So Tunbridge Wells August 2014 magazine by One Media

SO T W

THE BIGGEST MAGAZINE IN

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

FASHION TIPS FOR FESTIVALS

OUR TOP

P ROBAB LY TH E B EST LO CAL M AGAZIN E IN THE WO R LD

SUMMER PUBS places to sit back, relax and chill out

meet the foodie heroes the patisserie experts in tunbridge wells, mayfield and cranbrook the bakers in bodiam and ticehurst

THIS TV CHEF IS NOW LIVING HIS DREAM – IN BIDBOROUGH

BRING OUT THE INDOORS how to use that outside space

letting go why renting your home makes sense

DIAL M FOR MENACE the new bmw m4

the cake designer in sevenoaks

HIGH TIME

the world’s most stunning watches

ISSUE 77 - AUGUST 20 14

A N I L E G AN OLIE J

I HAVE

ABLE V E I L E S UNB ’ T I , E ITH M W G N H WRO C U M SO

AUGUST 2014 £1.50 WWW.SOMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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Burrel Is

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L'INSTANT

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Desig ners and ma kers of ha ndmade sol id wood kitchens a nd furnitu re fo r every room Ca ll for a brochure or visit one of our showrooms

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HELLO HERE’S WHAT’S INSIDE YOUR AUGUST ISSUE

56 THE CELEBRITY

“I’m proud of the choices I’ve made at this stage of my life”

133 THE HOMES

Beautiful oast conversion is a Wealden treasure

198

THE RESTAURANT “Chef James Tanner seems glad to be home”

THE FASHION Festival fever grips our wardrobes

AUGUST 2014

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CONTENTS

93 THE WATCHES

It’s a fine time to choose your future heirloom

207 THE FOOD

Meet the faces behind our local cakes, bakes and tasty treats

114

THE TRAVEL

Discover the wildlife paradise of Costa Rica

119

THE INTERIORS Make a splash with a fabulous new bathroom

226

THE MOTOR We encounter the menacing new BMW M4

STRICTLY LOCAL... Letters

Topical Twitter

News

Calendar

The Bard in Groombridge

Life’s a carnival in Tonbridge

Going Brazilian in TW

Messing about in boats

West Kent College is in fashion

Steam ahead for vintage fun

AUGUST 2014

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LETTERS

INBOX Email jconnolly@onemediauk.co.uk or write to us at SOTW , Longford House, 19 Mount Ephraim Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1EN Please be sure to include your full name and address. Letters may be edited for publication.

LETTER OF THE MONTH

POTHOLE THE OTHER ONE! Are you having a laugh, Kent County Council Highways Dept? Well you have certainly given us a welcome chuckle after all the winter pothole grief. The whole town has been cracking up afresh since this self-congratulatory sign appeared on the London Road in Tunbridge Wells. Okay, that’s one down so only a few thousand left to go? Will they get a sign each? Paul Owen, Tunbridge Wells Ed: Has anyone spotted any others?

you’re spot on I follow your magazine with interest and June was exceptional. You are not frightened to criticise – Undercover Eater on Bill’s vs Java was absolutely correct. You also supported young people with the Dance Floor Showdown rant. Other than Coyote’s, TWB&G, Beluga and Bar Fusion there is nowhere local for sensible people to go and they just have drinking, house and pop music. The most expensive meal was also interesting and Confidential was funny. I run a business and twice have had customers’ neighbours signing for the order and not telling anyone. My response is a police report for fraud. Well done and keep it up. Carrom Paul, by email Ed: Thank you Paul. You have us all blushing.

PERFECT POPPIES

KADDY & CHYPS

As we approach the 100th anniversary of the month we joined The Great War I expect many heartrending memories will be relived. Many stories are so harrowing, I am pleased, at least, that the gorgeous poppies in our Tunbridge Wells Memorial Garden have been in beautiful bloom this summer. The sight of them brings a lump to my throat, but it fills me with comfort to see them and they always make me stop and remember. Diane Maynard, Southborough Ed: A moving way to pay tribute to the fallen

What fun it was to see our favourite weather girl, Kaddy Lee-Preston, at the Farmers’ Market with all the chYps fundraisers in their funny costumes. She is such a busy bee. It is always such a pleasure to see her pop up back on BBC South East from time to time, too. She is so jolly you end up not caring what the forecast is! We do miss her. Grace Tierney, Tunbridge Wells Ed: Nice to know she brings sunshine into your life

FINE BY ME!

UNHOLY TRINITY I love Trinity Theatre and I usually approve of everything they do. Last summer I especially loved the Big Top in the garden and the dog show. But I have to speak out at my horror at seeing a new patio with picnic benches covered by a ghastly white canopy. It is as common as anything, pure Southend, not Tunbridge Wells at all! What will come next? A paddling pool? John Broad, Tunbridge Wells Ed: There’s always someone in a flap…

It’s not often you get someone sticking up for parking fines, but I was appalled to read that the meddling government are going to force councils to limit the use of spy cars. Why? With the government slashing budgets, the council needs these funds for things like our theatres, museum and events. Eric Pickles has a cheek to say councils are greedy. They are not – they are desperate! The spy car at Fiveways in TW makes a handy fortune out of lazy drivers blatantly ignoring the 10am to 4pm “no go” rule, which is entirely fair. It’s there for a reason – fine the ignoramuses more, I say! Vernon Murray, Rusthall Ed: Oooh. You will be popular!

ALL A-BOARD I enjoyed spotting this pair playing backgammon on the London train the other day. It was so refreshing not to see passengers just staring at screens. A good example for children, too. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to get them away from their gadgets and back to conventional board games where you actually have some human exchange? It also stirred a vague memory of a chess club on the Hastings line back in the days of the buffet car – which was always very social. Or is that just wishful thinking? Sue Harrison, by email Ed: Either way, we are ready to play. Game on!

AUGUST 2014

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TWITTER

TOPICAL TWITTER

We’ve been keeping an eye on the topics that have got you in a flutter recently… THE PORTELLI ROOM

Y ALLER TELLIG @POR

@PORTELLIGALLERY

Loving the BANKSY style graffiti that’s appeared in Tonbridge #tonbridgeart #tonbridge #art #graffiti #graffitiart

CAROLINE SMITH @PLAYGROUNDONLIN

KIRSTY AUSTIN @KIRSTYAUSTIN_1

Survived A levels & teen survived crazy night out in TWells. Blue sky, seagulls & @AegonUKtennis in Eastbourne today *relaxes shoulders*.

Anyone know of any #panini swapping groups in #TunbridgeWells preferably in the pub! asking on behalf of an adult housemate!!!

LOCAL & LIVE @LOCAL_AND_LIVE

MINIMAYA @MINIMAYATW

Foot stomping @TheOrangeCircus #music #TunbridgeWells @twforum “is the floor broken yet?”

Very busy evening at minimaya Pop-up. Lovely to see all the minimaya Lady’s. Ready for two more great day’s at The lovely Salomon’s Estate

BEX WALTON @XEBNOTLAW

I didn’t know this many people in Tunbridge Wells had Twitter until a helicopter turned up. True disgusted of #tunbridgewells style!

LADY LARA LOOP @JJMATTUSSI

We’re singing non stop so pleased I made this train. All those on the 1130 from charing Cross come to Tunbridge Wells this carriage is fab

SARAH SALWAY @SARAHSALWAY

DON’T CALL ME SIR @MGDRAGONSLAYER

Well that’s the TWells police budget spent on 20 minutes use of the helicopter tonight

DR CHRIS HAAN @TW_PEOPLE

‘People are jealous of our large house in Tunbridge Wells’. #traintalk

LESLEY PENNEY @JAKESYPENNEY

Morris dancing at #Speldhurst this sunny afternoon. Shame no “Fido at the Fete” though, just not the same.

Plotting exercises for my new writing group at Tonbridge on Monday - imaginary pets, verb free sentences and lots of revenge. DAN CLEWS @DANCLEWS

JAMES ASH @PORSCHEPHILE

@RoyalTunWells Pretty sure I just saw Robocop on London Road.

JESSIE J @JESSIEJ

Just got signal Bedgebury Forest thank you for a wicked night! Home to bed for a few hours sleep ...

GRACE BIRCHMORE @GRACIEEEGRACE

I wondered why I could hear music, hd festival is up the road. I didn’t know tunbridge wells did festivals @ RoyalTunWells

@BBCRADIOKENT @HopFarmFest got my Jimmy Hill face on. Always happens when I’m happy. Xx BLUEMOON GALLERY @BLUEMOONTWELLS

Lots of loans from @TWBC_Museum in the @Tate #BritishFolkArt show, including a painting of Speldhurst church, great show

It’s a Rap and it’s a WRAP for my finale weekend at Bluemoon Gallery. Would love to see you, pop in. Last day of Peter Blake exhibition too!

CLAREMONT SCH PTA @CLAREMONTSCHPTA

ALEXANDRE BOYES @ALEXANDREBOYES

Now wondering who had the clever idea of booking the fete the same weekend as Glastonbury - doesn’t always rain?

Come and join the fun - the wetter the better!! #langtongreenfete

CREATIVESOUTHEAST @CREATIVESE

LAURAINE GRIFFITHS @GRIFFLOZZA

@HopFarmFest Great couple of days but WHY could we take our own booze in yesterday but not today? Threw away £20’s worth. Not impressed!!!!!

PHIL JERROD @PHILJERROD

yourself? tweet us Why not ourites v fa t our We’ll prin ines es @SoMagaz r.com/SoMagazin itte www.tw

James Blunt just came onstage at Hop Farm. Had to step on a few toes, but we’ve managed to fight our way to the back. TONBRIDGEDAILY @TONBRIDGEDAILY

Can you breakdance? Do you live in Tonbridge? We need one to film!!!! DM please

AUGUST 2014

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new

NEWS

SARAH BOND

FRASER HART

OUR MONTHLY LOOK AT SOME OF THE LOCAL STORIES MAKING THE HEADLINES

Panic in the Paciﬁc

Art form A 17-year-old who nearly gave up art this year beat 129 other creatives to win Thomson Snell & Passmore’s Outstanding Artist Award at Tunbridge Wells’ first South of England Art Fair – with the AS level painting she nearly didn’t do. Florence Moore, from Hillview School for Girls, Tonbridge, says: “I thought it was crazy. I didn’t think my painting was that great, so winning was a lovely surprise. I was thinking of giving up art but my tutor didn’t let me and I’m so grateful.” Florence’s prize was a £2,000 sculpture by Guy Portelli, who co-directed the SEE fair with Mark Paul Perry.

Pip, Pip Hooray A local woman who launched her own entirely natural Blend Collective beauty range after beating breast cancer has won Gold at the national FreeFrom Skincare Awards. Pippa Bennett’s ‘Unwinding’ sandalwood and frankincense soap, which sells at Tunbridge Wells’ Fenwick’s and Coco Blush, came top in the Hard Soap category. “With so much competition from well known natural brands, I nearly fell off my chair when our name was announced,” says Pippa. The awards were presented at Olympia by beauty and holistic health guru Janey Lee Grace. The accolades were founded to encourage the manufacture of skincare products that are free from elements associated with skin sensitivities.

No Jams Tomorrow Drivers vexed by the A21 bottlenecks between Pembury and Tonbridge were delighted to hear work is expected to start on the dualling of the north and south carriageways this autumn, with main construction next spring. Balfour Beatty have been appointed to carry out the £69.7million scheme, which was championed by Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark. Some 32,200 drivers use the Castle Hill section each day and it’s estimated the dualling will reduce accidents by 60%. “We have a strong track record of delivering major road schemes on time and to budget,” says a Balfour Beatty spokesperson.

After the tragic loss of four British yachtsmen in May, another dramatic US Coast Guard rescue bid was launched to save Tunbridge Wells’ Fraser Hart and his crew in the inaugural Great Pacific Race after their rowing boat filled with water. It was a tough challenge amid 20ft waves and gale-force winds, but they were finally airlifted to safety. Fraser, who flew home last month, says: “Our sadness about not making it is vastly outweighed at the joy of still being alive.” He hopes to attempt the 2,400-mile journey again in 2016 and in the meantime switched to supporting Anglo-Irish Team Battleborn.

Royal Flush If you thought you saw Homeland star Damian Lewis at Tunbridge Wells station – you did. He arrived to start filming at Penshurst Place for BBC drama Wolf Hall, in which he plays Henry VIII. Based on author Hilary Mantel’s Booker Prizewinning novel about Thomas Cromwell, it is set to be screened next year. Jonathan Pryce, Bernard Hill and Mark Rylance co-star and some of the actors were also spotted at the village’s Leicester Arms. The real Henry VIII visited Penshurst Place when he was wooing Anne Boleyn at Hever Castle.

Hidden Treasure The refurbishment of Salomons estate has revealed a long-hidden black and white mosaic of the family crest, which had been buried, unseen, under a carpet for years. The mosaic – which is in the entrance hall – features the Salomons’ motto “Deo Adjuvante”, meaning “With God’s help”, and Sir David Salomon’s initials. Anna Nouyou, of current owners the Markerstudy Group, says: “Our aim is to return Salomons to its former glory.” AUGUST 2014

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EVENTS

AUGUST

CALENDAR

TRIAL BY WATER

IMAGE: SARAH BOND

On Saturday August 2 the energetic will be lining up to have a go at the Bewl Water Triathlon, while others will be happy to laze back and watch. The athletes’ challenge begins with a swim, moves on to a fast-moving 20km bike ride through surrounding roads and villages, and ends with a tough run back at Bewl. On Sunday August 3, there are open water swim events of 1.9km and 3.8km distances. All athletes receive an event T-shirt and medal and if you fancy displaying a bit more hardiness, you can camp there all weekend. www.bewltriathlon.co.uk

WRITE ON

WELLS REMEMBERED

TOUGH MEDICINE

Children have the chance to improve their handwriting with Websters Pen Shop’s popup writing school at Bluewater. Running until September 7 in Lower Thames Walk (next door but one to Boots), the Write On Academy is in association with pen manufacturers Lamy and offers free space and writing facilities to under11s. Staff are on hand to help youngsters master this declining art and find their perfect pen. There’s even a chance to join Websters’ under-11 loyalty scheme, The Pencil Case Club. www.websterspenshop.co.uk

As the anniversary of Britain’s entry into the First World War looms, Tunbridge Wells joins the national commemorations. On Sunday August 3, join The Mayor, British Legion and Army Cadets at The Drumhead Service in Calverley Grounds at 3pm. On the anniversary itself, August 4, there will be a vigil outside the Town Hall at 10pm, as part of the UK-wide ‘lights out’ initiative. The Museum’s First World War exhibition also continues, with holiday events for all the family on August 5 and 6. www.tunbridgewellsmuseum.org

Outspoken pharmacologist David Colquhoun calls many alternative treatments, including homoeopathy, “pure gobbledygook”. This month he tells the Tunbridge Wells Skeptics in the Pub group exactly why, in a talk headed “How Quackery Corrupts Real Science”. Professor Colquhoun runs an online blog called DC’s Improbable Science, which was the 2012 co-winner of the first UK Science Blog Prize, awarded by the Good Thinking Society. The talk is being held upstairs at Sankey’s and starts at 7.30pm. The donation is £3. www.facebook.com/groups/TWSkeptics AUGUST 2014

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EVENTS

FOLK GOES FUNK

SPOT THE GUILT Watch out for witches hubbling and bubbling as Macbeth comes to town, bringing a trail of blood and guilt with him – and his hand-rubbing “Out, damn’d spot!” See Shakespeare as it was meant to be seen, as staged by London’s Globe Theatre, on screen at Trinity Theatre. A timely airing, given that it’s all about who will rule Scotland, as the referendum looms. Though we doubt the battle will be this bloody… Joseph Millson and Samantha Spiro star, with Gawn Grainger as the ill-fated King Duncan. www.trinitytheatre.net

22 A U G U S T

TOM BARNES

A toe-tapping treat for folk-loving folk, as Bellowhead bring dance tunes and sea shanties to Tunbridge Wells’ Assembly Hall in their 10th high-energy year. Having switched to Island Records in the spring, they released new album Revival this summer, which they no doubt hope will match the roaring success of their 2010 smash hit silver album Hedonism. The 11-piece band are famed for being amazing to watch live and standing as well as seated tickets are available. Best wear your dancing shoes for both. www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

GOING BATTY

OINK-CREDIBLE!

Minibeast-hunting is one thing, but who can resist the chance to go on a bat walk? Now’s your chance to see these extraordinary creatures swooping and weaving as dusk falls at Grosvenor and Hilbert Park. Meet at the Bowls Pavilion at 8pm to see these and other night-time creatures. Who knows what else may lurk in the wonderfully wild ancient woods? Spaces are limited, so book by emailing Community Engagement Officer at cally.fiddimore@tunbridgewells.gov.uk www.fogh.org.uk

A great chance to enjoy a trip back in time on the Spa Valley Steam Railway and keep the children enthralled, too – by seeing Peppa Pig, who is celebrating her 10th anniversary this year. As you go on your journey from Tunbridge Wells West Station to Eridge (hopefully avoiding muddy puddles), the cheeky piggy will be appearing at a station en route – and the kids will have a chance to meet her. This summer holiday event was a sell-out last year, so don’t delay. It’s just the ticket. www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk

2014

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EVENTS

HIST-ERICAL

DAVID BARTHOLOMEW

See if the rave reviews of The Pantaloons Theatre Company are right when they gallop through their own inventive History of Britain at Scotney Castle open-air theatre. We are told to expect “mud, blood and stiff upper lips” as King Harold and William the Conqueror fail to see eye to eye, Henry VIII goes marriage-mad and Queen Victoria is, of course, not amused. Entertainment for all ages, with songs, sketches and general silliness under the stars. And if you go early enough you can have a picnic. Gates open at 6.15pm with the performance at 7pm. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/scotney-castle

PARK LIVE

OUT ON THE TILES

30 HE’S GOT SOUL

August Bank Holiday weekend will once again see Tunbridge Wells rocking to the sounds of Paul Dunton’s free, four-day Local & Live music festival for burgeoning musical talent. In its ninth year, the event moves into the open air again – at Calverley Park. Some 200 acts, including Will Joseph Cook, Goldie Reed, Annaca, and Freddy Green & A Few Good Folk, will play to more than 20,000 people. So best get there early to book your picnic or dancing space. Fringe venues include The Forum, The Grey Lady, The Royal Oak, The Bedford and Sankey’s. www.localandlive.org

A summer highlight returns when Music on the Tiles takes place at The Pantiles from Saturday August 23 to Monday August 25. The bank holiday festival sees the bandstand hosting three different acts between 12.30pm and 9.30pm each day. As the culmination of the Thursday night jazz season, this is a fantastic chance to enjoy live music in a delightful outdoor setting, while savouring a tipple or a bite to eat. Acts due to appear include George Anderson, Reuben Richards and Blues Brothers Little Brother. See the full line-up and times online at www.pantilestraders.co.uk

American soul, rhythm and blues legend Geno Washington is still going strong, with his Yo Yos (half of his former Ram Jam Band) and arrives at The Forum in Tunbridge Wells for an unmissable live show – adding to the list of big names flocking to this valuable music venue. Tickets cost £13 and you’re advised to buy well in advance, because he promises to lay on a fantastic performance party. It might be worth bearing in mind he studied for a degree in hypnotism, too! The show starts at 8pm. www.twforum.co.uk

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EVENT

SOCIAL

IS THIS A HIT I SEE BEFORE ME?

SARAH BOND

The Groombridge Dramatic Society had another palpable triumph on their hands when they staged Hamlet over six nights, in a specially-created open air theatre in the private gardens of Birchden at Groombridge. Audiences picnicked before the performances and director Oliver Hulme raised eyebrows with his different take on the tragic tale of the Prince of Denmark, whose uncle murdered his father then married his mother – especially when a chilling new ending saw the dead rise up. Former Judd pupil Douglas Phillips starred as Hamlet, while Oliver played Claudius. The society is on the lookout for new members for future productions. “Especially young male leads,” says Oliver. www.groombridge-gads.blogspot.co.uk

AUGUST 2014

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SOCIAL

TONBRIDGE GETS INTO THE SWING

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH BOND

Revellers lined the streets of Tonbridge for the annual Lions Club Carnival, which took the theme of the Swinging Sixties – producing flower power costumes and peace signs galore. The Mayor of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, Cllr Mrs Sasha Luck, rode in the procession in Lion President Keith Bourne’s Morgan car, while Mrs Bourne and the Mayor’s daughter travelled in the car behind. The procession wove from the back of Sainsbury’s down the High Street to the Castle, where there was a fête on the lawn. The winning band was The Royal British Legion, while The Wonder Girls proved winning majorettes. www.tonbridgelions.co.uk

AUGUST 2014

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EVENT

AUGUST 2014

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EVENT

SOCIAL

LET’S GO NUTS!

DAVID BARTHOLOMEW/CLICK CREATIVE

The Click Creative Networking Group entered into the spirit of things with their Brazilian cookery lesson at the Rosemary Shrager Cookery School in Tunbridge Wells. Deciding that this was much more fun than football, they kicked off with a Caipirinha cocktail based on cachaca (sugarcane rum), courtesy of Buss Murton solicitors. Then Executive Chef John Rogers taught them how to make pastel (Brazilian pasties) and brigadeiros (Brazilian chocolate fudge truffles), which added to the fiesta flavour. The visitors left with a goody bag including raw organic chocolate and a recipe card. After all the Latino excitement, the group is taking a break this month, but plan to be back in September for an ‘Indian Summer’ night. www.clicknetworking.co.uk

AUGUST 2014

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25/07/2014 14:37

WANTED

Senior journalist Tunbridge Wells - £25,000

MUST BE...

“an ambitious, career driven professional”

ALSO ESSENTIAL...

WANTED

Freelance photographers

ARE YOU... a photographer living within our circulation areas across West Kent and East Sussex?

“Would you like to see your pictures featured and credited in So magazines? ”

WE’RE LOOKING FOR

THE ABILITY TO USE SOCIAL MEDIA, DRIVE AND TAKE PICTURES – PLUS A CONFIDENT, OUTGOING NATURE

WILL NEED

at least five years’ proven experience in newspapers or magazines, a flexible approach to working (some evenings/weekends), and to live locally

APPLICATION & CV

Richard Moore Editorial Director So Magazines, Longford House 19 Mount Ephraim Road Tunbridge Wells TN1 1EN

images of local events, socials or personalities on a regular basis £50 per commission

CONTACT

01892 779 650

CLOSING DATE Monday 25th August

JOIN THE TEAM

For more details on the senior journalist, please go to www.markerstudygroup.com/careers and click on ‘latest vacancies’ contact rmoore@markerstudy.com

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25/07/2014 11:12

WELLNESS

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24/07/2014 14:56

SARAH BOND

INTERVIEW

Lee Stillwell and Norman Matchett

TWO MEN AND THEIR BOATS Who doesn’t enjoy splashing around on Dunorlan Lake in Tunbridge Wells during the summer? Lee Stillwell certainly does. He’s grown up working on the boats and loves them with a passion. He tells us about his bosses, brothers Norman and the late Ron Matchett, who took on the business 65 years ago. Norman still works in the ticket office every day – at the grand age of 92…

ee Stillwell has loved the Dunorlan boats, which are sponsored by So magazine, since he started working on them at the age of nine. “I remember running down the hill on my first day. The park wasn’t all posh like it is now. There were all these dirty, grubby men working there and I thought ‘What have I got myself into?’ But that was it – I got the bug. Ron later told Norman: ‘That boy will take over these boats’. “The boats don’t make any money, but there’s just something about them. It’s a passion. I’ve been there 25 years now!” Having Ron and Norman as his bosses was an added bonus. “Because of their insistence on safety there’s never been an accident,” Lee says. “Though years ago a girl fell in the water and her brother jumped in after her. All children wear lifejackets, but he couldn’t swim and in his panic he was pulling her under. So I swam out and pulled him off her, and the safety boat came. But the only person who had to go in The Matchett brothers

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the ambulance was the mum, because she panicked too.” The brothers started at Dunorlan in 1947, running catering out of an old army canteen bought for £20 from Lord and Lady Knowles – who reportedly never cashed the cheque. When they were later offered the boat business, Norman went to the bank to borrow £1,000 to buy it, even though the boats had seen better days. It was only thanks to his amusing honesty that they succeeded. “What Norman didn’t know was that the bank manager’s gardener worked on the boats at weekends and had told him they were wrecks,” says Lee. However, when asked about the boats, Norman confessed that they were “rubbish”, adding: “It’s not what they are, it’s what I’m going to make them. So if you won’t lend me the money, I’ll find a bank that will.” “The bank manager laughed and gave him the money – but told Norman years later it was only because he’d been truthful,” Lee says. “The boats ran the brothers’ lives from then on.”

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25/07/2014 17:11

SOCIAL

DRESSED TO IMPRESS

PHOTOGRAPHY: TINA CHATFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY

In their big end-of-year fashion show, students at West Kent College’s Tonbridge Campus took to the catwalk to model the clothes they designed and created on the Fashion and Clothing 90 Credit and Extended Diploma courses. The two-year BTECcourse is the equivalent to A Level study, with the majority of learners being aged 16 to 18 years. With employability in mind, they explore such practical skills as pattern cutting, fashion illustration and textile printing methods. Most of the students go on to study fashion and textiles at degree level. So we could be looking at the Stella McCartneys of the future… www.kcollege.ac.uk

AUGUST 2014

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23/07/2014 16:45

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SOCIAL

STEAMING GOOD TIME

PHOTOGRAPHY: RICHARD STUMPF/SPA VALLEY RAILWAY

The Spa Valley Railway held its annual 1940s weekend in the month that marked the 70th anniversary of D-Day. Everyone was chuffed to dress up and revisit an era gone by, with actors adding to the flag-waving atmosphere. There was an unscheduled drama when a lorry crashed into the railway bridge at Broom Lane, which limited the steam trains’ full journey from Tunbridge Wells West to Eridge for a short while – but no one really minded because there were lots of 1940s displays at the stations. These included dancing from the Lindy Hoppers, period army and civilian vehicles, retro cooking and clothing, 1940s ID cards and a Spitfire flypast over Tunbridge Wells. www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk

AUGUST 2014

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23/07/2014 16:35

EVENT

AUGUST 2014

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23/07/2014 16:36

EVENT

also on our radar More news and pictures from some of the area’s best events

As part of last month’s South East England Art Fair events, sculptor Louise Giblin created a body cast live in public for the first time – in the shop window of Hoopers in Tunbridge Wells. Crowds of people stopped to look on in fascination as Louise used local fitness instructor Stacey Waite as a model. In addition, Hoopers gave window space to several SEE Art Fair exhibitors. It was all in aid of chYps Children’s Hospice from Home, and some pictures were bought then and there. www.seeartfair.co.uk

THEA THOMPSON

GIBLIN’S IN GOOD SHAPE

TRI, TRI, TRI AGAIN Pupils at Langton Green Primary School were hooked on a new sport following a visit by professional triathlete, Catherine Jameson. Along with Brian Adcock, founder of The Castle Triathlon Series (organisers of the Hever Castle Triathlon) Catherine led 120 children in an exciting training session. She also introduced the first UK curriculum linked resource, Tri Knights. “Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 were delighted by the visit,” says the school’s Sports Coordinator, Dan Gillinder. “The children arrived at school with their bikes in a buzz of excitement. Each of the team inspired the children through the morning whilst sharing their experiences and specialist knowledge with all.” www.castletriathlonseries.co.uk

SELLING IT LIKE IT IS

TINA CHATFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY

Rachel Lowe of Catapult Sales led an interactive workshop on how to be more confident in sales at a Women in Business West Kent meeting at St Julians Club, Sevenoaks. Practical exercises meant everyone learned something useful and the ladies all came away with information to use immediately. These networking meetings are open to any women and some attendees were starting up new businesses. The next event at St Julians is Speed Networking at 7.30pm on Thursday August 28. Meetings are also held in Tunbridge Wells. www.wibwestkent.org.uk

AUGUST 2014

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23/07/2014 16:42

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MY RANT

ON YER BIKE! Here we give readers a chance to vent their views on a contentious local issue. Motorist and cyclist sympathiser Harriet, from Paddock Wood, gives her response to a recent Sevenoaks news story

ast month So magazine featured a story about cyclists who failed to stop to allow cattle to pass on a narrow Sevenoaks lane. Engrossed in race training, the group allegedly sped past the herd’s frantic guide and almost crashed into the animals, sending 11 young bulls scattering across the fields in panic. I can totally understand the farmer’s fury at this thoughtlessness – after all, it’s hard to appreciate why amateur cyclists would put their race times above the safety of animals, other road users and even themselves. I can testify that I have had similar experiences with cyclists on Kent’s country roads; just a few weeks ago, I was driving towards a rural mainline railway station at 7am on a weekday when I was confronted by a large group of cyclists charging towards me three abreast (which is against the rules of the Highway Code). The lane is wide enough to allow two vehicles to pass with care, but there are no road markings and it was lucky that I drive a small car. However, when a cyclist chose that moment to try and pass those in

front of him, making the group four abreast, I was forcedto brake almost to a halt and swerve into the hedge. The riders swarmed past me, apparently oblivious to the danger and I gave them a good hoot on my horn as they vanished into the distance, around another blind corner. This was at a peak time for commuters driving to the station, so goodness knows if they all made it home safely. Motorists and cyclists often have a clash of views about road use and it is unfortunate incidents like this that fan the flames of the argument, with responsible riders being tarred with the same brush as the irresponsible few. But although motorists might have a valid point when they stress that cyclists don’t pay road tax and don’t need to have insurance, I don’t agree that those on two self-powered wheels shouldn’t have the same rights as those on four. Some of my friends express real road rage at the mere sight of a cyclist and I’ve witnessed a lot of near-misses that were mainly (though not always) caused by driver belligerence. Although I’m not into cycling

myself, I feel bad when riders are put at risk by impatient motorists. Road tax may have ultimately paid for surfaces to be tarmaced and signs put up, but many of the roads we use today have their origins in ancient trails which pedestrians and horse riders used for centuries before the car was invented. So it’s not really fair to say that nothing but motorised vehicles should be allowed to travel from A to B – in many cases, moving off the highway onto adjacent fields is not an option because it would mean trespassing on someone’s land. Clearly it’s not reasonable for a cyclist to pay the same tax as a motorist, who might be charging their big car all over the roads for hours every day and inflicting a much greater toll on both the road surface and the environment. At the same time, cyclists perhaps need to be more understanding of the traffic flow issues they can cause on narrow lanes and to ensure they always abide by the Highway Code, out of respect to other road users. Even if it costs them a few seconds off their personal best, that’s better than paying the price with their life.

DO YOU HAVE A RANT YOU’D LIKE TO RELEASE? Email your views, in no more than 600 words, to Editor Jane Connolly jconnolly@onemediauk.co.uk. We won’t publish anonymous letters and contact details must be supplied, but if you’d prefer not to be named in print please make this preference clear. AUGUST 2014

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24/07/2014 10:03

AUGUST

THIS MONTH

YOU SHOULD

PACK... If you’re looking for a little culture on your next holiday, how about visiting the locations that inspired artistic masterpieces? A dozen famous spots are on the global itinerary, taking in the landscapes that enraptured artists such as Cézanne, Monet, Hockney, Gaugain and Renoir. You’ll start in London, where Turner depicted the burning of the Houses of Parliament and carry on to locations in France, Italy – including Venice, pictured – Tahiti, Tunisia and Japan. Travellers will receive six beautiful scarves from Babooshka Boo inspired by the countries visited and £1,000 will be donatedto The Prince’s Trust for each trip booked. Tickets cost £71,000 including Business Class flights, transfers and accommodation. www.veryfirstto.com

LISTEN...

READ...

WATCH...

Pop princess Pixie Lott releases her third studio album on August 4 and it promises to be a Motown influenced collection. Pixie says the selftitled new album will be something of a departure from her previous pop sound, as the lead single Nasty, released earlier this year, demonstrated. Why not get hold of a copy and see whether she’s successfully captured the soul sound? Available for £11.99 from www.play.com

It’s been five long years since Sarah Waters’ last novel was published, the excellent (possible) ghost story, The Little Stranger. Now the wait is over for her devoted fans – on August 28 her new novel, The Paying Guests, is released. Set in 1922, the story introduces us to an impoverished widow and her spinster daughter, who are forced to take in lodgers to make ends meet in grim post-war Britain. Little do they know that their decision will have unforeseen consequences. Available for £16 from www.waterstones.com

Having earned mostly excellent reviews, Captain America: The Winter Soldier has been hailed by some critics as one of the best superhero movies ever made. Chris Evans reprises his role as the wartime hero who found himself brought back to life in the 21st century in 2012’s The Avengers. Now trying to adjust to modern society, he is drawn into a partnership with Scarlet Johansson’s Black Widow to try and defeat a powerful new enemy. Available at www.amazon.co.uk from August 18, priced from £10

AUGUST 2014

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THIS MONTH

CALL... Even if your budget won’t quite stretch to the key of a Lamborghini just yet, you can still have a little bit of luxury tech in your pocket. The new Tonino Lamborghini TL-66 smartphone comes in rose gold and leather and boasts a touch screen, 4” high resolution display and a 13 megapixel camera. It runs on the Android 4.2 Jelly Bean operating system, so you can enjoy the latest technology advances in high style. Available from www.selfridges.com for £2,500

SAVE... CHILL... When you’re planning your summer party or barbecue, ice is essential for those refreshingly cool drinks. You could buy a bag of cubes or, cheaper still, just pop some trays into the freezer. But if you’re fed up of your tipples being diluted by rapidly melting ice, it’s time to invest in a better quality of chill. Californiabased Glace Luxury Ice Company sells purified ice that comes in cubes or funky spheres and it can take up to 40 minutes to thaw in liquid – plenty of time to savour your aperitif. Packets of 50 cost around £190 but many would say that a cold drink on a hot day is priceless. www.glaceice.net

Had enough of airports? Put the queues behind you and start saving for what promises to be next year’s most exciting transport development – the release of the new HondaJet. Marketed as an ‘affordable’ private jet, it’s a snip at £2.7million. Honda Aircraft Company has recently been working on completing and testing the first production HondaJet, with the aim of making its initial deliveries to customers in 2015. So start hoarding those pennies if you want to hit the skies next summer. www.hondajet.com

CARRY... Fashion moves fast and if you’re already looking ahead to your autumn wardrobe, make an investment that looks great in the summer too. Prada’s Saffiano range of handbags is the ultimate in chic – they come in a range of styles, sizes and colours, which means they look fantastic with both casual and formal outfits. Saks Fifth Avenue stocks a broad selection, from the metallic crossbody camera bag (£435.71) to the Vernice frame pyramid bag (£2,455.20). We love the elegant medium tote bag (pictured) at £1,334.80. www.saksfifthavenue.com

AUGUST 2014

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23/07/2014 15:23

at the

AUGUST 2014

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GOSSIP

CONFIDENTIAL BY TACITUS

NOTHING ESCAPES OUR ATTENTION

WHY

were drinkers at this pub left a little bemused? Because they were sitting outside sipping chilled Chardonnay at the Blackboys near Uckfield one Sunday when they spotted a woman acting strangely. She was chanting as she worked her way round the huge trees gently putting her arms around each one. She was a genuine, real life tree hugger!

WHICH

aspiring mechanic was taken for a ride? Answer: The one trying to sell a caravan for a customer. He was advised by his bar buddies to check the reading on the speedo ‘beneath the right hand bed of every van’. He drove to where the van was stored and could not find a speedo. He was sent back three times to double check. Vans do not have speedos.

WHICH

well-known jeweller proved a real diamond on the dance floor? That would be the one who found himself drinking alone in a Camden Road TW pub the other night. He spotted a group of attractive younger ladies at the other end of the bar, bought them drinks and then spent the rest of the night bopping away. What a mover!

WHO

came up wth a recipe for disaster? That would be the person who attended a £125 course on Indian cooking (not in TW), then walked out early with all the goody bags containing signed copies of the cookery book and recipes. The rest of the clients departed emptyhanded. They were exceedingly unhappy.

WHO

keeps a close eye on news of launch parties? Answer: The couple who plan their lives around sneaking into opening events for shops, bars and restaurants, where they enjoy complimentary drinks and canapés. “It’s a great way of eating out for free and meeting lots of nice people,” they tell friends. The words ‘cheap’ and ‘skate’ come to mind.

WHY

does this housing association deserve a round of applause? Because they refused to be cajoled into re-homing a tenant even thought she kept ‘accidentally’ leaving taps running in her apartment and flooding the floors below. Their solution? They moved her to a ground floor flat. Result!

WHO

got covered in embarrassment by a frock? Answer: The woman wearing a stunning little black dress at a dinner party. Problem was she’d bought it at a charity shop and it had been donated by another guest who was not slow to draw attention to the fact. You should have told her it was originally far too big for you and that you had to get it altered..

WHO

got freaked out by the painters? That would be the young lady living in a flat where scaffolding was erected when the block needed re-painting. She forgot to draw the curtains as recommended and in the morning walked into her lounge exposed as the day she was born, only to see two young men grinning at her through the window. She ended up being late for work!

WHO

turned out to be a cougar with no conscience? Simples: The blonde in her late 40s spotted out one night in TW with a man in his 20s. They were said to be getting very cosy. When quizzed by friends she readily declared: “He’s my best friend’s son.” That’ll be an interesting conversation!

Got a rumour? Pass it on via confidential@onemediauk.co.uk We never reveal our sources

AUGUST 2014

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23/07/2014 15:18

CELEBRITY

ANDREA RAFFIN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

“Oh, God, I struggle with low selfesteem all the time! I think everyone does. I have so much wrong with me, it’s unbelievable!”

AUGUST 2014

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23/07/2014 15:08

CELEBRITY

THE RISE AND RISE OF THE FALLEN ANGEL Angelina Jolie might have lately starred as a wicked fairy in the Disney epic Maleficent but her real life is apparently also a constant fight between good and evil. Now a respected actress with a heartthrob fiancĂŠ and loving family, she has faced up to a few demons in the past, including apparent drug use â&#x20AC;&#x201C; as a recently emerged video allegedly showed. Yet she is still one of the most influential people in Hollywood. The actress chats to Shaun Curran about battling world issues in between being a media megastar and the mother of six children

AUGUST 2014

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ANDREA RAFFIN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

ANDREA RAFFIN

CELEBRITY

“Once you have six children, you’re committed”

t’s hard to even contemplate the reality of life as Angelia Jolie. She’s the highest paid actress in Hollywood, an Academy Award winner, a humanitarian and one half of the most famous couple on the planet. Yet somehow she gives the impression of remaining – dare we say it? – fairly normal. By rights, the 39-year-old actress should be a diva on a scale that would make Elizabeth Taylor blush, but Jolie is widely acknowledged as one of the most thoughtful and un-glitzy actors in Hollywood. “I think people in the press like to make it seem like I walk in a certain kind of world, in a certain way, but that’s not the life I’ve made for myself and the people I surround myself with,”

she says. “I’m able to be myself. It’s not a regular life, it’s an unusual life, but I know how ‘regular’ I am.” It should always be remembered - and it can be easy to forget given everything else that surrounds her these days - that Jolie’s first trade has always been acting. And she has proven herself to be an excellent performer over the years; since her big mainstream breakthrough in the now iconic role of Lara Croft in Tomb Raider, her theatrical CV includes fine performances in Mr and Mrs Smith - where she first met partner Brad Pitt - and Salt. Changeling, in which she depicted a traumatised single mother in 1920s Los Angeles, earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress after she had gone one better for Girl, Interrupted, having won Best Supporting Actress in 1999. Despite this professional success, however, Jolie’s personal life appeared to have been more strained at that time. Last month a selfconfessed drug dealer released amateur footage he shot of Jolie in the late 1990s, showing the star looking emaciated and unwell after allegedly taking heroin. During the 16-minute video, she paces around an untidy apartment, while talking incoherently on the phone to an unnamed person (suggested to be her father, actor Jon Voight) about money and family issues. The dealer claims he regularly supplied Jolie with

“When other little girls wanted to be ballet dancers I kind of wanted to be a vampire” drugs, during what she has previously called her “dark and dangerous youth”. These days, however, the only dark side of Jolie seems to be in her characters. Her latest film Maleficent saw Jolie adopt the title role in a live-action adaptation of the Walt Disney classic Sleeping Beauty, re-telling the iconic story from the point of view of the evil fairy queen. It was AUGUST 2014

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CELEBRITY

Jolie’s first on-screen performance since 2010s The Tourist and her first appearance of any kind since lending her voice to Kung Fu Panda 2 in 2011. So why was Maleficent the character that ended her self-imposed exile from the movie business? “I don’t know, I just found her so… well drawn; the original actress [in the Disney animated classic] had such an extraordinary voice. Something about her just seemed so powerful and elegant and she seemed to enjoy really being evil, which I think is fun to watch.” Of course, Maleficent is one of the most notorious villains in Disney history. “I think it’s funny that people think she’s the

reinventing her, it actually went back to the original fairytale and to what was missed from the first Disney movie.” As ever with Jolie, her Hollywood life is just a fraction of what takes up her time at the moment. Having been committed to her humanitarian work for several years now, she was recently the spokesperson of a campaign to end sexual violence in war zones. Her moral compass is so righteously assured and appears to be an inherited characteristic. “I had a wonderful, very loving mother,” she says. “She was very kind, never wanted for herself and was so conscious of giving. Kindness was her gift. She taught me a lot, took me to

“Life comes with many challenges. The ones that should not scare us are the ones we can take on and take control of”

worst in any Disney film,” Jolie says. “We’ve had discussions about this on set about why that is. There are so many great villains and yet why do kids vote her the scariest? Maybe it’s a mother issue… She’s the thing that is supposed to make the kids feel safe. Or the fact that she does the worst thing – she curses a child. It’s been really fun to explore and what was most interesting was that there was so much left out of the animated feature. For example, the fact that she was actually a fairy, so this movie wasn’t

Amnesty International dinners as a little girl and made me aware of things; at school I got sent to the principal’s office for arguing about Christopher Columbus. When I grew up, I started travelling and went to Cambodia where I learned about the war and started to question how much I didn’t know, how much I didn’t learn at school. The war in Sierra Leone was going on at the time and I started to read more and more about it. I got lots of books on all the different things that were happening all around the world and saw pictures from the Rwanda genocide and refugees. When I eventually went to Sierra Leone, my life changed.” If they say that charity begins at home, then Jolie is unflinchingly aware of that fact and is keen to ensure her children are brought up with a similar level of understanding of world issues – a seemingly impossible task, given their privileged situation as a family surrounded by the trappings of Hollywood success. Somehow, Jolie makes it work. “They travel a lot with us and we don’t just live in Hollywood, we go to other places and some of them join me on my UN trips; we go to Cambodia. We don’t just live in one ‘world’. We don’t keep them from the things that we’ve been

“I don’t believe in guilt, I believe in living on impulse as long as you never intentionally hurt another person and don’t judge people in your life. I think you should live completely free” 60 A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 SO TW_AUGUST14_Angelina_Jolie2.indd 6

Angelina Jolie by numbers Age: 39 Marriages: 2 Children: 6 Films: 38 Awards: 38 Annual earnings: £10.5million Fortune (joint with Pitt): £225million blessed to have but we want to make them aware of the world around them but also, be as comfortable without those luxuries when we travel to other places.” A very personal crisis has also had an unexpectedly far-reaching influence on the public. Last year Jolie underwent a preventative double mastectomy after being told that the chances of developing breast cancer were extremely high, given a strong family history of the disease – Jolie’s mother, Marcheline Bertrand, had breast cancer and died of ovarian cancer in 2007. Jolie’s willingness to speak publicly about her decision has been lauded by many in the medical field as an inspiration to cancer sufferers and instrumental in raising awareness of the options available to those who have either been diagnosed or are at risk. “I wanted to tell other women that the decision to have a mastectomy was not easy,” she wrote in a letter to the New York Times. “I do not feel any less of a woman. I feel empowered that I made a strong choice that in no way diminishes my femininity.” Yet for all of her sterling charity work and the positive example she sets, Jolie refuses to see her herself as a role model, preferring instead to concentrate on doing what she feels is right for her and her family. “I wake up and I try to be the best person I can be and I’m proud of the choices that I’ve made at this stage of my life. I know that when I go to sleep at night I’ve done things for the right reasons and I’ve been the best mother I can be. And if that translates in any way to me being a good role model, I’m happy. But I make choices for what I genuinely think is right.”

Angelina and her late mother, Marcheline Bertrand

23/07/2014 15:09

······· RED SQ

••••••• ••••••• •••••••

••••••• : : :: :: : DESIGN AND BUILD

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THE LOOK

{

Our favourite August look

{

SIZZLE IN THE HEAT Keeping your cool in tropical climates isn’t easy, but maxi dresses are an elegant way to look chic while enjoying the comfort of a loose fit. The Bloom maxi dress from Monsoon (£199) is one of our favourites – it embraces this season’s big floral print trend, plus the chunky metallic necklace feature ticks another style box. Wear with bangles and gladiator sandals for the beach boho look, or dress up with a cropped blazer and glitzy flats for an evening out. www.monsoon.co.uk AUGUST 2014

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THE LOOK

FASHION

insider

FASHION EXPERT AND PERSONAL STYLIST CATHERINE DE CRÈVECOEUR REVEALS HOW TO BRING THE LATEST TRENDS TO YOUR AUGUST WARDROBE

Catherine de Crèvecoeur

PERSONAL STYLIST

STEAL HER STYLE Cara Delevingne gives us some rock chick attitude with this simple tee and black trouser combo. Get the look with this rock band T-shirt, £22 and silk trousers, £75, both from Topshop (www.topshop.com).

FEATUREFLASH

f you’re lucky enough to have booked tickets to a festival this summer, then this is your chance to really have fun with your outfit and embrace a multitude of trends, from boho, floral and bold colours, to monochrome and prints. The rule here is, don’t hold back. However, you should also be prepared for all types of weather conditions and temperatures. Unless it’s guaranteed not to rain, avoid wearing jeans as they just get clogged with mud and will make you miserable if they’re soaked through. Instead, wear shorts or short skirts/ playsuits, like this one by Fearne Cotton for Very, (www.very.co.uk) £49 (www.very.co.uk) and leggings or tights with Wellingtons, or the lightweight trousers usually used for hiking or biking purposes (choose ones that wash and dry quickly). Some form of raincoat, poncho or other rain gear is essential for the inevitable shower. It’s also a good idea to have a mini emergency kit that contains bin bags, in case you need to fashion a makeshift raincoat for you or a fellow festival goer. Sandals aren’t recommended if you’re planning on getting close to the stage – your toes will get squashed! Choose shoes or boots that will protect your precious feet and toes, should someone manage to stomp on them. Look at adding some accessories to your outfit, such as a trilby hat, a bandana (which, if the weather is very hot, can be worn wet to cool you down), a bum bag instead of a handbag (bum bags have made a comeback by the way) or a big jewelled statement necklace. Stay stylish out there!

“WHILE CLOTHES MAY NOT MAKE THE WOMAN, THEY CERTAINLY HAVE A STRONG EFFECT ON HER SELF-CONFIDENCE — WHICH, I BELIEVE, DOES MAKE THE WOMAN” - MARY KAY ASHE

top

TIP

Worried about what to buy when you hit the shops? Buy what you like and what suits you first; indulge yourself with trends second.

Splurge Vs Save

For a touch of bohemian chic, add a trilby hat to your summer wardrobe, like this one by Ys, £257, left ((www.farfetch.com). ). Or protect yourself from the rays and look cool at the same time with this one from Accessorize, £17 (www.accessorize.com).

www.stylepourmoi.com AUGUST 2014

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WALQdH 1DIDOO ANT I QUE AND MODERN JEWELLERY

Vintage Garrard Diamond And Yellow Gold Floral Brooch This wonderful brooch was made by Garrard's of London in 1965. It features beautifully textured 18ct yellow gold and stunning round diamonds which make this p1ece not only a piece of jewellery history but a real talking point

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THE LOOK

DOWN ON THE

You’ll be the hottest thing at the poolside this summer with our selection of sizzling swimwear and accessories

KENZO

OLIVER BONAS

Ocean Celeste beach towel ,£110 www.amara.com

Floriano leather drawstring bag, £50 www.oliverbonas.com

BOUX AVENUE

Santa Barbara spot bow bikini top & spot short, £42 www.bouxavenue.com

JAEGER

Placement print kaftan, was £199, now £159.20 www.jaeger.co.uk

BOUX AVENUE

Paris Stripe triangle bikini top & briefs, £40 www.bouxavenue.com

THREE SQUARE

Silver Swarovski crystal flat T-bar sandals, were £74.95, now £53.58 www.whatsabouttown.com

VIX

Solid faux leather and canvas trimmed bikini top, £98; briefs, £98 www.matchesfashion.com

ROXY

Sunset tropical palm print swimsuit, £55 www.very.co.uk

MELISSA ODABASH Sea maxi kaftan, £32 www.marisota.co.uk

WE ARE HANDSOME

Grand Chateau scoop neck one-piece, £192 www.my-wardrobe.com

LISA MARIE FERNANDEZ

Poppy zip high waisted bikini, £317 www.my-wardrobe.com

LINDA FARROW

241 nectarine sunglasses, £418.12 www.farfetch.com

Prices correct at time of writing

AUGUST 2014

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THE LOOK

Portuguese Cork Oak comes to Sevenoaks With the aim of targeting the eco-conscious market looking for a stylish, durable and sustainable product as an alternative to leather, we formed Cortiรงa Chic in 2011 and have recently opened our first shop on Old School Walk in Sevenoaks

e sell a range of hand-crafted Portuguese fashion accessories including: handbags, jewellery, footwear, purses, wallets, umbrellas and much more made from cork (the outer bark of the Cork Oak - Quercus Suber L). The trees are not damaged and are never cut down during the stripping (harvesting) process, after which they begin re-generating and grow new bark. The way in which the cork bark is processed after being stripped produces a material that is

extremely pliable (unlike pin boards and coasters, which are brittle). It is something which needs to be seen and touched to be believed! We believe cork is an excellent eco-friendly alternative to leather; it is warm and silky-soft to the touch, lightweight, water and stain resistant, easy to clean with soap and water and absolutely gorgeous. It also has the advantage of being sustainable, reusable, recyclable and biodegradable. Inspired by European quality and design, our

products combine a mixture of style and versatility and, because it is a natural material, each item is truly individual. Choose a gift from nature - choose cork. Cortiรงa Chic Old School Walk Sevenoaks Kent TN13 1AD 01732 461 074 www.corticachic.com

AUGUST 2014

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THE LOOK

BUYS OF THE

month We’re in festival mood with this month’s style selection

FRAME DENIM

Le Garçon jeans, was £213.67, now £128.20 www.farfetch.com

MISS SELFRIDGE

Floral playsuit, £79 www.missselfridge.com

CUCKOOLAND

Festival hip purse with built-in phone charger, £69.95 www.cuckooland.co.uk

TOPSHOP

Embroidered smock dress by Kate Moss, £85 www.topshop.com

ACCESSORIZE

Portabello slouch shoulder bag, £45 www.accessorize.com

TOYWATCH

Watch from The Maya Collection, £125 www.whatsabouttown.com

ACCESSORIZE

Refreshers trilby, £19 www.accessorize.co.uk

BERTIE

Poppi boots, £110 www.selfridges.com

DUNE

Gayle espadrille, was £99, now £49 www.dunelondon.com

MODA IN PELLE

Nadalini sandals, £75.95 www.modainpelle.com

ILSE JACOBSEN

Rub 47 Chelsea style rubber boots with elasticated trim, £120 Available from Ilse Jacobsen in Tunbridge Wells

OLIVER BONAS

Fusion handmade necklace, £59 www.oliverbonas.com

YUMI

Aztec mosaic dress, was £80, now £50 www.yumidirect.co.uk

PHILOSOPHY DI ALBERTA FERRETTI

Bootcut dungarees, was £386.00, now £270 www.my-wardrobe.com

Prices correct at time of writing AUGUST 2014

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THE LOOKK

KNOCK THEM SIDEWAYS

EVERETT COLLECTION

edding season is upon us and whether you’re the bride, bridesmaid or a guest, your hair is just as important as the dress. Up-do’s are great for exposing slender necks and accentuating beautiful faces, but if you’re tired of the classic formal styles, add a modern twist by trying a messy side bun. Keep it simple, or make it super tousled like Elizabeth Banks (below left); adding curls to front sections will make the style even prettier, as Zoe Saldana (below right) demonstrates. The first step is to build volume and texture at the crown, as this will stop the look from falling flat. Dry shampoo is ideal for giving a lift to roots – we like Oribe’s Dry Texturising Spray, £39. Brush your hair thoroughly to ensure there are no tangles, then apply the spray to your roots and bring your hair into a loose ponytail at the side. (If you have bangs or want to have loose sections towards the front, leave them free of the ponytail for now.) Choose a ‘doughnut’ to suit your hair’s colour and thickness. Divide the ponytail into two sections and start passing the doughnut up the ponytail, tucking the sections of hair into the centre as you go. Alternatively, if you have very fine or very thick hair, you can simply twist it up into a loose bun. When finished, put a second elastic band around the base of the bun to tie in the ends. Those with thick hair might want to add pins or grips to keep it secure. Then you can tease more bits of hair out of the bun or tidy it, depending on the desired look. If you left front sections out, pin them loosely back into the bun or above your ears for soft facial framing. Finish with a good, flexible hairspray – we like Ojon Revitalising Flexible Hairspray, £23.

AUGUST 2014

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TRAVEL VACCINATION

~~ CLINIC

v"'-'

YOUR AD\ fNTLJRE STARTS HER£

Our Travel Vaccination Clinic offers you on lndivtduolly tailored course of travel vaccinations. ontl-molonol medtcotion and travel advice appropriate to your destlnotJon(s). length of stay and personal medical circumstances From backpackers to families. corporate travellers to indiVIduals. our nurse will advise you on the day of your consultation as to the vaccinations ond medications needed

nt1 malaria

el w ever ® -yohold vac 1n ® r oo1es voc 1ne ® e a us pthe Ia Polio Iera ® ® r-~epo It A 8 a es e h Ills ® - orne n ephal us ® we ore happy to see you any time before your travel dote Ideally we would suggest that you attend Lf - 6 weeks before traveling If time Js Short. don't worry we wm endeavour to meet your needs

0189? 2? 2? 2? Cobden House Medical Centre. 25 London Rood. Tunbridge Wells. Kent TN11DA

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THE LOOK

Hairheroes

Mermaid waves or a fuss-free bob – however you’re keeping on trend this month, we all want great hair that shines with health and vitality. As the festival and holiday season is in full swing, convenience is important too. Here are some of our favourite finds for August

REDKEN

SHAPE FACTOR 22 SCULPTING CREAM PASTE 50ML, £11.15

Humidity is the enemy of summer hair, particularly delicate styles like plaits. Tame flyaways and keep frizz at bay with this paste, which gives the hold of hairspray in cream form. It’s great for styling short hair too. Available from www.lookfantastic.com

AUBREY

NAPURA

L’OREAL

AVEDA

HONEYSUCKLE ROSE SHAMPOO 325ML, £10.25

RELOAD HAIR TREATMENT SPRAY 300ML, £18

ELVIVE FIBROLOGY THICKENING BOOSTER 30ML, £5.99

SMOOTH INFUSION NATURALLY STRAIGHT 150ML, £21.50

The organic Rosa Mosqueta oil in this shampoo and the range’s conditioner is derived from the hips of a rare rose grown in Chile’s Andes Mountains. High in Vitamin C and linoleic acids, its healing qualities are applied to leave dry hair smooth and moisturised. Available from www.aubreyorganicsuk.co.uk

Not only does this multifunction hair reviver hydrate and nourish your locks, it also releases colour pigment to help colour treated hair retain its shade for longer. The spray also reportedly increases strength and volume to give your look added vibrancy. Available from www.beautyinsiderpr.com

Attracting generally good reviews, this range seems to be giving a lift to a lot of people with fine hair. Try using the booster with the complementing shampoo and conditioner for the best volume-enhancing results. Available from Boots

If you’re playing it straight this summer, eliminating frizz is essential. Start using this styling cream a few weeks before your holiday or big event – Aveda claim that after five consecutive uses, your hair should stay straight for up to three washes. Available from www.aveda.co.uk

AUGUST 2014

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THE路CHAPEL HAIRDRESSING

www. the chap e I.co. uk

SEVEN OAKS

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

ISLINGTON

0 1732 759839

01892 549900

0207 5200 460

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THE LOOK

beauty FILE

Take a peek in our cosmetics bag as we reveal our beauty favourites Tried & Tested... Our pick of the best beauty products around this month

KADALYS

AUSTRALIAN BODY CARE BODY LOTION 100ML, £8.50

BANANA BALM £9.95

The tea tree oil concentration in this lotion makes it great for soothing skin after a day in the sun, while the coconut and glycerin moisturise and nourish. The product, now available in travel size, also reportedly helps to prevent in-growing hairs. www.australianbodycare.co.uk

Add a touch of Parisian chic to your handbag as one of France’s favourite beauty secrets arrives on our shores. The acclaimed Banana Balm is infused with omega rich banana oil, rosa mosqueta and mimosa, perfect for keeping lips luscious in the heat. Available from www.abeautifulworld.co.uk

BENECOS

WITCH

LAVERA

NATURAL 8 IN 1 BB CREAM £9.95

BLEMISH STICK £3.16

SUN SPRAY SPF 20 125ML, £11.95

Packing light just got easier with this hard-working BB cream. Antioxidants and anti-ageing ingredients combine with light reflecting particles, to prime, cover, soothe, brighten, mattify, smooth, even out skin tone and protect against free radical damage. Available from www.benecos.co.uk

Ideal for breaking down oil and drying out skin imperfections, this is a pocket-sized saviour for dealing with heat, insect bites and other holiday bothers. Pop one in your cosmetics bag for a flawless complexion this summer. Available from Superdrug

Unlike chemical sun sprays, this natural, 100% mineral product works instantly and doesn’t leave a white sheen on your skin. Organic calendula and sunflower oils nourish the skin and it’s water resistant, so you don’t have to keep applying between dips. Available from www.lavera.co.uk

TEMPLESPA

INCOGNITO

SUGAR BUFF 255G, £26

HAIR & BODY WASH 200ML, £7.94

Buffing up for the beach is a joy with this Mediterranean inspired sugar body scrub. Containing olive oil, fig and pomegranate, plus 10 relaxing essential oils, this delicately fragranced scrub removes dead skin cells and leaves your skin feeling silky soft. Available from www.templespa.com

If you’re heading off for an exotic adventure, try this wash which claims to keep insects at bay, while still smelling good. Twice as strong as ordinary citronella, the rare Java variety repels bugs; tea tree and neem also help to keep you fresh but less attractive to biters. Available from Holland & Barrett & www.lessmosquito.com

ESSENTIAL CARE

ODYLIQUE SILK-TOUCH CLEANSER 95G, £18

This 100% natural, 95% organic cleanser is designed for those with sensitive skin, as it offers long-lasting, non-oily rehydration while gently removing makeup. The oil-gel texture absorbs impurities, then turns into an easily rinsed milk on contact with water. Available from www.essential-care.co.uk

AUGUST 2014

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THE WORKOUT ROOM

-NO 12 MONTHS CONTRACT OR JOINING FEE, JUST £30 PER MONTH -PERSONAL TRAINING SESSIONS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

NDGA- Unit 3, Longfield Road Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3QF

01892 550 530 info@ndga-uk.com

Anna-Marie's Beauty FULL RANGE OF BEAUTY TREATMENTS AVAILABLE IN THE COM FORT OF YOU R OWN HOME. Monday- Saturday, evening appointments at request. Tunbridge wells and surrounding areas.

07545 230 627 www.anna-mariesbeauty.com

AUGUST 2014

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Specialist orthopaedic care is not far away

Mr Michael Fordyce

Mr Paul Skinner

M r Richard Benson

Mr David Rose

Consultant Lower Limb Surgeon (Specialising In Hip and Knee Surgery)

Consultant Upper Limb Surgeon

Consultam Upper Limb Surgeon

Mr james Ritchie

Mr justin Forder

Mr Nicholas Bowman

Consultant Foot and Ankle Surgeon

Consultant Knee Surgeon

For more information or for an appointment, please cal l

www.spiretunbridgewells.com

Spire

Tunbridge Wells Hospital Fordcombe Roa d, Fordcombe, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN3 ORO

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NEW ARRIVALS

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THE LOOK

GENTS’ GROOMING

YOGA THERAPY

ummer is fantastic for giving your skin a sun-kissed glow, but getting hot and bothered isn’t usually a hose with health or life challenges can now experience the great look. Men tend to sweat more than women benefits of yoga at The Horder Centre in Crowborough and and for those who suffer from oily skin, perspiration Horder Healthcare in Tunbridge Wells. Yoga therapy is a gentler can be a particular issue as it exacerbates that greasy form of the exercise, making it suitable for people with medical feeling. Males also have more sebaceous glands than conditions that prevent them from practising yoga. Teacher Julie ladies which can lead to excess oil, shine and enlarged Stannard, who has been practising yoga for more than 20 years, pores. Many gents who have oily skin are afraid to use holds the post graduate diploma in Yoga Therapy and the British skincare products, such as moisturisers, for fear of Wheel of Yoga (BWY) Teaching Diploma 500 hours. making the situation worse. “The aim of yoga therapy is to restore balance and Help is at hand from Kiehl’s, which has launched vitality and promote a positive and enabling a new Oil Eliminator range to combat the attitude to life,” Julie says. “No previous shine. Using cutting edge Aerolite experience of yoga is needed and I always Technology – based on the science of Last month So magazine featured tailor my classes to the individual taking aerogel, which has previously been the fantastic Dr Hauschka Lymphatic part, taking into account their own used in space exploration – the Oil Treatment available at Fi Chi, the circumstances.” Eliminator 24-Hour Anti-Shine lifestyle shop and healing haven at Conditions treated include arthritis, Moisturiser for Men (£30) contains 52a High Street, Tunbridge Wells. This back pain, asthma, headaches, multiples the lightest solid material on Earth; treatment has proved very popular sclerosis and cancer. To book an it can absorb four times its own – if you’d like to try it out, please note appointment call 01892 600 815 weight in oil, disperse sweat away the correct phone number for or visit www.horderhealthcare.uk from the skin and deflect light to booking is 01892 539 819. for more information. create a more matt appearance. www.fichi.co.uk To complement the moisturiser, two more Oil Eliminator products are available – the Deep Cleansing Exfoliating Face Wash (£19), which cleanses and removes excess oil without stripping the skin, and the Refreshing Shine Control Toner (£18) which comes in spray form for instant oil aitrose is now stocking reduction. Available from www.kiehls.co.uk products from BRYT, who You can pack light this summer with the new offer skincare for men and Travel Pack from Scaramouche & Fandango (£14). women but particularly aimed Containing 50ml bottles of their Shampoo, Conditioner, at teenagers and young people. Body Wash and Hydrator, the pack also comes with a More than 100 stores are selling a clear resealable bag as demanded by airport security. trio of products to enable a threeThere’s also a travel kit that comes with a smart step skincare regime: Cleanse toiletries bag too (£23). Available from (150ml, £12.50), Calm Serum www.scaramoucheandfandango.com (30ml, £16) and Day moisturiser (50ml, £17.50). The products contain organic superfruits that are five times more antioxidantrich than blueberries. More products are available at www.brytskincare.co.uk

FI CHI

BRIGHTYOUNGTHINGS

AUGUST 2014

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fresh thinking real results

Anti-ageing in路ec o Switch on that Light Underneath your Skin . . . Your Future路s Bright Combining an all-natural mix of vitamins. minerals. plant extracts and amino acids, we use tiny needles to deliver the potent skin pep-up to the middle layer of your dermis, enhancing blood and lymph circulation. skin regeneration. promoting the production of collagen and elastin. and stimulating the skin's metabolism. Think of it as a little beauty bath for your cells.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ The whole face approach

01892 22 22 22 @rtwskin

rtwskin

www.rtwski n.co.u k support@rtwskin.co.uk

Royal Tunbridge Wells Sk1n & Laser Cl1nic, Cobden House Med1cal Centre, 25 London Road, Tunbndge Wells, Kent, TNl lOA

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THE LOOK

expert OPINION

TAKING THE SUN SERIOUSLY

Holiday season is at its peak but despite recent sweltering temperatures, research shows that more than half of us are not taking the proper precautions to protect our skin from the sun

recent study carried out for the British Skin Foundation’s It Takes 7 campaign (www.ittakesseven.org.uk) found that 53% of us worry less about skin cancer than any other form of the disease. Plus, the majority of us underestimate the risk of developing skin cancer, and how many people in the UK are diagnosed with malignant melanoma, the most serious form, every year – with 38% unaware that the condition can be fatal. Are we still not convinced that the British sun is hot enough to do us any real damage? As summer heats up, make sure you know the facts...

Skin cancer doesn’t really kill many people in the UK FALSE

THINKSTOCKPHOTOS

Around 100,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, making skin cancer the most common cancer in the UK. Despite this, skin cancer is the 18th leading cause of cancer deaths, meaning that in most cases, it’s easily treated. However, it still kills around 2,500 a year, the equivalent of seven people a day – the overwhelming majority of these will have malignant melanoma which, worryingly, is on the rise. “If skin cancer’s caught early, it’s usually treatable, but unfortunately it’s very difficult to treat once it has spread to other parts of the

body,” says Dr Bav Shergill, consultant dermatologist and dermatological surgeon .

You don’t have to burn to get skin cancer TRUE It’s sometimes a mystery as to why some people develop cancer and others don’t. “While certain behaviours, like using sunbeds and not protecting your skin in the sun, can increase the risk, skin cancer can affect anyone and isn’t always a result of excessive sun exposure,” says Dr Bav Shergill. However, research has found that getting a painful sunburn just once every two years can triple the risk of melanoma, and sunburn during childhood increases risk in later life. “Just 15 minutes of sunscreen-free sunshine is all you need to get enough vitamin D. If your skin starts to feel red and prickly, seek shade immediately and apply at least an SPF 30,” says Rebecca Maxwell, skin cancer screening nurse at The MOLE Clinic.

Skin cancer is only ever serious for very pale people who don’t tan FALSE “Although skin cancer is more common in people with fair skin, it can affect anyone,” says Dr Virginia Hubbard, consultant dermatologist.

“Skin cancer is serious, whatever a person’s skin type, but the earlier it is spotted, the better the prognosis.”

Only moles that look unsightly and sinister can be cancerous FALSE “Some melanomas do look unsightly, but not all,” says Dr Virginia Hubbard. “If a person has lots of similar moles with one that looks different to the others, it’s worth getting an expert to look at it.” Also, not all skin cancers look like moles at all. For example, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) may appear as a red or waxy-looking lump or scaly patch, or lesions that don’t heal. FOLLOW THE ABCDE RULE: A: Look for moles that are asymmetrical in shape, where one half of the mole is unlike the other. B: Does the mole have an irregular border? Is it scalloped, jagged or poorly defined? C: Is the colour of the mole different from one area to another? D: Is the mole’s diameter bigger than 7mm (about the size of the end of a pencil)? E: Is the mole evolving or changing size, shape or colour? “It is really important to take note of ‘E’, as any mole that is evolving or changing needs to be examined by a GP or an expert right away,” adds Maxwell. AUGUST 2014

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24/07/2014 15:18

Illuminate Skin Clinics, founded by Dr Sophie Shotter- an expert cosmetic doctor, offers tailored treatments in Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks and Kings Hill.

With experience in a range of advanced techniques for treating the face and body, she is devoted to helping you feel great about what you see in the mirror.

'' r

lfi'I:R: • Advanced wrinkle relaxing injections • Body Sculpting • Dermal fillers • The 8 Point Li ft w ith Voluma • Non-surgical nose augment ation • Platelet-rich Plasma (the 'Vamp1re Facelift') • Thread lifting • Thermavein facial thread vein treatments • A qualyx fat dissolving mject 1ons • Coolsculpting • M1crosclerotherapy • Chem1cal peels • Sk incare co nsultations • Obag1 & IS Clinical skl ncare • !.ash growth treatments

I'o1· yom· appoinlnu)nt wil h Dr Sophie, <'oniH('I: PURITYBRIDCI: Tunbridge Wells: 01892 536960 ILLli:VIIN'ATC SKI 'I CLINICS Kings Hill & Sevenoaks: 01732 647007 Twitter: .wyouryouthfairy FB fb.com/YourYouth~ •

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SO TW_Aug14_Page83.indd 3

25/07/2014 12:43

SO Alexander House Hotel & Utopia Spa Turners Hill, East Grinstead, Sussex RH10 4QD

TELL US WHAT’S NEW AT THE SPA?

be described as ‘Total Harmony!’

We have 25 treatment rooms, three of which have been transformed into double treatment

WHAT PACKAGES DO YOU OFFER?

rooms. Plus, we have recently launched our new

We offer a variety, from our new ‘Feels Like

signature treatment ‘Total Harmony’, as well as a

Heaven’ spa day, which starts from £109pp

range of fresh fruit smoothies. If you are joining

and includes a 55-minute treatment and

us on one of our premium packages your robe

two-course lunch, to our beautifully bespoke

will now be complimentary to take home.

Tailor Made Spa Days. Such packages include a two-course dining option, light refreshments

TELL US ABOUT YOUR SIGNATURE

on arrival, your own waffle robe to take home

TREATMENT.

and money to spend on your choice of

Total Harmony is a top-to-toe treatment that

treatments.

involves all over body brushing, followed by the warming touch of basalt lava stones. Whilst your

DESCRIBE YOUR SPA IN THREE WORDS.

body is cocooned in an infusion of aromatherapy,

Luxurious, unique and tranquil.

your face will be treated to a stress relieving warm stone massage –comforting the nerves

01342 714 914

and relaxing the senses to achieve what can only

www.alexanderhouse.co.uk

SO SPA, SO GOOD WHEN IT COMES TO REJUVENATION, NOTHING BEATS SPENDING TIME AT A LUXURIOUS SPA. HERE ARE SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE LOCAL PLACES TO DRIFT AWAY INTO BLISSFUL RELAXATION

Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club Wych Cross, near Forest Row, East Sussex RH18 5JR WHAT’S NEW AT THE SPA?

and balancing benefits of wild

Body Firming Detox treatment – this refines

lavender in this completely rejuvenating

and firms body contours with an exclusive

spa experience. The treatment includes

technique that exfoliates the skin,

an invigorating full body scrub, removed

stimulates lymphatic drainage and

with warm, lavender-infused towels,

increases circulation, incorporating a

followed by a soothing body massage

Brightening Body Peel. This is followed by a

including stones.

massage with Intensive Slimming Serum packed with ginger and caffeine to help

WHAT PACKAGES DO YOU PROVIDE?

break down fat cells. Cool compresses finish

We offer a Pure Relaxation Day which costs

this experience as Multi-Vitamin Firming

£99 for 100 minutes of treatments and use

Crème hydrates and brightens the body.

of the facilities from 9am to 7pm.

WHAT’S YOUR SIGNATURE

SUM UP YOUR SPA IN THREE WORDS.

TREATMENT?

Welcoming, tranquil and rejuvenating.

The Ultimate Forest of Dreams Ritual. Relax and envelop your senses as you dream of

01342 820 254

lavender fields, whilst inhaling the calming

www.ashdownpark.com

AUGUST 2014

SO TW_AUGUST14_CommercialFeature_Spas.indd 2

25/07/2014 14:58

P R O M O T I O N A L F E AT U R E

Knowle Grange Health Spa

Wadhurst Road, Frant, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 9EJ WHAT’S NEW AT THE SPA?

Spa days are just £48 (including a tasty two-course

Our stunning new Victorian treatment room –

lunch and drinks) plus treatments. You can swim in

feel cocooned by sumptuous furnishings and

our natural heated spring water pool and relax in

candlelight, or you might even feel like you’re on

the candlelit spa bath and sauna. Try our Yummy

holiday with the view over the swimming pool.

Mummy or Hen Spa Treatment Packages at £58 each. You will have a pamper host devoted to you

WHAT’S YOUR SIGNATURE LUXURY

for the day and we only offer spa days to one

TREATMENT?

group of guests at a time.

Pure Indulgence Facial – a relaxing back massage and oriental scalp massage, followed by a luxury

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facial (£68, 90 minutes). We’re pretty renowned for

Retreat, relaxing and nurturing.

OPI gel nails and eye framing lash extensions too. 01892 750 761 WHAT PACKAGES DO YOU OFFER?

www.knowlegrange.co.uk

Oakwood Beauty

10 The Square, Riverhead, Kent TN13 2AB WHAT’S NEW AT THE SPA?

including a relaxing back diagnostic massage

This spring, we further expanded our range of

and an acupressure facial to cleanse and

treatments to include IPL permanent hair

replenish your skin.

removal. Designed by Pulsar, the system gives amazing results, allowing clients to say

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“goodbye” to unwanted hair permanently. Other

If you wish to spend more time with us, come

recent additions include a full range of

and experience our private Oak Suite, designed

Mesotherapy treatments, including the

to allow you and a loved one to ‘escape under

extremely popular no-needle Botox facial, a must

the stars’. Experience your treatments side by

to reduce those fine lines and wrinkles.

side, then unwind with complimentary refreshments in your own private room.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR SIGNATURE TREATMENT.

SUM UP THE SPA IN THREE WORDS.

As a Decleor Aroma Gold Award winner, allow us

Spacious, tranquil and escape.

to bring you back to a place of calm and rejuvenation. Enjoy one of our Aroma Expert

01732 746 111

Facials, using Decleor’s aromatherapy based oils,

www.oakwoodbeauty.co.uk

The Spa Hotel

Mount Ephraim, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 8XJ WHAT’S NEW AT THE SPA?

extremely popular – whilst luxurious and

As well as our fantastic range of luxurious spa

relaxing, they also give those instant ‘wow’

treatments, we’ve also recently introduced

results and leave skin looking fabulous.

cosmetic treatments including Eyebrow Definition and Individual Eyelash Application,

I’D LIKE A PACKAGE – WHAT CAN YOU OFFER?

which are perfect for special occasions and are

Our Total Spa Experience offers top to toe

proving really popular.

pampering, with a total of four hours and 20 minutes’ blissful treatment time, a two-course

WHAT’S YOUR SIGNATURE

lunch and use of our spa facilities.

TREATMENT? Our favourite luxury treatment is the Holistic

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Total Body Care, which includes a full body

Friendly, cosy and relaxing.

exfoliation followed by a full body massage with use of hot stones, providing nearly two hours of

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complete indulgence. Our Guinot Facials are also

www.spahotel.co.uk AUGUST 2013

SO TW_AUGUST14_CommercialFeature_Spas.indd 3

25/07/2014 14:59

Is your weight affecting your health? Hands up all those who feel they're in a constant battle to achieve a healthy and sustainable body weight. How many diets have you tried and failed, feeling totally frustrated and not knowing what to do next?

Having had a weight problem for 35 years, Rachel was desperate to find a way of being able to lose weight once and for all. 'I had just about resigned myself to the fact that I would be overweight for the rest of my life, when I came across the principles of the Metabolic Weight Loss Programme. I followed these and to my amazement, I lost 3 stone in just over 3 months and then went on to successfully maintain my weight. The relief was enormous to have found something that finally worked for me.' Rachel became passionate about wanting to help as many people as possible with their weight problems, which led her to become a qualified weight loss consultant. In the last 10 years, she has helped over 3,000 clients from all walks of life to help bring their dieting days to an end once and for all. 'My clients' ages range from 8 years to 85 years o ld, so there is hope for everyone!'

of helping you lose the weight, addressing any difficulties along the way, then we concentrate on keeping it off- for good!' For those who are not able to visit, a very successful remote support service is provided throughout the UK- distance is no object! Clients often comment on how impressed their doctors are

With au average weight loss of 7- 14 lbs a month fo'r clients

and hundreds of hand rmillen testimonials,

Rachel ~路

results

speak fo路r themselr;es

One of the popular aspects of the Metabolic Weight Loss Programme is there's nothing faddish about it. There are no meal replacements, diet shakes or d iet pills. All the foods on the programme are easily obtainable. Clients frequent ly say just how easy it is to follow, they don't feel hungry and are not having to constantly battle with cravings. The four stages of the programme are tailored as necessary to provide the maximum results for each client. Rachel and her team give weekly one-to-one consultations, guiding you through the programme with personalised support, lots of empathy and total conviction in the success of the programme. Email support is available in between consultations.

FP 2013 210x297.indd 1

'This isn't an open-ended slimming club; says Rachel. 'We set your target weight at the beginning and then get on with the business

with their results. 'My doctor is very happy- I've been able to come off blood pressure and cholesterol medication; says one. Another doctor said, 'All my lady patients on thyroid medication are struggling to lose weight, but you've lost 2 1/2 stone despite being on thyroxin -well done!'

With an average weight loss of 7-141bs a month for clients and hundreds of hand written testimonials, Rachel's results speak for themselves. 'I see real results daily, time after time I see people's lives change in front of me:

Rachel offers free consultations for those who are wanting to lose their weight once and for all. Rachel Ricketts 01342 327396 Email rachel@rachelrickettsweightloss.co.uk www.rachelrickettsweightloss.co.uk

24/07/2014 15:19

THE PERFECT SUSSEX SETTING Ashdown Pdrk Tlot<'l and Country Cluh is a heautiful.-ountry house hot<'I nt•stl<>d in 186 acr<'s of h<•autifully maintain<'d parkl.lnd in th<' h<'art of th<:' Ashdown For<'sl. Offering luxurious awommodation, <'Xn'll<'nt food, !'Xtcn~n'<' gard!'ns and parkland, it's a delightful place to relax and unwmd. Wht•thcr tt's a dl'hetous lund1 m our two AA RoS<'lt<' Andcnda R<'Staurant, Aft<>moon T<'a or cocktails on our mvtting lC'rr.tce, or Stmply ,, d<ty of pamp<>t·ing in our wdcommg Sp., or a round of golf on our 18 hole, par 3 golf cours<'; W<' tum .1 good day into a perfPd d,,y.

COUN1 RY ClUB OPEN DAY

LAS I THURSDAY OF THE MONTH

2PM- 8PM

FREE LN J'RY

Ashdown Park l lotcl, \\'ych Cross, Nr Forest Row, East Su»ex, RJ JJ f; 5)R

013-12 824988 I

www.a~hdownpark.com

•· rl efwd surh a wnndc~(u/ da_l' and rame fwmr fit ling like u·e u•ae lt'aiking on air!

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Membership

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Heated Natural Spring \Vater Swimming pool

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01892 750761 Wadhurst Road, Frant, Kent TN3 9EJ www.knowlegrange.co.uk

AUGUST 2014

SO TW_Aug14_Page87.indd 3

25/07/2014 12:46

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Tel: 01959 522944

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COURSE

AUGUST 2014

SO TW_Aug14_Page88.indd 2

25/07/2014 12:49

SEPT 72014 • lOAM- 3PM Nestled in the hills of the Kenr countryside is the magnificent Salomons Estate, a romantic creation from Sir David Salomons, one of the most inspiring individuals in the 1800s. Our event will take over the whole mansion, enabling a wide range ofluxurious wedding suppliers to be explored by prospective brides and their parties. Themed rooms and exhibition areas will provide the perfect setting from the tiniest and most valuable accessories ro the largest- even wedding cars! Aside from the exhibition and all the excitement, visitors will be able ro enjoy first-class catering, breathtaking views and a fabulous prize draw. With spaces perfect for making the critical decisions about the big day, we can make your dreams come true.

FREE ENTRY · 01892 779 650 · register a onmnediauk.co.uk

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25/07/2014 12:19

{ LIFE&STYLE }

SOME OF THE BEST WAYS TO ENHANCE YOUR HOME AND LIFESTYLE THIS MONTH

HEHKU Hehku is a fresh, exciting brand created by a team of renowned luxury kitchen and glassroom designers. The Hehku team utilise their years of experience to deliver heavenly bespoke living spaces of divine look, function and quality. Consisting of the exclusive Cucina (kitchen) and Illuma (orangery and conservatory) brands, Hehku are fast building a reputation for producing beautiful, eye-catching

WEBSTERS WRITE ON ACADEMY

Company Director Joanne Webster with a young writer

designs blended with uncompromisingly attentive service. Using only the finest materials to create ‘transformational living spaces’, Hehku will truly enhance the way you enjoy your home. Alltask House, Commissioners Road, Rochester, Kent ME2 4EJ 0800 542 0852 www.hehku.co.uk

There is a concern that the art of handwriting is on the decline – one of the main worries is that the younger generation may bypass the need to write by hand completely, progressing directly from crayons to keyboard. Family firm Websters Pen Shop are supporting the national Get Kids Writing campaign and are again running their pop-up writing school in Bluewater’s Lower Thames Walk until September 7. The academy offers free space and writing facilities to under-11s, accompanied by a parent or guardian. Youngsters can also join the Pencil Case Club, an ongoing scheme to engage young people in the art of penmanship. Len Webster, who founded the firm with his wife Jacqui in 1972, says letters are far less transient than texts and emails. “It’s not just about neat handwriting,” he says. “It extends beyond that; it’s about taking time and care to write something worth saying.” Bluewater, Greenhithe, Kent DA9 9SP 01322 624 755 www.websterspenshop.co.uk

AUGUST 2014

SO TW_AUGUST14_Life&Style.indd 90

25/07/2014 11:45

LIFE AND STYLE

RED SQUARE DESIGN AND BUILD Established London based interior design and build company Red Square has opened a new office in Tunbridge Wells. Experts in transforming space, Red Square has created homes ranging from 700 to 10,000 sq ft and transformed external spaces from the size of a courtyard garden to a 7-acre country estate. Red Square offers a complete service for the successful refurbishment of your home, from obtaining planning approval through to construction. Because the same team handles the entire project, this means potential problems can literally be designed out before construction, saving both time and money. They provide a fixed price before project commencement and clients benefit from a single point of contact throughout. Contact them for further information and to arrange a free, no obligation consultation. 01892 860 511 enquiries@redsquaredb.com www.redsquaredb.com

BEAUTANICAL Beautanical offers beautiful, luxurious, affordable gifts for home and garden. The shop has innate style and sells handmade vintage items, alongside planted containers and jugs of cut flowers – they naturally have an eye for life’s most beautiful things. Tracey and Laura have a natural intuition and passion, having worked in horticulture and floristry for many years. Plus, they’re holding flower school classes by the secret courtyard garden. The shop is open from Thursday to Sunday during the summer. 35 Mount Ephraim, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 8AA 01892 549 457

1ST ACE 1st Ace Security Ltd are a family run business who manufacture and install bespoke automated gates. We also provide integrated security systems including CCTV, door entry, access control, intruder alarms and home entertainment to provide the complete package. Our dedicated surveyors can design a system to suit your exact requirements and our team of in-house professional technicians will make sure your expectations are exceeded. Call 01892 280 280 for your free survey. www.1stacesecurity.co.uk

AUGUST 2014

SO TW_AUGUST14_Life&Style.indd 91

25/07/2014 11:46

One stop architectural, interior design and bui lding services to meet al l needs for your project. We have joined forces to provide all services for your project from planning, interior and furniture design, structural services and building regulationsto the completion with project coordination at every stage of the build.

Call: 0208 787 5968 o r email us: info@mi-architecture.co.uk

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25/07/2014 14:45

Wh y book your holiday with anyone else? Bald wins 'li11vel Group arc cclc.:braring after being rhe proud recipients of two prestigious tr:tvd accolndc.:s. The Agent Achic.:vcmcnt Aw~rds rook place on the 30th April 2014 where we.: became.: 'Travel Agent of the Year- London & the South East' for rhe 7th year running, we were also ddighted to rc.:cc.:iYt: the.: sought after 'National Travel Agem ofrhc Year 2014' aw~rd. .

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AUGUST 2014

SO TW_Aug14_Page93.indd 3

25/07/2014 14:51

end ess JEWELRY

Now AVAILABLE

MARK ADAi\1

AT MARK ADAM

68 High Street, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN 1 l YB 01892 616617 I info@markadam.co.uk www.markadam.co.uk

AUGUST 2014

SO TW_Aug14_Page96.indd 2

25/07/2014 13:17

HIGH TIME D I S C O V E R

T H E

W O R L D ’ S

F I N E S T

W A T C H E S

AVENGER ASSEMBLES Black is back as Breitling unveil their toughest model yet

ROOM WITH A VIEW Tunbridge Wells’ Royal Jeweller opens new luxury salon

RECORD RESULT Patek Philippe make history for New York auction house

REACH FOR THE SKIES Bremont’s partnership with Boeing really takes off

SO TW_AUGUST14_High Time Cover2.indd 3

MAKING A MOVE News of a British brand’s new movement shakes up the global watch industry

24/07/2014 10:54

ONE MAN, ONE MACHINE. G.P.M.H. ~.

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PONSOR AND OFFICIAL TIMEKEEPER OF THE GRAND PRIX DE MONACO HISTORIOUE FP 2013 210x297.indd 1

24/07/2014 15:23

W AT C H E S

WATCH THIS SPACE We take a look at some of the stories making headlines in the world of timepieces

RORY LINDSAY

TIMELESS STYLE During London Art Week, Jaeger-LeCoultre chose London as the setting for its international exhibition of the Hybris Artistica collection. On display as part of the Masterpiece London show, the event included 12 fascinating timepieces that represent an unprecedented combination of design, technical construction, watchmaking art and exquisite craftsmanship. Jaeger-LeCoultre was also the headline partner for the Masterpiece Marie Curie Timeless Party, a glitzy event held in aid of the cancer charity. Brand ambassadors, actor Clive Owen (left) and polo star Eduardo Novillo Astrada, joined other guests to browse the exhibition stalls and take part in the live and silent auctions of fantastic prizes, before heading off to a private party at The Royal Hospital Chelsea. www.jaeger-lecoultre.com

ROOM WITH A VIEW G Collins and Sons in Tunbridge Wells has opened a special room dedicated to the prestigious brand, Patek Philippe. As the last independent manufacturer in Geneva, the company creates highly sought-after watches and this year celebrates its 175th anniversary. Patek Philippe has chosen the Queen’s Personal Jeweller in the High Street to host the new salon, where customers can browse the latest models in an elegant setting. www.gcollinsandsons.com

HIGH TIMES A unique collection of Patek Philippe pieces contributed to Sotheby’s New York achieving its highest total for a various owners auction. The sale in June netted $11.7million (£6.85million) in all – the lion’s share being raised by Patek Philippe’s Titanium Collection of remarkable watches, which fetched $7.1million (£4.16million). A Swiss museum snapped up the lead piece, a First Split-Seconds Chronograph Wristwatch (pictured), for $2,965,000 (£1.74million), more than double its pre-auction estimate. This watch is a real piece of watchmaking history as it was started in 1903 and completed and sold on October 13, 1923. www.sothebys.com AUGUST 2014

SO TW_AUGUST14_WatchNews.indd 3

23/07/2014 15:17

ADVERTORIAL

TIMELESS VALUE If you’re in the market for a luxury watch that holds its appeal, look no further than Box & Docs in Marden, where gorgeous timepieces become worthwhile investments. Owner Martin Bunyan explains why there’s far more to his models than meets the eye

obody likes losing money, but unfortunately in this day and age, everything seems to have a shelf life. Luckily with luxury brand watches, buying the correct model at the correct price will ensure that you can enjoy wearing your watch every day and make some money on it when the time comes to sell it on or trade it in for a different model. I would always recommend looking at purchasing a pre-owned model, as for me there’s nothing worse than telling a customer that their beloved watch lost 40% of its value the moment they stepped out of the shop. That’s why we specialize predominantly in pre-owned luxury watches that have been fully serviced and polished back to an almost new condition and backed with a 12-month warranty. We can source most brands and models for you. It’s nice to hear more and more about English brands finding a good platform within the industry and a brand that really stands out for me at the moment is Bremont. Their beautifully crafted military but classic-looking watches are definitely worth taking a look at and are always a great conversation piece, with a very interesting story behind the brand. A relatively new brand that is causing a stir is SevenFriday. Based in Zurich, they have a quirky, modern look but still maintain a very wearable design and are priced extremely well for a mechanical movement – a good introduction purchase to join the always interesting world of watches. Please email martin@boxanddocs.co.uk or call 07855 363323 with any questions or to arrange a viewing in the privacy of your own home or business.

98 A U G U S T

2014

SO TW_AUGUST14_Advertorial Box and Docs.indd 94

25/07/2014 15:05

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WAT C H E S

REACH FOR THE SKIES Aeroplane materials that have never been used in watchmaking before make Bremont’s new Boeing range truly exclusive. Two new models – the Bremont Boeing Model 1 and the Bremont Boeing Model 247 – are the result of extensive access to the aeroplane company’s technology at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre in Sheffield, as well as to its historical and archival materials. Named after the first aircraft built by Boeing, the Model 1 comes in two versions – one is made from Custom 465® Stainless Steel. This double vacuum-melted, age-hardened alloy was developed for the aerospace industry for superior strength, hardness and corrosion resistance. A second version uses Boeing aviation grade Ti-64 titanium for the case. Both feature the unique Bremont Trip-Tick case construction with integrated crown guard and the beautifully decorated BE-36AE movements are suspended in Boeing blue steel and rubber anti-shock mounts, exposed through the crystal case backs. The Model 247 is the debut chronograph in the collection and is named after the first Boeing twin-engine commercial aircraft. This also comes in two versions: one made in the Custom 465® Stainless Steel and the other in Boeing aviation grade titanium. www.bremont.com WARTIME INVESTMENT A men’s rare watch that had been passed down through the same family since the Second World War fetched more than 10 times its original estimate at an auction in the US. The Longines Model 13 ZN stainless steel chronograph with two-tone silver dial was expected to fetch between $3,000 and $5,000 (£1,760 to £2,930) at the sale, held by Cottone Auctions in Geneseo, New York, but the hammer went down on a winning bid of $50,600 (£29,640). “I’m not sure if this was a new auction record for a men’s Longines watch, but if not I’m sure it came close,” says the auction house’s Matt Cottone. www.cottoneauctions.com LADIES FIRST At Baselworld 2014, Vulcain surprised show visitors with an unexpected new ladies’ range. The company was particularly active in producing feminine timepieces in the early part of the 20th century and the new First Lady Automatic range takes inspiration from the elegance of the 1920s, combined with modern technology and the demands of 21st century life. The range comprises 16 references and a variety of colours and finishes, from sporty to classic. Further options are available for the crown, which may be set with a blue spinel or black onyx, while the open worked oscillating weight adorned with floral motifs gives a glimpse into the heart of this elegant creation. www.vulcain-watches.ch

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HEAVENLY MOVEMENTS British online luxury watch brand Christopher Ward has caused a stir by announcing the creation of its own in-house movement, the Calibre SH21. The movement is the engine of the watch, so having an exclusive movement gives the company enhanced supply line security and has been described by Chris Ward, one of the brand’s three co-founders, as “probably the most significant watch industry development by a British brand in the past 50 years.” The development was made possible by the firm’s merger with Synergies Horlogères and Christopher Ward believe this will pave the way for further expansion of a business that is already forecast to grow by 30% this year. “Ten years ago we launched the world’s first pure online business model for luxury watches; we created a new paradigm in blending supreme quality with unprecedented value that challenged the industry norm,” says co-founder Mike France. “Today, we are advancing to a new level of independence that strengthens the foundations of the business for future growth.” www.christopherward.co.uk BACK IN BLACK Designed as a tough and professional instrument in a light yet sturdy case, the new Avenger Blackbird by Breitling is the perfect companion for extreme missions of all kinds. The generous 4mm case features a slimmer and even more ergonomic profile, extended by inward curving lugs. Wrist comfort is enhanced by the light feel of the titanium and a militarystyle fabric strap. The ultra-resistant carbonbased treatment reinforces the technical, powerful and sophisticated style, while eliminating any bothersome glare in the heat of action. The oversized hands, hour-markers and luminescent coating ensure optimal legibility in all circumstances. The large screw-locked crown with non-slip grip guarantees maximum functionality, while its protective guards accentuate the robustness of the construction that is water-resistant to 300m (1,000ft). The Avenger Blackbird by Breitling is powered by a self-winding movement chronometer-certified by the COSC – the highest official benchmark in terms of precision and reliability. www.breitling.com

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WHERE DO U.S. NAVY TEST PILOTS GO FOR THEIR WATCHES? THAT'S RIGHT . HENLEY - ON -THAMES .

So let's get this straight. The US Navy Test Pilot School, home to some of the world's crack aviators, gets its watches from I Icnley-on-Thames? The home of cream teas, rowing and cute waterfowl? Actually, it's not as daft as it might sound. Because Henley is also the home of a company caUed Bremont.

T he resu lt is a chro nometer wi tlt an adjustable 24- hou r ha nd, that can display local time anywhere in the world, together with Universa l Coordinated Time (the standardi7.ed time zone u~ed by the military). Built by hand in our workshop, the mechanical movement undergoes an arduous tesong process (something it has in common with its wearers) and is 99.998% accurate.

And, over the last ten yean, we have developed \'v-:ltches for more than forty different squadrons, both here and in America.

The case is made from a stainless steel that's seven times harder than anything you'lllind in conventional watches. (We bombard our steel with electrons to toughen it up.)

The US Navy asked us to design a timepiece for the elite pilots who train at their school in PatuXent River, Maryland.

Then we add not one, but nine layers of anti-reOcctive coating to the sapphire crystal for mnximum clanty and hardness.

People who cross time zones about as frequently as tl1e rest of us cross the street.

Some might call all this excessive. But it's just the way we do things here in Ilenley-on-'11tnmes.

T he q uestion is, how do you get your hands on one of these fine watches? \Xfell, if you're between the ages of 17 and 34, and an American citizen, you can of course apply to join the US Navy. But if for any reason that proves problematic, you'll be pleased to hear we manufacture a version for civilians, the Bremont World Timer ALT I-\XIT For this, you need only apply within at your nearest Bremont retailer.

BREMONT

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WAT C H E S

SPECIALIST SELECTION

Burrells Jewellery in Tunbridge Wells is a top destination for watch enthusiasts who are serious about their timepieces, with a number of exclusive collections from renowned brands. Here is their guide to some of the best models available

BREMONT Bremont ALT1-B2 Like an increasing number of Bremont watches, this timepiece hails directly from the military as the design very closely mirrors the watch Bremont delivered to elite B2 ‘Stealth Bomber’ Aircrew in 2012. The ALT1-B2 (GMT) has most of the advanced elements of the Bremont Chronograph range. It has its modified BE-54E movement, Trip-Tick® case with the Roto-Click® internal bezel and black DLC case. The watch comes on a calf skin leather strap; however, a metal DLC coated bracelet is also available. Every watch case and movement is engraved with its Bremont serial number and is accompanied by its COSC certification (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres).

Bremont MBII Bremont Code Breaker Bremont and the Bletchley Park Trust launched the Limited Edition ‘Codebreaker’. This watch is unlike any other watch ever created and in addition, a percentage of the proceeds will be used towards the ongoing restoration of Bletchley Park. Inspired by a classic 1940’s officers’ watch, the Codebreaker features a beautiful and never before seen Flyback Chronograph GMT automatic movement and incorporates some relevant historical artefacts from Bletchley Park; pine from the iconic Hut 6 (the centre of the operations to decrypt the German Wehrmacht and Luftwaffe Enigma ciphers) and paper from one of the few remaining punch cards (used to analyse the vast amount of coded data created from the daily Enigma communications). Part of the rotor of the watch is made from the wheel of an original Enigma machine. Only 240 steel and 50 rose gold units of this Limited Edition watch will be created.

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The Bremont MB was designed and built to become the definitive aviation chronometer in the market place and embody all that is meant by ‘Made in Britain’. It was tested and designed in conjunction with the iconic British aviation company, Martin-Baker. There are two models available – the MBI and the MBII. The MBI is only available to those individuals who have ejected using an MB ejection seat and can be identified quickly by its red aluminium barrel. The movement is protected by an anti-magnetic Faraday cage and a specifically designed anti-shock case mount. The MB range has been designed and tested to withstand the MB ejection seat test programme. Featuring the modified calibre 13 1/4” BE-36AE automatic chronometer with a 38-hour power reserve, this timepiece is a true avionic inspired masterpiece.

Bremont ALT1-WT World Timer The design features include a very complex, highly finished dial and a Roto-Click bezel that enables the user to work out the global time zones using the international landing location in all 24 time zones. The watch itself can show UTC or ‘Zulu’ time through its adjustable 24-hour hand. The Bremont World Timer is one of the most intricate and complicated military watches ever produced, featuring the calibre 13 1/4” BE-54AE automatic chronometer with a 42-hour power reserve.

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W AT C H E S

BREITLING Breitling Transocean Breitling has associated two of the most useful complications in daily life within two stylish mechanical models. In the Transocean Chronograph 1461, the chronograph is combined with a complete calendar requiring adjustment only once every leap year, meaning every 1,461 days. In the other instance, the ultrasophisticated perpetual calendar with which the Transocean Chronograph QP is equipped provides an endless display of the date, day, week, month, season, leap-year cycle and moon phases, while taking account of the periodical return of February 29.

Breitling Navitimer 46mm New stature, new power: the classic Navitimer appears in a 46mm diameter â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a large format that accentuates its presence on the wrist and enhances the originality of its design, while optimising readability. A transparent caseback provides a chance to admire the officially chronometer-certified high-performance selfwinding chronograph movement, Manufacture Breitling Caliber 01. In addition to the steel model, the Navitimer 01 (46mm) comes in a red gold limited series â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a larger-than-life take on the legend.

Breitling Bentley GMT A watch for businessmen as well as all those with a taste for accomplishments, who live and communicate across all longitudes, the Bentley B04 GMT stands out for its extremely functional dual time zone system, combined with a high performance self-winding chronograph movement. Beneath the radiator grille of its finely open-worked black or silver dial beats a Manufacture Breitling movement.

Breitling Emergency II The Emergency is equipped with a microtransmitter alternately operating on two separate frequencies. It transmits a first digital signal on the 406 MHz frequency intended for satellites and lasting 0.44 seconds every 50 seconds, as well as a second analogue signal on the 121.5 MHz homing and rescue frequency, lasting 0.75 seconds every 2.25 seconds. AUGUST 2014

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WAT C H E S

OMEGA OMEGA 212.30.41.20.03.001 OMEGA’s sporty Seamaster collection is a tribute to the brand’s maritime legacy. This exquisite example of renowned watchmaking pays homage to OMEGA’s dive watch heritage and their adventurous pioneering spirit. This model features a blue dial with a date window at the three o’clock position. The distinctive dial is visible through a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. The blue ceramic unidirectional rotating bezel is mounted on a 41mm stainless steel case with a helium escape valve at 10 o’clock. The watch is presented on a stainless steel bracelet. This OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300M is powered by the Co-Axial calibre 2500.

OMEGA Constellation OMEGA 3573.50.00 The OMEGA Speedmaster is one of OMEGA’s most iconic timepieces. Having been a part of all six lunar missions, the legendary Speedmaster is an impressive representation of the brand’s adventurous pioneering spirit. This OMEGA Speedmaster Professional ‘Moonwatch’ features a black dial covered by a scratchresistant sapphire crystal and graced by a small seconds sub-dial, 30-minute recorder and 12-hour recorder along with a central chronograph hand. The black bezel, with its tachymetric scale, is mounted on a 42mm stainless steel case and presented on a matching bracelet. At the heart of this chronograph is OMEGA’s mechanical calibre 1863, the famous manual-winding movement worn on the Moon, visible through the transparent caseback.

The especially dramatic and enduring design concept of the OMEGA Constellation line is characterised by its famous ‘Griffes’, or claws, and striking dials. This brushed model features a white mother-of-pearl dial covered by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. The bezel, with its engraved Roman numerals, is mounted on a 27mm stainless steel case and is presented on a stainless steel bracelet. This timepiece is powered by OMEGA’s calibre 1376, a precision quartz movement.

OMEGA Ladymatic 425.33.34.20.55.001 The OMEGA Ladymatic is a mesmerising blend of extraordinary design and truly innovative watchmaking. It was crafted for the woman who cares as much about the technology in her timepiece as she does about its appearance. This OMEGA Ladymatic features a white mother-of-pearl dial marked with diamond-set indexes and decorated in a supernova pattern with a date window at the three o’clock position. The exquisite dial is visible through a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. The bezel is mounted on a 34mm stainless steel case on a white leather strap. A wave-patterned stainless steel ring with a white ceramic inner casebody decorates the side of the case. The transparent caseback makes it possible to view the OMEGA Co-Axial calibre 8520 movement within.

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F E AT U R E

TAG HEUER Tag Heuer Carrera Calibre 1887 Automatic Chronograph 43mm Powered by the in-house Calibre 1887 movement and inspired by the Calibre 16 design, this is a classic reborn. Ultraresistant ceramic on the bezel and unscratchable sapphire on the caseback protect a 43mm case of fine-brushed and polished steel. The pulse-quickening dial comes in understated black or elegant anthracite with a sunray effect and a new H-shaped bracelet adds a special touch of style. An even more sporty option is offered by a version with its sandblasted titanium Grade 2 case, coated in black titanium carbide, and the black alligator strap with a ‘soft touch’ effect with elegant stitching and lining in vibrant racing red.

Tag Heuer CAW 2111.FC6183 This automatic chronograph has the appealing square case design of a classic Monaco, with more power under the hood: a Calibre 12 chronograph. Two square counters at three and nine o’clock measure small seconds and chrono minutes. A sapphire crystal caseback reveals the Calibre 12 movement in action.

Tag Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph 42mm Engineered with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and tested in racing conditions by Jenson Button, each timepiece comes equipped with the TAG Heuer “six key features”: 1/10th of a second display, water-resistant to 200m, “Easy grip”, screw-in crown, double security folding clasp, sapphire crystal.

Tag Heuer Ladylink Calibre 7 Automatic Like their Brand Ambassador Cameron Diaz, the Tag Heuer woman is sporty yet glamorous. To celebrate these women, Tag Heuer created its most feminine collection ever. The new LINK LADY comes with the finest attention to detail. Featured here in a 34.5mm polished steel case it is surrounded by 48 diamonds set on a fixed bezel. The stunning white mother of pearl dial and diamond dot hour markers brings its femininity to life, while the polished steel bracelet with folding ‘butterfly’ clasp hints at the sporty nature behind the surface.

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HARWOODS TON BRIDGE

Come and meet the Land Rover family. See the entire Land Rover range, all under one roof, with over 20 new cars on display. Harwoods Tonbridge Vale Rise, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1TB

01732 353637 www.harwoods.uk.com/landrover Official Fuel Consumption Figures for the 2014 Land Rover range in mpg (1/ 1OOkm): Urban 15.4 (18.3)- 47.1 (6.9) The figures provided are as a result of official manufacturer's tests in accordance with EU legislation. A vehicle's actual fue l consumption

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State of the art Land Rover showroom. 60 Approved Used Land Rovers (over 300 in group stock). Authorised servicing using genuine Land Rover parts. Accident repair centre.

Call Harwoods Tonbridge today to book a test drive.

Extra Urban 29.1 (9.7)- 62.8 (4.5) Combined 22.1 (12.8)- 56.5 (5.0) C02 Emissions 299- 181 g/km. may differ from that achieved in such tests and these figures are for comparative purposes only.

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COUNTRY SPORTS

ON TARGET

FOR SPORTING FUN Robert Parker-Swift is Managing Director of Noble Field Sports, based in Westerham. He tells how his business career took him from clothing to country sports and why you should try your hand out in the field YOU STARTED OUT IN BUSINESS WITH THE CREW CLOTHING BRAND, TELL US MORE ABOUT THAT. Crew was started by my brother Alastair Parker-Swift in 1993. It began in Salcombe, Devon and was really a way of funding our ski seasons for the winter as it was a summer business. I joined the business in 1996 after finishing my degree and between us, we built the business up to where it is today. Our parents were both retailers and so I guess this must have rubbed onto both of us a bit. My role was the Production and Design Director, overseeing all design

and production of the men’s and ladies clothing. But like all small businesses, you have to turn you hand to all sorts of challenges – for instance, I organised the photo shoots and production of the brochure for 10 years. WHAT WERE YOUR AIMS FOR THAT BRAND? Our ethos was to always produce great quality clothing in classic styling with attention to detail, in fresh colours. Gaining a customer’s trust is one thing but keeping it is another. This ethos meant that customers who purchase clothes from us have stayed loyal for

many years. I have used the same business strategy in setting up Noble Field Sports. It’s all about creating a brand that people want to be part of; the most important thing is to understand your customer and what it is that they want. WHY GO INTO OUTDOOR PURSUITS? It’s a personal passion. I also love hosting events and meeting new people, plus I have always loved being outside, whether it be shooting, cycling, skiing, windsurfing or golf. Sport is a very important part of my life. It has

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COUNTRY SPORTS

day. Whether you are shooting, loading or relaxing having some drinks and food – you all stay together. One of the best things about my days is that the host gets to spend so much time with their clients, unlike a golf day for instance, where you all split up for the day.

allowed me to achieve a great way of life, working in a beautiful setting near to my home and spending time with my family, which is the most important thing to me. WHEN DID YOU START NOBLE FIELD SPORTS? I set the business up in June 2012 and always intended to pitch my product at the high end of the market. The marketplace is different to what I expected. Certain industries are very restricted in what they can do with client entertainment, but there are plenty still out there that are doing just this and starting to do lots more of it, which is great news. IS THE WEALD A PARTICULARLY GOOD PLACE FOR THESE SPORTS? Squerryes Estate in Westerham is truly superb for this. I am very lucky in being able to use this beautiful place. It’s only 18 miles from Canary Wharf, the setting is stunning and the best thing is that the days I offer are private and exclusive, which is a very hard thing to be able to do for this kind of day. WHY DO YOU THINK PEOPLE ENJOY COUNTRY SPORTS SO MUCH? They are incredibly social; a day out in the fresh air, in the countryside with friends is something very special. I try and keep my days very relaxed and as a result customers and businesses keep coming back.

FOR THOSE WHO WOULD LIKE TO TRY SHOOTING BUT DON’T WISH TO GET INVOLVED IN BLOOD SPORTS, WHAT ALTERNATIVES ARE THERE? The format I run (simulated game shooting) is the best solution as it is game shooting but without shooting live birds. Game shooting for vegetarians! Or they can go to their local clay ground and shoot from stands, but I find this a little boring as there is a fair bit of standing around. On my days you can have up to 10 guns on the line shooting at the same time, with instruction for the novice gun. Over the course of the day, a team of 18 gun will shoot over 5,000 cartridges. It’s very exciting. WHAT GEAR DO YOU NEED TO GET STARTED IN SHOOTING AND HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? You don’t need to purchase anything, on my days I supply everything to the first time shot or novice. Best to test something before you buy. When you come to buying a gun it all comes down to budget. You can spend from £600 to £100,000 on a gun! ARE THERE ANY SPORTS THAT YOU PERSONALLY WOULD LIKE TO TRY? I’ve done a lot of different sports in my life but as a keen windsurfer, I think some kitesurfing would be great. On a business level I would like to take a day’s grouse shooting, but I need to save up for that.

WHY SHOULD A NOVICE GIVE SHOOTING A TRY? Shooting is a great sport, whether it be clays or game shooting. The simulated game shooting I run is easily the most fun you can have with a gun, pound for pound. I am yet to meet anyone who has been on one of my days and left not having loved the shooting experience.

WHAT IS THE FUTURE FOR YOUR INDUSTRY AND HOW WILL IT SURVIVE IF HARD TIMES COME ALONG AGAIN? I think the great thing about my business is that it is well protected against any changes in the law, regarding shooting live game. When it comes to the economy, I would say that I have successfully set up a business in very tough times and made it work. So I am very confident that as long as I keep offering something unique, high quality and with great attention to detail, there will always be a marketplace for it.

WHY ARE OUTDOOR PURSUITS SO POPULAR FOR CORPORATE ENTERTAINMENT AND TEAM BUILDING? It is so different to people’s everyday lives. The shoot days I run are such a social event; the whole group stays together all

01959 230 912 www.noblefieldsports.co.uk

“One of the best things about my days is that the host gets to spend so much time with their clients, unlike a golf day for instance, where you all split up for the day” “it is game shooting but without shooting live birds. Game shooting for vegetarians!”

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ADVERTORIAL

WHY SEPARATION AND DIVORCE CAN BE A CIVILISED AFFAIR If you are experiencing the anxiety and loss of a relationship ending and suffering sleepless nights worrying about the future, you are not alone. Almost 50% of all marriages end in divorce and for many it can be the most traumatic time in their lives. Months and sometimes years are spent deciding whether to separate and then when the decision has been made it can take an age to pluck up the courage to take action. Emotions run high and delays are usually down to fear of the unknown and what life will be like after the separation, not to mention how you’ll cope financially and what you’ll tell the kids. The truth is, there is no easy way out. However, the actions you take now and the choices you make will have a big impact on your new life. Your future is in your hands. You can choose to be reactive to your situation or you can be proactive, take the lead and put a stop to the fighting, anger and hurt. Divorce and separation is a life changing event and mistakes can be costly, both emotionally and financially; you must be prepared to invest to secure your future. To take control you need information and advice from an experienced and trusted advisor, which will allow you to make informed decisions about your future. My dedicated team are handpicked for their experience working with people who are going through a relationship breakdown. They are all members of Resolution, which means that they have the legal experience required to give you the best advice and are committed to solving your problem in a conciliatory way if possible – saving you the emotional drain of the legal court battle and the legal fees that go with it. They understand the emotional pressure and stress you are going through; they can help ease the pain and will work with you to achieve the best outcome possible

for you to move on with your life. Our service is confidential, discreet and bespoke to each client and we will never disclose your information to others. Out of hours appointments are available. For a limited period of time I am offering a selected number of potential clients the opportunity to meet with one of the family solicitors in my team for a free initial consultation to discuss the options available. Due to high demand my team are only able to offer 20 appointments this month and I know that the appointments will book up very quickly. Choosing the right legal team is key to your emotional and financial future, so contact us today to see how we can help you achieve the outcome you want.

The right legal team is key to your emotional and financial future. Family Law Solicitor, Mediator & Collaborative Lawyer, Sarah Jelly

To take control of your future and apply for one of our free consultations just complete this coupon and post it to the address below. Alternatively call or email me today quoting reference SO0314 Telephone 01892 526 442 or email so@keenemarsland.co.uk

Name.............................................................................................................................. Address.......................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................ Tel. No............................................................................................................................ Email: .............................................................................................................................

Keene Marsland Solicitors 6 Clanricarde Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1PH www.keenemarsland. co.uk Appointments available at Tunbridge Wells, Edenbridge, London, Windsor and Woodley Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority No. 71480

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ADVERTORIAL

Dear Debbie DEBBIE MOULTON, CARE MANAGER OF BLUEBIRD CARE, OFFERS HER ADVICE Dear Debbie,

My 85-year-old mother has had a stroke and now needs frequent attendance and care. After looking at all options, we’ve decided to bring her to live with my family. This will mean either me or my husband giving up our jobs in order to provide care. A nurse in the hospital suggested homecare as an option, but before we go further I’d like to investigate. Could you advise? Best Regards Susan P

Dear Susan,

I would guess that there is every likelihood that a homecare service could provide your mother with the support that she needs while you’re both at work, which should enable you both to continue with your careers, if that’s what you’d prefer. People who’ve had the misfortune to suffer a stroke may have some particular care needs, especially in recovery, but an experienced care provider should have a pool of care staff with the training needed and the supervision resources necessary to keep on top of things. The agency would need to assess things carefully before any firm promises could be made, but that would be a normal procedure and a requirement for all new customers. The service could help getting your mother ready for the day, ensure that she has sufficient nutrition during the day, perhaps take her out in a wheelchair for an activity or two and, if necessary, attend her in the evening to get her ready for bed. I would recommend trialling an arrangement like this before you do anything as drastic as resigning from a job that may sustain you for years to come! Best wishes Debbie Moulton Care Manager, Bluebird Care

If you have a question that you would like to ask Debbie then please email her at debbie@bluebirdcare.co.uk AUGUST 2014

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T R AV E L

LEISURELY PACE OF LIFE

After their national football team made such a big impression at last month’s World Cup, Sarah Marshall heads for Costa Rica to explore the wildlife paradise and to meet its most famous residents

s the driver slams on his breaks, passengers in the back of the minibus lurch forwards. The perilous pedestrian blocking our path, however, doesn’t seem to be in any hurry to cross the road. Hardly surprising since, even at top speed, this three-toed sloth can only muster 0.15mph. With his unkempt moss-matted hair, long, curly talons and a permanently fixed grin, he looks like a mad old man with hygiene problems. Yet there’s also something inexplicably appealing about him. Preferring to spend most of their time in the branches of cycropia trees, sloths only come down to the ground once a week to release their bowels. So our chance collision en route to the natural pools at Rio Celeste is quite an occasion. The subject of cult websites, Twitter trends and even kept as pets by A-list celebrities, these verging-on-ugly creatures are Costa Rica’s most famous animal residents. But they are only one of the many species that inhabit this small Central American country, which, although occupying just 0.03% of the planet’s surface, accounts for 5% of the world’s biodiversity. I, like many other tourists, have come here to see these animals in their natural environment, but a visit to the Jaguar Research Centre in Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast is a good place to get to grips with what’s on offer. There are approximately 100 rescue centres in Costa Rica, taking care of injured animals and staffed mainly by volunteers. Although it’s name would suggest otherwise, there aren’t any jaguars at this particular one, but I do see monkeys, snakes, ocelots and, of course, sloths. Many, sadly, are the victims of manmade accidents; a spectacled owl, who lost an eye after flying into a car’s headlamps, can no longer hunt and is now a permanent resident. Walking through the sandy streets of Puerto Viejo, where locals desperately try to peddle their wares and drunken kids set off fireworks at night, I have to admit that the town itself is utterly charmless. Fortunately, there are still people willing to stick around and celebrate the wonderful wildlife on its doorstep. Ricky, a 64-year-old Rasta man, who guides trails through the Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge, believes he has a responsibility to protect nature for future generations. His knowledge, gleaned from his grandma, an indigenous Bribri, has greater roots in cultural folklore than scientific research, but his tours are still entertaining and his love of nature is highly laudable. As we hike along the beach through mangroves and into the forest, he blows kisses to poisonous eyelash viper snakes curled up in trees and demonstrates his love for golden war spiders by allowing one to climb across his face. I’m slightly sceptical,

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T R AV E L

“I’m slightly sceptical about his theory that a bite from a bullet ant can cure arthritis”

though, about his theory that a bite from a bullet ant can cure arthritis. Although the government in Costa Rica has implemented laws to protect the environment, many people refuse to observe them and it’s passionate custodians, such as Ricky, who are really working hard to protect the country’s greatest assets. Thanks to the growth in eco-tourism, there’s also an economic benefit to their efforts. Once a simple farmstead, the Magsaysay Lodge in the Sarapiqui rainforest is now a guest house for tourists. Bordering the Braulio Carrillo National Park, there are more varieties of plants, birds and butterflies found here than in all of Europe. I arrive on a tractor, plunging through shallow rivers and climbing into the hills. A pair of Chestnut-mandibled toucans swoop past, their guttural, grating calls competing with the undulating synths of an oropendola bird. The sweet smell of caramelised, fried plantain leads me to the lodge, where hummingbirds dart across the garden. After dark, the owners light a bonfire and we roast marshmallows while listening to a lecture from a local bat researcher, who’s set up nets to catch some of the 100 bat varieties that come here. A nearby coffee co-operative, in the village of San Miguel de Sarapiqui, is also reaping the financial rewards of eco-tourism. Unlike other Central American countries, every coffee plantation in Costa Rica is owned by a co-operative, meaning funds are fairly distributed. Many supplement their incomes by offering tours of their sites. The soil here is extremely fertile, thanks mainly to volcanic activity in the region. The best known peak is the Arenal volcano and the town of La Fortuna – which has grown up around its base – has become a hub for adventure tourism. I climb to the top of Arenal. A thick mist swirls through the forest, where the muddy ground has turned to soup and buttress roots protrude from the earth like veins in a weightlifter’s arm, providing ample seclusion for Costa Rica’s rainbow collection of frogs. Bio-diverse landscapes vary wildly across the country, although only 25% of the land is protected. On the Caribbean side, Tortuguero National Park is an important nesting site for turtles, while inland waterways offer a chance to

spot iguanas, anteaters and Jesus Christ lizards, so named because they appear to walk on water. A lot of land on the Pacific coast was destroyed during the 1980s’ McDonald’s boom, when forest was felled for cattle grazing, but the Manuel Antonio Park, with its idyllic castaway beaches, is one of Costa Rica’s most popular wildlife havens. It’s not often you have the chance to simultaneously sunbathe and spot animals, but during a stroll along the beach, I encounter iguanas basking on rocks, sloths dozing in trees and capuchin monkeys jumping through the forest canopy. Sadly, I also see raccoons foraging for leftover sandwiches and packets of crisps in bins, a sign that the animal world is not immune to the impact of human encroachment. The sprawling hotel developments leading up to the park’s gates also undermine any respect for the national park’s status. By 2021, the government hopes Costa Rica will become a 0% pollution country, an ambitious goal. With neighbours Nicaragua and Panama having openly declared their intentions to industrialise at all costs, there’s also a risk doors to Central America’s biological corridor will be blocked off. It may be one of the few countries in the world not to have an army, but if Costa Rica wants to protect its natural treasures and win a war against environmental change, they could have a fight on their hands.

Travel facts

G Adventure (www.gadventures.co.uk 0844 272 2040) offers a 16-day Costa Rica Adventure trip, covering Puerto Viejo, Tortuguero, Sarapiqui, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio and San Jose, from £999pp. Price includes accommodation, transport, some meals and activities. Flights cost extra.

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GARDENS

Glorious Gardens Emma Davies, who owns The Walled Nursery in Hawkhurst with her husband Monty, offers her tips for creating a tropical haven

As we’ve had some tropical weather this summer, I thought we’d discuss tropical planting styles, particularly the use of architectural foliage plants. Foliage is just as important in a garden as flowers, giving contrasting backdrops or making a statement in pot displays. So, which plants can give you the architectural edge in the garden? One of my favourites is the Tetrapanax papyrifer, a woody, tropical looking plant with huge palmate leaves and big lobes. The leaves can reach 1m in width! The underside of the leaves is covered with woolly hairs, giving it a prehistoric feel. Tetrapanex is best in full sun and free draining soil; you can either protect it from harsh winters by wrapping in horticultural fleece or if cut back by hard frosts it will reshoot from the base, so treat it as an herbaceous plant. If you start again each season the upright stems can reach 2m in height; if you manage to overwinter it, it can reach huge heights and provide a real show

plant

OF THE MONTH

stopping display in your garden or in a container, ideal for a sheltered garden. Another humongous foliage plant is the Gunnera manicata, aka The Chilean Rhubarb, which can reach the dizzying heights of 2.5m and is best in boggy, damp areas, close to a large pond. For those of us with more average sized gardens or those wanting to create architectural pot displays, here are a few more suggestions. Musa basjoo, the Japanese banana, is the hardiest of all bananas. It’s very quick growing with large, sail-like foliage, giving you the lushness of a jungle, which is essential for any tropical garden. There are red bananas as well, some of which are hardy and all of which benefit from winter protection. Cannas (pictured) have beautiful, bold, often striped and coloured foliage with the bonus of brightly coloured tropical looking flowers. A top tip with Cannas is not to dead head them, as

Tradascantia purpurea Also known as purple spiderwort, this trailing house plant has deep purple foliage in long trailing stems with terminal, threepetalled, small violet flowers. As good in the garden as it is in the house, but it will not tolerate any frosts at all. Great used as a summer bedding display in hanging baskets, drought tolerant and very easy to propagate from cuttings rooted first simply in water.

the new flowers are produced from the dead flowers and they’ll keep on producing all the way from June to the autumn. Cannas should be overwintered as you do with dahlias, (a great plant to go alongside tropical foliage plants) – dig them up, pot them into very free draining compost and overwinter them indoors, being very sparse with watering. Here in our nursery, we love to grow Tradascantia purpurea, typically used as a house plant in England but seen growing wild everywhere in Pushkar, India. The long, deep purple stems, which produce tiny, luminous violet terminal flowers, are the perfect contrast plant making light colours stand out better. So, don’t just stick to flowers – add some interesting shapes, colours and textures into the mix. Join the weather and go tropical! Happy gardening, Emma www.thewallednursery.com

nursery OF THE MONTH

Altheas Plants, Ninfield On our tropical theme, Altheas has a large selection of specimen architectural plants like cannas, bananas and agaves. Beautifully laid out, you walk along paths made of crushed sea shells. Worth a drive out there on the way to Bexhill. www.athelasplants.co.uk AUGUST 2014

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Beautiful furniture at beautifully low prices!

he biggest ever sale is now on at HoLues Hill Furniture. If you're looking at freshening up your home this summer then look no further than Holmes Hill. They have everything from painted furniture to solid oak pieces, with over £100,000 worth of stock avai lable to take away today. If the car's not big enough for your purchases, don't worry- they offer free delivery all over the South East for orders over £500. Gifts, clocks, ornaments and decorations for your home, you name it; you will find it at Holmes Hill! Opened nearly 10 years ago, Holmes Hill pride themselves on being the place to go for all your furniture needs in the South East. Experienced, friendly staff and a large showroom, together with an easy tO use website, means customers can browse a vast selection of high quality products, either in the comfort of their own home or by dropping in for a visit and a cream tea in the cafe.

BRT CARPETS lTD NOW IN STORE. Also on Holmes Hill Estate ... MASTERPIECE POTTERY STUDIO Pottery painting, hand and foot prints, deco patch, mosaics and garden ornaments; something for everyone from 0 to 99! A fun day out for all the family. Also offering children's parties, hen parties and

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INTERIORS

BEAUTIFUL HOMES & GARDENS WATER WAYS

Make the bathroom into a luxurious sanctuary

ALFRESCO LIVING

Transform your outdoor space with fabulous furniture

TEA ON THE TERRACE

How to create that perfect patio

TOUCHING BASE

Our helpful guide to your flooring options

AUGUST 2014

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INTERIORS

ALL HANDS ON DECK It’s not too late to make the most of the great outdoors this summer and if you’re looking for versatile outdoor space, a patio or decking could transform your garden

he first rule of your home’s patio or outdoor deck echoes the first rule (for many) of the home itself: location, location, location. For example, do you want your outdoor space in full sun, in partial sun or in the shade? Where your garden gets the sun at different times of the day could make a big difference to how much you’ll use your new area. The usual place to put it is near the house for the most convenient alfresco dining, but there might be a better spot elsewhere. You might also want to pave or deck the entire garden, especially if it’s a courtyard. Decking is a good way to make sloping gardens more usable, as an alternative to creating the more difficult tiers. By extending the deck out from the house to cover the whole garden, you’ve solved the problem of an awkward, hard to use and even potentially dangerous (if you have small children) outside space. When deciding on the location of your patio or deck, you also need to think about things like drainage (manhole covers will still need to be accessible), where the doors to the garden are, where the bedrooms are (especially with a bungalow or flat) and if the patio or deck will be overlooked. Also consider the prevailing winds, traffic noise, if any and what you’ll be looking out on when you sit and relax. It’s important to have a patio or deck that’s in proportion to the size of the house too, and to use colours and materials that work well with the building (unless you want a deliberate contrast). While it should be in keeping though, your design can still be creative. Decking can be formed on different levels, with, among other things,

“Decking can be formed on different levels, with, among other things, built-in benches, planters, steps and cut-outs – ideal if you have, or dream of having, a hot tub” built-in benches, planters, steps and cut-outs – ideal if you have, or dream of having, a hot tub. You can do a similar thing with paving – an easy way to add interest is to incorporate a circle or other design into your patio using a paving kit. Once you’ve got an idea of what you want, draw the garden on graph paper or use an online garden planner, marking on everything relevant. This will enable you to play around with different ideas and layouts, then you can recreate them in the garden using string and pegs or spray paint, marking out what will go where and considering if it really will work. Before you start building your patio or deck, check if any permissions are required, including from the freeholder if your home is leasehold, or from the local council. Click on the decking or patio on the interactive house at www.planningportal.gov.uk for general advice, but, if in doubt, ask the local council for specific advice about your home, as planning permission and/or listed building consent is sometimes required. If you’re good to go, then here’s a raised glass to a late summer of balmy outdoor dining. Read on to find out how you can furnish your outdoor space in style. AUGUST 2014

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INTERIORS

BRING THE INDOORS OUT High summer is a fantastic time to enjoy the garden and making your patio or decking into another room can offer lots of extra options when it comes to entertaining. Conservatories also provide an alfresco feel even in bad weather, so make sure you furnish your space in style

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Dansk Lounge Chair, £1,249 and Coffee Table, £999, from Gloster www.gloster.com

24/07/2014 09:38

INTERIORS

Aruba table and two benches, £799; two dining chairs, £249, from Marks & Spencer www.marksandspencer.com

DOWN TO THE WOOD Janeiro armchair, £25 and table, £90 from B&Q www.diy.com

ounging and dining outdoors is one of the pleasures of summer but it must be done with care, because a poor setting will dampen spirits faster than a sudden downpour. A patio, decked area or sun room should be furnished as carefully as any indoor space and, ideally, mirror your interiors taste so that there’s a harmonious ‘flow’ from house to garden. Fortunately, it’s now easy to create an area which impresses, as there’s a huge variety of affordable, good-looking, quality furniture in high street stores and DIY supermarkets that competes well with the high-end designer ranges. “Gardens are fast becoming an extension of the home with more and more people embracing a European lifestyle – eating and entertaining outside, even though the weather sometimes doesn’t co-operate with our alfresco aspirations,” says Sarah Quilliam, Head of ProductDesign for conservatory blinds and awnings specialists, Hillarys. “We’d all like a sophisticated, beautifully furnished area that seamlessly blends with our interior.” “Advances in design and technology mean there are plenty of ranges in weather-proof materials, such as synthetic rattan, so that pieces can be left out all year round and

require minimal maintenance,” Sarah adds. “Awnings, lighting and sound systems, state-of-the-art barbecues and stunning furniture – that wouldn’t look out of place indoors – are transforming our perception of garden spaces. These truly are ‘outdoor rooms’ that speak volumes about our taste.” Patio perfection is easy to achieve; follow the experts’ advice and choose from a selection of patio kit to suit your budget.

COLOUR STORY Colour is a given in interiors and is featuring strongly in patio collections. Those zingy shades can instantly brighten a small space and could be the answer if you lack bright, blooming borders or yearn for an exotic lift on dull days. “People are putting personality into their patios by using colour and texture to express their own individual style,” says Karen Wichard, Designer at Alexander Francis. “They want to create the atmosphere of a ‘vacation spot’ characterised by splashes of colour, particularly Mediterranean reds and oranges which add a spicy touch, reminiscent of sun-scorched days.”

Natural materials like wood and stone complement the colour palette of the great outdoors, rather than compete with it. “Beautifully crafted wooden patio sets are a classic choice and will never date,” says Kate Watson, Interior Designer for furniture store, Fishpools. “Of course, these will always suit a country-style garden, but there are many sleek, contemporary designs which will appeal to those who like a Scandi-look. Wood’s appeal is timeless and it will never fall out of favour.”

REVEL IN RATTAN Woven rattan furniture is enjoying huge popularity. Real rattan is the fastest growing hardwood on earth, reaching maturity in a couple of months, which makes it sustainable, super-strong and eco-friendly. If you prefer minimal maintenance, synthetic rattan is a good option. “Classic rattan-style pieces bring a traditional, elegant feel to the garden,” says Kate Mooney, founder of online interior design store, Occa-Home. “Woven furniture continues to appeal because it offers texture and comfort, while conjuring a laidback feel that really furnishes a space. Choose from a rich, dark finish or the paler browns, which will look less dominating.”

ALL WHITE Pure white is the perfect choice if you want a sleek, uncluttered feel to your patio and also evokes the bright exteriors of sun-bleached Mediterranean homes. “Increasingly, we’re favouring a pared-back look which matches our indoor style,” says Sarah Quilliam. “White or cream provides a brilliant contrast with the green of an outside space and helps to conjure a calm, peaceful atmosphere. Our cream or ivory fabric awning is becoming as popular as the more traditional striped fabrics.”

Rattan Bistro set, £345, from Alexander Francis www.alexanderfrancis.co.uk

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We offer a complete service that takes care of everything from expert advice and free estimating to professional fitting of carpets and hard flooring, as well as beautiful bespoke rugs for Sevenoaks and surrounding areas in Kent. With a design portfolio that takes inspiration from the latest interior design trends, at Hudson Flooring we combine durability and style to create flooring perfect for any room

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INTERIORS

TAKE TO THE FLOOR Whether you’re putting your mark on a new build or renovating an old property, your choice of flooring can dictate the atmosphere of an entire room. We take a look at the options and offer a few tips to help make up your mind

STONE

hese days there is a broad variety of flooring on the market, available in just about every colour, pattern, style and price bracket. When choosing the base for your interior design, there are a number of practical factors to consider: what will the room be used for? How heavy will the footfall be? Will young children or pets use the room? Do you want the flooring to make a statement or to be a neutral backdrop for other elements of the decor? If you plan to have underfloor heating, you’ll also need to check whether your first choice of flooring is suitable, as compatibility can vary even within the same genre.

having to replace it too soon. Broad expanses of neutral colour have long been popular, but statement patterns are making a resurgence and these can be better at disguising signs of wear and tear.

CARPET

SOLID TIMBER

A time-honoured favourite, it’s hard to beat carpet when it comes to warmth and overall comfort. Ideal for bedrooms and sitting rooms, carpet adds softness to the spaces where relaxation is paramount. However, it’s not suitable for kitchens or bathrooms – or anywhere the flooring is likely to get wet – and when you’re carpeting high traffic areas, such as hallways and family living rooms, it is advisable to choose a hard-wearing variety. Costs can vary dramatically based on the material and quality, so it’s worth taking time to choose the most suitable type in order to avoid

Laminate flooring can simulate the look of wood for a fraction of the cost, but a real, high quality wooden floor just oozes class, whether it’s chic parquet or rustic oak boards. Many woods have a naturally warm feeling underfoot and combined with underfloor heating (where appropriate), they can make a room feel just as cosy as carpet. Wooden floors tend to look better with age and the material is great if you want your home to have a natural feel, but wood will need re-sanding and sealing every few years. With softer wood floors, you might need to ban stilettos at parties!

From a marble bathroom floor to a kitchen kitted out in natural slate, stone is perhaps the ultimate in luxury – usually with a price tag to match. Hard-wearing and striking, stone is ideal for high traffic areas, though some materials such as slate can stain easily so might not be ideal for kitchens. It’ll also need resealing regularly (this could be anytime between every one and five years) and may feel cold without underfloor heating, but the look of a beautiful stone floor is undeniably impressive.

VINYL Once treated purely as a cheap and functional alternative to tiles or carpet, vinyl has long been a favourite of landlords and those on a tiny budget. However, things have changed. If you’re looking for a quick and affordable transformation, the vinyl tiles and sheets available today come in an array of beautiful designs – ideal if you like to redecorate often and need something that’s easy to clean. But they’re not all cheap and disposable; shop around and you’ll find some stunning statement patterns from quality brands that will make a big impression on your room. Be aware though that vinyl won’t last forever in busy areas of the home, so consider only investing in high value vinyl for quieter spots.

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INTERIORS

MAKING A SPLASH Transforming your bathroom into a luxurious sanctuary can give your home a real lift. If you want that fresh feeling, it’s important to consider all the vital elements that can make or break your relaxing retreat, as DIY guru Julia Gray explains

ecently, I had to gut my (very Seventies avocado) bathroom sooner than expected – when the airing cupboard had to be enlarged, the whole bathroom layout had to change. I’d bought a bath that, I thought, could be squeezed into the new space, but it didn’t take account of plastering and tiling. My builder said the bath would have to be cut into the wall, but then decided the wall was too unstable and would have to come down – or the bath would have to go. Whatever your views on avocado bathrooms, this episode just goes to

demonstrate the problems that not thinking through purchases can cause. And, it seems, I’m not alone in this. A new survey for bathroom brand iflo (www.iflopromotion.co.uk) has revealed that style is the most important factor for homeowners planning a new bathroom, with more practical considerations often overlooked. In fact, more than 60% of respondents in the south of England said they wouldn’t ask a plumber for advice when selecting bathroom products. “Bathrooms are the most complicated room

style is the most important factor for homeowners planning a new bathroom

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INTERIORS

iflo Rhea Suite from Travis Perkins

in any home,” says iflo’s Jo Axtell. “It’s not a problem, with changes to the toilet waste particularly the shower. Many of us have a just about choosing a look or style, but also often the most difficult. combination or ‘combi’ boiler, a highthe pipework, available space, water usage Sometimes wastes have to be surface pressured system that heats mains water on and water pressure, which can all impact on mounted, but re-jigging the layout may demand and doesn’t require a tank or cylinder. how successful the resulting room is. avoid this (again, a good plumber will talk Pressurised or unvented systems are “Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t you through the different options to get the similar. They’re also high pressure and realise this until they have a new shower that right balance of style and practicality). provide hot water on demand, but they isn’t powerful enough or taps that look great Different layouts and products may have do have a cylinder. For the above systems, but are difficult to turn off with wet hands.” cost implications in terms of labour and a mixer shower, unpumped electric It can be hard to think through all the materials, which is another reason to consult shower or unpumped digital shower implications of purchases for a new bathroom a plumber. You may not realise it, but the should be suitable. though, especially if you’re making big type of boiler your home has can also affect However, if you have a low-pressure changes, but remember a good plumber will what you buy for your new bathroom, system, usually using a timer, tank and come to your home cylinder to get hot and advise you. water, your choices TOP TRENDS Generally speaking, are a mixer, Make a splash with some of 2014’s coolest bathroom fashions keeping the bathroom electric, power layout as it is should or pumped BACK TO BLACK White suites, walls and using clever linear ones that run under make replacing the digital shower. floors can feel a little sterile, so add some the glass. suite straightforward, So next time you contrast with black taps, tiles, lighting or A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING Built-in but changing the splash out on a new bathtubs. storage is a good idea when designing layout can complicate bathroom, bear all WELCOME MATT Powdery surfaces and your new bathroom, but don’t stop at things. this information in matt finishes in neutral tones give a cabinets. Tiled ledges in showers and next Unless you have mind. While it’s classic, boutique hotel style touch to tiles. to freestanding baths are a stylish solid floors, getting important to make KICK IT TO THE CURB Curbless alternative to toiletry racks. water where you sure your new showers – walk-in varieties with nothing VANITY FAIR Floating vanity units want in the room bathroom looks to step over – give the flooring a chic, mounted on the wall can increase space, shouldn’t be hard, but good, you don’t uninterrupted look. You can even streamline the room’s look and show off altering the waste want practicality to dispense with a central floor drain by flooring to great effect. pipes can be more of be a wash-out. AUGUST 2014

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BEAUTIFUL HOMES

HOME FRONT

It’s the height of the summer and whatever the weather’s doing, all is beautiful in the Weald. With such a fantastic variety of properties on the market, home hunters can’t help but discover a ray of sunshine in this part of the world. When it comes to luxuries, there can be few greater treats than your own swimming pool, or perhaps you would prefer a private tennis court? Landscaped gardens provide a picturesque backdrop for outdoor entertaining, while a stunning barn conversion offers the best of historical charm and modern comfort. Or maybe a sophisticated apartment in the most prestigious part of town with far-reaching views is more your cup of tea? We’ve got all these and more among this month’s selection, so read on to see if your future home is among our August selection... IN ASSOCIATION WITH

TONBRIDGE

Family home has planning consent for an annexe Price: £795,000

MAYFIELD

Spacious Victorian house in landscaped gardens Price: £950,000

TUNBRIDGE WELLS Chic apartment with views in sought-after area Price: £550,000

EDENBRIDGE

Impressive features in this oast conversion Price: £1,795,000

HAWKHURST

Tennis court, pool and annexe are all yours Price: £1.85million

SPELDHURST

Charming rural house in 11 acres of grounds Price: £2.95million

JUNE 2014

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BEAUTIFUL HOMES

FLOORED BY AN OUTSTANDING OAST Converted in 2012, this spectacular oast house in Edenbridge has some truly unique features

s soon as you step into the Oast Barn, you’ll literally notice the quality from the ground upwards – the marble flooring throughout the lower level was salvaged from the Royal Museum of Edinburgh. Boasting a superior designer feel throughout, this beautifully converted oast has been finished to a very high specification and has some fantastic design features. Underfloor heating throughout and a unique 3-in-1 system wood-burning stove will keep you cosy in even the coldest weather. Four reception rooms offer plenty of space for entertaining; your guests will be amazed by the stunning drawing

room with full height windows and a glassfronted mezzanine. The ‘room with a view’ opens onto a jetty-style decked patio area and is a great place from which to admire the delightful grounds and pond. Individually made solid oak joinery gives the Grade II listed home an added charm, as does the handcrafted oak kitchen with Broughton Moor slate worktops. Feature marble makes the bathrooms truly relaxing sanctuaries and there’s even a luxurious limestone bath. Far-reaching country views are the icing on the cake for this exceptional home.

For full details contact: Hamptons International • 01732 280 801 • www.hamptons.co.uk

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH

BEAUTIFUL HOMES

Property: The Oast Barn, Grade II listed conversion Location: Hilders Lane, Edenbridge, Kent Price: ÂŁ1,795,000 Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 3 Land: 0.5 acre Extras: Parking, outbuilding with potential, summerhouse Best bits: The sophisticated use of modern design in this heritage building results in some stunning architectural features â&#x20AC;&#x201C; these include a glass mezzanine lounge overlooking the living room and two contemporary Smet designed oak and glass staircases.

AUGUST 2014

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BEAUTIFUL HOMES

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U HOUSE WITH ANNEXE Situated opposite Marlborough House School, this atmospheric property on the outskirts of Hawkhurst boasts beautiful grounds

ith accommodation arranged over three floors, Chittenden House is an impressive property that dates in part from the 15th century, with later 18th and 19th century additions. Entertaining will be a breeze in the charming beamed drawing room and formal dining room – you can simply pop down to your own wine cellar every time the glasses need refilling. There’s also a study on the ground floor and a bespoke kitchen/breakfast room with a utility room nearby.

Six bedrooms are located on the split level first floor, three with built-in wardrobes and two with en suite bathrooms; a family bathroom serves the remainder. On the second floor there are two further bedrooms and a third room that is currently used as an office. In the beautifully landscaped gardens you ll find hittenden odge a detached annexe that has been substantially renovated. It offers a sitting room, kitchen/breakfast room, two bedrooms and a bathroom

Property: Chittenden House, Grade II listed house Location: Slip Mill Road, Hawkhurst, Kent Price: £1.85million Bedrooms: 8 Bathrooms: 3 plus WC Land: About 2.26 acres Extras: Detached two-bedroom annexe, tennis court, stables, outbuildings, swimming pool, pool house, double garage, carport, vegetable gardens, orchard, paddock, wine cellar Best bits: Sport lovers will have a great time at this property, as the grounds provide plenty of leisure opportunities, such as swimming and tennis. The stables and paddock offer the potential to keep your own horses too

For full details contact: Barnes Kingsnorth • 01732 771616 • www.bkestateagents.com AUGUST 2014

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BEAUTIFUL HOMES

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

PERIOD HOME ON VILLAGE EDGE This substantial Victorian property in Mayfield offers spacious rooms and delightful views

et in beautiful landscaped gardens, Murleys is an impressive detached property that provides all the benefits of Victorian architecture. The light and generously sized rooms boast desirable period features, plus fabulous views of open countryside can be enjoyed to the rear. ff road par ing is available on the driveway, which leads to a detached double garage with two sets of double doors and a games room above. An enclosed entrance porch welcomes you through to the reception hall, from which an attractive curved balustrade and stairs lead up to the first floor Both the drawing room and dining room

are elegant spaces with bay windows and fireplaces gas fired ga ma es the attractive itchen brea fast room a highlight for een coo s and there is a useful larder area too; the adjacent utility room has a butler sin and space for further appliances Upstairs, the master bedroom has a feature fireplace and wonderful views while the second bedroom has a bay window and a balcony from which to admire the vistas. There are two further bedrooms on this floor along with a family bathroom and separate shower room. n the top floor you ll find a charming guest bedroom with an en suite bathroom.

Property: Murleys, detached Victorian house Location: Newick Lane, Mayfield, East Sussex Offers in region of: £950,000

Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 2 plus 1 shower room & WC Land: About 0.4 acre Extras: Detached double garage, games room, landscaped gardens, period features Best bits: The stunning landscaped gardens are a real joy. Features such as a large area of decking to the side and rear of the property, along with attractive terracing, make this is a great place for outdoor entertaining. With a wooded area at the end, these grounds are tranquil and relaxing.

For full details contact: Batcheller Monkhouse • 01892 512 020 • www.batchellermonkhouse.com

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BEAUTIFUL HOMES

ELEGANT COUNTRY HOME IN EXTENSIVE GROUNDS This rural property in Speldhurst comes with a tennis court, studio and 11 acres of grounds

ating from the early 1900s, Scriventon House is a stunning country property that has been recently refurbished to a very high standard by the current owners. his beautifully presented family home offers spacious accommodation, charming features and a huge kitchen/breakfast room that provides a fantastic hub for life here. You are welcomed into a delightful entrance hall with an elegant staircase and access to the study. The marvellous views can be enjoyed from the dining room and there is more entertaining space in the family room and the formal dining

room with its lantern skylight. The fantastic 38ft kitchen/breakfast room provides ample space for cooking and dining, plus it has doors opening to its own courtyard garden. Far-reaching views of the surrounding countryside can be enjoyed from the master suite upstairs, which boasts a bedroom, dressing room and en suite bathroom. There are two other suites with en suite facilities and a family bathroom serves the remaining two bedrooms. Out in the impressive grounds, there is a two-bedroom detached studio that can provide ancillary accommodation.

For full details contact: Alexandre-Boyes â&#x20AC;˘ 01892 525 522 â&#x20AC;˘ www.alexandre-boyes.co.uk

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH

BEAUTIFUL HOMES

Property: Scriventon House, detached country house Location: Stockland Green Road, Speldhurst, Kent Price: £2.95million Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 3 plus shower room & WC Land: About 11.3 acres Extras: Tennis court, outbuildings, two-bedroom detached studio, cellar Best bits: The approach to Scriventon House is truly breathtaking – a sweeping tree-lined drive leads through the beautiful grounds to the property’s impressive frontage. The grounds also include a new tennis court, light woodland and paddocks.

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BEAUTIFUL HOMES

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EDWARDIAN HOMES HAVE DOUBLE THE IMPACT Here’s an opportunity to buy a pair of beautiful attached houses in the village of Burwash

vailable for sale as two separate lots, Burwash Place East and Burwash Place West are portions of one delightful property on the edge of the village. Approached via a sweeping drive, Burwash Place East is the larger of the two residences, boasting eight bedrooms, three main reception rooms, cellars, a huge kitchen/breakfast room and a roof terrace. The modernised interior retains many charming Edwardian features; highlights include the magnificent staircase in the reception hall and a first floor balcony from which you can enjoy superb views

of the surrounding countryside. Children will love the tree house in the acre of grounds and the heated swimming pool, with its adjacent changing room. You’ll never be short of entertaining space at Burwash Place West, where you’ll discover an elegant 40ft drawing room that runs the entire width of the house. The kitchen/dining room opens into the conservatory, which overlooks the 0.33 acre of attractive grounds. This property also boasts a stunning staircase and four bedrooms, two shower rooms and a bathroom, along with a study and storage space on the second floor

Properties: Burwash Place East & Burwash Place West Location: Spring Lane, Burwash, Etchingham, East Sussex Prices: Burwash Place East £1.1million; Burwash Place West £850,000 Bedrooms: 12 in total Bathrooms: 3 plus 3 shower rooms in total & WCs Land: About 1.3 acres in total Extras: Cellars, garaging, swimming pool, roof terrace, extensive off-road parking Best bits: Potential buyers may consider investing in both properties – this is a rare chance for someone looking to combine the accommodation to create one exceptional home, or for family members to live close by each other while enjoying entirely separate quarters.

For full details contact: Knight Frank • 01892 515 035 • www.knightfrank.com AUGUST 2014

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PROPERTY

LETTING GO As property lets continue to play a significant role in today’s market for both tenants and landlords, estate agents are seeing more and more people opting to rent instead of buy for a variety of reasons. We speak to some of the local area’s leading experts to find out the latest trends and predictions for the future

Alexandre Boyes Kate Boyes FARLA MRICS, Managing Partner “The rental market will continue to take a bigger share of the property market” HOW BUOYANT IS THE RENTAL MARKET TODAY? Traditionally the summer months are a busy time for Residential Lettings, particularly for the family house market. So far we have not been disappointed. We have seen a healthy pipeline of good quality, well priced stock come to the market, teamed with high demand. Once that envelope hits the doormat confirming the school places, the rush is on to find the perfect family house before the new school term. The level of applicant registrations, enquiries and viewings is up on this time last year as the South East continues to attract people.

WHAT’S DRIVING THAT MARKET? With the abundance of excellent schools, shops and restaurants set in some of the most stunning countryside, all within a 52-minute commute to the City, it’s no wonder Tunbridge Wells is one of those Golden Triangle towns. This all impacts the supply and demand chain, market rents and yields and market activity in general.

150

HOW HARD IS IT FOR INVESTORS TO FIND SUITABLE PROPERTIES TO PURCHASE AND THEN LET? Since October 2013 we have seen an increase in investors looking to start or expand their buy-to-let portfolios, with apartments starting to sell much better than they had done over the last couple of years, especially under the £250,000 stamp duty threshold. Providing the investor does their research into the location, potential rental value etc. then they should experience minimal void periods between completion and the commencement of the tenancy.

WHAT SORT OF RETURNS MIGHT AN INVESTOR GET IN PERCENTAGE TERMS? On average we are seeing investors achieving yields of 3.5-5%. This is a lower rental yield because traditionally TW is low risk; however, one would expect a higher capital return in the medium to long term.

HOW DO YOU SEE THE RENTAL MARKET UNFOLDING IN THE COMING 12 MONTHS? As demonstrated over the past eight

years or so, the rental market will continue to take a bigger share of the property market. Often landlords and tenants do not understand the difference between regulated and non-regulated agents. Alexandre Boyes are voluntary members of the Association of Residential Lettings Agents (ARLA) and RICS accredited schemes and invest in their training programmes. There is much talk about making accreditation schemes mandatory to wheedle out the rogue agents and landlords and to make the whole lettings process as transparent as possible. Alexandre Boyes support this wholeheartedly, as anything that raises standards and professionalism is a positive move forward in this business. Alexandre Boyes Address: 48 Mount Ephraim, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 8AU 01892 525 522 lettings@alexandre-boyes.co.uk www.alexandre-boyes.co.uk

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PROPERTY

Howard Cundey Arlo Risby MARLA, Associate Partner for Lettings “New figures show that mortgage approvals are at an 11-month low” TELL US ABOUT THE RENTAL MARKET TODAY? There is currently high demand for rental property, however, we have slowly seen the supply of properties reduce in the areas we cover. If the rent is priced correctly, most properties are being let within a week of marketing.

WHAT’S DRIVING THAT MARKET? There could be a number of factors driving the market. A general lack of supply in the sales market, along with an increase in house prices, has led to many having to delay purchasing and moving into rented accommodation instead. Some have sold and have chosen to rent until the sales market settles, also benefiting from being chain-free. In addition to this, new figures show that mortgage approvals are at an 11-month low since the mortgage market review came into force in April this year.

HOW HARD IS IT FOR INVESTORS TO FIND SUITABLE PROPERTIES TO PURCHASE AND THEN LET? Taking these factors into consideration, we have seen high demand from investors looking to benefit, however the increase in the cost of living for many has seen rents struggling to rise at the same pace as property prices, meaning many investors are finding it difficult to find property where they can achieve worthwhile yields. Investors are also finding they have an increase in competition from other investors. My advice is: don’t give up, they are out there!

WHAT SORT OF RETURNS MIGHT AN INVESTOR GET IN PERCENTAGE TERMS? Annual returns are in the region of 5%-6% for the average buy-to-let. However, canny investors will be able to increase yields if they can find a bargain; something that needs work or converting.

HOW DO YOU SEE THE RENTAL MARKET UNFOLDING IN THE COMING 12 MONTHS? The Government receiving criticism over the Help to Buy scheme, the mortgage market review and possible interest rate rises means we should see continued strong demand for rental property over the next 12 months. Although it is difficult to predict what will happen with house prices, any dip in values should be a call to arms for investors to increase their portfolios. Howard Cundey Address: Offices in Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, East Grinstead and Oxted 01732 370 321 arlorisby@howardcundey.com www.howardcundey.com

McAuley Miller Mig Bennett, Charlotte Knight and Andrea Harold, Lettings Managers “We would be very surprised if the rental market did anything other than continue its upward trend” HOW BUOYANT IS THE RENTAL MARKET TODAY? The market continues to be buoyant – there are more tenants searching than properties available and Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding area will continue to be popular with tenants and rental investors.

WHAT’S DRIVING THAT MARKET? We agree with the above, but, apart from the already well-documented move that the young professional couple makes when they need a breath of country air, a good school and a manageable train journey, we think that more and more London renters are being forced out of the Capital due almost solely to the prohibitive prices there – be it rental or purchase.

HOW HARD IS IT FOR INVESTORS TO FIND SUITABLE PROPERTIES TO

PURCHASE AND THEN LET? The rental market is crying out for more good quality, well located flats and houses for the young professional single or couple. There is a wide selection of properties that lend themselves well to the needs of a rental investor – particularly those in the under £250,000 bracket. We are often asked, ‘Which would you buy?’ Selecting the right one shouldn’t be about an emotional, ‘Oh, isn’t it lovely! I could live here! Look at the roses round the door!’ A good agent will advise on the practicalities, the suitability and rental income potential. Regularly about half of our available properties are buy-to-let – most of which have been sold to landlords by us, thus providing them with a seamless service through purchase to tenancy.

WHAT SORT OF RETURNS MIGHT AN INVESTOR GET IN PERCENTAGE TERMS? Between 4% and 6% – do your homework

and don’t forget to factor in the costs. Talk to an agent and ask specifics.

HOW DO YOU SEE THE RENTAL MARKET UNFOLDING IN THE COMING 12 MONTHS? We would be very surprised if, in this locality, it did anything other than continue its upward trend. McAuley Miller Address: 25-27 Mount Ephraim, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 8AE 01892 614 777 sales@mcauleymiller.com www.mcauleymiller.com

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PROPERTY

Batcheller Monkhouse Zoë E Strickland, Lettings Manager “Tenants prefer the relative freedom gained by renting rather than owning a property” HOW BUOYANT IS THE RENTAL MARKET TODAY? The rental market continues to perform well, underpinned by strong demand from tenants looking to secure a property, although they now face increased competition, as supply in the private rented sector contracts. Demand is set to increase further as we enter the traditionally busy period in the run-up to the next school term. For anyone considering letting a property, now could not be a better time with ideal market conditions for landlords.

WHAT’S DRIVING THAT MARKET? This may be part of the reason, but is by no means the whole answer. A recurring theme that I hear regularly from tenants is that they prefer the relative freedom gained by renting rather than owning a property. One big reason for this is the flexibility it provides in the job market, when applying for roles in different areas of the country. There are also some homeowners who, to make it easier to

secure a purchase, are willing to go into rented accommodation for six months, while looking for their ideal next home.

HOW HARD IS IT FOR INVESTORS TO FIND SUITABLE PROPERTIES TO PURCHASE AND THEN LET? This will of course entirely depend on the state of the sales market and the supply of properties for sale at the time. However, finding a suitably good quality property, whether on a brand new development or second-hand, should be relatively straightforward most of the time. The key is to be organised and ready to act as soon as the right property comes to the market. Dealing with an agent who can provide advice on sales and lettings should make the task more straightforward for the investor.

WHAT SORT OF RETURNS MIGHT AN INVESTOR GET IN PERCENTAGE TERMS? To maximise the return on investment, there

are a number of golden rules. The most important of these are the location and condition of a property. However, there are a number of other factors, not least of which is the time of year a property is marketed. Obviously it is easier to find a tenant, often at a better rental price, during the spring and summer months, than it is in the depths of winter. In reality, an investor should expect to achieve a return of between 3.5% and 5%. Batcheller Monkhouse Address: 1 London Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1DH 01892 512 020 z.strickland@batchellermonkhouse.com www.batchellermonkhouse.com

Andrews Lettings Chris Archer, Branch Manager “I would envisage a slight increase in the number of investors expanding their portfolio” TELL US ABOUT THE RENTAL MARKET TODAY? In Tunbridge Wells the rental market is probably at the strongest it has been for quite some time. There is more available property than this time last year, but also more potential tenants. Rents have remained strong and in some cases risen since the start of the year.

WHAT’S DRIVING THAT MARKET, IS IT THE FACT IT’S MORE DIFFICULT TO GET MORTGAGES TO BUY YOUR OWN HOME? Not at all; our sales team has actually seen an increase in the number of first-time buyers over the last six months. There are a number of reasons why people will choose to rent rather than buy, such as to free up capital or to try out a new area before deciding where to settle down. We have also been

152

dealing with more investment mortgages this year than last.

HOW HARD IS IT FOR INVESTORS TO FIND SUITABLE PROPERTIES TO PURCHASE AND THEN LET? The rising sales market in the first half of the year means that purchase prices have risen faster than rents, so while there are plenty of properties for potential investors to buy, the yields that these properties offer have reduced.

WHAT SORT OF RETURNS MIGHT AN INVESTOR GET IN PERCENTAGE TERMS? Depending on the type of property, a gross yield of between 4 and 5.5% is typical at the moment.

HOW DO YOU SEE THE RENTAL MARKET UNFOLDING IN

THE COMING 12 MONTHS? As the sales market cools, and with some new homes developments coming online around the town, I would envisage a slight increase in the number of investors expanding their portfolio. This will give prospective tenants more choice, but the quality of the properties means that rents should remain strong. Andrews Lettings Address: 11 Grosvenor Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2AH 01892 525 551 CArcher@AndrewsOnline.co.uk www.andrewsonline.co.uk

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PROPERTY

Wood & Pilcher Jackie Morris, Director “Some first-time buyers are still having difficulties in raising a large enough deposit and therefore still look to rent” HOW BUOYANT IS THE RENTAL MARKET TODAY? Wood & Pilcher’s Letting and Management Department has been going from strength to strength, due to the large number of properties let this year. The amount of enquiries per property has increased, leading the team to follow suit with their sales colleagues in having to hold ‘Open Houses’ to accommodate the large number of applicants wishing to view. This has usually led to a number of full asking price offers per property, giving our client landlords the opportunity to choose who becomes their tenant.

WHAT’S DRIVING THAT MARKET? Although recent figures from the Council of Mortgage Lenders have shown that, in May, lending to first-time buyers rose to the strongest level in nearly six years, some first-time buyers are still in a situation of having difficulties in raising a large enough

deposit and therefore still look to rent. With a shortage of stock for sale, we are also finding more vendors becoming tenants. This is allowing them to sell their own property while the market is good and then be in an excellent position, with no chain, to purchase an onward property when it becomes available.

HOW HARD IS IT FOR INVESTORS TO FIND SUITABLE PROPERTIES? Although sales prices have been rising, our Sales and Lettings Departments have been working very closely to provide the right information to existing clients and new investors, enabling them to make the correct choice of buy-to-let. More frequently, rental guides are being provided to the Sales team for viewings and potential purchasers are discussing yields, as well as any particular works a property may require prior to letting, before making their offer. The power of social media should not be underestimated either, as one Tweet by us resulted in an instruction,

a sale and a let of a one-bedroom apartment in less than three months.

HOW DO YOU SEE THE RENTAL MARKET UNFOLDING? At present, there are no indications that anything much in the rental market will change. A surplus of applicants and a shortage of property will keep rents at a maximum. Wood & Pilcher Address: 23 High Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1UT 01892 528 888 lettings@woodandpilcher.com www.woodandpilcher.co.uk

LeGrys Bill LeGrys, Director “Investors should be clear on their requirements and be able to act fast” TELL US ABOUT THE MARKET? The market remains as strong as ever. That said, the Government Assistance for Mortgage applications, launched in October last year, has certainly afforded many renters the chance to get into the housing market.

WHAT’S DRIVING THAT MARKET? The rental market in the south east in general has always been fluid and incredibly fastmoving. With more and more families and younger couples looking to move out of London into areas such as Tunbridge Wells and surrounding villages – with their fast links to London and greater buying power outside of the Capital being a massive pull to the area – we have seen a marked increase in “newbies” to the area looking to rent for a year or so before taking the plunge of buying a home.

HOW HARD IS IT FOR INVESTORS TO FIND SUITABLE PROPERTIES? The Buy To Let Investments continue to be a

very attractive option for those looking to achieve a greater return on their investment to that of other options. Clearly, with a strong rental market void periods are a thing of the past to a certain degree. There are a lot of investors chasing that high yielding, low investment property but in my experience the early bird catches the worm. We recommend all investors should forge a relationship with all agents working in your chosen area, be clear on your requirements and be able to act fast when required in order to secure the property.

HOW DO YOU SEE THE RENTAL MARKET UNFOLDING?

WHAT SORT OF RETURNS IS AN INVESTOR LOOKING AT?

In a nutshell, I don’t believe there will be much change to this buoyant market. Having just done our annual rental review, we’ve seen that the average time from advertising to agreeing a let is just a matter of days.

Investors should look to achieve 5 to 7% after costs if they source the right property, in the right location and negotiate good fees with their letting agents. We are currently seeing landlords achieving as much as 10% on some of the properties we have sourced/ manage on behalf of our landlords.

LeGrys Address: Offices in Tunbridge Wells, Edenbridge & Rotherfield 01892 529 448 twells@legrys.com www.legrys.com

AUGUST 2014

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KITCHENS

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24/07/2014 15:37

BEAUTIFUL HOMES

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

LIVING THE PARK LIFE Your chance to own a fabulous apartment in a sought-after part of Tunbridge Wells

et in one of the town’s most desirable areas a evill ar is a first floor two-bedroom apartment just a short walk from the town centre. One of just four apartments in the large building, this property offers the opportunity to live in a stunning mansion-style house with a share of the freehold. From the front, you can enjoy delightful views across Hungershall Park, while the rear windows look out onto the communal gardens. he impressive fireplace with its marble hearth is a real feature of the living room, along with the attractive bay window. Deep skirting

boards, a ceiling cornice and a period-style radiator add extra charm to this room. Charming views make cooking in the kitchen a joy, plus there is a Bosch dishwasher and American-style fridge/freezer to make life even easier. Two sash windows allow plenty of light into the master bedroom, which also has built-in wardrobes and an en suite shower room here s a fireplace in the second bedroom and there’s also a bathroom with a separate shower cubicle. The owner of this apartment has the use of one half of a double garage.

Property: 5a, first floor apartment Location: Nevill Park, Tunbridge Wells, Kent Price: £550,000 Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 1 plus shower room Extras: Garage, communal gardens Best bits: One of Tunbridge Wells’ most prestigious addresses, Nevill Park is located on a private road populated by a variety of impressive houses. Just a quarter of a mile from the bustling town centre, this is a spot that offers both convenience and tranquillity.

For full details contact: Wood & Pilcher • 01892 511 211 • www.woodandpilcher.co.uk AUGUST 2014

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BEAUTIFUL HOMES

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

PLANS FOR EXPANSION A detached house in Tonbridge that comes with granted planning consent for an annexe

his well-presented property in Cornwallis Avenue is a spacious family home with plenty of room for entertaining and relaxing. The 26ft drawing room is a wonderful space for spending time together with a feature marble fire surround double doors and full height side screens leading to the rear garden. There’s a separate dining room and a study, which could be used as the fifth bedroom Those who long for a range cooker are in luck, as there’s a Smeg with a six-ring gas hob and double oven in the kitchen/breakfast room. A window overlooks the rear garden and there

is space for more appliances in the adjoining utility room, which has a door to the outside. wo of the four bedrooms on the first floor have en suite shower rooms and there’s a family bathroom too. Outside, there is a double garage and space for off road par ing to the front and side of the property. In the fully enclosed rear garden you ll find a large patio area with steps up to the lawn, which is edged by well stoc ed flower borders creen hedging makes the garden feel very private, plus there’s a summerhouse and a custom built shed for extra storage.

Property: Detached house Location: Cornwallis Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent Price: £795,000 Bedrooms: 4 / 5 Bathrooms: 1 plus 2 shower rooms & WC Extras: Off-road parking, double garage, summerhouse planning consent to create annexe Best bits: This already spacious home offers the potential for even more accommodation – the property comes with planning permission to convert the garage into an annexe, which would be ideal for guests.

For full details contact: Barnes Kingsnorth • 01732 771616 • www.bkestateagents.com

158

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AUGUST 2014

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BEAUTIFUL HOMES

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

U Property: Detached house

Those looking for a spacious family home in a delightful part of Tunbridge Wells are in luck

ocated in the sought-after Molyneux Park Road, this detached house has ample space for busy family life, along with both front and rear gardens. Just a short walk from the bustling heart of Tunbridge Wells, the property is in a fantastic location ust off ount phraim Arranged over three storeys, the house has generous accommodation reached via impressive staircases. The well-presented kitchen can easily accommodate a dining area, while in warmer weather the direct access to the pretty courtyard makes alfresco dining a breeze.

Location: Molyneux Park Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent

tra wor top and storage space is available in the adjacent utility room, as well as space for further appliances. More handy storage is on offer in the double garage which can also be accessed from the kitchen. With a high standard of finish and plenty of light the dining room and lounge are superb spaces. n the first floor the master bedroom has an en suite dressing area and bathroom; a family bathroom and two further bedrooms complete this level. Another bedroom with an en suite shower room is found on the second floor plus there s a playroom which is currently used as a fifth bedroom

For full details contact: LeGrys • 01892 529 448

Price: £685,000 Bedrooms: 4 / 5 Bathrooms: 2 plus shower room & WC Extras: Integral double garage, off-road parking, playroom/fifth bedroom Best bits: Unrestricted parking in Molyneux Park Road means that finding a spot is easy, but with off-road parking and a double garage, you have even greater peace of mind.

• www.legrys.com AUGUST 2014

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24/07/2014 15:42

CHESTERTO S

Kennington, Ashford

Tenterden

£700,000 guicl1· pdn·

J.:613,000 guid1· prin·

The Detached Coach House originates from approximately the 1880's with recent S)mpathctic additions. Tllis tucked away Gem close to the thri' ing To" n of Ashford o£fcrs spacious and well presented accommodation to include Kitchen/Breakfast room with bi fold doors to Conservatory, Entrance Hall, Dining and Sitting Room "ith the flexibility of becoming an annexe. A large double Garage with \ \orkshop and storage above. Quieti) hidden (rom the road behind ornate gates with superb gardens and pond, all '' ithin easr access to Ashford. EPC mting D.

An elegant ~cm i-dctached Edwardian property offering beautiful!) presented, light and airy accommodation including 5 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, 3 Reception Rooms plus Kitchen Breakfast Room, all set ,,;thin delightful gardens with double Garage and additional orr :;treet parking, in a sought after location "ithin walking distance of the picturesque Tentcrden High Street. EPC rating D.

Peasmarsh

Tenterdcn Offc1, 1co .uno.ooo

Offer~

IRO .{750.000

A delightful detached 1930's Cottage oficring immaculately presented, light and airy accommodation including 3 Reception Rooms plus Kitchen, l Double Bedrooms and 2 Bathrooms, together with 2 1' x 16' Detached Studio and 23' x 9'4 Detached Workshop, bcspokt Greenhouse a nd 2 timber sheds, a ll set within beautiful grounds and gardens of approximately 0.4 of an acre in a peaceful , rural location with stunning views of open countryside, situated between the villages of Wiucrsham and Peasmarsh. EPC rating E.

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. \n attractiV<' detached truly unique property designed for both family and formal modern day li,1ng with open plan bespoke Kitchen, Dining and Lounge, separate Sitting a nd Study, 5 bedrooms, 2 ensuitc with a family bathroom. Gardens to t.hc rear incorporating heated pool, ofi'strccl parking for 6+ cars all within a walk of the picturesque Tcntcrdcn High Street. EPC: rat ing C.

Tenterden 01580 765858 tenterden@chestertons.com

chest ert ons.com 25/07/2014 12:55

SPELDHURST

£2 ,950,000

Scriventon House is an attractive country propetty dating from the early 1900's, set within its own gardens and grounds of 11 acres in this idyllic setting with views over the Kent count1·yside.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£750 ,000

A rare opportunity to purchase this handsome four bedroom detached house is this highly popular quiet private road with outstanding views over Tunbridge Wells golf course.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£795 ,995

A well presented 4 bedroom detached house situated in a sought after location along Byng Road. Providing walking distance access to the town centre and excellent local schools .

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TUNURIDGE WELLS

£3250 PCM

A beautifttl Grade II listed five bedroom semi-detached house displaying many Georgian features and in a fantastic location for the mainline station, town centre and the Pantiles.

LANGTON GREEN

£2250 PCM

A spacious five bedroom T shaped detached house located on the edge of the popular village of Langton Green, sitting at the end of a cui de sac in a large corner plot.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£2000 PCM

A beautifully presented three bedroom detached family house located in the highly sought after St Johns area of the town.

4X Mount Ephraim, Tunbriuge Wells, TN4 XAll T\\'itter: (u alcxanure_b( lyes Pi nterest: http:/ /m .pi nterest .n lm/alcxanureboyes/ FP 2013 210x297.indd 1

(~RICS 24/07/2014 15:57

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ACCOUNTS & LEGALS

CALENDAR & MAINTENANCE

Generate service charge demands (even

Log all repairs and maintenance with diary

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reminders for important tasks including

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certificates, prepare budgets, record

contracts, with historical record keeping

expenditure, assist with annual returns,

so all information can be viewed and

and export end of year accounts and

accessed by current and future

pre-sales information packs.

leaseholders.

0 SUPPLIERS & INFORMATION Checklist & help sheet guidance on every aspect of block management, with a little black book of approved local suppliers and professionals to assist you, and the reassurance of telephone support by a chartered landlord & tenant surveyor and chartered accountant.

FP 2013 210x297.indd 1

24/07/2014 15:59

Tunbridge Wells

Guide £1,650,000

Guide £2,500,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/tunbridge-wells 01892 515035 tunwells@knightfrank.com

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Tunbridge Wells

Guide £995,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/tunbridge-wells 01892 515035 tunwells@knightfrank.com

KnightFra n k.co.uk/tu nbridge-wells 01892 515035 tunwells@knightfrank.com

Tunbridge Wells

Guide £450,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/tunbridge-wells 01892 515035 tunwells@knightfrank.com

Bid borough

Frant

Guide £525,000

Tunbridge Wells

Guide £995,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/tunbridge-wells 01892 515035 tunwells@knightfrank.com

24/07/2014 16:01

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School Hill, Lamberhurst

O ffers in Excess of: ÂŁ425,000

This stunning Grade II listed cottage was formerly part of the original Wealden Hall House. believed to have been built circa 1370 and is one of the oldest existing structured houses in the village. As you would expect of a building of this age, there is an impressive range of period features throughout with many exposed wall and oeiling timbers. The comfortable sitting room has a large inglenook fireplace with open grate. There is a separate dining area w~h exposed timber divide leading to the kitchen. The three double bedrooms and bathroom are arranged over two floors with the top room having views over the village.

Tunbridge Wells Office 1 01892 511211 tunbridgewells@wooda nd pi lcher. co.uk

rightmove ,...._\ ,._........ .......

Zoopta.co.vk

Offices in Kent & Sussex. Associated London Office

woodandpilcher. co. uk FP 2013 210x297.indd 1

24/07/2014 16:12

Mutton Hall Hill, Heathfield

Price: ÂŁ650,000 Freehold

A bland rew contemporary low maintenance and highly efficient four bedroom detached home conveniently situated just a short walk from Heathfield High Street. The property is arranged over ti'Yee floors and approached via an electric gated entrance. Features include master bedroom sutte whh vautted ceiling and glass Juliette balcony, remote controlled velux window and large luxury en-SLite bathroom. Open plan IMng space with integral courtyard aooessed !rom the dining area. The khchen has been fnished to a high standard with ~ite gloss fronted m ils, integrated appliances and large central island with fiVe ring electric hob and integrated concealed extractor fan. The IMng area features five metre wide double glazed bi-fold doors operilg up the living space to the secluded private garden. The property also feature solar panels. SAP Rating: To Follow.

rightmove........ tw\11.\ _ _ ...,.... ......

Heathfield Office 1 01435 862211 heathfield@woodandpilcher.co.uk

~O.co.uk

Offices in Kent & Sussex . Associated London Office

woodandpilcher. co. uk FP 2013 210x297.indd 1

24/07/2014 16:11

Brooklands, Tunbridge Wells

£450,000

Offered for sale with no onward chain is this, in our opinion, well presented 4 bed home. Salient features include concertina doors from the lounge/diner to the garden, x 7' utiity room. double garage with electric door and potential to extend (stpp). Early viewing highly recommended!

s·

Prospect Road, Southborough

£475,000

A Period Three Bedroom, Three Storey Semi- Detached House with a One Bedroom Self-Contained Annex to the Ground Floor. Situated on this popular road in the heart of Southborough, the property benefits from Off Road Parking to the Front & Ornate Garden with Pond to the rear. Viewing highly recommended!

Darwin Drive, Tonbridge

£395,000

A Four Bedroom Semi-Detached Family Home situated in a popular resident ial area in North Tonbridge. Accommodation comprises Lounge/Diner, Fitted Kitchen. Four Bedrooms and Family Bathroom. Externally the property benefits from Off Road Parking & Garage to the front and laid to lawn Rear Garden with patio area.

FP 2013 210x297.indd 1

24/07/2014 16:04

Connells

£850pcm

Marnock House

Stunning one bedroom Apartm ent, situated in a sought after area o f Tunbridge Wells. W ithin easy walking d istance of the m ain line stat ion, and the heart of Tunbridge wells w ith its many rest aurants, bars and superb shopping facilities. The property benefits from Large lounge with French doors t o b alcony, double bedroom w ith f itted wardrobes, modern b at hroom with separate shower cubicle, and modern f itted kitchen. A lso comes with gated secure parking for one car under cover.

Grantley Court

£1250pcm

Impressive fully furnished 2 double bedroom Apartment, in prestigious Tunbri dge Wells block. A stone's t hrow away from the main line stat ion and all t hat Tunbridge Wells has to offer on your door st ep including many restaurants, b ars and boutique shopping facilit ies in t he Pantiles and High Street.

FP 2013 210x297.indd 1

Edison Court

£1215pcm

This truly stunning two bedroom Penthouse Apart ment is convenient for t he t own centre and mainline station. The property comprises o f hallway, spacious open plan living room, superb fitted kitchen w it h appliances, master bedroom with en suite shower room, further double bedroom and family bathroom. The apartment also benefits from ent ry phone system, lift and secure underg round parking.

Glendale Court

£650pcm

Delightful O ne Bedroom Top floor Apartment. Situated within walking d ist ance to high b rooms train stat ion, and easy access onto the Pem bury road (A264). Property benefi ts from nice size lounge, double bedroom, m odern fi tted kitchen and modern white suite bat hroom with shower over bath. com munal gardens to the rear o f t he propert y.

24/07/2014 16:04

andrewsonline.co.uk lj /andrewsonline [;I @andrewsonline

AM4ERS- ROAD, TN4

£975 PCM

Luxury two bedroom apartment set in an appeal ing boutique development located within a short wa lk of the town centre in the favoured StJohn's area. The second (top) floor accommodation comprises open plan Jiving/kitchen w ith appliances, two double bedrooms with bu ilt-in wardrobes, en-suite shower room, family bathroom plus t he added benefits of allocated off road parking and private balcony. E 1ergv Ef'iciency ~atmr.. C

QJEkiPL CLOSE, T!\14

£850 ?CM

Set in the Con naught Park development, this second floor apartment is conven iently located under one third of a m ile from High Brooms Station. The accommodation comprises entrance hall with storage, two double bedrooms, bathroom with shower over t he bath and open-plan lounge/d ining room and kitchen with a range of app liances. The property also benefits from Romeo & Juliet ba lconies to the living room and master bedroom and allocated off-road parking. En;.rr.y Effh:i n ~ R ti"iJ: r

ST JOHNS ROr-\0, TN4

£725 PCM

LET IN THE FIRST WEEK- SIMILAR REQUIRED One bedroom, first floor apartment with in a third of a m ile of local shops comprising entrance hall with storage cupboards, living room with dormer bay w indow, double bedroom w ith built in wardrobes, kitchen w ith integrated appliances and bathroom w ith shower over the bath plus allocated parking and pretty communal gardens. Ent>re;~ rfTh:iE nc Ratlnf C

MADSTONE ROAD, TN12

£875 PCM

LET WITHIN 24 HOURS-SIMILAR REQUIRED This two bedroom house in Matfield village, a former lodge for the Manor House, is set back from t he road and has its own private parking as well as gardens to front and rear. The property consists of galley kitchen with appliances, dining room, living room and two double bedrooms, both en-suite; one w ith a shower room and one with a full bathroom. Early viewing is genuinely recommended. Energy Efnc en y RaM~- F

CU LvER DEN -:>ARI' P.OAD, TN4

£775 PCM

LET IN THE FIRST WEEK- SIMILAR REQUIRED Top floo r one bedroom apartment comprising open plan living room and kitchen with a range of appliances, large double bedroom wit h bu ilt-in storage and bathroom with separate shower cub icle and the added benefits of lift access and allocated parking. En<>rgy Effio~ncy R.rting: t

Tunbridge Wells 01892 525551 tunbridgewells.lets@andrewsonline.co.uk

FP 2013 210x297.indd 1

24/07/2014 16:07

Listed Grade 2 attached property at the top of Southborough Common, with garage, parking and gardens. Currently arranges as two self-contained two bedroom flats each with their own elC!ernal entrances together with a cellar and a shared garage own garden areas and parking For sale as a whole freehold.

This two bedroom ground floor apartment has its own external entrance and allocated parking. Hallway, Open plan living area with double aspect windows distinctly arranged with kitchen, dining and sitting areas. Communal courtyard bin and cycle store. No Chain View soon!

Stunning top floor town centre apartment w ith roof terrace. 3 bedrooms, bathroom and en-suite, open plan living area with twin ba lconies, fitted kitchen area, underground parking. No onward chain. I

DETACHED CHARACTER COITAGE WITHIN 0.2 MILES OF M AINLINE STATION' Huntsman's Cottage' is an individually buil t detached three bedroom cottage w ith PARKING at the front and rear. Other benefits are a cell ar, o pen fireplace and a detached log cabin that is curre nt ly used a home o ffice!

Tunbridge Wells 01892 515144 tunbridgewells@andrewsonline.co.uk

FP 2013 210x297.indd 1

24/07/2014 16:07

Unbeatable price

Product: product:

Let Only

Product RRP: Match It!

Rent Collection

full Management

RRP: Match It!

Superior service We pride ourselves on our award-winning letting service. And with our Match ltr promise, you can now experience it first hand. Give yourself an unfair advantage. Instruct us today. Call 01892 525 551 Click tunbridgewells.lets@andrewsonline.co.uk Visit 11 Grosvenor Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2AH 'If you find a comparable service offered for less by any other AR LA regulated letting agent within 3 miles of our branch, we will price match their commission fee. This offer is subject to our minimum fee, written proof of the package you are being offered and applies to new instructions only and must be agreed before signing our Terms of Business.

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Andrews. Get ahead. andrewsonline.co.uk

24/07/2014 15:45

Beyond your expectations www.ttamptons.co.uk

Knatts Valley, Sevenoaks, Kent

I-IAMPTONS 11 INTERNATIONAL

ÂŁ1,550,000 Freehold

Detached five bedroom (4000 sq ft) family home set within secluded gardens and with swimming pool and double garage. The property has been sympathetically designed and constructed with emphasis on attention to detail, well presented accommodation which is arranged over three floors. EPC D

Sevenoaks Office

Sales. 01732 423102

Untitled-3 2

sevenoaks@hamptons-int.com

25/07/2014 12:59

Beyond your expectations

www.namptone.oo.uk

Smarden, Kent ÂŁ5500 pcm

A charming Grade IT listed property filled with period charms. Set within st u1ming grounds of forma I garden, orchard and a field, the house has lovely outlooks along with an excellent separate 2 bedroom oast cottage. Points of note include: Impressive entrance hall with staircases ahead which lead to both ends of the house via a galleried landing. A superb kitchen/breakfast room with a range of wall and floor mounted units, including large central island, AGA and a range of integrated appliances. 'J'wo fine double aspect drawing rooms occupy both ends of the house, along with fourth reception which is used as a study. The principal bedroom has walk in wardrobe and en suite bathroom. There are also S/6 I unher bedrooms, five of which have their own en suite barh or shower rooms. The separate two bedroom oasrconagc comprises of open plan living/dining room and separate kitchen on the ground floor. Bedrooms and shower room on first floor.

Tunbridge Wells OffiCe

Lettings. 01892 313000

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tunbridgewellslettings@hamptons-int.com

25/07/2014 13:00

CJ Tunbridge Wells ÂŁ4495 pcm

A substantial detached Edwardian family house in a prime position, with an excellent,larger than average garden. The accommodation is both spacious and versatile and there ~tre period features throughout including high corniced ceilings, fireplaces and picture raits. Points of note include: A fine drawing room with exposed original pine wood noorJng, fireplace and large windows overlooking the beaurifuJ rear garden wilh an additional sun room/potting room. A large dining room again with fireplace, boot room, cloak room and utility room. The Kitchen/breakfast room was originally three rooms but has been transformed into an open plan Kitchen/living space to create a spacious, bright and family friendly JOom with doors leading directly to the garden. The principal bedroom has a superb en suite bathroom with freestanding bath and shower. There are four further bedrooms and a family bathroom as well as part use of excellent storage within the loft. Unfurnished.

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25/07/2014 13:00

MADDISONS

- - - - - ' RESIDE:\ 'T I A L

Summer Cottage, ScYcnoaks lmma<.:ulatcly presented contemporary family home constnH.:ted by ~lid Kent Homes in 2006 for the J\lanaging Director's 0\\'11 oeeupatiou. Fabulous kitchen \\'ith orangery diner, plus three further rceeption rooms. \\'hi<.:h induclc a cinema room. Four bedrooms, each with their 0\\11 en-suit<.: bathroom. Built to the highest specification and set \\'ithin b<..:autifully landscaped gardens.

ÂŁ1,995,000

Expect the exceptional www.maddisonsresidential.co.uk Telephone: 01892 514100 Email: inf'o@lmaddisonsrcsidential.co.uk

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Estate Agents

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01892 614777

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safes@mcau{eymi{fer.com 25/07/2014 14:51

Barnes Kingsnorth

N OIITHTONBlUDGE 095,000 RURAL MATFIELD £679,000 BEA UTIFULLY PRESI!NTED & SPACIOUS ac<'Ommodation at this substantial DESLRABLE LOCATION - 5 DOUBLE BEDROOMS. A detached chalet bungalow detached family home: 4/5 bedrooms, 2 en-suites & family bathroom, 2/3 recepllons, set within well-stocked gardens, backing onto fields and woodland. Flexible impressive kitchen/b'fast room & utility. Carden, double garage & ample parking. accommodatlon comprising 3 reception rooms, kitchen, utility, bathroom and separate s hower room. AmpiP parking and detached garage. EPC: D Planning consent for annexe conwrsion too! EPC: D Apply Tonbridge Apply Pembwy

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Thi nking of Selli ng or Letting? - Free sales or lelli ngs valuation

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For Selling or Letting contact us at:

• High street presence - Ex tensive local knowledge

Tonbridge 14 1 High Street Ton bridge Kent TN9 IDH

- Friendly and efficient service - Accompanied viewings

01732 711616

- Global. 24/7 advertising on Rightmove, Zoopla, Primelocation and many others

Pembury 16 High Street

Pembury Kent TN2 4NY 01892 822880

BarnesKingsnorth

www.bkestateagents.com \1 )'~11t I'IOfNo it.fWI'1Mt)o 0.0~ tnarllftt"C. piU" <n.t:k ' "11'1 your bl~

family home with generously proportioned accommodation: 4/5 bedrooms, luxury bathrooms, spacious s itting room and superb, ~ontemporary kitchen/ dining/ family room. Parking & garden . Peace of mind with 10 years HBC EPC: B Apply Tonbridge

NEWLY REFURBIS HED. A choie<• of 2 detached bungdlows that have recently be~n refurbished and are ready to move straight into. Entrance porch, sitting/ dining room with t>ay window, stylish kitchen with views to the rear, 2 bedrooms and contemporary bathroom with separate bath and shower. South facing gardens to the front and parking to the rear. Renovation work includes new roofs, kitchens, bathrooms, gas heating systems and updated electrics and pltunbing. NO CHAIN. EPC: D Apply Pembury

Pembury 01892 822880

Tonbridge01732 771616

e. pembury@bkea.co.uk

e. tonbridge@bkea.co.uk

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Howard

(~RICS TONBRIDGE OFFIC TUNBRIDGEWELLS

Tei:OI732 770588 Te1:0 1892 5 15670

TUNBRIDGE WELLS GUIDE PRICE £550,000 - £600,000 Originally built Circa. Mid I800's, this extended 3-bedroom semidetached cottage is ideal for those looking for countryside on their doorstep yet only a short drive to the town centre.

LAMBERHURST GUIDE PRICE £595,000 - £625,000 In an elevated position within this popular village, a charming detached Grade II Listed cottage in approximately I Acre plot, with separate detached annexe and off-road parking.

Tunbridge W ells 01892 515670

Tunbldge W e lls 01892 51 5670

TUNBRIDGE WELLS GUIDE PRICE £600,000 - £625,000 Built Circa. 1850's and vastly improved and modernised over the years, a beautifully presented character 4-bedroom period lodge with timber Garden Office, ideal for those running a business from home or teenage den.

ROTHERFI ELD £625,000 In the heart of this popular East Sussex village, a charming period cottage with 4 bedrooms, 2 receptions rooms, off-road parking, and 55ft south facing rear garden. Tunbridge W ells 01891 5 15670

Tunbridge W ells 01892 515670

I I offices in Kent, Surrey, Sussex & London

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howardcundey.com 25/07/2014 10:17

rfl!t KNIGHTS WOOD ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS

A NEW BEGINNING IN ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS

WELCOME TO KNIGHTS WOOD: A landmark development of stunning two to five bedroom family homes set in acres of established woodland with a new school and a vibrant village square. It's the perfect place to put down roots.

The Avenue prices from ÂŁ365,000

dandara

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25/07/2014 10:18

PROPERTY ABROAD

INVESTING IN PROPERTY ABROAD If you’ve returned from your summer holiday and are already missing the beach, maybe it’s time to think about buying your own foreign bolthole. From the sun worshippers to the canny investors, there are many reasons why people choose to purchase property overseas

hose long hot days by the pool, those balmy evenings on the veranda, that relaxed pace of life... Whether you’re missing the Med or dreaming of Thailand, post-holiday blues can make the UK seem like a pretty dull place when you first step off the plane. Of course, you’ll soon get back to normal and be looking forward to your next holiday, but fantasies of owning your own piece of paradise don’t have to be just a pipe dream. Emigrating from the UK and moving your whole life abroad is an option; it is an opportunity that thousands of people take every year, often prompted by cheaper housing, lower costs of living and emerging markets for their businesses. Recent figures showed that Australia is the most popular destination for Brits, with more than a million ex-pats Down Under, followed by the USA with 829,000. Spain is at number three, having attracted just over 800,000 but, perhaps surprisingly, only about 12% of those

are pensioners. It seems then that Spain is more than just a retirement hotspot and it has a significantly higher ex-pat population than the next in the chart, Canada – Ireland is in fifth place, followed by France, New Zealand, South Africa, Germany and the United Arab Emirates. But you don’t have to move abroad to enjoy foreign adventures. Investing in property overseas has numerous potential benefits. After the initial outlay, you have a guaranteed free holiday pad which you can use as often and whenever you like. Holiday rentals provide a good source of income in popular tourist areas, so you can earn a strong return when you’re not enjoying the facilities yourself. Longer term leases can also work out in your favour, if you spot an area with low property prices and high rental rates. Keep an eye on the international market to see which regions are experiencing a property boom –

if you manage to get in on the action early, you could buy low and sell high in a relatively short space of time. Some investors are attracted to the idea of buying a pair of properties, one in the UK and one abroad, then dividing their time between the two countries, rather than blowing all their spending power on one higher value place in Britain. Your money may go further in many foreign territories, in terms of space, location and amenities, and this can make the idea of living a double life very appealing. Obviously, finding and buying a property in an unfamiliar culture can be daunting, especially if you don’t speak the language and have little or no experience of living there. There are numerous sources of expert guidance and advice out there to assist you through the process, from helping you identify your needs to getting on top of the paperwork. Then all you have to do is enjoy your place in the sun.

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Marbella’s Exclusive Golden Mile In an elevated location with sea views just 5 minutes from Puerto Banus and Marbella town, these villas are being built in a gated community with a range of architectural styles to suit your personal taste.

• 1,000m2 plot

• Fully equipped kitchen

• Domotic installation

• Build 450m + fully finished basement of 225m2 with extra bedroom, bathroom, games room and bar and 2 car garage

• Private pool

• Infra-red alarm system interior and exterior

• 4/5 bedrooms all en-suite

• Solarium • Air conditioning hot and cold and underfloor heating individual to each room • Guest toilet

• Floor to ceiling windows and sea views

Prices from 2.3m Euros (1.84m GBP approx.) Stage payment terms

• Options for jacuzzis, fireplaces, woooden decking etc.

A large range of properties available to view at: www.halcyon-properties.com

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ADVERTORIAL

A LIFESTYLE IN THE SUN

From Marbella to Sotogrande, Halcyon Properties and Interiors can help you find your dream holiday home or permanent residence in southern Spain, where you can relax and unwind in perpetual sunshine while taking in the wealth of delights and attractions

his delightful area of the Costa del Sol, with an average annual temperature of 18°C, has activities or relaxation for everyone’s pleasure. If you love golf, we have 15 high quality courses within a 10km radius, plus another 40 up and down the coast. If you love the water, we have every water sport available all year round, from the numerous marinas with their fishing boats, motorboats and luxury yachts, to the sandy beaches with waterskiing, diving, paddle surfing, kite surfing, windsurfing and, of course, pools on every complex. Walking by the sea along the paseo, with the welcoming beach bars to quench your thirst and enjoy the local cuisine. Up in the hills among the pine forests, horse riding, country 4 x 4 adventures, cable ski, snow skiing and snowboarding in the Sierra Nevada are

just two and a half hours away. Excellent conservation projects include the Selwo Safari Park, Butterfly Park, Dolphinarium, Wolf Park, Crocodile Park and Zoos. There are international schools for all ages, as well as nursery schools for the very young. Broaden your cultural horizons and appreciation of art with trips to the Picasso Museum, Miro Roman archaeological sites and Dali statues, or pay a visit to the Auto Museum (with more than 94 major brands of vehicles, together with art and sculpture), the Alhambra in Granada and an unforgettable experience of 600 years of Arabic and Roman cultures or the The Ascari Race Resort in Ronda. The Starlite Festival, an annual July and August event with daily music programmes, celebrity singers, fashion shows etc. Festivals and fairs abound, theatre and cinemas in English. Marbella has become a top health destination, complete with 5* spa resorts, pamper holidays and cosmetic surgery, in addition to preventative medicine, hospitals, clinics and senior residential complexes.

Shop ‘til you drop in the best and most exclusive designer boutiques and large department stores in Puerto Banus, while daily markets are held in nearby towns and lovely individual shops can be found in old town Marbella, as well as the modern, cool multi-store malls. There are plenty of Michelin starred, avant-garde and traditional restaurants available with excellent choices from around the world, while bars, nightclubs and beach clubs create a 24-hour, electrifying lifestyle. After you’ve enjoyed all of the above and when you have some time to spare, come and tell us what you want and we at Halcyon will listen to your wishes and desires, calmly guiding you in the right direction for location, size and budget, suggesting some properties we know will suit you and your family and making arrangements to view, whether for holidays or permanent living. Our reformation department can transform an older property into an amazing modern delight, with new design layouts, floors, windows, doors, kitchens, bathrooms, terraces and pergolas. Our concierge service will arrange airport pickups, car hire, private jet flights, cleaning services and management. Halcyon Properties and Interiors

www.halcyon-properties.com AUGUST 2014

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ADVERTORIAL

OWN A SLICE OF PARADISE Jigsaw International Property in Tunbridge Wells has been helping clients invest in some of the world’s most desirable overseas real estate. Director Duncan Budd explains the many benefits involved

Tell us about the background of Jigsaw International Property Investing in property (as opposed to living in it) is something most people aspire to, but often don’t have the budget or the desire to invest many hundreds of thousands of pounds and have all their ‘eggs in one basket’. Jigsaw arose as a business that specialises in Fractional Ownership where you can invest and own part of that property, but with full independence from the other owners to sell when it suits you. We developed Jigsaw to offer carefully selected property investments at a budget that suits you – this fresh, flexible approach is fast becoming the preferred way to purchase overseas and UK property.

192

What kind of services do you offer your clients? The opportunity to purchase overseas and UK property on a fractional (or whole) ownership basis. We handle the whole process from start to finish and are there to assist our clients when they wish to sell. We are based in Tunbridge Wells, but very happy to see people at their homes or over a coffee during the day. It gives investors a chance to ask questions and have time to consider the investment opportunities and yes, this may well take a few coffee meetings. Property purchase, even a fraction, is a big commitment and we are here to help our clients get it right the first time, without feeling rushed into any decision.

Your slogan is ‘Now everyone can invest in property’ – what does this mean for your clients? We open up property investment opportunities from only £13,500. We can also offer high-income returns for investors, as well as potentially attractive capital gains. Fractional ownership can also offer you the opportunity to invest a small sum across several properties, diversifying a portfolio. For example, I have a couple who bought a two-bed hotel room in our Phuket project and split the room into six fractions; one for each of their grandchildren. We are paying the couple, as investors (and retirees), an 8% annual income. This helps their inheritance tax planning, provides

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ADVERTORIAL

them with a high income and allows each of their grandchildren to enjoy the capital gains and sell independently of each other when they come of age. Income is very important for many UK investors who may be earning tiny interest on savings. Typically we pay around 6-8% annual income. Can you include a ‘lifestyle’ option and stay in the hotels or apartments you have invested in? Yes, many clients ask for that option. Fundamentally it is an investment, but we can often build in a week or two of personal use each year. One significant advantage of Fractional Ownership is the flexibility. If you bought a quarter share of a £600,000 luxury penthouse, we could potentially arrange for you to stay in that penthouse for a week or two each year enjoying the luxury as well as enjoying the income and capital growth, while having invested only £150,000. How does the process of investing work? We handle everything and most investments are ‘all-in’ prices that cover all the legal, maintenance and management charges, so there are no nasty surprises down the road. Do your clients need to have had previous investment experience? No, not at all. Most investors have not heard of Fractional Ownership and, indeed, may be investing overseas for the first time; consequently they need all the advice and support to understand the country they are investing in. My partners and I have lived in various countries across Asia, Europe and the Caribbean for over 20 years and can assist investors with their questions on owning property abroad and the country they are investing into. How many people would know that international arrivals into Phuket airport increased 26% last year? How do you ensure peace of mind for your clients when they’re investing? We have over 15 years’ expertise in Fractional Ownership, so you are in good hands! When investing overseas, we purchase the apartment via a UK company and all the legal paperwork that accompanies the sale would be written under English law. We always personally invest into the projects we promote, as we believe this shows our clients that we put our complete commitment into the project.

since 1999 with a premise of creating extraordinary living spaces and, to give you an example of how much value they will add for investors, Knight Frank’s independent third party research confirmed that branded developments add, on average, up to 31%. The Atria in Dubai sold out in six hours and was oversubscribed. A branded, designer hotel that will be run and operated by YOO Hotels will add additional worth to the resale value, plus a higher room rate and therefore higher income for investors when the hotel is opened. Jigsaw International Property Ltd Tunbridge Wells 01892 457 172 www.jigsawinternationalproperty.com

What properties are you currently involved with? Our current main project is a 236-room, 5* designer hotel in Phuket, Thailand, which is designed, furnished and run by YOO. YOO is a premier design brand that also collaborate with many famous designers like Philippe Starck, Kelly Hoppen, Marcel Wanders, Steve Leung, and Jade Jagger and are responsible for some of the most inspired designs globally. For investors this will undoubtedly mean they realise a higher selling price because of the YOO brand association. I would encourage readers to look at the YOO website (yoo.com) to see how special and unique they will make this investment. It’s going to be a beautiful hotel overlooking the lakes and three 18-hole golf courses, three pools (one on the roof), a world class spa and a celebrity chef restaurant. Who are YOO Hotels? YOO Hotels (yoohotels.com) are expanding rapidly and will be managing around 20 hotels when Lakeside Phuket is opened. YOO have been established

AUGUST 2014

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F E AT U R E

THE FRENCH CONNECTION Whether you’re looking to relocate or enjoy the many benefits of a holiday home, Hamptons International can help secure your dream property in France. We hear from the Sevenoaks Sales and Lettings office about buying in France HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BUY A PROPERTY IN FRANCE? When looking at adverts of French houses you will find that they nearly always include the letters ‘FAI’ with the price. This stands for ‘frais d’agence inclus’ and means that the estate agency fees are already included in the price. However, you should allow for further purchase costs of roughly 7%. These are paid to the notaire and cover notaire fees, as well as all other governmental costs. Therefore, if a house is advertised for 100,000 FAI then your exposure would be around 107,000. Prices vary throughout France; the average sale price across the country (excluding Paris)

is 160,000. The cheapest regions tend to be in the middle of the country, while you pay a premium in the Alps and on the Côte d’Azur. As examples, the average property price in the Creuse department of the Limousin is just 75,000, while it is 345,000 in the Haute-Savoie (Alps) and 415,000 in the Alpes Maritimes (South of France). Within our listings you will find barns for renovation and magnificent chateaux; we can help a buyer from around 50,000 up to several million. A buyer from the UK, though, will typically spend around 270,000 – this will buy a lovely family home with pool and gardens in most regions.

HOW DO I KNOW WHICH REGION TO BUY IN? France shares its border with eight different countries and therefore cultural differences are enormous from north to south and east to west. If you are looking for a property surrounded by world-class vineyards then you will probably head to Aquitaine or Burgundy. If you like skiing then you’ll probably aim for the Alps or (particularly if you’re on a budget) the Pyrenees. The west coast is popular with families as it has beautiful beaches and relatively low prices. Head to the Côte d’Azur for glitz and glamour and you may be surprised at how affordable some of the villages are if you look even a little inland. Brittany and Normandy are

MAIN IMAGE: Angouleme, France £1,060,000

Cote d’Azur, France £260,000

Charente, France £41,000 Ref

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F E AT U R E

Angouleme, France £1,060,000

Cote d’Azur, France £260,000

Charente, France £41,000

194

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25/07/2014 10:19

FOOD

FOODNEWS

OUR MONTHLY LOOK AT WHAT’S HAPPENING ON THE LOCAL CULINARY SCENE

Ooh La La

Deer Oh Deer! Venison season is getting into full swing, so don’t miss out on some fantastic local game. Chart Farm in Seal Chart, Sevenoaks, is a family-run business that has been producing high quality venison for more than 30 years – why not pay their farm shop a visit? Their deer, which are mostly fallow and sika, are free to roam on the farm’s land, covering 400 acres of woodland and pasture. There are even some tasty recipes to inspire you on their website. The shop is open from 9am to 4pm, Tuesday to Friday and 9am to 3pm on Saturday. To find out more call 01732 761 672 or visit www.chartfarm.com

Local celebrity chef Rosemary Shrager is inviting food enthusiasts to join her for a very special cookery course in France, the home of classic cuisine. Running from October 11 to 17, the trip includes six nights’ luxury accommodation at Chateau Lou Casteou in the Cote D’Azur, a Champagne reception on arrival, a welcome dinner hosted by Rosemary, daily cookery classes with Rosemary and her Executive Chef, John Rogers, lessons in food and wine pairing, butchery and barbecue, visits to vineyards, a market and an olive oil farm, lunch at a Michelin starred restaurant and daily dinners prepared by Rosemary and her team. The course costs £5,650 per couple or pair sharing and £3,250 for single guests. To book call Morag McLaren Baxter on 07990 573 287 or email morag@loucasteou.com

Smokin’ hot food Creating their own smokehouse earned a special accolade for the licencees of a Crowborough pub. Martyn Cotton and brother Damian (who is a So magazine food writer) of the Blue Anchor were presented with the Pub Food of the Year Award from brewery Shepherd Neame at a ceremony in Ashford. The pair created a smokehouse three years ago and judges were impressed by their use of smoked meats throughout their innovative menu. The Cottons (below left, with Martyn’s wife and fellow Director Caroline and Jonathan Neame) have since launched The Little Blue Smokehouse, which offers smoked meats, homemade slaws, sauces and pickles in a street food setting. “This award means a lot to us,” Martyn says. “We are passionate about what we do, and it is fantastic to have our work recognised in this way by the brewery.” www.blueanchorpub.com

From the hart Family fun is on offer at the White Hart in Brasted throughout the August bank holiday weekend (Saturday August 23 to Monday August 25). The Summer Garden Party will feature live music, a beer and Pimm’s tent, candy floss, snow cones, a tuck shop and popcorn. The Sunday will be geared more towards families and children, with a bouncy castle and face painting too. www.whitehartbrasted.co.uk

Full of goodness Fans of the award winning Fuller’s Butchers in Hawkenbury have even more to enjoy now that the company has opened a farm shop in Eridge. Located in Bunny Lane, just off the A26, Fuller’s Farm Shop stocks a good range of locally sourced meat, such as Sussex beef, local lamb and free range pork, and butchers with more 40 years’ experience are on hand to offer expert advice. Other goodies include hand crafted cheeses, fresh fruit and seasonal vegetables, along with beers and wines from Kent and Sussex producers. Opening hours are 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday. www.fullersfarmshop.co.uk AUGUST 2014

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FOOD

THE TANNER TOUCH COMING HOME TO KENT FOR THE LAUNCH OF THEIR NEWLY REFURBISHED RESTAURANT, THE TANNER BROTHERS HAVE BEEN TURNING HEADS WITH THE FOOD, FLAIR AND FLAVOUR OF THEIR MOST RECENT MENUS. FREDERICK LATTY HEADS TO THE KENTISH HARE IN BIDBOROUGH TO WELCOME THEM BACK

ere in the Garden of England, we’re well-known for our fresh local produce and picturesque surroundings. With such a winning combination right on our doorstep, it’s no surprise that chefs from far and wide have come here to set up shop and take advantage of the natural delights on offer. Such was the case for the Tanner brothers, whose Kentish Hare pub and restaurant in Bidborough has gone from strength to strength since opening in May this year. You’ll no doubt recognise the family name; as a regular on the likes of Saturday Kitchen and Lorraine, James Tanner has become well-known both in the kitchen and in front of the camera.

198 A U G U S T

Together, James and brother Chris are perhaps most acclaimed in the foodie world as the proprietors of Tanners Restaurant in Plymouth, as well as for the success of subsequent ventures like The Barbican Kitchen. From humble beginnings at Brookers Oast in Tonbridge and early training at West Kent College, these local boys have since gone on to develop a culinary CV that includes work both at Le Gavroche in London and further afield with the Roux brothers in New York and France. Needless to say, we’re suitably impressed and expecting big things. Upon arrival at The Kentish Hare, the Tanners’ latest endeavour, my guest and I are welcomed by a fully refurbished take on the Great British pub. The clean, contemporary

feel is evident throughout, particularly in the popular bar area, where we head for a couple of pints of their eponymous house ale. Here we are greeted by General Manager Melvyn Strange, whose career spanning 20 years in the hospitality industry makes him well versed in impeccable customer service. Since we’ve turned up a little early, we’re soon seated with some bread and olives in the hustle and bustle of the bar, before being whisked away to the quieter restaurant area to peruse our menus. My hopes for an alfresco evening are soon dashed by the biting winds outside, but one look at the terrace confirms that a second trip is certainly on the cards when warmer weather permits. There’s nothing quite like the buzz of a

2014

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FOOD

PRICES AT A GLANCE Nibbles: from £3.95 Starters: from £5.50 Mains: from £6.50 Desserts: from £5.95 Wine by the glass: from £3.50 Wine by the bottle: from £16.95

newly opened eatery; everything is fresh and new, each detail being lapped up as eagerly as the food and drink, from the muted tones and monochrome photos to the unique hand pumps and stylish bare brick walls. Everything on the menu (which changes daily) looks delicious, but I’m in a fishy mood and the Scallops A la Plancha (£10.95) make for a delightfully refreshing start to what is sure to be a much meatier main. From the first delicate bite, I know I’m hooked, particularly when the accompanying melted chorizo and balsamic come into play. My guest’s Scotch quail’s eggs (£7 on the specials board) are a definite rival – I will later learn that this is a dish that was bumped up from bar snack to starter on account of its popularity, a well deserved promotion indeed.

the juicy benefits of insulated cooking. My guest, meanwhile, is busy tucking into his 8oz fillet steak (£25.95) with thick cut chips and what can only be described as the biggest onion rings known to man. His insistence that it’s “the best steak I’ve ever had” momentarily stops me in my tracks as I fear I may have made a rookie mistake in not following my instincts, but I’m soon back to my pork and happy in the knowledge of having branched out from my usual medium rare reflexes. To wash our food down, the Château Fleur de Lisse St Emilion (£6.25 by the glass, £33.95 for the bottle) wins out. Renowned for its delicious port-like nose of intense, rich, dark fruit, it also benefits from sweet, creamy forest fruits and earthy, floral and chocolate

from filming duties by spending some time with his team in the newly restored kitchen. As we wax lyrical on all things local, it quickly becomes clear that this is a chef who knows his audience, every bit the Kent man now living his dream on and off-screen in “the best of both worlds”, as he puts it. He’s glad to be home and it’s just as well, as it looks like he’ll be around for a long time to come.

There’s nothing quite like the buzz of a newly opened eatery; everything is fresh and new, each detail being lapped up as eagerly as the food and drink Forbade by my Editor to order steak (something about variety being the spice of life), I opt instead for the Butcher’s Pork Plate (£16.50). I’m far from disappointed as this is every bit as good as it sounds and ticks all the right boxes – the trio in question is a flavoursome belly, succulent loin and locally sourced sausage, accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes and braised cabbage. In particular, the loin is so soft and tender that only a later trip to the kitchen explains how this could be possible; it would seem that the credit is due in part to the Kamado Joe grill out back, which has the ability to smoke and sear the meat with wood fire flavours and all

overtones, making for a soft finish that goes down swimmingly. All the hits can be found on the dessert menu, from my guest’s sticky toffee pudding (£5.95) to my own chocolate brownie (£6.50), which, albeit a little crumbly for my taste, is no less delightful when combined with its rich chocolate ice cream and sauce (ordinarily, I would deem the idea of having a chocolate dessert without vanilla ice cream as controversial, but I’m all about broadening my horizons this evening). Drowsy, content and ready to burst, we’re escorted by Melvyn behind the scenes to meet James, who is making the most of his break

The Kentish Hare 95 Bidborough Ridge, Bidborough, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 0XB 01892 525 709 www.thekentishhare.com AUGUST 2014

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THE SNAIL, STONE STREET, SEVEN OAKS IS UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT AND HAS RECENTLY UNDERGONE A COMPLETE OVERHAUL We now offer a finely crafted A Ia Carte Menu with high quality locally sourced ingredients, all prepared in house.

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AUGUST 2014

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The Vine Goudhurst

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At The Vine, head chef Tobyn Excell's ethos of creating natural and wild seasonal food offers a distinctive dini11g experience using the very best of Kentish produce.

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rhcpoctatmarfidd.co.uk I mfo@thepoerarmatficld.co.uk 0 I 892 712416 The Poet at Marficld, Ma1dsrone Road, J\ latficld, TN 12 7J H Untitled-3 2

25/07/2014 13:24

FOOD

Thought for food THIS MONTH OUR CELEBRITY CHEF ROSEMARY SHRAGER TELLS US ABOUT LOGANBERRIES, HERBS AND THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FOOD AND ART

want to start this month by telling you about the amazing herb garden I planted. It’s all growing really well – I’ve had some help from Piper Harvey garden people in Wadhurst. I’m particularly thrilled with my lemon viburnum as it makes great tea. I’ve also now put a Mexican chiminea in the garden and I simply love it; it’s a fire outside, so when it’s a bit nippy it keeps you warm, plus you can cook on it. One of the best things I like cooking on it are sausages, another is butterfly leg of lamb. You bone it out to look like a butterfly, then you marinade it in yoghurt and spices for two days before putting it onto a low barbecue.

stone bird bath, which is a piece of sculpture from Zimbabwe. You should check out the website www.marasculpture.com – it’s full of fabulous art. I really have been on an art theme this month but it wasn’t intentional! I’m going to finish with food – this month is all about loganberries for me. I always look forward to this season, in August and the beginning of September. The loganberry originated with Judge JH Logan of Santa Cruz, California, from whom it takes its name. He was growing Aughinbaugh blackberry and Red Antwerp raspberry and the plants were near each other; the roots intertwined and the fruit ripened together.

So Logan conceived the idea of planting the seeds, which then resulted in the production of loganberries. I love to eat them with sugar and cream; when I was a child I used to take the cream from the top of the gold bottle top to eat with them – yum! Enjoy! Speak next month.

www.rosemaryshrager.com

“The loganberry originated with Judge JH Logan of Santa Cruz, California, from whom it takes its name” Serve with red rice or just a salad – delicious! I have had a very busy time filming this month. One of my best times was with former cricket captain of England Michael Vaughan in Weybridge, what a lovely person he is. The other person, who I lured to The Pantiles, was restaurateur and cookery writer Prue Leith, who loved it – she had never been before and she will definitely come back, especially as the sun was shining. I love the fact that a Jamie Oliver restaurant is coming to Tunbridge Wells, as I do feel that TW is going to become a foodie destination. I would also love to see even more art shops here, as food and art go together. I once did a lecture on the relationship between the history of art and food at the Bowes Museum in County Durham. That is where the amazing silver swan (circa 1773) is kept. This is a life size musical automated swan made of solid silver. It was bought in 1872 from a Paris jeweller M Briquet and the way it works is incredible, you really should see it. The summer shows have started in full force – these are such great days out and there are always some lovely things to buy. At a recent event I bought a beautiful Mara AUGUST 2014

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203 25/07/2014 15:01

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25/07/2014 10:23

FOOD

From our daily bread to the fanciest chocolate treats, we all love the artisan foodie products available in West Kent and East Sussex. In an age when many people buy their breakfast loaf, dinner party desserts and children’s sweeties all from the same supermarket, here in the Weald we’re lucky to have such an array of independent and creative food producers. Our local food and drink series continues with a look at those who have something very special in the oven – meet the Bodiam baker who beats the dawn to work every day, the authentic patisserie experts who bring a little “je ne sais quoi” to Tunbridge Wells and the organic cake maker from Sevenoaks who gives every “I do” a unique touch. We also chat to the Hawkhurst lady who has reinvented the marshmallow for British palates and discover how a Cranbrook patisserie café owner brings an international flavour to her afternoon tea.

AUGUST 2014

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FOOD

THE BAKER RACHEL DUFFIELD AND LIZ WEISBERG RUN THE LIGHTHOUSE BAKERY IN BODIAM – THEY HAVE ALSO RECENTLY OPENED A BAKERY SHOP IN TICEHURST. RACHEL CHATS TO US ABOUT EARLY NIGHTS, CAREER CHANGES AND WHY EVERY BATCH IS DIFFERENT. “When we opened a small retail shop in London in 2000, with a bakery behind it, we were both new to the business. We’d worked in intellectual property beforehand and we wanted to do something entirely different. Baking is the most primal of things – you take three or four ingredients and make the most wonderful variety of products. Lots of people said that it was so romantic, going back to basics, while all the bakers said to us, “Why would you want to do that!” It’s a way of life, a real passion and when it becomes a part of your normal working life, it doesn’t feel like a chore. The hours are antisocial – Liz gets up for work at midnight and I’m the last in, at 3am. People invite us to dinner parties and say ‘we’ll get started early, at about 6.30pm’, not realising that we go to bed at 6.30pm! But it’s our way of life now. When we came to East Sussex, we started with wholesale and a bakery school, but we’d been thinking about opening a shop again since the latter part of last year. So when the opportunity came to reopen the bakery in Ticehurst, next to The Bell, everything seemed to have come full

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circle. It’s exactly what we envisaged as a village bakery, very community based and we’ve had nothing but fantastic comments, with people popping their heads in and thanking us for bringing a bakery back to Ticehurst. We’re not a ‘normal’ bakery in that we don’t do iced buns, but we’re a specialist bread bakery and we also do sandwiches in a variety of great flavour combinations, using local produce. Neville Sanger, who works for us part-time at Bodiam, ran the Ticehurst bakery for 30 years until his retirement. Then one day, three or four years ago, he knocked on our door and asked if we had any use for an old baker? We were very glad of the skills of a fourth generation baker, as having been doing it for 15 years we’re still new to the game. We can always learn from people. Starting out, Liz went to the National Bakery School for a couple of years but they didn’t teach her the artisan side. She worked with master bakers Clive Mellum and Paul Merry to learn that. We know there are many home bakers out there who want to learn more and running the bakery school is a way of passing on our knowledge. The biggest joy of this job is seeing bread coming out of the oven because every day it’s different. Dough is a living thing that can be affected by the weather and the temperature. I never tire of hearing people say how lovely the bread is and I certainly never tire of eating it!” www.lighthousebakery.co.uk

L – R: Rachel Duffield, Neville Sanger, Liz Weisberg and Kim Cangiano

23/07/2014 15:49

FOOD

“How do we define authentic patisserie? It’s an art form, made up of different tastes and textures, You have to think about the layers and how the finished product is going to be. It’s like having a relationship with food”

THE CLASSIC PATISSERIE EXPERTS CHRIS AND HARPAL POLLARD OPENED LA ROCHE IN LONDON ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS TWO YEARS AGO AND ARE LAUNCHING A SECOND SHOP IN MAYFIELD. THE COUPLE TELL US WHAT IT TAKES TO BE AN AUTHENTIC PÂTISSIER AND WHY BRITISH CONSUMERS ARE EMBRACING A CONTINENTAL TRADITION Chris: “I’m a master baker – I bake everything and Harpal finishes the patisserie. I’ve been in the trade since about 1980, though my grandfather was a master baker and my uncle took over his bakery in Chippenham. I remember going there as a child and making doughnuts, but I had no thought of becoming a baker until much later. We make everything from scratch and finish it all ourselves – we don’t buy things in and consequently they taste much nicer. A lot of people don’t know how to finish pastries and they might be dry within a few hours.

There is a lack of education on the part of the general public; they love their coffee and tea and will go anywhere for that, but they might not be as discerning about what they eat. We have a very select clientele who come in each week and many of them are foreign. Patisserie is part of their culture – in Europe the baker or pâtissier is given respect. In Sweden a pâtissier earns more money than a doctor! Patisserie is a real passion. You might see a shape and be inspired to create something in that shape. Everyone wants to create a classic that other chefs want to copy.” Harpal: “Chris was already a bakery manager for a supermarket when he decided to go out on his own. I left my job in council housing 20 years ago to retrain and I studied at Le Cordon Bleu and Lenôtre in Paris – people are very much judged on which patisserie school they went to. We had a patisserie in London where we used to meet all the celebrities, then we went to Woking, then we spent about three years in France. We’re trying to start a school there, because lots of chefs have told

us they want to learn about what we do. La Roche opened in Tunbridge Wells in 2012 and we’ve got a lot of support. Footfall is quite low – it’s hard to get people to cross the road! – and overheads are high, but we get a lot of people from Sevenoaks and the villages around here coming in. Some people come in and spend £100 in one go! Chris’s pastries are so delicious and people value them. We decided to open the shop in Mayfield because we already had lots of customers from there. How do we define authentic patisserie? It’s an art form, made up of different tastes and textures, not just presented as a chunk. You have to think about what’s going to happen when you put it in your mouth; you have to be a kind of alchemist. With English cakes, you just mix flour, butter and eggs and blend it all, but you can’t do that with patisserie – it’s based on different component parts. You have to think about the layers and how the finished product is going to be. It’s like having a relationship with food.” www.larochetw.co.uk AUGUST 2014

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FOOD

THE CAKE DESIGNER SEVENOAKS BASED BONNIE MCDOUGALL RUNS THE BONBON BAKERY AND THIS MONTH SHE IS DUE TO OPEN A SHOP IN RIVERHEAD TO COMPLEMENT HER STUDIO. SHE TELLS US WHY USING ORGANIC PRODUCTS IS WORTH EVERY PENNY. “When I was younger I worked in the City as a personal assistant, but when I stopped to have children I decided not to go back – returning to the City is not for the fainthearted! I’ve always loved cooking anyway and when I was cooking for my children, I would use organic products as

THE MARSHMALLOW MARVEL HELEN ROBINSON FROM HAWKHURST IS THE LADY BEHIND DOLCIBELLA MARSHMALLOWS – FILLED TREATS THAT COULD NOT BE FURTHER FROM THE AVERAGE SWEET SHOP FARE. WE FIND OUT HOW WHY SHE HAD FAITH IN HER LIGHT AND FLUFFY CONFECTIONS.

“As a trained silversmith who then worked in advertising, I didn’t come from a confectionary background at all. But I’d always cooked and two or three years ago I started making marshmallows. There were not really many being made in the UK – in America, marshmallows are a big cultural thing but not here. American marshmallows are incredibly sweet and some of the flavour combinations are peculiar; we tend to like things that are slightly sharper, so I was trying to come up with something more suited to British tastes. A more English marshmallow, I suppose. It was a real learning curve when I started making them. There are thousands of recipes out there but no one is going to give you their real recipe, because you’d put them out of business! I quite enjoy the technical aspect of

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much as possible. While developing my recipes through the years, I found that although organic might cost more, it certainly tastes better. So many bakers use a mixture of both and many people are happy with that, but I prefer all-organic and it suits my style. I started out making cakes and the clients just built up. I’ve made plenty of football and dinosaur cakes over the years and eventually realised I hated them with a passion! So I went down my own road towards making contemporary, classic wedding designs. It’s very important that the taste should be amazing. When someone is spending lots of money on beautiful edible art, it should taste good. My cakes aren’t mass produced – I only take on a few per week and I don’t do anything that I don’t want to do. I still get the odd request for footballs and dinosaurs, but I now recommend someone else who does them brilliantly! I have a studio at home but I’m very pleased about the new shop that I’m opening in Riverhead. I’ll have candy hearts and fresh cupcakes for sale, but it’ll also be a showcase for the bespoke wedding and birthday cakes, because we have nothing locally for that. As it’s a consumable product, you want to be able to walk in somewhere and have that lovely smell.

I did a lot of research about organic products and it’s true that a lot of people don’t want to pay for organic. I don’t overcharge for what I do but I’m a great believer in that taste. It’s a real 50/50 market out there – some people are not bothered about feeding non-organic stuff to their children, but we live in quite an affluent area and people here are becoming more health aware. Anyway, the cost divide that we’ve seen over the years is really closing. For 10p extra, I’d rather have an organic product that tastes better and is healthier for my children to be eating. You can have your cake and be healthy – obviously, there’s butter, eggs and sugar in cakes, but if the ingredients are as good quality as possible, you can eat everything in moderation. I use as much local produce as possible and I make a lot of my own preserves. Initially I went down the organic road for my own personal reasons, but everyone is so much more health conscious now. The cost of living has gone up but organic cakes are really working for me, so there’s definitely a market. It’s just so much nicer to make things taste as wonderful as possible.”

it, because it’s a scientific process. You have to understand the way that sugar works and how a marshmallow is formed, while trying to make it not just look nice but taste nice too. I started making them for friends and people at work and the feedback was really positive. Lots of people had not really come across marshmallows, but once you present them with something that isn’t like what you’d find in the supermarket, they’re pretty much immediately converted. Most makers use glucose syrup but we use golden syrup, so they’re lighter and less dense. Not using glucose syrup means our marshmallows have a shorter shelf life, but we don’t compromise that way and most people understand that. We sell at a lot of fairs and you get instant feedback, which is absolutely fantastic as you learn pretty quickly what sells and what doesn’t. There have been some flavours I thought were awesome but didn’t sell. I thought that the bacon and maple syrup flavour was fantastic, but I couldn’t come up with ways to market it. It wasn’t that people didn’t like the taste, it was that as soon as you told them what was in it, they backtracked, as if they couldn’t reconcile liking a marshmallow flavoured that way! I’m constantly on the lookout for new flavour combinations.

I’m still working part-time as the business goes through peaks and troughs. Wedding season is our peak time and we’re currently rushed off our feet, with making individual marshmallows for wedding favours and also the marshmallow towers. Mondays and Tuesdays are 12-hour bake days, then I work for two hours on Wednesday and Thursday nights. Friday nights are spent getting ready for the fairs and food festivals that fill the weekend. My world is covered in icing sugar and marshmallow wrappers! People like to support their local producers, but I don’t think Kent is quite as proactive as East Sussex, where they have more food festivals. Most of my orders come from there rather than Kent, so we could do more here.”

www.thebonbonbakery.co.uk

www.facebook.com/dulcibellamarshmallows

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BAKERS

“You should enjoy everything in moderation and good cake is not going to harm you”

THE PATISSERIE CAFÉ A COLOURFUL LIFE ABROAD HAS GIVEN LUCINDA HAMILTON A UNIQUE APPROACH TO PATISSERIE, AS THE PEOPLE OF CRANBROOK DISCOVERED WHEN SHE OPENED COCOLICIOUS A FEW MONTHS AGO. “Cocolicious came out of my passion for cake making, but I decided that Cranbrook was too small to sustain just a cake shop. So I made it into a café where people could enjoy delicious cakes but also have tasty salads and fresh food every day. My passion is cakes though and making them look lovely; I also try to make our food very international. I’ve been in catering all my life – first I did some work experience at my father’s safari camps in Kenya, so I could see whether it was what I wanted to do. Next I went to hotel school in Switzerland, where they taught me absolutely everything about running a hotel, before working with Anton Mossiman in London, which was hard core restaurant experience. Other jobs included working at the Ritz, plus I provided the catering for a big

law firm in the City, which was like running my own restaurant. Finally, I came to Cranbrook 10 years ago. When having my children, I decided to do some baking from home and I did some private catering too. Probably the most unusual item available at Cocolicious is the sweet sushi – it’s a violet rice pudding rolled in chocolate and served with raspberry coulis. My husband said, “You’re going to do sushi? Are you crazy?” But everyone loves sushi and no one is doing it around here. We love using unusual flavours, so there’s lots of cardamom and spices in our baking. The modern diet tends to be gluten-free so every day we have gluten-free items. We make those look and taste great, so everyone can enjoy cake. People can have a bit of nice and a bit of naughty. We use hemp oil, which contains Omega 3, a healthy oil. It’s better to use a good quality butter than margarine so we do that. You should enjoy everything in moderation and good cake is not going to harm you. Summer is one of my favourite seasons because there is so much produce out there.

We try to source ingredients as locally as possible; there’s a lady in Hawkhurst who grows herbs and strawberries, and a company in Sittingbourne called The Good Bread Club that provides a lot of our sourdough. We wanted to move away from chain coffee brands where everything is watered down, so we get ours from Horsham Coffee and we use milk from Northiam Dairy. But we won’t compromise on quality just to make it local – everything on the counter has to be top quality. There’s lots going on around here and there are plenty of people in Cranbrook who want good food, so we love providing that.” www.cocolicious.co.uk AUGUST 2014

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FOOD

THE

UNDERCOVER EATER

This is where we send our resident foodies into local eateries incognito and we tell it like it is. This month they pay a Sunday morning visit to Juliet’s café in Tunbridge Wells LOCATION Beautifully located on the Old High Street, Juliet’s is a short amble from the historic Pantiles. While the shop is literally on the street, so not allowing for much outside dining, it has a sense of bustle and conveys immediacy. The Old High Street has other breakfast options and chains for people to choose from instead, but Juliet’s is uniquely positioned among them.

DECOR Juliet’s is about quirky chic – mismatched china and bohemian distressed wooden furniture creates a ‘posh hippy’ feel. There’s exposed brickwork and handwritten chalk boards; there’s an organic, earthy, sustainable flavour to the cafe while still maintaining Tunbridge Wells’ poshness. It was a little hot with no air flow, although when the door was propped open at our request, the situation was much improved. Looking around, we saw that the clientele were varied – some looked ‘arty’ and some looked more mainstream, but how difficult it can be to judge a book by its cover!

SERVICE It was very busy, with a short wait for a table. This added to my sense that the place is in demand and popular. Once seated, fortunately the conversation flowed, as there was time to kill – the busy service had led to a delay in the kitchen. The wait was made more pleasant with some complimentary bucks fizz, which was

great customer service and ensured there were no grumbles. The waitresses were attentive and made no mistakes when delivering quite a varied menu, which had healthy alternative choices of bread and drinks.

MENU For the hungry members of our brunch party, The Ultimate (£11.50) tempted the taste buds. Comprising a hop and thyme sausage swirl, bacon, scrambled eggs, homemade baked

there’s an organic, earthy, sustainable flavour to the cafe while still maintaining Tunbridge Wells’ poshness beans, herb mushrooms, bubble and squeak cake and toast, it’s a deviation from a standard full English, with a few posh herbs and an attempt to improve upon Heinz beans. The more traditional breakfast eater might feel bereft, while the more artistic and nonconformist might be delighted. Compared to other eateries in town this is, though, an expensive full English. There is a wide variety on offer, with a pancake menu (from £5.10) and a variety of egg dishes: Neptune, ‘n’ Squeak, Royale, Benedict etc (from £6.50). Being of an open mind and enjoying variety, personally I would

relish a return trip to sample some of the offerings.

THE ONLY THING IS... While it is all well cooked and presented, there is a question mark over value for money. However, I imagine that for those who appreciate a thyme and hop sausage swirl rather than a banger, paying a little bit extra is worth the investment.

CONCLUSION Juliet’s feels as though it will appeal to a niche market. It’s not for everybody, but perhaps that’s the intention. The combination of the slightly arty menu, quirky decor and deviation from household brands makes it unique. Perhaps the beans will end up being the deciding factor when it comes to loyal clientele - if a breakfast diner is okay with replacing Heinz baked beans with a homemade variety, then they belong in Juliet’s. If this notion is upsetting, they might be better off somewhere else. As long as Juliet’s are okay with being different and can find enough lovers of hop and thyme sausage swirl, they are a welcome addition to the vibrant mix on the TW food scene. Juliet’s 54 High Street Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1XF 01892 522 931 www.julietsandmore.com

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AUGUSl:BAA LIVE ON THE PANTILES TUNBRIDGE WELLS

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THE GREAT SUMMER PUB GUIDE

Long summer days are here and there can be few better ways to spend a lazy afternoon than relaxing in a sunny beer garden. Luckily, here in the picturesque Weald, great food and drink is always on the menu. We’re spoiled for choice when it comes to impressive inns and handsome hostelries in charming locations – here, 20 of the area’s most perfect pubs tell us why we should visit this summer

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SUMMER PUBS

THE DORSET ARMS WITHYHAM

Here at the Kentish Hare in the picturesque village of Bidborough, we are a freehouse offering fantastic local ales and beers, along with a great selection of wines, mixed and soft drinks. Our ethos is to celebrate the best of Kent, the Garden of England and its wonderful produce, which our talented team of chefs use to create modern British food in our state-of-the-art kitchen. We offer a drinking and dining environment in a relaxed and informal setting. In the summer months, why not dine alfresco on our calm and tranquil terrace or in our beautiful, mature garden, surrounded by flowers, plants and herbs. A great place to kick back, relax and enjoy the best of the Great British summer! 95 Bidborough Ridge, Bidborough, Kent TN3 0XB 01892 525 709 • www.thekentishhare.com

Situated in a beautiful rural spot next to Ashdown Forest in the heart of the Weald of Sussex, the Dorset Arms has recently been bought by the original owners, the De La Warr family. The pub has been renovated and is now much lighter and more spacious, while retaining its cosy and welcoming atmosphere. Guests can enjoy an excellent, relatively small menu made with locally sourced produce, much of it from the Buckhurst Estate, or can have a relaxing cup of coffee in one of the comfortable armchairs. Ever-changing to accommodate seasonal produce, the menu features the popular ‘Buckhurst Sausages’, which are made to Lord De La Warr’s own recipe and the beef comes from the prize winning Buckhurst herd of pedigree Sussex cattle. The food, service, garden and friendly staff make the Dorset Arms a perfect pub/restaurant for summer eating, with children and dogs welcome. Buckhurst Park, Withyham, Hartfield, East Sussex TN7 4BD 01892 770 278 • www.dorset-arms.co.uk

SANKEY’S TUNBRIDGE WELLS

THE GRASSHOPPER INN MOORHOUSE

THE KENTISH HARE BIDBOROUGH

The Sankey’s south-facing beer garden is a real sun trap for lunchtimes and evenings alike. It has its own fully functioning bar complete with draught beers, chilled wines, spirits and soft drinks and is the ideal place to enjoy the British summer. On cool evenings and cloudy days, the heaters can warm the terrace in moments, while the York paving stones and iron fencing creates a unique setting, where you can forget you are in the centre of a busy Kentish town. The lunchtime set menu is priced from £10.50. 39 Mount Ephraim, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 8AA 01892 511 422 • www.sankeys.co.uk

The Grasshopper Inn is an iconic Tudor venue nestled in the Surrey Hills on the border of Kent and Surrey. The pub boasts a gorgeous terrace garden which is a real sun trap in the summer months. Equipped with a barbecue and bar, it is perfect for whiling away afternoons in the sunshine. The Grasshopper hosts barbecues every weekend throughout the summer (weather permitting, of course!) and complements great food with deliciously refreshing drinks, cocktails and internationally sourced bottled craft beers. Our terrace garden can be booked privately for a function or reserved for smaller groups. The beautiful boutique hotel rooms couple The Grasshopper Inn’s old world charm with elegant, modern luxury, making it the ideal spot for a summer getaway or weekend break. Moorhouse, near Westerham, Kent TN16 2EU 01959 563 136 • www.grasshopperinn.co.uk

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SUMMER PUBS

THE OAK TREE SEVENOAKS

The Oak Tree, Chop House and Tap Room is a recently refurbished venue on Sevenoaks High Street. Once an isolated Tudor farmhouse, The Oak Tree has undergone a thorough transformation, making it even more desirable as a premier food and drink destination. The rich variety of menus truly offers something for everybody, for all seasons. The Chop House menu showcases good, fresh English food cooked properly and the quintessential cream teas and ever popular sandwich, cake and coffee offers take some beating! The Tap Room boasts an ever changing variety of well kept cask ales, 12 refreshing lagers and ciders on draught and bottled craft beers, alongside a premium range of spirits – perfect for cocktails, long drinks and lazy afternoons in the summer. We look forward to welcoming you to The Oak Tree soon. 135 High Street, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1UP 01732 742 615 • www.faucetinn.com/oaktree/

THE HARE LANGTON GREEN

The Hare lies in the village of Langton Green, a pleasing, well-to-do suburb of Tunbridge Wells on the edge of the rolling, narrow-laned Kent countryside. We are a classic village pub, with good old furniture, rugs, books and plants, free of intrusive music, gaming machines and televisions. We serve food all day, have six cask ales on tap, a back shelf crammed with malts and our collection of gins, and a wine list of some 50 crackers. Our terrace garden, an ideal place for a spot of alfresco dining with friends and family, has gorgeous views out across the dappled village green, which is delightful for a brief digestive stroll. We have been in the Good Pub Guide continuously since 1996 and serve modern British food, complemented by exciting dishes from countries around the world. Langton Road, Langton Green, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 0JA 01892 862 419 • www.hare-tunbridgewells.co.uk

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THE NEVILL CREST & GUN ERIDGE GREEN

The Nevill Crest and Gun is a truly historic 500-year-old listed building that was part of the estate of the Nevill family, who are the Earls of Abergavenny. We are privileged to enjoy extensive landscaped gardens and terraces; if the day is fine, you’ll always find a pleasant table in a sunny spot to enjoy a drink or share a meal with friends and family, right in the heart of the Kentish countryside. If the weather is changeable, we have an airy, light-filled garden room with oak-framed glass walls to three sides. You’ll find reclaimed wood and tiled floors throughout, a jumble of beams everywhere, decent wines and cask ales, and our team of nine chefs who serve food all day.

Eridge Road, Eridge Green, Tunbridge Wells, East Sussex TN3 9JR 01892 864 209 • www.nevillcrestandgun.co.uk

THE WHITE HART SEVENOAKS

The White Hart is a truly atmospheric coaching inn that has been looking after the needs of locals and travellers alike for some 350 years. You will find character and charm at every turn, but quite apart from all the nooks and crannies inside this fascinating building, the terrace and gardens are a real sun trap and in fine weather they enjoy sunshine throughout the day. And when the weather is changeable, we have a delightful large and airy garden room, for the best of both worlds. At our heart we are foodies and our passion lies in finding quality ingredients and preparing, cooking and presenting them in a modern but unpretentious way. Essentially, we have a spine of freshly prepared, classic British dishes, complemented by more exotic influences from other parts of the world. Tonbridge Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1SG 01732 452 022 www.whitehart-sevenoaks.co.uk

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SUMMER PUBS

THE CRICKETERS INN MEOPHAM

THE KINGS HEAD BESSELS GREEN

The Kings Head is the latest addition to the Whiting and Hammond (W&H) family. Standing proudly on Bessels Green, just a moment away from Sevenoaks, this delight promises dining experiences galore with breakfast, lunch, dinner and even afternoon tea on offer. Continuing the W&H ethos of offering a delicious menu using locally sourced, fresh produce, there’s plenty to enjoy here in the summer. The beautiful garden also houses three huts which can be booked for any occasion. Open seven days a week, The Kings Head welcomes one and all, to soak up the sun in the garden over lunch. Westerham Road, Bessels Green, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2QA 01732 452 081 www.kingsheadbesselsgreen.co.uk

THE CHASER INN SHIPBOURNE

As an award winning W&H gastro pub, the Chaser Inn is renowned for its cracking Sunday lunch so if you’d like to try it out for yourself, book early to avoid disappointment! Legend has it that iconic film stars Elizabeth Burton and Richard Taylor enjoyed a tipple here, but that’s not the pub’s greatest claim to fame – it takes its name from the nearby Fairlawn Estate where steeplechase horses were trained. Her Majesty the Queen Mother secured 250 winners trained there, under the watchful eye of Peter Cazalet from 1949 to 1973. So this is an interesting spot in which to enjoy some summer refreshment. Stumble Hill, Shipbourne, Tonbridge, Kent TN11 9PE 01732 810 360 www.thechaser.co.uk

With a large York stone patio area to the rear and additional patio overlooking the cricket pitch at the front, this W&H pub makes the perfect spot to enjoy a quintessential English summer afternoon. In fact, the Cricketers Inn even played a significant role in the birth of cricket in the 1700s – the sport’s founding fathers were known to have visited the pub before, during and after matches. Low level outdoor lighting means you can continue to enjoy alfresco dining on those balmy summer evenings, even after the sun has gone down. Wrotham Road, Meopham, Kent DA13 0QA 01474 812 163 www.thecricketersinn.co.uk

THE LITTLE BROWN JUG CHIDDINGSTONE CAUSEWAY

Another W&H establishment, this pub was formerly known as The Station on account of its close proximity to Penshurst railway station, directly opposite. Now the pub boasts unique ‘hut’ facilities for outside dining and a play area for children, so adults can relax in the sunshine with something refreshing while the youngsters work up an appetite for a delicious meal. The Little Brown Jug embodies everything that ‘the Great British pub’ should be, from the warm welcome and relaxed atmosphere to the home-cooked food, excellent ales and fantastic wine. What better way to spend a pleasant hour or two with family or friends? Chiddingstone Causeway, Tonbridge, Kent TN11 8JJ 01892 870 318 • www. thelittlebrownjug.co.uk

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SUMMER PUBS

THE MARK CROSS INN MARK CROSS

If you like a dining experience with a view, this W&H hostelry boasts an extraordinary outlook across the beautiful Sussex countryside. There’s also an outdoor play area to keep the children safely entertained in the southfacing, fenced garden. Easy to reach by bus, car, bike or on foot, the Mark Cross Inn is the perfect wayside stop for any intrepid explorer. Visitors might like to keep an eye open for the pub’s extra staff member – George the spider. He frequently resides on the cellar stairs, but his job title is so far unknown. Mark Cross, Crowborough, East Sussex TN6 3NP 01892 852 423 www.themarkcross.co.uk

THE POET AT MATFIELD

The Poet is a country pub and restaurant that takes full advantage of its location in the Kent countryside. We serve varied food made from great quality, British produce. The varied spaces and menus mean that we are able to cater for everything, from that impromptu deli board with cured meats whilst on a country drive, to a lavish three-course dinner with paired wines to celebrate those special occasions. The Poet also has the facilities to cater for larger groups, coffee mornings and business meetings so best to get in touch to find out more. Coming up for the summer is a Gin Festival on Sunday August 24, with live music, an array of nibbles and plenty of gin to get through! Maidstone Road, Matfield, Kent TN12 7JH 01892 722 416 www.thepoetatmatfield.co.uk

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THE WHITE HART BRASTED

With its unique history and rural charm, The White Hart is a popular watering hole for both travellers and locals of Brasted village. Famed for its memoire of Spitfire pilots who served during the Second World War, The White Hart displays a blackout board filled with the signatures of our brave wartime pilots. Nicknamed ‘The Inn of the Few’, this country pub will forever hold a lasting place in Britain’s world war history, making it a prominent feature of the community and a must-see abode for those wishing to explore the menu and the history. Guests of The White Hart are spoilt for choice as to where to dine – choose from an airy conservatory, divine restaurant or alfresco dining on the patio, overlooking a wild and colourful beer garden. They all make a great setting for lazy lunches and intimate suppers for small groups or larger parties. High Street, Brasted, Westerham, Kent TN16 1JE 01959 569 457 • www.whitehartbrasted.co.uk

THE GEORGE & DRAGON SPELDHURST

The George & Dragon is a traditional 13th century inn with dramatic oak beams and a gorgeous courtyard garden. With huge emphasis on high standards and local produce, we take full advantage of the Kent larder and use many local suppliers from within a stone’s throw of the inn. We stock a number of local bitters and quality wines and as the second oldest pub in the country, with the ethos of ‘from a farm, not a factory’, the George & Dragon remains the centre of village life while adding a touch of glamour to the countryside. Speldhurst Hill, Speldhurst Kent TN3 0NN 01892 863 125 • www.speldhurst.com

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SUMMER PUBS

THE BLACK PIG TUNBRIDGE WELLS

At The Black Pig the menus change daily dependant on what looks good and is in season. What you get is great quality ingredients treated simply and with respect to get the most out of them, from Chart Farm wild rabbit and chorizo skewers with polenta chips to pan roasted cod wrapped in Parma ham with Jersey Royals. The predominant theme is great, simple food in smart, relaxed surroundings with a good range of well priced, interesting wines. Additionally there is a lovely vine covered terrace on which to enjoy the summer sun. 18 Grove Hill Rd, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1RZ 01892 523 030 www.theblackpig.net

THE LEICESTER ARMS HOTEL, PENSHURST

Located in the quintessentially English village of Penshurst, with more than 500 years of history, the Leicester Arms Hotel is steeped in tradition and is the ideal place to chase away those city blues. Visit the fascinating medieval mansion Penshurst Place or blow out the cobwebs on a country walk, hop on your bikes or just come for dinner and then sneak upstairs to bed for a wellearned rest. For dining, the food is local and free range and the fish sustainable. All can be washed down with a local brew in the traditional bar with copper topped tables and original red pantiles. High Street, Penshurst, Kent TN11 8BT 01892 871 617 • www.theleicesterarmshotel.com

THE BEACON TUNBRIDGE WELLS

The Beacon is a bar and restaurant with one of the best views in south east England as its backdrop, along with genuinely friendly and helpful staff. It has a wealth of architectural features, including some particularly fine stained glass windows in the restaurant and oak panelling in the bar area, which add even more to its historical charm. With a well known afternoon tea and a Friday grill night for just over £11 including a glass of wine, it is well worth a visit. Enjoy a delicious Sunday meal while admiring the landscape, then go out and explore it for yourself. Tea Garden Lane, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 9JH 01892 524 252 www.the-beacon.co.uk

THE DEERSTALKER FRIARS GATE

The summer is an exciting time for us and with live music throughout August, we are set for some great events. Perfectly placed in the heart of the Ashdown Forest there are plenty of nature walks nearby and we welcome families as our gardens have plenty of space for little ones to run around. On Friday August 8 we have Fat Men in the Bath Tub playing live as the sun sets. On Saturday August 16 at 2pm, Crowborough Rocks returns for an afternoon of live music by young musicians from around the area. August bank holiday sees two days of guest beers, fresh paella, barbecues and more live music with the awesome Dirty Pillows headlining. Find us on Facebook for more details – see you soon! Friars Gate, East Sussex TN6 1XB 01892 661 270 • www.thedeerstalker.co.uk

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Exclusive Six Night, all-inclusive Foodie Holiday with Rosemary Shrager in the Cote D'Azur Luxury residence Chateau Lou Casteou in the Cote D'Azur, South of France, has partnered up with renowned Celebrity Chef Rosemary Shrager, to host an exclusive food and wine appreciation event at the property, this October 2014. The six-night, allinclusive break will run from Saturday 11th October to Friday 17th October, 2014. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy excellent cuisine, appreciate the beauty of the South of France and learn how to prepare classic dishes. Rosemary and her Executive Chef John Rogers will take guests on a journey of gastronomic delights. Included in the programme:

Lou Casteou, which means 'The Chateau' in old Proven~ French, was built in 1904 by Lord Amherst of Hackney - a lover or antiquities who funded the Howard Carter expeditions to Egypt, and the discovery of Tutankhamen's tomb. The property is situated in the Esterel Mountains between Cannes and St. Tropez, and enjoys breathtaking views of the ocean and picturesque villages below. Amongst other accolades, Lou Casteou was selected by Simon Cowell as his 'judge's house' on The X Factor in 2011. The chateau is also available to hire for weddings, conferences and special events throughout the year. To book a place please contact Morag Mcl::aren Baxter by email on

- Six night's luxury accommodation at Chateau Lou Casteou - Champagne reception on arrival Welcome dinner hosted by Rosemary -Daily cookery classes with Rosemary and Executive Chef John Rogers -Food and wine pairing sessions. - Butchery and BBQ master-classes - Three-course dinners prepared each evening by Rosemary and her team - Market and olive oil farm visits -Visits to vineyards and wine tasting -Lunch at a Michelin starred restaurant - Daily fitness sessions, heated infinity pool, pool table, boules and tennis option. There will be a focus on food and wine pairing. BBQ and butchery master-classes will be taught by John and Rosemary will hold daily cookery sessions. Guests can also enjoy visits to the famous Fortville Market with all the wonderful array of fresh produce. There will also be visits to an olive oil farm handed down through generations, provincial vineyards to experience wine tasting and a Michelin-starred restaurant, during your stay. The price per couple is £5,650 per couple or 2 sharing and £3,250 for a single.

morag@loucasteou.com or telephone +44 (o)7990 573 287•

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MOTORS

MOTORING MATTERS OUR ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM THE MOTORING SCENE

M IS FOR MORE BMW has launched its M3 Saloon priced from £56,175 OTR and new M4 Coupe available from £56,635 OTR. Both new models feature characteristically aggressive M design and are powered by a high-revving six-cylinder M TwinPower Turbo engine producing 431hp and impressive 550Nm torque across a very wide rev range. There’s extensive use of lightweight materials, including carbon-fibre, for substantial weight loss over the outgoing model. Dynamic driving technologies include Active M Differential, Adaptive M suspension and optional M Double Clutch Transmission.

KING OF THE HILL

SPECIAL DELIVERY

CONTINENTAL CHARM

DREAM COME TRUE

The crowds at Goodwood Festival of Speed were treated to the first UK appearance of the Lexus RC F, the high performance coupé that has already generated huge interest in its motor show appearances around the world. The RC F moved off the show stand and onto the track to give just a taste of its performance potential, making speed runs during the “first glance” sessions on the festival’s hill course. The Lexus LFA also stormed the hill as one of the festival’s supercar competitors.

Suzuki has announced details of a new special edition GSR750, with the factory-built ‘Z’ model in dealerships now. Available from £7,399 and derived from the iconic GSX-R750 machine, the special edition GSR750 naked comes in a unique blue and white paint scheme, reminiscent of Suzuki’s traditional racing colours, and boasts a Yoshimura R11 silencer. Other special touches include a belly pan, gold anodised fork outers and red adjusters, blue drive-chain, matt finished handlebars and red rear suspension spring.

Bentley announces the rarest and most dynamic member of the esteemed Continental family of Grand Tourers with the arrival of the new Continental GT3-R. It’s inspired by the new Continental GT3 race car that stormed to victory at the second round of the Blancpain Endurance Series at Silverstone, the first UK race for Bentley for 84 years. Blending proven track and road credentials, the Continental GT3-R is a highly exclusive and unique interpretation of performancefocused luxury, limited to just 300 examples. All will be hand-built in Crewe and finished in Bentley’s Motorsport division.

Volkswagen also geared up to join thousands of automotive fans at the annual Goodwood Festival of Speed. This year, one of the biggest attractions on Volkswagen UK’s stand was the radical GTI Roadster concept making its UK debut. Originally created as a virtual car, to feature in the Sony PlayStation3 classic Gran Turismo 6 (GT6) and now created as a real car, the two-seat GTI Roadster uses a 3.0-litre V6 biturbo TSI engine that hits 62mph from rest in just 3.6 seconds, and goes on to 190 mph. AUGUST 2014

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AFFORDABLE LUXURY FROM THE COOPER GROUP. BMW 116i SPORT 5-DOOR SPORTS HATCH. JUST £225 PER MONTH (PLUS DEPOSIT*). The BMW 1 Series Sports Hatch guarantees pure driving pleasure. The athletic lines and powerful contours are guaranteed to stand out, but as a five-door model forfour passengers this is also a practical option. It is one of the few hatchbacks in the compact class to offer two rear seats and useful storage options in the centre, which can be replaced by a third seat if required.

BMW 318d M SPORT SALOON. JUST £289 PER MONTH (PLUS DEPOSIT*). Now 111 its sixth-generation, with even more power, efficiency and style, the BMW 3 Series Saloon embodies the concept of a sports saloon like no other car. Supplying the power are potent six-cylinder and four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. with state-of-the-art BMW EfficientDynamics technology.

Contact your local Cooper dealership for more information and to book your test drivet.

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CooperCobham

CooperCroydon

18-22 Portsmouth Road, Cobham, Surrey KT11 1JA 01932 589 400 www.coopercobhambmw.co.uk

57 Croydon Road, Beddington, Croydon, Surrey CRO 4QE 0208 288 7777 www.coopercroydonbmw.co.uk

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Cooper Group

The Ultimate Driving Machine

BMW 520d M SPORT SALOON. JUST £339 PER MONTH (PLUS DEPOSIT*). The new BMW 5 Series Saloon is tailor-made to meet the highest requirements. Intelligent networking and the latest technologies from BMW Connected Drive perceive, understand and instantly respond to your needs. Perfect for any driver who expects more from a saloon than just a stylish appearance: the most advanced 5 Series Saloon ever.

BMW X1 xDRIVE 20d xLINE. JUST £299 PER MONTH (PLUS DEPOSIT*). The BMW X1 is the perfect vehicle for people who embrace all life's possibilities. Its SAV proportions are impressive and the interior is extremely flexible. The BMW xline and Sport models allow greater customisation of the exterior and interior.

BMW EfficientDynamics Less emissions. More driving pleasure.

Official fuel economy figures for the BMW Range: Urban 12.8-56.5mpg (22.0-5.31/1 OOkm). Extra Urban 26.2-78.5mpg (10.8-3.91/1 OOkm). Combined 19.2-68.9mpg (14.7 -4.41/1OOkm). C02 emissions 352-1 09g/km. Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions. 'f'ric<ls shown "'a for a 48 month Contlacl H>re agreement for the models sOOM>; a 8MW 116i Sport 5 Door Sports Hatch with a dcpos~ ol £3,529, contract mileage o/40,000 miles and an coocess mrleage ~ge ol 6.75p per mile; a BMW 318d M Sport Saloon wdh a deposit ol £4,890, contlacl mileage ot 40,000 miles and an excess mileage charge of 6.5p per mile; a BMW 520d M Sport Saloon With a deposit of £4,889, contlacl

mileage of 40,000 l'lllles and an e.cess mileage d~arge of 9.75p peo mote; and a BMWX1 x0riw20d xLJne Wlth a deposrt of£4, 129 and an e.cess mileage charge of&75p pennie. /lpplies to new vehiCles O<dered at par11cipating Cooper BMW Dealets between 1 1\pnl and 30 Juoe 2014 and regostered by 30 September 2014 (subject to availallility~ Retail customers only. At the end of your dgteemeot you l'l'<lSI return the vehicle and\'!lhic:fe condition. eo«:ess mileage and othe< charges may ho payable. Hire available subjoctto status to UK residents aged 18 or over. Guarnntces and indemnities may be required. Term• and con~ions apply. Offer maybe varied, withdrawn or extended at anytime. Hire provided by BMW Financial SeM:es (GB) Limitocl, 6ar1lcyWay. Hook, Ha~ ~7 9UF. Servioolnck.osive for 5 yoors or 50,000 miles (whichever occurs first) IS avaiable for an extra £10a monlh. Savci-19 must be carried oulat a BMW SevicelluUIOnsedWorllshop. Elo:esslve wear and l""' or misuse not covered. Second bral<e 1\Jidchange not"""""'""' Please ask )'Our dealer, or visit v.v.w.bmw.co.uk/selviceidJsive for prices for aR models and ful BMW SeMce Inclusive terms and conditions. t Test drive subjeCt to applicant status "'ld availabifily. lnchcape Re!ail is not an Independent financi<'4 advisor. We WO<k With a panel of selected lenders when arranging fundiag foryotD'purchase and ttoese lenders may pay us tor introducing~""' to them. BMW EfficiflntO}onamics redul:cs 8MW omissions v.;thoul compromising performance dovelopments and IS sta~d across the model range.

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MOTORS

Dial M for menace

Matt Joy reveals whether the contents of the new BMW M4’s engine lives up to its imposing outer image

here’s a great deal that’s new about the M4, not least the name. Previously you could have an M3 in coupe, saloon and convertible formats, but now the M3 is saloon only. The M4 takes on the mantle as the coupe that will be the most popular model by far. You get a stack of bespoke exterior parts to add menace as well as a bit of downforce and there’s 85kg of weight saved over the old car with bits like the carbonfibre roof, strut brace and a lightweight driveshaft. But the biggest news is under the bonnet. The naturally aspirated V8 has been binned in favour of a twin turbocharged six-cylinder unit

for the first time on an M car. As usual, it’s for the sake of efficiency; the new unit has more power and torque than the old car but emissions are down 26%. As you’d expect, the transformation to M4 brings with it some extra aggression. There are big air vents at the front, a deep chin spoiler, flared wheel arches and big wheels as standard, and the result is a terrific-looking thing from pretty much any angle. Colour choice is another matter. The eye-catching metallic yellow shown here is certainly not for the faint-hearted, while more moderate shades provide a more stealthy look.

The transformation to M4 gives almost nothing away to the standard car, so sadly you’ve got no excuse for leaving the loved ones behind in a haze of tyre smoke. Up front, there are excellent sports seats, plenty of head and leg room even for taller drivers and you can fit adults in the back seats too. The boot is also impressive with 445 litres and sensibly, it has a good luggage net to stop everything flying about - which it would otherwise most certainly do. Like all the current M cars, the M4 gives you a multitude of options to play with, offering three settings for the engine, suspension, gearbox and

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MOTORS

steering. With everything set to either Comfort or Efficiency, the M4 does a pretty convincing impression of a bog-standard 4 Series. It rides well and is quiet, bar the odd growl from the engine when you poke it. But frankly that’s a waste of performance car. Turn everything up to the middle Sport mode and instantly it feels more alert. Squeeze the throttle and the response is immediate, that turbocharged engine offering up strong torque regardless of engine revs and there’s a pleasing metallic note from the exhaust, thanks to some clever electronic enhancement. Push the M4 hard and the grip is hugely impressive, the optional

carbon ceramic brakes very strong and its overall composure superb. It’s a genuine M car, no doubt. Compared to the outgoing car, the M4 has had a notable upgrade in the amount of standard kit. You now get 19-inch wheels, Xenon headlights, the adaptive M suspension and things like folding electric mirrors as standard where previously they were options. That’s not to say you can’t go a bit nuts with the options; the desirable carbon ceramic brakes are £6,250 but the M Laptimer app is free to download at least. So, who would buy one? There are two main types of people that will want an M4 on

their driveway. Firstly there are the enthusiasts who know the history of the M cars and want a performance car that has motorsport links and can cut it on the track as well as on the road. The other type are the badge snobs who want that M badge – and possibly one of the more eye-catching colours – to let everyone know they’ve arrived. If I had to sum this car up in a single word, it would be this: Menacing. If this car was an animal it would be a domestic cat – pretty to look at and generally relaxed, but capable of using its claws if required...

Facts at a glance MODEL: BMW M4, £58,295 (with M DCT transmission) ENGINE: 3.0-litre unit producing 425bhp and 406lb/ft of torque TRANSMISSION: Seven-speed dual clutch gearbox driving the rear wheels PERFORMANCE: Top speed 155mph (limited), 0-62mph in 4.1 seconds ECONOMY: 34.0mpg combined EMISSIONS: 194g/km of CO2

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Tunbridge Wells Audi. Opening mid August.

The centre provides a premium location in West Kent/East Sussex where visitors can now browse Audi's award-winning range of new and used cars, experience the technologically sophisticated models and purchase while receiving the highest levels of customer service. Along with everything you'd expect of a modern state-of-the-art showroom, our new eco friendly Audi Centre in Tunbridge Wells also incorporates the very latest in customer comfort, innovation and technology. Customers are also be able to enjoy a relaxing cafe lounge area, plus a Direct Service Reception where they can watch their car being serviced via a monitor and interact with the technician carrying out the work. Why not call in to Tunbridge Wells Audi today to experience it yourself?

Tunbridge Wells Audi Dowding Way Tunbridge Wells TN2 3UY

01892 703 000 www. tun bridgewells-audi .co.u k enquiries@tunbridgewellsaudi.co.uk Part of the Inchcape Group

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E D U C AT I O N

EDUCATION NEWS WE TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE WORLD OF EDUCATION

n GO WEST n FIRST CLASS STAMP Two students from Bethany School in Goudhurst have received the Royal seal of approval for their artwork. Year 13 A’Level artist Anna Burnham created a portrait of the Queen using 4,600 stamps, to feature in an annual exhibition at the Turner Contemporary in Margate. The picture caught the eye of Her Majesty herself and the monarch wrote a letter to Anna, congratulating her on the work. The exhibition has also featured paintings and photography by GCSE and A’Level students, Joe and Ciara Reddy. Another A’level student, Piers Muiry, saw off competition from more than 1,200 other young artists to have one of his pieces accepted by the prestigious Royal Academy. Piers’ portrait of his grandfather was among just 36 pieces to be featured in the Academy’s Summer Online Exhibition for schools. www.bethanyschool.org.uk

n WEALD’S GOT TALENT Musical and performance skills earned three local students a place in the Kent School Games Cultural Celebration Grand Final. Weald of Kent Grammar School pupil Jessica Chappenden impressed the judges at the Tunbridge Wells audition with her self-choreographed contemporary dance routine, while fellow students Daisy Widdicombe (right) and Asha Parkinson wowed the panel with their piano and saxophone performances respectively. The trio will now go through to the Grand Final at TW’s Assembly Hall on September 7, where they have the chance to win a share of the £1,750 total prize fund. www.kentschoolgames.com

New students and those returning to the Brook Street campus in Tonbridge in September will find a new name at the entrance. The college, which was known as K College following a merger, is now under new management by Hadlow College, which has decided that the site should be called West Kent College again. Hadlow College was chosen by the Skills Minister Matthew Hancock as being in the best position to deliver education at the former K campuses in Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells and Ashford. “Over the last year we have received great support from all the local communities we serve,” says Principal, Paul Hannan. “This is a fantastic opportunity to create outstanding educational provision to mirror that offered at Hadlow. It will provide excellent further and higher education for people, businesses and employers.” The new West Kent College launched on August 1. www.kcollege.ac.uk

n EVEN MORE RASCALS! Little Rascals Nursery in Tunbridge Wells is expanding to another site in the town. In addition to the existing nursery in Clanricarde Gardens, next month a second Little Rascals will open in Lonsdale Gardens. The new specialised pre-school will offer outdoor learning environments, a baby room, a sensory room, Spanish classes, Ready Steady Sports and Phonics Fun. For more details call 01892 544 384 or email enquiries@littlerascals.org.uk www.littlerascals.org.uk

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CELEBRATING IN STYLE...

Dulwich Prep School in Cranbrook last month celebrated the start of their 75th year with a Grand Anniversary Ball, organised by the Friends of Dulwich. More than 400 guests gathered in a marquee in the grounds of the school for drinks, dinner, music from the ABBA tribute band Bjorn Again, disco, casino and dodgems. Fundraising on the night, including a “fabulous auction” raised £20,000 for Demelza Children’s Hospice, which cares for sick children across the county. The school has grown from humble beginnings in the orchards of Cranbrook at the outbreak of the Second World War, when Dulwich College Preparatory School in London evacuated to Kent. The marquee was decorated with wartime memorabilia and themed to reflect the years of the school’s history. Future anniversary plans next term include a celebratory concert at the Assembly Halls in Tunbridge Wells. www.dcpskent.org

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BUSINESS

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BUSINESS

BUSINESS NEWS OUR MONTHLY LOOK AT WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE LOCAL BUSINESS WORLD

n FINANCIAL RALLY Two Kent accountants have put their skills to good use, totting up more than £2,500 for charity. Simon Warne and Geert Struyven of national audit, tax and advisory firm Crowe Clark Whitehill, which has offices in Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone, drove more than 2,000 miles in a V reg Mazda 626 hatchback as part of the Parenta Trust’s Maidstone to Monaco annual banger rally. The car was donated by accident repair specialists Rusthall Coachworks, which meant an additional £350 was donated to the pair’s sponsorship total. Before the convoy left The Parenta Trust announced that the rally had raised enough money to build a pre-school in Africa for orphans and underprivileged children. Corporate Finance Partner Geert Struyven (pictured) tells us: “We are very proud to have raised such a substantial amount and had a great time doing it. There was a real sense of camaraderie amongst the drivers, especially on the overnight stops at various camping sites.” Lasting four days, the rally travelled through Kent, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and then on to Monaco.

n VAT BUSTER The MD of Whiting and Hammond, Brian Whiting, is playing a lead role in the fight to persuade the Government to reduce VAT in pubs, bars and restaurants to 5%. Campaigners believe it’s unfair that items such as ready meals can be sold free of VAT in supermarkets while the hospitality business has to charge customers 20% VAT on all food and drink. Brian now plans to cut prices at his eight gastro pubs across West Kent and East Sussex by 20% on Wednesday September 24 - Tax Parity Day. He says: “Hospitality services support over two million jobs in the UK and are highly price-sensitive. A VAT reduction would feed through to lower prices, stimulating demand and creating new jobs”.

n WINNING WINES Hush Heath Estates near Staplehurst has secured a deal to sell its wines and ciders in America. From this summer, Balfour Brut Rose and Jake’s Orchard ciders will be distributed across 47 states in the USA after an agreement was signed with Valentine Wines. Hush Heath owner Richard Balfour-Lynn says:”America has just overtaken France as the world’s largest consumer of wine so clearly we are pleased to be entering this market.” Balfour Brut Rose has been served on British Airways First Class Flights since 2011

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BUSINESS

n WEALDEN SURVEY

n HUGH STREET DELIGHT

The economic recovery is strengthening, profits are on the up, but signs of investment in new jobs and equipment remain muted, according to members of the Wealden Business Group (WBG). That’s the conclusion from the second Wealden Business Barometer survey, the quarterly research project which analyses members’ views on current business trends. The group, which meets for weekly networking breakfasts at The Little Silver Country Hotel, Tenterden, comprises 32 owner-managers of a diverse range of companies across the Weald; from accountancy to commercial property, creative services to painting and decorating, car sales to carpentry.

A Government announcement on transport funding for 2015/16 is good news for Tonbridge and Malling. Two key local schemes have been awarded 100% funding: • Tonbridge Town Centre Regeneration - £2.37m • Improvements to Junction 4 on the M20 - £2.19m A further award of £4.89m has been made to support sustainable transport projects across West Kent. Council Leader Nicolas Heslop says: “This means we can make an early start on carrying out major improvements to Tonbridge High Street to create a more shopper friendly environment which will help boost town centre trade.

MAIN FINDINGS In the first quarter of this year, 90% of members report improved profits compared with this time last year; • 65% report proﬁts increases of up to 10%, while a quarter of members are doing even better, with profits up 10-25%; • Conﬁdence is strong: 60% of members are more confident of the future than they were this time last year. • Keeping it local: 70% of members expect business growth to come from local customers. WBG Chair Simon Hammond says: “There can be no doubt that the recovery is here to stay and the levels of business confidence are strong and growing. “While it’s understandable that businesses may be retaining profits to help repair the damage caused by the recession [as evidenced in the survey], it would be good to see some of that money spent on new jobs and investment. But I’m sure that will come”.

“Junction 4 on the M20 is a real local congestion hotspot and we hope that this further investment will increase the capacity of this key interchange. “The Borough Council has fought hard to achieve these successes.”

n CHARITABLE APPROACH

n WELL CONNECTED

Former Kent and Sussex Courier Business Reporter Angela Ward has been appointed South West Kent Area Fundraiser for chYps Children’s Hospice at Home. Most recently Angela was a PR Manager with The Marketing Eye in Uckfield. She has personal experience of what it’s like to be the parent of a sick child. Daughter Naomi died of a childhood cancer 10 years ago at the age of four. Angela tells us: “I’m looking forward to really building awareness of what the charity does and, of course, raising vital funds to reach out to many more families who need us in south west Kent.”

Superfast broadband is a step closer to becoming a reality in the county’s rural areas after the Government awarded almost £1million to an internet provider. MLL Telecom will use the money to join together lots of smaller wireless networks. The company has already used the technology to bring a wireless network to Tunbridge Wells town centre. Rural Affairs Minister Dan Rogerson says superfast broadband is “crucial for building a stronger rural economy and fairer society.”

n CLARIFICATION Last month we wrote about a new “Jaguar and Land Rover” dealership opening in Tunbridge Wells. This is factually incorrect. It will be a new Jaguar Land Rover dealership that will only be offering the Jaguar marque not Land Rover.

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SOCIAL

BUSS MURTON BRANCHES OUT

PHOTOGRAPHY: DAVID BARTHOLOMEW

More than 100 guests enjoyed Pimm’s and canapés at Buss Murton LLP’s summer party, held at the Nevill Golf Club in Tunbridge Wells. Senior partner Alan Williams also announced the firm’s expansion into East Grinstead, by merging with Elaine McGloin Solicitors, a small practice specialising in Conveyancing, Wills and Probate. The expansion will add a fourth office to Buss Murton Law, in addition toTunbridge Wells, Cranbrook and Dartford. Alan Williams says: “Elaine runs a very successful practice. We have supported clients in both Kent and Sussex during our 300-year history, but I am delighted we will finally have an office in Sussex.” www.bussmurton.co.uk

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SGS -ARCHITECTURAL

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ADVERTORIAL

FLEXIBILITY THE BALANCING ACT Following the recent changes to flexible working hours, many employees will have questions about the rules of their entitlement. Emma Barlow from Buss Murton Law in Tunbridge Wells talks us through the details

ntil the end of June 2014, although there was nothing to stop employees asking for flexibility at work, the statutory right to request it was only available to parents and carers. As of June 30 2014, however, all eligible employees are now legally entitled to make such a request. An employee is deemed ‘eligible’ if they have been employed for a continuous period of more than 26 weeks and can only make one statutory request in any one 12-month period. An obvious question that both employers and employees may now be wondering is: upon what basis can such a request be made? The answer, according to ‘the right to request flexible working’, an ACAS guide, is ‘eligible employees can apply to work flexibly for any reason’. The employer must consider the request objectively and in a reasonable manner and can only reject an application for one of the following eight business reasons: • The burden of any additional cost is unacceptable to the organisation • An inability to reorganise work among existing staff • An inability to recruit additional staff • The employer considers that the change will have a detrimental impact on quality • The employer considers that the change would have a detrimental effect on the business’s ability to meet customer demand • Detrimental impact on performance • There is insufﬁcient work during the periods the employee proposes to work • There are planned structural changes and the employer considers that the proposed flexible working changes may not ﬁt in with these plans Although it is an employee’s legal right to make a request, there is no statutory right to have it granted; it is merely for an employer to consider it, although consider it

they must. Employees are obliged to consider their request against the impact it would have on the employer’s business. The granting of the request is therefore a balancing act between the employee’s work-life parity and the employer’s ability to accomplish its business objectives. Employers should ensure that they have a robust, flexible working policy in place for handling requests so that employees understand the procedure they must follow and what their rights are against the context of the business’s needs. The ACAS guide recommends that such a policy should ensure ‘consistency’ and be ‘transparent’. However, when later detailing the discussion that the employer and employee should have, ACAS suggest that a face-to-face meeting would be preferable to allow ‘the employee to explain the reasons why they are seeking the change if they choose to tell their employer this’. Thus, suggesting the goal of transparency recommended by ACAS may be more heavily weighted on the side of the employer than the employee. Employers: If you would like any further guidance on what your policy should include, good practice, how to deal with contemporaneous requests and time limits, then we would be happy to help. Employees: For advice on whether your employer has acted reasonably in dealing with a request, or for further information on issues such as when a request can be withdrawn by an employer, then we would gladly discuss this with you.

Emma Barlow is a trainee solicitor at Buss Murton Law, Tunbridge Wells and can be reached on 01892 510 222, at ebarlow@bussmurton.co.uk or by visiting www.bussmurton.co.uk

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GREAT EXPECTATIONS

PAUL MEYER

Estate agents Wood and Pilcher are on course to raise £10,000 for Hospice in the Weald by the end of the year – double their original target for the charity. An auction and raffle helped generate £4,000 when the company held a “fantastic” Summer Ball at Salomons Estate in Southborough. “We always manage to exceed expectations,” jokes Partner Simon Ellis (top right). Nearly 100 clients and friends enjoyed a three-course meal that helped make the event “such a huge success” thanks to the efforts of Partner Jackie Morris. www.hospiceintheweald.org.uk

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ADVERTORIAL

PROS AND CONS OF A GROUP CRITICAL ILLNESS POLICY A critical illness policy cannot make you better, but Caroline Weiss-Jones, Director at BDHL, says it can give a client financial help when they need it most, allowing the individual to focus on their health

ritical illness protection should not be underestimated for the simple fact that we are more likely to suffer a critical illness than die before retirement. Group critical illness will pay a tax-free lump sum directly to your employee, should they be diagnosed with a serious illness such as heart attack, stroke, cancer or kidney failure. A policy payout might be used to pay for medical treatment or home alterations as a result of an illness – or even pay off debts or a mortgage. BDHL work with leading providers and have agreed through special arrangement a free cover level of £500,000 per person for as few as three employees as part of a group scheme. The cons are that there are often strict definitions in a policy and if your condition doesn’t meet them, a claim

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will not be paid. A critical illness policy should not replace a group income protection plan, as this provides income to your employees during periods of inability to work. While a lump sum payment will be invaluable to most customers, a critical illness policy won’t provide a regular income or replace a salary. Would you like your business to receive a FREE Health & Group Risk Review? BDHL are offering readers of So magazine this service valued at £500 for a limited period. Please contact Ian Porteous on 01892 891 900 to arrange an appointment.

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EVENT

SOCIAL COFFEE BREAKS

PHOTOGRAPHY: EMMA COX

Tunbridge Wells Ladies Who Latte held one of their regular meet-ups at The Spa Hotel’s newly refurbished Zagatos Bar. As the coffee morning title suggests, this is a relaxed networking group for any local businesswomen. On this occasion, the ladies came from Tunbridge Wells, Hawkhurst, Marden and places in between, representing coaching, bead-making, bespoke artwork, social media training, image consultancy, fitness, photography, dog training and holistic and beauty therapy. Kate Lumley from Porchlight also gave a short talk on her charity’s work to help homeless and vulnerable people in Kent. The next meet-up is at The Spa at 10am on Tuesday August 5. www.twladieswholatte.co.uk

THE SOCIAL NETWORK

PHOTOGRAPHY: SARAH BOND

West Kent College held a Media Networking event for students to talk to local employers about jobs and gain valuable career advice. Attendees included Tunbridge Wells illustrator Chris Burke, of Radio Times fame, Samuel Marlow, director of Tunbridge Wells’ Electric Lantern Motion Picture Festival and representatives of KMFM, Endorfintv.com, Rice Op Media, Sports Event Marketing, Creative, Pod, Net Communities, Vince, Earth Island Publishing, Design Surgeons, One Model, Ephemeral Short Film Co, The Mac Man, Happen Web and Kent Women in Business. www.kcollege.ac.uk

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SWEET TALKING A tasty time was had by all when Warners Solicitors hosted a chocolate making evening in Sevenoaks. Chocoholics enjoyed drinks and nibbles in the Bank House Boardroom before getting down to the exciting business of making sticky treats. Expert Magdalena Marsden, from Cocoa and Heart, cast some light on the history of chocolate and handed out samples, before the guests had the chance to make their own chocolate truffles in a variety of flavours.

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C U LT U R E

CULTUREVULTURE

MARC BRENNER

RICHARD HUBERT SMITH

OUR MONTHLY LOOK AT WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE AREA

La Traviata

The Tempest

STAGE TO SCREEN The true Culture Vultures among you will no doubt have enjoyed NT Live’s series of broadcasts from London theatres, bringing the West End to the Weald. There are even more opportunities to enjoy world class entertainment over the next couple of months, with outstanding live opera and timeless drama on offer via the big screen

pera is widely considered to be one of the greatest theatrical experiences life has to offer. The ultimate ‘musical’, opera takes extremes of emotion – love, happiness, fear and, of course, tragedy – and turns them into a spectacular celebration of life, aptly performed at the extremes of human ability. Attending a show at prestigious Glyndebourne in East Sussex is on the bucket list of most opera fans, but if this is not an option, that’s no problem as Glyndebourne is now coming to you. Viewed in some quarters as elitist, opera has taken great strides towards wider accessibility in recent years. Now that Glyndebourne performances are being screened live at local cinemas, you can enjoy these exceptional shows right here on your doorstep. The latest Glyndebourne production to hit the big screens is Verdi’s romantic masterpiece, La Traviata. Star-crossed lovers Violetta and Alfredo are driven apart by society’s expectations, only to stumble across each other once again in difficult circumstances. At the time of writing, tickets were still available for the performances at Glyndebourne on Sunday August 10 and Wednesday August 13, with tickets priced at £215 and £110 respectively – you can book online at www.glyndebourne.com

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Alternatively, catch the live screening at Kino Digital in Hawkhurst, Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge Wells, Tunbridge Wells Odeon and the Stag in Sevenoaks. Showings start at 5.30pm, ticket prices vary. As this year marks the 450th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s birth, there’s no excuse not to experience the British icon’s timeless stories. A master of both comedy and tragedy, Shakespeare’s work can appeal to just about any audience and this summer’s programme of screenings feature some of his most famous plays. Three productions by Globe On Screen can be seen at the Trinity Theatre: The Thick of It actor Roger Allam and Merlin star Colin Morgan appear in The Tempest on Tuesday August 5, followed by perhaps the Bard’s ultimate thriller, Macbeth, on Thursday August 14. The magical fantasy A Midsummer Night’s Dream can be seen on Wednesday September 17. In the meantime, there’s a change of company when RSC’s production of romantic comedy The Two Gentlemen of Verona is beamed to Trinity, Tunbridge Wells Odeon and the Stag in Sevenoaks on Wednesday September 3. Those who have missed NT Live’s earlier shows have another chance to enjoy the West End experience when Medea is shown live at

Tunbridge Wells Odeon and the Stag on Thursday September 4 and in an Encore screening at Trinity on Monday September 8. Helen McCrory stars in Euripides’ powerful tale about a devoted wife and mother who is abandoned by her husband. With just one day’s grace before facing separation from her beloved children, Medea exacts a terrible revenge. There’s comic relief on Sunday September 28 when Billy Elliot The Musical is beamed live to Tunbridge Wells Odeon. Irresistibly uplifting, the toe-tapping story of a Northern lad who strives to escape his working class background for a life on the stage cannot fail to entertain. BOX OFFICE DETAILS: Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells 01892 678 678 www.trinitytheatre.net The Stag, Sevenoaks 01732 450 175 www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk Kino Digital, Hawkhurst 01580 754 321 www.kinodigital.co.uk Tunbridge Wells Odeon 0871 224 4007 www.odeon.co.uk

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C U LT U R E

GOOD TIMES Roll back the years to a bygone era when the Assembly Hall in Tunbridge Wells hosts The Good Old Days, an authentic recreation of the Victorian and Edwardian music hall experience. Strictly Come Dancing star Anton Du Beke makes a guest appearance in this rousing variety show on Saturday August 30, featuring popular old-time songs. The audience is encouraged to go along in fancy dress and there’s a prize on offer for the best outfit, so why not join in the fun? Tickets cost £20; book online at www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk or call 01892 530 613.

FEATUREFLASH

ALbum LAUGH IT UP

TASTY PROSPECT Enjoy a little culture with your lunch when three talented young performers give a free afternoon recital in Cranbrook. At 1pm on Thursday August 14, the Sounds of Summer concert, featuring vocalist Helen Lacey, pianist Alex Standing and Frances Bussey on clarinet, will be given in St Dunstan’s Church. Entry is free and there will even be cake afterwards.

Comedian Kerry Godliman won copious fans for her turn as kind carer Hannah in Ricky Gervais’s Derek, plus she’s appeared in Extras, Life’s Too Short, Miranda and Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow. Now she’s the next top act to appear for Outside the Box Comedy Club at The Stag in Sevenoaks on Thursday August 7. Tickets cost £16.50 – snap up yours and see a rising British talent in action. To book call 01732 450 175 or visit www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk

REVIEW

INBETWEEN COFFEE & CRAZY – THE RECKOSTACKS This is the former Alex Beharrell Band’s first release under their new name (inspired by their private slang for a stack of records) but although the moniker may have changed, there’s no mistaking who’s behind this accomplished new album. There are two things that lead vocalist and guitarist Alex Beharrell, guitarist Chris Rouse, bass player Phil Hodge and drummer Tom Heasman do really well – the first is to compose generous, guitar-led tunes that set fingers and toes jiggling about on the very first listen. With the opening tune, Draw Me My Love, CV realises that this knack has not been lost since the last release. There’s a pleasing country twang to this tune and some infectious drums, so don’t be surprised if you descend into undignified bottom-waggling before the track is done. The other thing Alex B et al do so expertly is plucking at heartstrings and, having lulled you into a false sense of security with the first four or so tracks, they sneakily get down to business with Sirens. Telling of that sickening moment when you realise a relationship has slipped away while you weren’t looking, Alex’s strong yet mellow voice conveys vulnerability by the bucketload. Another stand-out is Isn’t It Perfect, which again shows a mature grasp of gentle melancholy; not everyone can master that subtle twist of notes that evokes sadness even more effectively than the most heart-wrenching lyric. New name or not, this is still the same class act. Available from iTunes, Amazon and www.thereckostacks.com

HIGH CLASS HIJINKS PG Wodehouse’s best-loved characters, amiable buffoon Bertie Wooster and his unflappable valet Jeeves, star in a tale that’s sure to make anyone smile. Having lost his precious banjo just before he’s due on stage at a charity ball, Bertie is forced to entertain the masses in a very different manner – can Jeeves save the day? With a script and lyrics by Sir Alan Ayckbourn, By Jeeves is a true aristocratic treat. See the show at Trinity in Tunbridge Wells from Saturday August 23 to Saturday August 30. To book visit www.trinitytheatre.net or call 01892 678 678.

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ARTYFACTS

TINA CHATFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY / SARAH BOND

Massive art displays and video screens filled many rooms and corridors at West Kent College’s big end-of-year Art and Media Show. They featured student work up to degree level, as the Tonbridge college is also the art campus for the University of Kent – which came sixth for art and design in The Guardian’s 2014 university league tables. All manner of creative works were shown off by the students, including Fine Art, Sculpture, Fashion, Textiles, Graphic Design, Photography and Media – at varying levels. Oliver Bowdidge’s college recreation of Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper – with expert Photography Technician Owen Boyd at the centre – was one of the biggest photography hits. www.kcollege.ac.uk

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INSIDEVIEW Can you believe that the August Bank Holiday weekend is nearly upon us again? It’s rolled around pretty quickly for Local & Live Music Festival organiser Paul Dunton, who takes a brief break from the preparations to give us a tempting taster of what’s on offer this year

MAIN STAGE PROGRAMME

(Line-ups may be subject to change) SATURDAY AUGUST 23

o it’s nearly time! The ninth edition of the free Local & Live Music festival (Friday August 22 to Monday August 25) is the biggest ever with close to 360 original local acts taking part! We have a record 10 venues involved in the fringe element this year and of course, we have our new location for the main stage: Calverley Grounds in Tunbridge Wells. The organising of this year’s event has pushed me to my limit, but whilst I feel we are stepping into uncharted waters with the move to Calverley Grounds after eight successful years on The Pantiles, the prospect of staging the event in such a beautiful open air setting is really exciting. So, what can festival goers expect? Aside from our ‘Glastonbury-esque’ main stage playing host to our finest local

acts from noon to 9pm on the Saturday and Sunday, we will have four local businesses serving food: No.9 (previously Thorins), La Casa Vechccia, the Car Wash Diner and the Little Artisan Café, while our well stocked festival bars will be provided by The Ragged Trousers and Fuggles. We’ll have a children’s area near the old bowling green, with a range of inflatables and fun games, which carries a nominal charge for use. The festival officially kicks off on the Friday at 7.30pm at The Forum with a free entry Local & Live Electric show running until late. There will also be free Local & Live Electric evening Forum shows on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday. The Camden Quarter will be staging a free acoustic party on the Saturday evening and The Grey Lady will

be hosting a five-band party on the Sunday evening, again with free entry. The following venues will be hosting free entry Local & Live acoustic stages between 2pm and 7pm across the weekend: The Bedford Pub, No.9, The Royal Oak, The Black Dog Café, The Beau Nash, Sankeys, Pitcher & Piano and The Trading Post. Most venues will be having three days of music, although check the website (www.localandlive.org) for the full fringe programme. I’d like to thank everyone who has kindly donated to the cause thus far by way of advertising sponsorship and who has signed up to our Local & Live Angel crowd funding campaign. At the time of writing, we are currently without a headline sponsor. There is still time if you wish to be involved, so if you would like to help Local & Live in anyway, I would love to hear from you – please email me at fundraising@localandlive.org or volunteering@localandlive.org

12pm

Jessica Simpson

12.30pm

Chris Pope

1pm

Sean de Burca

1.30pm

Frances Yonge

2pm

Poppy Alice

2.30pm

Arcelia

3pm

David Mumford

3.35pm

Worry Dolls

4.05pm

The Ackerleys

4.35 pm

The Violet Jive

5.10pm

The Breretons

5.45pm

Creatures Of Habit

6.20pm

Annaca

7pm

The Reckostacks

7.40pm

Will Joseph Cook (Headline support)

9pm

Freddy Green & A Few Good Folk (Headline)

SUNDAY AUGUST 24 12pm

Phoebe Katis

12.30pm

Ant & Fie

1pm

Lily Denning

1.30pm

Charley Blue

2pm

Mistress & The Malts

2.30pm

The Good Ship Band

3pm

Ricky & The Hats

3.35pm

The Paul Dunton Orchestra

4.05pm

Matt Pound & Lt Leek

4.40pm

Wheels

5.15pm

Intraverse

5.50pm

The Standard Lamps

6.25pm

Mark Morriss

7.05pm

David Migden & The Twisted Roots

7.40pm

Goldie Reed (Headline support)

8.20pm

The Soundcasters (Headline)

AUGUST 2014

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C O N TA C T S

M A G A Z I N E

Longford House, 19 Mount Ephraim Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1EN Tel: 01892 779 650 www.somagazine.co.uk Editor Jane Connolly jconnolly@onemediauk.co.uk Head of Design Rowena Cremer-Price rcremer-price@onemediauk.co.uk Junior Designer Xela Ruy xruy@onemediauk.co.uk Production Co-ordinator Phil Glover pglover@onemediauk.co.uk Writer Frederick Latty flatty@onemediauk.co.uk Commercial & Digital Marketing Manager Laura Plane lplane@onemediauk.co.uk Head of Sales Joe De Kwant Stoner jstoner@onemediauk.co.uk Commercial Team Gemma Hak ghak@onemediauk.co.uk Alice Harding aharding@onemediauk.co.uk Patsy Kelly pkelly@onemediauk.co.uk Clara Higgs-Prosser chprosser@onemediauk.co.uk Distribution Co-ordinator Harry Lamb Contributors Sarah Bond Valerie Thacker Catherine de Crèvecoeur Paul Dunton Daniel Gee Tina Chatfield David Bartholomew Nick Ellis Publishing Director Nick Moore nmoore@onemediauk.co.uk Editorial Director Richard Moore rmoore@onemediauk.co.uk

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T H E AT R E S

ENCORE Shattered dreams

In October the Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells hosts a new musical drama called The Dreamers,, which commemorates the centenary of the start of the First World War. Local writers James Beeny and Gina Georgio tell us why they were inspired by the tragic story of a local war hero

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO WRITE A MUSICAL DRAMA ABOUT THE FIRST WORLD WAR? James: We were writing a song for our band, Virgin Soldiers, about a local war hero from Southborough called David Reginald Salomons – he was heir to the Salomons Estate. But as we looked further into his story, we felt that one song wouldn’t do it justice. We embarked on a project to write a show and during our research we became aware of an extraordinary coincidence – we were approaching the centenary of the First World War. We wanted to share Reggie’s story not because it was exceptional, but quite the opposite. His moving tale is typical to millions who lived through the First World War and that really affected us.

HOW HAVE YOU COVERED SUCH A LARGE TOPIC IN A TWO-HOUR SHOW? Gina: In depicting Reggie’s experiences we had to concentrate on specific events and this helped us to condense our material. However, his individual story is set within a wider context and in this sense, he is a symbol of the everyman. There will be large LED screens at the theatre on which narrators, including Sir Tim Rice, Amanda Redman, Sylvia Syms and Christopher Beeny, tell

THE FIRST WORLD WAR IS A SENSITIVE TOPIC. HOW HAVE YOU DEALT WITH THIS?

the story of the war. It was important to us that there was an educational dimension to the production and this enabled us to focus on the salient points. We want people to come away with a clear understanding of why the war broke out and how it affected ordinary people worldwide.

James: We have presented the facts without passing judgment or blame. Whilst we have tried to give everyone their say and at times the characters vent their frustration, the overall emphasis is on commemoration.

HOW HAVE YOU TAILORED THE SHOW FOR A MODERN AUDIENCE?

WHY DO YOU FEEL THAT THE FIRST WORLD WAR IS STILL A RELEVANT TOPIC TODAY?

James: Through a mix of live music, narration and lighting, we have tried to make the topic as accessible and fresh as possible. We hope that the audience will be able to look at our cast of young men and women and imagine them going through something similar today.

Gina: It is a major part of our history and we must remember those all over the world who sacrificed their lives. We recently performed songs from the show to an audience of soldiers, many of whom have served in Afghanistan and Iraq, and we were moved to find that they could relate to the lyrics. Whilst the show is set in a different era, the emotions felt by soldiers and their families remain the same.

WHY IS THE SHOW CALLED THE DREAMERS? Gina: Choosing a title is always difficult, so we sought inspiration from the works of First World War poets such as Wilfred Owen and Robert Graves. We came across a poem called Dreamers by Siegfried Sassoon, who was also from Kent. The poem commemorates a generation of ‘dreamers’ whose lives were lost and whose dreams were taken away – a message that both moved us and encapsulated the theme of our production.

The Dreamers can be seen at the Assembly Hall from Thursday October 16 to Saturday October 18. Tickets cost £19.50/£12.50 for adults and £10 for children. To book call the box office on 01892 530 613 or visit www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk AUGUST 2014

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