling the story of winemaking. Low beams, exposed brick, flagstones and planked floors are brought up to date with a smart, rustic-chic look – old rugs, leather sofas, wing chairs, colourful fabrics and fat candles.

Puddings include iced coconut parfait with kiwi jelly and toasted coconut; Kentish apple and rhubarb crumble with honeycomb ice cream; and pistachio mille feuille with hazelnut brittle.

There’s a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, sunny garden, open fires in the winter, plus local ales (from the barrel), excellent wines and delicious food.

From the menu

The Vineyard serves a selection of platters to share: a Fish Board, Ploughman’s and Antipasti.

Starters include seared scallops, lemon and squid ink risotto cakes with orange dressing; ham hock terrine, quail eggs, red onion marmalade, toast; and goat’s cheese tart with cherry tomatoes, rocket and rhubarb compote.

Follow with a 100% beef and smoked cheddar burger with bacon, gherkin, chips and coleslaw; king prawn tagliatelle with ginger, coriander, garlic, chilli, cherry tomato and rocket; or corn-fed chicken supreme with new potatoes, pea, broad bean and pancetta cassoulet, and tender-stem broccoli. Or choose the healthy feta

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The Vineyard also serves Traditional Cream Tea with freshly-baked buttermilk scones, local jam and Blackmore Devon clotted cream.

If you’re feeling really hungry, the Afternoon Tea adds sandwiches, lemon drizzle cake, raspberry pavlova and chocolate éclair. Or push the boat out and add a glass of champagne.

The Vineyard also has four elegant rooms in the 13th-century Coach House, so you can make a weekend of it!

The Vineyard, The Down, Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 8EU

Tel: 01892 890 222 www.elitepubs.com/the_vineyard

Plesse note that the pub menus change weekly, but were correct at time of going to press

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BEAUTY EXTR A

Complement your health and fitness regime with our selection of beauty extras

FLOWER POWER

The new Bach Emotional Eating Kit is designed to give a helping hand with diet. It includes crab apple, for when you feel negative about your looks; cherry plum for when you fear you might lose control of your diet; and chestnut bud for when you find yourself repeating the same dieting mistakes. Price: £11.55.

Available exclusively from Boots.

BUTTER ME UP

This delicious Orange and Jasmine Beehappy body butter is made with cocoa and shea butter cream, plus essential oils of orange, jasmine and vitamin E. Moisturising and hydrating, it’s especially nourishing for dry, mature or sensitive skin. Price: £15.95. www.annabeljames.co.uk

LUSCIOUS LIME

When you’ve been working out, freshen up with the St Kitts Herbery Spiced Lime range for men. There’s a fresh and fruity foaming Hand & Body Wash, £11.95; a refreshing, zingy after-shave spray, £9.95; rich, nourishing Moisture Cream, £9.95; and shaving oil, £9.95. www.stkittsherbery.co.uk

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WAX LYRICAL

Bring some karma into your life with this hand-poured natural wax candle designed to have a positive, healthy effect. Made in West Sussex, it contains the essential oils of clary sage, rosemary, marjoram and lavender, aromas associated with good health, well-being, healing and calm. Price: £15.95. www.origins.co.uk

NAUGHTY BUT NICE!

This cute cupcake is far too good to eat and, best of all, it’s calorie-free! It’s full of light and easily-absorbed moisturising hand cream with a scrummy chocolate fragrance and will keep your hands soft and smooth. Price: £4.95. www.prezzybox.com

WORK-OUT BEAUTY

Pretty Athletic is the first skincare brand designed for female fitness enthusiasts. The range’s sleek, sporty tubes are easy to fit in among your gym kit and include Cool Down Purifying Facial Cleanser, £16.50; Perfect Balance Calming Facial Moisturiser, £22 and Instant Refresh Exfoliating Shower Gel, £12.50. www.prettyathletic.com

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LIQUID ENERGY Enhance your energy with our top selection of juices, smoothies and coolers

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POWER PACK

ENERGY FIZZ

Carrots, beetroots and oranges are all rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants and phytonutrients such as alpa- and betacarotene. This juice is also a rich source of potassium – a real tonic

Parsnips have an earthy sweetness and make a surprisingly-delicious juice. They mix well with fresh ginger and pears to make a drink that will provide plenty of slow-release energy

Ingredients: 1 orange, 250g carrot, 125g beetroot, 125g strawberries (hulled), ice cubes.

Ingredients: 1 large pear, preferably red, 125g parsnip, 15g fresh root ginger, 125ml sparkling water.

Method: 1. Reserve a few strips of orange peel for decoration, then juice the carrot, beetroot and orange. Put the juice into a blender with a couple of ice cubes and the strawberries.

Method: 1. Cut several long, thin slices from the pear and reserve. Roughly chop the remainder with parsnip and ginger.

Makes 200ml.

Makes 300ml.

2. Blend for 20 seconds and serve in a tall glass, decorated with strips of orange rind.

2. Push the parsnips and ginger, then the pear through the juicer.

Pour over the pear slices in a tall glass and serve topped up with sparkling water.

Nutritional content: energy 211kcal, calcium 164mg, magnesium 46mg, zinc 1mg, vitamin C 182mg, vitamin A 3393mg.

Nutritional content: energy 147kcal, calcium 71mg, magnesium 39mg, zinc 0.54mg, vitamin C 31mg, vitamin A 12mcg.

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BLOOD ORANGE

RED WIRE

Colourful and cleansing, this refreshing drink packs a real vitamin C punch, as it’s full of red fruit goodness. Plus as well as vitamin C, oranges can also improve your circulation, making you feel instantly energized, so you’re getting a whole lot of health in just one glass

This colourful and attractive juice is high in folate from the beetroot. The grapes and plums make it naturally sweet, giving an instant energy kick

Ingredients: 100g strawberries, hulled, 75g redcurrants, plus extra to decorate, ½ orange, 125ml water, ½ teaspoon clear honey (optional), crushed ice.

Method: 1. Juice the grapes, beetroot and plums together and serve in a tumbler over ice. Decorate with plum wedges.

Method: 1. Juice the fruit, then add the water. Pour into a glass, stir in the honey, if using, and add some crushed ice. Decorate with extra redcurrants.

Ingredients: 100g red grapes, 2 small beetroot, about 100g, 2 small plums, plus wedges to decorate.

Makes 200ml.

Nutritional content: energy 116kcal, calcium 40mg, magnesium 22mg, zinc 0.6mg, vitamin C 10mg, vitamin A 34mcg.

Makes 250ml.

Nutritional content: energy 95kcal, calcium 81mg, magnesium 28mg, zinc 0.4mg, vitamin C 150mg, vitamin A 8mcg.

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ENERGY BUBBLE

HIGH KICK

Yellow-fleshed mango is high in beta-carotene, important in preventing some cancers. The apples and passion fruit add a healthy burst of vitamin C to get that energy going

Spirulina is a green powder made from seaweed and is high in calcium, magnesium and vitamin A to give this smoothie a really high kick

Ingredients: 3 apples, preferably red, plus slices to decorate, 1 mango, 2 passion fruits, ice cubes.

Method: 1. Juice the apples and mango with the passion fruit. Pour the juice into a glass and add a couple of ice cubes. Decorate with apple slices.

Makes 300ml.

Nutritional content: energy 249kcal, calcium 33mg, magnesium 43mg, zinc 0.4mg, vitamin C 71mg, vitamin A 407mcg.

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Ingredients: 250g strawberries, hulled, 1 kiwi fruit, ½ large banana, 1 tablespoon spirulina, 1 tablespoon linseeds, plus some to decorate, ice cubes to decorate, 1 sprig fresh redcurrants.

Method: 1. Juice the strawberries and kiwi, then process the juice in a blender with the banana, spirulina, linseeds and a couple of ice cubes. Pour into a glass and decorate with redcurrants and linseeds.

Makes 200ml.

Nutrient content: energy 220kcal, calcium 73mg, magnesium 68mg, zinc 0.4mg, vitamin C 235mg, vitamin A 1005mcg.

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COOK IT AT HOME Two local pubs, The Huntsman and The White Hart, give us their recipes for success

Teriyaki Salmon and Prawn Skewers

The White Hart’s light and tasty dish is perfect for summer eating Ingredients: Teriyaki marinade 200ml soy sauce 200ml water 4 tbsp caster sugar 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce 3 tbsp white wine vinegar 200ml vegetable oil 1 small white onion ½ tsp garlic powder ½ tsp grated ginger Chinese salad 1 peach, sliced 8 mange tout, sliced 1 bunch chopped spring onions 1 small bunch coriander Zest of two limes 4 leaves Chinese leaf, shredded 1 carrot, julienne ½ cucumber, matchsticks Dressing 1 tsp wasabi 6 tbsp mayonnaise 1 tsp lemon juice 12 salmon fillets, diced 6 whole peeled prawns

Head chef Jamie Nailor

The Huntsman’s Pie

Method: 1. For the teriyaki, mix all the ingredients together and season to taste.

2. Put the salmon and prawns into the teriyaki and leave to marinate for up to two hours.

3. Put the salmon and prawns on skewers, then place them on a hot griddle to cook.

4. For the salad, add all the ingredients in a bowl except for the mange tout and peaches, then put the dressing in. Loosely place the pieces of peaches and mange tout over, then put the skewers on the salad and serve.

The Huntsman’s Head Chef Paul Aspel gives his secret recipe for good honest grub Ingredients: 5lb expertise ½ cup of fun 1lb love 1 tsp care 1 tblsp passion 1 pt attention

And a pinch of hope!

You can find these recipes, along with others, on our website: www.kudoskent.co.uk KUDOS JULY/AUGUST 2014

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CRAFTY!

Visit pubs and hotels around Tunbridge Wells and you can sample the new range of Van Bulck Belgian organic craft beers, created by Denis Renty, ex-chef and sommelier. They include a gluten-free Lager, a White Organic Beer with orange and coriander, and a Wild Fruit Beer, made with seven different wild red fruits. www.vanbulck-beers.be

TAKE A BREAK

Nairn’s new Muesli Breaks are scrumptious oatcakes designed to be the ultimate, healthy snack. With 41% less sugar than your average cereal bar and free from wheat and dairy, these delicious oatcakes are loaded with good things; wholegrain Scottish oats, currants, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds. Price: £1.69 from Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and independent health-food stores.

LET’S EAT!

A round-up of the latest foodie news

DRINK TO YOUR HEALTH

The Source is a brand-new range of cold-pressed juices created to deliver specific health benefits. There are seven unique flavours, including Miracle Greens for healthy skin and metabolism; Volcano with ginger and turmeric to strengthen the immune system; and Almond & Coconut milk, rich in protein, to support recovery and repair. Cold-pressed juice contains most of the vitamins and minerals found in whole fruit. Price: £60 for a pack of six. www.thesourcejuice.com

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SOUPER

Three new summer soups have been added to the Tideford Organics range. There’s fresh green and zingy Pea & Mint, Beetroot with Crème Fraîche & Dill, and a Classic Gazpacho made with organic Italian tomatoes, freshly-cut cucumbers and red peppers seasoned with a clove of garlic and a splash of sherry vinegar. Eat them hot or cold.

Price: £2.79 from Ocado, Planet Organics, Whole Foods and all well-known independents nationwide. www.tidefordorganics.com

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NOW WE’RE COOKING!

A retro kitchen was brought into the 21st century with a stylish new look

It’s taken 10 years but Kate Harris finally has her dream kitchen.

Kate and husband Tim, who live in a village near Tunbridge Wells, bought their house in 2004.

“We had to move very suddenly,” says Kate. “We were living in Aberdeen when my husband got a new job in London. We found out in April and by June we’d moved. I know most people look at hundreds of houses before deciding what to buy, but we literally looked at two. We put in an offer on one and then realised it was the wrong house for us. Then I looked at this house and we bought it. It was the same when we moved to Aberdeen. I think I should write a book on how to choose a house in 36 hours!”

Kate admits that the houses didn’t actually tick a lot of their boxes. “It was more of an emotional decision. I had more to think about than houses, like two children who didn’t want to move! If I’m honest, it was a bit of a panic buy. One thing with houses, you don’t always realise the best bits of them until you’ve lived in them for a while, and it wasn’t until we moved in that I really appreciated the house. Now I absolutely love it.

There are so many things about it that I really like, things we didn’t think about when we bought it.

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“We’ve always gone for older properties and this has tons of character. The other nice thing about it is that although it’s old with lots of beams, the ceilings aren’t that low, which is quite unusual, so it doesn’t feel closed in. Our living and dining room are one very good-sized space with a really nice feel.

“Although it’s fashionable to have an open-plan arrangement with the living room, dining room and kitchen all merging, the kitchen is my retreat. I like my privacy and quiet. I put the radio on and nobody bothers me. There’s no back door so there’s no reason for anyone to be traipsing in and out.

“You see open-plan kitchens in magazines and on the TV and they always look so fantastic, but I think, in terms of practical living, it’s better to have the kitchen separate. For a start, if you have friends round for a meal, you’re not looking at the dishes when you’ve finished eating. You don’t want to feel that you have to clean up while your guests are there, or them feeling that they have to help.

“Another thing about our house is that from the front it looks like a two-up, two-down, but it’s like a Tardis. It’s not huge, but

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it’s spread over four floors. If we have people to stay, there’s plenty of room to spread out and nobody is under anyone’s feet.

I wouldn’t have ever said I wanted four floors, but it’s worked out really well. It has its advantages.”

Once they had bought the house, they didn’t have much time to think about what they wanted to do to it as they then lived abroad for three years.

“The house has been a pub and was converted into three houses not long before we bought it so it was in good condition,” says Kate, “but it’s nice to put your own stamp on it, even though we haven’t done a huge amount to it.”

The kitchen was the one room that Kate really wanted to change.

“It had a bit of a 1980s vibe,” she says. “It was quite dark, with multi-coloured tiles, wooden units and wooden countertops.

I like wood but wooden counters are so hard to maintain.

When I’m cooking, I’m more than likely to put a hot pan on the worktop without thinking, so I wanted something durable to cope with that.

“The cupboards were fine, but weren’t designed to fit the kitchen. It’s quite a small kitchen and the space wasn’t used to its maximum. Although the storage was adequate, it wasn’t perfect. Now we’ve got every bit of storage we could possibly have or want.

“I kept seeing wooden countertops in magazines and thinking how lovely they looked, but I had to keep telling myself, ‘You can’t have a wooden countertop’. Having a more durable surface that’s easy to maintain is much more sensible.

“In the end I went with Corian, which is a blend of minerals and acrylic which creates a stone-hard surface that can be shaped and lasts a lifetime. I know granite is popular – I like it in other people’s kitchens, but I find it a bit too shiny and a bit too hard.

It can be damaged, too. You can scratch Corian, but whatever you do is correctable – you can replace the damaged bit and never find the join! The countertop went in in several pieces, but

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it’s impossible to find the seams. The company responsible for creating Kate’s beautiful new kitchen is Cris Sega Designs.

“Cris was recommended to us,” says Kate. “He runs his own company, building kitchens with carpenter Tim. When we met, he said he’d recently built a kitchen for a couple in East Sussex and we were welcome to go and have a look. We went down there, and the couple were ecstatic about Cris and Tim and their work. You could see it was really good quality.

“We decided that Cris and Tim would be good people to go with – and they were. It was a good move.”

Kate decided against making any structural changes to the kitchen, despite the fact that the space is small and an odd shape.

“We thought about it, but the benefit we would have got didn’t justify it,” says Kate. “So Cris thought of ways to maximise the existing space, rather than change it. One thing I did want was a bigger oven because I cook a lot. We couldn’t have a range cooker because that just wouldn’t work in the space, so Cris suggested a 90cm oven to give me that extra cooking capacity.

I love it and it’s perfect in the space.

“To absolutely maximise storage, Cris built the cupboards in the hallway, so our kitchen extends slightly into the hallway to give us a bit of extra space. When we first moved in, there was a door into the kitchen, but we took that off because it felt so confining.

We widened the doorway a little bit, so the hall and kitchen flow together a bit more and it makes it feel a bit bigger. The new cupboard in the hall is perfect as a sort of pantry for storing tins and such.

“Cris was very involved in every step of the process and is a real detail person, a perfectionist. He thought of things that never would have crossed my mind until months later.”

The transformation was efficient and trouble-free. “First we looked in magazines and brochures to decide on the style and finish of the units. I wanted the kitchen to be lighter and brighter,

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so went for painted units. Cris came and measured everything up and designed how the units would fit. Then Tim built everything in his workshop. He came and took out all the old units, fitted the new ones and next came the Corian countertop, from a company that Cris had worked with before. They worked out how the Corian should be moulded and cut and were really helpful, making suggestions about the draining board. Then the floor was fitted – it’s wood, which made me feel better about losing the wooden look on the countertops. Then the painter came and hand-painted the units – it took 10 days, a very long job, but she was an amazing painter. Lastly, they put the finish on the floor and that was it. Cris and Tim between them shared all the work and project-managed everything.

“As for applicances, finding that 90cm cooker was a challenge.

A lot of them have an external 90cm measurement but are much smaller on the inside. In the end we went for a Miele – the litre capacity was so much greater than the others – and it’s absolutely fantastic. It was more expensive but worth every penny.

“The other thing that’s really great is our Liebherr fridge with drawers that pull out, rather than opening like a traditional fridge. With our old fridge, my husband said he was sick of opening the door and the yogurt falling out, and I was fed up with getting on my hands and knees and rummaging around to find something at the back. I thought the new fridge might have less capacity, but it doesn’t. There are three shelves that pull out and you can easily see and reach everything in the fridge. We’re really, really pleased with it.”

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The whole revamp took about eight weeks, and Kate says it was worth the wait. “It’s turned out even better than I imagined. There’s nothing that I would change – that’s quite an achievement. To be honest, we procrastinated a long time before we did the kitchen. We had lived in the house a long time and had a lot of time to think about what we wanted, so it’s quite a result to say we wouldn’t change anything. It’s very hard to envisage the finished result when you’re choosing a particular sink or countertop. That’s where you need someone like Cris, who has the expertise to know what’s going to look good. Unless you’ve got that design brain, it’s hard to envisage the finished result easily.

“The biggest worry for me was the countertop, because it was expensive, and we chose the colour from a very small sample.

I was worried that they would put it in and I’d hate it, but I just love it.

“We really appreciated Cris’s efforts – he has an amazing work ethic. He’s so customer-focused; he just wants you to be happy with your kitchen. He’s so passionate about his work. Everyone else he works with, like carpenter Tim, produce work of such quality. My brother-in-law is a furniture designer and he said the quality of the build is amazing. The quality of the painting, too, is brilliant. People think the units have been spray-painted, but I tell them, no, a woman has hand-painted every inch with a paint brush! By hiring Cris, you’re also getting a team of amazing people, too.

“Now I’ve got my dream kitchen, I’ll be spending even more time in there!”

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KIDS’ STUFF

Brighton studio Koko Kids creates an exclusive range of fabric wall stickers for the nursery and children’s rooms. Cars, butterflies, robots and animals are some of the themes they produce, all with a vintage, retro or graphic twist Prices from £19.95. www.kokokids.com

LET’S EAT OUT

Local illustrator Emma Donovan has created a four-plate picnic hamper set that includes a deluxe wicker hamper and free greetings card. The hamper costs £55; each 26cm-diameter plate costs £12. www.peasinapod.org.uk

HOME, SWEET HOME Ideas to turn your house into a home

ONE LUMP OR TWO?

This shimmering pink-and-white candy-stripe cup and saucer set with delicate silver embellishment is perfect for everyday use as well as a delicious afternoon tea date. Why not buy a set as a gift for your best friend or for someone moving into a new home? Price £40. www.bohero.eu

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CRATE IT!

Tidy away those books and magazines, or find a home for all those stray toys. There are numerous uses for these wooden storage crates, which have a vintage stencil print on each side and striking orange wheels. Price £55. www.vincentandbarn.co.uk

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FOLLOW THE LEADER Audi’s RS Q3 compact SUV hits the mark, says motoring writer Anthony ffrench-Constant

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So, what happens when you equip same with a 2.5-litre, 5-cylinder, turbocharged, 306bhp, 310lb ft powerplant, seven-speed, dual-clutch, automatic transmission with flappy paddles on the steering wheel and permanent all-wheel drive?

It’s a good job the animal kingdom’s a tad more sensible about evolutionary diversification than the motor industry. You don’t find bees suddenly deciding they’d work better if they were the size of tennis balls, or cheetahs thinking ‘Hmmm… Fins… Now that’s a pretty neat idea, and clearly a hit with dolphins, I simply must get me a pair of those.’

Yet, in a headlong dash to fill every market segment with their own take on a new niche model, such genetic tomfoolery is becoming increasingly commonplace amongst automotive manufacturers.

Examples of the former cute-turned-corpulent camp rely heavily on at least a whiff of whimsy surviving the donor car’s lunch-money-taken-straight-to-the-sweet-shop diet.

The twice-baked swelling that is the MINI Countryman, for instance, only gets away with it (in some eyes) because, viewed from the top of the Shard whilst circumnavigating the M25, it still bears a vague resemblance to an original Mini.

Not so the hapless Fiat 500L. Much is made of the cute ‘whiskers’ on the bows of the elegant little 500. Sadly, that’s about all that has survived this unfortunate cod-SUV metamorphosis. Make a mouse large enough and there’s every danger people will simply scream ‘RAT!’ and run away.

Examples of the bringing-a-new-sense-of-purpose-to-thepedigree latter? Well, it’s something of a shame that Porsche made such a respectable fist of imbuing an ugly, two-tonne box with hilariously-adroit handling, because now a whole new shoal of car makers with no off-road pedigree whatsoever – Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Jaguar and Aston Martin – have decided that they, too, must have a piece of the mud pie.

Meanwhile, fast running out of new worlds to conquer, Audi offers further proof of its determination to create and fill every conceivable motoring niche with the new RS Q3, a compact SUV quick enough to give a Cayman a run for its money.

Audi already bestrides a compact SUV segment more crowded than the stern rail of RMS Titanic at 2.19am on 15th April 1912,

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with its park-brain default premium purchase Q3. This is a car with which there is so little wrong that the last time I reviewed it, I ran out of steam after 200 words or so and had to fill the rest of the page with a picture of some kittens and a few bars of music from the Light Programme.

all-wheel drive equips the RS with appropriately-tenacious cornering prowess. And the ride, though undeniably firm, is never sufficiently jarring to damage the machine’s credentials as a family car. Indeed, the RS Q3 rides with a deal less fidget in the mix than most of Audi’s performance models.

So, what happens when you equip same with a 2.5-litre, 5-cylinder, turbocharged, 306bhp, 310lb ft powerplant, seven-speed, dual-clutch, automatic transmission with flappy paddles on the steering wheel and permanent all-wheel drive?

Well, you end up with a surprisingly-discreet (quattro-badged chin strap and a little extra external aluminium the only clues), superbly-appointed offering that will propel you and your family to 62mph in just 5.2 seconds and on to 155mph, sitting a little bit higher off the ground than feels seemly for such unalloyed vim.

Though it will make effortless, prodigiously-rapid progress across country in all weathers, you are, however, never quite disabused of the impression that this is a tall car working harder than a low-slung hot hatch would have to whilst hustling quickly (really very quickly) along a B road.

As with all Audi RS models, the Q3 is hilariously easy to drive quickly; stamp your foot and the car bangs seamlessly through the gears with ruthless efficiency. Anoraks will always complain about a relative lack of information coming at the driver through the helm, but it’s nicely weighted and lacks nothing for accuracy.

Moreover, allied to bespoke sports suspension which lowers the ride height by 25mm compared to standard Q3 models,

And that makes it just a whisker less entertaining to throw around than the very best of the very few £40,000 rivals than can match it for outright pace. As does an interior inevitably and comprehensively flecked with toddler puke should you ever attempt to realise the RS Q3’s full potential with a full house.

Rapid, refined and comfortable, my only issue with the RS Q3 is that, like a convertible Crossover (watch this space?), it answers a question that very few people will ever think to ask. Then again, Mercedes has just applied the AMG treatment to its own take on the compact SUV, the GLA, so what do I know?

AUDI RS Q3 Price: £43,015 Engine: 2,480cc turbocharged 5-cylinder petrol, 306bhp @ 5200-6700rpm, 310lb ft @ 1500-5200rpm Transmission: Seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic, all-wheel drive

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Performance: 5.2sec 0-62mph, 155mph, 32.1mpg, 206g/km CO2 Weight: 1655kg On sale: Now

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FIT FOR LIFE Get your children into the habit of regular exercise and you’ll be doing them a favour for life

Picture Mark Emery Photography

Get your children into the habit of regular exercise and you’ll be doing them a favour for life.

are safe and can be kept an eye on. But it’s no excuse for not encouraging your children to get moving.

With obesity becoming an increasing problem for not only adults but children, it’s more important than ever to get kids into the habit of exercising.

Another study revealed that half of all UK seven-year-olds do not do enough exercise, with girls far less active than boys. University College London researchers found just 51 per cent of the 6,500 children they monitored achieved the recommended hour of physical activity each day. For girls, the figure was just 38 per cent, compared with 63 per cent for boys.

Gone are the days of children playing out in the street, making friends and getting plenty of exercise and fresh air.

Today’s youngsters are more than likely cooped up in their bedrooms, eyes glued to the TV or computer, games controller in hand.

A survey revealed that children spend up to 10 times as long playing video games and watching TV as they do playing outdoors. This equates to one whole day out of each week spent indoors on electrical devices and only two-and-a-half hours each week playing outdoors. Despite these statistics only 4 in 10 of the 2000 people surveyed admitted their children don’t spend enough time outdoors.

Of course, we now live in a time where letting children go off and play outside can pose dangers, including strangers and busy road traffic. This is an obvious reason why many parents would much rather children stay inside, where they

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The NHS recommends that children aged under five should have 180 minutes of exercise every day, and young people from five to 18 should do 60 minutes every day. This may be hard to fit in if children are spending three to four hours in front of the TV, so parents need to make some changes.

Toddlers are usually on the go from the minute they wake up – you can encourage, skipping, hopping, running and jumping, riding a bike and chasing games.

Children under five should not be inactive for long periods, except when they’re asleep. Watching TV, travelling by car, bus or train, or being strapped into a buggy for long periods are not good for a child’s health and development. There’s

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growing evidence that such behaviour can increase their risk of poor health.

So what counts as energetic activity for children? Anything from active play games that involve running, fast walking, riding a bike, dancing, swimming, climbing or gymnastics.

It’s very important for children to grow up with a good level of health and fitness, and playing outdoors for an hour or so after school is a fantastic way for kids to keep fit. Simply going on a walk, perhaps with the family pet, can be a fun activity for everyone to get involved with, and joining an activity club is an excellent way for them to get fit and have fun at the same time.

There are plenty of clubs available locally, but for something a bit different, how about cheerleading? Inspire Allstars Cheer and Dance (www.inspireallstars.com), offers recreational and competitive cheerleading classes at venues across Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells, run by Joey Cuthbert, who has over 10 years of experience as both a coach and competitive cheer athlete.

Says Joey: “It’s a misconception that cheerleading is all about shaking your pom poms. It’s a physically-challenging,

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multi-disciplinary sport that combines tumbling, jumps, stunts, pyramids and tosses. The focus is not just on developing athletes, but confident, inspiring young role models.”

Competition squads demand a regular commitment and offer the chance to compete at regional and national level in competitions.

Adds Joey: “Becoming part of the Inspire programme will not only give your child the chance to master physical, creative and vital life skills; they will also learn what it is to be a team player, to commit to excellence and success, to be focused on creating goals and working hard to meet them.”

Someone else who feels passionate about a healthy lifestyle for our children is Roël McMahon, who runs Kids and Teen Fitness (www.kidsandteenfitness.com) in Tunbridge Wells.

“The sooner we adopt a healthy lifestyle, the more benefit we will gain from it, so it is important to teach our children how to stay healthy,” says Roël, a qualified fitness instructor.

“I feel it’s important that children enjoy physical activity so it will become a habit for life, and I feel passionate about helping children to enjoy exercise and the benefits of it.”

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Her classes include FitNipper for five to 12 year olds, which offers a variety of supervised outdoor play and games on a one-off or regular basis, and FitBunch for 12 to 16 year olds, which has indoor and outdoor high-intensity interval training with bodyweight exercises and is an effective and fun way to improve fitness, strength and teamwork. She also offers weight management for children, with or without exercise.

Some children don’t feel comfortable joining a group, so Roël also offers one-to-one fitness sessions to help improve confidence, fitness and strength and to find out what type of activity will be most enjoyable.

“The emphasis is on making physical exercise fun so it can become a regular part of life,” she says.

Training in the Korean martial art of Taekwon-Do is another great way for both boys and girls to have fun while keeping fit. Tunbridge Wells Taekwon-Do (www.twellstkd. co.uk) was started in 2011 by Luke Thompson, who is a 5th degree black belt and international instructor with the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) and has been training in the art for over 20 years. He has competed in national and international competitions and has won many awards, including a gold medal at the World Championships in Spain in 2013 as part of the England Breaking team.

Says Luke: “At Tunbridge Wells Taekwon-Do we offer martial arts classes for all ages. Our pre-school Taekwon-Do classes are for three to six year olds, where kids learn life skills in a fun and safe environment. We play games that develop hand-eye coordination, fitness and teamwork skills as well as learning how to deal with strangers and bullies and what to do in emergency situations.

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10 IDEAS FOR GETTING YOUR KIDS ACTIVE 1. Walk or cycle to and from school with the kids as often as possible.

2. Build a den or treehouse with them in the school holidays.

Or, under supervision, encourage them to climb a tree.

3. Go roller skating, roller blading or skateboarding, indoors or out. In winter, go ice skating. Kids also love scooters.

4. Do an activity challenge together, such as working towards a fun run or a walk for charity.

5. Take the dog for a walk. If you don’t have one of your own, ask to borrow a neighbour’s or friend’s dog and take it for a walk.

“For children over six years old, our classes teach self defence in an active, disciplined session. The classes are an excellent way for children to build up self confidence and get fit. They play games that develop balance and core strength as well as get them interacting with others and working as a team.

They learn to be respectful of each other and improve their concentration and focus, which helps them to develop at school and in other sports.

6. Support your kids in sports, clubs or any other activities that may interest them. Joining a weekend club sport ensures commitment to a team and regular exercise. Find all kinds of sporting facilities in your area.

“We can also teach children on their own or with their siblings or friends in your home so they can learn to develop their confidence and physical strength. They learn how to deal with bullies and what do if ever attacked.”

8. Fly a kite. The Kite Society of Great Britain’s website (www.thekitesociety.org.uk) lists a number of groups that regularly meet for special flying days with experienced members who offer advice and assistance. Some also run kite-making workshops.

Luke believes that exercising should be fun. “We focus on short, fast training sessions where we can do anything from jumping, skipping, crawling, boxing, chucking a weight around and swinging a kettlebell.”

9. Spend a day at the beach. When they hit the sand, children find a multitude of ways to exercise, including games, swimming and plenty of running around.

Classes for 3-6 years and 7-13 years are held at the Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre; classes for 7-13 years and 14+ are at St Gregory’s School in Tunbridge Wells.

10. The National Parks website (www.nationalparks.gov.uk) has lists of events such as guided walks and children’s fun days, for fresh ideas for active days out.

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7. Find time every weekend to do something active with your children. Play frisbee or football in the park, go trampolining or try indoor rock climbing.

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HEADS UP! Does 11+ tutoring guarantee a grammar-school place?

It is a widely-recognised and acclaimed fact that Tunbridge Wells has an enviable reputation for having some of the best schools in the country, both within the maintained and independent sectors. In theory, there truly is a school to suit every child. As part of the maintained provision for secondary age pupils, there are six highly-selective and renowned grammar schools. These are among the best in the country and as such are the aspiration of the vast majority of parents for their children; indeed, it has been known for them to be the focus of conversation at ante-natal classes! Certainly, they attract families to Tunbridge Wells from London and beyond and have positively influenced the housing market within their catchment areas.

Historically, the grammar-school system was a social ladder for naturally-intelligent pupils whose parents could neither afford nor aspire to a traditional fee-paying public school education. They provided an academic education of excellence and rigour, enabling many of their scholars to gain top university places and move into professions and fields their families would never have thought possible. My own father was one such pupil and was grateful for his entire life for the education he received at a grammar school in the early 1940s.

Some 70 years later, there are comparatively few grammar schools left in England, and with independent secondary school fees being such a large financial commitment, a

grammar-school education is deemed by many as being a realistic alternative to paying school fees. In Tunbridge Wells, these schools are here on our doorstep, offering a first-class education, celebrating amazing results each year, topping league tables nationally – and they are free. All parents have to do to attain their ‘game plan’ is to ensure their child passes the necessary test. Surely if you know this and prepare accordingly, it shouldn’t be too difficult?

And here is the health warning: there is absolutely no doubt that a grammar-school education is first-class – but only for the right child. It is highly academic; these schools quite rightly have high demands, expectations and aspirations.

Pupils are expected to be naturally academic, thriving on the rigours demanded of them and to be prepared to give the necessary hours to study. If they do not meet these standards, not only will they be miserable but they will find themselves failing. Given there are plenty of alternatives in Tunbridge Wells where they would both thrive and succeed, this can be both demotivating and demoralising for the individual concerned, and generally totally unnecessary.

The hype of the 11+ exam, however, has led to an increasingly-burgeoning tutoring system within the town.

Every parent wants to give their child the best chance, that’s only natural, and so each year a vast number of Year 5 pupils have an 11+ tutor, which leads to this issue’s question: Does 11+ tutoring guarantee a grammar-school place?

Angela Culley

Headmistress of The Mead School, Tunbridge Wells, a co-ed prep school for children aged 3 to 11 As Head of a primary school which thrives and rejoices in the individuality of children, with their numerous strengths, weaknesses, talents and personalities, I categorically know each and every child deserves to be treated and respected as an individual. All should be given the opportunity to feel success, discover their talents, attain their potential and be given the space and understanding to become who they should be.

Our responsibility is to create and forge lifelong learners, excited by all the world has to offer and with an ‘I can and I will’ attitude. A broad and rich curriculum meeting the needs of the individual should suffice to prepare those who will naturally flourish in a grammar-school environment. Of course, tutoring can play a role in ensuring pupils appreciate exam technique and have the opportunity to fill any gaps in a child’s learning. Too often, however, they are used as crammers, and these pupils may well scrape a coveted grammar-school place, but will they thrive and thank you in the end? So think carefully, and realistically consider your child’s personality and ability before you take the grammar-school path.

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Arthur Ponsonby BA, MSc

Director of Teaching at BYT Tunbridge Wells Tuition Centre Of course, there are no guarantees that tutoring will ensure your child gets into a grammnar school. However, a good and diversified education will help those suited to a selective school achieve success.

Children in state schools often tend to lack the benefit of exam practice compared with those in private education – tuition helps to address this. Learning of any skill or fact is never wasted.

Learning on an individual basis can be useful for pupils who are reserved in class. The idea that the teacher encourages the student to ask questions, which are then answered immediately, is effective in accelerating learning and helping the student progress at his or her own pace.

It is, of course, the case that no decent tutor should encourage either student or parent to believe that they are likely to be successful if it is patently obvious that they are not.

Fiona Skelly

Parent As we all know, there are no guarantees in life, and having your child tutored towards the 11+ exam will not guarantee a grammar-school place and, I believe, nor should it.

Having been through the 11+ preparations with two very different children, I can conclude that tutoring definitely improves on your child’s ability level, together with equipping your child with techniques that will prepare them for the multitude of exams that await them as they continue through their education, and for that reason, tutoring can be beneficial.

As we live in an area where the grammar schools offer a superb education, free of charge, the tendency can be to focus on getting your child through the 11+ at any cost.

Unfortunately, however, this approach can be detrimental to a child’s self-esteem in the longer term if all that has gained them entry to a grammar school is intensive coaching.

So although there are definitely advantages of having your child tutored, we as parents must not lose sight of the bigger picture and ask ourselves, “What type of secondary education is best suited to our child, and will provide them with the environment that is right for them?”

Isobel Feaver

Year 5 Teacher Does having a tutor provide a sure-fire ‘fast pass’ into a grammar-school education? Perhaps more importantly we should be asking ourselves whether intense tutoring ensures that those children successful in gaining a grammar-school place flourish in Year 7. Do they gain confidence and independence, as well as move forward keenly in their learning?

There cannot be any one single ‘magic wand’ that can guarantee access into our county’s grammar schools. 11+ success is achieved through a plethora of factors working effectively for the individual child, with innate intelligence playing a key role.

However, a school that is able to provide rigorous assessment and feedback opportunities to parents will ensure that every individual child’s strengths are built upon and enriched, whilst areas of challenge and difficulty are consolidated and practised. So that by the time a child is due to sit the 11+, they have been as fully prepared as possible and, importantly, their parents are utterly clear about exactly where their child lies academically, recognising that the decision for their child to sit the 11+ is the right one.

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SPORTING CHANCE Meet local people who have turned their passion for sport into successful businesses

FIT FOR EVERYTHING

A career change saw Alison Abel start her own fitness company, offering personal training and her own take on a bootcamp What made you decide to become a personal trainer?

After having children a change in career presented itself. My extremely-supportive husband told me to follow my heart.

After years of working in different jobs, I was never content, I knew I was born to work in the sporting, health and fitness industry. So I decided to pursue my dream job.

What training do you have to undergo to become a qualified trainer?

I attended a course which took place at a local sport facility, and this gave me my Level 2 Gym Instructor qualification.

I then immediately went on to complete my Level 3 Personal Training certificate and first-aid training.

How do you devise your training plans for clients?

I initially have a consultation session with my clients to discuss their abilities, goals and dietary habits. The information I gain from this session allows me to construct a tailored training programme just for them. I put a chart together of all the workouts I will be doing with them; sometimes these change but it is a great way to keep on track.

What does a typical one-to-one training session include?

I engage with the client and assess their attitudes and moods and then tailor the session accordingly, whilst always keeping on track with the programme. This includes meeting at an agreed location, often at the client’s home or local park.

I start off with a warm-up, and we then move on to the main workout, which generally consists of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), which is my preferred method of achieving fast results. I have a great selection of fitness equipment and workouts to suit everyone. I round the session off with a cool-down and stretch-out. Personal trainers should adapt to every individual they train as this is what the clients deserve.

You came up with the idea of running Fit N Abel Bootcamps in Tunbridge Wells. What’s involved?

Fit N Abel Bootcamps are the perfect way to get into shape fast. Clients burn up to 700 calories per session, amd I push, motivate and support them every step of the way. The Bootcamps take place over a weekend and all the training is

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on Tunbridge Wells Common. The weekend includes teambuilding games and an assault course, interval and circuit training, and HIIT. I’ve teamed up with the Smart and Simple Hotel for accommodation, but there are also places for people that want to just attend the training sessions.

What can someone hope to achieve over the course of a Bootcamp?

During your stay you will be putting your body through things you never thought possible, and pushing yourself to reach personal goals you thought were way beyond your ability.

You’ll be introduced to the latest training techniques that have been proven to banish fat and tone muscles fast. You will also be given hints and tips to help keep you on track for life, so after you leave, you’ll know how to keep in shape. And it’s not all hard work, in your downtime you can either relax in the hotel garden or take a walk around Tunbridge Wells, exploring the Pantiles and its many shops and cafes – so long as you stay away from the wonderful cakes!

What have you got planned for the future?

I have been running my business now for the past 18 months and already have expanded to include Fit N Abel kids, to encourage children between the ages of 5-11 to keep active.

I run holiday camps, afterschool clubs, and birthday parties, with my business partner Kate Rigby. So the future looks bright and I hope to carry on motivating and inspiring people to enjoy a healthy and fit life. www.fitnabel.com; email Alison@fitnabel.com; tel 07531 107637

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CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN

There was only one way for Chris Searle to go and that was up, so he launched Kent & Sussex Climbing and hasn’t looked back When did you start the company and why?

Myself and my business partner Huseyin Bozkurt decided to start Kent & Sussex Climbing in the spring of 2010. We had both previously worked as instructors for other local businesses, but we both felt that there was a lack of passion for climbing within the outdoor education scene; in fact a lot of instructors seemed barely to even climb themselves, and we agreed we could do a better job.

Did you always intend to open a rock-climbing school, or was it a hobby that took over your life?

Whilst at university studying Philosophy, I was the President of the Mountaineering Club, and I dreamt of eventually running and owning my own climbing company. Having personally been climbing for 25 years, it is certainly something that has shaped my personality.

What training do you have to complete to be able to teach climbing?

There are several routes to becoming a climbing instructor but perhaps the most commonly recognised is the Single Pitch Award. However, all UK climbing qualifications take the format of a period of personal climbing, building up a log book of experience, then attending a training course, followed by a consolidation period, where more experience of climbing and assistant instruction is built up.

What courses does your company offer?

We offer a complete range of courses, from kids rockclimbing birthday parties and adult introductory courses, all the way through to abseiling and even technique and performance coaching. We have something to offer everyone.

Which climbing areas do you use?

Our outdoor rock-climbing courses run predominantly from Harrison’s Rocks in Groombridge, but we often take clients to other local crags, such as Bowles or even Stone Farm in East Grinstead. We also run an Indoor Junior Climbing Academy for kids at the Skinners’ School in Tunbridge Wells.

Just how dangerous is it?

There is a misconception that climbing is inherently dangerous, but in reality, when you look at the statistics, it is significantly safer than driving your car to work. All the

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equipment is safety-checked and adheres to stringent standards, and each use is recorded in a special log so the history of each item can be easily traced. When you are with a proficient instructor, you are as safe as you can be in that environment.

What’s the best age to start climbing?

As early as possible, but it’s never too late to start. The latest rising stars on the IFSC World Cup circuit generally all started climbing at a very young age, sometimes as young as three.

But on the other end of the spectrum, one of my greatest climbing heroes, Jo Montchaussé, didn’t start climbing until he was 40; he’s now well over 60 and still climbs harder than most. So age is never an excuse, and our oldest client was 98!

How fit do you have to be?

At the entry level, most people will be able to engage with climbing. Most of the mechanical work is actually done by the legs, so as long as you can stand up, you will be able to climb something. That being said, the best climbers are often so strong they can lift their entire body-weight with just one arm, sometimes even just one finger.

How do you make your company stand out?

Kent & Sussex Climbing are fully engaged in the local climbing scene; our instructors are not just outdoor pursuits enthusiasts, as is often the case with other providers. We are dedicated climbers, and that’s what comes across. We have an all-consuming passion for climbing; for us, it’s not a sport, it’s a way of life. www.ksclimbing.co.uk

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MAD FOR IT

Insanity instructor Mariusz Mrozek delivers a passionate level of energy and inspiration that motivates his classes to achieve their best Is Insanity for everyone?

Yes, all age groups and fitness levels are welcome. We adopt each movement to your specific needs, especially if you are recovering from long-lasting injuries.

How long have you been into fitness and exercise?

For 25 years, since I started doing Taekwon-do in 1989 – I finally decided that it was my time for a professional fitness career.

You run classes in the new Insanity workout.

What is Insanity and who created it?

Insanity is a full body-conditioning workout; no weights, no gym, just your own body. It’s based on the principles of MAX Interval Training, where your heart rate goes up for two minutes and then rests for just 30 seconds. Insanity was created in LA by Shaun T, a famous athlete.

Describe what happens in a typical session.

A lot! To get the important oxygen to your muscles we start with three sets of warm-up, each lasting around two minutes.

After the warm-up, there’s a three-minute cool-down and stretch – that’s a very important part of the training to prevent your body and muscles from injury. Then we go for the workout: three blocks of workout plus abs. Each block contains four exercises and each lasts only 30 seconds, so it’s not too bad! After the first four exercises you get 30 seconds’ rest, then you repeat this drill three times. Your heart rate will shoot up and drop down only a bit when taking a rest. The point of this is to beat the stress adaptation response.

What made you decide to train to teach Insanity?

I started to gain weight and I didn’t know what to do to lose it. It’s embarrassing when your friends keep asking if you’ve swallowed a football. I used to laugh it off, but I felt a failure.

Then a friend showed me a copy of the Insanity DVD. I wasn’t interested, but a couple of weeks later I decided I had to stop being so negative and do something. So I borrowed the DVD, shut myself in a room, and after six minutes of warm-up, I knew I had found the answer. I loved it so much.

After just six sessions at home, my fitness level went up 120%, and I was losing at least 1kg of weight per week. My body started toning up and after eight weeks I had lost 10kg

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of fat. I felt positive, powerful and myself again. I loved the way I looked and I became stronger than ever before. I also understood the huge emotional push it takes to complete the programme as it’s very intense and hard to do on your own.

I made my life decision to travel to the US in January to become an Insanity Instructor. I knew that people would need a skilled and motivating Instructor to get them through this programme, and I felt this could be me. I knew that my life had changed for a reason, and that was to help not only myself but other people. I deliver results with a passionate level of energy and inspiration and no one in my classes ever feels that they have failed.

How many calories will I burn during an Insanity class?

Expect to burn 700 to 800 calories during the class and another 200 calories the next day as your body goes to the repair cycle and needs more energy. Come to my classes once a week, and you could lose around 1 kg in three weeks; four to five times per week and you could lose more than 1.3 kg per week.

Where do you hold classes?

In Tunbridge Wells and Crowborough throughout the week.

What’s the fastest way to find out more about your Insanity classes?

Facebook: Insane Fitness South East UK click “like” and write a message, or send a text to 07540 731704.

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THRILLING RIDE

Dedicated cyclists Jack Ward and Nik Main decided to turn their hobby into a business and opened Velocipede Cycles in Tunbridge Wells Have you always been passionate about cycling?

Jack: I have always been a keen cyclist. I used to race 4x and downhill in my teens and, from the age of 15 to 18, I had a part-time job in a bike shop in Tunbridge Wells, which has long ago closed down. I have always owned too many bikes.

Nik: One day many many years ago, when I was five years old, my father removed the stabilisers from my bike. With his hand on my back, he pushed me up the road on my small bike. He ran fast, we picked up speed and he took his hand off my back. I have been rolling on bikes ever since. I was one of those 80s kids who rode everywhere, no matter the weather.

I cycled the daily six miles to school and back, to friends’ houses or round the local streets and countryside with my friends, wherever the moment took us. We fell off, we grazed our knees, we got back on. Our bikes gave us freedom.

A sense of freedom that remains to this day.

What made you open Velocipede?

Jack: We noticed a gap in the market in Tunbridge Wells for a friendly family bike shop where you can buy good-quality bicycles at sensible prices.

Nik: Jack mentioned it on a camping trip, and it made too much sense not to do it. We wanted to make components repairs and servicing available for every rider, whatever their bike – the commuter, the bikes that get people to work or school – those tatty old bikes have an important role in society.

What makes you different from other cycling shops in the area?

Jack: At Velocipede Cycles, we stock a large range of children’s bikes, hybrid bikes and mountain bikes. We aim to be a more traditional cycle shop and provide friendly advice and service to all our customers from novice to pro.

We stock different brands to other shops in the area, including Kona and Saracen bikes, which have proved hugely popular this year. We also provide servicing and repairs in our workshop at competitive prices.

What has been your proudest moment so far?

Jack: One of our proudest moments was receiving silver in the annual Tunbridge Wells in Bloom last year. Also, knowing that something that was only a business plan on a scrap of

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paper 18 months ago has turned into a successful business makes me proud of what we have achieved.

We are also very proud to sell Kona bikes. As a brand they work directly with independent dealers. This is Kona’s statement, and one we can relate to: “At Kona, we’re all about the freedom and empowerment of the bicycle. We have been since 1988. We still have the same founding owners. We’re still populated by a staff of keen, active, impassioned cyclists.

We’re not big, nor are we that small. Just a dedicated group of cyclists making bicycles for people who love bikes – no matter if that love is new or long established. Peace and love across the land.”

How hands-on are you on a day-to-day basis?

Nik: We are the only members of staff, so we are very hands-on. We assemble, sell, maintain and repair all the bikes ourselves. Hopefully we will be taking on staff in the near future!

You’ve become involved in the Hoodwink art project, with Velocipede being used as an unconventional exhibiting space in October.

How did that come about?

Jack: Hoodwink contacted us initially. They like to use unusual spaces to exhibit their work and were interested in using our shop to install a commissioned piece of work. We have a very interactive and unusual piece hopefully being installed in the next few months, which will be available to all, not just our customers. www.tunbridgewellscycles.co.uk

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BODY BEAUTIFUL

If you want a better body, head to the Better Body Shop in Sevenoaks. Co-owner Chris Wharton explains what has made them so successful What is your background?

I was a judo player and powerlifter in my youth, graduating with an honours degree in Sports Science after leaving school.

Over the last 25 years, I have been fortunate enough to gain a wide range of experience, from running exercise prescription in hospitals and merchant banks, to looking after Kent County Cricket to working as a university lecturer.

Tell us about The Better Body Shop.

The Better Body Shop is the largest dedicated Personal Training Centre in the UK, staffed solely by expert graduate and post-graduate qualified trainers.

Why did you start and when?

The Better Body Shop was established to set the standard for personal training. We still work to the same mission statement: “To increase the ease of access to appropriate and effective exercise direction, placing emphasis on the words ‘appropriate’ and ‘effective’.”

The Better Body Shop was formed over 10 years ago, residing at the back of a lawnmower shop in Sevenoaks. We’ve come a long way since then.

Did you have any business experience?

Who designs the programmes for clients?

Each client is assigned their own trainer who will look after all of their exercise and nutrition needs. They do everything possible to get their client to their goal in the safest and most effective manner, while also adhering to our protocols and customer-service guidelines.

What makes you different from other fitness centres?

I could say it is the unrivalled knowledge of the training team, or the unique set-up and range of the equipment, or our consistently-high success rate, and this would be true, however the number-one reason why people stay with us when asked is that everybody knows my name, it’s like an extended family. Our first priority is to look after our client and make them feel comfortable.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Never compromising the level of our service, no matter what, taking on standard personal trainers or running a traditional fitness centre would have been the easy route. As a business we have put clients first, profits second, and in many cases this does not work, but we are so customer-service orientated it appears what goes around comes around, and we are growing very quickly.

What are some of your biggest success stories?

As with any start-up business, there were a lot of hours involved. At one point I was doing 75 hours of one-to-one sessions a week. This was only made possible through the support, belief and patience of my wife and the fantastic team that has grown up around me.

As a traditional measure of big success, we took nine stone off a young man called Mike in six months to get him ready for his wedding. We have equally taken 10 stone off one of our local mums and got her back to running. But the equally-important success stories are the children who we get comfortable with exercising again, and the ladies that find success with us after trying every diet possible. Each client has their own success, so really our biggest success is the pure volume of clients reaching their goals.

What training does your team have?

What are your plans for the future?

I had experience working within corporations, but very little small business experience.

How easy was it to get off the ground?

All of our 22 trainers have a minimum of a university degree in a sports, exercise or rehabilitation field. On top of this, many have Master’s degrees and were at some point regional or national level athletes. They all go through at least

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a three-month internship with us before starting, and continue their post-graduate studies in their chosen area of expertise while they are with us.

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To expand and to be able to help more people. We open our second site in July in Blackheath in south London. www.betterbodyshop.co.uk

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TREES ARE TOPS Trees add height, interest and colour – and you don’t need a huge garden, either.

There are plenty of options for small spaces and patios, too

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There are many trees widely available for smaller gardens, in all shapes and sizes, evergreen and deciduous. Given that many of us have limited space in which to garden, it becomes important that any trees chosen are right for their surroundings, in terms of proportion as well as for their decorative value.

There are many factors to take into consideration when choosing a tree for a small garden. Here are some of the more important ones:

Height and spread: This is probably the most important

factor. Even small ornamental trees may, over time, reach a height of 6-7m (20-23ft) or more. If this is too much, consider a weeping form, as these rarely increase much in height, or even a large shrub. Spread is not normally such a problem, unless in a very restricted area, in this case consider a columnar tree, as these do not spread appreciably.

Season of interest: Consider when you want your tree to look good, thinking about flowering time, foliage, fruit and bark. If you only have room for one tree, ideally look for one with more than one season of interest, such as fruit or autumn colour following on from flowers.

Choosing compost

Most trees will thrive in a loam-based compost, such as John Innes No 3, which is fairly heavy, providing good stability.

Before planting, add some pieces of broken terracotta pot to the base or a 5cm (2in) layer of gravel to improve drainage and raise up on pot feet to prevent waterlogging under containers.

Trees in containers will dry out far more quickly than those growing in the ground and will need regular watering. Often the overhanging foliage of plants in containers shields the compost from the rain. Keep the compost moist, but not wet, at all times, even during winter when it can dry out quickly in wind.

Give trees a boost by refreshing the top layer of compost annually in spring. Carefully scrape away about 5cm (2in) of compost from the surface and replace with fresh compost mixed with some controlled-release fertiliser granules.

In exposed gardens, plants in containers will need protecting during winter as the roots growing near the edges are vulnerable to freezing temperatures. Wrap the container with bubble wrap, held securely in place with twine.

Deciduous or evergreen: Both types of trees have their

advantages, the obvious one for evergreens being that they keep their leaves. But you don’t get the lovely autumn colours with evergreen trees. To help you choose, you may find it useful to visit gardens where you’ll find a good range of well-established and mature ornamental trees.

Planting in pots

If your garden is really small or where space is limited, such as on a patio or terrace, you can plant trees in containers to bring height, fruit, bark and autumn colour. Start by choosing containers that suit the style of your garden and that are large enough to house the rootball of your tree. Ensure that the container has plenty of drainage holes. Do not put a small tree in a very large container; instead pot up in stages, finishing with a minimum final container size of about 45cm (18in).

Frost-proof terracotta pots are heavy, providing extra stability to prevent trees blowing down in windy weather. However, the porosity of these pots means the compost dries out quickly and the weight makes them difficult to move around. Lighterweight plastic is a good choice if you need to move plants around and they are good at retaining moisture. Metal, wood and stone pots are also worth considering.

Capital Garden is a local company in Ticehurst that makes lightweight, completely frost-proof, non-corrosive and totally maintenance-free pots which are suitable for indoor and outdoor use all year round.

All the designs are made from fibreglass in spectacular finishes to cleverly replicate terracotta, lead, bronze and copper. Call them on 01580 201092 for your free brochure. Mention Kudos and get 10% off your first order. www.capital-garden.com

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Pot by Capital Garden

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Japanese maple

Suitable trees for pots

specimen trees specify that the wrapping be left on under the terms of their guarantee, but normally fabric wrappings should be taken off).

• A restricted apple tree grown on a semi-dwarfing rootstock

Tease out and spread the roots to get an idea of their spread.

Dig a planting hole that is no deeper than the roots, but is up to three times the diameter of the root system.

There is no shortage of trees to grow in pots. Here are some ideas:

• Japanese maple • Topiary specimen of box, yew, bay, privet or holly dwarf conifer • Something unusual like Sophora microphylla or Albizia julibrissin • Tender trees, such as olives, pomegranates and citrus are ideal in pots, as they can easily be moved into a frost-free place over winter Although growing a tree in a container will restrict its size, it’s best to avoid fast-growing, large or vigorous trees, as they will eventually start to look leggy as they struggle in too small a root space.

Container-grown plants can be planted any time of the year, but are easier to care for if planted in autumn or winter, as they need less watering than ones planted in spring or summer.

Bare-root and rootballed trees and shrubs are only available in autumn and winter. They should be planted immediately, but if this is not possible, then they can be heeled in (temporary planting in the soil to prevent the roots drying out) until planting is possible.

Guide to planting in the garden

If the sides or base of the planting hole are compacted, break the soil up with a fork before planting. With container-grown plants, the top layers of compost should be scraped away, and the point where the roots flare out should be near the soil surface.

Place the plant in the planting hole then refill the hole carefully, placing soil between and around all the roots to eliminate air pockets and firm the soil gently.

There is little evidence that adding extra fertiliser and organic matter to the planting hole helps; in fact it can actually hinder plant establishment as the organic matter decomposes and may cause the plant to sink. There is also less incentive for the roots to grow out into the surrounding soil.

The Royal Horticultural Society’s website has a wealth of information on gardening. It is one of the world’s leading horticultural organisations and the UK’s leading gardening charity. An interest in gardening is all you need to enjoy being a member of the RHS. www.rhs.org.uk

Remove plants from containers or fabric wrapping (some

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RIDING THE WAVE Kevin Whysall, Director of New Wave AV, talks about the rise in audio-visual technology

When did you start New Wave and why?

The company was formed back in 2003 when I was looking for a change in direction from project management of commercial AV projects. We really started to gain momentum in residential audio-visual and smart-home systems, when a couple of developers gave me the opportunity to design the infrastructure for their new-build properties. We still work for those companies today.

Now around 40 per cent of our work is with developers. The rest is with private clients from customer recommendation or a business referral from an architect or interior designer. Our clients are surprisingly not very techy – they have a general understanding of what they require but really come to us looking for a solution. Along the way we educate them in the overall technology available on the market that they simply never knew existed.

Our projects are really varied, ranging from clients requiring a home-cinema room, lighting design or control, or a fullybespoke automated home. This is what keeps New Wave so exciting to manage as I don’t remember any two projects being identical. Hence the term “custom installation”, used in the

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trade to describe our style of company, as opposed to a retail set-up offering just product and limited services. We offer tailor-made solutions with products you won’t find on the high street.

What did you do before you set up New Wave?

I started as a cable installer learning the trade from the ground up and was very fortunate to work for one of the largest commercial AV companies in the market. I got the chance to work on some really memorable projects across Europe, such as the refit of the QE2 in Hamburg, the 1992 Expo site in Seville, and Futuroscope, an audio-visual theme park in France, which I am really looking forward to re-visiting later this year with my family, some 20 years on.

What are the biggest changes you’ve seen in home technology over the years?

I would say High Definition has made a massive change to residential AV. It really has made the investment in large-screen displays for home cinema technology worthwhile. I think most people would struggle going back to standard definition screens if they watched Blu-ray and HD broadcasts. And everyone is now sitting tight ready for 4K UHD (Ultra High Definition). It is stunning.

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And I suppose cost is a another change in the market, as only a few years ago home automation and the higher-end audiovisual solutions were extremely prohibitive for most, due to the pricing and the very complex programming involved.

I wouldn’t say the solutions we supply are cheap, but in terms of what technology can be offered for the cost compared to 10 years ago, there is a lot more value.

As systems get more complicated, how do you keep up with the latest innovations?

We are very lucky to work with some great manufacturers who have excellent training programmes and new product support in place. All our staff are certified to the highest level in their field of expertise, be it installation, sales or programming.

I always make a point of attending the main trade shows during the year, and this is where we assess the very latest technology showcased long before general availability.

What are the most popular systems that people ask for today?

Most clients want audio and video distribution, with flexible access to their media across the whole home. We discuss with them a suitable space to locate a central rack to house the satellite boxes, Blu-ray players, movie servers and the audio equipment. In the rooms themselves the minimal amount of kit is required. Screens are flat wall-mounted or built-in flush; some screens may even be hidden behind moving panels or in cabinets on TV lifts, which only reveal when required.

For room speakers we have options from in-ceiling or in-wall versions, which are pretty unobtrusive and sound great. But if a truly discreet audio solution is required, we have totally invisible speakers which are then plastered in, painted or even wallpapered. These really must be heard to be believed, which is why we have them on demonstration.

Around 60 per cent of projects have a home-cinema system in the living room or, when space allows, in a dedicated home

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cinema room. Along with audio visual comes lighting control and now design, which we have been doing more and more over the last three to four years.

Describe the process from initial enquiry to installation.

From the initial conversation we arrange a meeting at our offices near Tonbridge. This is to show customers the technology we are discussing, as we have invested considerably in our demonstration facility. This now includes an entertainment media room, high-end home cinema room, lighting-control systems with ambient LED lighting, multi-room audio, and home automation showing the integration with security, video intercom, heating. Once we ascertain the type of system and level of integration required, we start to work with the client’s project team. The cabling and fixed hardware is built in to the fabric of the building, while back at the office we set up the central equipment rack, which is fully tested and programmed so when it is delivered to site and linked to the house cabling, it’s pretty much up and running.

What does the future hold for New Wave, and for home technology?

I hope the next 10 years is as enjoyable as the last 10. We have recently been awarded Dealer of the Year by our main home-automation supplier out of almost 200 dealers in the UK, so that was a very proud moment. And earlier this year we received two awards for projects we completed in Kent for the best single-room media system and the best whole homeautomation system. We have lots of very exciting projects that are ongoing, some completing in 2016, so you can imagine the scale of those properties. I know there are some very interesting movie-streaming services coming out this year and, of course, 4K Ultra High Definition will be very exciting.

New Wave AV, The Old Mill Workshop, Pierce Mill Lane, Golden Green, Tonbridge, Kent TN11 0LA www.newwaveav.co.uk

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INFLUENCE AGENDA

Mike Clayton has tips on building a campaign to influence multiple stakeholders

How do you build and execute your stakeholder influence campaign? What are the components of your influence agenda? Here are seven...

Think ‘system’

Organisations are complex systems of interacting opinions, powers, and agents, all of which have a part to play in delivering day-to-day effectiveness and successful change. And no organisation can successfully sit apart from others. So start your campaign by identifying everyone who has a stake in the changes you need to promote and understand how they interact with one another.

One size fits... one person

Everyone is different, so blanket campaigns will fail. Understand your audience and tailor your message, your medium and your approach to their needs, style and importance to your outcomes.

Big Xs

The Six Sigma approach of finding the Big Ys – or outcomes you want – and then figuring out the Big Xs that drive them is just as relevant to planning an influencing campaign. Who are the Big Xs that can have the greatest impact on your outcomes? When you know that, you can focus your attention accordingly.

Pyramid strategy

Different stakeholders have different needs and offer you differing priorities. At the bottom of a pyramid are large numbers of stakeholders with a small stake. They want to feel informed and maybe actively engaged in your initiative. Broadcast and low-input approaches may work for them, but not for a more select group who want to be more fully involved and need more tailored engagement. At the top of the pyramid are the few with whom you need to actively collaborate and even form partnerships.

Build a strategy that recognises these realities.

Plan your campaign

Chart out a campaign plan, so you and your team know who is communicating what to whom and when. Spontaneity and

adaptability are vital to a good campaign, as situations change and agendas shift. But without a baseline, you are not controlling events, nor even in a position to create much influence.

Soft power

Gentle persuasion, using the four tools of reputation, attraction, motivation, and relationships, is at the heart of The Influence Agenda, just as it is for much of the most successful modern long-term diplomacy. These four tools enable you to shape perceptions and opinions, reinforce favourable perceptions and opinions, and even shift unfavourable or critical perceptions or opinions. Here is where you are able to align your stakeholders.

Contrast it with hard power - coercion and force - and economic power - incentives and bribes - and you immediately see why it is so important.

Review cycle

Constantly review the impact your engagement is having on perceptions and actions, and constantly adapt your plans accordingly.

Mike Clayton gives seminars and talks about business and personal success, and has written numerous books. www.mikeclayton.co.uk

HELP FOR THE HIGH STREET A new site has launched, aimed at tackling the issue of our failing town centres. The brainchild of high-street expert Clare Richmond, the blog offers tips and insights to help revive the high street

Clare Richmond has been working at the coalface of high-street regeneration since 2007, when she established the successful Crouch End Project. Since then she has gained a wealth of experience and insight into the problems facing our high streets and has developed a philosophy of sustainable change.

The three core beliefs inherent to this philosophy are: • Businesses first, and together: responsibility lies where opportunity is greatest.

• Empower, don’t impose: viable ‘ownership’ is critical.

• Of the community, for the community: high streets and town

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centres are the extension of people’s homes, and any initiative needs to understand, accommodate and reflect that.

Says Clare Richmond: “We believe that every high street should be given the chance to rejuvenate their shopping areas. That’s why we’ve decided to reach out and give them some extra help. The high street has a bright future, we just need to empower town-centre businesses to work together to re-engage with their communities and encourage customers back to their high streets.” www.HighStreetGuru.com

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TIME TO CASH IN WHILE THE POUND RIDES HIGH Sterling is enjoying one of its strongest periods for years, and if you regularly transfer money or, if you are looking to buy property overseas, now might be a good time to strike, writes Nick Jones from the currency company, World First.

It’s certainly no great secret that the pound has been one of the best-performing currencies of 2014 to date, buoyed by the everstrengthening economic picture here in UK. The humble pound has been profiting on the back of the fact that the UK’s economy has emerged strongly from the doldrums in the last few months.

The UK economy has come a long way since the beginning of last year, when the ratings agencies were downgrading the economy, the figures were consistently poor, and sterling was very weak as a result – meaning British holiday-makers, expats and investors alike all found their money was not going as far as they would like.

However, things have certainly changed. One place where the benefit of a strong pound is strikingly evident is Turkey, a popular spot for British holidaymakers. Here £2,000 would have bought you

around 5,550 Turkish lira (TRY) this time last year. However, now that same £2,000 would get you over 7,150 lira – that’s 1,600 more lira simply because of the exchange rates.

Of course, if you are moving large amounts overseas, for things like overseas property investments or to purchase goods and services from abroad, even the relatively-modest appreciation of the pound against the euro will make a significant difference.

For example, a £200,000 investment would buy you around €243,000 at today’s rates. However that same amount was worth over €10,000 less just 12 months ago. And if we look at the US dollar, the difference is that much greater. £200,000 was worth around $305,000 this time last year, but now you can get about $30,000 more for the same investment. That’s a lot more property for your money.

DIGITAL PRIVACY A THING OF THE PAST? A new survey shows that consumers believe digital technology has compromised their privacy – but they still embrace it

The vast majority (80%) of consumers aged 20-40 in the UK and the US believe total privacy in the digital world is a thing of the past, and nearly half (49%) said they would not object to having their buying behaviour tracked if it would result in relevant offers from brands and suppliers, a new study by Accenture shows.

Privacy concerns aside, the recent survey indicates that they continue to embrace digital technology in pursuit of a good deal.

In fact, nearly two-thirds of the respondents – 64% – said that when they are physically in a store, they would welcome text messages from that retailer alerting them to offers matching their buying preferences. However, it’s clear from the survey results that consumers continue to be cautious about the use of their personal information. According to the survey: • 87% believe adequate safeguards are not in place to protect their personal information

• 64% are concerned about websites tracking their buying behaviour • 56% say they are trying to safeguard their privacy by inputting their credit card information each time they make an online purchase rather than having that data stored for future use • 70% believe businesses aren’t transparent about how their information is being used, and 68% say there is not enough transparency around what is being done with their information • 40% believe only 10% of their personal data is actually private • 42% believe vendors and suppliers are using their personal data in order to provide them with more relevant offers • 39% believe their data is being sold

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So how do businesses strike the right balance in providing consumers with what they want while taking their concerns about privacy into consideration?

“In today’s digital age where consumers are connected and empowered and data is abundant, businesses must align their organisations, technology and strategies to deliver relevant and loyalty-enabling experiences to their consumers,” said Glen Hartman, global managing director of Digital Transformation for Accenture Interactive. “As the business leader who typically owns the customer experience for most organisations, the chief marketing officer should be in the driver’s seat to encourage a customer-centric digital transformation that generates experiences to meet consumer needs.”

The survey validates the fact that consumers are becoming increasingly demanding. Asked to rank the factors that would make them most likely to complete the purchase of a product or service, respondents’ top three choices were sales and competitive pricing (61%), superior products (3%) and superior customer experience – both online and in-store (35%).

Hartman said, “Businesses must balance the need for security and data privacy with the desire to provide an exceptional customer experience. The relationship with customers is defined by the experiences delivered across marketing, sales, service, online and offline, before, during and after transactions – it should be a continuous engagement loop. Unless they can provide customers with the most satisfying experience possible, companies in all industries risk losing them to a competitor who can.”

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READ ALL ABOUT IT The Frugal Innovator: Creating change on a shoestring budget

By Charles Leadbeater This inspiring book provides an insight into what promises to become a worldwide movement as large companies in developed economies start to learn from entrepreneurs in the developing world, who are coming up with radical solutions to pressing challenges. These frugal innovators follow four design principles: ‘lean, simple, clean and social’.

They are devising these new solutions for clean water and energy, affordable housing and healthcare, because they have no option but to think radically and challenge conventional wisdom.

Leadbeater’s analysis leads to strategies for applying frugal innovation wherever you work. £16.99; published by Palgrave Macmillan www.palgrave.com

Property Tycoon: A simple seven-step guide to becoming a property millionaire

By Ian Samuels Property Tycoon offers a complete and revealing guide to every aspect of residential property investment: whether you’re looking to just dip into buy-to-let or want to build up a substantial and life-changing income.

Covering buying, managing, maintaining, financing and selling UK property, this book is written by someone who has made a success of buy-to-let investment for more than 20 years, through two booms and busts. £12.99; published by Harriman House www.harriman-house.com

The Emerging Markets Handbook: An analysis of the investment potential in 18 key emerging market economies

By Pran Tiku The Emerging Markets Handbook provides investors with a highly-detailed examination of 18 countries that could host the stock-market stars of the future. At its heart is an analysis of the 18 economies’ strengths and potential for growth. Pran Tiku draws on a wealth of data to form conclusions about the current position and future prospects of each market. The book also looks at the industries and companies that are likely to be the primary players in the future. £30; published by Harriman House www.harriman-house.com

Emotional Intelligence: Managing emotions to make a positive impact on your life and career

By Gill Hasson In her latest book, Hasson helps readers to increase their emotional intelligence and become better communicators, who are more self-aware and in control of their moods and feelings.

Being clever, talented or skilled is not enough. Emotional intelligence is the ability to identify, assess and control the emotions of yourself and others, to harness these emotions and use them effectively for decision-making, problem-solving and more. £10.99; published by Capstone www.thisiscapstone.com

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ALL ABOUT YOUR HOME Local experts answer your questions on home-related issues

John Stephens – Rencraft

We are planning to have a kitchen island.

What do we need to consider?

The island is the modern-day kitchen’s secret weapon. A wellplanned one performs many crucial functions for a busy family, from hiding an array of pots and pans to housing the multitude of appliances now necessary for family life.

The island also provides a flexible, social space for all manner of kitchen activities, from casual dining or social drinks to homework “hot-desking” for the children. Crucially, the island sympathetically zones an open-plan area, creating a comfortable divide between the cooking space and the living area.

An experienced kitchen designer will provide lots of constructive advice, but it’s essential to have your own thoughts. Consider the way you work in the kitchen; a keen cook may prefer an island that houses the hob, allowing them to be in the hub of the kitchen with family and guests.

Kitchens not large enough to have a dining area may value a breakfast bar island. Planning the space beneath an island is just as important, as it will provide valuable storage or a useful position for low-level appliances like a wine fridge.

Whatever the perfect design for your island, here at Rencraft we advise you to dream, plan, install, then enjoy! www.rencraft.co.uk

The first step to planning an island is to think about size and scale.

Be certain there is sufficient space and that you won’t knock against the opposite units whilst at the island. If you are struggling to visualise the space, try cutting a paper template, place it on the floor in the right spot in the room and live with it for a few days.

You’ll soon know if it will work for you and your family.

Practical considerations are paramount. There’s no point in placing your sink in the island if you have to move every time anyone wants to open the fridge door on the other side of the kitchen. And bear in mind that your eyes will be forever drawn to a pile of washing-up.

Similarly, cramming in a wide island that pinches useful space will make your kitchen feel cramped.

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Vicky Risebrow – Hemsted

We need more space in our home but we can’t afford an extension. What can we do?

There are many ways to create more space in your home without necessarily resorting in the first instance to having to build an extension.

Careful usage of under-eaves storage in loft spaces with good access and shallow cupboards that are layered, rather than deep, give valuable storage and allow you to easily locate what you are looking for. There are some excellent companies that specialise in highquality storage conditions in cupboards, which can be adapted to any units to make everything accessible, from clever pull-out display systems to storage solutions for specific items, keeping everything clean and tidy. Less clutter makes a home feel much more spacious.

Little things can make a big difference, like creating a recycling solution to segregate waste in the utility room, so that it is easily usable by everyone in the family. Using a cupboard upstairs to create laundry facilities near the bedrooms rather than downstairs is far more practical and is time-saving for busy family life. This way you can also free up space downstairs – use it to create a doggy room with a doggy shower! Solutions for pets are becoming increasingly popular in the modern household.

simple designs to make play fun and tidying up easy. Window seats and bed solutions provide clever storage ideas as well as creating additional comfy zones to encourage children to play in their room, providing them with a more adaptable space, making the most of the room.

Open-plan living solutions are becoming increasingly popular as they improve the family’s life and circulation. However, you need to consider good storage solutions as otherwise the space can get very messy. Having relatively easily thought-out storage solutions around the house can encourage tidy living amongst the whole family.

If you are looking for a lot more space, then rarely-used garages are a fantastic opportunity to create the environment for inexpensive storage solutions, and the same goes for loft conversions not to mention the additional room in the garden as a study, studio or a place to relax and enjoy the outside. www.hemsted.co.uk

Children’s bedrooms can be a nightmare to keep tidy, but there are many options for easy access and storage, with some clever but

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FLOORING TO IMPRESS Tiles are fast becoming the flooring of choice for modern homes, as Philip Roberts of Bellegrove Ceramics explains

If you want a stylish, durable alternative to wood floors, wood-effect porcelain tiles are becoming increasingly popular. They’re practical and easy-to-maintain, and particularly suited to areas of your house that are not really suitable for wood – like kitchens and bathrooms.

“Wood-effect porcelain tiles are great for walls, floors and patios,” says Philip. “Because of the different design styles and finishes, they appeal to a wide range of tastes, and their durability is one reason why they are a popular alternative to real-wood floors.

“We can offer natural finishes for internal areas, and anti-slip for outside.

“With more and more houses incorporating Bifold and French doors to bring the outside in, these tiles provide a seamless flooring flow, retaining the same overall appearance.

“Unlike most tile retailers, we are part of a large Italian manufacturing group, Gruppo Ceramiche Ricchetti. We offer our customers access to thousands of different products and, whereas other retailers focus on a relatively-small range, our choice is huge. If you see something in one of our factory catalogues or websites, we can source even the smallest order direct from the factory.

“The Ricchetti group has a number of factories, including three production lines in Italy, a large manufacturing unit in Portugal which works with the Italian designers, and is

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represented in the Nordic countries including Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland. There is also a commercial production unit in Germany.

“We are a supply-only company and cover the whole of the country – and our prices are very competitive. We offer an excellent range of both ceramic and porcelain products and, because we buy direct from the factory, the choice for customers goes far beyond anything you will find elsewhere.

“We’ve got some other great ranges as well. Authentic concrete finishes, with a range called Formwork. The vintage look associated with Driftwood, porcelains replicating polished limestone in our Evoluzione range and contemporary marble effects in the form of our Jurassic range.

“The diversity of porcelain and ceramics now means that you can be really creative in your own home. There are so many options that it can perhaps be daunting, but we love to work with our customers to help them find a style and range that really suits them and their home.” * Mention Kudos and get an extra 10% off Bellegrove Ceramics’ fantastic prices!

Dartford Showroom, Salisbury Road, Watling Street, Dartford DA2 6EF Tel: 01322 277877 www.italianstile.co.uk

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A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE It all started with an injured hedgehog over 25 years ago. Today, Annette and Dave Risley have a wildlife rescue charity and dedicated wildlife hospital that saves thousands of injured animals and birds every year they came from – so for instance, in the case of a badger that’s been hit by a car, we take it back to the place they had their accident – they have territories and family there – and they always know they’re back home!”

Seeing the number of dead badgers on the road, you might think they make up most of the patients at Folly Wildlife Rescue these days, but you’d be wrong.

“We only admit 15 or so badgers a year,” says Dave. “The most common mammal – but now in steep decline, I’m afraid – is the hedgehog, at around 350 a year.”

In 1987, Annette Risley was working for the campaign group Animal Aid in Tonbridge when someone brought an injured hedgehog into the office. Annette was rather fond of hedgehogs, so she took it home to look after it. More hedgehogs came into her care, and when Annette, husband Dave and their family moved to Eridge Green in 1993, what had been a hobby gathered momentum as the hedgehogs were joined by a variety of injured birds and animals.

Initially, Annette knew very little about hedgehogs – or any other animals – but wildlife charities and Crowborough vet Teresa Johnston helped, and she filled in the gaps with phone calls to various wildlife hospitals.

In 1994, Folly Wildlife was born, named after the cottage where the family lived. As the years went by, the numbers of animals and birds coming to the centre (then little more than a garden shed, three aviaries and very often the back bedroom) continued to grow, and the hedgehogs and birds were joined by larger injured animals like badgers and foxes. As word spread about their work, people began to offer Annette and Dave their services, volunteering to help with cleaning and feeding.

A donation from Paul McCartney in memory of his late wife Linda, and equipment from a local RSPCA branch including their first wildlife ambulance, put the group on a stable footing and in 2001, Folly Wildlife became a registered charity.

Since then it has moved out of Annette and Dave’s back garden to a dedicated site four miles away. Called The Broadwater Forest Wildlife Hospital, there’s a main hospital, a support building and a building for foxes operated by The Fox Project. Fundraising is underway for to fit out a fourth building for new veterinary, X-ray, hedgehog, waterbird and isolation units, plus two bird accommodation blocks.

“The hospital is one of only three dedicated wildlife hospitals in Kent and Sussex, so it’s a very busy place,” says Dave. “As well as animals that members of the public bring in, we take casualties from vets throughout the region and the RSPCA. All the animals admitted first undergo a vigorous assessment to ascertain their problem, and are then treated for their injuries, initially in our intensive care unit, until they are well enough to be transferred to a holding pen or enclosure.

Once we’re happy they’ve fully recovered, we return them to where

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Volunteers are the lifeblood of Folly Wildlife Rescue, which receives no government or lottery funding, relying entirely on donations, gifts and their own fundraising activities.

“During the busy summer season, we have as many as 80 volunteers in a week and only employ three key, full-time staff,” says Dave, “but we do need more volunteers, especially receptionists to answer the phone and organise rescues, together with fundraisers to help us keep everything going. There are always vacancies for carers in the hospital too, so if you have four hours to spare once a week, we’d like to hear from you!”

The fourth building, plus two large aviary blocks, is now up and Annette, Dave and their volunteers are raising funds to fit them all out, so it will take a bit of time before they’re operational. “We’re hoping that we may be able to attract companies, as well as grantmaking trusts and individuals, to sponsor some of these units,” says Dave. “It’s a really great project, and a really worthwhile one.”

For anyone who wants to help wildlife, Folly Wildlife Rescue is a good place to start. They have over 20 years’ experience helping animals in need, and more importantly, the set-up and equipment to house all the different species that pass through their doors, and they never turn an animal away.

Says Dave: “We have our ‘Friends of Folly’ group, whereby supporters pay a £12 annual subscription and in return receive two newsletters, or if they want to, they can make a donation, set up a monthly standing order, or join our fundraising group – details, including volunteering opportunities, are on our website, www.follywildliferescue.org.uk in the ‘How To Help’ section.

“Folly Wildlife Rescue is a young charity, but an incredibly-active one, too, and all our efforts and resources go to helping animals in need.”

The Folly Wildlife Rescue Trust (RCN 1091857) The Broadwater Forest Wildlife Hospital Fairview Lane, Broadwater Forest, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 9LU Tel: 01892 543213 Open daily. May-September 8.00 – 19.00; October-April 8.00 – 17.00 Do you know a local hero? Then we want to hear from you! Email details to: editorial@badbettymedia.co.uk

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