SO Magazine August 2022

BUSINESS

Style file

We meet entrepreneur Sam Hipperson of fashion brand Love & Luxe

FOOD & DRINK

Soft option

Stuart Coleman launches his unique alcohol-free drinks brand Haelu

TRAVEL

Sales pitch

Caracol Camping in Groombridge is the hottest place to be this summer

BRINGING CLARITY TO CONSTRUCTION

WHY ANDREW MANN OF CLARITY HOMES AND COMMERICAL IS DETERMINED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD OF CONSTRUCTION

August 2022

LEXUS ELECTRIFIED

ALL-ELECTRIC LEXUS UX IT'S HOW IT FEELS

LEXUS TUNBRIDGE WELLS Dowding Way, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 3UY 01892 621964 www.lexus.co.uk/tunbridge-wells

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Official UX 300e fuel consumption figures in mpg (1/100km): N/A. Combined CO2 emissions: 0g/km. Zero emissions while driving. Electric range 196 miles. Battery electric vehicle requiring mains electricity for charging. Figures are provided for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption, CO2 and/or electric range figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures.

These figures may not reflect real life driving results. Fuel consumption, CO2 produced and electric range can vary significantly depending on a number of factors, including the accessories fitted (postregistration), driving style, conditions, speed and vehicle load. All models and grades are certified according to the World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). More information can be found by visiting: www.vehicle-certification-agency.gov.uk/fcb/wltp.asp.

Welcome

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Culture vulture: what’s on where this month Live forever: Paul Dunton previews the return of his Local & Live festival

W

elcome to the August edition of SO magazine.

In this month’s edition we speak to the founder of Clarity Homes and Commercial, Andrew Mann, about his successful building business which is currently overseeing some very impressive projects – both in the residential and commercial sector. Turn to page 11 to discover how he worked his way up from being a jobbing carpenter to MD of an awardwinning company in just over a decade.

Elsewhere in the issue we toast Trinity Theatre’s 40th birthday.

Discover how this former spiritual centre became an even greater cultural one thanks to the Civic Society members who steadfastly campaigned for it not to be developed into flats (p30). You’ll also be impressed by the amount of household names from the comedy circuit who cut their teeth there. They include comedians Lee Mack and Ed Byrne as well as Alan Carr and Sara Pascoe.

We also have a delicious serving of food and drink features for you

to savour this month including an interview with the owners of the Hidden Well restaurant (p33) on St John’s Road and Stuart Coleman, co-founder of the new non-alcoholic drinks brand Haelu (p35). Driven by a desire to drink less but still have fun, he and his friends have created a very special alternative to alcohol which you can now find in plenty of restaurants and bars in Tunbridge Wells and beyond.

We also meet the lovely Sam Hipperson who runs Love and Luxe, a gorgeous online fashion boutique which sells everything from stylish dresses, slogan hoodies and super soft knitwear to exquisite jewellery. Turn to page 42 to discover how she triumphantly came back from a divorce and not having worked for 16 years, to running a business and finding her self-confidence again.

On page 50 we also meet Claire Passos who tells us all about the cool glamping site, Caracol, she has set up with her husband Ade in Groombridge. It truly promises its visitors a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with nature – in comfort and style.

Eileen Leahy Editor SO magazine

Building dreams: Andrew Mann, founder of Clarity Homes and Commercial, reveals why he and his team are determined to make a change in construction

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Party in the park: A look back to last month’s Pub in the Park food and music festival Howzat: Hospice in the Weald raises thousands at a gala dinner hosted by cricketing legend Chris Cowdrey

Spice up your life: The 16th annual Mela celebrating diverse cultures livens up the town

contents August 2022

33

Hidden gastro gem: Jess Gibson of the TN Card chats to the owners of the Hidden Well Asian restaurant

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Polish your halo: Discover the brand new alcohol-free drinks brand Haelu Life is sweet: In celebration of the timeless tradition of afternoon tea

Pretty little liar: Hypnotherapist Karen Martin on how lying is more common than you think

Illuminating: designer lighting emporium lumière celebrates its second birthday

50

Go wild in the country: Why Caracol glamping in Groombridge is the hottest place to be this summer

Love Where You Live: This month Calvermont tell us where they like to eat, drink and hang out in Tunbridge Wells

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On the money: Grovewood Wealth on future proofing your finances Life begins at 40: We celebrate Trinity Theatre’s four decades as a cultural hub in the heart of our town

THE TEAM EDITOR Eileen Leahy eileen.leahy@onemediauk.co.uk ISSUE 166

GET IN TOUCH Salomons Estate Tunbridge Wells Kent TN3 0TG Tel: 01892 779650 www.timeslocalnews.co.uk @somagazines SoMagazines @SoMagazines

DESIGN David Sexton EDITORIAL Karen Martin Naomi Murray Tim Sykes Molly Miller PHOTOGRAPHY Emily Harding David Bartholomew SALES advertising@onemediauk.co.uk PRINTING Mortons Print

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All rights reserved.The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher.The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions relating to advertising or editorial.The publisher reserves the right to change or amend any competitions or prizes offered.

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Paddle power: Where you can do it locally Waterworld: Bewl’s Aqua Park is a must-visit for water babies of all ages Take on Texas: We pay a visit to its capital: Austin Drive of your life: Test drive the new Range Rover

Be mindful: Botanica’s Naomi Murray chats to her herbalist father on controlling feelings mindfully She’s in fashion: We meet Sam Hipperson from online boutique Love and Luxe In focus: Optician James Edney discusses the issue of mytopia Safety in the sun: The best eco-friendly SPFs Golden hour: Eleven must-have metallics for your home

Design down under: Tim Sykes of Garden Proud on an amazing Australian garden transformation SO Magazine | August 2022 | 5

Calendar

Molly Miller’s edit of the month’s most entertaining events happening in August Take the plunge AUGUST 7

Bring your sports drink and grab an energy bar, TL Sports Triathlon is coming to Bewl Water! Situated near the picturesque town of Lamberhurst, pro and aspiring triathletes are set to compete as they swim, ride, and run against each other in the most gruelling and fun contest there is. A classic competition in an iconic setting, this bucket-list race is a must for all British triathletes and will be taking place on August 7. Athletes can choose between three races: sprint (750m swim, 20km cycle and 5km run), standard (1500m swim, 40km cycle and 10km run), and Relay Team where teams can compete in groups of two or three in either the sprint or standard race.

Prices and more information can be found on tlsports.co.uk/bewltriathlon/

6 | August 2022 | SO Magazine

Running wilde AUGUST 12

Under starters orders THROUGHOUT AUGUST

Lingfield Racecourse continues its season of summer racing, live music and fun family days out throughout the month of August. On the first weekend (August 6) 80s pop legends the Human League perform a medley of their hits. Then on Monday August 15 there will be a family race day with the option of upgrading your tickets with either a fish and chips meal or an afternoon tea (prices start from £27 per person). On Saturday August 20 the race course will also host an 80s Revival Night in aid of Falklands veterans.

Admission starts at £25 per person or you can upgrade to a Pimms & pizza ticket for £35. To book tickets visit www. lingfieldpark.co.uk

DID YOU KNOW? Peter Pan didn’t wear all green. That’s partly a Disney invention. In the original stage productions he was said to wear auburns, tans, browns and cobwebs!

Laugh out loud as Changeling Theatre bluff and bluster their way through Oscar Wilde’s satirical masterpiece, The Importance of Being Earnest.

Performing at the historic grounds of Penshurst Place on August 12, Robert Forknall directs the story of two eligible bachelors, Jack and Algy in love with two women who conveniently claim to only love men named Ernest! As the pair create alter egos called Ernest to win their hearts, they quickly become tangled in a tale of deception, disguise, and hysterical misadventure in a struggle to keep up with their own stories. The talented cast will perform in the outdoor theatre and guests are encouraged to bring their own seating and a blanket or two.

Doors open at 5:30pm and an array of delicious food will be available to purchase from the bar before it’s curtains up at 7pm.

To book your tickets, visit events. liveit.io/penshurst-place-gardens/ outdoor-theatre-the-importanceof-being-earnest/

Boogie wonderland AUGUST 13

After a night of disco, house, and dance classics? Join the legendary Tunbridge Wells Forum on August 13 for a night of old school bangers all played on vinyl! Best known for his work with Fatboy Slim as well as his own massive 2000 UK No.1 chart hit Because of You, DJ Richard Scanty joins international DJ Markus Holler for a fantastic night fit for enthusiastic clubbers of all ages. This party sells out every month so don’t delay buying a ticket which costs £8. (Entry Requirements: 18+) twforum.co.uk/events/2022-0813-boogie-nights-the-forum

Happily ever after

AUGUST 19 – AUGUST 21 Let your hair down in a brand-new pantomime adaptation of the popular fairy tale ‘RAPUNZEL’. Scott Ritchie Productions proudly presents this exciting, and fun tangled musical adventure at the Assembly Hall Theatre playing between August 19 – August 21. With a wicked witch, a feisty heroine, a tapdancing horse and a host of adventures, Rapunzel promises to be a vibrant take on a classic and much-loved story.

Expect spectacular song and dance and jokes a-plenty in the family show of the year.

To book tickets, visit assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk/ whats-on/rapunzel

DID YOU KNOW? The title, Grease, was a way for the creators to pay homage to the 1950s and the era’s ‘greasy hair, greasy engines, and greasy food’.

Calendar

Summer lovin’ AUGUST 20 & 27

Summer might be short and sweet in the UK, but boy do we know how to make the most of it... by moving everything outside, including the movies! Head over to The Green Duck Emporium on August 20 for a sing-along evening of seventies smash hit musical, Grease! Enjoy irresistible treats from the fully stocked bar and don’t forget to bring a blanket or two to keep warm before the film starts at approximately 8.45pm. More of a Dirty Dancing kind of gal? Book tickets for August 27 instead. thegreenduckemporium.com/ events

A whole lotta soul

Wine not?

AUGUST 27

AUGUST 20

Fancy treating your tastebuds to some top-notch wine?

Just a short seven-minute walk from Eridge Station, Wildwood Vineyard has teamed up with Spa Valley Railway for a laid-back afternoon sipping on the good stuff. On August 20, make your way to Tunbridge Wells West Station to board the 11:55 Spa Valley Railway to travel to Eridge before you indulge in a fabulous wine tasting experience with the award-winning vineyard. Enjoy the Bishop Odo Bacchus 2021, Thieving Badger Regent 2021 and Blanc de Noirs 2019 sparkling as you learn a little about wine appreciation.

Visit spavalleyrailway.co.uk/ product.php/4998/wildwoodvineyard-wine-tasting-train-ride for tickets.

Faith trust, and pixie dust

A truly british bank holiday

AUGUST 20

Fly to Neverland this summer as Concord Theatricals Ltd’s dazzling musical production takes centre stage at Tonbridge Castle on August 20. Bursting with magic, mischief, music, and make-believe, get ready to set sail for an unforgettable adventure the whole family will love in this funny and moving version of a muchloved story. Tickets start from £10 (children) and a special family rate discount of £40 (two adults and two children) can be enjoyed when booking from ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/ tonbridge/tonbridge-castle/peterpan-at-tonbridge-castle

THROUGHOUT AUGUST

DID YOU KNOW? When stirring your tea, start from the 6 o’clock position moving upwards to 12 o’clock.

This gentle back and forth motion is the preferred etiquette during a quintessentially British afternoon tea.

As Smokey Robinson once said, ‘Once you’re a Motown artist you’re always a Motown artist’. And we say, ‘Once you’re a Motown fan you’re always a Motown fan’!

Between 1960-1969 there were 79 Motown records in the top 10 of the Billboard 100. Each of these hits still resonates today, full of passion, meaning and truth. ‘No Town Like Motown’, a celebration of the music genre, pays homage to the artistes, the songs and the sounds that forever changed the musical landscape of the world. Join The Festival Theatre at Hever Castle on August 27 as they revisit all the essential Motown anthems from “My Girl” to “My Guy “and many between. It’s an era, in one night.

Get your tickets from heverfestival.co.uk/index.php/notown-like-motown/

DID YOU KNOW? Before he made it big managing acts like The Miracles, Berry Gordy III, the founder of Motown Records, was a professional boxer. He participated in 15 Golden Glove matches between 1948 and 1951 and won 12 of his 15 fights.

After a leisurely afternoon treat this bank holiday? Head over to Salomons Estate to enjoy a quintessentially British afternoon tea – alfresco style! A popular spot for the British tradition, guests can enjoy deliciously sweet homemade treats, delicate finger cut sandwiches, buttery scones, and a glass of bubbles all whilst soaking up some sunshine overlooking 36 acres of stunning scenery. For more mouth-watering eats this summer, head over to The Courtyard at One Warwick Park Hotel and try their delicious charcuterie board – a must for those sunny afternoon catchups with friends.

SO Magazine | August 2022 | 7

Music

Marie White, The Ackerleys, David Migden & The Twisted Roots, Cyrano, Mike Wilton Band and many more!

The event begins on the evening of Friday August 26 at 5pm and mainly focuses on a purpose-built stage in Calverley Grounds, the beautiful Decimus Burton-designed park in the town centre. The music continues in the park through Saturday (12noon till 10pm) and on Sunday ( 12noon to 10pm). The

Forum will be hosting afterparties every night after the music finishes in Calverley Grounds, inviting an array of local bands until late each night. To accompany the music in Calverley Grounds, there will be two main bars ran by The Forum and The George Pub and a selection of local food traders including Fine Grind, Crumbs & Treacle, Naked & Ready Foods, Sankey’s, Food Comes First, Alice’s Ices, Rascals Pizzas, Delaneys

The Local & Live Music Festival, on from August 26 -29 at Calverley Grounds and other venues across Tunbridge Wells, is back! Here its founder and organiser Paul Dunton reveals how it was saved by an eleventh hour sponsor and why this year’s line-up is one of the best

SO WHY IS FUNDING FOR THE FESTIVAL SO VITAL?

I

t’s been a roller coaster year for Local & Live but with the recent announcement of a headline sponsor, the four-day music festival is back in Tunbridge Wells this August Bank Holiday weekend!

We were all set to pull the plug on it but at the very last minute local business Maxipay Accounting Services signed up to be headline sponsor for this year’s event. To say we were relieved is an understatement and we couldn’t be more grateful as they are providing a vital lifeline for the festival’s finances, which coupled with valuable contributions from

8 | August 2022 | SO Magazine

“As the festival has grown in both reputation and size, it also draws visitors from the length and breadth of the UK and Europe”

The BID at Royal Tunbridge Wells Together, donations from the public, numerous local business sponsorships and a contribution from Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, all adds up to the fantastic news that Local & Live can still go ahead!

The free music festival, now in its 17th year, is a regular annual fixture in the town’s cultural calendar. Local & Live has become a popular weekend for picnicking in the park, attracting all generations - from young families to the more senior music fans. It features the cream of the local area’s original musical talent and artists already confirmed include

As a free event, Local & Live’s intention is solely to cover its costs. Myself and all the other trustees of the Local & Live Charity give our time to organise and run the event for free, for all of us, it is genuinely a labour of love. There are substantial costs which we cannot avoid and just some the major costs include the festival main stage complete with full PA and all the necessary sound equipment, barriers, lighting, generators, sound and lighting engineers amounts to around £25,000. One of the legal requirements includes having a specific number of professional security staff on duty during the set-up day and then for the entire run of the festival including overnight on each day and on site for the clear down day. This security bill is likely

to be close to £15,000. The insurance bill for the event is around £4,000 and other costs include Porta loo hire: £3000; PRS licence £1500; medical team £2500; marquee hire £2000; rubbish bins and collection: £2000 plus many other running costs to add on before we even look at marketing and merchandise!

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch by emailing fundraising@ localandlive.org if you have any sponsorship enquiries or ideas, we would love to hear from you. Any individual or business can advertise on our giant screen positioned next to the stage in Calverley Grounds, it’s a great way to support the festival with ads starting at just £50.

Our crowdfund page is available at https://www. justgiving.com/ campaign/ localand live2022

Music

Photo © Michael Houghton

THE STAGE IS SET: WHO’S PERFORMING AT LOCAL & LIVE IN 2022

atmosphere over the August Bank Crepes and Pancakes and Mother Holiday weekend. Iconic Rock Bhumi Organic Vegan. All the traders will be serving an array legend, Roger Daltrey CBE of of wonderful foods The Who is a longto suit everyone’s term supporter tastes. The bank of the festival holiday Monday is and commented: known as ‘Fringe Day’ “Local & Live is a The free music and we will soon be fantastic platform for festival, now in independent, original announcing numerous music in Kent and venues across the town its 17th year, is Sussex, long may it that will be putting on a regular live music acts as part continue!” annual fixture of the festival so keep Thanks for all an eye out for this! your support and in the town’s As the festival interest and roll on cultural has grown in both Calverley Grounds! calendar reputation and size, You can find us it also draws visitors at @localandlive from the length and on Facebook and breadth of the UK Instagram and @ and Europe. Local & Local_and_Live on Live brings together a collective twitter and the festival website audience in the region of 15,000 is www.localandlive.org people to enjoy the music and a relaxed family friendly festival I look forward to seeing you at the festival!

Friday promises to be a rockin’ affair with All the Above and Mike Wilton Band also on the bill. Dull Knife are renowned for their inspiring grunge laden rock songs and have been described as Royal Blood meets The White Stripes and they will certainly rock Calverley Grounds to its knees!

Saturday kicks off with music from 12noon all the way through to 10pm. Local four- piece Suncharmer top the bill with Two Weeks in Nashville as their main support. Both acts recently performed at Pub in The Park supporting the likes of Faithless and Supergrass and are renowned for their high energy, infectious riff laden indie pop/rock style and will undoubtedly bring day two to a climactic finish.

Sunday sees Noble Jacks headlining Sunday night at Calverley Grounds. The popular local group led by front man Will Page have been wowing crowds across the UK and beyond with their raucous foot stomping alt-folk music and they stole the show at the recent Black Deer Festival with an incredible performance on the main stage.

With music again starting at midday Sunday offers an array of superb local acts including the likes of Steffan James, The Ackerleys, Marie White, The Orange Circus and more - all paving the way for The Noble Jacks to strut their stuff!

Paul Dunton

Music Editor Follow Paul @PaulDuntonmusic

SO Magazine | August 2022 | 9

Cover feature

Building on success

Andrew Mann of Clarity Homes and Commercial tells Eileen Leahy all about how he created a successful bespoke development and project management business that’s going from strength to strength - and why he’s so determined to change the culture of the construction industry

F

or someone in college saying I wanted to do who left school better in life but I’ve always had at 16, Andrew a clear vision of what I wanted to Mann, who achieve.” is now 31 and Andrew initially started working Managing Director in 2008 and could easily see the of Clarity Homes potential for growing a carpentry and Commercial, has proved that business beyond the domestic sector. deep-rooted ambition and inherent “My dad is a very skilled business acumen carpenter but can certainly match he was more any traditional than happy educational doing price jobs. qualifications.

However, I saw the I’ve always been “After I finished opportunuty to set very driven in my GCSEs I up and develop decided to do my own business. life. I trained as a carpentry I’ve always loved a carpenter but apprenticeship,” reading career before I even Andrew tells me manuals and as we sit down to entrepreneurs’ qualified I was chat in the site stories so I was getting business office at one of the keen to start cards made up and many properties building my own his company is thinking about how business. currently working “I started driving I could drive my on. forward, doing business further” This particular the pricing and one is an impressive developing so we reconstruction were also getting of an original new commercial Dutch barn on clients as well as Course Lane in Cranbrook which expanding our residential work.” is currently being transformed into three luxury four-bedroom A TIME homes overlooking a beautiful wild meadow.

FOR CHANGE “We’re working on this with Grey Feather Development and Andrew says that as the years went Kent Design Studio Architects on he continued to develop and and Maddisons Residential are expand his business, which at the marketing it,” explains Andrew, time was called A Mann Building. whose company specialises in “I got a van, and invested providing first-class project in branded clothing and had a management for property couple of guys working for me. By developers, architects and then my team and I were mostly commercial property managers carrying out commercial work for across the South East. big developers, doing office fitouts So how did the 16-year-old around the country in places such carpentry apprentice find himself as Oxford, York, London and running a hugely successful Wales. construction business which earlier “At that time I was working seven this year saw him winning a Times days a week doing the business’s commercial jobs Monday to Friday, Business Award for Entrepreneur then fitting in local work at the of the Year? weekends. Any free time I had was “I’ve always been very driven in spent sleeping!” life,” reveals Andrew. “I decided Andrew tells me that his big first to train as a carpenter as my dad goal was to buy a house by the time was one but before I even qualified he was 21. No mean feat given I was getting business cards made he’d only started working at 18 up and thinking about how I could and although he didn’t quite reach drive something forward. I used that target, due to reasons beyond to get laughed at if I spoke up SO Magazine | August 2022 | 11

Cover feature

FROM BESPOKE NEW BUILDS TO MULTI-HOUSE DEVELOPMENTS

his control, Andrew did it just two years later.

“By then we’d expanded into doing much more than just carpentry jobs. We were doing kitchens, bathrooms and extensions in the residential sector but we were also doing big jobs for the commercial market too.

“I was organising plumbers, decorators, tilers, electricians and then we went into doing extensions, so I was managing ground workers and bricklayers too. This meant I quickly gained invaluable experience in being able to manage everything and anything.”

Around about the same time Andrew says he and his wife started to think about having kids.

“I wanted to cut back on work, but ironically I ended up working more!” he laughs.

Whether you’re an architect working on a new home for a client with grand designs, a property developer securing planning permission for an exclusive new development, or a social housing firm extending your portfolio with a new estate, Clarity’s construction and project management experts will help you realise your project on time and on budget.

CLARITY COMBINES: Construction and building expertise from breaking ground to final snaggings Attention to detail from safe site management through to final building fixes Efficient project management and excellent communication you’ll know exactly what’s happening when and how

PERSONAL APPROACH Having rebranded as Clarity Homes and Commercial in April 2021, Andrew and his team now specialise mainly in commercial jobs such as largescale cladding remediation, new builds, and architecturally sensitive developments such as the aforementioned Dutch barn in Cranbrook. The company also has a number of residential projects on its books including full refurbishments, extensions and cosmetic updates.

Tight construction budget management in order to keep you and your client happy Creative, flexible solutions to overcome challenges and keep your building project on track

Andrew came ‘off the tools’ a few years ago in order to concentrate solely on developing the business even further. Now Clarity Homes and Commercial offers bespoke services designed to make life straightforward and stress-free for property professionals, including architects, developers, and commercial managers.

“We understand all the challenges and goals associated with commissioned projects and we’re therefore committed to making them not just an aesthetic success but a financial one too,” states Andrew.

He adds that this has all been made possible, not just by the skilled workers Clarity Homes and Commercial boasts, but due to having a solid infrastructure behind every plan, and the foresight to invest in innovative technology.

“Traditionally this is not something most builders would be doing but we are always looking to the future to see how technology can help enhance what we offer.”

12 | August 2022 | SO Magazine

INVESTMENT IN TECHNOLOGY

“Clarity Homes and Commercial specialise in a variety of jobs such as largescale cladding remediation, new builds, and architecturally sensitive developments”

Successful software includes a clever Project Management app that Andrew has invested in so clients can see in just a few simple taps how their build is progressing and whether their budget is on track.

“As we now manage everything on our projects – both residential and commercial – we are committed to ensuring customers are up to speed with everything.

With the app we can also put schedules on and send images and clients can comment too.

“The idea for doing this came from me typing up weekly updates on a Friday night, going though costings so there was no confusion over prices, but it was so labour intensive! I’ve always wanted to be clear with clients about everything but I thought there must be a software solution out there, that could help. Most building businesses aren’t looking at how

Cover feature

tech can help them, but we are.

We had the foresight to invest in this particular app so we can bring our clients as much clarity to their project as possible.”

And that’s the thinking behind the company’s name too. “We decided to rebrand from A Mann Building and as a result were trying to think of ideas for names. We spoke about what we do which is to try to bring things clearer – hence coming up with the name Clarity.

Essentially, we want to be the opposite of unreliable builders who might do a runner or let a budget spiral out of control. We are committed to delivering projects on time and on budget, with razor sharp attention to detail.

WHAT CLARITY HOMES AND COMMERCIAL OFFERS

“It’s about transparency and bringing construction into the future. We have our sights set higher, as I can see what we can be achieved with good planning and clever investment in tech. We will never leave clients in the lurch. We will always work our hardest to get the job done – and I take personal responsibility for that.”

SUPPORTING STAFF It’s clear that ‘Clarity’ also refers to the relationships Andrew cultivates with his clients and with his team.

“A year before Covid, I started to work with some business experts who were able to mentor me about running a business and investing in

staff. I learnt that this is not a cost, it’s actually an investment.”

This expert guidance led Andrew to appointing a full-time admin assistant and very quickly they went from working in his tiny garden office to a couple of rented offices, before securing their own premises in Crowborough.

Andrew now employs seven fulltime staff to work across all Clarity projects as well as a variety of parttime quantity surveyors and a team of both freelance and employed workers.

“I love seeing what others have done in the business community and then I try to make things better for our teams. I didn’t realise how helpful I was with the staff until we

“Investing in technology is not traditionally something most builders would be doing but we are always looking to the future to see how technology can help enhance what we offer”

spoke about it. They told me that I had a very flexible attitude towards them, but the truth is if you work hard then of course you can take time out if you have to take a child to the doctor’s.

“That kind of communication in the construction world is like a new era in itself as traditionally people don’t talk – it’s always been a predominantly male and macho industry. I truly believe that things need to change in terms of the way people treat each other – and are treated - especially when companies get a lot bigger, you’re just a number then.

“We recently discovered that if you’re working in construction there’s a higher chance of committing suicide than in any other sector. I think 98 people in the industry were lost last year. I grew up in construction and saw a lot of things happen and I have also personally dealt with anxiety in the past, but I got help for it thanks to West Kent Mind.”

Andrew says that’s a key reason why he is working with the mental health charity, offering his staff the opportunity to talk to specialists if they need to. He is also running a virtual marathon on October 2 – the same day as the London Marathon – in order to raise vital funds for West Kent Mind, which since lockdown has seen demand for its services surge.

“With West Kent Mind, we’re letting everyone have the opportunity to chat. If we can help anyone then it’s worth it.”

Of the colloboration West Kent Mind says: “We are delighted and excited to be partnering with Clarity Homes and Commerical.

The team will be raising funds for West Kent Mind in a variety of ways and we look forward

Clarity Homes and Commerical provide professional building and construction services to support architects, property developers and commercial property managers to turn their visons into reality, maximising return on investment on property portfolios.

CORE SERVICES INCLUDE: Construction: Complete new-build solutions Commercial renovations: Large-scale projects, such as re-cladding Project Management: Effective project management to ensure projects are delivered on time and on budget Property development: Partnering with other property professionals to realise commercially attractive projects SO Magazine | August 2022 | 13

Cover feature

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Buy a virtual membership for only £2.99 a month or £24.99 a year

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JOIN OUR TEAM RECEPTIONIST SALARY: £25,740 PA (£11 PH) + a share of service charge and tips LOCATION: One Warwick Park Hotel, Tunbridge Wells Full & part time positions available An opportunity has arisen for a Receptionist to join our professional and friendly team at One Warwick Park Hotel in Tunbridge Wells. The hotel comprises 39 bedrooms as well as meeting rooms and a variety of event spaces. You will be playing a vital role in the everyday operation of the hotel and will be responsible for creating a great first impression.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE Six months or more experience ideally in a hospitality business Can work flexible hours, including weekends and evenings Be nicely spoken with excellent written and communication skills Enjoy working with people and want to learn SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF JOINING OUR TEAM: Company pension Company perks Employee discount 30 days holiday Health cover To apply please send your CV to Lisa.McVickers@salomons-estate.com Please scan the QR code for all vacancies at One Warwick Park Hotel onewarwickpark.co.uk |

14 | August 2022 | SO Magazine

@onewarwickpark

SCAN HERE FOR OUR VACANCIES

Cover feature

doesn’t happen that often in our cladding job in London. line of work.

In terms of residentials, the “Kent Design Studio will often company has five on its books refer us for other at the moment, jobs. They know ranging from we’re reliable full restructures and will never let to carrying out anyone down.” extensions.

If you’re working in As our chat Andrew tells me construction there’s nears its end that he is keen to a higher chance of Andrew adds further develop the that he was once commercial side committing suicide asked at a business of the business as than in any other networking event he and his staff can sector and that’s what he thought benefit from these his ‘big why’ was kinds of projects why we’re working in life. really well. with mental health “I answered “We usually do charity West Kent, that it’s my wife a lot of work with architects and offering our staff the and kids. I want to show them developers as we opportunity to talk that anything is manage everything possible. That’s on a project and my biggest driver can therefore in life.” save them money It goes without thanks to our saying that Andrew’s children expertise and practical knowledge. obviously have a great mentor in We can suggest alternatives they their father - but now equally so might not have thought of. It’s does the world of construction… all very collaborative – and that

to supporting them every step of the way! This begins with Andrew taking on the Virtual London Marathon on October 2 - quite literally going the extra mile! The funds raised through this partnership will make a real difference in the local community, helping people experiencing mental ill health to get well, stay well and thrive.”

But Andrew’s pioneering approach to doing business doesn’t just stop there. He says he also wants to employ as many people as possible to give as much stability as he can.

“As a result we’ve got a very low turnover of plasterers, tilers, electricians and ground workers etc so there is always consistency on jobs. They know they’re getting paid and therefore we know the jobs will be done well.”

COLLABORATION IS KEY Currently Clarity has three commercial projects on the go: the aforementioned Dutch barn development, a full refurbishment on a house in Rochester and a

CLARITY HOMES AND COMMERCIAL’S CURRENT PROJECTS: COURSE HORN BARN, CRANBROOK “We were thrilled to become a part of this ambitious and inspiring project and are currently transforming this cavernous Dutch barn into three luxury countryside properties. We are working with the existing steel frame of the historic barn, which will give the development a beautiful, rounded roof and great proportions. Each home will have a private a garden, designated parking, four bedrooms, open-plan kitchen-dining with utility, pantry, and shared ecology gardens.”

REFURB CENTRAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS “This was a rewarding but challenging extension and full refurbishment project. It all began with a very basic design in this ambitious project and so Clarity Homes and Commercial worked directly with the homeowner to deliver the ultimate extension.

We drew on our wide-ranging experience to guide them through the project, offering valuable advice where required and ensuring we avoided the pitfalls often involved in a complicated building extension.”

SO Magazine | August 2022 | 15

Photo © Nigel Martin Photography

social scene

Photo © Nigel Martin Photography

RECIPE FOR

festival success Photo © Nigel Martin Photography

Dunorlan Park was transformed into a foodie wonderland for three days of awesome music, incredible food, top chefs, and a whole lot of fun when Tom Kerridge’s Pub in the Park came to town

over the weekend of July 8-10.

The UK’s biggest food and drink festival first came to Tunbridge Wells in 2018 and returned for 2022 with a slew of award-winning and Michelin-starred pubs and restaurants. They included the Tanner Brothers from The Hare in Bidborough, Will Devlin of The Small Holding and Atul Kochhar who is due to open his restaurant Rizwaz in The Pantiles soon. Matt Sankey and his team were also

present serving up tasty and extremely popular Louisiana style seafood Po Boys.

Talking of local, there were lots of Tunbridge Wells bands who took to the stage over the course of the weekend to suppor t the likes of Sophie Ellis Bextor, Professor Green, Supergrass and Melanie C. In addition to our very own Paul Dunton and his orchestra, revellers also enjoyed sets by Two Weeks in Nashville, The Charlie Rivers Band and Suncharmer. “For most of the acts these were the biggest gigs of their lives so it was an absolutely amazing moment for everyone,” Paul told SO magazine.

With over 13,000 visitors descending on Dunorlan Pub in the Park to enjoy the excellent enter tainment, delicious food and glorious sunshine the event was hailed a great success

by Tom and his team who told us they can’t wait to return in 2023!

SO Magazine | August 2022 | 17

Calendar

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social scene

M

ore than 200 guests enjoyed a Glittering Gala Dinner hosted by former England cricket captain Chris Cowdrey which raised in excess of £70,000 to support the launch of Hospice in the Weald’s new service for children.

Held last month in the beautiful grounds of Tonbridge School, the event, sponsored by Beau Property and NFU Mutual (Flimwell Agency), welcomed guests with a drinks reception, dinner by Food Glorious Food, and a live auction with donated prizes including golf at Royal St George’s Golf Club and four tickets for La Bohème at Glyndebourne.

A Prix De L’Arc de Triomphe weekend for two in Paris and a fine dining dinner party at home for eight, catered by a private chef, were among popular luxury donated prizes in the evening’s silent auction, before guests danced the night away to music from the Hot Shoes Band.

The Hospice has provided free care for adults with a terminal illness, and their loved ones, in West Kent and northern East Sussex for more than 40 years. The Gala Dinner was held to celebrate the Hospice extending this to develop a new service for children with life limiting conditions and their families, which will be known as’ Hospice in the Weald for Children’.

Reflecting on the evening Hospice Chief Executive Nick Farthing said: “Tonight was a wonderful opportunity to share our exciting plans to provide hospice care for children, and we are delighted by the generosity shown to raise funds.

“Children’s Hospice in the Weald aims to lighten the load for families by providing free care for children and young people – and their families – and we can only do that with the continued help of our fantastic supporters.” www.hospiceintheweald.org.uk SO Magazine | August 2022 | 19

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social scene

Culture club

T

unbridge Wells’ celebration of diversity and culture returned at the end of last month for the annual Mela which saw hundreds of people descend on Calverley Grounds.

The festival, which has been running in the town every year since 2006 returned on July 24 with a dazzling programme on and off-stage and mouth-watering culturally diverse cuisine, celebrating music, food and dance from around the world.

Organised in partnership by Cohesion Plus and Kent Equality Cohesion Council supported by Arts Council England, Royal Tunbridge Wells Together and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, the event saw a range of artists both with a local and international flavour entertain the crowds in glorious summer sunshine.

Gurvinder Sandher MBE, Artistic Director of Cohesion Plus said: “This year’s Mela Festival is one of the best ones we’ve ever delivered in the 16 years that the event has run.

“The artistic programme was one that we are exceptionally proud of and was rich in diversity, culture and heritage.

I am even more proud of the fact that we could showcase these amazing acts and talent in Tunbridge Wells, a place where the arts thrive and is appreciated.”

SO Magazine | August 2022 | 21

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Photos © John Knight

Light fantastic…

O

ne of the High Street’s most popular shops, lighting emporium lumière, celebrated its second birthday last month with a suitably illuminating party.

The shop’s owner Melissa Bandtock invited a number of local interiors influencers and design experts to join her and some very special guests for a morning of inspiring speeches, sweet treats and her trademark ‘Friday frolics’ which included neon pink flares and confetti bombs being let off into the High Street!

design show for the BBC later In addition to Melissa and this year.

Scott from Joseph McCarthy Tunbridge Wells brands invited Mirrors giving speeches, TV to the party by Melissa included personality and Instagram Flux, Coco Cuscino and Willis upcycling queen Zoe from Muck N Brass also gave an entertaining Bloom.

“It was a pleasure having our talk on her work and how she local brands join in with the fun and Melissa came to be friends too,” Melissa told SO. after meeting on Instagram.

“They included our newest “I met Melissa when she collaborators, Atelier Objets attended one of my mannequin who have sourced the light making courses in most beautiful London last year, handmade and we hit it lights from off instantly,” South Africa explained Zoe for us.” who is due to “What a wonderful Melissa appear in a celebration of continued lumière’s second by saying her birthday” designer lighting brand’s success is all the more sweeter given the original opening date for the business was cancelled due to Covid which meant having to only operate online and then open temporarily in between a year and a half of lockdowns.

“What a wonderful celebration of lumière,” she added. “I got the keys to the shop on February 14 and had no idea that a pandemic was around the corner so you could call all this a real lockdown labour of love but it’s been so worth it and it was great to celebrate today with so many of our trade and retail customers and fellow business owners! Here’s to many more years of lumière!”

SO Magazine | August 2022 | 23

If a recession is looming should I invest?

The slowdown in the UK economy may have you wondering whether this is a good time to be investing in the stock market. Warnings of a recession are unsettling, but our analysis shows it is far better to maintain a long-term view than try to avoid market dips.

Read on to find out why attempting to time the market is risky, and what you can do to protect your investments in challenging times.

FTSE All Share (price index)

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The most recent recession occurred in 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic sparked lockdowns in the UK and Europe. The FTSE All Share plunged in February and March, yet it wasn’t until August, when data showed GDP had fallen by 2.2% and 20.4% in the first and second quarters, that the UK was confirmed to have been in a recession. By then, the index had already bounced back and anyone who had sold out of their investments would have risked missing out on these subsequent sharp gains.

£160,000

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Recessions, defined as two consecutive quarters of shrinking gross domestic product (GDP), are commonly associated with falling stock markets. However, the two don’t necessarily happen in tandem.

Market selloffs typically occur well ahead of recessions being officially announced, and they often recover well in advance too. This is because economic data is largely backward-looking whereas markets tend to be forward-looking. Basing your investment decisions on what’s happening in the news right now is unlikely to reap rewards because, very often, this will have already been priced into valuations.

Impact of missing the market’s best days on a £10,000 investment over three decades.

St a

How recessions affect stock markets

Source: Brewin Dolphin / Refinitiv Datastream

Total returns of the FTSE All Share between 1 May 1989 and 28 April 2022 based on a £10,000 initial investment, with the assumption that all dividends are reinvested.

4500

Focus on your long-term goals

4300

Rather than trying to time the market, a much better tactic is to stay focused on your long-term goals. Recessions are a normal (albeit unnerving) part of investing. It remains true that investing offers the potential for greater returns than cash over the long term.

4100

3900

3700

3500

The best way to mitigate the impact of stock market falls is to spread your money across a range of asset classes and sectors, in accordance with your needs and attitude to risk. Different asset classes and sectors tend to perform differently to one another in a range of market conditions, which can help to smooth portfolio performance over the long term.

3300

3100

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Apr-22

Mar-22

Jan-22

Feb-22

Dec-21

Oct-21

Nov-21

Sep-21

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Source: Refinitiv Datastream

The dangers of timing the market

Managing a well-diversified investment portfolio on your own isn’t always easy, and that’s where getting some smart advice can help. An adviser will build a portfolio that suits your individual needs and works hard to preserve, and grow, your money’s purchasing power over the long term.

Recession or no recession, trying to time the market is almost impossible.

In an ideal world, you would ‘buy the dips’; in reality, there is no way of really knowing whether the stock market has reached rock bottom and when the recovery will occur. The practice ‘buy low, sell high’ is something that only professional investors should attempt. Do it wrong and you could miss the market’s best days, ending up significantly worse off.

The chart below shows the impact of missing the market’s best days on a £10,000 investment in the FTSE All Share between May 1989 and April 2022. If you kept your £10,000 invested throughout, it would have grown to £140,287 by the end of the period, assuming dividends were reinvested and before fees. However, if you tried to ‘buy low, sell high’ and missed the market’s 30 best days, your investment would have increased to just £33,872.

Louise Shaw, Divisional Director T. 01892 739580 / E. louise.shaw@brewin.co.uk brewin.co.uk/royal-tunbridge-wells

The value of investments, and any income from them, can fall and you may get back less than you invested. Neither simulated nor actual past performance are reliable indicators of future performance. Information is provided only as an example and is not a recommendation to pursue a particular strategy. Information contained in this document is believed to be reliable and accurate, but without further investigation cannot be warranted as to accuracy or completeness.

Brewin Dolphin Limited is a member of the London Stock Exchange, and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services Register reference number: 124444). Registered office: 12 Smithfield Street, London, EC1A 9BD. Registered in England and Wales – company number: 2135876. VAT number: GB 690 8994 69

BDM3987_2207_0.1

Community

Sankey’s Smokie. We also love the Mount Edgcumbe for posh pub grub, or the recently opened Japanese Dodomi - a fantastic familyrun sushi place at the top of town.

Are there any nice views nearby?

We could look out across the rolling hills from the al fresco dining terrace at The Beacon forever…

We have an endless array of pubs and parks in town, but our local The Claremont is a great place to meet friends. It’s also close to the station and on the cusp of the old High Street. The Bedford across the road is also a good pit stop with its “We have an buzzing pub above endless array of and its 1920s speakeasy cocktail pubs and parks in bar below.

town, but our local The Claremont is a great What do you do when you spend place to meet a weekend or friends” day off in the local

If you’re looking to relax and unwind, where’s your favourite place to go?

A quiet bench at Dunorlan Park to watch the wildlife on the water is just lovely as is a mindful yoga session with Margarita, or a contemporary class with Sam at Cascade Dance as you can really let go.

Where’s the best place to meet friends and socialise?

This month SO chats to Laura Gibson and Olivia Thornhill co-founders of Calvermont, a communications, PR and creative agency based in the centre of Tunbridge Wells who count the likes of Elysian Residences, Royal Tunbridge Wells Together and Beau Property among their clients. Here they tell us where they love to visit in Tunbridge Wells…

Where do you live?

Calvermont HQ is hidden behind a big black door in the centre of Mount Pleasant, directly opposite the station. A perfect location for people watching and client hosting.

How long have you resided there?

We were lucky to welcome a number of new clients during the pandemic, so we went on a quest for more space for our growing team post lock-down last summer.

We love our collaborative coworking space, which not only gives easy access for our clients, but the opportunity to bounce ideas around with other local businesses too.

What’s your favourite shop locally?

Bod & Ted has to be our favourite for feel-good outfits, whilst Whirligig Toys is like an Aladdin’s Cave for the kids!

Where’s the best place to go for a Sunday stroll?

You can’t beat a stroll through the beautifully landscaped Calverley Park to The Inside in Calverley Adventure Grounds, a super little den serving up the best flat white in town, alongside a myriad of crafts and goodies for little ones, all nestled within the playground of dreams.

Where’s the best place to get a cup of coffee?

The Inside, as above or Esquires on Mount Pleasant for their friendly owner and quiet upstairs space which is perfect for our out of office calls and catch-ups.

Where do you take people when they come to visit?

Down the cobbled path of Chapel Place and on to the historic Pantiles to enjoy the huge variety of independent retailers, market holders and eateries. Sitting in the sunshine with an Aperol Spritz overlooking the Bandstand really couldn’t get any better.

What’s the night life like where you live?

When the team go OUT OUT, you can probably find us chasing cocktails at Geography, chatting sport at Cassidy’s, getting foggy at Fuggles or sinking one tequila too many at the Pitcher & Piano…

Where’s your favourite place to eat locally?

Oooh that would be Sankey’s for fresh, local seafood and their infamous

“We like to head down the cobbled path of Chapel Place and on to the historic Pantiles to enjoy the huge variety of independent retailers, market holders and eateries”

area?

Heading down to the coast is one of our favourite ways to spend the weekend, especially to St Leonards or Hastings, both just a short train ride away. St Leonards has an authentic Italian right on the seafront called La Bella Vista, which serves delicious fresh fish caught by local fishermen (and fisherwomen!)

Why do you love where you live?

Tunbridge Wells has a thriving independent retail industry and a diverse business community, testament to the strong local talent here. We are also home to green open spaces, quirky markets and bustling events such as Jazz on The Pantiles, which you really can’t find anywhere else.

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Advertising Feature

Future proofing At what stage of our lives do we start thinking about Financial Planning? In this article Chartered Financial Planner, Lynne Gadsden shares her experience and advises that it’s never too early to start

L

ynne hopes that this article will highlight, in a logical order and help you to start planning your financial future and also that of your children’s.

START WITH YOURSELF

Think about yourself and my advice is to think long term. Women tend to live longer than men, so we need more money – right? Although unfortunately women are more likely to end up with 40.3% smaller pension pots than the average man1 . The demands of women’s lives, such as raising a family, looking after parents can limit the earning power for women. However, with the right savings strategy in place you can start to overcome these challenges.

The most important factor in investing is time spent in the market, and not the timing of the market, as this harnesses the power of compound interest. If you’re not sure, what this means, then read on.

As Albert Einstein said ‘the most powerful force in the universe is compound intertest’. As you contribute in the early years into your investment, you will see the greatest gains in the later stages of your investment as small percentage increases have a significantly larger impact as your investment pot grows, so what perhaps doesn’t look like much at the moment, will over time, benefit from interest on interest.

A delay in early years can have a significant impact on the amount of money you could have in your savings at retirement. My recommendation is a slow and steady approach will always win the race.

One question that I always get asked, is how much should I save. A good measure would be, but it is dependent on your long term goals 3 times your earnings by the time you’re in your 30’s 6 times your earnings in your 50’s 8 times your earnings in your 60’s But don’t let this sound daunting, your savings can come from lots of different sources, such as tax relief, employers’ contributions, company pensions and also the future equity in your property.

INVESTING FOR YOUR CHILDREN

For many, the financial education of their children comes down to the family.

Financial education in UK schools is currently a hot topic, but to date, not a lot has been done. So more often than not children learn this vital life skill at home. Setting a good example goes a long way in teaching your children the importance of saving and budgeting on a regular basis, be it with family budgeting or pocket money. But once again think about longer term, and what you are looking to achieve if you decide to start saving for them, in what way are you looking to give them a head start? It could be buying their first car, a house deposit or funding university costs.

The two main investment choices and tax efficient ways are Junior ISAs (JISA) or a Pension. The current annual allowance for a JISA is £9,000, which provides a valuable tax efficient wrapper for investments, as they benefit from tax efficient interest with no further tax to pay on income or capital gains. Another benefit of a JISA is that other family members or even friends can invest for the child, such as grandparents or godparents, however, it should be noted that only a parent or legal guardian can set one up initially. It can prove a really valuable tool in helping your child in the early part of their adult life.

The other option which is definitely a long term strategy, but one that is very practical, is a child’s Pension. This brings with it significant tax advantages, even though the child is not currently a tax payer, they will still receive basic rate tax relief on contributions, which means if you pay £2,880, this would be topped up to £3,600, a whopping 25% extra. Think of the compound interest on this over their lifetime. Starting young and helping them this way could help to take the pressure off when they’re older and when they have other financial pressures, such as when starting their careers, buying a home and starting a family.

START YOUNG AND INVEST REGULARLY

The other benefit to starting early means that there’s plenty of time to ride out the ups and downs of the market.

There are always risks to investing, we are currently seeing this volatility in the markets at present, with the war in Ukraine, global energy prices and spiraling inflation, but longer term these economic pressures will ease and the markets will adjust. If you contribute regularly you will end up paying an average price for your investments, some will be high and some will be low, which provides a smoother return than investing a lump sum.

WHAT IF YOU HAVE A YOUNG BUSINESS

If you’re starting a business, your own financial planning is probably not at the forefront of your mind. Many business owners think that one day they will sell their business to fund their retirement, that may be an option, but the advice of a financial planner early on to look at alternative solutions and scenario planning along the way is a good idea.

An invaluable part of our service at Grovewood is cash flow modelling, where we can demonstrate the impact of adjusting your regular savings to meet your goals. It provides our clients with the full facts and motivation to achieve their financial goals, so that they can achieve the future lifestyle that they have hoped for.

Whilst it is so beneficial to start investing in yours or your children’s future at a young age, it’s never too late to start. If you’re thinking of reviewing your financial plans then do get in touch.

Grovewood Wealth Management Ltd., Chartered Financial Planners, Senior Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management. Tel: 01892 750750 www.grovewoodwealth.co.uk

“Your savings can come from lots of different sources, such as tax relief, employers’ contributions, company pensions and future equity in your property”

The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds that you select and the value can therefore go down as well as up.

You may get back less than you invested. An investment in a Stocks and Shares ISA will not provide the same security of capital associated with a Cash ISA. The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time. The value of any tax relief is generally dependent on individual circumstances.

Grovewood Wealth Management Ltd is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority_ for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products.

The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.

Achieving Gender Equality in Pensions, Prospect 2020 1

SO Magazine | August 2022 | 29

Culture

OPERATION TIRELESS

Okay, it wasn’t called that, but it should have been. In a meeting much like that of 1824 when Holy Trinity was commissioned to be built, it was decided this time around that what the community needed was a venue for its musical and theatrical groups, and so the idea for Trinity Theatre and Arts Centre was born. With this vision in mind, the members of the Appeal Committee, Chaired

by Lord Evans of Hungershall, canvassed, flyered – and held many civilised meetings – to curry public favour and enlist support.

The extraordinary and humbling dedication that these individuals gave – and in some cases continue to give – as well as their unfailing time, enthusiasm and energy was the recipe for success. By January 1976 the Church Commission approved their idea for a community theatre and arts centre, pending its economic viability.

Cue a LOT of fundraising, and by the deadline of 1st November the team had succeeded. In January 1977 the Diocese had officially granted their wishes – and a lease to the building!

THE FIRST BIT SEEMED EASY…

The first battle was won, but the fight was far from over. It was now time to find the funds, time

Trinity Theatre celebrates its 40th anniversary this year so we look back at how it was transformed from a spiritual place of worship to a cultural one - courtesy of the passionate team who run this beloved venue…

F

or years after it closed as a church, Trinity Theatre, as we now know it, lay desolate and derelict.

The former Holy Trinity church, housed in one of Decimus Burton’s most famous architectural building triumphs in Tunbridge Wells, had long closed as a place of worship before a team of what the theatre now calls ‘local superheroes’ came to save it in the 1970s.

Their valiant and passionate protest meant that although Holy Trinity Church was lost, the building was given a reprieve.

So who were these men and women of steel? And how on earth did they change the mind of the Church Commission and the Diocese – who had already been presented with some potentially lucrative plans to sell the land to residential developers?

Well, in short when demolition called, the Civic Society answered.

Formed in 1959, this local

30 | August 2022 | SO Magazine

“Trinity is a centre for community. A place to meet friends and learn”

organisation’s mission is to develop and preserve the town for the good of all.

And so, when the local landmark was threatened, members of the society sprung into action. Their campaign – and involvement with other community groups – saw widespread local opposition grow.

In response to this outcry the Church Commissioners granted a reprieve. On 14th October 1975, they gave the Civic Society just over a year (the deadline was 1st November 1976) to come up with a viable scheme to use the building.

Oh, and one more condition – they had to fund it, too.

If the sheer scale of this condition conjures an image of our 70s superheroes being tied up in the path of a Kryptonite-fuelled laser: don’t worry, you’re not alone.

If we move away from superheroes for a second, it’s actually more fairytale-like; a nigh on impossible task like guessing the name of a tiny man while spinning straw

into gold. But relax. What do most fairytales have? That’s right: implausibly happy endings.

In the case of our own fairytale, luckily the Civic Society (and the Tunbridge Wells Drama Club, who it joined forces with to create the Appeal Committee) were not going to let a seemingly impossible task defeat them.

Echoing the efforts 150 years before, this group of men and women came together to create a much-needed addition to the community. And this is how they did it…

and energy to make the actual conversion happen, and turn a church into a working theatre.

The campaigners formed an official organisation to take the project to the next level: the Trinity Theatre and Arts Association. Herbert Storey became the Association’s first General Manager (a post he held for a decade), and through him – and the actions of the legions of incredible volunteers working alongside him – the Herculean task began.

It saw many years of work,

Culture

energy and creative thinking (including using West Kent College bricklaying students to build the auditorium while learning their craft!), but what was a shell of a building, in huge amounts of disrepair gradually became a functioning Theatre and Arts Centre.

FROM SPIRITUAL TO CULTURAL HEART OF THE TOWN

now a garden – a precious green sanctuary to enjoy right in the heart of the town, and a home to the wildlife that we’re committed to nurturing and encouraging.

This year we planted more trees, to honour the Queen’s Green canopy scheme, and our gardening volunteers have ensured that all sorts of plants and flowers are in abundance.

We hope to attract bats and swifts (the pigeons have had dominion for too long) as well as a range of insects and other birds and animals.

How it all started: ted: A LOOK BACK AT TRINITY’S EARLY YE ARS

This effort was rewarded in 1982 with the first shows that summer. After that, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council became involved, THE FUTURE giving a grant to Work is still ongoing.

“For the theatre enable heating The building will to be installed. always need itself, there have From there, repairs, been over 1,000 shows further numerous grants, and ongoing performed since that oodles of TLC. awards and legacies followed However, thanks first run forty years (alongside an to the National ago” unfailing amount Lottery Heritage of dedication and Fund, the latest work from volunteers, project ‘Open Trinity’ and, eventually, employees). will see the clocktower open This resulted in new seating, a towards the end of this year. It new kitchen and bar area, and will allow the public to visit the a computerised box office, all of space and climb to take in the which can be seen and enjoyed view from its rooftop. At the same today. time, we will launch a year-round For the theatre itself, there have Heritage Programme which been over 1,000 shows performed explores Trinity’s past and looks since that first, miniature run forty to its future, with opportunities years ago. for conservation and new ways to Other important developments understand our local history that – in a narrative of rebirth and are accessible and open to all. new life – was the formation Taking our inspiration from of Trinity Youth Theatre in the community here over the past 1989, which underlines the 200 years, we will also continue to organisation’s commitment to campaign tirelessly for more funds young people. Other important and more work, giving back to uses of Trinity today include its this regal building and uncovering resident community groups, from more of its secrets. We’re always art groups to Arts Society lectures, looking for people to join us on from toddlers and parents here to this adventure, too, so please do play, to seniors here to sing. come and visit, volunteer, or just Finally, the churchyard is also have a coffee.

“THERE’S SO MUCH PRIDE TO BE FOUND HERE”

Photo © Cam Harle

“I’ve been a resident of Tunbridge Wells for a year now and I’m starting to get the measure of the place. I am beginning to develop that civic pride that turns a place from just somewhere you live into a real home. And there is so much to find pride in here. Our extraordinary wealth of green spaces, the heritage buildings and sites dotted around, our wealth of burgeoning independent businesses and our bevy of incredible cultural establishments. But what really makes a

town special, is the people.

Becoming a parent for the first time in the last few months has made me appreciate the power of community even more, and I am proud to preside over a venue that so truly holds the people it serves at its heart. Sure, Trinity provides entertainment to the town - and we intend to do that better and more interesting ways every single day - but for some, we are so much more than that. Our building is a centre for community. A place to meet friends and learn.

A place to talk about the issues that matter over a good cup of coffee. A

place to bring the children to play in our beautiful garden or indoor toy stage. It’s a place for the vulnerable to feel secure and for the discontent to feel fulfilled.

The work we do is more than that seen on or stages. From storytime on a Friday morning, to senior singing on a Wednesday afternoon, our programme is packed full of opportunities to engage and offers a refuge for many.

Like many ‘commuter towns’ close enough to feel the burn of the metropolis on our shoulders, a large part of our population still

choose to spend their leisure time elsewhere.

But why? The Forum continues to fight tooth and nail to find more and more extraordinary ways to support emerging talent. The Amelia celebrates our history whilst giving us a place to congregate and plan our future. The Assembly Hall brings us spectacular entertainment from huge commercial hits. We are so very lucky to be home to so much culture.

Our society is great, and growing greater by the day, as more investment comes in and a renewed sense of who we are as a town

begins to take shape. I believe that the arts will play a big part in that.

Whether it’s for a coffee or to see comedy we at Trinity stand ready to welcome all of you through our doors.”

PRESEN TS

ADAP TED BY

JEM MA KEN NEDY

This Christm music, mirth and mucas, there’ll be h mistaken identity

!

8 DEC EM BER 202 1 - 2 JAN UA Box Offic e 0189 RY 202 2 2 678 678 • www.trin ityth eatr e.ne

t

SO Magazine | August 2022 | 31

Culture

CULTURE VULTURE:

WHY THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE AT TRINITY

MUSIC These well-known musicians / singers have appeared at Trinity: Cleo Lane & Johnny Dankworth/ Humphrey Lyttleton Band/ Julian Lloyd Webber/John Williams/Annie Ross/Jacqui Dankworth/Stacey Kent/ Tina May/Alan Price/Georgie Fame/ Kate Rusby/George Melly/Kiki Dee/ Hazel O’Connor and Acker Bilk Along with many tribute shows: Letz Zep/No Jacket Required (Phil Collins)/The Who Show/G2 Genesis/Floyd in the Flesh In Trinity’s first twenty years there was also much classical music, with lunchtime concerts and monthly presentations by the Green Room Music Club.

COMEDY Many well-known comedians have appeared at Trinity; some have performed their “Warm-Up” shows in Trinity’s 290-seat auditorium before they tour larger venues such as the O2 or Hammersmith Apollo

FILM & LIVE With no cinema in the town centre, Trinity began showing films in 2001, and has continued to present over 100 screenings a year. The opening Gala in 2001 showed Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Trinity also shows live opera, ballet & theatre from the world’s top companies - The National Theatre / The Globe / RSC / Royal Opera / Glyndebourne / Royal Ballet / Bolshoi / the West End.

COMMUNITY More than just a place for performance, Trinity’s Creative Engagement team cater for the whole community, for all ages:

IN HOUSE SHOWS Trinity’s Christmas shows are never pantomime - instead, the theatre produces its own professional family shows based on classics: Roald Dahl’s The Witches (1999) and The BFG (2013)/Oliver! (2015) / The Wizard of Oz (2017) / Wind in the Willows (2018) / A Christmas Carol (3 different productions)/The Prince & the Pauper (2021) Big Trinity-produced musicals have also graced the stage in Summer productions, including: Spamalot (2016) and The Producers (2018)

Children’s groups: Baby’s Rhyme Time / Children’s Storytelling / Youth Theatre for ages 7 to 19 (16 groups!) / Senior Cinema monthly / Move with Music and Senior Sing for the over 55s Youth Theatre: runs a summer programme, presenting at least three musical shows (this year The Addams Family, The Jungle Book and Seussical the Musical). Recent highlights have been Les Miserables, Sweeney Todd and Legally Blonde.

The groups frequently take part in the National Theatre’s Connections series. They are again presenting a new play at this year’s Edinburgh Festival The education department: also works in over 20 local schools each week and sees over 420 children using drama to help them with their speech, language and communication needs. There are also art classes, film-making courses and costume/ mask-making workshops. A recent addition has been the monthly Repair Cafe.

Community

Taste the e c n e r e f f i d

The TN card is the Tunbridge Wells loyalty scheme which rewards shoppers and diners for supporting local. This month its founder Jess Gibson chats to TN partners Katherine and On-Mun, owners of casual Asian dining restaurant The Hidden Well in St John’s which opened in January this year…

Katherine and On-Mun, congratulations on the opening of The Hidden Well this year and your success so far. What led you to open the restaurant?

On-Mun was born in his grandparents’ restaurant in Rutland in the East Midlands, and grew up helping his parents in their Cantonese restaurant in Cambridgeshire. Food is in his blood, and it has always been his dream to have his own restaurant: he simply loves to cook food for people. The Hidden Well has been a long time coming and we’re excited to be starting out in Tunbridge Wells.

For those who haven’t yet visited, why are you called The Hidden Well?

Because we have an old well in our basement! We believe it used to be the water supply for a nearby brewery and its water is very high in calcium. It’s drinkable but we haven’t tried it. Diners can see it when they visit us and children love peering down the well to see

ABOUT THE HIDDEN WELL LOCATION: 77 St John’s Road, TN4 9TT VISIT FOR: Casual Asian dining, from bao buns and dumplings to rice and noodle dishes.

Bookings or walk ins welcome from Tuesday to Saturday.

MEMBER REWARD: Wine, Soju or coffee with lunch (12pm3pm) when spending over £10

Jess Gibson

Founder the TN Card

how far it goes. We’d been toying with lots of restaurant names over the years, but when we found this premises we knew The Hidden Well was the name for us.

What brought you to Tunbridge Wells?

On-Mun is Cantonese Chinese and from Rutland, and I’m Northern Chinese and grew up in Hong Kong.

We met in Hong Kong and travelled extensively together before settling in the Midlands. We fell in love with Tunbridge Wells when looking for the perfect place to open a restaurant, and it’s wonderful for young families (our children are six and eight). We live in Hawkenbury and are very happy there.

Your menu is carefully curated to showcase amazing dishes from across Asia, from wellknown recipes to your own creations. What are your culinary influences?

We both grew up enjoying foods with a host of regional influences and discovered wonderful new flavours and cooking techniques on our travels around Asia. We serve food that we love, and that our families love to cook and eat.

Our menu is constantly evolving but at the moment you’ll find dishes such as cumin lamb skewers, a popular Chinese Muslim street food which is served across

Western Northern China. JaJa noodle is a Northern Chinese / Korean version of spaghetti bolognese with yellow bean paste rather than tomato sauce. We also have our very own halloumi egg fried rice recipe which is On-Mun’s interpretation of Hong Kong’s rice with dried salted fish, and bao bun ice cream which customers say reminds them of fresh doughnuts at the seaside!

How have you found your first eight months in St John’s?

We love being part of the St John’s community. Locals have been very welcoming and we’ve enjoyed getting to know so many wonderful people. We are grateful for all the support we’ve received, not only from our customers but from other independents and TN card businesses in St John’s, there’s a real sense of togetherness here.

I am delighted that you’ve joined the TN card. How do you thank members for supporting local?

The TN card is all about building community and we wanted to thank locals for supporting us as a small business. TN card members who dine with us from 12pm until 3pm enjoy a glass of wine, a shot of Korean Soju or a coffee with their meal, with our compliments. We recommend the Korean Soju!

SO Magazine | August 2022 | 33

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Food & Drink

Say cheers to Haelu…

Stuart Coleman (pictured), his brother Rod and friend Jamie Kelly launched Haelu – a drinks brand with a difference in March. Eileen Leahy discovers more about this revolutionary nonalcoholic offering with added feel-good benefits, now stocked in lots of local bars and restaurants…

D

espite the Covid pandemic wreaking havoc with life as we knew it for the best part of two and a half years, thankfully there has been the odd silver lining story to enjoy.

One such example is that of Haelu, a non-alcoholic functional drinks brand, co-founded by local residents Stuart Coleman and Jamie Kelly along with Stuart’s brother Rod. If you haven’t spotted the trendy metallic cans which sport a pretty navy and floral motif lining the shelves of hospitality hotspots in Tunbridge Wells such as the Old Auction House, The Allotment, Chapel Place and Even Flow, then chances are you soon will as the two varieties available – Salerno Spritz

“Our drinks have all the good stuff – without the hangover!”

and Havana Heat – are proving to be incredibly popular since their official launch in March this year.

I’m meeting Haelu’s co-founder Stuart Coleman at another of its key stockists – the Tunbridge Wells Hotel on The Pantiles – in order to discover more about this success story which was borne out of a desire to drink less alcohol but still have fun doing so.

I’d previously tried one of Haelu’s drinks – the Salerno Spritz - at a social gathering a few weeks ago and couldn’t believe there wasn’t any alcohol in it as it tasted and even looked like an Aperol Spritz.

“Well that’s good to hear,” smiles Stuart before telling me that since the brand launched they’ve received lots of positive feedback.

He explains that the catalyst for the non-alcoholic functional drinks brand spawned from the initial lockdown in March 2020.

“Like a lot of people we were drinking every night in order to soothe the pain of the pandemic but I had also lost my events business, so in a way creating something was done pretty much out of necessity.”

Stuart says that initially he, Jamie and Rod had set up a charity – in just

sociable. So we also worked with a four weeks – with the aim of feeding herbologist who came up with this front line NHS workers. But the plug selection of adaptagens, minerals was pulled at the eleventh hour by and vitamins which in turn naturally MTW NHS Trust. stimulate endorphins, serotonin, “The idea felt like such a good oxytocin without the need for thing to do we decided to set up a alcohol. business together.

And how, I ask Stuart, did the “We’d been drinking two or three name Haelu come about? “A friend glasses of wine a night and were all of ours who is an English teacher wanting to become healthier so we came up with it. It’s actually an thought why don’t we create a drink that makes you feel good, but without ancient Anglo Saxon word which means health. People the hangover? And that’s believed if you lived in where it all started.” harmony with the Stuart says they world around you were put in then you’d be contact with a A MATTER OF TASTE filled up with company called ‘haelu’ and Alkemista HAVANA HEAT - a deep taste of a and spent moody Havana evening with gentle oak if you didn’t then your 18 months aromas, a subtle chilli kick and natural haelu would working botanicals. Loaded with the natural diminish and with them to benefits of HAELU HAPPI it’s perfect you’d get ill. perfect the if you like spiced rums, textured red Currently product. wines, or the kick of a Dark & Haelu boasts “The guy who Stormy cocktail nearly 30 stockists, started Alkemista the majority of used to be Head which are local. of Innovations So has the town at Diageo so he been receptive knows what SALERNO SPRITZ - a light to the brand? he’s doing. and refreshing blend of bittersweet We presented Mediterranean sunshine from grapefruit, “Amazingly them with oranges, rhubarb and smooth botanicals. so, if the world was our market Brimming with the natural benefits of Tunbridge research, and HAELU HAPPI this is perfect if you Wells I’d be our desired like a dry white wine, refreshing a millionaire flavour profile – aperitifs, or zesty gin & tonics within a couple of which was citrus months!” based – and they Elsewhere Haelu is went away and created stocked in various venues in the recipes” Brighton and Surrey and it’s slowly But Stuart adds the vision for gaining a firm footing in London.

Haelu extended to more than formulating a non-alcoholic drink. Its “We’re already in a place on the founders wanted to also create what’s Kings Road and are about to do a trial with a couple of Fullers’ London known in the ‘No and Low’ sector of bars – one in Greenwich and one in the industry as a ‘functional’ drink. the City,” says Stuart.

“There are two sides to Haelu: Having spoken at length it’s clear there’s the flavour side of it and the there’s a well thought through and functional aspect of it. This is what interesting narrative behind this we call the Haelu Happi formula drinks brand I tell him. which was created to stimulate people’s happy hormones thanks “When I look back at the start to a slew of natural and botanical of Haelu it was about creating a ingredients. product that helped people moderate “We have 11 in the mix including their drinking - and to be happy. The key adaptogens such as ashwagandha money’s nice but it’s not the thing and lemon balm which are natural that ultimately drives us.” relaxants. Then we have five types Whilst Stuart is the only person on of Vitamin B, Vitamin D and iron. a full-time salary, he is enormously We’re hoping that the next drink we grateful to his colleagues for their create will have the super mineral commitment. magnesium in it.

“Jamie is working without a salary, “All of these have either my brother Rod has a full-time job been used in Ayurvedic and is doing this around that. or Chinese medicine Rod’s wife Cliona, who does for thousands of our marketing, is on a part years - or there’s time salary and our Finance scientific evidence that Director Luke Moscrop is proves their efficacy giving up his day off every in reducing anxiety week to make this work. or enhancing people’s It’s humbling to be with a moods. team of people who are so “The effect we wanted committed to making to replicate was when this a success.” you have an alcoholic drink www.haelu you feel drinks.com calm, happy, relaxed and

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Food & Drink

jam were a daily occurrence throughout England.

Born inside the houses of the rich and fortunate, during the 1880s upper-class women would change into long gowns, gloves, and hats for the ritual which was usually served in the drawing room between four and five o'clock. But once summer came around, they wanted to take this fabulous time of day outside into their beautiful gardens, encouraging the lords and men of the house to also take part.

PINKIES UP If you’re in search for the perfect place to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in Tunbridge Wells, look no further than Salomons Estate.

Set in an oasis of rolling gardens, you can imagine the Duchess herself soaking up the elegance of this Victorian mansion where afternoon tea is served overlooking 36 acres of picturesque grounds. In keeping with the establishment’s traditional theme, the menu offers a little more than the light snack of its origins where the selection of sweet treats and savoury delights allow guests to indulge in an offering that boasts classic British flavours.

There are fresh cut finger sandwiches, warm scones with fresh cream and jam and sweet macaroons. But the homemade cakes are the main attraction, perfectly accompanied by hot tea or a glass of bubbles.

Available on Wednesdays and Fridays, traditional afternoon tea at Salomons Estate can be enjoyed for £22.50. Upgrade to prosecco for just £5 more.

Afternoon tea is a British institution and perfect to enjoy alfresco when the sun is shining. Molly Miller reveals the history of this teatime treat and discovers where to enjoy one of the best on offer in the local area…

A

fternoon tea is quite literally the food of royalty as the nation’s favourite drink was made fashionable to the English to drink by a Portuguese queen and later championed further by a duchess.

A RICH HISTORY Our love affair with tea began way back in 1662 when Portuguese Catherine de Braganza married Charles II. She brought tea-drinking to court and the tradition flourished - even more so in 1706

“Salomons Estate’s afternoon tea boasts finger sandwiches, warm scones with fresh cream and jam as well as homemade cakes”

when Thomas Twining opened London’s first tearoom. But it was Anna Russell, the 7th Duchess of Bedford who really popularised the tradition in the early 1800s.

The close friend of Queen Victoria and prominent figure within London society complained of ‘having that sinking feeling’ during the late afternoon.

To satisfy her hunger, Anna began ordering tea and nibbles to her room, and soon the light snack evolved into a full-blown country house ritual, and by the middle of the 19th century a late afternoon spread of sandwiches, cakes, scones, cream, and

Salomons Estate & One Warwick Park Hotel are owned by the Elite Leisure Company who also own SO Magazine

Hold court

With summer in full swing, it’s time to get outside and soak up some sunshine.

The Courtyard at One Warwick Park Hotel is Tunbridge Wells’ go-to spot for all things alfresco.

They also offer an afternoon tea selection but if you’re in the mood for something more savoury then how about grazing on one of their new charcuterie boards?

They’re the

perfect addition to a summer’s afternoon catch up with friends.

And for those of you who’d like to continue

into the evening, the good news is drinks are served in The Courtyard or you can enjoy a tipple or two from their fully stocked and beautifully appointed bar.

SO Magazine | August 2022 | 37

35 Monson Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1LS 01892 517986

w w w. e d n e y a n d e d n e y. c o m

I SEE CLEAR VISION

through Nikon spectacle lenses

Hypnotherapy

Sweet

little lies…

This month our resident hypnotherapist Karen Martin, who is based at Salomon’s Estate, looks at the issue of lying and how it happens more often than you’d think

W

ho doesn’t tell the odd whopper now and again? It’s not just politicians who are economical with the truth. We’re all prone to telling the occasional fib although it’s generally accepted honesty is the best policy.

With the ‘Partygate’ scandal costing Boris Johnson his job and threatening to bring down the Tory government, it’s clear the electorate is sick of being lied to. Small children have little conscience about lying as they learn very young to say whatever will win them approval and avoid a telling off. It would be funny to hear grown adults blatantly lying like five-year olds if they weren’t running the country.

I’ve always wondered why people in the public eye sometimes do stupid things, lie about them and then are wounded and surprised when they’re found out. The moral outrage provoked by dishonesty destroys careers, marriages and lives. Lying can be a risky business.

KIND UNTRUTHS

But lying is something we all do routinely every day. Most lies are fairly harmless and without malice.

Compliments are sometimes kind untruths to avoid hurt feelings. And when we say ‘I’m fine’ we don’t always mean it and are being polite when the truth is more often likely to be a variation of Fragile, Insecure, Neurotic or Emotional (F.I.N.E. meaning not so fine).

Smart kids are often bare faced liars. Until they’ve developed a sense of right and wrong, children are transparently inept.

If their moral compass remains uncorrected, they become more sophisticated as their language skills and mastery of manipulation improve.

FAKE NEWS

Dishonesty is more sinister when it’s a deliberate strategy to manipulate.

The internet exposes us all to fake news which is often used to influence public opinion for political

or commercial gain. Scammers are masters of deceit and skilled at clearing out bank accounts with false promises and fake identities.

Fraud and fake news are insidious.

We all have to be on our guard against criminal misinformation as there are now few who haven’t been targeted in some way.

Sometimes, lies are necessary, accepted or tolerated. For example, when someone says they’ll try and be on time, it’s pretty obvious they won’t be.

Trying is lying. Here are some other common classics: throwing a sickie, saying your phone battery died when you don’t want to speak to someone, claiming an ignored email went to the spam folder, telling someone you’ve bumped into it’s great to see them when you’re not bothered if you never see them again, pretending you’ve read or seen something to show your friends how cool or clever you are, telling a date you’re dumping ‘it’s not you, it’s me’.

There are many more of these careless lies which can be regarded as hurtful or disrespectful if you’re on the receiving end.

These common strategies camouflage lies and maintain toxic behaviour. Generally, we are more accepting of others’ imperfections when they’re open and transparent.

It’s better to come clean about weaknesses and mistakes. However, honesty isn’t valued as highly as it used to be now Christian beliefs aren’t so influential. It used to be bad manners to lie and cheat but now good manners are out of fashion too.

OLD WISDOM

“Lying is something we all do routinely every day: most lies are fairly harmless and without malice but lying can be a risky business”

DENIAL AND TRUST

It’s strange but true that some people will collaborate with a lie to keep the peace or to avoid an unpalatable truth. Denial is a way of kicking reality down the road if you can’t face it. Many relationships stumble on with the unspoken knowledge of infidelity eroding their foundations. For some, being cheated on is better than being alone even though it’s the ultimate betrayal. Lives can implode when the truth is out.

Trust is the bedrock of a healthy relationship and, once that is lost, the truth cannot always fix it. A suspicious mind is tormented by doubt and those with guilty secrets can be cruel in defence of their lies. Stonewalling is a means to deflect attention from the truth.

Projection attributes blame to the victim. Gaslighting casts doubt on reason and ghosting means never having to explain.

Literature and folklore warn of the dangers of dishonesty and are historic memes still relevant in modern times. In Aesop’s fable of the boy who cried wolf, he learnt his lesson too late when nobody came to his rescue. Hans Christian Anderson’s The Emperor's New Clothes is surely a tale of how social media influencers can lead us to believe the unbelievable. The Keith Waterhouse novel Billy Liar describes the trail of misfortune left in the wake of a fantasist.

Netflix series Dirty John is an account of a true story of a drug addicted con artist exploiting a woman he met online dating. All these are salutary tales of the misery caused by deception or falling victim to it.

TELL THE TRUTH

Karen Martin Hypnotherapist

hypnotherapykent.co.uk

The morality tale for modern life is to take your time getting to know people. We jump into relationships too quickly without realising what we’re taking on.

Luckily, most people don’t intend to harm or exploit. But, commit too quickly and you may find yourself repenting at leisure.

Our need to fit in and be accepted makes us prone to only showing our best bits. Being true to yourself and being authentic in the way you express your needs will help avoid misunderstandings and is far more likely to result in lasting, honest, mutually respectful and trusting relationships.

True love comes from being truthful about what you want and who you are.

SO Magazine | August 2022 | 39

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WELL-BEING

Mindful thinking Naomi Murray from Botanica Health emporium in Rusthall shares some wisdom on tackling anxiety and depression courtesy of her father Brian Lamb, an esteemed medical herbalist

B

eing seen and heard is vital. It is also so important to shrug off the added burden of feeling bad about feeling bad. It’s one of the first things I counsel on to those I speak to who are struggling. Over the years my father, the medical herbalist Brian Lamb, has spoken with many patients suffering with feelings of anxiety, worry, depression and many other emotions that are draining and disabling. I hope you find his words in his essay Getting Back to Basics helpful…

“Our lives are a constant interchange of emotions from joy to sadness, from laughter to crying, solemnity to introspection.

All of which is normal as everyday experiences interplay with our hormonal ebb and flow. So why do we stigmatise anxiety and

Naomi Murray Co-founder of Botanica Health

botanicahealth.co.uk

“Our lives are a constant interchange of emotions from joy to sadness, from laughter to crying, solemnity to introspection”

depression? Why are so many fearful of sharing their inner feelings as if somehow they will be branded as outcasts? We accept someone with a broken bone or suffering influenza as normal, so we need to accept those whose mental state is off balance in the same way.

The word depression is relatively new and describes a mental state that used to be known as melancholia. Melancholia is from Middle English and late Latin and means ‘black bile’ – it relates to bile and the liver. Sadness caused by a burdened liver! Accordingly, liver remedies – such as the much neglected Dandelion root – would often bring relief. As mind and body are one, therapy was based on this correct rationale.

With the emergence of psychoanalysis as a new ‘science of mind’ Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung the stage was set to separate mind and body into two distinct disciplines.

The first antipsychotic drug, was introduced in the mid 20th century.

This aside, depression (when not suicidal) must have its purpose, and at the very least it ‘de-presses’ the sufferer below everyday stress and tension into a hoped-for time of

rest and treatment.

I am reminded of my long discussions with Timothy, a missionary pilot to the Ashaninka tribes of the Peruvian Rainforest.

The Ashaninka had a very substantial medical system based on ritual and plant medicine – and it was from Timothy that I learned of the healing powers of the rainforest liana, Cat’s Claw. However, in treating ‘his deepest’ (so-called mental health issues), the Ashaninka did this through social interaction involving the whole tribe. The patient would be administered a plant extract that induced relaxation and hallucination and the ritual would begin and last all night.

In the morning the patient would vomit and appeared to be cured.

Does this sound primitive and non-scientific? Behind the scenes a vast amount was going on. Just imagine the heart-energy directed to the patient and the mental focus and love of the entire community.

Also, the herbal draught and the discussions and the preliminaries.

How would this compare with the often isolation and years of adverse reactions from drugs?

The word shaman, often

connotes primitiveness and occultism, but this is wrong. The jungle healers are experts on the action of powerful but safe plant medicines and (as in the case of the Ashaninka medicinemen) undergo years of training. I was told by Timothy that chosen trainee shaman would literally disappear into the rainforest for many years, with no contact, before returning qualified to their tribe where they would then assume medical guardianship.

Fortunately, some of this wisdom is starting to emerge in the western world but we are a long way from where we should be. The foregoing is by no means a slight on the invaluable work of mental healthcare in the western world which covers a wide spectrum of behavioural issues, from psychosis and violence to intractable disorders of the nervous system.

However it casts light into a dark corner of the profession both on its reductionism, reliance on psychotropic drugs and neglect of traditional wisdom in the treatment of ‘everyday’ anxiety and depression.

The forerunner of depression (when not liver-related or connected to a physical malady) is mostly anxiety, another fairly modern word that has replaced a much more descriptive one going back to the Norsemen – care, or specifically overcare. Care, of Germanic origin related to ‘grief or lament’ and Old Norse for ‘sickbed’. Indeed, when the apostle Paul was writing to the Philippians he advised “be careful over nothing”. An example will explain this. Healthcare nurses are amongst our healthiest citizens and the central reason for this is that true care is a heartfelt energy that embodies compassion and altruism – it is a healing force to the ill but also elevates salivary IgA (the first line of defence in our immune system) in the caregiver.

But when care slides into overcare, salivary IgA plummets and immunity suffers. This is where stress leads to tension and tension brings overcare or in modern parlance, anxiety, which in turn often heralds depression where the sufferer can be in need of urgent professional help.

A fragmented society (the very opposite of the close-knit Ashaninka, for example) where people are isolated and feel ashamed of sharing imperfections is the breeding ground for ‘mental’ health issues. Television and the media – with its obsession for celebrity worship – portray idealism and unattainable wealth and style is another erosion of inner peace and contentment.

Our ‘always-on’ connectiveness opposes rest, relaxation and sleep to further undermine health both of body and mind.”

SO Magazine | August 2022 | 41

Fashion

A passion for fashion Tunbridge Wells resident Sam Hipperson owns and runs the fledgling online fashion boutique Love and Luxe. Here she tells Eileen Leahy how despite experiencing a difficult few years she has now found herself in a new and exciting phase of both her personal and professional life…

I

ready for its close up. f ever proof was In addition to the brand’s needed that one gorgeous dresses which will perfectly can rise phoenix-like transport holidaymakers from from the ashes after beach to bar, and look effortlessly a devastating personal glamourous on women of all shapes event, then local thanks to most of them being one business entrepreneur size fits all, Sam sells lots more and mother of two Sam sartorial goodies. These include a Hipperson is surely it.

Going through a separation, selling kaleidoscope of coloured soft knits, smart blazers and divine boho style the family home and then having to jewellery in both silver and gold.

Airbnb and hotel hop from week to Then of course there are the ‘Off week due to not being able to rent Duty’ slogan hoodies which launched a place because of Covid, would the Love and Luxe label last summer have surely broken the majority of under its original owner and founder us but not Sam. Rebecca Doyle – AKA Becks from And after spending a pleasant the House Build Instagram account sunny Friday morning interviewing and owner of Isabella Grace her it would appear that this bridal boutique on very testing period of Mount Ephraim.

Sam’s life has actually “I hadn’t worked “Becks launched only made her Love and Luxe back stronger and wiser. for 16 years due to in June 2021 and I I’m talking to her being a stay at home could see via her because, despite mum and all of a Instagram stories the aforementioned that she was really difficulties she’s sudden I had to busy running her had to endure find a job” bridal boutique, her over the past two House Build account and a half years, Sam is and a new fashion brand, so now back up and running I decided to email her and ask if she having bought a house, divorced wanted any help.” her husband and taken over the At this particular time Sam was running of local start-up fashion and newly divorced and having to stand accessories brand Love and Luxe. on her own two feet financially. “I We meet in a beautiful - and hadn’t worked for 16 years due to huge - cottage-style garden right being a stay at home mum and all of in the centre of Tunbridge Wells a sudden I had to find a job. I reached to conduct the interview for SO out to Becks as my previous career magazine. It belongs to one of Sam’s had been in events and I thought I many supportive friends who has might be able to help around the helped her over the past few years Love and Luxe launch. Becks was and it’s where she shoots all the very sweet and supportive to me new collections for the label she saying that although she couldn’t acquired in February of this year which she is clearly pouring so much employ me on a full or even parttime basis she might be able to give passion into. me ad hoc work.

“I absolutely love this garden,” “Our first job together was on a says Sam as she carefully hooks a Love and Luxe photoshoot and we selection of beautiful beach and hit it off. I then helped her out every occasionware dresses to a pretty now and again while the business ornamental rose arch, ready for our grew and when she went on holiday photographer Emily to shoot. a few months later in August she “These dresses are the main stay said that I could run the business of the Love and Luxe collection. The in her absence. I was working four Ibiza Aztec one in particular is by far days a week and that’s when things our most popular and always sells started to really take off for me,” out,” she continues smoothing the explains Sam. fabric as she hangs it up, prepping it

42 | August 2022 | SO Magazine

Fashion

By November however Becks said she felt she was unable to juggle Love and Luxe with everything else and told Sam that she could either wind the business down or Sam could buy it from her.

“She said I think you should do the latter stressing what a great opportunity it would be for me. It was quite serendipitous. Becks had really helped me and now wanted me to take it on and make something of it. I had to borrow money to buy the business and I have to admit it that I really put myself outside of my comfort zone but here I am!”

On purchasing Love and Luxe in February of this year, Sam hit the ground running having to source new premises to operate from, find a new model to showcase the clothes and work out how she was going to put her own style stamp onto things.

“I borrowed money from my sister and managed to secure a place to rent and then asked my friend Sarah if she knew of anyone who’d be up for modelling. She suggested one of her personal trainer clients, a new mum of twins called Rachel.

She couldn’t understand why we’d asked her as she had just become a mummy and had lost a bit of her self-confidence. But a few months down the line and Rachel is killing it as the Love and Luxe model so it feels like a mutually beneficial collaboration!”

And over the past six months Sam says she is now finding her feet with the type of stock she is sourcing for the brand and how she

is now marketing it.

“I’m seeing that having invested in targeted online advertising is paying off. We’re able to track who’s buying what and where and we’re doing pretty well – our biggest followers are in Tunbridge Wells, London and funnily enough Scotland.”

Sam says that she is also now going to trade shows so she can curate future collections and that’s something she’s really enjoying.

“For me it’s all about the quality and how something feels, so to be able to do that in person means that our shoppers know we are selling good stock. I know that a lot of people are wary about buying online but hopefully Love and Luxe customers can be assured.”

So what’s the secret of how Sam cherry picks pieces, because if her current summer collection is anything to go by it’s certainly appealing to women of most ages, styles and sizes.

“I guess I buy what I like and I buy

“When picking pieces for Love and Luxe I buy what I like and what I would wear but I’m also really keen on quality, good value and things have to be multifunctional”

what I would wear but I’m also really keen on quality. And it also has to be good value,” replies Sam. “My other big thing is that it has to be multi-functional. So, I always consider how many ways I can wear something. Will it go with a denim jacket and white trainers or a pair of high heels? Can I also wear it on the school run as well as to the office, out to dinner or to a wedding? That’s a big selling point for me.”

Sam adds that she is constantly learning on the job but what’s lovely is that she can see things properly evolving.

“I’m getting into a routine with forward planning and am really excited about what we have coming up for Autumn/Winter and Christmas!

“There are some beautiful pieces coming through in some gorgeous colourways. I’m very into things looking good together and like they complement one another.”

As well as a variety of cable knits, chunky cardigans and fur trimmed ponchos, there will also be a little bit of seasonal sparkle added into the Love and Luxe mix. And the good news is that having just hosted a series of super successful pop ups, Sam is planning on doing a few more so customers can see the collection in the flesh before buying – something that’s quite unusual for an online store and its customers.

It’s fair to say that the future season is certainly looking bright for Sam - in more ways than one…. www.loveandluxe.uk SO Magazine | August 2022 | 43

Business

PUTTING MYOPIA INTO

This month optician Jamie Edney - who runs Edney & Edney with his optometrist wife Ayshah on Monson Road - discusses a cuttingedge development in spectacle lens technology…

A

s we find ourselves living in the ‘new normal’, across many industries we have begun noticing new trends arising from having spent the best part of two years stuck inside. In the optical industry, one such trend has become strikingly apparent: more and more of our children are becoming short-sighted – or myopic.

Although it is not yet clear exactly what has caused this secondary refractive epidemic,

44 | August 2022 | SO Magazine

we do know that time spent outdoors and away from close tasks like reading, slows down the rate at which we become short sighted.

So, it makes sense that home schooling and limited outdoor time has had the opposite effect on children’s eyes across the globe. To put things in perspective, in 2000, 23% of the world’s population were short-sighted, by 2050 this number is expected to rise to 49.8%.

So why is this a problem? There are two major issues: Firstly, the more short-sighted you are, the more restricted your vision without glasses will be. Distance vision becomes blurrier, and the short distances that we can see clearly at become shorter.

Secondly, higher degrees of shortsightedness carry an increased risk of developing eye problems including glaucoma and retinal detachments in later life.

Although concerning, years of research in anticipation of an increasingly myopic paediatric population have culminated in a number of exciting solutions which aim to slow down the rate of myopic progression, a field known as myopia management. To understand how these treatments work, it is important

versatility of a myopia management to understand exactly what causes spectacle lens has been long short-sightedness. anticipated. When the first clinically People who are short-sighted proven lens came to the UK market cannot see well into the distance in 2021, Edney & Edney were quick to because their eyes focus light in front become one of the first UK stockists. of the retina, therefore we could So far, we have fitted several of describe this as the eyeball being ‘too our younger clients with the Hoya long’. Unfortunately, the out-of-focus MiyoSmart lens, and the results have image that reaches the retina initiates been encouraging to say the least. In a response which actually causes the most cases, the lenses slow myopia eyeball to grow in length, which in progression by up to 60%, turn makes the image blurrier, and I’m certain that those which in turn stimulates short-sighted readers further eyeball growth, (including myself!) and so on and so on, will testify that a resulting in a more GET IN CONTACT: prescription of -3.00 short-sighted eye. www.edneyandedney.com is far preferable to a Therefore, many of @edneyandedney -5.00. the currently available @edneyandedney Myopia myopia management @edneyandedney management aside, options work by these ultra-light changing how light is polycarbonate lenses focused on the peripheral boast 100% UV protection retina, which reduces the and premium antireflection and eyeball’s response to increase in scratch resistant coatings. Coupled length. So, myopia management is not with a phenomenal frame, the about stopping or reversing shortresultant spectacles combine groundsightedness, it’s all about slowing breaking optics with outstanding it down. This is why it is important style – a combination which has been to intervene at as young an age as possible before myopic chain reaction testament to every pair of spectacles dispensed by us since opening five really gets going.

Myopia management contact lenses years ago.

If you have any concerns about have been available for many years, your child’s vision – or yours - or but limitations such as incompatibility would be interested to know more, with all prescriptions and concerns please feel free to contact us or pop of contact lens over-wear restricting into the practice on Monson Road. wear time have meant that the

Beauty

These high-SPF creams could help you reduce plastic waste

N

ew research has revealed some shocking statistics on the amount of plastic going to landfill each year.

The Big Plastic Count saw 100,000 households track how many pieces of disposable plastic packaging they threw away, with the results showing an average of 66 pieces per home, per week. Scaling up to every household in the UK, that means around 96 billion pieces of plastic packaging are binned every year.

The survey found 12% of discarded plastics were recycled in UK facilities, with a further 17% shipped abroad for processing.

Many of us are looking for ways to reduce the amount of single-use plastic we buy and use, but with some products, it’s difficult to find suitable alternatives.

Take sun lotion, for example.

The vast majority of SPF creams and sprays come in plastic bottles and tubes, but there are planet-friendly options available that will protect your skin – without adding to your eco-guilt.

If you’re looking to stock up in the midst of the heatwave, here are five of the best plasticfree sunblocks…

Odyskin Odyskin Sunscreen SPF30, £19.90, Peace with the Wild Made with a minimum of 99% natural ingredients and housed in an aluminium tube, this certified vegan and organic mineral sun lotion melts into the skin – and won’t leave white marks.

Amazinc Amazinc Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50, £21.50, Peace with the Wild Packaged in a recyclable aluminium bottle, Amazinc’s SPF50 cream is enriched with moisturising almond oil, and tinted to make the mineral formula invisible on your skin.

We Love The Planet We Love The Planet Natural Sunscreen Stick SPF30, £17.99, Holland and Barrett Formulated with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to protect against the sun’s harmful rays, this vegan, reeffriendly, natural SPF30 stick is housed in a cardboard tube. The 50g size makes it handy for travel and top-ups on the go.

Sintra Naturals Sintra Naturals Vegan Mineral Suncream SPF30, £18.99 Unlike some mineral sunscreens that can leave a chalky residue, Sintra Naturals is made with ZinClear, a zinc oxide product that offers transparent UVA and UVB protection. The 60g tin is 100% recyclable.

Sol De Ibiza Sol De Ibiza Vegan & Organic Natural Sun Cream SPF30, £21.99, Friendly Turtle Available in SPF 30 and 50 varieties, Sol De Ibiza’s natural sunblock comes in an aluminium tin.

The formula is vegan, fragrance-free and waterresistant for up to 40 minutes, with 1% from each sale going to the Ibiza Preservation Foundation.

Interiors

Haygarden 47cm Torchiere Lamp by Etta Avenue, £102.99,Wayfair A hero piece, if you want to switch things up a bit and let your sideboard dresser unit bask in the sunshine, an eye-catching lamp with contemporary curves offers a shapely silhouette.

Flashes of gold in decos and furnishings can bring just the right dose of dazzle, says Sam Wylie-Harris

Oriental Stones Mural in Stone with Gold Effect, from £100, I Love Wallpaper A real flight of fancy, this striking mural could switch up your space in a flash. Its exotic Eastern influence pairs beautifully with ivory furnishings and the Japandi interiors trend – a modern fusion between Scandinavian and Japanese design.

W

ant to get your summer glow on and channel some glitzy brilliance around the home? Gold-tone accents feel sophisticated and fresh – and work surprisingly well alongside simple furnishings as well as traditional pieces.

Ultra-versatile, these glimmering flashes can complement elegant design features and Scandi schemes, and make everything look that much lovelier.

As Dayna Isom Johnson, Etsy trend expert, puts it: “A fun way to introduce a summer glow into your home is to incorporate shimmering metallics – like gold, brass, and copper – that embrace warmth and brighten up a room. From bold metallic wall art to dazzling statement lighting, metallic decor is the perfect option to liven up a summer room, while also adding a touch of glamour.”

Not sure about going big with the glitz? For a more subtle take on the trend, she suggests incorporating neutral pieces with smaller metallic details – like gold-handled mugs, trinket dishes with gold edges, etc – into your existing decor.

Likewise, plush cushions, cocktail glasses and exotic bookends can really revitalise a space…

46 | August 2022 | SO Magazine

Interiors

Pom Pom Velour Cushion, £7.99 (was £14.99), M&Co Soft dove grey and shiny gold are natural bedfellows too, as illustrated with this novelty velour cushion edged with pom-poms.

George Home Gold-Tone Stem Gin Glasses – Set of 4, £16, and Gold-Tone Stem Wine Glasses – Set of 4, £14, Direct.asda These gorgeous glasses shout expensive style, without being spendy. They’ll make drinks hour and entertaining that much more fun too.

30cm Gold Osby Moon Battery Light, £13.99, Lights4fun The moon can work its magic in so many ways, especially when you want to shine the light on a glimmering deco for daytime decadence. This crescent light sets the scene beautifully.

Fontaine Marble Drinks Trolley, £399, Atkin & Thyme Still hankering after a bar trolley?

This could be the summer to splurge on one. Not only is it one of the most glamorous ways to display spirits and stemware, a luxe trolley will cheer crystal to great effect. With its art deco style, marble shelves and brass frame, this one ticks all the stylistic boxes.

Siobhan Murphy Black & Gold Snake Bookends, £50, Freemans When you want to up your #shelfie game, these eye-catching bookends have high-end boutique hotel written all over them. Best of all, they can be styled against a statement vase as well as a block of novels.

Collection Luxe Textured Velvet Fringe Cushion with Feather Pad, £22, Next Shown here in Champagne Gold, a shimmering textured cushion on a grey sofa pulls everything together and feels opulent.

Queen Bee Trinket Tray, £7.99, M&CO Looking for a sweet knick-knack to make a shiny statement?

Make a beeline for this dazzling dish.

Birch Trees Large Canvas Wall Art, £100, Next Eye-catching and shimmery, the light, airy foliage and metallic hand-painted finish in this wall art is made for centre stage – and will work like a dream with neutrals, bleached woods and monochrome.

Ivyline Chelsea Planter, from £29.99, Ivyline With sunlight streaming in and all eyes on your indoor oasis, a shiny metal planter with bronze highlights will break up the leafy greenery and add contrast and texture.

SO Magazine | August 2022 | 47

Outside edge

This month, Tim Sykes from Gardenproud, reveals how his landscaper son George turned an uncertain time in Australia during the pandemic into a triumph courtesy of a prestigious design task commissioned by one of the country’s most prolific designers…

T

he Covid pandemic created an unexpected opportunity for my son George Sykes.

His journey to Australia kicked off in December 2019. Already an accomplished landscaper, George had planned to travel for a year and gain experience working with some of the top landscape designers in Australia.

Prior to leaving the UK he had the foresight to create a portfolio of his work and then set about researching and contacting a number of landscape designers he wanted to work with.

A PDF brochure of his work was sent out to the select list. It did the trick and among the responders he was fortunate enough to gain an audience with the acclaimed designer Anthony Wyer, at Wyer and Co Sydney - and he got the job!

Things couldn't have got off to a better start! But, after a couple of months working for Wyer and Co, Covid struck and George was faced with a dilemma: “I thought do I stay and stick it out, or go home? I was obviously thinking if this gets bad I would be the first to be made redundant

48 | August 2022 | SO Magazine

and have to find a new job, so I was very unsure about what to do,” he explains.

“Then I got a phone call from Anthony who explained he was really sorry but he didn’t know if he would be able to retain me, as he only had about 14 more days of work planned. That got me thinking about alternative plans but then panic set in. I went straight to the computer and started looking for flights home.

Some flights were going to cost a staggering $30,000, which I definitely didn’t have! So, I considered travelling to North Queensland and taking on some farm work.

“I managed to secure a job through a friend at a cattle station which I was quite keen on doing.

Then Queensland decided to close their borders with New South Wales, so I was well and truly stuck!

With the 14th day of work fast approaching, one evening I got another phone call from Anthony asking me if I wanted to take on a rather ambitious job at his house - as site foreman. This would keep me busy until August. Suffice to say I accepted the challenge straight away!" Here’s what happened next….

THE BRIEF: Anthony’s house is set in a smart residential area of Sydney. The gardens are typically town sized, and due to the topography, levels can vary significantly between plots and within gardens. So, this can be a real challenge for the landscaper both in terms of design and logistics.

George was tasked with transforming the rear garden into a Mediterranean themed space, which Anthony had designed, a popular garden style in Australia. It’s an approach to watch and adapt with appropriate plants in the UK. The job entailed removing a large mass of rock to the rear of the garden and then building a cabana (or cave) in its place with a large garden border integrated above it. He also had to create an outdoor kitchen BBQ area (what Aussie garden wouldn’t have one!) and an outdoor fireplace. Needless to say, George and his team had their work cut out…

Outside edge

THE BUILD

What to do in the garden this August:

BIG, or go home!” laughs George.

“On the day of the planting I arrived at the site at about 5am and After a number of months cutting in rolls a 40 tonne crane, a road rock, jack hammering, pouring closure to manage, then truck after concrete and building walls they had truck, after truck arrived carrying created the structure of the garden. what one can only describe What an achievement, the as fully grown trees and cave was made, fireplace cacti! built - all they had left “All the plants to do was apply the “George was tasked had to be craned finishes. from the road, Anthony had with transforming the over the house chosen white rear garden into a and into their textured rendered Mediterranean themed predetermined walls, a beautiful red brick paver for space - a popular garden slots in the rear garden. This was surfaces, and New style in Australia” going to be a busy Guinea rosewood day! The site was decking around the buzzing with activity pool and house. and we had most of the George and his team set crew from Wyer helping out. The upon applying all the finishes with work finished around 7pm – so it was gusto and then it was time for the a bit of a marathon - but it was all planting! but completed.

“We just had a couple of trees left PLANTING to plant the next day: one Phoenix Palm and a Dracaena Draco, what "As with most planting I’ve a relief ! completed with Wyer - it was go

It's been an unusually hot summer so far so please be aware of any guidelines from South East Water. If you have any rainwater fed watering systems then use the water carefully where it is needed most.

Water butts may also help. Lawns will recover, so don't worry so much about these, focus on specimen trees, expensive topiary and shrubs that might be hungry. Plus, any newer plants you have planted that may not be established yet. Other areas like your kitchen garden may deserve attention with seasonal planting yields. But all times be aware of any changing guidelines and abide by these.

August is a good time to prune wisteria. See the RHS guidelines if you are at all uncertain Deadhead any flowering Perennials and Annuals regularly and this will help extend their flowering It's time to Summer prune your Espalier Pear and Apple trees Cut off the old fruit canes from raspberries and other fruit plants in readiness for the new growth for next year Lift and pot up Strawberry runners Prune your rambling roses

Since then George went onto work on a myriad of projects with Anthony, learning new design and construction techniques and building a plant list of a whole range of new species. His stay in Australia was extended until July 2022.

“These could be planted with a smaller crane as the team didn’t have to reach so high and far.

Finally we needed to carry out the underplanting using a variety of succulents, rosemary and many more. A couple of weeks later planting was completed, irrigation in and everything mulched ready for Anthony to enjoy.”

George had completed his first main project for Wyer and Co and what an achievement that was!

WHAT’S NEXT? With all the knowledge he has gained from his time in Australia George is hoping to bring some of these techniques, design ideas and planting methods back home.

"I want to create gardens in the UK that are appreciated and used more often, so we can enjoy these just as much as the Australians love their outdoor spaces." www.wyerandco.com.au

Give any hedges their final trim before colder weather sets in. Just be careful of the heat, and try and pick a milder day Book in a time to mow your meadow at the end of the Summer For more info on Garden Proud visit www.reallygardenproud. com or contact Tim Sykes on 07725 173820

Tim Sykes

Garden Proud SO Magazine | August 2022 | 49

Lifestyle

Call of the wild…

Caracol Camping in Groombridge is a new luxury glamping retreat run by Claire and Ade Passos. We dscover why it’s the perfect place to get away from it all

What sparked the idea for setting up your Caracol Camping venture?

I’ve always had a great love of nature and enjoy the outdoors lifestyle and fortunately my husband Ade shares this passion too. So, after many years of talking about it we decided to take the plunge and make our dream a reality.

What was the timescale on the project?

Originally we thought this would happen later in life when we’d both given up work and bought a suitable piece of land. But when the pandemic hit I took voluntary 50 | August 2022 | SO Magazine

So which local farmer agreed it part of your vision to have a to help you out? unique feel?

To our delight Michael Bourne Yes. Key to our set up and build was from New Park Farm and to upcycle and re-use wherever Groombridge Farmshop got in possible. We were fortunate to find touch to say that he might be scaffold boards which we made into interested. We met straight away benches and bedside tables as well to discuss our ideas and how we as packing wood that we sanded could move this forward. Michael and used to refit the established explained he had a fallow threebarn on site. A lot of the furniture acre asparagus field in an Area of has been sourced from local charity Outstanding Natural Beauty that shops and online social groups. we could set up in. It was absolutely perfect When did Caracol for the style of relaxed officially launch and yet luxury campsite what’s its USP? We opened the site we wanted to create.

Caracol guests in mid-June and will can pre-order be open until the How long did it hampers from weather breaks in take to get the the autumn. With relevant planning Groombridge views over permission?

Farmshop and stunning the Sussex countryside, It took 18 months to also enjoy all we’re located in a get through planning wild meadow field but we did it without the amazing on a working farm so any objections from local walks guests can enjoy local the local community, and great pubs produce that is grown and are delighted to be able to offer our idea just metres away from of glamping to people the site. The site is also in this stunning part of a safe place for guests to bring children and the world. allow them to enjoy playing in the field and an opportunity to break You had to meet a lot of environmental criteria, can you away from technology. We have also created separate areas to relax in tell us about this?

Our decision to create a wildflower the form of the cosy barn and our meadow ticked a lot of boxes as did stretch tent- both fabulous areas the planting of local cobnut trees. to enjoy and be comfortable in all We have also put up bird and bat weathers. boxes to encourage nature to the field. Our ecology report also noted How did you choose the name that there were badger sets situated for your business? in the woods, so our tents are set We wanted a name that was the required distance away from memorable and that had meaning to us. We enjoyed a holiday to Belize these so as not to disturb them. once and explored Caracol which is It’s very much a glamp site as a large ancient Maya archaeological opposed to a camp site with site. After further exploration we lots of bespoke furniture. Was discovered the name means ‘spiral’

redundancy from my job and put the wheels in motion to see if I could make it happen sooner than originally thought. And so the idea of creating a unique and special place that guests could share our love of the outdoors was born!

How did it all come about?

We are avid watchers of Countryfile and there are always a lot of conversations about farm diversification. With this idea in mind I approached the local National Farmers Union newsletter and asked to place an ad, asking if anyone was keen to have a conversation about setting up a glamping business.

Photos © Hannah Robertson

Lifestyle

shape which is similar to a bell tent, hence the decision to use this as the name for our site. The team at Big Orange Media did a fantastic job of bringing this vision to life with our brand design.

Tell us about your affiliation with Groombridge Farmshop?

It’s wonderful to be partnered with the team there as they are an incredible support to us. The collaboration also offers a unique opportunity for our guests as they can pre-order hampers from the team there and enjoy all of the incredible local produce that they offer. Hampers will be delivered directly to the tents and guests can enjoy a short walk to enjoy exploring the plethora of goods that they offer.

What other key things can people do and see without having to jump in a car while staying at Caracol?

In addition to enjoying a wide variety of walks directly from the site, there is the Spa Valley Railway where guests can get a train to the High Rocks or intoTunbridge Wells.

We also have a fabulous range of pubs that can be reached on foot including The Hare in Langton Green, The Junction and The Crown in Groombridge and a slightly further afield but still walkable are the gorgeous villages of Fordcombe and Penshurst.

How has your first season gone so far?

We have had a very positive reaction from our initial guests - everyone loves the cosy, carpeted tents, and have said how comfortable the beds are! The field is a very peaceful place for rest and relaxation, with beautiful sunsets and night skies.

We also have brand new showers too and so are keen to spread the word both locally and further afield in order to offer likeminded people a truly magical stay at Caracol.

CARACOL INFO: Prices start from £85 per tent, per night for a mid-week stay and £95 per tent, per night at the weekend caracolcamping.co.uk @caracol_camp @caracolcamping

THE BALFOUR DINING CLUB The evening starts with a glass of sparkling wine, followed by a delicious, seasonal four-course dinner prepared by our Head Chef, Dan Austin. The dinner is paired with Balfour Wine, specially curated by our Head Winemaker Fergus Elias.

The Balfour Dining Club is a wonderful way to spend sunny Saturday evenings with friends and family.

7.30pm - 10.30pm | 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th August 7.30pm - 10.30pm | 10th, 17th and 24th September £95 per person, inclusive of wine pairing.

Visit www.balfourwinery.com to book.

Open 10am - 6pm daily | 01622 832794 Balfour Winery, Five Oak Lane, Staplehurst, Kent, TN12 0HT

SO Magazine | August 2022 | 51

SJD_PlotNot_Fullpage_Advert_Final_v1.pdf

1

09/06/2021

PLOT OR NOT?

09:20

If you think your land or property has development potential. Why not give us a call without obligation and in confidence.

We are always on the lookout for land and property with development potential.

Commercial buildings for residential conversion, former public houses, redundant buildings for redevelopment, buildings for conversion or replacement, houses for improvement, large sites on the edge of town, barn conversions, large gardens in residential areas and major regeneration projects.

For more information contact Stephen Donnelly on: 07739 514350 01892 579937

sjd-projects.com steve@sjd-projects.com

Many of our clients retain our services and, in the majority of cases, pay our fees saving property owners significant costs.

Fitness

river

Former accountant Ana Maria Teubler started her stand up paddle boarding business in 2020. Since then she has steadily grown it and now boasts a thriving community of 300 plus passionate paddle boarders who she takes out on the River Medway and various local lakes. Here she tells SO magazine more about her love for this popular pastime which became a prodigious craze during lockdown…

E

ver since that infamous picture of Jennifer Aniston paddle boarding and looking insanely serene went viral in 2008, the water sport has enjoyed huge popularity - with the likes of Lady Gaga, Orlando Bloom and Kim Kardashian also posing and posting pics on their boards.

But it wasn’t until the summer of 2020 when we couldn’t go on holiday because of lockdown that the sport was suddenly huge – with sales of boards going through the

roof and rivers suddenly mobbed with amateur paddle boarders.

The reason it became so popular is in essence simply because it’s so good for your physical and mental health: it tones and keeps you connected with the natural world as you glide down your local river or over a tranquil lake.

One fan who turned her passion for stand up paddle boarding (SUP) into a bone fide business is local resident Ana Maria Teubler.

The former professional accountant, who has lived in Tunbridge Wells for the past 20 years, started SUP four years ago in a perfect paddling spot: picturesque Polzeath in Cornwall.

“After my first taster session there I then bought and stored my first paddle board in Bexhill on Sea where I have a flat. It was a hard shell one so when Covid hit I decided to bring it back with me but it was so heavy! It was then I decided to invest in an inflatable SUP board and life was infinitely easier! I found it so enjoyable and was instantly hooked!”

Ana Maria Teubler

WHAT IS SUP?

to the

Take me

ladies on my members’ group! And in terms of how quickly you learn I’d honestly say that it’s easy for some but at the same time really hard for others. I would normally recommend a lesson and then practice. I offer trips three times a week where ladies can come and have a go.

“I coach on the River Medway, as well as on a private lake in Southborough. I have pool sessions lined up for the Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre and am currently running lessons at Sevenoaks School too. I also create daily events such as Nordic Walking and Paddle boarding /Yoga and Paddle boarding/ Barre and Paddle boarding.”

Ana adds that she also does collaborative work with bigger companies and event organisers such us Planet Patrol on their river cleanup projects. She is also currently in discussions to start up an interesting sports fusion called ‘Aqua Paddle’ which Ana describes as a similar concept to the Park Run where people show up at the same time to paddle board collectively.

“But it’s not a race. It will just be a time trial to challenge yourself,” she Ana says she was naturally drawn states. to the sport as she’s a fitness fan and Ana also runs various courses and big lover of the great outdoors. coastal tours – mainly in Bexhill “I play a lot of tennis, I run, golf where her love for this sport grew and do lacrosse as I really enjoy initially - working with other being outside. But having providers to give people sustained a knee injury, a safe environment paddle boarding to develop their seemed like a nice skills further and way of keeping fit learn about without risking FIND OUT MORE HERE: the geography any further standuppaddleboardingwithana.co.uk of other local damage,” Ana @standup_paddleboard_with_ana places. explains.

Stand Up Paddleboarding with Ana She continues What does Google Stand Up Paddleboarding saying that the Ana, who works with Ana mindfulness and all year round, calming nature of think people the sport also attracted ultimately get out of her to it and eventually paddle boarding? led her to enrolling in an “I get so much feedback instructor’s course a few years ago. on how I’ve changed people’s lives “I decided to qualify with British - I guess it’s escapism from the day Canoeing as an instructor due to the to day. Friendships have developed fact I was taking friends out and I around me and I’m proud of that. wanted to know more about rescues It’s also a great way to exercise as and technical skills. When I posted there’s a lot of core engagement and on social media that I’d qualified, toning. The winter is actually my friends then started asking for lessons favourite season as I have the river and it all went from there. I worked all to myself and my group both as an accountant of brave ladies!” and an SUP coach for a year then decided to stop accountancy and move my Stand Up Paddle Boarding – office to the river!” or SUP - involves balancing Since then Ana has done on water on a floating board, additional coaching courses using a paddle to move in order to expand her around. It’s both physically remit and the services she and mentally rewarding. All offers from her base near the major muscle groups are Tonbridge Canoe Club on targeted, with a particular the River Medway. focus on core strength. Fans So how quickly did her enjoy the meditative effects SUP business establish itself of SUP as it requires your and is it a relatively easy skill full attention, takes place to pick up? on tranquil waters and “It took a good year connects you with the to establish and it grew natural world around you. organically - mainly by word of mouth and social media.

I presently have over 300 SO Magazine | August 2022 | 53

Advertising Feature

WHY WAIT UNTIL

SEPTEMBER? “I’ll wait until September now" Does this sound familiar?

The summer holidays make starting a NEW habit harder but is September the best time? With an influx of trends “new me” is the pioneer of populating gyms just like every January.

Resolutions, guilt and impromptu decisions are what cause an influx of people to take up membership in their local gym after indulgent holidays away with friends and family. Whilst this may be motivational for some, it is often short-lived; motivation drops significantly after the first two weeks and then we start all over again. So what if we can set you up for success?

Acting now can save you time and money. If you’re serious about making changes then the choice isn’t a hard one, especially if you consider where you choose to join. For example, it’s the start of August and you have one month until when you would normally start to think about your health and fitness. You’ve now got conflicting emotions about when to start because, hey, summer holidays are just around the corner and you are planning on enjoying yourself. So you say, when the kids are back or when life just settles down after a great summer. ‘I’ll join the gym, then’

54 | August 2022 | SO Magazine

“Acting now can save you time and money. If you’re serious about making changes”

The start of September and yes, normality resumes…

So you and thousands of others are inquiring about membership at a local gym. You arrange a time to set up the membership and visit it - this is the middle of the week - you’ve already postponed getting started two days and perhaps now, the anxiety creeps in and you are having reservations.

You have a 10-minute consultation with a personal trainer, who shows you the gym floor and a quick introduction on how to use the machines and the class schedule. This is a lot of new information. You go home and attempt to structure your week - when to fit in exercise, should I go before work or after? how long to spend there, what exercises to do.

By now you’ve probably convinced yourself that this is well out of your comfort zone. You make the effort to go in. You pop in your headphones and zone out of the world. You use the treadmill for half an hour and have a go on the machines that look like they make sense and leave. Without WHY WAIT? routine, it’s now Start your 30-day trial, today easy to start making excuses Joining our coach-led sessions and the novelty and gaining results you would enjoy the soon wears off. normally dream of. sunshine but also October’s www.sweat-it.co know that it membership leaves doesn’t need to be your bank account, one or the other. Why this is a prompt to try wait for option number again. November, and one when you can take then December, come action now? Remove the guilt, the around far too quickly and the cost pressure of starting, and the accumulates. It’s now Christmas temptation of quitting by putting though and the parties have begun, yourself in the best position now. with plenty of other reasons to stop or wait for next year.

Here’s how we can help: We recognise the challenges that You know the story and we’ve all many of you face when it comes to been there as it maybe even health and fitness so we provide a happened in January as well. service that mitigates as many Let me give you a new scenario. barriers to you achieving your goals You’re sitting around a dinner table as possible. with friends and they’re all talking about how they are feeling great All sessions are coach-led - our going into the end of the year. They’re expert coaches are here to help you ready to enjoy themselves, let their refine your technique, gain insight into hair down but the difference is, from your performance potential, and now to January, they’ve been provide direction to help you towards consistent. Because they’ve scheduled your goals. three workouts a week to ensure Balanced and effective they are dedicating time to living a programming provides structure, healthy balance of gin and burpees. which is vital to improving strength, Okay, maybe not burpees but you get endurance, mobility and overall the idea. You can have your cake and movement quality. you can eat it too - pardon the pun; Be a part of a community - train

with like-minded individuals who inspire and motivate you, and keep training enjoyable.

Consistency is key. SweatIT provides an extensive timetable with nearly 70 sessions to choose from.

You're able to book in advance to get in regular sessions, as well as offer flexibility for those unpredictable lifestyles.

We Individualised your training to suit your needs. The training is specifically tailored to you to advance you to the next level, make lifelong changes and see real results.

At any level, everyone is welcome.

Enjoy the thriving community in and out of the gym - join in events and celebrations to boost your morale and make connections further than just getting sweaty.

These are just some of the qualities that hold us above the rest. There are many more additional benefits to joining our community. If you want to make a change, we are here for you now.

Give yourself a head start by getting ahead of the September rush.

Advertising Feature

O

COMPE

TI TI

Splash into

Photos © John Knight

SUMMER

P

ing away an Bewl Water are giv people worth e fiv for aqua park pass cipants need to sign £125! To enter, parti . The competition list up to Bewl’s mailing st 15th 2022, and gu Au til will be open un ve until the end ha ll wi er nn the wi on to claim as se of the 2022 their prize. bewlwater.co.uk/ To enter, visit www. ibe-now book-now/subscr de or scan the QR co

keep little ones safe.

Like with all activities at Bewl Water, bookings can be made easily online, 24/7 and tickets for the Aqua Park cost £21 that includes wetsuit and buoyancy vest hire. Whilst bookings can be made on site, availability is limited and costs an extra £4 as opposed to booking through the website.

‘We have already taken just under 11,000 bookings so far for the school holidays and urge parents to book now to avoid missing out,’ said Andrew Daniells,

With 2022 set to be one of the hottest summers on record, Molly Miller finds the perfect place to cool off and have fun – Bewl’s Aqua Park, located just off the A21 at the area’s largest reservoir

umped up and ready for a scorcher of a summer? Nothing says ‘school holidays’ quite like sunshine, ice cream, and hurtling down some massive water slides…

Heading towards a recordbreaking year, the popular aqua park that floats on the reservoir of Bewl Water in Lamberhurst has made its return for summer acting as the perfect spot to cool off during the heatwave. And after receiving an impressive 42,000 visitors last year, parents shouldn’t hang around when it comes to booking tickets.

The course, which is reminiscent of those used on popular shows like Total Wipeout, has already received some amazing feedback from this season’s thrill seekers with one adventurer describing the experience as ‘absolutely brilliant’.

With 3,000 square meters

N

E! TIM

of pure inflatable fun, the floating obstacle course has been dubbed the UK’s best Wibit outdoor aqua park after receiving the ultimate expansion in early 2021. The success of the attraction has been driven by its popular features including the ice tower, an XXL action tower, springboard, the twist, a balance bar, flip mattress, cliff, monkey bars, aqua slide, dome, roundabout, halfpipe, hurdles, and lots more, making it a paradise for water park enthusiasts.

One of the park’s main appeals is its popularity amongst boys, girls, men, and women of all ages and whilst children aged six to 12 must have either a parent or guardian accompanying them on the obstacle course, 13 to 16-yearolds can have their parent or guardian viewing from the shoreside where they can grab a coffee, relax, and soak up the sunshine as Bewl’s lifeguards

Business Director at Bewl Water.

“Our amazing reception and lifeguard team look forward to welcoming you to the Aqua Park to fit your wet suit and buoyancy vest then they’ll lead you onto our floating Aqua Park for 50 minutes of fun,” continued Mr Daniells.

All customers must turn up 45 minutes prior to their session and be able to swim at least 25 metres (82 feet) unaided as the obstacle course promises unbridled energetic excitement.

After a fun-filled day packed with adrenaline-pumping obstacles, you’re going to need a little fuel. Head back over to the front of Bewl Water (just by the car park) where you’ll find the Waterfront café. Here you can enjoy a selection of light meals, sweet and savoury snacks, ice creams and drinks whilst overlooking the water in this picture-perfect, dogfriendly spot. And with miles of beautiful countryside, there are plenty of picnic worthy patches too for those who wish to bring their own food…

Bewl Water is owned by the Elite Leisure Company who also own SO Magazine SO Magazine | August 2022 | 55

Travel

HERE ARE A FEW OF THE BEST WAYS TO EXPERIENCE THE CITY…

America’s The state capital of Texas is easily accessible thanks to new direct flights from the UK, says Sarah Marshall

B

eing described as weird isn’t always considered a good thing. But when it comes to a place as innovative and eccentric as Austin, the term is worn like a badge of honour.

The Texan city’s unofficial motto ‘Keep Austin Weird’ appears on everything from T-shirts to car bumper stickers, and it’s a mantra adhered to with gusto by the one million-strong population.

Here, in this liberal and progressive enclave of one of America’s most conservative states, all degrees of quirkiness are celebrated. Independent cafes, restaurants and bars champion over dull, cookie-cutter chains, while bold entrepreneurs are encouraged to think differently and change the world.

It’s no surprise Sir Richard Branson chose Austin as Virgin Atlantic’s first new route since the pandemic.

After the toughest two years in its history, the airline has launched a new direct service from London

56 | August 2022 | SO Magazine

TAKE A BREEZY BUS TOUR To tick off all the main sights and escape the intense Texan sun (temperatures have been known to exceed 40C in August), book a guided (and air-conditioned) bus tour with AO Tours.

An itinerary focusing on the downtown district features the sombre but beautiful Texas State Cemetery (the final resting place of generals, governors and congressmen), and the handsome 92-metre-tall State Capitol Building – taller than its iconic counterpart in the nation’s capital.

Stop to pose in front of the famous ‘Greetings from Austin’ mural, the city’s most celebrated piece of street art, on the corner of 1st street. A two-and-a-halfhour panoramic tour costs from $51/£42. Visit aotoursaustin.com.

wackiest

city

Heathrow, offering travellers a new link to one of the most exciting cities in the United States.

The 10-hour flight is currently departing four times a week, but a surge in bookings means the service will become daily from spring 2023.

“They say everything is bigger in Texas and I’ve found that to be true with the entrepreneurial spirit, creativity and innovation that has emerged from this great city,” said Branson, wearing a cowboy hat, at the launch of the inaugural flight.

“If you look at the entrepreneurial culture within Austin and its heritage, it’s the perfect fit for Virgin Atlantic.”

So, what awaits?

All the wonderfully familiar Texan cliches abound in its laid-back state capital: cowboys and ranches, heartfelt Southern hospitality, the aroma of BBQ wafting down the boulevards, and the sound of live music on almost every street corner.

But there are surprises, too.

Dissected by the Colorado River, Austin is a place of hot springs, and islands that could pass for the Caribbean.

break

Travel

KAYAK WITH MICRO BATS For something more unusual, take a kayak tour along the Colorado River. Paddle leisurely beneath Congress Avenue Bridge – also nicknamed Bat Bridge, in reference to the 1.5 million tiny Mexican free-tailed bats that live underneath it. Every evening between March and November, the bats emerge to feed, creating a spectacle in the sky. A two-hour tour costs from $59/£49. Visit austinkayaktours.com.

LEARN THE ROPES ON A RANCH Sweeping thick blonde locks from beneath her Stetson, Miss Tina is a tireless taskmaster when it comes to training novice cowgirls and cowboys at her Lone Star Ranch.

John Wayne wannabes can try their hands at lassoing, tomahawk throwing and archery, all under the watchful eye of Miss T – or go horse riding along trails criss-crossing the ranch’s 600-acres of ravines, meandering streams and open plains. The

working cattle farm is only open to the public by pre-booked appointment. A two-and-a-half cow class costs $150/£124. Visit lonestarranchtexas.com.

HOW TO PLAN YOUR TRIP Virgin Atlantic (virginatlantic.com) flies from London Heathrow to Austin from £516 return. For more information on the destination, go to visitaustin.org.

SAVOUR THE SUPERSIZED DISHES You won’t go hungry in Austin, where the flavours are as big as the portions. Texas BBQ is almost a religion in these parts, and there’s no shortage of exceptional places to sample grilled and smoked meats.

Patient diners should head to Franklin (franklinbbq.com), the nofrills street-side diner where people queue for up to three hours for a pulled pork sandwich and slice of pecan pie. Located in the historic East Side district, it’s only open until everything is sold out (usually around 2pm). The verdict? It’s well worth the (very long) wait. Pay around $14/£12 for a sandwich.

Sharing a border with Mexico inevitably means the city’s culinary scene is heavily influenced by its neighbour to the south. One of the best places to grab a bite on the go is Torchy’s (torchystacos.com), food trucks acclaimed for lip-tingling tacos. Try the trailer park taco with

fried chicken, green chillies, pico de gallo salsa and poblano sauce.

Pay around $7/£6 for a taco.

TAP YOUR FEET TO TERRIFIC TUNES Austin could easily rival New Orleans or Nashville as America’s capital of live music: there are around 250 venues, with up to 100 shows often taking place in a single night.

Broken Spoke (brokenspokeaustintx.net) is among the most celebrated ‘honky-tonk’ country music bars, and has even welcomed legend Dolly Parton. It also offers two-step dancing lessons for those who want to fit in with the local crowd.

Meanwhile, Antone’s (antonesnightclub.com) has been playing the blues since 1975. In

that time, everyone from B.B. King to local hero Willie Nelson have grabbed the mic here. Whether well-known or up-and-coming, the quality of the musicians is consistently high.

STOCK UP ON BOOTS AND STETSONS A cowboy hat is an essential part of the wardrobe in these parts.

Sandwiched between trendy and minimalist boutiques on South Congress Avenue, Allens Boots is a local institution (just look for the giant red boot outside).

Aisles are lined with authentic cowboy boots, hats and big buckled belts, each handmade and the real deal. The friendly staff will have you kitted out and looking every inch the Texan in no time. Visit allensboots.com.

SO Magazine | August 2022 | 57

Motors

Range Rover First Drive:

The new flagship Range Rover has more FACTS AT A technology and more comfort than before GLANCE WHAT IS IT?

The luxury SUV market is booming right now – and it was the Range Rover that arguably started it all. However, while it used to be in a fairly exclusive class, it now has plenty of competitors, some of which offer ludicrously high price points, with technology and luxury to match.

At first glimpse, both inside and out, the new Range Rover doesn’t look all that revolutionary. But with new benchmarks for what customers want – and are willing to pay for – Range Rover has upped the ante.

New Range Rovers don’t come around that often, with this being just the fifth generation and the first new model in a decade. But does it have what it takes to show those new on the scene that it’s still the top dog?

WHAT’S NEW?

The whole car has been overhauled, sitting on a new platform that offers standard and long wheelbase versions 58 | August 2022 | SO Magazine

with five or seven-seat configurations. There’s new technology everywhere you look, whether it’s improving comfort and off-road abilities through the electronic air suspension, enhancing refinement through noise cancellation, or introducing better connectivity, such as Amazon Alexa.

Luxury car buyers are increasingly eco-conscious, too, so there will be petrol-electric plug-in hybrids (PHEV) (with an all-electric model coming in 2024) and luxurious alternatives to traditional leather.

MODEL: Range Rover

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?

TORQUE: 650Nm

Electrification is increasingly key, and as such there will be a pair of PHEV powertrains, called P440e and P510e. They combine a six-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor with a 38.2kWh battery, that offers up to 62 miles of electric-only motoring.

So far, those engines make up about a quarter of sales,

STARTING PRICE: £99,375 MODEL AS TESTED: Range Rover Autobiography PRICE AS TESTED: £120,615 ENGINE: 3.0-litre mild-hybrid diesel POWER: 296bhp

0-60MPH: 6.5 seconds TOP SPEED: 135mph ECONOMY: 35.8mpg EMISSIONS: 207g/km

with 35 per cent going to the mild-hybrid petrol. Our test car was the D300, which sits alongside the D350 as one of two mild-hybrid diesels that make up 40 per cent of sales.

It’s a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder unit that makes 296bhp and 650Nm of torque, with a 0-60mph time of 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 135mph.

Economy? You’re looking at CO2 emissions of 207g/km and fuel consumption of 35.8mpg.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

One of the keys to the Range Rover’s class-leading status is

its exquisite driving experience, and this new version has turned comfort up to 11. Out on the road, the air suspension irons out all but the worst bumps in the road, and the car’s speaker system uses active noise cancellation to filter out unwanted noise, making it incredibly quiet.

With the all-wheel steering, the Range Rover is very agile for such a big car, and the perfectly judged steering makes it so easy to drive that you quickly forget about the size of the thing, even on country lanes.

Despite its wide-ranging suite of driver assistance technology, the biggest compliment that can be paid is that they were not noticeable. Often, large cars can get jittery as the tech struggles to keep it in lane, but there was no intrusion from unwanted ‘assistance’.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

In the luxury market, the interior is where the difference can be made. And with the likes of Rolls-Royce and Bentley entering the luxury SUV market, the Range Rover has new benchmarks of design and quality.

The materials are superb throughout, from the comfortable seat upholstery to even the most hidden recesses of the cabin, with plenty of space available for all passengers, too. There’s a minimalist design, with the 13.1-inch curved infotainment display controlling the majority of functions.

It’s here we encounter our only major issue with the new Range Rover, which was that the Apple CarPlay was glitchy and couldn’t hold a connection.

Other minor issues included the graphics on the heat seating dial being slow to respond to inputs, an annoying speaker buzz that disappeared after a

reset, and overly sensitive auto wipers – not deal-breakers but unexpected on a car that costs six figures, and hopefully just a symptom of us driving early builds.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

Prices start at £99,375 for the SE trim with the D300 engine, with standard equipment including 21-inch alloy wheels, perforated Windsor leather upholstery, heated rear seat, Pixel LED headlights and a Meridian sound system.

At the top of the range is the SV with the P350 powertrain, coming with 22-inch alloy wheels, SV semi-aniline leather upholstery, massaging seat functions, digital LED headlights and an upgraded Meridian stereo.

Our Autobiography model sits around the middle of the range and costs from £119,275, though we had the Charente Grey paint job and privacy glass extras, adding £1,340 to the price. This brought it close to the average price of configured Range Rovers so far, which is around £125,000.

VERDICT

The new Range Rover has yet again set a new benchmark.

Despite it being almost impossible to buy one under six figures, there are pricier options that still can’t quite match its class.

If you want to be flashy, this might be underwhelming, but the Range Rover has never been about that. It has all of the technology you want, incredible refinement and the kind of badge appeal rivals would kill for, all while somehow flying under the radar.

If luxury, refinement and understated class are key, there’s still nothing that comes close.

RESTORING THE WORLD’S MOST ICONIC CARS

WWW.H-ENGINEERING.COM H Engineering Ltd, Little Cacketts Farm, Haymans Hill, Horsmonden, Kent, TN12 8BX info@h-engineering.com | 01892 549042