Kudos issue 23 by Kudos Kent

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lifestyle magazine for Kent and East Sussex

Issue 23

KUDOS JULY/AUGUST 2017

Hello Welcome to the July/August issue of Kudos.

Food glorious food! That’s the talking, or should I say eating, point for this issue. With all this good weather (I am writing this during the recent heat wave, with a cold glass of wine in hand), eating al fresco, or simply enjoying good food, is top of everyone’s summer agenda. So, our Good Eating Guide is a must-read if you want to find the best food locally, from pubs to fine dining, cafés to food shops. It was a tough job compiling this feature, but someone had to do it, and I drew the short straw! I also had the pleasure of attending one of The Kentish Hares’ recent Tasting Evenings. I was in for a gastronomic treat as Masterchef The Professionals 2016 finalist Elly Wentworth and former contestant Dean Westcar were in the kitchen helping the Tanner brothers and Head Chef Bobby Brown to create an amazing menu. It was a brilliant evening and I can’t recommend these events enough. Next, I headed to The Rock Inn near Edenbridge to meet top food photographer Steve Lee, a regular at the pub. He talked about his career and his book, Venison – The Game Larder. Read about Steve on page 41, and win a copy of the book on page 38. Several pounds heavier (I should possibly speak to Dr Sophie Shotter – see page 31), I turned my attention to health and the Trager Approach, which is a kind of low-impact massage therapy designed to help release deep-seated physical and mental patterns and encourage deep relaxation, increased physical mobility, and mental clarity. I’ve had several sessions with Trager practitioner Martin Clout and it’s something else I highly recommend.

For something completely different, our feature on a Tudor house with an interesting extension is a real talking point. Some love it, some don’t. See our feature on page 90 and see what you think. After all this talk of food and the good life, we should spare a thought for those less well off. The Bridge Trust does a sterling job helping the local homeless. But, like many charities, they depend on donations to keep going. Read about their work on page 98, and help if you can. Enjoy the issue – and the summer!

Hannah Tucek Publishing Director

Twitter: kudoskent www.kudoskent.co.uk

Contents

Managing Director: Robin Tucek Publishing Director: Hannah Tucek Editorial Director: Ann Wallace Creative Director: Neil Constant Fashion Editor: Sally-Ann Carroll Photographer: Matt Harquail

8 Kudos loves...

Advertising Sales:

sales@badbettymedia.co.uk

10 News & events 20 Pets corner 22 Love celebrity 26 Love fashion 30 Love health & beauty

Kudos is published bi-monthly by:

33 Men only 36 Love food and drink

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

43 Good Eating Guide 60 Love home

78 Love garden

92 Love business

80 Love education

95 Love charity

86 Love family

98 Love heroes KUDOS JULY/AUGUST 2017

KUDOS JULY/AUGUST 2017

Alfriston

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KUDOS JULY/AUGUST 2017

8pm

Taken by Matt Harquail

KUDOS JULY/AUGUST 2017

LOV E LOC AL

Things we love this issue When the sun is shining, there is no better place to be than outside. Here’s how to make the most of it...

Hot stuff

Traditional barbecues are so last year. The future is the brandnew SolSource Sport solar cooker that lets you cook delicious food wherever you go, using only the energy of the sun. Enjoy solar-powered cooking in the garden or on your balcony, while you camp or picnic, then fold it back into its compact carrying bag. It’s quick to assemble and heats up in seconds for highperformance, on-the-go solar cooking. The SolSource Sports’s innovative design allows you to capture sunlight to grill, pan-fry, slow-cook and boil water. Advance self-healing polymer maximises the effectiveness of the solar reflector and ensures durability. So you can enjoy an inexhaustible supply of clean-energy cooking at home and on days out. The solar cooker heats up five times faster than traditional charcoal and operates with just direct sunlight. Price: £414.45 from Amazon www.oneearthdesigns.com

Cover up

The German-designed Garden Igloo is both weatherproof and rust-resistant, 100% recyclable, can be used all year round and is set up without tools in two hours. With its two seasonal covers, it provides shade when it’s too hot and keeps out the cold while you’re waiting for summer to arrive. It’s perfect as a play area for children, a storage area, garden shelter, greenhouse, jacuzzi cover or pavilion. Price: €749 www.gardenigloo.com

Flying high

The Disc Jock-E is an amazing music streaming flying disc that will connect to any mobile device via Bluetooth. Once those tunes start playing, increase and decrease the volume as well as play and pause by the push of a button. It couldn’t be easier, leaving you plenty of time to get down to business and enjoy a game of Frisbee. When the games are over, it makes a perfectly good wireless speaker for indoor and outdoor use, so you can keep playing music way into the night. And with a waterproof design, it takes your ordinary Frisbee to another level, becoming a much-needed addition to your next pool party! Available in blue and orange, the Disc Jock-E is perfect for getting everyone involved from age 8+. Price: £27.99 www.thefowndry.com

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KUDOS JULY/AUGUST 2017

Open secret

Tunbridge Wells’ best-kept secret opens its doors to the public for the second year As part of the Heritage Open Days Festival, Mabledon, the unique venue tucked away on the outskirts of Tunbridge Wells, will again be opening its doors to the public. In September, you can explore parts of the house and grounds, and enjoy tea, coffee and cake. As this is by appointment only, contact The Civic Society on 01892 538307 for dates, and to avoid disappointment. Owner Boo Saraff said: “Last year proved hugely popular, and everyone who visited was really interested in the house and its history, so we decided we would open up again this year.” Heritage Open Days were established in 1994 as England’s contribution to the European Heritage Days and has since grown into the country’s largest heritage festival. Every September, some 40,000 volunteers across England organise 5,000 events to celebrate our fantastic history, architecture and culture. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are free to explore. Heritage Open Days celebrate England’s architecture and culture by allowing visitors free access to interesting properties that are either not usually open, or would normally charge an entrance fee. The Civic Society manages Heritage Open Days across the Borough of Tunbridge Wells, which runs from Thursday, 7th September to Sunday, 10th September. Mabledon was bought in 1991 from the Church Pastoral Aid Society (CPAS). The house has a long and fascinating history. It was built mainly of Tunbridge Wells sandstone in 1805, with a park and farms that originally extended to some 500 acres. The main part of the present house was built by developer and builder James Burton in 1804, and later extended by his son, the renowned Decimus Burton, who was brought up in the house. The conservatory beyond the library was a great feature and contained many beautiful and exotic plants. Against the north wall of the large kitchen garden were extensive greenhouses in which were grown all kinds of citrus fruits, including pineapples, tangerines and grapefruit. During the Second World War, the Army occupied the house for seven years. Officers were quartered in the house, and 50 Nissen huts were erected in the fields for other ranks. Next it was used by the Ministry of Health as a psychiatric hospital before the CPAS bought it. They restored much of the house and turned part into a conference centre. By 1989, the house was no longer required by the CPAS and was put up for sale. Mabledon has since been transformed into a magnificent venue for hire – perfect for parties, events and exhibitions – for which it is referred to as The Secret Manor, a rather apt name due to its hidden location. The best party rooms are the library, bar room and terrace, and it can accommodate 100 standing – and dancing! – with room for a buffet plus the bar room. The best part about The Secret Manor is that it’s a blank canvas. You can decorate it just the way you want, organise your own catering and bring your own drinks. And you can party all night, as there are no time restrictions.

If you would like to book The Secret Manor for your party or special event – to receive 15% off your 2017 booking, quote Kudos – email info@thesecretmanor.com www.thesecretmanor.com KUDOS JULY/AUGUST 2017

KUDOS LOV ES

Upfront What’s new and happening

Could you be the next big thing?

Launch of tiny Kent studio offers up-and-coming bands and singers a big opportunity A tiny shed on a farm in rural Kent houses a massive opportunity for up-and-coming singers and bands to get a foot in the door of the music industry. It’s the site of a new recording studio launched by singer, songwriter and bass player Lenny Bunn, who has more than 20 years’ experience in the trade. The father of four was bass player with four-piece Indie/rock band Clacket Lane – signed to Electronic Alchemy Records in 2005 – and has shared the stage with stars including Dizzy Rascal, Feeder, Razorlight, The Feeling and Scouting for Girls. He launched solo album & Friends to critical acclaim in 2015. Now the veteran musician, who lives in Sellindge, is using his skills and contacts to guide new artists making their way in the business. He is also offering a range of services including demos and audio books, songwriting and composition, packs for businesses and groups who are putting together advertisements, and vocal sessions for people to come in and record their own song. The studio has a 4m x 3m live room and a 3m x 3m control room. It may be small but it is perfectly formed, with a top Logic Pro X

system, timber beams and a cloth ceiling, all designed to create the best acoustic environment. Lenny said: “It’s all about having the experience and the ear to hear the weight that should be in a piece of music and allowing a track to be nicely enveloped. I really want this to be a base of activity for singers and bands, writing and releasing great stuff from this little shed.” www.lennybunn.uk Email: lenny@lennybunn.uk / Tel. 07518 237039

Oh, no he didn’t!

Former EastEnders’ heart-throb to play Abanazar in this year’s magical pantomime adventure Michael Greco, known for playing Albert Square’s bad boy, Beppe di Marco, will play the evil Abanazar in the Assembly Hall Theatre’s pantomime, Aladdin, in December. A graduate of The Guildford School of Acting, Michael has worked extensively in theatre, including leads in Chicago (Adelphi Theatre), Exposure (St James Theatre), Much Ado About Nothing (Southwark Playhouse), Kiss Me Kate (National Tour), About Alice (National Tour) and Don Juan (Battersea Arts Centre). Since leaving EastEnders, he has featured in ITV’s reality shows Celebrity Love Island and Soap Star Superstar, ITV’s crime drama Chasing Shadows and BBC’s Love Hurts before starring alongside Kevin Costner in the TV series Hatfields & McCoys. He recently joined the cast of BBC’s Casualty as policeman Phil Paterson. Aladdin follows in the footsteps of last year’s hugely-successful production, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Michael Greco says: “I love entertaining people, especially at Christmas time. And being the pantomime villain, I can’t wait to get booed and hissed at!” Aladdin will run at the Assembly Hall Theatre from Friday, 8th December 2017 until 3rd January 2018. Tickets from just £10 can be booked on 01892 530613/532072 or from www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk 10

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Out and about with Kudos

Photo credit: Derek-D-Souza

Cream of the crop

Light up the sky

More tea, vicar?

The four-day full-fat festival takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend at The Milk House in Sissinghurst. It’s set to be a feel-good feast of fun for the whole family. Showcasing the cream of Kent, music from top local talent is served with fabulous food and drink from some of the pub’s wonderful suppliers. From cocktails to hot dogs, face-painting to juggling, there’ll be something to put a smile on everyone’s face. The Milk House will also be putting its Full Fat Festival Top back on tap at a cheap and beerful £3.50 a pint. A tipple or two of this bespoke Kentish bitter, crafted by Old Dairy Brewery, is sure to get you in the party mood. So bring a rug, make yourself comfortable, tuck into some fine festival fodder and enjoy the tunes! Catch it during 25th-28th August.

Kent is set to host Europe’s first-ever lantern festival, Shine Up, with thousands of lanterns illuminating the night sky. Following the example of festivals across Asia, people will be able to release lanterns with their own written message to celebrate reasons personal to them. To make the family-friendly event as relaxed as it can be, when buying tickets festival-goers choose their zone at the venue to base themselves. There they can sit, relax, eat, drink, listen to music, and watch the sun set without fear of losing their place, before setting off their lanterns and then enjoying the incredible display. Tickets will provide each festival-goer with a lantern, marker to decorate it, a marshmallow toasting kit and a Shine Up Eco bag. Catch it on Saturday 9th September at Kent Event Centre, Maidstone.

Indie-rock band the Fratellis will headline the closing night of this year’s Vicar’s Picnic, Kent’s family-friendly music festival. The triple-platinum-selling band will take to the main stage on the closing night, whilst Friday night headliners are Bruce Foxton and his sell-out band From the Jam. Foxton, together with Paul Weller, co-wrote many of the Jam’s biggest hits in the late ’70s and early ’80s, and now plays with another guitar great, Russell Hastings. Away from the main stages, organisers have succeeded in putting together a stellar line-up in the FNUK dance tent, with two top names from the dance music world fronting a weekend of non-stop dance – Seb Fontaine and Darren Jay. There’s also family camping and a children’s play area, as well as food and drink. Catch it on The Lees in Yalding on 14th and 15th July.

Milk Fest is back and better than ever

www.themilkhouse.co.uk

KUDOS JULY/AUGUST 2017

Magical lantern festival is a first

www.shineupfest.co.uk

Rock legends join the party

www.vicarspicnic.co.uk

LOV E GOING OUT

Enjoy a summer of family fun at Hever Castle Visit Hever Castle & Gardens this summer to enjoy an entertaining programme of events and activities set amidst award-winning gardens. You’ll discover 700 years of history in the double-moated castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. The splendid rooms contain fine furniture, tapestries, antiques, an important collection of Tudor paintings and two prayer books inscribed and signed by Anne Boleyn herself. For some medieval action, the Knights of Royal England will once again delight crowds with the annual Summer Jousting Tournament. Throughout the summer spectators will be treated to exhilarating displays of action, stunts, falls and fights in an authentic arena complete with Royal Box. You can join the procession from the castle forecourt as Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and the Knights of Royal England make their way to the Jousting arena. Jousting tournaments take place on July 15th & 16th; 22nd & 23rd; 29th & 30th, August 12th & 13th; 19th & 20th; 25th-28th. Discover what life was like when English archers ruled the battlefield, with Tudor Tales on 22nd and 23rd July. You’ll learn about the history of the bow and its use in Tudor times, and wander among the encampments. Kids can experience what it was like to grow up and serve in a royal household in medieval times during Knights & Princesses School, which starts on 22nd July. Knights in training will learn how to prepare and protect armour and discover the best way to arm and disarm their master before battle. Princesses are shown the correct way to give a proper and perfect curtsey. Children are encouraged to get into the spirit by coming in costume. At the end of each session they can take part in a fun sword practice before receiving their Knight School Certificate and being officiated as Knights and Princesses of Hever. Enjoy a weekend dedicated to our four-legged friends with Castle Canines on August 5th and 6th. With informative displays and entertainment on offer, you can also enter your pooch into a dog show, with rosettes for the winners in each category. Other attractions to enjoy over the summer holidays include the Water Maze, the 100-year-old Yew Maze, Have-a-Go Archery* and boating* on the 38-acre lake (*additional charge). www.hevercastle.co.uk

‘the Pantaloons’ Midsummer Night’s Dream

It’s going to be a wild summer

Join family-friendly events organised by Kent Wildlife Trust Kent Wildlife Trust have four visitor centres across the county at Sevenoaks, Bough Beech, Maidstone and Romney Marsh, and this summer they are hosting a fantastic variety of family events for you to enjoy a wild summer. 14

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Image credits: Hever Castle & Gardens

During the school holidays, kids can be part of ‘team wild’ at bushcraft, pond dipping or mini beast adventure events at Sevenoaks and Tyland Barn. If you’re feeling a bit crafty, come to Nature Prints at Bough Beech to make a tile using clay and natural objects, or make birds and bugs out of recycled plastic at the Recycling Workshop. At Romney Marsh Kite Workshop, you can design and create a kite to fly on the beach. For adults, there are Felting Workshops with Di Buttenshaw, who will show you how to make a wall hanging inspired by nature and wild plants. For those who like a bit of fun entertainment, come to Romney Marsh for a traditional Punch and Judy show followed by a puppet-making workshop, or bring a picnic and a group of family and friends to one of three outdoor theatre productions of Midsummer Night’s Dream, performed by the critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre company at Bough Beech, Romney Marsh or Sevenoaks. Discover all about owls and get to see them fly around Tyland Barn at Owls in the Barn with Kent Owl Academy. And if you want to learn new facts about wildlife, join a walk with the warden at Bough Beech on a Tuesday or Wednesday once a month. Booking is essential for most events as places are often limited. For more information about dates, times and prices or to book online please go to kentwildlifetrust.org.uk KUDOS JULY/AUGUST 2017

For theatre goers

The Wedding Singer and Madama Butterfly come to Tunbridge Wells The Wedding Singer is a bright and breezy musical based on the 1998 film starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. It’s a comedy with outrageously catchy songs, shoulder pads, skinny ties and a set that has such an Eighties feel that you can’t help but be taken back in time. It’s 1985. Hair is huge, greed is good and rock-star wannabe Robbie Hart is New Jersey’s favourite wedding singer. When his own fiancée dumps him at the altar, Robbie sets out to make every wedding as disastrous as his own. Can sweet-natured Julia and her best friend Holly lure Robbie back into the limelight? Or is he going to see her head off down the aisle with Wall Street bad boy Glen. Only Grandma Rosie seems to be able to see that Robbie and Julia are a couple meant to be. The musical stars Ray Quinn (X Factor), Cassie Compton (X Factor), and Ruth Madoc (Benidorm). It runs from 5th9th September at the Assembly Hall Theatre, with a signed performance on 7th September. Front stalls and circle from £15 and tiered stalls from £22.50. After sold-out performances of Madama Butterfly and Carmen last year, the Russian State Opera is back to delight you with Madama Butterfly’s exquisite production, beautiful set and costumes and a heart-breaking story. It features a live orchestra and is sung in Italian with English Subtitles. No opera can match the tragedy and sorrow of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly. Set in Japan at the turn of the century, it’s the story of a doomed love affair between an American naval officer and his young Japanese bride whose self-sacrifice and defiance of her family leads to tragedy. It includes two of the most beautiful arias in history – One Fine Day and Love Duet, as well as the Humming Chorus, which has been popular with opera-goers for over a century. The show is at the Assembly Hall Theatre on 21st September at 7:30pm. Price: £32; £29 for concessions; £20 for under-16s.

River deep

Art competition for adults and children, with the River Medway as the theme Artists of all ages are invited to put brush, pen, pencil or pixel to paper and take part in a nationwide competition celebrating connections around the River Medway. The competition is run by Nucleus Arts in partnership with the Rochester Bridge Trust. Its theme is Bridging Medway, and artists are asked to submit a photograph of their work based on this theme. Genevieve Tullberg of Nucleus Arts explained: “This competition is a way for the Rochester Bridge Trust and Nucleus Arts to celebrate the value of creative talent in Kent and beyond. We encourage entrants to think not only figuratively about physically bridging the river and celebrating the engineering that enables this, but symbolically as well.” Split into two competitions, the contest is open to adults (aged 18 and over) and children (aged seven to 17 at the time of the closing date). An expert panel of judges will select the Russell finalists,Watson who will be invited to show their work in a dedicated 16

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There is a £1.75 per ticket booking fee on all tickets. www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk Box office tel: 01892 530613

exhibition, before the winners are announced in two prizegiving ceremonies. Caroline Chisholm, Education Officer for the Rochester Bridge Trust, added: “When Nucleus Arts approached us to support this competition, we felt particularly strongly it should be opened up to children as well as adults. “Part of our work involves encouraging the next generation to become civil engineers, in particular bridge builders, which can be a very creative role, and so we look forward to seeing the young people’s interpretation on the theme of Bridging Medway.” The deadline for entries is Tuesday, 22nd August. The children’s competition is free to enter. Photographs of the artwork, along with the child’s name and age, and the name and contact details of a parent or guardian should be emailed to bridgingmedway@rbt.org.uk The adult competition costs £10 to enter and up to two pieces of work may be submitted. Photographs of the art should be emailed to bridgingmedway@rbt.org.uk Winners from the adult competition will receive £1,000, £500 and £250 respectively. Prizes for children will be tickets to an activity park, determined according to age suitability. www.rochesterbridgetrust.org.uk KUDOS JULY/AUGUST 2017

Family fun at Riverhill

Plan a great family day out at Riverhill Himalayan Gardens in Sevenoaks. Here’s what they have coming up...

Clay Creatures 9th-13th August, 11am-4pm Sculpt the wild creatures of Riverhill in clay – birds, insects, foxes, rabbits or Yetis!

Face Painting & Nail Art 26th-30th July, 10:30am-4:30pm Come and choose your favourite design for either your face or nails – from tigers to butterflies, we can create whatever your little one can imagine! Wild Crowns 2nd-6th August, 11am-4pm Calling wild princes, fairies or kings! Come and create your ultimate wild crown, using a variety of different leaves found in the garden.

Summer Scavenger Hunt 16th-20th August, 10:30am-4pm Imaginative scavenging around the gardens. Messy/Fine Art 23rd-28th August, 11am-4pm Children’s Painting Workshop and Exhibition by Sevenoaks Art Club. Pebble Patterns 30th August-3rd September, 11am-4pm Come and produce your own calming Zentangle design on pebbles – it’s surprisingly addictive!

Dog Show & BBQ Sunday 10th September 12pm Hog Roast & Entries, 1:30pm Show Bring your pooch to our annual family dog show, with fun classes for dogs of all abilities – will your dog win our prize for waggiest tail?

There is no additional charge for these events after admission and no booking is required. www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

That’s entertainment Latest releases on screen

Make the most of summer with screenings under the stars during July and August at Moonlight Drive-in Cinema

Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge

Wonder Woman

Baywatch

A crew of deadly ghost sailors, led by Captain Salazar, are hunting down Jack Sparrow. Jack’s never had the best luck, and things are looking particularly bad for him now. His only hope for survival is the legendary Trident of Poseidon, but he’ll need to ally with beautiful astronomer Carina and headstrong sailor Henry to get it. And Jack’s alliances tend not to last too long…

Diana is princess of the Amazons, a race of women living in isolation. And when the Great War comes to their island, Diana takes up the mantle of Wonder Woman. Sworn to defend the world, she leaves her home with dashing American pilot Steve Trevor to fight in the War and try to bring it to an end. But even the princess of a race of warriors can’t be prepared for the horrors waiting for her in the trenches.

Mitch and his Baywatch team keep people safe and protect the beach. But when a sinister criminal scheme threatens the Bay, they find themselves forced to step up their game. Unfortunately, their fundings been cut and they’ve had to hire former Olympian Matt Brody for a PR boost. But Matt’s a reckless daredevil idiot, and he immediately clashes with the straightforward, no-nonsense Mitch.

The Mummy

Transformers: The Last Knight

Despicable Me 3

Princess Ahmanet is The Mummy, an ancient Egyptian princess who was entombed beneath the desert, and who has awoken to claim what is hers and wreak her vengeance upon mankind. Over the millennia of her imprisonment, her anger and hatred has only grown, and she brings with her horrors beyond human comprehension. She could destroy everything, and only Nick Morton has a chance of stopping her.

Optimus Prime has disappeared to search for his creator. In his absence, humans and Transformers are at each other’s throats. War has broken out, and a terrible battle for survival has begun. Cade Yeager is determined to learn why the Transformers keep coming back to Earth out of all the planets in the cosmos – only for Optimus Prime to return.

Gru and the Minions meet a new (if slightly familiar) face: Gru’s identical twin brother Dru. Well, almost identical – Dru has hair. He’s successful, handsome and incredibly wealthy, and fixated on his family’s legacy of being supervillains. He wants Gru’s help, but Gru has left the life of crime behind. Just maybe, though, the promise of one last heist might be too much to resist…

Moonlight Drive-in Cinema is at The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood, Kent TN12 6PY Book on-line and print your tickets. Then park up (15-30 minutes before start time), turn lights off and get comfy. Order some food, if you wish. Tune FM radio to 106.1, adjust the volume and enjoy the film! Price: £25.00 + 90p booking fee per vehicle. www.moonlightcinema.com

KUDOS JULY/AUGUST 2017

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Pets corner

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

Running mates

Joggy Doggy fitness for you and your four-legged friend Joggy Doggy is a unique canine exercise business focussing on both dog running and human personal training in the sport of Canicross – the fastest-growing dog sport in the UK, involving cross-country running whilst attached to your harnessed dog via a bungee line and belt. The dog pulls into the chest and shoulders, assisting the runner to go further and faster, whilst getting a brilliant doggy workout. Jenny Lee, who lives in Hawkhurst, set up Joggy Doggy four years ago and there are now successful branches in West Cumbria, Wales, Oxfordshire and two in Kent. Now former creative industry executive George Stephenson has partnered with Clare Brown to bring the Joggy Doggy services to dogs in Rye and the surrounding area. “Joggy Doggy is about fitness for you and your dog,” said Jenny Lee. “Research has shown that just as with humans, the endorphins produced by a running dog provide huge physical and emotional benefits which impact on both health and behaviour over the long term.” Joggy Doggy Rye offers canine clients the chance to join sessions that vary from gentle woodland and beach strolls to fast-paced runs of up to five miles. George Stephenson also offers bespoke Canicross training sessions either in groups or on an individual basis. If your dog’s plan is to get fitter, happier and healthier, then contact Clare and George at www.joggydoggy.co.uk.

Suits you, sir

Help protect your pet from ticks and other nasties Protect your dog from seasonal challenges with the new Summer Suit from Equafleece. Offering protection as a barrier against ticks, the Summer Suit can also aid as a protective layer against sticky burrs, grass and flea allergies, insect bites and stings. The number of cases of Lyme disease in pets has increased by 560% since 2009 (PDSA, April 2016). This new data suggests warmer winters are to blame for a surge in the tick-borne infection. Ticks hide in long grass and woodland, ready to latch onto a convenient host. Equafleece’s Summer Suit offers protection, preventing them from latching onto your dog. Made from lightweight silky ‘Technical’ fabric, similar in look and feel to cotton T-shirting, the Summer Suit also has a good degree of water repellence. Its tailored design allows it to be snug but not tight, so doesn’t restrict movement. Many dogs suffer from allergic reactions to fleas, mites, mosquitoes and grass pollen. Acting as a barrier to stop incessant scratching, the suit’s cool, smooth fabric soothes the irritated areas and helps to break the scratching cycle. The Equafleece Summer Suit is available in seven sizes and three colours. Price: from £23. www.equafleece.co.uk

Cold comfort

Keep your pet cool in the heat The Henry Wag Cooling Mat is a pet-cool mat with innovative gel that helps to keep your dog and other pets cool by drawing heat away from their body. The mat’s temperature remains lower than your pet’s body temperature, providing them with comfortable and refreshing relief from the heat on hot summer days. It can also provide comfort for older pets suffering from joint pain. With no need to refrigerate before use, the mat gets colder as soon as your pet lies on it and can be used in their favourite bed, crate, on the floor or even in the car when travelling. Price: from £19.99 to £29.99. Available from www.collareddog.co.uk

Email a photograph and details of your pet to editorial@badbettymedia.co.uk 20

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Hot dog

As temperatures rise, make sure your dog stays safe in the heat We all enjoy making the most of the good weather, but before you set off on that family walk with your pet, be sure to take sensible precautions to keep your dog safe in the sun. Unlike humans, dogs can’t sweat through their skin and so they rely on panting and releasing heat through their paw pads and nose to regulate their body temperature and keep cool. Heatstroke is a very real problem for them. Signs of heatstroke in dogs include excessive panting and dribbling and loss of energy. If your pet looks like he’s struggling, move him to a cool place, wet his coat with cool water, turn a cool fan on him and call your vet. If you go for a walk, carry water and a bowl with you so your dog has access to water at all times. If it’s very hot, walk your dog during the cooler parts of the day, in the early morning and late evening, and watch for signs of over-heating. If he’s struggling, stop in a shady spot and give your dog water. Never leave your dog alone in a car, even with the windows open. The temperature inside a car in full sunlight can quickly rise to double the temperature outside the car. And be particularly careful with short-nosed dogs such as boxers, pugs and bull breeds, older and overweight dogs as they can get heatstroke simply by running around. Swimming is excellent exercise for dogs and a great exercise alternative to walking in the summer heat. But remember that

not all dogs like to swim, so don’t force them. Always take fresh water with you to the beach – salt water isn’t good for dogs and is likely to make them sick. Wash salt and sand off your dog’s coat after swimming to prevent it drying and irritating their skin. Pale-coloured dogs are vulnerable to sunburn, particularly on their ears, noses and where hair is sparse, and sunlight can also make skin conditions worse, especially if your dog has allergies. Use a non-toxic sunscreen, or one made for dogs, on areas that could burn. The best way to keep your dog safe in the sun is to keep him indoors when the sun is strongest, between 11am and 3pm. Collared has a range of dog accessories at their branches in Tunbridge Wells, Hastings and Canterbury. The Henry Wag Cooling Mat on the opposite page is one of their most popular products over the summer. www.collareddog.co.uk

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I thought I was going to be a singing hairdresser who never left Glasgow

As Lulu embarks on her biggest tour yet, she talks to Kudos about her extraordinary career and her determination to never retire

Following her smash-hit 2016 tour, Lulu is returning with her biggest tour yet. The overriding influence in the life of this acclaimed singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman, Grammy and Novello Award nominee, has always been the music. So, her All About the Music tour is packed full of her hits, new songs and songs that have influenced and guided her throughout her incredible career. Lulu was born Marie McDonald McLaughlin Lawrie in 1948, and brought up in Glasgow’s working-class tenements. Music was part of her life as far back as she can remember. By the time she was 12, Lulu was fronting a local R&B band. At 15, she was a national star with her hit, Shout and her long career was underway. Lulu has been married twice. Her first marriage, to Bee Gees’ Maurice Gibb when she was 19, faltered in 1973 after four years together. Her second, to celebrity hairdresser John Frieda, ended in 1992, after 15 years. She has a son, Jordan, from her relationship with Frieda, and is a doting grandmother to Jordan’s children, Isabella, seven, and four-year-old Teddy.

All About The Music Tour celebrates six decades in the music industry. How do you keep the magic alive?

Six decades is amazing! You know the weird thing is, I have to ask myself, “Has it really been that long?” They say time passes really fast when you’re having fun and I could apply that to me. It’s happened without me even blinking because this is what I live for. I live for music. It’s a blessing in my life.

How do you keep the shows exciting for you and the audience?

First of all I’ve only been with this band for around four years and that’s helped shake things up. They’re all younger than me, so there’s a young energy, which I love. We keep it fresh and new, and the great thing is these guys are influenced by the same music that I was and still am, but they have a new slant.

I’ve heard you exhaust them?

That’s what they say… (laughs) If it’s not fun, it’s a slog, and who wants to do anything that’s a slog if you don’t have to? Sometimes in life one has to do a slog, but generally it’s fun.

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What was the first concert you ever performed at?

It was a theatre or small hall and I was very, very, young. I sang Smoke Gets In Your Eyes and I forget the words. I just repeated the first verse and I wanted to die, but nobody mentioned it afterwards. I thought it was the worst thing I had done in my whole life. I was probably about six. What I do remember is I had a sticky-out frock and I think I was so pleased with myself that the excitement affected my memory.

What was the first concert you went to?

I remember going to a really dirty club to see Alex Harvey when I was just about 13, although I don’t know if that was my first show. I was actually not allowed into those places because I was so young, but my mother wangled it so I could go. I used to sing in a band at the weekends, so the boys in the band had to look after me. Alex came backstage dressed in black leather with jet-black hair and sang Shout. It was the first time I ever heard it and I went out the next day and bought the record by The Isley Brothers, and the rest is history.

You were the first female artist to play an Eastern bloc country in 1966. What was the experience like, considering you were only 17 or 18?

I was with The Hollies and it was scary. It was cold, the place was very rundown and there were bullet marks on buildings. There was debris and there was a lot of poverty. It was also memorable because when we did the concerts, there were guards all round watching the audience, so they didn’t stand up or get excited. When they started to get excited the guards slapped them down.

Where does your energy come from?

I guess I was blessed with a lot of energy, and I think if you are healthy, you naturally have a lot of energy. Some people love it and some would prefer you to shut up and sit down. It’s all about how you use your energy for the positive, and as you get older it’s about pacing your energy – and for that I do meditation and Chi Gong.

Do you travel light?

I want to focus on the music when I’m on stage. It’s not about costume changes and it’s definitely not about glitter or sequins or frocks. I want the focus to be about the music. In practical terms, it’s much easier. I wear a hat so I don’t even have to do my hair. I can be ready in 20 minutes.

Do you think today’s young female bands and artists are under too much pressure to look good?

Yes! Now it’s world domination or nothing, and that is tremendous pressure – and you’ll be dropped like a hot potato if you don’t sell a certain amount of records. It was different back then.

Do you listen to new music artists?

Yes, I do. I know a lot of people my age sit around and listen to old music, but that’s not what I do. I listen to lots of stuff, old and new. The new Lady Gaga record is great, I love Zayn Malik, Adele, Rihanna, Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, Sigma – and I think Beyoncé has done something that no other black female has done. She is a consummate entertainer. I just get so excited by so many artists. I also love Paolo Nutini – Paolo is the real deal; he’s a real blues singer. I also think Calvin Harris is doing the most unbelievable work. There is so much I enjoy.

How do you know what to perform on stage for the new tour?

If you are an artist, you want to take your audience on a journey. You want to take them through memories – poignant, sad, happy – but ultimately you want them to have a good night out, so the goal is to get people up on their feet so they don’t have sore bums from sitting down. So, a collection of my hits, a few new self-penned songs, and it all just comes together organically once the boys and I are in rehearsals.

Could you see yourself doing a new Bond theme, a follow up to 1974’s The Man With The Golden Gun? Only if I wrote it. KUDOS JULY/AUGUST 2017

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“You look great, Lu”. It was all “Oh my God, we are still here!” There’s an appreciation of how we’ve managed to keep our heads above water. I know he has the same philosophy as me. We follow the same school of thought, in that we are very grateful for what we’ve got and we both love touring. Macca’s the same, Jagger’s the same. That’s all we talk about. We all say we love it.

If someone had told your 15-year-old self you would have this life ahead of you what would you have thought? I would have said, “Are you having a laugh?”, because I have had such an amazing life! How could a young 15-year-old have predicted the way my life was going to unfold? It has been a rollercoaster… I thought I was going to be a singing hairdresser who never left Glasgow!

Anything else you wish you had known at the beginning of your career? I wish I would have known I could write songs.

What makes you really proud?

At the weekend I was with my son and my grandchildren, and we were making birthday cards and a poster for their mum, who was about to return from a few days away with her girlfriends. It was such a sweet moment and I sat back and thought, “Wow, didn’t Jordan do well – and I get to share it.” That was a proud moment.

How were you affected when you needed vocal surgery in the early ’80s?

It was pretty scary, but thank god it all turned out OK. So now when I’m on tour I don’t speak for 12 hours after a show. This makes sure I’m in peak condition for the next show. With all the travelling and the talking that needs to be done, I’ve learnt to pace myself. Sometimes you have things happen to you in your life which shape you, and if you recover and learn from them, it’s not a bad experience. It’s actually a good experience, ultimately, because you learn what to do to prevent it happening again and it gives you humility. So from that experience, I have a lot of gratitude that I’m still doing it and doing it good.

In your experience, what gets easier as you get older? For me, most things become easier because I live from a position of having gratitude. I’ve become philosophical, and as tough as it is for me not to kneejerk into a negative place when things go wrong, I always have a way of getting back and looking at acceptance of what is and what I can’t change. It doesn’t happen in a flash; it’s a process, and I now have the support and the tools to process.

And what gets tougher?

Maintenance. It’s a bitch… ha-ha! There’s a big piece of acceptance in growing older. I look at myself and go, “Oh my God. You never really thought this would happen”. When you have success at a young age, the pop-star sort of thing, you think you’re invincible, so it’s a shock to see that you are not.

Do you compare notes with your contemporaries? Yes. I saw Ringo Starr the other day and we were very pleased with ourselves. (Laughs) I said, “You look great”. And he said, 24

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Could you see yourself retiring?

No, I could not! As far as I’m concerned, I don’t work anywhere near the way I used to because it was compulsive then. Now I choose everything I do and I’m as busy as I want to be – and as busy as anything.

What luxury items always go in your travel bag? Fragrant Indian oils, Green & Black’s Dark Chocolate and a travel pillow!

Who has given you the best advice about your voice?

I met Frank Sinatra in Las Vegas and he asked if I made it a habit to warm up my voice and whether I did vocal exercises before a show, which I didn’t back then. I was there with Maurice (Gibb), and Frank offered to teach me, but I never followed it up because I was too shy. And then, of course, I went off and hurt my voice, so now I’m religious about looking after it. So, yes, Frank, I eventually took your advice.

What was the best advice Maurice gave you about singing?

Maurice never gave me advice, he thought everything I did was great! Bless his heart.

Is there anyone you’d still like to work with or duet with?

Bruno Mars, Calvin Harris, and I’d love to do something with Steven Tyler from Aerosmith, and so many more. All About the Music is at the Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells, on 11th October. www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk / Box office: 01892 530613 @ahttw AssemblyHallTheatre KUDOS JULY/AUGUST 2017

Style

auty

& be Fashion, health

Bags of style Fanny-packs or bum-bags, whatever you want to call them, have never been considered cool. But as this year’s must-have festival accessory (and also a smart choice when on the go to keep your arms free), our fashion editor Sally-Ann Carroll hunted down the most fashionable bags on the market

I just love these hand-illustrated limited-edition designs. They’re made with a super-waterproof, waxed canvas exterior and a sturdy zip to keep precious gadgets away from the elements. Price: £62 Available at Fortnum & Mason, Harrods & www.jessicarussellflint.co.uk

You can never go wrong with black. This one has a pretty floral design to make it more feminine. Price: £26 www.riverisland.com 26

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If you want something with a bit of glitz, then this sequin number is it. Price: £25 www.uk.accessorize.com KUDOS JULY/AUGUST 2017

Life’s a beach We’re all going on a summer holiday. Hip, hip hooray! Here’s a sneak peak of Sally-Ann Carroll’s stylish summer sizzles to take you from beach to bar. Bon voyage one and all!

Clockwise from top left: bandeau swimsuit, £76, and ombre print chiffon pareo, £50, both from www.seaspray.com; cobalt blue cover up, £69, www.aqualuxe.co.uk; vivid berry swimsuit, £130, www.simplybeach.com; floral sarong, £159, www. gottex-swimwear.com; mauve sequined kaftan, £225, and aqua and coral kaftan, £95, both from www.lindseybrown.com; printed kaftan, £65, www.seaspray.com; printed swimsuit, £146, www.monacobeach.co.uk; soft gold metallic sandals, and white sandals, both £59, from www.hotter.com 28

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Beauty notes Latest products and news

Sun spritz

Glow girl

www.pixibeauty.co.uk

www.feelunique.com

Pixi’s Sun Mist with chamomile and bamboo extracts is an innovative way to wear sunscreen. The sheer, featherweight spritz can be sprayed under or over make-up to provide broadspectrum SPF30 protection. Price: £18

Get a sun-kissed glow with a subtle golden shimmer from head to toe with IsaDora Shimmering Bronzing Oil. Price: £19.95

Tan while you sleep

Tan Luxe’s Sleep Oil is a hydrating tanning elixir that revitalises your skin and adds colour while you sleep. Enriched with raspberry seed oil, vitamin E and aloe vera, it features Triple Tan Technology with organic tanning actives which work with your skin tone to deliver a natural-looking, stain-free tan. Price: £39

www.spacenk.com

Lip service

Enhance your lips natural colour and contour with Perricone MD’s No Lipstick Lipstick – a satin, nutrient-rich stick of rosy colour, with a solid-to-serum formula fortified with broad spectrum SPF 15 for expert sun protection. Price: £25

www.perriconemd.co.uk

Smooth operator

Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral is a silky-smooth powder sunblock that can be applied over your regular moisturiser and leaves a sheer, tinted matte veil of sun protection to help skin look smooth, even and non-greasy. You get instant protection without the greasiness of suntan lotion. Price: £24

www.cultbeauty.co.uk

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The healthy way to lose weight Would you like to reach your ideal weight with a healthy weight-loss programme? Dr Sophie Shotter tells you howâ&#x20AC;Ś

We are bombarded with obesity statistics, weight loss tips, dieting and horror stories and tempting food daily. The path to weight loss can be a minefield, but the Pronokal diet is here to make things easier for you. The Pronokal diet is led by doctors to provide the medical support needed for patients to lose up to a stone a month. We spoke to Doctor Sophie Shotter, Medical Director of Illuminate Skin Clinic, to discover more about the revolutionary weight loss programme. Doctor Shotter explained that the medically-led weight-loss programme is based on a strict intake of proteins, vitamins and minerals, while reducing the ingestion of fats and carbohydrates. The diet is conducted under medical supervision and complemented by a multidisciplinary team of professionals (registered dietitians, psychological adviser and a personal trainer). The method is divided into three stages: active, re-education and maintenance. Doctor Shotter said that the diet is designed for you to reach your desired weight and maintain it, having acquired new knowledge, healthier eating habits and the introduction of physical exercise into the daily routine. Doctor Shotter explained that all patients have a thorough health check, before the doctor decides if the patient can engage on to the programme. With the patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment, an agreed target is set for the patient to achieve an 80% weight reduction during the first stage. We asked Doctor Shotter about the Pronokal diet:

Q: What can you eat?

You follow a diet composed of a wide range of Pronokal foods, such as omelettes, pizza, chicken nuggets, paella, soups, desserts, crisps, milkshakes, biscuits, cold drinks, hot drinks and vegetables combined with the correct supplementation of vitamins and minerals. The diet is designed to make sure youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re never bored or unsatisfied with a meal, which is the main reason so many other diets fail.

Q: Who can do the diet?

Pronokal is suited to those who wish to lose a stone or more. We provide a no-obligation medical consultation to help you decide how much you would like to lose.

Q: How long do you have to follow the diet?

This depends on how much weight you want to lose, but on average our patients can lose up to a stone a month. Once you have reached your goal, you will be slowly weaned from the programme to ensure you continue to make healthy lifestyle choices after Pronokal. This is by no means a life commitment, but it can change your life.

The Pronokal diet is available at Illuminate Skin Clinics, along with other treatments including Coolsculpting, injectables, vein treatments, skin rejuvination, non-surgical facelifts, chemical peels, threadlifting, microdermabrasion, clinical facials and treatments for men. T: 01732 647007 www.illuminateskinclinic.co.uk KUDOS JULY/AUGUST 2017

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Men’s

dgets

Fashion and ga

Surf’s up Hit the beach in some vibrant trunks, says Sally-Ann Carroll

Vilebrequin Moorea multicolour turtle swim shorts, £160, www.houseoffraser.co.uk

Nikben light blue equator swim shorts, £60, www.seagatehastings.uk

Bowler and Beach swim shorts, £89 for men and £59 for kids, www.bowlerandbeach.com

Bluemint Arthur blue flamingo and cascade lotus mid-length swim shorts, £95 each, www.seagatehastings.uk

KUDOS JULY/AUGUST 2017

MEN ONLY

Out of this world

SpaceSocks is a pioneering project designing socks to be worn by astronauts. The company has collaborated with Zero 2 Infinity, who are dedicated to simplifying access to Space by using a balloon-based lift to reach orbit. For those of us that don’t have the resources or the tools to travel to space, Sock’M has also designed a limited-edition version made from high-quality cotton. Price: €10 www.sockm.com

Smooth operator

The Braun Series 3 ProSkin is a real hero for skin comfort when shaving. Its advanced MicroComb technology, a comb-like structure that guides the beard hairs into the cutting element of the trimmer, reduces overall shaving time and thus skin irritation by cutting short and long hairs simultaneously with every stroke. A sophisticated shaving system of three independently-floating cutting elements and two SensoFoil elements adapt to every facial contour to offer a comfortable shave that is faster than ever before. The extra-large precision trimmer and ergonomic grip is ideal for a gentle shave with total control, while the Clean and Charge Station hygienically cleans and charges the shaver. Price: £48 uk.braun.com

Mine’s a pint

It’s time to raise a glass in style and appreciate the beautiful craftsmanship poured into the taste of homemade, craft beer. The Brew Barrel Homebrew Kit comes in four different flavours and gives you all the tools you need to make five litres of the finest beer, the equivalent to eight pints. Your brew is ready to be enjoyed in only seven days and it’s worth every minute for the great reward you will feel from your own brew. Price: from £34.99-£39.99 www.thefowndry.com

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Food

ecipes Restaurants, r

and news

Masters in the kitchen

It was a very special evening at The Kentish Hare with Masterchef The Professionals 2016 finalist Elly Wentworth and former contestant Dean Westcar

Since it opened three years ago, The Kentish Hare, run by brothers Chris and James Tanner, has held regular Tasting Evening events – five delicious courses, each presented by the chefs who created them, with matching wines if you wish. The evenings celebrate the season’s produce whilst giving guests the opportunity to enjoy a taste of what they do at The Kentish Hare. The last event (held in May) was even more than that – it was also a trip down memory lane for the brothers, as James explained to us: “Elly Wentworth worked for us when she was 16 years old (she’s now 24) at our restaurant in Plymouth. Even at such a young age she was clearly very talented. She did an apprenticeship with us and then went on to various one-star restaurants, but we’ve always kept in touch. We are a very close kitchen team and it was great to watch her progress her career, leading to her appearance on Masterchef The Professionals 2016, 36

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where she was a runner-up. So it seemed only natural to involve Elly in some of our Tasting Evenings – first at our restaurant in Plymouth and now The Kentish Hare. Understandably, Chris and James are thrilled with Elly’s success. Says James, “Honestly, we are so proud, it’s like seeing one of our own grow. Elly and Dean are the ones to watch for the future, they are the next generation and are so talented – they really are at the top of their game. To get them here to work with our crew, not just in Kent but also at our other site in Plymouth, has just been fantastic. It knocked us back 10 years to be doing service with Elly again.” So how did Dean Westcar get involved? Says Chris, “Dean made it to the semi-finals of Masterchef the previous year and is currently Elly’s Head Chef. They’ve worked together on and off for five years. They are both very talented cooks that have become good friends, so we thought it would be nice that they work together on this.” KUDOS JULY/AUGUST 2017

Preparing for one of their Tasting Evenings takes a lot of work, as James explains: “We got together at both sites and worked out who was doing which course. Dean’s got a great touch on pastry so he did the dessert for the evening (white chocolate, lychee and coconut), plus the amuse bouche course (potato, alliums and truffle). Elly did a wonderful starter combining chicken with some beautiful handdived scallops that were super fresh, with thyme, lemon and a sauce that took ages to prepare. The flavour just explodes and that is what this kind of food is all about. “Our Head Chef Bobby Brown prepared lamb for the main with asparagus, honey and xérès. Then there was a lovely pre-dessert of strawberries and clotted cream. It was a gastronomic delight!” And that it most certainly was! We were delighted to be a part of the evening, which was capped at 42 to keep it intimate. Each course was explained by the chef who created it, which gives a wonderfully personal touch. There were a few jokes along the way, too, ensuring the evening was light-hearted and fun. It was also a nice touch that you can opt for the wine pairing if you wish, presented by Paul Robinson from Hallgarten Druitt and Novum Wines, who explained his choice of wine before each course. The theme for the evening was Greek wines, which were all very interesting. Our favourite was the aperitif – Vidiano from Idaia Winery – really crisp with lots of flavour. But, ultimately, it was all about the food, which was faultless.

Competition!

Win a copy of Venison: The Game Larder Venison has become hugely popular as a delicious, healthy meat. Venison: The Game Larder contains over 50 recipes, from simple venison lasagne to elegant dinner-party show-stoppers, by chef and game expert José Souto, and guest chefs. But this isn’t just a cookery book, this is a celebration of deer: in stunning pictures, world-renowned photographer Steve Lee (see feature on page 40) showcases British deer with a breathtaking array of shots. We have a copy of Venison: The Game Larder, to give away. To enter, email your name and address to editorial@badbettymedia.co.uk by the closing date, 31st August 2017. Terms & Conditions The winner will be drawn at random from all entries received by the closing date, midnight, 31st August 2017. The prize is as stated and there is no cash alternative. By entering the competition, you agree to your details being shared with The Rock Inn and to receive occasional details of promotions from them.

Real fast food Burger bar is breaking records Fast becoming the fast-food talk of the town, Marlowe’s, the 25-seater burger bar on Calverley Road, Tunbridge Wells, opened over the Easter weekend and has not stopped flipping since, serving up over 2,200 burgers in the first 22 days. It’s the brainchild of 29-year-old Sean Marlowe, who grew up in Tunbridge Wells, and spent two years travelling the world, visiting burger joints and sampling their menus, before opening his own burger bar. Marlowe’s is steadily building its reputation for quality and simplicity, consistently delivering its own special-recipe, perfectly-cooked, 100% pure Sussex grass-fed beef burgers, to an ever-growing clientele. Sean’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.” His no-frills recipe focuses on the quality of the meat and simple garnishes. Marlowe’s focused approach and friendly, efficient service has led to over 100 reviews on social media and TripAdvisor already, with 95% being five-star ratings, and the burger bar’s popularity is increasing daily, predominantly through word of mouth. www.marlowes.co

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Meet the locals The Rock Inn, in Edenbridge, is full of real characters. Here, celebrated food photographer and Rock regular Steve Lee talks about his life

When did your interest in photography start?

My dad was a really powerful food photographer, so I guess I just followed in his footsteps – he was the one who really got me into it. As a child, I spent a lot of time in the studio (obviously back then I wanted to be out with my mates), so it just became a way of life. And it isn’t just me, my old man sort of started a dynasty! My brother Joff is an amazing food photographer too, I have tremendous respect for him. Then there are our kids! My eldest son is a food photographers’ assistant, my middle son is a head chef and my youngest has just finished studying film at university and is now working with me towards using film and stop motion in the food industry. My brothers’ son is also working as a photographers’ assistant and in film also – and my mother still runs all our businesses as she has from right back from when my dad started out! It’s all about food in my family.

How did you get into the business?

I actually went into farming initially, before I went into photography. I’ve always loved livestock and the outdoors. Unfortunately the outdoors doesn’t really like me. I suffer from asthma in the summer and I get terrible hayfever! So basically, I left… then I was out of a job and my father’s attitude was “I don’t care what you do, so long as you work”. There was no such thing as the dole in my family! I didn’t know what I wanted to do so he said that I’d have to go and work with him. And I did. I worked for him for five years. About three years in, he gave me my first job on commission. That was a real lightbulb moment for me, I realized a few things; One – that I was good at it. Two – I enjoyed it, and three – that I could make a good living as a photographer. Two years later I started on my own and 32 years later I’m still shooting food and drink. I’ve been in the industry for 37 years now. I have my own studio in London. I also own a prop house with stylist Jo Harris called Topham Street Prop House, which we started together about eight years ago and run from the same location. We supply just about every supermarket, most photographers, most magazines – pretty much everybody in the industry with all the necessities you require when building the set for a food shoot. It’s also perfect having the two located together. We have the studio, a kitchen and the prop house all under one roof – as I said everything you could possibly need for a food shoot.

What is it that you enjoy about photographing food?

I just love it. Every single day’s a different story. One day I’ll be photographing meat, the next day yoghurt. I’ve just flown back from Norway with 10 Michelin-star chefs, including Michel Roux 40

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Photo of ‘Lady & the Tramp’ by Jonathan Short

Jr and I’ve got his daughter in the studio later this month. I’ve worked with Keith Floyd, the Two Fat Ladies, so many different chefs old and new and many books to my name. I enjoy every part of it. And, of course, I love eating!

What are the main drawbacks of photographing food?

Time. There is just never enough time! Sometimes I just think that some clients are more interested in quantity of shots in a day and not quality. It should be the other way around of course.

Can you tell us any tricks of the trade?

The food industry has really changed from my fathers’ time. There have been lots of stories over the years about food being painted and sprayed but nowadays it’s just so natural. Food is relaxed, which is what I really like – what you see is what you get. There are no real tricks, not in our studio. Before, when you put a chicken in the oven, it would have to come out perfect but nowadays, if it comes out a little bit crispy round the edges it doesn’t matter. We just spend a little more time putting it on the plate than you would at home, because if you just dumped it on the product would never sell. We spend a lot of time preparing the plate to get the best possible shot. And because there are no tricks, we get to eat the food when we are done, which I love! I’ll have a stir-fry for breakfast, and maybe game pie for pudding. We eat whatever is being cooked in the studio that day – hence four nights a week in the gym! KUDOS JULY/AUGUST 2017

Where have your photography commissions taken you?

I’ve recently been to Norway to photograph their famous Skrei cod – the cod out there is incredible. I am off back there soon to shoot cold water prawns out with the trawler men, it should be fun. I’ve done seventy odd thousand miles around Alaska photographing salmon. I’ve been to Italy many times working with Parma and Gorgonzola. I’ve shot Iberico in Spain. I’m also a judge at the quality food awards every year. I only do meat and fish because that’s what I really love. It’s no good giving me a bowl of vegetables. I don’t mind vegetables but I can’t tell the difference between one carrot and another. There are people out there that can, but I’m not one of them! But I know my meat and fish and I enjoy that more than anything. So, I’m very happy to sit down and judge different supermarkets and what they are bringing out for everybody, to make sure that we are getting good products.

How long does it take to produce a book like Venison – The Game Larder?

I started working on the book about eight years ago with a very close friend, Chef José Souto who wrote it. It became a passion for us. Initially, no-one wanted to take on the book because venison wasn’t really in vogue at that time. But we carried on. It’s an amazing healthy meat, completely sustainable. The book educates people about the unquestionable humane side of eating venison – no corralled life followed by the queuing up for slaughter at the end for these animals. We never gave up on it and so at the start of each season, I would go out with my camera and José would go stalking. We eventually got a publisher thanks to Chris at BASC who introduced us to Merlin Unwin books, who did believe in us. They saw that venison was becoming more popular with chefs. Three years later we completed the book. So, eight years of thousands of images had to be whittled down. It became the bible of venison and it has done so well that we decided to do ‘Feathers the Game Larder’. We are two-and-a-half years in and it will be launched next year at The Game Fair, which usually takes place in July. For my sins we will probably follow it up with ‘Fur the Game Larder’!

What other books have you worked on?

Photo by Steve Lee

So many over the years I couldn’t even tell you. I do a lot of reportage shoots, great for telling the story of food. I did a book years ago called ‘Britain The Cookbook’ with Phil Vickery. We had great fun. We did about 30 different locations, travelling every other weekend – that’s when I started to do more reportage. We’d go to the watercress beds and photograph from when they started to grow to when they finished, followed Cornish sardines, Cromer crab, rhubarb in Yorkshire, where you go in to these dark rooms. It’s quite difficult to photograph because the rhubarb is grown in the dark and is lit with candles! All you can hear is the popping of the rhubarb opening.

What do you like most about The Rock Inn?

For a start, the landlady Emma is a really creative person, we get on incredibly well. We have the same interests in food. I think the food there is great. Oysters always at hand! She does an amazing job. She never sits still, is always looking at how she can do things better – there are a lot of pubs out there that really could do with following in her footsteps. But ultimately, The Rock is about the people that go in there. You’ll find so many different people from every neck of the woods, all walks of life with lots of very interesting stories. It’s just a lovely atmosphere, a great laugh and you go in there knowing that you can chat with anybody.

The Rock Inn, Hoath Corner, Rywell Road, Chiddingstone Hoath, Edenbridge TN8 7BS Phone: 01892 870296

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The Good Eating Guide From fine dining to country pubs, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve tracked down some of the best local places to eat

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KUDOS JULY/AUGUST 2017

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The Kentish Hare

95 Bidborough Ridge, Bidborough, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0XB Situated in the picturesque village of Bidborough, award-winning gastropub The Kentish Hare perfectly captures the spirit of a traditional, quaint English pub. Delivering high-quality food in a stylish setting, it has become renowned for its dishes which celebrate the best in local produce, while its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere ensures customers keep coming back for more. Visitors to The Kentish Hare can choose from a carefully-designed menu that celebrates the finest in seasonal flavours and local ingredients, sourced directly from local suppliers, complemented by an extensive range of cocktails, wines, beers and spirits. With celebrity chefs and brothers Chris and James Tanner heading up the kitchen, guests are guaranteed a culinary experience to remember. Just recently, the venue played host to an exclusive sell-out Guest Chef Evening, with TV cooking talent show finalist Elly Wentworth, and fellow former contestant, Dean Westcar, joining James and Chris in the kitchen for an evening of collaborative cooking (see page 36). Diners were treated to a special five-course menu which showcased an impressive range of culinary skills, from starters to dessert. With big plans for the future, it will not be the last event at The Kentish Hare, so watch this space! Visitors can relax in the gastropub’s tasteful, cosy surroundings, or soak up the sunshine and enjoy the picturesque backdrop in its outdoor terrace and garden this summer. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind with an ice-cold drink and a bite to eat – and to enjoy the sunshine. The Kentish Hare’s reputation for quality food and service has already earned it national recognition. This includes securing two AA rosettes and a coveted Michelin listing, as well as winning Best Newcomer Gastro Pub UK 2016. * Plus gluten-free options www.thekentishhare.com

Chris Tanner’s favourite summer recipe:

Roasted day boat pollock, Cornish new potatoes, red chard, asparagus, and lemon dressing Serves 2 Ingredients

• 2 x fillets of pollock • 200g cooked Cornish new potatoes • 8 x asparagus spears • 6 x leaves of red chard • 80ml rapeseed oil • Juice of 1 lemon • Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Method

1. S eason the fish with a little salt and allow to stand for five minutes.

2. P at the fish dry with a sheet of kitchen paper. Place a little

oil in a non-stick frying pan, and once hot, carefully place the fish in, skin side down, and cook through. Be careful to keep it at the far side of the pan to avoid any nasty burns! To lessen the amount of oil used, you could also grill the fish for a few minutes on each side instead.

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Chris and James Tanner

3. S lice the potatoes, and sauté in some hot oil until lightly

coloured. Season, and set aside on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. 4. Bring a pan of water to the boil, add a little salt, and place the asparagus into the water. Cook for one minute, then add the chard and continue cooking for a further minute. Drain, and place on a kitchen towel to absorb any excess water. 5. P ut the remaining oil into a saucepan, season with salt and pepper, and gently warm before adding the lemon juice. 6. Arrange the potatoes on a plate, place the fish on top, and arrange the chard and asparagus around it. Spoon over some of the lemon dressing to serve, and enjoy!

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Frankie’s Farmshop Clapper Lane, Staplehurst TN12 0JT Founded on the principles of fresh, flavoursome food using local suppliers as far as possible, coupled with friendly service, Frankie believes that these are the qualities that draw customers back to the farm shop time and time again. When they first opened five years ago, it was predominantly a farm shop with a café, but it quickly became clear that customers wanted to eat with them rather than anything else, so the café took centre stage. Brunch, from the ever-popular open-plan kitchen led by Bob and his team, has now replaced breakfast and lunch, as they adapted their service to the busy lifestyle of their customers. Coffee and fabulous cake by Sophie Bracelin and her team are available all day long. Frankie is proud to stock Kentish Milk from Kingscott Dairy in Staplehurst, Claire’s bread from Witherden Farm and great coffee from Coffee Real. The nursery is a huge draw at peak periods. Awash with vibrant colour from 200,000 Geraniums in spring and 50,000 Poinsettias in winter, the nursery wows a loyal customer base which returns year on year. Sitting outside the farm shop in an al-fresco dining area, customers can watch their children having fun on a zip wire, visiting the animals or playing in the grassy open space. Frankie’s Farmshop is open for brunch seven days a week,   9-5 Monday to Saturday, 10-4 Sunday and Bank Holidays. www.frankiesfarmshop.co.uk

Complimentary tea or coffee! Visit Frankie’s Farmshop Monday to Friday during July and August 2017, hand in this voucher and you’ll get a free tea or coffee with every brunch. Minimum spend per person £7.95

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The Plant Base

46 Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2QD For healthy eating, including vegan and gluten-free dishes, head to The Plant Base. You won’t find any fake meat or cheese on the menu, and there’s no white sugar on the premises. New dishes are always being added to the menu, along with a range of seasonal toppings. For instance, they now serve a raw, gluten-free muesli for breakfast, which you can also buy and take away in bags. The breakfast and lunch bowls comprise three sections: you pick your base, your topping and a sauce in whatever combination you like. For example, a popular lunch bowl is quinoa bowl with dehydrated tomato, avocado, sesame and sprouted mung bean with a dill and garlic cashew cream. Juices are cold-pressed on site, and if you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’ll love their Matcha bars made with coconut, seeds and dates or Mocha balls made with real coffee and cacao nibs, both sweetened naturally. Over the summer months, The Plant Base will be introducing a range of different brunch options: avocado or mushrooms on toast, both of which come with homemade pesto and your choice of gluten-free seeded or sprouted spelt whole wheat bread. There’s a sweet option, too, of banana, pecan and mint, dressed with homemade tahini. *Plus gluten-free and dairy-free options www.theplantbase.net

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The Warren

5A High Street, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1UL The Warren restaurant, tucked away up a flight of stairs at the top of Tunbridge Wells’ High Street, is one of the true hidden gems of the town. For the past 18 months, it has been quietly redefining dining by producing the most exquisite cuisine with produce sourced from its own 650-acre Crowborough Warren Estate, only seven miles away on the edge of the Ashdown Forest. All the meat, which includes venison, wild boar, lamb, beef and poultry, is reared on the estate and butchered in-house. Everything else on the weekly-changing menu, including the wine, is also sourced as locally and sustainably as possible, and from the sourdough bread and butter to the raisins that go into the buttermilk scones on the High Tea menu, everything is made from scratch. Peek behind the scenes into the kitchen and you’ll find a focused hive of creative precision. Front of house, you’ll receive a warm welcome from the staff eager to share their passion for both The Warren estate and the restaurant. The décor is quirky and kitch and brimming with character – you know you’re in for an experience. Although it’s dining at its finest, there are no airs and graces and you are encouraged to take your time to enjoy your meal. While it’s large enough to seat big parties comfortably, and smart enough to be a good choice for a special occasion, the relaxed atmosphere and extremely reasonable Express Menu (£9.95 for one course, £14.95 for two, available lunchtimes Tuesday-Saturday as well as evenings Tuesday-Wednesday) make it perfect for anyone who simply enjoys excellent, locally-sourced, lovingly-prepared food at an affordable price. * Plus humidor, outside terrace, locally-sourced produce. www.thewarren.restaurant

Photo by Jez Timms www.torpedojuice.co.uk

The Weald Smokery

Mount Farm, The Mount, Wadhurst TN5 7QL The Weald Smokery is not just a place where food is smoked. You’ll also find a shop and café, where you can both try and buy the food that has been smoked on site – everything in the café is available to buy in the shop, right down to the dressing on the salad. Although the shop is centred around smoked foods, there are plenty of other delicacies to tempt you, from chocolates, biscuits, jams and chutneys, to deli items, frozen produce like ice cream and ready meals. They have a reputation for their really good artisan cheeses, and people come a long way for them. They have also recently become specialists in English gins, and have some fantastic English wines, as well. In fact, the shop has been so successful that in August they start work to extend it, with completion due mid-October. The Weald Smokery’s signature product is smoked salmon, both traditional smoked salmon and hot smoked salmon, which is when the fish is cooked before it is smoked. You’ll also find smoked trout, haddock, eel, kippers, chicken, duck, venison, beef, pork, dry-cured bacon, salamis, pastrami and gravad lax, which is marinated rather than smoked salmon. The methods that they use for smoking are all very traditional. They use old brick kilns which absorb the smoke like an old pipe, giving a much more genuine flavour. With hot smoking, they light an oak log fire and cook above it, rather then using smouldering shavings as many other smokeries do. Alongside the shop, you can also order online from their website. In addition to the products, they also do gift boxes and hampers – these are particularly popular for birthdays and at Christmas. Mention Kudos and get a 10% discount on all smoked fish and meat products until 31st August 2017. www.wealdsmokery.co.uk 48

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The Poet

Maidstone Road, Matfield, Tonbridge TN12 7JH The Poet is a beautiful, 16th-century pub located in the   picturesque village of Matfield, in the heart of the Garden of England. Siegfried Sassoon, the famous First World War poet and resident of Matfield, inspired the pub’s name, and the décor is reminiscent of his era. At The Poet, they believe that your dining experience starts the moment you walk through the door, so you’ll be met with a friendly greeting from the front-of-house team, lead by co-owner Andy Urbanek. The Poet offers a vast selection of craft gins, handpicked wines and quirky cocktails. Chef Patron Petrus Madutlela and his team endeavour to tempt customers with an imaginative array of contemporary British food, sourced from the freshest, local produce and cooked to order. They offer a full a la carte menu alongside a weekday set menu, plus a blackboard of pub classics with a subtle Poet twist. In the summer months, you can enjoy an amazing South African Braai (barbecue) in the large garden where you will find an Argentinian-designed Parrilla grill. www.thepoetatmatfield.co.uk

Juliets

54 High Street, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1XF Juliets in Tunbridge Wells, winner of Muddy Stilettos best café award for Kent 2017, has been open for seven years. Juliets is proud to have an incredible team of 22 people, each one different and wonderful but all sharing that special something. Heart, soul and passion. Juliets prides itself on being a home away from home, but with much better food, excellent service and no washing-up! They change their menu every day and are very focused on seasonal local produce. Juliets food inspiration comes from the team as a whole, it’s not a one man band! They all love food and are very interested in new ingredients, flavour and colour. When Juliets creates a new dish, which they do a lot, it’s a team effort, from ingredients to taste to design. You may not realise it but sometimes the look of the dish can be the most challenging! They firmly believe you eat with your eyes as well as your mouth, so both need to be amazing to create something special. This ethos runs also into the look of Juliets. They want people to feel comfortable and relaxed so that you can truly enjoy your experience. You won’t find a square white plate anywhere in the building! Juliets is probably best known for its truly exceptional cakes, which they believe are pretty awesome too, but they’re more than just cake! From breakfast to lunch to afternoon tea, they rock it. So next time you’re in Tunbridge Wells, why not pay Juliets a visit? We know you’ll love it! * Plus gluten-free and dairy-free options www.julietsandmore.com

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The Bell

High Street, Ticehurst TN5 7AS The lure of a quintessentially-English pub has enticed a talented South American chef to The Bell in Ticehurst. Colombian-born Oscar Fonesca Volkmar is blending essentially English cuisine with vibrant influences from his country of birth. The result is original dishes making the best of what the local countryside provides. This fusion of culture fits well at The Bell. Instantly comfortable and welcoming, this inn of high ambition is anything but usual. With masterpieces on the walls, original bowler hats for lights and taxidermy in the most unexpected places, not to mention French horns in the gents’, there is a conversation piece at every turn. And now the food will be the thing to get the locals’ tongues wagging and foodies from afar beating a pathway to The Bell’s generous doors. Oscar’s passion for his work is evident in the noisy, happy kitchen he leads. Having studied marketing, he came to the UK originally to learn English. Like many before him, working as a kitchen porter in London restaurants was a way he could earn money with very basic English. As his language skills improved, so did his culinary achievements and love for producing fine food. Oscar has worked in some of the finest establishments, including Corney and Barrow and Gordon Ramsey’s Maze restaurant in Mayfair. Taking every opportunity to learn from the best, Oscar also did work experience in the kitchens of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons and The Hand and Flowers in Marlow. * Plus local producers, real ales, real fires in winter www.thebellinticehurst.com

Crispy kedgeree, prawn, crab, egg yolk cream & chilli oil A light and delicious dish from The Bell kitchen Serves 6-8 allowing 2 cakes per portion Ingredients

• 500g of arborio risotto rice • 1.5lt of chicken stock • 2 large white onions, finely diced • 1 bay leaf • 4 cardamom pods • Half a stick of cinnamon • 1 tbsp of turmeric • 2 tbsp of mild curry powder • 1 bunch of fresh chopped coriander • 200g of pasteurised crab meat • 200g of shell off tiger prawns • Lemon juice to taste • Vegetable oil • 5 eggs • Plain flour • 300g of panko breadcrumbs • Salt • Pepper

For the egg yolk cream (optional) • 10 pasteurised egg yolks • 3 tbsp sherry vinegar • 100ml extra virgin olive oil

To serve

• Micro coriander • Drizzle of chilli oil

Method

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a pan to a medium temperature and add the onions, bay leaves, cardamom pods, cinnamon, turmeric and the curry powder. Sweat and season with salt and pepper. Add the rice to the pan and stir continuously for 2 to 4 minutes. 2. Slowly add the chicken stock, a little at a time, whilst constantly stirring. Keep cooking and adding the stock until the rice is slightly over-cooked and sticky. Set aside. 3. Go through the crab meat, making sure there are no pieces of shell and set aside. Heat a frying pan to a medium-high heat and cook the tiger prawns, seasoned with salt and pepper. When cooked, roughly chop, then combine with the crab meat. 4. Stir in the chopped coriander and lemon juice; season to taste. 5. Remove the bay leaves, cinnamon and cardamom pods from the rice. 6. Pour the mixture into a large tray to cool. Once the rice is cool, combine with the prawn and crab meat mixture and shape into fishcake-size patties. Dip the cakes in flour, then egg and finally Panko breadcrumbs, making sure they are completely coated. We do this twice for a better crust. Set aside in the fridge until firm. 7. If you have a deep fat fryer, set it at 180°C, then deep-fry the patties until golden all over. The cakes can also be shallow fried in a frying pan. 8. In a fully-equipped kitchen, to make the egg yolk cream, place the yolk into a sous vide bag, fully vac pack and place it into a water bath. Cook the egg yolk at 65°C for about 2 hours. Remove from the water bath and place in a container of iced water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, place the egg yolks into a blender. Season with salt and sherry vinegar to taste and blitz. Slowly drizzle the oil into the mixture, while the blender is running until you get a light mayonnaise consistency. 9. If you don’t have the equipment to make the egg yolk cream, it works perfectly well with traditional hollandaise sauce. 10. To serve, put one cake on top of another, place drops of egg yolk cream or hollandaise around the cakes, drizzle round with a little chilli oil and garnish with micro coriander. KUDOS JULY/AUGUST 2017

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The Milk House

The Street, Sissinghurst TN17 2JG Situated in Sissinghurst, one of the most picturesque corners of Kent, The Milk House is a village pub at the heart of the community. A former 16th-century hall house, with timber beams and a Tudor fireplace, the bar is popular with loyal locals, along with visitors from further afield, offering cask ales from Kentish breweries and a wide selection of wines that include offerings from the area’s renowned vineyards. The Milk House prides itself on its food, with a menu that changes with the seasons and uses only the freshest produce from local suppliers. Alongside a seasonal Dining Menu, The Milk House offers a range of classic pub fare and a light Grazing Menu. On Sunday, there’s a choice of delicious roasts, and there are wholesome choices for children, too. The sun-soaked terrace at The Milk House is a great place to while away the summer months. It’s home to a traditional woodfired pizza oven serving home-made pizzas topped with local charcuterie, cheese, seasonal vegetables and fresh herbs. They’re accompanied best with a cold, bottled beer, a jug of Pimm’s or a glass of rosé from the outside Hopper Hut bar, inspired by the temporary huts provided for hop-pickers on Kentish farms in the 19th century. For those who want to spend a little more time in the village, The Milk House also has four beautiful bedrooms. Spacious and light, these have been styled to create a relaxing, home-from-home feel, with comfortable beds, luxurious en-suite bathrooms and scenic views of the village and surrounding orchards.

Sissinghurst is the perfect place for a weekend getaway, with the historic Sissinghurst Castle and gardens just half-a-mile’s walk from The Milk House. The pub won Newcomer of the Year in the Kent Life Food & Drink Awards 2014, was a finalist in last year’s Taste of Kent Awards and is listed in the Michelin Guide. * Plus pizza oven www.themilkhouse.co.uk

The Barrow House The Street, Egerton, Ashford TN27 9DJ The Barrow House is a new pub in the idyllic Kent countryside from the team behind The Milk House in Sissinghurst. Previously known as The George Inn, The Barrow House opened in September 2016 after an extensive renovation project. The pub is now once again at the heart of Egerton, a village known for its community spirit as much as its picturesque cottages and local history. The Barrow House prides itself on its food, and whether you fancy a quick snack, a light lunch or dinner with friends and family, there’s something for everyone on the fresh, modern menu. To wash it all down, there are local beers, cask ales and a wide selection of wines by the glass. Outside, a smart new sandstone terrace wraps around the 16thcentury timber building, leading onto a recently-landscaped lawn, which is home to a children’s play area. It’s the perfect place to lounge this summer, with magnificent views across the Weald of Kent and down tranquil lanes. This garden is also home to a sourdough pizza oven serving homemade pizzas topped with local charcuterie, cheese, seasonal vegetables and fresh herbs. While everyone’s favourite treat is best accompanied by a jug of Pimm’s or a glass of rosé in the sun, The Barrow House pizzas are available for takeaway, too. * Plus pizza oven www.thebarrowhouse.co.uk 54

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The Queens Inn Rye Road, Hawkhurst TN18 4EY The Queens Inn is a 16th-century coaching inn with beautifully-renovated rooms offering eclectic décor, en-suite bathrooms and plush beds with Egyptian cotton linens. It has a stylish bar and restaurant, with a wood-burning fireplace as well as a beer garden, along with a deep history of smugglers. At The Queens Inn, they only source local ingredients. Combined with expertly-cooked dishes in stylish surroundings, this makes for a complete dining experience. No fast food, no corner-cutting, so you can relax in confidence knowing that all the dishes are well worth waiting for. Menus show flair and imagination, never sacrificing taste and customer satisfaction. They have an extensive, hand-picked wine list, and a range of local lagers and bitters, so just like their food, they support local suppliers and micro breweries – Old Dairy, New Romney Brewery, Chapel Down, Gusbourne Estate and Hush Heath Winery, to name a few! After so much indulgence, you can stay in one of their beautifully-designed and finished guest rooms, each individually styled to give them their own personality and story. All the rooms boast King- or Emperor-sized Hypnos beds, en suites, flat screen TVs with Freeview, Orla Kiely toiletries, bath robes, hair dryers, Ipod docking stations, tea- and coffee-making facilities and the chef’s famous chocolate brownies. The Queens Inn is situated on the Kent and Sussex border with a wealth of varied attractions on the doorstep, including Sissinghurst Castle and gardens, Scotney Castle, Bewl Water, Bodiam Castle, Great Dixter House, Batemans and Chapel Down Winery – and that’s just for starters! All that – plus the opening of their new, industrial-styled restaurant, The Charcoal Kitchen, where their chefs will be producing an amazing new menu from a wood-fired pizza oven and charcoal oven, served with beers including a selection from Brew Dog and Camden Brewery. You can expect a right royal time at The Queens Inn! www.thequeensinnhawkhurst.co.uk

The Boar’s Head Inn Crowborough TN6 3GR

This is, without doubt, one of the oldest and most traditional pubs for miles, serving well-kept real ales and really good home-cooked food at affordable prices. The welcoming wood-burning inglenook fireplaces help to make the atmosphere perfect in the winter, while the gardens with their fabulous views over the Kent/Sussex border offer the opportunity for al-fresco dining in the summer. All food is freshly prepared by the chef, so the menu changes daily and the kitchen can cater for all dietary requirements. You’ll find traditional foods along with a variety of international dishes, from hearty meals to light snacks – it just depends on how hungry you are! True to its traditional roots, the bar is predominately for drinking and chatting, with the restaurant being the only area where you can reserve a table. You can eat in the bar, of course, but no reservations are taken for bar tables. Set back from the main road from Tunbridge Wells to Crowborough, with ample parking, The Boar’s Head Inn is perfect to hire for private functions, like weddings and other special occasions. Don’t miss this treasure of a bygone era! Why not take a virtual walk through the pub by following the Google link on their website: www.theboarsheadinn.com

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Rendez-Vous

86 Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2QP Rendez-Vous restaurant on popular Camden Road in Tunbridge Wells has established itself as one of the go-to dining establishments in the area. Having completed its fourth year in operation (two of them as the number one restaurant in Tunbridge Wells on TripAdvisor), it continues to invent new dishes using Kent and Sussex’s finest produce. During the summer months, the menu highlights the best of local coastal fish, including Hastings crab amongst much more. The French influence is always there, with co-owner Lydie, wife of Mark, and with John at the helm in the kitchen, who is classically-French-cuisine trained. If you haven’t visited yet you should get down there to see what all the fuss is about. Just make sure you call before to ensure you get a table. www.rendezvoustw.co.uk

The Curlew

Junction Road, Bodiam TN32 5UY The Curlew restaurant has always been known for great food and great service. With new management and a new chef, this is something they are keen to continue. The lovely, large terrace is definitely a key attraction, particularly in the warm summer months. It’s quite unusual for a fine-dining restaurant to be able to offer such a fantastic outside space, perfect for a drink before your meal, or even the meal itself. Formerly a coaching inn, you’ll now find smart, neutral décor with the pass visible from the restaurant – creating a lovely, buzzing atmosphere. The restaurant is split into two distinct parts, making it ideal for private functions – you could even hire out the whole restaurant on Mondays when they are usually closed! Head Chef Gary Jarvis trained for six years at The Ritz in London, starting out as a commis chef and leaving as a sous chef, which is a huge achievement. He joins The Curlew after a successful time at Coworth Park Hotel in Ascot, which is part of the Dorchester Group. The ever-changing menu of modern British cuisine offers seasonal ingredients cooked with classic techniques, all beautifully presented. Dishes are a feast for the eyes as well as the palate! There is also a Tasting Menu and an impressive, award-winning wine list, with many of the wines available by the glass. People travel from many of the surrounding towns and villages to eat at The Curlew – it’s certainly worth the drive! Why not find out for yourself? *Plus cater for special dietary needs www.thecurlewrestaurant.co.uk

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The Clock House

8 Barden Road, Tonbridge TN9 1TX Recently launched, The Clock House is going from strength to strength. People have been flocking to the new bar and restaurant, which opened in April, for its excellent tapas, fine wines and bespoke cocktails. Right by the station, it’s also the perfect place to meet up with friends on your way home from work or enjoy a family get-together. With a focus on quality and sustainability, the menu is a mix of locally-sourced produce from around Kent and cured meats imported directly from Spain. Dishes include patatas bravas with Manchego, braised octopus with peppers and fried egg, crisp pork belly with quince chutney, and churros with chocolate sauce. You’ll also find plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. The Clock House has the perfect outside space to make the most of the summer months. Newly-decorated with rattan furniture, the patio and garden is a real sun-trap. They have a fantastic lunchtime promotion at the moment – two tapas and a drink for just £10. Sunshine, tapas and a drink – what more could you want? The Clock House’s private function room is also establishing itself as celebration central. It’s particularly popular for birthday parties – and there’s a free cocktail for the birthday boy or girl! www.theclockhousetonbridge.co.uk

Property den

Home and gar

Tudor with a twist Take one beautiful 15th-century farmhouse, add a contemporary extension, and you’ve got a stunning talking point, as Helen and Marc discovered Photography by Matt Harquail

When Helen and Marc decided to extend their Grade II-listed, 15th-century farmhouse in a Kent village, they embarked on a journey that took a year in the planning. “The house was originally a hall house back in the 1400s, then totally remodelled in about 1550,” says Helen. “We moved in 15 years ago. We loved its position and its atmosphere. It’s a very still, calm house with very nicelyproportioned rooms. It really suited our family’s needs at the time. “We decided on an extension because we have such a beautiful garden – where we spend far too much time slaving away! – but we couldn’t see it from any room apart from the kitchen, which only had a very small window. It was about being able to enjoy the garden from inside the house.” 60

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Because the house is listed, the couple wanted to develop it in a sympathetic way, respecting the integrity of the existing building. Their architect, Guy Holloway Architects (www.guyhollaway. co.uk), immediately came up with the concept design and with only modest changes they quickly got stuck into the planning process. With the support of a conservation consultant, the necessary consent was remarkably quick and effortless to obtain. Helen stressed that the trick is to get the right advisers and to allow them to lead you through the process. “We didn’t want to do anything to the detriment of the building, and we would have been mad to do it any other way.” Said Edward Dunderdale, the project architect from Guy Holloway Architects: “The architectural concept was to create KUDOS JULY/AUGUST 2017

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an extension to the property as a continuation of the traditional solid, enclosing garden wall from the front and side elevations, contrasted by a lightweight glazed façade facing the rear garden. The new extension provides a bespoke open-plan kitchen which allows an area of the existing house to return to its original state. A dining space opens out onto the new terrace and garden beyond. “The link through from the existing building is in an area where previous work had been undertaken. This was evident from the mix of brick and mortar where a former doorway had been bricked up. The glazed link forms a direct break between the old and the new – when walking through the link, it’s possible to look up and see the existing rear façade. Stepping down into the new extension, the existing stone floor of what was once the kitchen meets seamlessly with new, wide limestone steps, which flow into the new limestone tiled floor. “Externally, the use of red brickwork echoes the existing property and the garden walls, the zinc roof cappings reference the lead flashings to the existing house, and the slim dark frames to the sliding doors provides a visual link to the black leaded windows of the original house.” When you undertake a building project like this, a huge amount of work goes into it. You need a measured survey, the involvement of the conservation consultant, the architects, the planners – and that’s all before you start thinking about the build. 62

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“From our first thoughts to the building work actually starting took over a year,” says Helen. “It can take a lot longer than that if you don’t get planning approved first time. We’ve ended up with pretty much what we and the architect sketched out within twenty minutes of arriving at the house. We’ve got a glazed link between the old build and the new build, and the new building attached to but distinct from the original house. It’s not a pastiche of a Tudor building, either; it’s very contemporary, very different. We think it works beautifully, although it is not going to be everyone’s cup of tea. “We were very open-minded about the design. We wanted a space that overlooked the garden that we could relax in. We wanted it to be an informal living space because our house is quite formal; after that, it was down to the architects’ vision. “Once we had full planning and detailed drawings, our quantity surveyor tendered it out to a number of builders. I met three or four of them, but Lee Fletcher of L J Fletcher Builders Ltd was recommended by our quantity surveyor. I met Lee and really liked him; he was quietly confident and very professional – and he came in at the right price, so we decided to go with him. “Obviously, having builders in your house is disruptive but Lee and his team were brilliant. We couldn’t have had a better team of builders; the site was always so clean and tidy. For them, it’s a building site but for you, it’s a home and Lee and his team never lost sight of that. For Lee Fletcher, this was his first project of this design, KUDOS JULY/AUGUST 2017

although he had used a number of the different elements involved on previous builds. Says Lee: “The job was to construct a new, single-storey contemporary extension to form a kitchen/diner to the rear of this 14th-century, Grade II-listed house. The work included structurally-engineered foundations and a steel framework, with in-filled brickwork and vertical glazing. “Due to the size of the glass units and access to the property to off-load them, it was very tricky and required a lot of patience and nail biting. The main challenge was the construction being completed to the drawings provided by the glaziers, as there were no on-site measurements once openings and walls were formed. However, this actually helped bring the programme forward by nine weeks. In all, it took about 28 weeks. “The build process was fairly straightforward, thanks to the early planning by the client and the architects.” KUDOS JULY/AUGUST 2017

Image Ben Ludlow

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Helen and Marc are delighted with the result. “My husband thinks it’s turned out exactly as we thought it would, but I think it’s better!,” says Helen. “I can totally understand that not everybody likes very contemporary buildings. True, it doesn’t match the house (even my five-year-old granddaughter commented that it didn’t match), but that was the point of it. Conservation Officers want it to stand out as an example of a 21st-century building, not as an example of a 15th-century building, because that isn’t what it is. It needs to speak for itself. “It has completely revolutionised the way we live. We spend a huge amount of our time in the extension. In fact, people ask us if we use the rest of the house any more! It’s very much the centre of our home and the fact that we can sit in there, relax, look at the garden, enjoy meals, supper and dinner parties makes it even more perfect.” Image Ben Ludlow

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Home notes

Fresh ideas and style tips on the home front Behind closed doors

Storage is vital for a smooth-running, clutter-free kitchen If it’s due to be a warm weekend, many of us start to think about summer entertaining with friends and family, inviting them over for a BBQ, a few beers and a glass or two of wine. What could be finer? There’s nothing worse than finishing the food prep, only to look around your kitchen to find you are surrounded by cluttered work surfaces. You have guests coming in an hour and the kitchen looks like a whirling dervish has hit it! But that needn’t be the case if you have been clever with your kitchen planning from the start. Storage is vital for a perfectly-functioning kitchen. Think about it at the start of your project and watch the rest fall into place. It’s not just about how your kitchen looks on the outside, it’s equally important to think about how your kitchen will work on the inside, as well. Don’t fall into the trap of a sleek design that looks lovely but which hasn’t been thought through. Instead, talk to your designer about how you use your kitchen and ask them to ensure you can accommodate all of your cookware, dry food, crockery, glasses and bulky kitchenware with ease. At Rencraft, the mantra is ‘the difference is in the detail’. They believe extra touches, such as solid-wood cutlery inserts, secret

drawers or bespoke larder cupboards, mean that their handmade kitchens are not only beautiful to look at but also a joy to use. If you are savvy with storage your kitchen can become your dream kitchen, with plenty of space for entertaining and living clutter-free. www.rencraft.co.uk

Kingfisher takes centre stage

Stained-glass commission is centrepiece of new holiday let Stained-glass artist Stoney Parsons, whose studio is in Eridge Park, has just completed a commission for Flying Horse Cottage, a new self-catering holiday let which provides fully-accessible living. The cottage is on Broadwater Forest, just outside Tunbridge Wells, and is wheelchair-friendly, with a stylish and luxury interior, including tiled underfloor heating. Owners Andrew and Giny Best were keen to commission a local artist and saw Stoney’s stained glass as a vital contribution to enhance the space. “As soon as I stepped into Stoney’s studio, I was bowled over by the extraordinary range of her work. We love her use of vibrant colour and her strong sense of design,” says Giny. They decided that a kingfisher would be a lovely subject for the design for Flying Horse Cottage, which is located opposite the RSPB Reserve. “The kingfisher tied in with a favourite spot of ours in neighbouring Broadwater Warren, the old pond which is filled with bullrushes and a favourite haunt of many species of birds.” Stoney enjoyed working with Andrew and Giny. “I was delighted to be asked to contribute to this lovely project and for the stained glass to be a feature, adding colour and light to the space.” 66

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Flying Horse Cottage will appeal to walkers and wildlife lovers. Andrew and Giny have built a birdhide on an old area of conifer plantation which they are currently restoring to heathland. “It has great views and is a peaceful spot to watch and listen to birds or to take a picnic and enjoy the beautiful sunsets,” says Giny. Stoney takes commissions and teaches stained glass courses. www.stoneyparsons.co.uk For more details on Flying Horse Cottage, visit www.broadwaterforestcottages.com KUDOS JULY/AUGUST 2017

It’s only natural

Now you can spread the cost of a range of stunning natural stone products Sussex Stone & Ceramic has just introduced 0% finance over 6 or 12 months, the first fabrication company to do so, allowing you to spread the cost of your payments. Visit their showroom at Hailsham and you’ll find a range of natural stone products, in materials including slate, limestone, travertine, granite and marble. Along with a large range of tiles, there are also vanity units, fireplaces, bath surrounds, shower trays and many more bespoke items such as stunning made-to-order granite worktops. The company imports some slabs themselves, carrying out the manufacturing process at its local factory site. They have state-of-the-art equipment including a pair of the latest Intermac Master CNCs, an LCV Magnum edge polisher, GMM CNC saws, and a Flowjet waterjet cutter capable of awesome detail. In conjunction with its skilled staff, the firm is capable of handling almost any task for your stone needs. A company is only as good as its workforce and there’s no substitute for experience and quality control. With management enjoying decades of involvement in the natural stone industry, everyone in the business aims to please and if they don’t have what you are looking for, they will do their best to acquire it on your behalf through the contacts they have both here and abroad. The team aims to provide you with the highest level of service, the sort they expect as a customer themselves.

Discover beautiful ways to add value to your home naturally with the help of Sussex Stone & Ceramic – and now you can even spread the cost to make it more affordable for you! www.sussexstone-ceramic.co.uk

Space savers

You can never have too much storage space. We just love these quirky solutions for hiding all that clutter

Kilim trunk coffee table, £1,550; jigsaw coffee table, £1,295; star leather chest of drawers, £2,395. All from Andrew Martin. www.andrewmartin.co.uk 68

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Let there be light

Plantation shutters are the stylish window solution Plantation shutters are a hugely-popular window treatment that look super-stylish both inside and out. The shutters originated in America and the West Indies, where they were used on the plantation houses, hence their name. Just Shutters offers a range of plantation shutters in a number of styles and finishes. Choose from café, full length, tier-on-tier and solid shutters in a multitude of colours and stains. Shutters are often thought of as an expensive luxury, but while shutters’ initial cost is similar to a top-end curtain or blind per square metre, the value is far more substantial and long lasting. For instance, they won’t warp, bleach or fade, and they’re not subject to the same mould, moth or other damage that curtains, fabrics or untreated wooden blinds are. And plantation shutters aren’t just for windows. They can make a stunning and highly-practical solution to divide rooms, or as bespoke designer wardrobe doors. Check out the Just Shutters range at www.justshutters.co.uk

1. DoveWood shutters in Sea Mist with a very contemporary, large 89mm louver to let maximum light in. 2. Ever-popular, classic DoveWood shutters in Pure White. This look is perfect for the majority of homes; clean and crisp, it allows lots of light into the room and goes with any style choice. 3. Traditional LindenWood shutters with a natural sealed finish. This look gives a big, glassed space like a conservatory, with shade to keep it warm in winter and cool in summer, while giving a cosy and homely feel.

Bathroom luxury Skilled craftsmen create Catchpole & Rye’s beautiful baths and sanitaryware using traditional processes for a flawless finish

The foundry that produces Catchpole & Rye’s cast-iron baths started business almost 60 years ago in 1958, and specialises in aluminium, iron and bronze castings. Based in Kent, just five miles from Catchpole’s workshop, the foundry manufactures Catchpole & Rye’s products using original antique patterns. The raw iron is heated to 1,100°c and whilst molten, it’s poured into sand boxes using complex runner systems. Once cooled, these moulds are ‘struck’ and the basic casting is revealed. A series of processes including blasting and fettling is completed before each bath can be prepared for enamelling. Using its many years of experience, the foundry team ensures that Catchpole & Rye stays true to the methods used from times past. Once moulded, these freestanding baths are then handfinished in Catchpole’s workshops by its skilled and experienced craftsmen. It can take over a week to hand-polish the exterior of a bath in order to achieve a flawless sheen, with the polishing shop the heartbeat of the Catchpole & Rye operation. All its brassware, aluminium products and cast-iron, copper and nickel baths, pass through the polishing shop at some stage of the process. Catchpole & Rye also offers a unique service to customers who wish to personalise their bath or sanitaryware. Emblems, logos and coats of arms can be conceived and cast onto their baths and cisterns. Its skilled craftsmen first hand-carve the design from wood. From this, a dedicated pattern is prepared, sand moulds manufactured and ultimately cast onto the bath or cistern. For a truly unique and luxurious bathroom, visit Catchpole & Rye’s large showrooms to see an array of exclusive products. www.catchpoleandrye.com 70

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The appliance of science Kitchen appliances are improving all the time. Scott Nicholson, Chamber Furniture’s Managing Director and Head Designer, has advice on choosing the best for your lifestyle

What would be your top five appliances that you would recommend for every kitchen?

This is a difficult question as it’s a very personal choice and what may be right for one customer may not be right for another – so much depends on who uses the kitchen and how they use it. A microwave may be the No 1 for an empty nester who is never at home, but an Aga may be best for a family of six who love to cook.

What advice would you give to customers on how to choose appliances when looking at a new kitchen?

Appliances come in fixed widths so have to be considered early in the design process, whereas cabinets can be made to suit. A major part of the brief will be about how you use the kitchen and which appliances are most important to you. During the design stage, the water, gas and power supplies need planning. For example, you may want a sink and dishwasher in the island but can you get water and waste to the right place? The same applies with gas for the hob and electrical sockets. Once you have decided which appliances you want, you will need to think about the aesthetics and the budget. For example, Gaggenau appliances have a very distinct look and are premium products, whereas Siemens are slightly more generic looking but more affordable. You can mix and match appliances, perhaps using premium brands such as Gaggenau or Wolf and Sub-Zero where they are on display, but using Miele, Siemens or Bosch for integrated appliances if budget is a consideration.

Is there anything new in the world of appliances?

Boiling Water taps aren’t new but they are becoming more commonplace in kitchens. Sous-vide cooking is the latest trend in the world of appliances. This is a method of cooking in which food is vacuum-sealed in a plastic pouch and then placed in a water bath or steam environment for longer than normal cooking times at an accurately-regulated temperature much lower than normally used for cooking. 72

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What about brands? Are there particular brands that you would recommend to clients?

Our furniture is designed to last for many, many years and we tend to work with appliance brands we know will give the same levels of workmanship and quality. German appliance manufacturers Gaggenau produce beautifully-engineered and manufactured refrigeration and cooking appliances. The American brand Wolf and Sub Zero produce iconic appliances that are timeless in their appearance and styling. Aga is a British national treasure, timeless and built to the highest of standards. We also use a lot of Miele and Siemens as they are well-built products that have excellent service and after-care.

What do you consider a luxury appliance – one that you don’t really need but it’s nice to have? Anything that is designed and built to the highest standard. A Gaggenau oven is like a Mercedes, even though it ultimately does the same thing as a Fiat!

Do you find your clients tend to go for the ovencooktop combination, or is it more popular to have a separate cooktop and oven? We regularly do both. It goes back to aesthetic preferences – who is using the kitchen and how they use it.

Is it all about the supersized fridge nowadays?

We certainly do some very large fridges – from the normal 600mm up to a 900mm Gaggenau fridge. Having a built-in ice maker and chilled water supply is often on the wish list. KUDOS JULY/AUGUST 2017

How can you incorporate a microwave so that it is part of the kitchen, and not just an eyesore on the worktop?

We often fit microwaves into base cabinets, wall cabinets or in a pantry cupboard. Most manufactures include combination oven microwaves which can save space and provide versatile cooking.

Are there any unusually-designed appliances? Anything that has been a bit of a challenge incorporating into a kitchen design?

Nothing fazes us, although the sheer size of some of the appliances mean careful planning is required to actually get the appliance into the property itself.

What about eco-friendly appliances? Do you find customers are asking for this more? What options are there?

Extraction is certainly an area that this affects; in the sustainable eco homes, you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t knock a hole through the wall for extractors, so recycled extractors are much improved. The latest extractors even use UV light to cleanse air particles!

Is there anything new in the way of appliances on the horizon?

Handless appliances are starting to appear more often, and downdraft extraction is becoming more advanced so will be used more and more in the future.

www.chamberfurniture.co.uk

The wonders of water The benefits of softened water range from saving money, to bubblier baths. It’s no surprise that people in hard water areas are opting for it

So what is it all about? A water softener plumbs in the mains water supply, providing the whole home with the following benefits:

Shinier home

The introduction of softened water will make scale disappear to uncover beautiful surfaces that look brand new. Cleaning times will be reduced, meaning you can spend more time doing the things you love. No more clogged up shower head, limescale around the sink, scum in the bath or residue on your shower screen. Those cleaning products you used for getting rid of limescale will be of no use, while dishes and glasses will sparkle more than ever before, with far less elbow grease. Softened water doesn’t leave a streaky residue behind, so it’s great for rinsing with as it produces much more of a lather. More lather means more bubbles, more of a solution to wash with and a more effective clean.

Glossier Hair

Good and bad hair days; everyone experiences them. Do you find that your hair behaves better when you are staying at a hotel or away from home? It’s likely you’re using softened water and your hair is experiencing absolute luxury. Softened water makes it softer, shiner and more manageable. Hard water dries out your hair because shampoos don’t mix as well with the minerals. You’ll experience more bubbles when washing your hair, with fewer products. More lather means products, such as wax and 74

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hairspray, are washed out easier so your scalp won’t become clogged. The expensive products you buy to try and counter the effects of hard water will become unnecessary with a water softener. If you are looking for a fix to your dry, greasy and limp hair, then a water softener could be for you.

Softer Skin

If you don’t get a lovely lather with shower gel and soaps, it’s because the minerals in hard water don’t mix as well with the products you use. You’ll end up using more to compensate. As well as being costly, this can irritate skin further, especially if you suffer from eczema, dermatitis or psoriasis. The residue left behind by the minerals can cause irritation, clog pores and contribute to itchy, dry skin. This can be especially problematic for those with sensitive skin. The introduction of softened water can improve these conditions, as it is doesn’t contain as many minerals. You’ll notice that because products lather better and rinse off more easily, your skin will feel silky smooth.

Cheaper bills

When hard water is heated up, it forms scale around the heat source. The most obvious place for this scale build up is in the kettle, where you can actually see the white residue furring up the heating element. This is also happening inside your hot water system. You can’t see it, and you definitely can’t clean it easily. The thick layer of scale needs to be heated before the water, using more energy and resulting in higher gas and electricity consumption. KUDOS JULY/AUGUST 2017

Once a heat source is scaled up, it can’t work as efficiently. The more water you heat, the more scale you produce and more energy is required – it’s a vicious cycle. Softened water will return your heating elements to full working efficiency, keeping them that way for good. Reducing the amount of energy reduces the amount of money you spend on fuel bills, with a huge cost saving.

Bigger bubble baths

With softened water, all products will lather better, which results in glorious bubbles from your basin to your bubble bath. Whether you want to relax with candles or give the kids some bubbles to bathe in, no amount of product will give you the lather you desire in hard water. The minerals just don’t lend themselves to creating beautiful bubbles. Softened water doesn’t have the minerals that reduce lather, so you are left with lovely light soapy bubbles and you will use even less product, so make those baths more than just a treat. The Harvey Water Softener – the UK’s number one – has been developed over decades using the highest-quality materials, with technology that provides your home with softened water 24/7 and works at optimum efficiency. Its compact design means that the unit can fit in the most convenient space for your home, which can include under the kitchen sink, in

the garage, loft or on an outside wall. Installation is a fairly simple process – a little more complex than a washing machine, but much simpler than having a new boiler fitted. It usually takes no more than half a day. So how does it work? When hard water runs through your pipes it results in a buildup of limescale, this will also be found inside appliances and on surfaces – anything that the water touches. If you can see the heating element of your kettle covered in a white residue, this is limescale. This is happening on a much larger scale inside your hot water system too. A water softener has two jobs – to soften water and regenerate itself. A Harvey Water Softener, the UK’s number one, does both jobs simultaneously. It is non-electric with a twin cylinder design, meaning there is no downtime from softened water and you will no longer experience hard water problems. The water softener traps the minerals that make the water hard, providing your whole home with beautifully softened water.

Why not see how a water softener can change your life? For a three-month trial of a Harvey Water Softener, visit www.harvey.co.uk

Tulips from Amsterdam Tim Sykes of Gardenproud enjoyed a trip to the Dutch bulb fields, and picked up some tips along the way

I’ve been hankering after a visit to the Dutch bulb fields for years and, of course, any excuse to go to Amsterdam. Neither would disappoint you. April and May mark the busiest period for visitors to the bulb fields. None more impressive than Keukenhof, where you can see a whole myriad of varieties in an amazing 79-acre landscaped garden. Every year more than seven million bulbs are planted by hand, by just 25 gardeners! Can you imagine it? The gardens are situated about 50 minutes outside the city centre, just beyond the airport. They originally formed part of Keukenhof Castle and were re-designed by landscape architects Jan David Zocher and his son Louis Paul Zocher in 1857. (They also designed Amsterdam’s Vondelpark, in the English landscape style.) In 1949, a group of 20 flower-bulb exporters came up with the idea of using the estate as a permanent exhibition site for springflowering bulbs. Keukenhof opened its gates to the public in 1950. The gardens have since grown into a world-famous attraction. Strolling around the gardens, you realise how wide their appeal stretches, with visitors from all parts of the globe. Tulips, surprisingly, didn’t emanate from Holland. They came from Turkey, and the name is derived from turban – the shape some thought the flowers resembled. Tulips were first brought to Holland in the 16th century. Keukenhof is a great idea. Featured within the landscaped gardens are just about every variety of tulip, hyacinth and daffodil you could possibly imagine. You can join a group or, like us, wander round under your own steam, just enjoying the splendour of it all – and, of course, pick up some fresh planting ideas. Most areas are given over to individual growers, who no doubt influence the planting plans of the beds. On the whole, these are well thought out and varieties and colours blend or contrast well. But, there were one or two beds where you did wonder what possessed the planter to combine that particular combination! From the gardens there are also excellent viewing points, where you can gain great vistas of the planting fields beyond. Whilst we 78

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were at Keukenhof, the hyacinths and daffodils were waiting to be harvested. Interesting, as Holland is obviously slightly behind us. The tulips were out there but not yet in flower. We were advised to visit a little later, towards the end of April, if we wanted to see the tulips in the fields. So you might plan a trip mid-late April next year. The gardens include a number of greenhouses, including the Orangery Nassau and William-Alexander. Here, they display individual varieties so they are a must-see for your bulb planning. We spent valuable time photographing and noting the varieties we liked. Among these were Tulipa Flaming Club, Tulipa Cutey Honey, Tulipa Whispering Dream, Tulipa La Mancha, Tulipa Light and Dreamy, and Tulipa IVO. At Keukenhof, you can order your bulbs for planting in the autumn for next spring. We spent far too much money there, so watch out for a very colourful display in Matfield in spring 2018! Having spent all our money, we returned to our hotel in the city centre, the NH Collection Barbizon Palace. We recommend it; the rooms are superb, the food and service excellent, and its position, close to Central Station, ideal. If you are feeling rich, then try their Michelin-star restaurant, Vermeer, which has an interesting menu. But don’t just eat at the hotel – there’s a huge range of super restaurants and bars to explore. Other obvious attractions to put on your must-do list are the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk Museum of modern art, Anne Frank House and, of course, a canal trip – we went with Lovers Canal Cruises, who operate a very nice fleet of boats. We had a great time and will be returning! For further information about the bulb fields, or garden design contact Tim Sykes at Gardenproud on 07725 173820, or email him at reallygardenproud@btinternet.com

KUDOS JULY/AUGUST 2017

Family

Education and

Heads up!

lifestyle

Top local head teachers give their views

How important do you think extracurricular opportunities, like sports and clubs, are for children and what’s available at your school?

Angela Culley, Headmistress

The Mead School, Tunbridge Wells Co-educational preparatory school for boys and girls aged 3-11 I love this question – for it sums up a Mead education in a nutshell. Education is for life, and a lifelong journey. It is multidimensional and we are extremely lucky to have the opportunity and responsibility to ensure the children entrusted into our care are given the opportunities, confidence and expectation to experience and experiment, and thereby continually extend their interests, learning and, indeed, emotional and social skills and health. So to answer the question! For The Mead, extracurricular opportunities are intrinsic to school life and therefore vital to our educational provision, both inside and outside the classroom. Our curriculum is full of exciting trips and visitors, all linked to the children’s learning, and specialist staff ensure music, drama, foreign languages (French and Mandarin), art and sport are diverse, creative and open to everyone. This aspirational and inspirational provision is the norm for ‘Meadites’ and leads naturally into the extracurricular. We have over 30 after-school clubs every week from which children can choose one, or maybe two, a day. There truly is something for everybody! The range is immense, from choir, ukulele, sport of every kind, including windsurfing for Year 6, judo, tennis, swimming, art in all dimensions, meditation, debating, story writing, needles and

pins, Lego robotics, film club, eco, nature, modern, tap, ballet and jazz, computers, photography, maths challenge, construction, two cookery clubs, roller blading and more! Each term, the children choose their options. They are in control and take responsibility for their choice, knowing they can continue or change the next term. This is my last term as Head of The Mead and as I hand over to my successor – who will be writing in the next issue of Kudos, so look out for the new photograph. I am so proud of our Meadites who embrace every opportunity with gusto and an enormous smile.

Craig McCarthy, Headmaster

Russell House School, Otford Independent prep school for girls and boys aged 2-11 As well as being fun, activities allow children to extend their knowledge and skills. They help foster lifelong interests that create rich and varied lives. They encourage teamwork and commitment, and build confidence. Our extra-curricular opportunities at Russell House include a wide range of activities, outings and residential trips, and encourage involvement with music, sport, drama, arts and crafts. Activities take place at lunchtime or after school and include junior and senior orchestras, chess, astronomy, languages, judo, dance and drama – to name but a few. Outings start young – even our two year olds go on a visit with their parents and carers. Moving up through the school, children explore local historic houses and castles, investigate rivers at Horton Kirby and travel to London’s art galleries and museums. We welcome actors, scientists and others into school to run workshops, too. Our residential programme is a highlight for senior pupils. It begins in Year 3, when the children camp overnight in the school grounds, and culminates in five nights at a French château in Year 6. 80

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Hilary Blake, Headmistress

Sacred Heart School, Wadhurst Independent Catholic mixed primary school for 3-11 The opportunity to participate in extracurricular clubs and activities fulfills many functions: pursuing new or special interests; interacting with different social groups; working with different teachers and facilitating extended daycare, to name a few. During club time, a different ambience prevails which sets the activity apart from regular ‘lessons’. There is no doubt that children grow in skills and independence as they work with new adults and children from different year groups, often on activities that are not part of the curriculum, or that we would like to focus on more closely. At a time when there is an important debate about physical fitness and exercise, sports clubs are particularly popular so we offer a wide range for a small school, including rugby, football, netball, pop lacrosse, tennis, rounders, karate and cricket in season. Apart from sport, we aim to cater for a diverse range of interests including choir, recorders, arts, drama, modern languages, Lego, science and nature detectives, chess and textiles. The benefits, therefore, are varied and, to some extent, subjective – and even unexpected. From my perspective, I really enjoy sharing my interests with the children through club time and particularly appreciate the opportunity to get to know a group of children in a different light. Parents, I think, appreciate the extended day and the knowledge that their children are enjoying activities in a familiar setting with staff who know them. As for the children, I asked them what they thought about the after-school activities on offer – and their succinct response was ‘fun’!

Mike Piercy, Headmaster

The New Beacon, Sevenoaks Independent preparatory school for boys aged 4-13 It is somehow pleasing when academics can demonstrate what we instinctively know: there is research to show that a broad educational curriculum (and co-curricular programme in particular) enhances academic development. Furthermore, finding something which stimulates – and anything in which a child can achieve – boosts personal development and that essential ingredient: confidence. The core academic curriculum – until at least age 14 – should include not just the traditional academic subjects but also art, design technology, music and sport, stimulating every part of the brain. In addition, in any good school, there should be a wealth of choice and opportunity before, during and after the school day At The New Beacon, on each school day every gap is filled with some form of optional activity. Heads of Department will offer ‘drop-in’ sessions. The orchestras and bands will practice. Choirs will congregate. Sports squads will train. The (optional) philosophy group will gather. Keen scientists will drop into the Science Centre for Microscope Club – or to change the terrapins’ water! The after-school programme is equally full: speech and drama, art club, animations, drama group, informal concerts, shooting, sailing, swimming, bridge, Greek, chess, philosophy, judo, fencing, model-making, football, hockey, athletics, golf. Boys (this is a boys’ school!) can remain to do their supervised homework and the younger ones enjoy ‘down time’ in the After-School Club. KUDOS JULY/AUGUST 2017

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Christine Flowers, Principal

Bricklehurst Manor School, Stonegate Mainstream independent school for pupils aged 3-11 When I took on the task of managing Bricklehurst over 17 years ago, the school was proud to advertise two after-school clubs which were for 45 minutes once a week; they were netball and tennis. This was before the advent of wraparound care, of course, and before private education became a possibility for more families who chose to take the route of both parents working to afford the fees. The fact that life in this country has now necessitated that both parents work has meant that after-school care has also become a necessity. Bricklehurst offered an activity every day of the week to extend the day for working parents, but this has increased as the years have rolled on, to a choice of club on most days in both prep and pre-prep. We have seen the extended day as an opportunity to enhance the overcrowded curriculum with many more fun activities and sports clubs. Clubs now operate early in the morning and during the lunch break. Some clubs operate as part of the fee deal and some are invoiced so that parents can add as much or as little as they wish. We also run a homework club. Outside activities include archery, swimming, tag rugby, rugby, football, tennis, athletics, cricket, rounders, netball, hockey and Forest School, while indoor clubs include ballet, drama, LAMDA, chess, computing, touch-typing, games, art and sketching, to name but a fewâ&#x20AC;Ś not a bad extension to the already-packed curriculum. Are they all important? Why yes, because children need stimulation and social interaction rather than going home to a computer game or TV. Children today canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t play cricket on the street, or play safely outside unsupervised. So there is plenty of choice, and the good news is that in a small school you get a turn at everything.

Emma Neville, Headmistress

Rose Hill School, Tunbridge Wells Co-educational preparatory school for boys and girls aged 3-11 Rose Hill School is committed to providing an environment in which all pupils are challenged to be the best they can be and one in which pastoral care and well-being underpin academic, co-curricular and sporting excellence. We aim to provide an education that makes it possible for every child to fulfill his or her potential, whilst we support and nurture their emotional and academic growth, helping them develop the leadership skills that will play a vital part in their future lives, by ensuring that the school constantly strives to offer a wide range of co-curricular activities and trips. Our extensive opportunities aim to encourage intellectual, emotional, social, moral and aesthetic development. Creativity, enthusiasm, and energetic, positive thinking are additional facets of personal development that we aim to foster. The programme also helps pupils to develop their social, sporting and cultural abilities, and to foster their self-belief. We aim to make learning an exciting and individual adventure, full of opportunities for personal development, achievement and enjoyment. We provide an enriching and creative curriculum, giving our pupils the knowledge, skills and values they need to create their own successes as thoughtful and confident individuals in the world beyond. Our offer ensures that priority time is given to both the performing arts and sport. All staff encourage pupils to participate fully in the co-curricular programme; we emphasise the importance of involvement.

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

Bowled over Mayfield School’s first cricket season is proving to be a hit International cricketer, Lydia Greenway, has opened the batting for girls at Mayfield School who have taken up cricket for the first time this summer. Lydia, whose illustrious career has led to her being described as “the best women’s fielder in England cricket” retired from the game at the end of last season and is now a visiting coach at Mayfield, tasked with introducing the girls to the sport and getting them match-ready for their first competitive season. Mayfield managed to secure Lydia’s services as part of its successful Sport England Bid, and her arrival has been greeted with much excitement all round. Georgina Fletcher, Head of PE said; “The introduction of cricket at Mayfield has been met with great positivity and enthusiasm by our girls and we are all very much looking forward to improving our skills with Lydia, ahead of our own resident cricket coach Emily Starr starting in September.”

Mayfield’s victorious U13 cricketers

The girls have already begun competing against other schools, with the U13 A team winning their first match against Roedean with a score of 76 runs to 70, so the school is looking forward to a successful first season under Lydia’s watchful eye.

Sporting success Kent College pupils lead the way in swimming and gymnastics Kent College celebrates students’ sporting success as Lower Sixth Form student Annabel Guye Johnson has been selected for the British swimming team, the Acrobatic Gymnastics Under-11s Group was crowned British Champions 2017, the Under-14s Acrobatic Group was placed 6th at the BSGA National Acro & Tumbling competition, and Year 6 pupil Izzie Mercer won gold at the IAPS Swimming Gala and set a new competition record time for her age group. Julie Lodrick, Headmistress at Kent College, said: “We are incredibly proud of each of the girls’ achievements. Competing and winning at such a high level is testament to the hard work that they have dedicated to their individual sporting disciplines. We do all we can to support the girls’ personal training needs so that they are able to perform at a national level. “We have invested a lot in our sports facilities and teaching, enabling us to nurture young sporting talent. We were thrilled to open our new astro pitch last October and together with the two sports halls, indoor swimming pool and fitness suite, we are extremely well equipped for a whole range of sport. To have our under-11 gymnasts as national champions, Izzie as gold medal winner and Annabel representing Great Britain in swimming means that we can inspire other students to participate in a variety of sports and follow the successful examples set by their peers. Sport and outdoor education is an integral part of the curriculum here, as it is integral to mental and physical wellbeing, commitment, self-confidence and a healthy appreciation for competition, all of which are key for athletic, academic and professional success.” KUDOS JULY/AUGUST 2017

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Beach babes Get your little one ready for fun in the sun with Sally-Ann Carroll’s funky fashion favourites

Top row, left to right: Pink and blue espadrilles, £36 each www.jacadi.co.uk Turquoise fish T-shirt, £6 www.mandco.com Aquarium keppi, £6 www.mothercare.com Middle row, left to right: Yellow dress, Little Bird by Jools Oliver, from £12 www.mothercare.com Parrot swimsuit, £8 www.mandco.com Cherry bubble, £39 www.rachelriley.co.uk Bottom row, left to right: Aquarium Sunsafe, £13 www.mothercare.com Blue bubble, £39 www.rachelriley.co.uk 86

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Shoe time

Perfect summer shoes for little feet from Stampede in Tunbridge Wells

Pretty metallic silver sandals from Spain with an on-trend chukka sole, cushioned foot bed with velcro front and ankle fastenings, £38 www.stampedeshoes.co.uk

Stylish Wave open-toed leather sandals with an adjustable ankle strap and ball-of-the-foot closure for the ultimate custom fit, £45 www.stampedeshoes.co.uk

Practical and comfortable, these Strada boys’ sandals are ideal for play time, £42.50 www.stampedeshoes.co.uk

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

Wheely easy It’s time to take off the L plates and skip the training wheels with the Balance Wonder from Hape. This first foot-powered vehicle gives your child the confidence to ride in style, as they get to grips with the concept of balance. Learning new skills is all about confidence and the Balance Wonder provides this in bucket loads, with an adjustable seat, so it grows along with your child. Once little ones are comfortable walking with the bike, take it up a level and encourage coasting and steering on their own. Suitable for children 3+ years.

Price: £55.49

www.amazon.co.uk

Designer bargains The world’s largest online store for designer childrenswear, Childrensalon.com, has launched an official outlet site, Petitoutlet.com. The site offers the best of out-of-season products, as well as individual designer collections sourced directly from the world’s biggest brands. The site hosts a number of curations, including separate sections offering garments for baby, girl and boy, as well as a dedicated area for shoes. For those that wish to shop a specific designer, the Brand Boutique offers the world’s most sought-after labels. Adopting ecommerce as early as 1999, Childrensalon now offers over 270 of the world’s most desirable brands from its award-winning website to a global audience in 160 countries. www.petitoutlet.com

Teething treats For many mums, soothing a teething baby can be difficult, especially on the go. Nibbling launched in 2013 with an aim to create teething accessories that are PBAfree, made from Silicone, safe and soothing for babies, as well as being stylish for mum and dad. Ex-fashion designer Emily Sunderland Sutter is the driving force behind this on-trend brand, providing multiple collections individually designed for each season, with a number of limited-edition pieces. One of the limited-edition pieces leading the way is the Brighton Mint and Marble Necklace (£29), created from three different-shaped beads, providing babies with chewing relief when teething. Fun yet distinctive, this piece features a pull-apart clasp to prevent any breakage when your baby tugs. But Nibbling doesn’t just offer stand-out jewellery for mum. They have animalshaped teethers the perfect size for baby’s hands, beautiful teething rattles and sensory toys, to name just a few. For teething babies who regularly lose their dummies, the Flora Pink Dummy Clip (£14) is a must-have. It’s a fun and safe way to attach your little one’s dummy to anything from their car seat and pram to clothing. www.nibbling.co.uk

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Mothers helping mothers JoJo Maman Bébé’s From a Mother to Another campaign 2017 collected approximately 65,000 pieces of outgrown children’s clothing and 1,000 pairs of shoes for Syrian refugees and struggling families in the UK and Ireland. Their biggest collection in the three years of running the initiative, the clothes have now been made up into emergency clothing packs and divided up between The Trussell Trust food banks here in the UK; Offre Joie and Viva, charities working in the refugee camps in Lebanon; and Cross Care in Ireland. Not only have these clothes been saved from landfill, they mean so much to the charities that receive them. Kezia M’Celland of Viva said, “We have so appreciated the packs of baby clothes and shoes which we’ve been able to distribute through our local partner in Lebanon – they have made a real difference to children and families who are struggling to survive after six years of conflict.” Patricia Hasbani of Offre Joie thanks everyone who has donated to the campaign. “It is with great pleasure that we are able to thank you for giving the chance to Lebanese and Syrian children to feel warm, and make them feel they are not left alone to face their hardships.” Samantha Stapley, Corporate Partnerships Manager at The Trussell Trust, adds: “We are delighted at the recent success of the From a Mother to Another campaign, which has supported foodbanks to offer additional help alongside emergency food to families referred to them. Over a third of the three-day emergency food supplies provided by Trussell Trust foodbanks go to children in crisis. The From a Mother to Another campaign means that Trussell Trust foodbanks can offer gift bags for children to struggling mums across the country.” In the three years of running the campaign, over 125,000 pieces of clothing have been given to those in need. Laura Tenison MBE, founder of JoJo Maman Bébé who came up with the idea whilst visiting Refugee Camps in the Bekaa Valley on the Syrian border with Lebanon, says: “In these days when only bad news makes headlines, I want to shout loud and clear: most people are good and loving! This year’s FAMTA donations have outstripped all targets. Thousands of kind parents put time and effort into our lovely gift packs, helping to bring a little happiness to those in need. “I am the youngest of five children brought up with a frugal ‘waste-notwant-not’ ethos. Our From a Mother to Another initiative makes sense by encouraging parents to help others whilst reducing landfill.”

Finding inner Kudos The Trager Approach can help the mind and body connect in ways that can have remarkable results, as practitioner Martin Clout explains

Have you ever wished you could create a sense of hygge between your body and mind? A cosy, intimate space where they can both relax and communicate on a deeper level? Somewhere, where past experiences resolve and where you can discover, in comfort, the exquisite unexpurgated choreography of the body and mind? The Trager Approach is the lifetime work of Milton Trager MD. He was fascinated by the relationship between thought, movement, perception and awareness and how it could be improved. He started to develop his therapy from the mid-1920s onwards, but only began to teach it to others after he retired from general practice in the mid-1970s, so it’s still relatively new. Trager sessions balance your muscle tone through a combination of relaxing table work and engaging Reflex Response techniques. Practitioners start by elongating your muscle fibres and connective tissue and then apply various kinds of gentle, repetitive movement so it travels deep inside your body. All the time this is happening, your mind is experiencing waves of pleasant new sensation that releases tension and creates a lighter, freer appreciation of how your body can be. This refines your motor control, increases body resonance, creates a deep sense of inner stillness and grounding, all of which enhances self-confidence. 90

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Together with the table work, Milton also created Mentastics Movement Education which playfully explores how what we think effects our freedom of movement – and the more playful we become the more enhancing our experiences can be. This is especially important as we age, as Chloe (89) explains: “I had a series of accidents one after the other and I was told they might be a step too far to recuperate from. There was so much wrong with me. I came to Martin about my spine which was concertinaed together. I had acute pain everywhere, right up to the head. The doctors couldn’t see anything wrong. Martin’s work is so encompassing. I’ve become much more mobile – I can twist and turn – and cross my legs. The arthritis in my foot has cleared up. There’s more space for my abdomen which is much more comfortable. I’m able to do more of what I want – instead of considering my old wretched state. I can’t get over the remarkable change especially since everybody told me nothing could be done.” Trager can also be used as a form of rehabilitation from neuromuscular conditions such as, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome and, as Phil (45) discovered, the after effects of a stroke: “I had a stroke when I was 5 years old. My right hand was just floppy and I only knew one way of walking. Martin offered me KUDOS JULY/AUGUST 2017

alternative ways of walking which has improved my mobility and now I can move the fingers of my right hand and I have greater manual dexterity. Rather than the forgotten arm and leg that my stroke left me with, I’m now able and conscious of using them. I’ve been able to welcome them back into my life.” For people with ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis) Trager sessions can gently raise their energy levels, as Tanya (42) found: “Trager is unique – very different and very, very relaxing. It definitely strengthened my mind-body connection and reconnected me. My energy levels increased and they’ve been maintained and increased slightly since I stopped having sessions. My ME is still there, but much better. I’m more aware now of what gives me energy and what doesn’t.” Martin qualified in 1997 and for 11 years was the Trager Practitioner at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. “There, I gained immeasurable experience working with musicians, singers and actors,” he says, “helping them to excel.” Gary Griffiths, who won the Guildhall School’s Gold Medal for singing in 2009 and is now performing with Welsh National Opera, put it this way: “Trager sessions with Martin were an essential part of my vocal development while on the undergraduate course at GSMD. He taught me how to connect with my body and open up new resonances in my voice which revealed an exciting progression in my singing. I would highly recommend it to anyone.” If you would like more information about Trager sessions, Martin can be contacted on m.s.clout@gmail.com or 07979 550867.

Business notes A round-up of local business news

Bowl a maiden over

Top award for 16th-century Maiden’s Tower at historic Leeds Castle The 16th-century Maiden’s Tower at Leeds Castle in Kent has won the title of AA Unique Bed and Breakfast 2017. The award, voted for by AA Inspectors who inspect and rate over 2,000 B&Bs throughout the UK, was presented at the annual AA awards ceremony held recently at the London Landmark Hotel. The Maiden’s Tower offers five stunning bedrooms with breathtaking views of the surrounding tranquil waters of the moat and glorious grounds. Head of Hospitality at Leeds Castle, Debbie Matthews, said: “I am delighted that the Maiden’s Tower has won the title of AA Unique Bed and Breakfast of the Year 2017. The team here are passionate about providing a memorable stay to our guests and this accolade is a testament to their cheerful and polite approach. “We could not have asked for more than to know the AA, as a well-beloved institution, recognises our service as being unique and special. This award is the result of a fantastic team effort by our dedicated staff, from housekeepers to chefs, waitresses and receptionists, not forgetting the behind-the-scenes support from gardeners and ground team to maintenance and security.” Each of the five luxury en-suite Maiden’s Tower bedrooms, named after the medieval queens who owned Leeds Castle, are beautifully decorated in period style, with stunning views and opulent bathrooms. An overnight stay includes a full English or continental breakfast, made with fresh, local produce, served in the 17th-century oak-beamed Fairfax Restaurant the following morning. Currently, guests who stay on a Sunday night are offered a free hawk walk with the Castle Falconers, while midweek guests are offered a complimentary punt around the moat, giving them a unique angle to view the historic castle. To find out more about special offers and to book a unique B&B stay at the Maiden’s Tower, call 01622 767823 or visit www.leeds-castle.com/accommodation

Create the perfect garden

Discover garden design inspiration at Corker Corker outdoor living and landscape supplies recently unveiled the transformation of their site on the A228 near Paddock Wood with new branding and inspirational show gardens at their launch event in April. The three-acre site has 10 show gardens on display. Each garden was designed and built by local landscape designers and offers unique ideas suitable for any sized garden. Other areas of the site showcase the huge range of decking, paving and outdoor furniture Corker offers, a great way to see products in situ and aid those tricky decisions! Michael Corkery, Managing Director of Corker, says: “The launch event was a huge success and it was a very proud moment revealing the completed show gardens. A huge amount of hard work and long hours went into this transformation; thank you to everyone who played a part and to those who attended and supported our launch day.” As well as the innovative show gardens, Corker also supply all the ingredients for your dream garden, including a wide range of paving, turf, soil, sleepers, outdoor furniture and more. The Corker site and show gardens are now open Monday-Saturday so pay the team a visit. You can also shop online at www.corker.co.uk or call the team on 01892 833325. 92

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Photo credit: Richard Bass

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New village hall for Chiddingstone Causeway

Dame Kelly Holmes opens The Causeway Hall arts and social centre Saturday, 3rd June, was a very special day for the village of Chiddingstone Causeway. Local hero, Dame Kelly Holmes, officially opened the brand-new Chiddingstone Causeway Arts and Social Centre, The Causeway Hall. It was back in 2002 that the much-loved old Causeway Hall, which had served the community for over 100 years, was falling into a state of disrepair. The hall had been a hub of activity for the village and further afield, so a huge fundraising challenge was planned. A redevelopment group was set up in 2011, and after six years of enormous effort and hard work, the final amount of £750,000 was raised and building work could commence. The new Causeway Hall is a multi-purpose, modern complex with comprehensive facilities, providing a large hall with a demountable stage for flexibility, a fully-fitted kitchen and three further rooms. The space has been specifically designed to serve the local area and well beyond, from clubs and sports activities to exhibitions, art shows and celebrations. At the opening event, Kelly Holmes said: “I am very proud of my community and honoured to be here today to open your new Causeway Hall. I have witnessed this hall being built brick by brick as I run past it every day! I compare this to my Olympic training: 10 years of struggles and challenges, highs and lows, culminating in one fantastic happy day of celebration and success.”

www.causewayhall.co.uk

Kelly Homes with Dennis Ward, Chair of Redevelopment Committee, and Richard Streatfield, Chairman of Chiddingstone Parish Council

All’s fair in love and war? It is notoriously difficult to avoid the marital pot being divided equally between parties in a divorce, even if one party does claim a “special contribution” to the marriage, Sarah Haywood of solicitors ThomasHaywood explains

For centuries, marriage vows have contained a promise to stay together “‘till death us do part”. However, according to the ONS, over the last two decades there has been a dramatic rise in divorce in the over-60s. Many have what is classed as a long marriage, having celebrated their silver wedding anniversary; hence the term “Silver Splitters” often applied to such divorces by the popular press. One issue that often arises in “silver divorces” is that, generally speaking, older people have more assets and may have also spent many years building up a business. Listeners of The Archers will have heard Justin Elliott complaining about the unfairness of his wife Miranda staking a claim to his business, Demara, dismissing her input to this as “ just a secretary”. He may try to claim that he made a “special contribution”. This is sometimes argued where one party has earned and amassed exceptional wealth by their acumen and drive, and they say this is unmatched by the contributions made to the welfare of the family by the other party. Recently, a husband who claimed that his former wife should not receive an equal share of his wealth because of his “special financial contribution”, has failed in a bid to have an award to his wife overturned. In 2015, a High Court judge gave Randy Work’s wife half of their £140-million fortune, rejecting Mr Work’s argument that he had made a special financial contribution towards the marriage. The couple had no assets of note when they married in 1995. Mr Work was a former executive of a private equity company. The judge stated that whilst he recognised that Mr Work was “an astute businessman”, his wife was a “highly-intelligent woman” who had given up her career to follow her husband to Tokyo to care for their children and their home, allowing him to concentrate fully on his career. Mr Work appealed, but three judges at the Court of Appeal rejected this and said his claims of genius should be “reserved for Leonardi da Vinci, Mozart, Einstein and others like them”. It is notoriously difficult to succeed with a “special contribution” claim, and thereby avoid the marital pot being 94

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divided equally between the parties. There have only been three reported cases of such claims being successful in the last 17 years. A “special contribution” argument is unlikely to succeed simply because one party is very good at their job. Courts have to be careful not to discriminate against the non-wealth-creating spouse, who may have nevertheless made a significant contribution to family life in other ways. Footballer Ryan Giggs is now attempting to argue that he made a “special contribution” to the creation of marital wealth during his marriage. Will he be able to persuade a judge that his footballing skills were so exceptional that he should receive a greater percentage share of the assets accrued during the marriage? The case will be heard at the High Court, so watch this space.

www.thomashaywoodsolicitors.com LOV E BUSINESS

Helping hand A round-up of local charity news Bringing hope

Local charity with royal approval A little Romanian girl grabbed the hand – and the heart – of the Prince of Wales when he visited a hospice in Romania to celebrate its 25th anniversary. The Prince spent several minutes laughing and chatting with young Maria after he sat down to see what she was doing in her craft project, and the youngster immediately reached out and confidently took his hand. The visit to Hospice Casa Sperantei in Bucharest came during a three-day royal trip to Romania. Founded 25 years ago by Otford-based charity, Hospices of Hope, the hospice has transformed the care of the terminally ill and those with life-limiting conditions in the povertystricken country. One of the hospice’s earliest royal supporters was Diana, Princess of Wales. She made a donation to the organisation’s first education centre after meeting Hospices of Hope founder, Graham Perolls, and the centre is named after her. Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, saw the construction of the Bucharest hospice in progress, which was then opened by Hospices of Hope patron, Georgina, Duchess of Norfolk. After showing the Prince around the hospice, Graham said: “It was a huge honour to have the Prince visit Hospice Casa Sperantei. It was

a joy to watch him interact so naturally with both our adult and child patients. “He was also extremely interested in our new children’s hospice and therapy centre at Copaceni which involves the restoration of a Romanian heritage building. The Prince is Patron of nine UK hospices so he understands the needs of those affected by terminal illness.” www.hospicesofhope.co.uk

Helping Manchester

Generous Assembly Hall audiences of Rent donate money to the victims of the Ariana Grande concert bombing Amazing audiences at the Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells have raised nearly £8,000 in support of the victims of Manchester’s bombing, a staggering amount carrying a powerful message about solidarity and justice in our community. The terrorist attack on the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester left 22 people dead with 59 injured in the explosion moments after the singer left the stage. The 20th anniversary production of Rent opened in Tunbridge Wells on the day after the Manchester attack, as the full details of the tragedy were emerging. It was the production company’s wish to show support for the victims, and with the backing of the theatre who shared the sentiment, it was agreed that a collection would be taken after each performance. John-Jackson ( JJ) Almond, Theatre Director, says: “We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of public support. Our patrons have given their generous support to the appeal, and all money donated has been handed over to the “We Love Manchester” Emergency Fund in partnership with the British Red Cross, which is helping the families and dependents of those killed and injured in the attack.” Bruce Guthrie, Director of Rent, says: “Myself and the Rent Company were greatly moved by the generosity of your audiences. We had a great week at the Assembly Hall and such a lovely venue to finish the Rent tour, with such responsive audiences.”

The cast made an appeal at the end of each show, and the theatre’s front of house staff collected the donations. The running total was confirmed by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and transferred to the appeal fund.

Blooming lovely

ellenor team with Chilstone for this year’s Chelsea Flower Show ellenor, the Kent-based charity that offers care and support for families facing terminal illness, teamed up with Chilstone, makers of handcrafted architectural stone and garden ornaments in Tunbridge Wells, at the 2017 RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Chilstone were back this year at the world-famous show with renowned garden designer Ali Dempster; their beautiful and classic Kew fountain was named The ellenor Giving Family Fountain – visitors were encouraged to come along to the stand and donate generously by dropping coins in to the fountain. The fountain was modified to conserve water, using recycled rain water collected from the living sedum roof of Ali Dempster’s speciallydesigned garden studio. This was ellenor’s first time at the show and their patron, Good Morning Britain presenter Charlotte Hawkins, joined Chilstone there for the Charity Gala Preview the day before the show opened. She unveiled a brand-new Chilstone sculpture – a sleek, contemporary statue, cast in marble resin, inspired from the classical story of Leda and the Swan, depicting the conception of Helen of Troy where Zeus transformed into a swan. As the only children’s hospice-at-home charity in Kent, all donations enable ellenor to continue to provide care and support for babies, children and their families facing terminal illness. Chilstone’s General Manager, Steve Clark, said: “It was a real pleasure to support such an exceptional charity and raise money and awareness to support ellenor with their work helping families.” Chilstone also won the prestigious five-star RHS award for their trade stand. Combined with helping ellenor, this made Chelsea 2017 the best flower show yet!

Bridging the gap

As the number of homeless people rises, helping those in need locally is the aim of The Bridge Trust, as the charity’s CEO, John Handley, explains

When was The Bridge Trust set up?

The Bridge Trust started work in the early 90s, helping local homeless people in whatever way we could. We became an officially-registered charity in 1991.

What was the motivation for setting it up?

The need to help homeless people was noticed by our founder, who was at that time a member of Tonbridge Baptist Church. He got a number of interested people from the church, together with members of the local authorities, to sit round and decide just what could be done for people in this evident need.

What are the aims of the charity?

Our aim is to provide quality accommodation and one-to-one support for single, homeless adults. This particular group are not entitled to any statutory housing and so have no other options open to them but to come to us.

How many people are involved in the charity on a day-to-day basis?

We have 12 members of staff, half working part-time. The remaining staff are employed full time. Our numbers are complemented by around 10 volunteers, who help us with mailings and in our charity shop in Tunbridge Wells.

Tell us about the properties you have

We don’t have one single hostel with “Bridge Trust for the Homeless” pasted across it; we take a more anonymous and sensitive approach by having five, normal, residential properties – some houses and some flats – based within the community. This was so our clients can feel a part of the community within which they will ultimately relocate. We can accommodate up to 23 people at any one time and they can stay with us for up to two years. As they come and go, we typically house between 30 and 40 people each year.

Other than putting a roof over their heads, do you help them in other ways? We major on providing accommodation and support, but we don’t turn away people if we can’t help them. We provide sleeping bags and associated rough-sleeper equipment such as 98

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warm clothes, plus our “Survival Handbook”, which is a directory of all the services homeless people can access in west Kent. For those who we can house, we provide tailored, one-to-one support via a Support Worker, working closely with our clients to help them identify and overcome whatever issues helped make them homeless and any barriers they may have to working their way back to independent living.

What are the main reasons that local people find themselves homeless?

The main reason is some sort of relationship breakdown. This could be partners splitting up or perhaps parents kicking out their child as they have had enough of their behavior. Or the other way round, when the child can’t take living with their parents any more! We also encounter people having nowhere to go when they leave the care system, prison or the armed forces. Over the past couple of years, we have heard from more and more people who simply can’t afford either their mortgage or their rent and become homeless because they can’t afford anywhere to live.

Tell us about your charity shop in Tunbridge Wells.

We have a lovely charity shop in Camden Road called Bridge Revivals – Gifts and Treasures. It’s so nice that many people don’t realise it’s actually a charity shop! Recently we added clothing to the items on sale, alongside the usual collection of toys, DVDs books, furniture, electrical items and general bric-a-brac.

What is the long-term aim of The Bridge Trust?

In the present economic and funding climate, the Trust struggles to survive month on month. We had to sell off one of our houses last year but still have an ongoing hole in our annual budget that we need to fix. Approximately a quarter of our income comes from contracts we have with KCC which last until September 2018. After that, we will be in trouble unless we can replace that income from elsewhere. Therefore, our long-term aim is to survive.

What can people do to help?

Anyone who can donate to us, especially by a monthly standing order – however small – will be helping significantly. However, you can also become a volunteer, especially in our Tunbridge Wells shop, or donate clothing or other items for us to sell, anything that’s good quality. If you are part of a group like the WI, a church or club, then we would love to come and speak about our work – raising our profile does us the world of good. www.thebridgetrust.org.uk KUDOS JULY/AUGUST 2017