So Magazine December 2022

COMMUNITY Festive spirit

Jen

FOOD & DRINK Eat, drink and be merry

Enjoy

What a bright idea

We discover the inspiration behind the luxury candle and scents brand Oast & Rye

Fenwick Tunbridge Wells Royal Victoria Place

Gi s as special as they are

is the season to be merry and I hope this December issue of SO magazine will bring you lots of good cheer! We wrap up a busy 2022 with an incredibly talented theatrical troupe on our cover who are putting on not one, not two but three festive shows at Trinity this Christmas!

The fact that two of the productions, The New Musketeers and The Aliens Who Saved Christmas, have also been written by members of the creative cast is nothing short of impressive - until you discover that most of the actors also play musical instruments, can dance and crack the funniest jokes. I should know as I met them all last month for our cover shoot and interview and they are a brilliant bunch headed up by Trinity’s Artistic Director Sean Turner. So if you haven’t booked your Christmas show tickets yet then don’t delay as Trinity is going

to be the place to get your fill of seasonal good will this year.

In addition to a flurry of additional festive themed pieces, including the best (local) fizz to savour, where to source the best party gear, and how to ensure your table is the best dressed out of all your friends and family we have all your regular lifestyle favourites.

Naomi Murray from Botanica Health in Rusthall suggests a perfect winter warmer which is brimming with good stuff to help you stave off any sniffles, while our gardening guru Tim Sykes praises the quiet, understated beauty of the garden in wintertime.

Talking of the great outdoors, we also have plenty of ideas of where you can see some fantastic Christmas illuminations, browse around a festive market and take in a concert during the holiday season.

All that’s left for me to say is Merry Christmas and a happy, peaceful and healthy New Year to you all…

Culture vulture: what’s on where this month

Seasonal sounds: Paul Dunton showcases the best gigs to see over the festive period

Holy Trinity: We meet the cast and crew behind Trinity theatre’s fabulous trio of Christmas shows

Happy Birthday: Fashion boutique Kitch turns 18 and throws a great party

Legal eagles: Local Law Society hosts celebratory dinner at The Spa Hotel

In the chic mid-winter: All the fun of the Wealden Times Fair

Artistic endeavours: We meet the talented team at Knot Works creative studio

Bright idea: Adrian Conroy tells us why he’s devised a fun trivia game in book form

Sweet charity: Rosemary Shrager reveals why she has joined the Number One Community Trust as its new ambassador

Perfect present: Local influencers Al and Jen Ferguson explain why they give up their Christmas Day to spend it with the elderly

Top of the pops: James Viner uncorks few bottles of festive fizz for your delectation

Fusion food: Why Kumquat on The Pantiles is such a divine dining delight

Tap into this: Discover Gun Brewery - a hidden gem of fantastic beer, great food and excellent entertainment in the Sussex Weald

Afternoon delight: One Warwick Park Hotel offers the town’s only four-tier afternoon tea

Fashion genius: Victoria Genevieve on why her new dress hire agency Genevieve’s Wardrobe is perfect for party season – and the planet

Party Girl: Charlotte Newman, owner of Kitch shows you how to shine like a star this December

Metallic makeover: TAW’s Natalie Piacun on how to get your beauty groove on for Christmas

Me time: Hypnotherapist Karen Martin advises ways to ensure you prioritise yourself

Winter comforts: Naomi Murray from Botanica Health suggests natural remedies to boost your well-being

Top tables: SET Hosting tablescaping experts’ top tips on creating a fabulous festive dining table

ISSUE 170

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.

Love where you live: Hotel Du Vin’s general manager Eryn Dawe on where she likes to shop, stroll and socialise in Tunbridge Wells

Silver linings: Jess Gibson of The TN Card talks to the owners of Chapel Place artisan hub The Silver Sheep

Spanish revolution: We sample the incredible Iberian menu at High Street favourite Soprano

Making scents: We meet the talented founder of interiors scenting brand Oast & Rye

Winter wonderland: Tim Sykes of Garden Proud on the quiet beauty of the outdoors

Blooming lovely: The Bloom Foundry’s Lucie Merkl on diversifying her business and running wreath workshops

Let’s go outside: Experience the magic of Christmas at Bewl

Drive time: We test drive the new BMX X7

Photo © Key & Quill

Lilly Croucher’s edit of the month’s most entertaining events happening in December

THE MAIN EVENT

Celebrate Christmas at the castle

Now in its second year, Castlemas brings ‘the community together’ through the magic of Christmas. There is something for the whole family to enjoy at this wonderful event which takes place in the grounds of Tonbridge Castle with live performances, festive artisan goodies, twinkling illuminations and the chance to meet Santa himself…

One of the biggest seasonal events in Kent, Castlemas, takes place at Tonbridge Castle from December 8 – 20.

Boasting over 60 independent market stalls, the Mistletoe Market provides a wealth of Christmas shopping, courtesy of a variety of boutiques all housed inside festive wooden chalets, while various live shows will take place in the event’s incredible Igloo Theatre.

The venue will host over 70 performances, from children’s puppet shows to live music concerts – ensuring there is something for the whole family. Booking is advised for all of these events.

Grab a hot chocolate or mulled wine at the Jingle Bell Bar or join one of the special elf workshops before watching the Castlemas Snowfall taking place twice a day at 2:30pm and 6:30pm.

The family magic continues as

you can meet Father Christmas in the castle as part of Santa’s Castle Experience, with Mrs Claus and the elves for a theatrical experience (limited ticket availability remaining).

A spokesperson from Castlemas told SO Magazine: “We highly recommend pre-booking these special experiences, in order to guarantee your entry to the site on that day. This ticket will mean that you are given priority during the busier times.

From music to comedy and circus to storytelling sessions, every visitor is bound to enjoy themselves. “Castlemas brings the community together, celebrates the love for where you live and helps create memories to last a lifetime,” the spokesperson added.

Castlemas is free to enter, but you can guarantee entry by booking onto one of the experiences at: castlemas.com/ booktickets

DON’T MISS THE FOLLOWING:

FEE FI FO FUN!

Panto at the Assembly Hall Theatre

DECEMBER 10 – 31

The Assembly Hall Theatre presents Jack and the Beanstalk as this year’s Christmas panto starring soap legend Cliff Parisi.

Cliff is known for his iconic EastEnders role playing Minty and currently stars in Call The Midwife as Fred Buckle.

Cliff will be joining the cast as villain Walter Waltzer along with James Peake as Dame Trott and CBBC’s Stewart McCheyne as Simon Trott.

Tickets start from £27 for adults and £17 for children: assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk/ whats-on/jack-and-thebeanstalk

NOBLE SOLO Gun Brewery Taproom

DECEMBER 14

Noble Jacks frontman Will Page has announced an exclusive performance at the Gun Brewery Taproom on December 14 at 7.45pm. The fiddle-playing genius and multi-instrumentalist has gone solo for the first time, making his debut appearance at the artisan brewery this month.

Will has performed at a number of music festivals including Glastonbury, Isle of Wight Festival, Black Deer and AmericanaFest in Nashville. He was also nominated AMA-UK Instrumentalist of the Year in 2020.

Be ready to be taken on a musical journey influenced by folk, Americana and roots that will have you up and dancing all night. Tickets are £15 each and can be purchased at: gunbrewery.co.uk

MISSING ELF Bewl Water

DID YOU KNOW?

Tonbridge Castle was rebuilt in the 13th century, after King William II had the castle and the town burnt to the ground because its owner, the de Clare family rebelled against the King. The medieval castle we see today is the gatehouse which was rebuilt in 1260 and today is a Grade I listed building.

DECEMBER 1 – 31

One of Santa’s elves is missing and he needs your help to find him as the Magical Christmas Elf Trail at Bewl Water opens for the month of December.

Grab your map at the Waterfront Café and follow the signs to help Santa find the missing elf. You can also join Santa for breakfast by enjoying a festive buffet style English breakfast with a visit from Santa followed by soft-play session. Santa will be having breakfast at 9am or 10:30am on December 17, 18, 23 and 24. Tickets for Breakfast with Santa cost £15 (adult or child) and can be purchased by emailing info@bewlwater co.uk

LIGHT SPECTACULAR

Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest

NOVEMBER 18 – JANUARY 2

With over a million twinkling lights, Bedgebury Forest will be lit up in a festive glow that is sure to get you into the Christmas spirit.

The after-dark trail is one of the most popular seasonal events in Kent, with giant baubles, glistening Christmas trees and a stunning fire garden, while food vendors will be serving delicious seasonal snacks and festive winter warmers.

Get your tickets now for the most magical event of the year. Tickets cost £21.50, with a discounted price for those who are forestry England members. Tickets can be bought at: christmasatbedgebury. seetickets.com

DID YOU KNOW?

Bedgebury is home to the largest pinetum in the world, with a mix of conifers and broadleaves covering 350 acres of Kent’s countryside. The first plantings on the pinetum took place back in 1925.

BE OUR GUEST Panto at

DECEMBER 9 – JANUARY 2

The EM Forster Theatre in Tonbridge invites you to a fun-filled panto rendition of the Disney classic Beauty and the Beast this Christmas brought to you by Wicked Productions. Sure to be an instant classic, the show’s performances run from December 9 – January 2.

The stellar cast stars Tom Swift as Phillippe, Rhys Whiteside as Casanova and John Martin as the glamorous Dame Darcy Derriere. The show welcomes West End star Darren Tough as the handsome prince cursed to become a beast, and Eilish Stout-Cairns as the adorable Belle.

Expect fun, laughs and cheekiness as you are whisked away to a land far, far away to the sleepy French town of ‘Chateau de Toilet’.

With a fabulous cast and spectacular jokes, Beauty and the Beast promises slap-stick fun and cheeky humour that is sure to delight the whole family!

Tickets start from £20 and can be bought at: emftheatre. ticketsolve.com

the EM Forster Theatre, Tonbridge

Have yourself A MUSICALlittle Christmas

As you’d expect of this musical town, there’s plenty of live music to keep you entertained over the Christmas holidays. Lots of events have already taken place so far this month including Richard Durant’s atmospheric acoustic festive concert at Trinity and the Beta Band’s Steve Mason at The Forum, but rest assured there’s lots more to enjoy this December…

On December 6, the aforementioned legendary venue hosts its second offering of The Stable where gig-goers have the opportunity to see a number of exciting new bands perform. See The Forum’s website for what’s on.

Black Deer Festival

favourites The Wandering Hearts headline there on December 15 with support from Laura Housley & The Northern Cowboys. For Eighties fans who enjoy a good boogie, the following day, December 16, offers a super feelgood night with 80s pop, dance, soul, indie, anthems, singalongs and forgotten gems hosted by Ministry Of Sound compiler, DJ Alex Macnutt who also runs The Tiger Tavern.

The iconic Anti Nowhere League return to headline at The Forum on December 17 and you can catch Wideboys + DJ AJK on December 22. For an alternative New Year’s warm up party definitely check out Animal

Dunton Music Editor Follow Paul @PaulDuntonmusic

Sh**house, Mindframe and Dread FM who are all on the bill on December 30. If you are looking to dance the night away on New Year’s Eve, then The Forum’s Boogie Nights, presented by DJs Holler & Scanty will be spinning classic house, disco & dance anthems on vinyl. This long-running and ever popular night sells out every month and is full of friendly, enthusiastic and music-savvy clubbers of all ages.

The Forum, which soon turns 30, has once again collaborated with The Assembly Hall to bring live music to the Ice Rink in Calverley Grounds. Up and coming local bands and artists will be performing on December 8 and 15, playing a mix of pop/rock to indie, Americana and folk. Two to three exciting acts will take to the stage every night from 7-9pm. Situated inside the SKATE marquee, there will be the chance to see live music, enjoy a drink and have a bite to eat. And of course – the opportunity to ice skate!

For details of which acts are performing visit: twforum. co.uk/listings

There’s plenty of wonderful live music spanning the funk, soul, jazz and blues genres taking place at The Grey Lady Music Lounge during the festive period with The Tar Babies on the December 9, Dino Baptist & Harry Whitty on December 16, Over The Edge on December 17 and Hard Lines on December 23.

All are superb live acts and will have you donning your dancing shoes in no time! There’ll also be a tonne of excellent local singer-songwriters and

original bands in action at The Grey Lady Sessions showcases including David Migden & The Twisted Roots + Essie West on December 11, the Paul Dunton Orchestra + Isabella Coulstock on December 21 with Steffan James, the Paul Dunton Orchestra and The Harry Whitty Band performing on Boxing Day. Mark Morriss + Mike Wilton are on stage the following evening with the Charlie Rivers Band playing on December 28. The Breretons + Sorrel Nation are doing two gigs on December 29 and 30, while the vibrant Salsa Camina will be hosting The Grey Lady’s annual New Year’s Eve party on December 31.

The Supajam Xmas Fundraiser takes place on December 17 at The Royal Oak pub on Bayhall Road with Silversouls, The River Flows, The Charlie Rivers Band and Kharma & The Devil all performing.

And did you know that the TN1 restaurant on Monson Road also has a bumper-packed December to savour and enjoy?

There’s an array of superb and uplifting acoustic-style soloists and duos on the bill – many of which hail from the local area. They include Guy Watson on December 8, Ash Dodd on December 11, David Mumford on December 15, Steffan James on December 22, Jamie Andrew (Heyzeus and from ITV’s ‘The Voice’) on Christmas Eve, Ben Hills December 29 and popular resident Duo The Masqueraders who will be performing on the evenings of December 16, 23, 30 and New Year’s Eve.

And there’s lots more live music to look forward to on the local scene for 2023 including the Black Deer Festival (June 16 –18 2023, blackdeerfestival. com) and Pub In The Park (July 7 – 9 pubintheparkuk.com/tunbridge-wells/ ticket-info). Tickets to both are now on sale and would make a perfect Christmas present for the music lover in your life!

For now, all that’s left for me to say is please keep supporting live music all year round and best wishes for Christmas and the New Year!

www.paulduntonandguests.com

With the festive season now upon us, SO’s music editor Paul Dunton highlights a few of the wonderful live music events on offer over the Christmas period...

Paul

There’s plenty of live music going on in Tunbridge Wells to keep you entertained over the Christmas holiday

Christmas shows

“These are going to raise the

Trinity Theatre isn’t just putting on one festive production this year, it’s doing three – yes three –shows. Eileen Leahy caught up with the venue’s Artistic Director Sean Turner, his co-writers, production team and cast to discover more about this exciting trio of Trinity performances which kick off on December 14 and guarantee a good time for all…

Trinity Theatre, which celebrated its 40th anniversary this year, has always offered its audiences an alternative to the traditional Christmas panto but for 2022 the team there are doing something very ambitious by putting on three different shows.

As well as two original productions: The New Musketeers and The Aliens Who Saved Christmas, the much-loved venue

is also performing the festive classic Miracle on 34th Street.

But before we drill down and find out all about these shows –the first two of which have been penned by some of the writer/ performer cast members – I want to find out why the theatre’s Artistic Director Sean Turner decided to take on the task of doing three productions when he could have easily settled for just one – and an easy life!

“I think that as we are a community and cultural space it’s our duty to offer something for

everyone,” says Sean when we sit down to chat at the troupe’s rehearsal space at the bottom of The Pantiles.

“Some people might come with their toddlers to see The Aliens Who Saved Christmas and have such a great time they’ll think ‘let’s go and see The New Musketeers’. Younger ones might miss a few nuances with the characters but essentially there will be crossover. And that’s the same with our third show Miracle on 34th Street: we believe it will appeal to all ages as it’s such a classic Christmas tale.”

But as well as providing something for everyone, Sean, who took over at the theatre in July 2021 and is best known for his work as Associate Director on The Play That Goes Wrong in the West End and No Villain, wants to deliver the very best of playhouse theatre right to our doorstep.

“We want our audiences to realise just how professional these productions are and that’s what we are about at Trinity. We want

to deliver the best we can and for people to come back and enjoy more of what we have to offer. For me and my team it has to be world class. These are the production values we have. Okay, so we may not have the budgets of West End shows but I’m absolutely determined to give the best we can.”

Photos © David Bartholomew

Sean’s fellow colleagues collectively nod in agreement with this artistic statement and it’s been clear since meeting them all at our photo call at the theatre earlier that day that the cast – which is made up of talented writers, musicians and performers – are all just as committed to giving the best performances to the audiences who will start to file through Trinity’s doors from December 14.

Having witnessed a sneak peek of their rehearsals ahead of our interview I can testify that whatever performance you might be going to see – if not all three –then you’re in for a treat!

From Irfan Damani and Hollie-

“Given that we’re currently experiencing a cost-of-living crisis and that Christmas is the only time many people will set foot inside a theatre, it’s all about delivering the very best you can”

bar...”

Anne Price’s impressive sword fighting displays (which they tell me they only began rehearsing the day before) to Dannie Harris jumping on the rehearsal room’s piano to accompany Max Kinder’s guitar playing and Will Taylor’s brilliant razor sharp humour, this crew is not only multi-talented but wholly invested in giving their all to their multiple roles.

“I think we play around 52 different roles between us,” says Hollie-Anne who also plays the saxophone and reveals that this is her first professional acting role. “We started rehearsals at the beginning of November and although I’m pretty tired, every time I get my

train home I see our Trinity posters at the station and think ‘Wow! It’s an exciting feeling!’”

“You’re certainly getting value for money with these shows,” adds Dannie Harris who starred in BBC1’s Marriage with Sean Bean and written the songs for The New Musketeers in which she also stars alongside Jack Stacey and Jesse Ashby.

Between the three productions the cast are doing everything from singing carols and swishing capes to playing live, dancing, creating sound effects and generally causing chaos so there’s definitely variety for everyone involved…

“It reminds me of traditional rep theatre,” says Jack, who has

worked with Sean on The Play That Goes Wrong, BBC1’s Poldark and has also co-written The New Musketeers with Sean, Dannie Harris and Matthew Howell.

If you’re not familiar with rep theatre then essentially it’s when a resident acting company has a repertory of plays which they perform in quick and rolling succession. It’s certainly a challenge as actors are usually performing a whole host of parts –usually over a short period of time – but as Jack reveals it’s a brilliant way for any performer to gain experience and skills.

“There’s never a moment when you are on stage alone. There are always others there and you know you have their support. Rep is very much a collaborative endeavour –as are these three different shows. And I think that’s what separates us from others. When you come and see us perform it’s new, exciting and hopefully hilarious, which is what we set out to do.”

Matthew Howell tells me how amazing it is to see The New Musketeers brought to life after three years of the group writing it together.

“Just to hear those words on a page being spoken out loud – we still get a buzz from that,” he confides. Matthew is also performing too – and rumour has it his turn as Cardinal Richelieu and as a sound effects artist – or foley – on Miracle are not to be missed!

So what do the writers of The New Musketeers hope to achieve with their reimagining of the original Alexandre Dumas

“I’m determined to deliver the people of Tunbridge Wells a playhouse that puts on world class theatre”

creation?

“I think we can actually be quite spectacular with our play,” states Matthew.

“Usually when you are writing something and it’s being put on by others there is compromise but we haven’t had to do that. We’re not having to make sacrifices so we can afford to go really big with this. We’ve got a great set, lots of props and cool costumes. So now it’s time to show the audiences what we’ve got and impress them!”

Sean adds that although there are some similarities with the original Three Musketeers tales, their swashbuckling version is very different…

“It’s set in the world of the three Musketeers – sort of!” he laughs. “There’s a shipwreck on a routine mission across the Channel and the Musketeers’ servants find their uniforms and decide to don them –and their swords. They go on a fun mission around London, meeting lots of characters. Some of them you’ll recognise from the original book like King James and Cardinal Richelieu but it’s a million miles away from anything you’ve seen before!”

“We want people to have a laugh,” says Jack. “Our aim from the work we’ve put in over the last three years is to make the play as funny as possible.”

The second original production for audiences to enjoy at Trinity this Christmas is The Aliens Who Saved Christmas which was written by and stars Winnie Southgate alongside actor Irfan Damani.

“I’m also directing so I guess you could say I’m indulging!” laughs

Winnie. “Seriously though, as a writer you have to trust the process and then try to make it better than you could have predicted. It’s a moving experience watching something you have created being brought to life.”

Winnie reveals that the show, which is set in space and features alien characters Splat and Sniff trying to help Santa’s elves make all his toys in time, has been nothing short of brilliant fun to work on.

“The show sees lots of action – including Irfan and I wearing silver foil tubes! So you’ll just have to come along with your little ones and see what it’s all about!”

“There’s no hiding on this one,” Irfan says. “It’s just the two of us which can be daunting as I have a lot of lines but it will be fun!

Winnie’s writing is amazing – it’s genius.”

Aliens also has some fun tunes in it too which will appeal to the little

ones watching Sean tells me.

“Music is definitely a through line in each production. In Miracle on 34th Street you have all these hopeful and joyful Christmas carols all played live and then in Musketeers pretty much everyone sings or plays an instrument.

“It’s great to be able to perform live,” confirms Stephen Hynde the show’s Musical Director who has co-ordinated all the songs and numbers across each of the three shows.

Matthew says that the thing he likes about Lance Arthur Smith’s Miracle on 34th Street is that there’s so much positivity. It also stars a local Trinity Youth Theatre talent, who Sean describes as the ‘incredible’ 11-yearold Ellie Canning, in the role of the young child Susan Walker.

“There’s this wonderful hope running through the spirit of it which I personally really appreciate as it has been a very difficult few years for everyone,” he explains.

“To have this wonderful play that brings us all together with hope and joy when we are usually quite separate entities is just fantastic. This play shows us we can look out for each other and it also

represents that we have much more hope together than we might realise,” adds Matthew.

Miracle on 34th Street which is a live music ‘radio play’ and a traditional festive tale is set in New York’s Macy’s Department Store. It follows the charming and heartwarming story of a young girl, her mother and a lawyer trying to ensure the store’s Santa Claus – AKA Kris Kringle isn’t locked up for being mad and that he is indeed the real deal!

“It’s a lovely one as there are so many familiar Christmas carols,” says Matthew.

All three shows’ choreography is done by Sam Blackden, the action direction is by Marcello Marascalchi, set design is by Tony Award winner Nigel Hook and costumes are by the West End’s Nicky Bunch. Again, more proof of the professionalism involved at Trinity.

“I’m determined to deliver the people of Tunbridge Wells a playhouse that puts on world class theatre. That’s the only reason I’m here and if I can’t deliver that then I’ll go!” Sean declares. “These shows are going to raise the bar.

There will be lots of surprises and

“I think that as we are a community and cultural space it’s our duty at Trinity to offer something for everyone”

lots of laughs. Comedy is about being one step head – the last laugh hasn’t even come in and the next one is already being set up. We want people to roar with laughter!”

“We want them to hyperventilate,” giggles Jesse Ashby who plays the mute Musketeer Grimault and also Kris Kringle.

Given that we’re currently experiencing a cost-of-living crisis and that Christmas is the only time many people will set foot inside a theatre, I guess it’s all about delivering the very best you can I say to Sean.

“Yes, I’m very aware of the situation we’re in. When I was a kid my family couldn’t afford to

go regularly to the theatre but it’s memories of shows that always brings a tear to my eye so if I can do that for just one kid then that’s it for me. That feeling is something that is always a constant when I am making work.”

“It’s got to be a giggle and it’s got to have that Christmas Eve magic about it that’s also what we’re aiming for,” says Max who plays Buckingham in The New Musketeers and Fred in Miracle on 34th Street.

“It’s going to be a fast turnaround and a bit daunting as the schedule is crazy,” says Millie Swinchin Rew, the show’s stage manager, “But it’s going to be an awful lot of fun!”

THE STAGE IS SET FOR A

holy trinity of great festive shows

The New Musketeers:

On from December 14 –January 2

Written by Dannie Harris, Matthew Howell, Jack Stacey, and Sean Turner (with original songs by Dannie Harris)

“It’s a family comedy based on the tale of the Three Musketeers – sort of! After losing their masters, the original musketeers – the servants – must become the New Musketeers as they must complete their mission and fool the King. The New Musketeers features fantastic music, hilarious jokes and stunning designs by Tony Award winning set designer Nigel Hook.

‘These guys are hilarious. If you’re looking for a chuckle with the family this Christmas, look no further than this show.’ –Jonathan Sayer, Artistic Director of Mischief Theatre and star of The Goes Wrong Show, BBC.

The Aliens Who Saved Christmas:

On from December 16 –December 30

Written by Winnie Southgate

“Aliens from a faraway world receive a radio message that Santa’s elves are calling for help to get the presents delivered to all the children in the world. Winnie Southgate’s new play is full of silly fun and magic to entertain the youngest ones. The show is suitable for those ages 2 – 7 but older children will still enjoy the show. With only seven performances this Christmas, book your tickets soon to make sure your little ones get to enjoy the out-ofthis-world show.

Miracle on 34th Street:

On from December 20 –December 29

From the 1947 Lux Radio Broadcast by Lance Arthur Smith With original songs by Jon Lorenz

For tickets and timings visit www.trinity theatre.net

‘Zany, interactive and downright joyous.’ – Sean Turner,Trinity’s Artistic Director

“Lance Arthur Smith’s classic Christmas tale Miracle on 34th Street is reimagined as a live radio performance with original music, Christmas carols with a four-part harmony and a live piano backing. When Santa Claus at Macy’s department store in New York City claims to be the real thing, no one believes him except for one little girl and a lawyer who must make everyone believe and prove he is telling the truth. With seven actors performing every character, the greatest Christmas tale comes alive as you are immersed into the story.”

The value of investments can fall as well as rise. Investors may get back less than invested. Charles Stanley & Co. Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Happy 18th Birthday Kitch L

ast month Kitch fashion boutique on the High Street threw a fabulous party to celebrate turning 18 years old. Owner Charlotte Newman and her team invited a number of their loyal clients along to celebrate the shop’s milestone birthday.

While guests browsed the rails and chatted, they sipped on mini bottles of pink fizz and savoured a delicious selection of beautifully presented canapés by Vittle & Swig. Sweet treats came in the form of decadent customised chocolates by Mimi Coco.

“Thank you all so much for your support over the years, it means so much,” Charlotte told the packed boutique before guests headed home with their in-store purchases and generous goody bags.

Photos © Emily Harding

Learn more

about the CREATIVE STUDIOS at

NORTH KENT COLLEGE

Our CREATIVE STUDIOS at North Kent College specialises in the education and training of young creatives, making dream careers become reality. Creative Studios comprises of many subject areas, each with their own unique logo.

3D DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE: The 3D element of the department is depicted by a 3D cube, which also shows off the XYZ axis which are used when working in a 3D space.

ANIMATION & VFX: With animation, the Onion skin icon was chosen which is used in most animation software and ties in with what they use in the industry. The onion skin is used so the user can see several frames of animation simultaneously to then see if the animation lines up correctly.

GRAPHIC DESIGN & ILLUSTRATION: For this department a Pen tool icon was chosen, which is used globally among designers who used the adobe creative suite. However, the icon has been changed so does not copy what adobe has used but still depicts the universal pen design.

ART & DESIGN: For Art and Design pencil is used as the icon as art students tend to be related to drawing and sketching and this typically the beginning of an artists work, a pencil sketch.

PHOTOGRAPHY: An aperture symbol was chosen for Photography, this is used on a camera. The aperture is a hole or an opening through which light travels so the more light let in the less focus you have on the background, and allowing less light in puts everything into focus.

TV & FILM: For this department a clapper board was chosen as this is used in every TV & Film production so relates directly to the subject. The clapper board is used to designate and mark the various scenes and takes as they are filmed and audio recorded.

DIGITAL JOURNALISM: A microphone depicts digital journalism as it relates to the recording of audio and events/ current affairs and therefore was chosen for this icon.

FASHION: For Fashion a button is used because this represents the historical and contemporary elements of fashion.

Our Dartford campus has recently opened a brand-new building for the Creative Studio students which is the largest value project in the Getting Building Fund programme and contains 2,836 sq m of educational floorspace, including a performance venue, dance studios, music performance spaces, digital design classrooms and workshops.

Interested in being one of North Kent College’s creative students? Find out more on our website www.northkent.ac.uk.

Did you miss the chance to visit? If you missed our Open Events and would like to find out more about the College, we will be hosting a series of Campus Tours throughout December or you can visit one of February Open Events.You can preregister via our website soon! Keep your eyes peeled.

Legalaid

The Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge & District Law Society (TWTDLS) annual dinner took place at The Spa Hotel in Tunbridge Wells on Friday November 18. Established in 1933, TWTDLS – which is sponsored by TN Recruits and Newman Business Solutions – represents anyone involved in the legal profession, including solicitors, paralegals and trainees practising and living in West Kent.

The evening was hosted by the Society’s current President, John Spence, a Property Litigation Partner at the Tunbridge Wellsbased law firm CooperBurnett LLP. When he was named as President earlier in the year, he said his biggest goal was to ‘wave the flag for our Society, raise its profile locally, get even more local lawyers engaged and make it even bigger and better’. The Dinner was indeed ‘bigger’ with 195 people attending.

The guest speaker was Iain Dale, the LBC radio broadcaster, writer and political commentator, who delivered what a TWTDLS spokesperson described as a ‘fascinating insight’ into the world of political broadcasting.

The event raised nearly £1500 for Demelza Hospice Care For Children which is John Spence’s chosen charity for his presidency.

Photos © David Bartholomew

KNOWING THE VALUE OF LOCAL PERSONAL SERVICE

As our world shifts increasingly online, many things have become easier. But often, online speed means less ability to make things truly personal to you and your lifestyle. And for products such as your home insurance, a ‘one size fits all’ approach can feel less thorough, impersonal and leave a sense of unease on whether your requirements have really been met.

And, if you have a large home with high-value items that require more careful consideration, it’s all the more important that you feel confident and have the opportunity to have a thorough conversation about your needs and expectations.

At NFU Mutual, it’s this commitment to local personal service that sets us apart, and has allowed us to look after what matters most to our customers for over 100 years. With over 295 agency offices located in towns and villages throughout the UK, we’re part of the fabric of our communities.

More than ever, we’ve seen the power of communities, and how important local

knowledge and simply understanding people can be. There’s just something about dealing with a real person, being able to pick up the phone to someone who knows you and your situation.

We live where you live, and when you speak to our colleagues, you’re talking to someone who genuinely knows and cares for the area. That means we’re uniquely positioned

to understand the nuances and features of your property, a level of understanding you’re unlikely to find through an online provider.

We know the value of having real conversations with our customers – it’s how we can be sure we’re providing the cover that’s right for you. And that means that should the worst happen, we’ll be there for you to help put things right.

But this local focus doesn’t mean we can’t handle complex or large properties. On the contrary, our national outlook means we can draw on experience across the country, and our local teams are backed by underwriters,

claims handlers and specialist suppliers. And whilst our heritage lies in farming and rural insurance, with over 850,000 customers including home, motor and business insurances, you might be surprised at what we can offer.

To find out more about NFU Mutual and our Bespoke home insurance for high-value homes and contents, contact Shaun Joubert, Patrick Bowring and Martin Webber at

NFU Mutual Tunbridge Wells on 01892 337488 or email Tunbridge_Wells@nfumutual.co.uk

Alternatively, you can reach us at our Flimwell office on 01580 878105

M J Webber, P G Bowring & S Joubert is an appointed representative of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited (No. 111982). Registered in England. Registered Office: Tiddington Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 7BJ. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. A Member of the Association of British Insurers.

All the fun

festive fair of the D

espite being faced with the issue of being temporarily waterlogged due to torrential rain that came down just ahead of the annual Wealden Times Mid-Winter Fair, that certainly didn’t dampen the spirit of visitors and traders alike.

Over 9,000 visitors descended on the numerous tents that were filled with a variety of different stallholders who pitched up at the Hop Farm in Paddock Wood for three days of fantastic shopping last month.

Everyone from talented jewellery and candle makers to unique fashionistas, fabulous foodies and inspiring artists were selling their coveted goods – most of which made ideal Christmas presents too! And when the shopping became too much visitors could retreat to one of the special food and drink areas for a comforting cup of coffee and slice of cake –or better still a glass of festive fizz. Cheers to another hugely successful Wealden Times Fair and see you again next year...

Photos © Wealden Times

Let’s go outside

If you love Christmas you’ve landed in the right spot. These days the festive occasion extends far beyond the trio of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. With twinkling lights and decorations blanketing our town from midNovember, Christmas is on our radar long before the big day arrives.

A wonderland of festivities inviting families to celebrate this year is Bewl Water, an 800-acre reservoir in Lamberhurst. The team there have transformed the site’s glorious grounds and are ready to fill December with plenty of cheer.

From missing elves and special visits from Santa to festive-themed drinks and a Christmas wish tree, there’s no shortage of fun things to do. Children can even enter the colouring competition to help name next year’s Head Elf! With this and so much more to enjoy, Bewl Water has really brought the magic of Christmas to the reservoir so get your diaries ready, it’s set to be spectacular!

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

(£15 December 17, 18, 23 & 24)

In the run-up to the big day, Bewl Water has secured some extra special visits from Father Christmas as he gets his sleigh ready for a busy evening of present dropping.

Little ones and their parents have been invited to help him prepare and on selected dates, Bewl Water will be hosting a delicious breakfast spread to keep Santa well fuelled.

The buffet-style English breakfast will be available to enjoy at 9.00am or 10:30am and will feature tasty favourites including smoked bacon, freshly grilled tomatoes, crispy hash browns, plus yummy alternatives including granola, winter berries and yoghurt.

Tickets cost £15 per person (adult or child) which includes a 60-minute soft play session after your meet and greet. To book, you’ll need to email info@bewlwater.co.uk.

THE MAGICAL CHRISTMAS ELF TRAIL

(Free throughout December 2022)

A festive adventure invites you and your little ones to Bewl Water this Christmas where throughout December you can explore the free Christmas Elf Trail.

Lost in the enchanted woodlands, Happy the Head Elf has been locked away by the evil goblins and needs help to escape before Christmas Day arrives.

Collect your maps from the Waterfront Café before following the trail to search for Happy’s lost items.Unscramble the magic code, and eventually set him free! For those who succeed, a special sweet treat will be in store at the end.

No bookings are required for the Magical Elf Trail and for families looking to capture those priceless moments, festive selfie frames have been strategically placed around the route where the 800-acre reservoir forms your stunning backdrop.

WINTER WALKS

Bewl Water is beautiful throughout the year, but we think it offers something extra magical over Christmas!

During the season that offers so many reasons to put on your walking boots, Bewl has opened three new self-guided trails for families looking for some healthy, outdoor fun.

Whether it’s to breathe in the refreshing winter air or to walk off your Sunday lunch, the familysized strolls have been designed for all abilities and range from 30 minutes to 2.5 hours.

Explore the beautiful reservoir at your own pace as you soak up the picturesque views and wander through the wildlife-rich meadows before heading to the Waterfront Café where a selection of winter warmer treats will be available including gingerbread lattes and hazelnut hot chocolates.

The season of goodwill

Christmas is known as the season of goodwill and following these tough few years, it’s an even better time to give back where it’s needed most.

This December Bewl Water has partnered with Kerrie Kent, Tunbridge Wells’ official British Heart Foundation fundraiser to raise money and awareness for the charity that helps over 7 million people in the UK living with heart and circulatory diseases.

Located in Bewl’s Waterfront Café there will be a Christmas Wish Tree where visitors to the reservoir can write and hang a special message.

“I am so thrilled to have this opportunity to raise vital funds for the British Heart Foundation, the work they do saves lives,” said Kerrie.

Born with congenital heart disease, Kerrie has had seven open heart surgeries to date and has played a key role in setting up ‘Hearts of Gold’ – a Tunbridge Wells fundraising group for the charity.

“The work of the British Heart Foundation means that hopefully in the future a cure will be found,” she continued.

Along with hand-written notes, QR codes will be hung on the Christmas Wish Tree to allow people to easily donate to the charity if they can.

For more information visit www.bewlwater.co.uk @bewlwater

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

In addition to all the feasting over the festive season, it’s important to get out into the fresh air and have fun. Here Molly Miller reveals why Bewl Water is the perfect destination this Christmas for all the family…

“Bewl has opened three new self-guided trails for families looking for some healthy, outdoor fun”

Bewl Water’s new mascot ‘Ranger Bear’

culture Join the

club

So let’s start with you telling us in essence what Knot Works is all about?

Knot Works is a creative cultural organisation. We programme exhibitions featuring contemporary artists and makers whose work we believe should be seen and experienced by a wider audience.

We host workshops run by artists including drawing, pottery, sewing and print making. We currently also host two resident artists at our Knot Works studio, as part of our ambition to support and nurture artists in their professional development.

When did it launch and how are things going so far?

We launched in the Summer of 2021 and hosted our first series of workshops using Ed’s art studio in Southborough as our base.

We wanted people to be able to experience workshops with professional artists, learning from and being inspired by their expertise. At the same time, we launched Knot Works with an inaugural exhibition which featured works from our own network of artist and design collaborators.

When did you move into your premises at 64 London Road?

A year after launching we were so pleased to find our current permanent premises in Southborough. The response to opening our space on the high street there has been really positive. We’ve already run pottery studio evenings, life drawing classes as well as an exhibition of photography by Kate Sims. It’s been wonderful to welcome people to the space to make things

together and to platform the work of artists whether that’s through exhibitions or workshops.

Has the local community been supportive of your venture?

Yes and we are really grateful for all of the support we have received so far. But we would love to meet more people, and welcome them to our exhibitions and workshops. So please come and support Knot Works; pop along to an exhibition, book a workshop or join us for a studio evening. Like all small businesses in order to keep going and to develop we need people to buy tickets to our workshops, to attend events and to support us so do please come along and get involved – we would love to meet you all!

What kinds of offerings do you provide apart from exhibitions?

Our vision for Knot Works is ambitious, and this is just the start. Alongside our programme of exhibitions, workshops and studio time at our space, we also regularly host what we call ‘Work in Progress’ evenings. These also take place at

Knot Works opened in the summer of 2021 in Southborough and is an artistic organisation run by three friends – Holly Jean Crosbie, Samuel Wheeler and Edward Liddle. Here, the trio tell Eileen Leahy

more about their multi-layered creative venture...

“We programme exhibitions featuring contemporary artists and makers whose work we believe should be seen and experienced by a wider audience”

our space at 64 London Road and form an important part of what we want to develop at Knot Works. Professional development for those working or hoping to work in the cultural industries can be really hard and expensive at times. The free ‘Work in Progress’ evenings are a chance for people to bring along something that they are working on to get some feedback from other creative people. When we all graduated from art school we really missed the nurturing environment that they create so the ‘Work in Progress’ evenings are a way in which we are trying to nurture artists, makers and creatives who are looking for a supportive network to help them develop their work.

As Knot Works boasts a ‘shop front’ do you receive a lot of impromptu visitors?

We really like being located on the high street. We’ve had some great conversations with people who have been passing by and who have been intrigued to hear about what we’re up to and what plans we have for the future. Some days Holly uses the front space of the building to cut and sew clothing. At other times there is pottery being made and at others there’ll be an exhibition. In order to thrive our high streets need a variety of people doing different things, so we are really invested in being here and to bringing change to what happens on it.

You run Knot Works collaboratively, can you tell us a little bit about this?

Together we draw on each of our

personal experiences and run the organisation collaboratively. We often change roles and at various times can all be found putting together an exhibition, or prepping for an upcoming workshop as well as teaching workshops.

You all juggle Knot Works with other jobs – how do you do this?

We each have other jobs that we maintain alongside running Knot Works. Holly is an architect and runs her own architecture and attire practice as well as teaching Architecture at the University of Brighton and London Metropolitan University. Sam is an architect and is currently working on several largescale projects in London. Ed works at The Amelia as their Exhibitions Officer and continues to make his own artwork (you can currently see some of his artwork at The Towner in Eastbourne). We’re all quite busy, but all of our other work feeds directly into Knot Works.

Cultural activity is very much like an eco-system with lots of different influences feeding into and supporting one another. We’re all really enjoy working on our various projects and believe it helps to shape and inform our work at Knot Works.

What exhibitions and workshops do you have coming up in the near future?

We have just hosted an incredible exhibition called terra/firma, which featured the work of Jean Crosbie and Holly Jean Crosbie. Both artists work in clay, and are inspired by landscape, topology and mark making. We have a winter pop-up shop taking place over the second weekend in December (see breakout). And our January and February workshops are now available to book. These include a lino printmaking workshop as well as our very popular life drawing evenings ‘Nudey Tuesdays’ which will be returning alongside our pottery studio evenings. The pottery studio evenings are great for anyone with some experience of making pottery,

as they offer untutored access to our pottery studio and equipment if people want to explore their own ideas in clay. For those with no prior experience of pottery we also have upcoming ‘master class’ workshops, which offer indepth tuition about a particular pottery technique (such as coil building or slab building). These are a great introduction and are taught by Jean Crosbie who has over 25 years of ceramic experience and has just exhibited in our terra/firma exhibition.

And if people want to find out more about Knot Works what should they do?

We’ve got lots of exciting things planned for the future and we would encourage everyone to sign up to our Knot Works mailing list (which can be found at the bottom of the page on our website: www.knotworks.co.uk).

Our Instagram feed is also full of pictures of past workshops and exhibitions so please follow us to see what you could get involved with and to be the first to know about new events and announcements! @knotworks_

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY Knot Works Winter Pop-Up Shop December 9 – 11

This will feature a curated selection of items for sale from artists and makers and showcase the work of people we know or have worked with during the past year. These unique items will make wonderful Christmas gifts. The Winter Pop-Up Shop will also be an opportunity for people to come and meet us and to find out more about Knot Works. People will be able to buy Knot Works workshops as gifts at the Pop-Up Shop, making a wonderful and thoughtful present to someone who wants to discover or rediscover their creativity in a supportive artist led environment!

“Our vision for Knot Works is ambitious, and this is just the start”

“Cultural activity is very much like an eco-system with lots of different influences feeding into and supporting one another”

How would you describe Chicken or Egg?

It’s a unique brainteaser book that challenges the reader to place lists of familiar events in chronological order. What came first, second, third…? It’s a simple but engaging format that hasn’t been published before. The challenges are themed, testing your recall of news stories, popular culture and contemporary social history.

Everything from era-defining world events and iconic sporting moments to music, films and the internet.

You will also find quirky ‘And Finally’ news stories and celebrity ‘missteps’ in addition to bygone technology, TV adverts and cherished childhood snacks.

What’s the key aim of the book?

Your task with Chicken or Egg? is to put a lifetime of memories in order. Even if you don’t know the precise answers, it’s a hugely nostalgic read, evoking fond life memories and personal recollections of where you were when you heard or experienced particular things in your life.

changer… Game

get together, a sun lounger or the 07:39 commuter train to Cannon Street, and it sparks competitive streaks and interesting conversations when played with friends.

What stood out for you when researching the content?

Is this a career change for you?

Give me some examples… So, what came first…? Eddie The Eagle, Who Shot J.R.? or Erica Roe? The Shawshank Redemption or The Truman Show? Tiananmen Square, Chernobyl or German reunification? Pot Noodle, Salt ’n’ Shake or Viennetta? Café Rouge or Wagamama? Maradona’s hand of God, Grobbelaar’s spaghetti legs or Warne’s ball of the century? #MeToo or #JeSuisCharlie? The Crown or Stranger Things? MySpace or Friends Reunited? Vorsprung durch Technik, Hello Boys or J.R. Hartley? Kindle, Fitbit or iPad? Gavin & Stacey or Blue Planet? Top Trumps or Rubik’s Cube? Pump Up the Jam or Pump Up the Volume? Heroes or Celebrations chocolates? It’s a veritable smorgasbord!

What inspired the book? I’ve always been interested in current affairs, starting with John Craven’s Newsround when I was in short trousers, and I’m fond of trivia. I wanted to create a distinctive quiz that would engage a mildly competitive person with a couple of decades of life on the clock. It’s the perfect companion for a Christmas

Firstly just how much we have all witnessed and absorbed in our lives. The countless news headlines on TV, in the newspapers and online. All the popular culture – the TV programmes, chart songs, books and films. The technology, shops and trends that have come and gone. Another thing I found fascinating was identifying the earliest news stories in my own memory. I’m showing my age, but it was the mid-late 1970s: the Vietnamese boat people, the Iceland cod wars, and Bulgarian dissident Giorgi Markov being jabbed in the leg with a poison-tipped umbrella on Waterloo Bridge. I was nine or ten years old when those events happened. I wonder whether the ubiquity of news on devices in the digital age will mean that today’s children will remember events from a much younger age. If it’s on TikTok, they will know about it. One thing I did learn during my research was that I am the same age as Cadbury’s Mini Eggs.

Question time

Chicken or Egg? Is a quiz book with a difference, it challenges the reader to place themed groups of familiar events in chronological order. Themes range from news stories and sporting achievement to popular culture and contemporary social history — everything from chart hits and viral videos to iconic TV adverts and cherished childhood foods. It’s an ingeniously simple, engagingly challenging and splendidly nostalgic headscratcher. Here are a few examples from it...

Chicken or Egg? The Befuddling Book of What Came First, Second, Third is available to buy from Amazon and priced £11.99 with a Kindle version at £9.99

Yes I worked until earlier this year at investment firm Fidelity, with a short commute from Langton Green to the (now closed) office in Hildenborough. But I was ready for a change and I’m one of those people who reassessed things during the pandemic. I had a musical upbringing and started my career in the pop music business, and lately a big part of me hankered after doing something more creative and less corporate. So I now write in a garden room with my dogs for company. I’ve worked with Tunbridge Wells publishing professionals in designing the book, and local friends have been generous with expert advice. I have more books in the pipeline and aim to build up a small publishing business. I’ve got three daughters to fund through university!

Where can people buy Chicken or Egg?

The paperback and e-book are available on Amazon. It’s a great Christmas gift idea for quiz fans – and that’s most of us, given the popularity of TV quiz shows and pub/school/ lockdown quizzes. It’s also ideal for the supposedly ‘hard-to-buy-for’ men of a certain age in your life (as well as the know-all relative in every family!).

Newly published author Adrian Conroy tells SO magazine all about his new and unique ‘quiz in a book’ Chicken or Egg? – and why it will make the perfect gift for fact and trivia loving fans this Christmas…

“A unique brainteaser book that challenges the reader to place lists of familiar events in chronological order”

to theTisseason be kind…

and Jen Ferguson

and It’s The Fergusons social media accounts, tell us all why they give up their Christmas Day in order to spend precious time and deliver gifts to members of the local elderly community who might otherwise spend the festive season alone…

Christmas is a time for giving and that is certainly something that husband and wife team Al and Jen Ferguson thoroughly believe in. Not just for their own family and friends but for others less fortunate too.

You may know the couple, who are both former teachers, because you follow their social media accounts It’s The Fergusons and Dadsnet, both of which they use to open up the conversation around a host of very personal and underdiscussed subjects. These include the complex

issues of co-parenting, both Al and Jen are doing this after previous relationships, as well as miscarriage: sadly the pair have experienced seven.

“We started Dadsnet after Jen and I lost our first baby on our wedding day and it broke me,” confides Al. “I was trying to support Jen and myself and I was searching online for advice – but all of it was aimed at mums. At that time I was teaching my Year Four class at school all about how to set up a blog and so it was then that I decided to start one myself.

“As Dadsnet grew, we both started working on it full-time and eventually employed an agent who said it was important for our followers to see ‘the face and the family’ behind the brand. So we started sharing snippets of our lives and quickly found a loyal audience. That’s when we started It’s The Fergusons.”

Jen explains that the key aim with this particular account is simple: “It’s a very honest and transparent insight into our blended family life. It’s about showing what every day, real family life is like.

“We are a double blended family which means we are both coparents to our children as well as having our own son, Teddy. We’ve

experienced seven miscarriages and all three of our children have been diagnosed with Special Educational Needs. Through our accounts we’ve tried to provide as much support as possible around all of these topics because when we were experiencing these issues we felt very alone. I guess our aim is to help others feel supported and less alone.”

The couple’s social media presence has also helped them to communicate to their 30 thousand plus followers about their wonderfully selfless work helping the needy in the elderly community – especially at Christmas.

so grateful to those

Al

, founders of Dadsnet

“We’re

“My grandad always said how proud he was of me when I was helping the elderly so I knew when he left us we had to carry on visiting others”

people who are willing to support our mission to ensure the elderly aren’t alone at this time of year.”

But the fact Al and Jen are able to buy, receive, beautifully wrap and then distribute gift donations on December 25 is not just down to the power of social media.

“This started a long time before all that,” continues Jen. “My grandma was mistreated in a care home when I was in my early 20s and it was this that made me determined to care for as many elderly ladies and gentleman as possible. My grandad was also in a care home and I couldn’t bear the thought of him being alone on Christmas Day.

“So when he was too poorly to come home for the day we decided we’d spend Christmas with him. We went with our then six-monthold son Teddy and my son Louis who was ten. Although we had a lovely time together, I was deeply saddened by how many residents had no visitors at all.

“So we made sure we went and visited everyone else there too. My grandad always said how proud he was of me when I was helping the elderly so I knew when he left us we had to carry on visiting others

in the home. And so now it just feels like that’s how we are meant to spend our Christmas day.”

When they started out, Al and Jen say they saved up money and gifts throughout the year and then delivered presents themselves. But after a couple of years of sharing the day on social media people started getting in touch asking if they could donate so it slowly grew from there.

“One year we wrapped a hundred gifts ourselves and in the new year family and friends asked why we hadn’t told them about what we were doing!” laughs Al.

“They said they’d like to help the following year and so the next Christmas we had a group of 10 at our house wrapping gifts and making table decorations. We call them the elves!” The couple now have an

other way. “For us, it’s about so much more than just the five of us and all the gifts. Of course our children receive presents but it’s important for us to show and share the importance of giving. If you asked any of them how they feel about spending Christmas day in care homes with the elderly, they’d all say, we wouldn’t want to do anything different! In fact, in the years that my daughter is not with us due to alternate Christmas contact arrangements, she tells us how much she misses the visit to the care home.”

I ask Al and Jen how they would sum up what they are doing online and they quickly respond that it’s definitely not about personal gain.

Amazon Wish List set up so people can choose and buy gifts safe in the knowledge they will be useful.

However the current cost of living crisis has resulted in donations for this Christmas dropping and therefore Al and Jen need our help now more than ever as they don’t want anyone to miss out.

Al adds that their kids wouldn’t dream of spending Christmas any

“I guess we see it as a way of harvesting the kindness of others and channelling that in supportive community endeavours. And in the meantime, for every person we reach who generously gives a gift to the elderly we know we’re doing good. Their smiles, their laughter, their joy at being around the children means the world to us. Every present and every visit to someone that would otherwise be alone on Christmas Day is worth its weight in gold.”

If you would like to donate a gift to the elderly please contact Jen via jenfergusonuk@gmail.com or visit their Amazon Wish List via their Itsthefergusons Instagram link in bio.

“We’re the town’s – but we

best kept secret don’t want to be!”

Did you know that one of the town’s oldest charities is also one of its least known about? Doing a quick straw poll in the SO office I asked my colleagues if they’d ever heard of the Number One Community Trust – and sadly their collective answer was ‘no’.

I too have to put my hands up and say that neither had I – until I was contacted by the charity’s new PR a few weeks ago who is keen for more Tunbridge Wells residents to know about the vital work it does.

“We’re Tunbridge Wells’ best kept secret – but we don’t want to be!” smiles trustee and vice chairman Stuart Anderson when I met him at the charity’s community centre on the Showfields Estate last month. The property professional came on board six years ago because he wanted to make a difference and give back in life. He says that a lot has changed since then…

“We’ve had a few difficult years but Covid definitely underlined the fact there’s a need for community spirit now more than ever. We’re

getting there, but equally we need more support given the cost-of-living crisis.”

And that’s why Number One Community Trust, which was originally set up by two local churches – has recently launched a campaign asking both residents of the borough and its businesses to dig deep into their pockets to donate, volunteer their services and give to the charity’s food larder.

“We’d love businesses to come down and see what we do here. It doesn’t matter how much time you have to spare – even if it’s just an hour. But we need people to commit regularly – that would make so much difference.

“In essence, our community centre is open for everyone. The café is at the centre of it all but we also have the Little Learning Tree pre-school, a library and a community hall which is used for lots of things – from fitness classes to birthday parties.”

Stuart then introduces me to his colleague Steph who has worked for Number One Community Trust for the past 18 months. “I talk to businesses about how they can help us by putting on different classes and I also chat to residents to see what kinds of groups they might like to get involved with.

“We’ve been working with organisations like the YMCA and a local boxing club who both hire the hall. It’s about people coming along and then bringing their friends. One activity or class helps breed more.”

Stuart explains that for the past three decades the trust has been a lifeline for many low-income families, elderly residents, children and refugees who are based on the Showfields but also the nearby Ramslye estate – as well as other areas in Tunbridge Wells where people might need support.

“It’s important to know that what we do here is not just for local residents,” adds Stuart. “Our café and pre-school are the core pillars

of what we do because it starts from educating the children – and a lot of their very young parents – right up to the older people in our community. But we’re not an institution, we’re a friendly face for people to talk to.”

He then mentions the food larder service they provide which supplies the café with food and helps create essential food packages. Steph adds that as everyone is ‘feeling the pinch’ at the moment they would like donations from businesses and residents who might be able to spare a bit more.

“Nicky, who runs our café is amazing. She makes up the donation bags with such love and puts them together so well. Many people who use the service are lacking in life skills so the ingredients she puts in help them to make simple food from scratch. We’re not qualified to give expert advice but we can help signpost.”

Number One Community Trust is now in its 30th year and the charity has just announced celebrity chef Rosemary Shrager as its new ambassador. Eileen Leahy went along to meet her and the organisation’s dedicated team, as it launches a special campaign to raise funds – and more much-needed awareness of the invaluable work it does for the Showfields and Ramslye communities and beyond…

“This is an opportunity for you to contribute to the Number One Community Trust… give whatever you can afford.”

Photos © Matthew Walker

Stuart also reveals that the community hub welcomes those with learning disabilities so they too can gain much-needed life skills.

“Those who come along with their carers are then supported by our café staff doing jobs they might not otherwise get the opportunity to experience.

“The thing with Number One is it’s local people helping other local people. We do quite a bit with the housing specialists Town & Country who are currently coming in to give talks about how to save money in different ways. We also believe the link up with Rosemary will be invaluable for us.”

“I’m so sorry to say that I had never heard of it either,” states celebrity chef Rosemary Shrager as she sits down to join our chat to explain how she got involved.

“It was a no brainer for me. Food is my background and at the moment for many it’s ‘heat or eat’ and we have to find ways around this. If you look at the whole picture of this trust it delivers on

community, food and accessibility to things people might not have the opportunity to have.

“It reaches out and gives people confidence and opportunity – and that’s what life is about. For those of us who are fortunate I think it’s our duty to help others. What shocked me is that I didn’t even know this charity was here.”

Another well-known local face who has declared her support for the charity is Jaime Cooke from fitness studios SPN. The personal trainer, entrepreneur and talented DJ is putting out food collection areas in her Camden Road and Sevenoaks SPN branches in order to help raise vital food donations for the Number One Community Trust.

“We need to help our own local community. I didn’t know this charity existed either which is why I believe we should go into schools and tell them about it as well as

What is Number One Community Trust?

Originally founded in 1995, Number One Community Trust became a registered charity in 2002. It is managed by a board of trustees, many of whom live and work in the local area. Located in the heart of the Showfields community it does the following work courtesy of a mix of volunteers and paid employees:

• Number One Community Trust is a community centre serving the residents of Showfields and Ramslye, two estates with significant urban deprivation affecting children and adults of all ages.

• The trust aims to enhance the quality of life of residents through events, activities and community projects. It is a hub in the heart of the community that works to improve the physical health and mental wellbeing of local residents.

Some of the things it offers the community includes:

• The ‘young at heart group’ for the elderly, providing fun, friendship and social interaction

• Holiday lunch club offering lunches for children in the school holidays for just £1

• Food Larder for families struggling with food poverty

• Highl-subsidised café providing wholesome food at affordable prices

• Education and training opportunities to improve the social and economic outlook of the community

• Subsidised hall for sports, clubs and community events.

The Number One Community Trust already makes a difference to the everyday lives of the community. Local individuals and businesses can help the trust continue its vital work by donating, even just £1, at: numberonecommunity.org

issues like people having to use local foodbanks. Schools are always fundraising but I don’t think there’s specific awareness about our own local community.”

Rosemary adds that she and café manager Nicky – who she describes as a ‘local hero’ – are going to show people how to cook healthily but economically.

“It’s about getting people together and educating – I love the fact there’s a library here too,” says the newly published crime fiction author.

“But we need more help. We need people to donate – from food donations to furniture. The facilities here are 30 years old so we need to raise money, we need volunteers, we need to fundraise – we need the whole lot! We have lots of people in this community who have a transferable skillset who can help us make this a hub for people to come to.

“Tunbridge Wells is very affluent so to have something like this on our doorstep means we have to take note and help. The fact none of us really knew it existed is a problem. In our town there is hunger, there are people who are suffering because of the current economic crisis and not able to heat their homes.”

In June, Rosemary will once again take part in the Tunbridge Wells Soapbox Superstars Race which is organised by Nicole Piesse Turner who is also a supporter of the Number One Community Trust. “Rosemary’s sponsored cart will help raise funds for this amazing charity,” she tells me at our photoshoot.

Jaime adds: “It’s our duty to make sure we spread the word. We have a large number of clients coming through our studios so it just makes sense to support.”

To meet the increasing needs of the community they serve, the Number One Community Trust is reaching out to individuals and businesses to give as little as £1, to regularly donate to the food larder or pledge a legacy to help the trust’s new fundraising appeal which hopes to reach £200k by next year.

Other supporters so far include The Claremont Pub, Strong Female Lead and Matthew Walker Photography. So how about starting next year by also getting on board and knowing all about the Number One Community Trust instead of not?

CONTACT: Number one Community Trust on: 01892 514544 info@numberonecommunity.org

“Your contribution goes towards a variety of community projects, subsidised food, free lunch for children and activities for all age groups. From preschoolers to the elderly.”

This month SO magazine chats to Eryn Dawe, General Manager of Hotel Du Vin, Tunbridge Wells about all the places she likes to support locally. Here Eryn, who is originally from Canada, reveals where she likes to stroll, shop and socialise….

Where do you live?

Sunny Tunbridge Wells

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

I have lived in Tunbridge Wells for almost three years now. What made me decide to move here is a slightly difficult question to answer so I’ll try to keep it simple. I made the move across the pond from Canada in February 2020. My husband and I met in the United States (I was living in Ottawa at the time and he in Texas)

however he, originally being from Blackpool, had always wanted to return to the UK. He came back to the UK a year ahead of me and spent that time touring around the south-east looking for an area he thought would be a great place to settle. Knowing I would be continuing my work within the wine industry, we wanted to be close to London and the UK

wine producing regions. The day after arriving in Tunbridge Wells for the first time, he called me and said ‘Honey, I found our new home!’. Shortly thereafter I visited for the first time, then again a few months later and was confident he had chosen a wonderful place for us to start. After two years of long distance and a granted Ancestry Visa (my grandmother was originally from Portsmouth) I joined my husband (my then boyfriend) in Tunbridge Wells.

What’s your favourite shop locally?

I love all thing home décor and was so happy to discover Biggie Best. Such a great selection of lovely items, especially around the holidays!

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

Dunorlan Park is one of my favourite places for a dog walk. Beautiful and peaceful any time of year.

eat locally?

Sopranos has been one of my favourites since arriving in Tunbridge Wells. I love all things Spanish so being able to nibble from the extensive tapas menu and enjoy some wonderful Spanish wines is always great time for me.

Are there any nice views nearby?

One of my favourite views is from the top of the hill in Hargate Forest. Our first flat in Tunbridge Wells was on Broadwater Down and during the first lockdown we would walk the forest almost every day. That view became a part of our routine because we just loved to watch the sunsets.

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

Borough Market in London. Food is one my biggest passions and the accessibility to so many incredible ingredients all in one place is a little piece of heaven. It might

The best place to get a cup of coffee?

Even Flow on St. John’s Rd, the coffee is delicious and I love being able to purchase from their extensive record collection.

Where do you take people when they come to visit?

Hotel du Vin, of course! Postpandemic, once family and friends started to visit regularly, I was thrilled to be able to welcome them to the hotel. Having the opportunity to showcase the property and its history, followed by a cocktail in the bar, then dinner in our Bistro always offered a wonderful experience for our visitors.

What’s the night life like where you live?

Quiet, which is exactly what we enjoy. We do like to pop out for a cocktail now and again but quiet nights at home are what we relish.

Where’s your favourite place to

seem like a strange place to relax but for me, it’s one of my happiest places.

Where’s the best place to meet friends and socialise? Anywhere in the Pantiles!

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

I love to find a local market. It is definitely one of my favourite ways to spend a morning or afternoon.

Why do you love where you live?

I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to live in some of the most beautiful parts of Canada. However, for as long as I can remember had always wanted to live in a different part of the world, experience a different culture and be immersed in others’ way of life.

I feel beyond fortunate to have that opportunity here. A beautiful area full of character, still with so many places and things to discover.

“I had always wanted to live in a different part of the world, experience a different culture. I feel beyond fortunate to have that opportunity here.”

Hotel du Vin

Biggie Best

Dunorlan Park

company Two’s

You are both incredible talents – Sylvia is a Knitwear Designer and Caroline a Silversmith. How did you come to own a shop together?

We met on The Pantiles craft market some years ago. We loved each other’s work and took a popup shop in Ely Court for about a year. We then moved to Monson Road and five years ago we opened in Chapel Place.

Caroline, your jewellery is beautiful, fun and unique. Have you always worked in silver and what are your influences?

I started working in silver over ten years ago. I get my inspiration

from lots of things. I especially love big statement earrings, so sometimes I need to remember to make things that are a little less ‘out there’!

Sylvia, you design and make gorgeous knitwear, what are your favourite pieces to make and do you take commissions?

I have a few favourite garments that I knit. One is the simple ‘Sloppy Jo’ which has a distinctive cuff in a contrasting colour. The other is my Alpaca multi-patterned cardigans. I do a lot of commissions, with customers able to choose the colours of their knit and they are always delighted with the result!

You not only sell your own brands but champion other local artisans. Was this always the plan or has this developed over the years?

We have showcased other artisans since the very beginning, but of course over time it has naturally grown and we are constantly renewing our range.

Which artisans are you currently showcasing?

We have about twenty artists showing at any one time. Prominent in the shop this December are Alison Alldis and Jane Tyler with their wonderful quirky ceramics, Fran McCaskill with her recycled glass decorations and the hugely talented Jeni Cairns who does amazing metalwork.

You’re based in the shop so customers can watch you both at work. What are you creating at the moment?

Sylvia has been making a commission using mohair kid silk with an embellishment design on the sleeve and shoulder. Caroline has been making some star earrings in lots of sizes as well as jewellery featuring silver acorns.

Your shop is a celebration of local talent. Are the workshops you run a natural extension of this?

Yes, workshops have been a part of our shop concept for a long time, and we have a regular hand knitting group on Tuesday mornings.

We are currently putting together

WHERE: 10-12 Chapel Place, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1YQ

VISIT FOR: One of a kind silver jewellery and beautiful knitwear created on site, plus unique handcrafted products with distinctive style

MEMBER REWARD: A complimentary artisan soap

our workshop timetable for next year which will include felting, Lino cutting and making a terrarium with another TN partner, Terrapy.

Which unusual gifts can we find at the shop as we head towards Christmas?

Decorations which are locally handmade are really special this year. We have an amazing selection of ceramics and gorgeous new knitwear for men from Eribe.

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

We offer our TN customers a handmade soap by Susan Quekett with her beautifully designed wrapper, when they spend over £30 in store.

What can we look forward to from The Silver Sheep in 2023?

In 2023 we have wonderful bright coloured summer linen arriving in our clothing section as well the new range of Eribe Alpine knitwear. We will be featuring Annie Graham and Anna Wilson among other artists during the year too. Lots to look forward to!

The TN card is the Tunbridge Wells loyalty scheme that rewards our community for supporting local. This month Jess Gibson chats to TN partners Sylvia Kus and Caroline Smith at independent boutique The Silver Sheep in Chapel Place

Jess Gibson

Founder the TN Card

“We have showcased other artisans since the very beginning, but of course over time it has naturally grown and we are constantly renewing our range”

Let the

good Soprano... times roll at

With the cost of living crisis, ongoing war in Ukraine and a turbulent political landscape to endure, we need all the escapism we can get right now – especially at Christmas.

And I’m pleased to report that as soon as you set foot over the welcoming threshold of Soprano on Tunbridge Wells High Street you’ve got it – in spades.

We visited one chilly November evening when the rainfall count was high and our mood was low after a busy, frustrating week. But as soon as the door

was pushed open into this now legendary Tunbridge Wells tapas establishment we could have easily been in a bustling bijou bar in Barcelona such was the buzzy, friendly and intoxicating atmosphere.

Specialising in authentic, tasty tapas there’s also a little magical Mediterranean twist on the menu too which reflects owner Ivan Di Santo’s Italian heritage – he hails from the Calabria region of the country, the southernmost extremity of mainland Italy.

Since it launched in 2006, Soprano is now a reliable – and favourite – fixture on the circuit for

Ivan Di Santo and his team have created the perfect mix of fantastic food, amazing ambience and a cocktail list that’s one of the best – and most Instagrammable – you’ll find in the local area. Eileen Leahy went along to sample a taste of the tapas – and terrific time – you have in store when you visit this now legendary Tunbridge Wells establishment...

“Whether you’re looking for an intimate diner à deux or a fun night out with friends, fab food and a cracking cocktail list then Soprano can certainly deliver on every level”

the discerning diners of Tunbridge Wells and beyond. And just in case you’re new around here his brother Maurizio runs the incredible French-inspired restaurant Coco Retro just down the road. It’s fair to say that the Di Santo brothers certainly offer a wonderful European epicurean experience here in Tunbridge Wells…

As you’d imagine with a place that styles itself as a ‘tapas bar’ the food on offer at Soprano is predominantly Iberian inspired – think classic Spanish picky fare such as pan con tomato (£4.95) and padron pimento (£7.95) as well as heartier authentic offerings like paella del mar (£16.50) and croquette de jamon (£9.50). But in addition to a little Italian twist here and there, there’s also a few other culinary styles thrown into the mix – a clever move as a decent tranche of the menu will therefore appeal to all tastes. The barriga de cedro (£8.95) – pork belly marinated in lime, pineapple and mixed herbs for example sits very nicely alongside the more typical Spanish offerings.

Another big draw with Soprano is the incredible cocktail menu. On arrival you can choose to take a seat at the cosy bar while you await your table, and if you do then lucky you, as it’s a great vantage point for seeing Soprano’s incredibly talented team of mixologists do their thing shaking, mixing and generally making a showstopping Mojito, Route 66 or house Soprano Special cocktail the best – and most Insta worthy –creation possible. Who knew retro sweets and dry ice could result in one of the most memorable drinks you’ll ever imbibe?

But back to the food… all

the dishes, big and small, boast the finest ingredients and are beautifully presented no matter what you choose. Small plates, sharing boards or indulgent dishes for one, each creation looks and tastes delicious. And each time I’ve visited it’s fair to say the electric ambience enhances each bite even further.

We’re dining at a small table tucked away in the corner which is perfect for a private dinner for my husband and I. Yet all around us are bigger tables of four, six and more all clearly having an absolute ball! Immediately next door to our spot we get chatting to a couple of lovely ladies who tell us they love coming here to unpack life about parenting, jobs and everything else in between. We start chatting and sharing stories – and before we know it we’re drinking shots

of limoncello and clinking glasses to toast the night and all our good health.

So whether you’re looking for an intimate diner à deux or a cracking night out with friends – some of who you hadn’t even met before you stopped by – then Soprano can certainly deliver on every level. As well as delicious food, a superb drinks list (which includes an expertly-curated wine list) this special place has that added touch of alchemy that no amount of money or considered décor can buy: an absolutely brilliant atmosphere. And it’s fair to say that if you’re looking for a party or special festive get together then you’ve come to the right place...

www.sopranotunbridgewells.co.uk @sopranotapaswinebar

“All the dishes at Soprano boast the finest ingredients and are beautifully presented whether you choose small plates, sharing boards or indulgent dishes”

pops ofTop the

Sparkling wine has that magical quality of turning any moment into something really special, so it’s worth keeping a bottle or two on standby at this time of year.  But instead of immediately reaching for French, Italian or Spanish varieties, how about enjoying a flute of fizz from one of our many brilliant local wineries? SO Drinks Editor James Viner selects some beautiful bottles of bubbly – and a celebratory magnum of Champagne – that are certain to put an extra sparkle into Christmas and the New Year…

ubbles are a must during party season. And although many will reach for a bottle of Champagne, Prosecco or Cava, the good news is English fizz is becoming more and more popular. Thanks to our favourable climate and good growing conditions it really has become one of the success stories of the wine world over the past decade. Therefore I thought it only right to shine a spotlight on some of our favourite producers to make your Christmas go with a bang. I have been spoilt for choice with English sparkling wines at this year’s trade tastings so I’ve had the luxury of picking the crème de la crème of the best bottles from many fantastic local wineries. From £18 to £73.50, these six brilliant bubblies are great value — and perfect for special sipping.

Uncork, unwind and have a very cheerful Christmas and New Year. Cheers!

Date established: 2001

Dosage: Brut (less than 12 g/l) Kent has been known as the ‘Garden of England’ since the sixteenth century when Henry VIII gave it the epithet after tasting an exceptionally excellent bowl of Kentish cherries. The county is also the biggest producer of England’s top three grape varieties used to make great sparkling wine, topping the county table for Pinot Noir (ahead of second place W. Sussex), Chardonnay (ahead of Hampshire) and Pinot Meunier (again ahead of West Sussex).

Step forward my top supermarket English rosé sparkler, a canny blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier made by Balfour Winery at Hush Heath Estate in nearby Staplehurst, Kent. Very classy pale pink English sparkling rosé, beautifully crisp and elegant with fine bubbles, mouth-watering lemony acidity, tangy red fruits and floral notes, plus a little spice. Try it with cheese straws, fresh or smoked salmon or sushi. Ready to go, this chic and downright delicious pink Kentish party sparkler will go down well with everyone. A gold-plated bargain to boot.

Westwell Pelegrim NV (new release) £23-£32 Roberson (bin end, now £23), Cambridge Wine, The Bottle of Hastings, The English Vine, Westwell Wines; alc 11%

Producer website:: westwellwines.com

Open to the public? Yes

Region: Kent

Date established: 2007

Dosage: 8g/l

Westwell Wines, a lowintervention single-estate vineyard and winery situated on the North Downs near Charing in Kent, was set up in 2007. Adrian Pike took over just before the 2017 harvest and he’s been crafting several vinous beauties ever since. Previously Adrian had studied wine production and viticulture whilst working with one of England’s leading organic producers, Davenport Vineyards (whose 2015 Blanc de Blancs is one of my festive sparkling choices in this issue) after trying Will Davenport’s celebrated Horsmonden Dry White blend.

“Kent

England’s top three grape varieties used to make great sparkling wine: Pinot Noir,

Westwell’s pure, stellar and stylish bottle-fermented Pelegrim NV sparkler is made with 40% Pinot Noir, 35% Pinot Meunier and 25% Chardonnay grapes (with input from reserve wines from the previous five vintages, which adds complexity and maintains consistency), hand-picked on the Westwell Estate. Plenty of flavours: citrus, orchard fruits, yellow plum and light cherry notes, plus subtle brioche and ginger (the blessing of extended lees ageing) in effervescent perfection.

I recently caught up with Westwell Wines’ winemaker and owner Adrian and his wife Galia to find out more about their signature sparkling wine and what they like to drink with it. Adrian explained: “Pilgrim is a real crowd pleaser: a good fruit-forward base wine with a large proportion of Pinots to give red apple flavours, and a second ferment in bottle with yeast and sugar added and aged for three years on lees to give a rich creaminess. It’s a classic nonvintage sparkler, intensely proud of its Kentish roots.”

With a soft, rich mouthfeel, this is a cracker and perfect to toast the festive season. It would also be excellent with smoked salmon canapés. It’s a lovely, light-bodied drinking, and a fine aperitif.

3. A SAVOURY AND JUICY VINTAGE SPARKLING WINE FROM SQUERRYES

IN WESTERHAM

Squerryes Vintage Brut 2015 £31.99 or £29.95 (mix 6) Lea & Sandeman; alc 12% Producer website: squerryes.co.uk

Open to the public? Yes

31%... The increase in sales (over the previous year) of English and Welsh wines to 9.3m bottles in 2021 (compared to 322m for Champagne), according to recent figures from WineGB

HOW TO POUR SPARKLING WINE

Check that the wine tastes spot-on, then pour half a glass for each drinker, topping them up after the ‘mousse’ has dwindled.You can choose to incline the glass to reduce frothing – I do. Sparkling wine is the only style where you can break the rule of never more than half-filling a glass, but do leave enough room for your nose so you can savour the bouquet!

Region: Kent

Date established: 2006 (first vines planted), first vintage in 2010 Dosage: 7.5g/l

The finest English bubbly shouldn’t be drunk too early and benefits from bottle age. This is a welllayered, creamy Champagne-style vintage sparkling wine with gentle indications of baked apple, plump peach and brioche, finishing dry with a citrus kick, to keep things joyful. Taste the complexity that comes with 48 months on the lees of the second fermentation in the bottle, it’s exhilarating. Racy across the textural palate thanks to the fresh acidity, which keeps this lively and the finish long. Line and length are insistent, assuring a bright future if cellared well. Made by Henners’ head winemaker Colette O’Leary from fruit grown on a 2,500 acre, nearly 300-year-old working estate in Westerham that eight generations of the Warde family (whose family motto is ‘Licet Esse Beatis’: ‘it is permitted to be joyful’) have called home.

and his tiny team do at his vineyards and winery at Limney Farm in Rotherfield, East Sussex. Carrying tension and bite – and straddling an imminent drinkability with ample structural mettle for age-worthiness – this new energetic organic fizz showcases fine bubbles, crunchy acidity and aromas of golden apple, quince, peach and citrus alongside hints of bread dough and baking spice. Purity, refinement and joy! The finish is brisk, long and pulsating. Won over by his organic fizz, I recently caught up with Will who has been very busy with the 2022 harvest, which went swimmingly. How was this year’s harvest, Will?

“We now have some great flavours in tank and decent volumes. 2022 was less problematic for mildew, so the organic management was not too difficult.”

What have you got up your sleeve for the rest of this year and the next one?

“We have a few new wines out this year. Our first ever sparkling wine in magnum, new vintages of sparkling rosé and Limney Estate [2018] will be out in December, with a lower dosage because the fruit is so ripe. We will soon also release the red Pinot Noir 2021. We also have a 2022 Pet Nat [aka pétillant naturel, whereby the wine is bottled before primary fermentation is finished, trapping CO2gas in the bottle, and usually stoppered with a crown cap] which will be out in April 2023.”

5. SOPHISTICATED, ESTIMABLE VINTAGE BUBBLY FROM W. SUSSEX

glassware

bubbly?

Bubbly is best enjoyed in a tulip glass, tall enough to let the bubbles and aromas fully develop.The glass I use most repeatedly is the Riedel Vinum XL Champagne available from theriedelshop. co.uk (£43.95 a pair). Always rinse Champagne glasses with hot water before use, letting them drain to eliminate any soap or ‘rinse aid’ residue that can make the bubbles go flat.

A joy to drink, it stands shoulder to shoulder in flavour terms with vintage offerings from familiar big-name Champagne houses on the other side of the Channel. You will be hypnotised by the effortless grace in this sparkling Kentish wine. I poured it for a wine group and everybody got out their phones to order some. 39% Chardonnay, 41% Pinot Noir, and 20% Pinot Meunier.

4. ARTISANAL TINY PRODUCTION ORGANIC SPARKLING WINE CHOICE

Davenport Vineyards Blanc de Blancs 2015, 100% Organic Chardonnay sparkling wine  £32.50 Davenport Vineyards; alc 12% Producer website: davenportvineyards.co.uk Open to the public? No Region: East Sussex Date established: 1991 Dosage: 8.5 g/l Sustainability and the vinification of low-sulphur wines are at the forefront of everything that Will Davenport

Wiston Estate Blanc de Noir 2014 £56-£59 Wiston Estate, Swig, Hedonism Wines; alc 12%

Producer website: wistonestate.com

Open to the public? Yes, tours and tastings run daily Tuesday-Sunday

Region: West Sussex

Date established: 2006 Dosage: 8 g/l

This deliciously layered, textural, beautifully balanced, award-winning West Sussex bubbly is a stunner. Fabulous, ethereal fizz made by Dermot Sugrue (who recently left Wiston). Under Sugrue’s stewardship, Wiston won ‘Winery of the Year’ at the WineGB awards in 2018, 2020 and 2021.

It’s really smart, engaging and delicious. Lovely with Comté but could take on roast guinea fowl and mushroom risotto. A seamless and remarkable performance. A showstopping classic to enjoy now or cellar and forget. 66% Pinot Noir, 34% Pinot Meunier. Bottled in July 2015 and disgorged in December 20

Follow James on Twitter @QuixoticWine

What

should I use for my

“English wine has become one of the success stories of the wine world over the past decade”

is the biggest producer of

Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier”

A taste of

sian and European cuisine styles are perenially popular and we certainly have plenty of both on offer here in Tunbridge Wells. But it’s fair to say there’s not too much in the way of ‘fusion food’ - a blending of the two types of cuisine that became a popular culinary phenomenon in the 90s. However, with the launch of a new Pantiles restaurant and bar which has this style of cooking at its heart that could be about to change…

Kumquat is the brainchild of Virginia and Alex Boyd who have combined his French culinary training with Virginia’s experience of growing up in Hong Kong to create a modern Asian twist on classic European dishes.

You don’t have to look at the menu for long to see many classic dishes have been given an enticing and exciting reworking courtesy of Asian ingredients –like French onion soup served with Japanese barbeque sauce for example. This really is going to be a different dining experience altogether…

Kumquat’s menu is full of intelligent combinations of ingredients which capture the nuance of flavours and marry them in intriguing combinations.

From the minute you enter Kumquat, you’re greeted with a welcoming smile and a pleasant ambience – and incredibly comfortable seating! The aromas of homecooked food waft through the dining room from the open kitchen where you can watch the chefs cook up your dinner. There is also seating available outside where if you’re wrapped up warm enough you can enjoy dining under the twinkle of fairy lights.

FUSION COCKTAILS

Our evening starts with an exciting selection of cocktails which, like the menu, also boast an Asian twist. There’s a sweet and sour Kumquat Mojito (£9), a creamy lemongrass Pina Colada (£10.50) and a tropical One Night in Bangkok (£9.50). Most of the cocktails are also available as mocktails (£5).

SIZZLING STARTERS

The fusion inspired menu continues with fried cauliflower in tomato and chilli (£5.50) and Thai style prawn ceviche (£7.50). The traditional French confit duck leg in a Korean marinade and sweet soy dressing (£8) is deliciously sweet and aromatic, with textures perfectly balanced between the softness of the duck meat and crispiness of the lettuce. The lemongrass cured salmon (£10.50) is also a beautifully light starter of citrusy fish with a complementary creamy dressing.

THE MAIN EVENT

You’ll be hard pushed to choose between the roasted sea bass fillet in Asian herbs and spices (£16) and fusion katsu with jasmine rice (pork escalope (£14.50). For vegetarians there’s dishes like sweet potato and aubergine (£12) as well as a spiced black bean burger with tofu mayo (£9.50) available from the menu.

For meat lovers, the Korean marinated rib-eye steak in Japanese barbeque sauce (£32) and the 12-hour slow-cooked pulled-beef bulgogi (£10.50) will certainly satisfy an appetite. A popular lunch treat is Kumquat’s fusion bao bun with a choice of pork belly, tiger prawns or garlic mushroom (£11.50).

SWEET TREATS

Inspired by Italian chef Massimo Bottura’s famous splattered desert, the Oop’s I dropped the Kumquat tart! (£7.50) is the Jackson Pollack of sweets with homemade icecream and custard splattered with Kumquat marmalade. For the chocoholics there is the beautifully rich chocolate and hazelnut and coffee delice (£7.50) plus a delightful selection of homemade cakes.

Kumquat’s cosy and comfortable vibe is perfect for a light lunch, a family get-together or an intimate meal for two. On our visit we experienced not only delicious and very reasonably priced food, but really friendly service too.

The perfect ingredients to ensure the future success of this great new foodie addition to Tunbridge Wells...

The Pantiles’ newest addition, Kumquat bar & restaurant is serving fusion and flavour with its cuisine-clashing menu that’s already making it a firm favourite with Tunbridge Wells diners. Lilly Croucher went along to sample a taste of its exciting menu…

“Kumquat’s cosy and comfortable vibe is perfect for a light lunch, a family gettogether or an intimate meal for two”

“We want as many people to come here

as possible…”

Gun Brewery in East Sussex is going from strength to strength having opened up a new state-of-the-art brewery, a stunning taproom and a number of fun events – all open to the general public. Eileen Leahy chats to co-founder Mark Berry about how he and Toby Smallpiece have gone from selling one pint to over two million – many in our favourite local pubs – in just seven years…

On hearing the words ‘indie microbrewery’ most of us would conjure up images of uber trendy urban set-ups in the likes of East London and Manchester, but Gun Brewery, which is located within 140 acres of beautiful East Sussex farmland is a very different operation all together.

If you’re a fan of artisan lagers, pale ales and stouts and you frequent the bars and pubs of Tunbridge Wells on a regular basis then you’re bound to have already sampled some of Gun’s award-winning nectar.

The brand is stocked in lots of local hostelries including The Ragged Trousers on The Pantiles, Roddy Burger on Camden Road, Fuggles on Grosvenor Road and The George on Mount Ephraim.

But it’s in the stunning Wealden

countryside where all the magic happens...

Located not far from the charming village of Chiddingly on the top of Gun Hill – hence the origin of the name – this mini but mighty brewery is certainly doing things differently.

Firstly, all its beers are brewed with Sussex spring water drawn from beneath the organic farm on Gun Hill. The beers’ characteristic style is naturally unhazy and unfined, and most are suitable for vegans. Gun also has a few offerings which are gluten free such as Chummy Bluster, Project Babylon and Numb Angel.

Secondly, the site is open to the general public – including to kids and dogs – from Thursday to Sunday when you can rock up for a pint or two. At the weekend visitors can also enjoy a bite to eat courtesy of the

various food trucks who roll up the hill and into action.

On Saturdays Gun hosts a special tour (tickets cost £20 pp) which gives beer enthusiasts the chance to inspect every aspect of the brewing process, and of course to sample the many beers on offer.

And as of earlier this year Gun Brewery is also hosting lots of social events which so far have included a retro games night, fun quizzes, a vinyl spin off and a Feast and Fire night. In December there will be a seasonal Makers Market where you can browse and buy from fellow indie artisan creatives on December 11. And rather excitingly there will also be an exclusive solo music gig by Noble Jacks’ frontman and local lad Will Page on December 14 and a New Year’s Eve party on December 31.

“We’re hoping to grow our events offering more,” says co-founder Mark Berry as he shows me around the place. “They’ve been very popular so far and we want to do more. We’re also investing in a stretch tent which will sit on our terrace and be available to hire for private functions which will be especially good in the summer months,” he adds.

So what’s the story with Gun? Mark tells me it was launched back in 2015 by himself and his friend and business partner Toby Smallpiece.

Since they sold their first pint seven years ago, the pair have gone on to sell over two million more, increasing their team to nearly ten and winning a slew of awards, including seven prestigious Great Taste ones alongside

Toby Smallpiece and Mark Berry

gaining coveted Great Taste Producer status.

The brewery has also achieved bronze, silver, and gold awards from the SIBA National Independent Beer Awards, Free From Awards and South East Independent Beer Awards.

As well as selling their cans and kegs to the finest establishments in Tunbridge Wells, Gun Brewery also sells across the South East and around the UK.

Its success over the past few years means that it had to get a bigger brewing operation in order to cope with demand. So in September 2020 – and yes, right in the middle of the Covid pandemic – Toby and Mark decided to put a spade in the ground in order to create a grander offering.

The build took around 18 months and now boasts a state-of-the-art brewery, including a cold store and the aforementioned fantastic taproom. Both officially launched in March this year. And Mark tells me there’s ‘plenty of room to grow still’. “We can probably triple in size,” he says.

The Gun team make a collection of seven consciously-brewed beers alongside 25 special beers brewed throughout the year. The core beers are available all year round in cases,

Chummy Bluster

Best Bitter 4.4% V, GF

Numb Angel

Lager 4.0% V, GF

Project Babylon

Pale Ale, 4.6% V, GF

Scaramanga

Extra Pale, 3.9% V, GF

How’s the Serenity?

Vermont Pale 4.4% V

Zamzama

IPA 6.5% V

Parabellum

Milk Stout 4.1%

and cask barrels from their website and shop. Some beers are also available on draught in many of the aforementioned local pubs.

“We also offer free delivery anywhere in the country on orders over £25,” continues Mark. “We can send up to 30 kilos with next day delivery for free. We sell beer in a few formats including cans, mini kegs and growlers which are refillable and take 3 ½ pints. At Christmas we’re going to provide one that has a capacity

Combining old and new brewing techniques, Gun Brewery aims to make the best beer using only the best ingredients explains

“Our beers are brewed on site from natural spring water located at a source deep below the farmland. The water is purified using microfilters and UV treatment for clean fresh water that is perfect for

“We want as many people to come here and enjoy the beers we are making but to also enjoy the surroundings and know they are welcome – whether it’s for a beer or an afternoon eating delicious food

FOR YOUR DIARY What’s on at Gun this December:

DATES

• Friday, December 9 is ‘Off the Beaten Track’ Vinyl Night with a selection of soul, Jazz, country, and funk tunes. This free event will be jamming from 4pm – 10pm at the Taproom.

• Sunday, December 11 sees the best local independent makers and creators setting up shop from 11am – 4pm. This is a chance to support local craftspeople, pick up some Christmas shopping and grab a warm glass of mulled cider (and Gun beer of course)

• Wednesday December 14 Nobel Jack’s Will Page will be taking centre stage as he performs an exclusive solo show of Americana and folk melodies with his quick fiddle and genius lyrics.Taproom doors opening at 6pm. Tickets for this event are £15 and spaces are limited.

• Saturday, December 31 Gun Brewery will be celebrating another successful year with its New Year’s party. With live music from local band Hope Grove and a range of street vendors to dine from, the Taproom will be seeing 2023 in style. Tickets are £12, starting from 8pm.

We’ll certainly drink to that!

LUCKY SEVEN: A taste of Gun

“If you’re a fan of artisan beers and you frequent the bars and pubs of Tunbridge Wells you’re bound to have already sampled some of Gun’s award-winning nectar”

A festive tasty C

ome December families around Tunbridge Wells begin filling their diaries with festive traditions in preparation for Christmas Day. From paying a visit to Santa Claus, to exploring magical elf trails, there’s no end to the ways in which people choose to celebrate the most wonderful time of year thanks to all our local seasonal events.

One particular activity that we’re more than happy to see make the list is Christmas Afternoon Tea. Special throughout all seasons, this teatime treat is a sure way to keep spirits high and have fun with loved ones whilst enjoying delicious sweet, savoury and festive cheer.

The quintessentially British tradition introduced by the 7th Duchess of Bedford includes fresh-cut finger sandwiches, warm scones with fresh cream and jam and homemade cakes, perfectly accompanied by hot tea.

But as the festive celebrations loom, the decadent affair loved by all is given a touch of Christmas magic by the chefs at One Warwick Park who’ve introduced delicious seasonal twists to the sweet and savoury delights.

With a spread that replaces traditional egg and cress with honey roast ham, and sweet macaroons with sticky ginger loaf cake, what else goes into the perfect Christmas afternoon tea at OWP? Well, we’re

treatglad you asked…

Plenty of fizz

Who said afternoon tea should stop at tea and scones? Christmas is all about indulging, which is why no festive treat is complete without a glass of fizz! Toast with some prosecco or Champagne and you’ll be well on your way to kicking off the festivities.

Tea, coffee, or both!

At afternoon tea, only the perfect brew will do, especially during the cold winter when any excuse goes to enjoy a cup. Whether you’re a coffee lover or a tea drinker, both have a spot firmly secured in the tradition and are the perfect pairings for scones and cake.

VOUCHERS

From an indulgent Champagne Afternoon Tea in the atrium to a romantic stay at our self-catering townhouse, our vouchers are the perfect gift for couples, friends, and family. Whether you’re looking for a unique Christmas gift or simply want to treat a loved one, vouchers are available to purchase instantly online meaning a gift of luxury is right at the lucky recipient’s fingertips.

Visit www.onewarwickpark.co.uk/ gift-vouchers to find out more.

Savoury favourites with a seasonal twist

Fabulous fillings are a sure way to impress during afternoon tea, but when it comes to Christmas, seasonal sandwiches are the star of the show. Think honey roast ham with Dijon mustard or brie, bacon, and cranberry for the ultimate festive flare.

Festive sweet treats

As well as savoury bites, nothing beats sweet treats at Christmas time. Classic seasonal flavours such as ginger, orange and sherry make for the perfect festive touch when enjoying a Christmas afternoon tea.

Festive Afternoon Tea at One

Warwick Park Hotel

If we’ve made your mouths water, you’re in luck! This Christmas, why not join us for afternoon tea with a delicious seasonal twist?

Available every Thursday and Sunday, our new festive menu has four tiers (the first of its kind here in Tunbridge Wells) where you can indulge in a selection of fresh-cut finger sandwiches, vanilla and sultana fruit scones and a selection of cakes to finish. Expect sticky ginger loaf with orange cream cheese frosting, lemon macaron and passion fruit tart!

Choose between a classic afternoon tea for £25.00 per person or add a glass of prosecco for just £3.50 more. Our menu can be found at www.onewarwickpark. co.uk/afternoon-tea and bookings can be made on OpenTable.

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

Did you know that One Warwick Park Hotel boasts the only four-tier afternoon tea in town? Molly Miller reveals what makes it so unique – especially at Christmas

This Christmas, join us for afternoon tea with a delicious seasonal twist

Be who you’ve always been... a social butterfly

At Weald Heights care home being a social butterfly doesn’t stop when you make the journey into care. Bring your life with you to a place you can call home.

Award winning, person centred care for over 40 years.

If you’re considering care for yourself or a loved one call 01732 608182 .

Trusted to care.

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pieces

buying something for a one-off occasion that you might never wear again.

“I have lots of beautiful designer pieces so it’s great to think they’ll get a new lease of life when they are hired,” smiles Victoria as she takes me through her rails of exquisite sequin dresses, cool jumpsuits, chic coats and luxurious accessories which she keeps in the personal styling suite at One Warwick Park Hotel which was launched earlier this year.

After achieving a BA Hons degree from the London College of Fashion in 2003, Victoria worked as a Luxury Fashion Buyer in the city before founding her Victoria Genevieve styling company.

She says the reason she launched it was to help women regain their confidence and to empower themselves through making the right sartorial choices.

But following two successful decades of personal styling, which has seen Victoria spend thousands of hours honing her expertise and knowledge of the industry, the mother of two spotted a gap in the market for a hire element to her business.

“Throughout my career I have always been conscious of the issue of sustainability and ethical fashion which is why I decided to launch Genevieve’s Wardrobe.

“Clients can come and browse an array of designer delights to rent or buy if they so wish. The service enables people to shop savvy throughout the ever-changing seasons and hire their dream clothes for occasions. It’s

a win-win, given we’re in a cost-ofliving crisis. It’s more purse friendly and also better for the planet as we are not creating additional waste.

“Who in this day and age wants to spend hundreds on an occasion dress – and be pictured in an outfit more than once!” she laughs.

Victoria goes on to say that Genevieve’s Wardobe also allows for the fashion-conscious consumer to discover new designers and styles under Victoria’s expert guidance.

“I stock everything from Johanna Sands to Onjenu and ASOS. There really is something for everyone here.”

Hire prices start from just £15 per day, making it affordable for almost every budget. And she is keen to stress that not one garment will be heading to landfill.

Victoria also hosts many pop-up events throughout the year, inviting clients to browse her selection of sartorial delights, try on their favourite pieces, take pictures of their chosen items and save for a later date to hire as and when they are needed.

Obviously Christmas is now upon us so this couldn’t be a better time to try Genevieve’s Wardrobe on for size – and after seeing all the delightful partywear Victoria has you will certainly be spoilt for choice! But her new dress hire agency isn’t just for this festive time of year she says.

“Whatever the occasion or season, I will always have something to suit!” And given you’ll also have your very own fashion expert and personal stylist on hand to help advise you which pieces suit your shape and your style it’s fair to say this is a brilliantly comprehensive service. Race you to the sequins!

Finding the perfect outfit for an evening out or special occasion has never been easier thanks to fashion stylist Victoria Genevieve’s new fashion hire business Genevieve’s Wardrobe, which is located at One Warwick Park Hotel…

Christmas time means a busy social calendar – and a lot of outfit options to have at your fingertips. But what if you don’t necessarily have the budget to buy something new for every party or perhaps you want to be more environmentall- friendly and reduce the amount you spend on excess purchases?

Well thankfully there are easy solutions to these issues thanks to local stylist Victoria Genevieve who has recently launched a luxe clothing hire business.

Genevieve’s Wardrobe is a service that provides savvy shoppers with the opportunity to hire a gorgeous and uber-glamorous outfit for a special event at a fraction of what you would normally pay for such a piece. More importantly, it is also a clever sustainable alternative to

“I stock everything from Johanna Sands to Onjenu, and ASOS. There really is something for everyone here”

“I have lots of beautiful designer

to hire for the party season”

Dress to

impress impress

do. A statement sequin skirt will be your party saviour this season and a versatile must-have. If you want to make maximum impact in minimum time, our Luella sequin skirt is the perfect AM-PM piece. With a comfortable elasticated waist and flattering fit and flare shape, it elevates everything from your favourite camisoles to chunky knitwear in an instant. For an elegant finishing touch, complete your look with a faux-fur coat and one of our dazzling Anna Beck Onyx necklaces.

Investment pieces from our Anna Beck Onyx collection are the perfect finishing touch to any evening or after-dark look. The collection pays homage to the Art Deco period with its sleek geometric shapes, rich colours and attention to detail. The collection features luxurious, table-cut black onyx stones alternating with their signature gold dotting work, to give both a modern and classic look at the same time. The effect is delicate and glam, reflecting the light and drawing the eye in.

www.kitchclothing.co.uk

Wherever you are heading this season, our ultimate Kitch guide to party dressing has got you covered. Discover the perfect eveningwear essentials, from sequined and sparkling dresses to delicate and dazzling accessories. We’ve picked some key pieces that will style seamlessly with your existing wardrobe, but also get you excited about dressing up for the season ahead and beyond.

Cover yourself with balloon sleeves, frills and fanciful evening dresses fit for the most elegant parties courtesy of our By Malina collection. Sequins, fringes or off the shoulder? By Malina has got you covered. What party look would be complete without a little black dress? A timeless investment piece that is equally elegant as it is fun, the Arya dress is the ultimate going out number. A mini dress with fine details and a black and gold check print, it features a high collar, an adjustable tie at the neck and balloon sleeves that finish at the elbow. You can elevate your look further with high impact pieces, such as a pair of knee high boots and our Lucinda ruched clutch bag. The Lucinda clutch is a gorgeous on-trend cloud

style clutch in a stunning metallic leather. With a magnetic clasp closure and a gold chain, it can be used as a clutch or shoulder bag.

Looking for the perfect piece that will ensure you have an evening to remember, whatever the occasion?

Look no further than Stella Nova... A part of their Zodiac Wardrobe collection, the Ajo Lou dress is a festive and sparkling oneshoulder mini dress with an elastic edge and a wide sleeve. Decorated with colour bomb sequins and shiny fabric, the dress will look stunning with a pair of silver heel boots or stilettos.

The Ivi blazer is another bold option, guaranteed to draw many admiring glances. A sharp blazer with pockets and single button closure at the front, it is an ultra-versatile piece that will look just as good worn over a pair of jeans as it will over a pair of co-ordinating silver trousers. For a more understated look, style with neutral layers and simple accessories to ensure the blazer takes centre stage.

Nothing embodies the festive season quite like sparkles and sequins

This month Charlotte Newman who owns and runs Kitch fashion boutique on the High Street reveals the best looks for the party season…

“Nothing embodies the festive season quite like sparkles and sequins do”

A PIECE OF HISTORY FROM THE DIAMOND SETTER

What is hallmarking?

Have you ever considered the hallmarks that are struck or lasered onto your jewellery?

Precious metals are rarely used in their purest form and usually alloyed with other metals for workability, durability, and wearability. But it isn't possible to detect an article's precious metal content by sight or touch.

Fortunately, it is compulsory in the UK that gold, silver, platinum, and palladium are independently tested and hallmarked by a third-party institution to make sure that every piece of jewellery made in this country conforms to all legal standards of purity or fineness.

This guarantees provenance by telling you as a consumer where the piece was assayed or tested, what the article is made of and who sent the article for hallmarking. Nowhere in the world are consumers more highly protected than in the UK.

Awareness

A consultation with The Diamond Setter can pave the way to learning more about hallmarking. "It is surprising to meet people who are unaware of hallmarking in the UK. People should always look for the hallmark when buying jewellery and ask the store what each symbol represents. This will ensure they are getting what they pay for." says Lorraine of The Diamond Setter.

Hallmarking also helps uncover the origins of older jewellery. As Gavin, Master Jeweller and Diamond Setter says, “When customers bring us an inherited piece of jewellery, we can trace the year it was brought or made and even who the maker was. It is so heartwarming to uncover the history of a piece that a customer has inherited from a loved one. They find it fascinating."

Platinum Jubilee Commemorative Mark – the first and probably the last in our lifetime.

The British Hallmarking Council announced last year, "Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will become the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, seventy years of service, having acceded to the throne in 1952. To celebrate the occasion, the body which oversees UK hallmarking, the British Hallmarking Council, has sanctioned a commemorative component mark."

We have been including this special mark since it launched in November last year. When The Queen sadly died in September, the commemorative mark was abruptly withdrawn, but public appeals from jewellers and consumers alike prompted the Assay Office to consult with the King's Assay Master. Consequently, the four Assay Offices of the UK brought back the Platinum Jubilee Mark and it will remain available until the end of 2022, as originally scheduled.

“We are so thrilled to be able to continue to offer this unique service to

our valued customers. This is only the 7th commemorative mark to be released in history, the like of which we may never see again in our lifetime", say Gavin and Lorraine.

The Memory Collection So, if you wish to own or gift a one-of-akind piece of jewellery with Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee Commemorative Mark, head to The Diamond Setter website or their Studio at Salomons Estate. There you can view

‘The Memory Collection’, a series of one-off pieces created by Gavin and Lorraine and perhaps treat yourself or a loved one to one of a handpicked selection of diamonds and gemstones to treasure for life and pass on to future generations.

Gavin has been creating jewellery for more than 20 years both in the UK and internationally. His wealth of experience includes working for the Rolex watch company in the early 2000s. The Diamond Setter offers a no-obligation consultation for creating bespoke jewellery, wedding and engagement rings, redesign and remodelling and any jewellery repair jobs. Gavin’s workshop is onsite, meaning no jewellery leaves the property unless it is going for hallmarking. They also have an onsite laser engraving service.

Gavin and Lorraine look forward to welcoming you at The Diamond Setter Studio soon.

Taken from the London Assay Office

Your time to shine

Talented make-up artist Natalie Piacun of TAW salon shares her top tips on how to look gorgeously glam this Christmas – and what she’d like to find in her stocking on December 25

Welcome to my Christmas beauty special which includes a few stocking filler ideas as well as how to achieve the best party make-up with some tips and tricks of the trade. Following expert helpful guidance, we can all step up our make-up game for party season.

PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP TIPS EVERYONE CAN ACHIEVE:

Step 1: It’s all in the prep! Cleanse and exfoliate the skin followed by a thorough oil massage, your skin will love you for it and your make-up will last well into the night. I’m a big fan of the award-winning Skin Diligent Vitamin C Serum in Oil (£55 30ml at www.skindiligent. com) lightweight and easily absorbed resulting in the perfect base for makeup. This natural, botanical skincare is especially good for blemished, hormonal, problematic or acne-prone skin types. Follow with a lightweight moisturiser and again massage into skin thoroughly.

Whilst prepping the skin for red carpet and special events, at this stage I apply my go-to instant effect eye mask whilst prepping to help smooth, firm, brighten and hydrate and keep dark circles at bay. Katherine Daniels Instant Effect Eye Masks (£65/ 4 treatments, katherinedanielscosmetics.com)

The final step to skin prep is to layer up your lip conditioner for all night lipstick maintenance and apply

a light sweep of eye cream under the eye to de puff and stimulate collagen production. For a two in one product try this Katherine Daniels MultiTasking Eye & Lip Balm (£40 / 14ml, katherinedanielscosmetics.com).

Step 2: Building foundations

I lean towards lightweight liquid foundation’s as a preference which can be aasily applied with the warmth of your fingers, built up in problem areas and blended easily. Remember that make-up should looked ‘lived in’ and not sit on top of the skin so blend,blend, blend! Another benefit of a liquid foundation or a tinted moisturiser is that you can mix in your concealer for the perfect colour match on blemish cover up or under eye touch ups. If you’re hitting the dance floor or feeling flushed in the kitchen this Christmas, apply a touch of translucent powder around the nose and forehead to prevent shine.

Step 3: Hey sweet cheeks: Apply a touch of lippy to the apples of your cheeks and blend up and outwards. Remember to always apply blusher and bronzer in good lighting –better still during the day and build up gradually. If you apply too much just blend out with fingers, but don’t be afraid to give it a go!

Step 4: The eyes have it

We all love a smoky eye at this time of year, but why not try adding some extra sparkle by using a golden/ bronzed palette - both on the eyelid and beneath the bottom water

line? Define with a black or brown kohl pencil on both waterlines and smudge into the lash roots blending outwards for a more feline look. Ensure to curl your lashes and layer up with your favourite mascara. Fill in the brows or spray a touch of hairspray on a disposable mascara wand to keep heavier brows in shape.

Step 5: Pucker up

Who doesn’t love a new lippy? Try Chanel’s latest release Rouge Allure L’Extrait in Rose Invincible or Rouge Royal (RRP £46 chanel.com). The new high-intensity lipstick coats the lips in warm, luminous colour. It can be refilled as often as desired, which allows room for experiment with all four shades in the Holiday 2022 collection. Pro tip: base the entire lip with matching lip pencil for all night lipstick hold.

Step 6: Body beautiful:

For extra decadence at Christmas try my new favourite treat Chanel No5 THE GOLD BODY OIL (RRP £85 chanel.com). A body oil with a rich, captivating, voluptuous texture. Bursting with pearlescent gold sparkles, lending a subtle shimmer to the skin. Its lightweight fluid formula leaves skin hydrated, satiny, and delicately scented. Heaven in a bottle!

Wishing everyone a happy holiday season and best wishes for 2023 from all of us at team TAW.

Head to toe stocking fillers:

• Leighton Denny Mini Mani Rescue Kit (£18/4 piece set, leightondenny. com). The essential products you need for an express manicure –prep and polish like a pro.

• Burts Bees Hand Cream Trio (£20.99 burtsbees.co.uk). Handbags at the ready.

• MYSMILE Whitening Pen (£23.99 / 2ml, londonsmiling.com). This beauty-dental hybrid is the perfect way to instantly brighten up any smile and whiten teeth on the go.

• Gloss Lip – Emolyne Cosmetics (Velvet Lip £23, Defining Lip £15, Nail Lacquer £13. Available at: www.emolyne.com). With 15 Nudes and 15 Reds to cater for all.

• Maeva Rae The Collection – Trio (£60 / 3 x 75g, maevarae.com). A decadent curation of moodboosting homeware essentials.

• Eco Warrior Mini Cube (£8/ 4 x 30g, littlesoapcompany.co.uk) Vegan. Sustainable. Innovative. Bio-degradable. Plastic-free. Recyclable. Major impact on cleansing, minimum impact on the environment

• Messiah and Eve Body Serum .01 (£38 / 200ml, messiahandeve.co.uk).

This innovative, super concentrated yet lightweight formula brimming with active ingredients packs a powerful punch to bring dull, dry, tired skin back to life. Bursting with Hyuralonic Acrid, Vitamin c, Niacinimide, and Marula Oil

Natalie Piacun TAW salon @nataliemakeup_ @68thepantiles

12 Noon - 2.00pm 3 courses, coffee & mince pies £80pp

2.45pm - 5.00pm Welcome drink, 4 courses, coffee & petit fours £95pp

Spend Christmas Day with us and enjoy a seasonal feast at one of our two special sittings taking place at midday and 2:45pm. Let us take care of you (and the washing up) on December 25th

STARTERS

Scallop ceviche with pickled golden beetroot, apple & sorrel gel (GF) (DF)

Terrine of ham hock, celeriac apple slaw, pickled vegetables (GF) (DF)

Lightly spiced parsnip soup, sourdough croutons, parsnip crisps (GF on request)

MAINS

Roasted free range turkey, sage and onion stuffing, smoked bacon wrapped chipolata, seasonal vegetables, roast potatoes, turkey jus (GF)

Sweet potato, chard, goats’ cheese and pine nut loaf, garlic and herb stuffed mushroom, wilted greens with a butternut and caraway purée (V)

DESSERTS

Selection of cheeses with farmhouse chutney, celery, grapes and artisan biscuits (GF on request)

Christmas pudding with brandy butter and vanilla cream sauce

Dark chocolate marquise, orange marscapone, lemon verbena shortbread

Specs appeal…

With the holiday season rapidly approaching, many of us will be focused on shopping for the big day, perhaps a select few have even ticked the final gift off their list by now. Perhaps many more of us however – myself included – are yet to even start procuring presents. And that’s certainly not due to a lack of organisation but rather the fact that Christmas seems to rudely come around faster and faster with each year!

In this month’s column, I will aim to offer one solution to the annual yule-tide quandary. My Christmas offering to you, Dear reader, will be a handful of eye-related crackerworthy puns (which Mrs Edney suggested I leave out…) and a buyer’s guide to gifting eyewear. Let’s start with sunglasses.

by the emerging trends that will be dictating eyewear fashion for the next few seasons. Bold and chunky oversized acetate sunglasses continue to dominate across both masculine and feminine eyewear. Dark frames coupled with paler tints are showcased in luxury collections including Jacques Marie Mage and Chrome Hearts.

It would be fair to add that a classic pair of thick acetate frames has never really been out of style, but it does seem to be more popular than ever. Conversely, smaller thin metal frames are enjoying a renaissance. The delicate metallic style offers a stark contrast to the bolder statement pieces. One such brand from Los Angeles, AHLEM, by French designer Ahlem ManaiPlatt has produced a stunningly delicate collection of plated titanium frames which pay homage to the legendary eyewear of the golden age

If you are looking to gift a pair of sunglasses to a loved one, there are a couple of options to maximise gifting success. If the gift is not a surprise, our styling consultation will ensure the recipient will be anticipating an incredible frame for Christmas. If you are looking to surprise them, my recommended course of action is to gift them vouchers - this avoids any disappointment if the frame doesn’t fit. The same goes for prescription spectacles, since there are so many parameters and measurements required, it’s not possible to supply prescription specs as a surprise, but vouchers or a preselected pair of glasses are both excellent and unusual gifts.

GET IN CONTACT: www.edneyandedney.com @edneyandedney @edneyandedney

Just for laughs…

And here’s the part you’ve been waiting for; my top three optician-approved seasonal jokes guaranteed to produce tuts and groans. I can confidently say these jokes are cornea than any others!

1. Did you hear about the website that fixes dry-eye disease? It’s a site for sore eyes.

2. Why did the man fall down the well? Because he didn’t see that well.

3. What did the left eye say to the right eye? “Between you and me, something smells.”

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from myself and the team at Edney & Edney.

This month Jamie Edney – who runs designer eyewear boutique Edney & Edney with his optometrist wife Ayshah on Monson Road – suggests some great Christmas gifting ideas for those who wear glasses and love sunglasses

“If you are looking to gift a pair of sunglasses to a loved one, there are a couple of options to maximise gifting success”

INNER CRITIC

None of us have intact self-esteem. It’s chipped away during our early developing years when we form opinions about ourselves which become core beliefs about our identity.

Once these beliefs have been neurologically embedded, we look for proof of them in our experiences and the way others react to us. Many of us have a powerful inner critic constantly reminding us of our inadequacies. And, no matter how much reassurance we’re given, that inner critic continues to defy proof or logic.

The therapeutic cliche that you’ve got to love yourself in order to be loved is an irritating limitation, undermining relationships, personal development and professional achievements. Anyone who feels too ugly to love, too stupid to achieve anything worthwhile or undeserving of happiness risks fulfilling their own prophesies.

SELF-SABOTAGE

As a nation of negative thinkers, we’re prone to be harsher on ourselves than others. Our inner voice is a cruel taskmaster. Without realising it, the subconscious mind directs behaviour toward what we’re focused on. Thus, someone who thinks they’ll never earn much money won’t ask for a pay rise or look for a better paid job. And those who think nobody fancies them will turn down dates with someone they really like or put them off asking them out.

These self-sabotaging strategies are sometimes described as ego defence mechanisms, preventing us from being hurt when others notice our shortcomings. Too much self-esteem can certainly lead to ridicule and humiliation when falling short of what you think you are capable of. Maintaining healthy self-esteem is a life-long balancing act.

those who treat them badly and confirm their expectations of rejection, disapproval or abuse. A whole publishing industry has grown around the theory that affirmations save these unhappy people from their self-sabotaging self-hatred. But repeatedly stating positive affirmations won’t make them feel loveable unless they accept that as the truth. If you asked an atheist to repeatedly state ‘I believe in god’, it’s not going to change their point of view. At best, under pressure, they might pretend they believe in a god whilst holding onto their authentic belief that there is no such thing. Equally, low self-esteem cannot be challenged with affirmations.

LIMITING BELIEFS

Our identity is formed from the personality we were born with and the circumstances of our life. Because low self-esteem informs our core beliefs, attempts to improve it can challenge who we think we are and what we expect from life. By definition, people who don’t think they’re up to much limit their hopes and dreams accordingly.

If you recognise any of these patterns in your own life, here are some tips to help shift your perception of yourself:

Think about memories of times when you felt ashamed or humiliated in ways that confirmed your critical beliefs about yourself and then swipe them out of your mind like you’d swipe something off the screen of your phone. Keep doing this and they’ll fade in significance.

It’s also a difficult challenge which isn’t easily solved. Self-help books and talking therapies focussed on positive thinking are missing the point. Low self-worth and the beliefs associated with it are powered by deeply neurologically embedded emotions. And tapping into the power of positive feelings is tricky when they contradict core beliefs formed through a lifetime of negative conditioning.

Take yourself to a happy place or time in your life and focus on the feelings of security and wellbeing you experienced then. When those feelings of shame or fear come into your mind, observe them from your happy place, as if they’re outside of you.

Mentally rehearse what you would have done or said if you’d been confident and had healthy self esteem so that memory is edited to being a more positive experience.

Imagine returning to those experiences of worthlessness as the wiser, older person you are now and defending your younger self.

GLITCH IN THE MACHINE

This festive season, Karen Martin, a Hypnotherapist based at Salomons Estate, explains how the best present we can gift this Christmas is looking after ourselves by looking at the negative effects of self-sabotage and how to improve our self-esteem…

ne of the joys of the festive season is choosing carefully curated gifts for those we love. However, peoplepleasing sufferers of low self-esteem can go to the extremes of generosity and care. Those who don’t value themselves look for ‘other esteem’ by meeting the needs of others and

disregarding their own.

If you find yourself wrapping piles of presents and feeling a bit sorry for yourself, take a moment to give your feelings the gift of attention. If you feel neglected or unappreciated, be kinder to yourself and find something heartwarming to do for your own benefit in the midst of a busy day making sure everyone else is happy.

In therapy, hypnotic or mindful techniques can help ease the self-loathing by dissociating the sufferer from its original cause, desensitising them to the triggers that reinforce their trauma and deconstructing the behaviours which maintain critical beliefs. It’s complicated.

The unconscious mind is governed by emotions and is a bit like the machine code of a computer programme, though far more powerful than any technology yet invented. The conscious is the end user and has little influence over the patterns of the unconscious operating system.

O to me! Happy Christmas

Telling someone they’re an amazing person in every way when they’re tortured by doubt and insecurity simply makes them feel more misunderstood and alone. Even if they can accept compliments and approval rationally and logically, the unconscious emotional brain rejects all that contradicts it. This cognitive dissonance can make them feel guilty and even more inadequate. This is why many people with low self-esteem feel more comfortable with

Obviously, you can’t change the past but you can change the way it affects you in the present and the future. These simple exercises aren’t a fix-all because improving self-esteem takes commitment and motivation to change. A big ask for those who doubt their abilities.

Building healthy self-esteem requires rebuilding the person who lacks it. Shaky foundations made fragile during early developing years can be underpinned with the wisdom of maturity and a desire to care enough to take care of your own needs.

Christmas is when childhood memories come to the fore and can be a good time to make bitter things from the past sweeter. Treat yourself with the gift of healthier self-esteem and everything in life gets better. Happy Christmas to your esteemed self.

Karen Martin Hypnotherapist hypnotherapykent.co.uk

Merry

Rod Prager, (owner & founder), was interviewed to find out about his reflections over the last twelve months and his focus area for the year ahead. Rod opened his boutique and bespoke salon back in 2016 in the heart of The Pantiles. He renovated a fine example of one of the town’s historic Victorian buildings to create a space which has a warm and welcoming feel for his clientele and meets the needs of his ever-evolving team and progressive salon respectively. To this end, the salon features an open-style café, (to serve clients their favourite refreshments), as well as carefully, hand-selected accessories throughout. He has adopted a culture that feels open and friendly, almost like being in your front living room,

but with that extra cosy feeling of being in The Pantiles.

Rod said “Post-covid, I am very proud to say that our team has expanded, and we now have five stylists in the salon, (from three), each bringing their own skills and areas of expertise with them.

Laura joined us in April and fellow team member, Scott, (Colour Correction Specialist), joined us in early June. They are very experienced, local hairdressers, and both have careers spanning thirty years. Recruitment challenges are prominent for many businesses currently, especially in the hairdressing industry, so I am delighted that Laura and Scott have established themselves at 31B Hair and are officially a fundamental part of the team.”

Other members of the 31B Hair team include Amy & Roni: Amy, (Colour Specialist), qualified as a hairdresser 8 years ago and has been part of the 31B Hair team for 3 years. Amy specialises in matching hair colour to the varying cool and warm skin tones for her clients. She is also renowned for her expertise with the Balayage technique, which has become very popular with her clients recently. (Balayage is a French word that means “to sweep.” In this hair colour technique, highlights are hand-painted or “swept” on the surface of random sections of hair). Roni, (Sassoon Partner), qualified as a hairdresser over 20 years and has been part of the 31B Hair team for 2.5 years. Rod said, “Having such a strong and dedicated team means we can continue to offer our clients the very best service, from the moment they enter the door, to leaving with their new hair style/look. More than ever, our clients are looking to make the most of their image, following a challenging few years and we at 31B Hair work on an image consultancy basis, with each of our clients, to ensure they get the vision of themselves that they’re looking to achieve.”

Another important aspect of 31B Hair, are the products with which they use on a day-to-day basis and their impact on the environment. Rod said, “Consumers want to be more informed when deciding which products to utilise and the hairdressing industry is no different. I offer my clients a large and diverse range of hair care products, (from colourings to serums), which I have personally chosen to work with. Next year, one of my focus areas will be to continue to be progressive by partnering with the very latest products where not only are they the best at delivering the desired effect/s, but the environment, and sustainability, are also at the forefront of their core values.” To this end, earlier this year, Rod partnered with the brand, Montibello, who have created a market-leading, ammonia-free permanent hair colouration product called DÉNUÉE. Rod said, “This is a fantastic range of products, and I am very pleased to be a stockist in Tunbridge Wells. Ultimately, it’s the feedback I receive from my clients, which is paramount, and we are already seeing clients wishing to permanently switch to this brand of hair products, going forward.”

The features of DÉNUÉE:

• DÉNUÉE is the first and only water-based, ammonia-free hair dye that recreates the colour and shine of natural hair

• DÉNUÉE offers an improved ammonia-free permanent colouring thanks to its revolutionary Aquagel technology that improves the quality of colour, independent of brightness, and avoids the risk of opacity, saturation and overbleaching

• DÉNUÉE is an improvement in results: Precision and reliability with 100% natural mimetic results. A 100% sustainable, vegan, and eco-friendly range

• It’s a new range with 76 shades that mimic the colour of natural hair

• DÉNUÉE is the vegan hair dye that improves hair and the planet

• Botanical treatment and soothing therapy:

o 8 botanical extracts that repair, seal and protect hair and scalp, giving better results in terms of chromaticity and sharpness of colour.

o 1 powerful therapeutic mineral, calamine, which soothes and protects the scalp for utmost comfort

• The 8 botanical extracts of DÉNUÉE are: calendula, magnolia, Japanese camellia, cherry blossom, centella asiatica, white tea, bamboo, and peony

• With natural ingredients that protect, nourish, regenerate, and moisturise your hair

• Has reduced packaging, which is all recyclable.

Rod continued to say, “We are very grateful to all our clients who have loyally chosen us over the years for such an important aspect of their personal care and image. We also continue to welcome numerous new clients, further to so many personal recommendations. Thank you very much for your continued support, and if you are booked in to see us this month, we look forward to welcoming you with a mince pie and a hot chocolate, to celebrate the festive season.”

If you would like to learn more about the ranges we work with, or wish to book an appointment, please do not hesitate to get in contact.

Merry Christmas from Rod, Roni, Amy, Laura, Scott & our beloved dog, Colin, too.

Interview by: Claire Power.

Looking for a special gift idea for Christmas? We now stock gift vouchers so you can treat a loved one to a new hairstyle for 2023.

Traditional

winter wisdom

WINTER WARMER HOT TODDY

If you happen to succumb to a winter virus this is the most lovely warming remedy.

This anti-inflammatory, antiviral winter warmer Hot Toddy is perfect for the season of winter ailments. Take as a preventative or when feeling under the weather.

It truly is medicinal and evokes such a feeling of warmth and protection it is sure to be loved by the whole family.

All these ingredients support immunity.

Ingredients:

Heather honey – has been shown to be particularly effective in combating MRSA and research shows it is more beneficial than the more popular Manuka honey.

What to do:

In a teapot add a thumb sized piece of grated ginger, 4 crushed juniper berries, 4 star anise, 2 cinnamon sticks and a pinch of chilli flakes.

Pour over boiling water and infuse for around 10 minutes.

The more I witness and watch, the more I realise the wisdom of our forefathers.

Our ancestors would have experienced a time of food scarcity during the winter months. The lack of sunlight causes the body to store more fat and in the past this would have been beneficial. They would have had to find shelter and adapt to the cold as best they could.

Days are shorter and darkness comes before we know it. This darkness prompts the body to promote more melatonin,

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

promoting sleep. So, do these environmental cues lead us to the fact that we need to do things differently? We are meant to go to bed earlier. We are meant to rest. We are meant to slow down.

Wisdom has carried on through the generations. Do you remember being told to wear a scarf? There is some interesting science behind this.

When we inhale cold air into the nasal passages, the temperature in the nose decreases and this provides a more favourable temperature for the cold virus to replicate. When we are cold we are much more likely to be susceptible to viruses.

Wrap up. Wear a scarf and hat and keep warm!

Hopefully these last few years have taught us all the importance of supporting our immunity through wholesome food, sunlight, movement and sleep. We are in control.

Ginger – contains potent properties called gingerols that inhibit and tame the inflammation process that occurs during illness. It is warming and promotes mild sweating.

Star Anise – in 2005 the world was in short supply of this oriental spice due to the drug company Roche using it extensively in creating Tamiflu the drug against SARS Avian flu. It helps the body fight off illness and strengthens the immune system.

Cinnamon – research shows that cinnamon fights resistant bacterial and viral infections. It also stabilizes blood sugar, has anticlotting effects and combined with honey has been shown to relieve arthritic pain.

Juniper – acts as a natural decongestant and moves excess mucus from the respiratory tract and dilates bronchial tubes. Care should be taken with juniper during pregnancy.

In a cup add a freshly squeezed lemon and 1 heaped teaspoon of heather or raw honey. Pour hot toddy through a strainer into a cup. Topping cup up as needed.

Sometimes I use oranges instead but the lemons provide an alkalising effect. Enjoy.

In her December column Naomi Murray from Botanica Health on Rusthall High Street extols the virtues of winding down during the winter months and also shares a recipe for a deliciously comforting and healthy hot toddy

“Hopefully these last few years have taught us all the importance of supporting our immunity through wholesome food, sunlight, movement and sleep”

Artus Scheiner, The Little Stars of Gold, 1921

Table talk...

Why and when did you launch your business?

We launched SET HOSTING just over two years ago. Having left the financial and legal worlds behind us in London and bonded over a shared passion for design and interiors, we were both keen to start our own creative venture.

Was this a tricky time given we were in and out of lockdowns?

This was when we noticed a wider interest in table dressingperhaps as a result of people appreciating moments around a table with family. We both love to set the scene for a party by laying a beautiful table but know that not everyone has the time to dedicate to the table. It can be both costly and time consuming so renting ‘tablescapes’ gives people the opportunity to experiment with different styles, therefore creating a memorable backdrop to a party.

Can you briefly explain the offering from SET HOSTING?

We are not your traditional white hire company. We have curated complete tablesettings, sourcing items that you wouldn’t ordinarily find on the high street. We love to work with artisans who are passionate about their products and designers who inspire and bring joy to everyday items. Our suppliers include the Italian ceramic company, Bitossi, whose family have manufactured ceramics for over a hundred years in Tuscany but now collaborate with exciting young designers to produce unique ceramics.

Do you deliver the complete tablescape set to clients?

Yes we take our luxury settings to your home and can either transform your table for you or leave you with

instructions on how to re-create the look. With SET you have the option to rent the complete tabletop which obviously includes beautiful crockery, glassware, linens, candles, flowers and more, or you can select individual pieces. One of our favourite aspects of our work is creating bespoke designs for events, whether it’s an intimate dinner party or a larger celebration. And once the party is over you simply rinse, repack and we collect - typically 24 hours later. That’s the key to our offering: making hosting as easy and fun as possible which includes outsourcing the washing up to us!

Do you sell as well as rent tablescaping themes?

Renting is the core of our business but having discovered some fabulous suppliers whilst curating our rental collections we now offer Christmas tablescapes to buy. We also source tableware for clients who would like something a little bit different to the offerings on the high street. Whether you are looking for a new set of plates or an alternative to the traditional wedding list, we can help. For bespoke events, we can be as little or as much involved as the client wishes. We have built up an extensive network of contacts in the events and entertaining

CONTACT DETAILS: www.set-table.co.uk @set_hosting hello@set-table.co.uk

sector across the South East and can help with everything from sourcing a marquee to choosing the colour of your glassware.

What types of festive themes are you offering for Christmas 2022? We have two festive tablescapes to buy this Christmas (which include a tablecloth, napkins, candleholders and candles, decorative trees and place cards). Our ‘Ruby’ box is a classic festive and warm style with an incredible hand block printed tablecloth as its foundation. ‘Emerald’ is a more playful twist on the Christmas table with a pop of pink and a handsome Nutcracker candle as its centrepiece. Both styles feature gorgeous paper trees from the super fun brand &klevering and gold wooden candlesticks from UK company British Colour Standard. They are a wonderful way to take the hassle out of setting your Christmas table and make a fabulous gift for someone who loves to host. For the complete look and a totally hassle-free Christmas, (no one likes the washing up after all) our tablewares are available to hire at a 20% discount for the Christmas period when you buy a tablescape. For Christmas we have our At Home Cracker and Wreaths kits available to buy from £40 for 6, full details on our website.

SET HOSTING’S TOP TIPS FOR DRESSING A FESTIVE TABLE

We think setting a showstopper table should be an enjoyable part of the warm up to the big day. Here are our top tips for how you can achieve that:

TEXTURE

We always use either a tablecloth or runner – they’re super practical and set the tone for your design. We love pattern, whether it be bold or subtle, as it adds interest and disguises the inevitable spills! Napkins are also key – linen ones are a favourite. Whether you just fold them as a base for your cutlery, tie them in a knot for immediate impact or make a Christmas tree (yes this is a thing, check out our Instagram for details on how to) they add a touch of luxury to the table.

LIGHTING

The wrong lighting can ruin a table setting. When it’s dark in the winter candlelight really is your friend for giving instant atmosphere and flattering lighting. We also love freestanding table lamps for the soft downlight they create (we use these on many of our designs) but for Christmas we use tall candlesticks and votives to make the light more interesting as well as adding to the all-important layering.

LAYERING

Creating a wow table is all about interest for the eye and layers do this wonderfully. We build height and interest using a placemat or charger and setting the table with the main and dessert plate (you can just whip them away before you serve). Having greenery running down the middle of the table adds interest without interrupting views across the table. You could source from the garden or offcuts from your Christmas tree work really well. Height can come from your glassware and tall candlesticks stand out fabulously. Low votives finish off the look. Don’t get too fixated on making everything match. Different tones of a colour work really well with a couple of pieces in a contrasting stand out colour.

The ultimate table topping for Christmas is, of course, a cracker! Go as bold and beautiful as you dare. We are selling Make At Home Cracker Kits this year after the success of our workshops where clients made beautiful recyclable crackers topped with mini dried floral wreaths.

FINISH YOUR TABLE WITH LOVE

Menus and name places are the little extras that really show you care! It doesn’t matter if

“We both share a passion for design and interiors, so were keen to start our own creative venture”

Tablescaping is a huge trend right now and more people than ever will be looking for ideas on how to ensure their festive one looks picture perfect for Christmas. Luckily help is at hand courtesy of local tablescaping duo Sarah and Alex from SET HOSTING. Here they share their top tips…

“We have curated complete tablesettings, sourcing items you wouldn’t ordinarily find on the high street and we love to work with artisans”

Photos © Roger Harris

idea fora business illuminating

Founder of Oast & Rye Philippa MacKinnon tells SO Magazine all about the gorgeous candle and scent business she founded four years ago and why she’s opened a beautiful new shop in Cranbrook in which to showcase them...

So let’s start with you telling us about when and why Oast & Rye started?

I have been a career coach and outplacement consultant for over 30 years and also run three holiday lets.

I was using the beauty brand called REN in them and noticed that people never seemed to comment on the products so I thought I might be able to design something that looked better and get a company to make a better offering for us. We started making soap and toiletries four years ago and then began formulating candles, room sprays and diffusers which our guests could buy during their stay. Other holiday let businesses then started to approach us to use our products and then two years ago The Hurlingham Club in London started stocking our soaps, shampoo, conditioner, hand cream and candles throughout their club.

What is the origin of the name Oast & Rye?

We live on the border of Kent and Sussex and so we wanted the name to be synonymous with that. I chose the iconic oast houses of Kent and then Rye, which happens to be my favourite antique hunting town in Sussex!

Why did you feel the need to create this brand?

Apart from formulating gorgeous products for our guests to use during

their stay in our holiday homes, I wanted to develop high-end products – but without the high-end price tag.

How would you sum up Oast & Rye’s USP?

There are 14 different fragrances to choose from in the Oast & Rye range and I would say our unique selling point is providing good quality, good branding and affordable products.

Where are the products’ key ingredients sourced from?

We only use British recycled glass for our candles and diffusers and some soaps. Obviously bottles in showers have to be plastic but we use BPA free ones. I source the jars and soap bottles from a lovely small company in Wales which sell beekeeping products. All the candles, room sprays and diffusers are made in Kent. Everything we do at Oast & Rye is British.

What are the most popular products in the range?

Diffusers are always a winner but at this time of year the candles go down a storm! Best-selling candles at the recent Spirit of Christmas fair were our Winter Solstice and Ras al Oud varieties. Our best-selling diffuser is the Thyme one and all

our candles are individually hand poured in Kent.

You have recently opened a beautiful shop in Cranbrook. What was the thinking behind this?

We had sold our house and needed somewhere to make and store our products. I wasn’t thinking of having a shop until it came up but I am loving it! It’s so nice to meet our customers and get their reaction to our products. The other day a lady who’d been in the shop earlier that day phoned me to say how much she loved the products she had bought that morning!

We’ve spied your products in a few places such as Taywell Farm. Where else are you stocked?

In the local area we are also stocked at The Green Duck Emporium in Tunbridge Wells, Taywell Farm in Goudhurst, The Ceramic Studio in Tonbridge, Decorative Antiques in Etchingham and obviously The Hurlingham Club in London, as well as Rathfinny Wine Estate in Alfriston and Will’s Bakery in Northiam near Rye.

How was your recent visit to Spirit of Christmas and did it open up the brand to a host of new customers?

We had a fabulous time at Spirit, although we managed to catch Covid while we were there! But lots of people there commented on how they loved the brand and its design. When I started out I looked at all the base notes in my perfumes and discovered there are many similarities. I love a quite masculine fragrance with notes of vetiver and cologne. If you like one of my fragrances you will like a lot of them. Our wax is a clean burn with all the chemicals taken out so it does not have soot and is safe. People need to watch soy as lots of it has been genetically modified and is therefore full of nasties.

How would you sum up how things are going for Oast & Rye right now?

The shop has been the best thing this year and I am loving it. I really enjoy going to work as I now realise it was quite lonely working on my own before - but now I get lots of company thanks to people popping in.

ETERNAL FLAME

Oast & Rye’s founder, Philippa MacKinnon, has some useful advice on how to make sure your candle burns longer…

• When lighting your candle for the first time, make sure you light it for two hours or until the whole layer of the top wax melts as this will prevent tunnelling and the candle will last longer.

• Do not touch or move your candle when burning, as it will be hot and always trim the wick before each burn.

• Keep the lid on when not in use as it will prevent dust or objects getting into the candle.

• Burn candles for no more than four hours at a time.

• Cease use when 5mm of wax remains.

• Reuse or recycle your container when possible.

Oast & Rye’s packaging is made with compostable starch that melts in water and shredded recycled paper and the bottles and candles are designed to extend beyond single use, so refills are available.

The company sells products in different sizes and advocates that larger bottles not only last longer but have a lower carbon footprint.

Many of Oast & Rye’s suppliers are fellow artisan businesses who are also passionate about sustainability and driving their carbon footprint down.

To find out more about Oast & Rye products which are perfect for use in hotels, offices and homes please visit their website at www.oastandrye.co.uk

As some fans of The Green Duck Emporium may already know in September 2022 the store relocated to its new premises in The Royal Victoria Place Shopping Centre just off Fiveways. The store sells a whole variety of products ranging from home décor to the perfect Christmas gifts.

With this in mind here is The Green Duck Emporium’s perfect guide to gifting for Christmas 2022… Perfect stocking filler your flower loving friend or eco friendly family member Seedbomb

They will biodegrade into the environment, leaving only plants behind. The gift that keeps on giving year after year.

£4.95

purchase the bulb on its own with no lamp if you wish. The word text bulb is fully dimmable to allow you to change the amount of light given off and will liven up any space. Perfect for bedrooms or home offices to brighten up your day. This product is customisable so you can mix and match bulbs to base.

Other text bulbs are available instore and online.

Bulb - £32 / Base - £38

Perfect for the London lover in your life London Underground (Large) Rapid Transit Tracks trains on the London Underground, showing trains

arriving in stations live, Via your Home WiFi as each Tube Train moves around the network.

Board shows all 12 main underground lines: Bakerloo, Central, Circle, District, DLR, Hammersmith & City, Jubilee, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly, Victoria, Waterloo & City

Receives live data over WiFi

LEDs update every 1/10 second

Uses 333 RGB (Red, Green, Blue) LEDs

Small £99.00 / Large £249.00

(Other Single Tube line available)

Perfect treat to make your home smell like Christmas

The Green Duck

Emporium

Scented CandleWinter Scent

100% Natural plant wax candle from an ethical, sustainable source, cotton wicks & mixed with our blend of pure Winter Scent oil, that’s it! No petroleum or animal wax. Long & Clean burning time. Available in two sizes, encases in a glass holder. What better way to end a cold day than being surrounded by the wonderful scent of the season. Small £6.50 / Large £15.00

Walk out to winter...

Famous gardeners have written for decades about the beauty of winter in the garden. For many of us the routine is to put the garden to bed for the winter. This usually entails cutting back dead or dying perennials, pruning shrubs, clearing dead leaves and giving the garden a really good tidy up. But had you considered allowing the perennials and grasses to maintain their presence for just a little longer?

Gardens in winter are often regarded as dormant, but many garden designers such as Piet Oudolf believe they shouldn’t be. He feels strongly that we should allow our gardens to follow their natural course and that the winter is just another season to appreciate their beauty.

Winter adds the extra dimension of mist, frosts, snow to the landscape and the structure of dead, or dying plants can add a dramatic new perspective.

Winter Gardens is a masterpiece in photography, it captures the landscape in black and white and colour at a time when the monotone features of gardens are most prevalent. I absolutely adore the use of black and white imagery, it’s so graphic in its portrayal of the landscape. The book is an inspiration - a must buy for Christmas, whether you are interested in photography, or just like looking at great gardens.

The book contains an expertly crafted commentary from Clare Foster and Andrew’s amazing photography, including many large format photographs from twelve unique and contrasting gardens. Some of these extraordinary gardens have evolved organically and been nurtured by their owners over generations, whilst others have been designed by some of the world’s greatest garden designers.

The amazing line-up of gardens in the book includes:

winter, the garden takes on a new, almost mystical guise. Whether you are drawn to the crisp shapes of a traditional topiary garden or the anarchy of a meadow full of seed heads, there is beauty and wonder to extract from every garden at this time of year”

Piet is a leading light in the New Perennials landscape movement (see my article Colour Field from So Magazine – June 2022), he is also featured in Photographer Andrew Montgomery’s amazing new book, Winter Gardens, co-authored with Clare Foster, Garden Editor of House & Garden Magazine.

Great Dixter in Sussex, home of the great horticulturalist Fergus Garrett

Broughton Grange, designed by Tom Stuart-Smith

A private garden – designed by Arne Maynard

Hillside – Dan Pearson’s garden in

A private topiary garden – an extraordinary vision

Gresgarth Hall – Arabella Lennox-Boyd’s garden in Lancashire Mapperton in Dorset Thenford - Michael Heseltine’s garden Plas Brondanw – a beautiful garden in Wales

A Chilterns garden designed by Jinny Blom

“Apart from the aesthetics, shooting in black and white is so clever, for me as a designer it helps us focus the mind on form, texture and composition which is so important in

Jobs to do in the garden this December:

Try and resist pruning your hydrangeas until early spring, enjoy the winter flower heads Dig over empty borders and prepare the soil for next year’s planting

Fleece any vulnerable plants such as tree ferns against the frost (if tree ferns also protect

creating gardens and beautiful vistas that stand the test of time.”

If any of my family want a good Christmas Present suggestion then Winter Gardens would certainly be on my wish list! You can order copies (retail price is £70) directly from the publishers – Montgomery Press, or of course from Amazon (both new and nearly new copies), plus any reputable book dealer such as Waterstones.

I hope you enjoy a very Happy Christmas and New Year celebration…

For further help with your garden design, garden maintenance, or gardening advice then contact Tim Sykes at Gardenproud on 07725 173820.

the crown with some straw and wrap and tie the fronds back over the straw)

Group any potted plants together, or place in the greenhouse to protect against the winters harshest weather Put food and fresh water out for the birds

Get pruning wisteria, some fruit trees, acer palmatums and roses

Our resident gardening expert Tim Sykes of Garden Proud, reveals why we should allow our gardens to follow their natural course during the colder months and also suggests some ideal Christmas gifts for the green fingered

“In

Somerset Hummelo – Piet Oudolf’s garden in Holland Sussex Prairies

Tim Sykes Garden Proud

Photographer Andrew Montgomery with Clare Foster, Garden Editor, House & Garden

Piet Oudolf at Hummelo

HIGH ST TUNBRIDGE WELLS KENT TN1 1UL | 01892 513 613

Coming up roses...

Opening its bright coral pink doors four years ago, The Bloom Foundry on St John’s Road cannot be missed thanks to its grand displays of fresh, faux and silk flowers, stunning bouquets and unique collection of vintage antiques.

Its founder, Lucie Merkl, says she has always been motivated to make her ‘dream shop’ a success by taking an innovative approach to the services it provides.

Graduating from Hadlow College with a qualification in floristry, Lucie’s career took a back seat after having her children, but when the shop unit that would eventually become The Bloom Foundry became available, the talented business entrepreneur knew this was her chance.

“I was a studio florist and antiques dealer for many years. I could always see the potential this shop had with its stunning huge Edwardian shop windows, lovely airy space inside and not forgetting the original flower moulded bricks on the pillars outside!

“I knew exactly what I would do with it, should the opportunity

arise. So when it became empty four years ago, I jumped at the chance to turn it into my dream shop.”

Combining her passions for floristry and antiques dealing, Lucie began her successful business, which saw her exquisitely crafted arrangements earn her notable recognition as The Best florist in Kent 2021 at the Muddy Stilettos awards.

“It was absolutely incredible to receive the award from Muddy Stilettos and made me feel very happy!”

Lucie’s techniques and experience have seen her create a range of elegant and extravagant displays, making her original floristry style instantly recognisable.

“I tend to use more unusual varieties of flowers, including hugeheaded roses, deep dark-pink toned lilies and beautifully lemon-scented waxflowers, so my bouquets stand out in a crowd. I use minimal packaging to maximise the floral content of each bouquet.

“My best-selling products at the moment are my Bloom Foundry Bouquets, the handprinted papiermâché Christmas decorations, the ceramic Floral Room diffusers and my bright dried-flower bouquets.”

But Lucie goes on to say that not everything has been rosy since she first launched The Bloom Foundry.

“The business has had its ups and downs, obviously because of Covid and the challenges that brought. I haven’t actually had a single year of trading that wasn’t affected by it in some way. But that taught me

to diversify and offer my skills and products in lots of different ways and not just rely on people walking through the door of the shop.”

One of these new ideas saw Lucie team up with local author, Anna Wharton to create a The Book Room, a pop-up shop featuring a selection of writer-recommended books of all genres.

“Anna had been a customer of The Bloom Foundry since it opened and that’s how we became friends. She came to me with the idea of the book shop and asked me what I thought.

“We hoped the pop-up shop would give shoppers and locals another reason to make the trip to this part of town and to support

brilliant independents in the St John’s area.

“It has definitely been a success and we’ve had people travelling from all over Kent to come and visit. Customers have said what a great addition it is to this part of town.”

The pop-up shop will be running until at least Christmas Eve and offers free delivery within the TN4 postcode.

For the festive season, Lucie’s popular Christmas wreath-making workshop returns for its third year, where she walks you through the steps of the wreath-making process.

The workshops will last around two hours and will be held at The Bloom Foundry shop with classes taking place on December 8 and 13 at 7pm.

On Sunday December 11, Lucie will be holding an exclusive wreathmaking class at The Royal Wells Hotel on Mount Ephraim, complete with an Afternoon Tea and bubbles.

“During the workshops, I provide everything you need and guide you through making your wreath. Since I launched them they have been very successful and everyone always loves the wreaths they make. I also work with a number of businesses providing workshops throughout the year as part of their wellness programmes. It’s a great way for everyone to spend a peaceful hour or so working with materials they normally wouldn’t use to create something wonderful.”

www.thebloomfoundry.co.uk @thebloomfoundry

Lucie Merkl, founder of The Bloom Foundry, tells SO Magazine’s Lilly Croucher about the shop’s success and its new pop-up book shop and also reveals details of her Christmas wreath making workshops for 2022…

“Lucie’s recently launched a book popup in store and will also be hosting a number of seasonal wreath making workshops”

FIRST DRIVE:

BMW X7

The X7 has been given a refresh, bringing a striking new design and more interior features. James Baggott finds out what it’s like

WHAT IS IT?

This is BMW’s largest off-roader, the seven-seat X7, now with a fresh new face and mild-hybrid powerplants. The luxury SUV, which joined the firm’s range in 2019, has been treated to a mid-life facelift that brings its looks in line with the forthcoming new 7 Series and i7 and its interior tech bang up-to-date with its siblings.

WHAT’S NEW?

Externally, BMW has implemented its latest look – which mostly means a big, bold kidney grille that’s now illuminated. There are also striking new daytime running lights and LED adaptive headlights.

At the back, there’s a new design for the rear lights, while owners can opt for whopping 23-inch alloy wheels – the largest ever available on a BMW. Inside, the highlight is the curved driver display that’s more focussed towards the driver, while under the bonnet mild hybrid technology has been added too.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?

Two petrol models and a diesel are available in the UK. The

xDrive40i has a 3.0-litre sixcylinder unit that develops 380bhp, 540Nm of torque and will hit 60mph in 5.8 seconds. Top of the range is a 4.4-litre petrol V8 – dubbed the M60i xDrive. It has 530bhp, 750Nm of torque and can hit 60mph in 4.7 seconds.

The 3.0-litre diesel xDrive40d has 340bhp, 720Nm of torque and will crack 60mph in 6.1 seconds.

The diesel will do around 32.5mpg while the range-topper will return closer to 21.2mpg.

All setups now come with new 48V mild-hybrid technology which assists the engine in improving efficiency at higher speeds and can even drive the car electrically at very low speeds. The energy is created by braking regeneration and stored in a battery in the engine compartment.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

For such a large car, the X7 offers a relaxing drive. Adaptive air suspension soaks up the bumps and clever driver assistance systems, that can help keep you in your lane and even park the car for you, are a help rather than a hindrance.

We tried the 40i, which had

a quick turn of pace for its proportions and was quiet too. An eight-speed automatic transmission and electric power steering are fitted as standard.

HOW DOES IT LOOK?

Whatever your take on BMW’s new design language, few would describe it as boring. The massive kidney grille might not be to everyone’s tastes, but we think the new headlights soften the look and the subtle tweaks are rather

WHAT’S IT LIKE

The new curved screen is a master stroke. It’s clear and user-friendly, thanks to the latest iDrive infotainment software.

A 12.3-inch screen behind the steering wheel includes clever touches like augmented navigation directions that overlay arrows over a live video feed of the road ahead.

MODEL: BMW X7 xDrive40i

BASE PRICE: £82,450=

ENGINE: 3.0-litre turbocharged mildhybrid petrol

POWER: 380bhp TORQUE: 540Nm

MAX SPEED: 155mph 0-60MPH: 5.8 seconds

MPG: 26.9mpg Emissions: 240g/km

The 14.9-inch control display is easy to manipulate and you can operate it via gesture controls, as well as voice and touch. Owners will be able to choose between 15 interior light colours and dashboard materials are even vegan-friendly.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

The specification is high to start with, including 21-inch alloys, a panoramic glass sunroof, illuminated kidney grille, ambient lighting and metallic paint. Inside, you get electric memory heated front seats, a sports steering wheel, four-zone air con and acoustic glass. A Harmon Kardon stereo, Apple CarPlay and wireless charging tray for your mobile is also included. M Sport specification models get extra badging and some additional design tweaks.

Several different packs are available to chose from, including a technology upgrade for £5,000 that gives owners a Bowers & Wilkins stereo. Comfort Plus Pack adds extras like rear window blinds, ventilated seats and heated and cooled cup holders for £3,750. And if you’re really feeling flush, the £16,000 Ultimate Pack adds, among many other things, 22inch alloy wheels and an M Sport exhaust.

VERDICT

BMW sells less than a thousand X7 models a year, but it’s still a vital part of its SUV armoury. While rivals, like the new Range Rover, have pushed themselves further upmarket and increased prices as a result, the BMW offers relatively good value for money.

The size helps mask the huge controversial grille and the other new design touches bring it nicely up to date. It’s packed with tech, humongous inside and comfortable to drive. If you’re in the market for the largest of SUVs, it’s definitely worth a look.