Kudos issue 21 by Kudos Kent

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lifestyle magazine for Kent and East Sussex

Issue 21

KUDOS M ARCH/APRIL 2017

Hello Welcome to the March/April issue of Kudos. Mother’s Day has taken on a whole new meaning for me since the birth of my son last October. I feel like I’ve joined an exclusive (or should I say inclusive) club that I’m just getting used to. It’s a club where sleepless nights are the order of the day, along with that seemingly-permanent milky stain on your left shoulder. When I was told at my baby shower that you can never have enough muslins, little did I know how true that would turn out to be! So for mums everywhere, we’ve included a gift guide in this issue. If you see something you like, leave the magazine open at that page for the rest of the family to find! Our bluebell cover heralds spring, which officially starts on the 21st March. With Easter following in April, we’ve got some cute spring accessories for your home and some family events for the Easter break. March is also the month of Red Nose Day, which is held on the 24th. It’s the highlight of Comic Relief, a charity that was founded in 1985 by the comedy scriptwriter Richard Curtis and comedian Lenny Henry in response to famine in Ethiopia. The Hairy Bikers and actress Fay Ripley are both supporters of Red Nose Day and have given us recipes for this issue. Turn to page 51 to find out how you can support this year’s event by purchasing your very own Red Nose Day apron, designed by top photographer Rankin. On the subject of comedy, I must say I felt a little starstruck when I interviewed comedian Reginald D Hunter for our celebrity feature on page 19. I pretty much laughed throughout the interview (he really is a very funny guy!) and I for one will be in the audience at his show in Tunbridge Wells in May.

Twitter: kudoskent Facebook: kudoskent www.kudoskent.co.uk Managing Director: Robin Tucek Publishing Director: Hannah Tucek Editorial Director: Ann Wallace Creative Director: Neil Constant Media Sales Manager: Taz Pishbin Fashion Editor: Sally-Ann Carroll Photographer: Matt Harquail

Advertising Sales:

sales@badbettymedia.co.uk

Keeping the laughs up, we also have an interview with Omid Djalili. As well as being a stand-up comedian, he has also appeared in films with the likes of Johnny Depp, Sarah Jessica Parker and Mike Myers. Find out who he had most fun with on set (you’ll be surprised)! Back to being a new mum, being pregnant wasn’t a straightforward experience for me, as you will see in our feature on page 35 as I was diagnosed with borderline ovarian cancer shortly after my first scan. I’d like to say a big thank you for all the messages of support I received at the time, particularly from our advertisers. And baby Leo has been spoilt rotten with gifts!

Hannah Tucek Publishing Director

Contents 8 Kudos loves... 10 News & events 17 Pets corner 19 Love celebrity 24 Love fashion 30 Love health & beauty 38 Men only

Kudos is published bi-monthly by:

42 Love food and drink 53 Mother’s Day gift guide

While every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publishers, authors and printers cannot accept liability for errors or omissions. All rights reserved. Prices and details correct at time of going to press. 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.

WELCOME TO KUDOS

62 Love home 76 Love garden

78 Love education

92 Love business

83 Love family

98 Love heroes

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Ouse Valley Viaduct,

LIV E LOC AL

near Haywards Heath

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12pm

Taken by Matt Harquail

KUDOS M ARCH/APRIL 2017

LOV E LOC AL

Things we love this issue From oxygen in a can to video sunglasses

Just breathe...

Boost Oxygen is a unique, all-natural product providing the benefits of oxygen therapy and aromatherapy, all in a handy portable can. Studies have shown that daily exposure to air pollution causes wrinkles and premature ageing. Boost Oxygen restores the body’s oxygen levels to normal, combating the symptoms of poor air quality, stress and fatigue. Oxygen levels in the skin also decrease as we get older, which result in a loss of elasticity and the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Inhaling pure oxygen promotes youthful skin when used on a daily basis. Boost Oxygen is 95% pure oxygen and available in the following aromas: Pink Grapefruit, Peppermint, Menthol-Eucalyptus and Natural (odourless and flavourless). Boost Oxygen Beauty is 98% natural oxygen and is available in a combination of Frankincense and Pink Grapefruit. These aromas are made from 100% natural essential oils to enhance the benefits of Boost Oxygen. Price: Boost Oxygen, 22oz (150 inhalations) for £17.99 and 4oz (50 inhalations) for £10.50. Boost Oxygen Beauty is £24.99 for 22oz and £14.99 for a 4oz can. www.boostoxygen.com

Sharing time

A unique design-led present for sharing (or not) your sweet treats this Easter! This fun, high-quality bone-china plate is hand-printed in Stoke-on-Trent and makes a cheeky gift for those times when treats are priority number one! Price: £22 www.peasinapod.org.uk 8

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Lapping it up

These adorable Papa Peropon Kawaii-style animals will turn your houseplants into a talking point. They lap up water through their felt tongues in order to grow the seeds in their backs into something tasty. The cat grows wild strawberries and the dog grows clover. You’ll also find a mint-growing frog and a basil-growing panda as part of the range. Price: £10 for small, £28 for large www.redcandy.co.uk KUDOS M ARCH/APRIL 2017

Moving eye

The Sunnycam Activ features a 1080p video camera built between the eyes, the 90° field-of-view lens giving you the ability to record a wider perspective in a slimline frame. The microSD port holds up to a 64GB card, allowing you to record over 11 hours of video. The Activ Edition features UV400 interchangeable lenses, and the Grilamid TR90 high-impact resistant frame is designed to handle an active lifestyle. The Sunnycam lets you record the moment while you enjoy the moment. The easy-touch controls are built directly into the video glasses frame arm and it takes just one touch to start recording HD video. The built-in rechargeable battery allows up to one hour recording time. All the lenses are UV400 protected and come in a full range of tinted and polarised options for various lighting conditions and sport requirements. The lenses are easily changed – they just click into place. The video camera, controls and battery are built into the video glasses’ slim frame. No need to waste time with further attachments or mounts, simply put on the video glasses and you’re ready to go. You can watch your videos on any PC, laptop or device which supports USB, so you can easily share them with your friends and family. Price: £119.99 www.pcworld.co.uk

KUDOS M ARCH/APRIL 2017

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Upfront What’s new and happening

Mum’s the word

Tunbridge Wells move for JoJo Maman Bébé JoJo Maman Bébé, the UK’s favourite mother and baby boutique have recently relocated their store in Tunbridge Wells to 50 Mount Pleasant Road, a beautiful Georgian building just two minutes’ walk across the road from the station. The new boutique is bigger, better and now offers the full, stylish maternity collection on the spacious first floor, easily accessed via the lift. You’ll also find their practical children’s fashion and adorable baby clothes, as well as beautiful gifts and toys, all produced with outstanding quality. Their friendly staff are on hand to help. The team is trained to give maternity and nursing bra fittings, and helpful advice on products to help with weaning, potty training, travel and sleep. You’ll find it all at JoJo Maman Bébé, 50 Mount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge Wells, or visit www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk

Top award for kitchen company Rencraft wins Best of Design on Houzz

Award-winning handmade kitchen designer and manufacturer Rencraft has added another accolade to its name: Best Of Design on Houzz. The company was chosen from among more than one million home-building, home-improvement and design-industry professionals by the 40-million-plus monthly unique users that comprise the worldwide Houzz community. “To have scooped a Houzz Best of Design award for the second year in a row is a great honour,” said Karen Cowell, Marketing Manager at Rencraft. “We are absolutely delighted to know that our work has been enjoyed and recognised by the many members of the Houzz community year after year.” “We’re so pleased to award Best of Houzz 2017 to an incredible group of talented and customer-focused professionals, including Rencraft,” said Andrew Small, MD of Houzz UK and Ireland. “Each of these businesses was singled out for recognition by our community of homeowners and design enthusiasts for helping to turn their home improvement dreams into reality.” www.rencraft.co.uk 10

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Puppy love

Buying a puppy is an exciting time for all the family, but make sure you’re prepared for those first weeks – and beyond Before your new puppy arrives, there are a few things you need to get ready for them. For a start, he’ll need somewhere to sleep, so invest in a comfortable, washable dog bed Choose ceramic or stainless steel food and water bowls, as plastic ones will probably get chewed. A heavier bowl will also be harder to knock over by accident. Buy your puppy a selection of toys to play with and, more importantly, chew on. Make sure they’re non-toxic, durable and not too tough for puppy teeth. You won’t be able to take your puppy out for walks until they’ve had their vaccinations. In the meantime, get them used to wearing their collar and a lead so it won’t be an issue when they explore the outside world. Collars and leads come in a variety of materials. Adjustable collars are a good idea, as they will grow with your puppy. You should be able to comfortably put a couple of fingers between the collar and your puppy’s neck. Check the fit regularly; you’ll be amazed at how fast they grow. If you have a very small dog, you might prefer to use a harness, which makes it easy to protect their delicate necks.

By law, all dogs must wear a tag on their collar showing their owner’s name and address. It’s a good idea to add your phone number too. It’s worth getting your puppy microchipped, too, as collars can slip off or break. Invest in a copy of Complete Puppy and Dog Care: What every dog owner needs to know by Bruce Fogle, who shares the benefit of his 40 years experience as a vet. Get the best for your puppy at Collared in Tunbridge Wells, Hastings and Canterbury, where you’ll find everything you need for your pampered pooch. Plus, Collared is offering a 10% discount on all Doog products throughout March. www.collareddog.co.uk

Out and about with Kudos

For adventurers

For the little ones

For a night out of town

Featuring an evening of exhilarating adventure films, the Banff Tour is more than a series of film nights. Each screening offers a real sense of community, bringing together people with a wide range of outdoor passions, encouraging new enthusiasm and inspiration for your own adventures, too! The short films, starring the world’s top adventurers on exciting journeys in mind-blowing destinations, are selected from hundreds of films entered into the prestigious Banff Mountain Film Festival held every year in the Canadian Rockies. The tour is part of the wider Banff World Tour, which travels the globe each year, visiting nearly 50 countries and reaching more than 400,000 people worldwide. Catch it at the Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells, on 1st April.

CBeebies newest stars and Comedy Club 4 Kids veterans, the Three Half Pints, are hitting the road again with their brandnew comedy show Bad Guys – the show they have already performed to delighted audiences at over 80 venues across the UK, from Llandudno to St Andrews. Derek, Ernie and Dick are really bored of being good. It’s just GOT to be more fun being a baddie. But being an evil scientist, pirate or cowboy is trickier than they thought. Can the bumbling brothers learn how to stay out of jail and be real Bad Guys? The Three Half Pints are Robin Hatcher (Ernie), Richard Franklin (Dick) and Callum Donnelly (Derek). They met at university in 2010, where they bonded over a shared love of slapstick comedy. Catch them at the Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, on 4th April.

Celebrated artist Nathan Sawaya has created the world’s largest Lego collection of artwork inspired by DC’s Justice League, including Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, alongside DC Super-Villains the Joker, Harley Quinn and more. The contemporary art exhibition will be shown in an exclusively-built space on London’s South Bank. It includes more than 120 original pieces, created from more than two million Lego bricks, including a life-size Batmobile built from half-a-million standard pieces. Sawaya has captured on a real scale some of the most iconic Super Heroes and SuperVillains from DC, exploring more than 80 years of history. Catch it at London’s South Bank from 1st March.

Banff Mountain Film Festival returns bigger than ever

www.banff-uk.com

LOV E GOING OUT

Exuberant slapstick silliness

www.threehalfpints.co.uk

The Art of the Brick: DC Super Heroes exhibition

www.dccomics.com

KUDOS M ARCH/APRIL 2017

For the community

The Royal Tunbridge Wells Variety Performance Under-11 musicians, singers, ballerinas and street dancers are among the dazzling array of young performers who will entertain the audience at 1.30pm at the inaugural Royal Tunbridge Wells Variety Performance on 12th March. Watch the stars of the future sparkle on stage as they perform together for the very first time. At 5pm, prepare to be wowed by some of Tunbridge Well’s most talented over-11s in an exciting, fast-paced performance. This show is sure to appeal to all the family. Sponsored by AXA PPP Healthcare, all proceeds from the sale of the tickets will be donated to Calverley Adventure Grounds, a community-led initiative to transform an unloved corner of Tunbridge Wells town-centre park, Calverley Grounds, into an inspirational space for children of all abilities. Catch it at the Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells, on 12th March. www.calverleyadventuregrounds.co.uk

For lovers of vintage The Penshurst Brocante

Find beautiful French, continental and English vintage products in the style, atmosphere and flavour of a French brocante. With music from Miss Vintage and refreshments available throughout the day, the event is from 10am-3.30pm. Entry £1. Catch it at the Village Hall in Penshurst on 4th March. www.cherishthevintage.co.uk

For parents

Free parenting talk from local children’s mental health charity

For charity

Quiz nights and coffee mornings in aid of ellenor Quiz nights are taking place on 15th March and 19th April at the Old Prince of Orange, Gravesend at 7.30pm. Price is £5 per person, for teams of up to six. There is also a coffee morning on 28th April at ellenor Gravesend from 10am to 12pm. For more information, visit www.ellenor.org/events, or contact Sarah Neville at sarah.neville@ellenor.org KUDOS M ARCH/APRIL 2017

With Children’s Mental Health Week highlighting the enormous pressures facing young people today, local charity Fegans has announced it will host a free event to support parents of teenagers. The Teenage Years event will be led by a Fegans’ counsellor and a parent worker. Attendees will be given an insight into the development of the teenage brain and how it determines thoughts and behaviour. Effective parenting strategies for building positive relationships with teenagers will be shared and there will also be an opportunity to ask questions. “So many parents are struggling to understand their teenagers’ behaviour. The current generation is facing increasing pressures, heightened by the digital world in which we live. Parents often want to help and support their teens through this challenging time, but are not always sure of the best way forward. A lot of our work is about fixing problems, but we would also love to help prevent them happening in the first place. This is why we are offering a free talk, encouraging both parents and teens to not just survive, but thrive, during this precious time of development,” explains Ian Soars, CEO of Fegans. The event is free of charge and open to all parents, but spaces are limited. To register a place or find out more visit www.fegans.org.uk/parents Catch it at St John’s Church, Tunbridge Wells, 7.45pm-9.15pm on 10th March. LOV E GOING OUT

That’s entertainment Latest releases on stage and screen

Claire Martin

Frant Festival, Frant Church 28th April at 8pm Claire Martin OBE, world-renowned jazz singer, presents an intimate evening of beautiful songs including You and the Night and the Music, Watch What Happens, Witchcraft, Old Devil Moon, I Love Paris and many others. Claire has been described as ‘our finest jazz singer’ by The Sunday Times. She will be accompanied by Sevenoaks-born piano virtuoso Joe Stilgoe. Joe, a man of many talents, including pianist, singer, song-writer and comedian, has worked with the cream of British jazz stars including Dame Cleo Laine and Sir John Dankworth. Tickets are £20, available from Frant Stores, Britten’s Music Shop in Tunbridge Wells, online at www.wegottickets.com or by calling 01892 752261/07768 115184.

Beauty And The Beast In cinemas 17th March

Retelling the timeless tale for a new generation, Beauty And The Beast is the story of Belle, a spirited, intelligent and beautiful woman who is taken prisoner by a beast. Trapped and alone, she gradually begins to befriend the castle’s enchanted staff – Cogsworth the clock, Lumiere the candlestick and Mrs Potts the teapot. And over time, she learns to look past her captor’s monstrous appearance, beginning to fall for the kindhearted prince he once was. Be sure to catch Beauty And The Beast, as an all-star cast brings the tale as old as time to life in this live-action remake of the animated classic.

Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 2 In cinemas 28th April

Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket and Groot are back for Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 2, in a cosmos-spanning adventure to try and track down Peter Quill’s mysterious father. They know he’s not human, but it’s not much of a lead to go on. And their search doesn’t go smoothly as a new threat rears its head – after all, the galaxy isn’t going to save itself. Get hooked on a feeling all over again for Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 2, which reunites our beloved space heroes and introduces new people to the team. Ooga chaka! 14

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Pets corner

It’s time to turn the spotlight on your best friends!

Rehoming corner We are proud supporters of South East Dog Rescue & Rehabilitation, who are committed to helping even the most troubled of dogs. In this issue, Maddie is looking for a home...

Great Scot!

Dogrobes have launched an exclusive tartan fabric that celebrates the company’s proud Scottish heritage. These dog-drying jackets work by absorbing moisture from a dog’s coat and trapping their body heat, drying the dog quickly while keeping their muscles warm. The garments also protect surroundings from wet and muddy shake off, helping to keep homes and cars clean. Dogrobes come in all dog breed sizes and are available in red, navy, green and tartan, as well as Limited Edition pink, grey and purple options. www.dogrobes.co.uk

Meet Maddie

Meet Millie, from Tunbridge Wells

Lucky Millie was adopted from Cat’s Protection by Lorna Heath and is now an important part of Lorna’s life, and the topic of many a conversation. Lorna often quips with pride that “Millie is living a life of Riley”. Well, that’s exactly the life a cat should lead! And everyone here at Kudos thinks Millie is gorgeous!

Maddie is an approximately three-year-old German Shepherd cross who spent the first few years of her life locked in a garden with other dogs. Maddie is great with dogs out and about but would like to be the only dog in the home. She seems wary of cats but this has not been thoroughly tested. Maddie can live with children aged eight and over. Maddie has clearly been mistreated by men and will bark and cower at some men, but purely through fear and not aggression. With treats and time she soon learns to trust. She would suit an active household who do not have too many visitors coming and going so she can learn to trust men over time. Maddie has a great recall off lead and has never shown any aggression around food and toys etc. She has been neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. Maddie is so desperate for a home to call her own. She has so much love to give and just wants to be part of someone’s family. Can you offer Maddie a place in your heart and your home? If so, please fill in the pre-adoption form, located under ‘Our dogs’ at www.sedogrescue.co.uk

Email a photograph and details of your pet to editorial@badbettymedia.co.uk KUDOS M ARCH/APRIL 2017

LOV E PETS

Reginald D Hunter is funny. Very funny. But controversy is never far from the velvet-voiced US stand-up comedian. As he tours the UK with his new show, Some People V. Reginald D Hunter, we talk to him about being considered offensive, and why he loves the UK

Reginald D Hunter (the D is for Darnell) first wanted to be an actor and moved from Albany, Georgia, to the UK to study drama. But he switched to comedy, and it was a good move. He’s been nominated for a Perrier Award three times and toured the UK five times to sell-out audiences with his stand-up shows. His appearances on TV have included QI, 8 Out Of 10 Cats and Have I Got News For You, as well as the hugely-popular threepart BBC2 series Reginald D Hunter’s Songs Of The South, which documented his epic road trip from North Carolina to New Orleans through 150 years of American popular song. As he embarks on his latest tour, he explains where his reputation for controversy comes from…

You have a reputation for being controversial. Is that something you’ve developed for your shows or does it come naturally? I find if you give your real opinions, you get a reputation of being controversial. I don’t go out of my way to say stuff that’s controversial – I just want to say things that are true and memorable. To be perfectly honest, I am always stunned when people are offended by what I say.

So how controversial is your new show?

I think at this stage it is as non-controversial as I thought all my other shows were, going in.

Do you ever tone down your shows depending on the location? Tunbridge Wells is pretty genteel…

If I am talking to a group of bankers and their wives (which I have done), I have found, with some discomfort, saying things to them as I would in a club or in a theatre could be upsetting. I try not to have any artistic vanity about it, like “I’m an artist, I do what I do and this is how it is”. The most important thing for me is to have stuff land with people. If you need me to say bum rather than arse, then I’ll try to meet you there.

You’ve been accused of being offensive. How do you react to that?

What is offence? What you find offensive is different to what other people find offensive. Canadian comedian Stewart Francis Words: Hannah Tucek Image: Kash Yusuf KUDOS M ARCH/APRIL 2017

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I‘m always stunned when people are offended by what I say

Where do you find the inspiration for your shows? One of my mentors in comedy, a guy called Tony Woods, asked me, “What’s the first rule of comedy?” And I said, to be funny, and he said, “No, that’s the second rule. The first rule of comedy is to be interesting. If you are interesting for long enough, you can go ages without a punch line.” So I try to pick a subject matter in which I share an interest with the audience. Brexit is an example. Most people to some degree have an interest in it, even if it’s a tired interest. So inherently talking about the subject draws people in. Or money. Sex is a universal one. I try to choose subject matter that has an inherent attention in it and then I try to do my little tightrope dance to deliver jokes.

You’re on the road with the show for a long time. Do you enjoy touring?

I’ve toured with five major shows and there is only one that I didn’t enjoy. Amongst my peer group it’s said that us touring comedians will probably lose our mind once or twice a year. You just hope you ain’t in the middle of something important when you lose your mind. has this great joke where he says: ‘A sense of humour is just that, a sense.’ And what’s humorous to somebody can be offensive to somebody else. For instance, I did this gig once where I did a joke about the actor Christopher Reeve [who was paralysed in a horse-riding accident]. Wouldn’t you know it, there was a table full of paraplegics who were offended. But as fate would have it, sitting behind them was a table full of horse riders, who were pissing themselves. What amazes me as a comedian is that you will have someone come up to you and say, “That thing you said about squirrels, that wasn’t funny.” And I’ll say, “Well m’am, you can say that you didn’t find it funny, but there were 299 other people who were pissing themselves.” It takes a bold eagle to stand in the midst of that and say, ‘Well, this isn’t funny.’ Sometimes people come to my shows that have never seen me do stand-up, only the odd TV appearance. When I am on TV, it’s not usually my table so I’m kind of like Uncle Fluffy on TV. So then they come to the theatre and expect an hour and a half of Uncle Fluffy. When you see old people walking out after the first 10 minutes, it’s like… (he starts laughing) 20

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You get to see a lot of the UK. What are your favourite places?

I’m a big fan of Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth, I love Inverness. There’s another place, but I can’t remember the name. It starts with an O and has a really big beach. It’s like this really sweet villagey place. When we arrived there we just felt like diseases! [We decide it’s Oban].

When did you move to the UK? And what brought you here?

Twenty years this year. I came originally to study acting and was only supposed to be here for six months. I tell you the truth, I genuinely love Britain for a lot of reasons. Unlike back home, you’re allowed to be openly smart here. Openly smart people get laid here! And it seems to me that Britain is the kind of place that if you have a point to make, even if people are not quite digging where you are coming from, they will at least hear you out. And I like that. I feel like, being a black dude from the Deep South, if you feel like you have a chance of being heard out, well those odds are good enough for me. KUDOS M ARCH/APRIL 2017

Do you go back to Georgia often? What family do you have there?

I have four living sisters, two brothers and a 97- year-old father. The last time I was home, I spent three hours trying to explain the concept of a TV license to him. He said, “So you’re telling me you’ve got to have a license for a TV that you already own?”

Has he seen any of your shows?

I did some shows in Atlanta once and he came to all four nights. I remember the first night I was really struggling on stage and I did this joke about mid-way through, and I said, “How am I doing old man?” He said “You hanging in there.” That got the biggest laugh of the night!

What are the things you miss about Georgia? Are you ever tempted to move back to the States?

I’m sort of in a transitional mind about it. If I was missing the States any, that sort of dried up January 20th. I was lying on the couch watching the Inauguration and they showed Obama leaving the White House and my housemate said, “What you thinking about man, why you looking like that?” And Obama was on the screen and I said, “Do you realise, there goes a man who has been called nigger more in the last eight years than in the entire rest of his life.”

You started out wanting to be an actor. What made you switch to comedy?

When I left acting school I was part of a travelling pantomime. I was Long John Silver, and I had a fall-out with the man that ran the company. So I tried comedy and it felt like I might have some aptitude for it. I thought to myself that this is the first thing I’ve been really good at that’s legal! At the very least, I could tell my grandkids some day that I did stand-up in England.

How tough was it getting your career off the ground?

Pretty easy actually! I remember when I first started doing it, I was a different sound. There would be three British white guys on the bill and then here I come. I remember a lot of nights when I would just stand on stage for the first minute or two, and you’d see the faces in the audience like, “What the f**k is this guy about to say!”

What makes you laugh? What do you find funny?

I’m a bit of an absurdist. I should be ashamed to admit this, but I’m 47 years old and even at this age nothing breaks me up like a well-timed fart. I remember a buddy of mine, we used to live together and he would belch all the time. I mean, you could like pick the bones out of them. One time I farted and he got all like real sheeshy-poo-poo and like, “Oh that’s disgusting!” I said, “So let me get this straight, you’re a better person than me because you fart out of your mouth? OK.”

Wish you were here?

So do we! To advertise in Kudos email sales@badbettymedia.co.uk or call 01892 300321

Some People V. Reginald D Hunter is at the Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells, on May 11th. www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk / Box office: 01892 530613 @ahttw AssemblyHallTheatre KUDOS M ARCH/APRIL 2017

Be a part of the Kudos effect

Comedy with an edge In the midst of his huge, 108-date nationwide tour, Schmuck for a Night, award-winning comedian and actor Omid Djalili sits down for a chat with Ben Williams… Omid Djalili might now be known to millions for his roles in Hollywood blockbusters and West End appearances, but he started his career in fringe theatre, moving on to the theatres of Central and Eastern Europe in the early ’90s, and then the alternative comedy circuit. And although he’s swapped dingy pub rooms for the big theatres, it’s still live on stage doing stand-up where he’s at his best.

The new show’s called Schmuck for a Night. Why schmuck?

I like the word ‘schmuck’. It means ‘fool’ or buffoon. You have to be a schmuck to do comedy in today’s climate. I’m embracing the schmuck in me to take on the big issues of our day. Plus, it’s a word that ends with ‘uck’, which can only be a good thing!

I found the show mellower than your other tours. Is that fair to say?

I’ve become less frenetic. I used to dance every two minutes in between the stand-up. I can’t even remember why. It was mentioned to me that when I danced, audiences were laughing at me, not with me. So it was either stop dancing or ban my manager from the gigs.

You produced a show known as the Iraq Out & Loud project at the Edinburgh Fringe, which involved reading the Chilcot report in full, 24 hours a day. How did the idea come about? I was on the phone to my support act, Boothby Graffoe, in July when I said, “We should do a show at next year’s Edinburgh Festival where we just read the Chilcot report 24 hours a day.” He mentioned it to a promoter called Bob Slayer, and rang me back and said, “There’s a guy called Bob who’s mad enough to do it this year.” So while Bob was building a shed to stage it in, we were contacting all our friends in comedy to read it and kick the idea off. It took 285 hours and 1,444 people to read it. I read, too. It was a truly one-off experience.

It was a great idea. The Edinburgh Comedy Awards judges certainly thought so, awarding it the Panel Prize. At my age, winning an award? What a pleasant surprise. Though, I’ve found when an idea is really good, it’s no longer your idea. The idea belongs to the collaborators. In fact, 22

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the idea felt like it belonged to the comedy industry. Comics do nutty things all the time at the festival. Sometimes it’s a 24-hour show, sometimes mad benefit gigs, but sometimes an idea really captures the Zeitgeist. Comedians are very adept at smelling BS – by which I mean sensing when we’re being fobbed off – so it was important to us that the readings were a simple, non-political, people-powered, public service.

You were involved in another project about similar subject matter, as executive producer on the documentary We Are Many about the 2003 protests against the war in Iraq. Are you proud of the film?

It’s not a comedy, but you could easily say it’s my crowning achievement so far. I’ve worked on the project for the last five years, countless edits, screenings, meetings, discussions… the fact that Universal Pictures bought it, that it’s been so well received and hit number one on iTunes in about 10 different countries, you could say I’m very proud of it. A film promoting worldwide public opinion as a ‘Second Superpower’ has got to be doing good.

Will the film and the Chilcot report reading make a difference, do you think?

You can never quantify the impact of such things, but certainly it felt like they were important projects to be a part of. In this life you’re either a problem or a solution. I’d like to think these projects – which raise more questions than answers – are firmly entrenched in the solution camp. Or at least trying to be! KUDOS M ARCH/APRIL 2017

Your stand-up isn’t particularly political or agenda-based, though.

Well yes and no. I’m not party political if that’s what you mean. I have no party political agenda. But I’ll talk about what’s going on around us, trying to contribute to the discourse… in fact, that’s what the show should have been called: ‘Schmuck Talks About What’s Going On Around Him Trying To Contribute To The Discourse’.

You’ve just been cast in The Nutcracker with Morgan Freeman and Keira Knightley. How is that going to feel, filming and then showing up at a theatre to do stand-up?

Am I? What are you my agent? News travels fast! (Laughs) You’d think it’d be weird but it has never fazed me. Once in Barnet years ago I was late so didn’t change and came straight to the theatre from the set of The Mummy at Shepperton Studios and walked straight on stage in my film costume. I was in full 1930’s Egyptian prison warden garb. I heard a crowd member say, “Well, at least he’s making an effort.”

You have an impressive acting career and have worked with Russell Crowe, Brad Pitt, Robert Redford, Johnny Depp, Mike Myers, Sarah Jessica Parker… Who’s been most fun to work with?

That’s a tough one… (thinks) I’d say, and anyone who’s worked with him as an actor would agree, Keith Richards from the Rolling Stones, was probably the most extraordinary. He played the father of Captain Jack Sparrow ( Johnny Depp) in Pirates of the Caribbean 3. His character shoots and kills my character for no reason. This seemed to bother him. In fact, he shot me about 14 times and after each take he’d come up to me and say, “Listen, you do know I don’t mean this?” After every take. It was almost like a joke but it wasn’t. Bang! and he’d shuffle up and say, “Nothing personal mate, I hope you realise”. Then after another take, with the same sincerity and intensity, “It’s all acting. You know that. You’re not upset with me, are you?” Once he shot me and just said, “Forgive them Lord, they know not what they do”. The final time he shot me he just stood over me and mumbled, “We’ve all got issues… it’s all about mummy, innit?” How right he was.

Omid Djalili: Schmuck for a Night is at the Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells, on April 9th at 8pm. www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

Style

auty

& be Fashion, health

Back to black Hi-tech meets high fashion with little black graphene dress of the future

The future of fashion could be a little black dress made of graphene that responds to breathing rates, changing colour and design at the whim of the wearer. That’s according to intu Trafford Centre, which has teamed up with wearable-tech company Cute Circuit and the National Graphene Institute at the University of Manchester to produce an innovative new dress design. The result is a fashion and science first and the world’s most technically-advanced dress, the intu little black graphene dress, marking the first time that the revolutionary, Nobel Prize-winning ‘miracle material’ has been incorporated into fashion. Richard Paxton, general manager of intu Trafford Centre, said: “Technology and fashion have come together to create what is the world’s most high-tech dress and could become the blueprint for what our millions of customers will be wearing in the future.” Discovered in Manchester in 2004, graphene is a two-dimensional material that is lighter than paper but stronger than steel. And thanks to its highly-conductive properties, the prototype dress uses the material to illuminate in different ways, depending on the wearer’s breathing rate. The designers hope the same technology could eventually be used to invent one garment that can be programmed to showcase any colour hue or design. Dr Paul Wiper, Research Associate, National Graphene Institute, said: “Graphene is still very much in its infancy for real-world applications, and showcasing its amazing properties through the forum of fashion is very exciting. The dress is truly one of a kind and shows what creativity, imagination and a desire to innovate can create using graphene and related two-dimensional materials.” Francesca Rosella, Chief Creative Director for Cute Circuit, whose previous hi-tech creations have been modelled by Katy Perry and Nicole Scherzinger, said: “Graphene has never been used in the fashion industry and being the first to use it was a real honour, allowing us to have a lot of fun creating the stunning intu little back graphene dress and showcasing graphene’s amazing properties.”

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KUDOS M ARCH/APRIL 2017

m u r o F n o i Fash

Clockwise from top left: Artistic print jersey dress, £149, Shimmer linen panel top, £129, Diamond print Georgette dress, £165, with Occasion coat, £169, and Sheer linen stripe dress in blue, £179.

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KUDOS M ARCH/APRIL 2017

Clockwise from top left: Summer stripe print dress, £155, Tencel linen shirt dress, £155, Lantern jacquard jersey top, £119, Diamond quilt jacket, £149, and Patchwork denim jacket, £159.

SAHAR A KUDOS M ARCH/APRIL 2017

77 High Street, Tunbridge Wells www.saharalondon.com LOV E FASHION

Tall story New brand launches for tall women

North is an online clothing brand designed specifically for tall women. Every piece is designed and made in Great Britain, using finest Italian fabrics. The company is the brainchild of businesswoman Laura Crabb, who struggled to find quality tall clothing. She says, “For many women, walking into a high-end retailer to buy the perfect outfit is easy and enjoyable. But finding clothes to fit a taller frame can often be a struggle. Trousers not long enough, jackets and coats that are too short in the arm, and shirts that barely reach your waist...” For women like Laura, it was far from retail therapy. It was the frustration that a professional woman had to spend valuable time trying to find anything decent to put in her wardrobe that led to the birth of North Clothing Co. “In the UK alone there are 1.8 million women over 5ft 9in, yet there’s not one shop that provides luxury, beautiful clothing specifically made for taller, leaner women,” says Laura. “Getting dressed in the morning shouldn’t be the first thing a woman struggles with each day – frankly we’ve got better things to do. “When I did find the odd item that fitted perfectly, I needed to make it last or buy it in a couple of colours. It’s simply not something I believe we should have to worry about! So I decided to do something about it. “My ambition for North is to provide women of my height and taller with premium, luxury clothing for work and leisure. Key wardrobe staples that are beautiful, timeless and elegant, and that can be worn season after season. We’ve launched with a capsule collection with the long-term ambition being to grow our wardrobe with our customers. Their feedback will be our direction in crafting the next key items in the collection.” www.north.clothing

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In print Anything goes this season as long as it’s a print – florals, polka dots, pop art and stripes appeared on almost every catwalk show. Mix and match patterns and wear all at once. It’s all about print confidence this season, says Fashion Editor, Sally-Ann Carroll

Floral scarf, £155 www.airfield.at Red print trousers, £26 www.mandco.com

Multi print top, £180, and midi skirt, £200 www.houseoffraser.co.uk

Pink and black floral dress, £115 www.gerryweber.com

Floral blouse, £220, and trousers, £266 www.airfield.at

Blue floral embroidered dress, £85 www.next.co.uk

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Floral mini skirt, £26 www.mandco.com

Floral shoes, £248 www.chiemihara.com

Leaf print culottes, £35 www.houseoffraser.co.uk

Floral embroidered tote bag, £28 www.dorothyperkins.com

Beauty notes Latest products and news Miracle oil

Harvested from the highly-nutritious nut of the cacay fruit, this proteinrich oil has been used for centuries by indigenous Amazonian people to treat skin irritations and to help with wound healing. But not only does it aid the skin’s healing process, it also has rejuvenating and anti-ageing properties, making it the essential miracle oil. Price: £32.75 www.amazon.co.uk

Designer soap Moisture boost

La Mer’s new Revitalizing Hydrating Serum was developed to create a miniatmosphere of continuous hydration that floods skin with moisture to boost its natural healing process for intense revitalisation. This deeplyreplenishing serum awakens vitality one drop at a time, flooding skin with sea-sourced actives and the healing energies of La Mer’s legendary Miracle Broth. Price: £145 www.cremedelamer.co.uk

Five of Jo Malone London’s much-loved scented soaps – Lime Basil & Mandarin, English Pear & Freesia, Blackberry & Bay, Red Roses and Pomegranate Noir – now come wrapped in a unique design that celebrates each fragrance, created by renowned British artist and designer Michael Angove. Price: £15 each www.jomalone.co.uk

Fragrance burst

Myrrh & Tonka is the latest Cologne Intense fragrance from Jo Malone London. It weaves the sensual fragrance of the myrrh tree with whispers of warm almond and lush vanilla from the tonka bean. Price: £74 www.jomalone.co.uk

Nightime beauty Matte look

M.A.C. have a new take on the classic matte look with 12 new saturated shades of Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour in on-trend muted and deep tones. Each promises a big splash of colour in a liquid-suede finish. Price: £17.50 www.maccosmetics.co.uk

LOV E BEAUT Y

Estée Lauder’s new Advanced Night Repair Recovery Mask-In-Oil acts as a “repair lock”, helping seal in the benefits of a nightly repair serum, encouraging vital, natural nighttime skin recovery, while protecting and preparing skin for the day ahead. Lightweight and nourishing, use it every night as a final step in your evening skincare ritual. Price: £55 www.esteelauder.co.uk KUDOS M ARCH/APRIL 2017

Beautiful John Lewis Top brands for new beauty hall John Lewis Bluewater has launched global beauty brand Charlotte Tilbury in its store, together with M.A.C., Marc Jacobs Beauty, Jo Malone, Urban Decay and Tom Ford as part of an investment in its beauty hall. The branch has unveiled the new brands as part of John Lewis’s £9million investment in beauty halls across several branches in the company’s portfolio. The new arrivals will sit alongside existing favourites such as Chanel, Bobbi Brown and Laura Mercier. Make-up artists don’t come much more legendary than Charlotte Tilbury. With 20 years in the industry, she’s a true trailblazer, creating looks for some of film and fashion’s most iconic faces. Epitomising modern glamour, her eponymous range stars high-performance formulas, daring colour palettes and the most exquisite packaging. It’s stylish, decadent and fabulously feminine. Her brand has revolutionised how customers shop, and its launch in John Lewis Bluewater marks a first for Kent, along with Marc Jacobs Beauty, ensuring beauty enthusiasts across the county get what they need in the latest brands and products on the market.

Ovarian Cancer: What you need to know

In Ovarian Cancer Awareness month, we highlight the facts about this devastating disease – and tell a very personal story

Ovarian cancer is something close to our hearts here at Kudos. Publishing Director Hannah was diagnosed with borderline ovarian cancer last year, when she was expecting her first baby. She had surgery to remove the tumour at 19 weeks pregnant and has been told by her consultant to be very aware of any symptoms that might herald its return. Says Hannah: “Fortunately, borderline ovarian tumours behave differently to other ovarian cancers in that they don’t grow into the supportive tissue of the ovary and they are also a lot less malignant. As my consultant said, ‘If you’re going to have ovarian cancer, this is the one to have.’ “The symptoms I had were classic – bloating, tiredness, having to pee more often – but by the time I became really aware of them, I put them down to pregnancy. And they were never bad enough to make me think anything was wrong. “I was lucky. My tumour was huge by the time they discovered it at my first scan, but it was removed successfully, along with my ovary, and my baby wasn’t affected by the surgery. I now have to have regular blood tests to check for cancer markers, along with scans, to make sure it doesn’t come back in my other ovary. “I urge every woman to be aware of the symptoms and to see her doctor if she has any worries. And don’t think you can’t have ovarian cancer because you’re too young. I’m only 34, and my tumour had been growing for some time before it was discovered.”

About Ovarian Cancer

This year, research charity Ovarian Cancer Action has chosen the theme Listen In! for the Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month of March. Ovarian cancer isn’t as well-known as some other female cancers, yet it is the sixth most common – with more than 7,000 diagnoses in the UK each year. The UK has one of the lowest survival rates in Western Europe, with a woman dying from ovarian cancer every two hours, resulting in 4,300 deaths annually. Ovarian Cancer Action says one of the reasons for the poor survival rate in the UK is that the disease is often spotted too late. The charity’s Chief Executive, Katherine Taylor, says: “Ovarian cancer is particularly difficult to diagnose, yet early diagnosis is crucial. When women are diagnosed in the early stages of ovarian cancer, they have a 90% chance of surviving for more than five years but this reduces to 22% when diagnosed in the later stages.” KUDOS M ARCH/APRIL 2017

One obstacle to making the all-important early diagnosis is a lack of symptoms awareness. Ovarian cancer is often referred to as the silent killer due to a misconception that it’s symptomless. This, however, is not true. The four main signs of ovarian cancer are persistent stomach pain, persistent bloating or increased stomach size, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and needing to pee more frequently. Detecting ovarian cancer can be difficult, since these symptoms are vague and easily confused with other ailments. Stomach pain and bloating, for example, can affect us all. However, the key is persistence. If the symptoms are unusual for you, they don’t go away, and have started in the last 12 months, speak to your doctor. Women should feel confident about trusting their bodies and take action if they feel something is wrong. So, if you are experiencing symptoms and are worried it could be ovarian cancer, listen to your body and speak up. Book an appointment with your GP and ask for a CA125 test to rule it out. Ovarian Cancer Action recognises that speaking up about your health can be difficult. So the charity has developed a symptoms diary to help women record their symptoms, which they can then take to their GP. Search for ‘Ovarian Cancer Action’ in your phone’s app store, or download a paper version at www.ovarian.org.uk.

How to get involved in Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month #WalkInHerName

Are you ready, boots? Start walking! During this year’s Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, charity Ovarian Cancer Action is asking supporters to #WalkInHerName, to help raise vital funds for medical research. Sadly, most of us know someone whose life has been touched by ovarian cancer. To show your support, don your hiking boots and arrange a local #WalkInHerName.

Organising your walk couldn’t be easier. Just gather a group of eager walkers, choose a route, ask everyone in your group to create an online giving page and get raising those all-important funds. Register your details to receive a free #WalkInHerName welcome pack with information on how to organise your walk, ideas and tips on how to fundraise at ovarian.org.uk or by contacting Beatrix@ovarian.org.uk

LOV E HEALTH

Ovarian Cancer Myths It doesn’t affect young women

Ovarian cancer is not as well-known as some other female cancers and there are a lot of myths surrounding this devastating disease. With more than 7,000 diagnoses and 4,300 deaths in the UK each year, ovarian cancer is the sixth most common female cancer – and it’s often associated with women over the age of 50. Whilst it is true that some 80% of the women diagnosed each year are 50-plus, that leaves one in five who are younger.

Cervical smears will detect it

There is no routine test for ovarian cancer – a cervical smear won’t detect the disease. The best way to detect ovarian cancer is by being symptoms-aware. If you suspect something is wrong, keep track of your symptoms. Download a symptoms diary at www.ovarian.org.uk/symptomsdiary to help.

Ovarian Cancer: The symptoms

The four main symptoms of ovarian cancer are:

It’s the same as cervical cancer

Sadly, there are lots of different gynaecological cancers so it pays to be aware of each one. The five main gynaecological cancers are cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal and vulvar, and each has different symptoms. Get to know your body and speak to your GP if you suspect anything is wrong.

BRCA only means Breast Cancer

A BRCA gene mutation (the same gene mutation Angelina Jolie has) is often discussed in the media alongside an increased risk of getting breast cancer. If you have a BRCA gene mutation, you have a 35-60% increase of developing ovarian cancer, too. BRCA gene mutations can be hereditary. To explore your family history visit www.ovarian.org.uk/brcarisktool

HPV Helps

Unfortunately, the HPV (human papilloma virus) vaccine does nothing in the way of preventing ovarian cancer. The vaccine, which is routinely given to girls aged 12 and 13 in England, protects against cervical cancer, but there is currently no equivalent vaccine available to protect women from developing ovarian cancer.

Women who’ve had a hysterectomy can’t get ovarian cancer

There are different types of hysterectomy. Usually the womb and cervix are removed and, in some cases, the fallopian tubes and ovaries too. While removal of the ovaries reduces risk by 95%, there is still a 5% chance of ovarian cancer cells developing. You also risk developing primary peritoneal cancer, which is similar to ovarian cancer. 36

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• Persistent stomach pain • Persistent bloating or increased stomach size • Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly • Needing to urinate more frequently

The key features of the symptoms of ovarian cancer are: • Their persistency – they don’t go away • Their frequency – they occur most days • T he symptoms are new – they started in the last 12 months • T he symptoms are unusual – they are not normal for you

Ovarian Cancer: The facts • It is the most deadly gynaecological cancer and currently the sixth most common cancer among women • O varian cancer kills more women than all the other gynaecological cancers combined • There are 7,000 new diagnoses each year in the UK • T he UK has one of the lowest survival rates in Western Europe, with a woman dying from ovarian cancer every two hours • That amounts to 4,300 deaths each year • It kills more women than the other gynaecological cancers combined KUDOS M ARCH/APRIL 2017

Men’s

dgets

Fashion and ga

Man up Patterns, checks and stripes have emerged victorious for the new season ahead. Whether you wear them top to toe or pick just one piece, this is the easy way to instantly update your wardrobe, says Fashion Editor, Sally-Ann Carroll

Clockwise from top left: Palm print shirt, £19.50 www.marksandspencer.com Floral shirt, £85 www.houseoffraser.co.uk Check shirt, £89 www.jigsaw-online.com Animal print shirt, £17.99 www.newlook.com Red print shirt, £17.99 www.newlook.com

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Printed tops, from a range starting at £35 www.topman.com

Red mesh espadrille, £40 www.dunelondon.com Navy stripe espadrille, £55 www.dunelondon.com

Charge it!

The Besiter Safari Series is a compact little gadget that may look small, but don’t underestimate its powerful charging capabilities. With an impressive Li-ion battery, it doesn’t just charge your device once, it will see you charge an impressive multiple of devices without fail. For a fast and smooth experience, the Safari is compatible with most mobile and smart phones and is different to any other product on the market. Shaking the device will reveal an indicator light, making you aware of the remaining power on your Safari. It comes with a dual USB port for simultaneous charging and an ultra-compact design that will fit easily in the palm of your hand. Price: £7.99-£13.99 www.kavson.co.uk

Have a ball

Serves him right

If you love your tech and gadgets, the stylish Cross Tech2 Ballpoint pen with a built-in stylus is perfect for paper and mobile touchscreens. Available in either black or chrome, the Tech2 is a dual-personality pen that gives you a two-in-one instrument. A smoother glide and increased accuracy will make bringing ideas to life feel effortless, whether on paper or your mobile screen. Price: from £25 www.cross.com

With a design based on a classic dog bowl, the Man Bowl is just that. A bowl for a man. Price: £14.95 www.prezzybox.com

Sign of the times Out, damned spot

Spots on the back and body is one of the most embarrassing and annoying problems for men. Deep Action Spot Clearing Body Spritz has been formulated with the maximum permitted concentration of salicylic acid, which is scientifically proven to unclog pores and eliminate spot-causing bacteria to help prevent breakouts. The quick-drying formula instantly soothes skin and with regular use, helps to minimise spot redness for a clearer-looking complexion. Price: £2.69 www.superdrug.com

MEN ONLY

Inspired by Creole Soul music, this illuminated sign has been handcrafted from beautiful reclaimed wood and authentic circus lights for a piece of art that is both unique and eclectic. Price: £350 www.in-spaces.com

KUDOS M ARCH/APRIL 2017

Food

ecipes Restaurants, r

and news

Great taste

Hannah Tucek enjoyed an evening with The Kentish Hare

It’s early evening on a Tuesday and there’s a real buzz about The Kentish Hare. From the chefs through to the waiting staff, everyone is busily preparing for the night ahead. And it’s not just a typical night at The Kentish Hare. Oh, no! Tonight is one of their well-known Tasting Evenings with the Tanner Brothers. Owners Chis and James initially introduced tasting menus at their first restaurant, Tanners, back in 1999. Says James, “It’s a great way to showcase the season’s produce and a fantastic event for people to enjoy a taste of what we do.” They usually host three to four events a year, and the theme is always about what’s fresh and seasonal. Chris and James Tanner are at the helm this evening, alongside their Head Chef Bobby Brown. When I commented that they must have been up very early to prepare for today, they told me that preparations had, in fact, started on Sunday – two days before the event – as there is so much to do. Even

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by the time I arrive at 6pm, everyone is still very busy; the cooks are in the kitchen getting ready for service and the waiting staff are putting the finishing touches to the restaurant. But despite how busy everyone appears, there is still a degree of calm throughout the restaurant and everyone is in a good mood. There’s a real sense of camaraderie, and it’s clear that they are all very proud to be a part of this fantastic pub restaurant in Bidborough, just outside Tunbridge Wells. Tasting evenings are usually restricted to a comfortable 40 diners, with an arrival time of 7pm. As Chris explains, “This gives people a chance to enjoy a welcome drink and relax before the gastronomy begins!” So what can people expect at one of these events? Says James, “The menu is generally a six-course tasting menu which is based on seasonal ingredients. Depending on the popularity, a version of some of them will make it onto the restaurant menu.” KUDOS M ARCH/APRIL 2017

On the evening I was there, guests enjoyed this delicious menu with matching wines:

Amuse bouche

West Country Crab Bonbon, smoked paprika aioli

Starter

Pressed confit duck terrine, duck ham, parfait, pear chutney, toasted brioche 2015 Carmen, Pinot Noir Reserva – San Antonio, Chile

Fish

Steamed lemon sole, spinach, za’atar, crispy oyster, oyster veloute 2015 Colomba Bianca, Grillo ‘Kore’ – Sicily, Italy

Meat

Roast Venison loin, hazelnut & cocoa nib, red cabbage sauerkraut, maple piccolo parsnips, venison jus 2015 Matias Riccitelli, The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From The Tree Bonarda – Mendoza, Argentina

Pre dessert

Pineapple & chocolate

Dessert

Passion fruit tart, mango sorbet, lime meringue 2011 Chateau De Juge, Cadillac Halves, Bordeaux, France From the menu, I could see that wine also plays a big part in the evening. “One of our wine suppliers co-hosts and describes the wines, which are matched to the food,” explains Chris. “There is always an option to take the wine flight on the evening.” I got to go “backstage” into the kitchen during the evening and it’s like a military operation once they all get started. Everyone is completely focused; they each have their section and they all work seamlessly beside each other, with a sense of unity, further enhanced by the waiting staff team, as they co-ordinate which plates go where, who’s having the vegetarian option etc. It’s clear that communication is key in order to make these nights go smoothly. Out in the restaurant, everyone is having a fantastic time, relaxed and chatty amongst their tables, silence only descending when the next course is introduced. It’s certainly a tasteful evening! Watch out later on in the year for a “Guest Chef” evening with Elly Wentworth (MasterChef finalist 2016), who initially trained with Chris and James at Tanners. The Tasting Evenings are £59.95 per head or £85.00 per head including matching wines. Keep checking the website for future dates. www.thekentishhare.com KUDOS M ARCH/APRIL 2017

LOV E FOOD AND DRINK

Celebration time

The Warren Restaurant celebrates its first birthday, and is now open on Tuesdays The Warren Restaurant on the High Street in Tunbridge Wells is delighted to be celebrating its first birthday in March, and is now open on Tuesdays as well as Wednesday to Sunday. With a focus on game and other local produce, the quirky restaurant has been redefining dining by moving away from the sometimes stuffy image of fine dining, with friendly staff and a restaurant atmosphere that’s conducive to a more leisurely and family-orientated experience. The founders, Christopher Fitt and Martin Haymes, also own the Crowborough Warren Estate, 700 acres of woodland and farmland on the edge of the Ashdown Forest. The woodland provides wood chip and plant hire for bio mass fuel production, heating systems, hub filling, land clearance and chipping. The farm is home to free-range herds of Sussex cattle, Charolais X Suffolk sheep, wild boar and fallow deer, along with flocks of poultry and waterfowl. Chris and Martin’s aim for the restaurant is to serve the best-quality food using locally-sourced, seasonal, free-range produce from their estate. The emphasis is on farm-to-table, nose-to-tail cooking, using the most and the best from each animal brought straight from the estate to the kitchen. Each dish on the daily changing menu has been carefully created with this in mind. Anything that can’t be produced on the estate is sourced from local suppliers whenever possible.

The restaurant recently held a tasting evening to showcase the new menu created by Sam Spratt, who took over as Head Chef in December 2016, having been working with the restaurant since it opened last year. The guests sampled Scotch eggs made with quail eggs from the estate; Warren venison carpaccio garnished with saltbaked celeriac; torched soused mackerel with beetroot, horseradish and watercress; and West Country crab gratin with fennel. They left with a gift of half-a-dozen free-range eggs from the estate. To contact the restaurant or book a table, call 01892 328191 or email contact@thewarren.restaurant

Beef it up!

New burger restaurant to open Marlowe’s is delighted to have been granted planning permission for a burger restaurant in Tunbridge Wells. After a long search to find the right location, Marlowe’s is set to open at 102 Calverley Road in April. The premises, which were previously a wine and convenience store, require a complete fit-out to transform it into the classic style that will define Marlowe’s, creating a burger bar that will appeal to families with children or adults looking for a beer - or gin! with their burger. The restaurant is the brainchild of burger-obsessed Sean Marlowe, who has spent the last two years travelling the world visiting burger joints and sampling their menus. Marlowe’s look and feel will combine the best of all of those. The restaurant will serve real burgers made from scratch using choice cuts of local Sussex beef. Marlowe has put a lot of time into researching what makes the perfect burger and has come up with a no frills recipe that focuses on the quality of the meat and simple garnishes. Marlowe’s philosophy is about keeping things simple: “A good burger is all about the flavour and the filling to bun ratio. Get that right, and you won’t need much else.” The licensed restaurant will seat up to 25, with takeaway and delivery also on offer. Marlowe is planning an opening launch in April. KUDOS M ARCH/APRIL 2017

For your chance to attend the opening night, follow Marlowe’s on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram: @MarlowesTW LOV E FOOD AND DRINK

A matter of taste New products for you to try

Snack light Reaching for a bag of snacks doesn’t have to add inches to your waistline. The delicious new Lentil Lites from Fairfields Farm are low fat, low calorie and full of flavour. They’re made with nutritious and wholesome lentil flour, which is not only healthy, but also offers a slow release of energy. Available in three tasty varieties: Blue Cheese, Jalapeño Chilli & Lime and Tomato & Herb. And, at under 99 calories a bag, you can enjoy them without the guilt. Price: 75p www.fairfieldsfarmcrisps.co.uk

Get Tigg-y with it Liven up meal times with Tigg’s all-natural vibrant and versatile dressings. There’s Sweet Original, based on a blend of fresh tomatoes, onions and cider vinegar; Beetroot; Pepper & Mustard; and Basil & Pea. Use them as a marinade, relish and dip, add to meat dishes and casseroles, as an accompaniment to fish, or for zinging up a sandwich or pasta – the options are endless. Price: £3.99 Available from farm shops, delis and independents across the UK, and selected Wyevale Garden Centres

What a squash Rocks’ Lemon Barley and Orange Barley Squash boast the traditional taste of barley, making them a comforting choice brimming with goodness. Packed with freshly-sourced organic ingredients and Rocks Drinks’ very own barley infusion, the Barley Squashes offer an abundant source of vitamins, minerals and fibre. Produced with organic whole oranges and lemons, organic cane sugar, Rocks’ own spring water and UK-grown barley, the result is an authentic and delicious drink. Price: £3.49 Available from Waitrose and Ocado 46

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Why did you choose to support Comic Relief this year?

It’s a real honour to be involved in such a tremendous cause and be a part of Red Nose Day. We hope the aprons will carry the Comic Relief message into tens of thousands of kitchens and help countless lives both here in the UK and in Africa. Being cooks, we’re delighted the range features aprons for adults and children, inspiring the whole family to bake a difference and raise life-changing cash to change lives.

How can people get involved?

Baking is one of the most popular fundraising activities to support Red Nose Day and this range enables you to not only look good, but raise money, too. So we’re encouraging everyone to throw on a HomeSense Red Nose Day apron and make your bake matter!

If you were to bake a cake for Red Nose Day 2017, what kind of cake would it be?

Dave: It would be a red velvet cake because it would feel appropriate with the colour. A red velvet cake with a butter cream filling is one of my favourites.

What’s your favourite recipe?

TAKE IT AS RED March 24th is Red Nose Day, raising money for Comic Relief. As part of the event, renowned photographer Rankin has created a range of aprons, available through branches of HomeSense, and a number of celebrities, including The Hairy Bikers – David Myers and Si King – and actress Fay Ripley, are supporting the campaign. Here, The Hairy Bikers explain why they got involved and what they’ve got coming up, and overleaf are recipes for you to enjoy

LOV E FOOD AND DRINK

Si: Mine is fuits de mer – it’s just the quality of the ingredients, but there’s a particular skill in putting it together which I love. Dave: One of my favourites is sushi. We actually experimented in cooking the rice to make sushi rice, but a foolproof method. We made our own rainbow rolls and it’s absolutely faultless – the rice is brilliant. I’m really proud of that recipe and when I’m cooking that rice from now on I’d definitely look at that recipe.

What should everyone have in the kitchen?

Si: A good set of knives and a knife sharpener. We’ve come across a number of kitchens on our travels where we’ve found a knife that was like a spade – they have no edge on them. It’s really important because if you have great ingredients, you want to prepare them properly, and for that you need sharp knives. Dave: One of the things I can’t live without in the kitchen is a coffee machine, but one that grinds the beans per cup. It’s the best. It’s one of those things that when I first got it, I thought ‘oh this is ridiculous’, but as the years have gone on, it’s just brilliant. Also, I couldn’t do without a steam oven now. It’s healthy for your veggies and you can steam puddings for baking. It’s so useful!

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What advice would you give to others looking to follow in your footsteps?

Dave: Just give stuff a go. We had several ideas that failed. Be honest to yourself as well – cooking, eating, riding motorbikes and talking rubbish is what we’ve always done, so we haven’t had to invent anything. Si: Tenacity – you’ve got to keep going whatever. You will get some knocks and you will have to be walking uphill sometimes but you’ve just got to keep going. Dave: It’s a lot easier if you don’t have to pretend. Si: And the good thing about it for Dave and I is that we’re best mates.

What can we expect from The Hairy Bikers in the future?

Dave: The thing about us is everything’s just evolved really; we do things that we are interested in. We never lose the thrill of going abroad on our adventures. Let’s see what happens.

Why are you excited to be working with HomeSense on this project?

Dave: For one, it’s a great honour to be asked, we’re both very, very flattered. Red Nose Day is such a big event now in the national calendar, and to be part of it is very exciting. Every year, my stepchildren buy the T-shirts and bits and pieces, but this year, guess what, kids? It’s us! How cool’s that going to be?!

Dave: But you need to get a set of scales. Scales don’t lie so weigh yourself at the same time every day. If you do discipline yourself with the scales, you’ll be surprised how quickly the weight will drop off, once you start thinking about what you do. Keep a food diary, so you’re not kidding yourself, because it’s that doughnut on the way to the car from the supermarket. You think it doesn’t count, but it does!

It is great that you can still love food and lose weight with your diet books. What would your top tips be to others who are real foodies? Si: The thing is the diet books that we’ve produced are a direct reflection of our love of food. From the beginning of making the books, it had to be about great tasting food first and foremost, not diet food. Then the process was actually making it less calorific. The great thing about it is that food is our hobby, cooking is our hobby and our life’s love, so we didn’t want to lose that while we were losing weight. It was a great process to go through, to go right, okay, how will we make this spaghetti bolognese or this tray bake or curry as tasty as possible, but bring the calories right down? And we achieved that, and that’s been the legacy of the books.

How has bringing out your recent diet books changed your approach to food and fitness?

Si: Doing what we do for a living, food is our life, and it’s been an interesting journey. Now, we’re more body aware and we’re more food aware, and I think it’s made us better cooks. Dave: We tend to work hard at making flavours; it’s all about stocks and good cooking. Si: The food that we cook becomes cleaner and what we mean by that is that there isn’t the cloying kind of residue of oil or fat. Not that there was, particularly; our food was always balanced, but now it’s just clean. It’s the difference between eating a fatty, really heavy Indian curry, and eating Thai. Dave: We’ve just got that balance – our curries have got a lot better, we’re not relying so much on ghee, it’s more about the spices and the pressure cooker, because that way you’re getting all the flavour out of the spices.

What advice do you have for someone who is looking to lose some weight? Si: Just start it! The hardest bit is starting, and then once you’ve got that momentum, just keep going.

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Victoria Sponge with Blackberries and Spiced Cream by The Hairy Bikers Ingredients For the sponge cakes: • 225g butter, softened • 225g caster sugar • 4 eggs • 225g self-raising flour • 2 tbsp lemon juice

For the blackberries:

• A punnet of blackberries • 1 tbsp caster sugar • 1 tbsp crème de mure (optional)

For the cream:

• 250ml double or whipping cream • 2 tbsp icing sugar • ½ tsp ground cardamom • ¼ tsp ground allspice • ¼ tsp ground cinnamon • ¼ tsp ground mace

Method

1. P reheat the oven to 1800C. Butter and line 2 x 20/21cm

sandwich tins. Using a hand-held electric whisk or a stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until very light and fluffy – it should be almost mousse-like. This should take a good 5 minutes. 2. A dd the eggs one at a time with a tablespoon of the flour, mixing lightly between each addition, then add the remaining flour. Add as much lemon juice as necessary to give a dropping consistency, then divide between 2 tins. 3. B ake in the oven for between 20-25 minutes until the sponge has shrunk away from the sides slightly, is springy to touch and a very light golden brown. Leave to cool in the tins for at least 10 minutes, then turn out onto a cooling rack. 4. For the filling, put the blackberries in a bowl and sprinkle over the caster sugar and crème de mure if using. Leave to marinade for a short while – they will give out some juices. 5. W hip the cream then fold in the icing sugar and spices – the cream needs to be just beyond the soft peak stage – then pile this onto one of the sponges. Top with the blackberries and pour over any juices. Place the remaining sponge on top. Dust with icing sugar or caster sugar and serve.

Recipe taken from The Hairy Bikers’ Comfort Food (BBC1) Photographer: Richard Hill

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Strawberries & Cream Cakes by Fay Ripley

Tea on a rolling lawn, Wimbledon, regattas... or sitting in the garden, these perfect English cakes will make you feel like you are to the Manor Born Makes 12 Prep time 15 mins Cook time 20 mins Suitable for freezing (cake only)

Ingredients

• 200g butter, softened • 200g caster sugar • 2 large eggs • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 200g self-raising flour • 3 tbsp milk • 12 small strawberries, hulled

For the topping:

• 300ml whipping cream • 2 tbsp icing sugar

Equipment:

• 12-hole muffin tin and paper muffin cases

Method

1. P reheat the oven to 180°C (fan), 200°C, gas mark 6. Line the

muffin tin with paper muffin cases. Using an electric whisk, cream the butter and caster sugar together till fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, with the vanilla, beating in between. Fold in the flour and then the milk. 2. D ivide among the cases and bake for 20 minutes till golden and firm. Cool for 2 minutes in the tin then remove to a wire rack to cool completely. 3. C arefully cut a 1p coin-size hole in the top of each cake with a small, sharp knife (the spare bits are the cook’s perk). Now gently push a whole strawberry into each hole. 4. To make the topping, with an electric whisk, whip the cream and icing sugar until fairly stiff. Spoon the cream into a large food bag and snip a little hole in one corner. Pipe the cream topping in whirly round swirls onto the cakes.

De-stress

Best on the day but not half bad the next day if kept in the fridge. Fay Makes It Easy: 100 delicious recipes to impress with no stress, by Fay Ripley is published by HarperCollins, £20

HomeSense has partnered with renowned fashion and portrait photographer Rankin to create exclusive aprons for Red Nose Day 2017. The apron is part of a Red Nose Day 2017 range of products available in HomeSense stores nationwide and online at tkmaxx.com and rednoseday.com. With at least £5 from every adult apron sale going to Comic Relief, the money will help people living incredibly tough lives in the UK and across Africa.

Join the conversation #RedNoseDay KUDOS M ARCH/APRIL 2017

@HomeSenseUK LOV E FOOD AND DRINK

KUDOS M ARCH/APRIL 2017

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Special Mum wooden heart £5.00 www.tch.net KUDOS M ARCH/APRIL 2017

MOTHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE

Gin’s the thing These deliciously unusual gins from Surrey-based Silent Pool Distillers are the perfect tipple for summer – or at any time of the year

Freshly-picked strawberries have been steeped in a high-proof base gin, before decanting and filtering the resultant liquid to obtain a sweetly-alcoholic Strawberry Gin Cordial. It can stand its own in a high-quality tonic, in a glass of prosecco, or as the perfect addition to a summer barbeque when drizzled over dessert. Price: £20 English Rose Finest Dry Gin was produced for the Queen’s 90th birthday year. This delicate gin is made from the finest English grain to celebrate everything that Silent Pool Distillers love about Her Majesty. She has calmly and elegantly served our country as the perfect English Rose, and this gin reflects these qualities. Price: £30

This signature Silent Pool Gin is made from 24 botanicals. Fresh floral and clarifying citrus notes are grounded by earthy and spicy cassia bark and cubeb, and a smooth finish is achieved with the help of local honey. Price: £35

Silent Pool Gin has been combined with Coln Valley Smokehouse’s salmon from the cold waters of the North Atlantic to create gin-infused smoked salmon. Crafted to accentuate the Kaffir lime and juniper berry within the gin, this salmon is bursting with unique flavour. Price: £12.50 for 200g

The perfect addition to your gin cupboard, these beautiful wide-brimmed Copa glasses are sure to be topped up over and over again! Designed in such a way that the volatile oils from the orange peel garnish will hit the nose first. Price: Set of six, £40, and set of two, £20

All available from www.silentpooldistillers.com 54

MOTHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE

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Make Mother’s day Treat her to a meal at The Warren

Make Mother’s Day special with a meal at The Warren restaurant in Tunbridge Wells. The quirky restaurant has been redefining dining over the past year by moving away from the sometimes stuffy image of fine dining, with a fun interior and friendly staff, to create a restaurant atmosphere that’s conducive to a more leisurely and family-orientated experience. The focus is still firmly on the quality of the food, with a seasonal menu of mouthwatering dishes made with local produce, free-range game and other meat from the restaurant’s own estate in Crowborough. The daily-changing menu has been created by Head Chef Sam Spratt, whose signature is to introduce a modern twist while still working with classic ingredients. The Warren has exciting developments planned for the year ahead, starting with a Spring Tasting Menu created exclusively for its birthday celebrations on 16th March, and, of course, will be serving up a special Mothering Sunday lunch on the 26th. From April, The Warren will be serving Afternoon Tea in its beautiful orangery, harking back to its former days as an Afternoon Tea Parlour.

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To contact the restaurant or book a table, please call 01892 328191 or email contact@thewarren.restaurant The Warren Restaurant, 5a The High Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1UL

MOTHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE

For someone special… Make it a Mother’s Day she’ll never forget The gorgeous Spa Hotel in Tunbridge Wells is the place to take your mother on her special day. This 18th-century country mansion turned elegant four-star hotel with attached spa is the perfect setting to spoil her. The hotel is serving a special three-course Mother’s Day lunch with coffee – and a treat for mum – in the elegant Chandelier Restaurant. The menu includes starters of king prawn and lobster cocktail with avocado and red pepper; chilled salmon ballotine with soft herb salad and caviar dressing; and smoked gammon knuckle terrine with pickled vegetables and toasted sourdough. Mains include slow roast sirloin of Surrey Hills farm beef, Yorkshire pudding and duck fat roast potatoes; roast loin of middle white pork with caramelised apples and duck fat roast potatoes; leg of salt marsh lamb with roasted carrots and Yorkshire pudding; and roasted lemon sole with crushed new potatoes and confit lemon. Desserts range from dark chocolate tart with blood orange sorbet to rhubarb trifle with amaretto biscuits. If afternoon tea takes her fancy, The Spa is serving a Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea, with a selection of sandwiches, home-made scones and delicious cakes, in the delightful lobby and orangery overlooking the 14 acres of picturesque grounds. And you can add a glass of Champagne to toast her! Stuck for a gift? Treat her to a Spa day – there’s a range to choose from, including a Mother & Daughter package with three treatments, a two-course light lunch and use of the leisure facilities. Or buy her some Gift Vouchers online to exchange for spa treatments, food and drink, accommodations or bespoke packages at the hotel. It really will be a Mother’s Day to remember. Lunch is £33pp and Afternoon Tea £23.50pp, or £34pp with a glass of Champagne. Both are served from 12-6pm. Booking is essential. For further information, visit www.spahotel.co.uk

MOTHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE

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Is she sitting comfortably? Time Mum relaxed and put her feet up – in style March heralds the imminent arrival of Mother’s Day and with it, the rush to find a gift that will make the most special lady in your life feel like a million dollars and more. Head to the Sofas & Stuff showroom just outside Tunbridge Wells to find delightful goodies to make even the mother who has everything happy. Choose from chairs in any fabric your heart desires; our personal favourite is the new Fordingly in Filey Velvet. Just add a good book and footstool for ultimate relaxation or pick up snuggly Bronte blankets and cushions for those homely finishing touches. Buying a sofa, chair or bed can be stressful. So many shops, so many options. It’s a big purchase, what if you get it wrong? Understanding this, Sofas & Stuff have created a pathway to guide you through the maze. It starts with their expert, in-house Design Consultants who are on hand to help you update your interiors for the coming season and beyond. With their wealth of fabric and comfort knowledge, as well as a wide selection of fabrics from the likes of Romo, Osborne and Little, Colefax and Fowler, Designers Guild and many more, you are sure to find something to suit your style and lifestyle perfectly.

Choose from their bespoke, British-made sofas and beds or their seven-day Sofa Pronto collection for an instant, on-trend interior update. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at their showroom, which is full of lovely gift offerings and furniture that will last you a lifetime. They’ll even provide the coffee – or browse a select range online at www.sofasandstuff.com Find Sofas & Stuff at The Estate Yard, Eridge, Nr. Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN3 9JR or call 01892 572309

The scent of spring Find your mother a beautiful treasure

Clockwise from top right: Abahna Vetiver & Cedarwood range, from £10; Parkminster candles and reed diffusers, from £5; Abahna soaps, hand wash, body lotion, bath foam and gift sets, from £10, and JJ Textile 100% lambswool large throws, £74. All from Tinker & Toad in Heathfield. www.tinkerandtoad.com

Mention Kudos and get 15% discount during March and April! KUDOS M ARCH/APRIL 2017

MOTHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE

Little things mean a lot... You don’t have to spend a fortune to show Mum how much she means to you

Mummy Bee lavender and geranium scented votive Price: £8.95 www.annabeljames.co.uk

Mother & Daughter sweet bird necklaces Price: £15 www.burblebaby.co.uk

Gin Bunny mug Price: £11.50 www.oflifeandlemons.co.uk

Extra large canvas pouche Price: £20 www.alphabetbags.com 60

MOTHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE

Mummy Bee lavender and geranium hand cream Price: £12.95 www.annabeljames.co.uk

Gin Bunny sweatshirt Price: £24.99 www.oflifeandlemons.co.uk

Bath salts: Prosecco, Pink Fizz or Gin & ToniC Price: £9.99 each www.oakroomshop.co.uk KUDOS M ARCH/APRIL 2017

Property den

Home and gar

A kitchen that says ‘home’ Contemporary meets hygge in a super-modern kitchen designed for family living

The Oxford Dictionary’s 2016 “word of the year” shortlist included “hygge,” the Danish term that’s defined as “a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being”. Pronounced “hoo-guh,” the word is said to have no direct translation in English, though “cosy” comes close. It derives from a 16th-century Norwegian term, hugga, meaning “to comfort” or “to console,” which is related to the English word “hug.” So when the Spencers wanted a new kitchen in their Tunbridge Wells home that embodied the feeling of hygge, but in a contemporary style, Chamber Furniture had the answer. “The Spencers brief was for a functional, modern kitchen with a homely feel, suitable for a busy, social family with teenagers and dogs,” explained Matthew Higgs, Designer for Chamber Furniture. “They knew the feeling they wanted to create, rather then the specifics, so we explored a few ideas and concepts together. “The process of the design was a collaborative one. The Spencers brought some visual references they liked and we produced samples of similar finishes which worked with the colour palette they had chosen, whilst retaining the quality and durability required for a well-used kitchen.” Once the design process was completed, which took a few months, it was full steam ahead. The site preparation works took a month and the actual furniture, appliance and worktop installation about two weeks.

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However, it wasn’t all plain sailing. “The property is three cottages knocked into one,” said Matthew, “so the space wasn’t one that naturally responded to the contemporary straight lines that we wanted. So we set out the furniture to address this, whilst allowing the character of the space to still be read.” The result is a cosy, modern space with clean lines in warm wood and fresh white gloss softened by a limed oak floor and individual wooden stools with fur ‘cushions’. So what are the key points people should bear in mind when thinking about a new kitchen? “When embarking on a new kitchen, the first and most important step is to plan the layout in a way that makes the best use of the space,” said Matthew. “Think carefully about how you plan on using your kitchen before moving onto materials and finishes. And it’s essential to find a designer you like, who can guide you through the process rather than one who uses a colour-by-numbers approach. “There are plenty of interesting finishes and textures coming in now, too, so you can use your imagination. We’ve seen a lot of the warmer metal finishes such as bronze and antique brass over the last couple of years. There also seems to be a move towards more textured materials for furniture and worktops.” The kitchen is the heart of any home, and this one has plenty of hygge as an added extra.

www.chamberfurniture.co.uk

KUDOS M ARCH/APRIL 2017

LOV E YOUR HOME

Home notes

Fresh ideas and style tips on the home front New life for old furniture Let B@Home revive your favourite pieces

For beautiful, restored furniture, visit B@Home, a family business run by Babsi Lapwood, which has recently opened at Boarshead, just outside Tunbridge Wells. Says Babsi, “I started our workshop after rediscovering my love of restoring gorgeous old furniture when we bought our 200-year-old house in Boarshead. Growing up, my dad loved antiques and our house was full of them. I was fascinated as a child as I watched him bringing them back to life and restoring their beauty with patience and care. “My furniture is individually sourced and every piece is unique and restored to recapture it’s former glory, but with a fresh twist. “Why buy reproduction if you can have the real thing with skilled craftsmanship for less money? We keep a variety of items in stock, and we will source most pieces on request and tailor them to your personal taste. “My last few items have been inspired by holidays in Italy. Polished dark wooden tops with rustic blue or green legs – this style has an expensive but relaxed feel and just looks fabulous. It reminds me of holidays in Umbria and would suit a Victorian townhouse just as well as a country cottage. “Do you have any furniture of your own that you would like to proudly display in your home, but that’s seen better days and needs restoring to its former glory – but in keeping

with the rest of your décor? We offer a bespoke service for your own furniture, allowing you to have a special item that will suit your home and bring back those special memories. We can restore wood and upholstery, as well as creating bespoke pieces blending the old and new. “Shops are full of French vintage and shabby chic, but I just love being able to see and feel the old wood with all its history come alive again.” Call 07811 200062 for more information or visit www.BatHome.co.uk for current pieces, prices and opening times.

Fire starter

Enjoy the luxury of a wood fire outdoors with Magma Firepits. Andy Webb, from West Sussex, has been making metalwork since 1989 in various forms. He recently started making contemporary, good-quality fire pits as a contrast to the cheaper imported models that quickly rust through. The fire pits are designed to last a lifetime and, made from at least 5mm steel, they are the thickest on the market. If you have an idea of your own for a more personalised piece, a bespoke service is also available. Each fire pit is individually crafted and numbered and comes with a 10-year warranty. Log racks and braziers are also available. As you’ll be burning wood, when you purchase your fire pit you also have the voluntary option of making a donation to the Woodland Trust to improve the carbon footprint. Prices: from £220 www.magmafirepits.co.uk

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To be the best A challenging brief from a client resulted in a stunning kitchen design by the award-winning Jones Britain team

Kitchen design and installation specialists Jones Britain, based in Heathfield, are experts in making kitchen dreams a reality – whether it’s a functional family kitchen with a little bit of wow factor, or a high-end, design-led, innovative space for entertaining. With a quality and level of craftsmanship that is second to none, they have built a reputation for truly exceptional kitchen design and superior service. A recent project in Crowborough provided an interesting brief to work with – and the Jones Britain team enjoyed rising to the challenge presented to them by the client. The mission was to design an industrial inspired room that was bold, brave but also functional. The couple had clear ideas about the vibe that they wanted their kitchen to have, and their experience of exotic hotels and bars around the world was a strong influence for the ambience that they wanted to create. There were also specific design elements to include, for example incorporating curved units and a mixture of working surfaces at different heights, as well as making an existing structural pillar a feature rather than concealing it. Using the latest three-dimensional computer-aided design software, the team were able to explore different layouts to show the client. Functionality and ease of use of appliances in different locations was investigated. Having a space for entertainment was an important factor in choosing a kitchen design for this client, and the software enabled them to map out the way the space flowed as people moved around it. Following the exploration of potential kitchen layouts, the team added further layers to the design to show how it would look in more detail. The client loved the idea of the colours and textures of their kitchen reflecting the style and flair of the many different hotels and bars they had visited together over the

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years. The ability to play around and manipulate designs gave the client confidence that the final design they went with was the perfect fit for their criteria, with their dedicated project manager guiding them through the process. The result was a spectacular kitchen that combined a variety of colour combinations and textures, with interesting, eyecatching shapes – and the clients were delighted to have the perfect space with a real wow factor to be the heart of their home and to entertain in. Jones Britain have had their innovative and original design efforts recognised by being awarded the ‘Best of Houzz 2017’. Houzz is a website and online community about architecture, interior design and decorating, landscape design and home improvement – created to bridge the gap between homeowners frustrated at being unable to explain what they want and professionals struggling to interpret clients’ ideas. The ‘Best Of Houzz’ is awarded annually in three categories: Design, Customer Service and Photography. Design award winners’ work was the most popular among the more than 40 million monthly users on Houzz. Customer Service honours are based on several factors, including the number and quality of recent client reviews. Architecture and interior design photographers whose images were most popular are recognised with the Photography award. Dan Stronge, Managing Director of Jones Britain, says “We’re delighted to have been awarded Best of Houzz 2017. We pride ourselves on customer service, innovative thinking and creative design, putting our customers first every time.” To experience a real difference in your kitchen design and installation, get in touch today for a free consultation with one of the Jones Britain team. www.jonesbritain.co.uk KUDOS M ARCH/APRIL 2017

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Award-winning holiday home Converted Kentish barn wins Silver in Beautiful South Awards

It’s not just the swallows who are happy to return to this beautiful new barn conversion set in a Mediterranean-style garden in Kent. Holiday guests have all given Swallows Return glowing reviews and vowed to come back to enjoy another relaxing, super-comfy stay in this special country hideaway. And recently, the luxurious property in the village of Bilsington near Hythe received official recognition when it was given the coveted silver award in the Self-Catering Property of the Year category at the Beautiful South Awards, which celebrates the visitor experiences available across the South and South East of England. The three-bedroomed timber-framed property – available to rent from Cranbrook-based Kent and Sussex Holiday Cottages – is light and spacious with oak floors, contemporary oak furniture and plush Italian red leather seating in the open-plan living area. Outside, the magical gardens feature an old olive tree and palms, along with terracotta pots containing a colourful mix of flowers and shrubs, interspersed with seating areas, a furnished deck and a boardwalk – perfect for wildlife-watching. Guests enjoy farreaching views over Romney Marsh, use of a tennis court and a supply of free-range eggs from the owner’s flock of hens.

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Established over 20 years ago, the Beautiful South Awards reward excellence, quality, innovation and customer service in tourism. George Bradley, manager of Kent and Sussex Holiday Cottages, said: “Customer service is at the centre of our business so we are delighted to have won this prestigious award. We are continually looking for ways in which we can improve our service and add value for our customers, while the owners of Swallows Return have an eye for detail and go out of their way to make sure visitors have a fantastic holiday with them.” The judges commented on the way the property’s owners, Penny and Bill Sisley, provided ‘a delightful surprise for guests around every corner’.

Kent & Sussex Holiday Cottages has more than 300 self-catering properties across the region, ranging from quaint fisherman’s cottages to luxurious manor houses, all of which are Visit England-assessed. Swallows Barn is available to rent from the company for up to six people from £695 per week in winter to £1,060 per week in August, with short breaks possible outside peak season. www.kentandsussexcottages.co.uk

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Perfect kitchens – at the right price If you love Mounts Hill’s superb kitchens but find them out of your price range, then check out their new, more affordable quality range For over 30 years, Mounts Hill have been designing and manufacturing beautiful, luxury bespoke kitchens, furniture and joinery for homes all over Kent, East Sussex and beyond. But this superior, high-specification, quality work comes with a price tag that is not always within reach. With this in mind, Mounts Hill are excited to be launching their new MH Style range this spring. Made in Great Britain, by trusted long-term trading partners, and to a very similar specification to their own bespoke work, Mounts Hill are now able to offer customers a broader range of bespoke designed, well-made, reliable and functional kitchens at very affordable prices. The choice of finishing touches is the same as those found in Mounts Hill’s in-house, handmade kitchens; soft closing hinges and drawer runners as standard; high-quality appliances from suppliers such as Neff, Miele and Smeg; an extensive choice of beautiful sinks and taps, handles and knobs in quality pewter, copper, chrome and brass finishes; and a full range of exquisite worktops, from timber to quartz, granite and Corian. All these can be included in their quotations. Mounts Hill have always been proud of their customer service. It doesn’t matter whether they’re supplying a kitchen, a single window, fitted wardrobes or a complete orangery, every project is given the same attention to detail. Customers return time and again because they enjoy working with Mounts Hill and love their finished products. The new MH Style range is sure to introduce more people to Mounts Hill in 2017. www.mountshill.com

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Style your home The latest trends for stylish living Whether you’re mad as a March hare or hen-pecked, here are some perfect accessories

Patterned Easter by Violeta Damjanovic-Behrendt Price: £163.38 www.artfinder.com

Mini Easter egg wreath Price: £30 www.tch.net

Metsajanis cushion Price: £13.90 www.vallila.co.uk

Truly Bunny paper plate Price: £4 for 12 www.talkingtables.co.uk

3 Hens key/tea towel holder Price: £12.95 www.livelaughlove.co.uk 72

LOV E YOUR HOME

Easter egg and flowers wreath Price: £30 www.tch.net

Chicken and carnation tea towel Price: £11.95 www.annabeljames.co.uk KUDOS M ARCH/APRIL 2017

Graduate Collection rabbit print cushion Price: £40 www.limelace.co.uk Duck egg blue metal table with shelves Price: £99.95 www.MelodyMaison.co.uk

Rabbit and cabbage cushion Price: £44.95 www.annabeljames.co.uk

Duck egg multi photo frame Price: £34.95 www.MelodyMaison.co.uk

Chicken bread bin Price: £26 www.sophieallport.com KUDOS M ARCH/APRIL 2017

2 Bunnies shade Price: £51.25 www.lushlampshades.co.uk

Lay A Little Egg hob cover Price: £13 www.sophieallport.com LOV E YOUR HOME

Cut the kitchen clutter A place for everything, and everything in its place… As one of the busiest rooms in the home, it’s hardly surprising that the kitchen can quickly become a magnet for clutter: unused gadgets bought on a whim; the ‘tasteful’ comedy mug the in-laws gave you for Christmas; Tupperware, Tupperware, more Tupperware… you get the idea. Spring is traditionally the time of year when we tackle a ruthless cull of these unwanted items, but with clever storage (and a little bit of care) you can keep your kitchen clutter-free all year round. We spoke to Rencraft, kitchen designers and manufacturers, about just some of the handy storage solutions they offer…

Larder cupboards

Food storage is essential in any kitchen, and traditional double-door larders like this one have plenty of space for you to stow everything neatly away. Add a marble cold shelf to help preserve the life of items such as eggs, which benefit from being kept cool but not refrigerated, or consider bespoke spice racks to keep all your herbs and spices within easy reach – no more standing on tiptoes to try to reach the jar of chilli powder that’s been pushed right to back of the cupboard!

Drinks storage

Built-in wine storage is fast becoming a must-have item, whether you opt for a dedicated bar area with antique mirror splashbacks, lighting and plenty of bottle storage, or perhaps a built-in wine cooler with different temperature zones. Your kitchen designer will be able to help advise on the right option for you.

Bespoke drawer dividers

For larger cooking utensils, these solid wood cutlery dividers not only look great but they’re also really helpful keeping wooden spoons, spatulas and so on nicely separated out so you can simply open the drawer and grab what you need without having to shuffle around searching for things.

Breakfast cupboards

Of course it’s not just food that needs to be put away. Budding bakers and keen cooks will have a wide variety of appliances such as food mixers which can quickly take up valuable kitchen space. A breakfast cupboard like this will ensure these items are easily accessible, without being permanently on display.

Considering a new kitchen? Take a look at www.rencraft.co.uk or visit their showrooms at Chart Farm, Sevenoaks TN15 0ES or 81, Calverley Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2UY 74

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Garden notes All you need for your outside space

Paint a pot

The square Pot is painted in Cinder Rose No.246, and the round pot in Brinjal No.222 Exterior Masonry. The basket is painted with Churlish Green No.251 Exterior Eggshell. www.farrow-ball.com

Supporting act

Want something a bit more interesting than the usual plant support? This curvy, sculptural, horn-like obelisk looks stunning rising out of borders whether you use one by itself or have a series of them in a row. Their simple sculptural form can be left bare to be appreciated or used for flowering climbers. Or use two together to form an elegant sweetheart archway. The obelisks are handmade from solid steel bar by Alex Moore, a Sussex blacksmith. Price: £190 – the obelisk can be galvanised for an extra £45. www.mooredesigns.co.uk

Stylish planters

This set of three fully-weatherproof Winstone Planters from Garden Trading with their warm mottled finish will bring a touch of luxury to your garden. Handmade in GRC (glassfibre, reinforced cement) in a chunky ribbed design, each has a unique rusted finish that will offset your plant display, whether foliage or blooms, beautifully. Drainage holes in the base make them suitable for all manner of plants. Large planter H46cm x D54cm; medium H31cm x D37cm; small H21cm x D25cm. Price: £170 www.black-by-design.co.uk

March & April in the garden •

During mild and dry weather start to mow your lawn – remember to raise the cutting height. If you need to lay new turf, do it before the weather turns too warm and dry. Otherwise, leave it until autumn

• Start chitting tubers of seed potatoes to prepare for planting out from the end of the month • If you’ve got a heated environment, sow aubergines, cucumbers, tomatoes, sweet peppers and chillies, and germinate them at about 210C. Then reduce temperature to about 180C and keep in good light

• Pot up container-grown plants using a soil-based compost such as John Innes No.2 or 3 • Sweet peas can be sown outside this month. Place autumn-sown sweet peas in a sunny position, perhaps on a high shelf in the greenhouse that gets plenty of light. Sow summer bedding plants in a heated propagator or under glass

• Early spring is an ideal time to plant herbaceous perennials, including Geranium, Astrantia and Oriental poppies • Plant summer-flowering bulbs. Prepare the soil first, to ensure that drainage is sufficient to prevent the bulbs rotting

• Anemone coronaria tubers need particularly well-drained soils For more gardening tips, visit www.rhs.org.uk 76

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Family

Education and

Heads up!

lifestyle

Top local headteachers answer your questions

How important is primary school in preparing children for the examination process that they can expect throughout their school career and beyond?

Angela Culley, Headmistress

The Mead School, Tunbridge Wells Co-educational preparatory school for boys and girls aged 3-11 We must never forget that examinations are only a part of a child’s education. They are, of course, the measure of academic success and the gateway to the next stage, whether it be entry to secondary school, sixth form, university or beyond, and consequently will have to be faced by every child at every key stage as a rite of passage. At The Mead, we firmly believe that a child who is happy in school, excited and inspired by all it offers each day, will become aspirational and have the confidence to grasp every opportunity, face challenges and often exceed their personal potential to grow into and become the very people they were meant to be. For us, inspirational teaching within a caring, loving environment which respects and understands individual learning needs and styles, and focuses on the development of the whole child – intellectual, physical, spiritual, creative and emotional – is the key. To answer the question directly: Mead children are well used to and prepared for the testing environment and with the success and failure that comes with them. From Key Stage One, regular

and differentiated spelling and tables tests are the introduction, building to the preparation in Year 5 for the Kent Selection tests and entrance and scholarship exams to a wide range of independent secondary schools. We manage the system and refuse to be driven by it! Our pupils and their personal successes and results are testament to the success of our approach and ethos.

Kate Elliott, Head Teacher

Bricklehurst Manor School, Stonegate Mainstream independent school for pupils aged 3-11 It has been said that preparing children for secondary school exams is the raison d’être of prep schools. While we feel, of course, that we are far more than that, it is true that parents do expect us to do a thorough job of preparing children for their entrance exams, and we take this aspect of our mission very seriously indeed. Our most important task is to ensure that we are helping parents choose the right path for their child, as there is nothing more demoralising than a child working for an exam that they are unlikely to pass. Then we give all the practice in exam techniques necessary for our children to be able to walk into their exam with their head held high, confident that they are as well prepared as they can be. Starting early in a child’s educational career to prepare for the whole process of examinations gives them a good grounding for the numerous tests that will follow as they progress through secondary school. Most importantly, it is incredibly beneficial that we teach children how to remain calm and focused, whilst reassuring them that they are so much more than a result at the end of a test.

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Hilary Blake, Headmistress

Sacred Heart School, Wadhurst Independent Catholic mixed primary school for 3-11 Like it or not, exams are part of children’s education – even in primary schools. Whatever our views on the system, exam results are still very often the passport to future schools, further education and jobs. For parents, admissions officers and employers, this form of assessment provides a universal language which facilitates comparison. No exam mark tells the full story – ask any parent whose child has sat through three hours of 11+ papers on a day when they feel unwell! However, it does provide a snapshot of what an individual has been able to demonstrate they know at a particular point in time. Anxiety, health issues and specific learning difficulties can all mask a child’s true capabilities and potential. Schools have a duty to help children prepare well for the exam system, to understand how to revise, to minimise stress and show themselves to their best advantage. For these reasons, exams during the primary phase can be helpful – as a training ground for later life when results can become seriously important. Tests should have a purpose: what will we learn from them, what will we do with the data. Results can often be very revealing, not only about the child but about what has been taught and how! Minimising stress by preparing appropriately in school, reassuring parents as much as the children, making the process part of the routine and keeping the surroundings familiar, are all strategies we employ to provide children with the opportunity to show themselves to their best advantage and prepare them for the world beyond SATs and the challenges of GCSEs, A Levels and beyond.

Craig McCarthy, Headmaster

Russell House School, Otford Independent prep school for girls and boys aged 2-11 Whether you like them or loathe them, exams are an integral part of school life. Every child at Russell House takes at least one exam before they leave us, which may involve the 11+ test as well as independent school entry or scholarship exams. It means that preparing children for exams at any level is part of what we do here. But it’s not all of what we do. Exams are the stepping stones which help children achieve their goals and ambitions. They’re not necessarily the skills they need as they embrace diverse challenges in the real world. What’s important is a well-rounded education. It’s one that prepares children to ensure they approach tests and exams with a spirit of confidence to deliver their best. It’s one that develops other skills too – communication, problem solving, teamwork, independence, resilience and so many more – which will be vital for their future success and happiness. Looking back at her time at Russell House and forward to her future, our head girl, speaking at open day, encapsulated our ambition for every single pupil: “I honestly can’t imagine a better school than this, and I will be more than devastated to leave it and everyone in it behind. However, I know that wherever we’re going, whether we’re alone or with friends, nervous or excited, happy or sad, we all have a bright future ahead of us because our wonderful prep school has given us the best possible start.”

Do you have a question for our Heads? Email: editorial@badbettymedia.co.uk

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School report A round-up of what’s happening in the world of education

Could you be a host family to foreign students? International Student Experiences needs your help to bring more tourists to Kent During 2016, International Student Experiences welcomed over 1,500 foreign students and successfully matched them with host families for short-term stays. ISE, who are specialists in the provision of accommodation and educational services to international students and school leaders, has a record number of guests signed up this year. However, in order to accommodate the demands, Director Stephanie Heymer needs to recruit more host families within an approximate 20-minute drive from central Tunbridge Wells and/or Sevenoaks. Becoming a host family involves no long-term commitments and no fees. It’s entirely flexible and allows people to earn as much as £1,150 extra income a month. Host families enjoy the chance to meet new international friends, and appreciate a great way of sharing and learning differences in languages and cultures. It is a unique, rewarding, fun and educational experience for all members of the family.

Mr and Mrs Carter, an ISE Host family in Tunbridge Wells, said: “Our children loved the experience as much as we did and managed to learn some French and Italian – what a bonus.” The children, aged between 12 and 18, visit England for three to four nights and during the day are entertained with the healthy activity programme ISE arranges, which supports independent businesses throughout Kent. “International students want to visit England but in particular stay in Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks,” said Stephanie Heymer. “Our local area is not only geographically appealing to travel to, but the history and diverse range of attractions are the reasons demand is growing. The more people we can host, the more local businesses we can support. We programme daytime and evening events for the students, they want to eat at independent restaurants and culturally immerse themselves in our heritage and shopping. We are passionate about giving them the best experience they can have in England.” Host families can be couples with or without children, retired couples, and single people with or without children. To learn more about becoming a host family, email info@isegb.co.uk or call 07555 548470.

New Head for Rose Hill Emma Neville takes over in April

Emma Neville, currently Deputy Head at Caterham College, will succeed David Westcombe as Head at Rose Hill School in Tunbridge Wells, with effect from 1st April. She will be the first female Head to lead the school. Emma is an experienced and highly-effective educationalist, who is passionate about providing a broad, progressive curriculum within a stimulating and deeply nurturing environment. She has a MEd in Leadership and Management from Clare College, University of Cambridge, and combines academic expertise with a wealth of experience from her previous senior roles at Caterham and Bishop’s Stortford College. Talking about her appointment, she said: “Rose Hill has an outstanding reputation as one of the leading prep schools in the country and it is a privilege to be invited to play a key role in shaping the next stage of this magical school.” In her spare time she can be found gallery hopping, growing vegetables and is a keen apiarist.

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Inspiring visit

Kent College Pembury welcomes first female Director General of MI5 Kent College recently welcomed British author and former Director General of MI5, Dame Stella Rimington, as their 130th anniversary Birthday Lecture guest speaker. Inspiring leadership amongst young women is an integral part of Kent College school life, and Dame Stella’s enthralling lecture about her pioneering career as the first female Director General of MI5 (and inspiration behind the casting of 007’s ‘M’ in the Bond films) certainly gave the Kent College girls and wider community food for thought. Said the school’s 2016-17 Head Girl, Christelle Pungong, “I think I can speak on behalf of all of us when saying that was an absolutely fantastic talk. In my opinion, it is very important for communities like ours and girls’ schools all over to hear talks like these, made by people like Dame Stella. People that have defied and surpassed society and gender roles or norms. Whether or not this is a field that we may want to enter, there are still so many lessons we can take from this talk. “For example, when Dame Stella said that she never expected to be Director General and the time it took her to get there, it shows us that, though life may take unexpected turns, through perseverance and hard work we can achieve greatness in anything we want to do later on in life. Not only was this very encouraging, but it was also hugely inspiring.”

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Grounds for a celebration Leeds Castle is the perfect setting, whatever the occasion

For nearly 900 years, Leeds Castle, set within 500 acres of beautiful Kent parkland, has attracted crusaders and kings, courtiers and queens, witches and villains, world statesmen and icons of the silver screen. One of its most famous inhabitants, Henry VIII, bought the castle for his first bride, Catherine of Aragon, and transformed it from a fortified stronghold into a magnificent royal palace that she could visit in utmost comfort. From here, Henry departed in 1520 to meet King Francis I of France at the Field of the Cloth of Gold, having enjoyed the Castle’s hospitality, feasting with his 5,000 courtiers and soldiers. In 1926, when Olive, Lady Baillie, bought the castle, she was determined to continue the legacy of luxury, entertainment and celebration. She commissioned the very best interior designers and spared no expense in making Leeds Castle and the Maiden’s Tower adjacent to it, the most elegant and comfortable of places for entertaining her guests. A weekend invitation to stay at the castle was highly prized and would include sumptuous banquets, wonderful accommodation in luxury state bedrooms, entertainment laid on in the parklands and even a round on the nine-hole golf course. Charlie Chaplain, David Niven, the Duke and Duchess of Kent and Sir Winston Churchill were amongst the many impressive weekenders. The spirit of Lady Baillie lives on at Leeds Castle, which to this day continues to be a wonderful place in which to hold celebrations of all kinds. Whether you’re considering marking a major anniversary, hosting a reunion, celebrating a business milestone, arranging a Christmas event or planning a wedding, there really is no more beautiful or memorable location to consider. The Castle itself can host feasts in the Henry VIII Banqueting Hall for up to 100 people or, for more select dinners of 30, the beautiful Green Dining Room is a splendid option. With 20 bedrooms in the castle and 17 courtyard bed and breakfast rooms, there is the opportunity for all your guests to stay over and enjoy events and activities in the parkland the following day. The Maiden’s Tower, with its private walled garden and spectacular views across the moat, is an equally special venue, located as it is on Castle Island. It caters for as few as 30 and as many as 100 guests for wedding parties, dinners, garden buffet parties and dances. For up to 200 people if required, the Fairfax Hall, a 17th Century oak-timbered barn, creates a wonderfully warm and cheerful atmosphere, again with beautiful views of the castle. In addition to these historic venues, there is a newcomer to the Leeds Castle family, albeit a 14th Century newcomer. Battle Hall, a medieval ‘hall house’, has been part of the estate for hundreds of years, but until now has only been in private residence. The hall has undergone a complete makeover – restored, redesigned and opening for guests from Autumn 2017.

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It will be a fabulous and intimate venue for family reunions, dinners, weddings parties and select meetings, and includes five luxurious bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. For more information about holding events large or small at Leeds Castle, please contact the hospitality team on 01622 767855 or email hospitality@leeds-castle.co.uk

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Kid’s corner JoJo Maman Bébé’s new spring collection will add a splash of fun to your child’s wardrobe

Snake t-shirt, £15

Hummingbird skirt, £15

3-pack snappy socks, £8

Giraffe smocked top, £14

Hummingbird t-shirt, £15

Giraffe sleepsuit, £16

Giraffe t-shirt, £15

Safari dress, £18

Monkey sleepsuit, £16

Get 10% off and free delivery when you quote KUD71 both online and in store! 84

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Mother love

JoJo Maman Bébé’s From a Mother to Another initiative helps those in need From a Mother to Another is an initiative by JoJo Maman Bébé to reduce the shocking levels of clothing waste that end up in a landfill. It also helps those in need in the UK with distribution via Trussell Trust Foodbanks, and thousands of Syrian refugees living in Lebanon. JoJo is collecting good-quality outgrown or unwanted baby and children’s clothes in sizes 0-6 years, and children’s shoes. Customers are requested to make up complete outfits, with shoes in a separate bag and donate at one of their 80 stores across the UK and Ireland. Full list of stores can be found at www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk/stores. Nearly a third of the UK’s clothing ends up in landfill, equating to 350,000 tonnes a year. By extending the life of clothes by just three months of active use, carbon and water waste could be reduced by up to 5-10% a year. Sending good-quality, little-worn hand-me-downs to those in need would mean they are worn by many more children, extending the clothes lifespan. In the UK, the emergency clothing packs will be distributed by some of the Trussell Trust’s 420 Foodbanks. In Lebanon, the packs will be distributed by a number of partner charities on the ground. Helen Frank’s from Trussell Trust said: “I am delighted Trussell Trust Foodbanks will be participating in the From A Mother To Another campaign for the second year running. It’s a natural fit to The Trussell Trust’s ‘More Than Food’ approach, which offers additional services to help alleviate poverty in the UK. Over a third of three-day emergency food supplies provided by Trussell Trust Foodbanks go to children in crisis. Last year the packs were gratefully received by over 1,000 families.” Laura Tenison, Founder & CEO of JoJo, visited refugee camps in the Bekaa Valley on the Lebanese Syrian border in early 2016 and explains what she found when visiting the camps. “The situation is dire and has not improved over the last 12 months. The millions of women and children living in makeshift tents are in urgent need of emergency humanitarian aid to help until it is safe to travel home – just a few miles across the border. They left Syria with whatever they could carry. Their children have outgrown their clothes long ago and are often in rags. The gift of a FAMTA pack brings tears of gratitude. Children are dying from the cold, we just had to help.” JoJo Maman Bébé will cover the extensive costs of checking, sorting, shipping, customs clearance and managing the logistics of delivering the parcels to the partner charities in Lebanon and to the Trussell Trust’s Foodbanks across the UK. For full details of how to donate visit: www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk/FAMTA KUDOS M ARCH/APRIL 2017

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Mini fashionistas Super cool prints will keep your little ones looking bang on trend

Monkey print shirt and bow tie, from £18 www.monsoon.co.uk

Car print body, £16 www.polarnopyret.co.uk

Floral romper suit, from £16 www.monsoon.co.uk

Printed reversible jacket, £20 www.monsoon.co.uk

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Floral dress, £10 www.next.co.uk

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Paisley dress, £25 www.next.co.uk

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Kite print dress, £79 www.rachelriley.co.uk

Printed phoenix t-shirt, £4 www.tesco.com

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Yummy mummy corner Whether you’re a yummy mummy, a loving partner or a doting grandparent, this is for you...

Muddy Puddle fun This spring, Entertainment One’s Peppa Pig is teaming up with the world’s leading children’s charity, Save the Children, to launch a fundraiser like no other. Between 8th and 14th May, nurseries, early years’ groups, families and children up and down the country are being encouraged to take part in a Peppa Pig’s Muddy Puddle Walk for Save the Children. Organising a Muddy Puddle Walk is a great way for your little ones to explore the world around them and jump in muddy puddles, like Peppa Pig, for a worthy cause. However you fundraise, you’ll help Save the Children make life better for children around the world. The free fundraising pack is full of great activities and fundraising ideas, so you can choose which option will work best for you and your children. Your little ones can get sponsored to walk or splash in puddles at the park, or they can simply donate to join your muddy puddle walk. You can even top up your total by baking and selling Muddy Puddle cupcakes! Sign up your nursery or family now at MuddyPuddleWalk.org to get your free Muddy Puddle Fundraising Pack, full of fundraising ideas and tips for great walks and activities indoors and out – including free Peppa stickers and Save the Children balloons too! www.savethechildren.org.uk Photographer’s Credit Jamie Baker/Save the Children

Hello duckie!

Right start New research by Public Health England has shockingly revealed that the average child in England eats the equivalent of three cubes (11g) of sugar every morning at breakfast. Help your children switch to a healthy alternative in the morning with Nairn’s rolled oats, that will keep them nourished and full up until lunchtime. Available at major supermarkets.

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The multi-award-winning Cuddleduck from Cuddledry is super-cute and super-safe, too. Made from 100% baby-friendly ingredients, it has a plug at the bottom so it stays free of mould, and doesn’t contain parabens. Handmade in Spain using natural rubber, it’s soft and squashy for tiny hands to hold and is safe to play with in the bath, even for teething little ones who want to chew! In a cute polka-dot design, it’s a lovely addition to any bathroom (whether you have a baby or not!). Price: £7.99 www.cuddledry.com

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PARTY LIKE IT’S MOTHER’S DAY If you’re looking for something a bit different this Mother’s Day, then look no further than Mum’s the Word’s #Wild_Child family dance party, at the beautiful barns at Chafford Park in Fordcombe ( just outside Tunbridge Wells) for an afternoon of fun for all the family! Taking place on Saturday 25th March between 3:30pm and 5:30pm, tickets include a live DJ spinning Motown, ’70s and ’80s tunes, free glow bracelet, free Mother’s Day craft activities for all ages, free photo booth and dressing up, free hula-hooping workshop, bubbles, giant parachute, colouring wall, chill out and baby zone, face painting, family portrait sketches and a beauty caravan offering head/neck/shoulder massages for Mums and Grandmas! There will also be a selection of street-food vendors serving up delicious treats, plus a licensed bar – well, it is Mother’s Day! This will also be the warm-up party for Joy Festival, taking place from 16-18th June at Groombridge Place, so expect festival touches, Joy Festival goody bags and competitions to win festival tickets. Flower Power fancy dress for Mums, Dads, Grandparents and kids is optional BUT very much encouraged, and there will be prizes for the best dressed throughout the afternoon! Tickets cost £9 each and are available at www.mumstheword.online

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Easter family fun Here’s our pick of local events, from castles to countryside

Adventures at Leeds Castle

Look out for Robin Hoodie, Maid Marion and a merry band of naughty outlaws in the grounds of Leeds Castle for a fun-filled ‘Walking Theatre’ adventure of silliness and laughter – perfect for all the family on Easter Bank Holiday weekend, 14th-17th April. Entertain the children with an Easter Quest to find clues across the estate for a chocolate prize from 1st to 17th April (£1 charge applies). In fact, there are plenty of reasons to visit Leeds Castle again and again with your annual ticket during the Easter holidays, including the winding Yew Maze, two adventure playgrounds and daily falconry display. During the Easter weekend, Leeds Castle is calling for Merry Men and Merry Maids to help save the day. Robin Hoodie has lost Maid Marion, and she has found the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham... but who needs saving from whom?! Visit the Pavilion Lawn for shows at 11:30am, 1:30pm and 3pm for onehour, promenade-style theatre shows that will take visitors on a journey through the woodland walk. Throughout the day, children can enjoy making their own Robin Hoodie or Princess hats to wear on their adventure. The gardens at the Castle burst into life in the spring and there is plenty of wildlife to spot, including black swans, grey squirrels and kingfishers, to name but a few. Children can take part in

a Wellie Walk for splish-splashing fun during Easter with an exciting spy sheet (included as part of your annual ticket). Check the website for timings. And for fantastic souvenirs and delicious treats, don’t forget to pop into the gift shops, cafés and Fairfax Restaurant during your visit this Easter. Book online at www.leeds-castle.com

Castle magic at Hever

Photo credit Hever Castle & Gardens

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For some magical family moments this Easter, hop through Hever Castle Gardens on the trail of the Lindt Gold Bunny to win an adorable miniature fluffy bunny. There’s family entertainment throughout the Easter holidays from 1st-17th April designed to put a spring in everyone’s step. Besides joining the hunt to find the Lindt Gold Bunny, children can make and decorate an Easter bonnet at daily craft workshops (for a small additional charge). There’s an opportunity to parade your creations in front of the Castle each day, with treats for the best Easter bonnets. Enjoy more family fun in the Castle where you can take part in a fun Easter quiz. The Easter event is a great opportunity to explore the award-winning gardens. At this time of year visitors can enjoy a dazzling display of flowers along the moat and in the Italian Gardens, from late-flowering daffodils to hyacinths and blossom. As well as fun Easter-themed activities and the gardens to explore, why not challenge yourself in the Yew Maze and see how long it takes you to find the way out? Then round off the day with seasonal home-cooked food and mouth-watering cakes in the restaurant, followed by a visit to the Gift Shop stocked with Easter goodies, including Lindt chocolate eggs and treats. Admission prices: Castle & Gardens – Adults £16.90; Seniors £14.70; Students £14.20; Children (5-15) £9.50 (under 5’s free); Family ticket £44.50 (2 adults & 2 children or 1 adult & 3 children). Discount for groups of 15 or more paying persons (see website for details). Gardens open at 10:30am; Castle opens at 12 noon. Last admission 4:30pm; final exit 6pm. For further information, visit hevercastle.co.uk or call Hever Castle on 01732 865224. KUDOS M ARCH/APRIL 2017

Go wild with Kent Wildlife Trust

Get the family outside this Easter for some wild times at one of Kent Wildlife Trust’s visitor centres at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, Tyland Barn, Maidstone or Bough Beech near Ide Hill. From Good Friday to Easter Monday there will be different wildliferelated Easter Trails at each centre; meet Mr Fox at Tyland Barn, follow the Snail Trail at Bough Beech or find the Easter Bunny at Sevenoaks. It costs £5 to enter and each participant gets a chocolate prize at the end. There is no need to book this, just turn up on the day, between 11am and 3pm. If your children are curious conservationists, bring them to one of the pond-dipping sessions during the school holidays where they can catch and identify an array of creatures that live in the ponds and learn lots of facts about them. These are outdoor events so make sure you wear a waterproof and some wellies so you don’t get wet! Pond-dipping sessions are at Sevenoaks on 7th April, Bough Beech on 11th and at Tyland Barn on 12th, prices start from £5. Feeling a little creative? Why not make an eco-Easter bird with local artist Elaine Thompson, using different printing methods onto recycled card at Sevenoaks on 6th April, or have a go at willow weaving fish made from wool ribbon and willow grown at Bough Beech, on 11th April. Sevenoaks and Bough Beech visitor centres both have some beautiful wild spaces where you will definitely spot lots of local wild animals and birds. Make a day of it and bring a picnic, go for a walk and enjoy the fresh air. Tyland Barn has a small nature park with trails, a shop and café which serves a selection of hot and cold drinks and light lunches. Booking is essential for events as places are limited. Book online at kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Eco-Easter bird by Elaine Thompson

Business notes A round-up of local business news Colette’s on fire Industry award for JPro director Colette Wallace, director of JPro Services in Edenbridge, has won a ‘Woman in Build 2016 Best Fire Safety Business Leader UK’ award. Colette has been a director of JPro Services for nearly a decade, since the business’s formation in 2007, and has taken it from a small start-up to a multi-discipline business with over 200 clients and 300 sites under its management. The award has reinforced Colette’s big plans for the business and the industry. She said: “The recognition is great after 10 years in the business and it has motivated me to work harder and to grow JPro Services further.” She is also passionate about education (being a teacher in another life), and is keen to inform the public about fire and security. “I regularly give talks at local events and believe that teaching people the importance of fire safety and security is vitally important. I have also just finished the first series of a selection of podcasts on the industry, with a second in the pipeline”. The podcasts are available on JPro’s website: www.jproservices.co.uk

Hold the front page Gavin Esler to host Kent Press & Broadcast Awards night Award-winning television and radio broadcaster, writer and journalist Gavin Esler will host this year’s Kent Press & Broadcast Awards ceremony. Known for his work at the BBC, Gavin is currently the main presenter of Dateline London on the BBC News Channel and can often be seen on the World Service. Entries are now open for the Kent Press & Broadcast Awards, which is organised by Tunbridge Wells-based PR and marketing agency Maxim. Now in its third year, the scheme is designed to celebrate and reward regional and local journalism. There are 14 categories covering print, broadcast, digital, social media and design, with an awards ceremony taking place at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, Canterbury, on Friday, 14th July. www.kpbawards.co.uk Photo credit: Jeff Overs

The Forum comes of age Happy 24th birthday

The Mayor and Joanne Louise Parker. Photo credit: Molly Smith

LOV E BUSINESS

Independent music venue The Forum in Tunbridge Wells celebrated its 24th birthday in January with an evening to help promote The Mayor of Tunbridge Wells’ charity of the year – BEAT (Beating Eating Disorders). For Cllr Peter Lidstone, it was a first visit to the venue, and he really enjoyed headline act The Breretons, saying, “They’ve got a unique, relaxed style and some powerful songs.” As part of its 24th birthday celebrations, The Forum launched a blog website in an attempt to capture memories and memorabilia ahead of its Silver Anniversary next year. On the website, www.theforummemories.wordpress.com, there is a contact form for anyone who has something to share, and pages with photos and information. www.twforum.co.uk

KUDOS M ARCH/APRIL 2017

Marriage in all but name Sarah Haywood of solicitors ThomasHaywood looks at some of the myths surrounding common-law marriage Many people decide to live together as a couple and choose not to marry. Such relationships may endure over a lifetime. Some fail within a relatively short space of time. The same is true of marriages. The implications of the ending of a cohabitational relationship are very different to the implications of the ending of a marriage. Many people assume that living together creates a common law marriage. They call each other common law wife and common law husband. It is a myth to suggest that common law marriage exists. It is nothing like a marriage after a civil or religious ceremony that has resulted in the production of a marriage certificate. A common law marriage is not, in any way, regulated by statute, that is to say an Act of Parliament. Marriage is regulated by the Marriage Act which has been amended over the years from the 16th century to the present day. The term common law marriage, common law wife and common law husband are simply labels to denote that the relationship does not have the status of a marriage. A common law wife may call herself Mrs and take her partnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surname but she does not hold marriage status at law. On the death of her partner she would not be his widow. It is only marriage that confers that status. A recent decision of the Supreme Court said a public sector pension scheme should be payable to a woman whose partner had died without nominating her as his beneficiary. However, the situation is very different on the breakdown of the relationship. On the breakdown of a marriage the husband and the wife have financial claims against each other and can claim funds from the other partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s income, savings, pension and property. On the breakdown of a cohabitational relationship the parties have NO financial claims against each other at all. If they own joint property, then they will have shares in that property commensurate with their legal ownership. In some circumstances if the property they have lived in is in the legal name of one party the other may be able to show that he or she has acquired a beneficial interest and should receive some funds. This is the total extent of the financial claims. This excludes claims that may be possible if there are children of the relationship. KUDOS M ARCH/APRIL 2017

The myth that a common law wife can claim maintenance for herself from her common law husband or have a claim over any of his bank or building society accounts or other capital assets or pension or other property owned by him is completely false. If the woman has given up work to care for the parties children, she has no claim for her lost career. The financial ramifications of a common law marriage coming to an end are exactly the same as if the parties had been living together as friends or flat mates. The term common law marriage, common law wife and common law husband simply denotes that they are in a relationship and does not in any way confer any financial obligation one upon the other, whether the relationship has lasted 1 month or 50 years. www.thomashaywoodsolicitors.com LOV E BUSINESS

Helping hand A round-up of local charity news

Just deserts

Join a trek across the Sahara and help raise money for hospice charity ellenor Hospice charity ellenor is encouraging people to sign up to the challenge of taking part in a nine-day trek across the magnificent and dramatic sand dunes of the Sahara Desert, while raising money for local families facing terminal illness. The trek involves setting off at the speed of camels and taking in all that the Sahara has to offer. Participants will lunch on the riverbed of the Draa, camp at the oasis and climb L’erg Laher – one of the highest dunes in the region. Among those already training for the trek, which sets off on 11th November, is Vicki Read. ellenor cared for her two sons, Sidney and Freddie, who both died aged three from a rare, genetic condition called Alpers Disease. “Sidney suffered constant hospital admissions and numerous tests,” says Vicki. “To get him home, we needed massive help from the ellenor team and, with their help, we gave Sidney a quality of life.” Aged three and with a healthy baby sister, Sidney was due to be an angel in his nursery nativity play – but he died that morning. “We all needed counselling to get through this dreadful time and ellenor was there to support us,” says Vicki. Two years later, Freddie was born. “There were no tests to find out if my daughter or new son would be affected by the same terrible disease, only time would tell,” says Vicki. “But Freddie fell ill at 14 weeks and our world collapsed around us once again – but ellenor was there to support us.” Freddie went to the same nursery as his big brother, and at the age of three did get to be an angel in the nativity play. He died two months later. “Without the support and friendship of all the ellenor

LOV E CH ARIT Y

team we, as a family, would never have been able to cope,” says Vicki, who now spends part of her time providing respite care to some of ellenor’s young patients. She continues: “I’m fat, I’m unfit, I’m in my 40s, and I’ve done lazy fundraising for ellenor for years! It’s time I really showed how much this charity means to me with a huge, massive challenge like a 100km trek across the Sahara Desert! To make this work, I have to get fit, lose weight and do it in memory of my beautiful little boys as well as showing my daughter anything is possible if you try…” Also signed-up for the trek is ellenor’s Head of Community, Linda Trew. “I love these challenges,” she says. “You start off as a group of strangers in a hostile environment unsure of what to expect and finish as a group of friends, exhausted and exhilarated by what you have achieved. You get pushed to the limits, you see the most amazing scenery and experience unimaginable delights. It’s super-tough but so rewarding. And for me, there is no better charity to do it for. “The challenge will last a matter of days, unlike the challenges many of our ellenor families face. If I can help to raise some money to support the great work ellenor does in caring for families facing terminal illness, then I will, and if that means I have to trek across the desert – sign me up!”

For more information about joining Vicki and Linda on the ellenor Sahara Trek, visit: www.ellenor.org/events/event-details/sahara-trek email Hayley Brown on: Hayley.brown@ellenor.org or call 01474 320007 www.makeyourvoicecount.club KUDOS M ARCH/APRIL 2017

Pantomime-goers raise over £7,000 for Hospice in the Weald Generous theatre patrons at this year’s Assembly Hall Theatre pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs donated an amazing £7,320.61 for the theatre’s chosen charity, Hospice in the Weald. Bucket collections were held at the end of each performance during the three-week run. Hospice in the Weald strives to ensure that the community they serve throughout West Kent and East Sussex has access to compassionate, individualised, holistic and supportive care for all patients with a terminal illness, their families, and carers. The money raised by those who generously donated their spare change at the end of each performance could pay for pre or post-bereavements counselling sessions for 20 patients or family members who are seeking additional support, for however long they need it. Assembley Hall Theatre Director John-Jackson (JJ) Almond says: “As a theatre, we have always been passionate about supporting charities and committed to the communities that we serve. We look forward to working alongside our charity partners to help support them in reaching their potential and were thrilled to raise over £7,000 for this very worthy cause during Christmas”. Beth Swarbrigg, Fundraising Director for Hospice in the Weald says: “The Assembly Hall Theatre has been supporting Hospice in the Weald for over 18 years and we are delighted that once again the Theatre has chosen the Hospice to benefit from their annual Pantomime collection. The generosity of the audiences for every performance is staggering and will make a huge difference to the patients, families, and carers supported by Hospice in the Weald

each and every year. It costs over £7 million to run the Hospice and with less than 11% of our funding provided by the government, we are dependent on the generosity of the community we serve to provide our vital services.” Martin Dodd, Director at UK Productions says: “We were delighted to be able to support the Hospice in the Weald through our production of Snow White. Pantomime is all about families and I can think of no better cause to raise money for than one that provides such much-needed help and support to families when they most need it”

Sing song

Tenterden rocks Queen, and raises more than £5,000 for Pilgrims Hospice The ancient parish church of St Mildred’s, Tenterden has never seen anything quite like it. More than 400 people crammed every pew and aisle in the church to join the town’s celebrated choir, The Tuesdays, for a unique fundraising evening of song called ‘Make Your Voice Count’. After hearing songs from the repertoire of The Tuesdays’ performance choir, The Ruby Tuesdays, and soloist Wayne Bridle, the entire audience joined in a six- minute, 39-second medley of Queen’s greatest hits – in three-part harmony! The evening came to a rousing finale with everyone singing a selection of favourite pop hits, including Mr Blue Sky, Sweet Caroline and New York, New York. The performance raised more than £5,000, which came from £10 ticket sales, a bar and raffle. Charity representative Deirdre Mewse told the audience that The Tuesdays would be putting the money towards a van to transport supplies and food between their three hospices at Canterbury, Ashford and Thanet. Max Wilson, musical director of The Tuesdays, said: “It was a fabulous evening, and everyone sang their hearts out. It was such a success that we are already thinking about another ‘Make Your Voice Count’ performance next year.” Video clips of ‘Make Your Voice Count’ are available on YouTube, and details of future performances can be found at www.thetuesdays.co.uk

Day that made a difference

The Mead School raises £700 for Flo’s Fight on Own Clothes Day The Mead School, Tunbridge Wells, recently raised an amazing £700 for Flo’s Fight in their Own Clothes Day. The mufti day was held to raise funds for the campaign to help a local toddler’s family raise funds for vital cancer treatment in America. The school, which has 239 children, invited pupils to come to school dressed in their own clothes for the day in return for a donation towards the campaign. Headteacher Mrs Angela Culley said: “We felt strongly that this was a cause we wanted to support, and wanted to do something immediate to help the family, who are based just down the road from us. We have been blown away by the generosity of The Mead parents in supporting this cause, and are absolutely thrilled with the total raised.”

Race night winner

It’s a £2,000 racing certainty at Wealden Business Group Fundraiser Wealden Business Group, the networking organisation for small and medium-sized businesses, recently staged a Race Night at the Little Silver Country Hotel, Tenterden, in aid of their charity of the year, the East Kent group of the Motor Neurone Disease Association. When ticket and raffle sales and £1-a-go betting proceeds were added up, the charity benefited to the tune of more than £2,000. The Group, which meets every Wednesday for breakfast, business networking and presentations, nominates a charity each year. In the past five years, more than £25,000 has been donated to local good causes. For more information about the Group, log onto

www.wealdenbusinessgroup.co.uk

Clive Hudson and Peta Ashby of WBG, who organised the Race Night 96

LOV E CH ARIT Y

KUDOS M ARCH/APRIL 2017

Support Red Nose Day

Join the comedians and celebrities hoping to make this year the best ever Joe Lycett and Ed Sheeran will be amongst a whole host of comedians and celebrities who are supporting this year’s Red Nose Day on Friday, 24th March, to help transform lives here at home in the UK and across Africa. There’s a fantastic line up this time around with live comedy gigs taking place around the UK featuring the hottest new names on the circuit. For the first time ever, an original series of online comedy sketches, written by and starring a host of up-and-coming talent, will feature on the Comic Relief YouTube channel. Even the Noses themselves are gagging to get involved as they become characters on a cool digital comic strip game on rednoseday.com, with Professor Stephen Hawking, Warwick Davies, Hugh Dennis, Nick Grimshaw, Lenny Henry, Harry Hill, Alex Jones, Katie Price and Joe Sugg providing the voices. The nine Red Noses will all be available to find in surprise bags from Sainsbury’s, Oxfam and rednoseday.com. Professor Hawking said: “I’m a world renowned scientist who has shaped our understanding of the universe and I am being asked to make snot jokes. I must really like this charity.” All of this comedy energy is being harnessed to help those who really need it. Superstar Ed Sheeran visited children living on the streets of the Liberian capital Monrovia, many orphaned by the recent Ebola outbreak, to see just that. During his trip, Ed visited the Street Child Liberia project, which uses Comic Relief cash to help give vulnerable children a better future, reuniting them with their relatives and helping them get back into school.

He said: “I’ll never forget the kids I met on this trip. When we sang together they were in such high spirits despite everything they’d been through. It was an incredibly eye-opening experience and I‘m really proud to support Comic Relief and see what they are doing to help these children have a better future.” Red Nose Day will culminate in a mammoth night of live comedy, sketches, music moments, fundraising films and much, much more on what promises to be TV’s most unpredictable night of raucous horseplay ever. See page 48 for our Red Nose interview with The Hairy Bikers, plus some recipes.

Doing it for the

planet

Lots of us say we care about the environment but Tunbridge Wells-based Alex Thomson has gone one better and is trying to do something about it with Diygogo, a new recycling website

What is Diygogo?

Diygogo is a directory website where anyone can find, and give away, reusable, DIY items. It’s completely free and easy to use, and all for the good of the environment. If you have a DIY item that you feel would be of use to someone else, simply post it up with a brief description, a few photos and collection details. You can catagorise it, and state a date that you want your post to expire. There’s no need to register or login. If you’re looking for an item, you can search by keywords, by category and by location. All matching articles will appear in a list, along with each item’s details, photos and a way of contacting the owner to arrange collection. Simple!

How did you get the idea?

I got the idea when I was helping some friends clear out their old kitchen. Having passed many skips full of reusable items on my way over, I was knocking some tiles off the wall when I realised that they could receive the splatterings of someone else’s bolognaise! I thought that an online website would be the best arrangement for access and convenience. I knew about other similar websites, such as Freegle, but I felt that making a website specifically for DIY hadn’t been done.

So how did you get it up and running?

Firstly I asked around a few website design companies. It swiftly became clear that I wouldn’t have anything like the money they would want, so I set about learning how to do it myself. Too many Americanos later, and with some help from friends, I had the website ready for launch, at a fraction of the cost. It was surprisingly easy!

How’s it doing?

The concept’s been really popular. I’ve had lots of positive feedback through social media, local press interest (thanks, Kudos!) and general discussion. However, establishing traction with the website is the key, and that’s proving to be a challenge. It’s catch 22, because to get hits, there needs be free things on the website to draw people in. But to get those things on the website, there needs to be hits. So that’s the key: getting things on the website. As of yet, the ideas of how to do this keep rolling! I’m currently trying to get local councils involved. Please feel free to use the website. It’s up, running and ready to use! 98

LOV E LOC AL HEROES

What sort of items can people post?

Anything that’s a DIY item and could be considered of use to someone else. There are 14 catagories; Kitchen, Bathroom, Bedroom, Bricks and Walls, Roofing and Timber, Tiling and Flooring, Painting, Windows and Doors, Plumbing and Heating, Tools, Lighting, Outdoors, Miscellaneous, and most importantly, Builder’s Tea!

How much time does it take you?

Not too much. The website more or less runs itself. Most of my time is taken up thinking of ways to promote it, and trying to get parties interested and involved. A sense of effort that is easily relieved in any café by carrot cake and a mug of Earl Grey!

What are your future plans for Diygogo?

In time, I hope that Diygogo will become a platform to contribute to the social and behavioural change that I feel is so necessary for our future. I hope it helps to inspire realisation, consideration and moderation. I think many of us are aware of the problems of how we relate to our environment, but many of us struggle to care, which is quite incredible, since we’re pretty bent on having children and curing diseases. I feel we have to re-establish an understanding and respect for our environment, because that is what gives us food, oxygen, and water – the three fundamentals for existence. Simply put, carrots come from the ground, not a supermarket. www.diygogo.co.uk KUDOS M ARCH/APRIL 2017