CELEBRITY
By royal appointment
West End star Lee Mead brings his one-man show to Hever Castle
LIFESTYLE
Pub in the Park
Chef Tom Kerridge on why he’s so excited to be returning to Dunorlan Park
PROFILE
Best in the business
Inspiring female entrepreneurs reveal their secrets of success
RAISING THE BAR MEET THE DYNAMIC DUO WHO’VE MADE THE COMMON ROOMS IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS ONE OF THE HIPPEST PLACES TO HANG OUT
July 2019
Welcome
Editor’s LETTER
J
uly heralds the start of the long, hopefully hot, summer holidays and for many people with kids there will be a lot of free time to fill. With that in mind we’ve put together a summer survival guide which aims to give you plenty of fun and interesting ideas. If you don’t have the luxury of a six-week sabbatical with your children, then we’ve plenty to keep you entertained in your downtime from work. Hever’s Festival Theatre season is now up and running and this year’s events schedule includes a one-man show with Lee Mead on July 27. We spoke to the West End musicals and TV star ahead of his forthcoming appearance to discover why now is the right time to do this (p8). There’s also Pub in the Park to look forward to this month and we have an exclusive chat with its founder, the Michelin star chef Tom Kerridge (p14). He tells us why he enjoyed the inaugural event at Dunorlan Park last summer, while our music correspondent Paul Dunton gives us the low-down on the music acts who’ll be taking to the stage over the weekend of July 12-14 (p16). If you’re looking to expand your social horizons or just fancy an inspiring read, you’ll enjoy our cover feature about the guys behind The Common Rooms in Tunbridge Wells (p39). Chris Gane and Alex Macnutt had no experience whatsoever of running a bar (they work in the media and music respectively) but they saw a gap in the market for somewhere you
4 6 11 14
contents July 2019
Culture vulture: our round-up of where to go and what to see this month
35
Beauty on board: clever multi-tasking essentials for your holiday suitcase
The luxuries in life you can’t live without
37 39
So spa so good: we meet Coco Blush’s Jordan Green
Social scene: who we’ve spotted at the best parties and festivals
could enjoy cocktails or a cold beer while a DJ spins the tunes. And hey presto, their dream of opening their own establishment became a reality when they launched The Common Rooms on Mount Ephraim a year ago this month. In this issue we also speak to a number of women who are acing it in the business world, including Fran Boorman, a hugely successful young entrepreneur. Turn to p23 to read her engaging story. There’s also a lovely read by our gardening guru Victoria Truman on the timeless allure of the Hampton Court Flower Show, which takes place this month (p60). Inspired by this we’ve put together an alfresco special for you. So grab a cold drink and flick to p53 to transform your garden into a glorious entertaining space.
Alex Macnutt and Chris Gane celebrate The Common Rooms bar’s first birthday
It’s time to party in the park! Michelin star chef Tom Kerridge on his good food and grooves weekender
23 33
Football focus: entrepreneur extraordinaire Fran Boorman chats about Goal 17 Jet set go: what and how to pack for a stylish summer holiday
60
Lee’s way: West End star Lee Mead brings his one-man show to Hever Castle p8
Foodie fiesta: experience a taste of Latin America p42
Have a great July,
Victoria Truman on the enduring appeal of the Hampton Court Flower Show
74
History lessons: Hever Castle’s Owen Emmerson reveals why he loves his job
Editor Eileen Leahy PS Check out our page @somagazines for all our latest Instagram updates
Issue 136 SALOMONS ESTATE Tunbridge Wells Kent TN3 0TG
EDITOR Eileen Leahy info@somagazines.co.uk
HEAD OF DESIGN Lee Smith lsmith8@markerstudy.com
SALES DIRECTOR Gemma Hak ghak@markerstudy.com
EDITORIAL Victoria Truman Andy Tong Charlie Bond
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Richard Moore rmoore@markerstudy.com
DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY Emily Hammond Emily Wood Craig Matthews
PRINTED BY: Mortons Print PUBLISHED BY
All rights reserved. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions relating to advertising or editorial. The publisher reserves the right to change or amend any competitions or prizes offered. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from the publisher. No responsibility is taken for unsolicited materials or the return of these materials whilst in transit.
Cover Art Direction: Lee Smith Photography: Craig Matthews
Tel: 01892 779650 www.timeslocalnews.co.uk
Alfresco appeal: Key garden accessories p53
Summer’s here: so read our survival guide p45
Take a road trip: with the stylish new BMW 850i Convertible p72
SO Magazine | JULY 2019 | 3
CALENDAR
CULTURE HUB Our edit of the most entertaining events happening this month...
DID YOU KNOW? Penshurst Place welcomed Hollywood stars Scarlett Johannson and Natalie Portman when they were filming The Other Boleyn Girl in 2007.
boys have to improvise with their friend Babbs – and a few innovative costume ideas. But the fun really starts when Charley’s real aunt eventually turns up . . . Tickets cost £11 per person, for more details visit www.oasttheatre.com
GO ON A BEAR HUNT
Michael Rosen’s charming and timeless children’s book We’re Going
DID YOU KNOW? We’re Going on a Bear Hunt author Michael Rosen is also a poet and bases much of his work on his own experiences as both a child and a parent.
JOUST FOR LAUGHS
Hever Castle’s annual summer jousting tournaments start on July 13 and is run on selected weekends until the end of August. This historic equine entertainment is brought to the thousands of spectators who descend on Hever Castle by the Knights of Royal England. Each session is packed full of action including stunts and faux fights and it takes place in an authentic jousting arena, complete with a royal box. For ticket info and timings visit www.hevercastle.com
ENDING ON A HIGH NOTE
The Tonbridge Philharmonic Society will perform its final concert of the season, An English Prom, on Saturday July 6 at St Stephen’s church. The musical group’s choir and orchestra 4 | July 2019 | SO Magazine
will be conducted together by Michael Waldron. It promises to be an enchanting evening of excellent music featuring Walton’s Crown Imperial March, Parry’s Blest Pair of Sirens and Sullivan’s Overture to The Yeomen of the Guard. Adult tickets cost £16 and student tickets £8. For more information visit www.tonphil.org.uk
A LABOUR OF LOVE
The Oast Theatre in Tonbridge will be putting on its production of the classic English farce Charley’s Aunt. Directed by Phill Holden, it’s the tale of two young Oxford undergraduates, Jack and Charley, who want to woo their sweethearts, Amy and Kitty. But to meet them the girls have to have a chaperone. When Charley’s mysterious Aunt Donna from Brazil fails to arrive the
on a Bear Hunt, which is currently celebrating its 30th anniversary, will be brought to life at the EM Forster Theatre in Tonbridge on July 24 and 25 courtesy of Sally Cookson’s fun-filled adaptation. The West End show, which is now touring across the country, is a delight for both young and old audience members. Set to a live score by Benji Bower, it sees a family navigate the ‘swishy swashy’ grass, a ‘splish splashy’ river and ‘thick oozy’ mud, in search of a bear. Tickets cost £12.50 and there
are numerous performance times. For more information visit www.emftheatre.com
PREPARE TO BE AMAZED
Penshurst Place’s Maize Maze is back for another year of summer fun. The agricultural creation officially opens on Saturday July 13 with a new design for 2019 that’s been kept under wraps until the launch. Both adults and children can be challenged by the main maze and there is also a special mini section for younger kids.
Georgina Edwards Photography
CALENDAR
DID YOU KNOW? The Oast Theatre was a 19th century Kentish oast house in use until 1966. It became the Oast Theatre in 1974 and now puts on ten productions a year.
WE’LL DRINK TO THAT
The Westerham-based wine estate Squerryes’ hugely popular seafood restaurant and alfresco terrace is now open for summer bookings. Guests can relax on the terrace with breathtaking views of the vineyard and enjoy Squerryes’ champion wines – including the 2014 Vintage Reserve which triumphed with a platinum medal at last month’s Decanter Awards. To book, call 01959 562345. squerryes.co.uk
TURN OVER A NEW LEAF
Wednesday July 3 will be your chance to see Clare Mackintosh, the award-winning author of I Let You Go, I See You and Let Me Lie. The best-selling crime writer will be chatting to Hannah Begbie about her latest novel, After the End. The event is organised by Sevenoaks Bookshop and will be held at The Drive Methodist Church in Sevenoaks. Tickets are £8.50 per person and can be booked at www.sevenoaksbookshop.co.uk Tickets for £12 for adults and £6.50 for children. For more information visit www.penshurstplace.com
CATCH THE 39 STEPS
Richard Hannay is a man bored by life. Until, of course, he finds himself caught up in an enormous secret spy operation to save the country from a mysterious and diabolical force known only as ’The 39 Steps’. He’s Britain’s last hope. The only problem? He has absolutely no idea who The 39 Steps are, what they’re doing, when they’re doing it, or how he’s going to stop them. See how he gets on when Tobias Cornwell’s theatre company Get Out of My Space perform this at The Beacon from July 9-13. Tickets start from £12 and theatre dining from £16. For more information visit www.gooms.co.uk
Clare Mackintosh
Squerryes’ seafood terrace
SO Magazine | July 2019 | 5
RETAIL THERAPY
LIFE’S LITTLE
LUXURIES Here’s our edit of this month’s covetable collectables to enhance your life
Burning ambition
This hand-poured candle is scented with Fornasetti’s signature Otto fragrance that has soothing notes of lavender, thyme and cedarwood, therefore making it the perfect candle to burn at the end of a stressful day. It also features Architettura artwork in crisp white, blue and black on a ceramic pot that will make a beautiful keepsake ideal for storing trinkets in. Fornasettipalazzo celeste scented 300g candle, £140, Amara, www.amara.com
Watch out for this
The Rolex brand boasts some pretty impressive horological history which watch expert Fabienne Reybaud has compiled in this hefty Assouline tome. Filled with photos and accounts detailing a selection of the watchmaker’s most exceptional timepieces, this hand-bound book comes in a smart presentation case and makes a fascinating read and gift for aficionados and collectors alike. Assouline Rolex: The Impossible Collection hardcover book, £695, Trouva, www.trouva.com
Golden wonder
Looking to add an instant focal point to a room? Well look no more as we’ve found the perfect statement piece to weave that all-important wow factor into a space courtesy of this stunning brass sideboard. Not only does it create instant drama, it’s practical too thanks to its inbuilt storage. Ziggy sideboard, £649, Swoon, www.swooneditions.com
Snap happy
Fujifilm’s X-E3 compact camera is a sophisticated yet easy-to-use model that pros rely on and beginners find totally accessible. Built with a lightweight full-grain leather-wrapped body that channels retro styles, it has 4K HD video recording capabilities and a signature film simulation mode and it can be synced with your smartphone. Fujifilmx-e3 compact camera with 18-55mm lens, £1,130, exclusive to Mr Porter, www.mrporter.com
6 | July 2019 | SO Magazine
Be on red alert
Red Potion is the latest fragrance by the Merchant of Venice. According to the accompanying olfactory notes it bottles the aromas and scents of the indigenous plants and flowers of North Africa and the Mediterranean, capturing hits of orange blossom, rosemary and the caramel notes of the immortelle flower. Decanted into a beautiful Murano glass bottle it’s an exotic, heady scent to spritz on this summer. Red Potion is available from Harrods (and Harrods.com), priced £180 for 100ml.
Bag this
David Hampton creates some of the world’s most luxurious sustainable travel luggage and we love this chic red leather laptop briefcase from his Richmond collection. Using an environmentally friendly chromefree process results in timeless pieces such as this travel bag which will stand the test of time and not harm the environment. Leather laptop briefcase, £395, David Hampton, www.davidhampton.com
ARTS & CULTURE
I thought it would be a nice halfway point in my life to do a show that talks about my life story and career to date
Ahead of his one-man show at Hever Castle’s Festival Theatre on July 27 Lee Mead, who found fame on BBC1’s Any Dream Will Do and has gone on to to star in numerous musicals and TV shows, talks to Eileen Leahy about seeing his acting dreams become a reality
WHY LEE’S LIVING
m a e r d e th
Tell us a little bit about your show My Story: A Dream That Became A Reality which you’re bringing to Hever Castle’s Festival Theatre this month I got asked to do an autobiography about 12 years ago but felt it was too soon as I was only 25 or 26 years old. But now at this point of my career, and being close to 40 and having worked professionally for 18 years I thought it would be a nice halfway point in my life to do a show that talks about my life story and career to date.
What has the audience’s reception been like to the tour of your one man show so far? Brilliant! They have had a real insight into more of who I am as a person and been given a chance to hear some interesting stories that they have not heard before and a real insight into the highs and lows of my life. Do you enjoy living out of a suitcase and being on tour? I do love it but the older I’ve got I find that I don’t like to be away for weeks on end. But doing these one-nighters like the 8 | July 2019 | SO Magazine
Lee performed in front of 70,000 people at Wembley Stadium as part of the Concert For Diana, organised by Prince William and Prince Harry, appearing alongside Rod Stewart, Tom Jones and Take That
forthcoming show at Hever Castle is great fun and gives me the opportunity to visit different parts of the UK.
You’ve had an incredible career so far, what have been your key highlights? They include getting a record deal with Universal, playing the role of Joseph in the West End production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and being invited to sing by Prince William and Prince Harry at the Concert for Diana. Another highpoint was getting to play the character of Lofty Chiltern in BBC1 hospital dramas Casualty and Holby City and then having roles in primetime TV series like Bedlam and Three and Out. How do you deal with the low points that inevitably come as part of the fame and fortune package? I personally have always found them okay as I have a very solid family and home Lee as Lofty Chiltern in Casualty
life and I have never put my career first; it’s always been my personal life first. I have never put my career on a pedestal. You’ve appeared in numerous West End musicals; are there any favourites which particularly stand out? Playing Caracatus Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was fantastic and getting to fly the Chitty car was a really special moment. I also enjoyed playing Fiyero in the Wicked musical where I had an amazing ten months and it was great being part of such a big production. Do you ever get stage fright? If so, how do you deal with it? No I’m lucky as I have never suffered with stage fright! You’ve been in a number of TV shows too? What do you enjoy about your TV work? It’s nice because it’s so different to working on stage. Everything is far more intimate because it’s shot on camera so you almost have to scale your performance down but still maintain the focus. I also enjoy being a part of an ensemble cast and have made some great friends over the years in television.
Lee rose to fame after being selected from 10,000 auditionees on the BBC1 series Any Dream Will Do in 2007. He won the contract for playing Joseph in the West End revival of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and carried out 600 performances. He has also appeared in Legally Blonde, Wicked and The Phantom of the Opera
What acting or singing ambitions do you still have left to fulfil? I would love to be in a four or five-part TV drama or even a film. I would also love to return to the West End in a brand new musical. What will people get from seeing you perform your one-man show at Hever Castle’s Festival Theatre? Some great music, laughter, and an insight into someone who has been fortunate enough to have an amazing career to date. For more information on Lee’s show My Story: A Dream That Became A Reality at The Festival Theatre at Hever Castle visit www.heverfestival-tickets.co.uk
SOCIAL SCENE
VIVA VERDIGRIS Last month hip Tonbridge hangout Verdigris officially launched its Botanist river terrace bar by hosting an exclusive event. Guests enjoyed a sumptuous selection of Botanist gin cocktails including High Balls, Fruit Cups, Martinis and Negronis, all expertly mixed by Head Barman Jim Harrison. Musicians Joe Cox and Josh Roots performed live throughout the evening and canapés were prepared by Verdigris chef Scott Goss.
MAIN ATTRACTION
Pictures by Penny Young
The Spa Hotel hosted a fabulous garden party in order to launch its new Temple – a brand new outdoor entertainment area created by Chilstone and Sandstone design. The hotel’s Managing Director Anthony Scragg welcomed local businesses and friends of the four-star establishment to celebrate the unveiling of this special space, which is ideal for hosting outdoor wedding ceremonies. Chilstone’s Steve Clark gave a speech and guests enjoyed canapés and drinks while Mint DJs provided the musical entertainment.
SO Magazine | July 2019 | 11
Pictures by Georgia Edwards, Louise Roberts, Ania Shrimpton , James Kay
SOCIAL Section SCENE
BLACK MAGIC Over the weekend of June 21-23 nearly 10,000 country music and Americana fans pitched up at Eridge Park to enjoy the second Black Deer Festival. Acts like Band of Horses, The Staves, Kris Kristofferson, Fantastic Negrito, Larkin Poe, The Shires and Billy Bragg all rocked while visitors also enjoyed delicious traditional deep south treats courtesy of the Live Fire cooking and artisan food area. There was also a fantastic kids’ zone where little ones could play instruments and take part in craft activities. Thankfully the sun shone all weekend and organisers Gill Tee and Deb Shilling said: “After all the hard work we put into the debut of Black Deer Festival, we’re delighted that so many could join us for our second year.”
12 | July 2019 | SO Magazine
Event Special
The people and weather were amazing! Everyone was such great fun and there was a great vibe at Dunorlan
Food, glorious A
AND SOME GREAT
fter the huge success of last year’s Pub in the Park at Dunorlan, its mastermind Tom Kerridge clearly can’t wait to come back. The Michelin star chef, TV personality and successful author is positively brimming with excitement as he reminisces about last year’s inaugural event. “Last year you guys in Tunbridge Wells were just the best,” he smiles. “The people and weather were amazing! Everyone was such great fun and there was a great vibe at Dunorlan. The fantastic weather made it special – and the fact it was the first year there. But what I also liked was that everyone knew what Pub in the Park was going to be all about. Everyone grabbed it, got and loved it!” And that is precisely why Tom and his team are really looking forward to returning again this summer over the weekend of July 12 to 14 for lots more servings of gastro
14 | July 2019 | SO Magazine
food, good grooves and everything else in between. Like last year the set-up will be the same: visitors can expect a raft of famous foodie faces including Angela Hartnett, Atul Kochhar and the Tanner brothers – who run The Kentish Hare in Bidborough – all cooking up a storm at their individual pop-up restaurants. There will also be a variety of local artisan food and drink producers present as well as a stellar music line-up over the weekend including the likes of Rick Astley, Soul II Soul Sound System, Basement Jaxx, Will Young and Gabrielle. Pub in the Park began in 2017 in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, where Tom Kerridge runs his two Michelin star pubs, The Hand and Flowers and The Coach. Last year it successfully branched out to three other locations: Knutsford, Bath and Tunbridge Wells, and this year Pub in the Park has also added Chiswick, St Albans, Warwick and Leeds to its touring schedule. But Tom
Event Special
AND THERE’S MORE . . . Pub in the Park isn’t just about gourmet food and seeing bands. Visitors to Dunorlan Park over the weekend of July 12-14 will also have the opportunity to see the awardwinning Trinity Youth Theatre perform a number of productions including their version of Sweeney Todd before they take it on tour to the Edinburgh Fringe in August. They’ll be doing lots of family inspired workshops too, as well as story sessions and singing to visitors on arrival at the gate. They will also be running a number of circus skills classes so there really is something for everyone. “We are delighted to have Trinity Theatre joining us at Pub in the Park as they play such a key part of the Tunbridge Wells community,” says Tom.
s food
The fantastic foodie line-up for the Tunbridge Wells Pub in the Park will include chefs from the following: The Kentish Hare, Bidborough (above) Indian Essence, Petts Wood The Compasses Inn, Canterbury The Sportsman, Seasalter The Hand & Flowers, Marlow Berners Tavern, Fitzrovia The Half Moon, Kidford Café Murano, Covent Garden
Over the weekend of July 12-14 Dunorlan Park will once again be transformed into a ‘gastro and grooves’ wonderland courtesy of Tom Kerridge’s Pub in the Park festival. Eileen Leahy caught up with the Michelin star chef to see what’s cooking for 2019
GROOVES...
says that although it’s doubled the number of Pub in the Park venues it will not be doubling the size of each event or compromising on its quality food and music offering. “Each one will still be the same size because we don’t want it to be packed, we want it to be personal. That was how we found the vibe at each venue last year and that was amazing. I was wandering around seeing people eating loads of food, enjoying the sunshine, having a couple of drinks then watching a band. Now, it really doesn’t get better than that does it?” Will there be any different elements to this year or will it be a case of if it ain’t broke don’t fix it? “Well it’s going to still be the same sort of vibe,” explains Tom. “But there will be different dishes and a different slant to things. Think of it like going to your favourite restaurant and ordering something different from the menu this time. And anyone who went to last year’s events will know that
Tom is totally involved in proceedings. If he’s not cooking up some amazing gastronomic fare from his pubs’ pop-ups he’s doing cookery demos, talking to stall holders or donning a high vis jacket to help keep the traffic flowing. “Yes I am not averse to putting on a high vis if it means I can help out with something,” he chuckles. “Every time we do Pub in the Park we learn from it and ask ourselves how we can do things better. But ultimately if the chefs are all happy then so will everyone else be!” For further information on the Pub in the Park bands playing at Tunbridge Wells visit www.pubintheparkuk.com/tunbridge-wells SO Magazine | July 2019 | 15
MUSIC
Paul Dunton Music Editor Follow Paul @PaulDuntonmusic
KT Tunstall
Paul Dunton reveals why he’s so excited to be part of the Pub in the Park bill for 2019 and who to catch live
GET READY TO
party in the park N
Will Young will be performing on Sunday
Natalie Williams and The Soul Family
16 | July 2019 | SO Magazine
ow in its second year, Tom Kerridge’s ‘good food and grooves’ festival Pub in the Park once again boasts an incredible line-up of internationally renowned chefs and top music stars when it pitches up at Dunorlan Park on the weekend of July 12-14. After last year’s inaugural event which was a huge success, this year’s festival promises to reach even greater heights. The music line-up is quite something with Rick Astley headlining the Friday evening and KT Tunstall also on the bill. Saturday afternoon is headlined by Soul II Soul with Alice Jemima as the main support, while Saturday evening sees Basement Jaxx and Stereo Mcs rocking proceedings. Sunday will be brought to a climactic finish courtesy of Will Young, Gabrielle and The Bluetones who’ll all be taking to the stage after an opening set from the superb Natalie Williams and The Soul Family. But it’s not just world renowned acts
MUSIC
See The Bluetones on Sunday
Rick Astley is headling Friday evening
appearing at this year’s Pub in the Park. I am delighted to announce that three Local & Live acts, all from Tunbridge Wells, have also been chosen to perform at the event. I will be performing with my eponymous orchestra on Friday night before KT Tunstall and Rick Astley, and on Saturday afternoon, local singersongwriter Jack Burns will be on just before Alice Jemima and Soul II Soul. Ramping up the grooves on Saturday night will be popular local four-piece Suncharmer, who headlined the Local & Live music festival professional festival stage in front last year and will be of thousands of people in our opening for Stereo Mcs home town. As an and Basement Jaxx. independent musician Jack Burns told me: myself, I can say that we all “Pub in the Park will be feel very elated and my highest profile gig to fortunate to have been date. I cannot wait to invited to play. These are the Jack Burns share the stage with so type of gigs you dream about many iconic music stars, I have and nothing is more motivating butterflies already!” And then knowing you have a world-class Suncharmer front man Paul Crisp act following your performance. So, commented: “We are so pumped before I head off to rehearse I wanted about playing Pub in the Park! The main to say a huge thank you to Tom stage is incredible and features a worldKerridge and all his team. I think it’s a class line-up so for us to be invited by wonderful thing that local bands and the Local & Live to play is a real honour Local & Live brand will be represented and privilege!” at Pub in the Park. See you there! For all three of our acts it is an incredible opportunity to open for Find out more about the festival such esteemed musicians on a at www.pubintheparkuk.com
Local & Live stars Suncharmer
We are so pumped about playing Pub in the Park! The main stage is incredible and features a worldclass line-up so for us to be invited by Local & Live to play is a real honour and privilege!
FIVE MINUTES WITH MARK MORRISS One of the bands playing at Pub in the Park is The Bluetones, fronted by Tunbridge Wells-based Mark Morriss. We ask him what he’s looking forward to about playing to a home crowd SO MARK, HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH PUB IN THE PARK? In quite a roundabout way, as it happens! My friend and music impresario Paul Dunton had been approached by the Pub in the Park folk to provide some local acts to play on the bill at the Tunbridge Wells event. It turns out that there was still a slot to be filled on some of the other shows too, so Paul very kindly floated the idea of them approaching The Bluetones, and voilà, here we are. It’s safe to say I owe him a drink!
Pub in the Park we’ll have played this year. At this point in time we’ve played two already, one in Marlow and one in Knutsford, with Bath on Sunday June 23.
HAVE YOU PLAYED ANY OF THE PREVIOUS ONES THAT HAVE TAKEN PLACE SO FAR THIS SUMMER? The Tunbridge Wells event will be the fourth
HAVE YOU GOT ANY NEW MATERIAL TO SHOWCASE? Not yet. I’m not sure this would be the right environment. People tend to prefer to hear something a little more familiar at these occasions, so we’ll be toeing the party line – if you pardon the pun.
ARE YOU DOING A BLUETONES GREATEST HITS SET? It’s what I like to call The Bluetones ‘tribute band set’. In other words we’ll be playing all the numbers that a decent tribute act would play: the audience will hear all our big gun hits.
WHO ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING THERE? It’s a shame we’re not playing the Saturday, when Suncharmer and Soul II Soul will be doing their thing. I’d have enjoyed that . . .
SO Magazine | July 2019 | 19
ADVERTORIAL
Expert advice on the treatment of varicose veins
Leading Interventional Radiologist Dr Mo Faris
Do you have bulging or uncomfortable veins that hurt or make you feel embarrassed? Then Bella Vou can help. With a quarter of the UK population suffering from various vein disorders, Bella Vou, Pantiles Clinic in Tunbridge Wells is now offering patients a quick and easy fix to the common problem of varicose veins that can cause pain, bulging veins, spider veins, swelling, swollen legs and skin ulcers. Apart from the uncomfortable side effects, unsightly veins can cause sufferers to lose confidence and self-esteem, but all those problems can go away with a simple one-hour, minimally invasive laser therapy procedure called Endovenous thermal ablation. “There is an initial consultation to review the patient’s symptoms while a colour Doppler ultrasound will be performed to map the cause of the varicose veins and exclude a deep vein thrombosis,” said Dr. Mo Faris, a leading Interventional Radiologist performing cutting edge vascular and minimally invasive interventional radiology procedures who recently joined the team at Bella Vou. “The Endovenous thermal ablation treatment is minimally invasive and highly effective treatment for varicose veins. The method deploys thermal energy to directly close the problematic vein and destroy them from the inside. No surgery is required and the entire procedure can be performed in less than an hour under local anaesthetic at our clinic.” Treating them quickly is imperative and could lead to an early diagnosis of other conditions like fatty liver or thrombosis. They may also be associated with areas of thread veins on the skin. Early symptoms for varicose veins include discomfort, pain, swelling, swollen legs, heaviness, fatigue, burning, throbbing, itching of the skin, skin changes, skin ulcers and cramps.
Looking to talk to an expert about varicose veins before committing? You’re in luck. A free lunch time event for people wishing to learn more about varicose veins or thinking about varicose vein surgery will take place at the Bella Vou Clinic on Thursday 11th July 12.30-1.30pm. “This is an informal drop in event designed to give information about varicose veins, various treatment options and what the current evidence for the various treatments are,” added Dr Faris. “Anyone who suffers from varicose veins and wants to understand more about their condition and what options they have should come along.” For more information call 01892 257357 To register for Varicose Vein lunchtime event email events@bellavou.co.uk Bella Vou, Pantiles Clinic, Market House, 45-47 The Pantiles, Royal, Tunbridge Wells TN2 5TE
The team at Bella Vou
www.bellavou.co.uk 20 | JULY 2019 | SO Magazine
ADVERTISING
22 | july 2019 | SO Magazine
PROFILE
Art Direction: Lee Smith | Photography: Craig Matthews
Fran Boorman is the CEO and Co-Founder of Goal 17, a business that delivers social value in partnership with Premier League football clubs. She also runs one of the fastest growing network marketing businesses and has just been crowned UK Influencer in the Global Woman awards. Here the mother of two tells Eileen Leahy how she keeps all the balls in the air
I’M FOCUSED ON CREATING
meaningful, positive change
ON BEING AN INFLUENCER: I don’t really see myself as a typical influencer. I’m more focused on creating meaningful positive change than gathering followers. My Global Woman nomination symbolises the public’s shift in what they want from influencers. There is a real hunger for better role models for the younger generations of girls to follow; where purpose is more important than just pouty photos and product placements.
How long have you been an entrepreneur and what led you down this path? I started my first business nearly 12 years ago. I was planning to start a family and wanted to find a way that I could work around having children. My first business was an online craft shop, which I left several years after starting. I think I’ve always had the entrepreneurial spirit in my heart and quickly found that I felt comfortable in this space. You’ve used your success to start a number of campaigns like Goal 17. Why is it important to give back? I launched Goal 17 back in September 2018 with former footballer Keith
Mabbutt. He approached me with the concept of helping to get homeless 16 to 24-year-olds off the street and turn their lives around by using the universal power of football. To achieve this we have also been working with the Street Soccer Foundation charity as well as a number of Premier League football clubs. The thing that drives me to do projects like this is the change that I see in others as a result. It’s my responsibility to pass on what I’ve learnt to others so they can follow and hopefully even improve on what I have done. Can you tell us what the Global Woman movement and your win as its UK Influencer is all about?
It is an international organisation that recognises and empowers female change makers across the world. Earlier this year I discovered they had shortlisted me as one of the UK’s top female influencers based on what they had seen in the media, on social platforms and my regular contributions on BBC Radio. It’s a real honour to be recognised by such an influential organisation. I was up against other influencers with millions of followers and in other categories were famous ladies such as Karen Brady, Dua Lipa, Emma Watson and Mary Portas. I now go through to the world final of Global Woman, and luckily it is being held in London at a gala dinner on July 13 which I’ll be attending. SO Magazine | July 2019 | 23
PROFILE
You’ve said that after the gala dinner you’ll sleep rough, what’s the thinking behind that? On the initial Global Woman nomination I wrote a blog post and coined the hashtag #PurposeOverPouts. Evidently people bought into this concept and I received a vast number of public votes which catapulted me into the number one position for Global Woman UK. I am using this as an opportunity to shine a light on all the amazing other women also doing such good work to bring purpose over pouts and to help raise awareness of homelessness. I will be sleeping out at a football stadium and will be joined by lots of other amazing women who are also making an impact through business.
If you want to find vote in the Global Woman final www.votefran.com
You sit on an all-party Parliamentary group for women in enterprise. Why do you specifically want to help other women? Advancing the progress of female entrepreneurship has the opportunity to add £250billion to the UK economy. Not only that, it is my belief that women make a different type of leader, so seeing more women leading the way in enterprise can only be a good thing for economy and society as a whole. We are incredibly focused on helping steer the government to make enterprise more accessible and successful for women across the UK. While we’re seeing better equality
Football has the power to break down barriers and bring people together. I’m a complete lover of the sport
ON BEING A BUSY WORKING SINGLE MOTHER OF TWO:
Like most mums, I don’t get it right all the time but I try my best. All I want is happy, fulfilled children and a loving relationship with them. I’m firm over my working schedule and am available from when I drop the kids at school until I pick them up. After that all messages and meetings go on hold.
What is your favourite place to shop?
WHY I LOVE TUNBRIDGE WELLS Fran Boorman
It’s been very sad over recent years to see the High Street decline. However, I believe this is just part of the town’s natural evolution as we reassess what we want from our town centres. On the flipside, though, the old High Street and The Pantiles offer a really great unique shopping experience.
And to eat out?
We are so lucky to have not only amazing restaurants in town but so many unique and wonderful places to eat in the countryside around us. I’m a big lover of the country pub lunch! Even better if I can
sneaking into economy, the only way we are going to really progress is when women work together and raise each other up. That is what I’m committed to doing. Being based in Tunbridge Wells what would you say are the benefits of being here as opposed to London? For me one of the biggest benefits is having the city less than an hour away but also the beautiful countryside on our doorstep. We are incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by lovely families, great schools and a generally beautiful environment to raise a family. I’ve been based in the town since I left university and I now couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.
tie in with a little hike to build up an appetite.
And for coffee – or cocktails?
I can often be found at Juliets, grabbing a brunch meeting and coffee!
Finally where is the place to go locally in order to get away from it all?
My completely selfishly ‘me’ time is often spent trial running across the amazing countryside that we have surrounding Tunbridge Wells. I’ll try and get away from it all a couple of times a week. We are so fortunate to be surrounded by so much beauty and fresh air!
FOOTBALL FOCUS – HOW GOAL 17 WORKS “The award-winning Goal 17 mentor training programme is unique in its approach and results. It combines theory with hands-on practical learning. Corporate participants are paired with homeless young people using the power of football and the inspiring environment of Premier League football club stadiums to break down barriers and create breakthroughs. This blend of theory and practice accelerates participants’ learning and ensures corporate clients develop a mentoring culture and diversity mindset to transfer back into the workplace. For every corporate trainee that goes on Goal 17 a young person is match-funded through the Street Soccer Foundation academy programme – a type of ‘buy one give one’ set-up. This real life experience of mentoring helps cement all participants’ learning, reduces the gaps in society, shifts mindset and perspectives and creates a lasting change for everybody involved. Until I got involved with this project I wasn’t really a football fan. However having seen the power it has to break down barriers and bring people together I’m now a complete lover of the sport. It doesn’t matter if you’re the CEO of a multibillion-pound turnover company or a homeless person, if we throw you both together in a football stadium you’ll both be equally inspired and able to spark up a conversation and a bit of football banter.”
SO Magazine | July 2019 | 25
ADVERTISING
26 | JULY 2019 | SO Magazine
ADVERTORIAL
Women make it work...
Parfitt Creswell
Name: Theresa Payne Job Title: Senior Partner and Business Owner Tell us about the business and your role... I found myself facing divorce in my late 20s with a seven-year old son and, after some very poor advice and non-existent service from my local solicitor, I became interested in our legal system. So I trained to be a solicitor. By 2007 I bought my own law firm, Parfitt Cresswell and we now have 10 offices across London and the South East. What has been the biggest challenge you have faced over the past 12 months? Juggling priorities – there’s never quite enough time in the day. Letting go - as the business grows I’m having to delegate more and let others take up some of the reins, which is hard when I’ve held so much of it for so long. What gives you the biggest buzz at work? Helping our clients achieve their goals. Seeing the team develop and grow as individuals and in their knowledge and expertise. What do the next 12 months hold for the business? Consolidation of the team from our newest acquisition, Copley Clark, into the firm. Forty people across two offices in Sutton and Banstead are bringing strength and depth to our existing team of specialists.
We talk to some of the area’s leading female entrepreneurs, working in a number of diverse fields, about their ambitions
How do you achieve a healthy work / life balance? It’s always difficult, but it’s hugely important. Family, friends and our dogs and three rescue donkeys help… plus my lovely tortoise, who’s been with me since I was five! Do you have any business regrets? We should never regret the decisions we make, no matter what or where they lead us to in life. As Lewis Carroll said, “In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take, the relationships we were afraid to have, and the decisions we took too long to make.” What attributes do you think are most important to be successful in business? To connect with like-minded, growth orientated, and intentional business owners, managers and entrepreneurs. Describe yourself in one sentence... Entrepreneur, communicator and connector of likeminded growth orientated business owners, whilst on a mission to help as many people as possible navigate the often difficult-tounderstand legal process.
Linda Pope Opticians
Name: Liz King (L) and Hannah Asbury (R) Job Title: Directors Give us a little history... Established in Hawkhurst in 1984, we have been co-directors of our business for the last two years but friends before that for 15 years. What has been the biggest challenge you have faced in the past 12 months? Our second year of ownership has brought its own challenges, including sourcing new and exciting stock for our clients, and striking the right balance between managing staff and being our fun-loving selves. What gives you the biggest buzz at work? When we have sourced a brand new range and our clients love the spectacle frames as much as we do.
What do the next 12 months hold for business? We are planning to have our first Open Day soon. This practice will be stocked with everything a particular brand has to offer, meaning an even greater choice of fabulous frames for our clients. We hope that our clients old and new will be able to join us for some drinks and nibbles too! Do you have any business regrets? We are very lucky to have no real regrets. We are still learning and growing and embracing the challenges that come our way. What attributes do you think are most important to be successful business? To create a fun but professional environment where we try not to take ourselves too seriously. Describe yourselves in one sentence... We truly love what we do and hope that is evident to everyone that walks in through our doors. SO Magazine | JULY 2019 | 27
ADVERTORIAL
Trinity Theatre
Name: Jocelyn Cheek Job Title: Front of House and Visual Arts Manager Tell us about the business and your role within it. I manage the team of over 150 volunteers, events and the community outreach department for Trinty Theatre and Arts. What has been the biggest challenge you have faced over the past 12 months? It’s challenging making tough discussions about what is truly important to us as an organisation but also exciting to see how much potential opportunity there is. What gives you the biggest buzz at work? Seeing people enjoy and engage with something they haven’t before is so exciting. I believe that everyone should have an opportunity to experience the power of the arts, whatever their background. What do the next 12 months hold for the business? In two months’ time we have Artsbox Festival, Trinity’s first fringe festival. The future also holds new things for Tunbridge Wells but I can’t share too many secrets yet! How do you achieve a healthy work / life balance? My days off are sporadic, so I make sure I spend my time off doing activities that truly make me happy. Do you have any business regrets? Learning on the job is the best way to properly gain skills. I wish I had worked it out sooner! What attributes do you think are most important to be successful in business? I think it is vital to be able to step back and observe how people are working. Being able to offer the pastoral and professional support needed means the team will be far more cohesive. Describe yourself in one sentence... I am versatile, quick thinking, resilient and ready to take more risks.
Chatty Hatter
Fiona Penny Bespoke Home Finders
Tell us about your business and your role... I am the founder and Managing Director of Chatty Hatter Media as well as Crazy Jeans Events. We offer a friendly and bespoke PR and Marketing service to clients all over the country.
Tell us about your business and your role within it? For the past 12 years I have worked with many wonderful clients, personally finding each and every one of them their dream home in Kent and East Sussex.
What has been the biggest challenge in the last 12 months? Managing client expectations within their budgets, now squeezed by the uncertain market, is always tough. We are a small team and we always have a new challenge to deal with!
What has been the biggest challenge in the last 12 months? Our access to off-market properties and our local knowledge and relationships has allowed us to continue to find exceptional homes for our clients, despite the uncertainty caused by Brexit.
What gives you the biggest buzz at work? Seeing projects through from start to finish, meeting new people and generating new and exciting projects for them moving forwards.
What gives you the biggest buzz at work? There’s nothing quite like sharing someone’s joy and often their relief, knowing that you are helping them begin a new chapter in their lives.
What do the next 12 months hold for the business? We are looking to work on more local projects as well as expanding throughout the UK. Lots more will be revealed soon!
What do the next 12 months hold for the business? We will continue to explore and build on our social media platforms to get our name out there.
How do you achieve a healthy work / life balance? I hope to improve the balance more in this year and the next, but I’m lucky to have a team who bring lots of yin to my yang.
How do you achieve a healthy work / life balance? You have to appreciate the positives of being the master of your own time and workload, whilst not beating yourself up about the odd times you can’t quite be there for everyone.
Name: Nicole Piesse Turner Job Title: Founder and Managing Director
Do you have any business regrets? I live for the moment and so I have no regrets. Myabe I could plan more, but being master of your own destiny is worth it if you can handle the stress. What attributes do you think are the most important to be successful in business? Honesty, integrity, tenacity, kindness and looking after your team to deliver the best service to our clients. Describe yourself in one sentence... Mad as a hatter, crazy as a box of frogs but with a heart as big as they can get! 28 | JULY 2019 | SO Magazine
Name: Fiona Penny Job Title: Founder and Director
Do you have any business regrets? Honestly, no! I am passionate about what I do so even when work throws you the odd lemon you always learn from it, move on and look forward, never back. What attributes do you think are the most important to be successful in business? Openness, honesty, empathy, trust and respect. Describe yourself in one sentence? I work extremely hard but absolutely love what I do, which makes it very easy to be motivated, enthusiastic and passionate!
ADVERTORIAL
Buss Murton
Name: Melanie den Brinker Job Title: Partner, Consultant Barrister Tell us about the business and your role... I am a consultant barrister and head of the family team at Buss Murton Law. What gives you the biggest buzz at work? Helping a client emerge from a divorce or separation so that they can face the next stage in their life in the strongest possible position financially as well as emotionally. I try to deal with cases collaboratively, discussing and resolving the arrangements in a constructive and non-confrontational way. This allows us to help clients resolve their issues without spending their precious resources on long drawn out, bitter court battles. How do you achieve a healthy work / life balance? I am fortunate to have flexibility over my working hours, so unless I have an early meeting, I walk my dog before coming into the office and then tend to work late, as it’s amazing how much more you can achieve once everyone has gone home! Do you have any business regrets? Again, I’m really lucky as I practised as a family law barrister in London for 10 years before I had children and moved to East Sussex. I then had an 8-year complete break before coming to Buss Murton, so I can honestly say that I have no regrets at all (unless not becoming a zoo keeper counts!). What attributes do you think are most important to be successful in business? As well as being technically a good lawyer, it’s really important to be patient and remember that although we see divorce every day, for someone going through it, it can be overwhelming and frightening. We try to make it easier by offering a free initial half hour meeting, so people can come along to meet us and have a chat about their concerns and obtain some information about what to expect.
Maddisons Residential
Hollie’s Little Cakery
Tell us about the business and your role... I am the founder and Managing Partner of Maddisons Residential, a residential sales and lettings agent, based in Tunbridge Wells.
Tell us about the business and your role... We make bespoke cakes for weddings and special occasions.
Name: Deborah Richards Job Title: Founder and Managing Partner
What has been the biggest challenge in the past 12 months? Brexit is making the market challenging, but I like a hard market. You have to be one step ahead of your competition and demonstrate that you can get the job done. What gives you the biggest buzz at work? Handing the keys over at completion! It’s always a very happy experience, which we love to share. What do the next 12 months hold for the business? Eighteen months ago we branched into residential lettings and have just launched our Land and New Homes division. How do you achieve a healthy work / life balance? I prioritise making my clients feel like they are the only sale that I am handling, and you learn when to stop at the end of each day. Do you have any business regrets? Simply that I did not start this sooner! I simply wish I had spent longer in life doing what I love. What attributes do you think are most important to be successful in business? Dogged determination, hard work and a total belief in what you are trying to achieve. Describe yourself in one sentence... A hard working woman who loves her family and her work, and who had an idea that selling houses could be different, and so has worked tirelessly to deliver that vision.
Name: Hollie O’Callaghan Job Title: Founder, Director, Cheif Baker and Decorator
What has been the biggest challenge you have faced over the past 12 months? Starting the new shop in The Pantiles has 100% been the hardest challenge this year and to date. It’s been a massive jump, but a perfect location for our base. What gives you the biggest buzz at work? Seeing the reaction of our wedding couples and clients when they see their creation for the very first time. We get to create so many memories for so many wonderful events. What do the next 12 months hold for the business? We are focusing on teaching and our larger wedding cakes. We are also launching a brand new ‘ready to order’ range very soon. How do you achieve a healthy work / life balance? To be honest I am still working on that! Do you have any business regrets? Never! Anything that hasn’t gone to plan has only ever taught me lessons. Tough challenges mean growth both for the business and also me personally. What attributes do you think are most important to be successful in business? I think you have to be determined for sure! Without both determination to succeed and the passion for your service or product, you’ll never get off the starting line. Describe yourself in one sentence…. A huge dreamer with a love for all things business and of course for cake! SO Magazine | JULY 2019 | 29
ADVERTORIAL Section
Kitch
Name: Charlotte Newman Job Title: Owner Tell us about the business and your role... Kitch is a designer fashion lifestyle boutique which I own. I do all the buying and although I have a great team, I’m very hands on and love to be on the shop floor selling when I’m not buying or in the office. What gives you the biggest buzz at work? I’m a people person and the biggest buzz I get is being on the shop floor styling customers and helping them find the perfect outfit for that occasion. What do the next 12 months hold for the business? My priority is sourcing new ranges from the US and I have a great team who I trust to help drive the business in my abscence. I also have some exciting business opportunities coming up so watch this space. How do you achieve a healthy work / life balance? That’s a tricky one - I don’t! I like to know what’s going on every day and wherever I am I’m constantly scouting out new brands, be it on a beach or a ski slope, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Do you have any business regrets? Life is too short for regrets. I’ve made lots of mistakes along the way but that it is all part of the learning isn’t it? What attributes do you think are most important to be successful in business? To have a succesful business you must have excellent communication skills in order to motivate your employees and sell to your customers. Describe yourself in one sentence... I don’t take myself too seriously but I’m a sociable, loyal person who’s passionate and driven about my business.
Belvoir
Loch Associates
Tell us about the business and your role... Belvoir is a Letting & Sales Agency which I bought from the previous owner around two years ago. We are a small agency and provide a very personal service to all our clients with a focus on great communication.
Tell us about the business and your role within it... I have two roles. I am the Managing Director of Loch Associates Group which was founded by me in 2007 and consists of Loch Employment Law, HR Advise Me, Loch Health and Loch Mediation. We aim to provide a range of innovative solutions to help businesses manage and look after their people. I am also an employment solicitor, so I am often advising clients on employment law and HR issues on a day-to-day basis too.
Name: Natalie Boardman Job Title: Manging Director
What has been the biggest challenge you have faced over the past 12 months? Dealing with the increasing and changing regulation that impacts the property industry, particularly on the lettings side. We are finding some landlords who manage their own properties deciding that now is the time to enlist the help of a property professional. What gives you the biggest buzz at work? Finding great tenants for landlords and of course great properties for tenants. Long-term tenants are sought after as they will treat a home as their own and it’s lovely when you can find an ideal property for a tenant. What do the next 12 months hold for the business? It is becoming more important to harness technology and to streamline processes and I am keen to explore without losing the personal touch which people so value. How do you achieve a healthy work / life balance? I take Wednesdays off to spend time with my young daughter and my husband looks after her when I am working on Saturdays. What attributes do you think are most important to be successful in business? Determination, passion and resilience. Describe yourself in one sentence... Passionate about property! 30 | JULY 2019 | SO Magazine
Name: Pam Loch Job Title: Managing Director
What gives you the biggest buzz at work? Finding creative solutions to issues or problems at work is what I enjoy. One example is our HR Medical Specialist service helping clients effectively manage absences and another is our Signposting Service to support mental health first aiders. What do the next 12 months hold for the business? We are growing both in the range of services we offer and the size of our team and hope to continue doing so in our various locations. We have just taken on more space to provide our own dedicated training facility in the heart of Tunbridge Wells, and we hope local businesses will come along to our training and other events we host there. How do you achieve a healthy work / life balance? I take my Spanish Water dog, Ellie to work and she is good at encouraging me to take a break for a walk during the day! I think exercise is important and so aside from walking the dog I spend time working out. I also find time to socialise with my family and friends. What attributes do you think are most important to be successful in business? I think being realistic, positive and decisive at work, as well as being seen to be leading the team are all important attributes. At the same time though I do think it’s important to have fun at work too!
FASHION
WHITE TRAINERS The white trainer trend is still with us – and for good reason. Not only can you wear them with pretty much any outfit imaginable, they also add a level of comfort. Plus, you can wear them to and from the airport so you don’t have to squeeze them into your suitcase! Great for city breaks if you’re likely to be doing a lot of walking but want to still stay on-trend. If you buy one thing this summer, make it white trainers. Collection trainer, £45, Marks & Spencer (www.marksandspencer.com)
A CAMI DRESS One of the keys to packing effectively,is making sure the items you take are versatile and work hard for you – and the cami dress is a great example. Wear on its own for an evening look, pop a plain crew neck T-shirt underneath for a more casual daytime vibe, or throw a jumper or oversized top over and voilà – you have a skirt! When it comes to length, opt for whatever you feel most comfortable in. Floral frill dress, £45, Oasis (www.oasis-stores.com)
A PLAIN T-SHIRT This may not sound like the most exciting item you’ll buy this summer but trust me, it’ll be one of your best investments. A lot of people tend to buy the bright, patterned tops but then struggle to make them work with their wardrobe. Keep your top half fairly simple, then choose bolder, brighter prints for skirts, shorts and trousers. There are plenty of textures and fabrics. Opt for broderie anglaise or a peplum style to keep things interesting. Cotton slub tee, £27, Hush (www.hush-uk.com) A HEADBAND Fabric headbands and scarves are big news – and they’re a holiday essential. They instantly lift an outfit and give it a cool twist, and they are also a great alternative to a hat, which be cumbersome and quite often end up squashed. Palm print headband, £9, Accessorize (www.accessorize.com)
PLATFORM SANDALS When the 90s fashion revival began I was sceptical – but not when it comes to platform shoes. Choosing shoes to take away is always tricky but these are comfortable, they work with the clothes you’re bringing – and they don’t take up all the room and weight allowance in your case. Plus they make your legs look a little longer. Lilybeth stacked wedge sandals, £75, Dune London (www.dunelondon.com)
Travel in style A KIMONO A kimono is a holiday must because it’s one of the most versatile pieces you can pack. Not only are they extremely lightweight, which is great for packing in the suitcase, they can also be worn for so many different occasions while you’re away. Use it as a beach cover-up, layer over a maxi dress in the evenings instead of a jacket, team with T-shirts and shorts for a stylish daytime look. These are a great investment, and this year there’s some gorgeous patterns in the shops. Osterly satin back kimono, £65, Laura Ashley (www. lauraashley.com)
Hand-luggage only? No problem! Charlie Bond gives the lowdown on the key items you’ll need to be squeezing into your suitcases this summer... A SWIMSUIT Swimsuits are not just for wearing at the beach and the pool. Body suits are everywhere right now but if you’re savvy about your swimwear you can double up and use a swimsuit in place of a vest or cami top. Choose a simple design, like one bold colour or a subtle print, and it’ll work under shorts and skirts without looking like it belongs on a lilo. Black gold circle swimsuit, £35, Miss Selfridge (www.missselfridge.com)
I
’ll confess – I hate packing. Although I’ve got the folding and rolling down to a fine art (eat your heart out Marie Kondo), it’s the luggage limitations that stress me out. Nowadays so many people opt for carry-on cases only, which is great – until you realise just how many items you need to cram in. But, there are also lots of pieces you can pack which double or triple up, and so many versatile items that won’t make you feel like your holiday wardrobe is restricted at all, even if you are on a 10kg limit. Here, I’ve put together a guide to those must-pack pieces, which will work for beach breaks, sightseeing city escapes and all kinds of summer trips. And, saving you space in your case means there’s more room for duty free Toblerones. You’re welcome!
Charlie Bond Fashion Contributer Follow Charlie @Girlaboutkent SO Magazine | July 2019 | 33
ADVERTISING
34 | july 2019 | SO Magazine
BEAUTY
Hair hero First Class charcoal detox dry shampoo, £23 Especially handy for those of you heading off camping or to festivals this summer, this is a dry shampoo with a difference – and you’re going to want to have one with you ready to instantly refresh your locks. But, what’s so special about it? Well, charcoal powder lifts dirt and build up while absorbing oil and sweat, and white tea powder soothes scalp and strengthens hair follicles.Yes the ingredients sound like something you’d buy from a health food café to put in a smoothie, but trust me when I say this will be your summer hair saviour. www.spacenk.com
The eyes have it Luxe Waterproof Mascara, £18 There are few things more annoying on holiday than taking a dip in the pool, only to discover your mascara is now running down your face. A lot of waterproof mascaras can be long-lasting but don’t always deliver great results when it comes to maximizing lash length or giving volume…but Ariane Poole’s latest offering does just that. It gives a great faux lash effect, stays put in water and even has strengthening properties to condition and protect your lashes. If you’re in the market for a great new mascara to see you through the summer then we’d highly recommend this one. www.arianepool.com
A clean sweep Travel spray, £20 for 10ml We’ve long-adored Clean Reserve’s sumptuous scents, so it’s pretty exciting that they now come in 10ml travel-sized sprays so that you can take your favourite fragrances away with you. They’re unisex too, so if you’re feeling really nice you can share. Our top pick for a summer scent is the Rain eau de parfum, which smells like cucumber, water lily and rainforests. It’s fresh, summery and ideal for warm holiday days and nights. www.spacenk.com
GO ON A The cream of the crop Youth Renew Tinted Cream, £50.50 for 30ml Not only is this cream from Pevonia the ideal size to pop in your hand luggage at a handy 30ml, it’s also a multitude of products in one. It’s SPF 30 so provides UVA and UVB protection, hydrates, contains anti-ageing properties like collagen and Vitamin C and even has a tint to give a flawless look. Basically other than pack your suitcase for you, there’s not much this super cream can’t do. A multi-tasking holiday must-have. www.pevonia.co.uk
Nail your look Nail polish, £10 Haven’t had the chance to get a manicure before you jet off on your holidays? Try Peacci’s new nail polishes instead. They have the same great shine and long-lasting power as regular gel but without the need for curing lamps and tricky removals. Vegan and crueltyfree, these polishes launch this month and come in a great range of chic colours. We predict at just £10 a pop they’ll be big sellers, so make sure you stock up ready for your next adventure! www.peacci.com
mini adventure Charlie Bond suggests some clever products to take away with you this summer which will multitask to the max – and get you round those pesky 100ml security restrictions Stick with this Nudies matte all over colour stick, £28 Don’t lose precious packing space taking eyeshadows, lipsticks, bronzers and blushers, this stick does it all – and it even comes in a stylish tin to transport it in too! The colour effortlessly blends into skin, creating a gorgeous sunkissed look. It’s the ideal holiday product because it’s so versatile (so there’s more room in your case for shoes!) and if that wasn’t enough, it’s vegan and cruelty free too. www.cultbeauty.co.uk
W
hen it comes to taking beauty products on holiday, it can be a bit of a minefield. If you’re not putting a suitcase in the hold then you face the tricky challenge of trying to pack products that are no more than 100ml – and that have to fit in one teeny plastic bag. The result? It means you end up having to leave your favourite products at home or you’ll
struggle to work out what you really need for your trip and so end up taking the wrong things. This summer, it’s time to keep things simple. So we’ve rounded up the best multi-tasking and mini products on the market to help you minimise your make-up bag. There’ll be no need to panic at airport security – with these you’ll have no trouble fitting everything in with ease.
Charlie Bond Fashion Contributer Follow Charlie @Girlaboutkent SO Magazine | July 2019 | 35
BEAUTY
Jordan Green is the manager at One Warwick Park’s Coco Blush. We asked her to tell us about the spa’s USP
five-star spa TREATMENT ENJOY SOME
Our Temple Spa massages are the most popular treatment, especially the ‘Work It Out’ one which is available in 30, 60 or 90-minute appointments. It is a deep tissue and invigorating massage. Waxing is also always very popular as we use the brand Lycon. It is known for being a 50 per cent more comfortable removal than other waxes
I have been in the beauty industry for over 11 years, working for various salons, spas and five-star hotels. I love working within a hotel environment, it is always fast-paced and clients are coming for ultimate relaxation
Jordan Green
As spa manager I have a very dynamic role: I never have a repetitive day, which keeps me on my toes! I am a hands-on manager so I do offer appointments with myself. I’ve always specialised in massages and facials in all my previous roles. I’ve been at Coco Blush since the beginning of April and work very closely with One Warwick Park hotel, which we are affiliated to, in order to deliver a five-star service to all of our clients. I’m also involved in expanding the spa, recruitment, training and marketing. Coco Blush has been in Tunbridge Wells for nearly 10 years. It joined forces with One Warwick Park hotel in November last year and since then the salon has continually expanded. We now have five beautiful treatment rooms and a sixth room which has been remodelled into a relaxation room. We offer everything from spa treatments to monthly maintenance treatments, including shellac nails, eyelash extensions and waxing. The main brand we use at Coco Blush is Temple Spa: a luxury beauty line found only in Harrods and other selected top hotels. We use it
for our facials, massages and body treatments. All of our reed diffusers and candles are also Temple Spa. We have a Coco Blush and Temple Spa signature treatment called ‘Soul Retreat’. This is the perfect treatment to give as a gift. During the one-hour session feet are soaked, exfoliated and massaged.You then receive a back massage, finishing with a nourishing face mask.This is followed by a scalp massage. After all treatments clients can extend their journey by going downstairs to our beautiful relaxation room. The majority of our business comes from our lovely regular clients. We are currently expanding our team to grow with the demands of the hotel. One Warwick Park hotel is always busy and we would love to be able to enhance their guests’ experience. The Coco Blush experience is a personalised one with a focus on attention to detail. We want our clients to feel truly pampered no matter how big or small their appointment time is. “We understand that the demands of the client are changing a lot so we are always adding to our menu of treatments. Since my arrival we have added Sienna X spray tans, HD brows and have two new eyelash treatments.” SO Magazine | July 2019 | 37
MEET THE BAR OWNERS WHO ARE HITTING ALL THE
s e t o n t h rig
Chris Gane (left) and Alex Macnutt
This month The Common Rooms on Mount Ephraim celebrates its first birthday. Owners Chris Gane and Alex Macnutt tell us how they’ve created one of Tunbridge Wells’ hippest hangouts So Chris and Alex, how did you come to start working together managing The Common Rooms? We were neighbours and both working in media. Chris runs a film production company creating TV adverts and digital brand films called VINCE and Alex owns a music consultancy business providing playlists and compilations for major record labels such as the Ministry of Sound, Universal and Sony. Having worked on a couple of music TV
commercials together for Northern Soul and Trip Hop albums, we started sharing an office space and then began to discuss new ventures. How and why did you come up with the idea of running a bar together? Alex’s business evolved into providing playlists for bars and boutique hotels. Over a couple – OK, more than a couple – of G&Ts in Chapel Place, we realised there might be a gap in the market for a
London/Brighton style bar in Tunbridge Wells with music as its core offering. Convinced after several research-based cocktail trips to Shoreditch and other spots, we decided to commit to finding a premises locally. Did you find it difficult to transfer this initial idea into a reality? In a word yes! Although we’d both run companies in the past, the hospitality industry was completely SO Magazine | July 2019 | 39
Art Direction: Lee Smith | Photography: Craig Matthews
FOOD & DRINK
Food & Drink
the back bar display of premium spirits. Alex is eternally grateful that he didn’t sell off his vinyl collection amassed over 30 years (and his wife is equally delighted that it’s now out of the house!)
new to us. We knew how important it was to find a great location and in reality, after seeing several options, we doggedly stuck to our number one choice. It took around 18 months to secure with all the legalities involved. It was a pretty stressful time but we both have super supportive partners, Clare and Heather, who have helped bring the vision for the bar to life. What were your key aims starting out? To create something different, to base the concept around quality music, drinks and service and ultimately to deliver a unique social space for people to hang out in. Do you think you’ve delivered on them? From the feedback we receive we believe we have so far, but we are always looking to improve any and all aspects of what we offer, as any successful small business would. It also helps that we’ve managed to get the most fantastic staff on board who genuinely love working at the Common Rooms. This totally comes across 100 per cent to our customers and we really can’t thank the staff enough for being fully committed to the business. Tell us a bit about the ‘Decks and DJ’ element to The Common Rooms? Music from vinyl is a central part of our offering. Indeed, the two Technics decks are placed directly in the front window on the bar where they take pride of place alongside
Are you the only place to be doing this in TW? We have been very clear from the start that we needed to create a standalone vibe by using music as a driver. We play disco, funk, soul, Balearic and re-edits, as do all our DJs. But whilst we very much enjoy offering something new and different, we are very much part of the vibrant night-time economy in Tunbridge Wells.
THE COMMON ROOMS EXPERIENCE IN THREE WORDS:
Vinyl. View. Vibe.
And what about the cool music and media items you have around the place? There is a lot of ‘us’ in the bar. Various film and music related prints and items are put on the walls featuring artists such as Moby, Paul Weller, Amy Winehouse, Lemon Jelly, a massive print of Blondie and even a picture of Elton John and Rod Stewart in the bath together. People also comment on the limited edition framed retro toys from Star Wars to James Bond which are made by Chris’s friend Simon – dawsonframes, do check him out on Instagram – which are also available to purchase. What are your plans for the rest of 2019 and beyond? It’s our first birthday on July 13, which we are celebrating across that weekend with a selection of sets from top vinyl DJs who are all local and play regularly with us. We’ve also just picked up the Best Bar In Kent Muddy Stiletto award after only being open for 10 months and are No 1 on TripAdvisor for the area so It’s been a pretty crazy first year! All in all we are really looking forward to the next year and beyond to build on what we have achieved thus far.
A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS: You’ve created a number of original signature creations, what’s the most popular?
People love the Sofia Royale, Prosecco with St Germain elderflower liqueur and a splash of gin. We created it for International Women’s Day in honour of Sofia Coppola and it’s been so popular we never took it off the menu.
And your best-selling classic cocktail?
It’s a Bramble, which is made from Plymouth Gin, fresh lemon juice and blackcurrant liqueur.
Tell us about your theme nights?
We’ve been doing Seven Inch
Sundays where people bring their old singles in (by prior arrangement) and we also have had disco marathons plus Northern Soul pop-ups. We are open ‘til midnight Thursday to Saturday and always have DJs on. Thursdays is our new focus to offer something different to the jazz night on The Pantiles. Please keep checking our social media for more details.
Over to you guys for the last word...
We are very grateful to our regular customers who keep coming back – and to anyone that hasn’t been yet, please feel free to try us out. Being from Tunbridge Wells makes us even more proud of what we achieved thus far and it’s great to see all our hard work and long hours paying off!
WHAT’S YOUR USP FOR THE DISCERNING DRINKERS OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS? We make cool and unpretentious cocktails in a beautiful location with an amazing soundtrack.
HOW DID YOU SETTLE ON THE COMMON ROOMS NAME?
It was the brainwave of Alex’s wife, Clare. Obviously it was perfect with the bar overlooking The Common but also the name strikes a chord harking back to university and college days. It’s also the idea of a social space for like-minded people to come together and relax in. SO Magazine | July 2019 | 41
Food & Drink
DINING OUT
Richard Williams experiences a taste of Latin American cuisine in a quiet corner of Tunbridge Wells
DOWN The lowdown The Mexican Kitchen on Castle Street straddles both London Road and the High Street in Tunbridge Wells, making its central location ideal for either a quick lunch or relaxed dinner. While Tex Mex and other variations of Mexican cuisine are readily available in the area, owners Jamie Tsui and Fiona Berg want to offer an authentic Central American dining experience. First impressions Stepping inside the Mexican Kitchen early one Thursday evening, the bright and colourful restaurant offers an informal, relaxed atmosphere. There’s a clever use of green and red accessories dotted about in a nod to the Mexican flag, and an even cleverer use of mirrors which gives a real sense of space, making the relatively small space feel roomy. It’s ideal for a fun lunch with friends but there are a few intimate corners for those coming for a romantic dinner too. Upstairs there’s a private room which is ideal for functions or a work do. Thursday night is an ideal night to go along because the restaurant offers a buy one, get one half-price deal on its fajitas. Not only was this a pleasant surprise for us as diners but when we walked in we were also treated to the mouth-watering aromas coming from the sizzling skillet.
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Mexico way...
Under starters orders There’s a friendly, welcoming atmosphere here and the staff are attentive. After a quick selfie in a sombrero to get into the swing of things, my guest ordered a Marguerita and I went for a bottle of native Mexican Corona which we enjoyed while we perused the Central American delights on the menu. Starters range from taquitos (crispy rolled tortillas) topped with avocado, sour cream, cheese and a choice of chicken (£7.75) or sweet potato and feta (£6.95). Then there’s empanadas – fired pastry filled with either vegan cheese and refried beans (£6.95), or chicken, cheese or chorizo (£7.95). Or you can go for baby calamari (£6.95) and jalapeno peppers stuffed with cheese (£6.95). We enjoyed the garlic prawns (£7.95), fried in olive oil and chilli and served on a bed of sliced garlic, beautifully presented and wonderfully succulent and spicy, served with floury tortillas. The quesadilla, a folded tortilla with a choice of fillings, which in our case was the chorizo (£6.95), would have made a good lunch just on its own, especially as there was large variety of nibbles, nachos and dips on the menu too.
marinated pork shoulder (£7.25), slow cooked brisket (£7.95), chicken (£6.75) and pulled jackfruit cooked in paprika as a veggie option (£5.95). The enchiladas (filled tortilla) have a similar range of fillings (£10.95-£12.50), as do the burritos (£10.95-£13.95). And there is a choice of burgers (beef, veg, chicken or jackfruit, £10.95-£13.95), chilli dogs (£10.75) and steaks (£17.95) for perhaps the less adventurous. Being fajitas night, it would have been rude not to have indulged, and our rump steak fajitas (£17.95) arrived as a sizzling platter of beautifully cooked meat, served with an assortment of peppers, mushrooms, onions and a good selection of dips. It was a big enough meal for two, let alone one. My guest ordered the chilli beef (£14.95) which was well presented in its own ceramic pot, served with rice, tortilla chips and an accompaniment of black beans and sour cream. This was not your typical minced beef chilli, but made with succulent slow-cooked
brisket with a subtle chilli spicing. We never quite made the pudding menu, since there was nowhere either of us could have put it! One thing the Mexican Kitchen does not scrimp on is portion size.
Mexican Kitchen’s USP Most people will have tasted Mexican before, and even assembled their own fajitas at home, but the real thing is something else. Whatever your expectations of what a chilli or a burrito should be like should be left at the door. The authentic flavourings and combinations of the real Mexico are a world away from the packets of faux Tex Mex which are all too often offered out as Mexican cuisine. The restaurant also caters for the takeaway and delivery market, offering Deliveroo for the people of Tunbridge Wells. But if you want my advice, you’ll make a reservation for lunch or dinner and enjoy a real taste of Mexico in comfortable and welcoming surroundings.
OWNERS Jamie Tsui and Fiona Berg
The main event Mains here are just as plentiful. There’s a choice of tacos, with fillings including SO Magazine | JULY 2019 | 42
FOOD Section & DRINK
CELEBRATING
Camden Road’s Professional photographer Steve Fuller usually takes wedding and portrait pictures but lately he’s been inspired by the diverse and creative mix of businesses that populate Camden Road. Here he explains more about why he decided to capture the characters of this unique street…
foodies Illustration by Elaine Gill • www.elainegill.co.uk
C
amden Road in my lovely home town of Tunbridge Wells is a place that is definitely worth exploring if you’re not already familiar with it. As a Tunbridge Wells-based photographer I wanted to create a little personal project about this unique road so I set about taking pictures of its many residents and sharing their personal stories with a wider audience. Camden Road is pretty special in that you will find a veritable treasure trove of independent shops, run by some of the most dedicated and hard-working folk around. Friends of mine own and run their own stores, and so I hear first-hand about the sheer graft that goes into making a business successful.
As I know all too well, being selfemployed is both incredibly rewarding and lots of hard work, but when you factor in elements like leasing a shop, big outgoings like business rates, paying staff and all the other things that go into a venture before you actually make a profit, then you begin to get an idea of what lengths owners go to in pursuing their dream. Each store in Camden Road is distinctively different and has always interested me, so I’ve been planning this project for a while now. I wanted to choose a handful of stores at random and to shoot a single portrait of the characters who run them, whilst also discovering their personal story and the journey they’re currently on . . .
LOCALITY Something that is a rare sight in a modern high street these days is a quality greengrocer, so when Locality started up six years ago by the folk at Dowingbury Farm it was a welcome addition to Camden Road. Niall Clarke (pictured) started here 18 months ago and filled me in on the original
ethos when Locality started up, which was primarily to source all their produce from Kent and Sussex – and they still do it today. A 3am visit three times a week to New Covent Garden market is the norm in order to ensure the shop stocks the best fresh produce and minimum wastage. www.localitytwells.co.uk
GUSTA GUYS: Ami (left) and Lelio
GUSTA Plenty of coffee places adorn every town I visit, but strangely very few get it right. These boys, Lelio and Ami, get it right. Their café Gusta has been running now for four and a half years and Ami started it up originally with Leilo’s brother Mirlo. The boys originally trained as
baristas in their home town of Naples and now they bring their great culinary skills to Camden Road. It’s always great to see friends running a successful business together. Visitors will always be sure of a happy welcome and a superb cup of coffee! www.gusta.org.uk
GET YOUR FIVE A DAY Locality’s Niall Clarke
For more Camden Road Stories see Steve Fuller’s website www.stevefullerphoto.com Steve Fuller also shoots children’s fine art portraiture and natural family photography which can be seen over on his other site www.gingercatstudios.co.uk
SO Magazine | July 2019 | 43
ADVERTISING
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YOUR SUMMER
Six long weeks of school holidays can prove to be quite tricky, which is why we’ve put together this special SO summer guide. As well as lots of fun entertainment ideas we’ve also included suggestions on where to go locally and a little further afield. . .
survival guide
DAY TRIPPERS
Where to go this summer for the best days out
HISTORY LESSONS We round up the area’s top places of interest
COME RAIN OR SHINE Ideas for venues to visit whatever the weather
SO Magazine | July 2019 | 45
ADVERTISING
46 | july 2019 | SO Magazine
SUMMER SURVIVAL GUIDE
TM ACTIVE
M
ake 2019 a summer to remember at tmactive’s leisure centres. We’ve got a list of must-do activities to help make it happen! Juniors can go on a Day Camp Adventure, Start Diving, tackle a new sport, give golf a go, become a mermaid or shark for the morning, get EXCEL gym fit and much, much more. Both Larkfield Leisure Centre and Tonbridge Swimming Pool are organising a spectacular Summer Swim Programme. As well as our Group Intensive Swimming Courses, 1-2-1, 1-2-2, popular Swim Like a Shark/Mermaid sessions and Disney-inspired Family Fun Swims, we are also introducing Start Diving, Syncronised Swimming, Undersea Explorers Snorkelling, in association with Kent Wildlife Trust, and Aqua Quidditch. The Angel Centre is running a range of two-hour Drop Ins for those aged 5 to 12 years. Choose from Roller Fun, Active Sessions, Mixed Games and Football. For the perfect summer day
out, visit Tonbridge Outdoor Pool with its interactive water arch and beach area. Enjoy a splashing time and then head for the Games Hut, just a short walk away, for a game of mini golf, tennis or bowls. To help you take full advantage of the summer holiday, our leisure centres offer a three-month KickStart Membership for children aged 10 and under. Membership gives unlimited access to a wide range of activities and facilities – that includes the pools at Larkfield Leisure Centre and Tonbridge Swimming Pool, Larkabout, selected Holiday Programme activities, plus unlimited mini golf at Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground. You can sign up to our Holiday Programme emailing list online or by phone. Simply give us your email address and we will send you copies of each programme as soon as they become available. Anyone signing up online will receive a £8 Family Swim Voucher. www.tmactive.co.uk 01732 367449 Castle St, Tonbridge TN9 1HR
SMALLHYTHE PLACE
S
urrounded by blossoming gardens and shrouded in theatrical history, Smallhythe Place is the former home to Victorian actress Dame Ellen Terry. This July watch a performance of ‘Twelfth Night’ in the unique 17th-century Barn Theatre nestled in the grounds, or enjoy a long summer evening and picnic with ‘The Winter’s Tale’ performed in the open air. Discover new exhibitions celebrating the 90th anniversary of the creation of the Museum and its 80th birthday with the National Trust, relax with Tai Chi in the gardens or get creative with kids’ crafts activities. Bring the family together this season, there’s something for everyone. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/smallhythe-place 01580 762334, Smallhythe Rd, Tenterden TN30 7NG
SO Magazine | July 2019 | 47
SUMMER SURVIVAL GUIDE
DRUSILLAS
MANIC MONSTERS
M
anic Monsters is a soft play centre just 25 minutes from Tunbridge Wells. It has a play frame for babies and toddlers up to the age of 5, and a larger frame for children up to 12, although supervising adults always seem to have a good time too! As well as the climbing and slides there are two cart tracks, a football pitch and a separate ‘Lazer Tag’ frame. Come on the day for a session or arrange a
48 | July 2019 | SO Magazine
party booking in advance. Manic Monsters serves delicious home-made food, staple favourites and indulgent cakes, really great coffee, and provides a great format for a family day out. Adjacent to Manic is Monty’s Day Care, Edenbridge’s best all-day nursery. www.manicmonsters.co.uk 01732 866115 The Gardiner Business Park/Little Browns Lane, Edenbridge TN8 6LH
S
ummer is well under way, so get ready to spend those sunshine days relaxing at Drusillas Park in Alfriston. Drusillas is bursting with children’s characters this summer! Come and meet all your TV heroes including Kung Fu Panda, Hey Duggee, Paw Patrol, Peppa Pig, PJ Masks, Paddington Bear, Ben & Holly and more! See the Drusillas website for details. Why not make the most of the sunshine and bring your swimming costume down to Drusillas? Sit back and relax as your little
monkeys play on the Get Wet! splash pad. Don’t miss Drusillas’ brand new Rainforest Carousel! There’s more than 30 amazing animals to choose between, including jaguars, river dolphins and toucans. Plus there’s all the usual animal magic, oodles of adventure play, Go Safari! rides and a Hello Kitty Secret Garden. www.drusillas.co.uk 01323 874100 Alfriston Road, East Sussex BN26 5 QS
SUMMER SURVIVAL GUIDE
HEVER CASTLE
V
isit Hever Castle and Gardens this summer to enjoy an entertaining programme of events set amidst award-winning gardens. The annual Jousting tournament takes place on July 13-14, 20-21 and 27-28 and August 10-11, 17-18 and 23-26. Kids can experience what it was like to grow up and serve in a royal household in medieval times during Knights & Princesses School (from July 24). New for 2019 is Once Upon a Castle. Help
locate a new shield for Flame the dragon and the Princess’s missing cat (July 27-28). Enjoy pooch themed activities with Castle Canines (August 3-4). Jousting finishes over the August Bank Holiday weekend, where visitors can also discover different eras with Journey Through History, featuring encampments, re-enactments and stalls and demonstrations. hevercastle.co.uk | 01732 865224 Hever Road, Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NG
ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE
P
eppa Pig, along with Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig and George, visit the Assembly Hall Theatre for Peppa Pig: My First Concert – a fun, interactive introduction to a live orchestra for ages 18 months and older. Peppa and George learn all about the different sounds that instruments make together and enjoy some of their favourite
music from the show played by an orchestra, as well as discovering some other exciting orchestral pieces perfect for children. Little piggies can join in with Peppa and her family, and make music of their own! www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk 01892 530613 Crescent Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2LU
SO Magazine | July 2019 | 49
Summer Survival guide
BEWL WATER AQUA PARK
B
ewl Water’s new Aqua Park is open seven days a week, and you can explore the giant course, beat all of the obstacles, challenge your friends and family and watch them wipe out! The 1500 square metres of inflatable fun consists of an XXL action tower bridge, flip mattress, cliff, monkey bars, aqua slide, dome, roundabout, halfpipe, hurdles and lots more! Bewl has a host of other activities available
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on and off the water including fishing, children’s activity summer camps and parties, cycling and sailing. There’s also plenty of food and drink options courtesy of the Waterfront Café and Boat House Bistro on the water’s edge. www.bewlwateraqaupark.co.uk 01892 890000 Belwbridge Lane, Tunbridge Wells TN3 8JH
PIED PIPER ACTIVITIES
I
f you are looking for someone to entertain your child or treat them during the long summer holidays, Pied Piper are where children can have safe fun and parents peace of mind. We are very excited about bringing the Pied Piper fun to The Mead School for 2019. Located in the centre of Tunbridge Wells, this school has an amazing play space for lots of the Pied Piper favourites such as Sardines, Ninja, clue based treasure hunts, Unihoc and Cone Ball just to mention a few.
Another Kent-based camp runs at Dulwich Preparatory School, set in the wonderful countryside of Kent just outside Cranbrook and easily accessible. The school is on a beautiful campus of 50 acres with excellent indoor and outdoor facilities including a swimming pool, sports hall, activity hall, spacious playing fields, a nature reserve, adventure play areas and bright, modern classrooms. www.piedpiperactivities.co.uk 01892 890000
Summer loving ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR CREATING AN AMAZING ALFRESCO AREA
DINE OUT
in style
SUPER STYLISH The must-have summer accessories for 2019 p65
We reveal the simple tricks that’ll create an impressive impact
How to make the most of smaller spaces p63 Your essential gardening news and directory p68 Monaco 10 seater set £3,690, Neptune SO Magazine | July 2019 | 53
ADVERTISING
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ALFRESCO SPECIAL
fresh air
A BREATH OF Images courtesy of John Lewis Home Spring/Summer 2019 collections
G
iven the hit-and-miss nature of the summer so far, creating an outdoor space has probably not been top of your list of priorities. But when the sun does decide to shine there is nothing nicer than sitting back and enjoying some relaxing time alfresco. So, to ensure you’re always ready when the fine weather makes an appearance, you’ll need to have done some work on a designated dining or lounging area so all you have to do when the sun beats down is grab your sunglasses and a glass of something chilled. It doesn’t have to be costly or involve digging up patios but ideally, when creating an outdoors area, you’ll want to choose somewhere that offers good shelter – just in case of those summer downpours. If you already have an awning then this is the perfect place to
Get to work on your garden to ensure it’s super stylish for summer says Eileen Leahy
put a table and chairs, but if not then think about investing in a decorative gazebo or an oversized umbrella. All the major DIY dens, including Homebase and B&Q, sell them but you could also try John Lewis and Dunelm. Painting the walls surrounding your ‘external room’ is another good trick as it instantly helps to define it and give it an identity. Alternatively you could always put up some bamboo screening, readily available from garden centres, to help establish your space. Next up is suitable furniture. It might have rained a lot this summer but the
good news is it’s resulted in many retailers slashing the price of their outdoor dining tables, chairs, loungers and accessories. Have a look at Marks & Spencer for a great selection of styles to suit all tastes. It also does a great line in outdoor games, such as rounders, quoits and croquet, as well as plenty of cool accessories, including bunting, lanterns and essential acrylic crockery in a variety of colours. Garden Trading (www. gardentrading.co.uk) and Cox & Cox (www.coxandcox. co.uk) are also worth a browse and both sell some very unique pieces. The Range
(www.therange.co.uk) and HomeSense (www.homesense.com) are great for sourcing good quality, luxurious looking items at budget prices. And Next is also worth a visit, offering chic bistro sets (ideal for balconies or small gardens), vintage style deck chairs, wrought iron benches and groovy statement seating. Once you have all your key pieces in place it’s time for the fun bit: enhancing your external environment. Lakeland along with all the major supermarkets have a brilliant ranges of plastic plates, glasses and cutlery, but for a fun, retro feel check out Cath Kidston (www. cathkidston.co.uk) or the Butterfly by Matthew Williamson and Rice ranges at Debenhams. Here, you’ll also find lots of lovely lanterns, floor cushions and planters as well as scented candles so you can enjoy your new outdoor space by day and night. SO Magazine | July 2019 | 55
ADVERTORIAL
Husband and wife team set up brand new co-working community in Tunbridge Wells similar offerings popping up throughout London with a greater emphasis on community.
COMMUNITY SPIRIT Office Tribe founders Julia and Tom Olden
Could you tell us a little bit about yourself? Tom is a chartered surveyor specialising in compulsory purchase and leasehold enfranchisement, and Julia has a background in sales and marketing. We moved to Tunbridge Wells from London in 2013. Tom has worked for himself for six years, we
have three children, the youngest was born last Christmas Eve. It’s been a very busy year for us! What inspired you to set up OfficeTribe? Having tried co-working space in London and Tunbridge Wells, we realised there was a need for more inspiring co-working space locally to match
What is a co-working community? A co-working community is an open plan office space designed for individuals or small business, where all rates, including internet and cleaning are included in the price. There are also small offices for 2- 6 people, a meeting room and breakout areas. It is an environment to encourage hard work, growth in business and avoid isolationa work ‘community’. We wanted to create a space that was not only lovely to work in visually, but also has an atmosphere of motivation and support to our members. The idea of community is central to the OfficeTribe mantra, and it’s why our various hotdesk options are less ‘drop in’ and more, become ‘part of the family’.
comfort. We know how important being in the hub of a small town is and having easy access to transport. We also understand that many of us are working parents and we need accessible childcare on our doorsteps. The idea of a healthy work life balance was central to our mission. Taking homeworkers away from the stresses of family life and reducing the amount of commuting time should assist in providing more balance. Combining that with a healthy approach to life should create a more positive work experience. The events, talks and membership are key to this, OfficeTribe will aim to support its members in both business and wellness through a series of partnerships in-house and locally. It’s early days but the bigger we grow the more benefits we will be able to offer.
What are your aims as a business? It was really important for us that we found the right location. Space that was intimate enough to get to know each other, yet big enough to work in www.officetribe.co.uk | info@officetribe.co.uk
OFFICETRIBE
Office Tribe Office Tribe Office Tribe
What you get:
Centrally located office accomm tion directly opposite Tunbridge train station with great looking comfortable office space.
You can have dedicated desks, desks or private office suites an will have access to phone boot a meeting room, breakout loung as and kitchen facilities wth a c machine supplying really great
We also provide you with acces discounts on local OfficeTribe partnerships, membership to th OfficeTribe community and regu OfficeTribe events and talks. FOR MORE INFORMATION:
OFFICETRIBE
www.officetribe.co.uk | info@officetribe.co.uk Call Julia on 07801569119 | Call Tom on 07708807362
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @office
56 | July 2019 | SO Magazine
MAIN PICTURE : Salvadore Indoor Outdoor Stripe Rug, from £14.99, Carpetright
ALFRESCO SPECIAL LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE Broste Copenhagen wire lantern, £72, Amara, www.amara.com
SOFT OPTION Garden chair cushions, £19.99 for a pair, Homesense, available from selected stores
FIRED UP Forno outdoor oven, £999, Morsø, www.morsoe.com
GREEN PARTY 12-piece fern dinner set, £50, Next, www.next.co.uk
super stylish
CREATE A
WE’LL DRINK TO THAT Lisbon tumbler, £2.75, Sainsbury’s Home, available from selected stores
FOOT NOTES Medina Tangier rug, £140, Weaver Green, www.weavergreen.com
OUTSIDE SPACE
SMALL BUT BEAUTIFUL
I
THE GENTLE TOUCH Jute striped outdoor cushion, £25, Marks and Spencer, www.marksandspencer.com
SITTING PRETTY House by John Lewis Salsa garden chair, set of two, Orange Sunrise, £140, John Lewis, www.johnlewis.com
f you don’t have a big space to hang out alfresco then don’t worry as there’s plenty of options for smaller gardens and even balconies. It’s all about having the vision to make our outside space multitask as much as possible. For a balcony choose bistro style patio tables and chairs as they are slim enough to fit in a restricted area and can easily be folded away when not in use. Lots of colourful container pots dotted about the place and lanterns hanging from the walls will help to create instant agreeable ambience. When it comes to creating a cosy corner in your garden then opt for lots of cushions and planting that will create a sense of shield and shelter as in
this beautiful Susie Watson picture. Nowadays you can buy plenty of waterproof accessories so you can leave them out all summer long, come rain or shine.
SO Magazine | July 2019 | 57
Advertorial
Summertime – and the living is easy
This month the team at Mary Mary Creates give us some cool tips for making our gardens the best place to be in the hot season...
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ow that the British summer has arrived, albeit by stealth, I realise that every weekend my family, neighbours and friends find ourselves in a garden together. We need no real excuse to gather and sip Pimm’s, Prosecco or iced tea and sear some meat and veg. Even the irritating summer rain doesn’t deter us. The greatest gatherings are the unplanned ones – you wake up, throw open the curtains and wow! The cerulean sky and golden sunshine drag you helplessly out of the house. Suddenly, seemingly off the cuff, you are surrounded by all the people you love, having a whale of a time!
Even the smallest of gardens is generally the biggest room in a home. It most certainly is the only room where kids and adults alike can kick or throw a ball, smash a shuttlecock or pelt a ping pong. Giant Jenga is a game that brings old and young together and takes virtually no space to play. A garden provides space for grown-ups to gather and gossip, kids to career around letting off steam, and even teens can sit in the sun and share social media memes. An outdoor space in summertime brings everyone together. When planning your garden, ensure you are prepared for this very eventuality. There are simple elements you can
incorporate which will make you ever ready for an impromptu party, no matter how big or small your outdoor space. Up-lighting trees creates beautiful shadows in the evening and festooning fences with lighting ensures parties continue into the darker hours. Pea lights illuminating a tree’s branches are a fantastic focal point and low solar lights along a path can brighten unfamiliar ground in low light. A permanent structure such as a covered pergola ensures those irksome summer showers don’t end a soirée too soon and a fire pit will draw people together into its bright circle of cheer once the moonlight drapes its silvery chill. There is nothing more enchanting than that dusky period between day and night after a
glorious hot summer’s day. Surrounding your seating space with night-scented planting will continue to bewitch the senses and add an extra dimension to an evening’s enjoyment. Phlox paniculata, as well as the annual night scented phlox (Matthiola longpetala), evening primrose (Oenothera), tobacco plant (Nicotiana sylvestris) or star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasmioides) – a personal favourite – are amongst a number of plants releasing their fragrance as dusk falls. Equally happy in containers in a small courtyard, or thriving in the ground of a larger garden, they add that extra something that makes a garden special. Add in some fairy lights and a fire pit and you quite simply have yourself the perfect summer party space. If you would like guidance or assistance in planning or revamping your garden, drop the Mary team a line on marymarycreates@gmail.com
www.marymarycreatesgardens.co.uk
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58 | July 2019 | SO Magazine
Best in show
Hampton Court Flower Show takes place during the first week of July and is one of the gardening calendar’s biggest and most popular events. Victoria Truman profiles this year’s event and tells us about her experience of exhibiting there
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he RHS Hampton Court Flower Show is the largest event of its kind in the world. Held this year over the week of July 2-7, the show features glorious gardens, floral marquees and pavilions as well as many expert talks and demonstrations. Erected on the north and south sides of the stunning Long Water in Hampton Court Park, West
Cancer Research UK Pledge Pathway to Progress: this is an immersive walkthrough space for visitors to the show. With its striking curved layout, the garden is formed of a pathway that meanders through a richly scented planting scheme. At the centre of the space is a sunken seating area that encourages visitors to relax and reflect beneath the shading of the pledge tree. The tree signifies the mighty Cancer Research UK supporters, whose generous gifts in their wills will be felt for generations. The garden represents the important role of legacy gifts for Cancer Research UK’s progress.
Victoria Truman Garden Designer
The Urban Pollinator Garden: designed by Caitlin McLaughlin, this garden focuses on plants that encourage pollinators, specifically bees, to thrive. Contemporary honeycomb shapes feature in the sculptural habitat wall which runs along the hedge boundary and is packed with twigs and branches to encourage solitary bees. Hexagonal paving
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incorporates bee-printed tiles to identify entrances to underground bumblebee nests. The naturalisticlooking planting features bee-friendly plants in a variety of colours which celebrate summertime. After the show, the garden is being rehomed at Cransley Hospice in Kettering, Northamptonshire, to benefit patients, visitors and staff.
London, it is the second major national horticultural show after Chelsea. But it has a different character, focusing more on environmental issues and growing your own food, as well as selling gardening accessories, plants and flowers. There are 21 gardens in total but here are three of my favourites to see this year: The Thames Water Flourishing Future Garden: Tony Woods, who won an RHS gold medal and ‘Best In’ category at Chelsea 2018 for his Urban Flow garden, is the master behind this garden. You can see how to encourage biodiversity, reduce water use and prevent flooding in homes and community spaces. The garden is also home to the Thames On Tap water bar, where visitors can get free refills of water and help to protect the planet by reducing plastic bottle waste.
Cancer Research Garden Tom Simpson | Thames Water by Tony Woods | Urban Pollinator Caitlin McLaughlin
Gardening
OUTSIDE Section EDGE
OUTSIDE EDGE
SOWING THE SEEDS OF SUCCESS:
GOING FOR GOLD: MY HAMPTON COURT EXPERIENCE I have exhibited twice at Hampton Court Flower Show. I was awarded with a silver medal for my first garden there – just after I had finished my garden design diploma in 2013. I then won gold and a ‘Best In’ category for my second garden in 2016. It takes over a year in design,
planning, form-filling and sponsor finding, before the big day finally arrives and you start to build from the ground up on site. You have less than three weeks to deliver and maintain a show garden – plus try to get a gold medal – so there’s a lot of pressure! Every aspect of your garden is looked at by the judging committee, even how you keep your site throughout the build! But when you achieve a gold medal it is the best moment for all the team. All the hours you sit and plan and walk through the garden in your head before the build, come to fruition. It really is a wonderful thing. I approach every client’s garden with the same mentality, assisted as always by Cobtree Landscapes, who have built every one of my clients’ gardens and both my Hampton Court show gardens.
A local grower in Hadlow has been named as the RHS Master Grower for the Hampton Court Flower Show 2019. Downderry Nursery will be in the Floral Marquee at this year’s festival so if you’re going along make sure you pay them a visit. This nursery specialises in lavender and rosemary, cultivating plants for garden use and oil production. Co-owner Simon Charlesworth started Downderry Nursery in his garden near Maidstone in 1991 and grew sun-loving plants in a 3 x 2.4m (10 x 8ft) greenhouse, selling by mail order. “Everyone went for lavender so that’s what I decided to specialise in,” says Simon. His Master Grower display at the festival will feature rare lavenders and a mix of popular types. Rows of lavender and field cultivars for oil production will form the backbone of the display while a tabletop still piece of equipment will run each day to show how oil is obtained.
For more details on Hampton Court Flower Show and to book tickets visit www.rhs.org.uk
SO Magazine | July 2019 | 61
Education
EDUCATION
HOW TO STAY ENGAGED
with learning over the summer holidays With exam season now over it’s time for pupils to relax. We ask four leading educational establishments about how they encourage their students to keep switched onto their studies during the long summer holidays David Cheshire, Head of Lower Sixth at Bede’s School
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veryone deserves a break sometimes. Some people don’t just deserve it, they need it. Young people whose every waking moment is dominated by thoughts of equations, sonnets or compounds, who push themselves to the last degree in terms of essaywriting, revision or wider reading simply must allow their young, still-developing brains to power down when the opportunity allows, for as long as they need to. But for those of us whose approach is not quite so intensive, two months is a long time to be dormant. A student, or indeed a teacher, who has allowed themselves barely a moment’s thought of education during July and August is surely going to find it hard to grind through the academic gears in early September. As everyone knows, the ascent to Sixth Form study from GCSE is a demanding one; all the more so if zero mental preparation has been done. Having selected their preferred A-level or BTEC subjects, students should be interested enough to look into that subject’s content, beyond GCSE, with
unprompted curiosity – maybe even a mild tremor of excitement? After my own GCSEs, once I knew that English Literature, History and Politics were going to dominate the next two years of my life, I took it on myself to be better acquainted with some of those books I had heard of but not read, and the historical events and current affairs of which I had only the flimsiest grasp. As far as my own personal engagement with my learning was concerned, it helped enormously. Each department at Bede’s will offer some advice about how best to warm up for their course. All will gently suggest some preliminary reading, possibly a few TED talks, and many will advocate something more active in the form of museum or theatre visits. Keeping eyes and ears open to cultural and intellectual happenings is vital. My own more specific suggestion is to write. Review gigs or games, blog your political opinions, articulate your thoughts through poetry, analysis or humour. It isn’t work, but it will keep your mind ticking over, ready you for the academic challenges to come, and help you enjoy a restful, fulfilling summer.
Lesley Tyler, Deputy Head, Academic, Benenden School
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chool exams are over by May half-term for 11 to 15-year-olds. This is followed by each year group having what we call an enquiry experience. These include, for example, working with charities such as WaterAid and Nourish before putting together presentations of a charity’s marketing strategy to raise funds and awareness. Another year group, having visited the First World War battlefields, presented an idea for a memorial event or sculpture to a funding panel. The 13-year-olds spend a week post-exams in Austria, exploring salt mines, mountains, Mozart and the Sound of Music, looking at the Austrian heritage and economy. The themes of these enquiry projects suffuse lessons in the remaining weeks of term and continue into the summer holidays, with students completing projects or undertaking extension reading on the summer term’s topics. Students of all ages are set some reading and work over the holidays,
with lists being supplied with the summer reports which are posted home. Students on two-year exam courses have set tasks to complete. There is a competition to reward the most voracious reader – and this includes staff! There are also summer photography and creative writing challenges, and we share a raft of national and local competitions and summer schools which students may be interested in. Students of all ages are engaged in the Extended Project – a type of miniuniversity dissertation – and before they go on summer holiday, girls will be agreeing targets with their supervisors and conducting the major portion of their reading and research. In the summer the majority of Year 12 students undertake their internships and work experience. This forms an important part of their Professional Skills Programme which complements their A-level study and prepares them for university and employment. Even the departing 18-year-olds have
Benenden girls taking part in the school’s enquiry experience
some optional courses during the last week of term where they can choose from a qualification in teaching English as a foreign language, a food hygiene and preparation course, coding, and even an introduction to bar work, taught by a local hostelry! But importantly, especially at a boarding school, we recognise the importance of spending halcyon days
with family and friends, and really being able to relax and enjoy the summer. Whilst we emphasise that it is important to do enough to keep your brain ticking over and enjoy the time to read widely and undertake some research on a topic you are really interested in, it is also important to learn how to shut off from the pressures of work and just reflect, relax and be. SO Magazine | July 2019 | 65
EDUCATION
Section
Olivia Upchurch, Head of Sixth Form, Brighton College
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important than setting a he summer holidays offer a chance for pupils We set up fixed ‘reading list’ of academic works,” says to give free play to the holiday Ms Riley. passion that inspired their Boarding house master choice of particular reading Chris Fowler points A-levels. Photography competitions language pupils towards students, for example, are asked to capture 20 to 40 for pupils – selected foreign films and music ‘to enjoy a language analogue images to form the such as ‘read rather than simply basis of a coursework studying it’. And with new project. They might be yourself rules requiring insight landscapes, portraits, views around the into the contemporary from a plane - the list is endless. It’s entirely up to world’ with a world inhabited by a language, he also advises the students themselves reading pupils to catch current – we tell them, just enjoy it! affairs coverage in their The long summer passport chosen language. holidays are, well, so long Business Studies that pupils at Brighton students are advised to College are happy to take hone their entrepreneurial insight by suggestions on interesting ways to talking to family and friends about keep brain cells stimulated – which aspects of their business life such as also makes going back in August less revenue streams, while politics and of a shock! Brighton College was government students can named the Sunday Times channel the famous ancient Independent School of the Chinese curse – ‘May you Year for 2019. live in interesting times’ “We set up holiday reading – through tuning into the competitions for pupils UK’s current heated political – such as ‘read yourself and social affairs via a host of around the world’ with a free political podcasts the reading passport,” says College suggests – then Jo-Anne Riley, our Deputy entering any debate with Head. “Reading widely – and good arguments and reading what you feel like – is gusto! so important, more
Julie Lodrick, Head Teacher, Kent College Pembury
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poet W H Davies put it: life he summer holidays Summer sadly leaves us little ‘time to should be about balance. stand and stare’ at the Rest, relaxation and fun are holidays beauties of the natural world equally as important as should also around us. activities to keep children And what better for the intellectually alert. Providing be about long summer holiday than children with a range of letting to have an outdoors project, activities that will stimulate and engage them will, in turn, individuality where children can learn so much and have fun learning provide them with thoughts flourish, how to build a den or pond and ideas for the year ahead. The Duchess of Learning a new skill could be directing our dipping. Cambridge made her design the focus for the summer, mental debut at the Chelsea Flower which could also be a family this year with a project. For example, if your curiosity in Show garden to encourage child is old enough, consider its own children to spend time asking them to choose and plan As part of this, a family trip. unique way outdoors. she has recently launched a Summer holidays should also competition with Blue Peter be about letting individuality for a decorative garden flourish, directing our mental sculpture to feature in a curiosity in its own unique garden she designed at way. At Kent College, RHS Wisley. What a we find our girls great competition return from their for children to holidays with a take part in. We new maturity and know nature and focus on their the environment goals. Certainly in can have a really an age of constant positive impact stimulation from on childhood social media and development and instant digital for older students, information, spending time opportunities to allow outdoors is invaluable in our minds time to have helping to maintain good flashes of inspiration are mental health and physical wellbeing. becoming few and far between. As the
66 | July 2019 | SO Magazine
WELL-BEING
JENNIFER’S TOP TIPS ON MAINTAINING OPTIMUM HEALTH I believe that every person is unique: mind, body and soul, as is their path to healing. However, there are some key nutritional takeaways everyone can benefit from to help optimise vitality and well-being: Eat a variety of vegetables and fruit. Think of colours. This will provide an array of different vitamin, mineral and antioxidant benefits. The colour that often gets forgotten is purple so beets and red cabbage are great options. Choose organic as much as possible – the Soil Association logo is key to look for. n
n Drink 1.5 to 2 litres of water a day. Herbal teas count! n Try to eat your food within a maximum 12-hour window. For example if you eat breakfast at 8am have your last meal at 8pm at the latest. I eat in a 10-hour window and find it very beneficial – breakfast around 8am and last meal around 6pm. You can tweak this to suit your needs. n Get a quality eight hours of sleep. Put iPhones, laptops and iPads on airplane mode or turn them off two hours before bed. Don’t consume caffeine after noon. Try to fall asleep around 10pm or earlier.
Get omega 3 into your diet. This can be done through eating oily fish three times a week such as wild caught salmon, sardines, herring, anchovies or mackerel. Other sources are chia seeds, flaxseeds or hemp oil (a great salad dressing).
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n Chew your food slowly and thoroughly. Simple I know, but simply not chewing your food properly could be the cause of your digestive symptoms.
Do not be scared of fat, particularly good sources of fat like olives, olive oil, full fat yogurt, nuts, avocados and eggs. n
HOW TO ACHIEVE
ultimate happiness Every month we invite a guest expert from Wellness HQ’s specialist directory to talk about their particular field. For July we speak to holistic nutritionist Jennifer Still about how to achieve a healthier lifestyle and ultimate happiness Tell us about yourself: I am a nutritional therapist, a mother of two young children, a level two reiki pracitioner and I have a decade of experience as a registered nurse. Most of my nursing experience was in Canada, where I’m from, in acute care. And how did you get into alternative medicine? During the last couple of years of my nursing career I worked as a practice nurse in a GP surgery. With unknown causes and limited treatment options, my interest in alternative medicine heightened. I was increasingly being asked by patients and mothers of young children about dietary or herbal solutions for ailments. I attended an open evening at the College of Naturopathic Medicine in London and signed up for the diploma option immediately. It felt like ‘a calling’ if you will. Having a background in medicine I was also delighted to see that much of nutritional therapy is deeply rooted in science. I graduated last year and have since set up my own company: White Feather Nutrition. Can you tell us what one of your consultations involves? My aim is to get to the root cause of a disease or set of symptoms. In the initial meeting I spend about 45 minutes to an hour getting a detailed history so I can gain a holistic view of the client’s health. Everything in the body is connected.
Sometimes people don’t understand why I am asking about their gut health when they have come to see me about joint pain or migraines. Having a full understanding of all systems helps me gain insight into the root cause and where to begin a healing protocol. I even ask questions about sleep, stress levels, emotions and energy. Sometimes I recommend testing, supplements or herbs. What are the most common problems you are seeing in patients? A few patterns I am seeing include autoimmune diseases, hormone imbalances, thyroid dysfunction, unexplained fatigue, gut issues and stress related problems are increasingly common. The causes of these health issues tend to be multi-faceted. Nutrition, sleep quality, movement, mindfulness techniques, nutritional deficiencies, toxin exposure reduction, all of these may play a beneficial role. We can quite easily support our own innate healing abilities through addressing some of the basics such as nutrition, stress management, sleep and movement, while living our modern lives. I find that each client is different, there is no one size fits all approach, even if they have similar diagnoses or symptoms. For example, an underactive thyroid could be triggered by nutritional deficiencies, such as selenium or
iodine, or by food intolerances, or through too much cortisol. The underlying cause could be a combination of these or none at all. It’s my job to do the detective work and find the cause and sometimes this requires testing. Once triggers are identified and we know where to make lifestyle changes, it can be very empowering for a client to be able to take their own healing back into their own hands.
For more information and top tips visit Wellness HQ’s online directory at www.wellnesshq.co.uk
n Swap out refined carbohydrates and processed food for complex carbohydrates. Refined carbohydrates are white or beige foods like white bread, pasta, cakes, pastries and biscuits. Complex carbohydrates are things like sweet potatoes, brown rice, oats and legumes. This will help balance your blood sugar and prevent energy crashes. If you have a sweet tooth Livia’s millionaire squares (available at Boots) are a good clean alternative, as is a few squares of Green and Black’s organic 85 per cent dark chocolate.
Do some form of indfulness every day. It can be in the m form of deep breathing, alternative nasal breathing, yoga, tai chi, practising being present or listing three things you are grateful for at the end of each day. n
SO Magazine | July 2019 | 67
ADVERTISING
68 | july 2019 | SO Magazine
DREAMSection DESTINATIONS
THE MALDIVES STILL MAKE FOR A Could you ever tire of this Indian Ocean favourite? Sam Wylie-Harris rediscovers her love for the islands at the new Faarufushi hotel
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acing into the sunset, I feel a warm glow on my face, even though I’m shielding myself from the sun’s rays with a wide-brimmed hat. We’ve been skimming across the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean for 20 minutes, and it feels as if time’s standing still, with nothing on the horizon but a sinking sun. Then, like a mirage, a lush green island looms into view. As we circle its silver sandy shores, I feel a tickle of excitement. Within clear view is a table for two, a parasol, bean bags, chef in whites, two waiters and a fired-up BBQ. We’re handed flutes of ice-cold fizz, and as dusk falls, we tuck into plates of Cajun-spiced yellowfin tuna, seabass, king prawns and wagyu steak, topped with more fizz and wine. By the time papaya is served, we’re so relaxed, all our cares have been washed out to sea, and we’re chatting and laughing like two love-struck teenagers under a blanket of stars. This romantically remote desert island dining takes place at the newly opened Faarufushi, the latest addition to Raa Atoll. A scenic 50-minute seaplane journey north of Male, this small coral island has 37 beach bungalows and 42 water villas, each marked by a thatched roof of coconut leaves and mesmerising views of the turquoise lagoon – and most boast private infinity pools. Tellingly, the flora and fauna have been carefully
magical getaway
Raa Atoll is a scenic 50-minute seaplane journey north of Male. Walking barefoot along the shoreline and counting blacktip reef sharks is the best therapy in the world
preserved, and at first sight the showstopping 45-metre pool (just shy of Olympic-sized) is so expertly cushioned amongst the tall palm trees, you’d think it was how mother nature intended. Sleeping in style Our huge water villa is about 200-metres down the jetty (golf buggies ferry guests to and fro), and days are topped and tailed with dips in the sea. Just steps away from our king-sized bed (with 400 thread-count sheets), we snorkel, sunbathe, and casually sip rose from our well-stocked wine fridge. The nature-inspired decor combines warm woody tones with swatches of turquoise, and little touches include a coconut with roots in a vase of water. The rattan rocking chair, raffia slippers and an origami elephant towel at turn-down service are a world away from our bijou flat back home. Wining and dining Four restaurants operate in the resort, with smiley, engaging staff providing friendly service. Turn up barefoot and breakfast like a king in Iru (the Dhivehi word for sun), which serves an impressive hot and cold buffet, as well as à la carte. We enjoy lunches sitting by the pool at Sangu (meaning shell horn), which serves the best sashimi – or the beach restaurant Athiri, where ceviche and
Korean chicken wings are ‘finger licking’ good. On one special evening, we get dolled up for Eclipse. Their fine-dining restaurant rests on stilts overlooking the lagoon and the intimate ambience feels deliciously romantic. Strolling down the jetty for sundowners in adjacent Boli Bar, we’re diverted by our barman excitedly pointing to the water. In utter amazement, we watch rare eagle rays glide past us at high tide. Spa and relaxation Burning incense creates an air of sweet earthiness at Nika Spa (named after the Banyan tree in its pavilion), which has six couples’ treatment rooms with luxurious en-suite bathrooms. Set on stilts, they resemble giant treehouses. Three chimes of a gong ushers in our 60-minute Lombok massage, which combines medium pressure strokes and skin rolling to release any tension. If you struggle with a massage, Nika offers complementary yoga sessions (based on the activity schedule). Alternatively, walking barefoot along the shoreline and counting blacktip reef sharks (they’re harmless) is the best therapy in the world. Water sports and diving When the wind picks up, there’s a chance to go windsurfing ($31/£24 an hour), or have fun hiring a Yamaha jet ski
(from $154/£119 for 20 minutes), and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can go in search of dolphins (from $339/£262 for 60 minutes). The Euro-Divers team recommended a guided snorkelling tour ($68/£52 per person for 90 minutes) as it’s a 300-metre swim from the beach to the edge of the reef, and the large lagoon is exposed to strong currents, even when the weather’s fine and super sunny. Ever tried PETER Diving? It’s a cross between snorkelling and scuba. A compressed tank floats on the water’s surface and a long air hose means you’re free to explore the pink coral. Island life During the day, staff tend to the trees and gardens, while at dusk, giant fruit bats sweep between the palms. Even though it only takes 15 minutes to walk around the island, there’s always so much to explore. This secluded hideaway isn’t flash, but it is a dreamy paradise. How to get there Kuoni offers seven nights half-board at Faarufushi in a Beach Retreat with pool, including flights with Emirates from London Gatwick and transfers in resort. The price for selected departures in October 2019 based on two adults sharing starts from £3,899 per person, with a saving of up to £1,841 per couple. To book please quote tour ref: MV0111. SO Magazine | July 2019 | 69
Travel
ADVERTORIAL
INCLUSIONS: n VIP door-to-door travel service on all worldwide holidays and selected European tours n Saga tour manager/cruise escort n All tour travel in air-conditioned transport (where applicable) n Visits to many must-see sights n Cruise ship facilities and hotel accommodation as described n Return economy flights, coach or rail travel, as specified on the brochure holiday pages n All airport taxes, fees and charges, plus allowance for one piece of hold baggage per person (even on no-frills airlines) n Named hotel accommodation and meals n Porterage at accommodation n Return transfer from overseas airport to your accommodation n A visa on selected holidays, as required for all British citizens resident in the UK n Port taxes
A WORLD IN ONE COUNTRY Stunning South Africa
e se to s r u to h it w s n o iz r Expand your ho
THE WORLD’S WONDERS
From solo travelling to small groups and big adventures, there’s a lot of fun to be had for all ages. See European destinations or far-flung global wonders by coach, train or ship… THE ROMANCE OF THE TAJ MAHAL Part of India’s Golden Triangle
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F you long to see the amazing wonders the world has to offer, or even destinations closer to home, one of the best ways is to choose from Baldwins Travel’s range of Escorted Tours, from rail to cruise packages – a selection of which are shown here. They offer unforgettable journeys through some of the world’s most beautiful and dramatic regions, visiting world famous sights, getting to the heart of the local culture, and experiencing the ever-changing scenery and landscapes. And all from the comfort of wellappointed coaches, trains or ships. Designed exclusively for the over-50s, the diverse range of tours cover European and long-haul destinations, from Spain to Uzbekistan and Croatia to the Himalayas. Specialist Themed Tours are also on offer, such as gorilla trekking in Uganda, or tracing the Spanish pilgrimage routes with expert guides.. Well balanced itineraries are expertly planned to balance busy days of sightseeing with quieter days for relaxing or independent exploration. Plus these tours are clearly rated to identify how active each one is, and to ensure customers choose the one most suited to them. Carefully chosen destinations will add an extra dimension to your subject, including Italy, South Africa, Croatia, the British Isles and many more. SOUTH AFRICA: A WORLD IN ONE COUNTRY So diverse are the beauties of South Africa that it is almost a whole world in one country.
70 | July 2019 | SO Magazine
Discover the incredible wildlife of Kruger National Park, the scenic Garden and Wine Routes, and the magnificent Cape Coast. GORILLAS OF UGANDA Enjoy a nine-night tour of Uganda, including gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking. You can hike in the Rwenzori mountains; cruise the Kazinga Channel and explore Mburo National Park.
Unveil the highlights of India’s famed Golden Triangle, from Delhi to regal Jaipur ROCKY MOUNTAINS AND ALASKAN ADVENTURE Discover the natural beauty of Canada and Alaska and admire the breathtaking scenery of the Rockies as you journey on the Rocky Mountaineer train. Explore the vibrant city of Vancouver,
then enjoy a seven-night cruise along the Alaskan coastline aboard Holland America’s MS Nieuw Amsterdam. PATAGONIA: A TOUR TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH Using Buenos Aires as your launch pad, explore the gateway to Tierra del Fuego, Calafate and the majestic panoramas of Torres Del Paine and the Perito Moreno glacier. UZBEKISTAN: THE SILK ROUTE Embark on an eastern adventure to the exotic cities of Uzbekistan – an historic crossroads on the Great Silk Route across Central Asia. Travel across a landscape little changed since the days of Genghis Khan and Alexander the Great. INDIA’S GOLDEN TRIANGLE AND TIGER TRAIL Unveil the highlights of India’s famed Golden Triangle, from Delhi to regal Jaipur and romantic Agra – and maybe even spot the elusive tiger on safari in Ranthambore.
MEET THE GORILLAS On an enchanting trek
Road Test
Motors
FIRST DRIVE: BMW M850i CONVERTIBLE
WHAT IS IT? If you’re going to drop six figures on a luxury cabriolet, it’ll need to be pretty special. There’s some incredible machinery at this price point, all vying for that large wad of cash. Want a luxury long-distance motorway mile-muncher? The Mercedes S-Class Coupe is hard to beat. However, BMW doesn’t even see that as a rival, considering its drop-top ‘8’ closer to something like the Aston Martin DB11 Volante. On first impressions, it seems to lack the theatre of the Brit and the opulence of the German. Is it a perfect compromise, or missing the mark? That question is something only a few hours behind the wheel can answer. WHAT’S NEW? This is the first time BMW has offered an 8 Series Convertible, which is essentially a bigger, more upmarket replacement for the 6 Series. Much like the coupe 8, the convertible is based on the same platform as the 7 Series saloon, which gives you some idea of just how large it is. Chopping the roof off such a large vehicle runs the risk of creating a chassis that flexes like an overly enthusiastic yoga instructor. However, to keep the body in check, BMW has done some extra welding and reinforcing to add to the 8 Series’ already-stiff carbon-fibre core, claiming the convertible is only 2 per cent less stiff than the coupe. Impressive. WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET? Beneath the prominent snout sits a ferocious 4.4-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine that makes 523bhp and 750Nm of torque. That’s routed to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox, with the result being a sub-four-second 0-60mph sprint. That feels brilliantly obscene in such a big, heavy car. 72 | July 2019 | SO Magazine
BMW has absolutely nailed a mix of fire-breathing ferocity and silky-smooth responsiveness. Cruising about at normal speeds, the V8 feels refined and happy to sit in the background. But it’s always alert, always ready to unleash its inner brute, charging through revs with an angry bark that’d make even the angriest of Doberman hand over its lunch money. The noise-plus-cabrio mix is intoxicating. WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? Here’s where it starts to get complicated. BMW is determined to call the 8 Series Convertible a sports car – more Porsche 911 than S-Class. But it quickly becomes apparent that it can’t quite live up to that comparison. This is a big, heavy car, weighing in at just over two tonnes. To be fair to BMW, it hides it well when you’re attacking corners, but it just doesn’t show the agility or sharp response you want from a proper sports car. Where it excels, though, is as a GT. Drop the roof and revel in the sound of the V8, cruising in sumptuous comfort surrounded by impressive technology and digital displays suddenly the 8 Series Convertible starts to come together. HOW DOES IT LOOK? The BMW 8 Series looks about as close to a German interpretation of American muscle car culture as you can get. Up front, there are aggressively styled headlights and angular intakes built into the bumper, while the typical kidney grille has been flipped. The result is a brawny, muscular car that perfectly suits the bark of the V8. However, the addition of the canvas, electrically folding roof introduces some
awkwardness to the profile when in place. It ends earlier on the bootline than the coupe’s roof, giving the rear a slightly odd stretched look. Roof down, though, it looks fantastic and perfectly proportioned.
FACTS AT A GLANCE Model as tested: BMW M850i Convertible Price as tested: £104,500 Engine: 4.4-litre twinturbo V8 Power: 532bhp Torque: 750Nm Max speed: 155mph 0-60mph: 3.6 seconds MPG: 23.5 Emissions: 229g/km
WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE? As you’d expect from something that starts in the six-figure price bracket, the 8 Series Convertible’s interior is of the highest quality. BMW falls behind Mercedes-Benz’s cabins in this price bracket, but there’s a simpler elegance in here that makes the S-Class feel a little OTT, while the latest-generation iDrive infotainment system is as brilliant as ever. As you’d expect from a 2+2, the rear seats are a token effort – only children could feasibly spend long periods in the back. And if you want to reduce blustering, there’s a wind deflector that goes over the top of them, rendering the back unusable anyway. It works brilliantly though, keeping your hair coiffed even at higher speeds. Meanwhile, the air collar, which blows warm air on your neck from the seat headrest, is standard on all UK cars, making top-down driving bearable even in low temperatures. WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE? The entry-level trim in the UK is M Sport, which includes 20-inch alloy
The BMW M850i slots somewhere between comfortable cruiser and sports car. Is it the perfect luxury convertible compromise? Darren Cassey finds out wheels, sporty bodywork extras, an M Sport differential and a sports exhaust system to make the most of that glorious V8. Inside, there are leather-trimmed instruments and door panels, a leather steering wheel and velour floor mats. Standard technology includes BMW’s assistance and packages, which include connected navigation, Apple CarPlay, emergency assistance and other ‘intelligent’ functions. One particularly useful option is BMW’s laser headlights, which offer massively improved visibility at night. VERDICT So, we must return to that initial question: does the 8 Series Convertible offer a perfect compromise or miss the mark? To call it a perfect compromise would be to massively overstate matters, but it’s close. Despite its fantastically upmarket interior, the S-Class is still just one step better, and while the Aston might look more glamorous, the M850i’s shouty V8 engine manages to push it close for theatre. However, if you’re looking for a true sports car, it’s no match for a Porsche 911. All things considered, it does manage to find a sweet spot, being capable enough down your favourite windy road to delight, while also making motorway schleps a breeze. And the noise! Did we mention the noise?
The last word
Owen Emmerson is Hever Castle’s chief supervisor. Here he tells us about his fascinating role as guardian and what makes Hever’s history so special
Talk the
of
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“Hever Castle has a unique history that never fails to beguile” Owen, please can you tell us a little bit about your job at Hever Castle? I am the castle’s supervisor and have the pleasure of looking after the day-to-day running of it. This involves unlocking the castle in the morning and looking after the fantastic team of stewards who keep an eye on our incredible collection. I have also recently had the pleasure of co-curating an Last year 389,407 exhibition with Hever Castle’s people visited Hever. It fabulous curator, Alison Palmer, was a record-breaking about the films and television year, up 9 per cent on programmes that have been shot the previous year here. It truly is my dream job. Hever Castle is set in How long have you been doing 125 acres, and has nine it, and what do you enjoy most gardeners who look about your job? after the estate. There It’s my second season working as are more than 4,000 the castle’s supervisor, but I have roses and 7,000 annual been visiting Hever since I was four bedding plants. years old. It was because of Hever that I became fascinated by history and went on to study the subject at university. The thing I enjoy most is spending half an hour each day locking the castle up at night. It almost feels like it is a living being at times: its five-hundredyear-old wooden structure creaks and sighs back into place after a busy day.
I think jousting is so popular here because it is such a vibrant way for visitors to access the past
What special events do you have coming up for summer 2019 at the castle? We have a fantastic programme of events lined up this summer, including A Journey Through History; Once Upon a Castle; Knights and Princesses School; Castle Canines and, of course, Hever’s famous jousting season. There is something for everyone this summer and lots of fun to be had. Jousting is a summer staple, what do you think makes it so popular? I think jousting is so popular here because it is such a vibrant way for visitors to access the past. It truly is an assault on the senses: the sound of 16-foot wooden lances shattering on metal; the smell of horse sweat; the tremor in the soil beneath your blanket as hooves thunder towards each other. It’s fantastic that so many people continue to come and cheer on their favourite rider.
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Tell us a little bit about your new event Once Upon a Castle? Children will meet Flame the dragon and then go on an adventure through the gardens in order to find a new shield to replace the one Flame has accidentally burnt. In the castle, they can help look for the princess’s cat and meet fairy-tale creatures along the way. There will also be a chance to experience what it was like to live in Tudor England with displays of authentic Tudor crafts, armour-making and cookery as well as live demonstrations of archery and crossbow.
Do you have a favourite part of the castle? My favourite place in the castle is the Book of Hours room, which contains two prayer books belonging to Anne Boleyn, who spent her formative years here. She has both inscribed and signed them. The room is the area that the Boleyns called their living space or Great Chamber. Can you tell us about any famous people that you have taken on a tour around the castle and its grounds? We are so lucky that national treasures like Dame Judi Dench and Gloria Hunniford are regular visitors to Hever Castle. Gregg Wallace is also a frequent visitor and was married here in 2016. Rachel de
DID YOU KNOW? Scenes from Star Wars: The Phantom Menace were filmed at Hever Castle’s lake and loggia conservatory
Thame opened our gardens exhibition in the same year, and last year JB Gill from CBeebies opened our natural play area for under 7s, known as Acorn Dell. This fantastic new play area is located near to hugely impressive children’s play castle called Tudor Towers. What do you think makes Hever Castle such a unique place to visit? Hever Castle is, in many ways, the quintessence of the idea of Kent as the Garden of England. While the castle is charming yet compact, the gardens are extensive. Visitors often get the sense that they could very comfortably call Hever Castle home. It also has a unique history that never fails to beguile. Hever is the only surviving witness to Anne Boleyn’s early childhood, and no other place where she lived can claim to be Anne’s sanctuary. Can you tell us a The magnificent Long little more about Gallery is most often Anne Boleyn’s cited as visitors’ Hever connection? favourite room in the Places like the Tower castle and has recently of London bore been re-curated by the witness to Anne’s historian Dr David darkest days but here Starkey, and now at Hever we can tell a features an impressive different story about display of Tudor Anne’s formative years portraiture and about the times that she returned to Hever to escape Henry VIII’s advances. It was also here at Hever that Anne took the momentous decision to marry Henry and that choice quite literally changed the course of history. Anne’s motto as queen was ‘The Most Happy’, but I feel that, in reality, it was here at Hever Castle that she was happiest. If you could put on any event at Hever Castle, what would it be and why? We will be celebrating our 750th anniversary here at Hever in the not too distant future, and I would love to see an event that showed the breadth of history that Hever Castle has. I would also love to see something that recognised Anne of Cleves (Henry VIII’s fourth wife), who also called Hever home for 17 years. She is a fascinating character and is second only to Anne Boleyn in my affections.
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