SO Magazine 21 February 2024

Wednesday February 21 | 2024

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FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

INTERIORS

FINANCE

GARDENS

Eclectic originality

Budget friendly

Urban tranquility

We meet Barkerdesign’s Justine Hodgson-Barker

Deborah Richards looks ahead to the Spring Budget

Gardenproud’s Tim Sykes on the perfect town garden

focus on: PROPERTY

In this week's SO supplement we focus on the local property scene, with tips and advice from industry experts, the latest homes for sale and an interview with interior designer Justine Hodgson-Barker

IN ASSOCIATION WITH:

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Wednesday February 21 | 2024

PHOTO KEY & QUILL

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elcome to your new SO Homes & Gardens special. Every month we will be taking a look at all the latest news and views from the housing market and also featuring some of the borough’s most beautiful homes and gardens too. If you love all aspects of property, as well as inspirational interiors and exciting exteriors, then you have found the right place to spend a bit of your precious time…

Within these pages you’ll also find plenty of expert guidance on everything from top tips for putting your home on the market to useful info on self-build and planning permission.

In her regular column Deborah Richards of Maddisons Residential looks ahead to the Spring Budget on March 6 and wonders what ‘white rabbits’ the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is planning to ‘pull from his red box’ which will make buying and selling property a smoother experience for all involved.

See page 23 for more of Deborah’s thoughts.

Elsewhere, Stuart Killacky, Private Banking Manager at Handelsbanken, ponders if and when interest rates will drop further (page 30) while architects Atelier de Linde suggest five key ways to ensure your building project is less of a headache.

Turn to page 31 to discover what this award-winning business,

which is headed up by Tara de Linde and Angie Pool, has to say. On page 24 Becky Moran of TN Lettings gives us the lowdown on the latest electrics legislation needed if you’re renting out a property.

To kick off our new interiors section we speak to talented local designer Justine Hodgson-Barker of Barkerdesign about what inspires her work – the hallmarks of which are unique, eclectic and totally reflective of her clients’ passions and personality. She also talks us through two recent design projects she has worked on locally – see pages 26 and 27 for all the aesthetic details which have been beautifully captured by photographer Kasia Fiszer.

Finally, we have two features that will appeal to the green fingered among our readers. First up is a piece by Vikki Rimmer on page 29 on the timeless appeal of snowdrops which are currently in season and in full, glorious display at Hever Castle’s magnificent gardens right now.

Then we have our regular gardening expert Tim Sykes of GardenProud revealing the secrets of how to create a stunning garden in a confined space. There's also all your usual Arts & Culture and Spports coverage to read up on too.

Enjoy the issue,

Eileen Leahy Editor SO magazine Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @somagazines

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Building your dream home: 10 CONSIDERATIONS FOR DESIGNING A SELF-BUILD HOME

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uilding a self-build home is a thrilling and rewarding endeavour, offering the chance to tailor and design every aspect of your living space. However, designing your self-build home requires careful planning and consideration. If you want to build your dream home from scratch but don’t know where to start, here are ten crucial aspects to contemplate when embarking on the journey of designing your self-build home.

1. Budget wisely

Before you dive into design ideas, establish a realistic budget. Do your homework and not only research build costs, but also consider construction costs, unforeseen expenses, potential overruns and any additional features that you may want to include. Avoid getting carried away and don’t waste your time designing a house that you cannot afford to build. Staying within budget is essential for a successful self-build project.

appliances, it will not only contribute to a greener environment, it will also help to reduce your energy bills.

requirements and maintenance, certain designs and finishes will require more upkeep than others.

5. Future-proofing your design

8. Planning permission

When designing your self-build, anticipate future needs and trends whilst ensuring that you design with flexibility in mind. Consider potential changes in your lifestyle, such as a growing family or evolving work requirements.

Future-proofing ensures that your home remains functional and relevant for years to come. As well as design, think carefully about the choice of materials, some age better than others.

9. Landscaping and outdoor spaces

Extend your design thinking to the outdoor spaces, don’t forget to plan for landscaping and outdoor living areas, gardens and sustainable landscaping that will not only create an inviting and well-rounded home environment, you will also enhance the overall kerb appeal.

2. Choose the right architect and builder

One of the biggest and most important decisions you will have to make is deciding who you will trust with the job of designing your new home. Choose an architect and builder who understands your vision, as well a professional who has experience in self-build projects and a portfolio that aligns with your style. Effective communication and a shared vision are key to turning your dream into a reality.

3. Understand your lifestyle needs

When designing your home make sure you analyse your current and future lifestyle requirements. Consider factors such as family size, workspace needs and specific features that align with your daily routines. A well-designed home should adapt to your lifestyle, providing both functionality and comfort.

4. Energy efficiency and sustainability

Don’t forget to consider sustainability and integrate energy-efficient design principles into your plans. Explore renewable energy sources, eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient

One of the biggest hurdles and most daunting task is getting through the planning process.

With so many rules and regulations it can be overwhelming and tricky to know where to start.

Seeking help from a planning consultant will be beneficial in so many ways, they will not only have an understanding of what is deemed acceptable by local planning authorities, they can also recommend a trusted architect or designer. Sited offer invaluable advice and can take care of the whole process from start to finish.

• Occupant details: How many occupants, ages, do you want to factor in a working space? Do you need a guest room?

• House size: How big do you want your home to be? How many bedrooms? The type of living space required.

• Non-negotiable features: What are you not

willing to live without? Do you need a ground floor bedroom, gym or home office? Do you want a downstairs toilet or want an en-suite.

• Budget: Be very clear on your budget and make sure you factor unexpected costs.

6. Legal and planning considerations

• Planning conditions: Make sure you include

Make sure you research and familiarise yourself with local building regulations, planning permissions and zoning laws. By ensuring that your design complies with these requirements, you will avoid potential delays or complications during the construction process.

Consult with local authorities or planning professionals such as Sited if needed.

any planning conditions that you are aware of in your design brief.

7. Interior and exterior aesthetics

Think carefully about what you want out of your home, do you want to embrace smart technology design? How important is natural lighting to you? How many bedrooms do you need? Consider architectural styles, materials you want to use.

You may also need to consider accessibility

10. Develop a detailed brief

Whether you are outsourcing to an Architect or designer or you are going to come up with your own design, it’s absolutely vital to devise a design brief, the more detailed the better. Your brief should include:

Stephen Donnelly 78 St Johns Road Tunbridge Wells Kent TN4 9PH 07739 514350 01892 579937

Wednesday February 21 | 2024

Sponsored by Handelsbanken Tunbridge Wells

Homes & Gardens 23

WILL HOMEBUYERS AND LANDLORDS WIN IN THE SPRING BUDGET?

Moving on up…

Help is at hand for first-time buyers and those seeking their forever home, thanks to a number of new incentive schemes at Pearmain Place in Crowborough…

I

ndependent housebuilder Dandara is currently marketing a new development, Pearmain Place in Crowborough, East Sussex.

Already popular with local homebuyers, the development is ideally located for commuters, as it is close to the A26, and only eight miles from Royal Tunbridge Wells.

Having only launched off-plan last September, the development of 100 family homes, which is made up of three-, four- and five-bedroom properties, Pearmain Place has recently received a ‘Quality Recognition Award’ from Premier Guarantee, the UK’s leading warranty provider.

Judges who visited the development close to Ashdown Forest late last year said they were ‘impressed by the standard of site management, workmanship, health and safety, site tidiness and general co-operation’.

Greenery Lewis Miller-Hudson, Senior Site Manager at Pearmain Place, commented at the time: “We are really enjoying building in Crowborough, it’s surrounded by greenery and a beautiful place for new homes.

“Given that we started work on site in June, we are thrilled to receive a Quality Recognition Award acknowledging our great work on site.

Dandara also hosted a special ‘Ways to Move’ event at Pearmain Place over the last weekend of January.

The aim was to assist buyers at various stages, whether

they were embarking on their first property purchase or seeking their forever home.

Sales team and financial advisor Evolve Financial Solutions were on hand to answer any financial questions that prospective buyers had and were also able to discuss various buying options, including Dandara’s ‘Moving Made Easy’ and Part Exchange schemes.

Kulvi Singh, Senior Mortgage Consultant at Evolve Financial Solutions, said: “With a 15 per cent increase in properties entering the market in the first week of 2024 compared to last year, there is no better time to seek mortgage advice.”

Following the event last month, Stuart Galloway, Head of Sales for Dandara Southeast, said: “Gaining a comprehensive understanding of your financial situation and exploring available options is crucial in any home purchase.

“Our ‘Ways to Move’ event served as an invaluable opportunity to tap into expert guidance, providing insights on how we can facilitate a smoother move for you.”

Dandara is currently selling homes off-plan with exclusive offers at Pearmain Place, where a selection of three-, fourand five-bedroom homes are available.

A number of incentives are available, including stamp duty contributions up to £31,000, ‘Movers Packages’ worth up to £27,750 and ‘First Time Buyer Packages’ worth £20,000.

Prices start at £400,000 for a three-bedroom semidetached home with carport and parking.

For more information, visit: dandara.com/pearmainplace or call 01892 349 093

With the Spring Budget two weeks away, and the general election expected to be called later this year, the Chancellor has an opportunity to provide imaginative incentives in the property sector for would-be homebuyers and landlords, which could in turn benefit house sellers and tenants. Deborah Richards, Founder and Managing Partner of Maddisons Residential, anticipates the white rabbits Jeremy Hunt may try to pull from his red box on 6th March – and their implications for the property market.

Top of the wish list for everyone trying to buy a property is almost universally a reduction in stamp duty; after the pandemic holiday, all property purchases over £250,000 are once again subject to stamp duty.

While it has been suggested by Jeremy Hunt that the government doesn’t have much headroom for tax cuts, there is speculation among property professionals that stamp duty land tax reliefs for first time buyers may be extended to help them get on the ladder with as little taxation as possible.

To further assist first time buyers, there are rumours of a 99% mortgage scheme, requiring only a 1% deposit. This could help redress the imbalance between supply and demand in the private rental sector, as more tenants could afford their own homes, which in turn could stimulate house prices at the lower end of the market, which could ripple upwards. But whether the scheme comes to fruition is debateable as rigorous affordability testing, put in place to prevent the 2008 recession from reoccurring, may nip any hopes for this scheme in the bud.

There are also wide calls for tax incentives for landlords to make their properties more profitable. This would be a welcome measure from Jeremy Hunt to encourage landlords to stay in the private rental sector and encourage new buy-to-let rentals to help reverse the decline in rental properties and ease competition for tenants.

Jeremy Hunt will be keen to give attractive incentives to boost confidence in the property sector and in his party. But with recent warnings from the IMF that any tax amendments in the UK would be unrealistic, I suspect he will try to make a little go a long way with the electorate.

Meet the expert: Deborah Richards is the founder and Managing Partner of Maddisons Residential, a leading, award-winning independent Sales and Lettings estate agent based in Tunbridge Wells, offering expert advice and exceptional customer service.

www.maddisonsresidential.co.uk 18 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5TN Telephone: 01892 514100 Email: info@maddisonsresidential.co.uk

18 Homes Property Feature 24 & Gardens

Sponsored Handelsbanken Tunbridge Sponsored by by Handelsbanken Tunbridge Wells Wells

15 | 2024 2023 Wednesday February 21

Consider aan custom build for your dream home What is EICR? Experts from Tunbridge Wells-based land consultancy Sited explain the key differences between self-build and custom build construction projects…

AT SITED, we are often asked about the advantages of custom building over self-build projects.

Self-builders take on all the risks themselves once they have purchased a plot. The construction and project management will be the responsibility of the self-builder and is generally undertaken by those in the building trade.

With custom build homes, the buyer is purchasing a completed or part-completed

‘There are many advantages to purchasing a custom build property, including savings on stamp duty and community

By Beckyinfrastructure Moran, TN Lettingslevy.’

AN EICR is an Electrical Installation Condition project.which For example, property will be Report providesthe you with important completed and ready occupation – similar information about thefor electrical wiring and to purchasing ainnew-build home. In many installation the property. instances, the mandatory build will be complete, They are not when buyingbut a the internal fittings areare chosen the purchaser property, but they whenby renting one out. and theEICR final is fittings arefive completed An valid for years. by the building contractor or by the occupier if they wish.

There are many advantages to purchasing a Works custom build property, including savings on stamp duty and community infrastructure Here at TN Lettings when approached bylevy.

The land is outright and investors weusually would purchased always recommend thisthe is contractor paid in instalments. done beforeisthe point of purchase to make sure in custom plots and offer it Sited wouldspecialise pass without majorbuild works being a complete package – land and build – with required.

Just imagine if you buy a lovely contractors who out provide a highyou standard property to rent and then need aof full construction. rewire once the sale has gone through.

For more visit: sited.land If you hadinformation, this done beforehand there could

THE TW PROPERTY OFFICES

Established firm offers full property services

have been a renegotiation on the price to allow for this allowing you to TW PROPERTY is an established independent maximise your estate agency and property management investment and also to company in the heart of Tunbridge Wells, plan in the void period offering property sales, rentals and more required whilst the recently, a thriving block management business. work is carried out.

BECKY MORAN If you are buying a Invested property to live in I would also work by the same rule and allow the offer on the property to reflect We have invested in all the latest software to any works that need to be done – the cost of an ensure your property is fully marketed locally and EICR is low in comparison to the cost of a rewire. nationally via the main property portals such as Here at TN Lettings we use M&S Electrical in Rightmove and Zoopla as well as on social media.

Sevenoaks – a local, trusted company we have You can also find us on Facebook and been using for a number of years. EICR’s start Instagram. Like and follow us to keep up to date at just £200 plus VAT. on all new properties, industry news and advice.

IfRURAL you would like to book in a EICR with LIVING A Sited plot in the Ashdown Forest As a company, we have been in Tunbridge M&S Electrical, call them on 01732 247660 Wells for 20 years, but as individuals we have

worked in the area for over 30 years and in that time have visited pretty much every road and property style there is. This makes us property and local experts and we are happy to share our knowledge and experience with you.

Our customer-friendly website gives lots of helpful information about all of our services and a bit about the team, as well as all of our current available properties for sale and to let.

We would love to talk to you about anything property-related and of course help you sell, rent or manage your block.

Contact us on 01892 530109 or of course you can come and see us in our office at 34 Monson Road.

We look forward to meeting you in person, or you can visit our website at: tw-property.co.uk

TUNBRIDGE WELL S

£450,000

This 3 Bedroom Semi Detached family home with driveway and planning permission to extend, is situated in Tunbridge Wells less than a mile from a Mainline Station. The property benefits from 2 reception rooms and a rear garden. Council Tax D, EPC D.

STONEGATE

OIRO £1,000,000

An immaculately presented substantial 4/5 bedroom home in a central village location with in excess of 2700 sqft of luxury living space. This beautiful detached property has been tastefully renovated and boasts four bedrooms upstairs plus the option of using one of the reception rooms as an additional bedroom if required. This property is being offered to the market with no onward chain. The property also offers, a rear garden, off road parking and a garage. Council Tax F, EPC E.

RUSTHALL

GUIDE: £450,000 - £475,000

This beautifully presented, 3 bedroom, semi-detached property, creates the perfect family home for anyone looking to reside in the heart of Rusthall Village or within a ten-minute drive of Tunbridge Wells. The property benefits from a driveway to the front of the house. Council Tax C, EPC E.

Reasons to choose KMJ Property Genuinely Family Run/Owned Contactable 24/7 Three offices across Kent & East Sussex Shortlisted for Best Customer Service in the South East Best in Postcode for Customer Service Best Estate Agent Award for Tunbridge Wells and Crowborough included in the Best Estate Agent Guide Genuine, honest advice, whenever you need it Contact us on 01892 515188 or 01342 824824

26 Homes & Gardens

Sponsored by Handelsbanken Tunbridge Wells

Wednesday February 21 | 2024

An eye for

detail…

Photography: Kasia Fiszer

Justine Hodgson-Barker of local interior design business Barkerdesign tells Eileen Leahy what inspires her unique, eye-catching work and reveals the inspiration behind two stunning recent projects…

W

hen I first interviewed Justine of Barkerdesign a couple of years ago she told me that interior design was ‘all about personality’ for her. Well, the talented designer, who launched her business in 2009, has certainly stuck steadfastly to that style mantra ever since and is now renowned for creating eclectic Insta-worthy designs in people’s homes that don’t slavishly follow trends but instead skilfully reflect their owners’ passions and personality.

Artisan The Barkerdesign studio has earned its reputation over the years for having an accomplished eye for detail and also the key ability to honour a property’s period.

“I do this by mixing up pieces from different eras – curating vintage pieces along with artisan commissions. Combining these with new designer finds is what sets my designs apart in the industry,” explains Justine.

“Central to my design philosophy is the interpretation of the client’s brief to create original, eclectic interiors that surpass trends, creating spaces that are every bit as individual as my clients,” she adds.

The business is based in Tunbridge Wells, but covers the whole Kent area, for both residential and commercial.

“Every project is different, which is why I have created three services for each level of a project. These range from complete refurbs through to space planning and miniconsultations to help you solve your design dilemmas.”

Recently, Justine has completed two stunning projects: a Georgian villa in Sevenoaks and a manor house in Lewes, East Sussex. As the beautiful pictures on this page testify, her talent for picking out the right kind of colour palette, fixtures and fittings for each period of home is razorsharp. And unlike a lot of designers who thrust their personal taste on clients, Justine is all about incorporating an owner’s style, taste and existing pieces into any new scheme so it artfully reflects them and not a trend…

Justine Hodgson-Barker

Wednesday February 21 | 2024

Sponsored by Handelsbanken Tunbridge Wells

Homes & Gardens 27

Gorgeous Georgian: The brief: “I wanted to create a loved and lived-in family home. So we mixed contemporary and classic with a distinctly French feel. We kept the overall style calm and relaxed with all the practicalities needed for a growing family. We curated Georgian antiques along with contemporary takes on classics and new designer finds which provided the ‘wow’ features to bring a fun element.”

Majestic manor house: The brief: “This project called for a style that carefully created furniture and objects from different eras to create an effortlessly cool vintage vibe.

We allowed the bones of the building to lead with a timeless backdrop where we could, and enhanced the space with statement artwork and objects, whilst linking through to more maximalist spaces where layered lighting created a magical and fun atmosphere in the evening.”

To the right of the hall, you are greeted by an abundance of light throughout the whole kitchen, dining and living area aided by several newly fitted Velux windows. The living room and dining area are beautifully divided with an ‘Evonic Sponsoredbut by cozy Handelsbanken Tunbridge 28 Halo Homes & Gardens 810DS’ two-sided tunnel fire, creating a modern vibe in both areas.Wells The kitchen is fitted with Wednesday February 21 | 2024 integrated appliances including a brand new Bosch blue tooth/smart dishwasher, fridge freezer, hob and oven. Both the kitchen breakfast bar pendants and living area wall lights are fitted with ‘Industville Sleek Edison’ lights. Tucked away, to the side of the kitchen is a convenient utility room giving space for both washing machine and tumble dryer, and this room also provides access to side of the property.

Stylish family home in a perfect location THIS property is located a stone’s throw from Both double bedrooms boast far-reaching some of Tunbridge Wells’ most highly-regarded views towards the Denny Bottom area of q primaryOff and secondary schools, including Rusthall.

The main bedroom benefits from a the main living area but is a study with a solid oak fitted desk which provides a sleek, practical solution to working not limited to Bishops Down Primary, Rose Hill stunning en-suite shower room finished with a more grown up homework the rear is a large, level garden which has been recently School, from Bennetthome Memorialor School, The Skinners’ Italian porcelain andarea.To bamboo-textured ceramic School, landscaped Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar and tiles, a solid oak vanity unit, a Crittall-style with Italian porcelain tiles on both patios. There are raised borders with architectural planting and down Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys. shower surround and a power shower with a lightsis also running the side of the house and 'up and over' the back.

The property located down just 1.4 miles from Tunbridge Wells Mainline Station.

This property Viewsis located a stone’s throw from some of Tunbridge Wells most highly regarded primary and secondary schools, including but not limited to Bishops Down Primary, Rose Hill School, Bennet Memorial School, Skinners, Approaching the property, you are greeted with off-road parking and a detached garage.

Tunbridge Wells Girls Grammar and Tunbridge Wells Boys Grammar. This property is also located just 1.4 miles Proceeding up the steps to the left of the garage from Tunbridge Wells Mainline Station. you will find yourself at the front door of ‘Solidor Amalfi’, leading into the entrance hall.

To the left, at the front of the property you are presented with two double bedrooms and a single bedroom, all of which have 100 per cent wool carpets fitted.

MORE PROPERTIES REQUIRED IN ALL AREAS rainfall shower head.

Between the hall and the bedrooms, you will also find a useful storage cupboard and the family bathroom, also finished with Italian porcelain and bamboo-textured ceramic tiles and a solid oak vanity unit.

To the right of the hall, you are greeted by an abundance of light throughout the whole kitchen, dining and living area aided by several newly fitted Velux windows. The living room and dining area are beautifully divided with a

two-sided tunnel fire, creating a modern but cosy vibe in both areas. The kitchen is fitted with integrated appliances including a brand-new Bosch smart dishwasher, fridge freezer, hob and oven.

Drive, Tunbridge Wells, Kent BothRydal the kitchen breakfast bar pendants and living area wall are fitted with ‘Industville Sleek Edison’ lights. Tucked away, to the side of the kitchen is a convenient utility room giving space for both a washing machine and tumble dryer, and this room also provides access to the landscaped with Italian porcelain tiles side of the property. on both patios. There are raised borders with Off the main living area is a study with a solid architectural planting and down lights running oak fitted desk which provides a sleek, down the side of the house and ‘up and over’ practical solution to working from home or a the back. more grown-up homework area. To the rear is a For more details, contact KMJ Property on large, level garden which has been recently 01892 515188 or visit: kmjproperty.co.uk

A SUBURBAN JEWEL IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS

WWW. G A R D E N P R O U D . C O . U K DE S I G N | C ON S T R UC T | MA I N T A I N

Wednesday February 21 | 2024

Homes & Gardens 29

Sponsored by Handelsbanken Tunbridge Wells

green…

IN THE

It’s currently snowdrop season, so Vikki Rimmer takes a trip to Hever Castle & Gardens to check out the amazing displays that you can see courtesy of a self-guided walk…

There’s a religiosity to these delicate white flowers that gently trumpet the closing month of winter and the hope for spring to come.

Snowdrop Walks (a self-guided tour) takes the visitor to Hever Castle & Gardens along a wonderful exploratory tour of the Outer Moat, the Winter Gardens and through Sunday Walk and Church Gill.

Neil Miller, Head Gardener at Hever Castle & Gardens, has a passion for the Galanthus flower and has planted on average 10,000 extra snowdrops every year since 2017, doubling the number from 70,000 to 140,000 today.

Neil explains: “Thousands of Galanthus

Greenery There’s much to learn about these tiny green and white flowers adds Neill. “They are known for their medicinal properties and ability to cure headaches (those with a throbbing head would pick and gently rub the bulb at their temples!

“Snowdrops were traditionally grown in churchyards to coincide with Candlemas Day which falls on February 2.”

Visitors to Hever Castle & Gardens during February will find further snowdrop facts placed around the ground.

Visitors will be able to learn how: • The snowdrop plant was first logged by the godfather of the snowdrop world Carl Linnaeus as ‘Galanthus nivalis’– the word comes from the Greek ‘Gala’, meaning milk and ‘Anthos’ meaning flower.

• Snowdrops weren’t named after drops of snow but instead after ‘eardrops’ – the name for earrings worn by women from the 15th to 17th centuries • Snowdrops contain their own antifreeze proteins and were once harvested during the First World War to make antifreeze for tanks • It’s unlucky to bring a single snowdrop into your home – it’s akin to inviting death inside.

• William Wordsworth wasn’t just enamoured with daffodils, in 1819 he was inspired by the Galanthus plant to write the poem ‘To a snowdrop’ Self-guided snowdrop walks at Hever Castle & Gardens run from 10.30 to 3pm daily (last exit 4.30pm). A Snowdrop Walk is included in the garden ticket entry price. For further details visit: hevercastle.co.uk

Picture: Vikki Rimmer

“With over 140,000 snowdrop bulbs planted in the grounds at the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, Hever Castle & Gardens ‘Snowdrop Walk’ is not to be missed this February”

nivalis can be found blooming away on the Outer Moat, patrolled by a pair of our white swans, while up on Sunday Walk, snowdrops accompany the walker all the way up to Church Gill where unusual varieties have been planted in this newly developing garden.

“The Winter Garden at Hever Castle is also home to some unusual snowdrops like the giant ‘Colossus’, ‘Wendy’s Gold’ (a yellow-tinged beauty), ‘Grumpy’ (with markings that mimic a sad face) and Galanthus ‘Green Brush’.”

Picture: Hever Castle

H

ever Castle is currently a hive of activity and excitement for the ‘Galanthophiles’ – a particular breed of botanists and gardeners who have a major passion for snowdrops (Galanthus).

Self-guided snowdrop walks at Hever Castle & Gardens began on February 7 and are currently running from 10.30 to 3pm daily (last exit 4.30pm). A Snowdrop Walk is included in the garden ticket entry price.

With over 140,000 snowdrop bulbs planted in the grounds, Hever Castle & Garden’s ‘Snowdrop Walk’ is not to be missed this February.

Rather fittingly for Hever Castle & Gardens, the first snowdrops cultivated in Britain were documented in 1598 during the reign of Elizabeth I – who, it is traditionally thought, visited Hever Castle & Gardens, the childhood home of her mother Anne Boleyn.

Wednesday December | 2023 30 Homes &20Gardens

Sponsored

by Handelsbanken Sponsored by Handelsbanken TunbridgeTunbridge Wells Wells

February 21 | 2024 27 PropertyWednesday Feature

Discreet Marketing needs headline copy

Town garden designs for your new home

By Tim Sykes, Gardenproud

Corten Steel-edging with evergreen ferns. In the centre of each bed we planted parasol trees (Morus Alba) which are fruitless mulberry trees.

The feature panels and trees are further enhanced with lighting so entertaining can continue well into the evening.

The second design is for a town house in Tunbridge Wells. Here, a shady garden space Instead, they simplylawn contact suchand as with a moss-ridden wascompanies left uninviting SJD Projects or SITED, and let us know about needed a refresh.

We designed a garden that the types of sites they are interested in.

We then looks attractive and incorporates features to contact them when presented property or both stimulate the senses and with enjoyaoutdoor site that meets living.

The lawntheir wentrequirements. and a larger terrace now At SJD Projects and SITED to from source harbours an exquisite table we andwork chairs The the right developers for your property, meaning Heveningham Collection.

Beyond, the sound of you domasks not waste your traffic time with water the town as itunsuitable bubbles away buyer.

All of our sales are made water discreetly, in the copper-coloured circular feature protecting both your Products. identity and from Capital Garden Theyour water feature individual interests. and a splendid painted bench are reflected in a Since the company was by founded over 20 years bespoke mirror designed the Gardenproud ago, SJD latterly SITED have worked to build team andand made and installed

by Aldgate Home. relationships with reputable and The whole scheme includesdevelopers clever lighting buyers that sites and properties provided byare ourlooking friends for at SCEC Electrical throughout the UK providing a truly new bespoke Contractors, which gives the garden life as service for our clients. dusk settles.

If you have ainformation site or property would For further andthat helpyou with like togarden sell off-market, please contact us today your design, contact Tim Sykes at at steve@sjd-projects.com.

Steve@sited.land Gardenproud on 07725 173820.

See us on Instagram or at: gardenproud.co.uk

A subdeck would help pad out this page as well, not sure of Steves surname xxxxx xxxx xxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxxx Sited xxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx

CREATING a stunning garden design in a confined space can work really well when you have a focused approach.

Here are two examples of town gardens created

by Gardenproud recently.

The first is a design for a contemporary rear THE property changed London housemarket gardenhas with a lower ground floor astronomically in the the kitchen. past fewThis decades, bringing terrace adjoining incorporates in aoutdoor new eracooking of off-market andlounge privateseating sales. Last an area and year itsurrounded was reported the Telegraph, an space byinlarge pots with attractive astonishing one in four sales above £1 million in olive tree half standards.

London had taken place “off-market”.

The garden incorporates a large upper terrace So, why off-market sales gaining which hadare been neglected.

Therapidly client’s traction? While there manyspace benefits preference was for an are outdoor for associated with with friends private and sales, we are focusing relaxation relatives.

Lighting on the primary factors driving surge in was a key consideration, asthe wasrecent simple planting popularity.

The firstlow is discreetness. that would require maintenance.Unlike conventional methods, details of your property or site are not posted on portals, paraded in Highlighted agents' windows, or advertised online and in newspapers only to attract the attention ofgrey a We designed a centrally-placed terrace in porcelain tiles, surrounded by an attractive decorative aggregate. The original boundary ‘The was best buyers developers fencing stained black,and and feature cedar panels were created to accent the position of new no longer search through pages lounge furniture. The four corners of the terrace and pagesbyofsquare advertisements are highlighted beds created from for

their next opportunity’

flock of uncommitted buyers.

Instead, sales are made through direct contact, ensuring your property or site is sold swiftly to a reputable buyer. Private sales generate a sense of exclusivity, boosting the likelihood of a quick and hassle-free transaction. In comparison, traditional property advertisements have become somewhat outdated and, in many cases, ineffective.

The best buyers and developers no longer search through pages and pages of advertisements for their next opportunity.

The interest rate ‘crystal ball’

By Stuart Killacky, Handelsbanken

FOLLOWING a period of interest rate increases, the last few months have seen a period of stability, with the Bank of England holding rates at 5.25 per cent. The question now is: at what point will we see them start to fall?

The most recent Bank of England meeting saw rates once again held at their current level – the fourth time this has happened. However, the vote by the members gives a slightly more nuanced picture.

Persistence Six members voted to keep rates as they are, two for a further increase and one voted to cut rates.

The majority of the committee judged that even though services inflation and wage growth had fallen more than expected, there were enough indicators of persistent inflation to warrant maintaining rates.

The two backing an increase argued that embedded inflation persistence remained a risk, requiring higher rates to manage it – what is known as the ‘hawkish’ position. But one member backed a cut to rates, claiming that the time lags between increases being applied and the knock-on effects on the economy meant the Bank rate ought to become less restrictive.

While inflation rates are not as high as they have been in the previous 12 months, there are still sufficient indicators to prevent a cut at this time. While the view of markets is that a reduction in rates will come later in the year, the timing is open to a variety of interpretations.

Ultimately, the decision rests with the Bank of England, and both their Chief Economist and one of the Deputy Governors have said that while this will happen, it won’t happen just yet.

Handelsbanken is here to help guide and advise on all types of mortgages. Contact us at: handelsbanken.co.uk/en/find-branch/ tunbridge-wells

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Atelier de Linde: Architects

FIVE WAYS TO MAKE YOUR BUILD PROJECT RUN SMOOTHER The chance to create your ideal home is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. But with so many big decisions to make, a large renovation or new build can become overwhelming. RIBA-Chartered Tunbridge Wells architects, Atelier de Linde, share their tops tips for reducing your stress.

1

2

BUDGET Establishing a realistic budget and priorities early on and communicating them with your architect means they can be creative but calculated, providing innovative solutions whilst still working within any financial limitations

LIFESTYLE NEEDS

Clearly communicating lifestyle needs and preferences is vital, including the number of rooms, spaces, and specific requirements. Discussing the ideal flow, functionality and feel of the space enables a great architect to elevate these key factors within their designs.

TARA AND ANGIE’S TOP TIP: “We take plenty of time with each client to establish their fundamental desires and drill into the details of their dream so that we have the tools and the knowledge to make it a reality.”

TARA AND ANGIE’S TOP TIP: “Starting a project with a well-defined budget and well-communicated priorities gives us the ability to be innovative and efficient. Understanding where we can be flexible and creative, determining which elements are non-negotiable and where there is the potential to phase aspects of the project or assist with value engineering, ensures the finished product is perfect for our client.”

SITE CONSTRAINTS

3

Every site is unique. It is vital to consider specific characteristics of your building site, such as local regulations, topography and orientation, as they can significantly influence the design and cost of construction.

TARA AND ANGIE’S TOP TIP: “Early diligence to define and troubleshoot any potential problems reduces the chances of reapplying for planning permission, which causes delays and overspending.”

4

COMMUNICATION CHANNELS Establish effective communication channels with your architect to ensure that your ideas, concerns and feedback are fully understood.

Simple lines of communication and a team that you trust to take on your thoughts and concerns provide peace of mind that your investment is being prioritised and your personal preferences are being incorporated into the design.

TARA AND ANGIE’S TOP TIP: “We pride ourselves on real-time communication. We have WhatsApp groups for all our clients to freely share information, updates and inspiration, whilst also giving them the platform to ask questions from as early as Stage 1. We encourage our clients to use this resource as often as they need and are currently investigating software that will enable even better communication with our clients in the future.”

BEAUTIFUL, SUSTAINABLE DESIGN Award-winning, RIBAchartered architects We realise your dreams with tailored service, combining high-quality design with sustainable principles.

Experts in:

5

LONG-TERM VISION Think about your long-term needs and how the design can adapt to changes in your lifestyle or family size, safeguarding the longevity and functionality of your home. Being pragmatic about what the space may need to offer in 10 to 20 years will reassure you that the investment you are making is future-proof to avoid disruption and excessive costs later down the line.

TARA AND ANGIE’S TOP TIP: “Whether it’s small additions within the design to make a garage easily convertible in the future or designing spaces that can easily be split or reconfigured, we help our clients build a home or extension that can cater to all eventualities.”

• New builds • Passive House retrofits • Carbon neutral buildings • Schools, hotels, public spaces

www.atelierdelinde.co.uk hello@atelierdelinde.com 01892 571474

Your Trusted, Local, Independent Letting Agents Why use TN Lettings?

Bespoke service and pricing Excellent service with low fees Excellent market and legislation knowledge Family run independent local company

Services include Tenant finding | Fully managed Rent collection | Short term lets

01892 249070 info@tnlettings.co.uk

Wednesday February 21 | 2024

Arts 33

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Suspicious minds:

Pictures: Jamie Craig Photography

So, whodunnit in this Christie classic?

From Wednesday February 28 to Saturday March 2, Trinity Theatre Company will be putting on its performance of Agatha Christie’s whodunnit classic A Murder is Announced. Here, the cast gather conspiratorially to reveal more about the play and its fascinating plot…

N

othing out of the ordinary ever happens in Chipping Cleghorn, a quintessentially English village in middle England where everybody knows everybody else. Then, one day a mysterious notice appears in the local gazette, announcing that a murder is to take place at six-thirty that evening at Little Paddocks, the home of the elegant and enigmatic Miss Blacklock.

A host of curious locals, including a nosy neighbour, extended family members, an old childhood friend and the eccentric maid are all present when the lights go out, a gun is fired, and someone winds up dead…

But who was the unfortunate victim? Who was the killer? Well, everyone comes under the suspicion of the grimly humorous but determined Inspector Craddock and the eagle-eyed Miss Marple, who must unravel the puzzle and follow the twists and turns to identify the killer.

We caught up with the Inspector, Miss Blacklock and Miss Marple to delve further into this unsettling turn of events…

So, Miss Marple, what brought you to Chipping Cleghorn?

I’ve been having treatment for rheumatism at the spa in nearby Medenham Wells and have come to know the residents of Chipping Cleghorn very well.

So, when I saw the notice in the gazette, naturally I was most curious. Was it some kind of joke? I had some violets to deliver to Miss Bunner, Miss Blacklock’s oldest friend and so leapt at the opportunity to pop in and see what it was all about.

And who was at the house when you arrived?

Miss Blacklock, of course, and Miss Bunner, who by the way was delighted with the violets. But also, Julia and Patrick, relatives of Miss Blacklock.

They’re both young, barely 30 years old at a guess, so the thought that one of them had arranged the announcement as some sort of game crossed my mind, after all, it was Friday 13th.

Can you now tell us what happened next?

Well I wasn’t actually in the room at the time of the murder. Apparently the lights went out and shots were fired, but the curious thing is that everyone was in the room at the time. I have an insatiable curiosity and couldn’t help wondering exactly how the murderer could have carried out their crime; I’m

Would you say Miss Marple was helpful?

Miss Marple wasn’t even there when the murder took place so I was a little frustrated with her ‘interference’ as I saw it. But as the investigation progressed, I came to realise Miss Marple and I had the same goals, both of us have been around the block as they say and know what to look for in a crime investigation. Along with Mellors, the three of us made quite a team.

usually a very good judge of character, but as events unfolded and questions were asked I started to see cracks in their relationships. I even began to ask myself if they were who they claimed to be. The odd thing was, several of them had motives to see Miss Blacklock dead!

Who do you believe is the main suspect?

My dear, I suspect everyone! Even Mitzi, the maid who wasn’t even in the room at the time! I know from experience that anyone who was in the house when a crime takes place may be the culprit. I must leave no stone unturned.

Did you ever feel at risk, putting yourself in such an exposed situation?

I put myself at risk every time my curiosity gets the better of me! It is an occupational hazard…

“A host of curious locals are all present when the lights go out, a gun is fired, and someone winds up dead”

And now, on to you Inspector Craddock. Can you tell us more about the scene of the crime?

Well, when I arrived with my colleague, Sergeant Mellors, the body had been moved but I examined the scene with my usual attention to detail. It appears there were bullet holes in the wall where the perpetrator had fired a gun, missing their intended target. We gathered all those who had been present back into the room and asked them to stand or sit exactly where they had been positioned at the time the shots were fired.

Tell us, what did you deduce from this?

Not a lot to begin with apart from the fact that we were dealing with a disruptive group of people. All I want is a chance to ask questions and for nice, peaceful, law-abiding citizens to reply with civility. I didn’t even get a straight answer when I asked Julia to confirm that she was Miss Blacklock’s niece. But a lot can be gleaned from conversation, and they were full of it, chattering away while I was asking questions, I came to a number of conclusions that day.

YOUR CHANCE TO FIND OUT WHODUNNIT Join Miss Marple as she searches for the killer in this masterclass of suspense.

A gripping whodunnit from the Queen of Crime.

Support Trinity and TTC by booking your tickets now at trinitytheatre.net or call the box office on 01892 678678 Evening performances 7.30pm Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Matinees 2.30pm Friday and Saturday.

Trinity Theatre Club have special rates for schools, opening night, matinees and Friends of Trinity.

“Come and see it, you won’t be disappointed!”

Tell us a little about the clues you have uncovered?

Ah, well that would be family photos, ducks, aspirin and above all, biscuits.

Over to you now Miss Blacklock. Surely you must have been surprised by the announcement in the gazette?

Well, it was Friday 13th so I assumed it was a prank. I have my niece and nephew Julia and Patrick staying with me. They have such a quarrelsome relationship, always bickering, I thought perhaps one of them had submitted the notice to the newspaper.

You said you have quite a houseful? Who exactly was staying with you?

Julia and Patrick, as I have already explained. A young widow called Phillipa Haymes who was working for my neighbour at Dayas Hall as an assistant gardener, she’s a trained horticulturist you know. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a cottage available for her in the grounds of the Hall so I offered to put her up with me. I love to have young people around me.

And what about Miss Bunner, was she staying with you too?

You mean Bunny? Oh of course, dear Bunny, my oldest friend, I’ve known her since childhood.

In that case it must be very shocking, a murder taking place in your home?

It’s very shocking indeed. Nothing like that has ever happened to me before and of course I feel very sorry for the family of that poor young man.

Apparently, there is reason to believe that you were the target, how do you feel about that?

I find it very hard to understand as I have no enemies that I can think of – maybe it was someone to whom I owe a dinner invitation?

34 Gig Guide

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk ST EDITH FOLK SESSIONS, OTFORD MEMORIAL HALL, THE VESTRY HALL AND QUEEN’S HALL AT CRANBROOK All event information and tickets available at www.stedithfolk.co.uk/what-s-on 23/02 M G Boulter and Band + Craig Joiner (VH Cranbrook) 01/03 Luke Jackson Trio + Milton Hide (Otford)

February 21 to March 6 In his fortnightly guide, SO Music Editor Paul Dunton selects the best gigs coming up in the local area…

THE ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE, CRESCENT ROAD All event details and tickets available at www. assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk 21/02 The Story of Guitar Heroes 29/02 The Magic of Motown 03/03 RTWSO: Conductor: Roderick Dunk Soloist: Fenella Humphreys – Violin Repertoire: WAGNER Rienzi Overture SIBELIUS Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47 TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony No. 4 in F minor, Op. 36

EVEN FLOW CAFÉ, ST JOHN'S ROAD All event information at www.evenflow.com/ events 29/02 Open Mic Night

THE BEAU NASH TAVERN, MT EPHRAIM Open all day, free entry, live music from 8.30pm 24/02 Flux Capacitor

THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM Event information and tickets at www.twforum.co.uk 24/02 Back To The 80's 28/02 The Woodentops + Disco Drug Store 01/03 Bad Touch + Electric Black 02/03 A night to celebrate the late Shane Macgowan & The Pogues featuring The Pogue Traders

THE BLACK HORSE PUB, CAMDEN ROAD Open all day, music events – free entry (unless stated) music from 8pm – Live music every Friday night

THE FORUM BASEMENT, THE SUSSEX ARMS All event information and tickets at www. twforum.co.uk 24/02 Dusty Grooves

THE BOTTLE HOUSE INN, PENSHURST Open all day, free entry music from 6pm booking advised on 01892 870306 or online at www. thebottlehouseinnpenshurst.co.uk 23/02 The Management Solo feat Mike Wilton 01/03 David Mumford

PAUL CRISP

THE BUZZ, 7 THE PANTILES Open all day, free entry, music from 7pm (unless stated) booking advised on 080002119333 23/02 Junior Moore Duo 01/03 Jason Allen THE COMPASSES, 45 LITTLE MOUNT SION Open all day, free entry, live music from 7.30pm 29/02 Squeeze-A-Crowd FENELLA HUMPHREYS

GEOGRAPHY WINE BAR, HIGHSTREET Open all day, free entry, live music from 3.30pm 25/02 Steffan James 03/02 Paul Crisp THE GEORGE & DRAGON, LAMBERHURST Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm 21/02 Open Mic / Jam session all welcome 28/02 Open Mic / Jam session all welcome THE GREEN DUCK EMPORIUM All event information and tickets available at www.emporiumeventsltd.co.uk/box-officetickets 01/03 Carradine's Cockney Sing-a-long!

THE GREY LADY, 70-72 THE PANTILES All event information and tickets available at www.thegreylady.co.uk 22/02 James Kirby + Jop Dorris 01/03 Bob Bernard Quartet THE ROYAL OAK PUB, PROSPECT ROAD Open all day, free entry live music normally from 8pm unless stated 21/02 The Americana Sessions 24/02 Kharma & The Devil 01/03 First Friday Acoustic Night: The Harveys

Wednesday February 21 | 2024

TYBER’S REGGAE BAR, 9 NEVILL STREET All event information and tickets available at www.tybersreggaebar.com/events 21/02 Tyber & Pete 23/02 Reggae Ray 24/02 Toot n Skamen 01/03 DJ Pete Lacey aka Ska n Mash 02/03 Jack Curti

TN1 BAR & KITCHEN, MONSON ROAD Open all day live music usually every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening from 7.30pm.

Booking advised Via 01892 513900 or visit www. tn1barkitchen.co.uk 23/02 The Masqueraders Duo 24/02 Owen Donovan 29/02 Julian Burdoch 01/03 The Management Duo 02/03 Release The Geese Duo LUKE JACKSON

MIKE WLTON If you are a venue local to Tunbridge Wells that hosts regular live music or even if it’s a one-off event, concert or festival, contact Paul at least six weeks in advance of your event date with the following details: • Name and address of venue • Date and time of event • Name of event and name of act(s) • Ticket link and/or website (please state if free entry) • 1 x high resolution (300 dpi) landscape jpeg (performer only, no posters) • Please state photo credit if required paul@paulduntonandguests.com

Wednesday February 21 | 2024

Health & Wellbeing 35

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Make your pillars your own!

circumstances we can choose to change things to our advantage and reap the rewards, consciously changing our attitudes, habits or beliefs. As the saying goes, ‘When you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got’. Change is good and often a vital step in our self-development and evolution.

This leads me to the value of customising your pillars. What for you provides the means for you to boost your own wellbeing and allow for more contentment and joy to enter your daily life?

Perhaps the five pillars suggested above are missing something for you and that can be added in as an extra, or sixth pillar to make this

as they say in IFS. Here are the eight Cs for you to consider:

1. Curiosity 2. Compassion 3. Calm 4. Connectedness

5. Courage 6. Creativity 7. Confidence 8. Clarity

Finally, the practice of yoga embodies many of the principles of the five pillars, as well as adopting all of the eight Cs for inner contentment and wisdom. If you’ve not yet begun a yoga practice, then I recommend you investigate it. There are lots of different styles of yoga to choose from and many teachers to try, all different and unique. Before choosing a teacher, be sure to check their qualifications and experience. Be courageous, ask questions, and try a few classes out before you settle on your

Lucy Parker

Flow Tunbridge Wells

Senior Yoga Teacher, Integrative Counsellor & Coach flowtunbridgewells.com lucy@flowtunbridgewells.com

Antique 19thC Italian side chair by Carlo Bugatti c.1880

CREATIONS

C

By Rudolph Hamilton of Pushkin Antiques arlo Bugatti, an Italian designer born in 1856, is celebrated for his pioneering contributions to the Art Nouveau movement. His distinctive style and innovative use of materials have left an indelible mark on the world of design, influencing generations of artists and designers.

One of the most striking aspects of Bugatti's work is its recognisability. His designs often feature intricate patterns, exotic motifs, and bold colours, making them instantly identifiable as his own. From furniture to decorative objects, Bugatti infused each piece with a sense of elegance and craftsmanship that set them apart from the prevailing styles of his time.

Bugatti's contributions to the Art Nouveau movement cannot be overstated. As one of its leading figures, he embraced the movement's emphasis on organic forms and natural motifs, incorporating them into his designs in innovative ways. His furniture often featured sinuous lines and flowing curves, reminiscent of the natural world, while his decorative objects drew inspiration from plants, animals, and other elements of the environment.

Central to Bugatti's design ethos was his use of natural materials such as wood, parchment, vellum, and copper. These materials not only lent his creations a timeless quality but also allowed him to showcase his mastery of

craftsmanship. By combining traditional woodworking techniques with modern innovations, Bugatti was able to create pieces that were both visually stunning and structurally sound.

Wood, in particular, played a significant role in Bugatti's work. He favoured exotic woods such as ebony, rosewood, and mahogany, which

“Central to Bugatti's design ethos was his use of natural materials such as wood, parchment, vellum, and copper.” he painstakingly carved and embellished with intricate inlays and marquetry. This attention to detail, coupled with his bold use of colour and texture, resulted in furniture that was as much a work of art as it was a functional object.

Furthermore, his impact extends beyond the realm of design, as he is also the father of Ettore Bugatti, the legendary automobile designer and manufacturer.

Through his timeless creations and influential lineage, Carlo Bugatti's legacy continues to inspire and shape the world of design for generations to come.

RIGHT RELAXATION

favourites. We have lots of classes at FLOW and many excellent teachers. I’ll be ever so happy to guide you towards the most suitable class for you if you need a little advice or encouragement.

I’m here to help and so happy to support you on your way. You can purchase our introductory offer and get four one-hour classes for just £40.

I truly hope you’ve enjoyed building your own pillars for health and happiness and that you’ll come and visit us at Flow for regular movement, breathwork, meditation and general good health!

Antiques

Timeless

RIGHT NUTRITION

RIGHT THINKING

“Consider when you were last most happy.

What were you doing and with whom?”

practice more personal to you.

So many of us struggle with our mental as well as physical health and this structure may be helpful to give you the stepping stones you need to navigate your best path through some tricky waters. Consider when you were last most happy. What were you doing and with whom?

Were you alone in the forest, chatting and laughing with friends or getting creative in the kitchen? We all are truly unique and individual and our pathway to optimal health is equally personal. I urge you here, in my last article on this subject, to consider your targets and non-negotiable habits that you can build into your life to ensure you feel good about yourself every day.

Build your rituals and behaviours that follow your personal best practices for the 5 pillars listed. Then see what additional pillars you need to add to support your metaphorical house. Do you need social or alone time? Do you need time in nature, in the woods or by open water? Do you feel happier when you get out into the fresh air for a walk each day or when you nourish yourself with good home-cooked food? What about seeking out a creative outlet, art, poetry, writing or cooking that inspires some flare and fun? Whatever you do allow yourself to adopt attitudes that can be described by one of these eight Cs from the Internal Family System (IFS) of psychotherapy. The eight Cs are as follows and when we’re leading a life full of these C’s we’re being led by our sense of inner self, to be self-led

RIGHT BREATHING

T

here we have it, five pillars for your ultimate health and happiness, laid out for you week by week with some top tips on how to explore your association with exercise, breathing, thinking, nutrition and relaxation. I truly hope you’ve enjoyed this exploration and feel you’ve learned something along the way. The eagleeyed amongst you may have noticed a theme arising in my suggestions and focus. That theme being that awareness is key and curiosity king.

When we’re aware and curious about ourselves we open up to all sorts of options and have choices revealed that we may not have seen before. When we’re aware of our current

RIGHT EXERCISE

Lucy Parker of FLOW Tunbridge Wells reviews the pillars of wellbeing she has outlined over the past five weeks and suggests how you can put them into practice…

Antique 19thC Italian display cabinet by Carlo Bugatti c.1890

Mother’s Day Lunch 3 courses for £35 Sunday 10th March 12pm – 5pm

@thebrasserie_owp 01892 520 587 brasserie-owp.co.uk

17 Chapel Place, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1YQ

BOOK NOW!

Wednesday February 21 | 2024

first

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Rangers’ View I

DRIVE: The new Porsche Cayenne

What is it?

The importance of the Cayenne to Porsche should never be underestimated. It was its first SUV in the early 2000s and is said to be instrumental in helping save the German company.

More than two decades later, it continues to be a key contender in the large premium SUV segment, aided by the addition of a more stylish ‘Coupe’ variant a few years ago and a broad choice of engines, including several plug-in hybrids. To help keep it competitive, Porsche is back with a range of upgrades, but can they succeed?

Porsche has revised its largest SUV with new engines and significant interior tweaks.

Ted Welford tries it out…

four-wheel-drive, the Cayenne S can accelerate to 60mph in 4.8 seconds and on to a 170mph top speed. The downside of that V8 brawn? You’ll need deep pockets to run it, with Porsche claiming just 22.6mpg and CO2 emissions standing at 283g/km.

What’s it like to drive?

The current generation of Cayenne has been around since 2018, so a refresh was needed. Visually, not all that much appears to have changed, as is often the Porsche way, but it’s everywhere else where you’ll find differences.

There’s the firm’s latest touchscreen and digital dial displays, while the front-seat passenger can even have their own screen in the dashboard.

The plug-in hybrid, which accounts for the bulk of sales, also gets more power and a much larger battery that extends the claimed electric range to 46 miles – significantly more than before.

The Cayenne has always been the driver’s SUV and it only gets better with this latest model. At just under five metres long, the Cayenne is a big car but the way it behaves behind the wheel is astonishing. There’s a level of agility you just don’t get from large SUVs, and you can throw it into a corner at speeds that would ruffle the feathers of many of its rivals.

As long as you’re not looking at the fuel economy, this V8 engine is superb, with a delightful grumble as you put your foot down, and a surge of power to go with it.

Combined with its quick-shifting gearbox, you’ll struggle to find a more enjoyable and rewarding SUV to drive.

You might expect the payoff to be a harsh ride, but it’s the exact opposite, as even in harder driving the Cayenne’s ride remains composed and never brittle. Our test came with optional adaptive air suspension and though you can’t help but feel it should come as standard on an £80,000 SUV, is a box certainly worth choosing.

What’s under the bonnet?

How does it look?

What’s new?

While more might opt for the hybrid, Porsche hasn’t forgotten about the regular petrol versions. The standard ‘Cayenne’ uses a 348bhp 3.0-litre unit but if you want more performance, there’s the Cayenne S we’re trying here.

Previously this was quite a rare choice as it used a V6 and was down on power compared to the equally-priced plug-in hybrid, but the S now uses a mighty 4.0-litre V8 engine, bucking the trend for downsizing engines, and essentially replaces the previous ‘Turbo’ model.

Power is up 34bhp to 468bhp, with torque standing at 600Nm. With an eight-speed automatic gearbox and

Motoring 37

Though Porsche calls this one of the ‘most extensive product upgrades’ in its history, you’d never know looking at it.

There are changes, predominantly at the rear where the number plate has been moved from the boot lid to the rear bumper and there’s a new 3D-effect light bar, but it’s mainly business as usual from a design perspective.

We’d say that’s a pretty good thing with the Cayenne, as – like most Porsches – it’s aged brilliantly. It gets the balance just right between being bold but never over the top.

The German firm also offers extensive personalisation options, as well as a

FACTS AT A GLANCE:

Model: Porsche Cayenne Price: £70,400 Model as tested: Porsche Cayenne S Price as tested: £84,000 (£105,235 with options) Engine: 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 Power: 468bhp Torque: 600Nm 0-60mph: 4.8 seconds Top speed: 170mph Economy: 22.6mpg Emissions: 283g/km

more stylish-styled ‘Coupe’ version with a sloped roof for those who prefer that style of vehicle.

What’s it like inside?

There are some pretty big changes on the Cayenne’s interior, with a new widescreen touchscreen, digital dial display and redesigned centre console being the main ones. The displays offer superb clarity and ease of use, and there’s even the option of having a touchscreen in the dashboard for the passenger, but we struggle to see the point of it. The gear selector has also moved from the conventional placing to a little toggle next to the steering wheel, but it’s a bit awkward to use.

But the quality of the Cayenne can’t be faulted, as it feels every inch a premium product with top-grade materials used throughout. There is plenty of interior space as well, with loads of room for adults in the rear and a huge 698-litre boot.

What’s the spec like?

Prices for the new Cayenne kick off from £70,400, but if you’d like the excellent V8 engine with the S, you’ll need £84,000. Standard equipment is a bit penny-pinching, with features such as leather seats and adaptive cruise control both absent.

Optional extras on the Cayenne are expensive too, with our test car’s many add-ons coming to more than £20,000, with features such as a panoramic roof (£1,500), 21-inch alloy wheels (£1,900) and a black leather interior (£2,565) all quickly racking up the price.

Verdict

The Cayenne continues to be the SUV that goes against those who say vehicles of this type can’t be great to drive. Its combination of agility and comfort is unmatched, and the changes made to the interior and dynamics only improve on what was already an excellent model.

It offers a level of class that many of its premium SUV rivals seem to have forgotten, and as long as you’re mindful that Porsche isn’t as generous with its equipment as many of the Cayenne’s

f you go down to the woods today, you’ll be sure of a big surprise, and no, we aren’t talking about Ranger Bear’s Winter Quest adventure, we’re talking about the creepy crawlies taking up residence in the new bug hotels we have been working on!

Popular with our insect population, our bug hotels provide a haven for a crucial part of nature’s ecosystems here at Bewl Water.

Our team has been gathering various natural materials to createthesemanmade structures that you’ll find throughout our woodland trails.

From pinecones, twigs and logs to dead grass, bark, and stone, we’ve created layered cubby holes for insects to seek refuge and lay their eggs.

Our Rangers have thoroughly enjoyed making these protective structures, and we all look forward to our precious pollinators, beetles, woodlice, ladybirds, spiders, and mini beasts taking up residence in some Bewl Water 5-star accommodation.

The bug hotels give little explorers the opportunity to get up close and personal with nature and learn about the balanced ecosystems of our woodland, and as we look after the smallest of creatures, we will see a knock-on effect for animals and birds higher up the food chain.

We have no doubt that the biodiversity around our water and woodland areas will thrive with new life as we see spring unfold, and we would love for you to join us!

bewlwater.co.uk @bewlwater

If you would like your local team featured in this section, please contact Ben Cornwell at newsdesk@onemediauk.co.uk

NEWS

SPORTS

38

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Wednesday February 21 | 2024

RTW Fencing Club hope to thrust forward to new heights

By Ben Cornwell ROYAL Tunbridge Wells Fencing Club are looking ‘to step up to the next level’, despite success already in 2024 at county, regional and national series level.

The local club, founded in 2005 by Jerry Raj and three-time Olympian Steven Paul, has 70 active members, with the largest group of their cohort being teenagers. But they also have members fencing at the age of six right the way through to their oldest member, Don Coe aged 92, who is the club’s armourer and one of their assistant coaches.

The club specialises in Épée fencing which has several key differences to the other two fencing weapons, Foil and Sabre. In Épée, the whole body from head to toe is a target and both fencers can score at the same time, whereas Foil and Sabre both have limited target areas and ‘right of way’ rules that mean only one fencer can score at any given time.

However, all three weapons follow the same competition structure – preliminary bouts are first to five points or three minutes long and knockout bouts are first to 15 points or the fencer with the most points after three periods of three minutes.

Training sessions run three times a week, Monday and Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings, at the army reserve centre on St John’s Road, with each session typically divided into under-12, under-14, under-20 and adults to ensure specific coaching support for each age group. Despite fencing generally being an individualistic sport, the club tries to ensure training sessions are fun and foster team spirit, as ‘character and camaraderie’ is just as important to the club as competitiveness.

Camaraderie Valerie Cramb, RTWFC welfare officer added: “The group of fencers now at the top of Cadet (under-17) and Junior (under-20) age groups have been with the club since they started fencing. They have grown and developed their fencing together.

“The club has built an atmosphere of camaraderie, with many of them becoming friends as well as training mates and competitors – pushing each other on and supporting each other to be the best they can be. Our fencers train hard but also enjoy the social aspects of being in the club.”

EN GARDE: Royal Tunbridge Wells Fencing Club at a training camp in Budapest

Since the start of the year, the club has had several champions at county, regional and national series level (Benedict Graham, Annabelle Lavin, Izzie D’Abbraccio, Eilidh Paterson and Andrea Ross), along with five bronzes at regional level and 19 qualifiers for the British Youth Championships in Sheffield in May, a record number for the club. Furthermore, three of the club’s top fencers Lloyd Osborne, Eilidh Paterson and Annabelle Lavin have also represented Britain on the European Cadet Circuit.

But the club’s Head Coach Paul Beasley has told the Times that the club has no plans to stop there and wants to help their fencers reach their highest potential.

He said: “We want to achieve what we haven’t

yet achieved at under-17 and under-20 level, but not at the expense of the continued success of our under-14 fencers – this is the foundation for future excellence in the older age groups.”

“Over the past two seasons, we’ve had five under-17 (‘Cadet’) fencers – Benedict, Lloyd, Eilidh, Andrea and Miles Raymond – selected to fence for Britain on the European Cadet Circuit.

Next season, we’re hoping that Izzie, Alec, Zach Bench, Daisy Beadsworth and Hiba Rochdi will do well enough to be selected as well.”

“As a club, we’re always looking to step up to the next level, and this now means our fencers scoring enough points on the European Cadet circuit to be selected to represent Britain at the World Cadet Championships in China in 2025 – both Lloyd and Eilidh do have a genuine chance of achieving the qualification criteria.

“We will continue to do what we can to support all of our fencers along their own pathways to success – whether this is defined as enjoying a sporting environment in which they feel valued, or stepping onto the podium at county, regional, British or even World level.”

The club plans to take its fencers to a training camp in Budapest again this summer. Paul explained that the ‘generally higher level of Hungarian épée fencing’ helps prepare the club’s teenage fencers for the challenges of domestic ranking competitions and the sharper skills that they may face in international competitions.

TWGGS U14 hockey team win national schools title TUNBRIDGE Wells Girls’ Grammar School’s under-14 hockey team were crowned champions of the 2024 England Hockey Notts Sport Schools Championship Finals, after securing victory in the closing minutes of the final match on February 5.

After winning the county and regional tournaments in October and November, the TWGGS under-14 squad headed north to compete in the national tournament taking place at Nottingham Hockey Centre.

Stormed The team stormed through their first match against King’s School Macclesfield, winning 4-0, and then conceded only one goal against Presdales School, finishing with a 3-1 scoreline.

Their toughest test in the heats was against Newcastle-under-Lyme School, but TWGGS secured a 2-1 victory in this closely-fought game.

Winning all three of their matches led TWGGS

to the final against King Edward VI School from Southampton.

Their opposition appeared to have the upperhand in the first half, with TWGGS 1-0 down at half time.

However, TWGGS fought back in the second half, levelling the score at 1-1 thanks to the team’s top scorer in the tournament Anjalie.

She then went on to double her goals tally for the game, flicking the all-important winning goal into the net in the last seconds of the game, bringing the final score to 2-1.

This was the first time that the school from Tunbridge Wells had won the national tournament.

TWGGS PE staff, Di Scovell and Eirlys Withers, said: “We are unbelievably proud of the team.

They have worked extremely well throughout the last couple of months attending additional training sessions.

“They came together as a team, showing great communication, determination and resilience.”

CHAMPIONS: TWGGS’ under-14 hockey team with the tournament shield after winning the 2024 England Hockey Notts Sport Schools Championship Finals

Wednesday February 21 | 2024

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Sport 39

Battle for third place ends in defeat for Wells Rugby

London Welsh 1XV 48-33 TWRFC 1XV A MILD and thankfully dry day at Old Deer Park, the home of London Welsh, kicked off towards the Kew Garden ‘Great Pagoda’ end for this 3rd and 4th place battle in the Regional 1 South Central League.

Wells faced immediate pressure as Welsh’s forwards executed pick-and-go plays. Tom Douglas broke through, securing a try converted

by Harry Parker, setting the score at 7-0.

Wells swiftly countered, capitalizing on a disallowed intercepted pass by Welsh. A penalty kick, skilfully executed by Wells’ fly-half Jack Greig, brought the score to 7-3.

Dominance Welsh retaliated with flowing moves, securing a try at the nine-minute mark. Although the conversion was missed, Welsh took the lead at 12-3.

Continuing their dominance, Welsh utilized a midfield penalty to gain ground with a line-out near the Wells 22. Rhydian George, the openside for Welsh, executed a well-crafted try, and with the added conversion, Wells found themselves 16 points behind at 19-3.

Pressure mounted as Welsh maintained their offensive from kick-off.

Wells tried to escape their 22, but a fumbled pass led to Welsh nearly crossing the line.

A scrum five for Welsh ensued, yet Wells managed to hold up the ball, clearing their lines.

With the game settling, Wells realized they were in a dog fight. At the 21-minute mark, a Wells attack stressed the Welsh pack. Offside by Welsh led to another successful penalty kick by Greig, closing the gap to 19-6.

Welsh restarted with determination, swiftly returning to the Wells 22. McAvoy’s swift

running created an overlap, resulting in a penalty try for Welsh and their 4th try bonus point. The score extended to 26-6.

From the kick-off, Welsh forced Wells into touch, won the line-out, and spun the ball wide.

The 12 handed off to Williams (No. 20), who scored straight under the posts. With the added conversion, the score soared to 33-6.

Wells applied pressure, opting for solid pick-and-go plays. Tom Webster crashed over the line, securing a try. After a successful conversion, the entertaining first half concluded with a score of 33-13.

The Wells support were under the impression that there was a 20 point ‘wind advantage’ and with that in mind, Jack Greig kicked deep to launch the second half comeback. Welsh’s silky 15 got caught with the ball and didn’t release. Greig went for the 3 again in front of the posts. Score 33-16.

It was now Wells turn to soak up some pressure, a Welsh move broke down, and with no advantage they opted to slot over 3 points to keep the 20 point barrier raised. The score was now 36-16.

With ten minutes passed, Welsh’s Andy Black found

Photography: Bruce Elliott

himself involved in some quality back play and scored, bringing the score to 43-16 with the conversion.

Wells retaliated, orchestrating a lineout 5 meters from the Welsh line. Nick TOM WEBSTER Doherty

scored, and Greig’s conversion closed the gap to 43-23.

Welsh, not to be outdone, saw Tom Douglas secure a brace with a score of 48-23. Wells persisted, and Ben Whale’s skilful play set up Josh Curtis for a try, bringing the score to 48-28.

With 10 minutes left, Josh Curtis broke from the scrum, leading to a lineout. Wells, valiant until the end, pushed forward, showcasing fantastic passing. With the last move, Tom Webster scored in the corner. With the final conversion missed, Wells picked up a try bonus point, with the final score 48-33.

As both sides shook hands, the London Welsh President - John Taylor paid a wonderful and emotional tribute to Colin Bosley a London Welsh legend, as his ashes came home to rest in Old Deer Park.

Success for school equestrian teams in prestigious national events EQUESTRIAN teams at Beacon Academy and Uplands Academy have been making waves recently in the prestigious National Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA) competitions and events, leaving a trail of triumph in their hoofprints.

At the NSEA Grass Roots and RPL showjumping event at Duckhurst Farm in Hawkenbury in December, Year 10 Uplands Academy rider, Kelcey, with her pony, Buddy, secured second place in the 80/85cm class with a quick, clear round, and then went on to take first place in the 90/95cm class. Year 11 rider, Claudia, also completed a clear round in the 80/85cm class with her pony, Billy, but missed out on a place in the top six.

(Year 7), Tassy and Emily (both Year 8) came out on top as a team in the 50cm class, while the youngest team member, Ezzie, came fifth individually.

Dr Tara Mayhew, Equestrian Team Manager at Beacon Academy, said what had impressed her most was how older students were mentoring and supporting the new Year 7 students who had joined the equestrian team this year.

Mentoring

Prowess At the NSEA Grass Roots and RPL Showjumping event at Hadlow College in January, riders from both teams braved the cold winter breeze to compete in different classes against riders from other Kent and Sussex schools including Chailey School, Kent College, Wrotham School and Claremont.

Beacon Academy riders in Years 7 and 8 competed individually and in teams and showed their prowess in the competition.

Tassy, Emily and Ezzie achieved first place in the 50cm class while Beau, Tassy, Emily and

MENTORS: CooperBurnett Partners Joseph Oates and Victoria Sampson, with young rider Ezzie secured first place in the 60cm.

Individually, Ezzie won the 50cm, with Emily coming 2nd and Tassy 6th, and Beau came 2nd in the 60cm.

As a result all the riders have successfully

qualified for the championships at Hickstead Showground in August.

Back in November, four Beacon Academy riders competed in the NSEA Grass Roots Showjumping Qualifiers at Sands Farm in West Sussex. Ezzie

Since May last year, Tunbridge Wells-based law firm CooperBurnett LLP have sponsored the equestrian teams for both MARK Education Trust schools.

Cooper Burnett Partner Victoria Sampson commented: “Mentoring is so important here at TeamCB, so it’s wonderful to hear about it being mirrored within the equestrian teams at both Beacon and Uplands.”

Reflecting on her rider’s latest achievements, Dr Mayhew told the Times: “Our grassroots riders are a small group, but so supportive of each other, and all riding so well.

“All of the riders are looking forward to more competitions in the Spring, and Olivia and her horse, Charm, won their class at the County Individual Qualifiers at Golden Cross this month, and have qualified to represent the county at the NSEA Inter County Finals.”