Christina Gudenian from Zaven’s on why she’s passionate about supporting local
We invite you along to all the best parties and events happening in Tunbridge Wells
Interiors expert Claire Douglas reveals how you can create a dream home for less
ATELIER DE LINDE CO-FOUNDERS ANGIE POOL AND TARA DE LINDE TELL US WHY THEIR ARCHITECTURE PRACTICE IS SO UNIQUE
elcome to your July edition of SO magazine. With the summer holidays fast approaching our thoughts naturally turn to sunnier climes, some much deserved time off and, if you have young children, how you can keep them occupied for six long weeks.
Rest assured we have plenty of ideas for you in this issue on all of the above which include travel orientated features such as the hottest new destination –Montenegro since you ask – as well as the key fashion pieces and beauty items you need to pack.
But before you get to our lifestyle section you’ll probably want to know a little more about our cover stars for July. They are architects Tara de Linde and Angie Pool from Atelier de Linde, a boutique firm that goes that extra mile for its commercial and residential clients – whether that’s in terms of customer service, problem solving or sustainability. Turn to page 8 to
4
find out more about this bespoke business that was established in August 2022 and has its sights firmly set on bringing architecture and design to new heights.
Elsewhere in this issue we celebrate the return of the Tunbridge Wells Fringe Festival (p30) which will have lots of fun events for all ages to enjoy. As well as lots of pop-ups happening at various venues across town including stand-up, cabaret and spoken word, the hilarious Scummy Mummies will be returning to the town to play another packed show at the Assembly Hall on July 14.
In addition to all our regular expert contributors, this month we also have a very interesting piece by local writer Victoria Ufondu (pictured far right) about why the summer months are the ideal time to make some significant emotional changes in your life (p39)
As usual, we’ve got all the pictures from the latest parties and key events in town to enjoy looking at and also some delicious seasonal food to savour from our local eateries.
Culture vulture: What’s on where this month
Eileen Leahy
eileen.leahy@onemediauk.co.uk
DESIGN
Jo Turfitt
EDITORIAL
Karen Martin
Naomi Murray
Tim Sykes
Molly Miller PHOTOGRAPHY
Bartholomew
6
Food and grooves: Paul Dunton previews the line-up of this year’s Pub in the Park festival
July 2023
8
Design duo: We meet Tara de Linde and Angie Pool from boutique architecture firm Atelier de Linde
12
14
Razor sharp: Marketing firm Sharp Minds throws a summer party
Southern comfort: A look back at this year’s Black Deer festival
17 Raise a glass: Say cheers to another successful Wine Garden of England event
19 Treasure trove: Scottish Antiques host a special evening at The Pantiles Arcade 21 Game on: Monopoly evening raises thousands for charity 23
Pole position: Soapbox Superstars Kart Race is runaway success
36 Brunch time: We sample a taste of Hotel du Vin’s new ‘C’est Brunch’ menu
49 Up for the cup: Naomi Murray reveals the benefits of coffee
27 Support local: The TN Card’s Jess Gibson meets the owner of Zaven’s gift shop and cafe
30 Festival fever: The Tunbridge Wells Fringe returns this month
33 Eighth wonder: Discover the charm of The Eight Bells pub
39
Free yourself: Writer and emotional life coach Victoria Ufondu on how to reset your mindset this summer
41
Sunseekers: Our beauty writer tests out the best self-tans
43Summer loving: Mastering beach to bar holiday dressing
44
Crowning glories: Meet talented milliner Katherine Elizabeth
47
Seasonal change: Sam Hipperson from Love and Luxe on why her summer collection is the hottest yet
51
Smoke alarm: Hypnotherapist Karen Martin on the growing vaping epidemic in young people –and how to stop it
53
Get in shape: Fitness expert Sarah Gorman suggests simple exercises to do on holiday
55 Go with the flow: Yoga expert Lucy Parker on why small steps lead to big changes
56
DIY Queen: Interior designer Claire Douglas talks about the secrets of her style success
61
Planting ideas: Why Garden Proud’s Tim Sykes is passionate about planting
64Magical Montenegro: We discover the hottest new holiday destination
66 Drive of your life: Test drive the new Mercedes GLC 300e
JULY 6
Celebrate summer at SPN on Camden Road from 8pm this evening by dancing to Balearic beats, disco and house music, straight from the spiritual home of Ibiza and Tulum. SPN Founder Jaime Cooke (AKA DJ Cookie) will be spinning her favourite tunes with some friends from The London Sound Academy, including DJs Luli, Aly, and Jeb and Coco. There is a pop-up cocktail bar and the event runs until 11.30pm. Tickets cost £25 and are available from www.spn.fit
JULY 7-9
JULY 23
JULY-SEPTEMBER
The Amelia is running a new exhibition entitled Microworld. On daily until September 3, it is an immersive art space filled with digital creatures which respond to the audience in a variety of ways. They have life cycles and strategies for survival and visitors can play with them to explore what they do or design their own and then add them into the mix. Or you can simply go along and be mesmerised by this impressive artistic experience. Entry is free. For more info head to www.theamelia.co.uk
JULY 7
Jeeves & Wooster creator PG Wodehouse was captured in 1940 during the Second World War in France by the Germans and spent much of the war interned in Berlin. When he was set free, he settled in America and became a US citizen in 1955.
Get ready for the hottest foodie destination this summer. Pub in the Park returns to Tunbridge Wells’ Dunorlan Park from July 7-9, as locals get ready to celebrate the best of what the best British pubs offer: award-winning food, great live music, and delicious drinks. With a line-up of favourite hit-makers such as Rudimental, Badly Drawn Boy, McFly and Sister Sledge, ticket holders are set for a weekend that will kickstart summer in true British fashion. To book tickets visit pubintheparkuk.com
On July 23, The Tunbridge Wells Mela returns to Calverley Grounds between 12pm and 6pm for a cultural celebration from around the world. Marking its 17th year, the festival of music, visual arts, food and dance, both on and off stage, is set to be a sure hit for all ages. The event is a free community celebration of the beautiful diversity within our Borough and has been organised by Cohesion Plus with the support of local partners. For more information, visit www.tunbridgewellsmela.com
At 7.30pm comedian and social commentator Mark Thomas takes to the stage at Trinity Theatre performing in England & Son. This is a oneman play written specifically for the award-winning political comedian by playwright Ed Edwards and is the first time Mark Thomas has performed anything other than his own work. Tickets cost £15 and can be bought from www.trinitytheatre.net
We bring you the month’s most entertaining events happening this July
JULY 9
Cranbrook Symphony Orchestra perform their Summer Charity Concert at 3pm on July 9 at Benenden School’s stunning new venue Hemsted Park. In this special concert, the orchestra will be joined by the distinguished pianist Joanna McGregor for a performance of Grieg’s Concerto, which is one of the most popular in the repertory. Tickets cost from £6-£15 from www.hemstedpark.com/events
Whitney Houston holds the world record for being the most-awarded artist. She amassed over 400 in her lifetime, including six Grammys and 22 American Music Awards.
JULY 13
As part of the Tunbridge Wells Fringe Festival there will be a Sequins on the School Run event happening at the Old Auction House from 9am on July 13. “Let’s make Thursday morning the new Friday night,” declare the organisers of this charity event. Attendees are encouraged to dress up if they wish but casual dress is also completely acceptable! As well as raising money from the £10 ticket cost charged per person, for the British Heart Foundation and DAVVS, this is a great opportunity to catch up over coffee and pastries with pals and enjoy browsing beauty goodies and fashion stalls. There will also be tarot readings and more – all to a soundtrack of disco beats.
JULY 14
Another Tunbridge Wells Fringe event is the return of the popular comedy duo Scummy Mummies at the Assembly Hall. Cheeky, observant and piquant in their approach to seeing life through their ‘scummy mummy’ lens, this show promises to be hilarious and tickets will sell out fast so make sure you grab yours from the Assembly Hall website. The fun kicks off at 8pm and promises to have you in hysterics!
www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
JULY 15
Direct from The West End to the Assembly Hall on July 15 comes Whitney: Queen Of The Night. This highoctane celebration of the music and life of one of the greatest singers of our time, boasts a truly sensational cast and stunning live band. This phenomenal production
has been described as ‘a powerhouse performance that delivers on every level…’ As you’d expect, all of Whitney’s greatest hits feature in this show including ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’, ‘One Moment In Time’, ‘I’m Every Woman, ‘I Will Always Love You’ and ‘So Emotional Baby’, to name just a few. Tickets cost £30 per person and are available from the Assembly Hall’s website.
Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic opera The Pirates of Penzance is also known as The Slave of Duty because of the central character Frederic’s commitment to his duties.
JULY 18
Hever Castle’s newly refurbished Guthrie Pavilion will be the venue for a traditional afternoon tea on July 18 at 2.30pm. But there will be an added bonus to this quintessentially British tradition courtesy of the live musical performances from the Charles Court Opera troupe that will accompany the guests’ afternoon dining experience. More details at www.hevercastle.co.uk
JULY 19-22
Trinity Theatre Company (TTC) is putting on its production of Jeeves & Wooster from July 1922 the show promises to be a fast, furious and fun adventure involving three actors who play a total of 12 characters – and also a dog! Prepare to be highly amused by the antics of the aristocratic buffoon Bertie Wooster and his long-suffering butler Jeeves when a trip to the countryside takes a turn for the worse…Tickets cost £17 each but there is a special opening night offer of two tickets for £28 when you use the code TTC2023 when booking via www.trinitytheatre.net
AHOY ME HEARTIES
JULY 22
Coming to Hever Festival Theatre’s summer schedule on July 22, the awardwinning Charles Court Opera will be hosting an event entitled The Pirates of Penzance:
Come and Sing. Fans have the chance to hear them rehearsing from 3-6pm ahead of the full classic Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera being performed at 8pm. For ticket details www.heverfestival.co.uk
SO’s resident music guru Paul Dunton reveals the hot line-up for this year’s Pub in the Park which takes place from July 7-9 in Dunorlan Park…
One of the main highlights of the Tunbridge Wells summer events calendar is the annual Pub In The Park festival which this year takes place over the weekend of July 7-9 at Dunorlan Park. Hosted by chefs Andi Oliver, Si King and Matt Tebbutt, Pub In The Park will once again offer award-winning food, fun cookery demos and world-class live music.
The festival has a relaxed, familyfriendly atmosphere and apart from the superb live music there are plenty of activities taking place, including Q&As with top chefs, quality shopping from a multitude of stalls and a children’s area to keep the little ones entertained.
This year the music line-up is quite something with Rudimental (DJ Set) headlining the Friday evening and the superb EMF also on the bill. Saturday afternoon offers a stellar sonic selection including Badly Drawn Boy, with main support from the inspirational House Gospel Choir. Saturday night promises to be a party to remember with British pop royalty McFly and renowned British DJ, producer and MC Jaguar Skills also performing. Sunday is headlined by none other than iconic American group Sister Sledge with additional performances from another two outstanding acts – Fleetwood Bac and The Shires.
I’m pleased to say that once again Pub in the Park is giving space to four Local & Live acts all of whom hail from Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding areas. It truly is an honour for them to have been chosen to perform on the main stage at this year’s event. I can reveal that opening for Rudimental and EMF, will be renowned local
Paul Dunton Music Editor Follow Paul
singer-songwriter Mike Wilton. He will perform with his full band and has established himself as one of the ‘must-see’ acts on the local scene and beyond. Mike has performed all over the UK and has opened for the likes of The Bluetones and British Rock legends The Who on numerous occasions.
Mike is certainly excited, telling SO Magazine: “This gig is going to be amazing! The atmosphere is fantastic and we can’t wait to get the Friday night party started!”
On Saturday afternoon, up-and-
coming local singer-songwriter Isabella Coulstock will be playing before Badly Drawn Boy and the House Gospel Choir perform. Isabella’s songs are rich in country and pop sensibilities and she also has a spine-tingling voice that is truly unique and captivating. 2023 has seen her tour across the UK with the likes of Jools Holland and Nell Bryden. She recently gave an outstanding performance at Black Deer Festival and is bound to go down a storm at Pub In The Park too.
Isabella says: “Pub In the Park will be my highest profile festival gig to
date, I cannot wait to share the stage with so many iconic music stars, I have butterflies already!”
Ramping up the grooves on Saturday night will be established Kent singer-songwriter, James Kirby. James has performed all over the world to great acclaim and draws big audiences wherever he goes. He is a highly-gifted songsmith, offering an uplifting and upbeat sound. Inspired by the likes of John Mayer and James Morrison, he is renowned for his infectious melodies, heart-warming vocals and exemplary guitar playing. James will be joined by his full band for his opening set ahead of McFly and Jaguar Skills.
James Kirby adds: “I am so pumped about playing Pub In The Park! The main stage is incredible and features a world-class line-up. I cannot wait to Si King
“These Pub in the Park gigs are the type of shows you dream about and nothing is more motivating then knowing you have a world class act following your performance”Andi Oliver Matt Tebbutt
open for McFly and Jaguar Skills. To be able to play at Pub In The Park is a real honour and privilege!”
Finally I am delighted to announce that my own group The Paul Dunton Orchestra has been invited to open the Sunday session. We are absolutely thrilled to be opening for the legendary Sister Sledge, The Shires and Fleetwood Bac. We are rehearsing hard and have lots of new songs to play and will be bringing a lively mix of our cinematic pop-style songs to Pub In The Park. For all the local acts involved, this is an incredible opportunity to open for such esteemed musicians, on a professional festival stage in front of
thousands of people in their home town. As an independent musician myself, I can definitely say on behalf of everyone we all feel very elated and fortunate to have been invited to play. These are the type of gigs you dream about and nothing is more motivating than knowing you have a world-class act following your performance.
For now though it’s time to get rehearsing! Huge thanks to Pub in the Park’s founder Tom Kerridge and his team. I think it’s a wonderful thing that Local & Live will be represented once again at Pub In The Park!
You can find out more about the festival and grab your tickets at www.pubintheparkuk.com
Tara de Linde and Angie Pool tell Eileen Leahy why their boutique architecture practice Atelier de Linde is committed to delivering projects that are environmentally friendly, energy efficient, unique and beautifully designed
Atelier de Linde is an awardwinning RIBA chartered architecture practice which was established in August 2022 by Tunbridge Wells residents Tara de Linde and Angie Pool. Between them the pair have decades of experience, both here in the UK, as well as South Africa, where Angie is from, and also in Europe, on both residential and commercial projects.
They decided to join forces last year after spotting a gap in the market for an architecture practice that offers a totally bespoke and unique approach to every project, with sustainability at the core of everything they do.
“We aim to be the go-to-name for high-end architecture,” asserts Tara, who established her own RIBA-certified practice De Linde Architects in 2012 before merging with Angie’s high-end design consultancy Atelier last summer.
“Our mission is to provide our clients with a focused service, combining high-quality design with environmental principles. “We have lots of experience and have won many industry awards over the course of our careers. We are also both British Homes Awards judges and working mothers and therefore we feel that we can see the whole picture for our clients.
“We understand what our clients want in terms of the perfectlydesigned house. We both have three children and are only too familiar with what it’s like to manage a household and run your own business. We understand all the dynamics involved.
“Where we add value is in listening and understanding the requirements of each member of the family and then translating these into something that is truly beautiful. With both our life experience and expert knowledge we ensure we deliver for our clients.”
I’m interviewing Tara and Angie at their Sevenoaks branch, which is located at the stylish Lime Tree Work Shop in the town.
It’s a relatively new co-working space that offers private office hire opportunities alongside long and short-term hot desking facilities.
“We are currently seeking a new office space in Tunbridge Wells, but we want something that is customer facing, not a hidden office, so people can pass by us on the street and say ‘Oh that’s Atelier de Linde’,” smiles Angie.
“To have offices in both Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks suits us as we have clients all over the South East, and are a train ride away from our London based projects,” adds Tara.
They tell me their typical client at the moment is a mix of both commercial and residential. They are currently working on school developments as well as private properties, but they say ultimately they want clients that ‘wish to improve their lifestyles through thoughtful architecture’.
“We are a high-end boutique practice that specialises in quality and personalised service,” continues Tara. “We work on new builds as well as period properties. Sustainability is very important to us, too and it weaves its way through all our work. For so long people have seen eco credentials as a ‘tick box’ but we have always prioritised it.
“There is a massive market in Tunbridge Wells for period refurbishments given all the Victorian and Georgian houses that are no longer fit for purpose. They leak energy and so cost a fortune to run but we have been actively researching ways to convert them into greener, more affordable homes.
“This recently resulted in our appointment to a full retrofit of a Victorian terrace into a passive home of the future.
“For so long the industry has seen the issue of sustainability as a ‘bolton’,” explains Angie. “At Atelier de Linde we have always wanted to reflect this in our work. For example, utilising the spoil from foundations to avoid it being removed from the site, or working out ways to make historic properties as energy efficient as possible.”
Angie and Tara tell me that every day is a school day running their business. “We are continually educating ourselves – whether that’s on the latest technology or environmental issues. And the green experts we work with can advise our clients directly about certain issues. This is a level of service we are able to offer which many other firms can’t.
“Architecture is a slow profession to learn. We are still learning every day and would never want to stop educating ourselves – that’s what we love about what we do. It drives us. We all have to do Continual Professional Development which keeps us up to speed on regulations as well as new products coming on the market – whether that’s VAT on new builds or a new piece of
environmental legislation.”
On that subject, Tara adds that one of Atelier de Linde’s big passions is passive houses.
“Designing and building sustainability is a core value for us. Passive houses, which are buildings created to rigorous energy design regulations, are the gold standard. They are being embraced more and more due to us having to navigate a climate emergency and a volatile energy landscape.
“What’s been lagging behind is planning policy but we have been early adopters of this development concept, supporting the drive for Net Zero in local architecture. We have also signed up to The 2030 Challenge, so we have been waiting for this policy to come into effect.
“We are one step ahead of the game and that’s what sets us apart. With considered design and the latest technology we help clients towards living a greener way of life. The developers we work with are now obliged to meet those eco standards by law – which up until recently were only voluntary. But it’s about time they became essential.”
“When I worked in South Africa we were big on sustainability and using materials from the surrounding area to create everything from bush lodges and safari parks to boutique hotels. I have always been keen
on using elements of our natural environment in our houses,” states Angie.
Although they have clients scattered around swathes of the South East, the duo tell me their ‘Golden Triangle’ is Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks and London.
“We focus on the Golden Triangle as we’ve secured a network of reliable and trustworthy consultants and suppliers with whom we have a strong working relationship. This enables us to deliver turnkey projects that we oversee seamlessly from the design stage, through planning and on to construction.”
Angie says that another thing that drives them – in addition to being dynamic, passionate and overdelivering for clients – is striking a positive balance between working and home life.
“That really is the holy grail. We love what we do but we love our families, too! That’s why we have a policy of being totally flexible and not being of the 9 to 5 mindset. If you have to drop everything to pick up a sick child you can carry on with your work later. That thinking applies to all seven of our in-house staff too. As long as everyone meets their deadlines we can be flexible.”
Tara says that the pandemic has helped in terms of hybrid and remote working. “Now people think nothing of jumping online on a Zoom or Teams call, whereas in the past you would have had to catch a train or drive to a meeting to be
there in person. People like that we can conduct a lot of business virtually if needed. It has also opened up the employment market and made projects and life in general so much easier.
“And that’s an area where we can make a difference compared to a traditional practice. If we need to have a meeting after 5pm or at the weekend when clients are more available then we do so. We are always looking at ways of offering solutions.”
Angie adds that another USP of Atelier de Linde, which has a core team of seven and then a wider team of contractors for each project, is that it is genuinely supportive of all staff members.
“When I moved to the UK and started my Atelier design consultancy I managed all the moving parts – from the outline design all the way through to planning, building regulations, construction and then handing over the keys. But when you work for yourself you usually feel quite isolated as there is no one to lean on so this is lovely because it’s a proper partnership built on trust.
“I totally trust the decisionmaking Tara does and vice versa. We’ve fallen quite naturally into being partners in this business. We’re both at a point in our lives where we’re prepared to let go of the reins individually to jointly
“Working together we play to our strengths and because we are codirectors we can communicate effectively from both our lanes”
“Designing and building sustainably is a core value at Atelier de Linde”
facilitate taking on larger and more exciting projects.”
Angie explains that Tara is a ‘superstar’ when it comes to planning, getting even the most unlikely of applications through. “She is well known for that! I however love internal specification and putting all the parts of that construction project together. I love delivering – it’s what gets me out of bed in the morning.”
“Working together we play to our strengths but the wonderful thing is because we are co-directors we can communicate effectively from both our lanes,” Tara points out.
“We have arranged the practice so I tend to do more of the front end of the project – design, planning and building regs etc. Angie does the detailing, specification and delivery. We complement each other and so far it is working very well.
“When we joined forces we were excited because we could take on larger projects and do certain things we didn’t have the capacity for as individuals’.”
Both women are very keen to tell
me that none of the above would work as effectively if it weren’t for Angie’s sister Dominika who manages the practice.
“She is a powerhouse,” smiles Tara. “She is very much part of our leadership team so when we are off meeting clients, she is organising everything behind the scenes. She is a crucial part that keeps everything together. She always checks that nothing has been forgotten and that is so reassuring. Dominika is quite literally our navigation system and because her background is finance, she stays focused on customer service and the smooth running of the practice.”
As well as concentrating on sustainability and exceeding clients’ expectations, Tara and Angie are advocates of seeing buildings as being an enhancement of the dweller’s mental and physical well-being and not just a box.
“I discovered a firm recently that had specifically opened their business around architecture and health. The thought that a building can directly impact on the health of
Award-winning, RIBA-chartered architects
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B.Sc. Hons, M.A. Hons, Dip Arch, ARB, RIBA
Tara de Linde trained at the University of Edinburgh, the Villemin School of Architecture in Paris, the University of Bath, and the Bartlett (UCL) in London. She worked for a period at Battle McCarthy Consulting Engineers and commercial architectural practices in London prior to setting up her own practice. She lectures at the University of Cambridge, is an external examiner at the AA, the Bartlett, and RIBA, and is a British Homes Award judge. She is also a governor at an independent school in East Sussex, advising on property development.
Property developer Angie trained at the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa before heading up Dzelik architecture in Johannesburg. She then moved to Kent and set up her own practice specialising in high-end residential projects, before establishing Atelier de Linde Ltd. with Tara.
Angie is a judge for both the British Home Awards and the British Construction Awards.
an individual is something both Tara and I find incredibly interesting. That is definitely something we can build on as a new aspect to architecture and offer it to our clients.”
The fact that Atelier de Linde takes on lots of architecture students means they are constantly having discussions with the next generation, too, which they deem to be another positive in the way they do business.
“In addition to the apprentices we take on, I occasionally lecture at Cambridge University and am a governor at a school in East Sussex. So I am regularly hearing what’s preoccupying young people. It’s very useful to feed into.”
Angie agrees. saying that what also defines Atelier de Linde is that they are always looking to innovate, not imitate.
“It’s about being dynamic. If we’re going to teach our junior architects and team members anything, it’s forward-thinking. I think it’s so important.”
So how does the whole process work if a client is interested in using the services of Atelier de Linde?
“Call us and we will arrange a time to visit you,” states Tara.
“Our first visit, which will usually be free of charge, is a chance for prospective clients to tell us about their ideas. Then on the back of the first meeting if they want to go ahead we will send them a letter of engagement, setting out the different stages and the fees involved.
“Again we are totally flexible as some clients only want you to quote for the first half of the job up to the planning stage, while others want you to quote for the whole thing. We don’t tie anyone in and clients can stop – or have us jump back in – at any stage.”
“What we do is incredibly special,” says Angie. “Most of our clients don’t have the time to manage things themselves so we are effectively giving them the gift of time and taking the stress away from them. Projects can be tricky and time-consuming and unless you’re in the industry yourself there are so many potential bumps in the road. But if we are instructed then clients don’t need to worry about any of it.”
Atelier de Linde is an awardwinning RIBA-chartered practice which specialises in private residential, bespoke commercial, education and sustainable green belt developments.
It is highly successful at obtaining planning permissions.
Atelier de Linde commit to optimising any project from the outset by utilising its wider
professional team to consult on the specification relating to each of these three factors.
The highly effective in-house team, who have a 97% success rate in planning application, is complimented by in-house designers who use their knowledge and experience to deliver ethical and sustainable architecture.
She also reveals that unlike a lot of building work they believe that every problem has to have a solution.
“I say to my contractors ‘before you call with an issue, present me with a solution, then we can have a conversation’. If you can live by that in construction you will always have solutions. If you only have problems all the time that makes a building site very stressful and toxic.
“We believe that every building has a soul – whether that’s a school or a boutique residence. Every Atelier de Linde building has to be instantly recognised as one of ours.”
And although their first anniversary as a business is just a month away, Tara and Angie have big plans for the future.
“We’d love to go into boutique
hotels in order to propel Atelier de Linde as a serious player in that market. Whether that’s in the UK, Europe or worldwide. Angie is Polish-born, South African-bred, while I was born in Scotland and have Danish ancestry. I was raised in Hong Kong and then France, so I’m bilingual. In terms of our backgrounds we really are global.
“We lead by example so a ‘can do’ attitude permeates through everything we do. We are always determined to exceed our clients’ expectations and ensure that our joint passion extends to all of our team members too.”
In addition to the seven people Tara and Angie employ, the pair also call on a professional CAD team to do their drawings and cast the net further afield for experts in engineering, ecologists and quantity surveyors.
“We hand-pick a team for each client and their project. Often at the beginning of a project you are looking at it lasting a reasonable amount of time so people have to get on,” reveals Angie.
“It’s not just about assigning anyone. They have to interact well. It’s about looking at their needs, their specific life situation and personality – it’s almost like matchmaking.
“For us it’s not just a contractor, client and a building project. It’s more human than that.”
“Here in the UK the modus operandi is you get the drawing for your project done, get the building regs package done and then the architects will send it out to three tenders. Three prices come back in and the architects will say ‘good luck’ and that’s it,” says Tara.
“But this is where we spotted a gap in the market and realised it’s about putting people together and devising a way of working so everyone leaves with a smile on their face.
“The human element is very important to us.”
Ask The Architect Advice Clinic with Angie Pool of Atelier de Linde
Friday, July 7 2023 10:00 AM-1:00PM
Book a 30-minute appointment
01892 280000
hello@thefinancehub.money
www.thefinancehub.money
“We lead by example so a ‘can do’ attitude permeates through everything we do”
Local and awardwinning marketing and PR agency, Sharp Minds Communications celebrated the opening of its new offices last month, by hosting a party for its clients, friends, associates and suppliers.
The company’s team of nine, which won both the Creative Business and Outstanding Business of the Year categories at this year’s Times of Tunbridge Wells Business Awards, treated guests at its new London Road offices to a selection of drinks, sushi, and Ibiza vibes courtesy of DJ, Marcel Mendez.
Among some of the features in the new premises is a gallery wall of SO Magazine covers featuring Sharp Minds’ local clients, including The Finance Hub (March 2022), Maddisons Residential (May 2023), Clarity Homes and Commercial (August 2022, April 2023), Welham Jones Funerals and Memorials (January 2023), and Dee Airey Photography (September 2022).
Siobhan Stirling, founder and Managing Director of Sharp Minds Communications said: “We’re delighted to finally be in our brand new offices and to have had the chance to share them with our valued friends and clients. Our recent move marks a milestone in the agency’s growth – so it was a pleasure to be able to raise a glass with the people who have been with us along the way.”
The weekend of June 16-18 saw over 10,000 people descend on beautiful Eridge Park for the fourth edition of the Black Deer Festival.
The event, which is a celebration of all things Americana, was drenched in golden sunshine for most of the time, resulting in record numbers of festival goers and blistering sets from the likes of Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, who headlined the Friday night and The Pretenders who took to the stage as the final act on Saturday.
Although the rain came down on Sunday for most of the day, this certainly didn’t dampen the spirits of loyal Black Deer fans who returned to the bustling site to see the likes of the legendary Steve Earle take to the main stage before Richard Hawley closed the festival with his incredible set.
As well as three days of brilliant live music – which also included sets from Midlake, Bonnie Light Horseman, Damian Lewis, Kurt Vile, Bonnie Raitt and Calexico – there were also delicious traditional Americana food and cooking demos to enjoy, as well as songwriting sessions, a nowlegendary chilli-eating competition and a heart-swelling Gospel Brunch on the final day.
There’s always plenty for children to do at this family-friendly festival, including a Young Folk entertainment area and also a dedicated SupaJam stage, where aspiring students at the music school showcase their talents.
Commenting on the 2023 festival’s success, co-founders Deb Shilling and Gill Tee said: “We can’t thank our wonderful audience enough for making the fourth edition of Black Deer Festival the best yet.”
Early Bird tickets for Black Deer June 14-16 2024 are on sale now at www.blackdeerfestival.com
The second Wine Garden of England Summer Festival took place at Balfour Winery near Staplehurst on Saturday June 10. The event, which was attended by over 1,000 guests, was declared a huge success by its organiser Jo Smith. “We were delighted with the enthusiasm for Kent wine shown at the summer celebration,” she told SO Magazine.
The day was gloriously sunny and was sound-tracked by a live jazz band with lots of delicious food on offer, too.
The Wine Garden of England is made up of different local Kent vineyards which include Balfour, Biddenden, Chapel Down, Gusbourne, Simpsons, Westwell and Squerryes. Each vineyard had a tasting tent set up at the event where visitors could enjoy their delicious still and sparkling wines and discover more about them.
“All our producers loved being together in such a stunning setting and enjoyed meeting so many new friends who will no doubt see them again at their own estates,” added Jo. SO readers can sign up for emails about future events by visiting www.winegardenofengland.co.uk
The Pantiles Arcade in Tunbridge Wells was the setting for a fun evening hosted by antiques experts Charles Hanson, Mark Hill and Andy McConnell.
Guests were invited along to hear the knowledgeable trio talk individually about six of their treasured antiques. Hanson, Hill and McConnell took it in turns, telling the audience about each period piece, explaining why they were inspired by them and examining their fascinating history. Before the informative entertainment began, visitors were treated to some delicious canapés and refreshments, and also had the chance to chat to the antiques experts, who often appear on television imparting their historical artefact wisdom.
Charles Hanson is the latest expert to take up residence in The Pantiles Arcade, which was opened by fellow antiques expert Eric Knowles in 2021 and is located in the 19th-century, Grade II listed Corn Exchange building. The impressive emporium is dedicated to art and design, and showcases everything from furniture and fine art to lighting and chandeliers, Georgian glassware, French and Scandinavian glass and continental and British porcelain, as well as local Tunbridge Ware.
AMonopoly-themed event and a gala ball, both held last month, have helped three women who are raising money for Breast Cancer Care Kent reach £115,000 in donations so far.
Georgina Hammond of local boutique developer Beau Property, her sister, Trina Little who is a barrister at Westgate Chambers and Tracey Crouch CBE, Conservative MP for Chatham and Aylesford, are hoping to raise as much money as possible ahead of their upcoming Mount Kilimanjaro charity trek.
The trio were aiming to raise enough for a new state-of-the-art breast cancer screening machine, which costs around £100,000. Their fundraising events so far have included the recent Monopolythemed night, which was attended by a wealth of familiar faces and was held at The White Bear.
The gala ball at Tonbridge School featured a silent auction. Lots successfully auctioned off included tickets for No.1 Court at Wimbledon, which sold for £1,050 and a fully-catered luxury ski chalet stay in Meribel, France for £3,900.
Knight Frank’s Ross Davies, who is head of the estate agency’s Tunbridge Wells branch, auctioned off his sales fee in order to raise further funds.
This is around £20,000 for a £1.2million pound property and eventually went for £9,500 to a very generous bidder.
Georgina Hammond said:
“We are thrilled to have raised enough to purchase new screening equipment for Breast Cancer Care Kent and are overwhelmed with all the generous donations and support from the community and businesses alike.
“Our heartfelt thanks go to each and every person who donated a prize, funds or their time in this mission.”
On Saturday June 24, the annual TW Soapbox Stars Kart Race saw over 25 karts race to the finish line at Dunorlan Park in the glorious sunshine. Karts were pimped up in a variety of guises by participating competitors, who not only aimed to race as fast as possible, but to also raise as much money as possible for charity. Hundreds of people turned up to watch the fast and furious heats. “Spectators had a day of fun in the sun watching the races and enjoyed all the delicious food, drink and ice creams on sale from local vendors,” a spokesperson for the event told SO Magazine. “Days Garage took the crown once again and thousands of pounds were raised for various charities including Hospice in the Weald and Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre. But the big question is who will knock our winners off their podium next year?”
Get your early bird tickets ready to watch the races next year on Saturday June 22 at twsoapboxrace.com
This month SO Magazine chats to Becky Moran, owner of TN Lettings and co-owner of The George & Dragon in Speldhurst, about the places she likes to support locally. Here Becky reveals where she likes to stroll, shop and socialise
Whereabouts do you live in the Borough of Tunbridge Wells?
I love village life and so my family and I have settled in Bidborough.
How long have you lived there and what made you decide to move to the area?
Bidborough has been our home now for nearly seven years and as a family we love it. We are all very involved in village life, especially with our two boys attending the local school.
Are there any nice views or walks near to your home?
There are lots through Southborough and Birchwoods, which through lockdown was our daily adventure. We also often
do the cross-country walk over to Speldhurst and if we’re feeling brave enough to face the hill back up, then we’ll head down to Haysden as well.
Where do you like to grab a tea, coffee or a slice of cake?
It has to be the Cake Shed in The Pantiles but I also love to sit outside the Italian deli Arte Bianca at the top of Chapel Place with one of their delicious paninis and watch the world go by…
Do you have a preferred restaurant you like to dine in regularly?
Friday nights are a favourite time to have a couple of drinks at The White Bear on the High Street and then stroll up to Soprano for some delicious tapas.
When you are in town where’s your favourite place to go shopping – and do you have any specific retailers you like to support?
Supporting local businesses is really important to me. We love Groombridge Bakery; Fuller’s
butchers offer amazing local meat and we love the Groombridge Farm Shop, too. We’re so lucky to have so many independent and boutique shops in the High Street and on The Pantiles, too.
Which places do you take people when they come to visit?
We tend to stay local and go to The Kentish Hare in Bidborough as their food is very good and it’s a great pub and restaurant to have as our local. For a really special occasion then look no further than the amazing Tallow on the London Road in Southborough.
Where’s your favourite place to relax and unwind?
As I have small children and their favourite thing to do is go to the beach, we often get on the train to Hastings. We’ll head to the beach, go to the arcades, play crazy golf, and then get fish and chips before getting the train home.
Where’s the best spot to go for a Sunday stroll in the area?
Harrison Rocks is a firm favourite, especially with the Spa Valley Railway trains steaming past!
Where do you like to meet friends and socialise?
I will be honest it is pretty much always at The George and Dragon in Speldhurst. At the moment with the sun shining in the garden it is just amazing – especially on a Saturday with live music sessions on in the afternoon. Being there is
just really chilled and it has a nice family vibe to it too.
What do you like to do when you spend a weekend or day off in the local area?
When the boys have finished clubs on a Saturday morning at Pure Football Academy and Italia Conte, then The Pantiles market with coffee and cake is a favourite – especially in the sunshine. An afternoon at Penshurst Place or one of the other fabulous country houses is a great way to entertain the boys and allow us to unwind too.
Why do you love where you live?
We are so lucky to live in Tunbridge Wells, it’s such a beautiful place to live and I think anyone that visits can see that too. It’s also a great bonus to be so close to the coast and to London. We have amazing walks around the area, a wealth of historic sites such as the Pantiles and personally speaking living within a village, that is so close to town, gives us the best of all worlds.
“We’re so lucky to have so many independent and boutique shops in the High Street and on The Pantiles, too”
“Friday nights are a favourite time to have a couple of drinks at The White Bear on the High Street and then stroll up to Soprano for some delicious tapas”Haysden Country Park Penshurst Place Groombridge Farm Shop Tallow The Pantiles Market
Jamie
At Edney & Edney our finished spectacles combine a stunning piece of eyewear with premium Nikon Lenswear, unparalleled in quality and visual performance. One element of the dispensing process too often overlooked is the lens coating or finish. This month, I aim to provide a comprehensive guide of the products available, the different types of coating, and which ones to ask for with your next pair of specs.
When it comes to lens surface coatings, the most common options are anti-reflection and scratch resistance. Other finishes are built into the lens material itself such as wavelength filters (UV and blue light) and photochromic technology.
Scratch resistant may seem like a ‘does what is says on the tin’ product, but some coatings are in fact superior in performance. The better lens manufacturers
often offer a scratch guarantee on their premium coatings, meaning if the lenses do become damaged, replacement lenses are issued free of charge within a set time frame. This is usually up to 18 months.
Nikon recently released Seecoat Next which has a thicker, more durable scratch resistant layer, as well as an 18-month, no-quibble guarantee. Seecoat Next also boasts a broad spectrum antireflection layer as well as improved hydrophobic and oleophobic surface coatings which make it easier to clean and to keep clean.
Anti-reflection coatings work by a phenomenon called destructive interference – essentially light that reflects from the coating surface is ‘cancelled out’ by light reflecting from the lens’ surface. This results in a relatively higher transmission of light through the lens and reduces perceived glare as well and improving the appearance of the lens. There are a wide range of anti-
reflection products, I will focus on the Nikon Seecoat range. All of these products will work effectively as everyday anti-reflection coatings for reducing glare and improving lens cosmesis in a range of settings, but they all have a specific benefit for a specific visual task.
Seecoat Drive is predictably designed for driving. It was designed to combat glare from modern LED headlights. Over the past five years we have had fantastic feedback – on multiple occasions clients have told me that it has improved their confidence and enabled them to drive at night when they had previously given up due to glare.
Seecoat Blue Premium UV is designed for those who use screens throughout the day. The blue light anti-reflection coating proportionally reflects more blue light away before it reaches the eyes. Nikon have recently released another product, Pure Blue UV
which has a monomer built into the lens matrix which blocks UV A, B and C as well as all light up to 410μm in wavelength.
Seecoat Bright is designed for patients suffering from particular types of reduced contrast sensitivity, most commonly as a result of cataracts. The coating includes an additional ‘brightening layer’ which aims to improve contrast and increase perceived brightness.
Here at Edney & Edney we realise that your requirements for coatings may be just as individual as your frame style or lens requirements. It is important to discuss the different coatings available with your dispensing optician to ensure your spectacles offer the best possible performance for your individual needs.
This month
Edney, who runs designer eyewear boutique Edney & Edney with his optometrist wife Ayshah on Monson Road, reveals why considering lens coatings and finishings for your glasses is so important…
“Discuss the different lens coatings available with your dispensing optician to ensure your spectacles offer the best possible performance for your individual needs”
The TN card is the Tunbridge Wells loyalty scheme that rewards shoppers for supporting local. This month its founder Jess Gibson chats to Christina Gudenian, owner of Zaven’s, the small but perfectly formed coffee, flower and gift shop on Mount Ephraim about her business
Christina, eight years ago you opened your shop. Has it fulfilled your expectations?
Yes, it has far exceeded them! When I created a flyer for Zaven’s just before launching in December 2015 I chose the slogan, “An oasis in this chaotic world.” Little did I know how spot-on it would be. With the world becoming more and more chaotic, an oasis is exactly what this shop has become. As well as this it has also become a social hub and a place to meet and make friends. You can pour out your troubles here, put the world to rights and enjoy good conversation. So many of my customers have become wonderful friends and I get to meet so many interesting people. It’s like a little community here. I couldn’t have hoped for more.
Have you always had an artistic eye?
Thank you! I suppose I’ve always been creative, having been to art
WHO: Zaven’s
WHERE: 28 Mount Ephraim, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 8AU
VISIT FOR: Unique gifts, cards and flowers plus a courtyard café.
REWARD:10% off food and drinks, including ice cream
For more info: thetncard.com/zavens
college and studied woven textiles, then I freelanced for a while. I needed to earn a living though, but through my many years of office work I just wanted to scream because of the dullness and lack of creativity. So by opening the shop it was nice to finally be able to channel it. We get some lovely feedback, most often the comments are ‘what a lovely shop’, which makes the long hours of hard work worthwhile. The fun part is sourcing and displaying the variety of items we have for sale.
You showcase a large number of talented local creatives, why did you decide to do this?
One of my main aims was to feature artists and makers from the town and Borough and to give them an outlet. Several have been with us from the start, others come and go.
Who can we find in your store?
We currently have the wonderful work of a very successful local artist,
James Taylor on sale, including his limitededition prints and stylish card holders. Joanna Harris designs her ever-popular prints of The Pantiles and Wellington Rocks, which are also available in tea towels and cards. Bobbin & Bunny produces our gorgeous baby bibs with initials – each one is unique and they make a great new baby gift. Passers-by have probably seen them in the window as we like to make words with them! Jelly Bean Candle Pot Co. have been with us from the beginning, but they are always updating their range so there’s always something new to look at and smell. Tanya at Pallavicini Galizia produces beautiful ‘luxcycled’ handbags and evening purses from vintage textiles and embellishments. Katy Donaldson’s photo-montage print of Tunbridge Wells architecture is also a winner. We stock items from local ceramicists, authors, poets, jewellery makers, botanical artists and photographers. We also sell local honey, marmalades and jams.
Do you do the floristry you sell yourself?
Yes, I am the sole florist. We have small bouquets made up and ready to grab but we also take orders for any bouquet or arrangement and can deliver locally. My speciality though is funeral flowers. It’s a genuine pleasure to help people at this
difficult time and create something special to honour their loved one.
Your café and courtyard is Tunbridge Wells’ best-kept secret! What food and drink do you serve?
During the week we have fresh homemade soup and sandwiches at lunchtime and of course coffee and cake all the time! Our coffee comes from Brighton-based Roasted and we also sell local Kent juices, Kent Crisps and Simply Ice Cream which is Kent-based and the best ice cream! We enjoy feeding our neighbouring businesses at lunchtime and supplying their teatime treats.
Mount Ephraim is often overlooked by shoppers but what else does this special area of Tunbridge Wells offer?
It’s such a lovely little space with a village atmosphere. Of course, it was one of the original villages that made up Tunbridge Wells. We are lucky to have many independent businesses as our neighbours.
Thank you for being part of the TN card. Why is it Important to support our independents?
We are a nation of shopkeepers so please try and support the small businesses who look after you so much better. Try not to shop online and pay with cash wherever you can! Our small shops are so much more than just retail.
Jess Gibson Founder, The TN card
“There are lots of benefits of running your own business but the really fun part is sourcing and displaying the variety of items we have for sale here at Zaven’s”
With interest rates much higher than they’ve been for many years, using your pension tax-free lump sum to pay off your mortgage might seem like a sensible course of action.
But while paying off your mortgage early could result in a welcome reduction in your monthly outgoings, the potential pitfalls involved mean that it requires careful consideration.
Understanding what’s right for you can be complicated and will ultimately depend on your individual circumstances, which a financial adviser can help you assess. In the meantime, here are some of the key points to think about.
You can access most workplace and personal pensions from age 55 (or 57 from April 2028) and use the money as you wish. However, while you can withdraw the first 25% as a tax-free lump sum, any additional withdrawals will be taxed at your marginal rate of income tax. If your 25% tax-free lump sum doesn’t cover your outstanding mortgage, making a taxable withdrawal to pay it off in full probably won’t make financial sense as it would trigger a range of additional tax considerations.
When interest rates are low, you’re probably better off leaving your money in your pension. This is because the potential growth rate in your pension is likely to be higher than your mortgage interest rate. There are some instances where paying off your mortgage might be the better option, so make sure you seek advice on what’s right for you.
When interest rates are high, it isn’t quite as straightforward. It may still be the case that your pension fund has the potential to grow at a greater rate than the deals available to you in the marketplace. A financial adviser can help you understand what you can expect from your portfolio, so you can make a more fully informed decision.
It’s also worth bearing in mind that most lenders only let you overpay your mortgage by 10% each year. If you go over this amount whilst in a fixed-rate deal, you might have to pay an early redemption charge (ERC) of between 1% and 5% of the outstanding balance. Make sure you check when your deal is due to end before making any overpayments.
Taking money out of your pension to pay off your mortgage could have longer-term repercussions. A smaller pension pot will generate less income in retirement, which means you might be unable to afford the lifestyle you were hoping for or, worse, end up running out of money. This could far outweigh the short-term benefit of having lower monthly outgoings for a few extra years. By using cashflow modelling, a financial adviser can demonstrate how long your money will last in retirement and the impact that paying off your mortgage early would have on this.
Withdrawing money from your pension could be especially detrimental during a stock market downturn. If you sell investments that have fallen in value, you could deplete your pension pot more quickly than you anticipated. By leaving the money invested, your pension will have the opportunity to recover from dips in stock market performance and hopefully go on to produce a healthy and sustainable retirement income over the long term.
If you do want to pay off your mortgage, there are other ways to fund this other than via your pension. ISAs, for example, let you withdraw as much money as you wish, completely tax free. ISAs also form part of your estate for inheritance tax purposes, whereas pensions typically do not; depleting ISAs before pensions could therefore make sense if you want to leave a tax-efficient financial legacy for your loved ones. In a stock market downturn, however, withdrawing money from cash ISAs and savings accounts could be a better option, as you’ll leave your investments untouched and give them the chance to recover in value.
Understanding whether it makes sense to pay off your mortgage early is a complex decision that requires careful consideration – and that’s where getting some smart advice can help. A financial adviser can show what impact it will have on your long-term finances and plans for retirement. If you do wish to pay off your mortgage early, they can also advise on the best place to withdraw your money from. That way, you’ll feel more confident that you’ve made the right decision for you.
Louise Shaw
Divisional Director
T. 01892 739580 / E. louise.shaw@brewin.co.uk brewin.co.uk/royal-tunbridge-wells
The value of investments, and any income from them, can fall and you may get back less than you invested. This does not constitute tax or legal advice. Tax treatment depends on the individual circumstances of each client and may be subject to change in the future. Information is provided only as an example and is not a recommendation to pursue a particular strategy.
The Tunbridge Wells Fringe Festival is back. SO Magazine discovers what’s on the varied bill for 2023…
An event based on Edinburgh’s famous Fringe Festival has returned to Tunbridge Wells for the third year in a row. Running until July 16, the Tunbridge Wells Fringe Festival is modelled on the worldfamous Scottish capital’s arts festival, and boasts lots of fun events suitable for all different ages across a number of local venues. These include Trinity Theatre,
The Spa Hotel and Britten’s Music, and there will be a mixture of free and fee-paying attractions.
“The town will see a buzzing programme of events taking place day and night until July 16 with local support from The Hive, RTW Together, TN Card and the Langton Green Village Society,” a spokesperson for the festival told SO Magazine.
The TW Fringe Festival is
the brainchild of Debbie King, Founder of the Talentz Musical Theatre Company, along with fellow organisers Nell Price of Arty Farty, Grace Simpson of Goupie and local performance artist, Aimee Cooper.
At their recent launch at the Grosvenor & Hilbert Park Hub Debbie commented: “TW Fringe is an exciting collection of events featuring over 200 acts made up of hundreds of local and national artists. It offers a host of performances across the arts, performing in over 46 venues in Tunbridge Wells.”
Having started on July 1, the event still promises a smorgasbord of comedy, dance, spoken word, children’s entertainment
and live music.
“There really is something for everybody. There’s even a silent disco making its way around the town,” adds Debbie.
TW Fringe is also supporting two very special local charities: Taylor Made Dreams, which grants bucket-list wishes and offers holistic support to children with life-limiting illnesses in Kent and Sussex; and Fegans, which provides counselling to children and support to parents.
Some of the events this year are free to attend, some request a donation and others A whole range of venues from traditional theatres to pubs, hotels, restaurants, cafés and bars, in
“We have some brilliant awardwinning acts who are touring the world fringe circuit and we can’t wait to bring them to your doorstep”
“The idea is that everyone will benefit from the Tunbridge Wells Fringe Festival”
addition to more quirky settings and outdoor locations will take part under the banner of TW Fringe.
Fellow co-organiser Nell Price added: “The idea is that everyone will benefit from the Tunbridge Wells Fringe Festival – local businesses will gain from increased footfall in the area.
“We have some brilliant awardwinning acts who are touring the world fringe circuit and we can’t wait to bring them to your doorstep! Along with the local artists who can express their talents, audiences will once again get to enjoy a complete range of performances, rediscover local venues and maybe explore somewhere new.”
Grace Simpson from Goupie is also involved with organising the
It provides a diverse programme of arts at a range of price to allow accessibility for everyone
To provide paid work for local creatives
To provide social and work experience opportunities for volunteers
To bring the whole of Tunbridge Wells town centre together in a cultural community event
To increase economic development for all local businesses
To increase footfall in our town centre both from local residents and attracting visitors from outside
To provide free street theatre and workshops to those who may otherwise not be able to access the arts
To provide a stage for everyone inspiring a new generation of creatives to have the opportunity to grow
To bring awareness to our chosen local charities through arts events
For more information and to book tickets, please visit: twfringe.com and follow @ twfringefestival on Instagram or @TWFringe on Facebook
festival for this year. She told SO Magazine that the TW Fringe is all about community. “It’s about that through and through and we’re so excited to be in our third, and biggest, year yet! The whole idea behind our event is to celebrate as many different venues and creatives that we can in two weeks. Everyone is welcome and there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy. It’s the perfect way to support our local community.’
5th July
2pm & 6pm
Splash Test Dummies –
Trinity Theatre
Rub-a-dub-dub, The Dummies are here with some splish-splashing circus antics set to drown you in tears of laughter. With a brilliant array of catch-your-breath stunt work, dazzling acrobatics, dexterous juggling and side-splitting, slapstick comedy, The Dummies are ready to roll out their beach towels and spring into an exciting hour of circus-filled hilarity for the whole family.
6th July 4pm
The Magic Bookmark –
The Langton Green Hub
While the world turns to chaos, Mama G vows to save the day by finding three books that can help
make the world a better place. Of course, she can’t do it alone and that’s when she discovers the mysterious and wonderful Magic Bookmark...
THEATRE
7th July 4pm
The Seagull & The Cat –
The Langton Green Hub
A seagull manages to escape from an oil slick, only to lay one last egg and with her dying breath ask Zorba, a harbour cat in Hamburg, to promise that he will hatch the egg and teach the chick to fly! How on earth will Zorba manage it?
11th July 6pm
Midsummer Night’s Dream –
The Spa Hotel
When a quest for true love is
thwarted by a hilarious series of enchantments-gone-wrong from a mystical fairy world, this charming play explores one hysterical night of chaos. Our production is set in modern day at a cheery British Garden Party and is suitable for all ages, featuring live music, slapstick comedy and colourful costumes.
COMEDY
6th July
7.30pm
Hold The Line Comedy –
The Langton Green Hub
Live stand-up comedy from a variety of local acts.
12th July
7pm
Comedy Hypnosis –
The Royal Wells Hotel
Perhaps you’ve wondered what hypnosis is? Maybe you’ve wondered
whether hypnosis is real? You may have even wondered whether YOU can be hypnotised? Why not find out for yourself?
MUSIC
12th July
BBC Radio Kent’s Stephen Brown Presents David Shepherd, Kevyn Ricard & Guests, Katie Kittermaster, Little Suspicions and special guest: ST£FAN from ‘The Midnight Beast’
15th July Guru Dudu Silent Disco
Welcome into a magical world of play, love and laughter. We all wear headphones (supplied) and are listening to the same playlist of uplifting dance music from the 70s, 80s, 90s and more modern hits, plus the fun commentary from the tour guide.
For more information and to book tickets, please visit: twfringe.com and follow @twfringefestival on Instagram or @TWFringe on Facebook
The Eight Bells in Hawkhurst has so much to offer customers including a delicious seasonal menu, a great beer garden and lots of local craft ales…
This summer why not get away from it all courtesy of a trip to The Eight Bells in Hawkhurst? Not only is this historic 18th-century pub and restaurant a joy to while away the hours in thanks to its charming interiors and pictureperfect location, but it also boasts one of the most beautiful hidden beer gardens in the whole of Kent and East Sussex.
Its handmade timber frame pergolas seat up to 50 people and are also fully waiter-serviced so there’s no having to queue at the bar to order your food and drink –
meaning you can make the most of this perfect al fresco spot while the sun shines. There’s also a pétanque pitch which is great if you’re heading to this gorgeous country pub with family and friends anytime soon.
On the delicious seasonal menu you’ll find freshly-prepared dishes such as crab salad with spiced avocado, giant grilled prawns and decadent puds, such as the pub’s famous indulgent chocolate brownie.
Steak nights run every Thursday evening where you can select your favourite cut of meat and
have it cooked to your personal preference.
The pub’s popular roasts are served every Sunday and according to the Head Chef the roast sirloin is one not to be missed!
But The Eight Bells isn’t just the ideal pub for the summer months. It also comes into its own in the winter too thanks to its cosy interiors and mouth-watering menu which swaps out salads and lighter dishes for heartier ones.
The location of The Eight Bells, just on the edge of the Moor of Hawkhurst, is another factor that makes it a must-visit at the
“On the delicious seasonal menu you’ll find freshly prepared dishes such as crab salad with spiced avocado and giant grilled prawns”
weekends and upcoming holidays as it’s situated very close to some incredible local attractions. These include Bodiam Castle, Bedgebury Forest, Bewl Water and numerous vineyards too. Hastings and Rye are only a short drive too which means it’s the perfect pitstop for refreshments.
Being so close to many awardwinning independent breweries The Eight Bells also boasts a fantastic selection of local beers including Cellar Head and Battle Brewery. It also serves some of the best locally-produced wines and ciders, too. So if you haven’t been yet then what are you waiting for?
For more information visit www.theeight-bells.com call 01580 389039 or simply pop in. Walk-ins are always welcome…
and served from 12-4pm, the indulgent feast of scrumptious new treats includes savouries like cucumber and mint cream cheese finger-cut sandwiches, coronation chicken bridge rolls and smoked Applewood cheddar and chive tart.
There’s also an array of homemade desserts like matcha tea and pistachio opera cake, raspberry, rosewater and white chocolate flowerpots and blueberry and limoncello posset with toasted meringue.
Traditional fruit and vanilla scones topped with fresh clotted cream and jam take centre stage on the three-tier spread, which comes served with an enticing selection of hot brews to complement the fresh and fruity flavours on offer.
Sip on a refreshing pink grapefruit infusion or immerse
yourself in the fruity notes of a red berry blend. Of course, traditional favourites like Breakfast Tea and Earl Grey Blue Flower are also available. And for fizz fans, a glass of bubbles can be enjoyed too. With plenty of blue skies yet to come, afternoon tea at Salomons Estate will be served against a backdrop of its glorious 36acre grounds, allowing guests to indulge in both the food and spectacular views.
Pre-bookings can be made on OpenTable for £25.00 per person, or guests can upgrade to a glass of prosecco for £5 more. If it’s a simple cream tea you’re after, why not enjoy two homebaked scones served with jam and fresh cream and a tea or coffee for just £5.95
More than 150 years after the seventh Duchess of Bedford began serving a meal between lunch and dinner, afternoon tea shows no signs of waning in its popularity. The quintessentially British treat, inspired by the Duchess’s preference for mouthwatering scones and dainty finger sandwiches, is served in most of our local venues but we can reveal that it has been given a mouthwatering makeover here at Salomons Estate.
Nestled in the winding countryside of Tunbridge Wells, the 36-acre Victorian manor house
has welcomed the long-awaited return of English summertime with an exciting new menu, serving seasonal afternoon treats al fresco-style on the terrace.
Head Chef Daniel Yardley told me he was determined to capture the much-loved flavours of summer and that his new sweet and savoury selection perfectly complements the estate’s picturesque gardens.
Daniel said: “We’re thrilled to unveil our delicious new menu. It’s our most refreshing yet, with brand new flavours to make all your favourite summer moments just that little bit sweeter.”
Available from Monday-Sunday
“Traditional fruit and vanilla scones topped with fresh clotted cream and jam take centre stage on the three-tier spread”
What could be nicer than spending a lazy Saturday in the glorious surroundings of the Hotel Du Vin in Tunbridge Wells, feasting on food and enjoying great company? Well that’s what the chic hotel on Crescent Road is currently offering to both its guests and non-residents, who can now avail themselves of a special limited-edition brunch menu.
Available every Saturday between 11am and 2.30pm, the establishment is one of only six Hotel Du Vin locations in the country offering this special ‘C’est Brunch’ menu. The other places are Birmingham, Harrogate, Exeter, Poole and Stratford-Upon-Avon.
The new initiative and menus originally launched across three hotels, including the Tunbridge Wells one, in January 2023. It has now expanded thanks to
the brunch’s huge popularity with discerning diners who are looking to kick off the weekend in a relaxing yet indulgent manner.
As well as offering an à la carte menu, which includes delicious dishes such as truffled scrambled eggs, kedgeree, French toast and eggs benedict, guests can choose the excellent value for money ‘C’est Brunch’ package. It costs £24.95 per person and includes a fresh bakery selection to share along with a main dish of your choice, tea or coffee, fruit juice, and a glass of Cuvée Hotel du Vin Champagne or a cocktail. There are even options for baby brunchers which means little ones can enjoy treating their tastebuds too!
The C’est Brunch is available on Saturdays from 11:00am2:30pm. For more information visit www.hotelduvin.com
This month in The Big Question, we speak to Joe Bates - Managing Director of Computer Network Specialists & Gregg Lawrence, Creative Director at YoYo Design
Q. What do you think are the potential benefits of AI for the economy/business?
Gregg: Business AI is a tool and should be seen as such. We still need the artists, copywriters, developers, and designers of the world. People with these skills, when utilising AI, can create astonishing creative solutions.
Joe: AI offers numerous benefits for the economy and businesses; increased efficiency, enhanced productivity, improved decision making, personalised customer experiences, innovation acceleration, advanced predictive analytics, and streamlined operations. These can drive cost savings, competitiveness and growth making AI a valuable asset.
With our grateful thanks to:
Q. What do you think of the risks of AI from an economic perspective?
Joe: From an economic perspective; job displacement, inequality, skills gap,
Ethical concerns, and disruption of traditional business models. mitigate the negative impact we need to put in place measures such as retraining programs, addressing the skills gap, ethical frameworks, promoting competition, monitoring AI systems, and fostering innovation.
Gregg: People perceive AI as a job killer, but we will require "AI whisperers'' or engineers who can effectively communicate with AI. This will emerge as a distinct job role. ChatGPT merely arranges words skilfully without introducing anything genuinely novel.
Q. What sort of timescale do you foresee for the adoption of AI?
Gregg: To reach 1 million subscribers (backers/bookings/downloads),
Netflix took 3.5 years, Twitter took 2 years, Facebook took 10 months, Instagram took 2.5 months, but ChatGPT took 5 days!
Joe: AI adoption is already happening and will continue to accelerate. In the short term (next 5 years), we'll see increased integration of AI in industries like healthcare, finance, and customer service. In the mid-term (5-10 years), autonomous vehicles and advanced decision support systems will become more prevalent.
Q: What AI is currently in place that the average person might not be aware of?
Joe: Virtual personal assistants (such as Amazon Alexa), fraud detection systems in finance, AI-powered chatbots for customer support, streaming services, email filtering, image and speech recognition technologies, and the development of autonomous vehicles.
Q: How impactful overall will AI be to our lives?
Gregg: Huge, it’s part of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It will enable us to communicate, learn and grow as a civilisation. We do need to slow down slightly and understand the implications, but AI is here to stay, it will become life as we know it - remember when no one had a mobile phone?
Joe: AI will revolutionise industries like healthcare, transportation, and education. It will automate tasks, personalise experiences, enhance cybersecurity, promote sustainability, and contribute to creative fields. While concerns exist, AI's transformative influence is expected to reshape various domains and drive technological advancements.
of your own life and family, and treasure what you have.
How has the funeral industry changed since you joined?
I have found the industry quite old fashioned at times. It took a global pandemic for major changes to bring the industry more into the 21st century. Funerals have also become more of a celebration of life; visual tributes, webcasting of a funeral, modern readings and songs are played during services.
What are the noticeable trends for funerals?
People want longer services and look to use places like Bluebell Cemetery or Kemnal Park. The previous 20 to 30-minute service times are not as accepted by families these days, even if this means waiting up to six weeks for a date. Although not as big as weddings, funerals are moving in that direction in terms of content and the larger gathering.
How would someone pursue a career in funeral directing?
Rebecca Welham has been working within the family business of Welham Jones Funerals & Memorials for over 12 years, after having a successful career in marketing. Although she never considered being a funeral director, she could not think of a better job. So, why the change?
Rebecca shares her reasons, tips for those considering a job in the funeral industry, her love of working in Tunbridge Wells and why she finds ‘her calling’ so rewarding…
Did you ever plan to work in the family business?
No, I didn’t. I enjoyed a career as an email marketing manager for an Anglo-French company, looking after clients like Sony and Eurostar. Although working in London was great, I found the long commute was tiring. In 2011, I decided to join Welham Jones on a temporary basis and haven’t looked back!
What is your job role at Welham Jones?
I have two roles; I split my time between being a Senior Funeral Director and Business Development Manager, so my key responsibilities include conducting funerals and looking after families at their time of need and promoting the business within the community and online with our social media.
What makes working within the family business so special?
Our long heritage brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from over the years. However, we have a whole team of staff who are more like family than just colleagues. If we didn’t have them going above and beyond, we wouldn’t be able to
be where we are today. Every role here overlaps, we all work as part of a team and everyone’s skills sets complement each other.
Did you need to take any specific qualifications?
To be a funeral director, no. I started as a funeral arranger and then learnt how the operations and mortuary worked before moving on to becoming a funeral director.
I also completed a Foundation Degree in Death Science at Bath University to give myself a broader knowledge base and understanding of the funeral industry.
What do you love about being a funeral director?
Helping families at a difficult time, guiding them through a difficult and upsetting process and being able to make their vision of how they want the funeral to be come to fruition. In a way we are event planners, just at a sad time.
What parts of your job are most challenging?
Only a small part of the job I would consider isn’t for the faint hearted, but mostly I see it like an
extension of the care industry. You are looking after a family’s loved one and treating them with care and kindness at the end of life. You are also very much caring for the family and supporting them through the quite detailed process of managing a funeral service and lots of decisions. However, children’s deaths and people who are similar in age to myself I find very hard.
How do you cope in these situations?
You try and not take your work home with you. Life is short and can be cruel sometimes. When you see something upsetting or sad, you just have to make the most
I would recommend doing some work experience, shadow the different roles and see which one would suit you. Apply for any position and work your way up, if you can. Working in the funeral industry is more of a calling and a long-term rewarding career.
What special qualities are needed?
A friendly, empathetic personality. You need to be able to chat at ease with families during a difficult time and extract the right information from them to arrange their vision of how they wish the funeral to be.
You have a young family; how do you balance this?
Being flexible helps. By using before and after school clubs and being able to work at home around school hours to catch up. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
What do you like about being at the HQ in Tunbridge wells?
It is a bright, friendly branch, there is always someone walking past to wave at and say ‘hello’. It is lovely to see how it has developed over the years and having more and more families coming to see us and use our services.
“Working in the funeral industry is more of a calling and a long-term rewarding career.”
“We love making their vision come to fruition – in a way we are event planners, just at a sad time”
Following our recent feature discovering all about Chamberlain Court Care Home, this month we catch up with the business’s Lifestyles Lead, Suzanne Goodman, to discover what her role entails, and what makes her proud to work at this industry-leading, residential, nursing and dementia home in Tunbridge Wells…
offering activities that are exciting. We change the programme every week and when a resident moves in, we will change it again to tailor it to them and what they would like to do. In addition to this we hold resident and family meetings where we encourage and embrace ideas from them and add to our schedule.
Do you host any annual activities and events?
There are a few which take place every year, such as the much loved Chamberlain Court Dog Show where the judging panel are our residents! It’s a really lovely day for them and their families. This year all money raised went to Pets As Therapy, whom we are delighted to support. Twice a week our therapy dog Dexter visits with his owner Val. Our residents are also very much involved with Hallmark In Bloom. This is an annual competition held to find the greenest garden in the country across our Hallmark homes. We are very excited about this year and are going for gold!
Please tell us about your role at Chamberlain Court?
I lead our Lifestyles team and organise the activities and wellbeing at the home. My job is making sure the residents have meaningful engagement during the day and that their mental and emotional wellbeing is being looked after by offering a really robust and varied programme.
What does a usual day there look like for you?
On a normal day, I come in and set up the communal areas with interesting articles, magazines books, jigsaws and other things to do that are specific to individual residents. I also say good morning to everyone and talk about what they would like to do that day. After that I run activities or plan activities with my team, I meet with the team and go through one-to-one activities planned and things that individual residents need for the day. In the afternoon I like to get out in garden with the residents or run another activity.
What is aboutunique the activity offering at Chamberlain Court?
We have different schedules for residents living on our residential, nursing and dementia communities. These range from morning stretches, seated yoga and tai chi to art history, poetry, quizzes, and gardening, to musical activities such as singalongs, which are enjoyed immensely. Our residents really enjoy intergenerational activities such as visits from local nurseries and schools such as nearby Rose Hill. We also host a ‘Songs and Smiles’ session every Tuesday morning which is wonderful. We can arrange day trips outside of the home which include Penshurst Place, the local garden centres and boat trips throughout the summer with a picnic on board.
We do so by getting to know each and every resident and how they want to spend their day, but also by
How do you encourage the team to really get to know the residents?
Our Customer Relationship Manager gains as much information from the resident and their family prior to the move-in day so that we can as a home have an insight into that person. During the first week when a new resident comes to us, one of our team will visit them every day and take an activity to them to get a flavour of the activities the resident likes and enjoys. We also have a number of residents who enjoy welcoming new friends to the home and take them under their wing and support them during those early days.
And finally why are you so proud to be a part of Chamberlain Court?
I would say it is the personcentred care that we provide at Chamberlain Court. Everything we do here has residents at the centre and however they want to live we will make it happen. When people move in, we adapt the way we provide care because our residents and their interests and needs are changing. I hope that people who live at Chamberlain Court feel like they’ve got a really good sense of themselves and are part of a warm and friendly community.
To learn more about Chamberlain Court or to arrange a visit, please call 01892 618773
“Activities range from morning stretches, seated yoga and tai chi to art history, poetry, quizzes, gardening, and musical activities”
There’s a feeling of freedom that comes with these warmer months. Like no other season, summer stirs the nostalgia within us, simultaneously offering the promise of new adventure and fresh memories.
It’s the time of year when all of nature feels wildly awake; when the air pulses with opportunity, making our stamina for weddings, festivals and barbecues feel almost Olympian. It seems these are moments created for limitless frivolity and fun, it’s no surprise then why we may be inclined to pretend our problems don’t exist. Life is good, right? Why rock the boat?
Studies detailing the effect that healthy sunlight exposure has on
our serotonin levels are easy to find. The results show that our mood is better; we’re generally calmer and more easily satisfied. For some individuals this serves as an undeniable contrast to life in later months, when day-to-day living remains much the same but emotions take a large and noticeable nosedive. With this in mind, and with all the carefreeness and joy summer evokes, what if now is an opening to lighten some of that emotional load for your future self? How wonderful might it be to capitalise on days when you’re already feeling more optimistic, and use them to make some positive steps forward with your emotional health?
There are countless reasons that stop us making significant emotional changes, the most compelling often originating from our own inner dialogue, or unsuccessful past attempts. One of the most common barriers is confusion and hesitation about where to start, whether that’s where to find help or how to initiate the behaviours required for change. There’s a misconception that the first step needs to be perfectly executed, that it demands precision timing. The truth is, if you want to release some emotional baggage this summer, you first
need to discard the pressure to be an expert at it. In this situation, knowing exactly what you’re doing isn’t your job, it’s someone else’s. It’s likely there are many areas of your life where you entrust others who are more experienced to help you produce the results you desire. This is no different. Yes, a lot of the inner work has to be done by yourself, but you get to choose your support system. You have the skills to research, to form an opinion and to agree a direction based on what feels comfortable for you. Forget about getting it right and consider instead how open you can allow yourself to be whilst exploring your options. Remember, you can stop at any point, you’re the one in control of your growth and how slow or fast you take it.
Another barrier to asking for professional help is doubt in one’s own ability to cope with the process of opening up. The idea of excavating old wounds or confronting the truths about relationships is such unchartered territory that many feel they won’t withstand the emotional fallout. Instead, they rationalise that on balance, compared with how much worse it could get, their problem isn’t really that bad. The danger here is that the larger root cause of challenges can start to manifest
as micro-issues, creating a lot of noise but ultimately hiding what really needs to be aired. There are people who would rather live this way than trust their capacity to deal with root-cause problems and this is okay, everyone is on their own journey. It’s worth knowing however, that whilst emotional work can be tough, with the right support people are generally stronger than they think.
Daunting as all of this may seem, now could be your chance to embrace a level of emotional freedom that will last longer than a season. If you’re still in two minds, think about the skills you pour into the rest of your life. How long did it take to research your last holiday, how much did you spend on your recent evening out with colleagues, how many hours have you devoted to your best friend’s problems? Can you dedicate this same level of time and commitment to yourself? Yes, this feels harder and maybe more risky but the rewards, I promise you, are substantial.
www.thearcadiaschool.com
Emotional Mastery Mentor, Spiritual Development
Coach and writer Victoria Ufondu explains the benefits of using the summertime to make some significant emotional changes in your life…
“If you want to release some emotional baggage this summer, you first need to discard the pressure to be an expert at it. It’s likely there are many areas of your life where you entrust others who are more experienced to help you produce the results you desire. This is no different.”Victoria Ufondu is an Emotional Mastery Mentor, Spiritual Development Coach & Writer. She is founder of Arcadia Metaphysical School, where she facilitates group retreats and private 1:1 sessions.
Enjoy sweet and fruity summertime flavours in our beautifully crafted pâtisseries, perfectly accompanied by scrumptious savouries, traditional scones and a delicious selection of teas, coffees, or bubbles.
Bookings available 12pm – 4pm every day
Traditional £25 | Prosecco £30
Get together and spend some quality time enjoying a delicious roast alfresco this summer, overlooking our 36 acres of glorious grounds. All the family are welcome... dogs too!
Available on selected dates: 9th July • 6th August •27th August
2 courses £27.50 | 3 courses £31.50
wake up with a gorgeous glow.
5 Rose & Caramel Skinstant Instant Tanning Spritz, £19.99
Left it too late to do an overnight tan? This spray gives you glowing skin in minutes, drying quickly to leave a bronzed hue that washes off in the shower.
Simply spritz on and blend with a tanning mitt or the Rose & Caramel Blending Brush (£12.99) to ensure a streak-free finish.
6. Xen-Glow Dark Lotion, £29.99, Beauty Flash
Celeb-approved Xen-Glow (previously known as Xen-Tan) is back after a rebrand, with reformulated products. Tan-aholics will love the Dark Lotion, which comes with an olive guide colour and develops in three hours. Leave it on overnight for an even deeper bronze.
Angela Langford’s Fresh Up Hydrating Tonic
Every fake tan devotee has their Holy Grail formula – the one that glides on like a dream and leaves you with the perfect, streak-free, naturallybronzed glow.
While it’s tempting to stick with a trusty favourite, with skincare innovations happening all the time you could be missing out on an even better bronze if you don’t deviate from your usual routine.
Right now, there’s a host of hot new sunless tanning lotions, mists and foams that beauty buffs are loving – just in time for summer.
1. Bondi Sands Technocolor Emerald 1 Hour Express Self Tanning Foam, £19.99
Introducing not one but four new formulas, Bondi Sands Technocolor range of one-hour foams is designed to suit different skin tones and avoid any orangey-ness.
Sapphire creates a cool-toned tan for fair skin types; Emerald imparts an olive tan on medium skin tones; Magenta delivers a rich tan on olive to deep skin tones; and Caramel creates a warm glow on deeper skin tones.
2. Skinny Tan Limited Edition Birthday Cupcake SelfTanning Whip, £21.99
Celebrating 10 years of terrific tans, Skinny Tan (named because of the slim ingredients list) has given its bestselling whipped mousse formula a birthday makeover.
The overnight formula – which is enriched with cocoa butter and vitamin E, and develops in six to eight hours – now has a scrumptious vanilla frosting scent.
3. Utan x Jamie Genevieve CBD Tanning Water Facial Mist, £18
Utan has teamed up with makeup artist and beauty influencer Jamie Genevieve to create a complexion-enhancing tanning mist.
The lightweight, antibacterial fluid delivers a subtle glow in four hours, doesn’t need rinsing off and has reportedly helped to get rid of acne breakouts.
4. St Moriz Luxe Body & Face Bronzing Mist Medium, £18.99, Boots
Infused with organic rose water and soothing goji berry extract, this flora-scented spritz develops in eight hours.
Use it as the last step in your skincare routine at night and you’ll
Utan x Jamie Genevieve CBD Tanning Water Facial Mist, £18
Skinny Tan Limited Edition Birthday Cupcake SelfTanning Whip, £21.99
St Moriz Luxe Body & Face Bronzing Mist Medium, £18.99, Boots
They say you are what you eat and former MasterChef finalistturned-beauty guru Angela Langford certainly knows a thing or two about that. That’s why eight years ago, after appearing on the popular BBC TV show, she decided to develop a skincare range with a difference. Her brand’s products are as natural as possible, vegan and cruelty-free so they contain no nasty chemicals but instead a slew of ingredients sourced from nature’s rich bounty. As a result when you apply them they also help to boost your mood and sense of well-being too. Angela and her team have created all your complexion needs courtesy of a number of facial moisturisers, oils, scrubs as well as a selection of body products too. We’re particularly taken with Fresh Up Hydrating & Refreshing Tonic as it’s not only great to spritz on during the day when your skin might be looking a little lacklustre, it’s also perfect for sensitive skin and an essential part of your beauty routine, too. Apply it after cleansing your skin and before putting on your moisturiser and let its rose, geranium, orange blossom and aloe vera natural ingredients hydrate, refresh and soothe your skin – all naturally of course.
Angela Langford’s Fresh Up Hydrating & Refreshing Tonic, £14, www.angelalangford.com
Rose & Caramel Skinstant Instant Tanning Spritz, £19.99
Xen-Glow Dark Lotion, £29.99, Beauty Flash
self-tan launches that could become your next go-to…Katie Wright Bondi Sands Technocolor Emerald 1 Hour Express Self Tanning Foam, £19.99
Charlotte
AAs the sun-drenched days of summer approach, it’s time to embrace the effortless charm of beach-to-bar dressing. Whether you’re soaking up the rays by the ocean or heading to a bar for evening cocktails, finding the perfect pieces that will seamlessly transition from day to night is essential. Here are my top picks to pack in your suitcase:
THE AIRY SUNDRESS
A breezy sundress is a must-have for your beach-to-bar wardrobe this summer. Opt for lightweight fabrics such as cotton or linen to keep cool under the sun. Choose vibrant colours or playful prints such as tropical florals or bold stripes. Look for details like tie-fronts to add a touch of personality. Pair your sundress with comfortable sandals or espadrilles, a wide-brimmed hat and oversized sunglasses for the perfect beach-
Maxi dresses are synonymous with a carefree summer style and make a seamless transition from beach to bar. Embrace flowing silhouettes and lightweight fabrics like chiffon or silk. Opt for bold patterns or go for a solid colour for an elegant look. Look for dresses with halter necklines or low backs to add a hint of allure.
Maxi skirts are the epitome of comfort and style. Opt for lightweight fabrics like chiffon or cotton blends that flow beautifully with every step. Choose vibrant colours or playful patterns such as tropical prints to capture the essence of summer. Pair your maxi skirt with a breezy crop top or a relaxed tank. Accessorise with delicate jewellery and flat sandals for a beach-ready look. When the sun sets, swap the flats for wedge heels, add a statement belt and
throw on a denim jacket for an elevated evening ensemble.
Mini dresses are perfect for showing off your summer glow. Look for flirty silhouettes in lightweight fabrics like linen or silk that will keep you cool in the heat. Go for playful prints such as florals or animal prints to embrace the summer vibe. Pair your mini dress with comfy sandals or espadrilles, add a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for a beachready style. To transition to the bar, switch to heeled sandals or wedges, accessorise with statement jewellery and carry a small clutch for a touch of glamour.
This summer, why not elevate your beach-to-bar style with these options that will effortlessly transition from the sand to the sunset scene? From airy sundresses to elegant maxi dresses, these pieces will keep you fashionably attired for any summer occasion. Embrace the season’s carefree spirit, soak up the sun and make a statement wherever you travel to
Newman from Kitch fashion boutique suggests some key pieces for your holiday that will take you from the sand to sundowners at the bar…
“Go for playful prints such as florals or animal prints to embrace the summer vibe and switch from flats to heels and accessorise with statement jewellery” www.kitchclothing.co.uk
Milliner and Tunbridge Wells resident Katherine Elizabeth tells Eileen Leahy about her eponymous business Katherine Elizabeth Millinery , what it’s like designing for celebrities and why the summer is her busiest time…
clothes more sculptural. I decided from then on that I would do my final collection in millinery and not clothes.
You worked under the famous milliner Stephen Jones upon graduating. What was this experience like?
It was amazing! I remember him ringing me up and telling me that I could come in for an interview.
Whilst studying at The Surrey Institute of Art and Design I was interested in fashion but I also loved art and sculpture. At that time I thought hats were just something you just put on your head to keep warm! That all changed though when a designer from Frederick Fox – milliner to the late Queen Mother – came to do a talk. She brought a hat along that she had created from rocks! She had cast the block using them and then added sinamay, which is widely used for blocking hats, on top. It was like a lightbulb moment for me and that’s when I realised hats are pieces of art – or sculptures you can wear. Going into this creative realm was perfect for me because I have a 3D mind and always wanted to make
I was shocked… the legendary Stephen Jones had just called me! I had a great time and met Noel Stewart – who is now a famous milliner – whilst there. We worked on the couture table making hats for clients – it was fantastic to be in this world. Stephen was often off working on collections for the Dior label, which at the time was under the creative eye of John Galliano. I remember one evening he came downstairs with some hats for the John Galliano Shop. He said: “Right, everyone, stop what you are doing and work on these!” I loved every minute of it!
Did you work for any other designers during this period?
I worked for Catherine Delaney who made a lot of creations for theatre and also fashion. She was based near Waterloo and taught me a lot. I am very grateful to her
for teaching me. We had lots of fun making hats together! One day I would be stiffening felt for hats for a theatre show, the next we would be working on a creation for a client. On top of that we created some pieces for London Fashion Week.
When did you launch your own eponymous business?
After working for Stephen Jones and Catherine Delaney I decided to set up on my own.
I moved back to Somerset, where I am from, in order to be able to launch my business.
I went to the Prince’s Trust for help and they mentored me and gave me a grant. This really helped at the beginning because I was then able to buy fabrics, sinamay, blocks and a computer. This grant also helped me get my first piece in a national magazine. I took a photo of a hat on a white background and Harper’s Bazaar featured it on their shopping page. After that I had a number of clients ringing up to order hats. In my mid-twenties I moved back to London. I thought, if I am going to make it, I might as well be in London. Once I had moved, I started my Millinery House Events business. This involved me teaching groups of women how to make hats over afternoon tea and champagne in lovely hotels. This really helped to fund my business and bring in extra money to buy fabrics and offered the opportunity for me to experiment with hats.
Were there any challenges in terms settingofup your own company?
I would say money and time. You
need time to make and money to live, so I worked part-time when I established my business until it could look after itself.
What have been the highlights over the course of your career so far?
I would say working with the indie band Noisettes. Making a collection with them was just great and seeing my hats worn on the lead singer Shingai Shoniwa at Glastonbury was fabulous! Recently, one of my hats was worn by Johannes Radebe from Strictly Come Dancing on the Graham Norton Show. I was also asked to create some hats for the designer Jasper Garvida for a show he was doing at the National History Museum. I just love the industry I am in. I get to make hats, go to lovely places, meet fantastic people and my shop overlooks the Thames in London as it is in the Oxo Tower. I am very lucky.
Your hats have been worn by the likes of Dita Von Teese and Lily Allen, and have also appeared in shows such as Downton Abbey. Can you tell us a bit more about all this?
I was asked to make a hat for Dita so I chose to create a small cream bonnet out of parasisal straw. It had an emerald green trim and lining to match the colour of her eyes. I also made a hat for Lily Allen and received a lovely message from her when she received it. I taught the cast of Downtown Abbey how to make hats over a Champagne afternoon tea in a beautiful hotel to help promote the new series of the show. That really was a great day!
“Nature and architecture are my inspirations for my hats”CROWNING GLORIES: Katherine Elizabeth at Royal Ascot
Are there any celebrities/ public figures you would love to create a hat for and if so who?
I would love to make one for Lady GaGa! and The Princess of Wales. Those two would be a dream come true.
Where does your inspiration come from in terms of your designs?
Nature and architecture are my inspirations. I grew up on a farm but also love architecture and sculpture. My dad was a carpenter after being a farmer so he has a 3D mind. He’s always been fantastic at creating things and my mum was always good at art and drawing, she is now a fabulous painter.
How long is the average hat-making process, or does it vary according to each job?
It varies from one day to a week.
When a client wants a hat, I like 4 to 6 weeks to make it so we have time to order in fabrics, mock up the design, show the client and finish the hat as well as anything else that needs to be done inbetween.
racing events such as Cheltenham. I also make for various fashion designers’ catwalk shows which I adore but I do relish the chance to be more adventurous occasionally.
are your most popular events to design for?
I love Royal Ascot. It is my favourite time of year as I can be a bit more sculptural with my designs. The rest of the year is mostly weddings and other horse
How many are in your team and do you operate from Tunbridge Wells or London?
I mostly operate from London but I also do a lot from Tunbridge
Wells. I have a studio in my home from which I work too. I really must work with more designers and dressmakers here, there is so much talent in the area! I am a member of the Tunbridge Wells Mums in Business Networking Group. I joined this group when I first moved to Tunbridge Wells so that I could meet like-minded businesswomen for support in
If you are interested in becoming a milliner then Katherine Elizabeth invites you to join her Millinery and Business Academy. She tells SO: ‘It’s a membership site for budding milliners, with a lovely community of fantastic new and established milliners ready to support and help. We also have guest experts, a monthly Q&A session and support from myself.’ www.millineryandbusinessacademy.com/join
help create designs for Dior”
the area. I don’t have any kids but they let me join anyway! It’s been invaluable.
I live with my husband and our two cats, Reggie and Bella. Reggie has become quite famous in my millinery and business academy as he made an appearance on the local BBC and ITV news as part of the coverage of my business around The Coronation and Royal Ascot. I really like living in Tunbridge Wells. The town is near but you also have a lot of green spaces and countryside. The Pantiles are another reason I love it here; they boast some really beautiful architecture. For more information visit katherineelizabethmillinery. com or drop in and see her in her shop which is located at 103 Oxo Tower Wharf, Barge House Street, London, SE1 9PH
“I am so proud to have worked for the legendary milliner Stephen Jones and
pretty and playful. Then there are two non-negotiables we always have on our checklist. They are: ‘Can I wear this at least three ways’ and ‘will it be comfortable?’
When it comes to summer, Sam says the dresses she chooses are styles that can be worn with flipflops, for a relaxed look, but also dressed up with heels and some sparkle for the evening.
“And given the unpredictable nature of the UK’s weather, it is also important that none of our dresses look out of place with a denim jacket and some trainers on cooler days. Versatility is key!”
includes an array of fabulous beach-to-bar dresses, divine statement jewellery, colourful tees and fine knits is proving to be the most popular yet.
“We are totally in love with this new collection and so, it seems, are our customers,” reveals Sam.
After taking over the reins of Love and Luxe a couple of years ago, business entrepreneur Sam Hipperson has ensured this local fashion and accessories brand keeps going from strength to strength. This is mainly down to her eagle eye for picking out stylish pieces that are affordable and easy to wear but also her commitment to ensuring Love and Luxe customers always have the best service possible and a great selection of items to choose from.
This summer’s collection, which
“A number of the dresses have sold out more than once and orders have exceeded all of our expectations. We are truly grateful for everyone that comes in and our customers are very loyal to us. I think that people like to buy from a small business knowing that the person they are dealing with really cares about their experience. We have so many fabulous comments about our customer service and this is how we measure our success.”
Sam explains that for Summer 2023 she curated a collection of gorgeous pieces that not only multitask but are beautiful to look at. Think soft fabrics, cool, swishy dresses and vibrant colours.
“Blues and pinks are the current favourite colourways, closely followed by neutrals. Dresses are always a firm favourite for the summer and people love that you
can throw a dress on with some statement jewellery and be ready to go. We have some fab pieces at very reasonable prices – most retail at £20-30 – and all of our jewellery is presented in a luxury gift box, making it a fabulous present.”
Sam says she and her team are often asked how they choose their stock to which she responds:
“Obviously appearance is the first thing and here we look for a combination of classic, stylish,
Selecting pieces that are light to pack is another key factor for Sam. “This is obviously because it’s holiday time but it’s an added bonus if they don’t crease either. If you’re on our website look out for the Freya, Phoebe and Ibiza styles as they are 100% cotton and don’t need ironing. We also have some stunning dresses in 100% viscose. This amazing fabric is cool to wear, soft to the touch, washes like a dream and, if hung straight away, the creases fall out. The Lara sundress is great and has been one of our best sellers so far this summer. The Mya has also been hugely popular as the fabric is light and airy, the sleeves can be worn up or down and there are no harsh seams or waistbands –great for a BBQ! We are currently restocking this stunning dress for the third time and pre-orders are filling up fast.”
Although Love and Luxe is an online business, Sam says that she and her team understand only too well that people like to try things on before they buy them. Therefore local residents have the opportunity to do this at any of the brand’s regular pop-ups.
“As well as these events, you always will find us, along with other local businesses, on the first Thursday of every month from 9.30am-2pm at the Nuffield Health Club in Tunbridge Wells. Coffee is available, entry and parking are free, and we also raise money for Lymphoma Action so if you come along you will be helping a good cause at the same time. What’s not to love?”
For more information visit www.loveandluxe.uk to view the collection and follow us on Instagram to keep up to date with new arrivals, offers and events.
When ordering online if you put the code SO10 in at the checkout you will receive 10% off your first Love and Luxe order.
“When it comes to summer, Sam says the dresses she chooses are styles that can be worn with flip flops, for a relaxed look, but also dressed up with heels and some sparkle for the evening”Sam Hipperson
Amora Care provides premium home care services, supporting older adults to live independently at home in Tunbridge Wells, surrounding towns, villages and rural areas.
If you or someone you love is having difficulty coping with everyday tasks, we can help in the following ways:
Learn from Jane's experience using Amora Care's domestic visits, and discover how she found a solution to help her father and gain peace of mind.
Q: For context, what led you to seek support for your father?
A: I was concerned about my father's wellbeing and wanted to ensure he was being looked after because he lives alone.
Q: How did your father initially react to the idea of receiving extra support?
A: He was resistant at first, but I explained that the visits wouldn't interfere with his independence. They were primarily for cleaning and home help, with the added goal of making sure he was okay.
Q: What was your experience with the carer who visited your father?
A: The carer was extremely helpful. She helped with light housekeeping, cooking, and spent time talking to my father and keeping him company.
Q: How did your father's attitude towards receiving care change over time?
A: As he became more familiar with the carers who visited him, he became more comfortable with the idea of receiving care. He even began asking for help with other tasks, such as grocery shopping and picking up prescriptions. The peace of mind we gained, to continue our lives without worrying about his day-to-day needs, cannot be overstated! www.amoracare.co.uk
offee can get a bad rap and yet so many expert studies support its consumption as – dare I say – a medicine. A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that among older adults, those who drank coffee (caffeinated or decaf) had a lower risk of dying from diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease, and other medical complications than non-
In fact, the study concluded that two or more cups of coffee per day equated to a 10% reduction in overall death for men and a 15% reduction in overall death for women, when compared with non-
An interesting point about coffee is how and when you drink it. Coffee should make you feel calm but alert, energetic but not wired. Many people feel shaky, nervous, and anxious after coffee. This is quite obviously not a helpful healthy way to feel.
Therefore, why not adhere to the following tips when it comes to drinking coffee…
Don’t have coffee on rising on
Naomi Murray Co-founder of Botanica Health botanicahealth.co.uk
an empty stomach. Have it with a meal containing protein and carbohydrate. Do have coffee with some fat, like milk or cream. Sugar or honey added to your coffee will help the liver deal with the metabolic effects of the caffeine. Or drink it with something sweet. Perhaps add collagen for another wonderful health promoting dimension – gelatin is anti-stress and has a calming effect on the body and is also anti-inflammatory. Experiment with coffee and see how you feel. Coffee intolerance can be a sign of hypothyroidism and care should be taken.
It was previously thought that the caffeine component in
coffee provoked the need to go to the toilet, but it’s not entirely true. Caffeine contributes to the laxative effect but a 1999 review in the National Library of Medicine concluded that ‘caffeine cannot solely account for these gastrointestinal effects.’
In fact, both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee stimulate the production of a hormone called gastrin. This signals to the stomach to release more hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes, which causes stomach contractions to increase, and the valve between your small and large intestines to relax. In other words, gastrin promotes digestion.
“Two or more cups of coffee per day equated to a 10% reduction in overall death for men and a 15% reduction in overall death for women”
When choosing coffee
• Be mindful that coffee is the number one pesticide sprayed crop in the world.
• Did you know that 97% of the world’s coffee beans are non-organic and treated with pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and other chemicals.
• Organic coffee is the best option to lower this toxic load.
• Interestingly the studies don’t mention if organic coffee was consumed, and I have the feeling probably not, and yet it still had beneficial effects.
Studies show that coffeedrinking has several health benefits:
Coffee is liver protecting, even mitigating the negative effects of alcohol.
Coffee provides significant amounts of magnesium, B vitamins and other nutrients. Coffee is protective against breast cancer.
Coffee is thyroid supportive and stimulates metabolism. Caffeine is neuroprotective and may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Coffee has been shown to reduce depression and suicide risk.
from Botanica Health in Rusthall explains the myriad benefits of your daily cup of coffee and how it could help you live longer…
“Really good fun. An hour flew by and my kids aged 12 and 15 loved it. Proper work out as well! Thought staff and organisation was excellent. Will definitely go back.”
“Really brilliant day out, loads of facilities and everything we needed was provided.”
“A place for fun and joy. Had a blast in the summer with the kids and would definitely recommend.”
Sherbet, bubble gum and gummy bears are not just innocent sugary sweets. They’re vape flavours marketed at children and teens with addictive and potentially deadly consequences. These sickly sweet, cartoon-branded e-cigarettes are the nicotine equivalent of alcopops.
Retailers have been accused of handing out free samples to schoolchildren who are too young to legally buy vaping products. And some schools are resorting to locking the loos to stop children sneaking off to vape. No need to hide behind the bike sheds any more when vapes are easy for children to get hold of and schools are fighting a losing battle against teen vaping.
Welcomed as a new tool to achieve government targets to make the UK smoke-free by 2030, vapes have instead become a gateway to nicotine addiction for children and adolescents.
Vaping exposes young, developing bodies to a barrage of harmful chemicals, including nicotine, lead, nickel and chromium, which can have lasting effects on brain development. Nicotine addiction at an early age can lead to a higher likelihood of substance abuse and other health problems later in life.
Vapes haven’t been around for long enough to research the impact on future health. It took more than 30 years of research to confirm that smoking kills and it can take that long for smokers to develop lung cancer. Despite being promoted by the NHS as a healthier alternative to smoking
which can help smokers quit, recent cases of severe lung injuries linked to vaping, like popcorn lung, can cause inflammation and respiratory problems similar to COPD.
The jury is out regarding the potential long-term effects of vaping from an early age. Doctors are speculating regarding cancer and dental health risks. The number of young people taking up smoking has plummeted in recent years but the explosion in teen vaping is fast becoming an epidemic. Recent data reveals that the number of 11 to 17-year-olds who have tried vaping has doubled in the last year to almost 12 per cent.
With disposable e-cigarettes costing less than a fiver, they can be purchased with pocket money. Although it is illegal to sell e-cigarettes to under-18s, I have heard accounts of much younger teens buying products without being ID checked and sharing them with their friends.
Worried parents are powerless once their children become addicted to e-cigarettes and this can happen frighteningly fast. Their concerns are compounded by illegal, high-strength products containing dangerous levels of nicotine or THC oil, a potent form of cannabis being available in vape cartridges on the black market.
Legal e-cigarettes contain up to 800 puffs, equivalent to two packets of cigarettes, but it’s possible to get hold of ‘vape juice’ containing four times more nicotine and other dangerous, unregulated substances. This toxic liquid can contaminate skin on contact and be deadly if consumed. Symptoms of nicotine poisoning include vomiting, sweating, dizziness, increased heart rate, lethargy, seizures and difficulty breathing.
As a nicotine addict who hasn’t smoked for nearly 20 years, I would never dare touch a vape. I know from bitter experience that quitting smoking is incredibly difficult and just one hit of nicotine would very likely put me back on the path to addiction.
When I started smoking as a teenager, it was the cool thing to do on the school bus. It was disgusting at first but I persevered until I became a seasoned addict. It then took years of spending a small fortune on fags and several goes at giving up before I finally managed it.
In my clinic, I’m now seeing adult vapers who used to smoke and children, brought along by worried parents, who have started vaping and can’t stop.
What may start as social experimentation or curiosity can easily become an addiction. The most common reason for adolescents to start vaping is that their friends are. Once hooked, teenagers associate vaping with relieving anxiety and stress even though the only relief it provides is from the nicotine craving.
The cloud of aerosol or vapour created by e-cigarettes is not harmless. It contains potentially dangerous substances, including:
• Nicotine
• Ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs
• Flavourings such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to a serious lung disease
• Volatile organic compounds
• Cancer-causing chemicals
• Heavy metals such as nickel, tin and lead
Mixed messages add to the confusion about the benefits and risks of vaping. There are plans to offer vaping devices to a million smokers as a treatment for nicotine addiction in a ‘swap to stop’ programme. But the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) is calling for a total ban, stating e-cigarettes ‘are not a risk-free product and can be just as addictive, if not more so than traditional cigarettes’.
We know nicotine is deadly. It seems almost bizarre to introduce new and different ways of consuming it when we have no idea what the long-term effects might be.
Qualified local hypnotherapist Karen Martin addresses the teen vaping epidemic and why it exposes young, developing bodies and brains to all sorts of harmful chemicals and can result in health issues later in life…
Karen Martin Hypnotherapist hypnotherapykent.co.uk
“The number of young people taking up smoking has plummeted in recent years but the explosion in teen vaping is fast becoming an epidemic”
Why
isn’t child’s play isn’t child’s play
We have had some glorious weather recently and whilst many of us have been soaking up the sunshine and love being outside, for some the summer months of warm and dry weather can bring the misery of hay fever. At Helios Homeopathy we have been inundated with calls over the last month from people suffering from the debilitating symptoms of streaming and irritated eyes, itchy nose with sudden attacks of sneezing, dry tickly coughs and in some cases wheezing and difficulty breathing.
Homeopathy – which is a system of complementary medicine that uses natural substances mainly from plants and minerals prepared to traditional methods – can really help alleviate the symptoms of hay fever. Alongside our remedies we have a wide range of soothing eye drops, nasal sprays and herbal products too. Our friendly team of homeopaths are on hand in our pharmacy shop and on the phone to offer their help and expert advice.
July is the start of the holiday season and whether you’re having a staycation or a vacation then we have some great products and remedies to ensure your holiday goes smoothly – wherever you are. Here are some of our top tips and what we feel are essential products to pack in your suitcase for all the family:
Fear of Flying – Helios Stress
Relief is a combination of three homeopathic remedies for fearfulness and anxiety around flying and crowded airports
Jet Lag – Jet Candy Botanicals is a blend of flower essences to help fight fatigue and physical stress when flying long haul
Travel Sickness – We make this special combination of three remedies to cover nausea and sickness when travelling by car, boat, train or plane
Helios Urtical Cream – A soothing topical application for minor sunburn and insect bites and stings
Our 36 remedy travel kit is an excellent way of taking a wide selection of remedies away with you and being prepared for
most eventualities, whether it’s a summer cold, an injury, sunburn, tummy upset or insect bites and stings. Light and compact, it comes with a comprehensive booklet to help you choose the right remedy We have some new organic and natural sunscreens for all the family from the Alteya and Omuci brands as well as some very effective insect repellents – without nasty chemicals. You can also find travel-size natural deodorants, supplements and probiotics specifically support the digestive system when travelling.
Happy holidays from the Helios team!
Our resident fitness expert Sarah Gorman gives her advice on what fitness equipment to take away with you if you want to continue working out on holiday
Ioften get asked how I work out while I’m away. The absolute honest answer to that is…I don’t!
For me a holiday is about taking a break from the norm, making a change from what I do every day, and as my job requires me to work out every day, I personally need a break from this.
That is not to say that I am inactive when I’m away – quite the opposite. I’m not one for sitting by a pool doing nothing all day. Not that there is anything wrong with that – it’s just not personally for me.
When I’m away I like to walk
and swim as much as I can. I usually try to go canoeing, paddle boarding and generally getting out and about as much as possible. Simply put, I do things that make me happy and get me moving.
Taking the time to relax when you’re away is hugely important for your body as well as your mindset but trying to keep active while you’re away has huge benefits as well. And trying to make sure that the activity is something different from how you usually stay active at home is key – as the old adage goes, a change is as good as a rest.
However, all of this is personal preference and you may decide that in fact you want to continue
your workouts whilst on holiday. That might be because you have just back into the swing of exercising and you don’t want to let the ball drop. Or maybe a holiday is the only time that you can actually finally fit a couple of sessions in! If this is the case I have a few suggestions as to how to make the workouts work for you within your time away:
Don’t overpack your kit! Don’t be lugging your weights away on your holiday! You need to adjust your training to what you
This month I have three exercises – one for each piece of suggested holiday kit:
1. Resistance bands: Banded walks and pulses
• With the band around your calves (just below the knee) take the squat position and walk x4 side steps to the right and x4 side steps to the left. Repeat x8
• Squat and pulse down and up, keeping the resistance continuously on the band x32 counts
• With the band on the knees, in squat position pulse the knees apart x32 counts
• Repeat whole sequence x3
2. Sliders: Mountain climbers and slider pull-in
• In a plank position with feet on the sliders – pull alternate legs in towards the body as quickly
can easily pack in your case. Small bits of very effective kit will keep you sorted. They include:
• Resistance Bands
• Sliders
• Pilates Ball
With these three small but powerful bits of kit you can pretty much hit every muscle group in the body. You’re working your core, glutes, legs, upper body, abs and back.
Keep
Try not to annoy the rest of the family by making them wait until you’ve finished your workout
THE MONTH:
as you can for 45 seconds. Rest and repeat x3
• Pull both legs in towards the body and push them out again for 30 seconds. Rest and repeat x3
• Repeat sequence x3
3. Ball: Abs on the ball sequence.
• Gently squeeze the ball between the thighs, float the feet and the upper body away from the floor in a crunch position, then keeping the squeeze on the ball, lower the upper body and lower body at the same time with control. Repeat x 16
• Ball between the ankles. Upper body raised hands behind the head. Keep the upper body elevated and flat the legs. Pull/ tuck the knees in towards the chest and extend. x8
• Repeat sequence x3
before you can get on with the day. Ten minutes per equipment type gives you a 30-minute workout –more than adequate on a normal day, let alone on holiday. Or you could focus on one piece of equipment per day and do 10-15 minutes and boom you are done!
If you know that you want to work out whilst you’re away then schedule it! Know exactly what you are going to do and when. You can prep your clothes and any equipment the night before so you can simply get up, throw on your workout gear and get it done.
If you decide that actually working out while away isn’t what you want to do after all – then be kind to yourself and make the decision to let it go. Don’t give yourself a hard time for not doing a workout.
Personally, I do usually pack those few small bits of kit in my suitcase, just in case. I guess it’s a bit like a security blanket for me…but I can promise you that those sliders do not ever see the light of day! The other day I read that for every hour you exercise you will live another three hours! So, you literally have nothing to lose…just get moving!
Sarah Gorman Fitness professional and entrepreneur @sarahgormanblendfit sarahgorman.fit
“Taking the time to relax when you’re away is hugely important for your body and mindset but keeping active while you’re away has huge benefits as well”PHOTOS BY MAX GORMAN
Yoga and well-being expert Lucy Parker of FLOW Tunbridge Wells tells us why ‘a flamingo a day’ really can help keep the doctor away…
Many of us are gearing up for the long school holidays and all the mixed blessings that come with it. Intertwined with all the family fun times, adventures, outings, and treats is an array of anxieties about how to keep our own needs, both mentally as well as physically, in mind. Perhaps over the six-week break your wonderful weekly yoga session is no longer on the cards given the kids are at home and the social diary is getting busy…
It’s fair to say that many of our clients return to Flow in September after a long break feeling stiff and ‘back to square one’. Their mobility and strength has gone, and suddenly it’s a long trek back up the fitness ladder. They tell me they feel ‘off balance’, ‘out of sorts’ and ‘frazzled’.
So, if you can’t keep up your regular fitness sessions then let me introduce you to the genius of Fogg’s Tiny Habits. Not he of the Phileas Fogg fame, who adventured around the world for 80 days, but BJ Fogg, behaviourist and general Mr Nice Guy.
Over the past 20 years, Fogg has been encouraging us all to establish new habits that last – and are, yes, you guessed it: tiny. These are teeny steps forward that are manageable, sustainable, and best of all, can be done with a few toddlers hanging around your feet!
And here’s the genius part: you simply link an established habit, such as brushing your teeth, with a new one, like standing on one leg, flamingo style. Or maybe while waiting for the kettle to boil you do a sit-up. The general idea is to incorporate something meaningful into your day and then build on your success, until you’re regularly dropping for 10 sit-ups or
Lucy Parker Co-founder Flow Tunbridge Wells lucy@flowtunbridgewells.com
1. Choosing a goal, or two, that matters to you. Perhaps choosing one to support your physical and one to boost your mental health
2. Decide what would be a realistic outcome and how you will know you’ve achieved it
3. Break a new habit down to something tiny, and then smaller still, perhaps a jump for joy every time you flush the loo for example
4. Then link it to an action you do every day as an established habit
5. Commit to it. Maybe write it down somewhere, tell a friend or if you’re very brave, share it with the kids
6. Get started! Do let me know how you get on; I’d love to hear all about your tiny successes that will lead to big wins…
balancing like a pro.
You get to choose what matters most to you. It could be a physical goal you want to master or maybe you’re keen to keep your cool and not fly off the handle whenever it gets a bit too much with the kids?
You might be interested to hear that this technique has been echoed and supported through many therapy and coaching methods including ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) where expert Steven Hayes suggests we make our goals ‘small’ and then ‘smaller still’.
When we start small it’s easy to achieve success and our
bodies experience a little drop of dopamine as a reward. This chemical hit means we do it again for the joy of it and before we know it, we’re hooked! One pressup turns to 10 and one minute of meditation rolls effortlessly into 20. It’s amazing what can be achieved this way. Take the incredible achievement of competitive swimmer John Naber who won Gold in the 1976 Olympics by deciding to improve his time by one-fifth of an eye-blink for every hour of training. Now that’s TINY and equally mighty!
Doctors have used balance as a test of health for years. Our balance can quickly diminish after we reach our mid-50s, increasing a risk of falls and other serious health outcomes. You can help boost your fitness levels both physically, as well as mentally, by ‘doing the
flamingo’, making it one of your ‘Tiny Habits’ and seeing the improvements daily. Just increasing your balance by a few seconds every day could make a huge impact on your overall sense of feeling ‘balanced’. Try it and remember the kids will love to do the flamingo too!
READER OFFER: We’re still open at FLOW over the summer so you can pop down to have an hour to yourself whenever the time allows. We’ve set up a special SO reader offer to allow you a great opportunity to escape from it all and save money in the process. Use – SOFlow30 - at the www.flowtunbridgewells.com checkout to receive three one-hour classes for just £30.
“Start small by simply linking an established habit, such as brushing your teeth, with a new one, like standing on one leg, flamingo style”
Claire Douglas is a local interiors and DIY expert who has seen her passion for decorating on a budget develop into a successful full-time career. Here she tells Eileen Leahy all about her unique styling secrets and how you too can have a beautiful bespoke decorated home without spending a fortune…
Can you start by telling us how you got into the interior design and DIY domain?
I’ve always been obsessed with home interiors and DIY. Even as a child, I would rearrange my bedroom furniture at every opportunity and loved making experimental artwork. In my late teens, I became interested in property and dreamed of owning a home that I could renovate, so I started saving like mad and bought my first flat (in Tunbridge Wells, of course!) aged 24.
What was your first home like?
All I could afford was a tiny basement flat with damp, no heating and it needed a lot of TLC. I was single at the time and had a practically non-existent budget so I set about learning everything I could about DIY and interior decorating and completed much of the work needed myself in between working full-time in London, learning as I went.
How quickly did you acquire all those essential DIY skills?
Within a couple of years, I’d taught myself tiling, wallpapering, painting, repairs and making good, fitting skirting boards and putting up shelves etc. It was the most empowering and rewarding experience. Each new skill I learnt spurred me on to try something else, it was completely addictive!
When did you start posting about your interiors projects online?
I started my social media journey
in 2019 by setting up my interiorsrelated Instagram account. By the time I started my business, I was fortunate to have a good platform with an engaged following on Instagram, Tiktok and through my blog, ClaireDouglasStyling.co.uk. I started writing for well-known interiors titles which helped me reach an even larger audience and was fortunate enough to have my DIY projects featured regularly in newspapers and magazines. I regularly write for RealHomes and Woman&Home and have contributed to Home Builder & Renovator, The Daily Express, The Sun, Yahoo News and Hello! My projects have been featured in lots of national and global titles, including Livingetc, Apartment Therapy, Stylist, Ideal Home and Metro.
Your DIY work is very creative and unique. How did you push the boundaries?
As I developed creatively, I became braver and more experimental with
your
the tools and materials for DIY & styling projects. These bold ideas helped me to carve out a niche as there weren’t any other interior stylists and content creators using the likes of micro cement and postal tubes for their makeover projects! I quickly became known for foraging flowers and foliage in my designs which were popular for their sustainability benefits, as well as the obvious money-saving advantages.
Are you professionally trained or has your career developed from a personal passion?
It’s a bit of a mixture and the answer varies across the different areas of my business. The pandemic provided me with much more time to reflect and reassess life and priorities. In October 2021, I was made redundant so I took this as a sign from the universe that I should follow my heart and completely change my career. I started training as an interior stylist and, at the same time, invested lots of time in developing my social media content creation which by then I was doing as a hobby for a couple of years. I’ve taken several training courses and completed lots of onthe-job training, assisting interior stylists on commercial shoots. The content creation, website and blogging are all self-taught and my skills have been honed over a long process of trial and error!
Were you somethingdoingdifferent before launching your eponymous business?
I worked for over 15 years in corporate roles within banking and global Bureaux de Change. Much of this time was spent in project
“One of my main objectives is to prove that you don’t need a big budget to make a big impact on
home’s interior”
management, where I enjoyed the daily challenges of a fast-paced and ever-changing environment, but lacked the opportunity to use my creative skills, so I spent my free time immersed in DIY and interior styling projects. In 2019, I set up my @Instahome_uk, Instagram account, where I shared home reno progress and DIY and home styling projects. Unexpectedly, my account started to grow as people were clearly interested in the creative and resourceful techniques I employed to transform my home on a budget! Since changing careers I have found so many transferable skills from my time spent as a project manager that have helped with being a freelance creative and running a business.
As the saying goes, ‘necessity is the mother of invention’ and this is true for lots of my hacks. I love a challenge and the process often starts when I’ve identified a need or a goal with a limited budget forcing me to look for creative solutions. For example, my tester
pot bedroom wall mural came about because I was trying to find an alternative to expensive mural wallpaper and only ended up costing £24. The micro cement kitchen upgrade happened because I was researching cost-effective alternatives to marble and quartz. One of my main objectives is to prove that you don’t need a big budget to make a big impact on your home’s interior, so, to this end, I spend a lot of time researching and sourcing affordable materials and techniques to review and recommend.
Sometimes I’ll see an expensive statement piece of furniture and will think of ways to create a costeffective version using upcycling or DIY like my marble tile side table. My brain never really switches off, so I’ll often have a lightbulb moment when I’m least expecting it, like when I’m just going off to sleep or I’m in the shower!
Your followers can now invest in your new online courses – can you tell us how these work?
I recently launched a beginners’ DIY & Home Styling course that’s self-paced and accessed via my
website. It’s based on the six-step ‘bespoke on a budget’ approach to home interiors that I’ve developed over the years. The course is comprised of four easy-to-follow modules covering; creative home styling on a budget, upcycling, basic DIY and using flowers and foliage to style your home. It is aimed at beginners who want to be more hands-on with their home interiors but feel a bit daunted and don’t know where to start. I also share my strategies for approaching home interior projects creatively and my go-to sources for preloved or affordable homeware and DIY materials. Mindful of the fact that people are likely on a budget, I’ve kept the price extremely affordable. How important is your online following to you and is it growing?constantly
Great question! Social media is a funny old thing. On the whole, I try not to think too much about follower numbers as it’s a bit of a vanity metric and can be distracting. Instead, I try to focus on creating content that will be useful to people rather than trying to guess what the algorithms are looking for on that particular day.
It’s the best feeling when someone messages to say that they watched one of my videos or read one of my blog posts and it gave them the confidence to try some DIY or home styling for the first time and they are so proud of what they’ve achieved. I’m very fortunate that both my Instagram and Tiktok accounts continue to grow, and I must admit to having a bit of a ‘pinch-me’ moment when they both exceeded 25k followers this year!
I love a neutral colour palette with a touch of green, natural materials and lots of texture in a roomespecially reeding, fluting and curves. I also love statement chairs and lighting and antique brass finishes, as well as upcycling things. Therefore I am always on the lookout for projects to give a new lease of life to and I think it’s really important to include a mix of old and new in your interior schemes. At the moment, we live in a fairly unremarkable 1960s-built house so I have to rein in my grand designs a bit. Finding your signature style and understanding how to adapt the styles you love to the house you live in is an area I look at in my course – including how to pick colour palettes and room layouts to highlight the positive features and distract from the negatives.
I love supporting local businesses and have run several ‘shop small’ campaigns on my Instagram to shine a light on the amazing talents of our local business owners and it’s an area I hope to focus more on in the future. I try to source shoot props and flowers from local businesses where I can. Last week, for example, I used material from World of Sewing and foliage from the Colonnade Florist for a magazine shoot.
To be honest, I already feel pretty lucky as I spend most workdays doing what I love. That said, there are a few items on my vision board that I’m yet to tick off and would love to one day write and style a book filled with inspiring bespoke on a budget interiors. Another dream project would be to run a location house that I’ve renovated and filled with creative DIY projects of course!
CONTACT DETAILS:
Instagram: @clairedouglasstyling
www.clairedouglasstyling.co.uk
“As I developed creatively, I became braver and more experimental with the tools and materials for DIY & styling projects”
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AA long-established care home in the heart of Royal Tunbridge Wells has reopened its doors after an extensive period of renovation and expansion. And among the first to go through the new doors of Mount Ephraim House were the home’s manager and her 88-year-old mother, who is a resident of the home.
“Mount Ephraim House has always been a home away from home to me,” says manager Karen Cooper.
A Kent dweller since her teenage years, award-winning care manager Karen has worked in managerial roles in care since the late 1980s, and has been at the helm of the local landmark since 2007.
After patiently waiting for years for the renovations to complete, she has now returned to the home, which is operated by not-for-profit
care group Greensleeves Care, along with some of the home’s original residents including her mother Cynthia.
“Returning to the home and doing it with my mother has been really special,” Karen reflects.
Renovations against the odds
Believed to once have been a royal hunting lodge used by King Charles II and his mistress Nell Gwyn, Mount Ephraim House has operated continuously as a care home since the 1950s.
The existing property is a late Regency to early Victorian house and stable block, from around 1840s, with a few remaining 17th Century elements and an extension added later. While not listed, it is deemed a Heritage Asset.
This required a considerate programme of upgrades and renovations to expand and renew the historic home, which now features 57 en-suite rooms, characterful lounges, a light-filled
To discuss your care needs or book your no-obligation visit, call the Mount Ephraim House team today on 01892 351105.
conservatory, stunning gardens and an ample balcony to enjoy expansive views of Tunbridge Wells Common.
Led by award-winning architects OWLA, the design has preserved the external appearance of the existing house, garden frontage, and historic and boundary walls.
This involved securing the longterm stability of the porch in the original entrance by painstakingly rebuilding it stone by stone. The team also reinstated the folly on the boundary wall with a new roof, and repaired the perimeter wall. The work has also brought key features back to life, including returning the top lit grand mahogany staircase and fireplace to their original balustrading and colour, repairing the stained-glass windows along the staircase, and cleaning the 1880s painted ceilings in the day lounge.
“Mount Ephraim House has been a local landmark and part of the Tunbridge Wells community for centuries,” comments Shona King, Director of Business Development at Greensleeves Care, on the renovation. “The
works of our historic property have been a real labour of love, delivered with a global pandemic and construction delays in the mix. They speak of our deep commitment to stay part of this community,” adds Shona.
The careful extension and renovations – which were recognised with an award from the Tunbridge Wells Civic Society –have enabled the home to maintain its integrity and character, while ensuring that residents can benefit from light-filled, modern and accessible facilities.
“The works have really brought out the beauty of the building and the space is the best it has ever been” says Karen. “Colleagues and residents have waited patiently for their return and it’s a testament to how much love there is for the home.”
The home offers Greensleeves Care’s award-winning residential and dementia care. As Shona explains: “the setting provides the best of old and new: modern care in a home rich with character, and a vibrant community of residents and staff ready to welcome new residents from day one.”
During the renovation period, residents at Mount Ephraim House transferred to nearby Greensleeves Care sister home, Lavender Fields in Sevenoaks. Despite the construction delays, Karen and her mother remained steadfast in their determination to go back home.
“We just can’t wait to settle in and start welcoming more residents.”
“Believed to once have been a royal hunting lodge used by King Charles II and his mistress Nell Gwyn, Mount Ephraim House has operated continuously as a care home since the 1950s”
VISIT US IN ROBERTSBRIDGE! WE HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO HELP WITH MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN AND GARDEN.
This month SO’s gardening guru Tim Sykes of Gardenproud pays a visit to an inspirational garden which reignites his passion for planting…
Arecent trip to Aberglasney Gardens in Wales revealed just how extraordinary and varied planting can be.
Aberglasney is situated on the edge of the beautiful and dramatic scenery of the Brecon Beacons. There are many wonderful places to stay nearby, but we fortunately found Llandeilo, a picture-perfect town nestled in the Welsh hills, which is a short distance from Carmarthen.
Aberglasney was made famous by the BBC television series ‘A Garden Lost in Time’ which followed its restoration.
It was opened to the public in 1999, while the garden’s transformation was underway.
It’s a plantsman’s paradise, with over 10 acres of magnificent gardens. Every one of them is a sight to behold. Our visit in June was an excellent time to witness the garden in full bloom.
The star of the show for my wife was the Upper Walled Garden, with its strong oval geometry, created by the pathways, softened by the vivid display of colour of the perennials and the structure of the topiary. It was reminiscent of the dramatic displays at Great Dixter.
- Dead head plants as the flower heads fade as this will encourage fresh blooms
- Dig up lar ge hybrid tulips once the leaves have withered – dry out the bulbs and then store in a cool place for planting out in November
- Plant out autumn flowering bulbs
- Star t harvesting tomatoes as soon as they become ripe
- Collect any fresh fruit as they ripen, don’t leave on bushes and trees if you can avoid it
- Cut back prolific herbs including mint and chives before they flower. Fresh growth will follow quickly
- Look out for red hot pokers, catmint, foxgloves, delphiniums, cistus,lavender, roses and summer jasmine.
- Enjoy the sunshine and follow the advice on watering carefully.
One amazing discovery for box blight casualties is the Rhododendron ‘Bloombux’ a clippable dwarf rhododendron that likes moist, well-drained soil and displays lovely pink flowers in May and June. (See the RHS website for more details.)
Below this area is situated the Kitchen Garden (Lower Walled Garden). For me, the structure of the Kitchen Garden, created by the planting into quartiles was most impressive. Each quartile is framed by a dwarf apple tree border hedge created from an espaliered ‘StepOver’ apple trees, planted among a low thyme border. (See more about these trees at Frank P Matthews.)
From the Kitchen Garden we walked into the Pool Garden, past a perfectly formed ‘Wedding Cake Tree’ and on into the Sunken Garden. Here a water feature designed by William Pye lies at its centre. William, who is renowned for his imaginative water sculptures has created an asymmetric design, using a square and circle theme, with a stainless steel hemisphere focal point. It looks stunning among the perennials surrounding it. From here a short walk takes you into the Jubilee Woodland Garden. This is a planting triumph. It is so spectacular. Here special care was required in selecting plants as the area is very boggy. After much work to the drainage the garden now flourishes with gunnera, various varieties of primula, poppies, iris, rodgersia, ferns and hostas.
There is so much to enjoy at Aberglasney you really need to devote a whole day to touring around it. To help you enjoy the experience there is an excellent cafe overlooking the Pool Garden, and a well-stocked nursery and shop.
For further information visit www.aberglasney.org
For further information and help with your garden design contact Tim Sykes, at Gardenproud on 07725 173820
“The planting here is a triumph. After much work to the drainage the garden now flourishes with gunnera, various varieties of primula, poppies, iris, rodgersia, ferns and hostas”
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Molly Miller reveals why opting for a staycation in one of these local establishments offers a wealth of things to enjoy for holiday makers of all ages…
Asummer getaway, whether for a weekend or longer, is the perfect antidote for escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life. And as the recent blue skies take our minds to sun, sea, and sand, the idea of packing our bags and saying ‘au revoir’ becomes irresistible.
While far-flung holidays have their appeal, there’s something truly pleasing about staying put and enjoying the best of what Great Britain has to offer. And luckily, our hometown of Tunbridge Wells boasts some incredible sites that you won’t find abroad.
Whether you prefer quaint countryside cottages, chic hotels, or rolling campsites, there’s a Kentish getaway to suit every taste – and here we’ve rounded up some of our favourites:
This retreat is a countryside haven, offering the perfect getaway if you’re after relaxation this summer. Boasting six beautifully refurbished holiday cottages, each with its own unique appeal, Salomons Estate can cater to different group sizes and preferences.
For large parties, The Old Gate House is an excellent choice,
featuring five double bedrooms, a private garden, three spacious bathrooms, a cosy lounge and snug, a fully equipped kitchen, and a grand dining room.
Alternatively, The Cottage, once the estate’s keeper’s home in the 17th century, combines historical charm with modern luxury, offering three double bedrooms, an open-plan kitchen and living area, two luxurious bathrooms with rolltop baths, and a private courtyard for al-fresco dining.
Couples seeking a countryside escape will find solace in Salomons’ Garden Cottages. Tucked away behind a beautiful walled garden, these four unique homestays – Peony, Lavender, Rose, and Honeysuckle – boast fully equipped kitchens, stylish lounge/dining areas, cosy bedrooms, and ensuite bathrooms.
All six houses at Salomons effortlessly blend modern comforts with rustic charm, capturing the timeless spirit of the estate’s history. During your stay you can enjoy scenic walks around the gardens, visit the estate’s fascinating museum or indulge in a delicious afternoon tea or Sunday lunch on the terrace.
Bookings can be made at salomons-estate.com.
Just a stone’s throw from Tunbridge Wells’ famous Georgian colonnade, The Pantiles, One Warwick Park Hotel stands proud on the corner of Chapel Place. Following an extensive development in 2016, this hotel is known for its incredible interiors and offers 39 sumptuous suites along with two luxurious self-catered apartments. Whether you’re staying for a night or longer, your guest experience will be second to none.
Each room blends comfort and elegance, featuring modern amenities, plush bedding, and beautiful bathrooms equipped with complimentary Temple Spa products for a restful visit. Families can take advantage of interconnecting rooms, and
for those seeking a self-catering option, both The House and The Apartment provide luxurious stays. The House boasts four double bedrooms, a marble kitchen, and an elegant lounge area perfect for hosting. Meanwhile, The Apartment offers a cosy, yet openplan design, ideal for couples or small families, with a beautiful private courtyard for summertime entertaining.
Thanks to One Warwick Park Hotel’s convenient location, you’ll find picturesque landmarks such as Penshurst Place and Scotney Castle are just a short drive away. Boutique shops and independent stores are also right on your doorstep, offering a delightful shopping experience. And for those seeking a refreshing cocktail and bite to eat, the hotel features a stunning art-deco inspired lounge bar and its very own restaurant, The Brasserie. Here you can enjoy delicious, locally sourced meals and throughout July, a complimentary drink! T&Cs apply. Bookings can be made at onewarwickpark.co.uk.
Combining the peace and quiet of sleeping under the stars with the opportunity to disconnect and spend time with loved ones, there are few things better than pitching up with only nature for company. And whether it’s the lush wilderness and marvellous landscapes that bring you here, or the great selection of outdoor adventures, southeast England’s largest reservoir, Bewl Water, is a popular destination for campers during the summer.
Set across 800 acres on the Kent and Sussex border, the site provides 80 spacious pitches and two beautifully-refurbished Mongolian yurts.
With ample space for children to play, quiet areas to relax, and communal spaces to meet fellow campers, there’s something for everyone. Hot showers, toilets, and freshwater taps are conveniently located near the pitches, and the Waterfront Café provides tasty meals to refuel during your stay.
Fitness-friendly activities such as fishing, bike hire, and laser tag will keep campers entertained, while a wide range of water sports awaits on the reservoir. Slip, splash, and slide on the Aqua Park, or opt for a more relaxed experience with paddleboarding or sailing.
All campers receive 20% off Bewl Water’s activities, and for those staying in the yurts, rates are reduced during the week.
Usually £125 per night, glampers can enjoy luxury for less and book a minimum of two nights for just £95 per night. The offer is available on selected dates Monday – Thursday and will be applied automatically when booking online at bewlwater.co.uk/camping.
“Whether you prefer quaint countryside cottages, chic hotels, or rolling campsites, there’s a getaway to suit every taste”
Croatia and Italy are among my top places to visit in the world, and yet despite Montenegro’s close proximity to both countries, I’d never considered it as a holiday destination.
But upon arriving in aerial entry point Tivat and the Bay of Kotor, I’m instantly struck by the dramatic landscape of luscious green, tree-covered mountains –from which I soon discover the country derives its name.
Once part of Yugoslavia, this small Balkan nation with a population of just over 600,000 separated from Serbia in 2006 and has since become one of Europe’s fastest-growing tourism regions.
It’s easy to see why: towering peaks and secluded beaches sit alongside a plethora of historical attractions and quaint fishing villages, where you can find fresh seafood to wash down with local wines. Then there’s the (almost) year-round sun…
But partly responsible for drawing international jet setters here of late is Luštica Bay, a newly
built town nestled on the peaceful shores of Trašte Bay, a 30-minute drive from Tivat on the opposite side of the Luštica peninsula.
Overlooking the dazzlingly blue waters of the Adriatic Sea, the town’s marina village slopes naturally up massifs that seem to rise straight from the shoreline.
Built on a former Yugoslav naval base, its martial past has all but been erased, replaced by serenely winding roads and higgledypiggledy houses, built like those seen in traditional Montenegrin fishing villages, with red roofs and foliage-draped walls.
A long promenade drapes around a man-made harbour, where several small yachts are docked, connecting a number of pebble beaches, seafront eateries and the five-star Chedi Hotel.
On a clear day, you can see the capital of southern Italy’s Puglia region Bari, and with the Mediterranean climate, you could be forgiven for thinking you are in Capri or Cannes – albeit far less crowded.
Far from the sterile atmosphere
you would expect from a recently completed development, what has been built looks as though it could have stood there for some decades.
And that is by design, with developers Orascom and the Montenegrin Government having gone to great lengths to ensure the £1bn project remains in keeping with the traditional harbour towns dotted along the coast.
Montenegro has made no secret of not wanting to follow in the footsteps of other European destinations, where rampant overdevelopment left unchecked for years has led to beautiful coastlines becoming laden with eyesores.
Eventually, Luštica Bay will include seven hotels, 500 villas, more than 1,000 apartments, two marinas, a small school and medical facilities. An 18-hole golf
course designed by South African champion Gary Player is also underway, complete with courseside residences called The Peaks.
Although it sounds a lot, only 10% of the 1,700 acres of land available for development will be built upon, in a bid to preserve as much of the area’s wild beauty as possible.
Such is this concern, a decision was even made not to import palm trees, as they are not native to the region.
As word has spread of its offerings, the price of buying a place in Luštica Bay has risen, with a number of NBA basketball players said to have taken up residences there.
For the vast majority of us unable to stump up the cash to purchase a property, The Chedi,
which since opening in 2018, is a very satisfying alternative.
With its fresh, comfortable design, generously sized suites, spa, outdoor infinity pool, private beach, along with restaurants and a bar – not to mention their superb in-house pastry chef – The Chedi feels more of a retreat than a hotel.
Keen to discover more, I head to the beautiful Bay of Kotor, often referred to as Boka Bay, which is only a short drive away. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has been inhabited since antiquity and historic settlements pepper its banks.
Surrounded by a section of the Dinaric Alps, the bay is accessible from the Adriatic via Europe’s southernmost fjord – an impressive geographical feature that allows for cruise ships and superyachts to navigate its waters with ease.
From the picturesque town of Perast, it is well worth hiring a small boat to sail out to Our Lady of the Rocks to visit the church built on the tiny islet.
Shrouded in both faith and folklore, legend has it that the islet was made over the centuries by seamen who, fulfilling an oath they had made, would lay a rock in the bay upon returning from each successful voyage.
This mythical element to Boka Bay extends to its namesake, the city of Kotor, whose old town is surrounded by 5km of wall that meets with the steep peaks behind it. Local lore says it was built by three fairies, from the sea, sky and mountains.
But it is believed to have been built in the 5th century and, since then, the ancient town has endured many invaders, as well as earthquakes.
The Italian influence of the Venetians, who stayed for centuries, can be noted in the town’s architecture, cuisine and dialect.
I wander around its narrow cobblestone alleyways, gazing at frescoes in St Tryphon’s Cathedral and brave the 1,350 steps to
San Giovanni Fortress to take in panoramic views of the bay.
Having built up an appetite, I’m relieved to discover there’s no shortage of excellent places to eat. Galion Restaurant (galion.me; mains around €30/£25), a short walk from the old town’s sea gate, has tables with views of the bay, and is a gastronomic delight.
The following day, I decide to visit one of the region’s many olive groves. When I arrive at the Moric Organic farm, run by the same family for over 300 years, I’m greeted with a bowl of small fried dough balls and homemade honey (a dish known as priganice, traditionally given to guests), before being given a tour of the farm and introduced to their donkeys and resident flock of sheep.
Learning how to taste test extra virgin olive to determine its authenticity is a real treat, inspiring me to never settle for poor quality supermarket olive oil again.
Sitting down to dinner in the family’s old mill, I reflect on how friendly and welcoming the Montenegrin people have been. The country is steeped in tradition and even newer developments and innovations display a deep respect for the past.
It may have been overshadowed by its glossy neighbours for decades, but sun-soaked Montenegro is more than ready to shine.
Doubles at The Chedi Luštica Bay hotel (chedilusticabay. com) start from €219/£187 per night including breakfast. easyJet (easyjet.com) flies direct to Tivat from London Gatwick. Returns from approximately £250.
“The Italian influence of the Venetians, who stayed for centuries, can be noted in the town’s architecture, cuisine and dialect”All pictures: PA Travel
The latest GLC has been equipped with an ultra-efficient plug-in hybrid setup. Jack Evans finds out what it’s like…
The Mercedes GLC plays a key role in the firm’s SUV line-up. Effectively its mid-size model, it’s a car which weighs in against rivals like the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 in a segment which remains extremely popular with buyers.
The previous-generation GLC was itself a really big hit, so how do you go about taking things up a level? That’s where this new model comes in and we’ve been behind the wheel to see what it’s like.
Core to the new GLC is the widespread use of hybrid technology. That’s either through mild- or plug-in hybrid setups –the latter of which we’re driving today – bringing added efficiency and lower emissions in the process. More on that later.
Elsewhere, we’ve got an even more upmarket exterior design than before while inside the GLC now benefits from the latest technology Mercedes has to offer, with a super-large screen that we’ve seen used in a variety of the firm’s latest models.
As we’ve mentioned, there’s hybrid
mode on the motorway, too. It’s all very relaxing, helped no end by a lack of any squeaks or rattles from the cabin. Self-levelling suspension comes as standard on plug-in hybrids, too, and this helps to make things feel even more refined. When combined with electric power that 2.0-litre engine works well, too. However, once you’re completely out of charge, that petrol engine does feel a little strained and makes its presence known when you really need to accelerate. It’s definitely best to keep the battery charged up, that’s for sure.
Mercedes has sharpened up the look of the GLC nicely. You’re still able to see the lineage between this car and the one it replaces, but things have been spruced up in all the right areas. The front end appears wider and more in keeping with the rest of the Mercedes range than before, while ‘our’ test car in AMG Line Premium specification brought a series of more dynamic touches including a sportier body kit and 20-inch alloy wheels. The electric charging port has been located in quite a traditional place, too, on the left-hand side where you’d expect to find the usual fuel filler cap. You’ll fill up with petrol on the opposite site.
technology running right the way through the new GLC line-up. The plug-in hybrid version we’re driving here – badged GLC300e –combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor and a large (for a plug-in hybrid) 31.2kWh battery. It’s able to deliver up to 80 miles of electriconly range, while Mercedes quotes a combined consumption figure of 565mpg. That might sound amazing, but you’ll need to be running on battery power alone for most of the time to achieve that.
Performance is more than brisk enough, too, with 0-60mph being dispatched in 6.5 seconds. Plus, it’ll take around two and a half hours to fully charge that battery when using a home wallbox.
Of course, that super electric-only range is what you notice most about your first experiences with the GLC. It means you drive it largely like a full EV and because it can be used at speeds of up to 87mph, it isn’t restricted to slower, more local roads – you can fly along in EV
MODEL:
Mercedes-Benz GLC300e 4Matic
MODEL AS
TESTED:
GLC300e AMG Line
Premium Plus
PRICE AS TESTED: £72,925
ENGINE:
2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with electric motor and battery
POWER: 320bhp
TORQUE: 550Nm
0-60MPH: 6.5 seconds
TOP SPEED: 135mph
ECONOMY: 565mpg
CO2 EMISSIONS: 12g/km
ELECTRIC-ONLY RANGE: 80 miles
so if space is what you’re after you might be better served with a ‘regular’ GLC.
Prices for the GLC range kick off from £51,855 but hike up to £62,210 for the plug-in hybrid we’re looking at here. AMG Line starts the hybrid’s list of specifications, bringing 19-inch alloys as standard alongside that large 11.9-inch infotainment screen and 12.3-inch instrument cluster – so even ‘base’ cars get plenty of equipment as standard.
‘Our’ AMG Line Premium Plus car added to this with 20-inch alloy wheels, a full panoramic glass sunroof, head-up display and a premium Burmester 3D surround sound system. This does, however, whack the price up significantly, with our test car coming in at a hefty £72,925.
The plug-in hybrid GLC feels like one of the most accomplished cars of its type on sale today, mainly because of that hugely impressive electric range. It’ll lower fuel bills as a result, while company car buyers will no doubt be attracted by the GLC’s five per cent benefitin-kind tax rate.
It’s hard to ignore the huge level of technology inside the cabin of the GLC. Things are dominated by the large screen in the centre of the dash, flanked by the full driver’s display ahead. When coupled with a full package of ambient lighting it can all get a bit distracting –more so at night – to the point where we had to switch off the interior lighting just to tone things down.
But you can’t fault the passenger space on offer, with good levels of head and legroom available. Boot space, however, is a little under what you’d expect from a car of this size. At 395 litres, it’s well under the 500 litres you’d get from the non-plug-in hybrid version,
For more everyday drivers, we feel that the heavily reduced boot space might prove to be a little too limiting. That said, the low running costs might be enough to offset this practicality drawback for many.
