SO MAGAZINE February 2023

AT YOUR SERVICE

WE MEET ONE WARWICK PARK HOTEL’S NEW RESTAURANT DIRECTOR LUIS ALVES

EDUCATION Making the grade

Our expert schools special has all the info parents and pupils need to know

BUSINESS Shape of the future

How local independent aesthetic companies are leading a beauty revolution

CULTURE Just for laughs

about

Comedian Zoe Lyons reveals why she’s excited

performing in Tunbridge Wells

Welcome to your February edition of SO magazine.

This month we have a bumper issue for you to enjoy. Our cover feature is all about the appointment of Luis Alves, the new Restaurant Manager at One Warwick Park Hotel, who has recently taken on the role and is looking forward to taking the establishment’s Brasserie to another epicurean level. He tells us about his culinary vision which will see the restaurant extend its service into the evenings and offer guests a ‘taste of the Mediterranean’ courtesy of the delicious new menu Luis and his team are currently curating (p11). Elsewhere we talk to comedian Zoe Lyons ahead of her appearance at Trinity Theatre later this month (p23) about her new show Bald Ambition and discover how a series of personal traumas including losing her hair during lockdown has shaped her current material.

We also meet Dylan Miles, who has just opened his incredible classic car showroom right in the heart of Tunbridge Wells. Turn to page 24 to find out more about the history

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of the building, where comedian and actor Steve Coogan cut the ribbon at the recent launch party.

If you’re looking for a prep or senior school for your child, then we have all the information you’ll need about open days, admissions, academia and extra-curricular activities within the pages of our education special, which starts on page 29 with an exclusive interview with Claremont’s new Principal Severine Collins.

And if you’re already thinking about getting beach body ready for summer, you might want to turn to page 46 where we have an interview with local aesthetician Celeste Savage who carries out some truly impressive fat freezing treatments, while on page 53 Charlotte Newman from Kitch reveals her top three fashion trends for spring/ summer ’23.

With all your favourite contributors, plus ideas for Valentine’s gifting, exotic travel ideas and a fascinating chat with the chef from Kumquat restaurant on The Pantiles, you’ll have plenty to see you through this final month of winter…. Enjoy

Culture vulture: What’s on where this month

ISSUE 172

EDITOR

Eileen Leahy

eileen.leahy@onemediauk.co.uk

DESIGN

Xela Stirling

EDITORIAL

Karen Martin

Naomi Murray

Tim Sykes

Molly Miller

PHOTOGRAPHY

David Bartholomew

John Knight

Emily Harding

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Tuning up: Paul Dunton chats to David Midgen & The Twisted Roots ahead of their album launch

February

11

Taste the difference: We meet One Warwick Park Hotel’s new Restaurant Director Luis Alves

15 Sister act: Find out all about the latest Make It Your Business social event

16 Bright idea: Why you should enter your company into the Times Business Awards

19

Good roasting: TN card members and even flow celebrate their joint third birthday

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Skin deep: Retreat Aesthetics and HiTech Aesthetics host a joint seminar

46 Body confidence: Celeste Savage of 3D Body Contouring reveals the secrets of her unique treatments’ success

53 Seasonal shift: Charlotte Newman, owner of Kitch on the top three trends for spring/summer ‘23

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Love where you live: Neil Simmons of TN Recruits tells us where he likes to shop, stroll and socialise

49 Love tokens: TAW’s Natalie Piacun on the best beauty buys for Valetine’s Day

55 Me time: Hypnotherapist Karen Martin advises how to banish boredom

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Comic endeavour: We meet the talented comedian Zoe Lyons ahead of her Trinity show

24 Wheels in motion: We discover the history behind the new Dylan Miles classic car showroom

51 Clinical approach: Gynaecologist Anne Henderson explains all about her new venture The Amara Clinic

56 Comfort zone: Fitness expert Sarah Gorman discusses the importance of posture

59 Natural selection: Naomi Murray from Botanica Health’s on ways to remedy fatigue

60 Magical magenta: Discover the Pantone Colour of the Year

63 Alfresco success: Gardenproud’s Tim Sykes gives his tips on how to create a stunning outdoor space for summer

64 Out of Africa: Escape to the beautiful country of Kenya

66 Drive time: We test drive the new Range Rover Sport

27 Flower power: The TN card’s Jess Gibson meets Mrs Florist

29 Education special: Some of the best schools in the area offer their academic advice

44 Asia express: Kumquat’s Alex Boyd tells us all about his culinary vision for 2023

FUTURE SOUNDS STABLE SHOWCASE 2023 The Forum

FEBRUARY 8, 13 & 20

The Forum is hosting three nights as part of its Stable Showcase spring session 2023. A host of up exciting bands and artists from across the South East will perform at the famous Tunbridge Wells music venue, following the likes of Oasis, Adele and Coldplay who have all played at The Forum over the last 30 years.

On February 8 the alt rock trio, Civil Villains will be headlining, supported by New World Dreams, SOFT and This Elegant Gull. February 15 sees bands Big Reference, The Steelworks, theillusivefish and The Wot Nots on The Forum’s stage, while on February 20 the mic is handed over to solo artists Ned Holland, Sonny Palmer, Dan summer and Charlie J White.

DID YOU KNOW?

NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOW BUSINESS BROADWAY AND BEYOND Trinity Theatre

FEBRUARY 10

If you enjoy musicals, you will love Broadway and Beyond – an entertaining mix of show tunes from classic New York theatre productions such as Kiss Me Kate,The Music Man, Miss Saigon The Producers and Oklahoma! The eight talented performers will reprise classic musical numbers with their own instruments and singing abilities that will be sure to have you humming (or singing) along! Book tickets at: trinitytheatre.net/ events/broadway-beyond

WINTER WALK SNOWDROP WALK Hever Castle

FEBRUARY 8

Why not take a romantic stroll along the Snowdrop Walk at Hever Castle & Gardens with a special loved one? You’ll be treated to the sight of 115,000 stunning snowdrops scattered throughout the castle grounds, including unusual varieties such as the yellow-tipped ‘Wendy’s Gold’ and green-tipped Galanthus ‘Green Bush’.The Snowdrop Walk is open from February 8 and through the winter, welcoming visitors from across Kent to see the seasonal flowers and visit the Moat Café for a warm drink and a selection of snacks.

Hever castle was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Tudor king, Henry VIII. She was only queen for 1,000 days before the couple separated and she was famously executed. The castle has been featured in a number of film and TV productions including comedydrama The Great and films The Princess Bride and Inkheart.

CLASSICAL CARNIVAL THE ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Assembly Hall Theatre FEBRUARY

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The Royal Tunbridge Wells Symphony Orchestra brings a carnival twist on classical notes as Brazilian music expert, Neil Thomson joins the RTWSO as Guest Conductor to perform Pernambucana by Guerra-Peixe. The concert is guaranteed to bring some sunny tunes and vibrant beats from his time at the Goiás Philharmonic in Brazil. Neil will be joined by pianist Isata KannehMason who will be performing with the orchestra for the first time as she leads with her Piano Concerto, Prokofiev 3.

The concert will end with two renditions of Beethoven’s classic Overture to Coriolan and his famed Eighth Symphony. The concert is part of the orchestra’s 2022/2023 season at the Assembly Hall, which returns from its Christmas break on February 5 at 3pm. With two more concerts taking place in March and April, those wanting to attend all three performances can get a half-season ticket with a 20 per cent discount. For more information visit, rtwso.org

Lilly Croucher’s edit of the month’s most entertaining and romantic events happening this February

LOVE TOKENS CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S AT Salomons Estate

THROUGHOUT FEBRUARY

If you’re in the mood for love – and perhaps a mini break – then why not hire a beautiful new Garden Cottage at Salomons Estate during the month of February? If you quote ‘LOVEFEB’ when booking, you’ll also receive a complimentary Prosecco & Strawberries hamper to enjoy during your stay.Take a stroll around the grounds, indulge in afternoon tea or cosy up by the roaring fire. Or you can simply go along on February 12 when the venue’s talented chef and his kitchen brigade will be creating a mouth-watering selection of tasty dishes to enjoy. For more information, visit: www. salomons-estate.com

REACH OUT!

MAGIC OF MOTOWN Assembly Hall Theatre

FEBRUARY 24

A tribute to one of the biggest shows in theatre, Motown comes to the Assembly Hall this month, marking 17 years of touring in the UK. With over a million people having seen the show, you won’t want to miss one of the most successful performances in British theatre history. Be prepared for glitz, glamour and dancing as this phenomenal cast perform a spectacular slice of Motown, including songs by artists such as Marvin Gaye, Diana ross, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Supremes and The Jackson Five. This fantastic show is a must-see for all music fans…

Tickets cost between £34 and £38 and can be purchased at: assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk/whatson/magic-of-motown

ALL THAT JAZZ WINE AND JAZZ NIGHT WITH JOE STILGOE Balfour Winery

FEBRUARY 25

For an indulgent romantic treat, look no further than Balfour Winery as they host internationally acclaimed singer, pianist and songwriter, Joe Stilgoe. Experience a night of delectable wines and jazz performed by a performer who has redefined the genre with his fresh sounds and unique rhythms. Joe is also well-known as the presenter of Radio 2’s Friday Night is Music Night.

While you enjoy Joe’s masterful jazz you will be served a three-course set menu with a glass of sparkling Balfour wine made on site at the winery. Tickets are £95 per person and for more information, visit: balfourwinery.com

DID YOU KNOW?

February 14 was declared ‘St Valentine’s Day’ by the Roman Pope Gelasius in the 5th century, but it wasn’t considered a holiday until the Middle Ages.Valentine’s Day became synonymous with love and romance after a common belief that birds start their mating season on this date.

Starters

Baked Camembert, Truffle Honey, Roast Garlic & Crouton

Pan Seared Pigeon, Lentils, Artichoke, Pancetta

Chargrilled Octopus, Chickpea, Tomato Sauce & Gremolata

Bruschetta, Burnt Leeks, Almonds & Capers

Amuse Bouche

Mains

Pan Fried Seabream, Tartare Velouté, Sea Lettuce

Beef Wellington, Roast Shallots, Fondant Potato, Roast Garlic

Pressed Shoulder of Penshurst Lamb, Potato Pie, Mint

Roast Sweet Potato, White Bean

Hummus, Tahini Dressing, & Dukka

Dessert

Apple & Rhubarb Charlotte, Clotted Cream

Chocolate & Pistachio Torte, Pistachio Ice Cream

Blood Orange tart, Blood Orange Sorbet

British Cheeseboard, Celery, Pickled Fig & House Chutney

roots Musical roots

This month our resident music guru Paul Dunton chats to local band David Migden & The Twisted Roots ahead of the launch their much-anticipated new album, ‘Lit

David Migden & The Twisted Roots –previously known as David Migden & The Dirty Words – have been performing on the Tunbridge Wells, Kent and London Music scenes for around 15 years now.

The popular five-piece offer a distinct style and sound which frontman David describes as ‘Twisted American Roots’. All members of the band are experienced professional musicians and are highly revered both locally and further afield for their level of musicianship, songwriting and vocal prowess.

From a local standpoint They have headlined the Local & Live Music Festival several times, performed at Black Deer Festival,The Forum,The Assembly Hall, Trinity Theatre and can often be found at The Grey Lady Music Lounge which they consider to be their ‘home from home’ venue.

February 12 marks the date for the launch of their stunning new album entitled ‘Lit Up Like a Fruit Machine’.The album will be available to buy both in CD and vinyl form and the band will be performing tracks from the album at the launch which takes place at The Grey Lady. Support on the night comes from Essie West.

I recently had the opportunity to sit down and chat to a few of the band members and asked them if they could all share a little more about their own musical journeys and reveal a little bit about life in The Twisted Roots…

I started by asking David Migden about how he got into music and how that’s helped shape his career:

“My first introduction to music was via my father who was a classically trained

Paul Dunton Music Editor Follow Paul @PaulDuntonmusic

musician and who actually played on ‘Hey Jude’ by The Beatles! My first love was undoubtedly Elvis though and as a young child I would often dress up and do my best to impersonate him as best I could.

“By my early teens I was learning the French Horn and enjoyed playing in various orchestras. By my mid-teens I began singing and writing and really enjoyed listening to lots of different Blues music – I felt very inspired by the likes of Jimmy Hendrix.

“Meeting my good friend Joe Gibson at school led me to develop my singing and writing craft and we started to perform live together.

Whilst continuing my music with Joe, I also became involved with renowned musicians Lee Sankey and Matt Schofield and we recorded an album with the legendary engineer and producer Phil Brown and we then went on to tour the record at various London venues and further afield.This was an incredible experience for me and was integral to my development as a musician.

“Over the next few years I began to learn the piano and continued to write music and it wasn’t long before The Dirty Words band came to fruition with myself and Joe involved initially, then joined by Graham Mann, Phil Scragg and James Sedge. We decided to later to change the name to The Twisted Roots. Over the last decade, we have all enjoyed making several albums but our latest offering ‘Lit Up Like A Fruit Machine’ is certainly one we all feel very excited about. It was a magical experience recording the album, not only because the people involved are incredible musicians, but also because we are all such good friends and have an amazing chemistry and bond.

“For me personally, song writing is an unpredictable entity.The songs on the new album are inspired by whole mix of different of topics and ideas. ‘Get Involved’ is definitely about being stuck in lockdown, ‘World of Adventure’ is about creating something from nothing and ‘Kill Your Head’ is about trying to switch your

mind so you can sleep and live happily. ‘Praise His Name’ is a quirky take on a salesman trying to sell messiah figurines for self-profit, while ‘ I Wish You Harm’ is simply a literal letter of dislike to divisive figures such as Trump, Boris and others.

“The new album was recorded at Al Drake Brockman’s Doz Studios in Fordcombe, which is a beautiful space located in a stunning rural setting. We are very proud of it and we hope you enjoy listening to it and hearing us perform it live. See you at The Grey Lady on February 12!”

Joe Gibson co-founded the band with David and now he also reveals to me how and why he got into music: “I started playing guitar in my teens and I was inspired by listening to my parents’ eclectic record collection from the 60s and 70s. I particularly enjoyed some of their Blues, Funk and Soul records. My dad really encouraged my guitar playing and by the age of 15 I was travelling with him to various London jam sessions where I was performing alongside and learning from an array of very experienced top class musicians.This really helped me to develop and expand my guitar playing.

“In my later teens I started taking some jazz guitar tuition which added a new style to my repertoire and helped me expand my understanding of music theory and led to me playing in various local Funk and Jazz bands. When David and I met we had a connection and affinity in terms of the music we both enjoyed listening .

“It wasn’t long before we started a duo act ‘Migden & Gibson’ whereby we would perform in and around Maidstone and London performing a mix of Blues and Soul themed covers. We then went on to form our first band which featured our good friends Dan Pierce and Steve Spall (The Violet Jive). We were performing covers by the likes of Bill Withers, Gil

Scott-Heron and David Byrne to name a few. It was at this time that David had just started to write songs and so we embarked on our journey...”

Fellow band member Graham Mann also took up music from a young age and met David and Joe in the early days of them gigging. “They asked me along to a rehearsal where I replaced one of the band’s guitarists on keys. Now I play various bits and pieces in the band. Its current incarnation sounds great and is really good fun to play with.

“David’s writing and approach always allows for input from the rest of us, so the songs evolve over time and have our individual stamps on them as well as David’s unique style.”

Phil Scragg was initially a fan of the band before he started working with them. The bass player, producer and composer has worked and recorded with many artists including the Beautiful South, The Pet Shop Boys and Robert Plant on his album ‘Now and Zen’ and comedian Matt Berry in his band Milkbone.

“I began my association with the Twisted Roots around 2010. I loved their music and got to know them teaching music at West Kent college. Throughout my time being with the band I have been very involved in the production of the various recordings over the years and, for the new album, I was able to use my home studio to mix and master the album. It’s been a long time coming but I think ‘Lit Up Like A Fruit Machine’ features some of the best songs David has written and I am really proud to have contributed my production midwifery to the delivery of this album.”

To discover more or to book tickets for the David Midgen and the Twisted Roots gig on February 12, visit: www. thegreylady.co.uk

Up Like A Fruit Machine’…

“It’s been a long time coming but I think ‘Lit Up Like A Fruit Machine’ features some of the best songs David has written.”

“Making the album was a magical experience not only because the people involved are incredible musicians but because we are all such good friends and have an amazing chemistry.”

Photos © Nigel Martin

“Good food is life…”

One Warwick Park Hotel has recently appointed Luis Alves to the role of Restaurant Director for its Brasserie eatery. Here the Lisbon born chef and restaurateur tells Molly Miller all about his exciting plans to expand the menu’s offering which also involves bringing it into the evening so more people can enjoy what’s on offer…

One Warwick Park Hotel opened the doors to its new restaurant Brasserie last October and since then the Chapel Place based venue has become a popular breakfast and brunch spot amongst local foodies.

Brasserie launched with the brief of bringing discerning diners the best breakfasts and brunches around town. Included on its launch menu was a smorgasbord of goodies including Traditional Full English breakfast, Eggs Royale, Breakfast Burritos, Smashed Avocado, Homemade Pancakes all served

alongside freshly squeezed juices and smoothies, coffee and homemade pastries. All of which have been extremely popular.

Brasserie is committed to delivering a quality epicurean experience and so already works closely with reputed local suppliers including Tunbridge Wells Coffee Roastery and Southborough Butchers.

Since its launch Brasserie has added new breakfast items including the Health Kick, a scrumptious blend of natural yoghurt, maple syrup, cinnamon, granola, berries, and coconut flakes as well as the very popular Bottomless Brunch options

on weekends.

Staying true to its word, Brasserie kicked off the new year with a further announcement which sees new Restaurant Director Luis Alves join the team. Over the past few years Luis has amassed an impressive culinary CV working for the likes of The Ivy, Park Chinois, Bocca Social, Marco Pierre White’s Syon Park and The Spa Hotel. We sat down with Luis to find out a little more about him and what he intends to bring to the table…

Luis, let’s start with you telling us a little bit about yourself…

I was born and raised in Portugal and have lived in Tunbridge Wells for 12 years. I grew up in the kitchen as my father was a chef. He introduced me to the profession and from a young age I was hooked.

Why is food such a passion of yours?

My earliest memories date back to going to the markets for fresh fish with my father when I was a young child. Life was different then - we didn’t have deliveries or frozen food. You bought everything fresh and that’s all I’ve ever known. I think this is why I have such a passion for food and in particular fresh food and ingredients. To me, food is life, and it always has been since I was young.

What was your childhood or earliest ambition?

I always knew I wanted to get into the hospitality industry. There was no doubt about it. It’s a lifelong career where I’m from – maybe not so much in England - but we are slowly discovering the same passion which is great to see.

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

“We want to give those dining at Brasserie the opportunity to try something new too so the menu will change all the time”

Photos © davidbartholomew.co.uk

Photos © johnknight.co.uk

How long have you been in the hospitality industry?

45 years! And I’ve loved every single one of them.

What ingredients do you love to work with?

I love seafood and fresh herbs. I also love working with game such as venison and pheasant. I’m always experimenting at home and finding new ways to cook them and new ingredients to use.

Describe your restaurateur style in five statements...

Sophisticated, fun, wonderful food, special surroundings, and exceptional service!

What does hospitality mean to you?

The quote by the manager of the legendary Harry’s Bar in Venice ‘Make the guest feel like the king, and the king feel like a guest’ definitely inspires me. Why? Because I think it sums up how hospitality should be. I’ve found that expectations are greater as a consequence of the pandemic.

Therefore being adaptable and flexible is key to make guests feel truly comfortable. Afterall, hospitality is all about the people.

What brought you to Brasserie?

The challenge and excitement. I have plans to extend Brasserie’s menu into the evening and bring a taste of the Mediterranean to Tunbridge Wells. The new menu will be something different and unlike anywhere else, Brasserie is an excellent restaurant, and I can’t wait to build on this.

So, a new Mediterranean menu is on the cards. Will your Portuguese heritage influence the dishes? I want to experiment with foods people only get to experience on holiday and bring them right to the heart of Tunbridge Wells. I genuinely feel our town is missing this. Why do we reserve the delicious fresh food we enjoy in Spain, Italy, or Portugal on holiday and yet not have it every day here in England? For me, Portuguese food is Mediterranean cuisine at its best, and just like the

people, it’s warm, vibrant, and a little mysterious. So Brasserie’s new evening menu will reflect this and there will be something for everyone.

Where have you drawn culinary inspiration from?

The new menu will feature Mediterranean food I’ve always loved to eat and cook but it will also feature dishes I think other people will love. I’ve been in the industry for 45 years and have grown to understand what works and what doesn’t. Having said that I’m always open to feedback so the menu will constantly evolve. I want to change it every other week to ensure there’s always something different for our guests to enjoy.

Tunbridge Wells is obviously filled with great places to eat. So what makes Brasserie’s new evening menu different from the rest?

The menu’s USP is fresh, homecooked food. I feel really passionate about this as it’s how we do it back home. Freshly prepared food has a distinctly different taste which is why I will only ever source the best and most natural ingredients. And yes, of course they’ll all be local too!

Why is local produce so important to you?

Tunbridge Wells is such a thriving community, and we’re right in the middle of it! We need to support each other; our neighbours, our friends, so I will always source locally where possible.

Can you give us an exclusive first look at the new menu?

Well, it’s not finalised yet but the menu will focus on fresh food sourced locally, particularly fish with dishes such as grilled tiger prawns bruschetta and also Bouillabaisse, a French classic - and a personal favourite of mine. I just love how we cook fish across Southern Europe. It’s cooked very differently, and I want to introduce these indigenous techniques and flavours to Brasserie and give people the opportunity to try something new. Other dishes you may see on the menu will be things like pan-fried seabass, lobster ravioli and cuttlefish calamari.

As well as fish, what will be on the menu for meat lovers?

There will be plenty of options! We’ll have things such as herbcrusted lamb rack, the Brasserie burger and fillet steak. There really are no limits – creativity is what it’s all about. I’m so lucky to share this passion with Brasserie’s Head Chef Ollie Funnell who is an up-andcoming culinarian in Tunbridge Wells. He’s ambitious and loves a challenge so making this menu is perfect for him.

What can guests expect from a night out at Brasserie under your management?

A lot of fun! And of course, quality food that tastes so good. Guests will receive a warm welcome - I just want to make them feel happy!

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

Photos © davidbartholomew.co.uk

Photos © johnknight.co.uk

Photos © johnknight.co.uk

Valentine’s Day

On February 14, Brasserie will host an evening of romance, thanks to an exclusive new set menu.

The four-course feast will be available for one night only and costs £49 per person. Happy couples will be treated to a complimentary glass of bubbly and amuse-bouche, before indulging in a Mediterranean-inspired starter, main and dessert.

Dishes include seared scallops, wild mushroom pappardelle and baked Alaska which will be cooked by Head Chef Ollie Funnell and his team.

“The set menu has been a labour

of love (no pun intended) and has been carefully curated with the help of Luis, our new Restaurant Director who joined the team recently,” Ollie told SO magazine.

“His experience and passion for food really shines through, which makes this menu extra special.”

“I recommend the asparagus, prosciutto, and gorgonzola bruschetta for starters, and the seabass fillet for main, which will be served with pommes anna potatoes, buttered French beans and shellfish velouté,” Ollie continued.

The hotel is also offering a special overnight package for those

wanting a romantic escape. For £199, guests can enjoy a stay in a luxury suite, with Brasserie’s four-course set dinner menu and breakfast included.

All bedrooms include luxury Temple Spa toiletries, a large flatscreen TV, HYPNOS king beds and a monsoon rain shower. There’s also an opulent bar in the main hotel, where delicious cocktails can be enjoyed after dinner.

The promotion is only available to those who book direct, which can be done by visiting OneWarwickPark. co.uk or by calling the reception team on 0189 252 0587.

What can we expect in 2023 from Brasserie?

“Brasserie’s new menu will have dishes such as monk fish risotto with prawns and also Bouillabaisse but there will be meat and vegetarian dishes too”

The finest dishes from the Mediterranean with wines, and handcrafted cocktails to match. All of which will make for exceptional dining. Brasserie will be an all-day dining destination you can visit for any occasion. Whether you come here for Champagne and oysters, or a celebratory dinner, there will be something for everybody to enjoy.

What’s your ultimate goal?

I want customers to expect high quality food, fair prices, and an unrivalled level of service. Nothing less than that. We are all striving for the same goal here, and the team and I can promise hard work to make this a success.

So, when can we book a table?

Brasserie’s Valentine’s Menu costs £49 per person and includes a complimentary glass of fizz. To book call 01892 520 587 to book or visit OpenTable.co.uk

That will be towards the end of February. The menu will go live at the beginning of March so keep an eye out on OpenTable where you’ll be able to make a reservation. If you can’t wait until then we are hosting a special Valentine’s Day evening on February 14. The set menu is four course and will feature some of the dishes and flavours you can expect to see on the new menu. Think of it as a first look at what’s to come…

Photos © johnknight.co.uk

Photos © johnknight.co.uk

Photos © johnknight.co.uk

Photos © johnknight.co.uk

Femalelead

Entrepreneurs and women thinking of setting up their own companies gathered at The Finance Hub on The Pantiles to hear the business stories of inspirational local businesswomen at the January Make It Your Business, Tunbridge Wells event.

Keynote speaker Paula Quazi explained how she harnessed her previous expertise as UK marketing director at Unilever to grow smol, which is based in Paddock Wood, into one of the largest eco brands for household cleaning products in the UK.

Providing an ethical alternative for consumers who care was also a key theme from panellists Holly Watson and Charlotte Bowyer, founders of The Zero Waste Café and Emporium on The Pantiles. Family law specialist Alison Green explained how Mackrell Solicitors have successfully created a positive culture to attract and retain the best talent. Wendy Read shared some eye-opening insights into how badly some companies fail when it comes to establishing a nurturing, inclusive culture – inspiring her to set up HR Revolution to help businesses get it right.

Siobhan Stirling, founder of Sharp Minds Communications, who chaired the event, said: “We’re so grateful to The Finance Hub for providing such a welcoming venue to enable Tunbridge Wells women to inspire and motivate one another.”

All photos by Emily Brown of www.emilybrown.photography

Back business in

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this year’s Times Business Awards 2023, which will be hosted by broadcaster and journalist Nick Ferrari with headline sponsor Berkley Homes as the event’s headline sponsor. Lilly Croucher reveals how you can enter, who the key sponsors are for each category and everything else you need to know about this prestigious event ahead of the entry deadline on February 20…

The Times Business Awards take place next month on March 30 and the headline sponsorship has just been announced as being Berkley Homes, Southern Counties.

Its Managing Director Peter Smith said: “Berkeley Homes are delighted to sponsor the prestigious Business Awards Ceremony which also happens to be a major social and networking event for Tunbridge Wells. As a local business providing much needed homes and placemaking communities throughout the borough, we are pleased to support the wider business communities at this

“Now in their sixth year, the Times Business Awards celebrate the best businesses in the borough of Tunbridge Wells”

event.”

And the good news is there’s still time for local companies to submit their category applications in order to be recognised as being the best in what they do. But you’ll have to be quick as the entry deadline is fast approaching: submissions close on Monday, February 20.

The Times Business Awards are organised by SO’s sister publication the Times of Tunbridge Wells and are now in their sixth year. The annual award ceremony will be held in the Victoria Theatre at Salomons Estate and will see broadcaster and journalist Nick Ferrari handing out the gongs. Now in their sixth year, the awards

celebrate the best businesses in the borough courtesy of a number of categories including Best Creative Business, Charity of the Year, Best in Food & Drink and Best Start-Up.

Each category is sponsored by a local company and so far wealth management firm Charles Stanley is sponsoring the Entrepreneur of the Year category, with The Finance Hub supporting the Best Business for 26+ employees and Childrensalon supporting the Best Family Business.

Those who sponsor are also encouraged to enter the Business Awards but cannot enter the category they are sponsoring.

One of the awards’ newest sponsors is last year’s Entrepreneur of the Year winner, Andrew Mann for his company Clarity Homes & Commercial, which provides services and project management to the property industry.

Clarity will be sponsoring one of two new categories for 2023; the Green Business Award, which recognises companies for their commitment to the environment.

Mr Mann told us: “After winning the Entrepreneur of the Year award last year, I was keen to sponsor a category that celebrates progressive and proactive businesses.

“The environment is something we should all be concerned about, and it is something we try to address on every project as a responsible construction company.”

Gillian Palmer of The Finance Hub decided to sponsor a Times Business Awards category as she says she ‘understands the challenges, hard work and commitment’ local firms undergo in order to thrive.

“I’ve been in their position

before…these business owners are an inspiration to all of us.”

Childrenswear retailer Childrensalon were named Outstanding Business in 2016 and have become regular sponsors since 2017.

CEO, Michele Harriman Smith said: “It is wonderful to sponsor the Family Businesses of the Year award.

“We enjoy meeting other family businesses that are growing and experiencing the same challenges as we have, and we look forward to taking part again in the future.”

Over the years the gala event has been hosted by a number of famous faces including MPs Michael Portillo and Edwina Currie, Radio 2’s Ken Bruce, and Strictly Come Dancing’s Anton Du Beke.

Last year’s event was hosted by TV presenter and journalist Eamonn Holmes who mingled with guests and took selfies throughout the night after presenting awards to each winner on stage.

Speaking ahead of hosting this year’s event, Nick Ferrari who hosts the weekday breakfast show on radio station LBC told us: “I’m really looking forward to hosting the Times Business Awards. The past few years have impacted businesses across all sectors in many different ways but despite the challenges, so many have not only survived but thrived. The evening will be a great opportunity to celebrate that and provide local entrepreneurs with the recognition they deserve.”

The awards are open to everyone whether they’re an entrepreneur, small start-up or a multi-million pound business. There is a category for everyone.

Companies shortlisted for an award will be able to buy tickets to the black-tie dinner to celebrate their achievements over the year and network with the wider business community.

Applications must be submitted by February 20 and are free to enter. Head to www.TimesBusinessAwards. co.uk for more information

WHICH IS THE BUSINESS AWARD CATEGORY FOR YOU?

Start-Up Business of the Year (Sponsored by Cornerstone)

Companies founded since January 2021, which have really been attracting notice.

Creative Business of the Year (Sponsor TBC)

This is a strong sector for

Tunbridge Wells, covering the creative, design, marketing and PR sectors which have made our town their home.

Entrepreneur of the Year (Sponsored by Charles Stanley)

An entrepreneur is more than just a business person. Entrepreneurs turn their ideas into business opportunities and may run more than one company.

Green Business of the Year (Clarity Homes & Commercial)

This new award category will recognise companies for their commitment to

“Speaking ahead of hosting this year’s event, Nick Ferrari, who hosts the weekday breakfast show on radio station LBC, told us: “I’m really looking forward to hosting the Times Business Awards.”

the environment, whether through reducing energy usage, ‘localising’ their supply chains or any other green initiatives.

Charity of the Year (Sponsor TBC)

In this new award category, judges will analyse the charities and not-for-profit organisations which play such a positive role in the life of our area, looking for impact, sustainability and imagination.

Best in Food and Drink (Sponsored by NFU Mutual)

This award is for the local companies producing or serving truly remarkable

MEET THE HOST: NICK FERRARI

Presenting the sixth annual business awards is media personality and radio host, Nick Ferrari who is most wellknown for his weekday breakfast show on Londonbased radio station, LBC.

Nick is an established journalist having written for many Fleet Street publications such as the Sunday Mirror, The Sun, the News of the World’s Sunday magazine and the Daily Mirror. He still has a regular column in the Sunday Express.

Nick started his radio career on Talk Radio in 1999 as a co-presenter of the Big Boy Breakfast show with David Banks. In 2001 he presented his first breakfast programme on LBC and took the regular slot in 2004 ,where he continues his 7am to 10am show every weekday.

On TV, Nick was a regular guest on The Alan Titchmarsh Show on ITV and still appears on ITV’s This Morning and Sky News’ The Pledge

food and drink. Entries are welcomed from fine dining restaurants, gastropubs, simple cafés and food and drink producers –any company which can demonstrate how it puts Tunbridge Wells or the local area on the map with its gastronomic excellence.

Best Family Business of the Year (Sponsored by Childrensalon)

The judges will be looking for the business that best demonstrates how running a family business has added significantly to its competitive advantage. The winner will need to show how being

a family business has had a positive impact on its achievements.

Best Business 1-25 Employees (TN Recruits)

This award category is for the companies with a workforce of up to 25 which have maintained consistent growth and strong financial performance, both meeting its customers’ expectations and supporting its employee’s welfare and growth.

Best Business 26+ Employees (Sponsored by The Finance Hub)

Consistent growth, financial

performance and an engaged, positive workforce are just some of the criteria that set these companies apart from other medium to large businesses in the area.

Outstanding Business of the Year

(Sponsored by Thomson Snell & Passmore)

This award will reveal which company demonstrates the best combination of growth, ambition and quality of management in the area. The ‘outstanding’ company has delivered on a compelling business strategy, while developing its employees’ skills and looking after staff.

CNK NORTH KENT COLLEGE

Go with the flow

The TN card kicked off another year of member events, this time at even flow, the independent café and music shop in St John’s Road. Sixty people joined the TN card founder Jess Gibson and even flow owners Matt and Fabs Lord along with their daughters and team for a fun night of food, drink and music. The special occasion also marked both businesses’ threeyear anniversary.

Matt welcomed guests with fizz and beers before Fabs brought out a selection of homemade canapés, including Brazilian caldinho (black bean and bacon soup shots with crispy greens), pão de queijo (mini gluten-free cheese breads), crostini with tomato salsa and mini cupcakes. With Jess asking the questions, the couple shared their journey so far with everyone and revealed some exciting plans for the year ahead. These include opening their second site in Royal Victoria Place’s Ely Court later this month.

Guests browsed the shop’s extensive vinyl selection and also enjoyed 20% off album purchases on the night. Manning the decks were even flow regulars DJ Chris and DJ Dave who had everyone dancing with their mix of hiphop and dance tunes. Thanks to donations from non-members to attend, the event raised £172 for the TN card’s charity partner West Kent Mind.

Facevalue

Maryna Cole from Retreat Aesthetics hosted The Exosomes Revolution and Vivace RF Symposium on January 17 at One Warwick Park Hotel. It was an evening of celebration and information for both existing clients and those interested in discovering more about the innovative and ground breaking procedures Maryna carries out at her clinic, which is based at the hotel. Maryna also had the chance to talk about the new partnership she has formed with fellow aesthetician Eva Whittle from HiTech Aesthetics, whose new clinic is located on Camden Road.

The pair were joined by global leaders in exosomes and regenerative aesthetics on the night. They included maxillofacial surgeon Mr Daryl Coombes, whom Maryna works with in both Tunbridge Wells and Harley Street, as well as Dr Sameema Damree who is an anti-ageing and regenerative aesthetic medical specialist. The world-renowned Dr Byong Seung Cho CEO of ExoCoBio Inc also sent a message of support via video link to praise the work being done by Maryna and her team. Maryna carried out some treatments showcasing the important work she is doing in the world of regenerative aesthetics so guests could see the impressive results first hand.

SKIN DEEP: Local influencer Jane Dumas underwent a Vivace skin treatment on the night

This month SO Magazine chats to Neil Simmons, Managing Director at  TN Recruits in Tunbridge Wells about all the places he likes to support locally. Here Neil reveals where he likes to stroll, shop and socialise….

Where do you live?

I live in Crowborough.

How long have you lived there and what made you decide to move there?

I lived in Tunbridge Wells for 15 years and absolutely loved it. When it came to moving to our next home for our family of four plus a dog, we decided we could get a little more for our money by moving out of town. Crowborough has a great vibe for families and it’s a little more out in the country so has different options for dog walks – and it’s not a million miles from the TN Recruits HQ!

What’s your favourite shop locally?

I’m all about Fenwick fopr clothes as it stocks a wide selection of brands and has very good customer service. The Royal Victoria Place often gets a bad press but I can normally find what I’m looking for in there. I also love Sugarbush Records and even flow and love rummaging through the singles to build a stock of 7-inch records for my jukebox.

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

There are numerous idyllic walks across Ashdown Forest which is a stone’s throw from where we live. If we’re talking Tunbridge Wells, then I like to go to Hargate Forest as it’s peaceful and scenic. But you cannot overlook the splendour of Dunorlan Park. It’s so picturesque and I enjoy bumping into familiar faces and stopping for chat.

In your opinion where’s the best place to get a cup of coffee?

In the summer it’s hard to beat Calverley Park where you can sit and enjoy the hive of activity of families playing and dogs being walked whilst appreciating the beautiful landscape.

Where do you take people when they come to visit?

We love going to Bewl Water which has a certain charm throughout the year. But just how lucky are we to have The Pantiles?

The weekend markets offer a real buzz and superb local produce. With its quintessential English feel, there is simply no place quite like it and our visitors love it.

What’s the night life like where you live?

In Tunbridge Wells we are spoilt for choice with an eclectic mix of restaurants available to us.

As a big fan of Ska music, I have recently discovered Tyber’s which is solely dedicated to Ska and Reggae, so this offers a really great night out with friends. In the summertime, you can’t beat Jazz on The Pantiles on a Thursday or Soul Train on a Saturday.

Where’s your favourite place to eat locally?

In Tunbridge Wells, I have so many favourite restaurants. The Shuffle House provides a superb level of service and offers a good selection of options including some unique and delicious tapas dishes. Another favourite of mine is Soprano. Having lived in Spain many moons ago, it’s wonderful to be able to indulge in delicious Spanish tapas locally – and

the restaurant is beautifully laid out with a fantastic ambience. If we’re talking Crowborough, Raj Poot is my favourite Indian restaurant for both dining in and take away.

Are there any nice views nearby?

Crowborough is often described as a ‘mini-Scotland’, and it’s easy to see why when you experience the delights of the Ashdown Forest, it boasts truly spectacular views. I also love the views from The Beacon – it’s a great place to enjoy a spot of lunch or an afternoon tipple with family and friends.

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

We are blessed to have two fantastic theatres in Tunbridge Wells. I have seen some spectacular shows at The Assembly Hall over the years, while Trinity offers a great alternative experience. The Christmas shows in 2022 were fantastic and so enjoyable. I love stand-up comedy and both theatres attract big names – there is nothing like a good laugh to unwind.

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

I love The Forum and have seen a number of artist bands and tribute acts there. It’s a great place for a boogie and a sing along. We’re lucky in Tunbridge Wells as there are a number of venues where you can enjoy so many different types of live music. The Grey Lady regularly hosts a number of diverse and talented local artists.

What do you do when you spend a weekend or day off in the local area?

I still enjoy playing football on a Sunday afternoon with TW Seniors for over-40s. It’s superbly run by Noel Bradbury of St Gregory’s School. He’s brought together a group of old boys who play for fun and in the right way. Sundays at 5pm is one of the highlights of my week!

Why do you love where you live?

I love where I live and work because both Tunbridge Wells and Crowborough have a friendly feel. As someone who has built a life and business locally, I have got to know some great characters over the years. This interview has acted as a great reminder of all the wonderful activities, areas and venues on our doorstep.

“I love where I live and work because both Tunbridge Wells and Crowborough have a friendly feel. As someone who has built a life and business locally, I have got to know some great characters”

Tyber’s Reggae Bar

Shuffle House

perform”

“I’ve wantedalways to perform”

Ahead of her gig at Trinity Theatre on February 15, comedian Zoe Lyons sits down with SO Magazine’s Lilly Croucher for an exclusive interview to talk about her latest show ‘Bald Ambition’. Here she reveals what life is like as a comedian, how she dealt with a ‘mid-life crisis’, and where her favourite venue in Tunbridge Wells is…

Hi Zoe, thank you for doing this interview with us. Could you tell us a little bit about who you are and the type of comedy that you do? Sure! I started doing stand-up comedy about 21 years ago but I am also a presenter. I had a quiz show, Lightning, on BBC2 for a while and I do a few bits on Radio 4.

How did you get into comedy?

I only stared when I was thirty as it took me a long time to have the courage to do it. I knew I always wanted to perform. When I left university, I went to drama school where I was always cast in the comedic roles and I loved stand-up comedy.

After school I started going to comedy clubs and eventually plucked up the courage to give it a go. My first gig was to around 10 to 15 people in a pub in North London and from that moment I said, “This is what I want to do.”

You’re kicking off the 2023 with your new tour Bald Ambition. What can we expect to hear?

This time the material is more personal because it is largely based on my difficult experience with the lockdowns. I know a lot of people went thought a lot of changes and we are still emerging from it now three years later.

During the pandemic, I hit 50 and I had what I like to call a ‘classic mid-life crisis’ where I lost most of my hair and went through a marital separation. I was essentially a middle-aged woman with a combover who went through a break-up at the same time, but my wife and I are back together now so there is a happy ending!

I lost my hair from alopecia due to the stress of everything happening. For a while I didn’t want to perform and I didn’t feel like me at all. But talking and laughing about it on stage helped me accept it and that’s what got me back out there and performing.

Could you tell us what it was like having alopecia?

I first had alopecia as a kid when I was 10 or 11 years old and it coincided with my parents splitting up and moving to Scotland. I continued to have small patches on and off throughout my life but they did eventually grow back. But, at the start of the pandemic it really went for it and I lost 80 per cent of my hair.

Doing what I do for a living, people look at me but I didn’t want anyone to look at me which I found really hard. I didn’t want to go on stage and I thought maybe this is it and I’d have to do something else. But by talking about it I took control of it and when you take control of something you take the sting out of it and I’m so glad I did. Three years since it started to fall out, it’s now starting to grow back and as weird as my hair looks now, I love it.

You are playing in Tunbridge Wells on the February 15, have you ever visited the town before?

Yes, I have many times, the town is very pretty and the countryside around Tunbridge Wells is stunning.

I did a lot of my first ever gigs outside of London in Tunbridge Wells. One of those gigs was at The Forum which I remember as this old Victorian public toilet that was

“Bald Ambition’s material is based on my personal experience of lockdown. During the pandemic, I hit 50 and had what I like to call a classic mid-life crisis”

turned into a music venue. So yes, I performed in a toilet in Tunbridge Wells during my early days.

I also did a gig last summer at The Sussex Arms and it went really well, with a packed basement full of people, it was a really lovely gig.

Most people you meet from Tunbridge Wells are quite posh and they get a bit uppity when you say it and they try to convince you that they’re not as they squeak away in their quilted gilet jackets!

Have you played at Trinity Theatre before?

I don’t think I have, but I am looking forward to going back and not playing a toilet!

You’re a regular face on panel shows and voice on the radio, what else can we expect from you this year?

Living in Glasgow, you once worked in a Jam-packing factory, what is your favourite flavour of jam?

Not strawberry and I hate lumpy jam, no one likes lumpy jam! I would say a well-produced, fine raspberry jam… with no lumps.

If you could do any type of TV show, what would you do?

I’d love to present a travel or nature show like David Attenborough. If I could combine a nature-comedytravel show that would be great!

If you could have anybody on the bill for a show, who would you have?

Zoe is playing at the Trinity Theatre on Wednesday, February 15 at 8pm. Tickets are available at, trinitytheatre.net/ events/zoe-lyons-baldambition

I’ve got stuff coming out on BBC Radio 4 – Just a Minute and The News Quiz, which I appear on regularly. I am also doing an episode for Dave’s ‘World’s Most Dangerous Roads’ which comes out this month. That was great fun to film, I did that with Joe Wilkinson, a Brighton-based comedian, driving around Eastern Turkey in a truck.

I would absolutely have Joan Rivers; she was a marvel. Then Robin Williams who I had the privilege of seeing in a small club in London once testing some of his material. And then I would have some of my friends: Kerry Godliman, Jen Brister, Suzi Ruffell and Joe Wilkinson. Any local comedians we should be keeping an eye out for?

If you’re into your one liners and puns, Mark Simmonds is brilliant. He is currently on tour and it’s great seeing him doing really well.

Photos © Mark Vessey

driving seat In the

Dylan Miles has just opened his new specialist classic car showroom on London Road. Here he tells SO Magazine about the fascinating history of the building, which has always had strong links to the motor trade since the early 1900s, and why he is so pleased to have been able to restore it back to its former glory…

Over the past nine months an extensive restoration programme was undertaken at the historic London Road showrooms by classic car and motorcycle specialist Dylan Miles Ltd who opened their doors for trading on January 3, 2023. The building, and the site on which it is located, has a rich and relatively unknown historical connection with the motorcar that spans well over a century and back to the dawn of motoring itself.

Directly next door at 11 London Road are now the Royal Springs Apartments, built a few years ago on the site that was originally occupied by AA Cundell, the respected

“Dylan and his team have paid particular attention on retaining an ‘old world’ feel to their new showroom with period detailing as a nod to the building’s past and in keeping with the classic and historic vehicles they specialise in.”

Victorian carriage company who constructed lavish horse drawn carriages there in the late 1800s and provided stabling and garaging for the Royal Kentish Hotel opposite. At the turn of the century the company morphed into Cundell and Dungey Ltd and they began focusing their attention on constructing coachbuilt bodies for the latest mode of transport, the motorcar, becoming sole sales agents for luxury American car manufacturer Cadillac in 1905 and British-built Belsize Motors.

In 1907 the site was taken over by J.Rawsons and Sons who held the concession for Austin, Daimler, Essex and other British marques and in 1909 the showrooms at 12-16 London Road were erected directly

VINTAGE APPEAL: The new Dylan Miles showroom has been home to garages since 1909

next door at the request of Mr G.Stevenson, who was at the time a director of Rawsons. He established G.Stevenson Engineers – The Kent and Sussex Garage Ltd and offered both sales and maintenance, becoming a concession for Humber, Wolseley and many other marques of the period. The building remained occupied by Stevensons well into the 1960s who by then were a franchised dealer for Standard Triumph.

By the late 1970s the building had been taken over by Pace Petroleum, acting as a petrol station and used car sales lot and later became the home of local Suzuki dealership PK Motors who remained on the site well into the 2000s. For the past few years the building had a temporary break from the motor trade, acting as a showroom for garden furniture before being taken over by Dylan Miles in April 2022. Dylan commissioned a major restoration of the 114-year-old building, in order to return it to its former glory and pay homage to the automotive heritage of this important and historic site.

The building has to be one of the last remaining working showrooms from this bygone era that exists worldwide today and Dylan and his team have paid particular attention on retaining an ‘old world’ feel with all period furniture and accoutrements as a nod to the building’s past and in keeping with the classic and historic vehicles in which they specialise.

Wheels in motion

The launch party for the new Dylan Miles classic car showroom was held on January 20 and saw nearly 200 people in attendance. Comedian and actor Steve Coogan, a friend and client of the business, cut the ribbon to declare the showroom open. A special auction, hosted by Drew Pritchard of Salvage Hunters and William Smith of RM Sothebys, raised over £12,000 for MIND Charity and for a respected member of the classic motor trade who has recently suffered a life changing illness. Many of the lots were generously supplied by a number of local businesses including Pushkin Antiques, Paragon Porsche, Godin Sporting Cars and Eagle Racing. Guests were catered for by local Italian restaurant Lago Di Como. For further information please see www.dylan-miles.com

Photos © Tom Shaxson

Floraltribute

The TN card is the loyalty scheme that rewards shoppers for supporting local businesses at 750 independents across Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks. With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, its founder Jess Gibson chats to Dawn Thain, owner of independent florist, Mrs Florist, about the shop and her pick for the perfect Valentine’s bouquet…

Dawn, your beautiful shop sits on the corner of London Road and the High Street and brightens up my day whenever I drive past. How long have you had the shop now?

Thanks so much Jess. We love our shop and being part of the High Street community – we are now in our third year as a bricks and mortar business and time has really flown.

Am I right in thinking you began as a flower stall on the High Street, not far from your shop?

Yes! We had an outdoor flower stall on the High Street every Saturday. It took us a while to convince the Council to let us open there, but we did eventually and we were really well supported. Unfortunately, the British weather wasn’t our friend –

WHO: Mrs Florist

WHERE: 8 London Road, TN1 1DA

REWARD: 10% off fresh flowers

For more info: thetncard.com/mrsflorist

we did very well on sunny days but on wet, windy days we’d be quiet. It wasn’t great fun putting our gazebo up and down in all weathers and bringing water, buckets and flowers back and forth! It’s wonderful having a permanent home now.

When did your love of floristry begin?

I have always had a keen interest in homes and interiors and seeing how beautiful flowers and plants can enhance the style and beauty of any room. I worked as a house stylist, preparing homes for sale prior to following my dream and moving into floristry. I love what I do now and am very fortunate to have a team of five very talented florists helping me to serve both the Tunbridge Wells community and customers further afield.

How would you describe your style at Mrs Florist?

We offer stunning, natural contemporary designs. Our team create both bespoke and ready-made arrangements with love and care, whether it’s a deluxe showstopper or just a few stems. Our shop is friendly and welcoming, and we love helping all our customers. Some pop in quickly for a ready-made bouquet while others will spend their time absorbing all the colours and scents before putting together a bouquet stem by stem. It’s lovely being able to cater for everyone in this way.

Which flowers are a favourite for Valentine’s Day?

Red roses are popular of course, but in recent years we have seen lots of customers going for beautiful pastel bouquets. For inspiration we have a large Valentine’s selection on our website, which includes our popular bespoke range. We welcome customers to the shop as

well as providing a delivery service within ten miles.

Do you offer gifts alongside your flowers?

Yes absolutely, we stock the most gorgeous scented candles and diffusers by Aery. We also have an interesting range of house plants, seasonal bulbs and succulents, including pots and vases in various sizes as well as our selection of dried flowers.

What are your plans for the year ahead?

2023 is going to be another tough year for small businesses and I am so grateful for all the support we receive from our community. We’ll keep working hard to keep our prices as affordable as possible, despite rises from our wholesalers. I’m really looking forward to working with our brides and grooms with weddings booked for this year and continuing to work with our local venues – we have so many beautiful buildings in Tunbridge Wells.

Thank you for being part of our TN community. How do you thank members for supporting local?

We joined the TN card at the start and are delighted to give the TN community 10% off fresh flowers (excluding weddings). It’s a small thank you from us for their amazing support.

Jess Gibson

Founder the TN Card

“I love what I do and am very fortunate to have a team of five very talented florists helping me”

believe in the transformative power of education”

Last month Claremont Senior School announced it had appointed Severine Collins as Principal. Here the bilingual French national, who was schooled in her native France up to university level before coming to the UK to study Artificial Intelligence at Sussex University, tells Eileen Leahy all about her plans for the school…

How would you describe your leadership style?

Climate and culture are very important to me. I hold trust, rapport, integrity and accountability in high esteem as a leader and therefore, I like to work in an environment where staff are involved in decisions and developments, and where they feel empowered to meet challenging and exciting goals. Therefore, I value people’s voice, and that includes students and parents as, together, we can positively impact change where needed, and create outstanding conditions for the learning and development of our young people.

How do you think subjects like art, drama and sport enhance a child’s learning compared to the traditional curriculum?

I am a passionate believer in the transformative power of education. Academic achievement is crucial in creating outstanding opportunities for the future of our young people who must learn to be agile and be empowered with a deep love of learning that enables them to take risks, be creative and innovative, solve complex problems and drive societal change. Therefore, educating young people must go beyond academic excellence. The skills students learn in extra-curricular activities such as Art, Drama, Sports, but also DoE,

MUN and Young enterprise, to name but a few of the opportunities offered at Claremont, are vital to their social and emotional development. Being given a safe space to put yourself in a situation where you need to go beyond your acquired skills and knowledge to approach new challenges with courage and determination are central to becoming the resilient young people who will be shaping our future. With achievements such as the Football Academy and the School of the Year Award for Performing Arts, Claremont School is the ideal setting for our young people to grow.

Being a French native, what are your thoughts on languages being a dying subject in schools?

I would like to challenge the fact that languages are a dying subject. The only reason that languages do not feature more prominently in most schools, and as a core subject as they once were, has been driven by governmental decisions. We, at Claremont, put high value in the skills learnt through the acquisition of a new language and, for our multilingual students, in the development of the understanding of their own mother tongues. Not only is it vital that our future generations are able to express themselves confidently, they also need the ability to listen to different perspectives and engage positively with views that differ from their own. Learning a new language or two helps them appreciate the traditions and values of others, as well as their own. Then, they will be able to critically appreciate different perspectives and

actively challenge and question inequality and discrimination. This is another reason I am proud to be the Principal of Claremont School, with its enriching international community.

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing teachers today?

Supporting our young people with mental health and wellbeing issues, and how to be safe online. These are two of the growing concerns we discuss constantly with staff. The knowledge and resources necessary to achieve success are not negligible, and developing the skills and confidence to tackle the issues is something we value greatly at Claremont.

Where do you stand on the increasing amount of technology being used in classrooms?

This is an interesting question and one that I explored in my Masters thesis. I feel quite strongly that both need to be used, but that learning to use digital technologies appropriately should be a priority. First, let’s be honest: how much ‘pen and paper’ do we use ourselves in our working life? Hardly any, and in fact, with the environmental crisis we face, it should be none at all. So digital literacy should be developed from a young age so that our children know how to safely use the powerful tools they hold in their hands. Being able to critically assess what they are reading online, and to be safe on social media, as mentioned previously, are far more important than knowing how to use a fountain pen. Whether we like it or not, technology is not going to disappear, and with the development of Artificial Intelligence and software such as ChatGTP,

it is high time that the priorities of our education system and its assessment regime system be completely overhauled.

Tell us what key educational elements you are determined to bring to Claremont School?

Focusing on the quality of education, student experience and boarding are our top priorities. Often, the focus can be solely on exam results and destinations. Whilst I hold these in high esteem and Claremont has demonstrated time and again that it achieves top grades and destinations for its students, I regard character development as highly as academic achievement. Examination results, good inspection reports and league tables are important, but these must be achieved alongside developing those attitudes and positive dispositions that enable our young people to lead a fulfilling and satisfying life. Clear communication, a commitment to Quality Assurance processes, a listening and coaching culture, collegial collaboration and training are some of the aspects I consider as being vital to success.

And finally, why should parents consider sending their children there?

I hope the answers to the questions will already give parents an insight into what drives the vision and the mission of Claremont, and that they see that we are ambitious for our young people now, and for their future. At the end of the day, we all want our children to be successful and above all, happy. When parents send their children to Claremont, they also join a very warm, friendly and supportive community. The Heads of Schools and myself are very approachable and welcome feedback and suggestions, and together with the Claremont Friends and Families Association, we are also planning a list of social events that I hope many will attend. I hope to be meeting many more parents in the coming weeks.

“I

“Exam results and good inspection reports are important, but so is developing young people to lead a fulfilling and satisfying life”

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Let’s go outside…

Why Somerhill’s new Saplings Programme is a hit with children and parents

At Somerhill we recognise the importance of outdoor learning. Our teachers regularly take the opportunity to bring their curriculum alive outdoors, in the magnificent school grounds. As a school we are constantly reviewing best practice and are progressive in our thinking. We are also educating children with needs and futures very different from the past. We have therefore introduced Saplings, an outdoor programme based on the principles of Forest School, to complement our successful Pre-School sessions.

At Saplings, we work within the guiding principles of Forest School which is an holistic, child-centred learning process that supports play, exploration and supported risk taking. This process helps children to develop socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually in a non-judgemental, nurturing and natural environment. All children are seen as equal, unique, and valuable. They initiate and drive their own learning and development. Each week, we provide opportunities for the children to meaningfully connect with nature through stories,

songs, and challenges and to expand on their knowledge of the environment in which we live. We work within a theme, incorporate real world issues, build self-esteem and resilience. Saplings is a space for trying new things and taking risks, growing, and overcoming barriers, thus helping your child to become a healthy, resilient, creative and a lifelong independent learner. Saplings’ sessions complement the children’s classroom learning by offering a different environment in the quiet and calm of the outdoors. With no agenda, the child’s inquisitive nature leads them through each day under the guidance of our nurturing staff.

Come rain or shine, sessions at Saplings offer an opportunity to help children develop their common sense, team spirit and initiative as they lead their own learning in a magical natural classroom. Learning takes place in the outdoor woodland Saplings area with facilities to support self-care, clean running water, a Yurt for protection when needed, and plenty of nature to inspire curious minds.

Our Forest School accredited staff and qualified EYFS teachers provide fun, safe happy days in the outside classroom all year round.

To find out what Somerhill could offer your child, book a place on our Open Morning on Saturday February 25, where you will have the opportunity to visit our site and take a tour of the school with some of our amazing staff. Limited spaces for September 2023.

‘TOP TEN’ RANKING FOR TONBRIDGE SCHOOL IN NEW NATIONAL GUIDE TO BEST SCHOOLS

Tonbridge has been named as among the best schools in the country in a new set of league tables published by the Sunday Times.

The latest edition of the prestigious ‘Parent Power’ Schools Guide identifies the UK’s leading schools, based on exam performance at A-level and GCSE last summer.

Tonbridge rose to eighth in the national table for independent senior schools, and was also placed third in the regional table, which compared schools across the southeast.

Additional Sunday Times tables placed Tonbridge ninth in the UK, based on its A-level results for 2022, and sixth nationally based on its GCSE results.

James Priory, the School’s Headmaster, said: “This excellent news reflects the quality of education and high level of

continuity we were able to provide, academically and pastorally, throughout the pandemic. It is also exciting to consider the positive impact made through our innovative Sixth Form Curriculum, for which we saw our first examination results last summer.

“Above all, however, we know that boys at Tonbridge benefit from a wide range of experiences and co-curricular opportunities, all contributing to an outstanding, rounded education that extends well beyond the classroom and, indeed, beyond the measurement of any league table.”

Editor of The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide, Helen Davies, added: “League tables are not the only criteria a parent can use when choosing a school, but they are a good starting point. We want to celebrate excellence and champion schools that are doing wonderful work.”

BUILDING ON ACADEMIC AND PERSONAL SUCCESS

Looking for additional support to help your child improve their English and Maths skills? They’ll be in safe hands at Kip McGrath

Since 1976, Kip McGrath Education Centres have been providing worldwide specialist tutoring in Maths and English for students aged six to 16, covering all areas of both subjects up to and including GCSE Level. In addition, the Tunbridge Wells centre also offers an 11+ preparation programme.

Kip McGrath’s fully trained and qualified teachers understand the many and varied challenges youngsters face in education and create a positive learning environment. This makes achievement natural and boosts self-esteem, giving students the confidence to learn.

A free assessment is conducted with every student to identify strengths and weaknesses, so an individually tailored learning programme can be designed.

Each session lasts 80 minutes and offers a mixture of computer and paper activities, with students being given both one-to-one time with the teacher and independent learning time, to consolidate new skills and build confidence.

as academic development, Kip McGrath aims to enhance children’s self-confidence and establish good foundations on which to build on”

and negatively affecting their schooling experience.

Within weeks of joining Kip McGrath, the student’s confidence ‘blossomed’, as described by the centre’s tutors. They created an individualised work programme for the student, focusing on their specific needs, ensuring that the student had firm foundations before progressing onto different topics.

The student made “fantastic progress in a short space of time, with their Maths level increasing by a whole year, and their comprehension and reading age increasing from nine years 10

months to 14 years and six months.”

Another student, in Year 5, who attends Kip McGrath for support in English has made “huge progress and improvement” during their time at the centre. Their comprehension age has increased by over two years, in five months, strengthening learning and progression across all subjects, not just English.

With its centre at 35 Quarry Road and online lessons available too, Kip McGrath Tunbridge Wells aims to be accessible and available for all children requiring additional educational support.

As well as academic development, Kip McGrath aims to enhance children’s self-confidence and establish good foundations on which to build on.

One example of how the centre helped to improve self-confidence and academic development includes a Year 10 student who was struggling in both English and Maths. Their low self-esteem was holding the student back from making further progress

“We take pride in our ability to nurture pupils”

Holmewood House is a coeducational, non-selective Preparatory School for children aged 3-13 situated in 30 acres of glorious grounds in Tunbridge Wells. With new Head, Ruth O’Sullivan, at the helm, the school is developing a curriculum that empowers children to be idea generators and creative, resilient human beings. We encourage intellectual curiosity and expect our pupils to ask questions, solve problems and work collaboratively.

“We see pastoral care as inextricably linked to attainment: children are encouraged to understand and deal with their emotions, to understand how they learn, and to understand their privilege in the world and their responsibility to the planet.”

Children at Holmewood House are encouraged to climb trees, make dens, and enjoy the great outdoors. We are creating an outdoor learning area centred

on our newly redeveloped pond, a fantastic natural resource supporting the development of forest school.

We take pride in our ability to nurture pupils with outstanding ability who can benefit from what the school has to offer, yet might not be able to attend without financial support. At Year 7, Scholarships are offered to children showing excellence in these areas: academic, sport, music, art and drama. Academic Scholarships for entry to Year 3 are available. Holmewood House has a strong record of scholarship success to destination schools at 13+. Twenty pupils secured scholarship places in 2022 to some of the UK’s top independent schools.

To learn more about our scholarship programme, contact Admissions on 01892 860006 or book a place on our Open Morning on Friday 3rd March at Registrar@holmewoodhouse.co.uk

Tunbridge Wells

“As well

FROM TRADITION

Arrange a visit: admissions@tonbridge-school.org tonbridge-school.co.uk

TO INNOVATION

Tonbridge, founded in 1553, is one of the country’s ancient schools. And yet, despite its age, it is at the forefront of the new. We were the first school in the UK to embed Mindfulness into the curriculum, and our Life Skills course ranges from global perspectives and interview techniques to first aid and yoga. We believe this is innovation with purpose.

Ranked 8th best independent senior school in the country: Sunday Times Parent Power League Table

Individual approach

Marlborough House School has a new individualised enrichment programme for Years 7 and 8, offering pupils in the top two years a more bespoke path and the opportunity to follow their own passions and interests. What’s more, in light of the current climate, they will offer a 30% reduction on fees for Years 7 and 8

From September, Marlborough House will further individualise their learning approach so that the children can follow their interests and strengths, and have more freedom to step away from the constraints of the timetable – choosing drama rather than a fourth games session in a week for example. Trips to senior schools for an afternoon,

hearing from guest speakers or trying a themed day offtimetable will all become things that pupils can learn from alongside regular lessons. And the Year 8 Leadership Programme offers even more trips and challenges, enabling children to grow in confidence and independence at

the top of the School and finish in style! In this way, all pupils will get extra preparation for senior school entrance or scholarships as well as an enriched experience that will serve them well, long after they leave education. This individualised learning approach will sit alongside the

STEP INTO A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY AT THE SKINNERS’ KENT ACADEMY

School’s well-established PreSenior Baccalaureate (PSB). A forward-thinking school, the PSB was adopted in 2019 to maintain the rigour of the curriculum, while allowing children to learn more relevant skills for later life too, like how to present, communicate, lead, collaborate, debate and research independently. This sits alongside the School’s emphasis

on educating characters as well as young minds, helping children to develop practical wisdom, joy of learning and self-belief that will support them at senior school and beyond.

To find out more about Years 7 and 8 at Marlborough House, and book a private tour or a spot on their 8th March 2023 Open Day, visit marlboroughhouseschool.co.uk

Choosing a school for your child can be a difficult decision, but for parents and students seeking a comprehensive and fulfilling educational experience, The Skinners’ Kent Academy is an excellent option

Shortlisted as Secondary School of the Year at the 2022 Education Today awards, the Academy is built on a foundation of high standards and aspirations, where every student is supported and encouraged to reach their full potential. It’s innovative and internationally-focused curriculum makes learning exciting and engaging, and is taught by dedicated teachers who not only have a passion for teaching, but also for staying current in their fields of expertise. This is evident in the Mathematics and Science departments, which received the PTI Subject Leadership Programme Mark last year in recognition of their excellence in these subjects.

At The Skinners’ Kent Academy, learning goes far beyond the

classroom. It offers an abundance of extra-curricular activities that cater to every student’s interests and talents, from Music and Drama to Sports, CCF, and Art. And when it comes to educational trips and excursions, the Academy truly raises the bar, providing a diverse range of experiences for their students, including exciting adventures to destinations such as Madagascar, Barcelona, New York and Switzerland.

If you’re interested in learning more about The Skinners’ Kent Academy and what it has to offer, be sure to attend one of our open events. You’ll see first-hand the Academy’s culture of high standards and aspirations, and how students are supported and encouraged to reach their full potential.

“Skinners’ Kent Academy is built on a foundation of high standards and aspirations and every student is supported”

“This new individualised learning approach will sit alongside the school’s wellestablished Pre-Senior Baccalaureate”

CAN CODING IN THE CLASSROOM IGNITE A REAL PASSION FOR MATHS?

Following

STEM subjects have long been recognised as important for future career success and economic development in our increasingly digital world. The government has identified maths as key for bridging future skills gaps in the workplace and sees numeracy as a vital part of a child’s education. While the general belief is that competency in maths is a pre-requisite to coding, at Radnor House Sevenoaks, we start teaching coding and robotics from the age of five to help maths and technology skills develop at the same time.

We see many benefits to this

approach, which enhances learning and engagement in other STEM subjects and across the curriculum:

• It builds confidence for learners who otherwise dislike maths or find it challenging

• Young coders also develop logic, problem-solving and computational thinking

• Coding brings maths to life, showing real-world applications of mathematical concepts to make maths skills relevant and exciting

• Tasks such as building apps and games combines the practical use of algorithms and sequencing and fosters creativity

By investing in skills from a young age and continuing this support throughout the school, we are equipping students for global workplace success and hope to inspire more under-represented groups to achieve careers in technology.

Radnor House Sevenoaks is welcoming parents to explore its new computing suite as part of its next Prep School Open Morning on Saturday March 18, 2023. Visit the website to register interest: www.radnor-sevenoaks.org/ opendays-tours

Mayfield girls attend Model United Nations Conference in Poland...

Six girls from Mayfield School recently attended the 7th Annual Model United Nations (MUN) Conference in Poland, along with pupils from across Europe.

MUN is an educational simulation of the actual United Nations in which students can learn about diplomacy and international relations. The Mayfield girls attended as delegates for Russia, Iran, Canada, the USA, DPRK and Nigeria, sitting on committees for Human Rights, UN Women, and the Future Security Council – the latter set in 2050 amidst concerns about overpopulation.

The girls stayed with host families and had a great time experiencing Polish culture in their downtime following heated debate about global issues during the day. Torun, where the conference was held, is a

UNESCO world heritage site and the girls had an opportunity for sightseeing, including a culinary exploration of Torun’s legendary gingerbread.

Sixth Former Cosima finished the conference as Best Delegate on the Human Rights Committee, while Rosie was voted Best Delegate in the General Assembly.

Mrs Kasia Kilvington, MUN lead at Mayfield, said: “MUN has quite literally transformed the lives of some of the girls at Mayfield. The role play element has enabled pupils who never believed they could speak in public stand up and do just that. They have found a group of similar minded peers, passionate about current affairs and finding solutions to global issues. They have learned about countries and problems that they never even knew existed. It has made them keen researchers and critical thinkers, having to scrutinise nuance in the delicate wording of resolutions, and given them immense confidence, both personally and academically.” mayfieldgirls.org

Rishi Sunak’s announcement on plans to make mathematics education compulsory up to the age of 18, Pavel Malik, Assistant Head & Director of Digital Learning at Radnor House Sevenoaks, discusses how learning coding and robotics can make maths more engaging and relevant…

“STEM subjects have long been recognised as important for future career success”

“The girls stayed with host families and had a great time experiencing Polish culture”

Outstanding opportunities…

Kent College’s Head Katrina Handford tells SO Magazine why there’s a real buzz about this all girls independent school right now…

There is a real buzz about Kent College at the moment and that’s because we are on a mission; a mission to ensure that every student has the opportunity to find their strengths and talents and become equipped for very bright futures.

As one of the first GC Index (Game Changing Index) accredited schools, Kent College (KC) students learn to understand their own unique contribution and impact, whilst teachers use the GC Index data to ensure that each student is engaged by tailoring their lessons to the students’ natural interests.

Our Methodist ethos of ‘doing all the good you can’ sits at the very heart of KC and ensures

all students know their place in the world. There is a family feel, which nurtures confidence and ensures every student can be the very best they can be, not only for themselves but for the community and the world around them.

Our ability to ensure every student maximises their potential means we have impressive GCSE and A-Level results. However, what is most remarkable is the Value Added scores. This is a measure of results in comparison to potential. KC consistently

scores within the top 10% of schools in the country for Value Added. We have excellent facilities which ensure we provide outstanding opportunities for the pupils so they can approach life and learning with creativity and adventure.

If you would like to experience the KC buzz for yourself, please do get in touch. The Senior School Open Morning is on Tuesday 28th February 2023. Please email admissions@kentcollege.kent.sch. uk to book the Open Morning or visit for a tour.

“Our ability to ensure every student maximises their potential means we have impressive GCSE and A-Level results”

“EVERY CHILD IN THIS COUNTRY DESERVES THE BEST POSSIBLE EDUCATION”

Every child in this country deserves the best possible education. This is not a controversial statement, and I’m sure Keir Starmer and I are very much in agreement on this point.

It is clear to see that the state education sector in this country is in drastic need of investment. Again, few would disagree with this assessment. However, Starmer’s proposed tax on aspiration, which would see parents charged 20 per cent VAT on fees, is not the miracle solution he might think it is.

Starmer’s position is nothing new – Labour have long threatened to remove the charitable status which applies to many independent schools (which, for the record, are registered charities because they deliver education for children and are non-profit making), along with exemptions on VAT and business tax. I don’t propose getting embroiled in a debate about the political ideology around independent schools here because wherever you sit on this issue, the most fundamental aspect is to determine whether Labour’s plan to raise the quoted £1.7billion stacks up financially.

Spoiler alert: it doesn’t.

Far from raising any money at all, the policy would in fact leave a £400million hole in the schools’ budget. This has been calculated on independent schools reclaiming VAT on expenditure (which, as charities, they currently cannot), the loss of VAT on fees income owing to students leaving the sector, and the cost of educating the children who move into the state sector. This hardly seems prudent economics.

Perhaps more significant, however, would be the impact on the independent sector’s ability to support the state sector. Despite what some politicians may have you believe, there is no battle between the state and independent education sectors. In fact, the two already work closely together in the interests of all children and the wider community. For example, at Benenden last year students and staff devoted the equivalent of 157 days to volunteering projects in the

local community, including regularly supporting five local primary and pre-schools, the village shop and charities helping elderly people and those with dementia.

In addition, we are a proud sponsor of The John Wallis Church of England Academy in Ashford, which involves sharing resources, running partnership activities such as a Combined Cadet Force, offering student mentoring and sharing best practice with one another. It is a genuinely two-way relationship, with Benenden gaining as much from our partnership as John Wallis.

We are also in the midst of a fundraising campaign to increase our partnership work and offer even more bursaries.

I’m not saying all this activity will stop if VAT is introduced on fees. Such work is simply the right thing to do, and we will always do our best to support the community, but the harsh reality is this all costs money, and less money will squeeze the positive impact we can all have on state schools – precisely the sector that Labour is, laudably, aiming to support. Far from being a magical cure-all, I fear that Keir Starmer’s policy will instead backfire for his party – and the country.

Labour’s plan to increase taxation on independent schools is not the magic solution it’s being portrayed as, says Benenden Headmistress Samantha Price

“Despite what some politicians may have you believe, there is no battle between the state and independent education sectors. In fact, the two already work closely together in the interests of all children and the wider community”

How to talk to your loved ones about your funeral

touches that can truly personalise a final farewell.

If your loved ones are ready to have that conversation, talk through your expression of wishes with them, making any changes you can all agree on. Then give them a copy of your expression of wishes, maybe in a sealed envelope to be opened after you pass. If they’re not ready to talk about it, let them know that you have drawn up an expression of wishes and make sure they know where they will find it. Whether they’re ready to talk or not, knowing where your will and expression of wishes are is likely to be helpful for your loved ones when you pass.

The benefits of thinking ahead

For many people, there is a natural trigger that prompts them to think about how they would like to be remembered – typically retirement, old age or illness, or other key points when they are putting their affairs in order, for example planning their estate finances.

For some, there never is a right time; it’s something they simply don’t want to think about. If that’s how you feel, it’s not a problem, as your executors and/or loved ones will do what they think is appropriate or what they think you would have wanted. However, even if you have a good relationship with them, that can put pressure on them at what is inevitably going to be an emotional time.

So, if you can give some thought to how you would like to be remembered, it can make things easier for them by reducing the number of decisions they have to make at what is always a pressured time. It can also help their wellbeing

if they know that your final farewell was in line with your wishes and they have done you proud.

What sort of things should you consider?

While most funerals used to follow very similar lines, there is now more choice than ever, meaning you can request a very personal celebration of your life. You can choose between a religious or secular service, conducted by a religious leader or a celebrant, a traditional coffin or a modern, environmentally friendly

alternative or even a picture coffin, as well as the music, readings and flowers or charitable donations you might like. There’s also the question of whether you want to be buried or cremated, and where you might like your final resting place to be (you can, of course, in most cemeteries purchase your plot in advance).

Write down anything you would like in an expression of wishes, to be lodged with your will, and with your funeral director, if you have chosen one.

Talking to your loved ones

Talking about how you wish to be remembered has got easier. As a society, we’re getting better at having the conversations that previous generations shunned. The trend towards more diverse funerals that are much more a celebration of a life than the more sombre events of yesteryear has also helped generate more open discussion about the little

“Welham Jones was appointed to conduct the funeral in which the surviving adult children would only communicate with one another either through us or using notes; it took four months to organise.

Much of the pain could have been bypassed if the deceased had appointed an independent executor along with the children”

If you think your wishes won’t be respected

It is important to remember that your wishes are just that; what actually happens when you pass will be the responsibility of the executors of your estate, whether or not they are your next of kin or loved ones. While bodies must be disposed of legally (for public health reasons), no-one owns a body and there is no legal requirement for your wishes to be followed.

If you fear that your loved ones won’t respect your wishes – you may suspect they will prefer to save money, or fear there may be arguments between them – appoint a third-party, independent executor (often a solicitor) solely or in conjunction with your loved ones, who can referee any disagreements among your loved ones and ensure your wishes are upheld.

Where do pre-paid funeral plans fit in?

A pre-paid funeral plan can ensure most of the costs are paid for in advance, with the opportunity to shape the funeral the way you would like, thus reducing both financial and emotional distress for your loved ones. In decreasing the value of your estate, it may also enable you to qualify for financial support if you need domiciliary care or to move into a care home. However, pre-paid funeral plans have had some negative press recently and we will explore these issues in a future article.

We all know we’re sadly not going to live forever, but thinking about how you would like to be remembered could be helpful for both you and your loved ones. Simon Welham, Managing Director of Welham Jones Funerals and Memorials, explains how to talk to your loved ones about your funeral – and what to do if they’re not ready for it, or you’re concerned they might not honour your wishes

“Planning my own father’s funeral would have been easier – practically and emotionally – if I had known his wishes.”

A approach modern modern approach

in their own right thanks to their revolutionary cooking and new-found celebrity status.

Another top chef of the time was Pierre Koffmann of La Tante Claire, a three-Michelin starred restaurant in Chelsea, where Alex started working after he graduated from Westminster.

“I was a commis chef there for about a year and it was like going to another level. I thought this is what I want to do.”

Alex bolstered his chef’s CV by working in other prestigious kitchens in the capital including The Montcalm Hotel, where he was sous chef under the late Steve Whitney –known for being Anton Mosimann’s right-hand man at The Dorchester.

Since it opened in April last year, Kumquat has become a popular all-day dining destination courtesy of its proprietor-chef Alex

It’s not every day you get to meet a talented local chef whose culinary CV boasts the names of some of London’s top restaurants, including L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon and Scott’s of Mayfair and who’s also cooked for members of the Royal Family and celebrities including Sir Richard Branson and Robbie Williams. But over the past 28 years of his career that’s exactly what Alex Boyd of Kumquat, on The Pantiles, has done and he’s quite rightly very proud about it.

“I’ve had a privileged career,” he smiles as we sit down to chat over a coffee in the restaurant he and his wife Virginia, who hails from Hong Kong, opened last April.

“Don’t get me wrong, there is a lot of hard work and long hours involved in being a chef, especially when you are working for some of the best in the business but it’s what I’ve always wanted to do,” explains Alex.

“I knew from about the age of ten I wanted to be a chef. I’d always loved cooking with my dad and at 15 I got a job working in a local pub in Aldershot, Hampshire which is where I’m from.”

His dedication to cooking led to him training at the prestigious Westminster Catering College whose alumni includes the likes of Jamie Oliver and Ainsley Harriott.

“During my time there I had a classic French training which was further enhanced with placements such as at Scott’s of Mayfair. I did mornings at college and evenings in the restaurant so everything I learnt I got to apply in the kitchen. It was fantastic training. The hours were long but it was such an amazing experience.”

This was in the mid-90s when chefs such as Marco Pierre White, Gordon Ramsay and the late Gary Rhodes were becoming superstars

“The time I spent with Steve and also Pierre really set my standard,” reveals Alex who also worked at Sir Terence Conran’s Bluebird Café on the Kings Road and The Halcyon Hotel in Holland Park.

“It was an amazing time, but there was a part of me that wanted to go to France to work for Alain Ducasse,” says Alex referring to the legendary French chef.

Sadly because he only had ‘kitchen French’ Alex says that dream wasn’t to be, but when a friend returned to London after being in Hong Kong for a while he urged Alex to go too.

“He said to me ‘what do you want to go to France for when you could be having a fantastic time in Hong Kong?’ So I decided to go for it. I went out on a whim in 2003 and absolutely loved it. I had a brilliant time and met loads of lovely people and also had the opportunity to run a restaurant out there. I got involved with the Hong Kong Rugby 7s, so went from haute cuisine to mass banqueting, feeding 10,000 people over three days! I’d never done anything on that level before but I just thought yes I can do that.”

Alex was in Hong Kong for three years and during that time he met his now wife Virginia and developed a full-on passion for Asian food.

“They love food in Hong Kong and it’s not just Chinese. There’s all sorts of Thai, Korean and Vietnamese cuisine to enjoy too. I love it all!”

On returning to London in 2006 with Virginia, Alex got a job at the two Michelin-starred L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon in the West End and thankfully was still able to indulge in

Boyd’s ‘modern Asian’ dishes. Eileen Leahy met him to chat about his impressive culinary CV and to discover what’s new on the menu for 2023…

his passion for Asian cooking thanks to Robuchon’s signature style.

“Working for him was just incredible. He had a lot of Japanese influence in his cooking, so there were things like a Teppanyaki grill to work on. There were no pans and no butter so I managed to acquire lots of new skills and knowledge.”

Alex admits that the hours were long though and so started looking for a more nine-to-five role.

That came in the role of running the catering arm of the National Tennis Centre for the Lawn Tennis Association in Roehampton.

“We did lots of events there, it was great fun. That’s where I met The Queen,” Alex confides before saying that he’s been ‘fortunate enough to cook for most members of the Royal Family.’

“I even did Prince William’s 18th birthday party in Chelsea,” he states. “Harry was also present. My little claim to fame is Prince William came into the kitchen and asked if he could buy me a drink. I said ‘yes please, I’ll have a White Russian.’ I’ll never forget that!

“I’ve been lucky to work for some really big names and been in the

www.kumquat.fusion

right place at the right time. When I was at Mansion House in 2014 I was doing purely banqueting, which was a fabulous experience. I cooked for the likes of Bill Clinton, the King of Spain and the Premier of China. I’ve also cooked for lots of celebrities over the years too like Sir Richard Branson and Robbie Williams.”

Having had enough of mass banqueting Alex’s next appointment was as Executive Chef at St Ermin’s Hotel in St James where he was tasked with turning things around in the kitchen.

“I went in to stablise it all and three years later in 2019 we were on the cusp of getting our third AA Rosette and then Covid hit! When I returned things had changed so much. The team was cut in half and I guess I just wasn’t enjoying it. The momentum wasn’t there.

“Virginia and I had always toyed with the idea of opening something ourselves over the years but nothing was ever quite right. But this time it was like Covid forced our hand. We’d always loved coming to Tunbridge Wells as it’s such a great town. We thought it would be the perfect place to open somewhere people would

appreciate what we wanted to do, which was to bring Virginia’s Hong Kong foodie heritage alongside my classic training to develop a really exciting menu.”

The couple got in touch with TargetFollow – who own The Pantiles –at the end of 2021 after seeing a site that interested them.

“They informed us the one we wanted was gone but asked if we’d like to see this site instead. We came in and thought it was just perfect. It had everything we needed for a small startup.”

They got the keys in January 2022 and opened the following April.

“It’s been a mad year and a half,” admits Alex. “The Pantiles is fantastic but it’s very seasonal and I guess we hadn’t realised just how seasonal it is! Originally we opened up as a ‘fusion café’, serving all day and open at the weekends.

“The plan wasn’t for me to be here full-time, but as we couldn’t find any chefs we realised I would have to be here all the time, so we decided at the end of last summer to make it more of a restaurant. We’re now open from Tuesday to Saturday evenings and we’re working on making the menu more

skewed towards ‘modern Asian’.

“This means that there will be influences from Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Korea and China. I want to take traditional Asian dishes people already know and give them a modern twist. We did this with our recent Chinese New Year menu which was a sell-out and will be doing it with our upcoming Blind Dining Menu where you won’t know what you’re eating until you’re served! This will run on selected dates this month, so have a look at our website for more info, but it will be in keeping with our new, modern Asian approach.”

As our interview time wraps up, Kumquat has filled up nicely over the past hour, with many customers coming in for morning coffee and brunch. It looks like they are developing a loyal clientele I say.

“Oh yes we are,” agrees Alex. “But instead of coming here for smashed avocado on sourdough, I’ll be putting things like Japanese omelettes, Buddha bowls and bao buns on the menu. We want to offer something different to everywhere else and our goal for 2023 is to become a destination restaurant. Hopefully things are going in the right direction already!”

“We want to offer something different so there will be elements of Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese cuisine”

on’t worry, I’ve seen thousands of tummies over the years, nothing really phases me,” smiles local aesthetician Celeste Savage as I gingerly lift up my t-shirt so she can have a look at mine before she commences my cryolipolysis – or fat freezing – session.

On arrival at Celeste’s 3D Body Contouring treatment space, which is located at her home in a quite scenic spot near Pembury, I’ll admit I was feeling a little nervous. But thankfully Celeste, who is a highly experienced and qualified therapist, knows exactly how to put me at ease; chatting away and happily answering questions which results in me feeling far more relaxed.

Celeste qualified as a therapist 11 years ago. Previously she worked in the music industry and was musician Paul Weller’s PA for many years.

In her new career as an aesthetician she started out co-running a clinic in Westerham. After a couple of years

Discover

freezing fat on skinny the

“The 3D Lipo MED UltimatePro machine is dual-platformed so it carries out fat freezing and also cavitation. They both do a similar thing but cavitation is quicker as you are eliminating fat cells there and then, courtesy of a hi-tech hand piece that emits ultrasound energy. Fat freezing takes longer as you can only do it once every 12 weeks but the results are just as impressive.”

So how does Celeste decide which treatment is best for her clients?

“I try to gauge where people are

coming from so I can advise them on which one to have. If they come to me before Christmas let’s say and tell me they have a wedding in May then I’ll suggest cavitation as it’s a quicker journey. I will recommend one session a week for eight weeks, followed by a free fat freeze on week nine. If they are happy with a slightly slower result, then fat freezing is best.”

Celeste states the majority of her business comes from Facebook, where her multitude of impressive ‘before and after’ pictures prove just how effective her work is.

“I am very results-driven so I will take loads of these pictures to show clients how the treatment has worked. I really put effort into it to ensure the best outcome. I think I’ve got around 85 gold star reviews on Google – and they’re all genuine!”

Word-of-mouth and repeat business also drive her appointments diary she tells me.

she ended up buying out her business partner and decided to move the operation into her home.

That was approximately nine years ago and since then Celeste says that her 3D Body Contouring business has gone from strength to strength.

As well as fat freezing, Celeste also offers ultrasonic cavitation (inch loss), radiofrequency face and body tightening, cellulite treatments, and also, new for 2023, the latest state-of the-art laser hair removal and ‘6-Pack Fat Freeze’, exclusive to 3D Body Contouring.

But she says it’s the fat freezing that is proving to be the most popular and she does this using a special 3D Lipo MED UltimatePro machine imported from the United States, which she also uses for the cavitation inch loss treatments.

“You have to be highly-trained to use these machines,” Celeste explains. And she certainly can testify to being just that, given the amount of framed qualification certificates that adorn the walls of her bijou treatment space.

“At the moment everyone is going for the freezing as we’ve all got busy lives, so one session every 12 weeks is doable. It’s a very safe procedure and there’s no downtime. Some people might only need one. Everyone is different though so you can’t guarantee exactly, but I would say that usually people will lose between 20-40% of their fat cells after one session.

“It is a powerful alternative treatment to traditional liposuction and was designed to help target certain problem areas of stubborn fat like the tummy, back fat or love handles without the need for surgery or any invasive procedures.”

Celeste reveals she is the only cryolipolisis therapist who offers the ‘6 Pack Fat Freeze’ which is exclusive to 3D Body Contouring. Three areas are treated in one session. However one or two areas are also an option if the 6 Pack Fat Freeze is not needed.

“I have clients visiting from all over the place,” she explains. “People come up from Brighton, Eastbourne

Eileen

Leahy experiences a revolutionary

aesthetic

treatment at 3D Body Contouring

in Pembury and is incredibly pleased with the results...

Celeste Savage from 3D Body Contouring

and the surrounding areas. I’m always very busy because these treatments boast really impressive results. But I always say to my clients that it’s not one-size-fits-all.”

Now I’ve had the science bit explained to me it’s time to experience the fat freezing. As I lie back on the bed in Celeste’s cosy treatment room which has a gorgeous Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir candle burning away and soothing music playing, she explains that she will be working on both my upper and lower abdomen.

The first part of the procedure begins with the application of an anti-freeze membrane being placed on my stomach. This, Celeste explains, is to fully protect the skin and prevent any burns. She warns me that it will feel cold on application – which it does – but thankfully it quickly adapts to my skin’s temperature.

Celeste then applies what she describes as ‘heads’ on to my stomach. These big sucker like pieces of equipment each boast two metal plates inside which gradually freeze my tummy and gently start to vacuum the fat. The area is frozen to around minus seven but Celeste says the fat cells start to crystalise and freeze around minus one. The heads sit on the area for up to 45 minutes and the aim is to freeze as many fat cells as possible.

At first the strange sucking

sensation feels a little uncomfortable but it does calm down quickly and actually ends up being rather hypnotic thanks to the whirring of the 3D Lipo MED gadgetry and the heads’ slow vibratory motion.

Celeste wraps lots of cosy blankets and what feels like wheat bags around the equipment so there’s an additional barrier between my skin and the vacuum heads.

Once she is happy she leaves me to lie back and relax and before I know it I am drifting off which I didn’t expect at all when I first saw the machinery involved!

After the 45 minutes is up Celeste returns to the room, removes the heads and then stipples my stomach with a small shock wave tool. “It sounds like someone is digging up the road doesn’t it?” she laughs before telling me that this helps to trigger all the blood cells and nutrients back to life after the freezing process. It also further supports the breakdown of fat cells before your body’s lymphatic system naturally takes over.

“You should start to see a visible difference around 10 to 14 days later,” states Celeste. “But bear in mind it can take up to 12 weeks to

see a difference for some clients. Many have told me they’ve dropped a dress size as a result of this treatment.

“It will feel tender around your tummy area but don’t worry as that’s totally normal,” she advises. “Try not to come into any contact with hot water until the following day, so no baths or showers and loose clothing is the best attire to wear until tomorrow too. I say to my gym bunny clients to avoid doing any intensive core exercises for a day or two.”

And with that I’m done. I’ll admit it my tummy feels a little taut but in a good way and writing up this treatment review two weeks after I’ve had the fat freezing I can definitely say that I can already feel and see a difference. I think I’m tempted to return for a second session so will keep you posted!

Fat freezing sessions cost £150 for one area, £225 for two and £299 for the Six Pack which is three areas. Celeste offers payment plans too. For more information visit www.3d-bodycontouring.com or call 01892 570212 or 07792750202 You can also email Celeste at 3dbodycontouring@gmail.com

“Fat freezing is a powerful alternative to traditional liposuction and was designed to target problem areas of stubborn fat like the tummy”

Celeste is very results driven so takes loads of before and after pictures to show clients how well the treatment has worked

tokensLove

Whether searching for the perfect gift, getting date night-ready or simply treating yourself, then here are the top picks from Natalie Piacun of TAW salon, all of which are guaranteed to warm the coldest of hearts…

A FLORAL ARRANGEMENT

Get the blood pumping with Chanel’s latest release N°1 de CHANEL Rich Revitalizing Cream 50ml RRP – £84, 50ml Refill RRP – available from £71 www.chanel.com

For the very first time, Chanel Research has developed a new anti-aging skincare product enriched with camellia ceramides, produced through a process that is 100% natural. Ceramides are lipids naturally found in the skin. They play a vital role in keeping it healthy and protecting it from external aggressors like harsh winds and freezing temperatures. Ceramides create a barrier for the epidermis that lock in moisture by preventing excessive water loss. Over time, the barrier diminishes in both quantity and quality, especially when the skin is exposed to cold weather. When the skin loses moisture, redness may develop, and wrinkles are accentuated. To combat this the famous fashion and beauty brand has expanded its holistic and anti-aging offering with an eco-responsible approach to beauty. The N°1 DE CHANEL Rich Revitalizing Cream is the new ally for combating signs of aging and the damaging effects of cold weather with ease.

FROM ROSEHIP TO ROSE QUARTZ

A gift from the heart

This heart-shaped gift is a must for health and beauty lovers. The Gua Sha Stone is the ultimate beauty tool in self-care and has been used

for generations. Made from rose quartz with soft, rounded edges – the stone detoxes, encourages lymphatic drainage, helps smooth fine lines and massages and tones facial muscles. What’s not to love?

Trilogy Gua Sha Stone, £13.50, available from www.trilogyproducts.co.uk

Say ‘I dew’

Always striving to achieve the perfect complexion? Then make sure you get your hands on this limited-edition clean beauty collection of three awardwinning rosehip routine essentials.

Rosehip Dewy Skin Trio contains Rosehip Cream Cleanser, Hydrating Mist Toner, Certified Organic Rosehip Oil and a Konjac Sponge.

Trilogy Rosehip Dewy Skin Trio, £20, available from www.trilogyproducts.co.uk

PERFECT SCENT

Following the success of Diptyque’s partnership with photographer and artist Tim Walker in 2021, Do Son is entering a new cinematic chapter that celebrates drawing and animation, a passion inherent to the identity of the Maison. On 5 January 2023, the new limited-edition collection launched alongside a new animated short film Do Son, which tells the tale of the childhood memories of Yves Coueslant, one of the three Diptyque founders. The new film has been imagined and created by the young Parisian creative studio Werlen Meyer – acclaimed for its work on Wes Anderson’s Isle of Dogs and The French Dispatch. The film’s soundtrack

Do Son Eau de Toilette from £57

Do Son Eau de Parfum £140

NEW Do Son Cleansing Hand and Body Gel £36

Do Son Perfumed Soaps £46

Tubereuse Candle from £65

Revitalizing Cream £84

is composed by the multi awardwinning producer and performer James Blake.

The fragrance has been captured by perfumer Fabrice Pellegrin and reflects summers spent in a pagoda Yves’ father built in Do Son, along with the heat of the port in Haiphong and the cool sea breeze, which carried the slightly spiced scents of tuberoses – a scent which his mother adored. Other notes include Orange Blossom and Jasmine.

• Do Son Eau de Toilette 100ml (£117) and 30ml (£57)

• Do Son Eau de Parfum 75ml (£140)

• NEW Do Son Cleansing Hand and Body Gel 200ml (£36)

• Set of 350g Do Son Perfumed Soaps (£46)

• Tubereuse Candle 190g (£65) and NEW Tubereuse Candle 600g (£154)

Available at www.diptyqueparis.com and SpaceNK in Tunbridge Wells.

The eyes have it

Be a vision of beauty this Valentine’s and enhance your eyes with Lash Density - a subtle eye-enhancing micro-treatment for lashes. The semipermanent technique adds depth and colour to the baseline of the lashes to create a fuller looking lash line. Light feather strokes of organic, colour matched pigment is applied along the lash bed to give the appearance of thicker lashes, without the need for lash extensions or mascara. Lash Density by Karen Bett at www.karenbetts.com

GIFTS FOR HIM

Be date night-ready: SCRIVNER for MEN Skincare Strategy Kit £141, janescrivner.com

This five-step programme will have you covered from start to finish when it comes to prepping and finessing your complexion. The set includes a Nourish Enrich Cleansing Balm, a Skin Resurface AHA/ BHA Acid Exfoliator, a Smoothing Hyaluronic Hydrating Gel, a Calm Nourish Enrich Face Oil and an Oat & Argan Moisturising Cream to transform you from rugged to radiant…

Juggurnauth The 1810 Candle £44 200g available from www.juggurnauth.com

Two years in the making, the vegan, sustainable and eco-conscious 1810 Candle is the first product to launch in the Juggurnauth Home collection – where sustainable style meets fine fragrance. Hand-crafted with textured matte finish, the undeniably chic, sleek design adds to the décor of any home, while the soft, sumptuous, warming and uplifting scent lasts and lasts.The scent is a captivating, rich, woody blend of oudh, cedarwood and amber, softened perfectly with intricately layered nuances of sweet saffron, jasmine, and patchouli. Just divine!

Natalie Piacun TAW salon @nataliemakeup_ @68thepantiles

Juggurnauth The 1810 Candle £44

Trilogy Rosehip Dewy Skin Trio £20

Lash Density by Karen Bett

Trilogy Gua Sha Stone £13.50

N°1 de CHANEL Rich

Spring / Summer Guide GREEN DUCK SPOTLIGHT ON

Spring means a lot of good things here at the Green Duck!

After much planning and hard work from Team Green Duck, our event space and bar has a full Refurbishment. We now how 3 new toilets in our basement and a massive new courtyard space ready for our “Summer Court Yard Cinema”

This now allows us to have up to 70 guests for our Private Party’s / Hires. We are also very excited to tell you all about our new partnership with “VITTLE AND SWIG” from 19th February we will be opening our doors to their Pop up “Sunday Lunch”. The Vittle and Swig team Said “We’ve missed you so here we are for a Sunday Session @ The Green Duck. Sunday Roast like the good old VITTLE days.” Here is a sneak peek of what is coming up over the coming months here at the Green Duck

Carradine’s Cockney Sing-a-long

The Last Friday of Every Month

24th February, 31st March, 28th April and 26th May

New For 2023 - You can now select your seats.... These are the times we shall dream about ... and we’ll call them the Good Old Days.

Join Mr. Tom Carradine on the ol’ Joanna as he presents an evening of timeless songs with audience participation. Let your host lead you in an traditional cockney sing-a-long, with songs from the music hall era, WWI and II, the West End stage and traditional popular songs from across the decades.

Tickets £20 Per person - This includes an Antipasti board per person

Doors 7.00pm - Main Event starts at 8pm

A good old-fashioned knees-up!

All New - DISCO DUCK

Saturday 11th February 2023Last Few Tickets as

Saturday 25th MarchBOOK SOON

Saturday 22nd AprilBOOK SOON

Saturday 27th MayGOOD AVAILABILITY

Saturday 24th JuneGOOD AVAILABILITY

Saturday 29th JulyGOOD AVAILABILITY

All Our Events are pre book online only at www.thegreen duckemporium.com

Leon Styles plays the very best of funk, soul, disco and more. Inspired by some of the finest musicians of the last century and hand-picked from his vast collection of original vinyl.

Now he brings his unique collection of disco floor-fillers and remarkable soul rarities to the Green Duck Event Space & Bar for a night of heavenly disco, Disco Duck style. This is Tunbridge Wells best Funky Night Out!

Ticketed event only £7 - Please do not turn up as you will be turned away.

Doors 7.00pm - Main Event starts at 8pm – 1am

We Welcome back OUR “Courtyard Cinema” for Summer 2023

Sit back and relax and enjoy a film under the stars

• 12th May - The Rocky Horror Picture Show

• 19th May - Top Gun

• 2nd June- Saturday Night Fever

• 9th June - Grease

• 16th June - Back to the Future

• 23rd June - Mrs Doubtfire

• 21st July – The Greatest Showman

• 4th August - Raiders of the Lost Ark

• 18th August - Star Wars

• 25th August - Jurassic Park

• 31st August - Little Shop of Horrors

• 1st September - Sound of Music

• 8th September – Rocky Horror

• 9th September - Forest Gump

• 15th September - Bridget Jones’s Diary

Doors Open: 19:00 Film

Starts: 20:00 (approx)

Music to enjoy before the movie with a soundtrack of specially curated songs.

• Bring a blanket in case it gets cold

• Tickets only a vailable from our website

• Bar Snacks

Menu Available

• All Tickets Pre Booked Online

FRIDAY 24TH FEBRUARY

FRIDAY 31ST MARCH

FRIDAY 28TH APRIL

FRIDAY 26TH MAY

FRIDAY 30TH JUNE

FRIDAY 28TH JULY

The Amara clinic is a women’s health clinic which provides bespoke health and menopause care in a safe and private space in the heart of Tunbridge Wells.

It is led by Anne Henderson, a Consultant Gynaecologist and renowned British Menopause Society Accredited Specialist who is one of only 200 specialists across the UK.

With over 30 years of experience, Anne leads a multi-disciplinary team offering a range of services including advice and support on perimenopause, menopause and HRT, gynaecology and mental health support.

The clinic, which opened in September 2022 and is based in Linden Close near The Pantiles, also provides ultrasound scanning, blood tests and other diagnostic investigations.

After graduating from the University of Cambridge, Anne spent four years doing a postgraduate specialising in menopause, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and post-natal depression.

She was a consultant gynecologist within the NHS for 17 years and now practises privately. Anne is passionate about women’s health, HRT and complementary therapies

“We hereareto provide expert

including herbal medicine, diet, lifestyle changes and supplements, which she discusses in her 2021 book ‘Natural Menopause’, published by Dorling Kindersley.

“There is no question that menopause and HRT are now key health issues and the demand for high-quality expert advice continues to increase,” states Anne.

According to the NHS, there are 13 million women in the UK, a third of the female population, who are menopausal.

Following the publication of the National Institute for Health & Care Excellence Menopause Guideline, and the support from celebrities like Davina McCall, more women are taking charge of their own menopausal health and have started seeking out more specialised support.

Anne adds: “Since the pandemic, more women have definitely been taking their health into their own hands. They have become more self-aware and less reliant on GP advice with access to education, social media and TV.

“Most of them cannot get appointments due to the demand and pressure on the NHS so huge numbers of women are turning towards private clinics.

“I am seeing patients who maybe two or three years ago would never have contemplated private healthcare but are now seeking treatment.”

Anne established The Amara Clinic with the aim of providing a one-stop clinic that is safe, regulated and highly effective in treating all women.

“I wanted to create a clinic which is centered around a core expertise but also provides a seamless in-house process with a full range of holistic services to deliver exactly what women want.”

The Amara Clinic is one of a select number of consultant lead women’s health clinics in the South East.

The benefit of this means everything from prescriptions to procedures can be done in-house

advice”

Anne Henderson who has just opened her specialist clinic The Amara on The Pantiles…

through a seamless process that doesn’t require external referrals which a GP-led menopause clinic would.

As a result, patients receive a high level of expertise with continuity of care (and a consultant-led service) as they continue to see the same practitioner each time. The clinic is led by women for women, treating every woman’s case as unique with personalised treatments for each patient.

The Amara Clinic currently performs surgical procedures at KIMS hospital, Kent and No 25 Harley Street, London but will be expanding the clinic to offer in-house procedures at a new site opening in Spring 2023.

“Next year, the clinic will be expanding to a beautiful 10-room Georgian building in Tunbridge Wells complete with an operating theatre to continue our in-house treatments available to our patients,” adds Anne.

“The new clinic will be established with the aim of providing a complete one-stop clinic, which is fully regulated and provides a wide range of expertise.”

Most excitingly, the new site will also be a partnership with the highly acclaimed Private Clinic Group, including the Cosmetic Skin Clinic,

which was originally established by Dr Tracy Mountford.

The site will become the UK’s first fully accredited combined women’s health and non-surgical cosmetic clinic, becoming a bespoke one-stop clinic with everything under one roof.

“Tracy and I, together with the Private Clinic Group Team, have a long-standing ambition to create the safest possible service for women. This is why we are fully-regulated by the highest accreditations.

“Both clinics have a fully-trained team of staff comprising of GPs, nurses, physios, therapists, mental health practitioners, pharmacists and nutritionists to provide the highest quality service for patients.”

Last December, The Amara Clinic had its official launch party which was attended by local businesses, doctors, nurses, medics and the practice team in a large festive tent with cocktails and street vendors.

Having been open for only four months, Anne is delighted with how the clinic is progressing and is now looking forward to this year when her new partnership and second clinic will be both launched.

“My first clinic has been exactly what I hoped for, if not better than I had planned and dreamed of. How often can you say that?”

Lilly Croucher meets Consultant Gynaecologist

“The Amara clinic is led by women for women, treating every woman’s case as unique with personalised treatments for each patient.”

Seeing is believing

This month, optician Jamie Edney – who runs designer eyewear boutique Edney & Edney with his optometrist wife Ayshah on Monson Road – looks at the amazing eye examination technology of optical coherence tomography…

In this article, I’m going to take a break from discussing the intricacies of eyewear fashion trends, and instead provide a brief understanding of a technology that has quietly revolutionised the way we conduct eye examinations all over the world – optical coherence tomography, or OCT.

OCT is an imaging technique which has accelerated diagnostic ophthalmology and optometry since its advent in the 1990s and popularisation in the early 2000s. OCT essentially provides a cross-sectional scan of the ocular structures by emitting light, which passes through the transparent media of the eye. Data collected from the light reflected or scattered back is subsequently processed and presented as an image for interpretation (a similar principle to ultrasonography, which uses sound waves instead of light). It produces incredibly high-quality images

compared to alternative imaging techniques like ultrasound and X-rays, and enables the clinician to evaluate a previously inaccessible perspective of the eyes.

Since OCT uses waves of visible light for imaging, there is no harmful radiation and having the scan is completely non-invasive, and can be done as part of the eye examination without the need for any eye drops in most cases. There are two categories of OCT used nowadays – spectral domain and swept source – the latter being the more advanced, which produces higher-quality images.

The two-dimensional crosssectional images, or ‘B scans’, can be compiled to form a comprehensive three-dimensional digital model of the scanned retina. These scans are invaluable in the earliest possible detection of the subtle structural changes associated with ocular diseases including glaucoma and macular degeneration.

OCT is not only useful in the initial detection of a disease, but also in assessing the progression of a disease and therefore how effective specific treatments may be. By repeating scans periodically, a timeline of progression is produced, facilitating more thorough monitoring of certain conditions within optometric practice, reducing the burden on NHS ophthalmology clinics.

OCT has been available in many independent optical practices for the past fifteen years or so. Therefore when Ayshah, and I opened Edney & Edney in 2017, we invested in one of the highest specification models on day one. Our Topcon Triton swept source OCT captures a huge amount of data in a scan which takes seconds to complete. There are so many advantages to offering OCT in our practice, and it

would be fair to discuss the drawbacks – if there were any! If your optician has made this investment, my advice is to make the most of this advanced technology – the value of OCT as an imaging tool is astounding, and the fact it is available to the public in high street practices and not solely just on Harley Street should be celebrated and made the most of. The relatively cheap scan will provide the most thorough assessment of ocular health and with the way we now transfer and receive information visually, maintaining the best sight possible is arguably more important than ever before. Ask your optician about supplementary investigation techniques and their recommendations, and as always, feel free to contact us or pop into the practice on Monson Road if you would like more information.

“OCT is an imaging technique which has accelerated diagnostic ophthalmology and optometry since its advent in the 1990s”

Seasonal

change

Dreaming of brighter, longer, warmer days, Charlotte Newman of Kitch picks her top three fashion trends for spring/summer ‘23…

With spring just around the corner, this month my column is dedicated to discovering the trends and styles that are emerging this season.

For spring/summer 2023, there are several key trends to look out for, from delicate sheer and organza pieces to striking, bold florals that have been popular among the recent runway collections.

SHEER LUXE

One of the biggest trends we saw on the spring 2023 catwalks was the use of sheer, lace and organza materials. Featured in many collections from designers such as Versace, Saint Laurent and Chanel, these delicate fabrics add a touch of femininity and romance to any outfit. Layers of sheer and organza fabrics can create an ethereal look, while mesh and lace can add a touch of edginess to any outfit. Perfect for the warmer weather, these pieces will complement other light fabrics such as linen and cotton to create a comfortable and stylish look. If you are looking to incorporate the sheer trend into your wardrobe, the Delia dress from Dea Kudibal

www.kitchclothing.co.uk @kitch_clothing

is a must-have. A beautiful dress in lace-effect brocade, it has flounces at the neck and cuffs, full sleeves and a drawstring at the waist to give more definition.

FLOWER POWER

Another trend that will be popular this season is the use of florals, with an emphasis on floral structures and floral appliqué within clothing and accessories. Floral-inspired structures

were showcased at Loewe’s SS23 collection, while floral style chokers were featured by designers Magda Butrym and Prada. The Barrie dress from Melissa Odabash, is an elegant yet playful piece elevated by delicate floral cutwork throughout. The classic shirt dress is finished with a mandarin collar to keep the relaxed shape simple, while the belted waist adds definition. Style it with a pair of luxe flat sandals by day or a pair of heels for a more glamorous evening look.

TAKE IT TO THE MAX

This season, we are seeing the return of the maxi dresses, coats and skirts as featured from designers such as Saint Laurent, Gabriela Hearst and Versace. An elegant and elongating trend where pieces can be easily dressed up or down depending on the occasion. From flowy, bohemian maxi dresses to

more structured, modern maxi coats, this trend focuses on long silhouettes that are flattering on all sizes. The Arabella dress from Melissa Odabash is a glamorous option, with its dramatic maxi length and halter neck feature. Combining both classic and contemporary styles, the cutout detailing at the sides adds interest to the otherwise classic silhouette. Complete the look with a pair of gladiator sandals for a holiday daytime look, then switch it up in the evening with a pair of heels and clutch bag as you head out for dinner. Whether you prefer elegant and sophisticated maxi styles, or a more delicate and ethereal look, these trends are sure to be popular this spring and summer. Remember that the most important thing is to have fun and experiment with different trends and styles to create a look that is unique and personal to you.

“Delicate sheer and organza pieces, and striking, bold florals have been popular among the recent runway collections”

it into your day. Doing the activity regularly will eventually create a habit, making your new year resolutions more likely to continue into February and beyond.

WHAT’S YOUR LIMIT?

Like depression, boredom can creep up on us over time until it becomes the norm. Boredom as a state is down to circumstance and lifestyle. As a trait, it’s a characteristic that some people are more prone to than others. People who don’t like change will tolerate boredom for longer than those who are less anxious and more able to take risks. For some, boredom is safe and comforting, for others, it’s a prison or a trap.

CHANGE YOUR MIND

As a nation of negative thinkers, we tend to overthink and catastrophise, often concluding that no good will come from any effort made and think, ‘what’s the point?’ That way lies more of the same boring life.

Turning that mindset around can be achieved by nurturing an attitude of gratitude towards yourself and all that’s good in your life. This can help you to accept the things in life you can’t change and take charge of the things you can.

KNOW WHAT’S POSSIBLE

banish boredom Time to

As the winter months linger on, Karen Martin, a qualified hypnotherapist operating out of Salomons Estate, reveals how boredom can negatively impact our health. But, as she explains, practising self-care can combat boredom and help us live our lives to the fullest

February can be a gloomy month. Grotty weather and dark days make it easy to slip into the habit of inertia that’s hard to break. But the idea that doing nothing is relaxing is flawed.

While we all need down-time, too much of it can be bad for both our physical and mental health. Boredom is a form of stress that we are often reluctant to own up to.

Admitting we are stressed implies

that we are needed, busy, possibly quite important. But to say that we’re bored suggests a lack of imagination, initiative or having a fulfilling life of purpose and achievement.

In the days when children should be seen and not heard, before technology delivered unlimited entertainment, boredom was a normal childhood experience. This was considered a healthy part of development and an inquiring mind. In our faster paced world, children rarely have to make their own fun.

“To be bored is to be stuck in the waiting room of life, eating rubbish and staring at a screen of meaningless content with no-one to talk to”

Whether how much this inhibits progress is hard to know. Neurologically, brains need stimulation to remain focused and productive. Socially and culturally, we need inspiration and motivation for work, education, friends, partners, and ourselves.

Chronic boredom has been linked with mental health problems such as drug and alcohol abuse, anxiety and depression. If you’re bored with life, it’s hard to be carefree. Practising self-care requires effort and we must care enough about ourselves to make that effort.

CAN YOU DIE OF BOREDOM?

A study of 7,500 British adults found that people who were often bored at work were more likely to die earlier and 2.5 times more likely to die of heart disease than those who weren’t bored. They also reported less physical activity and poorer health. It seems that dying of boredom is a thing.

With reduced attention spans, less impulse control, and the need for instant gratification, more people are spending their time endless scrolling through their phones or sitting in front of the telly which are favoured over purposeful occupations. And yet, it’s the difficult things to master that take time and effort which lead to fulfilling and satisfying states of mind and robust mental health.

TAKE THE TIME

Finding the motivation to commit to a rewarding activity means making time. ‘I’m too busy’ is a worn-out excuse and can be resolved by sticking something in the diary so you have to schedule

Whether or not you take charge of your life, the world will keep changing around you. Boredom, like happiness, can be fleeting or cyclical as you go through the different phases of life. Sometimes, sitting with the stillness of boredom, knowing it will pass, is the right thing to do, although procrastinating for too long can prolong the misery. Equally, making decisive change is good if you’re well informed and have taken the time to assess all options. Otherwise, you could end up replacing one boring job (or marriage) for another.

TAKE CHANCES

Putting grown-up pants on and jumping out of your comfort zone is exciting and excitement is the opposite of boredom. Those who are risk averse are more likely to be stuck in a rut than the brave and the reckless. There’s a happy medium and we all have our limits and boundaries to push. For some, parkour is a challenge and for others, stepping off a pavement is a milestone. Some will leap towards meaningful purpose and some will take baby steps.

To be bored is to be stuck in the waiting room of life, eating rubbish and staring at a screen of meaningless content with no-one to talk to. Sometimes, starting a conversation with someone you haven’t spoken to for a while will stimulate an arrangement which will relieve boredom and inspire other conversations and activities.

There is a misguided assumption that, if someone is bored, they must be boring, just as if someone is lonely, they must be unlovable. This is unfair and suggests that when life becomes tedious, as it normally does, it’s somehow shameful to own up to it.

Pretending life is one big adventure, when it isn’t, will lead to disappointment and disillusionment. Making a boring life more interesting means owning and challenging it with determination and an intuitive understanding of your own needs.

Karen Martin Hypnotherapist hypnotherapykent.co.uk

confidence… Boost your body

This month, fitness professional and entrepreneur, Sarah Gorman reveals how to get your gym confidence back. She explains how changing what we wear and how we think about our bodies can help us view exercise in a positive way…

Idon’t know about you but getting into lycra in the morning, or at any time of the day, is not something I relish.

I am not dreading the workout itself; I’m dreading the moment the lycra is on and I have to glance in the mirror.

It’s not the most flattering of clothing ranges and there is no hiding anything once it’s on! I don’t know if everyone feels the same, but I think that most women I know do.

As women we see and hear all the onscreen, magazine and now social media images of what a ‘beautiful’ woman (supposedly) looks like.

While I recognise there is much being done to counter these stereotypes and change the way we view beauty, I think there is something inherently stuck in our society that continues to make us criticise the way we look.

I imagine this self-criticism has stopped many of us continuing with a passion, or stopped us doing

Sarah Gorman

Fitness professional and entrepreneur @sarahgormanblendfit sarahgorman.fit

“It’s all about visualisation: close your eyes and let’s work from the feet up”

something that we love, possibly because there is just too much selfdoubt, lack of self-worth, even selfloathing involved to keep going. Nowadays, I just blank it out.

I try and tell the voices to be quiet and get myself into a different mindset. And sure enough, once I start to move they go away. But if I have these feelings and thoughts and voices, then other people must too. What is it stopping you from walking into a group exercise class, or going to the gym? I think

that lack of confidence is an issue across the board. I imagine that men and boys feel similarpossibly in different ways.

Finding a way to be confident is not easy but there are ways that we can trick confidence into happening authentically.

One of the ways in which to do this is through posture and in the way we physically present ourselves. And I mean this both in the clothes that we choose to wear but also in how we hold our bodies.

Learning to stand tall, draw our shoulders back and open the chest is something that can be practised and will make you feel stronger and more confident. It not only gives the appearance of inner self confidence but actually makes one look physically taller and, in fact (dare I say), better.

The more we practise these simple changes in our posture the more inherent they become until we no longer have to try – it just becomes a part of you.

Another way is to choose to wear things that make you feel good. If lycra doesn’t make you feel this way, then don’t wear it! Find something that makes you feel good when you put it on.

You won’t get through the exercise barriers if you feel rubbish before you even start.

Exercise should be unabashed.

Fitness is for our souls and our minds as much as it is for our bodies. We should be able to rock up in whatever we want, so long as we can move safely and

“The more we practise these simple changes in our posture the more inherent they become until we no longer have to try – it just becomes a part of you”

MOVE OF THE MONTH:

Posture

This can be done lying on the floor with the knees bent and feet on the floor in a seated position, on a chair or standing.

It’s all about visualisation: close your eyes and let’s work from the feet up. Feel the feet grounded on the floor. The majority of your weight should be in the heels and running down the outer edge of the foot.

Feel the contact with the feet on the floor. In your mind’s eye, track up your legs to the knees. Soften the knees so that you are not locking them which creates tension.

Continue to trace up the body to the pelvis and hips. Here we work on engaging the muscles in the pelvic floor by trying to imagine your sit bones gently drawing up and slightly closer together inside the body. You can also think about the pubic bone and the tail bone similarly drawing closer towards each other and lifting slightly up inside the body.

Don’t work too hard: you should be able to breathe easily and not feel tension. Now take

your mind to your belly. Without sucking it in, just feel the whole front of the abdominal wall drawing in towards the centre. Feel the rib cage soften and the chest widening and opening out. I try to imagine arrows coming from my sternum out towards to shoulders.

Now take your vision to your back. Try to visualise your spine lengthening from the very base of the spine (the tail bone) all the way up to the top and out beyond the crown of your head. Imagine that your spine is like a long string holding you up and lifting you out of your body. Try to feel that the rest of the body is simply hanging from this invisible string. Allow your shoulder blades to melt down the back of your body and create some space between the shoulders and the ears. Stay with this feeling for a few breathes in and out. Don’t get locked into the position. You should feel like there is the freedom to move but that you can also sustain this open, tall posture.

Try and practise this every few days for the next month and feel if it makes a difference in how you feel about yourself and your body and therefore your confidence.

work out.

As fitness has become a huge industry, more people than ever have been able to access that some kind of exercise class or other, but I think this still creates a barrier for some people as we get it in our heads that we are being judged by how we look.

If, like me, you hear the voices that say you look a bit dumpy, or your legs are too short, or your arms aren’t lean enough, or

whatever else the voices say – then tell them to just get lost. Because firstly, no one is looking at you anyway and they are too busy worrying about themselves. Secondly you probably look absolutely fine and thirdly, who gives a monkeys?!

You’re there to get strong and fit and healthy so what does it matter how you look in a bit of silly old lycra?

“What is it stopping you from walking into a group exercise class, or going to the gym? I think that lack of confidence is an issue across the board”

Natural selection…

This month Naomi Murray from Botanica Health in Rusthall invites her medical herbalist Brian Lamb to tell SO readers about natural ways to combat Post Viral Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Over the last 40 years my father has successfully treated many patients with Post Viral Fatigue. Historically, as he mentions below, it was rarely taken seriously. It was deemed as almost ‘imaginary’. But over the last few years the term ‘Long Covid’ has emerged and it is now commonly understood by most people, to some extent. Here, in the first installment of a two-part series, he addresses the subject in more detail. So if you too are struggling to make a swift return to good health, then read on…

Naomi Murray Co-founder of Botanica Health botanicahealth.co.uk

“Herbs have so much to offer in regaining strength and resilience after an illness, especially when guided by a professional practitioner. More to come on that, but let’s begin here. How do you ‘get’ chronically fatigued after a virus?

Many who have suffered a moderate to severe infection from seasonal flu’ or COVID-19 complain of chronic fatigue – a debilitating condition that stands in the way of a return to vibrant health. Fatigue and exhaustion are the primary symptoms, but there are many more. Those suffering from Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome (PVCFS) present a picture of ‘something retained’ after the crisis subsides. It would appear that the virus has left its imprint. When associated with Covid-19, this condition is now referred to as Long Covid. For clarity, I will include Long Covid within PVCFS. Many medics who formerly dismissed

chronic fatigue syndrome as ‘all in the mind’, have had to think again in the face of Long Covid.

On December 3, 2020, I attended an international Zoom seminar on Long Covid conducted by two medical professionals. The stark facts are grim and underscores the old adage: ‘an ounce of prevention is better than a ton of cure’! If we succumb to a common cold or a bout of ‘flu, how we manage it makes all the difference and can prevent long-lasting symptoms including PVCFS. All evidence points to PVCFS arising as a sequel to a serious bout of the ‘flu or Covid-19. A mild infection will not lead to PVCFS. Also, and of great importance is the observation that PVCFS can develop by being careless when symptoms of an infection show up. By ‘carrying on as usual’ what could have been a small inconvenience, can morph into PVCFS.

The common cold (a corona virus!) is an acute phase of toxic release and should be seen as such and not suppressed. Influenza, however, is a rapidly prostrating illness and must be managed by bed rest. Working through a serious virus is not an option and can have long-lasting consequences including PVCFS and worse.

We are starkly reminded of the findings of Dr D.A. Richardson, physician in attendance to the indigenous people in their pueblos at Albuquerque during the 1918 Spanish ‘flu pandemic: “Those who remain prostrate in bed and eat

only a liquid diet, mostly recover, but those who get dressed and eat solid food, mostly die”.

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services in a 2019 posting: “The majority of deaths during the influenza pandemic of 19181919 were not caused by the influenza virus acting alone, report researchers from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health. Instead, most victims succumbed to bacterial pneumonia following influenza virus infection. The pneumonia was caused when bacteria that normally inhabit the nose and throat invaded the lungs along a pathway created when the virus destroyed the cells that line the bronchial tubes and lungs.”

During the 1918 pandemic, the average age of death was 30, thus cutting short an expected further lifespan of about 45 years. Whereas Covid-19 average age at death is 83 years, thus cutting short just a few useful years by contrast.

The common cold and especially ‘flu rapidly depletes vital reserves of Vitamins C and D, so these should be supplemented from the outset. It has been found that a virus depletes vitamin C to ‘scurvy’ levels...”

Don’t miss part two of this fascinating essay which will examine the root cause of Post Viral Fatigue and the path to regaining whole health once again. It will be published in the March edition of SO magazine.

“Many who have suffered a moderate to severe infection from seasonal flu’ or COVID-19 complain of chronic fatigue — a debilitating condition that stands in the way of a return to vibrant health”

HOW TO STYLE PANTONE’S 2023 COLOUR OF THE YEAR

Viva Magenta

Viva Magenta is all about jewel tone accents and inventiveness, says Sam Wylie-Harris

The Pantone Colour Institute experts have chosen ‘an unconventional shade for an unconventional time’ for 2023’s Colour of the Year –and Viva Magenta is certainly far from muted.

In fact, ‘brave, fearless, powerful and empowering’ is how this nuanced crimson-blended shade is described – ‘an animated red that revels in pure joy, encouraging experimentation and selfexpression without restraint’.

According to the Pantone pros, this ‘electrifying’ and ‘boundless’ shade manifests as a ‘stand-out statement’ – and we’ve no doubt it’ll do the same for your interiors.

“Vibrant and energising, Viva Magenta is the perfect accent colour to liven up a room… an animated red that revels in pure joy”

“Vibrant and energising, Viva Magenta is the perfect accent colour to liven up a room,” says Chelsea Clark, head of brand at Lust Home.

“If you’re looking to make a statement, pair the warm red hue with neutral or complementary colours that have the same undertone – and add some contrasting accessories for an extra touch.”

As Clark points out, the thought of using a bright or vibrant shade when decorating can be quite daunting at first, especially if it’s a break from the norm for you. After all, big aspirations call for confidence – but you can skip the expected curtains and scatter

cushions pairing (depending on your budget) by switching up your wall treatments.

“Wallpaper is a great starting point when looking to dip your toes into the world of bright interiors,” says Clark.

“Add a pop of Viva Magenta to your walls in the form of a patterned wallpaper and embrace the bold trend.”

Elsewhere, colourful paint effects can help you pull off a major wall statement and take your blank canvas to the next level.

“Vixen is Graham & Brown’s take on Viva Magenta,” says James Greenwood, interior expert at Graham & Brown. A bold pink perfect for those who love playful colour, he acknowledges this vibrant hue can often seem quite overwhelming when introducing it to the home –but you don’t have to go all in at once.

As Greenwood says: “For a more easily translatable look into an interior scheme, colour blocking is a great way to incorporate a hot pink into your interior without being overpowering.”

Think about pairing with cooler pink and purple shades, underpinned by a warm neutral like a putty beige,

he suggests, which keeps the brighter pops of colour grounded.

Emma Bestley, co-founder of YesColours, agrees –especially if you’re feeling more timid than fearless:

“Viva Magenta is a classic hot pink and in colour terms, a pinkish, purplish red. This exact colour may be too intense for your walls, but we don’t have to take Pantone’s colour of the year so literally,” she says.

Indeed, Pantone cite Viva Magenta as ‘a shade rooted in nature descending from the red family – and expressive of a new signal of strength’. How you choose to channel this in your own home is open to interpretation.

Bestley suggests looking at varying tones of pink-purple to suit your needs: “It will still maintain that fearless assertiveness.”

Play around with different depths of saturation and tones to see what works for your space. With a deep pinkymauve sophistication, Bestley says these shades can wrap you in warmth and comfort, like cashmere.

“Some may see it as lusty, but we just see it as loving and kind,” she adds.

Another way to get the look

“Be brave with a rich magenta sofa and matching feature wall, guaranteed to create a statement in your living room,” suggests Francesca Hadland from Bridgman.

“Echo the colour around the space with your accessories, from your throw cushions to your rug,” she adds.

“And, don’t forget to look to house plants and foliage to offset this bold colour palette with complimentary greens, bringing the bold shades of nature into your home.”

Best of all – with Pantone describing Viva Magenta as a ‘pulsating red shade whose exuberance promotes optimism and joy’ – think of all the spectacular ways you can work this joyous shade into your scheme when spring flowers start to bloom.

With peony flowered tulips turning heads, this red-pink hue will be cropping up everywhere.

If

Recipe alfrescofor

success

So you adore entertaining your friends and relatives and turn your hand to the odd barbecue? Well, maybe now’s the time to take things more seriously outdoors and revolutionise the use of your terrace.

2020 saw a sea change in the way we relate to our gardens and outdoor spaces. For many of us it became a place of peace and wellbeing, but it got us thinking and now we are back to socialising it’s become a place to entertain.

Sales of outdoor kitchens are booming, while chefs are creating new gourmet recipes for you to serve up and impress the most discerning of foodies.

I recently invested in a Gozney Pizza Oven, Roccbox, only to find myself utilising its superb all-round heat to serve up delicious steak casseroles and roasted scallops during the winter! Yes you can make pizzas, but also a whole lot more with these amazing machines. The one to get, if you’ve got the cash, is The Dome, a professional grade outdoor pizza oven at £1799 – still a whole lot cheaper than many of its competitors. If you want to whet your appetite go to Gozney.com and check out the recipes. There are also some really helpful videos.

BBC Good Food, which I’m sure many of you Google for inspiration, have a whole plethora of great cooking ideas for outdoors. From Moroccan-style leg of lamb, to barbecued fennel with black olive dressing. There are some really tasty alfresco dining ideas if you’re seeking inspiration.

If you want more, I recommend Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge’s ‘Outdoor Cooking

– The Ultimate Modern

Barbecue Bible’

At £17 it’s a snip, what more could you want? Check it out on Amazon, or even better pop into Waterstones in Tunbridge Wells.

So with all this enthusiasm for getting out there how can we make that outdoor kitchen work well for you and integrate with your house and garden?

A well-planned outdoor kitchen will have areas for preparing food, cooking appliances and socialising with friends and family. Identical to your indoor kitchen, appliances and storage will define the scope and layout of the area, while your surfaces and lighting and any covering will help create the atmosphere, aesthetics and help extend the use of the kitchen beyond sunset.

A recent scheme we designed for a garden in St Albans incorporates a lounge, eating space, outdoor kitchen and wellness area in a new terrace that adjoins the kitchen and living rooms of the house. The client is a very keen cook, and here the outdoor kitchen augments the appliances indoors, so it all works in an integrated fashion. Here we were not seeking to replace or duplicate but incorporate appliances that will contribute fresh flavours and recipe ideas.

So, in planning any scheme think about this and you will spend your money wisely.

Even in the depths of winter the outdoor kitchen can be enjoyed and used as a cooking area to help create dishes that can be enjoyed indoors.

Tim Sykes Gardenproud

For further information about how to design, integrate and build an outdoor kitchen and terrace in your garden contact Tim Sykes on 07725 173820.

Our scheme in St Albans includes a bespoke pergola design that helps define the cooking and preparation area and incorporates focssed lighting. With this particular project the pergola is being made, but you can buy many designs off-the -shelf. One of the most dramatic comprehensively fitted options available is marketed by Renson Outdoor (Renson.net) You can enhance them with electric closing rooflines, integrated lighting and rainwater collection - even piped music!

Our outdoor kitchen area in a garden we designed in Tonbridge integrated with a kitchen garden area, so a series of raised beds bordering the entertaining area provide fresh ingredients for the cook. Visually it’s very appealing, and practically – well it’s just perfect. It may be worth building refreshingly different ideas like this into your plan.

Bespoke or modular?

You can create a bespoke kitchen to suit your garden design, or buy modular based products, such as

Grillo have a myriad of units that can be linked to each other to create different working and socialising spaces. They have just launched a bar addition, that encourages guests to mingle around the cooking area while the gastronomic extravaganza is being prepared.

Adding spaces could include comfy seating and firepits to help keep everybody cosy while they wait in anticipation.

I was recently introduced to The Outdoor Kitchen Collective, by my great friends at Corker Outdoor (theoutdoorkitchencollective.co.uk).

Funnily enough these guys are based in St Albans, although I have to confess we didn’t know of them when we created the design for our new terrace in the town! I’ll admit that it’s definitely worth a trip to gain inspiration. You can also see a wide range of cooking products in their showroom and weigh up the virtues of different layouts. Then armed with this new-found knowledge you can start planning your own space, working with your garden designer and landscaping company to integrate this within your overall scheme so that everything dovetails perfectly.

What’s happening in the garden this February?

Plan your new terrace and outdoor kitchen area for the summer!

Plan out and sow early vegetables and salad products in propagators or your greenhouse in preparation for planting on Start sowing slow growing perennials and annuals under cover

Top dress ornamental trees, shrubs and perennials with organic

fertiliser

If you haven’t completed it already, cut back overgrown hedges before they start to grow

Order your summer flowering bulbs

Look out for early flowering crocus, anemone and iris

Enjoy the hellebores and winter jasmine!

Our gardening expert Tim Sykes of Gardenproud reveals the ways in which you can transform your humble garden into an alfresco foodies’ paradise for summer

“Sales of outdoor kitchens are booming, while chefs are creating new gourmet recipes for you to serve up and impress the most discerning of foodies.”

Grillo (Grilloliving.com)

Explore this Kenya corner of mysterious

on a wild African adventure

Lesser known than than Mara but equally brilliant for safari, the volcanically-formed Chyulu Hills sizzles with a special energy, says

Stood atop a stack of ancient balancing rocks, the sight below me is extraordinary. Large herds of oryx shift across open grasslands as clouds lift to reveal the curves of grassy mounds. Glinting in the distance, the snowcapped tip of Kilimanjaro soars upwards in a perfect cone.

Today, the only rumblings I hear are from lions and elephants, but this undulating landscape was once a hothouse of volcanic activity. Part of a range that formed 1.4 million years ago, the Chyulu Hills are relatively young in geological terms, with the last recorded eruptions occurring in 1855. And although blankets of grass have since softened any angry tectonic upheavals, energy from fiery lava flows still runs through hilltops and stimulates life from the fertile soils below my feet.

“There’s something very special about this place,” whispers my safari guide, Jackson, as we watch a hazy dawn sun emerge from the mist.

Sarah Marshall

“Some people even say it sits on ley lines.”

Regardless of whether supernatural pathways pass through the Chyulus or not, this national park in southeast Kenya certainly has the power to captivate imaginations, supposedly providing the inspiration for Ernest Hemingway’s book Green Hills Of Africa.

Although it receives far less visitors than flagship wildlife destinations, such as the Maasai Mara and Lewa, it’s an equally important ecosystem. Sandwiched between the red earth soils of Tsavo and the swamps and marshlands of Amboseli on the border with Tanzania, it’s an important migration corridor for elephants.

I meet some of the region’s male bull residents later that morning, when I visit a hide built next to a man-made watering hole. Some have tusks so long they spar like fencers as they battle greedily for the water source. At a time when

This national park in southeast Kenya certainly has the power to captivate its visitors’ imaginations.

most big tuskers have been almost genetically wiped out by decades of ivory poaching, they are a reminder of how magnificent this species once looked.

A particularly striking example is an elephant affectionately known as One Ton.

“He’s one of our regulars,” explains Graham Mckittrick, host manager at Ol Donyo Lodge, one of the few places to stay in the area.

Set at the foothills of the Chyulu Hills National Park, 11 thatched cottages are spread across a gentle slope on the 111,000-hectare Mbirikani Group Ranch –community land owned by 4,000 Maasai. Built with ancient lava rock which once flowed from Kilimanjaro, the space radiates a warm and earthly glow.

Between game drives, I sit in my private plunge pool, watching giraffes glide across the horizon, their tall frames dwarfed by the epic scenery. During the day, klipspringers bolt through bushes, bright hornbills flash between treetops, and langur monkeys bathe boldly on terraces –making themselves just as much at home as paying guests.

Even after dark, nature continues her display. One night, I crawl into a star bed on the rooftop of my suite, listening to lions roar somewhere below the burning bright constellations, until I drift off to sleep.

Filmmakers and photographers with an eye for beauty, Dereck and Beverly Joubert were so captivated by the Chyulu Hills, they chose to bring Ol Donyo Lodge under their Great Plains Conservation umbrella

15 years ago. The couple quickly recognised its ecological importance.

“We have one of the only continuous unfenced populations of black rhino in Kenya,” explains Graham, when we head out early one morning on a walking safari. In so many places, populations have been poached to extinction, with animals reintroduced at a later date. But here, lava flows have created a fortress, providing a natural refuge.

Climbing over sharp, rough parapets and a moat of whistling thorns, it’s no surprise to learn the rhinos are rarely seen. But its still reassuring to know they are tucked safely somewhere inside.

Along with geological fortifications, non-profit organisation Big Life has played a key role in securing the survival of these animals, employing community scouts and establishing a security monitoring programme at the peak of the poaching crisis.

The son of a well-known Kenyan game warden, conservationist Richard Bonham was one of the first people to negotiate a tourism land lease from communities when he started building Ol Donyo in the 1980s. He later sold the property

Rooms at Ol Donyo Lodge start from $1,045USD/£872 per person per night (two sharing) full board, including Big Life conservation fees. Visit greatplains conservation.com. Exceptional Travel can arrange packages with flights. Visit exceptionaltravel.com. For more information on Big Life Foundation, visit biglife.org.

to Great Plains but continues to live nearby in a bohemian open-air house with his wife Tara.

Co-founded with photographer Nick Brandt and entrepreneur Tom Hill, Big Life has successfully coordinated cross-border anti-poaching operations between Kenya and Tanzania, protecting more than 1.6 million acres by employing hundreds of local rangers.

But the biggest threat, Richard tells me when we meet at his home, is ongoing conflict between communities and wildlife, made worse by the sub-division of farmlands which block elephant corridors. Like so many conservationists, he faces ongoing challenges and frustrations, with no easy solutions readily available. His ongoing commitment is testimony to how special this place is.

Late in the afternoon, I hike to one of the Chyulu’s many viewpoints. Perhaps it’s the fronds of red oat grass tickling at my skin, but the sensation of standing here is electrifying.

Whether mapped by lava flows, ley lines or ancient migratory paths, Chyulu’s hills have a magnetism that will continually draw you back.

Chyulu’s mysterious hills have a magic and magnetism that will continually draw you back.

FIRST DRIVE:

HOW DOES IT LOOK?

From the front, it’s easy to see how this Sport is related to the cars which have come before it. It’s upright, angular and just what you’d expect from a more dynamically-inclined Range Rover, with sharp lights and thin grille combining to give it a very distinctive ‘face’.

It’s around the back where we’re not so sure. Of course, looks are down to the individual, but we’re just not sold on the rather ‘bare’ look of the Sport in this area. Having said that, the red colour that our car was finished in was quite attractive and did help to spruce up the overall look of the Sport.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

Big and spacious, there’s loads of room to stretch out inside the Range Rover Sport. The forward part of the cabin is trimmed very nicely, too, with the 22-way electronically adjustable heated and ventilated seats proving immensely comfortable during our time with

FACTS AT A GLANCE

MODEL: Range Rover Sport

PRICE AS TESTED: £106,120

ENGINE: 3.0-litre turbocharged straightsix diesel

POWER: 296bhp

TORQUE: 700Nm

0-60MPH: 5.6 seconds

TOP SPEED: 145mph

ECONOMY: 36.7mpg

CO2 EMISSIONS: 202g/km

Range Rover Sport

The new Sport is here, bringing with it a whole range of technology and engine upgrades. Jack Evans finds out what it’s like

WHAT IS IT?

The Range Rover Sport has had a big impact in the UK. Now spanning three generations, it’s become one of the key players in the SUV segment, often seen as one of the ‘cars to beat’.

Now, the much-loved Sport has been given a whole host of upgrades and a divisive new look designed to help this veteran of the SUV racket stay current.

WHAT’S NEW?

As mentioned, the Sport enters with a very fresh exterior design, which plays closely with the latest fullsize Range Rover. But above and beyond aesthetics, we’ve got a more technology-laden interior, improved quality levels and all-wheel-steering, which aims to help low-speed agility without forsaking sure-footedness at greater ones.

All cars get air suspension as standard too, while Jaguar Land Rover has kitted it out with some of its latest and cleanest engines, including the option of a new plugin hybrid system.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?

While a plug-in hybrid might be available, it isn’t under the bonnet of our Sport. Instead, there’s a rather traditional 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel straight-six engine. It’s punchy, mind, with 296bhp and 700Nm of torque being developed, which helps the Sport to crack 0-60mph in just

5.6 seconds and carry on to a top speed of 145mph. It’s remarkably brisk, given that the Sport weighs nearly 2.5 tonnes overall.

This engine setup brings a claimed fuel economy figure of up to 36.7mpg too, which is about right for this size of vehicle, while CO2 emissions stand at 202g/km. As you might expect, it’s sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox too.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

Upright, commanding and confidence-inspiring, the new Sport’s driving position will be instantly familiar to anyone who has driven one of this car’s forebears. It’s not too intimidating, either, as despite this car’s size, your visibility is good and it’s easy to judge where your corners are. The steering has some pleasant heft to it too, but it’s not so overburdened with weight as to make it annoying at low speeds. The all-wheel-steering also really helps in this area.

This engine is a peach, as well. The plug-in hybrid will be a better choice for drivers doing lower mileage, but for big, cross-country journeys this diesel feels like a sublime option. It’s punchy, refined and surprisingly characterful. There’s definitely more edginess in the ride compared with the regular Range Rover but this added firmness brings more composure through the bends. It does have Sport in the name, after all.

the car. Those sitting in the rear are almost equally well catered for, too, and the back seats in our test car were heated too. We did notice a small squeaking noise coming from the panoramic sunroof at times, however.

Boot space is good, with 647 litres available as standard or 1,491 litres with the rear seats folded flat. The load lip is quite high, though, so you do need to take a little extra care when loading larger items. You can, however, lower the rear of the car a touch via the air suspension system and a button located on the right side of the boot.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

Prices for the Range Rover start from £80,325, so this is far from a budget proposition, though it is quite a bit less than the £99,375 you’ll pay for the full Range Rover. Standard equipment levels are good, mind you, with fourzone climate control, wireless smartphone charging and a headup display all included as standard.

You also get JLR’s excellent Pivi Pro infotainment system – accessed via a 13.1-inch touchscreen – which houses all key media functions. It’s simple to use, though we found something as simple as switching off the automatic speed camera alert – which will sound each time you pass under an average speed check – annoyingly tricky.

Our test car, with options such as the £5,330 Stormer Handling Pack and its electronic active differential and all-wheel-steering, bumped the car’s price up to a considerable £106,120.

VERDICT

The new Range Rover Sport feels like a very complete next step in what has become a successful series of cars. It’s a lot more refined and upmarket than before and though that may come at more of a cost, it feels like a worthwhile trade-off.

The diesel version shows that there’s some real life left in oil burners, too, and helps to fit the relaxed, long-distance character of the Sport. Throw in some decent cornering ability and you’ve got a recipe that feels very attractive indeed.