Read the SO Magazine March 2020

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BUSINESS

Material gains We meet the founder of eco fabric company Haines Collection

LIFESTYLE

Glorious food Don’t miss our delicious new Good Grub Guide for 2020

OUT & ABOUT

Let’s go outside We discover the best local walks that are perfect for families

GIRL ABOUT TOWN

JESS GIBSON ON HER PLANS TO MAKE TUNBRIDGE WELLS A GREAT SHOPPING DESTINATION AGAIN

March 2020



WELCOME

Editor’s LETTER Raise a toast

LIFE & STYLE

Sisters doing it for themselves

Meet the siblings behind the hugely influential networking brand Mum’s The Word

TRAVEL

BUSINESS

Squeeze in time to visit Seville this spring

Don’t miss Anton du Beke at the Times Business Awards 2019

When in Spain

LIFE & STYLE

Star turn

GARDENS

She’s in fashion

FITNESS

Flower power

Meet the women responsible for making Tunbridge Wells so stylish

Shaping up nicely

How to get the Chelsea look in your garden

SPN fitness studio celebrates its first birthday

THE KENTISH HARE’S

JAMES TANNER DISHES UP THE DETAILS ON 20 YEARS AT THE TOP

CULTURE

Arresting drama

Trinity brings ‘Terror’ to a secret location in Tunbridge Wells

CELEBRITY

FOOD & DRINK

By royal appointment

Recipes for success

West End star Lee Mead brings his one-man show to Hever Castle

Discover new eaterie Estro and the people behind Pipehouse gin

LIFESTYLE

Pub in the Park

Chef Tom Kerridge on why he’s so excited to be returning to Dunorlan Park

PROFILE

Best in the business

Inspiring female entrepreneurs reveal their secrets of success

THE WANDERING HEARTS

RAISING THE BAR MAY 2019

PERSONALITY

Experience a Vine time

Jeremy Vine talks exclusively to SO ahead of his show at Hever Castle

FOOD & DRINK

Celebrating local heroes

Masterchef’s Marcus Wareing on his favourite places to frequent in Tunbridge Wells

TRAVEL

CELEBRITY

Blue sky thinking

FOOD & DRINK

Musical maestro

Take a trip to northern Portugal’s pretty coastal resort of Cascais

Violinist Nicola Benedetti shares her supreme talent with local young people

Taste the difference

JUNE 2019

WEDDING SPECIAL

Talented chef Scott Goss reveals the secret ingredients to his new restaurant’s success

Bridal path to perfection

WHY ENTREPRENEURS KATE SIM AND HANNA SORRELL LOVE LIFE IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS

FOOD & DRINK

ARTS & CULTURE

Experience the culinary delights of Chapter One

Why illustrator Elaine Gill’s work is being put on the map

A taste of fine dining

We have all you need to know for planning a stylish and successful wedding

DYNAMIC DOUBLE ACT

Art lessons

MEET THE DYNAMIC DUO WHO’VE MADE THE COMMON ROOMS IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS ONE OF THE HIPPEST PLACES TO HANG OUT

EVENTS

LIFESTYLE:

With strings attached

Christmas presence

Don’t miss our luxury seasonal gift guide with all the present ideas you need

Tunbridge Wells welcomes its third puppetry festival

BUSINESS:

Fine time for wine

Uncorking the key secrets to The Wine Rooms’ success

JuLY 2019

CELEBRITY:

Seriously funny

Sir Lenny Henry is coming to Tunbridge Wells with his new one-man show

HIS DARK MATERIALS

STYLE ICON

WE MEET THE SHAKESPEARE PROJECT’S PETER BASHAM AHEAD OF HIS PERFORMANCE AS MACBETH AT SALOMONS THEATRE

WE MEET THE TALENTED JEWELLERY DESIGNER CATHERINE DE CRÈVECOEUR

TWO’S COMPANY WE TALK TO THE COUPLE WHO GAVE UP COMMUTING AND THEIR CAREERS TO CREATE THEIR OWN INTERIORS BUSINESS

AuguST 2019

BUSINESS

The look of luxe

We meet the husband and wife team behind luxury brand Sleepy Wilson

FOOD

Finest ingredients

Experience gourmet dining at Thackeray’s restaurant in Tunbridge Wells

SEPTEmBER 2019

LIFESTYLE

CULTURE

House beautiful

BUSINESS

More than words

How to ensure your home sparkles for the festive season with our top decorating tips

Inspiring TED Talks return to Tunbridge Wells

Just the job

Top tips on getting your CV noticed

2020 VISION

ALL FIRED UP FOR CHRISTMAS

OCTObER 2019

LIFESTYLE

CULTURE

New year, new home

More than words

We meet local children’s author Mat Waugh

Expert advice on how to transform your living space

FOOD & DRINK

That’s the spirit!

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

NOVEMBER 2019

LIFESTYLE

BUSINESS

Bridal path to success

Material gains We meet the founder of eco fabric company Haines Collection

Everything you need for your dream wedding

LIFESTYLE

Glorious food Don’t miss our delicious new Good Grub Guide for 2020

OUT & ABOUT

Let’s go outside We discover the best local walks that are perfect for families

FLOWER POWER

MEET TOM BURGESS, A LOCAL PERSONAL TRAINER WHO’LL GET YOU FIT – FOR LIFE

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

LOCAL FOOD GURU MANDY MILLER SIMMONDS SHARES HER INSPIRING STORY AND DELICIOUS RECIPES FOR SEASONAL SUCCESS…

GIRL ABOUT TOWN DEcEmBEr 2019

JaNUaRY 2020

FEbRUaRY 2020

JESS GIBSON ON HER PLANS TO MAKE TUNBRIDGE WELLS A GREAT SHOPPING DESTINATION AGAIN

MArch 2020

Wonder wall: Celebrating 12 months of the new look SO magazine

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6 8 10 12 19 21 27

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Culture vulture: our round-up of where to go and what to see this month

WE MEET THIS TALENTED MUSICAL TRIO AHEAD OF THEIR BLACK DEER CONCERT AT ERIDGE PARK

WEDDING BELLE Isabella Grace boutique owner Rebecca Doyle on her path to bridal success

March 2020

elcome to your March edition of SO magazine. This month we are celebrating our first anniversary since making some big changes to the title, which was first launched as a luxury glossy in 2008. The reason we made them? Well, simply because we wanted to ensure that SO reached a much bigger audience in order to give more people the chance to read our quality offering of local lifestyle features. SO is now also distributed on the first Wednesday of every month with Times Local Newspapers therefore making us one of the biggest publications in Kent and East Sussex. As a result SO magazine is now hyper local meaning that all the features you read every month

are all original pieces created, shot and designed by the editorial team here in order to bring you some of the area’s most fascinating people and places. We’ve loved shining a light on the inspiring creative and entrepreneurial spirit of our borough over the past 12 months and hope to meet many more of its talented residents during 2020 and beyond… So all that’s left to say is a big ‘thank you’, not just to our readers and advertisers, but to all of those wonderful people who have kindly agreed to share their unique story in the pages of this magazine.

Popular foodie and blogger Alex Thurman tells us all about her new family cook book

Social scene: G Collins & Sons host charity fundraiser

33 47 66 73

Good Grub Guide: don’t miss our tour of the area’s best restaurants and bars

TED X is another sell-out event which inspires thousands

Lessons in education: all you need to know about finding the best school

Talk of the town: Jessica Gibson reveals why she has set up customer loyalty scheme

In bloom: Victoria Truman talks us through her favourite blossom varieties

All that jazz: Paul Dunton talks to Lionel Shell about his new group

Resident hypnotherapist Karen Martin examines the issue of childhood angst

Fabric of our society: Jules Haines explains why she set up her eco material business Because she’s worth it: Charlie Bond reveals her round up of the best Mother’s Day gifts

Best in the business Eamonn Holmes will host the Times Business Awards 2020 p16

82

Strictly confidential: dancer Giovanni Pernice is coming to Tunbridge Wells

Mediterranean magic: Savour a taste of Ela Bella’s delicious menu p45

Editor Eileen Leahy

Issue 144 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 Robin Singer rsinger@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

Pure and simple: We meet The White Company founder and local girl Chrissie Rucker p76

Image courtesy of Chloe Mallett

FOOD & DRINK

We serve up a selection of the best bars in Tunbridge Wells

ISSUE 2

contents

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.

A spirited adventure: Travel to Cognac and discover its heady appeal p80 SO Magazine | March 2020 | 3


fope.com

fope.com



CALENDAR

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

BOYS TO MEN If you’re a fan of Boyzone and Westlife then you have a treat in store on March 12 as two of the world’s biggest boy bands come together courtesy of Brian McFadden and Keith Duffy’s new pop group Boyzlife. The pair will perform a string of their hits along with a live backing group at the Assembly Hall. Tickets cost £33.50 and can be booked via www.assemblyhall.co.uk

SISTERS ARE DOING IT FOR THEMSELVES In order to mark International Women’s Day on March 8 the Tunbridge Wells Labour Women’s Forum is hosting a day of activities at The Forum from 2-7pm. This year’s theme is #EachForEqual and in addition to live music there will be poetry readings, dance performances, craft activities and lots of pop-up stalls. There will also be a Q&A session entitled ‘Are We Each For Equal Yet?’ For more information email hello@tunbridgewellsforum.co.uk 6 | March 2020 | SO Magazine

LATIN FEVER Havana Nights sashays its way into the Assembly Hall on March 7. This all new show brings a thrilling mix of Latin dances with individual performances from dance stars Graziano and Giada as well as entertaining group numbers with their supporting dancers. Definitely one for Strictly fans... Tickets cost £31.75 and the show starts at 7.30pm. Visit www.assemblyhall. co.uk for more details

CHILD’S PLAY Little ones and their parents will love The People’s Theatre Company’s version of There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly which comes to the E M Forster Theatre at Tonbridge School on Sunday March 15 at 2.30pm. This classic tale, which features songs such as If You’re Happy and You Know It and Incy Wincy Spider, uses a magical blend of storytelling and puppetry. It’s also its 45th anniversary this year, thus making it an extra special one to see. Tickets cost £12 and group deals are available from www.emftheatre.com

HISTORY IN THE MAKING Over the weekend of March 21 and 22, Penshurst Place will play host to a production of ‘Elizabeth I and the Armada’, which recreates what happened in a naval battle towards the end of the 16th century. After his rights to the English throne were stripped due to the death of his wife Queen Mary I, Philip II of Spain declared war on England and Queen Elizabeth I, in a bid to return the nation to Catholicism after the spread of Protestantism. Visitors to Penshurst over that weekend can ‘meet’ some of the historic characters who were affected by Philip’s declaration, including Elizabeth I herself! Find out more at www.penshurstplace.co.uk

ALL THE RIGHT MOVES Ballet Central return to the E M Forster Theatre at Tonbridge School on Saturday March 28 at 7.30pm. The dance collective features some of the most impressive up and coming ballet graduates in the country, who will be dancing a variety of pieces including the 19th century Petipa’s La Bayedère. Tickets cost £16 per person but group discounts are also available.

LET’S BOOGIE The Forum’s popular Boogie Nights event takes place once again this month on March 21. DJs Holler and Scanty will be there spinning classic house, disco and dance anthems on vinyl. Sounds like a night not to be missed if you want to get into the groove. Find out more info at www.twforum.co.uk

WHAT THE DICKENS?

BLOOD ON THE TRACKS On Saturday March 14 the Spa Valley Railway will host another of its popular Murder Mystery events. Running from 6.15-9.30pm guests turn sleuths in order to find out whodunit in an intriguing performance entitled Shadow of a Goat acted out by the 368 Theatre Company. While clues are pondered and evidence is pieced together there will be a chance to enjoy drinks and a fish and chip supper. Tickets cost £40 and are available from www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk

A NOTEWORTHY DATE The Tunbridge Wells Arts Festival takes place this year over the weekend of March 14-15 at Kent College Pembury. The annual festival provides a supportive platform for amateur musicians, actors and reciters of all ages who love to perform in front of an audience. Professional adjudicators will offer encouraging verbal and written feedback to participants as well as a special certificate. Established in 1948, the festival welcomes over 400 local competitors. For more information visit www.twaf.co.uk

DID YOU KNOW? Charles Dickens’ first published works appeared in 1833 and 1834 in the Monthly Magazine with his chosen pseudonym, “Boz”

BLEAK OUTLOOK Trinity hosts another of Charles Dickens’ most famous tomes, Bleak House, on March 20 at 7.30pm. This time it’s a live theatrical performance courtesy of The Pantaloons theatre troupe. They will cleverly bring the book’s 50-plus characters to life using just five actors as they untangle the mystery of Mr Krook finding a dead body is his rag and bone shop... Tickets are priced £19 per person.

The Personal History of David Copperfield is being shown at Trinity Theatre on Sunday March 8 at 5pm – with numerous screenings also taking place on March 10 and 11. Starring Dev Patel in the title role alongside Hugh Laurie, Tilda Swinton and Peter Capaldi, this particular version of Charles Dickens’ classic novel re-imagines the author’s classic ode to grit and perseverance through the comedic lens of Armando Iannucci. For tickets and timings visit www.trinitytheatre.net


CALENDAR

DID YOU KNOW? Mother’s Day was properly established in the UK in 1914 by Constance Penswick-Smith, a vicar’s daughter, after being inspired by Anna Jarvis who started it in the United States in 1908

FABULOUS FIDELIO Trinity Theatre hosts a live transmission of the Royal Opera House’s production of Fidelio on Tuesday March 17 at 7.15pm. Not familiar with it? Then in a nutshell it’s Beethoven’s only opera, which was declared ‘a masterpiece’ and is essentially an uplifting story of risk and triumph. In this new production, conducted by Antonio Pappano, Jonas Kaufmann plays the political prisoner Florestan, and Lise Davidsen his wife Leonore (disguised as ‘Fidelio’) who daringly sets out to rescue him. Tickets cost £20.

DID YOU KNOW? Beethoven’s father asked him to leave school when he was only 10 years old. He hoped his son’s talent would translate into monetary benefits and by the time he was a teenager, Beethoven had assumed full responsibility for his family

BECAUSE SHE’S WORTH IT Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend (March 21-22) at Hever Castle & Gardens, where there will be plenty for mums to enjoy including walks around the historic castle and its stunning gardens as well as a special Mother’s Day menu in the café. For more information visit www.hevercastle.co.uk

OUT OF AFRICA A Day of Prayer will be celebrated at Tonbridge Methodist Church on Higham Lane on Friday March 6. The service has been prepared by women from Zimbabwe who are encouraging people to reflect on the difficulties and unrest that have plagued their country. The Day of Prayer is celebrated in over 170 countries, starting in Samoa and, with the service in native languages, travelling across the world to finish in American Samoa more than 36 hours later. Representatives from many churches in Tonbridge are taking part in the service, which will be held from 10-11.15am with refreshments to follow.

TAKE THAT – AND PARTY! Calling all Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald fans! The Assembly Hall is hosting the Take That Experience on March 20 at 7.30pm. As the UK’s most successful boybands celebrate 30 years in the business, one of its most popular tribute acts – who this year mark over a decade performing together – present what’s been dubbed their best show yet. Tickets cost £28.75.

A NOVEL IDEA If you didn’t get round to seeing the new film adaptation of Emma at the cinema then now’s your chance as Trinity Theatre will be screening it on March 31. Beautifully directed by Autumn de Wilde and starring the fabulously talented Johnny Flynn and up-andcoming star Anya Taylor-Joy, it is a modern day must-see version of Jane Austen’s classic novel. Tickets and times are on Trinity’s website.

IN THE FRAME On March 19 revered art critic and broadcaster Andrew Graham-Dixon returns to Trinity with his show In The Picture, in which he will discuss some of his favourite paintings and then take questions from the floor. After the talk, which starts at 7.30pm, there will be a book signing and a chance to meet Andrew. Tickets are priced £19.

SO Magazine | March 2020 | 7


Social Scene

REACH FOR THE STARS 2019 was a year that marked the 30th anniversary of the legendary Make A Wish Winter Ball. It was a spectacle of an event held at the prestigious Dorchester Hotel in Park Lane and helped raise just over £600,000. Hosted by TV’s Richard Arnold, it showcased incredible entertainment including a stunning performance from Sophie Ellis Bextor among others. G. Collins & Sons, the local jewellers in Royal Tunbridge Wells, were proud to be the headline sponsors of the evening. Make A Wish is a charity that grants wishes to young children fighting life-threatening illnesses. They bring a little magic and hope to children’s lives who otherwise have very little to look forward to. With the help of volunteers and fundraising events such as the Winter Ball, the charity has already been able to grant more than 13,000 wishes. Josh Collins, Director of G. Collins & Sons who has been on the board of the Make A Wish Winter Ball for the past four years said: “Make A Wish is a charity that is very close to my heart. On the night we always show the footage of the children receiving their wishes that were granted from the previous year’s Winter Ball. There isn’t a dry eye in the room. When you see the smiles on the children’s faces as a wish is granted it really puts everything else into perspective.” Pictures by Tina Chatfield

8 | March 2020 | SO Magazine



Social Scene

TEDX IS TALK OF THE TOWN AGAIN Nearly 1,000 people attended the seventh TEDx talks in Tunbridge Wells last month. The event, which sold out the Assembly Hall Theatre for the second year in a row, saw visitors coming from across the south-east to hear a variety of speakers talking about a number of different topics under the theme of ‘Connection’. These ranged from a speech on male suicide, to the value of gardening for the soul and pioneering research into heart muscle regeneration. Gaining momentum each year, TEDxRoyalTunbridgeWells, which is also streamed over the internet, has now presented over 90 speakers across seven events, and has been viewed more than 4.5 million times online. “We are enormously proud of the speakers and the team that made this day possible. Under a theme of connection, connect was exactly what we did. Over laughter, over tears, over talks that covered an incredibly diverse range of topics and fields, and that all challenged and inspired us in some way to think or behave differently,” said organiser Lizzie Bentley Bowers. Pictures by Frankie Julian

10 | March 2020 | SO Magazine



Cover Feature

“I LOVE WHERE I LIVE and want to see our towns thrive” Jessica Gibson has just launched Thetncard, a customer loyalty scheme that will cover shops, businesses and attractions in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge. Here she tells Eileen Leahy why she believes this reward card will benefit not just the local economy but the community too

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ith internet shopping de rigueur for most and the added headache of escalating business rates and large chains slowly taking over the branding of our retail districts, this has meant we’ve seen a number of our favourite shops, independent cafés and bars either suffer a huge downturn in customer footfall or worse still, have to shut down completely. But unlike most people who have just sat back and watched the demise of our high streets one woman, Jessica Gibson, a mother of four, has decided to do something about it. So passionate does she feel about ensuring residents in both Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge do not lose out on a local shopping, dining or family experience she has recently launched the loyalty scheme ‘Thetncard’. In brief, it’s a new customer rewards initiative that aims to encourage more of us off our screens or delivery apps and back out into our towns – hence the TN reference – to support shops, eateries and leisure services by offering a variety of enticing discounts, unmissable special offers and unique money-off promotions. The idea for the card, says Jessica, who has a background in marketing and corporate events, is simple: “I love where we live, and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else so I want to see our two towns continue to thrive.” Jessica and her husband moved back to the area in 2010 after a spell living in South Africa. “Since then we’ve lived in both Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge and have brought up our boys here. They are aged nine, seven, five and three. We’re now based in Leigh and my youngest is at preschool four mornings a week so I’m squeezing the work into those hours – and catching up during the evenings!” Jessica also runs a popular local parenting blog About These Boys, which boasts over 1500 followers on Twitter. Through it she also curates a regular series of parenting talks at EM Forster Theatre – last month saw Noël Janis-Norton, author of Calmer, Easier, Happier Parenting, coming to speak about her parenting strategies. Courtesy of this social platform Jessica has managed to create an impressive contacts book in order to set up Thetncard – which boasts an annual membership of £20, £2 of which goes to the West Kent Mind charity. THE LIFEBLOOD OF OUR COMMUNITY “Through my blog About These Boys I have worked with many local businesses, from reviewing family products and activities in the area to running competitions with our local shops. A loyalty card for Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge felt like a natural extension of this and a more tangible way of supporting our local independents – the lifeblood of our community. At the same time, I’m thrilled to be able to make a difference to West Kent Mind and to give local people welcome discounts at a variety of brilliant businesses right on our doorstep.” The scheme started last month after two separate launch parties at Hotel du Vin and The Old Fire Station. Both venues kindly provided free room hire but Jessica has funded everything else herself and although it’s only a matter of weeks old Thetncard now has over 125 business signed up. 12 | March 2020 | SO Magazine

‘I’m thrilled to be able to make a difference to West Kent Mind and to give local people welcome discounts at a variety of brilliant businesses right on our doorstep’

From conception to launch was three months, and since then new businesses have been joining every day


Cover Feature

HOW DOES Thetncard WORK?

There is no cost to join the directory but businesses need to provide a generous reward for our members – and choose an offer to suit them. In return, I will endeavour to ­introduce them to new customers as well as providing existing ­customers an extra incentive to return. Businesses who sign up feature on Thetncard’s website directory, on our social media platforms and in monthly member newsletters n Newsletters will keep participating businesses ­informed on what’s planned for the scheme and how they can get involved and showcase their product, and there will be networking events twice a year

They range from Cycling Made Easy and the Shuffle House in St John’s to Carluccio’s, Closs & Hamblin, The Wine Rooms and Whirligig toy shop in Tunbridge Wells to Nancy’s Tea Rooms, Havet and Gorgeous George giftshop in Tonbridge. So with a decent number of both independents and chains signed up, have there been any actual challenges so far? “I enjoy working for myself but the biggest challenge is definitely time, particularly as the scheme has grown organically very quickly,” responds Jessica. “From conception to launch it was three months, and since then new businesses have been joining every day. The scheme appears to have struck a chord with companies keen to be involved in a community initiative such as this, and residents who love being rewarded for supporting local. “Our priority is supporting local independents. However, we have welcomed a handful of national chains known for their community focus, such as COOK, Jigsaw and JoJo Maman Bébé.” LOCAL HEROES Jessica says that the rate at which the business is growing is ‘fantastic’, but means she now needs to gather a team together so she is able to maintain Thetncard’s momentum. She is also keen to explain that although Tonbridge already has its own loyalty card scheme via the Tonbridge Town Team, she is keen to collaborate with them as opposed to create competition. “Tonbridge Town Team’s Tonbridge Loyalty Card (TLC) gives shoppers the chance to win vouchers in a monthly prize draw. Shoppers can get their card stamped when they spend money with a TLC member business, and once their card is full they can submit their card for draw entry. “Thetncard differs in providing instant offers for members who show their membership card. I have worked with

Tonbridge Town Team to ensure the two schemes complement each other and many of our partner businesses participate in the TLC. If our members are collecting stamps they will receive two instead of one at TLC businesses.” In terms of how Jessica has promoted her new venture she says that word of mouth has been the best publicity. “It has really picked up as people get out and about using their membership cards.” She acknowledges that social media is a ‘fast, easy way’ of engaging with members and promoting the scheme but ultimately Thetncard is ‘all about community’. “We have an enthusiastic and highly engaged online community on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and therefore use these platforms to announce new business partnerships, promotions and events as well as last minute offers.” 2020 VISION FOR THETNCARD Jessica says that 2020 is all about ‘spreading the word’ and ‘establishing ourselves in the community as a recognisable, trustworthy and honest brand’. “I will listen closely to our partnering businesses and members and gather feedback to find out their priorities for the scheme and adapt as necessary. I want to upgrade the website and introduce an app so that members can access their membership details and offers on the go more easily. And I’ll be working alongside West Kent Mind and local businesses to launch our member and business events. “The scheme is all about community, about people. I love being out and about in our town centres speaking to our business owners, and hearing from our members on the deals that they’ve enjoyed. I’m also delighted to be able to support West Kent Mind, raising awareness about the charity and mental health issues as well as raising funds to support their incredible work.” For more details visit: www.tncard.co.uk

n Membership, which costs £20 a year, with £2 going to West Kent Mind, unlocks rewards at independent and community focused businesses in and around Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge – there are 125 businesses in the directory and counting n In addition to purchasing membership via the ­website (www.thetncard.com), people can now sign up to the scheme at Biggie Best, Geography bar and ­Whirligig in Tunbridge Wells, and Flowers by ­Enchantment, Gorgeous George and Tonbridge Old Fire Station (TOFS) in Tonbridge n Offers include two-for-one tickets at the ­Assembly Hall Theatre, complimentary drinks at Havet and ­Carluccio’s, discounts at Delaney’s and Fuggles, money off your shopping at Stampede and Bird & Blend Tea Co., reduced price entry to Crazy Jeans Soapbox Race in June and Kids go Free at Spa Valley Railway n From the summer we will run exclusive member events such as wine tastings, private shopping events and pampering evenings with our business partners in aid of West Kent Mind n Thetncard is the first scheme to span both Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge, and independents in the villages between the towns n In addition to selling individual cards, we are also ­giving local businesses the opportunity to purchase cards for their employees at a reduced rate. For ­business orders, we donate 20 per cent of the sale price to West Kent Mind n It was important that our membership cards are environmentally friendly, so we are using cards made from Teslin, a fully degradable plastic alternative that starts to wear down naturally in nine months to five years

Jessica Gibson in Jigsaw, who are Thetncard partners

SO Magazine | March 2020 | 13


Cover Feature

discount on in-store purchases, excluding fresh produce.

WHY I LOVE TUNBRIDGE WELLS Jessica Gibson Where’s your favourite place to shop? I love The Zero Waste Company on The Pantiles.They’re the first completely plastic free store in Tunbridge Wells and offer refill stations on seasonal food,

household goods and toiletries. Zero Waste Company were one of the first businesses I approached to join Thetncard, and they were as enthusiastic as I was about the scheme. Our members enjoy a 10 per cent

SWEET CHARITY: “West Kent Mind is a charity close to my heart. I have struggled with mental health issues myself and as a mother I’m mindful to keep a close watch on my sons. Mental health problems affect one in ten children and boys are more likely to have a mental health disorder than girls until the age of 11. I have touched on

14 | March 2020 | SO Magazine

mental health in my blog and had been speaking to West Kent Mind regarding a future talk at EM Forster Theatre on children’s mental health, so when deciding to launch Thetncard I thought of the charity straight away. I’m grateful to West Kent Mind for embracing the idea at the earliest stages and providing encouragement and support in getting the scheme to this point.”

Art Direction: Lee Smith | Photography: Craig Matthews

DID YOU KNOW? Jessica also writes a blog about raising her four sons and family life called About These Boys (abouttheseboys.co.uk) Through the blog she curates a series of parenting talks at EM Forster Theatre – last month saw Noël Janis-Norton, author of Calmer, Easier, Happier Parenting, coming to speak about her parenting strategies.

And to eat out? Family-run Il Vesuvio on Camden Road is my first choice for their authentic and delicious Italian food and friendly service. They’re brilliant with my boys. And for coffee or cocktails? You’ll often find me in Tonbridge Old Fire Station enjoying one of Ben Sulston’s legendary brunches. I have as many business meetings as I can there. Finally, where’s the best place to go locally in order to get away from it all? With young children it’s not often that I manage to get away from it all! For our tenth anniversary last year my husband and I enjoyed our first night away in seven years at Hotel du Vin, which was heaven.


Advertising

SO Magazine | March 2020 | 15


Business Awards

Be the best

IN THE BUSINESS The Times Business Awards is an annual celebration of local entrepreneurs and retailers. This year it takes place in June and will be hosted by TV legend Eamonn Holmes. Here’s how you can be part of it...

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unbridge Wells and Tonbridge have always been well regarded for the number of innovative and inspirational businesses based here. The entrepreneurial spirit in both towns and the surrounding area has seen a number of companies establish themselves from very humble beginnings to become leaders in their field. Many choose to stay here too, even when they have outgrown their original location and become large international companies or are trading on the London Stock exchange. So to celebrate, Times local newspapers hosts an annual awards ceremony that rewards the great and the good in the business community, not just in our local towns, but also in the wider community of Tonbridge & Malling and also Sevenoaks. For 2020 there are some new categories alongside existing favourites which range from Entrepreneur of the Year to Best National Business serving the Local Community and Outstanding Business of the Year. Each one celebrates the wealth of talent in our local area from

established businesses to start-ups. Businesses also have the opportunity to sponsor each of the ten categories. This year’s Times Business Awards will take place at Salomons Estate on Friday, June 5 and will see Eamonn Holmes hosting the ceremony. He will also be joined by Maddisons Residentials’s partner Deborah Richards on stage. The 60 year old Sky and This Morning presenter, who was awarded an OBE in the 2018 Queen's New Year’s Honours List for his services to broadcasting, will be following in the footsteps of fellow broadcaster Ken Bruce, who presented the awards in 2017, as well as Michael Portillo, Edwina Curry and Strictly star Anton du Beke – who presented last year’s awards. The Belfast-born journalist, told SO: “I’m really looking forward to visiting Tunbridge Wells again in June. It has been a while since I last visited so it’ll be nice to see what has changed. And of course, it is also always a pleasure to celebrate other people’s awards success.”

Why entering the Times Business Awards can help you succeed further We caught up with past winners of the Times Business Awards to find out what winning has meant for them and their business: Tom Walker, Director Framptons Café Bars Best Food and Drink Award 2019 “We were absolutely thrilled to win the Best Food and Drink award at last year’s Times Business Awards. In Tunbridge Wells we are blessed with a huge number of fantastic restaurants, cafés and bars and to have secured this award amongst such outstanding competition was a real accolade. “The Awards ceremony itself was a very enjoyable event, it’s always great to get the Tunbridge Wells business community together to celebrate the exciting commercial enterprises the town generates.” Jenny Kitchen, MD Yoyo Design Creative Business of the Year 2018 “We had a brilliant night at the business awards in 2018. We were so excited to win Creative Business of the Year but then when they announced Yoyo for Outstanding Business of the Year, we literally jumped out of our seats. Lots of celebrations followed. “It’s such a great recognition for all of the hard work and dedication the team put into growing our digital agency. We continue to develop at pace, with lots of exciting opportunities across last year.” Victoria Usher, CEO, GingerMay PR Service Excellence Award 2018 “GingerMay was proud to win the Service Excellence Award in 2018. The award served as public recognition of everything we strive to deliver for our clients – exceptional and long-lasting relationships. I would highly recommended other businesses to enter the Times Business Awards - you won’t regret it.”

16 | March 2020 | SO Magazine

Times Business Awards categories: 1. Start-Up Business of the Year Award – This award recognises new start-ups under two years old at the closing date for entries of April 22 2020 that have translated an idea into a successful business venture. They must be able to detail growth so far and show plans for the continued development and success of the venture 2. Creative Business of the Year - Is your business success based on innovation and creative thinking in your strategy and every day operation? This category is for any company over two years old in any sector that can demonstrate creativity as well as adding value to the success of their business 3. Entrepreneur of the Year – This award is open to dynamic individuals who are running their own business and are able to demonstrate significant success and drive in growing their company 4. Young Business Person of the Year – Entrants for this award must be aged 30 or under by the closing date on April 22 2020 and need to show they have a clear vision and strategy for their business and are committed to growing it. Areas such as increasing headcount, developing and inspiring staff, and involvement in the local business community are all good examples of this. 5. Service Excellence Award – The winner of this category will be giving outstanding assistance and advice to those who buy or use their business or organisation’s products or services. They will be able to provide customer testimonials to support their entry 6. Best in Food and Drink Award – The winner of this category will be a local business that provides truly remarkable food and/ or drink in the area. Whether it is a fine dining restaurant, gastropub, café, bakery, cake shop or drinks company the winner of this award will have demonstrated how they have put their town on the map 7. Best Family Business of the Year Award – This category recognises those businesses that not only have the passion and commitment that comes with a company run by a family concern, but also be continually innovating to support future growth and has an equally invested and engaged workforce that understands customer expectations 8. Best National Business Serving the Local Community – New for 2020, this category recognises those national companies that go the extra mile to serve the local community. These business have to show how they have made a commitment to the area, whether as local employers or how they made the branch unique to fit within the community in which it serves 9. Best Business 1-25 employees – Here we recognise ownermanagers and small businesses employing up to 25 people that have maintained consistent growth and strong financial performance. They must understand customer expectations, have an engaged workforce and be continually innovating to support future growth 10. Outstanding Business of the Year – The ultimate award of all the categories will go to the business that can show outstanding initiative, boldness and imagination in the enterprise, as well as sound management practices. The winner must also be able to demonstrate they have a clear strategy to invest in the skills and development of their staff. They will be expected to prove sustainable growth combined with a degree of commercial success that is exceptional for the size of the business How to enter… Email info@timesbusinessawards.co.uk leaving your full contact details and an indication of which category you might like to enter. You can enter in a maximum of three categories closing date on Wednesday April 22. You can also email the same address if you would like to sponsor an award category. Shortlisted candidates will be notified by email on Monday April 27, 2019 and revealed in the Times on Wednesday April 29. Winners will be announced at the gala dinner. Tickets are available priced at £99 per person or £900 for a table of 10. To book please email eileensweeney@markerstudy.com www.timesbusinessawards.co.uk


Advertising

SO Magazine | March 2020 | 17



MUSIC

“WE’RE SOMETHING A BIT DIFFERENT AND THAT REALLY EXCITES EVERYONE IN THE BAND . . .” Nothing beats jazz says drummer Lionel Shell, above left, a local musician and organiser of Jazz on The Pantiles who is now part of the new Laura & Co Jazz Quartet. Ahead of their inaugural gig at The Grey Lady on March 13 Lionel reveals more about his love of music to Paul Dunton . . .

Paul Dunton Music Editor

Follow Paul @PaulDuntonmusic

So Lionel, tell us a bit about yourself and your interest in music . . . I have lived in Tunbridge Wells for many years and my passion for music was initially inspired by my parents as my mum played the piano and my dad was constantly playing records. I started playing drums from the age of 11 and never looked back! I have always had a very keen interest in jazz music but I also have a fondness for blues, funk, soul and everything in between. When I got married and had children, my musical exploits naturally took more of a back seat but as time went by, I steadily took up an interest again. Around 15 years ago I came across The Nicky Moore Blues Band and enjoyed them so much, I bought a new drum kit. They definitely reinvigorated my passion for practising and performing. Can you tell us more about the bands you regularly perform with? In recent years, I have focused my energies playing percussion with two bands, Over The Edge and Unit 7. I really enjoy playing in both groups and with Unit 7 we have Jools Holland’s sax player Derek Nash, The Darkness drummer Darby Todd and on vocals Noel McCalla. Noel’s long association with the brilliant Morrisey Mullen Band and Manfred Mann earned him the title of one of Britain’s best soul singers. So what’s your new collaboration with local jazz singer Laura Lawton all about? At the start of 2019 local opera singer Laura Lawton approached me with the idea of collaborating as she expressed a desire to explore her interest in jazz music. We were soon

joined by revered pianist Iain Rae and renowned bassist Paul Beeching and so Laura & Co was born. What makes this new project so interesting is that it is essentially popular music set to swing time rhythms, offering unique interpretations of popular standards. We are something a bit different and that really excites everyone in the band, there is great energy and dynamics within our style and sound and we can’t wait to perform live! You’ve been an integral part of Jazz on The Pantiles, how has it developed and evolved over the past quarter of a century? Believe it or not, Jazz on The Pantiles has been going for 26 years. In the early years, it took place on Thursday evenings during July and there were restrictions imposed such as only hosting duos and trios – and very little amplification was permitted. In terms of audience, the numbers would be in the region of 50-60 people per event and there were no restaurants involved at this point. Generally, audiences would sit on chairs in a horseshoe formation creating a relaxed outdoor theatre vibe and the music was of a traditional jazz nature. David Jacobs was the organiser back then and he sadly passed away after running it for five years. What happened when you took over the running of the event? After David’s passing, I offered to take over the organising of the music and have been running it ever since. It is a team effort and I am indebted to all The Pantiles Traders involved – particularly Julian Leefe Griffiths, owner of The Pantiles Hotel. Without his commitment and support, Jazz on The

Pantiles would have fallen by the wayside. Over time the event has evolved greatly for the better and it is now one of Tunbridge Wells’ most popular and well-loved events. The programme now runs from May to September, and we have professional sound and lighting. The music on offer is truly exceptional and spans genres such as jazz, blues, funk, soul and Latin. We have had bands of all shapes and styles on The Bandstand, some as large as 18-piece in size. The restaurants and bars have now become fully involved with their tables and chairs available outside their establishments and audiences can enjoy the alfresco vibe – we even have our own ‘dance floor’ area. On a warm summer’s evening up to 3,000 people will attend, it’s simply amazing! This year’s Jazz on The Pantiles promises to be the best one yet. Which musicians do you admire the most and inspired your own playing? From a drumming perspective, it has to be Buddy Rich, his flair and speed were unrivalled, and he was incredible to watch. These days the likes of Steve Gadd and Dave Weckl are two of my favourite drummers, but I really admire the drumming of Darby Todd of The Darkness and Jethro Tull. He is so versatile, I have never known a drummer like him, Darby can play any style, any genre, and performing alongside him in our band Unit 7 is a true privilege. Personally, The Nicky Moore Blues Band have played an integral part in my music development, they are the main reason I bought my current drum kit. When it comes to vocalists, Liane Carroll and Claire Martin both have astonishing voices.

Outside of The Grey Lady and The Jazz on The Pantiles where would be your music venue of choice? For me personally it has to be Ronnie Scott’s. Over the years I have had the privilege of watching many of the world’s finest musicians and to see them perform in such an intimate and iconic setting like Ronnie’s is simply breathtaking!

Laura & Co perform at The Grey Lady Music Lounge on Friday March 13 at 8.30pm. Tickets are priced £7. To book visit www.thegreylady.co.uk Tables for the evening can be booked by calling 01892 544700. SO Magazine | March 2020 | 19



PROFILE

MEET THE

material GIRL Jules Haines runs the high-end eco fabric business Haines Collection, which offers customers the chance to buy surplus – and often unique – designer materials that would have otherwise gone to landfill. Here she tells Eileen Leahy why she is on a mission to ensure that reusing and recycling become the norm in the interiors industry

AND HOW DID YOU COME TO SET UP YOUR OWN FABRIC BRAND HAINES COLLECTION? It was thanks to a chance meeting in a pop-up shop on Camden

My business started thanks to a chance meeting in a pop-up shop on Camden Road!

Road! The owner of a soft furnishings business there was selling leftovers of high-end fabric off very cheaply. I heard him say what a hassle it was but that he couldn’t see it going to waste. It made me think that there should be someone who could offer to resell it for him, at a decent price. I knew others who had the same issue with waste off-cuts too, so I emailed the Camden Road supplier, arranged a meeting and he became my first supplier – and still does! SO HOW DOES THE BUSINESS WORK? It acts as a broker between makers who want to sell small volumes of fabric but don’t have

Art Direction: Lee Smith | Photography: Craig Matthews

TELL US HOW YOU GOT INTO INTERIOR DESIGN . . . I lived in Singapore for a few years and met a fellow British ex-pat who was a textile designer. I’ve always wanted to work in interiors so when I heard that she was starting a new textile brand, called Korla, I just had to be involved. I helped to set up the London office and worked there for five years before moving to Tunbridge Wells in 2017.

It’s the most amazing feeling to be in control of your own destiny. This doesn’t feel like work, in fact it makes me feel deeply fulfilled

SO Magazine | March 2020 | 21


PROFILE

Since launching just over one year ago, Haines Collection has sold 348.5 metres of fabric – a stretch of material running taller than The Shard

the time, and buyers who are looking for something unique but don’t have a big budget. This model enables Haines Collection to pass on big discounts to consumers through fabrics which are left-over from large scale building projects, off-cuts, end-of-rolls, or slightly misprinted. Often this fabric would be thrown away, adding to the growing amount of landfill caused by the interiors industry. Now we can offer beautiful fabrics to everyone and help people to buy more ethically.

What key elements make a stylish home? Have a few key statement items that reflect you and your personality. They may be an investment but something that you treasure for a long time and so sets the mood in the home. I’m all about mixing in charity shop finds with a stylish statement sofa or a big piece of art that will bring everything in that room to that level of style. What current trends are you loving and why? The use of bold colours as I’m a big fan of colour. Hopefully the white and grey home trends are behind us! How important has social media been for you in driving footfall to your business? It’s everything, I have grown my business 100 per cent via Instagram. At the moment 93 per cent of my sales are directly from Instagram and

certainly nearly all of my relationship-building starts from it. I just love it as a social media platform thanks to the community and the support. It almost worries me that I have all my eggs in that basket, but you always put the most into what you love, right? Do you collaborate with any local influencers/ stylists/bloggers? I love a collaboration, mostly because I love building relationships and the way we can help each other out. I’ve worked with Influencer Laura at The Indigo House (Instagram the_indigo_house) and Blogger Flik (from sass_spice_ andallthingsnice). I met both of them at monthly interiors meetings run by Caroline from the networking group Twelve Local (@twelve_local). These are for anyone and everyone who likes interiors. We support each other, chat and drink lots of coffee!

WHY I LOVE TUNBRIDGE WELLS Jules Haines

22 | March 2020 | SO Magazine

WHICH MAJOR BRANDS DO YOU WORK WITH AND HOW HAVE YOU DEVELOPED THESE RELATIONSHIPS? I’m talking with Sofa.com at the moment to see how we can possibly work together with their leftover fabrics. I love working directly with designers too and I currently sell on behalf of Swaffer, Madeaux, Inchyra and Korla. The plan is to build more relationships – so ask me again in a year and I hope to have a long list of household names! WHAT DO THE MAJORITY OF YOUR CUSTOMERS USE THE LIMITED EDITION FABRICS FOR? Mostly for curtains and blinds, both of which are a big expense in your home. So working with my lowerpriced fabrics can be a very attractive proposition for them. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT RUNNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS? So much! It’s the most amazing feeling to be in control of your own destiny. You don’t have to wait to be recognised for your talents, you know that you can do it and you believe in you! I’ve never worked this hard before but the job

WHERE’S YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO SHOP? In charity shops! I have the YMCA and British Heart Foundation furniture shops at the end of my road so that’s always my first stop when looking for larger items. I go to Hospice in the Weald on Camden Road for clothes for myself and the family. AND TO EAT OUT? I love the new Central Market in Royal Victoria Place; it has a great buzz and fantastic food.

satisfaction is off the scale – I absolutely love it. This is my dream job and where I’m meant to be. It doesn’t feel like work, in fact it makes me feel deeply fulfilled.

a lot of random shaped pieces so they were the obvious next step. I’m just about to move into creating wallpaper this month, which is exciting!

SUSTAINABILITY IS A BIG WHAT ARE THE PART OF YOUR BUSINESS. CHALLENGES INVOLVED DO YOU THINK MORE IN WORKING FOR PEOPLE ARE THINKING YOURSELF? ABOUT THIS WHEN I work from home – although one INVESTING IN PRODUCTS? day I hope to get a studio – so Definitely, it’s an exciting time for juggling being a mum to Edward ‘conscience businesses’ and I really (five) and Jemima (three) and believe this is the future. working is tricky, as is knowing that Sustainability and looking at the I have to work flat out to really get way we live is finally at the Haines Collection off the ground. I forefront of our minds. It’s now don’t feel guilty about this, though, being taught in schools and as I know this is the right thing for all of us, but I universities so for the do hate the feeling generation coming up that my kids and it will be second I’m helping make a husband will see nature to them. It’s difference by reducing less of me this not always easy to waste, fulfilling a need year than they go for the ecoin the industry and might have if I had friendly option as educating people about a usual nine-tosome are more how much waste is in five job. expensive, whereas I’m the opposite the world of interiors AND HOW – I’m actually the ABOUT THE KEY cheaper and earthBENEFITS? friendly option! But as the Feeling complete, like I have found industry grows, more people will what I’ve been looking for, is a key join the arena, and competition and one. And that I’m helping make a innovation will help drive prices difference by reducing waste, down, allowing us all to live in a fulfilling a need in the industry and more sustainable way. educating people about how much waste is in the world of interiors. HOW DO YOU PLAN TO Flexibility is also an important ENCOURAGE MORE benefit, too, because I can work on PEOPLE MAKE STRONG, it when the kids are asleep in the CONSCIOUS DECISIONS evening – which means I can spend WHEN BUYING? afternoons playing with them! I like to inform people without them feeling like I’m bombarding YOU ALSO MAKE them, so it’s striking the balance CUSHIONS, RUN and not feeling like I’m alienating LAMPSHADE-MAKING anyone. Luckily it’s something that COURSES ETC. TELL US people are becoming more aware ABOUT WHY YOU of so it will grow organically. I’m all DECIDED TO MAKE AS about the small changes to make a WELL AS MARKET. . . difference. Start with changing all It all feeds into what I’m trying to your lightbulbs to LED or Sellotape achieve, which is to use leftovers to brown paper tape. If you think and ultimately reduce what ends too big it can be overwhelming. up in landfill. I want people to start thinking about the fabrics they www.hainescollection.co.uk throw away so only needing 40cm for a lampshade is such a brilliant way to use your scraps. Cushions came naturally as I’m given

AND FOR COFFEE OR COCKTAILS? It’s always definitely coffee, and I always head to The Black Dog as their coffee is amazing. FINALLY, WHERE’S THE BEST PLACE TO GO LOCALLY IN ORDER TO GET AWAY FROM IT ALL? Kingdom in Penshurst – it’s my happy place. It feels so peaceful, earthy and has a great vibe. And they have great food and coffee!


Advertorial

WHAT DIET WORKS BEST FOR ME?

K

eto? Paleo? Flexitarian? If the names of these diets have you reaching for Google Translate, the conflicting nutritional advice behind them will have you really scratching your head! Nowadays it seems that there is always a new fad diet out, promising quick weight loss results and a myriad of other health benefits. So should you be eating hunter-gatherer style like a caveman? Is it better to go plant based? Or could trying this year’s “super food” really make you look and feel ten years younger? With so much conflicting and confusing information out there, it can difficult to know which facts to believe and who to trust when you’re looking for diet advice. At Tunbridge Wells Personal Training we believe that understanding the foundations of nutrition is an integral part of losing weight and living a healthier lifestyle, which is why we’ve designed a series of seminars on the subject in 2020. The seminars, led by Senior Trainer Dan Green, are open to all and we welcome anyone interested in improving their health to attend. We will focus on the foundations of nutrition, cutting through the noise and equipping you with the essential information on food and nourishment that you need to create positive and sustainable changes to your diet. “Once someone has the fundamental knowledge it allows them to separate the wood from the trees and the poor information from the good, ultimately enabling them to make better choices and improve their overall health.” Explains Senior Trainer, Dan Green. Another core belief of Tunbridge Wells Personal Training is that health, whether that’s diet or exercise, is extremely personal and a blanket approach doesn’t work. No two people have the same body type, DNA makeup, lifestyle, or food preferences, nor will they have the same goals; which is why we work on a one-to-one basis with our clients to create a tailored food and exercise plan to suit them. “There’s a lot of very well-marketed, one-size-fits-all approaches to dieting that in reality only work for a small number of people.” Explains Senior Trainer, Jon Manners. “Diets are actually incredibly individual, a bespoke approach is almost always needed to ensure the best long term results and creation of habits that result in the best health achievable.” Whilst some diets that promise quick fixes may work in the short term, it can be hard to keep the weight off in the long term. What’s more, the wrong diet can also have serious negative effects on a person’s physical and mental health. Often fad diets call for entire food groups to be cut out, which can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies, or if a pre- existing health condition hasn’t been taken into consideration, side-effects of certain diets could be even more dangerous. A person’s mental wellbeing could also be impacted, with restrictive diets sometimes triggering people to have a bad relationship with food. At Tunbridge Wells Personal Training we are passionate about not only educating our clients on how to eat well, but also how to create life long positive relationships with food. To do this, we take a holistic approach, working with each individual to find out what suits them, considering all factors from their lifestyle and food preferences to body type and aims. “What may work for one person, may not work for another.” Explains Jon Manners. “There’s no point giving someone who has a busy social life

and dines out a lot a rigid diet plan of home-cooked meals. It’s about setting them up for success and working with them to create a plan that will best serve them in the long run”. Our trainers also continually educate themselves to ensure that we have the most up-to- date solid scientific research to add to the foundations of nutrition, as well as the anecdotal evidence of working with hundreds of clients. Through our seminars, we aim to use this knowledge to teach people the fundamental facts about nutrition and optimise their weight loss results in a healthy and sustainable way. So whether you’re a serial yo-yo dieter or a total beginner on your health journey, we invite you to join us at one of our seminars which will take place at TWPT Sunday 17th May and Sunday 20th September. Please register interest by contacting us at enquires@twpt.co.uk.

SO Magazine | March 2020 | 23



FASHION

PURE COLLECTION Cotton shirt, £80 www.purecollection.com JOHN LEWIS Work bag, £109 www.johnlewis.com

MINT VELVET Ivory floral puff sleeve top, £79 mintvelvet.co.uk WHISTLES Classic trench coat, £199 www.whistles.com

OLIVER BONAS White spot midi dress, £75 www.oliverbonas.com

shape THE

OF THINGS TO COME Charlie Bond takes a look at the trends we’ll all be coveting this season While Instagram might be filled with catwalk shots from London Fashion Week shows and the trends we’ll be wearing this winter (no thanks, I don’t even want to think about knitwear), the shops are now awash with a plethora of lovely spring items, ready to bring a little sunshine to your look. From smart tailoring to oversized accessories and bold colours to even bolder patterns, this season looks to be an exciting one when it comes to style. The key message is to have fun with your look; the trends all have a playful nod and should be worn with confidence, a smile and (hopefully) some sunshine… PUFFED SLEEVES If you’ve seen Greta Gerwig’s ingenious adaptation of Little Women then you’ll be all too familiar

with the oversized sleeve trend that’s everywhere this spring. Team with ‘mom’ jeans and white trainers for a low-key look, or really ramp up the volume with a maxi skirt and statement headband.

headband craze, this simple accessory will really change an outfit. Invest in a few, from animal prints to simple leather with bold buckles, and have a play to see how many different looks you can create.

SHORTS SUITS Think less safari and more sophisticated, shorts and blazer combos are set to be all the rage this season, and even better, they bridge that awkward gap between workwear and casual wear. Smarten up with a sharp shirt and heels or dress down with a t-shirt and trainers.

CHECKS Seen everywhere from the catwalk to celebrities, checks is one of the must-wear trends this season. A pattern that can work on anybody, it instantly lifts an outfit and gives it a fashionable yet fun edge. You can really embrace the trend by rocking a checked coat, or opt for bags, shoes and scarves to give it a more subtle nod.

STATEMENT BELTS The 80s called and they’re gifting us the wide waist belt trend. Statement belts are set to be everywhere this season. Much like last year’s

OXFORD SHIRTS Meghan Markle may be the other side of the pond now, but her

JOE BROWNS Funky leather jacket, £175 joebrowns.co.uk

effortless style is still very much an influence on this season’s trends. A crisp, pale blue Oxford shirt is one of her classic go-to items and this spring it will be yours too. It basically goes with everything, gives dresses, jeans and jackets a stylish update and will be a purchase that you keep for years to come. OVERSIZED BAGS Thankfully, last year’s micro-bag trend is long gone, and in its place is a much bigger and more practical relative – the oversized bag. Now you can carry everything from kids’ lunches to your gym kit in one stylish container. Just don’t overdo it – your osteopath won’t be happy… TRENCH COATS If you’ve lusted over a trench coat for a long time but never taken the plunge, then now’s the time to invest. A classic coat like this is a real investment piece as it’ll keep giving year after year and will work over any of-the-moment trends that come and go. They’re a great way to layer when

the weather is in that awkward in-between stage, and they work for smart and casual outfits. Why are you still reading this? Get out there and buy one now! COLOURFUL LEATHER Late 90s/early 2000s fashion has been creeping back for a while now, and the latest iteration is coloured leather. From bags to boots and jackets to dresses, this season it’s all about ditching the black and embracing bold, berry hues to really make your outfits pop. POLKA DOTS Fashion is having a fun moment and my advice is to fully embrace it by adding some bold patterns into your wardrobe. Polka dots are leading the pattern pack, and you’ll be going dotty for some of the gorgeous items in the shops. Adding a spotty piece to work outfits is a great way to give them an individual, edgier twist, and they’re also the perfect way to bring some fun and playfulness to plainer outfits.

Charlie Bond Fashion Contributer Follow Charlie @Girlaboutkent SO Magazine | March 2020 | 25


ADVERTORIAL ADVERTISING

Combining skin care with facial aesthetics Bella Vou’s, Uma Jeyanathan, BDS MFDS RCS Ed shares her experience of treating a patient while using a holistic approach.

T

his patient in her late 50’s requested treatments to reverse the signs of ageing and improve the quality of her skin. She was eager to explore my inherent ethos of instituting natural aesthetics; delivering a holistic approach to facial aesthetics with a more progressive approach to improving the skin quality. Her lower face, especially the perioral region, had lost laxity and elasticity. The lips had features of considerable ageing, with minimal visibility of red lip alongside downward turning corners of the mouth. The patient’s facial profile required balanced improvement, especially focusing on the reduction of the height of the lower facial region. Finally, while the patient was happy with her cheek structure, there was considerable tea trough deformity, which required careful attention.

BEFORE

AFTER

Diagnosis Skin The patient’s skin had evidence of being cared for well with regular, effective, routine skincare. She used SPF cream on a daily basis. History revealed exposure to sun-precipitated freckles and sun spots. While the upper face had more collagen and elasticity, the dynamic lines of her upper face were deep and established. The skin laxity was poor in the lower face, especially periorally and around the jowl region. Over the nose and chin, the pores appeared to be engorged. There was also pronounced

pigmentation over the nose following prolonged sun exposure. Wrinkles The upper face had evidence of over activity, causing wrinkles to establish. Horizontal forehead lines and vertical frown lines were present. The mentalis muscle of the chin was highly active, causing the labio-mental fold to be deep. This had also contributed to deepening marionette lines. Volume The lips and perioral region had lost collagen and elastin over years. The phitrum had become longer and ill defined, indirectly contributing to a thinner upper lip. Established and deep tear trough deformity, oedema, and loss of anterior cheek volume due to collapse of medial malar fat pads were apparent, which were contributing to the lower face sagging. This laxity caused the naso-labial folds to deepen and enhanced her lower face issues. There was a pronounced labio mental fold, due to muscle activity and soft tissue loss. Treatment plan 1. Glycolic chemical peels at four-weekly intervals over six months were to be instituted to improve the skin texture, reduce pores, and encourage collagen stimulation. Glycolic acid would exfoliate the superficial cells of the stratum corneum, accelerating the renewal process. This would also aid the reduction in pore size and quantity, evening out the pigmentation and stimulation of collagen. 2. A pH 3 glycolic acid was also used initially to prepare the skin and reduce the risk of epidermolysis and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation 3. Azzalure botulinum type A toxin treatments to the glabella, frontalis muscle of the forehead, lateral orbicularis oculi and mentalis were planned. The patient had a history of brow ptosis, so a gentler approach in the forehead was required 4. Azzalure botulinum type A toxin treatment to the mentalis. The chin was highly active, contributing to wrinkles on the chin and the lower height in the lower face when analysing her facial profile

5. Lip augmentation with hyaluronic acid dermal filler, medium density Belotero Balance. A very natural approach was to be taken, as the lips were very minimal 6. Tear trough treatment with Teosyal Redensity II (Teoxane), using a cannula technique to avoid risk of bleeding and occluding vessels 7. Cheek filler, specifically with Teosyal RHA 4 (Teoxane) 8. Mesotherapy treatment around perioral region and jowls. Results My ethos is to produce natural, aesthetic results, creating a holistic journey for the patient. This includes careful analysis of BEFORE AFTER the patient’s general health, diet, skin care, and interventional treatments. Progression This patient encompassed all the positive Plans for the future are maintaining regular attributes I look for; she took care of her chemical peels, and further mesotherapy to health, kept hydrated, and understood that further improve the collagen content and skin she needed to maintain her skin health. She quality. I would like to increase the volume of enjoyed the journey, appreciating the steady, the lips further but keep them contoured and progressive build in results, and not the natural. abrupt, over exaggerated quick results, which Mesotherapy and chemical peels are the can lack finesse and tailored subtlety. most important part of my treatment plans as My philosophy for treatment planning allows the skin quality and texture can completely me to create a patient journey, which creates change and improve, which is what aesthetics natural results – working in conjunction with is about – healthy, glowing skin. the skin physiology. Over few years I have treated this patient where her skin quality has The vision is always natural results, tweaks markedly improved, and the journey is and subtle enhancements. Listening intently ongoing. to my patients allows me to create treatments journeys and ultimately confidence and happiness for them all.

BEFORE

AFTER

www.bellavou.co.uk 26 | March 2020 | SO Magazine

For your free consultation with Dr Uma call 01892 257040 or email hello@bellavou.co.uk www.bellavou.co.uk


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From sleep remedies to treatment candles, Charlie Bond rounds up the best beauty gifts to treat your mum to this Mother’s Day 5

1. INGENIOUS Beauty gift pack, £134.99 feelingenious.com Treat your mum (or yourself!) to gorgeous skin, hair and nails with this supplement gift pack from Ingenious. Containing Marine Collagen Peptides, Hyalauronic Acid Complex and Astaxanthin, these supplements have a – sorry – ingenious patent that means they ensure maximum absorption into the body. Oh, and they also improve appearances of fine lines and wrinkles, increase skin elasticity, enhance skin hydration, encourage the growth of softer, glossier hair and help to develop stronger, smoother nails. Sign us up! 2. JO MALONE Lavender and Coriander Cologne, £50 jomalone.co.uk This strikingly aromatic scent comes from Jo Malone’s limited edition Lavenderland collection, and offers a fresh perspective on an iconic English ingredient. It’s wonderfully

fragrant, with notes of fresh coriander, earthy sage and creamy tonka bean. A wonderful gift for Mother’s Day…should you be able to bring yourself to actually part with it. 3. NAIRIAN Rosehip Day Serum, £69 nairian.co.uk Nairian’s Rosehip Day Serum is the perfect way to give your skin a healthy dose of Vitamin C and antioxidants every morning – and who doesn’t need that? The rosehip seed oil smooths, apricot oil protects from aging, and there’s calming jojoba oil too. All three work together to cover up signs of aging while leaving skin with a noticeable glow. 4. BEYOU Sleep Pillow Mist, £17.99 beautybay.com We could all do with a little help relaxing and getting to sleep from time to time, and this spray from BeYou does just that.

Containing lavender, vetiver, ylang ylang, roman chamomile and jasmine, it’s pure relaxation in a handy bottle. A great gift for busy mums who need a hand in winding down, just spritz a little on a pillow before bedtime to create a calm and soothing environment. 5. IT COSMETICS Confidence in your Beauty Sleep Cream, £43 itcosmetics.co.uk Perfect for when you’ve had very little sleep but don’t want your skin to give you away, this new moisturiser from IT Cosmetics works overnight when your skin cell turnover peaks to improve surface cell renewal through exfoliation. Featuring rest and restore technology, it visibly improves five of the top signs of aging: fine lines, wrinkles, dryness, dullness and loss of firmness. It even locks in any previously applied skincare, ensuring throughout the night it stays firmly put. We’re sold!

6. SKIN ALCHEMISTS Midnight’s Serenade Skin Treatment Candle, £38 skinalchemists.com A beautifully scented candle will always make a lovely Mother’s Day gift, but what if that candle could also be used as a beauty product? The clever people at Skin Alchemists have developed this new candle that’s not only fabulously fragrant, but also doubles as a therapeutic and luxurious skin treatment. Simply light the candle first and take in the relaxing scent of jasmine, rose de mai and sweet orange to calm your mind.Then, blow out the flame, wait a couple of minutes and pour the warm wax directly onto the skin or into your hand and gently massage into your skin.

rench women are well-known for their dedication to creating greatlooking skin. And when they’ve got brands such as Institut Esthederm you can see why. Well thankfully you don’t have to cross the Channel anymore to get hold of it as it’s now widely available here in the UK. If you’re not familiar with the brand then in a nutshell it’s an innovative skincare collection that only uses ingredients which have been expertly tested and are kind to the skin, helping to replenish and repair and ultimately respecting the skin’s natural properties. Each product contains cellular water, the first and only replica of the skin’s natural water content, which goes some way to revitalising a tired-looking complexion as naturally as possible. The collection also helps to protect against environmental damage such as pollution and global warming. Apply the Esthederm Excellage Serum (£86) to perfectly cleansed skin and see how instantly smooth and radiant your complexion becomes. Next, apply a few dots of Esthederm Excellage Cream (£81) and you’ll instantly feel your face is more hydrated and looks beautifully luminous. Good to know that now we can all share the gift of great-looking skin – whatever our nationality!

Available from Feel Unique www.feelunique.com

Charlie Bond Fashion Contributer Follow Charlie @Girlaboutkent SO Magazine | march 2020 | 27


BUSINESS

Any busy parent will relate to the daunting feeling of feeding a family every day. Add the constant pressure that a conscientious parent feels about both nutrition and sustainability and it’s enough to give rise to a lot of guilt! Thankfully I love finding ways to shortcut cooking times and make my life easier

Why promoting healthy eating

for kids is simply child’s play

I

’m a mum of three children aged seven, five and three. These days you’ll mostly find me hunting for socks under the sofa and wiping toothpaste off the walls, but before I was a mum, I was a super passionate primary school teacher with a degree in nutrition. Primary teaching is the kind of job that turns you into a Jack of all trades, so I have found myself using more and more of my teacher background as I’ve navigated life as a stay-at-home working mum. Feed the Brood started as a weaning blog and workshops in 2016 after my third baby was born. I quickly realised people also wanted me to share how I plan my meals and deal

28 | March 2020 | SO Magazine

with fussy eating. Feed the Brood is ever changing and evolving. I have big plans for the future, but while my children are young I’m keeping my plans quite simple so that I can keep all the plates spinning with busy family life. Any busy parent will relate to the daunting feeling of feeding the family every day. Add to that the constant pressure that a conscientious parent feels about both nutrition and sustainability and it’s enough to give rise to a lot of guilt! Thankfully I really love finding ways to shortcut cooking times and make my life easier, because I definitely do not have the time for Cordon Bleu chefstyle meals on a Tuesday night when I need

to get the eldest out of the door by 4.45pm for Beavers! So I started writing down my recipes and formulating meal plans and hence The MasterPlan was created which other families can now follow.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

My key aim with The MasterPlan is to save parents’ sanity by providing them with an eight-week cycle of delicious and easy meals that are easy to order and quick towest cook. This year is shaping up to be extremely exciting, as in addition to The MasterPlan I have two other major projects I am hoping to get over the finish line. The first is a ten-day

meal plan in collaboration with a very big nutrition blogger. It’s perfect for vegan and veggie familes who are weaning babies and it will include beautifully illustrated recipes. My other big project is an online programme for fussy eaters. I have completed all the prime content with a dietitian and have some stunning illustrations for the visuals, but I am in the process of approaching people to provide video content to accompany each segment. This is a really big undertaking for me, but it’s the sort of project management I love. I’m really hoping that the fussy eating programme will be ready for some beta testing by Easter so I can reach people as

Photography: Craig Matthews

For the past four years Alex Thurman has been on a mission to get children eating more healthily with her Feed the Brood pop-up cookery workshops and popular blog. Now the busy mother of three has published a new book, The MasterPlan, to help parents navigate everything from tricky teatimes to innovative, simple recipe ideas. Here she explains more...


Photography: Craig Matthews

BUSINESS Section

THE MASTERPLAN’S KEY MASTER STROKES:

1

There are meals for the whole family to enjoy so there’s far less cooking and washing up needed.

2

Whenever there’s time to cook a big meal, I always cook a double batch so there’s another family meal stashed in the freezer.

3

I plan to use each freezer meal the following week, and thereby alleviate cooking – The MasterPlan includes this twice a week.

4

I have included a variety of frozen essentials like frozen onion, garlic and ginger so that batch cooking is really easy and super quick.

5

All the ingredients for a whole week are easy to order online in a few clicks through my website. Now the food shopping for the week will literally take you five minutes!

soon as possible. A lot of people have been asking me for help and I’m really confident this programme is going to be incredibly helpful. Social media has played a big part in establishing and promoting my business. It’s a big priority for me to grow and get more visibility. I’m moving more towards Instagram now and my content is a mix of food, lifestyle and feeding a family. People love seeing time lapses of our family mealtimes or me cooking – or when I mess up! I really love the idea of using social media to help people in a time when it

gets a bad rap for being detrimental to mental health. I’m really passionate about ways to make social media a positive influence in the way it has worked for me. But I’m working hard to establish boundaries, too. This means I generally don’t go on social media at the weekends so that I can reduce my screen time and give plenty of undivided attention to my family. I joined the Tunbridge Wells branch of Mums in Business (MiBs) network when I started this four years ago. I have developed so many great friendships and supportive partners

A lot of people have asked for help. I’m confident this is going to be incredibly helpful

through it – we’re like a little family. I’m such a social person, I find working on my own can feel lonely and isolating if I’m not careful, so having lots and lots of friends in the same boat sailing alongside can really help keep me going!

For more information follow Alex on Facebook and Instagram @Feedthebrood or visit www.feedthebrood. com/masterplan SO Magazine | March 2020 | 29



Advertising

SO Magazine | March 2020 | 31



FOOD GUIDE

the

GOOD

GRUB G U I D E

2020

Inside:

Coco Retro PAGE 34 The Bottle House Inn PAGE 35 Sopranos PAGE 36 Rendez-vous P37 The Tunbridge Wells Hotel PAGE 38 The Mount Edgcumbe PAGE 40 Salomons PAGE 41 Bewl Water PAGE 42

Your essential tour of the finest restaurants and bars in our area and what they have to offer this spring SO Magazine | March 2020 | 33


FOOD GUIDE

COCO RETRO How would you describe your menu to someone who has never been to your establishment? Our menu is very traditional, classic French. We have discovered some old recipes which we brought to our kitchen and with help of our chefs we innovated them. What was your best culinary moment of 2019? It's really hard to tell, to be honest, as all 2019 was an extraordinary year, but probably December was our best moment as we had a really successful Christmas. Will we see any exciting menu changes in 2020 from you? Of course, yes, we change our menu regularly according to the best local products that the season has to offer and we also update our specials weekly. What is your signature dish? We have couple of dishes which we can define as a signature dish: our very popular rouleaux de porc – rolled pork belly gently cooked for eight hours and marinated in

herbes de Provence, served with shallots, mayonnaise and roast potatoes. And then there's the cuisse de canard a la cerise – duck leg confit in classic cherry and Grand Marnier sauce. How has the growing popularity of diets such as vegan and gluten-free impacted your menu? Our chefs are attentive to gluten intolerance and vegan options. Our menu have a wide selection of gluten-free dishes as well as vegan ones.

If you could open a restaurant anywhere in the world (other than right here) where would it be? It would be probably Switzerland because every year we visit that beautiful country for ski holidays and we believe it is a great spot for business.

looking to discover all the aspects of the food culture. So here in Coco Retro we try to give a full immersion in authentic French food culture, along with a great wine selection. We try to give our customers a holiday feeling from the minute they walk into the restaurant.

With pubs and restaurants becoming more and more popular, what do you think it is that people are looking for when they dine out? We believe that these days people are

Coco Retro 7 Vale Rd, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1BS www.cocoretro.com 01892 522773

We change our menu regularly according to the best local products that the season has to offer

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FOOD GUIDE

THE BOTTLE HOUSE INN How would you describe your menu to someone who has never been to your establishment? Locally sourced, lovingly made fine Penshurst country cooking. Our menu will always be based around pub classics like the Larkins beer battered cod, Bottle House steak burger or chef's shortcrust pie of the day, but our menu constantly moves with the seasons. Our head chef, Mark Harkins, changes the chef's specials on a daily basis to take advantage of seasonal produce and what is particularly recommended by our local suppliers. For example, in May we always offer locally grown asparagus from Groombridge or rhubarb from our own kitchen garden; in the shooting season there may be pheasant or other local game, and at Christmas time there could well be chestnut and sage soup. We are committed to sourcing our produce as locally as possible and to grow and forage it ourselves, whenever we can. This means that our menu is just brimming with local flavour. What was your best culinary moment of 2019? Our local game Chef’s Tasting Evening event in October, where head chef Mark was given a round of applause from the diners in the restaurant. We have started to offer Chef's Tasting Evenings as a special midweek evening event. October was our first, this was a four-course tasting menu of local game with wine pairings. At these events, Mark introduces the dish and talks through his preparation, process and tricks of the trade. It was a great evening. We repeated the event in December and will do so again in early Spring. We’ve also introduced regular special culinary events to our calendar. The next will be British Pie Week running from March 2-8 and Grill Night, which is on Friday March 27. Will we see any exciting menu changes in 2020 from you? The seasons and the availability of produce guide our menu changes. This year, our focus is on developing our kitchen garden more. We have sketched out a plan that will allow us to provide fresher and higher quality herbs and seasonal fruits and vegetables throughout the year. We are also foraging the local countryside of Penshurst for special menu additions like wild garlic, sloes, chestnuts and mushrooms.

Our menu has pub classics at its heart, then we continuously see what the seasons throw at us We are very conscious and happy to provide that option for our customers. It is a permanent part of our menu now. We don’t see this as any kind of restriction but a creative opportunity for the kitchen. Our customers asked for it, so we have made it part of our offering.

What is your signature dish? We don’t have a signature dish as such. Our menu has pub classics at its heart, then we continuously see what the seasons throw at us. If we had to offer one dish it would be our locally sourced ribeye steak with wild garlic butter from the neighbouring woods. This reflects our business and aspirations… It’s a pub classic, the beef is locally sourced from Mayfield, the wild garlic is foraged by us from the woodland that borders the pub and it’s absolutely delicious!

If you could open a restaurant anywhere in the world (other than right here) where would it be? If I had to choose elsewhere, perhaps the Wye Valley and the Forest of Dean with its ancient forests, wild river valleys, castles and sheer abundance of amazing ingredients to source and forage for. It's the only place to come to mind that comes close to rival what we already have on our doorstep.

With pubs and restaurants becoming more and more popular, what do you think it is that people are looking for when they dine out? Great food that’s lovingly made. A seasonal menu that relies on local and the highest quality produce. Friendly and knowledgable service. Local draught beer and a wine list that has been tailor-made for the pub. Altogether, a warm, welcoming experience in beautiful and historic surroundings. Look no further than The Bottle House... The Bottle House Inn Coldharbour Rd, Penshurst, Tonbridge TN11 8ET www.thebottlehouseinnpenshurst.co.uk 01892 870306

How has the growing popularity of diets such as vegan and gluten free impacted your menu? SO Magazine | March 2020 | 35


FOOD GUIDE

SOPRANO How would you describe your menu to someone who has never been to your establishment? Our menu is a combination of old classic recipes and new revisited ones. Everything is served in a unique, famous tapas way, which will give you an opportunity to try lots of different flavour and it’s perfect for sharing. What was your best culinary moment of 2019? Our best culinary moment was last summer when we launched our new menu. We had such a successful summer which was the best one from the time we opened in 2006. Will we see any exciting menu changes in 2020 from you? Yes, of course we change and update our menu regularly, according to the season. With almost 50 different tapas dishes it is hard to tell. But there’s been a few dishes on the menu since we have opened: Albondigas con salsa de Tomato – our famous meat balls, Pato Crujiente – crispy duck infused with serrano ham and sundried tomato served with sautéed potatoes, Patatas Bravas – oven cooked potatoes topped with soprano spicy tomato sauce and Tortilla – Spanish omelette made up of potatoes and onion

36 | March 2020 | SO Magazine

in gluten free and also have a nice selection of vegan and vegetarian options. If you could open a restaurant anywhere in the world (other than right here), where would it be? Definitely Italy. We would like to bring Spanish tapas culture to Italy as we believe these two countries have very similar cultures and I strongly believe it would be successful.

Gambas Piri Piri freshly peeled tiger prawns sautéed in garlic and chilli, to name just a few, tthat people just can't get enough of. Our menu is a mixture of exciting new choices and firm favourites.

How has the growing popularity of diets such as vegan and gluten free impacted your menu? Since we opened in 2006, we have always tried to give a large selection of gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options. Obviously nowadays there is bigger demand on dietary, but as our food is made from scratch, we can offer almost an entire menu

With pubs and restaurants becoming more and more popular, what do you think it is people are looking for when they dine out? We try not to offer just dining out but we think costumers are after an experience not just a meal. And that’s what we are trying to do. Give an experience. Soprano 56 High St, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1XF www.sopranowinebar.co.uk 01892 535842


FOOD GUIDE

If I could take this anywhere it would be Lake Como in northern Italy

RENDEZ-VOUS What is your winning dish that the punters just love? A customer favourite is our slow roasted pork belly spin. It’s been on the menu from the start and we can’t take it off for fear of the uproar it would cause! The crackling really makes this dish and the meat is set on mustard seed mash potato with brazed red cabbage and gravy. What’s your view on the health and vibrancy of the local grub scene? We have many interesting independent restaurants in Tunbridge Wells that are well supported by the educated foodies we have in our town. Without them our business would not be here now

entering our seventh year. If you could open a restaurant anywhere in the world (other than Sunny Tunny), where would it be? If I could take this anywhere it would be Lake Como in northern Italy. It’s a beautiful place with a dramatic landscape and fantastic architecture. I worked there for two years and I would love to open up a shop there one day. Rendez-Vous, 86 Camden Rd Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2QP www.rendezvoustw.co.uk 01892 525 830

SO Magazine | March 2020 | 37


FOOD GUIDE

THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS HOTEL How would you describe your establishment to someone who has never been before? Quality food with excellent service. We are lucky that we have a lovely position directly in the heart of The Pantiles. Coupled with the events we run, this make us a pretty unique location. Our warm welcome is particularly important, how you start stays so much about you. If your restaurant is friendly and inviting it’s always a good sign, they should want you to have a good time as we do. Michael leads a great team at The Hotel. We have all worked together for nearly eight years now, with a stable team of Chefs and managers. We are professionals who care about what we do. I hope we get the mix between friendly professional service and great quality food right. What was your best culinary moment of 2019? Offering more vegan and vegetarian dishes at the right time. In the summer we have always offered great salads and grills. But we realised we needed to serve light and healthy food throughout the year, because these plant-based diets can offer really delicious alternatives and people are increasingly changing the way they eat for health as well as ethical reasons.

Will we see any exciting menu changes in 2020 from you? I love a bit of Yotam Ottolenghi. So incorporating more healthy options into our summer menu is a priority. We're also looking into more Persian and Lebanese inspired dishes. There are so many incredible flavours and textures: the smoked

What’s the point of great food if it’s not fun? Music, events and great service – let’s have a good time

38 | March 2020 | SO Magazine

aubergine and fresh herbs are fantastic – Sumac, Ras El Hanout, it’s all so different and fresh and I think people would really appreciate these novel flavours. What is your signature dish? Partridge in winter and asparagus in the spring. We also sell a lot of slow roast carrots with cumin and borlotti beans, it might sound dull but it is incredibly delicious! How has the growing popularity of diets such as vegan and gluten free impacted your menu? Massively! Everyone is now a 'flexitarian'. Even me. At home we eat pretty much all vegetarian food during the week, although I do feel the occasional desire to devour steak and chips. If you could open a restaurant anywhere in the world (other than right here), where would it be? Cartagena De Indies, Colombia – an unbelievable town with great cerviche (raw marinated fish). South America is still pretty much undiscovered. If you think about it we have most cultures really well represented

here in the UK. Italy, Indian, Thai and Japanese, But there’s not much from South America aside from a few Chilean restaurants in London, but as yet the cuisine hasn’t made the jump into the mainstream. What I loved about Cartagena was the freshness – great fish, fresh off the boat and the starter was almost always a lime marinated cerviche. I never got tired of it, that and a bit of chilli washed down with the odd glass of Mendoza Chardonnay. Just magic, you must go if you get the chance. With pubs and restaurants becoming more and more popular, what do you think it is people are looking for when they dine out? What’s the point of great food if it’s not fun? Music, events and great service – let’s have a good time. The days of worshipping at the table of fine dining have long gone in my opinion, I just want to kick back and enjoy. In the last few years we have really put a lot of effort into running events down here on The Pantiles. It started with the jazz back in 2012 but we have now developed a whole season of events. The gin festivals are now really big and that was a massive surprise to see how that took off, literally the first one had 6000 visitors on its first weekend. 40 different producers with 70 different gins, what’s not to like? This year the gin festival is on the June 13-14 and I’m really looking forward to that. Food Fest is on May 9-10 and that is always a great weekend, this year we hope to get more local chefs and producers to participate. As well as all that I love running the jazz nights down here in The Pantiles. Walking out onto The Tunbridge Wells Hotel's packed terrace in the summer, with a great band playing on the bandstand is magic, It’s fun, relaxed and the food is great. A great night out: which in my opinion is what it’s all about. The Tunbridge Wells Hotel 58 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5TD www.thetunbridgewellshotel.com 01892 530501


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FOOD GUIDE

THE MOUNT EDGCUMBE How would you describe your menu to someone who has never been to your establishment? Our menu boasts a wide selection of seasonal, fresh dishes highlighting our head chef Lukasz’s passion for British and European cuisine. We aim to provide something for everyone, whether you want to relax with a sharing board in our sunny beer garden or enjoy a three course meal in our intimate restaurant. We try to source as much of our produce locally as possible. All our of food is prepped on site and cooked to order. Some firm favourites include our starters of Shetland mussels, chilli salted squid or courgette and cheese frittata, for something to share our vegan board is always a winner, and for those of you who are hungry you have to try our beer battered haddock and chips, our lunchtime Edgcumbe steak burger or our succulent lamb steak served with seasonal vegetables. And to finish, dive into our affogato, gluten free sticky toffee pudding or indulgent cheesecake. What was your best culinary moment of 2019? It is hard for us to choose just one moment,

40 | March 2020 | SO Magazine

we serve high quality food throughout the year and are pleased to be people’s go-to place for anything from summer lunches to Christmas parties. Our consistently positive reviews praising our wonderful food are something we, as a team, are very proud of. Will we see any exciting menu changes in 2020 from you? Each year we change our menu with the seasons, every couple of months we work together to develop new dishes that showcase seasonal, local produce, as well as keeping some of the old favourites. Our Spring menu is launching midMarch, this will include dishes that reflect the (fingers crossed) warmer weather to come! As the culinary world is forever growing, there are always new, exciting ideas to explore.

How has the growing popularity of diets such as vegan and gluten free impacted your menu? We always ensure we have plenty of vegan and vegetarian options on our menu and have adapted some dishes to give those with special dietary requirements more choice without affecting the quality or the taste. Lukasz and his team work to create interesting, meat free options that are loved by both vegans and non-vegans alike. Recently we have adapted some of our dishes to not contain gluten, including the beer battered haddock and chips, resulting in most of our menu now being gluten free (or adaptable to be). This being said we can definitely confirm these dishes are as delicious as ever – some have said even more so! With pubs and restaurants becoming more and more popular, what do you think it is people are looking for when they dine out? We believe when people dine out they are looking for the whole experience. Everything from fantastic food to excellent service and a

We believe when people dine out they are looking for the whole experience. Everything from fantastic food to excellent service and a welcoming atmosphere

welcoming atmosphere. Whilst all of these factors are important, it is the experience as a whole that makes people want to come back. We work hard to make sure each individual customer’s experience is as good as it possibly can be from start to finish. Our aim is to make all of our guests feel at home, and create the perfect place to eat, drink, stay and enjoy. The Mount Edgcumbe The Common, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 8BX www.themountedgcumbe.com 01892 618854


FOOD GUIDE

SALOMONS PUB AND DINING ROOMS

How would you describe your menu to someone who has never been to your establishment? The Pub and Dining Room has a delicious menu from pub classics such as chargrilled 8oz sirloin steak to more exotic dishes such as vegetable pad-thai. We have a great selection of starters, mains and desserts to suit any diner. Our talented chefs provide a seasonally changing menu with the finest and locally sourced ingredients.

What was your best culinary moment of 2019? Our best culinary moment of 2019 was a mouthwatering grazing table served at a wedding in September, with a selection of sweet and savoury treats. The table was 16ft long and was served in the evening. The table included watermelon slices, lemon herb chicken, continental cheeses, sundried tomatoes, sliced cured meats, warm breads and much more!

Our chefs have prepared our seasonal menu with allergies in mind Will we see any exciting menu changes in 2020 from you? Yes, our menu is a seasonally changing and we are always trying to excite our customers with new dishes. Our current menu has dishes which are full of flavour including smoked salmon pasta salad or halloumi arancini served with a red pepper tomato basil sauce, coleslaw and mixed leaf salad. What is your signature dish? Our signature dish is a delicious chicken Caesar croquette salad served with baby spinach, romaine and micro cress finished with a lemon garlic dressing. How has the growing popularity of diets such as vegan and gluten free impacted your menu? It has not affected our menu; our chefs have prepared our seasonal menu with allergies in mind. Our menu has a selection of dishes that can be offered to both vegan and glutenfree diners. We have created mouthwatering dishes that will satisfy all taste buds.

If you could open a restaurant anywhere in the world (other than right here), where would it be? I would love to open a restaurant overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, nestled in the hills off the Amalfi coast. I would serve delicious pizzas from our wood fired pizza oven served with an ice-cold blood orange Campari. Salomons Broomhill Rd, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 0TG www.salomons-estate.com 01892 515152 SO Magazine | March 2020 | 41


FOOD GUIDE

THE BOAT HOUSE BISTRO What was your best culinary moment of 2019? Since I’ve been Head Chef at The Boat House Bistro I would have to say that it would be eating the succulent hog roast at my own wedding, which we held at The Boat House Bistro in October. It was a really amazing day, my team, who are like family, looked after all our friends and family and made our day truly amazing. I would also say cooking the food for a longtime friend and colleague’s wedding last year, we put on a delicious wedding breakfast which included one of my favourite dishes to cook – rump of lamb, dauphinoise potatoes and petit ratatouille. It was such an honour to be part of their special day. Will we see any exciting menu changes in 2020 from you? Definitely more plant based dishes. With the rise of vegan and vegetarian based diets we will be looking to add more vegan and vegetarian options. We’re looking to serve more wild game this year too. We have amazing local suppliers providing us with exceptional seasonal produce. In particular Southborough Butchers who provide us with the quality meat we use for our famous Sunday roasts.

With the rise of vegan and vegetarian based diets we will be looking to add more vegan and vegetarian options

What is your signature dish? Twice baked parmesan soufflé – it’s my favourite! It’s been a regular on our menu as I really do love it, our customers do too! How has the growing popularity of diets such as vegan and gluten free impacted your menu? We are serving a lot more dishes to accommodate special dietary requirements and plan to expand these and the vegan

dishes this year. We’re utilising a lot of new ingredients and techniques such as aquafaba, which is used as an egg white substitute. It makes the most amazing meringues! If you could open a restaurant anywhere in the world (other than right here), where would it be?

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Fornells, a fishing port/village in Menorca, Spain. It’s the most beautiful place, I’ve visited numerous times over the years and I have really fallen in love with it. This fisherman’s village has become a real hotspot for water sports (much like Bewl Water!) and specialist fish restaurants with the freshest of fish. With pubs and restaurants becoming more and more popular, what do you think it is people are looking for when they dine out? People want the full package, a lovely and interesting environment to sit and relax with service and food to match, and of course

value for money. We tick all those boxes at The Boat House Bistro with the most gorgeous views over the reservoir which is the perfect spot to watch fisherman, sailors and windsurfers on the water. We really do have an amazing front of house team partnered with delicious locally sourced produce to create great honest food with great service! Bewl Water Bewlbridge Lane, Lamberhurst, TN3 8JH www.bewlwater.co.uk 01892 890000




Food & Drink

Food & Drink

tomatoes, along with white wine and parsley. The effect is powerful and pungent. I cannot resist trying another house red, and this time I go for something with a bit more body to go with the beef, an Italian cabernet sauvignon Astoria which turns out to be ideally peppery and warming. In keeping with the appeal to family groups, it’s worth noting that the children’s menu is impressive with five pasta dishes on offer as well as the customary chicken goujons – which are also definitely better than usual.

Ela Bella is the catch of the day This French-Italian restaurant with an accent on seafood brings us the essence of a classic European dining experience in a family-friendly environment, as Andy Tong discovers THE LOW DOWN Ela Bella opened four months ago at 163 High Street in Tonbridge, offering French and Italian dishes with an emphasis on fish and seafood. It’s spread across two floors in a beautiful old listed building and the place is full of original charm with a network of oak beams and rather eccentric angles and slopes. It’s a warm and welcoming décor, which retains a timeless appeal even though it has just been freshened up. You could be in a backstreet trattoria or a provincial brasserie. It feels like the kind of place you would come back to, even before you’ve sat down. FIRST IMPRESSION The premises once housed the Office Wine Bar, one of the first venues in the town that wasn’t a pub. Now, of course, the town is heavily populated by dining

destinations and a burgeoning reputation, but head chef Tarik is confident that he can serve up a distinct experience. Tarik, whose family is from Istanbul, is in his 20th year as a restaurateur and has a broad experience of European cuisine, having worked at The Vineyard in Wrotham Heath, El Matador in Sevenoaks and Amano at The Swan in West Malling. His latest project is named after his daughter, who has always been known as ‘Ela bella’. The venue is keen to style itself as family-friendly and there are indeed a number of young children happily dining there on a weekend lunchtime. UNDER STARTERS ORDERS After an effusive welcome from Tarik, we are offered a warm bread roll, which is always a good start. I opt for the jumbo scallops wrapped in bacon with a garlic butter sauce (£9.95), which I am told is a very popular dish. The scallops are cooked to perfection and have a lovely silky consistency, with the bacon pleasingly charred and the butter eminently dippable. My guest opts for the calamari fritti with aioli (£6.95), and the squid is very tender while the batter is splendidly light and melts on the tongue. I partner the starter with a glass of French merlot Terres Cortal (£4.95), which proves to be very smooth so that it complements the succulent slivers of scallop well. There is a tantalising array of

house wines served by the glass, which is such a relief from the customary disappointment of one of each colour and all from the same supplier, which seems to be so favoured these days. THE MAIN EVENT I suppose I really should have gone for a fish dish – the dover sole special is proving a big hit with customers – but when my guest chooses the Ela Bella seafood spaghetti (£15.50), I can’t resist going for something French with red meat. I can always try hers, after all! So I have the boeuf bourgignon (£22.95). The meat is cut into small but potent chunks, the baby onions are happily crunchy and the sauce eminently deep in flavour and texture. Now I will issue a little warning here. The bourgignon comes on its own, and you will need to order side dishes, which make the course really rather expensive. But the sautéed potatoes are an ideal accompaniment, like thick game chips, and the vegetables are al dente, which is always a plus point – over-boiling mush being one of the great crimes against greens. The same bold handling applies to the pasta, with the spaghetti firm rather than squidgy. My guest exclaims at the large quantity of seafood in her expansive dish and applauds the sauce, which is made with cherry tomatoes, giving it a deeper richness than ordinary

JUST DESSERTS I really should have called it a day at that point, but duty calls and from the array of homemade puddings I go for the berry cheesecake. The fruity compote is eye-wateringly good and the biscuit base is a delightful combination of crumble and moistness. It’s another winner, which leaves you wondering about the other desserts you’ve missed out on. THE USP In the competitive market that is Tonbridge’s growing foodie scene, Ela Bella is striking out on her own with a European dining experience in a relaxed and informal setting – it’s like being on holiday but in your own town. “We wanted to offer something different for the people of Tonbridge,” Tarik told us. “There are plenty of pizza and pasta places in the town, so we thought it needed a specialist fish and seafood restaurant. Then we thought we would mix French and Italian, so there is a good selection of meat dishes too. “We like to feature different things, so recently we had frogs’ legs one week, then oysters the next. And we like to give our customers what they want so if they ask for something specifically then we will get it in for them. For example someone came in and asked for liver and bacon and we served it up. For me, it’s all about the people.” SO Magazine | March 2020 | 45


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EDUCATION SPECIAL

Education matters CONFIDENCE

Find out about how participation can impart self-belief p49

POSITIVE PLAY

Learn about the benefits of sport for development and well-being p51

CREATIVE THINKING Why the Arts subjects are more important than ever p55

SO Magazine | March 2020 | 47



EDUCATION SPECIAL

BEECHWOOD SACRED HEART SCHOOL How important is it for your school to ensure that the arts are well represented in the curriculum? What key benefits do these subjects give students in addition to the traditional academic ones? The future reality for our schoolchildren today is that they are entering a rapidly

changing jobs marketplace when they leave school, college or university. Low skilled jobs are being replaced; there is no worse a time to be someone with ordinary skills. But there is no better time for people with the right skills, quite different skills, where the knowledge and attributes needed are much more holistic.

Let us consider increasing automation, a threat to many. However, there may be more human-machine opportunities available with significant creativity – doing what computers can’t do. The arts can allow some children to express themselves better than in some traditional subjects. In arts or other creative lessons children could be asked to recite a monologue in four different ways, create a painting that represents a memory, or compose a new rhythm to enhance a piece of music. If children practise thinking creatively, it will come naturally to them now and in their future career. At Beechwood Sacred Heart School, we offer a wide range of creative subjects. These include Music, Drama and Theatre Studies, DT Textiles, DT Product Design, Fine Art, and Photography. Students at A Level and now in Year 8 can develop their own personal research and presentation project, the EPQ. Recent examples have looked at the role of the muse in art, and the influence of the music of Oasis. The arts do not just develop a child’s creativity — the skills they learn spill over into academic achievement. This is primarily about developing selfconfidence, independent enquiry and organisation. Developing an Art or DT portfolio is an excellent example of this. In such a busy world, where opportunities abound in sport, recreation, socialising and technology media, allowing children to spend time on arts-based projects and collaboration helps to develop fine motor skills and patience. Simple things like playing an instrument, holding

a paintbrush and sketching are an important element to developing a child’s fine motor skills. There is something special about participating in the arts. Getting up on a stage and acting, performing, singing or showcasing their work gives children a chance to step outside their comfort zone. As they improve and see their own progress, their self-confidence will continue to grow. The arts strengthen problem solving and critical thinking skills. How do I express this feeling through my dance? How should I play this character? The arts can be challenging, but learning to master musical instruments, redrafting artwork, refining DT projects, rehearsing lines and performances encourage perseverance, focus and attention to detail. www.beechwood.org.uk 12 Pembury Rd Tunbridge Wells Kent TN2 3QD

Headteacher Mr Bunker said: “It has been a pleasure working with this group of incredible students. The Eco Warriors are passionate about the environment, enthusiastic about their project and a joy to be around. It is a worrying time for our environment and the children are well informed of the challenges that we face. But this project has been more than a learning experience, it has empowered the children to take positive action – something they are extremely proud of. They know that in doing their bit, they are helping to better protect the earth for generations to come”. If children ruled the world…!

CLAREMONT SCHOOL When it comes to saving the planet, Claremont School is open for business, as pupils launch the Claremont Eco Store...

Building on the brilliant year-round work of Claremont School’s Eco Warriors as they pursue Green Flag status, pupils from Year 7 and 8 decided to launch the Claremont Eco Store to sell environmentally friendly products directly to parents and friends. Believed to be one of the first of its kind in a school, the Eco Store has gone from strength to strength since it first opened its doors last November. From humble beginnings and a modest

stock list, chosen and marketed by the children themselves to include eco-friendly shampoo, body wash and refillable bottles, the Eco Warriors have been able to reinvest in their ‘business’ and expand their product range. Their new eco-lines include soap bars, washing up liquid, reusable straws and face pads, Eco Laundry Eggs ‘Ecoeggs’, bamboo toothbrushes ‘truthbrushes’, bamboo cotton buds, dental floss and top-selling toilet paper – ‘Bumboo’. Many national suppliers have recognised this as an incredible project and initiative for the children, to not only be running a ‘business’, but helping to reduce single use plastic and promote eco-friendly

www.claremontschool.co.uk Banner Farm Road Tunbridge Wells Kent TN2 5EB

products to staff and parents. Offering their support, some have very generously allowed the children to order from them at wholesale prices with lower minimum orders to help get them started. The children also took the Eco Store to the annual School Christmas Bazaar, where they were able to promote their cause and sell their wares to the wider local community. With the help of charity onetreeplanted. org the children decided that for every £10 in takings they would plant a tree. Ten trees were planted in Kenya on the Eco Store’s opening day, 17 the following week and 50 by the second week in January. SO Magazine | March 2020 | 49



EDUCATION SPECIAL

HILDEN OAKS SCHOOL Who wants to hop, skip and jump into the 20-20s? First and foremost sport is about participation and enjoyment. The ethos at Hilden Oaks Prep is to ‘Inspire, Motivate, Guide, Recognise and Support’, and the focus is on personal development through physical activity. Hilden Oaks provides a programme of sporting activities to give children the opportunities to discover and develop

interests or talents, develop character, and equip them with the knowledge of how to keep physically and mentally healthy. It is a well-publicised fact that children who are active in school sports are fitter, have healthier body weights and are more confident. It also makes a significant contribution to the ‘Spiritual, Moral, Cultural and Mental development’ (for which the school received a Gold Award in 2019). Starting in Early Years, all the children have

physical development lessons, which are led by specialist PE teachers and are based around locomotive, stability and manipulative skills, covering games, gymnastics and dance. As they move through the school into Pre-Prep, the physical education lessons are delivered on a daily basis, and eventually in Prep, the skills they have previously learnt are transferred into athletics, cross-country running, netball, cricket, dance, football, rugby, gymnastics, tennis, swimming, and – in Year 6 – korfball. All pupils are given the opportunity to represent the school in matches both against other schools and inter-house, and some will even represent the school at district level. Hilden Oaks celebrates all levels of sporting success regularly in assembly, including ‘player of the match’, and they encourage their most able students to pursue sports outside school to maximise their potential. All the individual sports accolades feature on a Sports Star display board. Every year a Sports Scholarship is awarded to the most deserving pupil in Form 2, and they are very proud of the fact that several of their former pupils have been awarded sports scholarships to their senior schools. It is recognised, however, that not everyone shines at team sports, so a programme of extra-curricular sports clubs and coaching is offered which includes golf, fencing, badminton, judo, POP Lacrosse, tennis, and bike skills. Mental health and wellbeing has become a focus for much discussion in recent years, and this is an area that Hilden Oaks Prep is physically addressing. The school not only has mindfulness as part of the curriculum, but

also gives pupils opportunities to participate in a wide variety of team and individual sports, which can have a very positive impact on their overall health. We have a duty to develop well balanced and responsible children who can hop, skip and jump into the 20-20s! Exciting times lay ahead. Can you keep up the pace?

Parents looking for a new school are warmly invited to visit Hilden Oaks Prep for one of their forthcoming Open Mornings on Wednesday March 11 and Friday March 20 9-11am. To book a visit, please call 01732 353941 or go to hildenoaks.co.uk Year 3 places are available from September 2020, but please ask about availability in other years.

we achieved a 70% success rate for senior school scholarships, with many of these representing individual achievement in the arts. Additionally, we recognise the importance of supporting artistic talent and offer Year 7 entry scholarships to Marlborough House in the Creative and Performing arts.

Artistic skills are exceptionally well developed, as the high standard of artwork produced in lessons and on display around the school clearly demonstrates ISI REPORT

MARLBOROUGH HOUSE SCHOOL How important is it for your school to ensure that the arts are well represented in the curriculum? What key benefits do these subjects give students in addition to the traditional academic ones? At Marlborough House we believe it is important to nurture the creativity, passion and individuality of each child at the school. Appreciation of the Creative and Performing Arts enhances pupils’ understanding of the world around them, enables them to develop a wide range of skills and broadens their perspective on traditional academic subjects.

This reflects our ethos: Enjoying Today. Educating for Tomorrow. Art, Design Technology, Music and Drama are integral to the comprehensive education we offer at Marlborough House and give children the opportunity to express themselves and develop in a multitude of ways. We have a fantastic range of activities within the creative curriculum, from music groups and art clubs, through to large school drama productions and exhibitions. We aim for excellence and as a result we have a strong record of pupils achieving art, DT, music, and drama scholarships. Last year

Art encourages an awareness of the world around us, both natural and man-made. This is achieved through the study and appreciation of the work of different cultures, artists, designers and of the natural world itself. Our wonderful grounds offer plenty of scope for inspiring young artists. Design Technology brings a strong ethos to try and nurture creativity and innovation through the whole design process and within each child we strive to develop an ability to evaluate their own work and also the designs of others. Drama is for everybody and we like to challenge ourselves to unlock every child’s “inner thespian”. To do this, we provide opportunities for children to develop their performing skills in class assemblies and drama presentations throughout the year. Music plays an integral part in school life and the emphasis is very much on having fun

whilst learning. Every child is encouraged to develop their enjoyment and appreciation of a variety of musical genres, through performing, composing and listening.

Many pupils take part in the choir and learn musical instruments; each year a considerable number of pupils achieve distinction and merit awards in instrumental music examinations ISI REPORT www.marlboroughhouseschool.co.uk 01580 753555 High Street Hawkhurst Cranbrook TN18 4PY SO Magazine | March 2020 | 51


EDUCATION SPECIAL

TONBRIDGE SCHOOL Preparing students for future success… Tonbridge School’s talented Upper Sixth students are starting to look forward to the next phase of their education at many of Britain’s leading universities. A total of 18 Tonbridge pupils have recently been offered places to study at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Subjects they will be reading include

52 | March 2020 | SO Magazine

Architecture, Economics, Engineering, English Language and Literature, Maths, Maths and Computer Science, Modern Languages, Natural Sciences, Oriental Studies, PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics) and Physics, which means that many of the school’s departments have played a key part in this success. The total is made up of nine offers from the University of Cambridge and nine offers from

Oxford. With competition from national and international candidates stronger than ever, it is a great achievement that Tonbridge students have received 162 Oxbridge offers since 2015. Each year Tonbridge leavers also take up places at other elite universities, such as Imperial College, the London School of Economics, University College London, Edinburgh, St Andrews, Durham, Bath, Bristol, Manchester, York, Warwick, Leeds and Exeter. The large majority of the Upper Sixth achieve their first-choice destination.

Last year, for instance, Tonbridge leavers had 100 per cent success rates with applications to Warwick, Manchester and York universities, and success rates of over 90 per cent for Exeter, Bristol, Nottingham, Bath and Birmingham. As in previous years, some students will be securing places on world-leading degree courses in less traditional subjects, which will give them a head start in their chosen careers. These sought-after courses for 2020 include Real Estate, Aerospace Engineering, Earth Sciences, Sports Management, Marine Biology and Marine Zoology. The school’s Headmaster, James Priory, said: “Securing a place at a leading university, in a highly competitive field, is a fine achievement, requiring hard work and dedication. “I look forward to following our students’ progress at university and in their subsequent careers, and I am extremely grateful for the contribution they continue to make to the intellectual, pastoral and co-curricular life of the school.” A proportion of Tonbridge leavers also choose to study abroad and progress to leading universities around the world, particularly in the USA. Recent destinations have included Berkeley, University of Pennsylvania, New York University, Rice University, the United States Air Force Academy, the University of Toronto and Hong Kong University. Tonbridge School High Street Tonbridge TN9 1JP 01732 365555 admissions@tonbridge-school.co.uk


EDUCATION SPECIAL

important asset for later life. Benefits from the more physical activities help to improve students’ health, wellbeing and fitness levels in order to maintain a balanced lifestyle. Students should be encouraged to engage in as much of a co-curricular programme as possible, with highly qualified staff to deliver the activities in order to bring out the best in each student, in this way many discover talents they didn’t realise they had. For example, first team rugby players at Hurst have also taken lead roles in our dance showcase and musicals. By the time students leave Hurst, the majority will have performed in a sports team, on a dance floor, on the stage, as well as having marched with the CCF and been involved with recycling or another environmental activity. At Hurst, sport and games are compulsory throughout the week and our service

afternoon is compulsory for students in Years 10 and 11, whilst the majority of our Sixth Formers continue to be involved with the service programme, Dance and drama are compulsory for Year 9 students and have protected slots as part of the weekly timetable. Music activities such as the choir, orchestra and jazz band have protected slots during the afternoon timetable. Through co-curricular activities students will not only gain certain skills and develop a range of qualities but they are often introduced to a pastime or hobby which they can enjoy throughout their lives.

handwriting. Research shows that this figure is on the increase and that adolescent back pain can persist into adulthood. To try and lessen the strain on developing spines, it is vital for all schoolchildren to be sitting in ergonomically designed chairs, both at school and while studying at home. SitSmart, the posture seating specialist based in Tunbridge Wells, offers a range of stools and chairs for children and teenagers, ideal for the home office or bedroom, which will teach young bodies to sit in an ergonomically correct way and so protect their backs for the future. Some schools in Kent are already ahead of the game. SitSmart has kitted out classrooms and break out areas at both the the Weald of Kent grammar school and Tonbridge School, as well as the Slade Primary School in Tonbridge. “Health and safety are major factors in most workplaces, but often children are overlooked when it comes to ergonomic seating,” commented SitSmart Sales Director Matt Hutchinson. “Most schoolchildren sit on a basic chair, many of which have been in use for years. It stands to reason that if they have good posture and support they will be less tired, more able to concentrate and their developing bones will learn to grow correctly. “We can supply competitively priced, moulded chairs and stools for schools and ergonomic kneeling chairs and saddle stools for home use to ensure the back is being held in the right position. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune to make sure our children are sitting comfortably!” SitSmart also supplies a range of ergonomic accessories to help prevent problems such as

Repetitive Strain Injury including laptop stands, specially adapted mice, wrist rests and various posture cushions - all enabling your children’s workstation to work for them. It’s good to note that BackCare is putting pressure on the government for better ergonomic furniture and locker provision in schools, as well as health & safety guidance (like adults in the workplace), more physical activity in the school day and some back care education included in the curriculum.

www.hppc.co.uk College Lane Hurstpierpoint Hassocks BN6 9JS

HURSTPIERPOINT COLLEGE Nick Creed, Assistant Head of Co-curricular at Hurst College explains why the term co-curricular should replace extra-curricular Co-curricular activities are key to the all-round education of every individual student and should run alongside the academic curriculum as part of the weekly timetable – hence the reason why we use the term co-curricular rather than extra-curricular. Great value should be placed on what goes on outside of the classroom as much as what goes on inside, as skills that are learnt through these activities can be transferred to the classroom.

The range of co-curricular activities should provide many opportunities for students to try new ventures, confront risks and learn from experience – all crucial aspects in developing skills for life. The aim of a cocurricular programme is to equip students with the skills and experience to make a success of their lives beyond school. Respect, responsibility, resilience and reflection are learnt through such a programme, and students also learn how to communicate with each other as part of a team and in leading a team. The various activities also help them to become accurate decision-makers - another

SIT SMART How often were we nagged with the words ‘Sit up straight’ by our parents or schoolteachers? Well funnily enough, they were right – and for this generation of children it’s even more applicable. Overloaded school bags, hunched over desks, crouched over computer games and iPads, mobiles clenched between head and neck and the natural ‘stoop’ which comes with self-conscious teenagers all contribute to some rather uncomfortable research. A study by BackCare (The National Back Pain Association) surveyed 900 secondary

school pupils across the UK. Results revealed that a substantial two thirds of pupils had experienced back pain, while one in four suffered from back pain regularly or every day. Neck and shoulder pain were also common problems related to posture. The survey showed that pupils sat for an average of nine hours per day – whether in a classroom, eating meals, travelling, doing homework, enjoying free time – that equates to the average child spending 15,000 hours sitting on chairs during their school life. Back problems can affect school attendance, concentration, participation in sport and even

For further information, please contact the sales department on T: 01892 510202 or E: sales@sitsmart.co.uk Alternatively check out our website www.sitsmart.co.uk

SO Magazine | March 2020 | 53


EDUCATION SPECIAL

ROSE HILL SCHOOL Headteacher Emma Neville on the key benefits arts subjects give students in addition to the traditional academic ones... As a former art teacher, I understand better than many the benefit of the arts as part of a broad curriculum. Our focus in not solely on academic results but how each of our pupils is different and how we can draw out their talents and best support them on their learning journey. We recognise that academic excellence alone is insufficient for personal and professional success in the modern world. The abilities to think creatively and critically; problem solve and use initiative; mediate and negotiate; be resilient and empathetic are just a few of a range of key

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skills which are now given equal importance to academic achievement. So, in September we will launch our new curriculum which will allow us to help all of our pupils shine. Curriculum 2020 will enable us to assess pupils learning in many different ways, drawing out individual pupils’ strengths, which do not always come to the fore during a written test. Teachers will give pupils the opportunities to identify their talents, and track their own progress through personal learning portfolios. Project work and immersive learning activities will encourage the development of leadership, collaborative learning skills, presentation and research skills. Outdoor learning activities will be commonplace, and

pupils will develop a greater understanding of their place in the world and all they can do to make a positive global impact. These skills are especially important to pupils in Years 7 & 8 as they leave us and move on to senior schools and then on to university. While achievement in mathematics and English remains integral, increasing value is given to developing pupils’ performance in a range of life skills, such as inter-personal and thinking skills. At Rose Hill School we place particular value on the importance of our final two years, and we have a fee structure that enables more children to experience this opportunity before moving on to their senior schools. From September 2020, our fees will be £7,995 per year. In addition, we offer awards to pupils who show promise in various subjects such as

Sports, Drama, Art and Music. For children offered a major award, the fee for the year will be £3,998. All subjects in Years 7 & 8, including the arts, are led with specialist teaching staff, and our class sizes are lower than those of a senior school, which means we offer an individual learning journey. This can be important for all children regardless of ability. We make sure no child ‘gets lost in a crowd’. Additionally, for a less self-assured child, remaining in our small and nurturing environment for longer will help to build their confidence. To discuss what Rose Hill School can offer your child, or to visit the school’s Open Mornings on March 20 and May 1, please contact Admissions Secretary Ann Green admissions@rosehillschool.co.uk 01892 525591


EDUCATION SPECIAL

KENT COLLEGE How important is it for your school to ensure that the arts are well represented in the curriculum? What key benefits do these subjects give students in addition to the traditional academic ones?

As a musician, you would expect me, as Head, to be a strong advocate for ensuring

the arts take a central role in the curriculum. I could be criticised for giving more weight to my subject specialism than is deserved, or needed. However, I would argue that with the impact of technology, the pace and scale of change in society at the moment feels like something quite new. The way forward is not entirely clear, and

if young people are to have the skills and confidence to make positive decisions about their own lives and the kind of world they want to see, then they are going to need to think and respond in wholly new and innovative ways. They need to think creatively, and the recent Durham Commission report on creativity in education made it clear that the arts make an invaluable contribution to the development of creativity in young people. The government’s recent reforms, in particular the introduction of the EBacc (the performance measure showing the proportion of children in a secondary school who achieve a Grade 4 or more in the core academic subjects of English, maths, science, history or geography and a language) has possibly reduced the status of subjects such as music, art, dance and drama. Creativity is the driver of economic growth and innovation. We can only guarantee success if we ensure that young people are given the opportunity to develop these skills. Of course, creativity can be taught through other mediums in school, but it is the creative subjects which provide the foundations for developing the conditions to nurture creativity. Participation in the arts encourages discipline, practice and rigour, as well as opportunities for students to

problem-solve, experiment, take risks and make mistakes, and provides the space for self-directed learning. I know for certain that this set of skills has stood me in good stead in my role as Head. I make no apologies for placing the arts firmly at the heart of our curriculum, and the whole school community greatly values all that there is on offer from the creative and performing arts. Everyone, including staff, is encouraged to participate – and they do! With an education that has a firm grounding in creativity, we can be sure that this generation of young people will thrive throughout adulthood, enjoy and achieve in their lives and be able to shape a better future for generations to come. Julie Lodrick Headmistress To find out more, please visit Kent College. The Open House runs on Mondays 9.1510.30am and Fridays 2-3.15pm

SO Magazine | March 2020 | 55


Mayfield A N I NDEPENDENT DAY AND BOARDI NG S C H OOL FOR GI RLS AGED 11 TO 18

“THE QUALITY OF THE PUPILS’ ACADEMIC AND OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS IS EXCELLENT”

“ONE OF THE FINEST SCHOOLS IN THE LAND”

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS INSPECTORATE

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Open Mornings FRIDAY 20TH MARCH 2020 TUESDAY 21 ST APRIL 2020


A MAYFIELD EDUCATION COMBINES ACADEMIC RIGOUR, BREADTH OF OPPORTUNITY AND A STRONG SENSE OF COMMUNITY. The School has an excellent academic record, exceptional pastoral care and an extensive co-curricular programme. Every girl is encouraged and supported to find her strengths and develop them in an inspiring learning environment, which encourages independent critical thinking, determination and resilience. Mayfield girls develop a lifelong love of learning, a range of transferable skills that will prepare them for their futures and friendships that will last a lifetime. Mayfield’s ethos reflects its Catholic foundation and encourages integrity, initiative, respect and a desire to be the best you can be within a vibrant and inclusive community. For the past 150 years, Mayfield has nurtured generations of enterprising, purposeful young women with the skills and confidence to make a positive difference in the world. To experience all that is special about Mayfield, visit us on an Open Morning. To reserve a place or to book an individual visit, please email registrar@mayfieldgirls.org. We look forward to welcoming you.

FACILITIES INCLUDE • Equestrian Centre on-site with facilities for up to 28 horses • Olympic sized indoor and outdoor sand schools • Heated indoor swimming pool • Tennis Academy • Fitness Suite and Dance Studio • Concert Hall • State-of-the-art Sixth Form Centre • Weekly bus service to and from Central London • Close proximity to London airports

TO ARRANGE A VISIT PLEASE CONTACT OUR REGISTRAR, MRS SHIRLEY COPPARD, REGISTRAR@MAYFIELDGIRLS.ORG

WWW.MAYFIELDGIRLS.ORG


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Easter Fun guide

YOUR GUIDE

to a cracking Easter...

SPRING BLOOM: Enjoy a fun family day out at Hever Castle. Take the children on the Easter Trail, or go for a walk through the stunning gardens...

Page 60

EXCITING EGG HUNT: Bring your wellies and something warm for the Cadbury's Easter Egg hunt that will take you all around Sissinghurst Castle.

Page 60

HIGH WIRE: Visit Go Ape in Bedgebury for an adrenaline-filled day with zip-wires and tree-top walks in the dense forest...

Page 61

COLOURFUL COLLAGES: Trinty Theatre's new art exhibtion features pop-art-inspired works by Christine Highland and Kate Hasted.

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Easter Fun guide

SISSINGHURST CASTLE

HEVER CASTLE FAMILY FUN at Hever Castle & Gardens throughout the Easter holidays promises to put a spring in your step (2-19 April). Hunt for the colourful carrots and the Hever bunny in our fun free Easter trail or take part in an Easter egg hunt in the grounds. Each child will receive a chocolate for completing the trail and a mini chocolate egg for each Easter egg they find. Take part in an Easter themed trail in the castle to learn about creatures that hatch and create an egg shaped decoration to hang on our Easter tree in our free craft activity. As well as the Easter themed activities, a visit in spring offers a great chance to

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explore the stunning gardens. Visitors can enjoy a dazzling display of spring blooms from daffodils to hyacinths, camellias and early tulips. Children can explore the thrilling Tudor Towers playground, or the natural Acorn Dell play area as well as the challenge of the Yew Maze. Hever Castle Hever Rd, Hever, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG www.hevercastle.co.uk 01732 865224

FOR THE FIRST time this Easter we’re excited to welcome every one to join our Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt for the duration of the school holidays. Our Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt will kick off on Thursday 2 April and will have its last hurrah on Easter Monday. There is no booking needed to take part, simply turn up and enquire at visitor reception to purchase your hunt map between 11am-3.30pm, costing £3 each. At the heart of our Easter offer this year is pollinators and the vital roles that they play in helping us conserve our huge and diverse estate, they really are the unsung heroes of conservation.

There’ll be a few different areas for you to interact with along the trail route and finishing with that all-important Cadbury chocolate prize. If chocolate isn’t your thing though then please don’t worry as alternative non chocolate prizes are available. Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts at Sissinghurst Castle Garden. 2 – 13 April, 11am-3.30pm, £3 each. Sissinghurst Castle Biddenden Rd, Cranbroo,k TN17 2AB www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ sissinghurst-castle-garden 01580710700


Easter Fun guide

GO APE THE AWARD-WINNING Bedgebury pinetum adds a true forest experience to your Go Ape exploits. With both a Treetop Challenge and a Treetop Adventure there’s something for thrill seekers and the little ones too. Home to an exhilarating 170-metre zip, this course will have you navigating your way through a tunnel of greenery as you immerse yourself in this dense forest. Bit nervous? The Tree Top Challenge is a continuous belay so once you’re hooked on, that’s it for the duration. Peek through the leaves and join those preparing for the ultimate Tree Top Adventure. Whether a rookie to the ropes or

a veteran willing to lend a hand to others, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained for a full hour of thrilling crossings and races across the high railings. Perfect for kids, you just need to be brave enough and over 1m tall to try your hand and develop your climbing skills on the Grandpops Crossing and Stepping Stones, before embracing the ultimate rush of the zip wire. Get everyone involved in this unique experience! Go Ape Bedgebury Bedgebury Rd, Goudhurst, Cranbrook, TN17 2SJ www.goape.co.uk 01603 895500

TRINITY COLOUR POP! by Christine Highland and Kate Hasted. An exhibition of abstract works using acrylics, water surface printing and pen and ink by Christine Highland and Kate Hasted. Taking inspiration from 1970s Pop art, Christine’s love of pen, ink, line and pattern results in artworks of a graphic and bold nature. Kate is a printed textile designer who

loves to explore the colour and pattern of different cultures and in the natural world resulting in striking print design and artworks. Trinity Theatre Church Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1JP www.trinitytheatre.net 01892 678678

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Gardening

Outside Edge

Cherry pick some beautiful blossoms This month as spring looms on the horticultural horizon our gardening guru Victoria Truman suggests it’s time to invest in some pretty flowering trees

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hy plant spring blossoming trees? They herald the end of a long winter with their confectionary, pastel flowers which entice bees and insects with their nectar and quite frankly fill the heart with joy! I for one love seeing the spring blossoms emerge as the weather turns warmer and the days get longer.

Victoria Truman Garden Designer

Here are some of my favourites: ■ Amelanchier arborea Robin Hill (Juneberry): A lovely choice, especially for a feature tree in your garden, the Amelanchier usually blossoms in early spring. Small off-white flowers emerge from blush pink buds completely covering the tree. I have planted many of these in clients’ gardens and it never fails to impress! The Amelanchier Robin Hill makes for a wonderful specimen as it has a uniform oval shape with the additional bonus of a vibrant red autumn colour, weather permitting. ■ Malus Rudolph (Crab Apple): This pink flowering crab apple is probably one of the most impactful trees in early spring! A row of Rudolphs will certainly lift your spirit and if you are looking to really stand out in the blossom stakes this will be the tree for you. There are many pink blossom trees but Malus Rudolph is cerise pink, something not quite matched by any other flowering cherry. Often overlooked for an avenue tree, these crab

apple trees look great planted together, not only in blossom but as the foliage starts to emerge it’s a pretty red before hardening to a deep green. ■ Crataegus laevigata Pauls Scarlet (Hawthorn): Hawthorns are often dismissed as hedging only, however they make for nice specimen trees or could be considered for a deciduous hedge. The flowers are small but very frilly, highlighted by tinges of white which extenuate their shape. This hawthorn is also great if you already have a great deal of spring interest in your garden as it does not flower until May time when many other trees’ blossom is long gone. This has recently become very fashionable since being used on show gardens at the Chelsea Flower Show. ■ Magnolia Galaxy: Magnolia varieties produce some of the largest flowers as spring blossoms. The Galaxy’s flowers emerge before the foliage and are pink, upright and tulip shaped. It really is pretty to see the large flowers evenly dotted around the skeleton of the tree and its ascending branches make it a great specimen for a feature tree. ■ Malus Evereste (Crab Apple): A white flowering crab apple, the blossom begins as pink buds before opening out Purple Magnolia Galaxy

66 | March 2020 | SO Magazine

into white flowers. Just as profuse as the Rudolph, there isn’t really a comparison between the white and pink, so why not have one of each? What the Evereste does offer is a better display of crab apples. They are orange in colour and this variety usually holds onto them into December, making it stand out at what can often be dreary time of year. Keeping fairly small at maturity, only up to around 7m, it is suitable for most sized gardens and a better choice for a flowering tree on clay soil provided it is free draining. ■ Prunus Kanzan (Flowering Cherry): For some showy flowers, the Kanzan with its covering of pink blousy blossom is great. The look of this tree in the spring is comparable to a candy floss stick completely covered with these small pink flowers. The overall tree makes a fairly large specimen, not necessarily in height, its spread can be as wide as the tree is tall so it is a good idea to give the tree room to reach its full potential. Often people assume autumn colour has to be red but the Kanzan’s leaves turn more of an orange in the winter before falling, which is arguably just a vibrant. ■ Prunus Shirotae (Flowering Cherry): Another cherry, this one has brilliant white blossom. Like many white flowering trees, the buds are initially pink before the white flower emerges. Following the blossom its foliage is a coppery colour before hardening to a green. As it matures the tree starts to form an open and gently weeping habit, not quite as pendulous as the Cheals Weeping but it is worth bearing in mind when planting as this will limit space underneath the tree.


Outside Edge

LIGHT BULB MOMENT Here are some of my top bulbs to plant for summer colour: Whether your garden is large or small, a container filled with any of these bulbs creates a chic and contemporary look. Flowering from mid-summer onwards, the late flush of colour they provide extends the season just as many other plants are starting to fade. These versatile plants are well suited to modern styles, but equally fitting in traditional or cottage-style planting schemes. Plant them in groups in full sun or partial shade. They also attract bees:

■ Dahlias ■ Gladioli ■ Calla lilies (zantedeschia) ■ Lilies ■ Polianthes ■ Agapanthus

JOBS FOR MARCH Spring usually arrives by mid-March and the frequent sunny days provide the opportunity for an increasing range of gardening tasks. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Protect new spring shoots from slugs Plant shallots, onion sets and early potatoes Plant summer-flowering bulbs Lift and divide overgrown clumps of perennials Top dress containers with fresh compost Mow the lawn on dry days (if needed) Cut back cornus (dogwood) and salix Hoe and mulch weeds to keep them under control early 9 Start feeding fish and using the pond fountain; remove pond heaters 10 Prune bush and climbing roses

www.victoriatruman.com

SO Magazine | March 2020 | 67


Advertising

68 | March 2020 | SO Magazine


NATURE

COME ON, its really great outdoors...

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he difference between a child that’s been indoors all day and the same one after a walk is huge. It’s the reason we pack up a spare change of clothes, waterproofs and wellies to get out of the door on a grey day. National Trust places are the perfect wintery playground to tempt everyone outside at this time of year. A child who has run around in the fresh air on the estate at Sissinghurst Castle Garden, marched round the grounds at Bodiam Castle, or explored the moat and Old Castle in the landscaped gardens of Scotney Castle, is so much nicer to be around. And if it’s against a beautiful backdrop, that keeps us happy too. But persuading kids away from a screen in a cosy room into the cold outdoors for a walk can be tricky. Here are a few tips: 1. WHO SAID ‘WALK’? IT’S AN ADVENTURE TRAIL! What you call your walk makes all the difference. Remember how calling broccoli ‘little trees’ served us well at tricky dinner times? Call it an obstacle race or an adventure trail if the word ‘walk’ sends them into whining mode. Try to make a virtue of the negatives. “A little bit chilly outside? Don’t worry, that means we can wear our new scarf and gloves.” Make a visit to Chartwell and discover the paintings dotted around the landscape on the ‘Art at Chartwell’ family trail. Then head over to the Canadian Camp play area where there are swings and balance beams. A short walk further takes you to the two-story treehouse, complete with slide.

©National Trust Images Chris Lacey / David Sellma

We are thoroughly spoilt for choice when it comes to National Trust historical houses and glorious gardens to visit in and around our area. But if you find it tricky to coax children away from their screens and get them out and about then here a few of the charity’s tips on how you can do it . . . 2. LOOK FOR ANIMAL TRACKS Mud is great for stomping through in wellies to make footprints. Before you wade in though, check to see who has been there before you. It could be a duck, deer or dinosaur. OK, maybe not the latter, but you could always make your own dinosaur footprints. How about tracking winter bird footprints in the mud at the edges of the paths around Ightham Mote? Blackbirds and robins are bound to be in and out of the plants looking for berries and seeds to eat at this time of year. 3. CONSTRUCT AN OBSTACLE COURSE Suggest a simple walk from A to B and your head will hurt from the whinging. Suggest an obstacle course in woodland and your ears will hurt from the cries of excitement. Use logs as balance beams, trees as slaloms and sticks laid on the ground to hop over. For something wilder, try the Wilderness Camp at Scotney Castle for den building, bug hunting or discovering what the inside of a tree looks and feels like. 4. TAKE BINOCULARS This time of year is great for birdwatching or spotting animals scurrying around the undergrowth. They are so much more visible without any leaves to conceal them. Drop into visitor reception and ask about spotter guides, then tick off the birds and animals you manage to spot.

A stroll around the gardens and estate at Bateman’s will show up a wealth of feathered and furry creatures – Rudyard Kipling was inspired to write many of his stories here after all. Get the whole family looking high and low for flashes of colour and movement, but be quick as these creatures are fast and you might miss them.

Set out on a walk with a list of items for the kids to find. The obvious things are acorns, twigs, beetles or woodlice, beech mast, crisp leaves or a forked stick

5. MAKE IT A SCAVENGER HUNT Set out on a walk with a list of items for the kids to find. The obvious things are acorns, twigs, beetles or woodlice, beech mast, crisp leaves or a forked stick. Who doesn’t love the satisfaction of ticking things off a list? See what your family can forage on the ground – remember to encourage them not to pick anything that’s living. Try creating a story stick as you walk around the woodland at Emmetts Garden. Grab a stick and skewer it with fallen leaves, wrap long blades of grass around it or cover it in stripes of different colour mud. Invent a story of fairies, elves and woodland nymphs as you gather your materials. Or try making a natural masterpiece with your scavenged collection – start with a basic star or circle shape and fan out your natural loot to make a pattern. 6. LITTER PICK Buy a cheap litter picker tool from

the internet. Kids love them! They can see the point of going out litter picking and it gives them things to find. And there’s the marvellous halo effect of keeping metal cans, plastic bottles and plastic wrappers away from the local wildlife. National Trust ranger teams are out in all weathers and always pick up any unwanted litter as they go around their woods and estates. Sometimes they just can’t get out to the far reaches of all the land we look after so if you spot anything and feel happy to use your picker to clear it up, the wildlife (and the rangers) would be delighted. 7. WALK WITH A FOURLEGGED FRIEND Four-legged friends are welcome at many of our places in Kent and East Sussex. It’s always worth checking the specifics on each property’s websites first before you visit. Some of the best places to take your dog with you include Scotney Castle, where they can accompany you on a short lead around the wider estate and in the garden. There’s a great undercover seating area at the café where you can sit together and enjoy a warming drink. Chartwell is also a must for your pooch, with access to the garden and the wider 80acre estate for dogs on short leads. The Landmere Café at Chartwell has lots of outdoor seating available for you all. SO Magazine | march 2020 | 69



FLOWERS

MELLOW YELLOWS Tis the season for the humble daffodil so Vikki Rimmer speaks to expert and master bulb grower Johnny Walkers, who will also be participating in Hever Castle’s Dazzling Daffodils event later this month

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150-year-old plant from one planted illiam Wordsworth’s last year. In a way, the breezy daffodil poem ‘Daffodils’ is is the plant world equivalent of often cited as the most famous poem in Dorian Grey – ageless in appearance. the English language, and waving centre-stage among the stanzas of the poem are thousands of yellow daffodils. The poet, who celebrates his 250th anniversary this year, tells the If you want to grow perfect daffodils story of how he was surprised as he then you can do no better than learn wandered, close to Lake Ullswater in from Johnny Walkers; in a career the Lake District, by a dazzling host of spanning the last five decades, his drive yellow daffodils. to produce the perfect daffodil display Closer to home in Kent, visitors to has proved unrelenting and led to him Hever Castle will be able to enjoy a winning 35 RHS gold medals, 28 of host of daffodils as they bloom beside them from the RHS Chelsea Flower the lake. Hever have invited bulb Show – with 25 in succession! legend Johnny Walkers to deliver There’s actually quite a lot to growing daffodil talks at the famous castle as good daffodils, as Johnny explained: he encourages visitors into Anne “You need a good, moisture-retentive, Boleyn’s Orchard (usually well-drained soil. It’s important closed to the public) to to plant in the autumn view the thousands of rather than leaving it to Anne Boleyn’s daffodils growing there. December when the Orchard is home to Anne Boleyn’s soil’s too cold. It’s also daffodils that date back essential to buy goodOrchard is home to daffodils that date sized bulbs – in the over 100 years, many back over 100 years, bulb world, size really of which were planted many of which were does matter!” by William planted by the estate’s Bulb husbandry is also Waldorf Astor former owner William equally strict and there’s Waldorf Astor. Johnny the unbreakable rule: explains that there are also “Never cut or tie your daffodils clumps of the ancient daffodil after flowering, leave them to die Telemonus Plenus which can date down naturally,” says Johnny. “If you back a couple of hundred years. tie them or stress them they will die And while it’s easy to ascertain or – remember, a bulb is a plant and guess the age of a tree by looking at needs careful tending. If you leave the its trunk and size, the smiling daffodil leaves for six to eight weeks after looks as fresh as the day it was first flowering then the plant can do its planted. So it’s impossible to the work and the energy will be able to novice daffodil viewer (unfamiliar with return to the bulb.” Johnny also the different cultivar) to tell a suggests that daffodil growers feed

CHOICE DAFFODILS

their bulbs after flowering with a low nitrogen fertiliser. Johnny was born with a bulb pedigree – his Dutch parents were growers and he went on to join the English co-operative Lingarden before building a world-famous bulb mail order business. Despite entering his seventh decade, he shows no signs of slowing down as has actually added new events to his calendar for 2020 including Dazzling Daffodils at Hever Castle & Gardens. Johnny says: “I’m looking forward to working with the team at Hever Castle again for the third year in a row. I was most impressed with everything that I saw there – the way the gardens are laid out, and the enthusiasm of the gardeners that I met there. I’m looking forward to sharing my passion for daffodils across the four days that I’ll be at the castle and also taking part in talks with head gardener Neil Miller. I enjoy passing on my passion for the plants and my knowledge.” Growers are always on the look-out for new varieties and bulb growers are no different, and while March is a busy time for many horticulturalists, it’s a veritable hive of activity for daffodil growers as it’s the only time they can really inspect their crops and visit other growers to look at new varieties. Be prepared to see a lot of new and interesting daffodils this year at the shows and premiering at Hever Castle too. ■ Dazzling Daffodils will run at Hever Castle & Gardens from March 16-22, with talks and tours of the orchard with Johnny Walkers on March 16-20

JOHNNY’S TOP DAFFODILS Malvern City Sealing Wax Raoul Wallenberg High Society Birma Worcester Gossamer Blarney Beauvallon Tahiti Thalia Brackenhurst Fly Half Golden Joy

all yellow yellow-red white-yellow white-pink yellow-red all white white-lemon-pink rim white-apricot yellow-red double yellow-red double all white multi-head yellow-red yellow-red all yellow

SHORT OR SCENTED VARIETIES BEST SUITED FOR POT WORK February Gold Tete-a-Tete Jack Snipe Jetfire Katie Heath Avalanche Bridal Crown Falconet Sir Winston Churchill

all yellow all yellow white-yellow yellow-red white-pink white-yellow scented multi-head scented multi-head scented multi-head scented

SO Magazine | March 2020 | 71



HYPNOTHERAPY

to their children and very often need help themselves. I always take into account the family situation when working with the young. The relationship dynamic between siblings, parents and extended family is an important factor in emotional development. That sometimes means helping parents to I advise parents to look out for understand how their children are signs of nausea on a Sunday night influenced by their behaviour, or difficulty eating breakfast. Busy which can be a tricky line to tread parents often miss the clues that when mum and dad are doing the their child is suffering from social best they can and aren’t always anxiety. I suggest they encourage aware of their own problems. discussion about what’s going on In these times of uncertainty, outside of lessons at school. There high expectations and multiple might be a lot of seemingly trivial demands on time and energy, there ‘well she said this’ and ‘then they is no-one-size-fits-all, easy fix for did that’ but these are not trivial the many complex issues which things to a child who has no one afflict our children. It is inevitable to hang out with. that some troubled children will Neither schools nor parents grow up to be anxious adults who find it easy to deal with exclusion struggle to cope with the stresses of bullying, casual shoving around in daily life. Luckily, we are now more the corridors or the verbal insults aware of the consequences of doing an anxious child is often subjected nothing to prevent this mental to, which are now all over social health epidemic. media as well as being in their Now more attention is being faces. The best thing for parents to given to the mental health of the do is to equip their children with young, it’s important to keep the tools and strategies to handle their concerns in perspective as well as social problems themselves and go nipping problems in the bud before into school only when all else has they get bigger. Anxious parents failed. The worst thing to do is to will often look for signs of anxiety do nothing. Open channels of in their children. Anxiety has communication between parent become a bit of a ‘thing’, debated in and child are essential or you social media and almost worn as a simply won’t knwo there’s a badge of honour by young online problem until it’s escalated to the influencers. It helps to remember point of being unbearable. that anxiety is a normal Different school environments human response to present different problems a perceived which highlight bigger threat. It’s a issues: gang very effective infighting and knife Neither schools nor parents warning crime at one find it easy to deal with system extreme in exclusion bullying, casual that schools in some shoving around in the something deprived areas; corridors or the verbal isn’t right and self-harming insults an anxious child is and needs and eating often subjected to, which are fixing. A disorders at the now all over social media as solutionother extreme, well as being in their faces focused which are typical of approach will academic high often stop it from achievers. Add the wide escalating and prevent availability of recreational the symptoms from becoming a drugs to the mix, across the entire further source of anxiety. social spectrum, and it becomes Once anxiety has escalated to a evident just how difficult it is for degree that is disproportionate with parents, schools and the health its cause, there are therapeutic tools service to safeguard the children and strategies which give the young in their care. sufferer back a sense of control over their emotions. This empowers FAMILY TROUBLES them to feel more positive about If the problems are to do with their ability to manage the conflict, dysfunction, breakdown uncertainty and the multiple or abuse within a family, then they changes that they are required to become social issues as children make throughout their raised in such environments are development into adulthood. often hidden from the view of any Children who learn coping agencies that might be able to help strategies to deal with their them. And then they have a anxieties have the best opportunity tendency to repeat their to develop into high-functioning, experiences in adulthood with resilient adults who aren’t afraid to their own families. Parents in take personal responsibility for the these circumstances often don’t challenges they face. compute the damage being done

A GROWN-UP APPROACH TO DEALING WITH CHILDHOOD ANXIETY Over the last two decades, hypnotherapist Karen Martin has had her finger on the pulse of communities in Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding areas. She runs a busy practice at Salomons in Southborough, helping adults, children and teens change their lives for the better. Her regular column in So tackles the topical issues affecting all of us in day to day family life and the workplace. This month she focuses on childhood anxiety

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t’s around this time that children approaching big exams later in the year are being pressured to gear up their studies and start revising. It’s also a time when big decisions have to be made about school choices and other lifechanging plans for the future of our precious offspring. By definition, as children grow and develop they have to adapt to the multiple changes within themselves as well as in their circumstances. And they don’t come with a manual so parenthood is a minefield of unpredictable issues and challenges. When things are going well, parenting is fulfilling and fun and children thrive in a carefree environment. It’s true to say we’re only as happy as our unhappiest child and parents often struggle to solve mental health problems within their family. Their plight is familiar to me as I see a steady stream of children and teens whose parents have run out of solutions for anxieties which often defy logic and reason.

WHEN CHILDHOOD MENTAL HEALTH IS AT RISK First contact may be an email or phone call from a distraught parent detailing a litany of attempts to find solutions to their child’s distress. They describe how countless tears are shed over discussions with teachers, sessions with school counsellors, trips to the GP, referrals to CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services), visits to NHS psychiatrists or to private child psychiatrists and psychologists (who cost a bomb). All these services are doing a sterling job of scratching the surface of a sore which just festers and grows. I’m typically seeing the ones who the system fails, including those who aren’t regarded as serious enough to have access to these overstretched resources. Within the range of healthy emotional development and severe mental health issues there is an unseen and often unheard majority who are grappling with commonplace anxieties triggered by developmental or circumstantial

changes. Without support and guidance, some of these could well evolve into more serious mental health problems. By the time they get to me, they can be traumatised by the treatment for their trauma. Most anxious children do not enjoy being the focus of attention and many struggle to articulate their feelings. They might be angry or resistant to the prospect of being grilled by yet another well-meaning stranger. And they have little or no expectation of anything changing or getting better. ANXIETY AT SCHOOL Generally, the first thing I’ll ask is how they’re getting on with their friends. Peer approval is everything to them, whether they be eight, 13 or 17. They are often socially isolated or marginalised because of the symptoms of their anxiety. It’s hard to chip in during break time banter when you feel like throwing up. And concentrating in class is not easy if you urgently need the loo and don’t want to draw attention to yourself by asking to be excused.

www.hypnotherapykent.co.uk

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karen@hypnotherapykent.co.uk

SO Magazine | March 2020 | 73




Interiors

Image: Chloe Mallett

WHY IT’S ALL

*For the Love of White: The White & Neutral Home by Chrissie Rucker & The White Company is published by Mitchell Beazley, £30, and available in stores nationwide and from www. thewhitecompany. com and www. octopusbooks. co.uk

white now

If you’re looking for some fresh inspiration for your home this spring look no further than The Love of White, the beautifully inspiring debut interiors tome from The White Company. Here its founder, Chrissie Rucker, OBE who is originally from the area, explains why this simple shade can make such a powerful style statement

*The book was the 2019 number one interior design book in the UK, based on Nielsentracked sales.

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s The White Company has evolved I have learned that there are many simple decorating and styling tricks that make such a difference to how a white home can look and feel. When I think of my favourite white spaces, I think of the spa-like feel of an inviting bathroom, layered with soft white towels and flickering with candlelight. I imagine a kitchen full of sunlight, where the cupboards hide neat stacks of pure white china all ready to go. I picture a wonderful bedroom, a true retreat that offers perfect comfort and vital rest at the end of a busy day, and, of course, comfortable, inviting living spaces with a roaring log fire and cosy seating. Our love of white is stronger than ever. In our hectic age – an era of constant connectivity – the idea of creating a peaceful white home and its relationship with calm and well-being seem more valuable than ever.”

76 | March 2020 | SO Magazine

City Sanctuary

White works so well for me and that was also how The White Company started – offering all the essentials for living with white Shingle House


Interiors

THE WHITE COMPANY’S Chrissie ON why white is so right… How did the idea for your book first come about? I had been thinking for a while about how we should celebrate the 25th anniversary of The White Company and we knew that we wanted to do something really special to mark the occasion. We had also been tempted by the idea of a book now and again but knew that we only wanted to go ahead when it was definitely the right time and the right idea. So For The Love of White was a result of everything coming together just in the way that I’d hoped and we are all really proud of the book. What makes this book special for you? It was important, right from the start, that the book celebrates real homes that are not just wonderfully white and neutral but also full of character, personality and individuality. That was the starting point, in a way, with this idea of showing how white can work so beautifully in very different settings, whether it’s a town house, a country cottage or a seaside escape. These are restful, relaxing and comfortable homes layered with white, but they are also full of life.

Yew Tree Living

Barn Living

Images: Chris Everard

Will we see your own homes in the book? Yes, you will, as we wanted the book to have a personal side to it and I wanted to explain some of the ideas that make my own living space so special to me and to my family. But For The Love of White also celebrates a spectrum of other homes that use natural tones and textures in a rich variety of ways and in some very different places. There are period country cottages, city retreats and even a lighthouse, all belonging to creative thinkers with their own fresh take on new natural living. There are architects, artists and designers in the mix, including friends from The White Company and beyond. Does the book also offer some practical advice on designing and decorating with white? Absolutely. It was really important to me that the book was not only about celebrating beautiful houses, which have been beautifully captured for us by photographer Chris Everard. I also wanted to look at styling details and design ideas along the way and pick out the things that make those spaces really special and inspiring. So you will see pages all the way through For The Love of White where we take a moment to look at the layers, vignettes and finishing touches that help bring these spaces to life and add character and comfort. So there are plenty of tips and tricks to take away, whether it’s for a garden room, the kitchen, bathroom or a guest bedroom.

Do you think that white works in any kind of setting? I think the book proves that, yes, it does. We have townhouses that are restful retreats where you can come in and close the door and forget about the city outside, which is really important when our lives are so hectic. But we also have country homes and seaside escapes where neutral colours and natural materials create a soft, warm and wonderful backdrop for family living. These are houses with big personalities and plenty of character, but that comes from the architecture, the materials, the fabrics and textures layered in ways that are subtle and sensitive. Why do you love living with white? For me, a white home is like a little black dress – it just feels right. It’s simple yet stylish, modern but classic. There’s a magical, calming quality to white and neutral spaces and I think that’s become more important now than ever, given the pace of life, work and all the pressures that we have to deal with. We all need an escape and a place to feel calm and relaxed. That’s why white works so well for me and that was also how The White Company started – offering all the essentials for living with white. What makes a white room really come alive for you? I think that’s what this book is all about – the layers and the little touches that transform a house into a real, living home. For me, an important and often overlooked aspect for any home is feeding all of the senses in a space. So touch is really important to me and introducing lots of different textures, but sight and smell also need to be nourished, which is why I love candlelight and being by the fireside or spending time in a beautiful spa-like bathroom. White speaks of purity and order, but it’s all those tactile elements that make natural and neutral spaces such a pleasure – soft white towels and crisp sheets, stacks of white plates and folded napkins at the dinner table, along with all those little, personal touches that make a house into a home. What are the secret stories behind a successful and beautiful white home? For The Love of White celebrates a lot of very different ways of living with white,

Rucker

Holland Park Living

which is one of the ambitions of the book. But behind all of these houses there is plenty of planning and thought. These are restful houses where the owners have spent a lot of time thinking about the layout and the flow of the rooms, the way that the lighting is going to work and what the focal points are going to be. Thinking about the details helps a space really work and function well while plenty of storage helps to keep the house clean, calm and uncluttered. Once you have these basic elements in place, then it’s so much easier to hold onto that essential sense of calm and order. Any special tips from your own home that you can pass on? As you can see in the book, I love ‘engine room’ spaces like larders, pantries and laundry rooms. Even if they are small, tucked away spaces they make a huge difference to family living and help keep the rest of the house running smoothly. We all love a wonderful bathroom or a country kitchen, but I am also in love with my laundry and my larder. If white is just a colour, why do you love it so much? White is not one colour but a thousand different shades and tones. It’s this wonderful, soothing palette of naturals and neutrals that are all delightfully different from one another but work so well together. That’s what I love. White brings all the details of a room to life and then becomes this perfect canvas for all the layers that you want to add – the furniture, fabrics, art, books and little treasures. It works with the old and with the new, with antiques and modern pieces, so it becomes timeless. That’s why I love white so much and that’s why it’s our foundation stone, both for my own home and for The White Company. That’s what For The Love of White is all about and that’s why white is stronger than it has ever been. SO Magazine | March 2020 | 77



First Drive

MOTORS

BMW 2 SERIES GRAN COUPE 220d BMW is expanding its 2 Series range with this four-door Gran Coupe model - but is the diesel engine up to scratch? Darren Cassey finds out WHAT IS IT? As is often the case when writing about a new car from a premium German manufacturer these days, this is a new, niche-filling model that is designed to expand the appeal of one of the firm’s existing offerings. In the case of the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, that means taking the standard two-seat coupe, adding a couple of doors at the back, increasing rear passenger space and making the boot bigger – though this model actually sits on a new platform that will come under the next generation 2 Series Coupe. The idea is to appeal to buyers who want a small, practical four-seater but don’t want the larger 3 Series because it’s perhaps too big or expensive.

It’s decidedly old school – you get that satisfying low-down torque that makes driving diesels such a breeze

WHAT’S NEW? Under the skin the Gran Coupe is largely the same as the standard 1 Series, but there have been a few tweaks and upgrades to account for the change in weight distribution that comes from having a longer rear overhang. BMW is particularly proud of its frameless doors – a classy touch – while inside there are illuminated panels (borrowed from the 1 Series) that make the cabin feel a bit more special at night. WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET? There are three engines available at launch in the form of two petrols and one diesel, as well as three transmission options – a six-speed manual and sevenand eight-speed automatics – depending on engine choice. The petrols are a 218i that makes 138bhp and a range-topping, performance-oriented M235i at 302bhp. Perhaps bravely, given the UK’s rapidly diminishing diesel sales, BMW has given us the chance to test the only black-pump option. Badged 220d, it makes 187bhp and returns a claimed 62.7-67.3mpg. For those travelling longer distances it will prove ideal because it sits

comfortably at highway speeds and will return decent fuel economy. However, given the advances of diesel engines in recent years, this one feels decidedly old school, with a bit of a chugging, unrefined engine note under acceleration; on the plus side, you get that satisfying lowdown torque that makes driving diesels such a breeze, particularly when pulling off overtaking manoeuvres or accelerating on motorway on-ramps. WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? BMW made a reputation for itself as the car enthusiast’s choice, putting driving dynamics ahead of all else, but it’s arguably swayed from that ethos over the last decade. It’s clear the firm is pushing to reclaim that crown, because despite ostensibly being a sedate family car, the 220d has super-direct steering and limited body roll, making it more fun on a B road than you’d perhaps expect. Our car was fitted with the optional M steering package, but BMW engineers assured us the standard steering is still sharp. However, one key disappointment came from the refinement. There was plenty of road noise transmitted from the tyres into the cabin, and the suspension was stiff, meaning bumpy roads would rattle the car about somewhat. It’s definitely improved over the stiff, bumpy ride on the 2 Series coupe, but this more practical version could go further. Again, our test car had the optional adaptive dampers, which allow you to choose between comfort and sport modes, so it’s unclear as yet whether the standard suspension would be smoother. Bizarrely, the more performance-focused M235i we also tested offered a more composed drive, despite being assured they had an almost identical suspension and tyre set-up, leading to bemusement from both driver and BMW engineers. HOW DOES IT LOOK? When the first photos cropped up online

there was collective derision for the bland styling and awkward proportions of this Gran Coupe, which shares many design characteristics with the current 1 Series. However, in the metal it looks much better. It still has its awkward angles – the rear wheels look lost in the bodywork, for example – but the chunky front end has a muscular look, as does the rear, with its thin-but-wide taillight design that exaggerates its width. It’s one of those cars where every time you look at it your opinion changes, but the usual suite of M Performance Parts are available to spice things up and give it a much sportier edge, should you want to gloss over any general styling concerns. WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE? From a practical point of view, the extra doors really do free up a lot of space. There’s officially an extra 33mm of knee clearance in the back seats, and you certainly notice it, with adults able to sit comfortably. However, that tapered roof does mean headroom is quite limited, so taller passengers might find their hair brushing on the headliner. As for technology, the headline news is that BMW has fitted its latest generation operating system that includes voice recognition and gesture controls. There’s also a lot of other useful technology normally found in models higher up the range, such as a head-up display and extensive driver assistance systems. One great feature is wireless updates, allowing customers to add extra functions after purchase or update the operating system, for example to add Android Auto, which will be available from July. WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE? The aforementioned technology really makes the cabin feel a lot more modern than the outgoing 2 Series, with safety equipment including collision warning, automatic braking and lane departure warning all included as standard. Options

include active cruise control, more advanced safety kit, a parking assistant, and the ability to use your NFC-enabled Samsung Galaxy as a key. On the outside, there are 18-inch wheels fitted as standard with optional 19s - though given the rough ride on the standard-fit wheels the larger alternative might make the ride unbearable. Furthermore, M Performance Parts can be fitted to give a sportier look, while the top-spec M Sport trim adds a sports steering wheel and sports seats. VERDICT The initial reaction to a niche filler like this is to question whether it’s really needed at all, but the reality is that in the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe there’s plenty of appeal. It’s not the most handsome model in the range, but its relatively small proportions and decent practicality make it ideal for small families while also being great to drive. The 220d, however, is the least appealing engine in the line-up. The ride quality makes it less comfortable than even the sportier M235i, but on the flip side that model is more expensive to buy and run. Therefore, for those looking for a practical runaround the 218i would be well worth a test drive.

FACTS AT A GLANCE Model as tested: BMW 2 Series Gran coupe 220d Price: £31,355 Engine: 2.0-litre inline four cylinder Power: 187bhp Torque: 400Nm Max speed: 146mph 0-60mph: 7.3 seconds MPG: 62.7-67.3 Emissions: 119-110g/km CO2 SO Magazine | March 2020 | 79


Travel

TRAVEL

Get into the spirit of Cognac Nicole Whitton visits Cognac in France to understand the amber nectar’s allure

A

confession feels like an apt place to start a journey into history, royalty and the complexities of good taste, so here’s mine: my only real thoughts on cognac were established at seven years old, after being cajoled to try a sip from my grandfather’s crystal-cut tumbler. Of course, I realise now it was a ploy to deter me from alcohol. Long term, it didn’t work particularly well, but at the time I recall an unpleasant sensation of my tongue recoiling. I wondered why anyone would drink the stuff. Many years later, cognac is enjoying something of a renaissance. Given the fact even Jay Z has his own brand (D’usse), it’s clearly time to get to the bottom of that crystal-cut tumbler and understand the allure of the liquid amber within.

A town of contrasts

To understand cognac’s increasing popularity, I head to the town itself. The liquid in those pot-bellied bottles can only be called cognac if it has been made in Cognac. An easy hour-and-a-half drive from Bordeaux airport, the town is a heady gastronomic delight, with local produce including wine, goat’s cheese, truffle, foie gras and fresh seafood. Thankfully,

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Cognac’s riverside walks offer a welcome remedy for any food comas. The city centre is quaint, although not especially remarkable. But saunter towards the river, and rows of terraced honey-bricked houses give way to magnificent estates. None are more glamorous than those of the cognac kings: Martell, Rémy Martin, Hennessy. For the cognac lover, this is paradise.

A distilled history

To really appreciate the drink, a visit to Château Royal de Cognac is a must. With its history stretching like a long shadow, the sprawling stone castle was built in 1,200 – but a fortification has existed on this site as far back as 950. Despite being the birthplace of François I, King of France, the castle nonetheless fell into disrepair in the 17th and 18th centuries, and was sold for demolition in 1795. Traders Otard and Dupuy saved it, and renovated the building to serve as cellars in the trade of cognac. The stories of the castle’s centuries of wars, royalty and eventual cognac distillation, told by castle guide Elizabeth Gillette, as we explore the cool, dungeon-like cellars, leave me intoxicated. Look out for the silvery spiders that punctuate the dark – they keep wood-eating pests at bay, thereby preserving the cognac barrels. And

keep an eye out for ancient graffiti in the wing of the castle built by François I. The carvings of names and depictions of ships are believed to have been left there by prisoners of the Seven Years’ War in the 18th century. After the tour, we gather to taste the château’s own Baron Otard cognac. I wait for the recoiling sensation to hit me in the chops, and instead discover my tongue’s now embalmed with a sweetly sour mellowness that tastes like an echo of cognac’s own noble past.

A gastronomic delight

After all that dungeon exploring, I’m left craving fresh riverside air – preferably with a plate of excellent French cuisine in front of me. And where better than L’Atelier des Quais (atelierdesquais.fr; prices ranging from 7.50/£6 to 29/£24), situated on the banks of the Charente river.


TRAVEL

Its menu has it all and is truly a taste of France: snails (nestled in a macaroon sandwich), fois gras, beef tartare. It’s oyster season too (September to April) and their shelled, glistening flesh is a temptation. It’s all a heady delight, made more so by the pineau blanc – a sweet aperitif concocted of wine and cognac – still tingling my tongue.

Where to stay

Sprawling across five acres, Hôtel Chais Monnet sits in the former 19th century warehouses and cellars of the Monnet Cognac trading house, now a listed building. The story of its past is reflected in barrel-like staircases, an exterior rendering representing vines, and tableware made from the wood of old cognac barrels. The spa facilities are excellent too; I recommend the epic experience shower, equipped with flashing lightning and rolling thunder sound effects. If you still need help forgetting the stresses of everyday matters, an evening spent at the hotel’s Les Foudres restaurant will do wonders. The tasting menu is nothing short of exceptional, with its seven ‘senses’ selection (115/£95) – a series of dazzling combinations of local French produce, starting with slow-boiled egg nestled in black truffle, and ending with white truffle ice cream and praline for dessert. But do get here soon, as surely a Michelin star is inevitable. Right now, it’s

The spa facilities are excellent too; I recommend the epic experience shower, equipped with flashing lightning and rolling thunder sound effects something of an undiscovered gem. Afterwards, the hotel’s rooftop terraces and jazz club provide plenty of evening entertainment. Bespoke activities can be arranged, including hunting for truffles (NovemberMarch) and cooking classes that start with a trip to the local food markets. I thoroughly enjoy my guided tour of vinaigrette producer Le Baume de Bouteville (lebaumedebouteville.com).

The journey’s end

If you don’t already enjoy cognac, it’s unlikely a stay here will revolutionise your taste buds. But it’s hard not to feel inspired by the area’s effortless good taste. There’s plenty to do locally, whether you call yourself a cognac connoisseur, enjoy celebrating the abundance of local gastronomic delights, love to travel back in time – or simply want to relax and unwind in a sumptuous hotel, with plenty of fresh riverside walks. It certainly gave me memories enough to crack a wry smile at my inherited crystal-cut tumblers, and silently santé my grandad’s excellent taste on my return home.

How to plan your trip Nightly rates at Hôtel Chais Monnet (chaismonnethotel.com/en/) start from 230 euros/£196, room only. SO Magazine MARCH 2020 | 81


THE LAST WORD

Talk

On April 1 Strictly star Giovanni Pernice struts his way on to the Assembly Hall stage with his new dance show This Is Me. Ahead of its arrival he tells SO magazine a little more

of

the

town

“I always try to give more than 100%. People are coming to see me, so I want them to enjoy the show” I love Frank Sinatra, Fred Astaire, all the legends of the past – even Anton Du Beke!

This Is Me is your fourth year of touring your own show now, how does it compare to being on Strictly Come Dancing? I absolutely love being on Strictly, it’s the best show on TV and I feel so lucky to be part of it.You know, without Strictly, I wouldn’t get the opportunity to do my own tour. It is an amazing feeling to be able to do something I really love as a job. On the show it’s all about your partner, teaching them to dance and make them look amazing. On the tour it is all about me darling, ha ha! This Is Me is about the audiences getting to know me a little better.

is going to be my special guest at the London West End gala performance of This Is Me, at Her Majesty’s Theatre later this month on April 12.You don’t want to miss it, trust me!

I dream about that trophy every night. I would love to sleep next to that trophy for the rest of my life

This is your fourth tour so how do you keep the audiences coming back for more? I just want to try and do something different. Something that you haven’t seen before. I want to challenge myself and show off my hidden talents. It’s a surprise, so you’ll have to come and watch the show. But I can tell you that I’ll be wearing a tail suit, which I haven’t done before in any of my other shows. I’ve also got a set and my biggest ever cast, it’s going to be my biggest and best tour yet. I’m so excited!

You’ve been on Strictly for five years now – and three times you reached the final! How have you managed that? It’s good, you know, as I said before I feel so lucky to be on the show and to have had such great partners. I just can’t It’s an amazing feeling to seem to win the glitter ball!

be able to do something Where do you get your I really love as a job inspiration from? Is that your priority when For me I love Frank Sinatra, you’re in the competition? Fred Astaire, all the legends of I dream about that trophy the past, you know – even Anton Du Beke! Well, he’s every night. I would love to sleep next to that trophy not quite from the past, but he is a legend. One of my for the rest of my life. But seriously, the priority of the biggest idols is Freddie Mercury. He could do competition is to get to the end – obviously that’s everything and he had such a power and incredible what we all want – to teach your celebrity a new energy on stage. Unfortunately, I never got to see him dance every week and hopefully do a good job so live, but I watch all of the clips of him on YouTube and they go far. Then we know our job is complete. But he is just incredible, honestly. He has just an you know, it’s down to the public if they want to vote unbelievable energy. for us or not. We loved your partnership with Michelle Visage on the last series. Tell us a little bit about that… I loved every single second with Michelle. She is such a determined person and she put in a lot of hard work because she wanted to be amazing. She is a partner I will remember forever. We’ll be friends for life.

Is that what you are going to try to bring to your show, an extra level of energy? I always try to give more than 100 per cent. People are coming to see me, so I want them to enjoy the show and have a good night out.That’s what it is all about. But it’s the audience who give you that energy. When there are a thousand people every night cheering for you and they appreciate what you are doing, it’s a feeling you can’t describe. I feel incredibly blessed to be in this position and I’m lucky, really lucky.

Will we get to see #teamvisagio perform together again? Oh, definitely! Michelle

How do you come up with the idea for the show and the choreography? Well, I meet my producer and the choreographers, Trent and Gordana.They are my good friends and they

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have worked on Strictly and are fantastic. We work together, talk through ideas and combine everything to create a show. Gordana also makes the costumes, so it’s a good team. And your cast, who is joining you this year? This year I have two leading ladies – I know, I know, I’m so lucky. Nancy Xu is the newest professional dancer on Strictly and she is just phenomenal. Her last show is April 7, and then Giulia Dotta takes over for the rest of the tour. She has done my shows before and she was my partner for Here Come the Boys as well. We have known each other for a long time, she is from Italy as well and she really is an incredible dancer. I also have a lot of other Italian dancers this year, so we are going to have a lot of fun – and I’ve known them for a long time as well. Finally there will also be Oksana from Strictly and her husband Jonathan.They do some crazy lifts and tricks. It’s going to be a really good show and I can’t wait for everyone to watch it. This Is Me tours the UK and Ireland until June 30 2020. For the full list of tour dates go to www.giovannipernice.com




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