Read SO Magazine February 2020

CULTURE

More than words

We meet local children’s author Mat Waugh

FOOD & DRINK

That’s the spirit!

Jo Smith on why she’s hosting a new gin event

LIFESTYLE

Bridal path to success

Everything you need for your dream wedding

FLOWER POWER

WE MEET FLORIST IN THE FOREST’S KATHERINE CRAFT AND DISCOVER WHY BUSINESS IS BLOSSOMING

February 2020

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WELCOME

Editor’s LETTER

A

fter what seems like a particularly long January we’ve finally made it to February.

I don’t know about you but when I can see that little bit of stretch on the day, new shoots emerging through the earth and bundles of paperwhites and daffodils for sale in the shops it makes me so happy as I know that spring is on its way.

And when it comes to seasonal flowers our cover star this month certainly knows a thing or two.

Katherine Craft runs the Florist in the Forest, a flower business located in the woods, just a few steps from her house and charming cutting garden.

When the SO shoot team turned up at her idyllic studio in Broadwater Forest a few weeks ago we all agreed Katherine had the perfect set-up working amongst nature as opposed to a shop unit in order to create her fabulous floral masterpieces. Turn to page 12 to read all about how Katherine was brave enough to switch careers in order to pursue her dream job creating beautiful, bespoke bouquets for weddings, parties and special occasions.

Another career switcher is Jo Smith, who now runs a drinks events company here in Tunbridge Wells. Tired of the commute to the capital she decided to go it alone and is now enjoying shining a spotlight on the area’s artisan drinks producers.

Read her story and all about her next event on page 34.

We also meet successful children’s author Mat Waugh (p8)

4 6 8 12 17 19

contents

Culture vulture: our round-up of where to go and what to see this month Love tokens: we have the perfect luxury gift for your loved one this Valentine’s

who has eschewed the traditional publishing route in order to put his numerous books out himself.

And there’s also chats with Helen Leale-Green who has set up Our Moon, a charity helping disadvantaged young people in Africa, stylist Sue Mee Maudsley who not only tells people what to wear but creates clothing lines for brands too, and also Temper Temper’s Alison Hazell who takes us on a tour around her chocolate factory.

As it’s February we also have a smattering of Valentine’s themed features including a ‘His and Hers’ luxury gift guide (p6) and Victoria Truman’s timely advice on how to grow roses successfully in your garden. Lastly there’s our special wedding guide (p43) which will give you all the info you need on how to say ‘I do’ in style.

Discover why children’s author Mat Waugh is successfully self-publishing

February 2020

She’s in fashion We meet stylist, designer and clothing expert Sue Mee Maudsley p25

33

Sweet spot: Alison Hazell takes us on a tour of Temper Temper, her very own chocolate factory

34 60

Jo Smith reveals all about her latest specialist drinks event

Floral tribute: why Katherine Craft’s floristry business is putting petals to the metal

Roses don’t always have to be red: Victoria Truman reveals her favourite varieties

Paul Dunton interviews local musical heroes Noble Jacks and the Orange Circus

New season, new home: show your home a little TLC this spring

Helen Leale-Green tells us about her charity Our Moon, which offers educational hope to young people in Africa

Our resident hypnotherapist Karen Martin asks what’s love got to do with Valentine’s?

63 67

Make a date to visit Rendez-Vous p36

I hope you love the issue!

Editor Eileen Leahy

Issue 143 SALOMONS ESTATE Tunbridge Wells Kent TN3 0TG Tel: 01892 779650 www.timeslocalnews.co.uk

EDITOR Eileen Leahy info@somagazines.co.uk

HEAD OF DESIGN Lee Smith lsmith8@markerstudy.com

SALES DIRECTOR Gemma Hak ghak@markerstudy.com

EDITORIAL Victoria Truman Andy Tong Jerome Bowman

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Richard Moore rmoore@markerstudy.com

DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY Rowena Crema-Price Xela Stirling Craig Matthews

Happily ever after: if you’re tying the knot you’ll love our wedding special p43

PRINTED BY: Mortons Print PUBLISHED BY

All rights reserved. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions relating to advertising or editorial. The publisher reserves the right to change or amend any competitions or prizes offered. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from the publisher. No responsibility is taken for unsolicited materials or the return of these materials whilst in transit.

Snow business: why we’re bowled over by Bosnia as a ski destination p69 SO Magazine | February 2020 | 3

CALENDAR

CULTURE HUB Our edit of the most entertaining events this month,

by Holly Stafford

FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM

The OBS Gallery at Tonbridge School is currently hosting its BEAST exhibition every weekend until February 23. The show features the work of a number of artists including Laura Ford, Mark Fairnington and Nicky Coutts, all of whom have drawn on the animal world for their inspiration. Large scale drawings of a gorilla using sign language to communicate, a fivefoot-high sculpture of an elephant boy standing awkwardly in pyjamas and a round oil painting depicting a minotaur’s eye in exquisite detail are just some of the oeuvres which remind us how our relationship with animals is both complex and conflicted. Entrance is free and the gallery is open on Saturdays and Sundays. For more information visit www.oldbigschoolgallery.co.uk

LIP SERVICE Absorb yourself in a new exhibition at Art Hub Gallery on Mount Ephraim from the highly acclaimed British contemporary artist Sara Pope. From February 5-28 her latest work, Love Bite, will be featured, capturing the glamour and power conveyed by the lips and mouth, exploring questions about the ideals of beauty and femininity.

Visit www.arthubgallery.co.uk for further information.

NATURE’S CALLING

See Hever Castle’s gardens how you have never seen them before: blanketed in a carpet of snowdrops for their Snowdrop Walk on DID YOU KNOW? February 8. Around There are 75 varieties of snowdrops and 80,000 snowdrop bulbs they are all white. The most common have been planted in the variation is Galanthus nivalis, usually gardens over the past few years including a giant known as the Garden Snowdrop galanthus called Colossus which at nine inches is one of the tallest snowdrops you can find. This is fun for all the family or for a romantic stroll with the historic backdrop of the castle.

Ticket prices and booking details can be found at www.hevercastle.co.uk

LET THERE BE LIGHT The Winter Lanterns parade takes place on the evening of February 8.

It will start at 5.30pm at Royal Victoria Place, then proceed down Camden Road finishing at the Auckland Road entrance of Grosvenor and Hilbert Park.

Children and adults alike are encouraged to bring lanterns of all shapes and sizes to ensure a special spectacle to illuminate the town.

FILL YOUR BOOTS

HEARTWARMING CLASSIC Little Women, the iconic story we all know and love written by Louisa May Alcott in 1868, has been reimagined by Greta Gerwig with a cast that includes Saoirse Ronan and Emma Watson. If you missed it at the cinema over Christmas then you can catch a number of screenings at Trinity Theatre from February 9-11.

Tickets start at £11 and screenings vary so check timings by visiting www.trinitytheatre.net 4 | February 2020 | SO Magazine

FOR THE ONE

YOU LOVE DID YOU KNOW? The big West End hit Kinky Boots The Musical, which was filmed live Shower your partner in In 1537, King Henry VII officially at the Adelphi Theatre in London, historic opulence with an declared February 14 as the holiday of will be strutting onto the big evening of romance and a St. Valentine’s Day and it has remained screen at the Trinity luxurious stay at Hever the date ever since Theatre on February Castle for St Valentine’s Day 9. Based on the on Friday February 14 and novel written by Saturday 15. After having Harvey Fierstein drinks in the reception area locally sourced produce in the with lyrics by from 7pm there will be a delicious stunning surroundings of the castle.

Cyndi Lauper, Valentine’s dinner consisting of Tickets start at £185 per person you’re and include a night’s invited to accommodation. You can book at DID YOU KNOW? the telling of www.hevercastle.co.uk 261 pairs of boots are made for the a story based on true events show Kinky Boots and each pair is made ROAST AND A RAMBLE about two people specifically for the performer. No wonder who have nothing in Penshurst Place’s final Roast and it took four months to have new boots common but they embrace Ramble event takes place on made for the entire cast! their differences to create a February 16 and its theme is line of the sturdiest stilettos Penshurst Love Stories. Arrive from the world has ever seen!

Tickets start at £20 and can be booked by visiting www.trinitytheatre.net

CALENDAR

DID YOU KNOW? Deathtrap still holds the record for the longest running thriller comedy on Broadway. It ran for four years with almost 1,800 performances

Deathtrap from February 25-29. The performance by Ira Levin promises to leave you on the edge of your seat as the tale of a cunning, hedonistic plan takes on a sinister and murderous turn. Tickets start at £15, and can be booked at www.trinitytheatre.net

FUNNY GUY The Last Leg host Adam Hills is trialling out new material for a future stand-up tour and one of his pitstops will be Trinity Theatre on February 15 at 8pm. Tickets to the show entitled Work in Progress are on a return basis only. You can register your interest at www.trinitytheatre.net

FINELY TUNED The Tonbridge Philharmonic Orchestra perform their first concert of 2020 at Tonbridge School’s St Augustine chapel on February 22 at 7.30pm. Expect to hear classical pieces by Ravel and Shostakovich. See www.tonphil.org.uk for more details. noon for a 12.30pm start and your taste buds will be treated to a delicious carvery in the Garden Restaurant. You’ll then be taken on a tour of the magnificent house and gardens, which is closed to the public at this time of year. A specialist talk about the romantic side of Penshurst will also form part of the tour.

Tickets cost £22.50 per adult and £11.25 for children aged 5 to 12. Drinks incur an additional cost. There will also be a special Amazing Inventions trail running throughout the half-term holiday at Penshurst Place from February 15-23. See www.penshurstplace.com for more details.

DISCO KIDS On Saturday February 29 The Forum hosts One Night in a Disco. It kicks off at 7.30pm and features all the greatest disco tunes spun

by DJs Alex MacNutt and Kelvin Hill. Tickets cost £8 from www.twforum.co.uk

THEATRE OF DREAMS The Oast House in Tonbridge will be performing Playhouse Creatures by April De Angelis from February 15-22. The action takes place in 1669 when the playhouses are open again after 17 years of Puritan suppression. And for the first time women are allowed to take to the stage so this is a story of five of them, as they develop strong friendships and fierce rivalries. Performances are at 3pm and 8pm and tickets cost £11 and £10 on Sunday. Book at www.oasttheatre.com

PLOT’S TWIST Trinity Theatre Club present the murder mystery masterpiece SO Magazine | February 2020 | 5

RETAIL THERAPY

LIFE’S LITTLE

LUXURIES

Making scents A selection of Floris fragrances including Vert Fougère Eau de Parfum £120, Floris, available from Gray & Co, www.grayandco.shop

Here’s our edit of this month’s covetable collectables to enhance your life this Valentine’s

Sitting pretty Henley Claret threeseater sofa, £999, Henley Claret occasional chair, £649, Fitzroy Emperador marble coffee table, £539, Fitzroy taupe stool, £239, all Libra, now available from Fenwick, Tunbridge Wells

Kiss me quick Guerlain KISSKISS Creamy Shaping Lip Colour Limited Edition 3.5g £14 at Escentual.com www.escentual.com

The missing link 1837 makers 18-karat gold cufflinks, £3,075, Tiffany & Co, www.tiffany.co.uk

In the frame Gold 6x10 photo frame, from £132, Versace, www.versace.com

Light of your life Baobab collection Limited Edition Amara candle, £125, www.amara.com

6 | February 2020 | SO Magazine

Sweets for my sweet Box of 25 Coeur chocolates, £39, Pierre Marcolini, www.eumarcolini.com

S PEN D £35 O N CO M P O SA BLE A N D COMPLE TE YOUR

BR ACELET * FR EE! COMPOSABLE F R E E B R AC E L E T DAYS

30 JAN - 17 FEB 2020 *SPEND £35 ON DECORATED LINKS AN D G ET THE S TANDARD COMPOSABLE BASE TO COMPLETE YOU R BR AC ELET FR EE!

CAREER

r e t p a h c new

THE START OF A

IN LIFE

Mat Waugh has recently celebrated his first year of being a full-time, selfpublished author. Here the Cheeky Charlie writer tells SO magazine why he decided to go it alone

I

’m a Brummie by birth – the conventional, career-minded middle son of teachers. I had my eye on journalism but I got my first job in London working in the emerging industry of contract magazines and (subsequently) websites. I learned to be an editor and a marketer and loved everything about it, but every career move after that took me further away from the craft and seemed to require me to play politics and be more of a salesman. And I’m terrible at both those things!

I met Kate, now my wife; we went travelling and when we returned I went freelance. That was nearly 20 years ago, and somehow I now find myself middle-aged with three daughters, living in Tunbridge Wells. My final contracts were for the BBC and commutes to White City were ageing me fast so I was looking for a way out! I also wanted a way to do more of the school runs – I have two kids at St John’s and one at The Skinners’ Kent Academy – and so I made the leap to being a full-time author a year ago.

Having spent many years editing other people’s prose I’m an inveterate critic with a strong masochistic streak.

So as my eldest daughter reached the age of enjoying bedtime stories I couldn’t help thinking that perhaps I could do better than some of the books we were reading. We were enjoying Dorothy Edwards’ My Naughty Little Sister books, but tales of ruddy faced coppers and cakes in pantries made me wonder if they were due an update – so I wrote my first Cheeky Charlie stories.

© Craig Matthews

INDEPENDENT SPIRIT I didn’t even know what self-publishing was when I began. I naively sent my first book of stories off to agents and publishers, thinking it was a numbers game and it was only a matter of time before I’d be taken on. Twenty rejections on – most of which were simply unanswered letters – I had a rethink, and took an online course in the principles of self-publishing.

That was a ‘eureka!’ moment as I realised that this career uses many of the publishing and marketing skills I had already acquired. It was also the first of many false dawns as the challenges became apparent – with several thousand titles uploaded to Amazon every day the odds are stacked against you, but in different ways to traditional publishing.

I’m a massive advocate for selfpublishing. The barriers to entry are 8 | February 2020 | SO Magazine

CAREER

THE JOKE’S ON YOU: If you want to switch genres, or re-cover your books, or target Canadian buyers, or advertise your backlist, then you can if you’re self-published relatively low, and that includes the initial financial outlay. It’s relatively meritocratic; there’s nobody to tell you what you can and can’t publish, and you manage the entire process which is great for control freaks like me. If you want to switch genres, or re-cover your books, or target Canadian buyers, or advertise your backlist, then you can.

You do all your own marketing, but then nearly all authors do these days.

And if you disregard the huge advances given to a vanishingly small number of traditionally published authors, the numbers stack up very firmly on the side of those who are self-published.

Any other route, and I’d still be on that train to White City.

There are plenty of challenges, too.

The lack of gatekeepers means that there’s nobody to tell you that your book isn’t good, except perhaps the tumbleweed that rolls across your sales dashboard. Great books sink without trace; awful ones soar without reason.

Getting books into bookshops at scale is nigh-on impossible.

And then there’s all that stuff that’s not writing... When I say I’m a full-time author, most people imagine I spend most of my time writing: but in reality, and particularly as a children’s author where the books are highly visual, it’s perhaps 30 per cent words on a screen, 40 per cent in production (working with illustrators and designers, managing the finances), and 30 per cent the author’s bête noire: marketing.

Finally there is a psychological challenge, too: you’re working alone, in parallel with the authors and illustrators who produce the fabulous books you see

AS WELL AS BEING A CHILDREN’S AUTHOR, MAT ALSO WRITES KIDS’ JOKE BOOKS – HERE HE EXPLAINS WHY

I

t’s a cliché but it’s true: I get my best ideas in the shower. I’d been looking at books for children aged five to 10, thinking how I could move on from my Charlie stories. I wanted to write a series and at the time my kids were telling the most atrocious jokes (they still do). I have a terrible memory for jokes – I couldn’t tell you a joke even now, even if you paid me – and all the joke books we had on the shelf were about Walkmans or teachers with canes. Mid-shampoo, I thought there could be a gap in the market – and they’ve proven to be some of my best-sellers, especially in the UK. For the first set of books I leaned heavily on the usual tropes. The oldest joke is thought to date from 1900BC: “What hangs at a man’s thigh and wants to poke the hole that it’s often poked before? A key.”

That one didn’t go in the books funnily

Tales of ruddy faced coppers and cakes in pantries made me wonder if they were due an update

enough, but commonplace misunderstandings and well-worn puns are often the ones that kids love the most. For the sequels, that masochistic streak kicked in; I was determined to be as original as possible, despite the fact that this is clearly a fool’s errand! I sat down with dictionaries of idioms, rhymes, encyclopaedias and more, and brute-forced the entire collection. It nearly killed me – I don’t plan to write another joke for a long, long time.

and buy at your local bookshop, but you’re not part of that world. It’s a fascinating industry to be in, but I’m still very glad to be on this side of the fence.

One unexpected bonus of being self-published is that I get emails from children all over the world; replying to them, and hearing about the thrill this gives them via their parents, is absolutely one of my favourite parts of the week.

In terms of what’s coming up for 2020 I’m working on a non-fiction series that I hope to publish in the spring/summer; it’s at the ‘I’m not sure if this will work’ stage right now, but that’s normal. I’d also like to do more picture books although I need to see how my existing ones have been selling over the crucial Christmas series.

Watch this space . . .

HOW TO MAKE A FORTNITE LOVING OR INSTA/NETFLIX OBSESSED CHILD ENJOY READING: Mat's books, including the Cheeky Charlie and Awesome Jokes series, are available online and to order from local bookshops.

You can find more details at matwaugh.co.uk

Where’s your favourite place to shop?

The Bicycle Bakery on Camden Road. Their bread reigns supreme.

WHY I LOVE TUNBRIDGE WELLS Mat Waugh

And to eat out?

Hattusa on Camden Road or The Shuffle House on St John's Road – both excellent in their own ways.

And for coffee or cocktails?

Black Dog for coffee and The George for a pint.

Finally, where’s the best place to go locally in order to get away from it all?

My favourite spot in the south east is the De La Warr pavilion in Bexhill. I adore the design and can't think of a building I love more, or a place I'd rather spend an afternoon, whatever the weather.

E

mpathy, stamina and cognition are all skills that need be learned, and books arguably teach these very well as a byproduct of entertainment. But my kids love technology, and so do I. Given the choice between a scrolling or flickering screen and a printed page, it takes an act of willpower to settle down with a book. But that’s an investment of effort that can be repaid tenfold – if the book is good enough.

As adults, many of us know this already; but kids need to be shown that this is true, in a way that really wasn’t necessary for people who grew up before the internet. Reading doesn’t have to mean something weighty, of course: cereal boxes, pizza leaflets and even joke books are a start! Finding the first or next step for children as their reading muscles grow is definitely challenging. JK Rowling said: “If you don’t like to read, you haven’t found the right book.” As adults, our job is to help them on that journey of discovery.

This starts as we read to them, of course: they need to share the feeling of enjoyment that books can bring until they’re ready to go solo. It continues through trial and error and frequent trips to friends’ bookshelves, bookshops, and the library. That’s not always handy when it’s raining so a few years ago I put a Little Library outside my house where people on our street can leave and take books – so local kids can give that a try too!

Another big help in this mission is the school librarian if you’re lucky enough to have one, as my kids have been at St John’s. I enjoy doing that as talking to kids is undeniably fun because they’re such an honest, funny audience. I feel very strongly that a school that finds ways to support its library and keep its profile high, when there are so many priorities and screens competing for kids’ attention, is a school that values imagination, story-telling and creativity.

SO Magazine | February 2020 | 9

Social Scene

GRAND DESIGNS Dandara hosted a VIP reception last month in order to showcase how its new 1887 The Pantiles development will look. The award-winning developer invited over 50 guests including the Mayor of Tunbridge Wells James Scholes and his wife to the evening which was held at the 1887 Sales and Marketing Suite located on The Pantiles.

Invitees enjoyed canapés and flutes of fizz as they were shown around the development’s show apartment by Louise Norman, Dandara’s Head of Sales & Marketing. She also explained how the idea for the 1887 development, which will include a mix of homes and retail, was ‘inspired by the past and designed for the future.’

1887 The Pantiles is a multi-award-winning collection of new one, two and three-bedroom apartments and two-bedroom mews homes at the south western end of The Pantiles, scheduled to open in 2021. Prices start from £300,000.

Pictures by Emma Stokes

10 | february 2020 | SO Magazine

35 Monson Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1LS 01892 517986

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

I SEE CLEAR VISION

through Nikon spectacle lenses

Cover Feature

“I have a very abundant and

Art Direction: Lee Smith | Photography: Craig Matthews

Katherine Craft runs Florist in the Forest, a thriving independent floral enterprise located in the idyllic woodland surroundings of her home in Broadwater Forest.

Eileen Leahy discovers how Katherine’s lifelong love of flowers has translated into a blooming business

Katherine’s studio is a veritable treasure trove filled not only with delightful fresh floral blooms but vintage vases and piles of pampas grasses

12 | February 2020 | SO Magazine

Cover Feature

romantic natural floral style”

Photo: Livvy Hukins Photography

the place but also lots of vintage vases, piles of pampas grasses and eye-catching decorative curios all neatly displayed on open shelving, accessories which Katherine says come in very handy for styling up her flowers for different occasions. In addition to this there are lots of thank you cards pinned to linen noteboards and a collection of industry awards. Business therefore seems to be booming for Katherine.

CALL OF THE WILD “I have a love of nature and the great outdoors and enjoy gardening, which is where my love for floristry started,” explains Katherine as she busies herself with her bouquets.

The mother of one grew up in Tunbridge Wells but moved to Manchester for a spell, where she met her husband. The couple returned in 2006 as Katherine decided it was the ‘perfect time’ for a career change. “I’ve heard the call of the wild since childhood and so I returned to the area to study floristry at Hadlow College,” continues Katherine. “From there I worked in a lovely village florist shop before setting up my own business back in 2011.

“I have always loved gardening and nature, having been brought up living in a forest with very green fingered

Photo: Naomi Kenton Photography

A

s this month is both our Valentine’s issue and bridal special, what better than to include a feature on a florist in the pages of SO magazine? Recently I had the pleasure of meeting a very special one after discovering her beautiful creations online. Katherine Craft – AKA the Florist in the Forest – has wisely chosen her business’s name as she, quite literally, is a florist living in a forest. She works from a gorgeous timber-frame, purposebuilt studio located in the serene surroundings of Broadwater Forest, just a few steps away from the family home she shares with her husband and fouryear-old son.

On the day I visit along with our shoot team, some much needed winter sunshine is streaming down, casting shadows on the tall trees that surround Katherine’s floristry HQ, and on meeting her she certainly looks to be in her element as she prepares pretty seasonal bouquets for a client’s celebration dinner that weekend.

As I step inside her welcoming studio I immediately fall in love with the space as it’s a veritable treasure trove filled not only with delightfully scented fresh floral blooms including hydrangeas, hyacinths, tulips and ranunculus all over

I get to work in some stunning venues with some lovely couples

I am a fickle florist, as my favourites change with the seasons

parents! Looking back, it is no surprise that I finally found my calling as a florist. However, for a while I thought of it more as a dream job and then one day I took the leap and I haven’t looked back.”

Katherine had actually studied Textile Design at university, so says she always had a leaning towards a more creative path. On graduating she went travelling, then started working as a visual merchandiser for Hobbs planning store layouts and window displays. However, that call of the wild was still niggling away at Katherine so she decided it was time for a change and enrolled on the course at Hadlow.

FLORAL TRIBUTES After retraining as a florist Katherine is now seeing her dream become a reality, working full-time creating incredible floral displays for weddings, parties, and special occasions for a variety of clients – not just nationwide but globally too.

“My clients are from all over the place. However, whether they are living in London, Manchester, Hong Kong or the States they usually have a connection to this area and come through word of mouth. Often the bride or groom’s family are still living in the area but then some couples just fall in love with a

particular venue around here and that is their deciding factor.

“I’m finding more and more couples are finding me through Instagram and they love being able to follow along, seeing what I am creating for my other clients and being inspired by what I could therefore create for their own wedding. In the wedding industry we are always sharing images and tagging other suppliers that have helped create the beautiful weddings we have been lucky enough to work on together.

“I am a recommended supplier for a number of fabulous local wedding venues, ranging from The Bell in Ticehurst to Penshurst Place, Sprivers Mansion in Horsmonden, Chiddingstone Castle, Buckhurst Park in Withyham and Wadhurst Castle.”

Although Katherine’s main business is predominantly weddings she also takes on commissions for private parties and events, as well as bouquets for Valentine’s and Mother’s day, sympathy flowers and special occasions like Christmas.

Rather charmingly if you find yourself driving through Broadwater Forest you can drop in and pick up whatever takes your fancy from Katherine’s ready-tobuy collection, which sits outside her studio. Of course seasonality is key for Katherine’s

SO Magazine | February 2020 | 13

Photo: Naomi Kenton Photography

Cover Feature

floral creations so when we pay a visit in late January she is selling everything from little crocuses to hand tied hellebore rose posies and delicate potted paperwhites narcissus.

“I have a very abundant and romantic natural style, allowing the flowers to do the talking,” says Katherine.

“I love combining seasonal ingredients with lots of texture, scent and interest, and I love to include a few flowers from my own cutting garden to add that personal touch.

“In recent years many couples have been requesting substantial and eye-catching installation pieces to give their weddings a real sense of personality and uniqueness.”

A BLOSSOMING BUSINESS It all sounds rather perfect but surely there must be the odd challenge now and again? “Finding enough hours in the day is one!” laughs Katherine. “There is always so much to do with creating the flowers in the first instance and then finding the time for all the admin and emails. I have a fantastic team of freelance florists on hand for weddings and an extremely supportive family but behind the scenes it is just me running the business!”

Katherine says she is also still trying to find ‘a true balance’ but that being able to work her business around her four-yearold son is a huge bonus. “I am getting better at saying no and realising that I can’t and don’t have to do it all. I can decide which weekends I want to work and which weddings I want to take on.”

Another key positive is the sheer variety of Katherine’s work: “No two weddings are the same and I get to work in some stunning venues, with lovely couples and their families on one of the happiest days of their lives and create arrangements with beautiful flowers and foliage throughout the year.” Now if that isn’t job satisfaction I don’t know what is…

A peek inside Katherine’s studio

WHY I LOVE TUNBRIDGE WELLS Katherine Craft

FLOWER POWER:

twigs and a mass of candlelight can look wonderful in the winter.

What are your personal favourites and why?

That’s such a difficult question to answer! I am a fickle florist, as my favourites change with the seasons. It could be fritillaries and ranunculus in the spring, garden roses and sweet peas in the summer or grasses and berries in the autumn.

And as it’s Valentine’s month, which are your favourite flowers to offer?

I generally tend to avoid red roses and prefer to offer beautiful seasonal bouquets including tulips, hellebores, ranunculus and anemones.

Which varieties tend to be the most popular for your clients?

It depends on the time of year but roses are always a favourite, particularly the more natural scented garden style.

Peonies are also very popular in early summer, as well as sweet peas for their scent and often nostalgic connotations.

Do you always encourage clients to go with the seasons?

Yes, it is always better to work with them. It just doesn’t feel right working with peonies in December! Foliage,

14 | February 2020 | SO Magazine

Give us your top tip for preserving flowers in a vase…

Re-cut the stems once you have taken the flowers out of their packaging and then place in a clean vase of water. Refresh the water in the vase every few days to prolong the life of your flowers and avoid draughty or sunny window sills and central heating!

And for displaying them effectively?

Give your flowers space, whether that be the vase or the space around them. www.floristintheforest.co.uk

Where’s your favourite place to shop? My family and I are loving the new Zero Waste shop on The Pantiles, which sells an amazing range of dried ingredients without all the plastic packaging! And whilst I am in that part of town I can’t resist popping into Le Petit Jardin and Anthropologie. We also have a great range of farm shops on our doorstep, particularly Fuller’s and Groombridge farm shops.

And to eat out? We have so many lovely country pubs to choose from, and personal favourites include The Vineyard in Lamberhurst and The Hare in

Langton Green. And for special occasions I love the food and atmosphere at The Ivy. And for coffee or cocktails?

I can’t resist the cakes or lunches at Juliet’s and we also like to pop to The Deer Park Café near Eridge.

Finally, where’s the best place to go locally in order to get away from it all? We are extremely lucky to have The Warren RSPB nature reserve on our doorstep. We can step out of the front door, straight into the reserve for walks, pony spotting and puddle jumping!

MUSIC

YOUR CHANCE TO EXPERIENCE A LITTLE

hometown glory...

The ever popular Noble Jacks return to Tunbridge Wells to headline the Assembly Hall Theatre next month and it’ll be their biggest indoor show yet. They’ll be supported by another local favourite, The Orange Circus, so Paul Dunton chats to both bands to find out more...

Paul Dunton Music Editor Follow Paul @ PaulDuntonmusic

MEET THE ORANGE CIRCUS: How would you describe your style and sound?

It’s a blend of folk, high energy bluegrass and country music. When we go out on stage we give it all we have, and play everything from heartbreaking ballads and footstomping bluegrass to feel-good anthems.

You recently met country music aficionado and Radio 2 presenter Bob Harris and performed for his Under The Apple Tree sessions – what was that like?

Bob and his team are very gracious hosts and it was an honour for us to be part of a session. He’s done so much for roots music and helps keep it alive. There really is an apple tree at his studio – hence the name!

What have been your highlights of 2019?

Definitely meeting Bob Harris and performing our Under The Apple Tree session, which was also featured on BBC News. We did a sold-out rural tour in Dorset, playing village halls and reaching out to communities, which was great as we got to meet so many wonderful people. Playing to a packed audience at The Long Road Festival at Stanford Hall in Leicestershire in September with everyone singing along to our songs was also pretty memorable.

THE LOW DOWN ON NOBLE JACKS: How would you describe your style and sound?

Defining our genre has always been a tricky one because we have a lot of influences!

From the driving drums and electric guitar to high energy fiddle, we think folk-rockAmericana just about describes Noble Jacks!

The last 12 months have proved to be a stellar year for Noble Jacks – what have been your most memorable experiences?

I would say the most memorable ones have been our sell-out album launch show at Concorde2 in Brighton, our showcases at Country 2 Country Festival at The O2 London, Americana Fest in both London and Nashville, and our summer support shows with The Dead South. Our sold-out shows on our autumn tour of the UK were the icing on the cake!

You are also performing at the Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells on March 28 supporting Noble Jacks, tell us more about that concert and what it means to be involved?

We’ve known Will from Noble Jacks for a while now and so it’s great to see his and the band’s success developing. We played together with the Paul Dunton Orchestra to a sold out Trinity Theatre back in 2016 so to be doing it again at the Assembly Hall is as big as it gets for a hometown show – it’ll be explosive for sure.

What are the rest of your plans for 2020 and might we see you return to Calverley Grounds for Local & Live in August?

It’s going to be a big year for us! Firstly we’re releasing our second studio album next month, which is something we’ve been working on for the last two years and we’re super proud of it. We’ll then be touring the UK in the springtime and yes we can definitely confirm we will be headlining at Local & Live in August!

Tell us more about the new album ‘Stay Awake Deluxe Edition’ The new deluxe edition of the Stay Awake album has been a great opportunity for Noble Jacks to add four new studio recordings to it, which will also be available on vinyl.

We’re really excited to be bringing these new tracks back to our live set too!

You’re headlining the Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells on March 28, what can fans expect from Noble Jacks on the night?

This will be the biggest indoor headline show for Noble Jacks to date and there will be a lot of singing, dancing and stomping, with songs showcased from all our albums. Some of them we haven’t actually performed live yet, and we’ll have the most instruments on stage we’ve ever had, so that’ll be fun for us too! To have our great friends: The Orange Circus and The Paul Dunton Orchestra on the same bill means a great deal to us, we can’t wait to hear them perform too!

What are the rest of your plans for 2020?

2020 is lining up to be even bigger than 2019, with the new album and a lot of new adventures ready to be announced! As well as the Assembly Hall gig we’ll be back out on tour with The Dead South, and we are planning a descent into the continent so watch this space!

Noble Jacks and The Orange Circus are both performing at the Assembly Hall Theatre on March 28 – tickets can be purchased at www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk SO Magazine | February 2020 | 17

Charity profile

Helen Leale-Green gave up a high-flying corporate career to help bright young people in poor countries. Dividing her time between Tunbridge Wells and Zambia, she tells Dawn Gibson how her charity, Our Moon Education, is making a difference ahead of its fundraising ball on February 27

WHAT INSPIRED YOUR CHANGE OF CAREER? I worked for Price Waterhouse Coopers for about 15 years in management consultancy, and I had three children during that time. As they were growing up, my priorities changed – the things that had been so important to me before didn’t seem as significant. I did charity work with several organisations before I found the one that really ticked all the boxes for me, an international development charity.

I started by tutoring students on Saturdays, then became a trustee, and eventually went full-time.

HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE IDEA FOR OUR MOON EDUCATION? One of the Zambian students I met through my work thought I could make more impact if I went

to his country; he invited me to go and stay with his family. He introduced me to some schools and another charity, and together we put on some student and teacher workshops, and it came from that. We set up Our Moon just over four years ago to provide high achieving but financially disadvantaged students in their late teens and early twenties with the skills and knowledge to access quality higher education. Most go on to study at amazing universities around the world on full scholarships.

Can you tell us about one of your success stories?

HOW DOES OUR MOON’S YOUNG LEADERS PROGRAMME WORK? It’s a one-year, intensive residential programme. In Zambia, students have a two year gap between finishing school and the

age when they can apply to university, so our programme fits into this gap.

And it is not only about assisting those we work directly with; students are required to spend an hour each day tutoring young children who are out of school. I like to think the main thing we do is open students’ minds to possibilities and opportunities,

and to help them develop a social conscience for their country.

YOU’RE HOLDING A FUNDRAISING BALL ON THURSDAY FEBRUARY 27 AT TUNBRIDGE WELLS’ HOTEL DU VIN. CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THAT? We’ve teamed up with Tunbridge Wells Network B2B (Helen is a

One of our first students, Ashley Nyangani, is now studying sociology on a full scholarship at the University of British Columbia in Canada. She works with indigenous women in Canada to develop her skills as an advocate.

She has also set up an NGO (non-governmental organisation) in Zambia working with rural women as well as co-founding a Zambian charity to improve online access to education resources for local students. Both of Ashley’s parents died from AIDS, and she had been promised to be married at the age of eight. A teacher rescued her from this impending marriage and found a distant relative, also dying from AIDS, who needed nursing. The relative agreed to let her go to school during the day if she nursed him by night – she got brilliant grades and was referred to us.

SO Magazine | February 2020 | 19

Charity profile

member) to organise Our Moon’s Charity Ball, which will raise funds to complete our learning forum in Zambia. The learning forum is being built in the Chibombo District, about 100km from Lusaka. It will house all our classrooms, a library, computer room and hall.

The beautiful Hotel du Vin is providing a champagne reception and delicious dinner, to be followed by music from the excellent Mint DJs. We also have great auction and raffle prizes donated by local people and businesses, including a

WHY I LOVE TUNBRIDGE WELLS Helen Leale-Green

20 | February 2020 | SO Magazine

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE FOR COFFEE? It’s a toss-up between Juliet’s and Basil, which is probably a bit clichéd! I adore both for their cakes and salads.

AND TO EAT OUT? The Hotel du Vin – I love the

Kenyan safari, a DJing lesson, a private tour of the House of Commons with Maidstone MP Helen Grant, and giant hampers.

Anybody who wants to donate a prize is more than welcome.

HOW ELSE CAN PEOPLE IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS HELP OUR MOON? We need more volunteers and are particularly looking for people with writing and social media skills. Also, if you would like to conduct a challenge event or fundraising activity, please do let in touch.

surroundings and the decoration.

It’s beautiful yet cosy.

WHERE DO YOU GO LOCALLY TO GET AWAY FROM IT ALL? The Common. I feel like I can lose myself in my thoughts and don’t feel like I’m in a town at all.

How you can get involved: Smith Coffin Private Finance, is offering free mortgage reviews for anyone who contacts them in response to this article. Call 0800 644 6620 and mention ‘Our Moon’) and they will donate £100 for every completed mortgage case to the charity

Info: Tickets for Our Moon’s Charity Ball on Thursday February 27 at Hotel du Vin are on sale now for £75 per ticket or £750 for a table of ten, including a three course meal and a champagne reception.

To buy tickets or to find out more about Our Moon visit www.ourmoon.org.uk

Dawn Gibson is a Tunbridge Wells freelance journalist who writes for UK and international magazines. Read more of her articles at www.dawncreativemedia.com

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22 | February 2020 | SO Magazine

FASHION

STYLE WITH

staying power For the new year, Charlie Bond has challenged herself to shop more sustainably…

TWENTYSEVEN NAMES Glenmore dress, £158 www.twentysevennames.co.nz

W

ell, it’s now been a month since all of those well-intentioned resolutions began, and as usual, the kale smoothies lasted all of two days before I was back on the biscuits.

However, one promise I did make – and that I do intend to see through – was to shop better. Lately we’ve really started to see a shift in the way people purchase. Conscious consumerism is on the rise and we’ve become a lot more interested in where our clothes come from and how they’re made.

We’re trying to move away from fast fashion, buy better and fill our wardrobes with items that not only make us look good, but do some good too.

I’d like to say I woke up on January 1, deleted the Asos app and vowed to become a shopping celibate, but the reality is I love it too much. Retail really is my therapy and I think my family and friends would vouch for how much nicer I am when I’ve had a spending spree.

But over the past few weeks I have been much more considered in my purchases, asking myself whether I do really need, or just want the item I’m buying.

I’ve also rediscovered a love of second-hand and vintage clothing.

I’ve always been a huge fan of charity shops but now I’m challenging myself to check out not-new options first.

I’ve bought from places like Depop and Ebay and have saved loads on items that still have their tags in.

Now don’t get me wrong, making these changes isn’t an overnight fix, and there’s definitely still a place in my heart (and my wardrobe) for the high street, but I’m hoping by changing the way I think about shopping, it’ll mean I ultimately spend less, help the environment and, crucially, still get that moodboost so that my nearest and dearest don’t disown me for being a misery guts.

Inspired to shop more ethically?

Here are some of my favourite finds:

MATT & NAT Draden vegan leather jacket, £155 www.mattandnat.com

MELIE BIANCO Calvin saddle crossbody bag, £79.72 www.meliebianco.com

FRIENDSHIP SHOES Kinsey dealer boots, £180 www.friendship.shoes

PEOPLE TREE V&A bamboo print shirt dress, £149 www.peopletree.co.uk

MONKEE GENES Organic denim black dungarees, £65 www.monkeegenes.com

Charlie Bond Fashion Contributer BEYOND SKIN Morgan vegan camel boots, £275 www.beyond-skin.com

SO Magazine | February 2020 | 23

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24 | February 2020 | SO Magazine

Section

MEET THE WOMAN WITH A

passion fashion

Art Direction: Lee Smith | Photography: Craig Matthews

FOR

Sue Mee Maudsley is a designer, stylist and fashion consultant who does so much more than just tell people what to wear.

Here she tells Eileen Leahy what makes her stand out from the crowd

I

t’s fair to say that Tunbridge Wells has no shortage of clever fashion stylists who, thanks to their well-trained eye, help to push people out of their sartorial comfort zone to create a wardrobe that works on every level. Sue Mee Maudsley AKA The Design Stylist is one such talented stylist working in this particular field but it’s fair to say that she also has just a little bit extra tucked up her proverbial sleeve.

The mother of two is also a qualified fashion designer and industry consultant who had been working professionally for over a decade until she had her two sons, and that familiar working parent ‘juggle struggle’ kicked in. So instead of carrying on commuting and dashing here, there and everywhere to make things work Sue Mee decided to go freelance with her consulting and design work which included projects for the likes of Burberry, John Lewis, Monsoon and New Look.

While she was freelancing, Sue Mee says she started being approached by entrepreneurs who wanted to create their own clothing and independent brands. “They asked me to take their ideas, consult and mentor them, to show them the processes of how to design step-by-step.”

A few years later she decided to set up her own business, The Design Stylist, which encompasses all aspects of Sue Mee’s fashion expertise including advising people who might feel a little

They say you make the first impression with your outfit and personality, in the first 10 seconds of meeting someone

lost or in need of a fashion reboot on what to wear. “A friend suggested I do this actually as I was doing a lot of it for my corporate work. So now I use my knowledge and experience in the fashion industry to ensure the cut of garments, their fabrics, shapes and silhouettes suit the style of my clients.

It’s quite harmonious because I usually design a year in advance, so that means I know the upcoming trends for styling my clients.”

WHY GOOD STYLE NEVER GOES OUT OF FASHION:

For the uninitiated, what does a personal styling experience involve with

If a wardrobe ‘works for you’ it should contain essential pieces suitable for your lifestyle i.e. work, leisure, going out, and also be able to be mixed and matched across all the occasions

Sue Mee? “When I take on a client I like to see how they shop, the type of fit they go for with their clothes, and actually all that helps me immensely.

“Over the years of designing, I’d been asked to style outfits for many retail brands, press shows and presentations. I really started to love the interaction with people, especially seeing my designs being worn, and seeing how happy people were when someone else dressed or

styled them. It gave me joy to see how much it improved their selfconfidence and self-esteem!”

Sue Mee’s passion for fashion is a life-long one. As a teenager she learned to sew and make her own clothes, as she says she couldn’t find anything suitable: “It was either childish, or too grown up. This led me to studying fashion design at university, which also included a knitwear specialism, business and communications. I loved being creative, but I also was SO Magazine | February 2020 | 25

STYLE

With everyone today so conscious of global warming and sustainability I encourage clients to ‘buy less, but more quality’

My top styling tricks: COLOUR: As we have such grey days here, I always advise to add a splash of colour to your outfit, in your favourite shade to brighten and illumi nate your face, and to uplift your mo od PRINTS: Whether it’s small an d delicate or large and bold, it’s a great way to break up plain areas of your ou tfit. Experiment with scarves, tees or long dresses COATS: This completes your outfit as it can layer over various pie ces, and should be able to be dressed up or down on different occasions

aware that I needed an academic side to my work too. Undergoing work experience placements was really essential as it gave me an insight and understanding to the industry.

“My first placements were with Vivienne Westwood, River Island, and a local bridalwear designer. It was great to work at different levels of the market, and to see how it all worked.” From there Sue Mee went on to work for various brands including John Lewis, M&S, Burberry, Monsoon, Topshop, New Look and Simply Be, working on everything from knitwear, nightwear

and babywear to outsize clothes, swimwear, lingerie and shoes.

Sue Mee has also worked with a number of independents. “There have been some wonderful clients too including Contur, Yummy Yoga Girl, Babyboss and Zola Eve. And with the current trend of well-being and health, I’ve been working on a lot of yogawear and activewear which bear more sustainable fabrics and less carbon footprint as they are made in the UK.” Sue Mee says a real highlight of her consultancy work is seeing her clients’ ideas come to fruition. “When you see

all the hard work between us has resulted in the garment finished, hung up, or photographed online it’s a huge adrenalin rush! I also love the feedback from their customers when they’ve been wearing the products for a while, and that they love it! For example, one of the times I spotted one of my dresses on TV, worn by a celebrity, and then a knitted cardi worn by a lady in one of my favourite pubs in Tunbridge Wells. It’s so rewarding to see the creations being worn by my customers.”

Step out in style... 





I visit the homes of clients and we lovingly de-clutter their wardrobes. Sometimes they are nervous but I put them at ease I show them how to outfit build their remaining clothes and we then devise a ‘wish list’ of the essentials that are missing We do a personal shopping session together and focus entirely on the wish list, and I send snapshots of their outfits after their session

26 | February 2020 | SO Magazine

It’s so lovely to receive feedback that they’ve enjoyed their time with me, and that I’ve made dressing in the mornings easier. It’s empowering to see the confidence and happiness in my clients’ faces when I put together an outfit for them  Typical clients include mums returning to work after having a baby, people who have lost a lot of weight, those who have changed job roles, guys who dislike shopping, and people who are holding onto the same clothes for many years

Sue Mee’s shopping black book: 

I love the small indie brands here, like Bod and Ted, and Anna Poulsen. Sophie and Anna have a really good eye for quirky and individual brands



There are also some great High Street choices too, including Whistles, Jigsaw, Next and Phase Eight here



he charity shops here are T brilliant too, if you love a good hunt! I found a beautiful Maxmara knitted cardi in one the other day



reloved stores and dress P boutiques are a great place to go too, for the conscious minded, and it’s great to recycle your unwanted clothes



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SO Magazine | February 2020 | 27

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28 | February 2020 | SO Magazine

BEAUTY

THE

ECO edit SO ECO Face brush set, £20 www.soinvogue.com Not only is this brush set super affordable, it’s also great for the environment and fighting animal cruelty too. As well as being the perfect set to assist with flawless makeup applications, the brushes are also biodegradable. Plus, for every 100 products sold, a tree is planted. That’s a lot of good things to come from one purchase!

DEAR DAHLIA Lip Paradise Intense Satin, £28 www.feelunique.com Available in ten shades, Lip Paradise Intense Satin combines plant-based ingredients with skin conditioning properties of Dahlia Variabilis Flower extract to naturally nourish lips. Not only is it hydrating and soothing, it also provides vibrant and long-lasting colour. It’s PETA-approved and has gorgeous packaging, what’s not to love?

MONAT Super Nourish Oil Crème Shampoo, £35 www.monatglobal.com/uk Not only is this shampoo vegan and cruelty-free, it’s also packed with ingredients to make your hair soft, smooth and hydrated. Ideal for thick hair it’ll be a winter saviour, as the oil-based formula helps to restore moisture and cleanses without stripping or drying. Plus, it smells like coconut, so summer can feel a little closer than it really is...

BEYOU CBD Muscle Balm, £29.99 www.beautybay.com Formulated with a combination of 300mg strength CBD and essential oils such as geranium, eucalyptus and lavender, BeYou’s CBD Muscle Balm is easy to apply and helps to sooth pain and relax the skin. It’s especially good for muscle soreness, and can even be used to alleviate period pain.

As ethical beauty takes centre stage for 2020, Charlie Bond takes a look at the products that will revolutionise your beauty regime and also be kind to the environment

FAITH IN NATURE Shampoo bars, £5.79 www.faithinnature.co.uk Shampoo bars are big news at the moment, and for good reason.This new collection is made by hand and specifically formulated using a higher quality shampoo base that is kinder to the scalp PH. Especially good for curly hair, due to their nourishing properties, the bars will leave hair smooth and hydrated.They also last for 52 washes and are vegan, cruelty and plastic free – winner!

I

f one of the changes you wanted to make for the year ahead was to have a more ethical and eco-friendly makeup bag, then you’re not the only one. It was recently revealed that globally there’s been a 175 per cent increase in vegan cosmetics launches over the past five years, and now more than half (56 per cent) of people in Britain adopt vegan buying behaviours such as only purchasing vegan products and checking their toiletries are cruelty-free.

So it probably comes as no surprise that for 2020 there’s a whole host of beauty launches ticking the boxes for conscious consumers, and we’ve rounded up just a few of the best to hit the shelves...

LE COUVENT DES MINIMES Smyrna fragrance, £95 www.lookfantastic.com Inspired by travel, Le Couvent des Minimes’ new collection of fragrances not only smell beautifully exotic, they’re also 100 per cent vegan and use up to 86 per cent natural origin ingredients. Smyrna is inspired by the sensuous scents of Turkey, and comprises the beautiful scent of Turkish rose with warming black pepper spice. It’s an opulent fragrance that’ll have you yearning to book a holiday after one spritz.

Charlie Bond Fashion Contributer Follow Charlie @Girlaboutkent SO Magazine | February 2020 | 31

Food & Drink

Section

sweet

GOURMET

LIFE IS

If you’re a chocolate lover then a trip to Temper Temper in Southborough is a must – especially in the lead-up to Valentine’s Day. Here its owner, Alison Hazell, tells Eileen Leahy all about her fledging business and its vision for 2020

I

f you have a penchant for chocolate then you’ll surely have heard of Temper Temper – a little sweet spot of a chocolate business – located near Southborough Common on Church Road.

It offers everything from confectionary masterclasses where you can learn how to temper chocolate to fun children’s parties where kids can roll up their sleeves and get messy while mixing up all sorts of sweet treats to create from chocolate footballs to Florentines and giant lollipops, using only the finest Belgian chocolate.

Temper Temper’s owner Alison Hazell and her talented team have been at the helm since 2013 after Alison bought the business from its founder in 2007.

“It was originally owned by a lady called Jackie, who also had the Bean café,” explains Alison. “She started Temper Temper above Bean and then moved it out to the industrial estate due to lack of space, but the traffic was a disaster, so then she moved it to its current location in Southborough.”

After a couple of years, Jackie became sated by all things chocolate and decided to go travelling and so sold the business to Alison. “Initially, I ran things along the same

lines, but I soon realised the majority of people had never heard of Temper Temper!”

Alison and her small team decided to do something about that and so started approaching local schools, offering them vouchers for fairs and supplying chocolate bars as table favours. The plan worked and soon the word about Temper Temper being a fun place to learn the art of chocolate making got round.

Alison, who is a mother of six, now runs a wide-ranging variety of classes, events and workshops where visitors can learn everything from how to create chocolate animals to perfecting the art of tricky tempering – impressive given that she doesn’t have a background in cooking – or chocolate.

“I’ve always worked with people, both adults and children,” continues Alison. “As a mother of six I’ve always had loads of kids around me! At 19, I started Tots Paradise, a day care centre in Sevenoaks and then moved to South Africa where I worked training staff on how to use specialist equipment. So food was a whole new world for me!”

Alison says she was interested in buying the Temper Temper business initially because

Timings and prices all vary so check www.tempertemperchocolate.co.uk

A TASTE OF TEMPER TEMPER: There are a number of workshops including the following: • Private parties • Open workshops (where a single person or a couple of friends could come along) • Three hour truffle and bar workshops (where you learn to temper chocolate) •C orporate team building workshops (two and three hours) • ‘Choctails’ evenings where you’re treated to chocolate and cocktails • Educational school visits

she thought it was a great ‘weekend’ business: “It meant my husband could look after our children on the weekends I was working.

Six years on, Temper Temper is now a seven day a week operation and I’m very fortunate to have my eldest child working with me full-time now as well as my youngest daughter – on a part-time basis!”

There are now two full-time staff on board as well as three part-timers and Alison says there are plans to take on another full-time staff member later this spring.

“Our children’s parties are still by far the most popular and the core of the business but last year saw a real rise in other workshops too. Our adult events such as hen parties, ‘choctails’ and corporate team building sessions have definitely increased and last Christmas, we were definitely on the map for company Christmas parties!”

In terms of what Alison hopes to do in terms of expanding the business further she says she has a few key aims: “One is to have another couple of kitchens, and then we will look at franchising Temper Temper. We are also hoping to expand into an actual school – and not just for all things chocolate.

Chocolate will still be our core business, but we have plans to run cooking, baking and sugar craft lessons from our kitchen; with specialists in their field coming to teach.”

The Temper Temper brand is certainly expanding already as you can now buy its products in various independent outlets including Groombridge Farm Shop, Hollie’s Little Cakery on The Pantiles, Haywards of Hadlow and Flint & Oak in Westerham. Alison says she’s also in talks with the South African shop in Tonbridge about making a special indigenous chocolate for them and their customers.

But for now Alison says as long as she is achieving one goal she is happy: “My greatest wish is that our guests leave with our delicious chocolate after having spent an enjoyable morning, afternoon or evening with us.” And if like me you’ve had the opportunity to lose yourself in Temper Temper for a few hours of chocolate bliss, Alison and her team have certainly achieved that.

SO Magazine | February 2020 | 33

DRINKS

I traded in my season ticket to set up my own events

@ Craig Matthews

company

Jo Smith has done what most of us can only dream of doing – swapping her commute to the capital for running her own drinks marketing business. Here she tells Eileen Leahy how she did it...

34 | February 2020 | SO Magazine

DRINKS

I

A fine time for wine – Jo’s first event at Hotel du Vin

© Rose Bainbridge

some local food. People can also buy t’s fair to say Jo Smith has done drinks and bottles to take home. It’ll be plenty of interesting things in her quite a party!” sales and marketing career. She Choosing to focus on drinks bodes started out working in trade well for Jo as Tunbridge Wells is exhibitions specialising mainly in blessed with a huge number of wine but also lingerie, the emergency independent bars and specialist services and local government too.

Then she established her own marketing emporia. What benefits does Jo think these give a town? agency in the early 2000s before the “They are the beating heart of it and recession hit. Shortly afterwards the without them we would have much less married mother of three from identity. I love the fact that we have Tunbridge Wells joined the charity bars run by local people who have a sector, working in the role of true passion for what they do, which commercial manager at Carroty Wood adds to the excitement of visiting them. adventure centre in Tonbridge for a As a punter, you feel like you’re sharing number of years. in something really special, and it adds After that finished and in between to the pride we all feel about the town raising her three young children Jo says we live in. she ‘bounced around’, trying a few “Chapel Place Bar, which has a different jobs until recently when ludicrous range of gins and she found herself back other spirits, is a great where she started: on a place to find new large wine trade THE EVENTSMITH’S USP drinks. Andy and exhibition.

“I am a local event organiser Jack stock every “I was reticent to with international experience. local tipple! I’m start another I’m in business to support also a fan of The business after the local producers and I am agile Wine Rooms: last time when enough to respond to what my Dan Hatton has the recession put customers want very quickly. realised his paid to it,” I am truly focused on giving local dream in the explains Jo. “But producers a great platform to form of this very as I slowly raise awareness amongst sophisticated wine immersed myself the lovely people in bar, and he stocks back into the wine our area” some phenomenal local industry I could see wines. Try Herbert Hall how far we’ve come here Sparkling (drunk by Buck in the UK over the last 20 years.

Palace, don’t you know) or Hidden I wanted to support the UK wine Spring’s Bacchus.” industry through the huge trade show I So what else is in store for The was working on, but I realised that many Eventsmith in 2020? “I’ve got three of our English vineyards don’t yet have more events planned so far, in enough wine to service large trade Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks and accounts, and actually what they want Brighton,” continues Jo. “I’m also now is to be in front of local people. working with a few Sussex producers “I’d met a number of local distillers to see if we can put an event together during my time on the trade show in specifically for Sussex winegrowers.

London, and discovered that most of them also happened to be local. I went to I’m also talking to specialist shops about local events we can run see some of the distilleries and was together. I’m always looking for excited by the opportunity of bringing all opportunities to promote our local local drinks producers together under drinks producers, so I expect lots one roof for the benefit of local people.” more to happen over the next 12 Jo made a few cursory calls to venues months that I haven’t even thought and producers and within 48 hours she of yet!” had a small local tasting organised. “I traded in my season ticket, stopped commuting and set up my own events company, The Eventsmith, last October.”

A month later she was hosting Discover Local Wines, her first event, at the Hotel du Vin in Tunbridge Wells.

The benefits “We had 11 local vineyards • The only decision maker is me represented, showcasing a fantastic • Being able to get out to the gym selection of award-winning sparkling and or for a walk to clear my head still wines. Visitors said they were Success is all the sweeter when • overwhelmed with the quality of the it’s your idea. (But conversely, wines produced on their doorstep and I the failures can’t be blamed on was really proud to have brought anyone else!) everyone together.”

Hot on the heels of this inaugural success Jo is now busy organising another The challenges specialist drinks event next month: “I’m • Learning to live with erratic income really excited about the forthcoming • Finding out what works and what Discover Local Heroes, which takes doesn’t in terms of marketing and place on Sunday February 23 at the promotion is sometimes quite a Camden Centre. It’ll run from midday until 6pm and there will be three twopainful process hour sessions; tickets for each one cost • I’m hoping that as the business £15. Visitors get a free G&T on arrival develops, I’ll know what to from Bathtub Gin and then they can prioritise sample wine, gins, ciders, beers as well as

RUNNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS:

SO Magazine | February 2020 | 35

Food & Drink

Food & Drink

As soon as you step inside you do feel as if you have been transported into a bijou bistro across the Channel. The cosy interior is the perfect intimate setting for a romantic meal

step inside you do feel as if you have been transported into a bijou bistro across the Channel.

WE’VE FOUND

FIRST IMPRESSION The cosy interior provides the perfect intimate setting for a romantic meal or quiet family dinner, but this ‘little’ brasserie is actually quite deceptive as it is set over three floors and can seat up to 50 diners.

One thing – thankfully – it does lack which many other Gallic restaurants tend to ladle on with aplomb is any sense of pretension!

With the head chef, John Boreham, having been trained at the affluent gentleman’s club Boodle’s on St James’ Street in London, and a friendly front-ofhouse staff led by restaurateur Mark Harper and wife Lydie, Rendez-Vous certainly has a phenomenal team at its helm.

This is especially evident when it comes to the food – which, it has to be said, is some of the best in town – and Mr Boreham is certainly not afraid to adapt classic French recipes to ensure he is making the most of local ingredients.

the perfect place FOR A

Rendez-Vous thisValentine’s

Richard Williams pays a visit to Rendez-Vous, a bijou bistro located on Camden Road, to sample a taste of its gourmet Gallic offerings...

THE LOWDOWN With its mix of junk shops, international grocers and array of independent bistros and brasseries, Camden Road is one of Tunbridge Wells’ most bohemian streets, and Rendez-Vous has long been considered one of its most popular eateries.

The restaurant has been serving up typically French cuisine for the last seven years, and it’s fair to say that as soon as you 36 | February 2020 | SO Magazine

UNDER STARTERS ORDERS With an extensive dinner menu, offers during lunchtime, and a specials board that boasts some truly eclectic and exciting dishes, the trouble with Rendez-Vous is having to narrow down your choices!

When it comes to the starters, there are some great French classics, including French onion soup [£5.50] and a traditional charcuterie platter [£7.50], but there are also a few Mediterranean inspired dishes too, such as lamb and mint croquettes with tzatziki dip and salad [£6.50] which I chose. I found it an exceptionally tasty and refreshing appetiser that was also light enough not to spoil my main.

My dinner guest couldn’t resist the four-cheese soufflé [£6.50] which she declared was not only deliciously light – as a soufflé should be – but the tomato and parmesan sauce accompanying it had just enough sharpness to cut through all those strong cheese flavours.

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Food & Drink

French offerings, all of which are reasonably priced.

THE MAIN EVENT We opted for a carafe of the house red and found it The most notable thing about the menu at Rendezwell-bodied and an ideal partner for both our main Vous is its reasonable prices. An 8oz rib-eye steak meat dishes while the restaurant’s white Colombard is [£18.50] is incredibly well-priced for Tunbridge Wells. ideal if you’re in a seafood mood.

A large number of good value fish dishes litter the If you can squeeze in a dessert, there’s a good menu too, including pan-fried trout [£17], seared sea selection on offer, but my advice bass fillets [£12.95] and of course would be to opt for a Café traditional ‘moules frites’ [£12.95].

You’ll easily see why Gourmand [£7.95], which is a cup The slow-braised ox cheek [£18] of espresso accompanied by a small with mustard seed mash and red this restaurant is so sampling of five of the restaurant’s cabbage ordered by my guest was a popular. Not only is the best puddings. It makes for a perfect perfect winter warmer and the sharing platter. succulence of the meat suggested food absolutely After a visit to Rendez-Vous you’ll that it had been slow-cooked to delicious, wonderfully easily see why this restaurant is so perfection.

Not only is the food Although I was tempted by cooked and definitively popular. absolutely delicious, wonderfully another slow-roasted dish, pork French, it is great value cooked and definitively French, it is belly [£13.95], I decided instead to great value, especially as this go for the guinea fowl [£13.95]. This – they do not scrimp also brasserie does not scrimp when it was served with mash and a comes to portion sizes. traditional French velouté sauce. on portion sizes If you have never visited RendezThe dish was faultless, filling and Vous, it is a must for anybody that likes good food but expertly cooked but meant that pudding would be warned that once you do, you may find staying probably be a struggle to fit in! away proves very difficult!

RENDEZ-VOUS’S USP www.rendezvoustw.co.uk For wine lovers, there’s a good selection of decent

38 | February 2020 | SO Magazine

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42 | February 2020 | SO Magazine

05/07/2017 07:57

Wedding Special

Say ‘I do’ in style THE PERFECT RING Choosing the most important symbol of your marriage

TIME AND PLACE

Our guide to some of the best venues in Kent

FINISHING TOUCHES

The final pieces to make your day truly special SO Magazine | February 2020 | 43

Wedding Special

The Venues…

London Golf Club

St Julians

St Julians is an elegant Georgian country house set in charming surroundings just outside Sevenoaks, which has been a secluded and exclusive private club since the early 1950s.

With three stylish function rooms that share breathtaking views over the Weald, St Julians is the perfect location to capture your special moment of a lifetime. The beautiful Victorian conservatory hosts a stunning wisteria canopy that needs to be seen to be believed.

44 | February 2020 | SO Magazine

We have been licensed for civil ceremonies for over 15 years and our professional team of highly experienced wedding planners are on hand to help arrange your bespoke wedding. St Julians is the perfect venue for your memorable day.

St Julians Underriver Sevenoaks TN15 0RX 01732 458261 www.stjulians.co.uk

Your wedding is a unique occasion and we would be delighted to help you celebrate at London Golf Club. It is one of the few Kent wedding venues located on the beautiful North Downs, providing a picturesque and private venue for your special day.

Set in the heart of 700 acres the Clubhouse is approached from the gatehouse by the impressive one-mile driveway – a real wow factor right from the start. A fountain stands in front of the elegant porch awaiting your arrival.

You enter the clubhouse via The Great Hall where magnificent oak beams are a prominent feature before proceeding to the Long Bar where guests can be welcomed with canapés.

The terrace area provides the perfect setting to relax and enjoy your drinks reception and wedding photographs. With a stunning view over the lakes and manicured fairways, this backdrop overlooking our two Championship Golf Courses is a must for your memorable group photographs.

For more information please contact our Weddings and Events department.

London Golf Club Stansted Lane, Ash, Nr Brands Hatch Kent TN15 7EH 01474 875720 weddings@londongolf.co.uk www.londongolf.co.uk

Weddings

at Tonbridge School

A unique and beautiful venue for your wedding

Call to book a guided tour Tonbridge School Tonbridge . Kent . TN9 1JP www.tonbridge-events.co.uk . events@tonbridge-school.org 01732 304268

Wedding Special

Chiddingstone Castle

Nestled in rolling countryside, yet within easy reach of London and the M25, Chiddingstone Castle is one of Kent’s finest historic houses and a much sought-after wedding venue.

We offer exclusive use, giving you control of timings and an opportunity to prepare at leisure in the bride’s suite.

Lead your guests through the gates to the Tudor High Street and St Mary’s church in the stunning village of Chiddingstone, or stay on site for a civil ceremony at the Orangery or in the castle rooms.

Our caterers will design a menu for you

One Warwick Park

One Warwick Park Hotel is a luxurious boutique hotel just a stone’s throw away from the famous Pantiles. Combining contemporary glamour and modern luxury, it is the perfect location to hold your wedding day.

At One Warwick Park, we will take care of everything for your special day, our wonderful events team will assist you from the planning right through to your big day itself. Your dream wedding will become your reality at One Warwick Park Hotel, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.

On Sunday February 16 we are holding

and will serve your drinks throughout the day, corkage free.

Flexibility is key, we draw from a wealth of opportunities to tailor a day to suit any wedding, large or small, formal or relaxed.

We can help to plan your budget and formalise your ideas to create a very personal and unique celebration.

Hill Hoath Road Chiddingstone Edenbridge TN8 7AD 01892 870347 weddings@chiddingstonecastle.org.uk www.chiddingstonecastle.co.uk

Bewl Water

Set in the heart of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Bewl Water sits in acres of stunning countryside and offers a unique waterside setting like no other for your special day.

Perched on the water’s edge, The Boat House provides a beautiful and tranquil location for your wedding reception.

With its breathtaking panoramic views over the water and surrounded by lush woodland, this idyllic location is sure to wow your guests and provide a truly memorable setting.

With 800 acres of natural beauty to work with, Bewl Water boasts exceptional and

Bewl Water Bewlbridge Lane Tunbridge Wells TN3 8JH 01892 890000 www.bewlwater.co.uk

our wedding fair. Join us to view our magnificent venue as well as having the opportunity to meet wonderful suppliers and our bookings team and events host for your special day. The wedding fair is running from 10am until 2pm and entrance is free.

Email leisuremarketing@markerstudy.com to register your attendance and receive a complimentary goody bag.

1 Warwick Park Tunbridge Wells TN2 5TA 01892 520587 www.onewarwickpark.co.uk

Tonbridge School Events

Tonbridge School is set within a magnificent 150-acre site in the heart of Kent, with beautiful gardens and architecture.

Featuring six locations licensed for ceremonies and a variety of contemporary and traditional function rooms, Tonbridge School has an array of options to create your perfect day.

We offer a range of catering options to complement the style of your day from hog roasts and afternoon teas, to three-course wedding breakfasts and bespoke menus created just for you.

Supporting local suppliers, we pride 46 | February 2020 | SO Magazine

endless photo opportunities to help make your day picture perfect.

Our highly skilled chefs provide top quality catering using only local suppliers and fresh produce to ensure the highest standards.

This, teamed with our experienced and friendly staff, will be sure to impress and delight your guests. The Boat House provides a serene and natural backdrop and can be transformed to suit your individual tastes.

ourselves with providing the very best locally sourced ingredients.

We understand that everything needs to be just perfect for your wedding and our experienced event team will help and work with you from start to finish. If you would like to book a show-round and see what Tonbridge School can offer or have any further questions, please call or email us.

212 High Street Tonbridge TN9 1JP 01732 304268 www.tonbridge-events.co.uk

Wedding Special

The Spa Hotel

The Spa Hotel is an 18th century mansion set in 14 acres of magnificent grounds which are nestled in the beautiful countryside surrounding the spa town of Tunbridge Wells.

With a range of beautiful ceremony rooms, it is licensed for civil ceremonies, including the option to be married outside at the stunning Spa Temple situated in mature landscaped gardens.

Mr & Mrs O – married at the Spa Hotel, May 2019: “I had never pictured getting married outside, but The Spa Hotel’s gardens and wedding temple completely sold it to us!”

The Spa Hotel team believe that every wedding should be unique, and their inhouse Wedding Team are on hand to help to create the perfect special day – from initially discussing a bride and groom’s ideas and vision, through to making sure the big day runs smoothly from start to finish. Guests are treated to a first-class service, with all the finishing touches that create a wedding to remember!

The Spa Hotel Mount Ephraim Royal Tunbridge Wells Kent TN4 8XJ 01892 520331 events@spahotel.co.uk www.spahotel.co.uk/weddings

Salomons Estate

The Cottage at Salomons boasts a luxury bridal suite with three wedding guest bedrooms. Situated just two minutes’ walk from the main mansion house and recently refurbished, the 17th century Estate Keeper’s Cottage has been designed with you and your guests in mind, from the roll top bath in the bridal bathroom to the romantic private courtyard. Exclusive use for you and your closest friends and family. The Cottage sleeps a maximum of 8 and gives you the perfect space to retreat to before and after your special day.

Broomhill Rd, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 0TG 01892 515152 www.salomons-estate.com

SO Magazine | February 2020 | 49

Wedding Special

The Final Touches…

G. Collins & Sons

Florence Berry Photography

Your wedding day is full of gorgeous moments, most of them planned years in advance. Your photographer will capture them all beautifully, but the in-between moments should never be overlooked.

I’m constantly looking for parts of the day that will help tell your wedding day story through your images. Some of them are obvious – sunsets, first looks and sparklers!

However, some of them are those small details that make up a wedding day: the

Mint DJs

Mint are a team of highly experienced, reliable DJs specialising in weddings and corporate events.

They mix and blend the music chosen by the client to ensure they get exactly the music they want for their big day.

All styles of music are covered from 50s rock ’n’ roll and 60s Motown right through to modern house and hip-hop.

Mint DJs not only supply sound systems and club lighting rigs, they can look after the microphones for speeches, provide selfie mirrors, photo booths and ‘LOVE’ lettering.

50 | February 2020 | SO Magazine

handmade favours, the surprise gifts and the tearful guests. I love catching these parts of the day and they really help to show the energy and happiness in you and your guests.

The whole day goes so quickly and it’s my job to document everything, from the key parts like the ceremony to the thoughtful finishing touches.

07772 891062 www.florenceberry.com visions@florenceberry.com

They have performed at some of the top venues around the world including Ministry of Sound, The Gherkin, and even Wimbledon’s All-England Lawn Tennis Club.

Mint’s DJs have even performed alongside such renowned acts as Pete Tong, Tinie Tempah, Basement Jaxx – and even Chas & Dave!

3 Lanthorne Mews Tunbridge Wells TN1 2DS 07899 973312 www.mintdjs.co.uk

To us at G. Collins & Sons, there are very few occasions in your life more significant and more exciting than asking your partner for their hand in marriage. Getting engaged to your other half is showing that you love, trust and are ready to commit to them.

It is signifying your intent to spend the rest of your lifetime together.

The engagement ring you choose symbolises this milestone in your relationship and it is without doubt one of the most important purchases you will ever make.

For this reason, we at G. Collins & Sons pride ourselves on providing the ultimate level of care, service and quality. We are not looking for a quick sale, we want to get to know our clients

and make sure the perfect ring is found. One which reflects the style and unique personality of the recipient.

When it comes to the jewellery we hold, it is vital that we supply a diverse collection, from timeless classics to contemporary pieces, and just as vital that we have them at every price point. It is also of upmost importance that we find the perfect wedding rings, to accompany your carefully selected engagement ring.

76/78 High St Tunbridge Wells TN1 1YB 01892 534018 www.gcollinsandsons.com

LOVE...

at The Spa

ARE YOU SEARCHING FOR YOUR DREAM WEDDING VENUE? CALL OUR EVENTS TEAM ON 01892 520331 FOR A PRIVATE TOUR OF OUR STUNNING WEDDING SUITES, FACILITIES AND GARDENS, OR VISIT OUR NEXT WEDDING OPEN EVENING: THU 27 FEB OR THU 23 APR

Valentine’s Day FRI 14 TH FEBRUARY

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Gardening

OUTSIDE EDGE

Snowdrop fairs are held across Europe and entice crowds of galanthophiles to search for ever rarer cultivars

See some sensational

snowdrops

Tis the season for the humble snowdrop to take centre stage in the horticultural world. Ahead of some specialist talks at a number of local places of interest Vikki Rimmer pays tribute to this most delicate and sought-after of wild flowers

I

f your garden is a canvas, then come the start of the year it can feel pretty blank, which is why, as the snowdrops begin to bloom in February, gardeners are forgiven for removing a layer and allowing themselves to dream about the beginnings of spring.

The ‘galanthus’ plant – so named after the Greek for milk ‘gala’ and ‘anthos’ flower – has 20 wild species and more than 1,000 cultivars grown all round the world.

These tiny, perfect, white flowers can attract hordes of fans and collectors.

Snowdrop fairs are held across Europe and entice crowds of galanthophiles who emerge from hibernation and come blinking into the late winter sunshine on the search for ever rarer cultivars.

Kent will play host to a number of snowdrop walks and talks as well as two of the biggest snowdrop sales this month: the Snowdrop & Plant Fair at Hole Park in Rolvenden on February 9 and The Snowdrop Sensation at Great Comp Garden on February 19, which is being

organised by Mr Snowdrop himself, Joe Sharman. The owner of Monksilver Nursery, Joe is a well-known name on the snowdrop circuit. He has been responsible for the introduction of some really quirky cultivars including galanthus elwesii ‘Grumpy’, which he discovered in British explorer Sir Vivian Fuch’s Cambridge garden. This distinctive snowdrop appears to show a face with a turned down mouth!

In 2004, Joe was among a number of people who were given a rare variety discovered in E A Bowles’ garden at Myddleton House, near Enfield. He was the only one who managed to propagate the bulb and his fame was sealed within the galanthus world when one of a single bulb sold for £357 – a record sale for snowdrops at the time. That record has since been surpassed with a single bulb selling for £1,500 on ebay in 2015!

As the sums of money prove, galanthomania is big business for some and it also remains highly contagious for others. Well-known garden writer Val Bourne

admits that she was bitten by the galanthus bug some time ago. Forever on the search for new and exotic specimens, Val will travel many miles for a rare snowdrop and she is coming to Kent this month to deepen her quest.

Hever Castle and Gardens have invited Val to launch their Snowdrop Walks and give a talk entitled The Wonderful World of Galanthophilia on Saturday February 8. Like many visitors to the castle this month, Val will get the chance to float across a heavenly cloud of snowdrops on the estate, which boasts in excess of 80,000 galanthus blooms.

Val says that her favourite snowdrops include the following: “Lady Beatrix Stanley, a double that bulks up really well and is really good value, while the Greatorex Doubles with Shakespearian names like ‘Titania’ and ‘Hippolyta’ are strong, tall hybrids with dark-green markings.”

And while for many, the chase is centred on the newest variety, Val is always interested in the most horticulturally worthy. She says: “The pixie-hatted green snowdrops raised from ‘Trym’ are very popular at the moment but we will have to see where 2020 takes us.”

If you’re looking for inspiration for your blank canvas, then why not investigate the wonderful world of galanthophilia and take a snowdrop walk in the county this month.

THE SEARCH FOR SNOWDROPS ■ Hever Castle and Gardens are excited to welcome Val Bourne to the Estate to launch their self-led Snowdrop Walks for February 2020. If you want to find out more about this tiny spring flower then please visit Hever Castle on Saturday February 8 to hear Val’s talk The Wonderful World of Galanthophilia at 1pm. The Castle and Gardens re-open to the public from February 8. The grounds open at 10.30am and the castle at midday. Go to www.hevercastle.co.uk ■ Hole Park Gardens in Rolvenden, Kent will be hosting a Snowdrops & Plant Fair on Sunday February 9 from 11am to 3pm. Entrance is £4 which includes access to the gardens. For more information visit www.plant-fairs.co.uk ■ Great Comp Garden in Platt, near Sevenoaks will host Snowdrop Sensation Sunday on February 19 plus a pre-booked talk by galanthopile Andy Byfield in the Stables Theatre.

Its Snowdrop Sale runs from 10am-12pm and the garden remains open until 4pm. Go to www.greatcompgarden.co.uk

SO Magazine | February 2020 | 53

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HOMES FOR SALE IN KENT AND EAST SUSSEX

1 1 BENENDEN, KENT

A

wonderful family house in the heart of Benenden village, offering light and well-proportioned accommodation within the Cranbrook School Catchment Area.

5 B E D R O O M S | 3 B AT H O O M S | D O U B L E G A R A G E W I T H S T U D I O A B O V E A N D P L A N N I N G P E R M I S S I O N T O E X T E N D M AT U R E G A R D E N S W I T H B E A U T I F U L V I E W S | I N A L L A P P R O X I M AT E L Y 1 . 3 1 A C R E S | E P C C

Guide price £1,450,000 simon.biddulph@knightfrank.com 01892 310285

1 2

2 3

K I N G S AV E N U E , T U N B R I D G E W E L L S

A

Regency style semi-detached house built by Berkeley Homes and set within a prestigious gated development in the centre of Tunbridge Wells.

5 B E D R O O M S | 3 B AT H R O O M S | C I N E M A R O O M | L A N D S C A P E D G A R D E N | G A R A G E M A I N L I N E S TAT I O N A P P R O X I M AT E L Y 0 . 6 M I L E S | E P C B

Guide price £1,195,000 ross.davies@knightfrank.com 01892 310285

knightfrank.co.uk

HOMES FOR SALE IN KENT AND EAST SUSSEX

1

2

1

3

U P P E R C U M B E R L A N D WA L K , T U N B R I D G E W E L L S

A

striking detached Arts and Crafts house in one of the most sought-after positions in the town, just off Warwick Park and approximately 0.8 of a mile from the station.

4 B E D R O O M S | 2 B AT H R O O M S | D R I V E WAY | D E TA C H E D G A R A G E | S E C L U D E D R E A R G A R D E N A P P R O X I M AT E L Y 3 A C R E S O F C O L L E C T I V E L Y O W N E D W O O D L A N D | E P C E

Guide price ÂŁ1,950,000 ross.davies@knightfrank.com 01892 310285

1 2

2 3

F R A N T R OA D, T U N B R I D G E W E L L S

A

n impressive and stylishly presented detached family house located on the south side of Tunbridge Wells, approximately 1 mile from the station.

8 B E D R O O M S | 4 B AT H R O O M S | L A N D S C A P E D G A R D E N | A M P L E P A R K I N G A N D D O U B L E G A R A G E | E P C D

Guide price ÂŁ1,900,000 ross.davies@knightfrank.com 01892 310285

knightfrank.co.uk

hamptons.co.uk

SALE AGREED Langton Green | £1,050,000 Occupying a superb tucked away position, this attractive five bedroom detached property has been improved and extended to create an ideal family home, finished to a very high standard throughout. EPC: C

Tunbridge Wells | £995,000 A detached family house with a variety of reception rooms, good established gardens, situated along a highly regarded road less than a mile from the town centre and close to several excellent schools. EPC: D

Langton Green | £995,000 A spacious detached house situated in an exclusive development of just four properties in a semi-rural position on the edge of this village with spacious and well-arranged accommodation and tennis court. EPC: D

Crowborough | £995,000 An impressive detached house situated along a sought-after road within the popular ‘Warren Area’ with spacious and versatile accommodation and established south facing gardens. EPC: E

SALE AGREED Crowborough | £895,000 A substantial attached character house with charming garden to the rear with far reaching views. The interior of over 4433 sq. ft. is exceptionally spacious and therefore very flexible. EPC: D Tunbridge Wells Office Sales. 01892 640374 | tunbridgewells@hamptons-int.com

High Hurstwood | £439,000 A stunning three bedroom spacious apartment taking up the whole of the top floor of a fine Queen Anne house. Situated within this small village with a primary school, church, public house and village hall. EPC: E

hamptons.co.uk

Speldhurst | £1,535,000 This is an outstanding, detached and substantial village house right in the heart of Speldhurst with views to St. Mary’s Church. Built around 1905 this beautiful property still retains its character features, offering excellent family accommodation set in gardens of about ½ acre. EPC: F

Wadhurst | £999,950 Occupying an enviable position with beautiful views across rolling countryside to Bewl Water and beyond this exceptional five bedroom detached brand new house forms part of an exclusive new development by Rydon Homes, situated less than 650m from the centre of the village.

Tunbridge Wells Office Sales. 01892 597607 | tunbridgewells@hamptons-int.com

Outside Edge

Gardening

mythology, it is said that rose bushes grew from the ground through Aphrodite’s tears and the blood of her lover, Adonis.

The Romans, who turned Aphrodite into their goddess Venus, kept the rose as her symbol of love and beauty. So when Valentine’s Day became the mainstream event we know today, the rose was an obvious choice for the most fitting gift. But why just allow February 14 be the one day of the year that roses take centre stage?!

If you choose a rose bush to gift to your Valentine this will bring many days of exquisite, often highly scented flowers through the summer months.

February is a good month to plant new red roses, so long as the ground isn’t frozen. Bare-root rose bushes from specialists will arrive without leaves but these fresh plants will soon shoot into growth in early spring after being planted in February.

Here are a few of my favourite red roses for you to consider for a loved one – or indeed yourself this February 14: Deep Secret The most deliciously scented, deep-red rose, with soft and velvety petals. Buds are a dramatic black and are perfectly shaped before the blooms fully open. The gorgeous flowers are surrounded by attractive purple leaves.

Peter Beales www.classicroses.co.uk Thinking of You Flowers in a delightful crimson red that oozes romance and charm and has a delicious fruity perfume. A healthy, free-flowering rose that produces tall stems that are good for cutting. www.davidaustinroses.co.uk Darcey Bussell Deep red rosette-style flowers that are both wonderfully old-fashioned and hopelessly romantic.

This variety has a strong scent and bears masses of flowers each summer. Also very healthy. www.davidaustinroses.co.uk

Coming up

roses

Victoria Truman Garden Designer

Roses are a classic offering for Valentine’s Day so our gardening guru Victoria Truman suggests a few varieties for you to offer – or keep for yourself – and now’s a good time to plant them

T

he history of Valentine’s Day, legend says, originated during the third century in Rome. During this time, Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers, so he outlawed marriage for young men. A young priest named Valentine was furious with this injustice and so defied Claudius by continuing to perform marriages for young lovers in secret.

Claudius eventually discovered Valentine’s actions and sentenced him to death. During his time in jail, Valentine fell in love with his jailer’s daughter, who visited him in prison. Before he was put to death, Valentine sent a letter to the girl and signed it, “From Your Valentine” – an expression we still use today.

Valentine was executed on February 14, 270 AD. Later, around 496 AD, Pope Gelasius declared

60 | February 2020 | SO Magazine

February 14 a day to honour Valentine, who by that time had become a saint.

The tradition of giving Valentine’s Day flowers dates back to the late 17th century, during the reign of King Charles II of Sweden. During a trip to Persia, Charles was exposed to a new art – the language of flowers. This expressionist art focused on one’s ability to communicate using flowers without uttering any words at all. The fad boomed across Europe, with lists of flowers and their meanings widely distributed. In the language of flowers the red rose, as you may have guessed, translated to deep love.

The rose took on this meaning because of its affiliation with Aphrodite, the goddess of love. In Greek

Velvet Fragrance Large, classic-shaped blooms with many petals, like the ones you see in the florist only with a superb, seductive scent too. A strong and vigorous grower. www.davidaustinroses.co.uk The Times This is a superb red rose for the garden if you want to grows lots of rose bushes together to make a big display. It produces its velvety, scarlet red flowers in large clusters and has shiny, almost purple foliage. www.jasoningram.co.uk Precious Time One of the darkest and most dramatic red roses, the outer petals showing deep-red and black colouring.

The beautifully shaped blooms start off burgundy coloured in bud. www.styleroses.co.uk

Outside Edge

TIPS FOR FEBRUARY IN THE GARDEN: Use February to get yourself properly prepared for springtime. The following jobs will set you up for your best growing season yet:

3. Check your tools are sound and your garden machinery is working. Give your equipment the once over and apply a little TLC to anything that needs it

1. Prepare your seed beds. As long as the ground isn’t frozen, you can cultivate beds and start to warm up the soil, with fleece, polythene or cloches, in preparation for sowing in the coming months

4. Blitz perennial weeds in your beds and kitchen garden. Dig them up, roots and all, to get a head start on the blighters before the weather warms up

2. Organise this year’s seeds by sowing date.

Get hold of a box with dividers, and file your seed packets by the month they need to be sown in. You’ll be so glad of this effort in the weeks to come

5. Cut back shrubs, such as cornus and salix cultivars (grown for their colourful winter stems), down to their bases 6. Prune summer-flowering clematis towards the end of the month, before active growth begins. For advice on the best way to do it, check a clematis pruning guide 7. Cut back the old foliage from ornamental grasses before growth begins. Clip them to within a few centimetres of the ground 8. Prune overwintered fuchsias back to one or two buds on each shoot. Prune winterflowering jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) after flowering, to encourage new growth for next year’s blooms. Cut back the previous year’s growth to 5cm from the old wood 9. Prune winter-flowering shrubs such as mahonia and viburnum x bodnantense once their colourful display has finished

10. Move any deciduous trees or shrubs that need repositioning now, provided the soil is not frozen or waterlogged 11. Look out for hellebore leaf spot (rounded brown spots on the leaves) and remove any leaves that are affected 12. Order flower bulbs for summer colour, such as lily-of-the-valley and gladioli, in preparation for spring planting 13. Choose fruit trees now for planting in early spring. If space is limited in your garden, try growing dwarf fruit trees or edging vegetable plots with stepover apple and pear trees www.victoriatruman.com

SO Magazine | February 2020 | 61

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62 | February 2020 | SO Magazine

interiors

SWEET DREAMS

are made of this...

Show your bedroom some tender loving care this Valentine’s Day says Eileen Leahy

I

f your slumbering space is more of a dumping ground or makeshift laundry than a relaxing and serene space, it’s time to introduce some changes. And what better time to do it than Valentine’s?

You needn’t spend a fortune on a complete transformation.

Simply by ‘dressing’ your bed with chic cushions, using smart linen and using a few low-level lamps to give instant ambience you’ll be on your way to a more comfortable and cosy room.

If, however, you decide that a big overhaul is required then remember to choose a colour scheme that will be restful and make the most of your space. Big, brash, bold colours will not send you off to the land of nod that easily so instead go for soft pastel or natural tones, which can be harmonised by a richer accent tone courtesy of your soft furnishings such as a throw or lamp shade colour.

If replacing your flooring isn’t an option right now then don’t underestimate the transformative powers of a good rug. Whether you go for a couple of classic sheepskins, which is a simple way to introduce a touch of luxury, or decide on a monochrome printed style such as the hugely popular Rabisco Berber, currently on sale

at La Redoute, it will help provide that essential and soothing underfoot experience while you pad about barefoot.

The bed is the natural focal point of your snoozing space so make it look as inviting as possible. A new headboard will instantly smarten it up and there are now so many styles out there to choose from, including traditional button back or more contemporary ideas like reclaimed wood and vintage filigree iron.

Adorning your bed with lovely linen couldn’t be easier and there are plenty of places to source it, from The White Company’s understated elegance to Designer’s Guild floral affairs.

There are lots of affordable ranges out there too, from retailers such as Matalan, Wilko, Dunelm and Primark, while in the mid-range market you have Next (main picture), John Lewis, Marks and Spencer and Laura Ashley. All of them have really impressive collections of linen, scatter

Images courtesy of NEXT

Simply by “dressing” your bed and using a few low-level lamps to give instant ambience you’ll be on your way to a more comfortable and cosy room

cushions and throws to suit your personal taste.

You could also try gaining inspiration from the brilliant Zara Home and House of Fraser. You never know, a patterned cushion or luxury blanket might be just the thing to kickstart how your room eventually evolves in terms of colour or theme.

Put some thought into your walls by artfully displaying sentimental photos or art prints.

Have a look at websites such as King & McGaw, Not on the Highstreet and Desenio to get you started. Or have a wander around your local charity stores as you’ll often hunt out an aesthetic gem there.

Good storage is essential for

stowing all your everyday practical items and clothing so have a look at what will suit your space. It could be anything from drawers under a divan bed or stacking boxes if space is a challenge, to a large, attractive armoire if you have the room to create a stylish storage statement.

Whatever style you opt for, remember that the key to making your room look and feel warm and inviting is to ensure it has had lots of tender loving care lavished upon it. A well thought-out colour scheme, plenty of tactile fabrics, mood enhancing lighting, fresh flowers and candles will all help to strike the perfect stylish note – and hopefully guarantee a great night’s sleep, every night.

SO Magazine | February 2020 | 63

Interiors

r u o y e r o l Exp wild side This springtime it’s time to go bold, says Eileen Leahy. From powerful patterned fabrics to high octane paint colours and statement accessories it’s easy to give your home an injection of colourful character fabulousness courtesy of a strong paint colour – or two – a smattering of ‘look at me’ accessories and some interesting illumination. Here’s how to in six easy steps...

Image courtesy of JOHN LEWIS

I

f you’re a fan of pared back chic and neutral palettes then stop reading this now as this particular piece is all about giving your space a little bit of a va va voom

1. PLANT LIFE Any fabulous foliage – faux or real - will instantly create aesthetic interest. Place this banana leaf duo on a shelf or mantelpiece for instant impact, Banana leaf in vase, £6, Wilko, www.wilko.com

5 2

2. BLUES FOR YOU Introduce a pattern courtesy of a throw like this which can be slung over an occasional chair or tucked into a sofa for an easy transformation, Tie Dye throw, £25, JD Williams, www.jdwilliams.co.uk 3. LIGHTEN UP Good lighting is key to striking an inviting ambience but it also has to look good. We love this golden wonder which will transform any ceiling light from drab to fab, Martinique ceiling light, £40, Very, www.very.co.uk 4. IN THE PINK An easy way to give focal character is to put down a rug. This one ticks the current trends of tribalism and clashing colours – it’s also super soft underfoot, The Waves Peruvian rug, £145, Maison Margot, www.maisonmargot.com

1

3

4

5. PRINTS CHARMING Another easy home hack is to invest in some interesting artwork. The high octane vibe demands something like these colourful Frida Kahlo style prints which will liven up a blank wall quicker than you can say ‘Mexico’, set of framed prints, £199, Audenza, www.audenza.com

SO Magazine | February 2020 | 65

HYPNOTHERAPY

WHAT’S L VE

GOT TO DO WITH IT? even when these things are obvious to others.

So it can be a big surprise when, say, a couple years (or sooner) down the line – perhaps with a baby on the way – we discover that we may not be as made for each other as we thought.

Hypnotherapist Karen Martin runs a busy practice at Salomons helping adults, children and teens change their lives for the better. In her regular column for SO she addresses topical issues affecting all of us in family life and the workplace.

This month she focuses on romance, dating – and validating Valentine’s Day

O

verpriced cellophane- WHERE IS THE LOVE? Valentine’s Day at its best is a wrapped unscented celebration of that fleeting time of roses that droop passion and excitement in the before they open, heady early days of a relationship. gooey heart-shaped Across the world there will be rings calorie laden puddings and cheap artfully hidden for the surprise jewellery flogged in the backs of reveal, cameras set up for that Sunday supplements that would spontaneous YouTube make Gerald Ratner blush proposal with an with shame. All this all-singing, and more is ours at all-dancing an inflated price This idealisation flash mob, in the of love is at least in part restaurants celebration of true love. the cause of widespread rammed with couples Whether disappointment in the declaring we buy undying into the institution of marriage love over commercial and any partnership mediocre juggernaut dinners and that is which we thought would cheap prosecco, Valentine’s Day schoolchildren or not, it is a last for life swooning over tradition upheld by messages and cards the power of soppy, from secret admirers. sentimental, unrealistic What’s all this got to do with expectations of our relationships. love? When the roses have wilted This idealisation of love is at least in and the indigestion has died down part the cause of widespread and you’re waking up to yet disappointment in the institution of marriage and any partnership which another humdrum day on February 15, where is the love? we thought would last for life.

Our culture seems to be obsessed with the juvenile kind of romantic love which rarely leads to healthy relationships. This unrealistic perception is based on medieval chivalric mythology which made heroes of men and distressed damsels of women at a time when life was brutal and short and such tales were a distraction from the misery. A fairytale fantasy or crush is harmless enough as long as it’s recognised as such and not taken too seriously.

Despite all the grand gestures, almost half of marriages end in divorce and that may be due, at least in part, to unrealistic expectations.

INSTANT LOVE With technology giving us instant access to potential partners, for some, sex has been relegated to being a meaningless, unromantic leisure pursuit without any strings attached. That said, relationships can move very quickly from being casual to committed. This can create all kinds of problems which are not obvious in the first flush of romance. During the first couple

of years of spending time with a new partner, we tend to only reveal the aspects of ourselves that we like and do our best to hide our less attractive characteristics. And, at the same time, we edit any information which may put us off the new love of our lives. When the passion is running high, we don’t even notice when we’re deluding ourselves or denying problems,

LOVE OR INFATUATION? Then there’s the other pitfall of this rush into romance. The early state of heightened, sometimes obsessive desire is called ‘limerence’ and can last typically from 18 months to three years. Online dating sites and apps provide the perfect opportunity for ‘love addicts’ to feed their desire for the thrill of infatuation. They get their fix then move on before being ‘caught’ by commitment, leaving a trail of heartbreak behind.

I wonder why the ‘rules’ of dating are so different from the way we form friendships? Even if we meet a new friend and hit it off straight away, we don’t expect them to text constantly, be available frequently or on demand and to give us priority over others. That would be weird. So why is that what so many people expect from new lovers? And why do we leap into bed with people we hardly know when we wouldn’t dream of sharing a toothbrush with a friend, or anyone else for that matter?

TRUE LOVE My definition of true love is an emotional intimacy which matures and deepens with the passing years. Physical intimacy is only part of that bond. So little attention is paid to the emotional component of intimacy between couples. It can be achieved through random combinations of chance, opportunity, self-awareness, selflessness and shared commitment to maintaining a healthy relationship.

Here are a few tips to maintain a healthy, loving and potentially lifelong relationship: ■ Learn from problems and conflict. Our brains are hardwired to focus on the negatives so we can find solutions and solve problems (instead of criticising or blaming) ■ Suspend judgement by reminding yourself that you’re not perfect either; then it’s easier to make allowances for your partner’s flaws ■ Keep reminding yourself of the good things in your relationship each time some of the not so great stuff springs to mind ■ Arguments can be resolved if you look at them from the perspective of a referee giving impartial, unbiased advice.

Emotionally stepping away from the fight stops it escalating and makes compromise possible

SO Magazine | February 2020 | 67

Travel

TRAVEL

Feel on top of the world this winter WHY WE’RE BOWLED OVER BY BOSNIA

Lauren Taylor combines a history-filled city break with some mountain air

T

slopes in Jahorina, it’s obvious these here’s something mountains aren’t comparable to the unmistakably eerie about sheer scale and piste variety of the Swiss walking down the or French Alps – and admittedly abandoned bobsleigh track advanced skiers might lose interest from the 1984 Winter quickly here.

Olympics, each sweeping turn is now But the 45km of skiing territory at covered in brightly coloured graffiti.

Weaving through the dense forest high Jahorina provides a fascinating – and cheap – alternative to on Mount Trebevic, the track Western Europe’s famously is a stark reminder that pricey resorts. After all, it’s Sarajevo in what was then A ski not unheard of for ski Yugoslavia, now the capital of holiday in holidays to the Alps to Bosnia and Herzegovina, hosted the games eight years Bosnia costs a exceed thousands of pounds before you’ve so before a war that left the city third of what much as ordered your first under siege for four horrific years in the Nineties. it would in the 9 mulled wine.

Some of the venues from In truth, the early likes of the games – where Jane December snow is patchy, Torvill and Christopher so your best bet for more Chamonix Dean took gold on the ice reliable powder is January or Tignes rink – are intact. The ski and February. “There jump remains in nearby hasn’t been a bad winter Igman, and the Olympic rings still stand [for snow] in the last five years,” says proudly in Jahorina, where the women’s Graeme Higgs of Ski Sarajevo, the only downhill race took place.

British company offering package ski Just a 45-minute drive (34km) from holidays here. The amount of Brits Sarajevo, today it’s a flourishing ski you’ll find here is minimal, though – resort – the only one in the world with a only 8,000 to 10,000 visited last year, capital city so close by. Taking to the and that was mostly in the summer.

In September, FlyBosnia launched the first direct flights in years from the UK (London Luton, two hours) to Sarajevo airport, 15 minutes from the city. It means the destination is more accessible than ever, and if my empty outbound flight is anything to go by, ski fans are yet to cotton on.

I can’t say I’ve ever felt ‘off the beaten path’ on a ski trip before; although the residents are warm and welcoming, they are curious about why we’re here, and I hear only the local languages on the slopes and in the on-piste bar, where we clink £1.20 beers and the malty Bosnian cola, Cockta, under blue skies in the sunshine.

Graeme estimates a ski holiday here costs a third of what it would in the likes of Chamonix or Tignes. A six-day lift pass is £104, or £22.50 for a day, and food, drink and accommodation are also a fraction of the price. Plans for the future include a new cable car and potentially connecting several ski areas with the same lift pass. Factor in the promise of safer skiing – there’s less avalanche risk because of the relatively small peaks of around 2,000m, few sheer faces and a lot of tree cover to SO Magazine | FEBRUARY 2020 | 69

Travel

TRAVEL

Section

protect against any that might occur – and Bosnia & Herzegovina quickly becomes very appealing.

Snow Business

Dismounting the chair lift on a red-blue run, I see a rebuilt radar station said to have been bombed by Nato, triggering the signing of the Dayton agreement and the end of the civil war. It’s impossible to forget that it was from the mountains that Bosnian-Serb nationalist forces tried to take Sarajevo, surrounding the city almost entirely from 1992 to 1995, following the declaration of independence and fall of communism in former Yugoslavia.

Twenty-four years on, Bosnians, Bosnian-Serbs and Bosnian-Croats are living in harmony but the atrocities, which killed an estimated 110,000 people, including 8,000 Muslim men and boys in the Srebrenica genocide (for which war criminals are still being tried in The Hague) are in living memory for everyone I meet.

“I was seven when the war broke out,” Skender Hatibovic, a guide for Sarajevo Funky Tours, says. “My family and I mostly lived in my grandmother’s basement. Our house was hit several times.”

Many civilians were killed by bombs – there were around 330 a day, he says – and snipers, while simply attempting to find food or water for their families, or go to work. Skender remembers his father making many runs for supplies

Twenty-four years on, Bosnians, Bosnian-Serbs and Bosnian-Croats are living in harmony and medicine for his sick brother, and being unable to go to school for eight months.” You cannot really say you survived intact.”

We drive along the long, wide street known as ‘Sniper Alley’ during the siege, the most dangerous road to cross as a citizen during the war. Today it’s home to a huge shopping centre, but bullet holes are visible in some of the buildings, just as shells remain in some of the mountains. “Everyone in Sarajevo has had close encounters with death,” says Skender, matter-of-factly.

Many excellent museums commemorate the victims. War Childhood Museum – which won the Council of Europe Museum Prize in 2018 under the European Museum of the Year scheme – shares stories and possessions of people who were children during that time.

All white now

I step down into part of the 800-metre tunnel that was built in 1993 under the United Nations-protected airport, its metal structure and low ceiling still intact. “It saved us,” Skender explains.

Until the conflict ended in 1995, it was a lifeline for food, supplies and weapons for the Bosnian army, many of whom were ordinary civilians before the war broke out.

70 | FEBRUARY 2020 | SO Magazine

Today, Sarajevo is a city of two stark halves; there’s literally a line between the old Turkish town of Ottoman-style bazaars, where silver trinkets, traditional coffee sets and hand-stitched textiles spill onto the pedestrianised streets, and a district of AustrianHungarian architecture, with business blocks and modern shopping malls. But it makes sense in a Balkan country where East meets West, where there are as many mosques as churches, and a mix of ethnic groups.

Where I’m staying, Hotel Europe, is close to this divide – and down the road from where Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian empire, was

assassinated, an event which is said to have triggered the start of World War I. I wander through the old town eating 60p burek (meat in tubes of filo), £1 cevapi (beef sausage in flatbread) and rahat lokum (Turkish delight) before stopping for a traditional coffee (extra strong, no milk) at Nafaka.

Every now and again, red paint splatters mark the ground where a massacre happened – a sobering reminder of how much people here have been through. It’s all part of what makes Sarajevo so distinct, and likely to leave its mark on you. It makes for a far more meaningful ski break than usual, that’s for sure.

How to get there Ski Sarajevo (ski-sarajevo.com; +44 (0)20 3290 3209) offers a three-night package (one night in Sarajevo at Hotel Europe and two nights on Mount Jahorina at Hotel Termag), Saturday to Tuesday, from £299pp (two sharing) including lift passes and transfers.

Half-day Sarajevo Total Siege Tour (sarajevofunkytours.com) from £14.50.

FlyBosnia (flybosnia.ba) offers return fares from Luton to Sarajevo from £195 per person return.

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SO Magazine | February 2020 | 71

Road Test

MOTORS

TOP

GEAR

This month SO magazine meets Anthony Hansford, the owner of classic car specialists H Engineering, to find out how he put the wheels in motion on his successful vintage motors business

A There is a very large vintage car market in Tunbridge Wells, and indeed all over the world, and we attract customers from everywhere

nthony Hansford established H Engineering back in 1985 while he was still a professional speedway racer.

He’d always wanted to race, and realised that dream when his uncle kindly lent him the money for his first bike. But bikes weren’t Anthony’s only passion: he also harboured an interest in classic and vintage cars, which began when Anthony attended a Formula One race meeting at Brands Hatch back in the 1980s.

His passion soon became a reality when he started restoring vehicles himself. His first was a 1934 Austin 7 Ruby which he restored aged 22. From then on Anthony became very involved in bringing many vintage cars back to life and so H Engineering was born 35 years ago.

The business, which is based in Horsmonden, has since greatly expanded, and now includes a purposebuilt facility which enables H Engineering to work on an array of vehicles.

“We have exceptional in-house capabilities to produce replacement parts and components that have been rendered obsolete,” explains Anthony, who has carried out work for a host of motor racing legends including the late James Hunt.

“There is a very large vintage car market in Tunbridge Wells, and indeed all over the world, and we attract customers from everywhere. Classic cars hold so many memories for their owners, and consume so much

character. For most people, just looking at a classic car makes them smile.”

He goes on to say that the classic car market is currently experiencing ‘high activity’, making buying one a great investment, which is always increasing over time. “Not only will you get to experience the joy of classic car ownership but you could make money while you do it. Owning a classic could prove to be a sound investment with the value actually increasing as it ages.

And why should car lovers invest in a vintage model as opposed to buying a brand new one? “Modern cars typically lose thousands as soon as you drive them off the forecourt. And a classic car is also an excellent way of turning heads – it’s a great conversation starter, especially with other people who share a fondness for classic motorcars.”

But Anthony warns that if you are looking to make a big period car purchase then it’s always best to take a specialist with you: “It will save you money in the long run.

They will know exactly what to look out for, which will help you to understand MOTORHEAD Anthony Hansford

whether it will be a good investment or not.”

During his time running H Engineering Anthony has, on the odd occasion, been able to still keep his love of racing in gear.

“I had the privilege to race a few historic vehicles, from a 1934 Ex Brooklands Singer Le Mans Streamliner to Jos Verstappen’s A21 Arrows.”

From 2000 to 2010 he restored and raced ex-Formula One cars, which had always been a dream for him. “This led to racing, preparing and running clients’ classic race cars and meant that we were able to attend many famous tracks in the UK and Europe, including the Goodwood Hill Climb which is a very popular event in the UK. “One of our clients was lucky enough to race at the hill climb in his BMW E21, which H Engineering restored and looked after at the track.

It also led to me racing a client’s car, a 1959 Rochdale GT, at the famous Goodwood Revival and Members Meeting. Those are wonderful events which totally transform you back in time!”

PUTTING THE PEDAL TO THE VINTAGE METAL

“We are here to undertake every aspect of your classic car restoration project – inside and out – specialising in the turn of the [20th] century cars right up to models from the early ’90s.

“We have a highly skilled team who are able to meet the challenges which arise while restoring vintage vehicles.

“As well as classics, H Engineering are able to service, MOT and maintain modern cars, since a lot of our clients have newer cars too.”

H Engineering invite customers to visit their premises in Horsmonden, where restoration projects are continually in progress, as they believe the best way to build an understanding of the work that they do is to see it for yourself.

“We always make time available to show our customers how we will eventually perform work on their own vehicles.”

If you would like to find out more about our classic car restoration services, call us on 01892 549042 to discuss your requirements in detail SO Magazine | February 2020 | 73

First Drive

Section MOTORS

THE PORSCHE 718 BOXSTER T Porsche has pared back its 718 Boxster model and fitted some driver-focused upgrades - but is this recipe a winner? Darren Cassey finds out WHAT IS IT? The 718 Boxster T is a pared-back driver-focused version of Porsche’s convertible sports car. The T stands for Touring, and first made its return to the German firm’s range on 2018’s 911 Carrera T, expanding the enticing recipe of stripping back fripperies in favour of some cherry-picked dynamic options.

Although the Boxster has more of an image as the poser’s choice compared with its 718 Cayman cousin, it’s always been an utter gem to drive. So, these enhancements give an already-excellent base an extra sprinkling of genius - with the Boxster now closer to the Cayman than ever, could this convertible be the do-it-all pick of the 718 bunch?

The T stands for Touring, and first made its return to the German firm’s range on 2018’s 911 Carrera T

WHAT’S NEW? To be frank, not a whole lot, with the T representing something of an option box greatest hits album for keen drivers.

The Touring package takes an entrylevel Boxster, removes a few luxuries in the name of weight-saving, then loads up on performance-focused equipment.

The radio and infotainment system, for example, isn’t included as standard - but it’s free to add back in so anyone using their Boxster T with any sort of regularity should do so. The novelty of silence on a long road trip will likely wear off quickly. Then there are the interior door handles that have been replaced with fabric loops, a weightsaving likely written off should you eat a sandwich before driving.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET? Performance comes from the same 2.0-litre flat-four-cylinder engine found in the base Boxster, outputting 296bhp and 380Nm of torque, with a 171mph top speed and 0-60mph time of less

74 | February 2020 | SO Magazine

than five seconds.

In the standard Boxster, the engine can feel rather gruff for what is supposed to be a smooth and elegant sports car - enthusiasts lament the loss of the previous generation’s silky smooth six-cylinder unit, which had the refinement you’d expect of such a car.

However, here, with a focus on performance, its brawny sound and aggressive charge through the revs feels more at home.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? The first thing you’ll notice as you nestle into the small cabin is there are three pedals and a curious stick by your left hand. Yes, Porsche is sticking to its guns to cater to enthusiasts who want to feel more at one with their motor - and boy, is this one of the best manuals out there!

The shift action is a joy to use and the clutch pedal is perfectly weighted, so you quickly gel with the car and feel like you can get the most out of the sublime chassis. It doesn’t feel ludicrously fast, but when the suspension soaks up all but the worst road imperfections and the steering is sharp and responsive to inputs, it’s hard to find fault.

Naturally, it’s not perfect, and the main criticism is one that’s been levied at these models before. The gear ratios are too long, and while that makes sense on the Cayman because buyers often use them on track, here it’s just frustrating because you can achieve license-losing speeds at the top of second gear. You therefore rarely get to use that glorious shifter during spirited driving, as most roads can be dealt with in third.

HOW DOES IT LOOK? There’s a real elegance to Porsche’s 718 models, with a sense that there’s no

unnecessary bodywork, just svelte lines draped over the essentials. With models from all manufacturers facing criticisms for fattening up to meet safety regulations, the Boxster has retained its pretty proportions.

T models do get a few standout features, such as 20-inch alloy wheels in titanium grey, door decals displaying the model name, and black, chrome-plated twin tailpipes that are mounted centrally.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE? The Boxster might be small inside but it doesn’t feel too cramped. Sure, those used to larger models might find it a little claustrophobic at first, but once you’re settled in everything falls to hand easily - ergonomics is a Porsche speciality.

Don’t expect to find a fussy, buttonfestooned interior either - there are a few buttons for driver aids and the like, climate controls, and the infotainment system if you’ve put it back in, but otherwise, there’s a real simplicity to the cabin. Coupled with some excellent materials and it feels like it leans towards deliberate minimalism rather than simply being spartan.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE? The focus on equipment here relates to performance, with a plethora of upgrades making the Boxster T feel like pretty good value, considering it would cost a few grand more to specify them separately.

The Boxster T gets the Sport Chrono Package, which adds drive modes and other performance improvements, a sport chassis that lowers the car by 20mm, a torque vectoring system with

a limited-slip differential, and 20-inch alloy wheels instead of 18-inch units.

VERDICT If you’re under the impression that convertible sports cars are for posing and fixed-roof coupes are for serious drivers, the Porsche 718 Boxster T is here to shatter those preconceptions.

Sharing a platform with the Cayman certainly helps, but there’s absolutely no slack or compromise over its relation.

If you’re looking for a drop-top that’s seriously capable on a blast across the countryside the Boxster T should be the first car on your shopping list.

FACTS AT A GLANCE Model as tested: Porsche Boxster T Price: £53,916 Engine: 2.0-litre flat-four-cylinder Power: 296bhp Torque: 380Nm Max speed: 171mph 0-60mph: 4.9sec

MPG: 34.5 - 35.8 Emissions: 187 - 181g/km