Kudos issue 27 by Kudos Kent

Your free lifestyle magazine for Kent and East Sussex

Issue 27

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WELCOME TO KUDOS

Hello Welcome to the March/April issue of Kudos It’s spring – at last! And in this issue, we’re celebrating the new season. For starters, some of our favourite restaurants give us a sneak preview of their new spring menus. And with treats in mind, if Easter eggs aren’t your thing, then our chocolate recipes will give you some yummy alternatives. On the fashion front, local family and lifestyle bloggers Emma and Sam Hartridge show off some new-season looks – and get a makeover thanks to Greg Morgan of Morgan Hodges and make-up artist Helen Lee. A makeover was on the minds of the Sawyers, too, when they bought a shabby bungalow without planning permission for the stunning views from the plot. See what they created in our home feature. We also talk to comedian Bill Bailey about his new tour Larks in Transit, which he describes as ‘a compendium of travellers’ tales and the general shenanigans of 20 years as a travelling comedian’. Known for his highlymusical live shows, and as team captain on Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Bill has taken Larks in Transit around the world and is now touring the UK. He’ll be at the Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells on 3rd and 4th May. For a show of a different kind, the Teletubbies are also coming to the Assembly Hall on 14th and 15th March. Richard Lewis is the writer and director responsible for bringing this iconic series to the stage in its firstever live theatre show. He did the same for Peppa Pig, which was a smash hit, so your little ones are guaranteed a great time.

Twitter & Instagram: kudoskent www.kudoskent.co.uk Managing Director: Robin Tucek Publishing Director: Hannah Tucek Editorial Director: Ann Wallace Creative Director: Neil Constant Sales Director: Meral Griffith Fashion Editor: Sally-Ann Carroll Photographer: Matt Harquail

Advertising Sales:

sales@badbettymedia.co.uk

Talking of children, in this issue our heads talk about the role their schools play in preparing children for social media’s emotional demands. And we meet Vickey Fitzell who launched Mama Mixers, designed to give likeminded mums fun nights out. All this and more in Kudos.

Hannah Tucek Publishing Director

Contents 8 Kudos loves... 11 News & events 30 Pets corner 33 Love celebrity 39 Love fashion 54 Love health & beauty 62 Love food and drink

Kudos is published bi-monthly by:

78 Love home 90 Love garden

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.

96 Love education 102 Love family 108 Love business 112 Love charity 114 Love heroes

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Hastings Pier

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3pm

Taken by Matt Harquail

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K U DOS LOV E S

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Things we love this issue

1. Eighties’ kids (that includes our Publishing Director!) are going to love this portable Retro Handheld Console. It comes with 150 games, so you can bring back all the nostalgia and fun of playing old-school 8-bit games, like Tic Tac Toe and Connect Four. £17.99. www.iwantoneofthose.com 2. I f you’re trying to avoid adding to the plastics crisis by buying a bottle of water then re-filling it several times a day, you could be putting your health at risk. According to scientists, bottles of water can contain tiny cracks which could become breeding grounds for dangerous germs, such as norovirus. Instead, choose a re-suable water bottle like the Ion8 range. Their bottles are made from BPA-free, phthalate-free, non-toxic Tritan, which is highly resistant to odours, can be easily cleaned and is dishwasher safe. From £12.99. www.amazon.co.uk 3. Wow has launched a new, activated-charcoal drink. The blend of cold-pressed juice, filtered water, agave and activated charcoal helps maintain a healthy digestive system by removing toxins. The charcoal 8

helps trap gas and other impurities in your body, which are then removed naturally. Cleansing toxins from your system can reduce bloating, increase energy levels and even improve your complexion. Available in selected Sainsbury’s in Lemon, Lemon & Mint, and Raspberry. £1.89. www.activewow.com 4. Forget singing in the rain this April – sing in the shower instead! The VicTsing Shower Waterproof Speaker streams incredible stereo sound. It has a built-in MIC Bluetooth speaker and hands-free function, allowing you to conveniently pick up a call whilst washing your hair. £16.99. www.amazon.co.uk 5. We just love the new range of chic leather saddle bags for dog walkers from Teddy Maximus, featuring their signature dog motif. There’s enough room for your money, keys and phone, as well as an inside slip pocket (ideal for treats) and side D-rings to attach your dog lead. Comes in red, pink or tan. £120. www.teddymaximus.com K U D O S M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 8

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LOV E N EWS

Upfront What’s new and happening

Blossoming at Hurst Green Exciting, new farm shop and nursery opening on A21

East Sussex is getting a new garden centre – with a difference. Planters A21 opens on the outskirts of Hurst Green on 10th March – just in time for Mother’s Day – and promises everything from plants to antiques. Owner Ed Middleton says: “We have a great location on the main route from Hastings to London. With plenty of local and varied producers around Hurst Green, it’s a fantastic place for a farm shop and garden centre. Surrounded by open farmland, within a few miles we also have vineyards, fruit and honey farms, wholesale nurseries and so much more! We also have plenty of parking with easy access on the A21, a secure garden and children’s play area.” Customers can expect to find a farm shop stocked with fresh produce, much of which is locally sourced. There will also be a butcher’s counter and fresh, locally-produced breads, as well as wines, local beers and Sussex Ciders. The family owners live locally and have a handmade pie company in Bodiam, whose products will be available in-store at Planters. As well as a feast of good food, Planters will stock a full range of seasonal plants, hanging baskets and garden accessories. Giftware, cards and homewares will also be available, plus an emporium of artworks, antiques and home furnishings. Keeping it in the family, the emporium is off to a great start with the owner’s father, Mark, a longestablished antiques dealer, taking a concession, and his sister, Micky (redgallery.co.uk), also taking a concession for fine art. Micky has exhibited at the Affordable Art Fair in London every year since 1999. Mark has been trading antiques since the 1980s and worked for 10 years in the world-famous town for antiques of Stow-on-the-Wold. Local artists, makers and retailers are sought for emporium concessions. “Additionally, we are excited to announce that outdoor clothing specialists World’s End Clothing from nearby Battle will be taking a substantial concession on site and stocking a full range of quality outdoor clothing for children and grown-ups,” says Ed. “The Planters café will be serving breakfasts, lunches and, of course, afternoon tea. With fresh-roasted barista coffee, homemade cooking and cakes, our café will be a destination in itself. K U D O S M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 8

“We believe that our emporium and the butchery, staffed by an experienced and friendly butcher, in particular will be of real interest to local people and visitors holidaying in the area. “With Planters, we hope to create a thriving community business, providing employment for local people and selling the best of Kent and Sussex.” Planters is currently looking for full and part-time staff, including cooks, café and shop sales staff. They will be open seven days a week and so are keen to hear from those requiring flexible hours and looking to fit work around their family life. If you are interested, contact Ed Middleton on ed@plantersA21.com 11

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It’s my birthday!

Travel goods shop celebrates two years in Heathfield Wanted on Voyage is celebrating its second birthday this March with a week of special offers, birthday cake and a prize draw. Owner Rachel Drinkwater wanted to offer high-quality, well-engineered items to make the journey a more enjoyable part of the holiday experience, or at least a little easier. “We have two teenage children and two lively dogs,” says Rachel. “The most stressful part of any holiday for us when they were younger was packing – making sure that we had everything we needed for two weeks away with two small children, as well as the journey itself – when travelling by plane, negotiating the airport with wheelie suitcases or luggage trollies and toddlers, or by car, when no car on the planet is big enough for the holiday paraphernalia!” Opening a shop rather then selling purely online was important to Rachel as she wanted her customers to be able to touch, feel and use the product, so they know exactly what they are buying and how to use it. There is also a sense of security for many of her customers who want to visit a bricks-and-mortar store. Heathfield is the perfect location for Wanted on Voyage. “It’s a fantastic market town, with some lovely independent shops,” says Rachel. “There is ample free parking, and I wanted to be able to offer my customers an enjoyable shopping experience away from the larger towns or retail parks.” Rachel took the decision early on only to stock high-quality, well-manufactured travel goods. Style and fashion are important, but everything must also be functional. Her biggest sellers are Thule bike carriers, EastPak suitcases, and smaller travel accessories like RFiD document wallets and travel plugs. In today’s quickly-evolving world, Rachel has to remain agile in the marketplace. She started with just two brands, Thule and Lifeventure, and now also stocks bags, backpacks and luggage from Fjall Raven, EastPak and Vango, travel accessories from Go Travel and Lifesystems, and children’s suitcases from Trunki. She is constantly on the lookout for brands that fit her ethos of quality engineering and style. Looking back, what piece of advice does she wish she'd had before she started? “To be prepared for the unexpected, and ready for almost any question!” And what lies ahead? Says Rachel: “Ideally I would like to open a second store, if I can find the right location, and expand the services we offer.”

Make sure to pop along to Wanted on Voyage this March for all your travel essentials, and maybe even a slice of birthday cake

Unspeakably good

Local author Sophie Kersey publishes her first novel You’re pregnant. You find out there’s madness in the family. What are you going to do now? So begins Sophie Kersey’s chilling first novel Unspeakable Things. In the book, Sarah moves back into her abandoned childhood home, hoping to connect with what’s left of her family. She is thrilled to learn about her long-dead mother from her uncle, who runs the Woodlands Clinic nearby. Then he tells her that her mother tried to kill her and died a mental patient at Woodlands. But is the truth even more shocking than that? Sophie was born and brought up in Tunbridge Wells. When it came to the setting for the book – a gatehouse and a psychiatric clinic – she looked for local inspiration. “The house in the novel is used symbolically as the gatehouse to Sarah’s past, but I wanted to give the estate a credible backstory. Just up the road from where I live in Southborough is a gatehouse, a tantalising hint at the hidden Mabledon estate. Delving into its history, I found plenty that was perfect for the novel. Mabledon, like Woodlands, was built in 1805 and, by a striking coincidence, Mabledon had a post-war spell as a psychiatric hospital. “Longing to see the estate, I was allowed to sneak in at the end of a conference. I gazed at the impressive frontage – its turrets could be the grim tower from which Woodlands’ neglected patient stares out. Falling away from the end of the gardens was a stretch of parkland that would not look out of place in a BBC costume drama. “But Unspeakable Things is no Downton Abbey. In a desperate attempt to discover her family’s dark secret, Sarah crosses the woods at night and sneaks into an old back kitchen. Exploring, I found just such a back entrance at Mabledon – as though the inspiration for Woodlands was confirming my story.” Unspeakable Things is available at www.amazon.co.uk www.sophiekerseyauthor.com 12

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Out and about with Kudos

Adventure on camera The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour is returning to the Assembly Hall Theatre on 19th April, with an evening of extraordinary short films. Follow the expeditions of some of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most incredible adventurers, see amazing footage of adrenaline-packed action sports and be inspired by thought-provoking pieces shot from the far-flung corners of the globe.

www.banff-uk.com

Image credit: Larry Shiu, Cascade Mountain, Banff National Park taken by John Price

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A wedding to remember

Chiddingstone Castle are opening the doors on Sunday, 18th March for their annual Wedding Fair, where they will be showcasing their venue and inviting you to meet specialist suppliers, enjoy live entertainment and sample some delicious treats. Chiddingstone Castle is an award-winning wedding venue in the heart of Kent that can be exclusively yours for the day. The historic house is set in 35 acres of grounds, which include stunning views and its own lake. You can make the castle uniquely yours for the day, with three licensed areas available for the civil ceremony: the Great Hall, the White Rose Drawing Room and the open-air Victorian Orangery. Wedding breakfasts can be enjoyed in a marquee on the South Lawn or in the Great Hall. The event is free; enquiries are welcomed at weddings@chiddingstonecastle.org.uk Image credit: Wild Weddings

The jazz and blues festival of the season

Spring will certainly be in the air come the early May Bank Holiday, as the Rye International Jazz and Blues Festival features an exceptional series of headline concerts taking place at the stunning St Mary’s Church, Rye. These special and eclectic concerts provide a unique live music experience with the opportunity to see quality artists in an up-close-and-personal environment. The UK’s best-selling classical artist, singer Russell Watson, will perform an exclusive, intimate concert on Thursday, 3rd May. A VIP package is also available, which includes a pre-concert reception, premier front seats, a signed CD and the opportunity to meet Russell on the evening. An intimate acoustic evening with songsmith, broadcaster, activist and raconteur Tom Robinson takes place on Friday, 4th May, and this thoughtful show revisits the back catalogue of a master craftsman. If you haven’t been to the church of Avery Sunshine, then you are going to have to hold on to your hats as Avery takes you to the most joyous of uplifting, gospel and soul-infused heaven as she headlines at St Mary’s on Saturday, 5th May on a rare UK date from the US. Kyle Eastwood, son of screen legend Clint, and his hugely-talented jazz quintet of young, English ‘cats’, will be delighting fans with a special afternoon concert on Sunday, 6th May, along with a very special guest, Stefano Di Battista, the double bass player who embodies the vitality of an art which he reinvents with elegance and passion. The iconic UK band the Christians, renowned for an endless string of soulful yet socially-aware hits, perform an evening concert on Sunday, 6th May. “The hottest guitarist in the world”, Miloš Karadaglić, performs an afternoon concert on Monday, 7th May as he continues to top the record charts and delight audiences worldwide. His first three releases on The Yellow Label achieved major chart successes around the globe and turned him into “classical music’s guitar hero” (BBC Music Magazine) overnight. Classic BRIT Award-winner Miloš has become one of the most sought-after concert soloists in the world. You can expect a wonderful programme of Spanish classics, cool Latin, Bach chaconnes, Beatles’ arrangements and more. www.ryejazz.com 16

Miloš Karadaglić – image credit Lars Borges, Mercury Classics

Avery Sunshine

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Roll up, roll up

Applause Rural Touring are busy making plans for this spring and summer, and are asking fêtes, fairs and festivals across Kent and Sussex to get in touch. The company works with artists and communities to bring exceptional arts performances to village halls, pubs, schools, local fêtes and festivals across Kent and Sussex. The launch of the Outdoors Season 2018 offers professional, exciting and unique performances developed specially for outdoor events at subsidised costs. Sally Lampitt, Touring Co-ordinator, said “We have six fabulous shows available this summer, all of which are interactive, family-friendly and suitable for all ages – and great fun. We can offer these shows at affordable prices, allowing local promoters to offer exciting, unexpected arts performances for everyone to enjoy.” The six shows on offer have something to appeal to everyone – from the 8ft Froojamaflip, created from fruit and vegetables and accompanied by his friend, Fred the Gardener, to circus skills from the Memory Man, culinary delights and tasty tunes from Too Many Cooks, the interactive Playground of Illusions, and more. Any fête or festival interested in having one of these performances at their event, helping to make it stand out from the rest this spring and summer, should get in touch to find out more. www.applause.org.uk/outdoors

It’s in the stars

OK, it might not be local but it’s worth making the trip. Astronomy experts at the University of Birmingham have created a new series of star constellations for the modern day – each of which celebrates iconic figures that are inspirational to young people from the worlds of sport, entertainment, science and politics. The project, entitled Look Up To Stars, centres on eight new constellations. Examples include Usain Bolt doing his celebratory lightning-bolt pose and JK Rowling through Harry Potter’s iconic glasses. The designs have been created alongside The Big Bang Fair with a view to getting more children interested in stargazing and the wider universe. The new creations arrives in the wake of research revealing that 72% of children have never looked up at the night sky to find a star constellation, while 29% wouldn’t be able to recognise a single classical constellation. The Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Fair is the largest celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) for young people in the UK. It takes place from 14th-17th March at the NEC in Birmingham. www.thebigbangfair.co.uk

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Celebrate spring at Hever

Daffodils and tulips take centre stage, along with Easter fun There’s lots to see and do at Hever Castle & Gardens this spring. During 21st-25th March, Dazzling Daffodils showcases the new and the best of these flowers, as 14,000 daffodils bloom in the grounds of Anne Boleyn’s childhood home in Kent. Master grower Johnny Walkers of Walkers Bulbs, and winner of 35 RHS gold medals, will be onsite giving talks and sharing his encyclopedic knowledge of bulbs accrued over a lifetime growing daffodils. He’ll also be taking part in tours with Head Gardener Neil Miller, leading visitors through Anne Boleyn’s Orchard, an area usually closed to the general public, to get a closer look at the daffodils there. Family fun at Hever Castle & Gardens throughout the Easter holidays promises to put a spring in your step. From 24th March-15th April, Hever welcomes back the Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt. Complete the trail and see what Lindt chocolate treat the Easter Bunny has in store for you! The Tulip Celebrations event from 18th-27th April is the chance to see 20,000 tulips in bloom. The history of the tulip will also be celebrated this year with displays and information about the Elizabethan horticultural boom, where gardens were beginning to expand to include flowers and plants brought from around the globe. Visitors can discover artefacts and paintings relating to the gardening craze, including a portrait of Margeurite de Valois in the Inner Hall which features tulips on the bodice of her dress. Neil Miller says: “This year, we want to share more about the history of the flower and tie it in with the famous residents who lived at Hever Castle itself. We know that the tulip was officially introduced into the Tudor gardens of England in 1578. As the Tudor world expanded, so did the Tudor gardens which were transformed in the 16th century by new species brought from Spain, France, Turkey, Portugal and eventually the Americas. As ‘Tulipmania’ swept through the Netherlands in the 17th century, its effect was felt in England as tulips became a feature of the plant-collector’s garden.” www.hevercastle.co.uk Image credit: Hever Castle & Gardens 20

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Discover wild times this spring

Get the family outside during the Easter holidays for some wild times at one of Kent Wildlife Trust’s visitor centres in Sevenoaks, Maidstone or Romney Marsh. There will be different wildlife-related Easter Trails at each centre from 11am-3pm every day, Good Friday to Easter Monday. Entry is £5 and every child gets a chocolate prize at the end. You can book online or just turn up. If your children are curious conservationists, book them onto a ‘Discover’ event where they can get up close to live bugs or pond creatures, learn lots of fascinating facts and connect with nature in a variety of ways. Events include pond dipping, forest skills, bug shows, willow weaving and paper collage, to name a few. Cost is £6 per child. The visitor centre at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve is surrounded by some beautiful wild spaces where you can spot lots of wild animals and birds. Make a day of it and bring a picnic, go for a walk and enjoy the fresh air. Tyland Barn and Romney Marsh centres both have small nature parks with trails, shops and cafés which serve a selection of hot and cold drinks and snacks. For more information about the visitor centres or to book events online, go to

www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Willow fish

A taste of France

On Saturday, 3rd March, The Penshurst Brocante is bringing beautiful vintage and artisan products to the Village Hall in the style, atmosphere and flavour of a French Brocante, with music from Miss Vintage and refreshments available throughout the day. Open 10am to 3.30pm. Entry is £2.

www.cherishthevintage.co.uk

Vintage fair

Ronnie Scott’s comes to Tonbridge

Direct from London’s world-famous jazz club, and combining world-class jazz, narration and rare archive footage, The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars take to the stage at the EM Forster Theatre in Tonbridge for the first time to present Ronnie Scott’s Soho Songbook on Thursday, 8th March at 7.30pm. Since its humble beginnings as a basement music bar where musicians would jam, through to the internationally-acclaimed music venue it is today, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club has showcased the music of some of the world’s greatest and most influential artists. Featuring classic music from the jazz greats who have performed at Ronnie Scott’s, alongside narration and projected archive images and rare footage from the club, The Ronnie Scott’s Soho Songbook is a glimpse into this unique world and its incredible history. Hosted and performed by the award-winning Ronnie Scott’s All Stars, and lead by the club’s Musical Director, it’s simply an unmissable show for music fans, and a fantastic opportunity to see these exceptional musicians live on your doorstep.

www.emftheatre.com

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The Squirrel Vintage Fair on Saturday, 24th March, will fill the King Charles Church Hall in Tunbridge Wells with amazing vintage fashion traders, with clothes from the 1920s to 1980s, as well as salvaged homeware, furniture, original records and antique and costume jewellery. A DJ will be playing Northern Soul and Motown all day, and The Splendid Coffee Company will be providing coffee and cakes in the courtyard from their beautiful vintage van. Open 10.30am to 4pm. Entry is £1 (free for under 16s). For more information, check out @squirrelvintage on Facebook and Instagram.

Mozart evening

Paddock Wood Choral Society invites you to “An evening with Mozart”, featuring the stirring Mozart’s Requiem, and other instrumental and choral pieces, on Saturday, 17th March at 7.30 pm at St. Andrews Church, Paddock Wood. Tickets: £12.50, under-19s free, available from members, on the door, online at www.paddockwood-choral.

org.uk, by email tickets@paddockwoodchoral.org.uk, or by phone from the Box Office on 01892 836250. 23

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Echoes of the past and the future Artist Alex Echo captures colour and light in vibrant abstracts

Alex Echo’s artwork is unique and instantly recognisable, using a technique that has never been seen before. His paintings resonate with the beauty and history of Impressionism, yet they speak with a contemporary voice and structure of abstraction and even minimalism. Trying to synthesise the many schools of painting that he has admired over the years, Alex’s paintings seek to find a balance between the past and present, history and the contemporary. Each of his artworks is a ballet between light, water, colour and time, and Alex tries to capture all in every new composition. His paintings are built up from several thousand brushstrokes and movements, and each is an attempt to see and feel that dance of colour and light reflected in a flower, a tree, a hillside or the sea. Alex has worked on exciting collaborative projects with Sir Paul Smith, who developed a fabric design from one of his paintings. The iconic fashion designer used “Classic With A Twist” as a principle print design for his 2011 Couture Women’s Wear line, and Alex was able to watch his artwork walk down the catwalk during London Fashion Week. Fashion has played a big part in Alex’s life: “I think fashion is unbelievably important, because it’s our armour,” he says. “Recently, a woman who had been diagnosed with cancer bought one of my paintings. She loved this painting so much she asked if we could make a scarf printed with the design so she could take it to Germany with her when she had her chemotherapy. My company had a scarf printed for her, and it’s fantastic for me to know that it’s serving such a great purpose. It’s just a piece of fabric, but it has my painting on it and it means something to somebody.” You can check out Alex’s paintings at Castle Fine Art, 45 High Street, Tunbridge Wells. www.castlegalleries.com

Embrace Documentary aims to help women love their bodies

Lose weight, reduce wrinkles, fight cellulite; we’re constantly told to fight a battle to be someone other than who we are. Women and girls are repeatedly lead to believe they’re not as good as they should be. And why? Because every day they feel they’re being judged on their appearance and how far away it is from an unachievable ideal. The Body Image Movement is on a quest to redefine and rewrite the ideals of beauty, to harness and facilitate positive body image activism by encouraging women to be more accepting of who they are, to use positive language regarding their bodies and others, and to prioritise health before beauty. To get the word out there, Taryn Brumfitt, Founder of the Body Image Movement, has made Embrace: The documentary. Embrace uncovers why poor body image has become a global epidemic and what women everywhere can do to have a brighter future. A funny, touching, at times gut-wrenching but above all, life-changing documentary, the heart of Embrace is Taryn’s story and how she went from a body hater to a body lover. From being devastated by her perceived ugliness to proudly posing nude for the whole world to see. Embrace is being screened on Sunday, 18th March at the Langton Pavilion Café, Winstone Scott Avenue, Langton Green, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0JJ. Tickets, price £10, are available from www.eventbrite.co.uk 24

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All the world’s a stage

Easter treat as top local theatre group stages Singin’ in the Rain The glorious songs and magical dancing of the 1952 film Singin’ in the Rain, made famous by Gene Kelly, are being brought to the stage at the EM Forster Theatre, Tonbridge School, over Easter by LAMPS (Local Amateur Musical Players). Filled with every memorable moment from the film and a downpour of unforgettable songs, the stage show, full of Tinsel-Town glamour, is the perfect entertainment for any fan of the golden age of movie and theatre musicals alike. This delightful stage adaptation captures the waning days of the Hollywood silent-film era as it gives way to the new-fangled ‘talkies’. Set in the roaring ’20s, silent movie stars are the biggest names in the world. Don Lockwood has it all, a string of hit films and a studio-engineered romance with the most beautiful actress in town. But after a chance meeting with a talented young chorus girl, Kathy Selden, who is set to steal his heart, things are about to change for Don and for Hollywood forever. His co-star, Lina Lamont, has an unparalleled beauty, but a voice that could curdle milk. She will do anything in her power to keep her career, and her unrequited love for Don, within her grasp. Director and Choreographer Adele Ebbage says how excited she is to be working on this premiere for LAMPS. “This is our third show since returning to Tonbridge and we’re hugely excited to be bringing such a well-known, well-loved classic to the EM Forster stage for the very first time,” she said. This spectacular show is packed full of the charm, romance, comedy and Hollywood glamour of one the world’s best-loved movies, and features all the songs from the original MGM score, including Good Morning, Make ’em Laugh, Moses Supposes and the classic title song Singin’ in the Rain. Ian Blackmore is taking on the leading role of Don Lockwood, the Hollywood superstar made famous by Gene Kelly in the 1952 film. He said: “Singin’ in the Rain was the benchmark for all modern-day musicals. It was a trendsetter and I’m thrilled to be playing such an iconic role in one of the world’s greatest-ever musicals!” One thing is for sure, you’ll be showered with everything you could wish for in a hit musical this Easter. Singin’ in the Rain is at the EM Forster Theatre, Tonbridge School, High Street, Tonbridge, TN9 1JP from 4th-7th April. Buy tickets online at www.lamps.org.uk or call 01732 304 241. 26

From rugby to revue – marking 90 years of musicality

Entertaining book charts LAMPS’ history The on-stage and back-stage dramas of LAMPS are celebrated in a book by local actor, director and LAMPS Chairman Andrew Swann. Marking almost a century of musical productions, LAMPS is one of the oldest amateur companies in the county – but the acclaimed and popular performances by the Tonbridge-based group came from unusual beginnings. Last year marked the 90th anniversary of the group, formed by players from the Judd School Rugby Club, Tonbridge, who took to the boards when funds were low. Their first production, Query?, was written by an ex-pupil and raised £35. Encouraged by their success, the props and forwards continued to play male and female parts until they were joined by pupils from Tonbridge Girls’ Grammar School. Andrew Swann said: “The company eventually became independent from the rugby club and in 1931 a committee was formed and charged with finding a name. It could have been TOADS – Tonbridge Operatic and Dramatic Society – but thankfully LAMPS prevailed and apart from a break during the Second World War, the society has continued to shine brightly to audiences throughout the area.” 90 Years of Musicality is available to buy now via the LAMPS website www.lamps.org.uk or call 07759 965068. Price £20 (plus £3.50 P&P)

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That’s entertainment Latest releases on screen

Make the most of spring with screenings under the stars during March and April at Moonlight Drive-in Cinema March screenings

Black Panther

2nd-8th March After the death of his father, T'Challa returns home to the African nation of Wakanda to take his rightful place as king. When a powerful enemy suddenly reappears, T’Challa’s mettle as king – and as Black Panther – gets tested when he’s drawn into a conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk.

Father Figures

Red Sparrow

Gringo

Pacific Rim Uprising

Blockers

Ready Player One

9th-15th March Owen Wilson and Ed Helms are twin brothers whose eccentric mother raised them to believe their father had died when they were young. When they discover this to be a lie, they set out together on a road trip to try and find their real father, and end up learning more about their mother than they probably ever wanted to know.

16th-22nd March After suffering an injury that ends her career, a prima ballerina turns to Sparrow School, a secret intelligence service that trains exceptional young people to use their minds and bodies as weapons. After completing the sadistic training process, she meets a CIA agent who tries to convince her that he is the only person she can trust.

23rd-29th March Gringo joyrides across the border into Mexico, where all is not as it seems for mild-mannered American businessman Harold Soyinka (David Oyelowo). He finds himself in over his head after travelling to Mexico and soon crosses the line from citizen to criminal while tangling with shady colleagues, international mercenaries, drug lords and the DEA.

April screenings

Tomb Raider

30th March-5th April Lara Croft is the fiercelyindependent daughter of an eccentric adventurer who vanished years earlier. Hoping to solve the mystery of her father’s disappearance, Croft embarks on a perilous journey to his last-known destination – a fabled tomb on a mythical island that might be somewhere off the coast of Japan.

6th-12th April Jake Pentecost is a once-promising Jaeger pilot whose legendary father gave his life to secure humanity’s victory against the monstrous Kaiju. Having abandoned his training, he becomes caught up in a criminal underworld. But when an even more unstoppable threat is unleashed, Jake is given one last chance to live up to his father’s legacy.

13th-19th April Lisa (Leslie Mann), Hunter ( John Cena) and Mitchell (Ike Barinholtz) face every parent’s worst nightmare when they learn that their three teenage daughters plan to lose their virginity on prom night. The worried parents join together and embark on an all-night quest to stop the girls from doing the deed and sealing the deal.

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 + 90p booking fee per vehicle. www.moonlightcinema.com

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20th-26th April Set in 2045, the world is on the brink of chaos and collapse. But the people have found salvation in the OASIS, an expansive virtual-reality universe. When its creator dies, he leaves his immense fortune to the first person to find a digital Easter egg he has hidden somewhere in the OASIS, sparking a contest that grips the entire world.

25% TICKET DISCOUNT!

Just enter the code BADBETTY25 into the voucher section online. This discount code will last until the end of April

LOV E PETS

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

April showers

Dry your damp dog in minutes

Pawsome foot fashion

Make Mum’s day with a present from her pet These personalised dog-walking socks come in a set of three and add the ultimate comfort to your everyday dog walk. The socks are supersoft and are available in pale blue, dark grey and light grey. Perfect for wearing with wellies and walking boots, they come in a presentation box with its very own message and an eye-catching illustration of an excited pup. It’s an ideal pressie to Mum from her pooch on Mother’s Day. £22.99. www.prezzybox.com

Ruff And Tumble Drying Coats are made from highquality, double-thickness cotton towelling. Modelled on the design of a horse blanket, they are very simple to put on and take off. No more wet/muddy shake-off, no more back-breaking drying of soggy dogs and no more old towels! In hot weather, soak the inside of the Drying Coat in cold water to cool a hot dog! The new Country Collection has a stylish faux-leather trim and is available in burgundy, bottle green and French navy, from £39-£54. www.ruffandtumbledogcoats.com

Amazing animals

Meet some of nature’s most unusual creatures Snub-nosed monkeys are a group of Old World monkeys and make up the entirety of the genus Rhinopithecus. They are broken down into five species: Golden, Black, Gray, Tonkin and Myanmar. Snub-nosed monkeys live in Asia, with a range covering southern China (especially Tibet, Sichuan, Yunnan, and Guizhou) as well as the northern parts of Vietnam and Myanmar. These monkeys get their name from the short stump of a nose on their round faces, with nostrils arranged forward. People claim that they are easy to find in the rain, because they often get rainwater in their upturned noses, causing them to sneeze!

Conservation status: Endangered • Distribution: Asia • Habitat: Forests • Diet: Tree needles, bamboo buds, fruits and leaves • Height: 51-83cm • Weight: 6.5-39kg • Number of young: 1 • Life Span: Unknown 30

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LOV E CEL EBR I T Y

Up with the lark Stand-up comedian Bill Bailey talks to James Rampton about his new, nationwide tour Larks in Transit, and why heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still so passionate about his career Bill Bailey is buzzing. Bill Bailey is buzzing. After a gap of two years, the comedian is hugely excited about his major nationwide tour with Larks in Transit. The show combines in one unique package Billâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trademark hilarious comedy and brilliant music. Drawing on superb new songs and dazzling routines, he addresses politics, philosophy and the pursuit of happiness. In addition, he regales us with the real tale of Old McDonald and delivers an entirely new take on The Stars and Stripes. The show promises larks by the lorry load.

Words: James Rampton

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LOV E CEL EBR I T Y

Bill is one of the best-loved comedians in the land, described by The Guardian as, “Approaching the status of national treasure”, and by The Times as, “At the top of his game”. And Bill is just as delightful in person as he is on stage. An hour in his company at a local pub simply whizzes by. Over orange juice and cheese and onion crisps – rock ’n’ roll, eh? – we touch on everything from Indonesia to stone masonry. The comedian, who over the past 20 years has enjoyed a dozen immensely-successful international stand-up tours, begins by underlining how much he is enjoying touring with Larks in Transit. He asserts that nothing beats the heady feeling that comes from live comedy. “There’s nothing quite like it. It’s a singular experience. I don’t think there is anything that quite matches up to it in all of performance art. When you’re in a play or a band, it’s still a collaborative thing. 34

“When everything comes together and you think of an idea, a joke or routine that connects with people, it’s incredible. It’s the most amazingly satisfying experience hearing an arena full of people laughing at something you’ve thought up. It’s a tremendous buzz.” Bill, who won the Best Live Stand-Up gong at the British Comedy Awards in 1999, adds that, “The best of those times come when you’re laughing along with them. It’s like you’ve hit on a bit of funny. It’s a bit of funny that was out there, a bit of universal funny that you’re just lucky enough to have plucked and shared with everyone. Those moments are rare, but they are wonderful. “There’s a great folk singer who said that the tunes are out there. You just have to tap into them or capture them before someone else gets them.” Larks in Transit features long-form stories about the weird and wondrous places that Bill has visited. He recounts to me one particularly amusing traveller’s tale. “We were on a birding trip in the jungles of Indonesia. I cannot tell you how remote this place was. It was like some sort of Eden. I was just standing there, naked, in this river. I was the only person there, and I was thinking, ‘This is one place where I won’t meet anyone’. “Then out of the blue, a couple of Aussies just came out of the bush and shouted, ‘Oh, look at that – it’s Bill Bailey! What the bloody hell are you doing here?’ That brought me back down to earth.” The comic, who has starred in such widely-adored TV comedies as Black Books, Spaced and Is It Bill Bailey?, continues that, “The two elements of what I’m talking about in this show come together in that story. The show is about being lucky enough to have those kind of experiences where you get to think about the world and our relationship with nature. But it’s also about how my life has led me to the point where people do recognise me in those same places.” Larks in Transit also has some thought-provoking things to say about the merits of perseverance. Bill, who for 11 highly-popular series, was a team captain on BBC2’s hit comedy pop quiz show, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, reflects that, “My grandfather was a great influence on me. He was a stonemason, and he had a very strong work ethic. Somehow, through all the chats I had with him, I get the feeling that’s rubbed off on me. He used to tell me about the dignity of work and really developing a craft. He taught me that you shouldn’t give up too easily. You continue, you endure, you keep moving forward

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LOV E CEL EBR I T Y

and somehow work gains its own meaning. You don’t have to think too much about it. You just keep going. I hope I have been true to the spirit of what my grandfather said.” The tour of Larks in Transit, which is proving so popular that 36 shows and 50,000 seats have been added, also includes some of Bill’s inimitable musical flights of fantasy – for example, he creates a symphony out of ringtones. The comedian considers the importance of music in his show. “It’s another dynamic really, it’s a bit of light and shade. I always think it’s a tremendous art and a tremendous skill to keep people’s attention with the spoken word for a couple of hours. I’m always aware of that. So when I was starting out in stand-up, I was looking for ways to break it up. “I think music works on a different level to language. Some of the words create a picture and can feed people’s imaginations. Often slow-burn, great, long routines can build up to great crescendos. But music gets you on the gut level. It gets you straight away. It’s a more instantaneous kind of reaction.” Another standout characteristic of Bill’s comedy is his captivating use of language. That is once again evident in Larks in Transit. “I think we’re very lucky to have English as our language,” muses the stand-up. “It’s just so expressive and so endlessly supple, and it has myriad ways of telling the same story. You can tell the same story, embroider it, put in new language, and it becomes something completely different. It’s a treat and a wonder.”

So as you can see, those of you fortunate enough to secure tickets for Larks in Transit have a terrific night out in prospect. Bill’s shows remain so entertaining because, after more than three decades in comedy, Bill is still as passionate about it as ever. “I appreciate it even more now because I realise that I’m lucky to have this career,” he says. “I’m lucky to still be doing this and to do something I love. I’m lucky that after all these years, people still want to come and see me. “My priority is always funny first. Then if you have the time and the experience to refine it to the level where maybe the odd phrase does get through to people – well, that’s as good as it can get.” I’ll leave the final word to The Mail on Sunday critic who simply concludes that, “Bailey live is a joy to behold.” I defy anyone to argue with that. Larks in Transit is at the Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells on 3rd and 4th May. www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk / Box office: 01892 530613 You can also catch him at the Brighton Centre on 20th April, Winter Gardens in Margate on 21st April, Central Theatre in Chatham on 1st-2nd May, and the White Rock Theatre in Hastings on 14th-15th May. @ahttw

AssemblyHallTheatre

LOV E CEL EBR I T Y

One for the kids He’s the man responsible for bringing Peppa Pig and

Teletubbies to the stage. Richard Lewis explains the challenges of adapting a much-loved TV series into a show that will engage both children and their parents

Tell us a bit about your background

I trained as a drama teacher and taught in the state sector for two years before leaving to set up my own theatre company. During the journey of the next 20 years or so, I became an actor, a director and a producer, and then set up The Limelight Group in 1996.

What was your aim for The Limelight Group?

The aim for the group was then and still is now to try and do exciting, interesting projects that make you want to go to work.

Why children’s theatre?

From way back, I’ve always been involved in children’s shows. With The Limelight Group, we realised the business model that worked was to create branded children’s shows and then do the merchandise for them as well. We won the rights to do a show called Lazy Town, which was huge. It was the Wicked, of the children’s world. Our creative execution on that show was well received and it worked well commercially. Since then, big brands have been asking us to do their shows.

Teletubbies is your latest production. How do you go about adapting a TV series into a stage show?

The thing that you always have to recognise is that not one single person is coming to see Richard Lewis’s adaptation of Teletubbies; that is entirely irrelevant to them. So the first thing you need to do is look at the brand itself and say, “What is it that the kids already love about this?” It might be a range of things; the colours, the characters, the songs. So you have to get inside the brand and what they are already doing because the key thing is to replicate that on stage. A four year old is not really interested in your adaptation or interpretation, they are interested in seeing what they already love – so that’s what you have to put on stage.

Do you have to stick closely to the original?

Absolutely. But what you then have to do is go, “OK, if I’m not going to do something different with this, they might as well go and watch it on TV”. So you have to introduce things that will be unique to a live theatre experience. For example, children are going to see it with other children rather than at home on their own or with their sibling or a friend. They are suddenly going to see something with a thousand other kids, so it’s a community experience for them. You can introduce interactivity in a way they can’t on TV. You can introduce new themes that they can only explore very briefly on TV. You can also introduce additional characters, although we’re not introducing a new character to the brand but a new character to the concept. The other thing you can do is create an experience between parent and child. What you don’t want to see is parents on their iPhones. You want something that enhances the child’s experience by engaging their parent. 36

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LOV E CEL EBR I T Y

What’s the biggest challenge when adapting something for the stage?

First and foremost, it’s to make it enjoyable for the child. You can’t aim it at the parents because quite often, what you will see is the parent not looking at the stage but watching their child looking at the stage and trying to absorb the experience they are having. If the children get something out of it, the parents get something out of it, so that’s the priority.

Have you ever thought of writing your own children’s TV series?

Funnily enough, we are in the midst of doing that. Not particularly as a commercial exercise but because we wanted to create something that was an expression of how we felt about children and how we develop. So we are in the middle of working on a project called Happy Hearts, which represents what we feel about kids. It’s not a commercial exercise, so we have to slot it in between the work the company is currently engaged in.

What do you do in your time off?

I enjoy boxing and rugby. And I love a good bit of food and wine! Obviously I do lots of things that are industry based. You can’t do this business if you don’t love it. It’s good to go and see what other people are doing, how they are developing their work. If you don’t want to do that, if that is all just a massive pain for you, then you are probably the wrong person to be doing my job!

Teletubbies Live is at the Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells on 14th and 15th March. www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk / Box office: 01892 530613 @ahttw

AssemblyHallTheatre

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L OV E FA S H ION

Latest trends Relaxed dressing is the order of the day this season, so take your styling cues from these easy-to-wear looks from Sahara

Chambray Linen Duster Coat, £215, and Chambray Linen Wide Leg Pant, £129

Muso Print Drape Shirt, £149

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Sesia Cotton Easy Sweater, £159

Vintage Check Swing Shirt, £159

Kumo Print Jersey Dress, £159

L OV E FA S H ION

Small is beautiful Gorgeous bras for small busts, plus how to measure yourself for the perfect fit

The biggest innovation in bra technology for small-cupped ladies, the non-wired Pearl bra, £35, boosts by up to three sizes, and is high on quality and comfort. Perfectly You briefs, £15.50.

The classic balcony bra gets an upgrade with Naomi's contemporary lace grey and black overlay. Flattering, and suits a variety of necklines. Bra, £29, and briefs, £16.

The Belinda set is the perfect blend of elegance and glamour. Flattering, high-waisted briefs, £17, and an intricatelydesigned, lace-panelled bra, £29. All available from Little Women Fashion – specialists in small-cup bras. Use code FIRST10 to receive 10% off your first order. www.littlewomen.com

Made to measure Here’s how to work out the right bra size for you 1. Using a tape measure, measure around your body underneath your bust, holding the tape firmly but comfortably. 2. I f the number is even, add 4, if the number is odd, add 5. The resulting number is your BUST or BACK size. 3. Next, measure around the fullest part of your bust ensuring the tape is straight across your back. 4. T his is your CUP measurement (AAA–AA–A–B etc). This is calculated by deducting your BACK measurement from your CUP measurement.

• I f your CUP measurement is less than your back measurement,

you need an AAA CUP • I f your CUP measurement is the same as your back measurement, you need an AA CUP • If your CUP measurement is 1–1.5ins bigger than your back measurement, you need an A CUP 40

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L OV E FA S H ION

Look sharp for spring Sally-Ann Carroll with Team Kudos spent a day in Morgan Hodges and The Pantiles, grooming family and lifestyle bloggers Emma and Sam Hartridge in the latest looks

Smart set

Emma: Green printed wrap dress, £99. Navy suede ankle boots, £169. Apple green necklace, £59. All from Hobbs. Sam's clothes detailed on page 45.

CREDITS Fashion Editor: Sally-Ann Carroll Photographer: Matt Harquail www.mattharquail.co.uk Hair: Greg Morgan at Morgan Hodges using Oribe haircare products Make-Up: Helen Lee, Kent bridal and editorial make-up artist www.helenleemakeup.co.uk Emma and Sam were our fabulous models for the day. They are family and lifestyle bloggers – check them out on Instagram @mumofmadlads and @dadofmadlads. You can also find out more on their website: www.madladsmumanddad.com K U D O S M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 8

Man about town

Check jacket, £239 and blue waistcoat, £115, by Magee. Duck print shirt, £89, by Claudio Lugli. Trousers, £139, by MMX. All from Country Clothes in Canterbury, Sevenoaks and Tenterden. www.countyclothesmenswear.co.uk Follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Cutting edge

Check jacket and waistcoat, £275, by Claudio Lugli. Butterfly shirt, £99, by Profuomo. Trousers, £139, by MMX. All from County Clothes in Canterbury, Sevenoaks and Tenterden. www.countyclothesmenswear.co.uk Follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Spot on!

Printed tunic dress, £129. Navy suede ankle boots, £169. Chilli red necklace, £59. All from Hobbs.

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In full swing

Fuchsia swing jacket, £189.99. Tiger print blouse, £168. Jeans, £98. Shoes, £125. Bangle, £65. All from Cordelia James in Hawkhurst, Rye and Tenterden. www.cordeliajames.com

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Colour match

Bardot striped top, £140. Jeans, £90. Both from Pure Collection.

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So long

Coral sweater, £165. Skirt, £155. Scarf, £59.99. Ankle boots, £130. Bracelet, £28. All from Cordelia James. www.cordeliajames.com

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Razor sharp

Ticking work shirt, £97.50. Ecru linen waistcoat, £124. Trousers, £120. All from The Carrier Company. www.carriercompany.co.uk

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Sun set

Tan jumper, £74. Trousers, £120. Herringbone waistcoat, £146. All from The Carrier Company. www.carriercompany.co.uk Jade sweater, £160. Jeans, £90. Both from Pure Collection.

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L OV E FA S H ION

Silver trainers, £165, from Harpers. www.harpers.shoes

Loafers, £150, from Harpers. www.harpers.shoes

Ankle boots, £175, from Harpers. www.harpers.shoes

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LOV E BE AU T Y

Get the look Local make-up artist Helen Lee and hairstylist Greg Morgan at Morgan Hodges tell you how to recreate Emmaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s look from our fashion shoot

Make-up 1. Prime the skin using Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow Primer. 2. Apply MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation and set with MAC Studio Fix Powder. 3. Define and shape brows using Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade in Blonde. 4. Prime the eye area using Urban Decay Original Eyeshadow Primer Potion to create a crease-free base. 5. Use Urban Decay Naked 3 eyeshadow palette for a soft, pinkymauve smoky eye, honing emphasis to the outer corner to open the eyes and add depth. 6. Bring sparkle to the eyelid using Peaches and Cream Pearl Eyeshadow Pigment. 7. L ine the eyes using MAC Fluidline Blacktrack Gel Liner and apply Eylure LUXE lashes. 8. For a more dramatic effect, use Zoeva Eyeliner Pencil in Glance under the eye and smudge in with brown eyeshadow. 9. Contour the face using Benefit Hoola Bronzing Powder under the cheekbones and add colour to the cheeks with rose-gold Rockateur Blusher, also by Benefit. 10. L ine the lips using Urban Decay Glide On Lip Pencil in Good Timing and then apply MAC Frost Lipstick in Angel. 11. Finish with a spritz of Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray for all-day hold.

Hair

For a modern Blondie (Debbie Harry) look

1. Start with a cleansed head of hair using a shampoo and conditioner suitable for your hair type. 2. Apply Oribe Foundation Mist. 3. Then apply Oribe Grandiose Hair Plumping Mousse from roots to ends and blow dry with appropriate brush. Apply second application if needed, and blow dry again. 4. Your hair should feel gutsy with a certain texture. 5. For extra texture, apply Oribe Dry Texturising Spray.

www.helenleemakeup.co.uk www.morganhodgeshair.com

K U D O S M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 8

Our deodorants will deodorise, soothe, detoxify and nourish while boosting your confidence. Suitable for adults, teens and children. Its formula is rich in minerals, vitamins, essential fatty acids and easily absorbs into skin cells without blocking the pores. So let’s chat anti-perspirant and conventional deodorants. They aren’t great. Here’s why…

People say the nicest things about us... Our deodorants work with the skin, not against it. We don’t believe blocking the sweat glands is healthy. Don’t clog your pores… let them breathe.

“I have tried them all... Other “natural” deodorants haven’t worked. This cream disappears completely and works like a charm for me. It’s the best I have ever used!”

LOV E BE AU T Y

3 2 5

4 Beauty notes The latest products and news 1. T he Saaf skincare range uses rare, organic, cold-pressed botanicals and the finest-quality steam-distilled organic essential oils chosen for their deeply-nourishing and protective properties, and is one of the world’s most accredited skincare ranges. One of their key ingredients is rosehips – shown to aid cell regeneration, boosting levels of collagen and elastin to create smoother, firmer skin. From £19.99 www.saafskincare.com 2. Bilou’s Gentle Cream Foam is an innovative, moisturising body lotion in a light, fluffy and easy-to-apply foam, containing a blend of shea butter, almond oil, avocado oil and panthenol to deliver deep moisture and velvety soft skin. £3.99 Available from Superdrug 3. A rk Skincare’s Massaging Body Brush has a dual action with massage nodules and bristles that work together to shed dead skin cells and

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encourage cell renewal, resulting in smoother, brighter and invigorated skin. £15 www.arkskincare.com 4. Pout Case is a new phone cover with a slide-out compartment where you can store three different make-up products. Choose from various shades of foundation, lipstick, lip balm, concealer, eye shadow, eyeliner, and highlighter. £15 for the case and £7 for each make-up product www.poutcase.com 5. Within minutes of putting on your Spacemask, you’ll feel it warm up and start to mellow your tired eyes and skin, helped by the soft, relaxing jasmine scent. The heating process, which is perfectly safe, works by a thin layer of iron filings entwining with the oxygen molecules in the air.

£15 for a box of 5 www.spacemasks.com

L OV E H E A LT H

Why wait? With hospital waiting lists getting longer by the day, the stress of waiting for diagnosis and treatment can be overwhelming. The Spire and its team of top consultants and specialists are there to treat you much sooner and give you complete peace of mind

When faced with unexpected illness, the last thing that a patient or their loved ones wants is the uncertainty that comes with long waiting lists. Spire Tunbridge Wells ensures fast, flexible access to private healthcare, allowing expert diagnosis and specialist referrals when you need it. You could be seen and treated in weeks – enabling you to take control of your health and look to the future. The services at Spire Tunbridge Wells are available to all, and they are happy to welcome new patients who want to make sure that their health is placed in the best possible hands and that all options are accessible to them. They believe in making the process simple and straightforward, and even if you don’t have health insurance they offer an all-inclusive fee for treatment following your consultation so there are no surprises further down the line, as well as finance plans based on your individual circumstances. Spire Tunbridge Wells has been providing the highest-quality private healthcare for the last 20 years to help ease the anxiety faced when dealing with ill-health. With a vast range of specialist treatments on offer, including Tomosynthesis, 3D Mammography, Urolift, Linxreflux management system and MRIsilent for neurology and reduced noise for musculoskeletal scans, as well as gynaecology, urology and orthopaedic surgery, patients experience the best and 58

most up-to-date procedures and therapies, as well as exceptional continuity of care and a choice of consultants. The hospital also runs a selection of specialist clinics, including cardiology, back pain and physiotherapy, and are proud to offer fast diagnosis and treatment for breast problems. Their Care Quality Commission accreditations and recent ‘good’ rating are something that they are extremely proud of. Spire Tunbridge Wells are leaders in their field and experts at identifying the most suitable treatment for every patient who walks through their doors. They appreciate that even at the best of times, clinical procedures can be daunting and the source of worry and confusion. Spire Tunbridge Wells takes pride in their team of consultants and practitioners who are experts in guiding patients through the treatment journey. Many of their patients are on first-name terms with the professionals who look after them and who are always on hand if a reassuring phone call or appointment is needed. So, why wait? If you have questions or concerns about your health, get in touch with Spire Tunbridge Wells in confidence on 01892 741150, or visit www.spiretunbridgewells.com to find out more. K U D O S M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 8

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M E N ON LY

2 1 3

Cool man stuff Looking good and smelling great

1. T hese travel-sized tins of Duke Cannon Solid Cologne Balm will soon become your favourite go-to for a foolproof way to smell good on the go. £24.99. www.thefowndry.com

3. T he Portico travel shoes from CQP are perfect for those wanting a comfortable shoe that is easily slipped on and off without compromising on quality and style. With an upper of Italian suede, this laceless slipon chukka nicely bridges casual and smart. Available in grey and blue. £255. www.trunkclothiers.com

2. T his beautifully vintage braided leather Stark Bracelet by Tissuville is designed to be wrapped twice around the wrist. Available in various colours. £65. www.wolfandbadger.com

4. T he Maharishi Reversible Camo Crew Sweatshirt in Sky Cumulus features a blue cloud camo pattern on one side, whilst the reverse is plain. £189. www.peggsandson.com

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LOV E FOOD & DR I N K

A cut above Butchers’ shops aren’t usually stylish, but Crouch’s new-look store in Wadhurst sets a new standard while retaining that homely feel…

Crouch is a family business. Tell us how it started and who works in the business now.

Crouch was started by Bill and Rowena Crouch in 1977. The business is now headed up by their son Rob, who is a third-generation master butcher. Rob runs the business with mum Rowena, his wife, Lottie, and sister, Sara.

Is all your meat and produce locally sourced?

Our meat is sourced locally where possible, although we’re happy to go further afield to get the best quality. Our beef comes down from McDuff in Scotland, pork comes from a farm near Brighton and game is sourced from Staplehurst.

Do you offer anything else other than meat?

We’re famous for our pies and quiches, which are homemade to family recipes at our bakery in Bearsted. We offer a wealth of local cheeses, and our shelves have been carefully stocked with some of the loveliest accompaniments you can get your hands on.

What changes have you made to your Wadhurst shop?

The Wadhurst store has seen a complete transformation. It’s been totally redesigned to create a homely feel – as if you’ve stepped into someone’s kitchen. We’ve also installed a dry age beef unit – a rare find around East Sussex – that means we’re able to provide exceptional taste, tenderness and flavour. The whites and sages of our interior are set off against contemporary lighting by Tom Raffield and gorgeous prints from local illustrator Georgina Luck. The store has been designed with our customer in mind; we’ve even repositioned our butcher’s block so you can speak to your butcher whilst they work. The intention was to overcome 62

the fear that many modern shoppers have of buying from a traditional butcher by creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that immediately puts them at ease. We plan to roll out our new look across our stores in Bearsted and Staplehurst just as soon as we can!

What are the most popular meats these days?

Beef is a popular choice and pork remains a family favourite. Our Crouch handmade sausages are timeless bestsellers!

Why do you think Crouch Butchers is so popular with customers?

Our customers love the fact that we’re an independent family business. They love the quality and flavour of what we sell and how knowledgeable our butchers are. We’ve put so much care, thought and skill behind everything we do and people really appreciate that. www.crouch-butchers.co.uk K U D O S M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 8

LOV E FOOD & DR I N K

Diners’ delight A summer to remember Head to Dunorlan Park on 6th-8th July and you’ll see Chris and James and The Kentish Hare crew in action at the Pub in the Park festival. As well as the Tanner brothers, celebrity chefs at the event will include Atul Kochhar, Angela Hartnett, The Great British Bake Off ’s Candice Brown and, of course, Tom Kerridge, who’s the man behind Pub in the Park. There will be food and drink masterclasses and workshops providing a fantastic opportunity to learn tips and tricks from the experts, plus music and a shopping village. Don’t miss it! www.pubintheparkuk.com/tunbridge-wells The Kentish Hare is also hoping to organise another of their hugely-popular taster nights for their fourth birthday on May 10th. Keep checking their website for further details. Their spring menu will be showcasing some delicious new dishes, along with some old favourites. And Mother’s Day will be a special treat: to start, why not try Whipped Goats Cheese with carrot, braised chicory and seed granola; Black Treacle Salmon with a cashew dressing and Asian slaw; Chicken Liver Parfait with spiced chutney and brioche; or West Country Crab Gratin with crostini and Parmesan. For the main event, you can enjoy hearty dishes like Roast pork loin, Roast sirloin of Devonshire beef or Braised lamb shoulder (all with traditional accompaniments); Curried hake with onion bhaji, tarka dal, coriander and yoghurt; Lemon sole with a mussel and clam veloute, fondant potatoes, dill oil and samphire; or Beetroot Risotto with burrata and hazelnut pesto. Then enjoy a final fling of Sticky Toffee Pudding, Banoffee Pie, Chocolate Brownie Sundae or Turkish Delight. Three courses for £32.95. They will also be doing more fantastic menus for Easter and Father’s Day, so make sure to book a table as they sell out very quickly! 95 Bidborough Ridge, Bidborough, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0XB Tel. 01892 525709 www.thekentishhare.com K U D O S M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 8

It’s new beginnings for The Weald Smokery, which has recently finished some major renovations and an extension. Says owner Andrew Wickham, “We’ve extended our existing café to create a much larger area, with a purpose-built extension by Sky View Rooms with amazing pyramid lanterns that let the light in. It’s a bright and airy room where people can sit and enjoy a coffee or a drink from the bar, with wooden tables, a comfortable leather sofa and a stunning coffee table made by family friend Jake Lang of Black Thorn Tree Surgery. Alternatively, you can tuck into a proper meal. It’s a versatile space so if there are large parties we can accommodate them by moving tables together. “In the past we just had the café at the end of the shop and were only able to do 15 covers. I think customers were often disappointed that they couldn’t always have a table to themselves. Now that shouldn’t be a problem. “In good weather we’ll be able to open the doors all along one wall of the café. We intend to build a patio in front of them so customers can sit outside if they want to. All we need now is a glorious summer! “The menu is bigger than before, too, because we have also extended the kitchen. But it will always be based around the gold award-winning smoked food that we produce on the premises and what we have in the shop. Everything that is served, even down to a salad dressing, mustard or jam, is available to buy. We don’t offer anything that we don’t sell. “As a result of the extension to the café, we have also made the shop bigger. Now we have the space to better display the produce that we stock. “The improvements have all been about satisfying our customers’ needs. They wanted more space, they wanted more privacy, they wanted a more extensive menu, and they wanted more of the same. We’ve given them that. I hope they love it as much as we do.” Mount Farm, Flimwell TN5 7QL Tel. 01580 879601 www.wealdsmokery.co.uk 65

LOV E FOOD & DR I N K

Greek restaurant branches out

The kitchen at The Bell is a lively place. Led by Colombian chef, Oscar, the team has an international flavour, reflected in the dishes they lovingly create every day. English style but with a dash of Peru, a pinch of Nepal, a twist of Afghanistan, combined with Jamaican spice and a couple of Brits to keep the mixture rooted. The result is a new style of pub cuisine using the best local produce, cooked by a diverse team working as one. Its hard and hot work in a kitchen and Oscar believes that a motivated and happy team produces the best food. As he so rightly observes; “A recipe has no love in the ingredients, that’s what the chef brings.” Feel the love for yourself and book a table for lunch or dinner at The Bell.

Pilio Bistro in Heathfield has built a reputation for homemade, fresh, traditional Greek food, but did you know that they now also have their own range of olive oil, olives and olive spread? Says owner Dora Sakellari, “Our restaurant is named after the Pilio mountain in central Greece, which is where my husband and I grew up. We are working with local suppliers back home to produce early-harvest extra virgin olive oil, olives and olive spread. The oil has a lovely, rich, herbal flavour, and you can buy these lovely products in both our restaurant and at Fullers Farm in Tunbridge Wells. They are also available wholesale. We also have a family friend who produces oil from Peloponnese, in southern Greece, and this is also available to buy. In contrast, it is a very green oil, quite peppery and slightly bitter. Both oils are very rich in flavour and texture and are ideal for both cooking and for sauces and dressings. “We use our own extra virgin olive oil when cooking our authentic Greek recipes in the restaurant, which have been passed down through many generations. Some are unique to the Mount Pilion region, and all are delicious, healthy and packed with flavour. Everything on our menu is meticulously prepared on the day, with nothing pre-cooked or frozen, and each day we make additional special dishes from what we find best and freshest in the market that morning.” So for an authentic taste of Greece – one that can be enjoyed at home – pop into Pilio Bistro or Fullers Farm in Bunny Lane, Eridge, for this exclusive range of olive produce.

The Bell, High Street, Ticehurst TN5 7AS Tel. 01580 200300 www.thebellinticehurst.com

53 High Street, Heathfield TN21 8HU Tel. 01435 863376 www.piliobistro.co.uk

A miscellany of cultural influences

Smoking hot Integrity is at the heart of Brisket and Barrel in Sevenoaks, with honest ingredients and authentic cooking techniques key to their flavours. The restaurant came to life through two French chefs who combined their knowledge to create a unique style of smoked BBQ dining. As a smokehouse, they use real Texan BBQ techniques, smoked using locally-sourced oak in traditional Ole Hicory Pits. The unique flavour comes from slow cooking at low temperatures for up to 16 hours. The atmosphere is definitely relaxed, with orders taken at the bar and meats priced by weight. Order as much or as little as you like. Typical offerings on the menu include brisket, pulled pork and their own pork and fennel sausage, along with various specials such as beef ribs and daily salads. A musttry is the signature St. Johns Burger, a croissant-inspired bun with your choice of slow-cooked meat. Beyond the restaurant is the new, exclusive function room which offers a versatile space suited to catered networking events and large dining parties. There’s also an off-site catering option, with dishes ranging from spit-roast pork to Argentinian Asado BBQs, making for an exciting addition for any special occasion. Stay up to date with Brisket and Barrel pop-ups, street markets and specials on social media @brisketandbarrel 123 St Johns Hill, Sevenoaks TN13 3PE Tel. 01732 453934 www.brisketandbarrel.com K U D O S M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 8

LOV E FOOD & DR I N K

Not just for special occasions…

As spring approaches and the weather starts to brighten up, the wonders of the new season come to life, and at The Walled Garden restaurant at Knights Garden Centre, Nags Hall in Oxted, you can enjoy some of them on the new spring menu Situated in the original Victorian walled garden, you’ll find this modern, fully-licenced British restaurant. It serves a variety of local produce, including cheese matured a stone’s throw away and award-winning local sausages. On the Light Bites menu, try Quinoa Salad served with spring vegetables, which might also include wild garlic, broad beans and sorrel. Or for something more substantial, start with Salt-cured Cod, with pea veloute, crispy pancetta, pickled lemon and viola flowers. Follow with Rump of Lamb with olive tapenade, braised endive and a potato and cauliflower galette. Finish up with Earl Grey Tea Panna Cotta with poached rhubarb and honeycomb. Available from the Signature lunch menu at £17 for two courses or £19 for three courses. The recipe for the salt cod can be found at www.oryxdesertsalt.co.uk, and you can check The Walled Garden’s full menu at www.knightsgardencentres.com/thewalled-garden-restaurant

While The Curlew in Bodiam is a great place for a celebration meal, it’s also perfect for everyday dining. There’s an affordable (and delicious) lunch menu of dishes that carry The Curlew ethos of quality, classic yet relevant cookery. This year chef Gary Jarvis will also be revising the six-course tasting menu and adding a four course one for those who can’t quite manage the six courses, but can’t decide which dishes to choose from on the a la carte menu. Restaurant Manager Corinne Niccoli has also created a classic cocktail menu for The Curlew, adding a touch of class for diners. Corinne is very passionate about the menu, and the chance to add something extra-special to the dining experience. Corinne has also been working on the wine list, adding interesting choices while still focusing on organic and biodynamic wines, local and English sparkling wines. Spring is an exciting time for a chef, with an abundance of fruits and vegetables coming into season, making menu planning exciting. Gary can’t wait to get creative with his all-time favorite vegetable: peas, and its many varieties. With Easter just around the corner, The Curlew will be offering a five-choice, set three-course lunch to include the classic English roasts with traditional accompaniments and added extras – and everyone’s favourite, crumble and custard. Book your table early and celebrate with the family.

Knights Garden Centre, Oxted Road, Godstone RH9 8DB Tel. 01883 742275 www.knightsgardencentres.com

Junction Road, Bodiam TN32 5UY Tel. 01580 861394 www.thecurlewrestaurant.co.uk

Garden fresh

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A taste of the country Having been friends for 15 years, Louis Newland and Gill Ford formed Wild Spirits of Kent in 2014. Says Louise: “Our inspiration came during our long dog walks in the country, when we saw how the hedgerows were heaving with wild fruits and berries. We decided to make use of this local fruit, and gin seemed the answer.” It was. The result is a delicious range of gins – Sloe, Damson and Raspberry. Drink them as shots on their own, over ice, or use them in cocktails (you’ll find suggestions on the Wild Spirits of Kent website). And celebrate summer with Raspberry Gin added to Prosecco to create fabulous Raspberry Fizz! “We use only fresh, natural fruits with no additives or preservatives, and our products are vegan and vegetarian,” says Gill. “And as our business has outgrown hedgerows, we now support local fruit farmers in Kent.” Over the last five years, they have expanded the range to include vodka – Quince, Blackberry, Rhubarb and Damson – as well as Blackberry Whisky. You can buy the spirits in three sizes direct from their website: 50ml (£4.50), 200ml (£12.50) and 500ml (£24), so there’s something for every occasion. The miniatures are perfect as wedding favours or table gifts, or for conferences, B&Bs and hotels. The larger sizes make excellent birthday presents or gifts for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Easter. They can even be packaged in a beautiful box embossed with a gold hare. So how do Louise and Gill enjoy drinking the fruits of their labours? “We prefer drinking them after dinner, with cheese, as a night cap, in front of the fire, with friends, at a dinner party, drizzled on ice cream, soaked into sponge cake, as a Christmas welcome drink, as a base for a cocktail, on the rocks, with a mixer, with coffee…” For more information, visit www.wildspiritsofkent.co.uk

LOV E FOOD & DR I N K

Chocolate heaven If you love chocolate, tuck into our recipes for the ultimate chocoholics treat this Easter

Chocolate Mousse

Everybody’s favourite dessert Serves 6 Ingredients

• 200g bar dark chocolate • 2 tbsp brandy • 3 large eggs, separated • 50g caster sugar • 100ml double cream plus extra for finishing

Method

1. Grate 50g of the chocolate and put to one side. Break the rest into small, even-sized pieces and melt in a bowl placed over a pan of simmering water. Don’t let the bowl touch the water. Once the chocolate has melted, take the pan off the heat but keep the bowl over the hot water and stir in the brandy. 2. W hisk the egg whites in a large bowl until they’re standing in stiff peaks. Spoon in half the sugar, whisk again, then add the rest of the sugar and whisk until it looks glossy like meringue. Whip the cream in a separate bowl.

3. Take the bowl of melted chocolate and fold in a heaped spoon of meringue to loosen the consistency, then tip the chocolate into the meringue and fold in lightly but thoroughly. Now fold in the whipped cream, then two-thirds of the grated chocolate.

Chocolate Bark

This makes a fun alternative to an Easter egg

4. Spoon the chocolate mixture into six small glasses or tea cups and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or overnight. 5. To serve, top with a little cream and sprinkle over remaining grated chocolate.

Ingredients

• 3 x 200g bars milk chocolate • 80g chopped walnuts or raisins

Method

1. Break the chocolate into a large heatproof bowl. Bring a pan of water to a simmer, then sit the bowl on top. The water must not touch the bottom of the bowl. Let the chocolate slowly melt, stirring now and again with a spatula.

2. Meanwhile, lightly grease then line a 23 x 33cm roasting tin or baking tray with baking parchment. When the chocolate is smooth, pour it into the tin. Tip the tin from side to side to level out the chocolate.

3. Scatter with the chopped nuts or raisins. Leave to set, then remove from the parchment and break into pieces, ready to pack in boxes or bags.

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Chocolate Truffles The sweetest treats Makes about 25 Ingredients

• 150ml double cream • 100g milk chocolate, chopped • 100g dark chocolate, chopped • 2 tbsp butter • 3 tbsp golden syrup • 50g blanched almonds, finely chopped

Method

1. P our the cream into a pan and heat until just steaming, but not boiling. Put the chopped chocolate and butter in a bowl, pour over the hot cream, and stir until smooth. Add the golden syrup. Chill for about 2 hours, until firm.

2. Using a melon baller, roll the mixture into balls, or shape by hand, 1 tsp at a time. Roll the balls in chopped almonds and set on a tray. Cover and chill until serving. K U D O S M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 8

LOV E FOOD & DR I N K

Chocolate Cupcakes with Buttercream Icing If the icing is overkill for you, then top these with vanilla buttercream • Serves 12 Ingredients For the cakes

• 100g plain flour • 20g cocoa powder • 140g caster sugar • 1½ tsp baking powder • Pinch of salt • 40g unsalted butter at room temperature • 120ml whole milk • 1 egg • ¼ tsp vanilla extract

For the chocolate buttercream icing • 50g dark chocolate • 100g unsalted butter, softened • 200g icing sugar • 1 tsp vanilla extract • Milk, to loosen • Chocolate sprinkles, to finish

Method 1. Preheat the oven to 1700C/1500C fan/gas mark 3. Put the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, salt and butter in a bowl and, using a handheld electric whisk, beat the ingredients on a slow speed until everything is well combined. 2. W hisk the milk, egg and vanilla extract together in a jug, then slowly pour about half into the flour mixture. Beat to combine, then turn the mixer up to high speed and continue mixing for a few more minutes until the mixture is smooth. Be careful not to over-mix. 3. Prepare a 12-hole cupcake tray with paper cases. Spoon the mixture into the paper cases until two-thirds full and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sponge bounces back when touched. A skewer inserted in the centre should come out clean. 4. Leave the cupcakes to cool slightly in the tray before turning out onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

5. To make the frosting, melt the chocolate in a bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Don’t allow the base of the bowl to touch the water. Allow to cool until the chocolate no longer feels hot to the touch.

6. Beat the butter in a bowl until soft, then gradually beat in the icing sugar. Add the vanilla extract and beat again.

7. F old in the melted chocolate until completely incorporated (add a few drops of milk if the mixture is a little stiff). Decorate the cakes using a palette knife or pipe using a piping bag and top with chocolate sprinkles.

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Squidgy Chocolate Cake Deliciously-moist sponge with glossy chocolate icing. Yummy! Ingredients For the cake

• 225g plain flour • 350g caster sugar • 85g cocoa powder • 1½ tsp baking powder • 1½ tsp bicarbonate of soda • 2 eggs • 250ml milk • 125ml vegetable oil • 2 tsp vanilla extract • 250ml boiling water

For the chocolate icing

• 200g plain chocolate • 200ml double cream • Chocolate sprinkles, to decorate

Method

1. P reheat the oven to 1800C/1600C fan/gas mark 4. Grease and line two 20cm sandwich tins.

2. For the cake, place all of the ingredients except the boiling water into a large mixing bowl. Using a wooden spoon, or electric whisk, beat the mixture until smooth and well combined.

3. Add the boiling water, a little at a time, until smooth. Divide the mixture between the sandwich tins and bake in the oven for 25-35 minutes, or until the top is firm to the touch and a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. 4. Remove the cakes from the oven and allow to cool completely, still in their tins, before icing.

5. F or the icing, heat the chocolate and cream in a saucepan over a low heat until the chocolate melts. Remove the pan from the heat and whisk the mixture until smooth, glossy and thickened. Set aside to cool for 1-2 hours, or until thick enough to spread over the cake. 6. R un a round-bladed knife around the inside of the tins to loosen the cakes and carefully remove the cakes.

7. Spread a little chocolate icing over the top of one of the cakes, then carefully top with the other cake. 8. Transfer the cake to a serving plate and ice all over with the chocolate icing, using a palette knife. Top with sprinkles.

LOV E A DV E RTOR I A LS

Meet The Rock stars Nestled in the rural setting of Hoath Corner is a 500-year-old country gem. Inside is a plethora of possibly the most eclectic mix of people ever found in such a place. Keeping the magic alive are like-minded pub enthusiasts sharing a passion for our ethos of putting the countryside on a plate and welcoming you into our home with a well-kept tipple. Introducing our ever-expanding family, I give you, The Rock… Emma Welch, Landlady

Tashy: enthusiastic, caring, playful

Leading the team with a taste of the East End, our general manager hails from south-west London and brings with her a grafter’s ambition. Having made her way in London bars and craft houses before furthering her career in retail management, Tashy is well-equipped to handle The Rock and is taming the feral. Embracing everything country, Tashy enjoys walking, clay shooting and even a spot of pheasant plucking. She even touched a horse last year! Staunchly staying true to the pub’s authenticity, there’s no Farrow & Ball ’ere! No gimmicks, either. It’s just a pub, but a very special one and Tashy’s greatest love of her job is meeting the local and not-so-local characters which fill our seats in a world away from London. With beaming smiles and boundless energy, Tashy and her team will greet you and focus on giving you a genuine experience of a world she is so passionate about and dedicated to. After helping our team for the last six years, we are thrilled to have Tashy at the helm – so full steam ahead.

Archie: handsome, ambitious, organised

Three words Mr Fenton humorously uses to disguise/describe himself. A chef escaping city life, after devoting a decade to some of London’s most up-and-coming establishments alongside dutiful service to the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester at Kensington Palace, Archie is now on his own book and we are delighted he has chosen to write it on our pages. The Rock kitchen is alive with a wealth of culinary expertise. Archie manages to effortlessly incorporate our ethos and passion with all things country and community, and display it all so beautifully on a plate. We are thrilled to have Archie on board and look forward to an exciting, ethically-produced seasonal menu with no frills, just thrills!

Ellen: creative, outgoing, lighthearted

Our spritely supervisor’s three words to describe herself. Ellen is our in-house designer and ruler of everything blackboard. She has grown with us over the last five years and we are thrilled she has chosen to continue her education in the hospitality industry with us 76

at The Rock. Using her impeccable eye for detail and dedication to getting the job done right, Ellen is passing her knowledge on to our keen newbies. She is getting excited about running her first solo events, Point to Point on 25th March and 21st April. Sneaky Ellen is our stealth weapon, always four steps ahead of us, and she works her little socks off. She is a huge part of our family and her cheerful disposition is a delight to have on board.

Dan: drunk, driven, geek

A very fitting description for our cellar hand! Keeping our cellar pristine, always fiddling, tightening, loosening and tapping, Dan’s at his happiest when he’s tasting that perfect pint! We’ve enjoyed working with Dan over the last decade and watched his journey through the ever-expanding world of craft beer and pub management. Like a bad penny, he always comes back, and we are very privileged to have him on board and grateful he fits us in-between managing Fuggles Beer Café and being the hands-on, devoted dad of two adorable munchkins. Cheers Dan, you can always spend a penny with us.

Jo: loud, blonde, doggy

A graduations photographer also running a successful country retreat for dogs of all shapes and sizes, Jo finds time amongst tending to cows on her home farm to give us a helping hand in our kitchen. Jo’s passion lies in baking, and she can often be found handing out samples of biscuits and brownies in the pub. Bringing a lot of life and a lot of laughs, we always look forward to seeing Jo. Mount Joy Farm Kennels: 07771623827.

Janey: hungry, busy, strong

An integral part of the kitchen, private chef and author Janey Lewis is on board with walnuts aplenty! Squeezing us in-between an agricultural degree, full-time mother and successful private chef, we benefit from Janey’s flavourful creations, and loving all things country and ethical, Janey fits right in. With her frightfully wonderful uptight sense of humour, Janey lightens our world and we are thrilled to have her on board. For menu ideas and quotes, email jane.lewis67@yahoo.co.uk K U D O S M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 8

LOV E A DV E RTOR I A LS

Tashy

Archie

Ellen

Dan

Janey

Sadie

Magnus

Kate

Callum

Other members of the team with their own words:

Sadie

The Rock is like one big happy family, where everyone gets involved with everything. It’s a super-fun place to work as we have become a great team. The customers are always jolly, too, so there is never a dull moment, especially around the bar! The Rock is like another home to me, having been a part of Emma’s team for five years!

Magnus

I love working at The Rock because of the tight sense of community it brings to the area. My sister Catlin and brothers Angus and Jock also enjoy being a part of the team between education, and walking to work is an added bonus.

Kate Moss

I like working at The Rock because I get to learn a lot and improve my communication and people skills. At the same time I enjoy what I do, making new friends and being a part of a team that all look after each other and take care of you!

Callum

I love working at the pub because it’s inviting and welcoming, with a friendly atmosphere that genuinely makes it an interesting and enjoyable place to work. The events list ensures work is varied and there’s always something to look forward to. The Rock is a true country pub, serving delicious, fresh, plentiful food! I love turning up, whether it be for work or for a cold beer on a Friday night!

“We also boast the company of Amanda, Megan, Joseph, Little Jim, Robyn, Evie, Jazmin, Holly, Jorden and our amazing fairy, Maxine. We never actively recruit as the right people just seem to pop up at the right time to join our family. Will you be popping in soon?”

The Rock Inn, Hoath Corner, Rywell Hill, Chiddingstone Hoath, Edenbridge TN8 7BS Phone: 01892 870296 K U D O S M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 8

LOV E YOU R HOM E

Taking a chance The Sawyers were won over by the views from this plot and gambled on a bungalow with no planning permission

Owners: Jenny and Julian Sawyer with their children, Richard, 16, and Katherine, 13 Location: Hawkhurst, Kent The property: Timber-frame contemporary new-build

Words by Jane Crittenden. Photography by Bruce Hemming. Architect: www.richardgillarchitects.co.uk

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A dated bungalow on a large plot with widespread countryside views surprised and delighted Jenny and Julian Sawyer so much they changed their house-buying plans. “When we started looking for a project in 2012 we wanted a barn or oast house to convert with a bit of land,” says Jenny. “It soon became clear we wouldn’t be able to find one on a big plot and so I widened our search.” Jenny had liked the way a friend had renovated their bungalow and so, with caution, went to see a four-bedroom chalet bungalow in Hawkhust, Kent. The property had been built for farm workers in the 1960s and been added to over the years, resulting in a mis-match of rooms – some without heating – and a tiny kitchen with an oilfired Aga. Outside there was a stable block and a jungle of garden. After further investigation Jenny suddenly saw why she needed to persuade Julian that they should put in an offer. “Beyond the garden, I could see the whole five-and-a-half acres of land, which had incredible far-reaching views,” she says. “This had the wow factor and I could imagine doors across the back looking out onto this landscape.” Clearly the plot was crying out for a new house, but there was no planning permission to demolish the bungalow. “We both knew we wouldn’t find a plot like this again very quickly so we took the chance,” Jenny explains. “We decided the bungalow wasn’t so bad that we couldn’t renovate and live here if the planners didn’t give us permission.” K U D O S M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 8

Although the owner wasn’t ready to move, the Sawyers’ offer was accepted with the agreement the property would come off the market. Keen to get started, the couple also came to an arrangement that allowed them to visit the bungalow every now and then so they could start the design process. “It was a risk as the owner hadn’t found anywhere to buy and could easily have changed their mind,” says Jenny. “We trusted the arrangement, though, and didn’t progress the design beyond outlining ideas.” The Sawyers hadn’t done a self-build before and were recommended local architect, Richard Gill. “This was Richard’s first house, too, and he was keen from the start,” says Jenny. “We approached other architects but Richard was the only one interested in coming to see our plot and it became apparent he understood what we wanted.” Contracts were exchanged and completed in May 2012 and the family moved into the bungalow. By this time, Richard had sketched out some ideas that had helped cement the Sawyers’ decision to progress the self-build. The couple like modern design and were keen for a timber-framed house with an open-plan feel downstairs with, of course, doors facing the marvellous views. Richard suggested acrylic render and wood cladding with a zinc roof, which they liked, and a double-height entrance hall. Feature glazing is key, with floor-to-ceiling fixed panes in bedrooms, the office and either side of the kitchen sink, and tall, narrow, glazed 79

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panels around the front door and following the line of the staircase. The roofline is split and rows of windows placed up high in the bedrooms and on the landing draw in light throughout the day. The Sawyers were delighted when early conversations with the planning department about replacing the bungalow with a modern design sounded promising. They especially liked that it would be an energy-efficient design. The planners stipulated that the ridge height had to stay the same as the bungalow and the new-build footprint must remain within the current residential curtilage. “The previous owner had the equestrian and agricultural conditions lifted on the bungalow and a portion of the plot that’s the garden,” says Jenny. “This forms the residential curtilage so we couldn’t build just anywhere on our land.” Jenny and Julian maximised the footprint, pushing as far as they could into the plot and keeping the same north/south orientation. The changes meant they could carry on living in the bungalow during the build. The plans were submitted towards the end of 2012 but, rather frustratingly, they were mislaid and had to be submitted again in March 2013. A tree survey, a wildlife survey to check for protected newts and a bat survey were all carried out. One bat was found in the bungalow porch and re-homed in the surrounding woods with new bat boxes before the porch was dismantled tile by tile. By now the couple had repaired and built fences, and removed a number of Leylandii trees that were blocking their light and the neighbours’ views. Then in May, they received planning permission to proceed with the new house. The Sawyers had decided on a timber-frame house for a fast and efficient build. Feeling slightly overwhelmed with the project, they decided to hand over the reins to a package house company. After months of doing the rounds at the self-build shows, they settled on Fjordhus. Ultimately they liked the style of their houses and their willingness to take on a bespoke design. “Fjordhus knew what they were talking about and didn’t come across as flash,” says Jenny. “Even though they’re based in Scotland, and ours was their first house in England, they were keen to work with us. We had great faith they could deliver what we wanted.” The Sawyers visited the head office in Galashiels and looked at houses Fjordhus had built. They were delighted by a build schedule of six months and weren’t put off by the distance between them. “There are lots of timber-frame companies that import houses from abroad so this wasn’t any different,” says Jenny. “We agreed to rent a flat for the building team which turned out to be money well spent. They’d come down for 10 days on the trot and work really long hours.” Fjordhus prepared detailed drawings for building control, which resulted in making adjustments to sit the house low enough to meet the planners’ requirements for the ridge height. “We had a lot of insulation in the roof and floors and I don’t think this had been accounted for originally,” says Jenny. “We might have been better off using Fjordhus from the start, but we didn’t realise they could have done a bespoke design for us.” The groundwork began in September 2013. Jenny set up a utility room for the team and was on hand to keep an eye on the project and answer any questions. One November morning, the frame arrived in large sections on the back of a number of articulated lorries, which had driven down from Scotland and navigated the narrow lanes to their site. “Some of the panels came with the fixed glazing already in place,” says Jenny. “Within a week we went from no house to a house we could picture. We thought the frame looked amazing.” 80

By Christmas the roof was on but the house wasn’t watertight. The team went home for the holidays and on Christmas Eve heavy rain began to fall. A phone call arrived from Fjordhus to check on things but it wasn’t until Jenny went to have a closer look later on that afternoon that she had a shock. “There was water everywhere,” she says. “Rain had soaked the roof insulation and come through to the ground floor, making holes in the screed. When the team came back, they sorted out the problems and then the rest of the project took off from there.” Jenny went to Great British Kitchens and Interiors, who worked closely with Fjordhus from early on to make sure their design dovetailed with the plumbing, electrics and even the position of the windows. The bathrooms were a problem, though, because deliveries didn’t arrive, and then Jenny discovered the company had charged both Fjordhus and themselves for the same bill. “Neither of us knew the other had paid,” says Jenny. “We couldn’t claim the money back as by then they’d stopped answering calls and gone bust.” Teams of joiners, plumbers and electricians arrived in waves to finish the second fix, including a specialist heat and plumbing engineer for the energy-efficient services. Costs began to creep though, and Jenny says it was the little things that caught them out, like extra plug sockets, lights and choosing pricey faceplates rather K U D O S M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 8

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than standard white. Design decisions had a knock-on effect, too, like bespoke blinds for bespoke windows, and electric blinds for the sliding doors. “I had a quote for the blinds but the electrics became complicated so there was a big bill for that, too,” says Jenny. “The staircase is from Fjordhus but I tweaked the design and that became another extra. It’s easy to get carried away and not really put a value on what you agree to until the final bill comes along.” The schedule began to slip, partly because of the problems caused by the rain, then the landlord wanted the flat back. Jenny and Julian rented motel rooms for the team and Fjordhus agreed to pay 50% of the costs, incentivising them to press on and finish. The family moved into their home in May 2014 and then the bungalow was demolished and the landscaping got underway. “The team worked and worked when they were here and did a brilliant job,” says Jenny. “The project cost us more than we thought, but we didn’t want to skimp or compromise. We’re really pleased; the design features are lovely and the views are just wonderful.” K U D O S M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 8

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Energy efficiencies The windows in the house are triple-glazed and many are fixed panels, encouraging solar heat gain. Stale air is drawn out of the home by a mechanical ventilation heat-recovery system and replaced with clean, fresh air from outside. Two solar-thermal panels provide hot water, and rainwater harvesting is used in the garden. Initially Jenny and Julian were going to have an air-source heat pump (ASHP) to provide their energy needs. But after research and advice from Fjordhus, they decided to install a ground-source heat pump (GSHP). “An ASHP can be noisy and has more potential to go wrong above ground,” says Jenny. “We had the land to bury a GSHP and this falls under the Renewable Heat Incentive, although it's more expensive to buy than ASHP.”

Lessons learned

Jenny and Julian on things they would have done differently

• The needs of a growing family change very quickly. Our layout

would work better being less open-plan, with a smaller living area and bigger TV room. We’d also install more soundproofing between the TV room and office. • Energy-saving equipment takes up space. Our utility room is very crowded and we would have been better off with a separate services room. • We have a lovely, bespoke house design but in reality, a simpler roof shape and less design features would have been cheaper to build. For example, the high-level windows are nice but we had to fit blinds to them all and they’re not easy to reach to clean. • We’re glad we found a kitchen designer who’s a cook. Vince Hone at Great British Kitchens and Interiors didn’t just design our kitchen for its looks but gave us practical advice, too.

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Home notes Fresh ideas and style tips on the home front

Smooth as silk

Sleep between silk sheets and you’ll be doing your face and body a favour. Silk is hypoallergenic, causing less irritation to the body and face than other fabrics, and is naturally resistant to dust mites. The inherently-smooth properties of silk help to deter facial creasing, which can cause wrinkles and premature signs of ageing. Silk is also less absorbent than cotton, allowing skin to retain its natural moisture throughout the night, and helping night cream to stay in place and sink in to your skin while you sleep. Silk fibres naturally help to regulate your body temperature, too, keeping you cool and comfortable in warmer conditions, whilst producing thermal insulating properties in the winter. Silk contains sericin, the same naturally-occurring protein as hair, which helps to keep your locks hydrated and prevents them from becoming dry and brittle. Gingerlily’s bed linen is made using only the finest-quality silk. Prices start from £42. www.gingerlily.co.uk

Cleanse your life

The Anjou 300ml essential oil diffuser provides up to eight hours of use, and comes with mist control, waterless auto shut-off, four timer settings and seven colour LED lights. An ultra-quiet, ultrasonic operation will keep your home clean and properly moisturised, helping to prevent dry air and flu/cold germs from infecting you and your loved ones. Fill the air with lovely fragrances that can uplift spirits, relieve stress and banish unpleasant smells. Price £25.99. Available from Amazon.

Paint that purifies the air

You may not be able to do much about the air you breathe outdoors but you can do something to help the air quality in your home – simply by painting the walls! Air Purifying Paint has been developed by Lakeland Paints to actively improve indoor air quality by filtering out air pollution including Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and diesel- and petrol-derived Nitrogen Oxide pollutants (NOx). Using NASA-developed technology, this revolutionary matt wall paint absorbs, filters and neutralises smells, chemicals and pollutants, NOx, solvents and VOCs from the atmosphere in your home to less than one part per million. Amazingly, the air in your home can be 70 times more polluted than the outdoors with a cocktail of solvents and chemicals like formaldehyde from carpets, furnishings, MDF, some paints and lacquers, cleaning products, personal care products and aerosols. The special air-filtering silicate ingredient in Air Purifying Paint filters, absorbs and neutralises those pollutants permanently thus improving indoor air quality. Lakeland Paints Air Purifying Paint is available in a wipeable matt finish in white and 180 stock colours – a colour-matching service is also available to order. It’s not suitable for areas subject to frequent wetting. www.lakelandpaints.co.uk 84

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Up on the roof

Weather across the UK has been harsh this winter, with December rainfall in the south 50% higher than the long-term average and temperatures reaching as low as -130C in parts of England. This can be particularly damaging to poorly-designed flat roofs and leaves many with hefty bills and sleepless nights. If you have a flat roof, check out Liquid Applied Membranes. They use the latest technology and liquid roofing materials to provide a cost-effective, long-term solution. Fibreglass roofing systems allow for a seamless waterproofing membrane, unlike mineral felt and asphalt which is prone to leaking and requires regular maintenance. The material is also UV stable and chemical resistant and so is not subject to discolouration or weakening due to weather conditions. Plus, there is no addition of reflective shingle which, when wet, provides a damp growth medium for algae, moss and lichen and leaves many flat roofs looking neglected, as well as storing moisture and often overloading the roof. The installation process is quick and minimally invasive. Thanks to the versatility of the material, they’re able to apply their liquid roofing systems to new structures or as an overlay on an existing flat roof without the need to tear up the old one. This means that you can go about your business as usual with minimal disruption throughout the procedure. Liquid Applied Membranes’ fibreglass roofs not only present you with a practical solution but are also very easy on the eye. The resins they use are available in a wide range of colours, and each

roof is finished with a selection of pre-fabricated edge trims to provide you with a smooth and elegant structure, suitable for old and contemporary buildings alike. Thanks to the care taken by the Liquid Applied Membranes team during the installation, your new roof won’t be blemished by ponding water, either, as they introduce a subtle gradient for proper run-off. Roofing repairs can be continuous and certainly costly, but Liquid Applied Membranes offers a cost-effective solution. Quality and customer satisfaction are always the priority at LAM, and a 25-year warranty and dedicated customer service ensure that you needn’t dread winter any more. www.liquidapplied.co.uk

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Pure workmanship Beautifully-crafted pieces, from individual items to complete kitchens, are created using traditional skills at Cobnut Interiors

Bespoke is a word that’s thrown around a lot these days. Most companies will say they offer a ‘bespoke’ service, but what does it really mean? For Cobnut Interiors, it means giving your customers a completely personalised service so they get exactly what they want. Owner Dave Souter’s passion for all things wood began at school in the 1970s, where he studied woodwork and technical drawing. On leaving school, he got a three-year carpentry and joinery apprenticeship with housebuilder Wimpey, before moving on to Bishop & Hickmott, where he learnt the true craft of the trade. “There were a lot of old-style joiners at the company,” he says, “so I learnt most of my joinery skills during this time. They had been working in the trade a long time and knew all the traditional techniques, so it was an invaluable experience. I went on to work on a self-employed basis for various large contracts and then in 2015, I had the opportunity to set up my own business, Cobnut Interiors.” Kitchens are a very big part of Dave’s business. “The first question I ask all my customers is whether they want a functional or visual kitchen, as this will dictate where you put the utilities. I can be very flexible with what I provide, offering the whole service if a customer wishes, from organising granite worktops and glass shelving, to recommending floor tilers, electricians and plumbers. A few companies that say they offer a bespoke kitchen, actually end up looking more off the shelf than handmade, which is not the look a customer is going for!” Dave can also build any interior furnishings, be it freestanding or built-in, as well as things like staircases and window frames. But it is the individual pieces of furniture that give him the most enjoyment. “From coffee tables and dining tables, to wardrobes, fireplace mantles and bookcases, I get so much pleasure from producing something out of solid wood. Seeing the piece take shape, adding all the detail – you can really go back to the old school way of doing things and produce the pieces as they would have been produced 100 years ago. It’s nice to achieve something that’s so visual and that will make someone happy. Hopefully they will have it for a long time – even long after I am gone!” A new area that Dave is branching out into is producing traditional games, like dominoes and puzzles. Each one can be personalised, making them a very special gift that’s one of a kind. www.cobnutinteriors.co.uk 86

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Add a bold splash of purple in your kitchen. This island has been hand-painted in a rich shade by Rencraft, and perfectly complements the subtle, pink-toned whites used elsewhere. www.rencraft.co.uk

High-quality, custom-made purple venetian blinds. From £23.50 www.englishblinds.co.uk

Style your home Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2018 is Ultra Violet, the perfect vibrant hue to add a touch of glamour to any room

Abstract-design violet cushion with a plain back. £20 www.louisemead.co.uk LSA violet tealight holder. £14.50 www.redcandy.co.uk K U D O S M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 8

Luscious ultra-violet and gold Indian silk lampshade. From £45 www.redcandy.co.uk Hare coaster. £3.50 www.annabeljames.co.uk

You can’t have a celebration of all things purple without paying tribute to Prince, the man who brought the colour to life. Framed print, £53 www.ArtWow.co 89

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Garden notes All you need for your outside space

Inspiration for your garden – and for you Visit Frankie’s Farmshop and you can combine choosing your spring plants with some delicious food Beginning as a nursery in 1996, husband-and-wife owners Marcel and Frankie Franke built the farmshop in 2012, combining the nursery with a café that serves everything from brunch and lunch to coffee and cake to a loyal following of customers. At this time of year, the nursery is busy potting up for the season ahead. Plant plugs arrive from Africa in early January, and so starts another year in the growing cycle at the nursery. Over 200,000 zonal geraniums, including the much-loved Balcon trailing variety, 50,000 New Guinea Impatiens, 5,000 perennials, spring basket plants, dahlias and a wide selection of spring bedding plants and flowering hanging baskets are grown on site. As well as an array of plants, the nursery also stocks a variety of pots, containers and pretty garden accessories. And when you’ve shopped, head to the farmshop and café. Award-winning Frankie’s Farmshop has become a foodie hotspot, with each product sold in the shop and café handpicked for its flavour, quality and provenance. As well as seasonal fruit and vegetables sourced from farms across Kent, you’ll find the finest cheeses, honey-glazed baked ham, pâté, chutneys and jams – and lots more. From Staplehurst honey, Weald Smokery cured meat and fish, Claire Edward’s bread, Kingscott Dairy cheese, Apple Juice from Bardsley Farm in Staplehurst, to a fine selection of wines, beer and ciders – the farmshop celebrates local produce. Feeling hungry? Pastry chefs Sophie and Anya have earned a reputation for excellence. Delicious cakes are baked daily, along with cheese and fruit scones fresh every morning, so you can soak up the delicious smells emanating from the open kitchen. In the café, you can fill up on the likes of a full English breakfast, American pancakes or poached eggs on a toasted muffin with hollandaise sauce. There’s fresh soup with Claire’s bread, quiche, burgers made with beef from local butcher Wilkes in Cranbrook, salads and a huge range of sandwiches. And cake, of course. Wash it down with a Bloody Mary, Bucks Fizz or a glass of Prosecco. If the sun’s shining, you can dine al fresco on the terrace and keep an eye on the children having fun on the zip wire, visiting the animals or playing in the grassy open space. The Farmshop is open Monday-Saturday: 9am-5pm and Sunday: 10am-4pm The café is open for brunch from Monday-Saturday: 9am-3.30pm; Sunday 10am-2.30 pm. Coffee and cake served all day. www.frankiesfarmshop.co.uk

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10 ways you can prepare your garden for spring Tim Sykes of Gardenproudâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seasonal tips 1. Weed, hoe and mulch your beds. 2. Deadhead daffodil flowers as they fade. 3. Plant out new roses. 4. Prune existing rose bushes and climbers before leaves unfurl. Feed with a granular rose fertiliser. 5. Start to mow the lawn on dry days. 6. Cut back any Dogwood, Salix and oriental grasses. 7. Top-dress raised beds and pots with fresh compost. 8. Plant shallots, onion sets and early potatoes. 9. Plant out summer flowering bulbs. 10. Plant out new evergreen shrubs and trees late March/April. Enjoy the spring flowers in your garden. For further advice or help with your garden, see www.rhs.org.uk Contact Tim Sykes at Gardenproud on 07725 173820, or visit him at www.reallygardenproud.com

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From little acorns… Down To Earth Trees began life as a sapling almost 40 years ago and is now one of the leading treemanagement companies in south-east England Down to Earth Trees, based in Sevenoaks, is one of the longestestablished tree-management companies in the south-east. Rooted in 1979, the company began life at a time when the industry was in its infancy in relation to training, equipment and professional standards. Down to Earth Trees’ founder Glenn Morris set out with the objective of becoming the best tree surgery company in Kent. After huge amounts of hard work, much through trial and error, the company was awarded the Approved Contractor Status by the Arboricultural Association (the tree industry’s professional body), becoming one of only two companies to achieve this award in Kent at that time. Glenn used this prestigious award as a springboard to continually aim for higher industry standards, by serving as a member of the Commercial and Publicity committees of the Arboricultural Association to create the high standards of professionalism and peace of mind for the customer that Down To Earth provides today. These standards benefit both employees within the industry and customers. Approved companies require continual stringent assessments, including training and site assessment, to ensure the highest standards of work and maximum levels of safety. Eight years into the company’s life, the great storm of 1987 hit southern England. Down to Earth was the leading contractor involved in the initial emergency response and lengthy clear-up operation in and around Sevenoaks, one of the worst-hit areas in the UK. The storm felled trees like matchsticks, creating potentially-dangerous situations requiring great skill and care. The problems created by the storm gave the company a broad skill set and range of experiences which set it up well for its future growth and expansion. Nearly 40 years on, Down To Earth is the one of the leading treemanagement companies in south-east England. It has organically grown and matured over the years to develop into a multi-disciplined, customer-focused business offering specialist arboricultural contracting and consultancy throughout Kent and south-east London. Navin Sehmi and John Robinson are now the two company directors, both with extensive industry experience and qualifications. They oversee their team of highly-professional arborists, estimators, consultants and administrators, who all ensure each customer receives a first-rate experience, from the initial point of contact through to the completion of works, with guaranteed customer satisfaction. Down To Earth Trees still boasts the highly-respected Arboricultural Association Approved Contractor accreditation, ensuring the work quality and back-office procedures remain professional and to the highest-possible standards. Navin Sehmi also works closely with the Arboricultural Association, having recently been appointed on their Board of Directors to assist the organisation with its professional development, ensuring it is continually evolving and leading the way for the industry as it evolves. Down To Earth Trees specialises in offering their clients a ‘one stop shop’ for their tree management requirements, from the planting of a 92

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single tree through to very large tree removals in confined spaces and everything in between, including the control of invasive weeds. No job is too big or small! They also offer a one-off or annual hedge-trimming package – in one instance, they have been trimming the same hedge for over 20 years! They also offer a stump-removal service following a tree removal and have a varied range of grinding equipment depending on access or the size of the stump. Down to Earth also delivers consultancy advice and detailed reports on all tree-related matters to an extensive list of private and commercial clients. They work closely with each to create concise tree reports produced in an easy-to-understand, professional format. Down To Earth Trees worked extremely hard to achieve ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001 accreditations in 2017. This award has increased the workload for their already-busy commercial arboricultural department, which regularly works for large commercial clients such as the Forestry Commission, the National Trust, The Diocese of Rochester and numerous housing and management companies. Their domestic arboricultural department works with clients who may have just a few trees or larger properties with woodland. The team at Down To Earth Trees are as passionate about trees as they are about providing exceptionally high standards of customer care. They look forward to hearing from you! Call Down To Earth Trees to discuss your tree work requirements or make contact via the ‘get in touch’ section of their website to arrange a site visit from friendly estimators Paul, Alex or Glenn, who will then follow on with a free, no obligation quotation. www.downtoearthtrees.co.uk K U D O S M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 8

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Heads up!

Top local head teachers give their views

England’s children’s commissioner said recently that schools should play a bigger role in preparing children for social media’s emotional demands as they move from primary to secondary school. What’s your school’s policy on social media?

Andrew Webster, Headmaster

The Mead School, Tunbridge Wells Co-educational preparatory school for boys and girls aged 3-11 Prevention is a dangerous safety blanket. It is fundamentally correct that we place blocks and filters on all of our networks and devices at school and at home to protect our children. However, technology and accessibility are moving at a speed beyond our policing capabilities. This is clearly no longer a ‘senior school’ issue; as Ofcom reported back in November, 28% of 10 year olds surveyed had an underage social media account. Recently, Logan Paul knocked Zoella off the top vlogger spot (with 16 million followers, the majority being children), mostly on the back of posting some pretty inappropriate content. We cannot ignore the fact that these people represent the next generation’s role models. Vlogging is now a genuine career choice. We must accept and embrace this. The only real answer is education. In the same Ofcom survey, it was reassuring to read that 86% of the children questioned were aware of ‘fake news’ and had developed multi-layered strategies to check credibility. Herein lies the light at the end of the tunnel of anxious and out-of-touch parenthood… the children can police themselves if we give them the tools to do so. We must unpick the digital world, lift every ethereal stone and analyse and discuss the many benefits and pitfalls of our new technological age with openness and honesty. In a nutshell, they

must learn that behaviour online carries the same moral responsibilities as behaviour in the real world. At The Mead, we are about to embark on a period of focused online safety tuition with a keynote moment being our hosting of expert speaker, Karl Hopwood, for an e-safety seminar. It is time to pull our heads from the sand and engage with our children in this most vital modern issue.

Hilary Blake, Headmistress

Sacred Heart School, Wadhurst Independent Catholic mixed primary school for 2-11 It is no coincidence that mental health concerns have grown alongside the proliferation of social media technologies through which children and young adults often initiate and develop ‘friendships’ and communicate with the world. So much commerce is conducted online (sales, marketing and recruitment) that we cannot choose to ban or ignore these technologies. Children can and will upload videos, photos or comments. They play games with online communities, engage in chat rooms and more. Whilst many of these technologies have age restrictions, such as 13+ for Facebook and Snapchat, barriers to children using these sites seem to offer little deterrent. At Sacred Heart, we adopt a cross-curricular approach, using drama, PSHE and IT lessons specifically designed to engage and teach children how to protect themselves online. We ensure safe practices are embedded in our IT lessons. Children are not permitted to bring personal devices into school; however we know our responsibility does not end at the school gate. We offer workshops and advice to parents, as well as pupils, to enable them to establish good IT habits at home. Children are taught how to block and report online abuse as well as the consequences of engaging in online abuse themselves. Developing emotional resilience, using a Growth Mindset, exercising personal integrity and respect for oneself and others are integral to our school ethos. Together they complement the ongoing focus on Internet Safety, with a specific focus on social media. The theme of National Safer Internet Day: Create, Connect and Share Respect, which fell on 6th February this year, was a reminder to each of us to teach and model good practice online. 94

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Scott Carnochan, Headmaster

Holmewood House School, Tunbridge Wells Independent preparatory school for boys and girls aged 3-13 The way the world is evolving, our children are likely to change career four to six times in their lifetimes – and half of those jobs haven’t even been invented yet! What we do know is that technology will play an increasing role on their lives and work. When I was a child, adults were likely to only change profession between one and three times and tended to compete for jobs on a local or regional basis. This generation is now in a global marketplace and will also have to compete with artificial intelligence. It is clear that artificial intelligence is a reality but it is unlikely to be able to make a moral judgement, show empathy or develop trust. It won’t be able to build lasting relationships, so it is absolutely key that our pupils have these skills. Academic qualifications will remain important but equally crucial are the wider skills we can help pupils develop; the Hidden Curriculum. Yes, technology has a role to play in the education of our pupils but only if it positively impacts on our pupils’ learning experience. Our pupils need to be happy, confident, resilient, tolerant, creative and curious, with a core of humility and the ability to stand out if they are to be prepared for their futures.

Stephanie Ferro, Headmistress

Walthamstow Hall, Sevenoaks Independent school for girls aged 3-18 The balanced and integrated approach adopted by Digital Awareness UK (www. digitalawarenessuk.com) is one which we are developing and embedding in our school. Our policy and code of conduct has been devised by the School Council. Through the curriculum, we look at the ways in which the internet and digital technology can be used positively by young people, as well as identifying the potential issues they may face. Whilst there is a really strong emphasis on keeping safe online and educating pupils in the issues of cyber-bullying, online relationships, grooming, security, privacy and sexting, more than that we are cultivating an attitude which is not fearful of social media but embraces its potential as an interesting and stimulating tool. Through assemblies, peer mentoring, ambassadors, the PSHEE programme and parental pastoral evenings, we are trying to ensure joined-up thinking which empowers pupils to use social media safely and responsibly.

Mike Piercy, Headmaster

The New Beacon, Sevenoaks Independent preparatory school for boys aged 4-13 How many parents have discovered that the more we tell our children not to do something, the more inclined they are to try? Growing up inevitably involves temptation, experimentation and learning from mistakes (hopefully!). Denying the use of social media will result in disappointment; encouraging safe use and monitoring is far more likely to meet with success. Schools (and homes) should be open, trustful places where children feel comfortable to speak of their worries. Peer pressure can be at its worst in the world of social media: bullying, boasting, lying – the desire to impress through the often faceless, seeming anonymity of the web. A child who is the victim of such peer pressure (or the child who has posted something s/he regrets) should be able to tell someone without fear or recrimination. We recently had a social media expert work with our pupils. He was impressed with their knowledge of the dangers of all sorts of platforms. Every good school will have social media education for pupils as part of their personal and social development programme, warning of the dangers and of overuse. Heeding the warnings, and resisting the temptation or impulse, is a different matter, entirely dependent upon the individual, his/her judgment, and the support of parents and school. The consequences of misuse can be serious: but most young people will know of someone who has come a cropper, which will hopefully moderate their own online activity. K U D O S M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 8

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David Clark, Headmaster

Battle Abbey School, Battle Independent co-educational day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 2-18 Of course we have to adhere to a robust social media policy to reach standards on safeguarding as set out by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, but in all honesty, following a robust policy is not the key issue. The school has a duty of care to its pupils, both on a data-access basis and also in terms of the ethics of online protocol. The former has become harder to enforce with the advent of 3 and 4G devices, so, during the school day, we operate a phone amnesty for Key Stage 3 students who are at an age when they find it harder to resist the temptation of their phones. The ethical issues are handled by our tutorial programme, and we also cover the topic of online safety in our computing lessons. Both help to trigger broader discussion sessions on topics like body image and general behaviour. We are fortunate that being such a small school, any cases of cyber bullying are in the main not tolerated by pupils and tend to die out quickly with the minimum of staff intervention. The hard work we put in at Key Stage 3 to create this environment reaps rewards further down the line, and to some extent ensures that the pupils self-police. Engaging younger pupils on the ethics and protocols of online communication has become an increasingly-large focus of the school’s tutor programme. Higher up the school, the focus shifts to concepts like ensuring that students are mindful of their ‘electronic footprints’ – meaning that we spend time giving guidance about good social media etiquette as, more and more, prospective employers trawl the internet before making final offers of employment.

Christine Flowers, Principal

Bricklehurst Manor School, Stonegate Mainstream independent school for pupils aged 3-11 Although I agree with the children’s commissioner, I don’t think it is a case of educating pre-teens of the dangers of Facebook, for example. In reality, most teenagers prefer other forms of social media, particularly as the majority of their parents are on Facebook! Given the nature of social media rejuvenating so quickly, educating about a particular type of app is pointless as teenagers are drawn to the most modern apps. The problem itself is not the technology, its the evils that befall its global users. An ‘uncool’ teacher preaching the evils of Facebook, minutes after posting themselves, is not the solution, either. The root of the problem is peer pressure, insecurity and other psychological issues. Educating pupils in discerning right from wrong and the strength and selfconfidence to act accordingly is a more effective strategy with far-reaching benefits across more life situations. The formation of personality, child development experts believe, is much earlier than Years Five and Six. At Bricklehurst, we have empathic, confident and congruent role models across the early years. Young children absorb these adults’ ideas and replicate their behaviour. Grounded, confident young people won’t misuse technology. At Bricklehurst, we strive to install a moral compass which will in turn negate the dangers of abusing this technology. Self-confident young women won’t feel forced into producing self-made sexual imagery and respectable young gentlemen won’t demand it.

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Emma Neville, Headmistress

Rose Hill School, Tunbridge Wells Co-educational preparatory school for boys and girls aged 3-13 Whether we like it or not, social media is becoming a central part of our children’s lives. At Rose Hill School, we educate our pupils about all the many exciting possibilities that new technologies can play, but we do this as a balanced and proportional part of a much wider and richer curriculum. In particular, we discuss social media with our pupils, teaching them how to stay safe, smart and reminding them about how important life ‘offline’ is. Unfortunately, social media can be a hub for cyber-bullying, personal information being exposed, children unknowingly talking to strangers or being exposed to age-inappropriate content. At Rose Hill School, we recognise how important it is for us, as a school, to work with parents to teach children how to use social media in a safe way. Mean behaviour is unacceptable, whether this is in the virtual world or in the real world. We have a strong and supportive pastoral strategy where we make it clear to our pupils that they should treat others online as they would like to be treated themselves. Being respectful and friendly doesn’t cost a thing! We ensure that our pupils feel confident in being able to communicate with us if they feel as though they’re being bullied or are receiving unkind messages. Nevertheless, social media can be used in lots of positive ways. Not only can the platforms help children stay connected with their friends and family, it can also encourage creativity through sharing ideas, art, music and photography.

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Viewpoint Each issue, a local head teacher gives their opinion on an educational topic. Here, Emma Neville of Rose Hill School talks about developing life skills

Every now and then a candidate walks through my office door who lights up the room, and I think, ‘What personal qualities do they have that makes such a difference?’ I look at the school curriculum, at our pupils, our school aims where we value the individual, and think about how we can make that difference at Rose Hill School. We want our pupils to walk into adult life with confidence and not arrogance. Our school curriculum has to balance so many difference elements, where pupils are not just acquiring knowledge but are developing personal life skills and their wellbeing is supported and nurtured. We need to provide our pupils with life skills, not just how to make your bed, clean your shoes or look after your teeth, but a much deeper, richer set of skills which are rooted in how we behave to the demands of life. At Rose Hill School we have thought about how we can enable our pupils to develop and debate an opinion, think critically, have clarity and make decisions, respond to emotional and stressful situations with success. Not an easy programme to put together, but fundamental to ensuring our pupils leave with an understanding of how to make informed decisions, communicate and develop personal coping strategies that can help them lead healthy and productive lives. We have adapted our school day to include Mindfulness, through the .b programme for our older pupils transitioning from childhood to early teenage years. This empowering start to the day, rich with positive energy supports pupils’ emotional well-being and enables them to begin to learn to understand themselves. Our approach to the school day is based on ‘I am, I have and I can’, our observations note that pupils attempt problem solving with greater success and demonstrate resilience when issues occur. Developing social competence and positive social norms is demonstrated in all aspects of our school life at Rose Hill. For example, if you were to walk into our dining hall at lunch time, of course there would be a hubbub of noise, but on closer examination you would see our pupils differentiate between listening and hearing, in how they respond to their friends over a leisurely and social lunch and then in the games they play afterwards. Running alongside and integral to our creative academic curriculum we have an extensive co-curricular programme of activities. At Rose Hill School we provide opportunities to think big, make strategic decisions, to think about the long and short term, and whether or not to take action or non-action in a situation. Art, drama and sport all provide pupils with opportunities to find and develop their talents, but added to this we spend time developing a rich programme of school trips that support both the classroom activities and pupils’ personal development. This might be through fundraising, debating, brainstorming, buying a mobile phone or planning a trip. Why is this so important? Well, pupils with these skills are more likely to have positive self-esteem, demonstrate greater empathy and critical thinking, communicate and thrive; those pupils become someone who is employable, who you want to have in your workplace and as part of the team. K U D O S M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 8

If you would like to see for yourself how Rose Hill School provides a stimulating environment for our pupils, please join us for one of our Open Mornings on 13th March or 1st May. Alternatively, please contact our admissions team to arrange a bespoke visit admissions@rosehillschool.co.uk 99

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In the spotlight Quickfire questions for Andrew Webster of The Mead School Sum up your own school days in five words: Family, opportunity, compassion, ambition and curiosity.

Which teacher most inspired you?

My biology teacher, Mr Nelson. I remember him falling to his knees at one point, so overcome was he by his passion for his subject. There’s no substitute for that.

What makes you smile?

The children, every day. Their wonderfully-literal and innocent view of the world.

What frustrates you?

The children, every day! That’s why the job is so wonderful. You learn to embrace their frustrations with them and work together to overcome those obstacles and challenges and eventually start to relish them.

What’s your favourite book and why?

Everyone’s favourite everything should change and evolve. If your favourite holiday was 20 years ago then you need to be more adventurous! Currently, my favourite book is Have You Filled A Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud.

Where would you like to see your school in five years? Better than it will be four years and 364 days from now.

What do you hope that your pupils say about your school when they leave? I’m ready and I will always remember.

School report

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

Remembering Baden-Powell Scout leader’s birthday celebrated every year at Rose Hill Robert Baden-Powell would have turned 161 on 22nd February, and Rose Hill School pupils celebrate his birthday every year, as Baden-Powell attended the school at the original site on London Road in the 1860s. He credits his time at Rose Hill, under Headmaster Thomas Allfree, exploring the nearby common and woods, with the creation of the Scouts many years later. His book Scouting for Boys was the fourth bestselling book of the 20th century and sold 150 million copies. He kept in touch with the school until his death in Kenya in 1941. In his final letter to the Scouts, Baden-Powell wished them a happy life. “One step towards happiness is to make yourself healthy and strong while you are a boy, so that you can be useful and so you can enjoy life when you are a man. Try and leave this world a little better than you found it and when your turn comes to die, you can die happy in feeling that at any rate you have not wasted your time but have done your best. ‘Be prepared’ in this way, to live happy and to die happy – stick to your Scout Promise always – even after you have ceased to be a boy – and God help you to do it”. Rose Hill School is very proud of its links with the founder of the Scouts and Girl Guides. The school has one of the houses named after him and there are thriving Cubs, Brownie and Rainbow clubs at the school. 100

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Onwards and upwards From A&E medicine to aerospace engineering, Mayfield girls attend annual careers evening to hear a host of inspiring speakers More than 200 Mayfield pupils from Years 9 to 13 recently attended the school’s annual careers evening, now into its fifth year. The girls had the opportunity to hear from speakers from over 20 different career areas, including an airline pilot, solicitor, editor, film and TV director, journalist and novelist, accountant, banker, sports therapist, a Westminster civil servant, physiotherapist, psychiatrist, GP, an A&E doctor, nurse, structural engineer, aerospace engineer, chartered surveyor, stage make-up artist and vet. Many of the speakers were drawn from the school’s alumnae community, and it was extremely empowering for the girls to hear about how they have risen to the top of their professions, in many cases in male-dominated professions. The aim of the evening was to raise the girls’ awareness about the wide range of career opportunities and to learn about the qualities, skills and qualifications each profession needs, so they can make informed choices about their futures. The speakers also highlighted the importance of resilience, flexibility, adaptability and hard work in achieving their goals, qualities Mayfield focuses on developing in their pupils to prepare them for the opportunities and challenges of a competitive and fast-paced 21st-century employment market. Mayfield’s next venture is a Futures Fair, which will be open to students at other schools in the area. Scheduled for March, it will coincide with National Careers Week and National Apprenticeship Week.

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

1. The Reward Box is a clever way to encourage your child in lots of things, whether its potty training, making healthy food choices, trying new foods, homework, reading or tooth brushing. Available in Fairy or Pirate designs, The Reward Box comes with a pouch of 20 silver stars which can be posted in the box each time your child achieves a pre-set goal. Once the 20 stars have been achieved, they can be exchanged for a reward, be that a treat, a promise voucher or a family activity. £35. www.therewardbox.co.uk 2. The B Box Baby Sippy Cup allows little ones to drink at any angle thanks to its innovative weighted straw which moves with the contents, whatever angle the cup is held at. Suitable for use from six months, the easy-grip handles will help to encourage independence and ease the transition from bottle to cup. £9.99. www.bboxbaby.co.uk 3. Tooth extraction as a result of tooth decay is the most common cause for hospitalisation of children under five. Regular visits to the dentist as well as brushing twice a day is essential! DenTek is an innovative oral health 102

brand on a mission to educate people that adopting a complete oral care routine is a vital part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Children’s brushing should be supervised until the age of seven and children should begin to floss as soon as two teeth start to touch. The DenTek range is available from Boots. 4. How To Grow A Baby Journal is the second book from Clemmie Hooper, NHS midwife and mother of four girls, including twins. Also known as @mother_of_daughters, with just under half-a-million followers online, Clemmie is one of the highest-ranking and best-loved parenting digital influencers in the UK. This beautifully-illustrated hardback journal is the perfect gift for anyone who is pregnant. Week by week, you can capture the highs and the lows and everything in between so you never miss a moment, from recording where and when you found out you were pregnant to the first night you spent with your newborn. Published by Vermilion and available from 5th April. £16.99. K U D O S M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 8

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Just for kids

Forget Brexit. Here’s our pick of some cool looks from around Europe for your junior fashionista Top row, left to right: Short sleeve denim cropped top, £35, www.ministitches.org; wild animal T-shirt, €34.95, www.4funkyflavours.eu; ‘Oh crab’ sweater, €39.95, www.sproet-sprout.nl Middle row, left to right: Striped Polly pantaloons, £48, www.ministitches.org; Funky Way shorts, €39.95, www.4funkyflavours.eu; jellyfish T-shirt, €32.95, www.sproet-sprout.nl Bottom row, left to right: Chinq Miau dress, €49.95, and jungle jacket, €89.95, www.4funkyflavours.eu; ‘Oh crab’ pants, €35.95, www.sproet-sprout.nl K U D O S M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 8

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Come to mama Mumpreneur Vickey Fitzell talks about Mama Mixers, which organises social events for mums in need of a social life Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m 31, mum to my little girl Imogen who will be two in May and wife to my husband Sam. We’ve lived in Tunbridge Wells for just over two years now, having moved from London. I spent the best part of 10 years as an Event Manager until having my daughter, when both my husband and I decided commuting into London wasn’t an option for us any more.

Tell us about Mama Mixers – how does it work? Mama Mixers is basically nights out for mums. It’s to give mums a night off in the company of other like-minded mums and to get to know each other whilst having a glass of wine in your hand/down your neck. We arrange events in Tunbridge Wells every other month and try to go to a range of different places to sample local bars and restaurants.

Where did you get the idea from and when did you start the business?

Having moved to the area when I was six months pregnant, I made some friends through the NCT and we had a few nights out. It was during one of these nights that I thought, there must be so many people like me – new to the area and a new mum. I know first-hand how difficult both of those things can be so I wanted to put something together to reach out to people who may be struggling with making mum friends. Initially, I thought it would be good to get all those people together for a night out, but then my business mind kicked in and I realised this could be something that there’s a genuine need for on a regular basis.

How did you get it off the ground?

It started with an Instagram and Facebook account. I posted about the events we had planned and what Mama Mixers was all about and we quickly saw the following grow. Later, I built a website for people to have somewhere to go as I can appreciate buying a ticket for an event from a lady on Facebook may not seem the most secure thing to do! Our first event was at Grub & Liquor in Tunbridge Wells and after two months of posting on social media and trying to get some interest, we had 12 people come and had a great night. Since then our numbers have doubled per event and our Christmas Party saw 65 women drink, dance and be merry.

How do you spread the word and how do you get people involved? Most of our marketing is still done via social media as we find that’s where the mums hang out mostly and you can put across your personality and what you’re all about on a daily basis. We have just started to advertise in a few choice publications and we get a lot of recommendations from people who have come along before and told their friends about it. 106

What areas does Mama Mixers operate in?

Our events are run in Tunbridge Wells at the moment but we would love to go further afield should there be a desire for it. For now, we want to focus on Tunbridge Wells as there are still so many mums that haven’t heard of us or haven’t been able to make it to an event yet.

Did you have any previous business experience?

Aside from my career in Events Management, I spent a few years in a start-up at the beginning of my career and had a very good relationship with the CEO who gave me some invaluable business advice, which I have drawn on many a time!

What have been the challenges in setting up and running your business?

The main challenge has been trying to start this business without any capital. As a mum of a little one, I didn’t have any start-up cash so have relied on venues being accommodating and letting me pay once the tickets have been sold so I don’t lose any money. Marketing will always be a challenge I think; making sure you’re in the right places, your message is clear and people are buying into what you are trying to do.

How much of your time does it take up?

It’s usually a few hours a week on social media, planning the events and thinking about what new fun things people will want to do. In the runup to the event it can be a lot more if I am doing goody bags and liaising with brands on deliveries and other suppliers. The day of the event, I am usually running around like a mad woman, getting balloons blown up and doing last-minute panic buys. K U D O S M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 8

Where do you get ideas for events?

It sounds selfish but I just think about what I would want to do. We did a wine tasting in the summer last year with Angela from the Bottle Bitches, which was great as sommeliers are usually middle-aged men, not fun young women who understand wine but aren’t afraid to swear. It’s things like that that women of a similar age to me enjoy. We are still the same people we were pre-children, only with bags under our eyes and wet wipes in our handbags.

Do you have anybody helping you run the business?

My friend Cara Wood from the NCT helped me start and was a huge support to me in getting this off the ground. She recently started a full-time masters degree so she doesn’t have the time any more sadly, but she still comes along to help me when she can. I wouldn’t have had the confidence to do this without her holding my hand.

Where would you like to see Mama Mixers in five years’ time?

In five years’ time I would like to be running sell-out events in Tunbridge Wells on a monthly basis, as well as seeing other mums take the Mama Mixers brand to their town and have them put on nights out. I see no reason why we can’t have a branch of Mama Mixers in every town.

How do you find juggling working with being a mum?

It can be hard when I have a long list of things to do and my daughter won’t let me get on with them, but that’s just part and parcel of it – the constant struggle between needing to work but remembering you’re a mum and to not feel guilty about either of those things. I think that’s what a lot of working mums feel. I try and work in the evenings when she is in bed or on days when she is at nursery. It’s only on the day of the event that I really could do without schlepping her with me around town!

Follow Mama Mixers on Facebook and Instagram for up-to-date event announcements. www.mamamixers.co.uk

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Business notes A round-up of local business news

To be the best

Top awards for Kent kitchen company Congratulations to Rencraft for recently winning two Houzz Best of 2018 Awards. The team were delighted to be awarded Best of Design (for the third year in a row) and Best Customer Service. Rencraft, who have been designing and manufacturing kitchens in Kent for over 37 years, were chosen by the more than 40 million monthly unique users that comprise the Houzz community, and from among more than one million active home-building, homeimprovement and design-industry professionals. Rencraft’s Marketing Manager, Karen Cowell, was delighted to learn the company had received two awards, saying: “We are absolutely thrilled to have our designs and our levels of customer service recognised and commended by the community on Houzz.” You can follow Rencraft on Houzz by visiting www.houzz.co.uk/pro/rencraftltd/ Rencraft have also been shortlisted as finalists in the 2018 KBB Review Retail & Design Awards. The team fought off stiff competition to make it to the final four in the Kitchen Designer of the Year (project cost £30,000-£50,000) category. John Stephens, Managing Director of Rencraft, was over the moon to receive the news that one of his designs had been selected, saying,

“The KBB Review Awards are one of the most respected within our industry, and to be recognised as a finalist in this highlycompetitive category is a great honour. I am absolutely chuffed to bits that Rencraft have been shortlisted and very excited for the event itself.” Good luck in the finals, Rencraft! www.rencraft.co.uk

Shop ’til you drop

Ashford Designer Outlet to become flagship destination McArthurGlen Designer Outlet in Ashford has begun building the much-anticipated 100,000 sq ft extension – the first one since the outlet opened in 2000. Centre Manager Peter Corr said: “After four years of meticulous planning, we’re incredibly excited that building works on the new extension started in January. Over the next 18 months we will be investing £90 million in the centre to elevate the whole shopping experience. Once the extension is complete, Ashford Designer Outlet will become one of the UK’s flagship fashion, food and homeware destinations, with over 130 stores, restaurants and cafés.” Scheduled to open in Autumn 2019, the extension will deliver up to 50 additional premium and luxury brands, a new food piazza, a new events space and redesigned children’s play area. The expansion will also include Europe’s largest living wall and many of the new stores will be clad in tens of thousands of plants, all stacked vertically.

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Local journalists honoured

BBC’s Simon McCoy to host Kent Press & Broadcast Awards Known for his dry wit and eye rolls, Simon McCoy will be taking a break from presenting Afternoon Live on the BBC News channel to host the Kent Press & Broadcast Awards ceremony at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, Canterbury on Friday, 13th July. Entries are now open for the not-for-profit awards scheme, which is organised by Tunbridge Wells-based PR and marketing agency Maxim, and designed to celebrate and reward regional and local journalism. Simon McCoy said: “I’m delighted to be hosting the Kent Press & Broadcast Awards as I’m a huge fan of local news publications. My training was on local newspapers and one of my most treasured possessions is a front page of a copy of the Bristol Evening Post, because it has my byline on it. “In an age of ‘fake’ news, when you see that local newspapers feature on the CV of any applicant, from a journalistic point of view you know they’re a cut above the rest. These days, almost every story that we run on TV news has originated in a local newspaper, and in my view, they’ve never been more important than they are today.” Maxim’s Rachel Knight said: “We are so pleased Simon agreed to host this year’s awards ceremony. Keeping 70 or so journalists under control is no mean feat but I’m sure he’s the man for the job.” This year, a new award, Kent New Journalist of the Year, for those in their first 12 months of work, has been created to recognise the many journalists at the beginning of their careers.

www.kpbawards.co.uk

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I’m A Celebrity: Get me a good settlement

Divorce is never straightforward, says Sarah Haywood of ThomasHaywood Solicitors, especially where famous names are concerned

Ant and Dec have gone from Byker Grove via Top of The Pops to Most Popular Entertainment Presenters for the last 18 years. The peoples’ favourites could do no wrong, and even in 2017 when Ant entered rehab after admitting abuse of prescription drugs and alcohol, he bounced back to present I’m A Celebrity, making jokes at his own expense. However, Ant has now announced he is divorcing his wife Lisa, who he has been with for 23 years, married for 11 of them. If they are sensible, they will resolve matters in mediation, behind closed doors. If they fight things through the court, not only will it be time-consuming and expensive (perhaps not an issue here) but litigation raises temperatures and the risk of acrimony and washing one’s linen in public becomes a real risk. The media are reporting huge settlement sums for Lisa, which can only be guesswork, but the principle of an equal division of the family assets is a starting point for everyone going through divorce, with justification needed for a departure from equality. There is speculation that Lisa could claim a share of Ant’s future earnings and this is based on the case of the ex-Arsenal player, Ray Parlour. In 2004, his former wife was awarded one third of his future earnings, but she is the mother of three of his children and the payments were because income far exceeded what they needed to live on and there was insufficient capital to buy a clean break.

In Ant and Lisa’s case, I doubt capital is an issue and since 2004, the courts have moved a long way from maintenance for wives, expecting selfsufficiency at some point in the future. How far is Ant prepared to defend this claim? It would need him to argue that they are childless, a very sore subject as it is reported a child was longed for. This would not endear him to many who have faced similar fertility issues. Another argument being aired is that of Ant’s contribution to the assets of the marriage being “stellar”. Some judges have referred to a special contribution as needing to possess the “quality of genius”. However, an American financier had this argument rejected by the court in 2017, when the judge in his case said “the word genius tends to be overused and is properly reserved for Leonardo Da Vinci, Mozart, Einstein and others like them”. Ant and Dec are good at what they do, but is TV presenting the work of a genius? If Ant argues this, will he alienate himself from the public? As Ant and Lisa are having to deal with the media scrutinising their every move and making wild guesses as to how their legal team will present their case, then it is going to be a tough year for them. Divorce is never easy, no matter how much money there is. At ThomasHaywood, we advise you on the best way forward for you.

www.thomashaywoodsolicitors.com

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Helping hand A round-up of local charity news Teenage Cancer Trust gets a boost Law company staff raise £17,000 for charity

Law firm Cripps raised over £17,000 for its 2017 charity of the year – Teenage Cancer Trust – following a year of fundraising. Staff from the firm participated in a series of different fundraising events including a highly-competitive Christmas bake-off judged by Rosemary Shrager, a quiz night, and a ‘Tough Mudder’ five-mile mud and obstacle course. One of the highlights of the collective effort was a Triathlon Challenge, which saw staff cycling, swimming and running over 7,000 miles. Senior partner Clare Hyland said: “We are proud to have raised so much for Teenage Cancer Trust. Every year our charity committee puts together a calendar of fundraising events and 2017 saw a number of new ideas. All of the events were great fun, and we have really enjoyed working with the team at Teenage Cancer Trust.” Teenage Cancer Trust provides life-changing care and support to young people living with cancer. The trust has 28 specialist units across the UK, providing world-class facilities and a home-from-home for young people.

Sian Cooper of the Teenage Cancer Trust (right) being presented with the Cripps donation

ellenor’s Rachel Holweger moves on New life in the US for respected Director of Income Generation

Rachel Holweger, who has been Director of Income Generation at ellenor for five years, has left the charity to move to the America. Rachel joined ellenor – which provides hospice care at home for terminally-ill babies and children, and their families – in 2013 to play a vital leadership role in raising awareness and funds to care for patients of all ages and their families across Kent and Bexley, in southeast London. Leading successful fundraising, marketing and retail teams, she was responsible for developing a range of income-generation activities and creating new business opportunities required to deliver much-needed and ever-expanding hospice care. She led a successful rebrand in 2015 to make the charity and its services more accessible, marking a new chapter for the organisation. ellenor’s Chief Executive Claire Cardy said: “We are sad Rachel has left us but excited for her as it is a fantastic opportunity to go abroad. We sincerely wish her all the best for the future. We are enormously grateful for her commitment and passion for ellenor and its work.” During her time at ellenor, Rachel introduced a range of new income-generation initiatives including an events calendar to include the Twilight Walk which has seen tremendous growth with a record 800 walkers taking part last year, and the glamorous Orange Ball, which has been supported by an impressive list of celebrities and patrons. Said Rachel: “It has been a huge privilege to hold this role for the last five years and to see our fundraising and communications transformed, but also to work with such a fantastic team of staff and volunteers all committed to working together to make a very real difference to the lives of families facing terminal illness.” 112

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Get set for Tunbridge Wells’ giant charity event Don’t miss Crazy Jean’s soapbox race and family fun day, in aid of ellenor and Hospice in the Weald

A giant fundraising charity event is roaring into Tunbridge Wells, hosted by Southborough’s Jean’s Kitchen and Wine Bar. The one-day Crazy Jean’s extravaganza, a huge soapbox race and exhilarating family fun day, will pit the town’s most competitive drivers against each other and push fundraising for local charities into overdrive. Fifty soapbox carts, each sponsored and manned by local businesses and community groups, will go head to head in a day of races on Saturday, 5th May in Dunorlan Park to raise thousands for much-loved Kent charities Hospice in the Weald and ellenor. As well as securing a celebrity commentator and prizegiving ceremony for race day, Crazy Jean’s will also be hosting a music stage, food village, children’s entertainment with inflatables, zip wire and an awe-inspiring supercar display. The brainchild of Tunbridge Wells entrepreneur Garry Jeffery of Jean’s Kitchen and Wine Bar on St John’s Road, Crazy Jean’s will raise money for two charities close to his and the town’s heart, while also bringing a big, community event to the town he grew up in. Garry explained: “I’ve always wanted to organise a cart race in Tunbridge Wells and while we’ve got close to it before, the timing is great right now. The famous carnival that was muchloved in the town is long gone and I really wanted to bring all the businesses and community groups together for one big, amazing event that will bring some healthy and fun competition to the town. “The Hospice in the Weald is close to my heart after they looked after my mum, Jean, before she died, and I’ve been fundraising for many years for ellenor, which provides hospice care at home for babies, children and young people. They are both dear to my heart and are important charities in Kent.” www.crazyjeansevents.com

LOV E LOCA L H EROE S

Children first Helping children with cancer and their families is the aim of a charity that has granted thousands of wishes in the 20 years since it was formed

Based in Polegate, East Sussex, the Children With Cancer Fund aims to improve the lives of local children with cancer and their families by granting wishes – buying gifts or treats or contributing to living or travel costs. The charity was born around a table on 10th July, 1998. Four people had two ideas; cancer and children. They decided to put them together and so the Children With Cancer Fund was born. Little did Chris and Ursula Downton and Kirsty and James Denny realise what their decision would lead to. Three years later, James and Kirsty moved nearer to their jobs in London, so Chris and Ursula took over the day-to-day running of the charity. It gradually grew and so took up more time. “A normal day consisted of going to work, coming home and doing the children’s tea, bath and bedtime story and then starting the CWCF work until about 1.30am. Then we were up for work at 6.30am,” says Chris. “This was when we decided we needed some help, but we were determined not to use the money given to us for the children’s wishes, so we started looking for grants. “We started off with one lady and now have six part-time staff and numerous lovely volunteers who help us run CWCF.” Ask Chris how many children the fund has helped and he says: “We don’t look at how many children, we look at families because the whole family is affected by cancer. Mums and dads can be separated for weeks or months and siblings are often passed off to relatives whilst their parents are having meetings with consultants or comforting the poorly child. At the moment we are supporting over 125 families, but last week we only had 120, that’s how quickly things change. One time we had no new referrals for over a month, only to come home one day to find 13!” Requests or wishes change like the weather, says Chris. “One time everyone wanted a Wii, and more recently they all wanted iPads. But at CWCF we look at helping families with the day-today stuff as well, like a broken cooker or school uniforms. These things are often passed over in order for the parents to buy the petrol they need to get to and from hospital.” Have they had any unusual requests? “We don’t normally do unusual,” says Chris. “It’s normal things that make our families lives a bit better. Every wish we do is ‘special’. One wish was for

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Chris and Ursula pictured at the gates of Buckingham Palace, before their Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services in 2015

a £9.99 Lego model, but when we gave it to the child, you would have thought we had given him a million pounds he was so made up with it. “We aren’t big enough to be recognised by celebrities (although we would love to be for our profile), but the people of East Sussex, Brighton and Hove are amazing. From young to old and from small pubs to large companies, we have been given everything from 1p to £18,000. At CWCF, we know how to cut our cloth accordingly and only buy or do what we can afford. “The highlight for us has got to be walking through the gates of Buckingham Palace when we were awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services in 2015. Getting the award gave us respect from many who now realise we are here to stay and continue to help the families in our area who have a child suffering from cancer. “But in reality, the real highlight of being part of CWCF is seeing the smile on a child’s face when you give them their wish, or the relief of a parent when they meet another family who understands what they are going through without having to explain it.” There are many way you can help CWCF – by volunteering in the office, running a fundraising event or delivering their newsletters. “But our biggest concern is having the support staffs’ wages and running costs covered so donations are always welcome,” says Chris. “We promote those who donate towards this with company logos on emails and in the newsletter or on flyers.” www.childrenwithcancerfund.org.uk K U D O S M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 8