So Sevenoaks September 2016

THIS MONTH’S DIGITAL SO IS BROUGHT TO YOU IN ASSOCIATION WITH

E SEPTEMBER 2016 WWW.SOMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Explore the

Autumn season wrapped up at Fenwick

NEWEST TRENDS

DESIGNER LABELS AND TRENDS THAT MATTER TO YOU

AUTUMN 2016

FASHION AT

FENWICK

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Welcome to the September issue of So magazine

www.somagazines.co.uk

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Education Guide Autumn 2016 All there is to know about our great local schools

VINE DINING Why The Swan at Chapel Down mustn’t be missed

SEPTEMBER 2016 WWW.SOMAGAZINE.CO.UK

THE

YOUR AUTUMN WARDROBE SORTED

BRIDAL BIBLE

Everything you need to plan the perfect wedding

From layering to accessories, we’ve got you covered

Super Spa WE RELAX AT THE SPA HOTEL

FREE HOOPERS STYLE GUIDE INSIDE

GOLDEN OLDIES Could a classic car be your next investment?

LADY IN WAITING T H E

RISE

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Designers and makers of handmade kitchens

The difference is in the detail

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Please call for a brochure or visit our showrooms Unit 9, Chart Farm, Seal Chart Sevenoaks, Kent TN 15 OES Tel 01732 762682

81 Calverley Road Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN l 2UY Tel 01892 520730

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CONTENTS

M A G A Z I N E

SO

16 Lonsdale Gardens Tunbridge Wells Kent TN1 1NU

EDITOR’S LETTER

Tel: 01892 779 650 www.somagazine.co.uk

EDITOR Charlie Bond cbond@onemediauk.co.uk HEAD OF DESIGN Rowena Cremer-Price rcremer-price@onemediauk.co.uk COMMERCIAL Gemma Hak ghak@onemediauk.co.uk EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Richard Moore rmoore@onemediauk.co.uk 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.

CONTENTS

WELCOME TO YOUR SEPTEMBER ISSUE OF SO

September is my favourite month. Partly because it’s my birthday, but mostly, I love it because I love the change of season. September feels like the month of change – perhaps it’s still instilled in us from when we anticipated the new school year, but from the colour of the leaves to the cooler mornings, there’s the sense of something new in the air.

Of course, to dress for the cooler weather coming, it would be rude not to hit the shops and invest in some of the gorgeous new autumn/winter 16 looks. At this time of year it can be tricky to know how to layer, but our fashion shoot this month has you covered – from page 46 check out our transitional fashion looks to ease you in to autumn.

With summer winding down it may seem like the wedding season is over, but actually, September and October are now the most popular months to tie the knot.

Whether you’re getting married this autumn or have recently got engaged (congratulations!) this issue is packed full of useful tips and tricks to help you get hitched without a hitch. Check out our wedding guide on page 85.

With the new term about to start, attention turns to the year ahead – you may be considering where to send your child, or perhaps you’re new to the area and would like to know more about the local schools. Well, you’re in luck because we have our excellent education guide (pg 129) in this issue, which has everything you need to know about the local establishments and what they have to offer.

If that’s not enough, we’ve also got lots of food and drink features, an abundance of local events for you to enjoy and some stunning properties for you to admire.

Enjoy!

EDITOR cbond@onemediauk.co.uk

85 WEDDINGS 10 HILLTOP HAZE

Your go-to guide

The sun sets

for tying the knot

over Toys Hill

14 SEVENOAKS ON THE WEB How you’ve been

105 STAR-STUDDED SOCIAL Duncan James visits The Pantiles

getting social this month

122 SUPER SPA Relax at the

41 THE CELEBRITY

Spa Hotel in Tunbridge Wells

The rise and rise of Pippa Middleton

129 EDUCATION GUIDE

46 THE FASHION

Learn all about

Transitional looks to

our fantastic

take you into autumn

local schools

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OUT AND ABOUT

 HILLTOP HAZE

The sun sets over Toys Hill PICTURE BY CRAIG MATTHEWS

Have you got a local picture you’d like to see printed?

Email info@somagazines.co.uk

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MODEL SHOWN WHITE AND GREY LACQUERED LAMINATE DOORS, WHITE QUARTZ & MARBLE WO RKTOP, SIEMEN S APPLIANCES - £18, 793* KRI EDER SHOWROOM - 3 Chapel Place, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1YQ - 01892 619721 - info@krieder.com - www.krieder. com *Pri ce shown includes delivery, cabinet fu rni ture, appliances, wo rktops and VAT

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ONLINE

SEVENOAKS ON THE WEB TOPICAL TWITTER

It would have been rude not to celebrate National Cat Day with a picture of our feline friend

WHAT YOU’VE BEEN SAYING IN SEVENOAKS ■ Rebecca Hill @rebecca_hill1 @NandosUK IS COMING TO SEVENOAKS. The best news ever.

■ Rencraft @RencraftLtd Exciting times at Rencraft Sevenoaks today, as we make way for our brand new showroom display! #kitchens ■ Amanda Eyre @aaeyre

†The Charlotte Tilbury concession

†We promise we don’t do this…

in Fenwick is our new favourite place

Nice to see the Greensand exposed in #Sevenoaks.

But not sure why gas board need to dig up the whole town at once!

■ Aurelia Viennet @Caroviennois @Se_Railway you-are-anight-mare.

The train from Sevenoaks to London Cannon Street ALWAYS has delays.

■ Lesley Penney @JakesyPenney Amazing first trip to @RiverhillGarden #Sevenoaks today!

What a view!

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Check out more pictures over on our Instagram account – @somagazines

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ONLINE

SO

TALKING POINT The story everyone’s been discussing this month…

OTFORD OBJECTION Plans are being undertaken by Network Rail to replace a railway crossing in Otford which has been labelled as the ‘the most dangerous in the south east’.

It has been proposed that a footbridge is built along a footpath, known as Pilgrim’s Way, so people avoid walking over the level crossing.

Network rail have stated that this particular crossing is the ‘highest-risk’ in the south east. Although there are speed restrictions in place at the crossing, train drivers are no longer allowed to sound their horns due to a noise abatement notice

and the visibility isn’t very good.

However, a number of local residents are unhappy with the proposed plans as it means some of them will be isolated from the nearby village if they are unable to use the footbridge, and don’t think it is as dangerous as is believed; there has only been one fatality – a suicide in 2003 - in the past 17 years.

The crossing has been open since 1862 and currently more than 150 trains use it daily.

Planning permission for the construction of the footbridge has already been granted, but not for alteration of the public footpath.

THE SOCIAL SCENE Here’s what you’ve been getting in touch about this month…

Fiona @HomeFinderFiona n We feature in @SoMagazines article on @LadeezWhoLaunch, be sure to pick up your free copy Cygnet Kitchen @CygnetKitchen n Thanks so much @SoMagazines for including Cygnet Kitchen in your fab local blogger feature! #fdbloggers #blogger

Amber Druce @AmberDruce n Slightly in love with this bright and bold spread in @SoMagazines featuring PH swimsuit of dreams, thanks @charlievbond

Kent College Pembury @KentCollegePemb n Thank you @SoMagazines for featuring our Young Fashion Designer awards in your latest issue!

My Tunbridge Wells @My_T_Wells n Excited to be in this #blogger feature in @SoMagazines! #mytunbridgewells #sotunbridgewells

Fenwick Tunbridge W @FenwickTWells n Check out @SoMagazines write up about the opening of @CTilburyMakeup in-store!

Perk & Pearl @PerkPearl n @SoMagazines nice mention for our work with the lovely @thewarrentw thanks chaps!

Childrensalon @Childrensalon n @SoMagazines Thank you for the lovely feature!

Want to see your tweet in So? Tweet us @SoMagazines

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SO UNIQUE HANDMADE GIFTS FOR YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

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Tonbridge: 01732 770660 Sevenoaks: 01732 747900 www.warners-solicitors.co.uk

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It's all about... modern thinking traditional values

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LUXURY

THE FINER THINGS BECAUSE LIFE’S TOO SHORT NOT TO...

SPLASH OUT

DUST OFF We’ve all got a box of old toys lurking in the loft, waiting to meet their fate at a boot fair – but it could be time to dig them out, because you could be set to make a small fortune.

If you happen to be the owner of a Star Wars Boba Fett figure then start dreaming of that beach holiday, because the rare toy recently sold for £26,000 at auction, and others could fetch a similar price. The figurine, which was boxed was only in production for a short while before it was discontinued due to child safety warnings, so anyone who still has one could be quids in.

We’re all guilty of tapping down our cards on the contactless machine without actually checking the amount, but thankfully with a £30 limit the damage is minimal. But, spare a thought for one poor (quite literally) man who ended up paying over £1million for a threecourse dinner. A card error meant that the customer, who should’ve been paying around £100 for his meal at an Indian restaurant in Aberdeenshire, instead paid a whopping £1,006,082.04.

Thankfully he realised and was able to cancel the transaction, but there’s a good chance it’s the most expensive curry of all time.

TREAT YOURSELF

JUST EAT

If you fancy indulging in something sweet, but want to go for something a little more extravagant than your regular Krispy Kreme, then behold the world’s most expensive cronut – a doughnut-croissant hybrid that’ll set you back £1,500.

Created by artisan doughnut maker Dum Dum Donutterie and Just Eat, the cronut contains Iranian saffron infused butter croissant dough, Cristal Rose Champagne Caviar, gold leaf decoration, French delicacy Normandy butter, powdered Nutella and the world’s most expensive Amedei Porcelana Chocolate. Definitely not one for sharing…

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THE MARK

LUXURY

TRAVEL Heading to New York? Then why not upgrade your trip by booking a stay in the world’s most expensive hotel? The Mark Hotel, which sits on the exclusive Madison Avenue was recently named as the costliest in the world, and staying in the penthouse suite will set guests back £57,000 a night. However, for that you do get the benefit of five bedrooms over two floors, a private rooftop terrace, conservatory, two wet bars and a library lounge. If you had enough friends to occupy all the rooms it could just work…

ADOPT Sure, dogs and cats are cute, but if you want a pet that’ll really impress, then perhaps think about introducing something special to your fish tank – the Asian Arowana. The world’s most coveted fish is much sought-after as it’s believed to bring luck and prosperity, and some have sold for as much as £22,500. However, they’ve become extremely rare in their natural habitat and it’s even illegal to import them to some areas now. But, if you can get your hands on one, it could live up to 50 years, which is only £450 a year – bargain!

SAY CHEESE Looking to impress at your next dinner party? Then perhaps consider serving up the world’s most expensive cheese for dessert. The Pule cheese costs around £850 per kg, and is only produced in one place in the world – Zasavica Special Nature Reserve in the Balkans. Wondering what makes it worth the price tag? Well, unusually, this fromage is made from donkey’s milk, and the high cost is down to the 25 litres of milk required to make just 1kg of cheese.

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EVENTS

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SEPTEMBER

CALENDAR 1st » In the Deep

Experience the wonder of London theatre closer to home. The Deep Blue Sea is a National Theatre masterpiece written by Terence Rattigan being streamed live to the E M Forster in Tonbridge at 7pm. The two protagonists are portrayed by the wonderful Helen McCrory (Medea and Penny Dreadful) and Tom Burke (War and Peace and the BBC’s Musketeers.) Director Carrie Cracknell will take you on a 180-minute journey back to the 1952 to explore the themes of love, pain and longing.

Tickets £14. To book, visit www.boxoffice.tonbridge-school.co.uk

2nd » Classic Country

A festivity dedicated to country singers and songs written by female artists across the decades is to be presented at the Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells. The Queens of Country concert features classic songs from country stars like Patsy Cline and Tammy Wynette to modern celebrities like Carrie Underwood, LeAnn Rimes and Shania Twain. If you enjoy country music then this occasion is for you.

Starts 7.30pm. Tickets from £18.50.

To book, visit www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

2nd » Centre Stage

With a firm focus on the music, curators of In the Woods festival pride themselves on picking the best new acts months, or even years before they make it big. From September 2, the bands play over two intimate stages under a beautifully lit forest canopy, with intriguing art installations to be found along the way. Locally-sourced food and ale, a silent disco and giant midnight bonfire keep things going until sunrise. To keep with the mystery, the line-up and location is released a week before the festival.

Tickets cost £125. To book visit www.inthewoodsfestival2016.co.uk

8th » Songbook Sessions

The Queen’s Hall Theatre in Cranbrook will burst into song as the volume raises to welcome Katie Markman in a performance of Someone Like You – The Adele Songbook. Taking centre stage, she’ll be singing tunes chosen by Adele herself including Chasing Pavements, Set Fire to the Rain and multi-million seller Skyfall.

The atmosphere is expected to be incredible, exciting and exhilarating. If you adore Adele it is a must but book quickly as tickets are selling fast.

The event will start at 7.45pm with tickets from £10. www.queenshalltheatre.co.uk

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EVENTS

10th » Afternoon Delight

Board a 1960s heritage diesel locomotive at Tunbridge Wells West for an afternoon of sweet treats. Indulge yourself with a delicious afternoon tea involving small sandwiches, scrumptious scones paired with jam and clotted cream with a selection of dainty cakes and shortbread served with a selection of mouth-watering tea and other drinks of your choice. Enjoy the typically English afternoon as you sip tea, take in scenic views and admire the carriages well-preserved train interior.

The experience will be yours for just £31.95 per person and begins at 2.40pm. www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk

11th » Countryside Castle

Join the festivities at Chiddingstone Castle’s Country Fair 2016 from 11am to 5pm set in the tranquillity of the countryside location with its striking grounds and the glassy lake. Enjoy numerous activities like the dance event, dog and runner duck show, laser pigeon shooting, admiring the miniature ponies and much more. It makes an enjoyable day out and there is something for everyone .

Tickets cost £4 per adult, £1 per child and under-fives go free. Visit www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk

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11th » It’s Showtime

Hosted at Riverhill Himalayan Gardens near Sevenoaks, their dog show and barbecue day begins at 12pm with a grill allowing you to relax without the hassle of washing up! The dog show starts at 1.30pm, and it’s a great family show letting children and adults alike to get involved and fun classes for dogs of all ages and abilities. There is no pressure to compete as audience members help keep the wonderful atmosphere alive.

For more information visit www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

13th » Picture Perfect

From September 13 to 21, the Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge is hosting Street Photographer by Andrew Mason – a display of dramatic images. Mason, who studied in London in the early eighties and became captivated with the way individuals lived and acted in private and public situations, shot the images entirely in black and white. The display concentrates on depicting a person’s character from the happiness moments to gloomier and miserable instants.

The exhibition is open daily from 10am to 3pm. www.trinitytheatre.net

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A MEMBER OF THE NEVILLE JOHNSON GROUP

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HANDMADE & HOMEGROWN FESTIVAL

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hevercastle.co. uk/whatson Or call - 01732 865224

BLUEBELL RAILWAY NEW FOR 2016

'SOUPER STEAM' VISIT THE BLUEBELL RAILWAY THIS AUTUMN AND ENJOY A JOURNEY THROUGH THE BEAUTIFUL What else .....

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ENJOYING A BOWL OF

more mperienced open to 8yr-18yrs

Chelsea BII• Club Ladies Days Shooting and Cakes what more could you ask for.

Our "Have a Go" clay pigeon shooting one to one sessions lets you have a taste of what Clay pigeon shooting is all about.

Game Brushing Up SessiOlls Be prepared for the season with our 8 trap 100ft. high tower

Corporate Entertainment

You will receive instruction, all the necessary equipment, and 20 clays and cartridges all for only

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EVENTS

NT/ANDREW BUTLER

Come to National Trust Property Smallhythe Place, near Tenterden and learn about the extravagant and elegant costumes once worn by Dame Ellen Terry who was an English stage actress. A leading Shakespearean actress most famous for her portrayal of Portia in The Merchant of Venice and Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing, discover the captivating stories attached to her garments and what has to be done to conserve them.

There are four talks over September 3, 10, 17 and 24, and they begin at 2.30pm, costing £2.50 per person.

For more information, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/smallhythe-place

NT/J WHITAKER

17th » Shakespearean Seamstress

18th » Something Silver

Support Hospices of Hope join the Something Silver Fun Run at Knole Park in Sevenoaks on Sunday September 18. You can run, walk or even skip over the 2K or 5K race. The registration takes place at 1.30pm and the race starts at 2.30pm. If you book early, advanced entry is £12.50 for adults and £8 for children. There are also family deals available. Dust off those running shoes and get active for a good cause.

For more information and booking www.hospicesofhope.co.uk /silver-fun-run

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24th » Three, Two, One...

Hever Castle Triathlon is here again on September 24 and 25 with events suitable for beginners and elite athletes. Test yourself, push your boundaries, take the leap and go for it! Anybody of any age can enter, so run, swim and cycle your way to success. If you’re going as a spectator there will be numerous activities to keep you entertained like children’s inflatables, archery, climbing wall and many more. www.hevercastle.co.uk

27th » Mote Music

Wind in the Weald is held at the delightful National Trust property Ightham Mote near Sevenoaks on September 27. Watch the mansion come to life with the sound of the Kent music ensemble performing an assortment of compositions. The talented group will have you relaxing and enjoying yourself as the beautiful sounds flow through your ears – this is an event not to be missed.

The event starts at 12.30pm and is free however, normal admission charges apply. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ightham-mote

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EVENTS

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28th » Hidden Treasure

EDDIE BOTSIO

Immerse yourself in the story of Cymbeline one of Shakespeare’s least known plays at the RSC Live show presented at the Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge Wells. A rarely performed romance of power, jealousy, the journey of love and reconciliation. Cymbeline is the ruler of a divided Britain. When Imogen, the only living heir, marries her sweetheart in secret, an enraged Cymbeline banishes him. Imogen embarks on a journey that will reunite the pair, however fate has other plans.

Join the RSC’s interpretation at 7pm, with tickets from £13. www.trinitytheatre.net

30th » Words for the Weekend

Join in the fun at the Cranbrook Literature Festival on September 30 and October 1 – a weekend full of celebrating literature through writing, learning and performing at events all over Cranbrook. There’ll be author talks, performance poetry, creative writing workshops for adults and storytelling for children as well as many more exciting activities. On Sunday afternoon, don’t miss Julian Clary talking about his latest book.

During the weekend there’ll be a mix of ticketed and free events. www.cranbrookliteraturefestival.com

30th » Smooth Sounds

Enjoy a relaxing evening full of beautiful live Jazz performed by the incredible talented New York singer Lesley Alexander as she performs at The Spa Hotel in Tunbridge Wells. If you appreciate fine jazz music or are budding musician her show is for you. Admission is free and the event begins at 8pm, with food is served until 9.30pm. Indulge in something delicious, appreciate the company, relax into a comfy chair and allow the music to take you on journey. www.spahotel.co.uk

30th » French Fancies

Discover beautiful and unusual items for your home and garden, when the Three French Hens hold a brocante sale at Silcock’s Farm near Tenterden.

With all items sourced from France, the two-day event on Friday September 30 and Saturday October 1 takes place in the shop, courtyard, barns and function room, each filled eclectic and chic pieces for your home.

The fair begins at 9.30am both days and entry is free. www.thethreefrenchhens.co.uk

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Advertorial

Up the Revolution!

objectives; and offer our customers a faster and cheaper alternative. The chemicals used in traditional dry-cleaning machines need to be disposed of by chemical disposal companies. The residues from the solvents are unpleasant' explains Lawrence.

Why Lawrence is on the campaign trail

He certainly puts his money where his mouth is. Having acquired Launder Care in Commercial Road, Law rence has invested in new state-of-the-art Electrolux Lagoon wet cleaning technology, a revolutionary system that works in harmony with ecological products, to produce amazing results. The Hi Tech washing machines manage the amount of water needed per cycle and the detergents are plant based and biodegradable.

There must be something in the Wealden air, or perhaps there's something in its water, but this year seems to have an 'up the revolution' feel to it. First there was Brexit resulting in the UK's extraordinary decision to leave the European Union. Now there is a campaign underway to get all households and businesses across Kent. that use chemical based dry-cleaning and laundry services, to ditch them and go 'Eco' for the sake of the environment and future generations.

The campaign is led by one man, Lawrence Evans from EcoFresh Laundry in Paddock Wood and supported by his colleagues, Ron and Marie Cockayne; and a growing number of consumers, hotels, schools and spas, who have decided to be more responsible and do their bit by 'going green'.

Lawrence is the 'Jamie Oliver' of the dry-cleaning and laundry business. Where Jamie wants us all to say 'no' to sugar, Lawrence wants us to say 'no' to chemicals.

'We are all looking for more efficient. cost-effective and environmentally friendly options in our lives. At EcoFresh we have the innovation and technology to support those

The new dry-cleaning is wet cleaning' explains Lawrence.

'We can now deliver services that are faster, cheaper and friendlier for you and kinder to the environment. We return garments to our customers that are cleaner, fresher, softer and even brighter too. Everyone's a winner'.

Not only passionate about conserving the environment. he has also structured his services to be a swift one-stop solution, so that busy families can enjoy their time doing other things. From 'off-load a whole load ' wash and fold and dry-cleaning, to ironing, repairs and alterations, everything is catered for through EcoFresh.

For all those that would like to change their lives and claim benefits and discounts too, they can join the EcoFresh Revolution at ecofreshlaundry.co.uk

The ultimate green spa for your garments has arrived in the Weald!

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INSIDE VIEW This month, Paul Dunton is saying a big thank you for your support with Local & Live

T

he recent Local & Live Fundraising Festival over the August Bank holiday weekend was a fantastic success. The

attendance across the four days was amazing and the atmosphere was energised and really supportive.

This year’s scaled down indoor event featured close to 100 acts comprising well over 300 musicians in total. I’d like to express my thanks to all who performed and generously gave their time to help us raise some vital funds towards next year’s event. was truly brilliant – the standard of music

and staff for hosting this year’s fundraiser;

needs to seen and heard to be believed.

The Forum, The Grey Lady, The Sussex Arms

I would also like to thank TWBC for

and The Royal Oak which were packed across

awarding us a grant towards this year’s event.

the whole weekend. It is a non-stop, full on

Just some of the costs involved included

weekend; hard toil and graft for all concerned.

sound equipment hire, engineers fees,

And, I would like to express my sincere

marketing and advertising materials, social

thanks to the local community for their

media, advertising and insurance. All the

support at the fundraising effort. We sold

funds raised will go a long away to paying off

hundreds of golden wristbands (our full

our outstanding debts from last year and puts

weekend pass for £20) in addition to many

us in a very strong position to move forwards

individual one day entries. Because of your

and return to the larger scale format which

willingness to support Local & Live and the

features Calverley Grounds as our main stage

musicians involved we all enjoyed a fabulous

location and central hub for the festival. For

atmosphere and many great shows across

this to become a reality we will need to

the weekend and take a big step towards our

secure a main sponsor, but given the support

2017 goal of a Calverley Grounds return.

that was shown for this year’s fundraising

It’s been good to take a break from the usual

event and the many sponsorship inquiries

large scale event – I certainly feel energised

that have been filling the inboxes at Local &

and ready for the challenges ahead, on

Live HQ since we announced our plans to

refection sometimes we need to fail to allow

return to Calverley next year, I am certainly

for something to become stronger and

filled with a sense of optimism for the future.

succeed. Thanks to So Magazine and The

A huge thanks is also owed to our four designated venues and their management

Times of Tunbridge Wells for all their support!

Roll on 2017!

Whilst the final funds are still being collated from the weekend, it is estimated that we raised upwards of £7,000. There are too many to mention all at once, but just some of the stand out performances for me were The Standard Lamps, The Orange Circus, Noble Jacks and Youth who all blew the roof off The Forum in their own unique ways! The Worry Dolls, Annaca and David Migden & The Twisted Roots were also absolutely magnificent. To be honest, I thought everyone

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ADVERTORIAL

The Fairfax Gallery will be holding its 21st Summer Show in June, with line up of original paintings and sculpture by established, award-winning and emerging talent.

Further images of the original paintings from the artists featured and many more can be viewed on our website www.fairfaxgallery.com

ON THIS PAGE Barry Wilson ‘Sunrise’ Oil & Gold Leaf on Canvas 100 x 80 cm Elaine Jones Quiet times Oil on Panel 85 x 110 cm Steven Outram RBA ‘Emerging’ Oil on Canvas 51 x 61 cm Woodland Mist Acrylic on Canvas 100 x 100 cm

Open seven days a week • 23 The Pantiles (Lower Walk), Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5TD

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ADVERTORIAL

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The Fairfax Gallery was founded in 1995 on the elegant Lower Walk of the Pantiles and is one of the longest established businesses in the historic part of town.

Whilst the Fairfax Gallery has another gallery in Burnham Market as well as regularly exhibiting in London, New York, Singapore & Hong Kong, the original Pantiles gallery always ensures it has the latest and strongest examples on display in its spacious gallery set over 2 floors of its listed building..The gallery offers services for private clients, interior designers including a home trail service to view art works in your own home or office to ensure the perfect piece.

ON THIS PAGE Alice Scrutton ‘Acrross teh Dunes, Norfolk’ Oil on Canvas 102 x 102 cm Lee Madgwick ‘Stealth’ Acrylic on Canvas 90 x 120 cm Gemma HarwoodGold Leaf Weald OS Map & Gold Leaf on Panel 100 x 120 cm Louise Balaam RWA, NEAC Blue sky over the Downs,early summerc Oil on Board 50 x 50 cm (framed)

Tel: 01892 525 525

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Times KENNY WAX FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT & TC BEECH PRESENT

MR. ,m>PER'S

PENGUINS -

**** ****-'A SHOW THAT RADIATES WARMTH THROUGHOUT' The Stage

'THIS MAGICAL NEW MUSICAL IS BOUND TO DELIGHT A FAMILY OF ALL AGES'_-+----f

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SEPTEMBER 2016

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T H E AT R E

ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT

NOW PLAYING This season, Trinity Theatre is welcoming an eclectic mix of musical talents to its stage

T

attended live music events in the UK

and dynamic group bring a mix of both

last year. There were an estimated

folk and contemporary jazz to Kent

10.4million music tourists in the UK

following the launch of their second

during 2015 and they generated

album, El Barranco. The John Hackett

£3.7billion in total direct and indirect

Band (Saturday November 12) is a

spend, up seven per cent on the

four-piece rock band featuring the

previous year.

brother of former Genesis lead guitarist,

From touring bands and musical

Steve Hackett. Performing material from

shows to the local talent, Trinity

previous albums and new songs from

here are few industries that

Theatre is proud to stage a range of

band members, the John Hackett Band

have seen such a massive

musical events throughout the year

offers some great British progressive

shift over the last 50 years as

and proves to be a great destination

rock music to occupy you as the cold

the music industry.

for musical lovers.

winter nights draw in.

Since the release of the cassette tape

Robert Habermann, a former winner

A returning favourite and a perfect

in 1962 the medium has come a long

of the Manhattan Association of

early Christmas treat, Richard Durrant

way, with the introduction of CDs in the

Cabarets of New York’s ‘Best

offers a folk-filled festive time with his

1980s to digital distribution and

International Performer’ award, brings

Candlelit Christmas Concert (Tuesday

streaming in the 1990s right through to

the iconic songs and story of

December 20). Joining him on stage will

the present day with services such as

American songwriter George

be Greek-Irish singer Amy Kakoura, and

iTunes and Spotify. We no longer own

Gershwin in I Got Gershwin (Friday

the multi-instrumentalist, Nick Pynn. And

the music in our collection but stream it

September 16) to the area. The

throughout the autumn season there is

from the ‘cloud’. This may well account

recently formed Phoenix Players

Paul Dunton’s Local & Live Sessions

for the resurgence in the popularity of

celebrate another great American

(Saturday September 24, Saturday

vinyl in the past couple of years as

in Sensational Sondheim (Saturday

October 29 and Saturday November 26)

people once again want to actually have

October 8); focusing on famous

which continues to champion local and

a physical copy of their music.

works such as Company and Into

up-and-coming talent.

These changes have affected the

The Woods that would lead to

Music remains key to the variety of

business in huge ways with global

Stephen Sondheim being thought of

entertainment on offer at Trinity

revenue dropping over £5billion in the

as one of the greatest artists working

throughout the year.

last ten years. However, live music

in musical theatre.

seems to be as strong as ever.

New festivals have emerged every

Later in the year, two fantastic bands grace Trinity’s stage. British

For full music listings and prices,

year alongside established ones such as

saxophonist, flautist and violinist Tori

please visit www.trinitytheatre.net or

Glastonbury or the Isle of Wight

Freestone fronts the Tori Freestone Trio

call the Trinity Theatre Box Office on

Festival. A total of 27.7million people

(Thursday November 3). This acclaimed

01892 678 678.

SEPTEMBER 2016

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25/08/2016 09:48

Thank You For The Music Sat 10 September

An Audience with Lesley Garrett Wed 21 September

More Miller Magic

Carmen

Russell Kane

Sun 11 September

Wed 14 September

Sat 1 7 September

The Carpenters Story

10cc

Dr Hook

Thu 22 September

Wed 5 October

Fri 7 October

SOM~ GUYS .

~AV~ ALL -

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LUCK

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The Three Degrees

Josh Widdicombe

Mon 1 0 October

Thu 13 October

Some Guys Have All The Luck Friday 14 October

Book online at:

www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk ~

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Box Office:

Follow us:

01892 530613/532072

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ASSEMBLY HALL

TH EAT RE

Tunbridge Wells Borough ~

c il

25/08/2016 13:23

SO

OVERHEARD REMEMBER, WE’RE ALWAYS LISTENING…

OVERHEARD IN A WEALDEN PUB GARDEN

Woman 1: “Your holiday pictures looked lovely – I can’t believe how young your mum still looks!”

Woman 2: “My mum wasn’t on the holiday. That was me…”

OVERHEARD IN A TONBRIDGE CAFÉ

Woman 1: “I need to find a new hairdresser.”

Woman 2: “Why?” Woman 1: “Because I don’t like mine any more. I took in a picture of Jennifer Aniston and said ‘I want to look like this’ and he laughed and said ‘I can’t work miracles.’”

OVERHEARD IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS STARBUCKS

Child: “Mummy, why do you drink so much coffee in the morning?”

Mum: “Because it’s an unacceptable time to be drinking wine.”

OVERHEARD IN CROWBOROUGH WAITROSE

OVERHEARD IN A TUNBRIDGE WELLS OFFICE:

OVERHEARD AT SEVENOAKS STATION

“I don’t understand why anyone would take a Tesco carrier bag into Waitrose.

I don’t like to mix and match.”

Man: “Of course I don’t play Pokémon Go – I have a life!”

Woman: “I play it…”

“Next time I get married, could we hire a limo for the hen do, rather than having to pile on the train?”

Visit www.somagazine.co.uk every Wednesday for more overheard

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25/08/2016 09:49

new at bewl

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MY RANT

TIME TO VENT

Cara from Southborough is so irrate, she’s ranting about…ranting OK, I REALISE that this may be controversial, contradictory and maybe even a little hypocritical, but I’m so wound up I need to vent…and my rant is about people ranting.

I don’t know whether you’ve noticed it too, but there’s now a whole species of person who seem to spend their lives whingeing and moaning about anything and everything. We’re forever reading articles about wellbeing and inspirational quotes encouraging us to better ourselves, yet it seems as if inside we’re all a bit bitter and twisted, and it’s only getting worse.

The people of Tunbridge Wells aren’t referred to as ‘disgusted of Tunbridge Wells’ for nothing – clearly, around these parts we like a good moan. But we’ve gone beyond moaning to something altogether more angry – now, we’re indignant about everything, quicker to jump to conclusions, and feel it out given right to bemoan and belittle. What a time to be alive!

For the most part, I blame the internet – it has bred pathological complainers, who will do anything to put in their two pence worth.

Scroll down to the comments section on any digital news site and you’ll see what I mean – hordes of people clogging up the page with mindless gibberish, complaining about the content not being newsworthy enough (don’t read it then), or launching a tirade of abuse at other commenters.

Social media is even worse – during the referendum in June I frequently had to practice my yoga breathing techniques as I read people’s lengthy Facebook rants about their political stance. Fair enough if these were balanced arguments, hoping to sway friends and family to vote one way or another, but they weren’t – these were vile, nasty views which most of the time were criticising other people who had simply dared to express an opinion. Use your own Facebook page as you will, but I think it’s absolutely unacceptable to attack others on their personal profiles, regardless of what you think of their beliefs.

And then, there are the real life moaners – you probably all know at least one (if you don’t,

then it’s you). These are the people for whom nothing is ever satisfactory – meals in restaurants, train journeys, the ripeness of their avocado from Waitrose – and woe betide anyone who dares to correct them or suggest that perhaps they’re being slightly pedantic.

Don’t get me wrong, having a little moan can be therapeutic, but I fear we’ve gone so far beyond that stage that we’ve forgotten how to let the little things go. Now, we can take to Twitter and bombard a company we’re unhappy with with a series of complaints in 140 characters – it’s become so easy to be disgusted, we’ve forgotten how not to be.

But what’s the solution? Do we delete all social media accounts and actively avoid ever seeing or speaking to another human being in order to avoid these bouts of rage? Tempting though it is, there must be a better way.

Perhaps we need to revert back to the old adage of: ‘if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.’ But then what would we have to moan about?

DO YOU HAVE A RANT YOU’D LIKE TO RELEASE? Email your views, in no more than 600 words, to Editor Charlie Bond: cbond@onemediauk.co.uk. We won’t publish anonymous letters and contact details must be supplied, but if you’d prefer not to be named in print, please make this preference clear.

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CELEBRITY

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AUGUST 2 0 1 6

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CELEBRITY

SO

Lady in waiting The world’s most famous bridesmaid is set to become a bride herself.

We take a look at the rise and rise of Miss Middleton…

It’s hard to believe it’s now over five years since Pippa Middleton first made her grand entrance into the public eye. Walking behind sister Kate as she married Prince William, she didn’t realise the furore she would cause as she caught the eye of millions – suddenly everybody wanted to know who this girl was.

Since then, the interest in Pippa and her life hasn’t wavered. She’s become a regular face in gossip columns and on style blogs, has written for highprofile publications and published a book, and has also become prolific for her involvement in charity work. Her recent engagement has once again seen her catapulted into the public eye, and speculation over her upcoming nuptials are a constant media focus; from her dress decision to whether Kate will return the favour and be her maid of honour.

Lady in Waiting

It’s rumoured that Pippa’s fiancé James Matthews pursued her for 10 years – but his perseverance paid off, as in July the pair announced their engagement, with Pippa sporting an art-deco ring rumoured to be worth over £200,000.

Although the pair have been friends for years, and briefly dated in 2012, it was only after Pippa split with her long-term partner stockbroker Nico

Jackson in November 2015 that James and Pippa rekindled their romance, and it wasn’t long before the hedge fund manager proposed during a romantic trip to the Lake District.

Brother of TV personality Spencer Matthews, former Etonian James is heir to a Scottish estate, meaning that Pippa will one day have her own title – Lady Glen Affric.

That Dress

Attention has turned to Pippa’s upcoming nuptials and the dress she’ll be wearing on her big day – there’s been much speculation over which designer she’ll choose, and whether she’ll ask Sarah Burton, who created Kate’s spectacular dress and also her now infamous bridesmaid dress.

When Pippa stepped in to the silk-crepe sheath Alexander McQueen dress, she had no idea that she, the dress and her figure would come under such intense scrutiny.

“The plan was not really for it to be a significant dress. Really just to sort of blend in with the train.”

Nevertheless, it was her effortless elegance that sparked an interest in the new royal’s sibling, and five years later, people are still talking about the outfit that wowed 3billion viewers. Now, with her own wedding expected to take place in 2017,

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CELEBRITY

there’s no doubt her dress will once again be the hot topic of discussion around the world. Experts have already waded in to the debate, with many suggesting she’ll opt for two dresses, and that, judging by the stir her figure caused before, she’ll once again choose something fitted to show off her slim silhouette. Pippa however, has joked that she may choose something else entirely: “If I had to get married, it would be in my tennis whites – shorts with no pleats or frills.’’

Career & Charity

Born Philippa Charlotte Middleton in 1983 (this month sees her turn 33), Pippa is the middle Middleton, with Kate the eldest and their brother James four years her junior. Growing up in Berkshire, she, like her sister was educated at St Andrew’s School, then Downe House School, before attending Marlborough College on a sports scholarship.

After graduating from Edinburgh University, she worked in public relations and events, before taking up a role in her parent’s party planning company Party Pieces. Writing had always been a passion of hers, and after the royal wedding she was offered multiple opportunities, including becoming a columnist for Tatler, The Sunday Telegraph and Waitrose Weekend and having a party planning book published in 2012 entitled Celebrate.

She also had a brief stint as a TV presenter in the US. In recent years, Pippa’s writing has taken more of a backseat as she’s concentrated on charity work. As well as being an ambassador for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and Mary Hare School for deaf children where she regularly completes difficult challenges to fundraise, she’s also become heavily involved with the Michael Matthews Foundation – a charity set up in memory of her fiancé’s brother, who lost his life while climbing Everest. Just two months ago she and her brother James completed a 15,000ft French

42

Alps mountain trek to raise money for the charity, and earlier this year she accomplished the Great Wall marathon in China for the BHF.

Family

Despite their busy lives and Kate’s royal engagements, the Middleton family are very close, with Kate and Pippa maintaining a strong relationship. The pair try to see each other when possible, and Kate is thought to be very supportive of her younger sister, while it’s reported that Prince William and Pippa are also close, with him offering her career advice and guidance on her charity ventures.

“We have a very normal, sisterly relationship. We’re very close. And, you know, we support each other and get each other’s opinions and things. Obviously she has pressures that she’s taken on, but we spend a lot of time together. We still do a lot together as a family.”

The Pippa Effect

Retailers across the globe have long-spoken about ‘the Kate effect’; the process whereby the Duchess is spotted wearing something and within hours the said item has sold out worldwide. And it would seem that, much like her sister, Pippa’s sense of style has the nation gripped – handbag brands and shoe retailers sold out of their products when Pippa was spotted wearing their labels, and after her recent engagement jewellers reported a rise in requests for ‘the Pippa ring’. Much like Kate’s wedding dress sparked a lace resurgence, Pippa’s infamous bridesmaid dress saw demand for slim-fitting wedding dresses rise, and since the royal wedding many brands have attempted to make their own replica wedding dresses emulating Pippa’s.

With her style status on the rise and wedding plans in place, there’ll no doubt be an increase in interest surrounding the Duchess’ sister – as the world waits to see what dress she’ll be walking down the aisle in next year, the Pippa effect shows no sign of slowing down…

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ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS

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Today, we preserve the fresh, crisp quality of this 100% natural spring water and nothing but perfection is accepted throughout. The whole process from extraction to bottling takes place on-site, with no carbon footprint. Once filtered, the water is bottled as either classically stil Ior gently carbonated to create the distinct taste of our delicately sparkling product.

If only the best will do, Tunbridge Wells Spring Water is the discerning choice.

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A DESTINATION BOUTIQUE WITH ITS OWN IDENTITY. WE SELECT PIECE S FR O M W O RLD FAMOUS DE S IGNERS A ND EMER G ING BR A NDS .

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THE LOOK

SO

INVESTMENT PIECE BECAUSE REALLY, IT’S MORE A CASE OF NEED THAN WANT…

This gorgeous handbag from Cashara goes with everything and has plenty of space inside for all the essentials.

TAN LEATHER HANDBAG, £110 WWW.CASHARA.CO.UK

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THE LOOK

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THE LOOK

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THE LOOK

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MILY BLUSH ORGANZA BLOUSE £225 H THE CLEVER DRESSER MILY JUMPER £255 H THE CLEVER DRESSER

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THE LOOK

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Stockists

HERE’S WHERE YOU CAN BUY THE ITEMS FROM THIS MONTH’S SHOOT

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ALEXANDRA BOUTIQUE 45 High Stree Tunbridge Wells TN1 1XL

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JACQUES VERT 52 Mount Pleasant Road Tunbridge Wells TN1 1RB

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N ew Autumn Arrivals

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AUTUMN 2016

men

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DESIGNER LABELS AND TRENDS THAT MATIER TO YOU

Welcome to the Fenwick Canterbury and Tunbridge Wells autumn winter 2016 Style Edit The autumn collections have NOW arrived, a great array of brands and autumn trends casting a whole different colour spectrum on the shop floor and just brimming with fantastic buys.

THE COLOUR

Rest assu red ou r knowledgeable buyers have been out scouring the world looking for luxu ry fashion brands that have a point of difference from the high street, bringing originality EDIT: seen in directional shapes, texture and the use of luxury fabrics to get you excited.

The colour palette for autumn starts with black and all shades of grey, great staples that work so well with the mix of spicy mustard seed, kale green nuances, chalky flesh skin tones, a Jabulous warm Judge shade, cerulean blue and finally a rich Merlot red and the deepest purple adding depth, seduction and drama to your winter wardrobe.

At Fenwick we p ride ourselves in having a fantastic team of buyers who endeavour to select a mix of product that will tick the boxes of our customer's fashion needs and wishes. From Contemporary designer labels, Fast fashion brands taking the trends straight off the catwalk to a mix of Lifestyle brands that offer great collections of stylish everyday wear.

It is always so exciting to see the first collections drop, like little stories of colour, texture and detail.

So what will you see this season? I hear you asking. There will be some key trends that will stand out. From high-necked frilly collars to pussy bow necklines; crop tops to elongated tunics; wide legged draping trousers, the skinny jean and also cropped pants skimming just above the ankle. Wraparound jersey shapes and asymmetric skirts create interesting shapes; whilst in outerwear you will see faux fur trimmed parkas, shearling coats and shorter styles, quilted jackets, biker style jackets in leather and snazzy suede, oversized cocoon shapes with sloping shoulders and the Emperors coat grazing the floor.

In fabrics and detailing, there will be light sheer fabrics in blouses, fringing detail on knits and suede, weather worn fabrics showing signs of distress in burnout prints; shiny fabrics intensifying a look and this season checks and velvet get a modern twist.

While the overall look remains quite casual, think of opulent luxury fabrics, sumptuous cozy cocoon knits in cashmere, mohair and alpaca seen in rollneck, hooded sweaters and knitted dresses and lush draping velvet and tapestry patterns creating the allure of a cold Russian winter.

I think they say in film, that's a wrap ! I think at Fenwick we do have the autumn season wrapped up and we hope you will enjoy coming into store to enjoy the fun of shopping, the sensory experience of touching, feeling, experimenting and having our style experts on hand to help you with your selections.

Let the fun begin, it's now over to you I

St George's Street Canterbury Kent CT1 2TB

I 01227 766866 I 01892 516716

Royal Victoria Place Tunbridge Wells KentTN12SR

www.fenwick.co.uk

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AUTUMN 2016 STYLE EDIT

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SAHARA FENWICK CANTERBURY AND TUNBRIDGE WELLS

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AUTUMN 2016 STYLE EDIT

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des

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pet1ts · houts

FENWICK CANTERBURY AND TUNBRIDGE WELLS

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Complimentary evenings and 1-1 advice â&#x20AC;˘ sessions

Nuffield Hea lth Tunbridge Wells Hospi tal wi ll be holdi ng free information evenings with some of ou r top Consu ltants. The evening w ill consist of drinks and ca napes on arriva l, an introduction from the Su rgeon, followed by a complimentary l 0 minute consultation w here you wi ll have the opportunity to talk to the consu lta nt in private abou t a ll you r su rgery questions.

They w ill explain to you the procedu res most suitable for you as well as the risks a nd benefits of su rgery. Come and find out more about the procedu re you are considering. These events are popu lar so please book you r place.

Our hospital gets people back on their feet faster thanks to zero waiting lists on our self-pay treatments.

Are you considering weight loss surgery?

Let's talk teeth

Thursday 29th September at 7pm

Tuesday 4th October at 7pm

M r Ha mouda (Bariatrics , Weig ht loss Consu lta nt)

M r Coombes (Oral and Maxi llofacia l Consu lta nt)

Let's talk eye health and your options for treatment

Let's talk shoulder pain

Tuesday 11 th October at 7pm

Thursday 6th October at 7pm

Prof. A nsari (Ophtha lmology Consu lta nt)

M r Ja hn ich (Orth opaedic Consu lta nt)

( ) Tunbridge Wells Hospital, Kingswood Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 4UL

; ; Nuffield Health FOR THE LOVE OF LIFE

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& 01892 883 638 0 www.nuffieldhealth.com Hospitals + Health Checks + Physic + Gyms

25/08/2016 13:26

SO

THE LOOK

STYLE INSIDER

CHARLIE BOND FINDS OUT WHETHER SHE’S GOT WHAT IT TAKES TO BECOME A PERSONAL STYLIST

H

ere’s a little insight into how my

them. Basically I need a wardrobe fairy, or, as

professionals the basics of styling and

wardrobe looks: it’s rammed full of

they’re more commonly known, a personal

wardrobe editing.

tops, skirts, dresses and trousers

stylist to come and sort me and my

but yet, like many women I still have ‘nothing

wardrobe out.

Taught by Tanja Mrnjaus and Elin Mai, the directors of styling company Style My, the

to wear’. I’m interested in fashion and love

But instead of going down the traditional

course is an opportunity for those with an

shopping, but still only actually wear about

route of hiring a stylist, instead I’ve booked

interest in styling to gain a real insight into

30% of the items I own, and even then,

on to an Introduction to Personal Styling

the working world of a stylist, and pick up

sometimes that’s just out of guilt because

course with the Fashion Retail Academy,

some helpful hints and tricks along the way.

I’ve had them so long it’s too late to return

where over three days I’ll be taught by

Now, what should I wear?

CAPSULE WARDROBE I’m sure I’m not the only one with a wardrobe fit to burst, but it turns out that we actually only need a few items to create a ‘capsule wardrobe’, and we can then build on the basics with accessories and statement pieces.

BODY SHAPES After a morning of learning about the different elements involved in styling, we move on to one of the most important things to consider – body shapes.

“The ideal wardrobe is not very big – you should need no more than a double”

We discuss what we think our own shapes are, and are then given advice

CAPSULE CREATING

on how to dress each shape, and what the typical traits of each are. It is

The chances are, you’ll already have some of

interesting to learn that hourglass is the most common body shape, and that

these key items in your wardrobe…

although a lot of women think they’re pear shaped, to be a ‘true pear’, your bottom half is usually two dress sizes larger than your top half.

“The best way to determine your

body shape is through body mapping;

measuring bust, waist and hips”

A white shirt

Basic t-shirts

Knitwear

Jeans

Trousers

Skirts

Dresses

A coat

Shapewear

Shoes and boots

Accessories

SHAPING UP Tanja and Elin give their tips on dressing to suit your shape HOURGLASS: Play to your shape by wearing anything waist cinching.

PEAR: Creating balance is key, so focus on the top half of the body.

ATHLETIC: You can get away with wearing anything!

APPLE: Focus on showing off the legs.

RECTANGLE: For this shape, tailoring is key.

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THE LOOK

WARDROBE EDIT

ACCESSORIES

COLOUR MATCHING

Following on from learning about capsule

I love accessories, and often use them to enhance an outfit, so I’m pleased to learn that I’m doing something right. In this session, we’re taught about how we can give an outfit extra impact with just the help of a scarf or statement necklace, and how they can be used to flatter each body shape.

The morning of our second day is spent learning about how colour works in styling, and the importance of wearing the right colours to suit your skintone. We’re taught that the top half of the body is where the colour matters because that’s where we communicate, and that someone is wearing the right colours for them, when their skin appears even, their hair is complemented and their eye colour is enhanced.

items, we’re then taught about wardrobe editing, which will definitely come in handy.

Tanja and Elin talk us through the stages of clearing out your closet, from beginning with an inventory where you throw out any illfitting items, to working out the gaps which you can fill with new, wearable pieces.

“Everything in your wardrobe should be able to be worn” CLOSET CLEARING It’s time to be ruthless and start whittling down your wardrobe…

If it doesn’t fit, has seen better days or has dust on the hanger it’s time to go!

Fashions do come round again, so if you want to keep something, still store it away for the time being so it doesn’t clutter your wardrobe, and revisit it from time to time to see whether it needs to be brought back.

“There’s no such thing as over-accessorising, it all depends on your personal style” FINISHING TOUCHES Tanja and Elin talk us through the best ways to add extra touches to your outfit

Everyone should own a great watch, statement necklace and a good pair of studs.

If you don’t have many accessories at the moment, start with a great tote bag, over the shoulder bag, clutch, watch, cuff, studs, nude shoes, a statement necklace and a belt.

When accessorising, think about your shape

“You can wear any colour, but it’s how and where you wear it that matters” COLOUR CLASS Here’s some handy advice on working out which colours suit you

To identify whether you’re a warm or cool colouring, work out you have more yellow (warm) or blue (cool) based undertones to your skin.

If you have a warm skintone, then go for anything with rich, muted and vibrant tones.

For those with a cool colouring, opt for anything that looks fresh, serene, light and blue based.

not right – there’s no point holding on to it!

and scale, i.e. if you are petite, overbearing accessories may not always suit and vice versa.

If you are tall or a plus size perhaps opt for something more statement and chunky.

SHOPPING

SHOP TIPS

Here are some we recommend:

One of the great things about this course is

You’ll never make an impulse purchase again…

You’re dressing for the here and now, so if something is still unworn with the label on it’s

the amount of practical elements involved – each day we’re partnered up and we go to the shops to put what we’ve learned into practice. While we’re out and about we’re encouraged to take note of which stores best suit different body shapes, and which retailers cater for various body shapes.

SO

Accessories are a good way to make a difference with colour.

HOURGLASS: Oasis and Phase Eight PEAR: Mango

Always start with bottoms or statement

ATHLETIC: Topshop

item and work from there; this could be

APPLE: Mint Velvet

shoes, dress etc.

RECTANGLE: All Saints

Depending on your body shape, there

For accessories, try stores like

will be shops that suit you better than others.

Cos, Topshop, H&M, and Oliver Bonas.

“Buy clothing that’s timeless in style and not a fashion fad”

After three days, and a lot of visiting shops in the name of research, I’m exhausted, but much more clued up when it comes to personal style – and I have a certificate to prove it! As for my wardrobe…there are definitely a few items that’ll be finding themselves in the charity shop soon…

A THREE DAY INTRODUCTION TO PERSONAL STYLING COURSE WITH THE FASHION RETAIL ACADEMY COSTS £350. TO BOOK, VISIT WWW.FASHIONRETAILACADEMY.AC.UK

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The Basement Menswear

l Dojnstairs Now available at The Basement Menswear Th e most comfortable, yet incred ib ly st yli sh Mac Fl exx jean, once you have t ried th ese babies nothin g else will do!

At The Basement Menswear No 6. High Street, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN1 1 UX I Tel: 01892 457 530 I] The Basement TW I CJ The Basement TW

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From hot stone massages to bespoke facials. We offer Organic Beauty that nourishes the Soul.

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Enjoy swimming in our heated natural spring water pool or relaxing in our candlelit spa bath and sauna. Catch up with friends or simply relax and enjoy some peace.

Every day is different at Knowle Grange and we recognise that our members and guests are different too! So why not choose a treatment, day or membership and make some time for you!

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THE LOOK

SO

BRIDAL BEAUTY Unveil your radiant new look this wedding season

E

COPY SUPPLIED BY BELLA VOU

very bride wants to look their absolute best for their nuptials. With wedding season now upon us, there is still time for brides (and indeed their mothers!) to benefit from a treatment that will make them feel confident and look beautiful for those all-important wedding photos.

The Bella Vou clinic in Tunbridge Wells offers a range of walk in-walk-out treatments that can enhance your appearance and roll back the years with rapid recovery times. Bella Vou’s lead cosmetic surgeon, Mr Amir Nakhdjevani assesses some of the options available to brides this summer.

Chemical Peels Reveal a radiant looking, youthful complexion and smoother skin with a chemical peel treatment. Chemical peels improve the appearance of the skin on the face, neck and hands, lessening the

appearance of wrinkles, sun damage, crows fit and acne scarring. The results of a chemical peel can be seen approximately one week after treatment.

Botox and dermal fillers Many a bride-to-be is looking to get rid of frown lines and wrinkles to ensure she looks youthful and fresh-faced on her big day. Botox treatments reduce wrinkles on the face and neck and last for three months.

Botox starts to take effect after five days, so we recommend brides undergo the procedure two weeks before their wedding to ensure they get the most benefit.

Dermal filler injections are another effective solution for wrinkles and lines on the face, especially around the mouth. A specially formulated ‘gel’ is injected beneath the skin to flatten the appearance of creases and wrinkles, or make minor changes to the profile of the nose. Fillers provide instant visible results and last for up to a year.

Lip fillers Thin lips can often make us look older than our years, so if you want a quick fix this wedding season then injectable lip fillers will give you the sexy selfie-pout you desire. For a permanent solution, lip implants are designed to look and feel natural, while enhancing your lip volume to your desired size.

Concept Facelift For older brides and the mothers of the bride (or groom!), Bella Vou’s revolutionary Concept Facelift is a minimally invasive treatment to help you rejuvenate your looks. Concept is a unique facelift; performed under local anaesthetic you can be fully healed in less than a week, ensuring you’re turning heads for all the right reasons!

For a beautiful you visit Bella Vou www.bellavou.co.uk or call 01892 257 063

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26/08/2016 10:07

Say goodbye to being overweight once and for all!

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Having had a weight problem for 35 years, Rachel was desperate to find a way of being able to lose weight once and for all. 'I had just about resigned myself to the fact that I would be overweight for the rest of my life, when I came across the principles of the Metabolic Weight Loss Programme. I followed these and to my amazement, I lost 3 stone in just over 3 months and then went on to successfully maintain my weight. The relief was enormous to have found something that finally worked for me: Rachel became passionate about wanting to help as many people as possible with their weight problems, which led her to become a qualified weight loss consultant. In the last 12 years, she has helped over 4,000 clients from all walks of life to help bring their dieting days to an end once and for all. 'My clients' ages range from 8 years to 90 years, so there is hope for everyone!'

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'This isn't an open-ended slimming club; says Rachel. 'We set your target weight at the beginning and then get on with the business of helping you lose the weight, addressing any difficulties along the way, then we concentrate on keeping it off - for good!'

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25/08/2016 14:12

We don't compromise on healthcare, you won't compromise on living.

As part of HCA Healthcare UK, Sevenoaks Medical Centre provides rapid access to CT and MRI scanning,

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SEVENOAKS MEDICAL CENTRE

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London Bridge Hospital part of

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25/08/2016 13:28

ADVERTORIAL

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EXPERT OPINION PROFESSIONAL ADVICE ON YOUR HEALTH, BEAUTY AND WELLBEING

T

likely lose interest. You also risk

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athletes in Rio are

injuries – I see large numbers

injuries. In Kent, we’re fortunate to have a

expected to see a

of patients who sustain

host of sports clubs around the county – get

surge in people experimenting

muscle and joint injuries by

involved!

with new sports, whether it’s

overexerting too early on. You

he heroics of Team GB’s

taking up jogging, cycling, swimming, tennis, or – for the more adventurous – trying out a routine on the pommel horse and high bars!

should increase your levels of activity gradually, improving your strength and conditioning, before diving in at the deep end.

SELECTING YOUR SPORT Most of you will already know which sport you’d like to get into, but for those who don’t, think carefully about your body. I’ve had surgery on my knee in the past, so I

But while physical activity does wonders to boost your wellbeing, it can lead to

WARM-UPS IMPROVE PERFORMANCE

prefer to cycle rather than run long distances,

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How can you enhance your performance

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participating in any sport, you should

that area and seek medical advice.

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For more information, please visit

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DON’T DIVE IN AT THE DEEP END

CONSIDER JOINING A CLUB

Sevenoaks Medical Centre is part of HCA

If you’ve been inspired to try out a new

While you might feel nervous to join a club

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fresh thinking real results

The Madonna Eye Lift - non-surgical alternative to Blepharoplasty Droop ing eyelid s, dark rings, eye bags, and wrinkles can make you look a lot sadder than you fee l. Your eyes have so much to do with who you are, it's a shame not to do something to put the twinkle back. Luckily, there's a trusted state of the art non-i nvasive procedure to bring back that youthful , fresh look.

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You'll get results similar to eyelid surgery, without the risks or the downtime! What's more, the Fractional C02 Laser will stimulate new collagen production, bringing improvements to the skin tone and texture which will continue for 3-5 months after the procedure. Results can last up to 5 years and even longer with appropriate topical skincare.

You w ill see skin tightening and shrinking immediately after the treatment but the quality of the skin continues to improve over the coming months. Therefore optimum/ final results of the treatment are most apparent around 3-6 months after the procedure.

The whole face approach

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Royal Tunbridge Wells Skin

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rtwskin

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s Laser Clinic, Cobden House Medical Centre, 25 London Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN11DA

25/08/2016 13:27

ADVERTORIAL

SO

EXPERT OPINION PROFESSIONAL ADVICE ON YOUR HEALTH, BEAUTY AND WELLBEING

OBESITY - A GROWING PROBLEM With a recent Government report showing

People with a BMI of 25 to 35 are

that obesity in UK adults has roughly

encouraged to implement lifestyle

A NEW BARIATRIC FACILITY IN THE SOUTH EAST

doubled from 13% to 26% in the past 20

changes, including a healthier diet

As part of its multi-million pound

years, and that obesity is known to be a

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redevelopment, Benenden Hospital

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can be supported through their GP

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25/08/2016 09:58

Make sure all eyes are on you this wedding season with a cosmetic procedure from Bella You. With a range of walk-in/walk-out procedures to target the appearance of your face, body, breasts and smile, you can unveil your brand new look with confidence.

Our pioneering Concept™ Facelift is performed under local anaesthetic, ensuring full recovery in a matter of days rather than months. With minimal bruising and swelling and no hospital stay, you can be certain to look your beautiful best.

(left to right) Before Debbie's surgery, just one hour after surgery & one week after surgery

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My partner and I are finally getting married and I was definitely feeling the pressure of being a 50 year old bride! Sadly, make up and a healthy lifestyle could not address sagging skin around my jowls and neck line.

Since I underwent a Concept Facelift at Bella Vou, I am feeling very confident about walking down the aisle and I'm now really lookingforward to my wedding photos!

,,

Read more of Debbie's experience as well as our other patient's stories at www.bellavou.co.uk/patient-stories

Call us today to book a FREE consultation

Featured surgeon on 111111[!)

'Facelifts & Fillers'

We also offer...

Neck Lift

Liposuction

Mr Amir Nakhdjevani

Upper & Lower Eyelids

Fat Transfer

MBBS, MRCS, FRCS (Plast.)

Lip Enhancement

Tattoo Removal

Consultant Plastic & Hair Transplant Surgeon

Breast Surgery

Revision Surgery

Tummy Tuck

Hair Transplant

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Copyright © 2016. Before you consider any procedure you should consult with a physician to check your medical suitability. The above info!TTlation is only a brief oveiview and typical of most patients' experiences. Errors and omissions excepted.

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www.bellavou.co.uk 25/08/2016 13:28

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Since> 1997 34 THE PANTILES, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT (50 MINUTES FROM LONDON CHARING CROSS)

01892 514 515 WWW.PANTILESBRIDE.COM

DESIGNER DAYS 2016 CATHERINE DEANE 14 & 15 OCTOBER

JESUSPEIRO & 12 NOVEMBER

11

JENNY PACKHAM 24 - 26 NOVEMBER

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soWEDDINGS POP THE QUESTION Everything you need to ask about your big day PAGE 87

SECRET DIARY Our bride-to-be is feeling the pressure PAGE 89

TREAT YOURSELF

The best facials to sort your skin stresses PAGE 96

GET CRAFTY Meet the Creative Brides DIY experts PAGE 103

THE SO MAGAZINE BRIDAL BIBLE

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WEDDINGS

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POP THE QUESTION Everything you need to ask to ensure you have the perfect wedding day VENUE What availability do you have? Are you licensed for civil ceremonies? Do you offer packages, and if so, what’s included? How many guests can we have during the day, and how many later? Do you have fixed suppliers we must use? Do you charge corkage if we want to supply our own drinks? Do you allow live music, and do you have a sound limiter if you do?

CATERER What do your costs include? Will you provide glassware, crockery and silverware? Can we have a menu tasting? How many serving staff will be required,

and is there an extra charge for this? Can you provide options for vegetarians

and guests with food allergies? How long do you think the meal will

DRESS BOUTIQUE Who should I bring to my appointment? How far in advance do I need to order my dress? How much will alterations cost? How many fittings will I need? When will the dress be ready for me to collect?

FLORIST What flowers will be in season? Will we need to provide vases and containers? Are you able to deliver to our venue and set up the arrangements? How much notice do you need?

take from start to finish? Are you able to provide food for the evening too?

HAIR AND MAKEUP Can I see a portfolio of work you’ve done before? Does your salon have a makeup artist? How soon before the wedding will I need a trial? How soon before the wedding should

I get my hair cut and/or coloured? Do you do home visits or will I need

to come to the salon? Do you offer hair extensions if I need them?

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ADVERTORIAL

CELEBRATION TO REMEMBER As a breath-taking wedding venue, Mountains Country House in Hildenborough provides the most romantic country setting for a traditional Kent wedding. We find out why the magnificent 19th-century mansion is a dream come true for couples

M

ountains Country House in Hildenborough, Kent is a magnificent Grade II-listed mansion set in acres of stunning parkland. It is a breath-taking venue that delivers a wedding celebration to remember in the most romantic, exclusive country setting. Situated in beautiful, quintessentially Kentish surroundings, Mountains offers a range of options and ideas to inspire a memorable, standout occasion.

Getting married in an outdoor ceremony is many couplesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; dream. At Mountains Country House, it is possible to be married in the open air under the oak-framed gazebo with up to 120 guests in attendance. The gazebo can be decorated to personal requirements, resulting in a stunning backdrop to a special wedding ceremony. In less clement weather, the ceremony can be conducted inside the Victorian house.

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The luxury, all-weather marquee is the most flexible of spaces, and is complete with a permanent bar and dance floor. It can comfortably accommodate 200 guests for a sit-down wedding breakfast, and 250 guests for an evening reception. Mountains has something truly special on offer that will suit all tastes and budgets.

Mountains is also available for private celebrations, Christmas parties and corporate events. The team at Mountains

Country House in Hildenborough will be delighted to welcome you to their wedding and event open day on Sunday September 25 between 10am and 3pm. All areas of the stunning venue will be dressed and available to explore.

Join the team and meet their recommended suppliers, sample delicious canapĂŠs and enjoy a complimentary drink. The experienced events team will be happy to show you around the exquisite venue, and will be available to discuss how they can help create your perfect day.

Mountains Country House Noble Tree Road, Hildenborough, Kent, TN11 8ND 01732 832 222 www.mountainscountryhouse.co.uk enquiries@mountainsevents.co.uk

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WEDDINGS

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THE SECRET DIARY OF A BRIDE TO BE This month, our bride is starting to feel the pressure…

IN EVERYDAY LIFE we’re faced with pressures – the stress of meeting work deadlines, or raising children while having a full-time job. It doesn’t matter what your circumstance, I’m sure everyone has challenges and obstacles to overcome. But, when it comes to weddings, or more specifically, being a bride, the pressure seems to escalate to an insurmountable measure.

As I’ve mentioned in previous ramblings, there are the issues surrounding the name change, the dress and the guestlist to contend with, as well as sorting out the logistics of the entire day. But, for the bride specifically there seems to be a whole other level of expectation, especially when it comes to appearance.

How you look and feel on the biggest day of your life is important, but speaking to some people, you’d think that the vows and celebration of love pale insignificance compared to what the bride’s face/body/hair looks like. Magazines, blogs and websites are filled with advice on looking your best, but do we really need to start a bizarre beauty regime or extreme diet 18 months before the

wedding? If you want to lose weight or change your hair colour then fine, but you shouldn’t be expected to just because you’re a bride.

Early on in the planning stages, I visited a wedding fair and was shocked to discover that in my ‘bridal goody bag’ was a sample of a weight loss supplement. And, in one of the dress shops I went to, I was asked whether I was planning to lose weight before the big day. Naturally, I want to look good, but I don’t agree with the notion that we should have to halve our body weight to squeeze into a dress three sizes smaller than usual and be miserable for months. A friend of mine who got married last year lost a considerable amount of weight to get into her dream dress, and a year on she still barely eats anything because she’s scared she’ll go back to her pre-wedding weight.

And it’s not just diets that are expected – teeth whitening, beauty treatments and even surgery in some cases are the norm. It was recently suggested to me that I ‘might like to consider Botox, so that I look good in my wedding pictures.’ Although I haven’t

dabbled, I took those comments to heart, and will now be extra self-conscious as I walk down the aisle and pose for pictures – as if I wasn’t already concerned enough.

Of course, I understand wanting to look your best – I’m only too aware of how many pictures will be taken on the day so I’ve been trying to take better care of my skin and up my gym routine, but I do find it a little offensive when people ask me what I’ll be doing to look better on the day. You wouldn’t say to them “are you planning on losing weight for your holiday?” so why is it acceptable for them to suggest the same, just because it’s a wedding?

Meanwhile, the groom has none of these stresses. While I’ve been having nightmares about covering up my frown lines with 65 layers of foundation, my fiancés biggest concern is to what millimetre he should trim his beard on the day. I wonder if I’ve got time to grow a beard to cover up those lines?

Next month, find out why our bride is wishing she hadn’t cut corners…

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PETER JENNER Jewellery maker

designer

mAnU SCHMUCK DAS TUPFELCHEN AUF OEM ICH

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With love for contemporary handcrafted design Now exclusively available at Peter Jenner 43 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 STE

01892 521796 www. peterjenner corn

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THE LOOK

SO

AISLE STYLE

With the beautiful golden hues that autumn brings, this season is becoming a favourite to get wed. Bluewater has teamed up with House of Fraser’s head stylist Phoebe Horner to unveil the season’s latest fashion trends along with top tips for wedding guests on accessorising for an autumnal wedding

House of Fraser

Claudia fascinator Vivien Sheriff for Biba £120

Ted Baker

Johdiye lace scalloped hem cape £169

Marella

Therapy

printed chiffon shirt dress £230

Label Lab

Floral clutch bag £25

HATS

AUTUMNAL BLOOMS

COLD SHOULDER

The hat seems to be a subject of great stress amongst most wedding guests, but there’s bound to be a look for you.

Try to choose a fascinator that complements your body shape. If you are tall, then I would say choose a low fascinator, and if you are petite, choose a small fascinator. However, your best option is to always try on a variety of styles to find the one that suits you best.

Summer is sadly over but that doesn’t mean your wedding look needs to suffer. If the idea of girly florals makes you recoil in horror, then a more sultry autumnal bloom could be for you. This toned down palette is flattering for most shapes, whilst avoiding wearing just plain block colours. Be daring and mix your autumnal florals with this season’s metallics for an on-trend look.

If you’re worried about baring your arms on the big day, why not try something like a sheer, beaded cape or a pretty lace cropped cardigan which will not detract from your dress but give you enough coverage to forget about the bits that you don’t like. The sheer material will enable your outfit to still be the hero.

SKIRT A great alternative to the traditional dress is a skirt and top combination. If your legs

Butterfly digi print midi skirt £45

are your favourite feature then a skirt co-ord look would be a great way to showcase them. However, if you are an hourglass shape then an A-line midi will flatter as well as look elegant and flirty.

STATEMENT CLUTCH If your personal style is simple and chic, a statement clutch will really lift your outfit and become the hero piece. This is the easiest and simplest way to make any outfit pop. Whether it’s a contrasting colour or a bold

print anyone can work this look – the bolder the better!

UNDERWEAR Always consider your underwear as well, as this is the start of your outfit and will help conceal and shape your body. Shapewear has come on a long way since it was introduced, and the technology in some of the materials is fantastic. You will find everything from full slips with legs to clever bra options and everything in between.

Head to Bluewater to try on the latest fashion trends, and with over 300 stores, shoppers will find an unrivalled mix of fashion brands offering the latest trends and buys for every occasion. www.bluewater.co.uk

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ASK THE STYLISTS GARY RUSSELL FROM THE CHAPEL AND MAKEUP ARTIST DAVID HYNES ARE ON HAND TO ANSWER ALL OF YOUR HAIR AND BEAUTY DILEMMAS…

TRIED AND TESTED

look like a mushroom. Can I be a bride

the sounds of it, your last two makeup artists

I never go to a hair salon but I’m getting

and still be me?

just weren’t listening to what you wanted.

married in three months and feel I should do something. I have booked a hair trial at

Gary: Short answer: yes… and don’t listen

my local salon. What should I expect and

to your friends or family! Short hair can look

look out for?

effortless and beautiful on a bride. If you want

Gary: Firstly, your stylist should want to know everything about you and your wedding.

They need to know about your dress, your

Keep persevering and find one who gets you.

If you are confident that you can do the same job as them…go for it!

to push the boat out and see how far you can

BEACH BRIDE

take it, think of a stunning 1920s waved and

I’m getting married in the Caribbean and

glossed look.

am concerned about what to do with my

Your fiancé fell in love with you and got

makeup. I never wear much while on

theme, your personality…even your fiancé! If

down on one knee, and obviously thinks you’re

holidays anyway, just a bit of bronzer.

they don’t make you comfortable enough to

beautiful the way you are! Change your hair,

What do I do?

share this information with them, move on and

only if you want to. Not to keep your mother

get another stylist.

happy. Would she change hers for you?

When you’re comfortable enough with your

David: While on holidays, bare minimum is always best. After a few days your skin is sun-

stylist, ask for more than one style to get an

SAVING FACE

idea of what you’re looking for. Remember,

I’ve had two wedding trials by

they’re the expert. Don’t be afraid to try new

professional makeup artists but walked

wedding makeup. Keep it barely there, but

things and allow them to guide you. It’s just a

out of both looking like a clown. Do I

durable. Opt for lightweight but long-lasting

trial after all.

really need a makeup artist? Can’t I just

base products. Use long-wear tinted

do my normal makeup routine that I’m

moisturisers/concealers set with a HD powder

happy with?

and brighten the look up with pops of glowy

Before you end your appointment, ask your stylist for tips on what you can do between now and your wedding to make your hair the best it can be.

Lastly, take lots of pictures from all angles so

David: When it comes to bridal makeup, I

kissed, radiant and doesn’t need any covering.

The same rules should apply to your

cream blush.

With eyes and lips, aim for texture instead of

always look at it as a holy trinity. 1. You must

detail. Long wear metallic shimmer shadows,

both remember how to achieve every little

look like you, or what’s the point? 2. You must

waterproof eyeliners and mascaras will keep

detail on your wedding day.

look absolutely beautiful. 3. This has to last all

you picture perfect all day. For natural lips,

day…through the church, the pictures and on

make them glowy and glossy. For drama, opt

the dancefloor.

for a vibrant, intense colour in a velvet matte.

TOP OF THE CROPS My hair is cropped, but my friends and

I’m sorry but your normal routine just won’t

mother keep telling me to grow it out to

cut the mustard. You can do it yourself on the

www.thechapel.co.uk

look more like a bride. But, I’m worried I’ll

big day, but only with the right guidance. By

www.davidpatrickhynes.com

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THE LOOK

FACING FACTS Move over regular facial, now we’re all looking for the power facials with real results…

Visit any spa and you’ll be presented with a menu of facial treatments. It used to be the case that you’d select one, lie back and spend an hour having your skin slathered in something lavender scented. Relaxing? Yes. But now, women want more from their facials – it’s not enough to just leave the salon with a glow, they want to be radiant for days and weeks afterwards.

Enter the new power facial – these treatments are more intense, but what you lose in napping time on the treatment table, you gain in an enhanced complexion. We sent two members of the SO team to local salons to experience the ultimate facials.

THE ENVIRON ACTIVE VITAMIN FACIAL Tried and tested by So Editor, Charlie Bond I’m getting married next month, and in a

then applies the active serum to

bid to prep my skin for the big day, I

three areas I want to specifically

wanted to up my regime by having regular

target – my forehead, around my

facials. I must admit – in the past I haven’t

eyes and around my mouth.

always seen the benefit of facials – but

“This might tingle,” she warns. That’s

which is applied all over the face – including the mouth, then Iontophoresis works with a serum to hydrate and refresh the skin. At first having the mask covering my eyes and mouth is a

wedding stress was playing havoc with my

where the ‘normal’ facial ends and the

little unnerving, but I soon remember to

skin and I was suffering a lot of breakouts

powerful treatment begins. Using

breathe through my nose, and within a

as a result, so I began searching for

Iontophoresis (an electrical current) and

minute or so I’m quite enjoying the

something different.

Sonophoresis (sound waves) my whole face

experience. As the machine buzzes,

buzzes as a probe is used to push the

Angelica gives me a hand and arm

developed by surgeon Dr. Desmond Brian

products deep into the skin. “Iontophersis

massage, which instantly distracts me from

Fernandes, uses Vitamin A to address the

pushes the product 400% deeper into the

my breathing woes.

effects of UV radiation, pollution, stress and

skin than applying topically and sonophersis

free radical damage, and after reading

creates pathways to further penetrate by

ends with moisturiser, eye cream and an

about the benefits of their facials, I was

4000%,” Angelica explains. Within a few

SPF product. I leave, quite literally glowing

keen to give them a go.

minutes, I become used to the high pitched

and already looking forward to my next

sound, and even began to relax.

treatment. I’m also keen to keep up the good

Environ, a skincare brand created and

I head to Beautellies in Tenterden, who specialise in Environ treatments, and

The next stage is an Aliginate Mask,

Once the mask’s removed, the treatment

work in-between treatments, so on

speak to Ellie, the manager,

Angelica’s recommendation I stock up on a

who explains some of the benefits. “Environ

few of the Environ hero products – an AVST

Facials are a great choice for brides, they’re

moisturiser, the C-Quence eye gel and the

a scientific facial with results,”

Colostrum Gel which all promise to keep

she tells me. “You’ll have

my skin hydrated, youthful and radiant.

glowing, dewy skin, less breakouts and thicker skin.”

She doesn’t need to tell me

VERDICT I’ve now almost completed my course of

much more – I’m sold, and sign up

Environ facials, and am so impressed with

for a course of six Active Vitamin

the results. My breakouts have

Treatments – a facial that targets

disappeared, and my skin is definitely

three specific areas uses

more hydrated and firm. I now swear by

soundwaves and electrical pulses to

the Environ products too and use them

drive the products into the deeper

daily – I’ve upped my level on the

layers of the skin.

moisturiser and have begun using a cleanser and toner, plus a mask. If you’re

THE TREATMENT

looking for a facial and skincare brand that

Lying in the therapy room a week

really delivers, then I couldn’t recommend

later, with soft music playing and the

Environ enough. I might not be ready for

scent of aromatherapy wafting in the

my wedding, but at least my skin is!

air, it begins like any normal facial.

My therapist, Angelica starts by

www.beautellies.co.uk

cleansing and tone my skin, and

www.iiaa.eu

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THE LOOK

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THE CACI NON-SURGICAL FACIAL

Tried and tested by Commercial Manager, Vikki Hyder When deciding what the best treatment is

the muscles of the face and sending a

for your skin type, where do you start?

microcurrent to them which helps to

VERDICT

I’m a great fan of having a monthly facial

tighten and prevent the ageing process. I

I can definitely see and feel how this

that massages, smooths and moisturises

originally thought this would be

would improve my skin tone over time

the skin, but how effective are those ‘feel

uncomfortable, but it’s actually quite

and would look into completing a full

good facials’ compared to trying a more

soothing and glides over the skin nicely. As

course of the recommended 10

results driven course of alternative

it goes over the contours of the face I can

treatments. For the best results it is

options like the CACI Non-Surgical Facial?

feel a slight tingle from the current working

advised you carry out two every week for

into the area.

five weeks, followed by monthly

I set out to learn how firming and toning the skin with a less invasive version of a

The second stage concentrates on the

maintenance. The price is very reasonable

face lift treatment would work and

‘repair’ of any scarring or blemishes by

at around the same cost of my regular

whether I could see myself swapping all

placing pads on the desired area to

facial, so I’m all for giving it a go to hold

the relaxation of my regular treatment.

encourage white blood cells to rush to the

on to a fresh and young looking face!

area and heal it. Much the same as the first

THE TREATMENT

stage, this sends a microcurrent to the

It’s Saturday morning a few weeks before I

surface and can give a tingle to the skin.

head off to Barbados and I want my skin to

The third phase uses the same process

look its best, so I head to Great Hairdressing

as the first, but quicker movements to

in Hoopers for my first CACI Facial. Not

‘remind’ the muscle where it should be

knowing what to expect I wait in anticipation

for a more youthful look.

for the beautician to call me through.

Ashleigh comes to greet me, and takes

Now feeling really relaxed, the last stage of this 60 minute treatment is to

me through to a lovely room where she

‘rehydrate’ any areas that showed to be

asks a few questions and explains what will

dry at the beginning under the red lamp,

happen throughout the process. She takes

such as the eye area. An eye gel,

a picture of my face and uses an infrared

collagen revival serum and hydro

light to show me where the dry and sun

moisturising cream are applied to soften

damaged areas are – it’s not nice to see but

any lines and wrinkles. This leaves my

I definitely expected worse.

skin feeling soft and glowing with no

Following that is a cleanse and tone of the

www.greathairdressing.com

signs of redness, which is perfect if

skin surface and then the first stage of the

you’re always busy and don’t have time

treatment called ‘re-educate the muscle’ –

to deal with the dreaded ‘down time’

this is done by holding two prongs along

from some more abrasive treatments.

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Please contact us on: 07772284470 I www.hollieslittlecakery.co.uk

C(j

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/www .facebook.com / Holl1esLittleCakery

~

hollieslittlecakery

V

@hollieslc

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when you've found the ...

ONE WARWICK PARK HOTEL

Where contemporary elegance meets functional design Nestled in the Charismatic Pantiles District I Luxury Accommodation I Duplex Bridal Suite I Licensed For Ceremonies Highly Skilled Top Chefs I Unparalleled service I Dedicated wedding host I Attractively Priced Packages Your dream wedding starts here. Please contact a member of our events team with your requirements on 01892 520587 or email info@onewarwickpark.co.uk www.onewarwickpark.co.uk

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ADVERTORIAL

FIT FOR A PRINCESS At Hadlow Manor Hotel, you can expect to see the wedding day of your dreams come to life, just as you’ve always imagined. Here’s how a beautiful rural setting, along with interiors fit for royalty, can provide an ideal backdrop for you and your betrothed to exchange your vows to one another

N

estled in the heart of the Kent countryside, Hadlow Manor Hotel, a Grade II-listed Georgian manor house with delightful grounds, is the perfect venue for your fairy-tale wedding.

Whether planning an intimate gathering or a big celebration, we have the perfect room. With beautiful chandeliers and direct access to the lawns, the Hadlow Suite is fit for a princess. Situated in the manor house, the Garden Room has a fabulous light and airy feel, with access to a raised terrace. The Golding Room is perfect for an intimate ceremony. The grounds present a stunning backdrop for your special wedding day photographs.

After much celebrating, your guests can tumble into one of our 29 bedrooms for a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast the next morning. The best bedroom is

100

saved for the bride and groom!

Our experienced and friendly staff will help tailor your wedding day to your exact requirements.

Please call to arrange a visit.

Hadlow Manor Hotel Goose Green, Hadlow, Kent TN11 0JH 01732 851 442 www.hadlowmanor.co.uk hotel@hadlowmanor.co.uk

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SAM YARDLEY

HELEN ENGLAND

WWW.REBECCADOUGLAS.CO.UK

SAM YARDLEY

WEDDINGS

OLD-WORLD CHARM IN A BOHEMIAN ATMOSPHERE From the lounge and conservatory to the smaller gallery, St Julians in Sevenoaks provides the perfect space for you and your partner to exchange your vows to one another. We find out more about how this fabulous venue combines tradition and elegance to make your dreams come true Weddings at St Julians – Elegant, Relaxed, Unique St Julians is an elegant Georgian country house just outside Sevenoaks, which has been a private members’ club since the 1950s. We offer a beautiful and intimate venue for your wedding ceremony or reception. Overlooking the Weald of Kent and surrounded by beautiful manicured gardens, St Julians offers a unique yet traditional venue for your special day.

Wedding co-ordinators Bronwen Wells and Nell Williams have many years’ experience hosting and planning wedding receptions; they will take a personal interest in attending to every detail of your wedding in order to create the perfect day.

What makes a wedding at St Julians special?

St Julians is an elegant venue with an old-world charm and bohemian atmosphere that you will love. We don’t hide any costs or offer package weddings, as we believe that every wedding should be designed around the couple.

Part of the appeal to planning weddings is the variety; no two weddings are alike and every couple has their own ideas and vision for their day. Once we have met the bride and groom and have a clear understanding of how they would like the day to work, we focus on making sure the day is as individual, exciting and memorable as wished for. It’s the little details that make all the difference, and our experienced team will help plan everything to perfection.

We like to meet the bride and groom several times before the wedding and are always available to answer questions; by getting to know our team really well, you will feel completely at home on your big day. It is exciting for us when the bride and groom first arrive at the club on their wedding day – all the organisation and planning rewarded with a day like no other.

Do you have a favourite kind of wedding to organise?

We love a wedding where the bride and groom’s personalities can really shine

through, using a theme to highlight their style – but with a touch of fun.

Whether it is classic, vintage, opulent or retro, we love to see the intimate touches that couples add that make their wedding their own.

Any advice you would offer to couples with a tight budget?

Even when on a limited budget, your wedding day should be an event to remember. Make it an experience; this doesn’t have to be expensive! Keep it simple; the little things seem important, but you and your guests are the most important things. We can help tailor your day – that’s the beauty of a bespoke wedding. A wedding where you have added your own personality doesn’t have to cost the Earth.

St Julians Club Rumshott Estate Ltd, St Julians, Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0RX 01732 458 261 www.stjulians.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2016

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WEDDINGS

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GETTING CREATIVE Three years ago Clair Hinge from Crowborough decided to launch Creative Brides – a blog, magazine and event company, and now she and business partner Fiona Branch inspire DIY brides around the world WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START CREATIVE BRIDES?

WHAT NEW WEDDING AND DIY TRENDS ARE EMERGING?

Clair: I started Creative Brides in 2013 after being a wedding supplier myself. I really wanted to create a business that supported suppliers in marketing their products and services, as well as provide a platform to showcase them to thousands of brides and grooms across the south east, in a fun and easily accessible way.

Fiona: Traditional rustic charm is very popular, with old-fashioned ice cream carts and food served from beautifully converted caravans and hay bales for seating.

A homemade theme can be perfectly simple or totally mind blowing, just as the bride and groom wish and when meeting lots of our DIY brides at various wedding fairs they all say how it really brings friends and family together with all the fun of making various items to make their day really special.

HOW HAS THE COMPANY CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED OUT?

Fiona: Last year I worked with Clair on various projects for Creative Brides alongside my other design work and after a moment of ‘I want to do something more exciting than just graphic design’ Clair was looking for someone to join her at the helm of CB to take it to the next level – and here I am!

There are so many exciting things happening at CB at the moment, and Clair and I are usually bouncing around like kids in a sweet shop!

HAVE YOU SEEN A MOVE TOWARDS MORE BRIDES GOING DOWN THE DIY ROUTE?

Fiona: Yes, so many brides (and grooms) are making things for their weddings.

It’s a great way to put your own stamp on your wedding and even get people involved in the celebrations.

WHAT’S THE MOST CREATIVE THING YOU’VE EVER SEEN DONE AT A WEDDING?

Clair: I think it would have to be a couple that turned a very bland hall into a giant sitting room from the 70s.

They collected old furniture and bought in rugs and kitsch lamps. It looked amazing and all the authentic accessories just set the scene. It was very different from the pastel colours that are normally used, and the whole wedding was very personal.

HOW SHOULD YOU START PLANNING?

Clair: Budget is the first thing to consider and then comes the fun part…the wedding journal, Pinterest page, wedding inspiration blogs (like ours), mood board or a spare wall! Next, work out a calendar countdown to your wedding date and note down when things need to be booked in good time. Some venues get booked up a long time in advance so that should be at the top of your list.

Then it’s time to start collecting images of everything ‘wedding’ that you love, like themes, colours, decorations, dresses, outfits, menus, venues, transport etc.

Do some research on local suppliers, venues and companies who fit your style and go and meet them to discuss what you would like for your big day. Wedding fairs are also a great place to see lots of companies in one place.

ANY ADVICE FOR DIY BRIDES?

Clair: If you’re making items for your wedding, then make sure you leave lots of time. It can be very time consuming crafting for your wedding, so maybe chose three areas to make for. It might also be nice to work closely with some of your suppliers, they can offer some good advice and might even include some of the things you’ve made for your wedding. www.creativebrides.co.uk

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SOCIAL STARS POP UP Celebrities including former Blue singer Duncan James were in Tunbridge Wells for the opening of Pantiles pop-up shop Liquiproof.

The star, now an actor on Hollyoaks, was joined at 4-6 Union Square by ex- Celebrity Big Brother housemate Casey Batchelor and Pascal Craymer, formerly of TOWIE. Liquiproof’s founder, Caner Veli, secured investment from businessman Touker Suleyman after a successful pitch on BBC’s Dragons’ Den that was screened in January.

His waterproofing spray helps protect footwear and furnishings by creating an invisible superhydrophobic coating. www.liquiproof.co.uk PICTURES BY CRAIG MATTHEWS

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' Hill Dole LET US SPOIL YOU THIS CHRISTMAS FESTIVE LUNCHES FROM £20 PER PERSON AVAILABLE FROM 20TH NOVEMBER

*

CLASSIC PARTY NIGHTS £33 PER PERSON AVAILABLE 1ST, 2ND, 3RD, 8TH, 15TH & 20TH DECEMBER

WINTER WONDERLAND PARTY NIGHTS £44 PER PERSON AVAILABLE FRIDAY 16TH & SATURDAY 17TH DECEMBER

ONLY FOOLS & 3 COURSES PARTY NIGHTS £49 PER PERSON AVAILABLE FRIDAY 9TH & SATURDAY 10TH DECEMBER

*

CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH £69 PER PERSON £29 PER CHILD 12 AND UNDER AVAILABLE 25TH DECEMBER SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY.

. . . owners of fine go lf courses

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EVENT

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SOCIAL LOCAL TREASURES Following the third annual Pantiles Charity Treasure Hunt, representatives of the participating local business teams and the nominated charities gathered for the awards ceremony at the Nevill Golf Club.

This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event raised ÂŁ3,000 for charity which was shared between Porchlight, Ellenor, Pepenbury, The Counselling Centre, Headway and The Pickering Cancer Drop in Centre, who all carry out extraordinary work in the local community.

As well as raising money for local good causes, the treasure hunt was once again greatly enjoyed by all who participated and Pantiles Rotary are planning a similar event for next year in a larger and more varied format.

Any businesses interested in joining in should contact Ian Steadman at ian@bsrb.co.uk PICTURES BY CRAIG MATTHEWS

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LIFE & STYLE

We look at some of the best ways to enhance your home and lifestyle this month

FLOW Move better, feel better, live better Flow looks forward to welcoming old and new members to its yoga studio and treatment room after the summer break.

From its stylish, contemporary studio in a leafy Tunbridge Wells avenue, scented candles, vibrant mats, airy glass doors and a warm welcome from the team create an atmosphere that ensures those seeking a holistic approach to health and wellbeing feel welcomed, comfortable and relaxed.

Co-founded in 2015 by Lucy and Ben Parker, Flow is the convergence of Pantiles Yoga and Groombridge Osteopathy. The two therapies go hand in hand, as osteopath Ben explains: “I want to fix people, and yoga is the ideal

classes are kept small, with one-to-one

been created for ‘every body’,

way to maintain a healthy body.”

sessions available.

and as such we treat each and

Since its launch, the team at Flow has

“We understand that people

every one as an individual.”

continued to grow, with therapists now

want different things from yoga,”

offering a range of yoga styles and other

explains Lucy. “Some are seeking

29 Woodbury Park Road, Tunbridge

treatments, including reiki, acupuncture

an emotional outlet, or recovering

Wells, Kent TN4 9NQ

and massage. Flow welcomes seasoned

from injury or trauma, while others

01892 671 764

practitioners, as well as those curious to

need the physical energy of a

www.flowtunbridgewells.com

try out yoga for the first time, and

dynamic flowing class. Flow has

hello@flowtunbridgewells.com

ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA A message from RTWSO’s musical director, Roderick Dunk It gives me great pleasure to tell you about

Other highlights include Prokofiev’s brilliant

another exciting season of Sunday afternoon

music from Romeo & Juliet, Mozart’s

concerts in our 2016/17 season, starting

superbly crafted Sinfonia Concertante, with

in October with the rising star Callum

the orchestra’s principal wind players as

Smart performing the lyrical Korngold

soloists, and to close the season, Mozart’s

Violin Concerto.

Our new season also sees the welcome return of world-renowned pianist Peter Donohoe, with Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. Guest conductors George Vass and Neil Thomson join us again for two concerts of great English and Russian music, and I am looking forward to conducting the first Opera Gala in the orchestra’s 94-year history.

vibrant Symphony No. 39 and Mahler’s mighty Symphony No. 5, with its beautiful

Death in Venice Adagietto.

With our ticket prices still representing the best value for quality orchestral concerts in the South East, we hope you will continue to support the RTWSO and look forward to seeing you! For more information, check out www.rtwso.org

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SOCIAL VINTAGE VIBES The Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells was buzzing as retro lovers flocked to the area for the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual vintage fair.

Held over two days, visitors picked up collectables, antiques, furniture, clothing and accessories and enjoyed a variety of different foods. There was also live music reminiscent of yesteryear to really bring the vintage vibe to town for the weekend.

PHOTOS BY SARAH BOND

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l[ARN MINDIULN[SS Mindfulness can reduce stress, relieve pain and help overcome anxiety and depression to improve your quality of life and your health.

It's easy to learn. In just two hours a week you can learn to see the world in a completely new light and improve your sense of wellbeing.

With one-to-one and couples tuition available and a new 8-week course starting in central Tunbridge Wells on 131h September, there's never been a better time to set yourself on the path to a happier, more confident you.

To find out more call 07787 180 256 or visit julialofts.co.uk

Get Back to You after the Summer wit h Flow Tunbridge W ell s Available throughout September, Back To You offers you 6 one-hour yoga classes plus a one-hour treatment (massage, reiki, acupuncture or osteopat hy)

lilt /0,;,juJ6 ÂŁ1 00 - a, 60,6af Ja,,;in9

4

ÂŁ4 4

Reclaimed Building & Landscaping Materials RECLAMATION

Architectural Salvage &Antiques

Everything from landscaping to interior design and every project in between.

Why not pop in to see what you can find.

OPENING HOURS : Mon-Fri 7.30am-5pm Sat 9am - 1pm SEPTEMBER 2016

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SOCIAL GALLERY GATHERING Art-lovers gathered at the SeeArt Gallery in The Pantiles to discover more about Guy Portelliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new collection. Guests were invited to an exclusive private viewing, where Guy presented his Past/Present/Future exhibition, showcasing sculpture and paintings spanning four decades by the internationally acclaimed artist.

During the evening, visitors were able to talk to Guy about his works, and enjoyed complimentary bubbles from Royal Riviera Champagne. www.seeartgallery.co.uk PICTURES BY DAVID BARTHOLOMEW

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FOOD

PA PHOTO/ HOLLY PICKERING

THE CHRONICLES OF NADIYA Last year’s Bake Off winner talks confidence, carbs and how she’s not actually a huge fan of cake…

I

don’t do fat-free, sugar-free,

“I don’t know,” says the 31-year-old, when

cake itself.

“I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I love

gluten-free, because that means

asked why people so instinctively warmed to

flavour-free, and I like flavour,”

her, during Bake Off and since. “I don’t even

confectionery,” says Nadiya, who goes

get it! Maybe because I just rattle on, talking

giddy over marshmallows and boiled

to anyone like I’ve known them forever.

sweets, “but when it comes to cake, I love

states Nadiya Hussain happily.

Of course, we already know this; you don’t go and win the Great British Bake Off

“The one thing my husband said when I

making it because my kids and my husband love it, but I very rarely go for a full slice.”

by presenting judges Mary Berry and Paul

went on was, ‘You don’t want to go on

Hollywood with cakes made using chia

there and not be yourself. You’re not an

seed egg substitutes – and arguably, no one

actress, you’re not a showman, just go on

explains: “My family, they’re all into

has won in as much style as Nadiya.

and just be yourself’, and that’s what I do

savoury cooking, but I’m the only one that

– I’m only ever myself.”

bakes – I’m the only one that can give

“I love chips and carbs and I like to fry things every now and again – and I like

The Luton-born mum-of-three, who wed

green things, but it has to be with

husband Abdal in an arranged marriage

something that’s going to fill a hole,” she

when she was 19, struggles to get her

says, warming to her theme. “I’m all for

shopping done these days without being

being healthy, but ‘clean eating’ is not

accosted by affectionate fans.

She prefers savoury to sweet, but

them that pleasure, so I’m not willing to give that up!”

Some things have changed, though.

“The biggest thing that’s changed is me,” muses Nadiya. “Before winning Bake Off,

“That’s what it comes with,” she says of

I’d lost my confidence. When you’ve got

into, because I’m a cook and I love eating.

the attention. “Everybody I meet is always

children, I felt like I was always just their

I’m never going to start making green

really positive and somewhere in the

mum – although I loved being a housewife,

shakes and doing bone broth – unless it’s

sentence there’s always, ‘we’re really proud

it was consuming me slightly, in a sense

got pasta and been turned into a

of you’, and for people I don’t know to say

that it was all I was doing.

minestrone, no, I won’t be eating it.”

they’re proud of me, that’s a big deal.”

something I can ever see myself getting

Characteristically frank and open, Nadiya

Most impressively perhaps, this is the

“My love of writing and books – I was losing a little bit of everything. I stopped

beat fellow bakers Tamal Ray and Ian

woman who made Mary Berry cry on

wearing high heels because I was a mum

Cumming in the BBC’s 2015 Bake Off final,

national television. “No one’s ever done

and I’d stopped using public transport

thanks to a combination of pure charm,

that, but I have!” she beams, laughing. “I

because I was too afraid of going on with a

fantastic facial expressions (“I didn’t know

can’t believe she cried.”

buggy and it not fitting, or – God forbid – if

my face did that by the way,” she admits

Nadiya, who now lives in Milton Keynes,

I couldn’t dismantle the thing and everybody would watch me.

with a laugh), and a knack for inventive

still talks to her Bake Off alumni almost

bakes that sent saliva ducts up and down

every day (“we’ve got a group chat...

the country into overdrive.

usually for gossip”), and regularly sees

me; I’d become afraid of everything,” she

“The stupidest things would consume

Mary, while she often turns to Paul in times

remembers. “But the old Nadiya isn’t

of her first cook book, Nadiya’s Kitchen

of bread-related need: “I’ll ask him advice

about to reappear any time soon, no, no,

(“My fourth baby”), has made the Queen’s

on a sourdough that’s gone horribly wrong

no, I like this me.”

90th birthday cake, and has her own TV

and he’ll help me. It’s not bad being friends

show – the brilliantly titled The Chronicles

with the best baker ever.”

A year on, she’s celebrating the launch

Of Nadiya – exploring her Bangladeshi food heritage.

114

Weirdly though, she might be the queen of Bake Off, but she’s not overly fussed by

So do we, Nadiya, so do we.

If you’d like to cook like a Bake Off winner yourself, try this recipe from Nadiya’s Kitchen...

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FOOD

SO

FETA AND DILL SAVOURY MUFFINS (MAKES 12)

• 175g plain flour • 50g wholewheat flour • 2 1/2tsp baking powder

 Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan 180°C. Line a 12-hole muffin tin with cases.  Put the flours, baking powder and salt in a bowl, and stir everything together.

• 1tsp fine salt

 Now add the milk, egg, cottage cheese,

• 275ml whole milk

melted butter, feta cheese, mustard, dill and

• 1 medium egg • 100g cottage cheese

black pepper. Mix it all together and spoon into muffin cases.  Top each muffin with a little chopped

• 75g unsalted butter,

sundried tomato and sprinkle with the

melted and cooled

pumpkin seeds.

• 50g feta cheese, crumbled

 Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or

• 1/2tsp wholegrain mustard

until a skewer inserted comes out clean.

• 2tbsp fresh dill, chopped • 1tsp ground black pepper • 8 sundried tomatoes, chopped • 25g pumpkin seeds

Nadiya’s Kitchen by Nadiya Hussain, photography by Holly Pickering, is published in hardback by Michael Joseph, priced £20.

Available now

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THURSDAY NIGHT IS STEAK NIGHT Choose from, Rib Eye, Fillet, Rump or Sirloin

® Untitled-1 2

The Abergavenny Arms, Frant Rd, Tunbridge Wells, KentTN3 9DB 01892 750 233 I 750 933 abergavennyarms.co.uk

@ 25/08/2016 13:33

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FOOD

PRICES AT A GLANCE: Saturday menu from £23.50 for two courses Sides £3.50 Wines from £4.50 for 175ml

THE KENTISH KITCHEN Charlie Bond visits The Swan Wine Kitchen near Tenterden to be wined and dined…

IMAGES BY LEANNE BRACEY

O

n a sunny Saturday, I can’t think of

shares a spot with the award-winning Chapel

table, I take stock of the décor – quirky light

many things I’d rather be doing

Down vineyard and winery, and benefits from

fittings in the shape of bowler hats, stylish

than drinking delicious English

beautiful, far-reaching views across the

shades of grey on the walls and a solid

wines, feasting on beautifully presented

countryside. It’s idyllic, and that’s before you

wooden table in the centre of the restaurant

dishes and enjoying Kentish views for miles

even have the chance to try the food.

adorned with fresh bread evoke the sense of

around. So, it’s just as well that today, that’s

It’s Saturday lunchtime and the restaurant is

rusticity, mixed with city chic. I note that there

buzzing – most tables are occupied, both

are red velvet drapes around the ledge to the

inside and out on the terrace, and there’s a

open kitchen, commanding all eyes towards

Mother group (who now also have The Beacon

real mix of diners, from trendy young couples

the culinary creations being whipped up.

in Tunbridge Wells and The Twenty Six in

to large families spanning generations, all

Southborough), The Swan Wine Kitchen

enjoying a catch up over fine food and wine.

work for a second in order to peruse the wine

We’re welcomed warmly and shown to our

menu. As you would expect from a restaurant

exactly what I’m doing.

The first restaurant to form part of the I’ll Be

couldn’t be in a better location – just a few miles outside the of charming town of Tenterden, it

118

table by manager Paul. As we settle at our

I have to stop watching the chefs hard at

located at a vineyard, there’s a huge variety of

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FOOD

Sadly I don’t even get the chance to

drinks on offer, some English and some from

and teamed with the sweetness and acidity

further afield. Being in the Garden of England,

of the cherries it’s a welcome addition to our

sample my guest’s rum baba as he finishes

I feel it’s only right to sip something local, so I

mouth-watering menu choices.

it off without even proffering the fork to me.

eventually settle for a glass of the famed, gold

By this time my bubbles have run dry, so I

But, he confirms that it’s another good

award-winning Rosé Brut (£8), which, when it

order a glass of the Chapel Down Bacchus

choice – again, not too sweet or rich, but

arrives is not only beautiful in colour, but also

(£6.50) which is a fruity white wine,

that the soft moist sponge and kick from the

stunning on the palette too – hints of red fruits

reminiscent of a new world sauvignon

rum are what make it distinctive.

combine with a delicate mousse – it’s the

blanc. It turns out to be a good choice, and

perfect tipple for a sunny day.

pairs perfectly with my main course which

for this divine establishment, where we’ll

arrives shortly after.

certainly be returning before too long. And,

We’re presented with some fresh bread and butter to quell our hunger while we

The turbot sits atop a bed of chorizo,

deliberate over the menu. On Saturdays,

piperade, coco beans and samphire, and is

The Swan offers a special lunch menu

not only beautifully presented, but tastes

which is excellent value – two courses for

exceptional too. The fish is meaty with a

£23.50 or three for £25.50, and there are also

delicious crisp top, and the spice of chorizo

wine pairing options too.

teamed with the tomatoes and peppers from

To start, my guest and I both choose the same dish – the tomato and red pepper croutes, and after much deliberation, for my

tender, and combined with the crispness of

main I select the turbot, while my guest is

the potatoes and softness of the alliums, it’s

tempted by the beef rump.

another winner for team Swan. The real which turns an already delicious meal into

each bowl presented before us, lies a

something extraordinary.

www.swanchapeldown.co.uk

Despite the fact that we’re now two

puree and olive oil. Then, the magic happens

starters and a main down each, we don’t

when the waiting staff reveal two pots and

hesitate when we’re asked whether we’d

pour the gazpacho on top. The vibrant red

like to see the dessert menu. After all, it

mixes with the black of the olives, creating

wouldn’t be a fair review without sampling

tantalising swirls. We tuck in, and neither of

something sweet now, would it?

the flavours and textures of this dish. It takes

willing to share their cake…

highlight of this dish is the smoked ketchup,

course arrives, and it’s a sight to behold – in

us says anything for a moment as we revel in

maybe next time I’ll take a guest who’s

My guest’s main course is equally as appetising. The beef is melt-in-your-mouth

focaccia croton, delicately dotted with olive

We leave, full of delicious food and praise

the piperade work effortlessly together.

gazpacho, with black olives and focaccia

We don’t have long to wait before our first

SO

My guest instantly knows what he’s having, after spotting the rum baba with

A SIGHT TO BEHOLD – IN EACH BOWL PRESENTED BEFORE US, LIES A FOCACCIA CROTON, DELICATELY DOTTED WITH OLIVE PUREE AND OLIVE OIL. THEN, THE MAGIC HAPPENS WHEN THE WAITING STAFF REVEAL TWO POTS AND POUR THE GAZPACHO ON TOP. all of my strength not to run into the kitchen

Chantilly cream and poached apricots, while

and demand that I’m given the recipe

I take a little longer to decide (parfait or

on the spot (although perhaps I could

strawberries, cake or posset)? and

do a follow-up email)?

eventually settle on the strawberry and

Savouring the tangy taste of the gazpacho, I’m barely ready to let anything else pass my

tonka bean cheesecake.

Shortly, another two stunning creations

lips, but chef Tom Gentry has prepared a

appear before us and we waste no time in

surprise for us, and we’re soon presented

digging in. My cheesecake, which is

with a second starter – this time an incredibly

‘deconstructed’ turns out to be a great

decadent foie gras parfait, accompanied by a

choice, as it’s not rich at all – the sweet

toasted brioche, and pickled Kent cherries. In

strawberries are topped with an oaty

the past I’ve found foie gras too rich, but this

crumble, and the creaminess of the tonka

is perfect – the parfait is light and creamy,

bean brings everything together.

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All our spices, masalas and sauces are skilfully prepared from fresh primary ingredients which naturally yield flavours that are distinct in taste and quality along with our unreserved hospitality, we feel confident that you will realise an unparalleled appreciation of the dining experience offered at The Cinnamon Square

Rings Hill, Hildenborough TN11 8LX Open 7 days a week

Lunch 12.00pm - 2.00pm

t: 01732 832944

Evening 5 .30pm - 11.00pm

www.thecinnamonsquare.co.uk (Take away service available 10% Discount)

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FOOD

SUPER SPA

For a weekend of rest and recuperation, Charlie Bond discovers The Spa Hotel in Tunbridge Wells has it all…

W

eekends are supposed to be a

sun-drenched balcony overlooking the

knots in my back, any tension I was still

time for relaxing and recharging

grounds, huge bed set against striking feature

holding on to is long-forgotten. As I meet my

your batteries, but I’ll confess –

wallpaper, and a spacious contemporary

guest back in the room to begin getting

that’s not how I usually end up spending

bathroom. Flinging open the doors to the

ready for dinner, we both agree that these

them. Typically, by the time Sunday night

balcony and taking a seat to enjoy the last of

are some of the best massages we’ve ever

rolls around, I’m ready for another two days

the sunshine, we’re instantly relaxed.

had the pleasure of experiencing.

off. So, in a welcome change, this weekend

In a bid to continue our weekend wind-

We might be in our snuggly robes but

I’m heading to The Spa Hotel in Tunbridge

down, we make our way down to the Spa

there’s the matter of dinner to tend to, so

Wells for a little indulgence and down-time

Spa, where we’re each booked for a back,

we freshen up and make our way down to

with one of my oldest friends who is also

neck and shoulder massage. This turns out

the award-winning Chandelier restaurant

keen to kick back.

to be the perfect antidote to a busy week – as

for our evening meal.

Set in 14 acres of picturesque landscape with far-reaching views, it’s hard to believe this country hotel is just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the Tunbridge Wells Pantiles, but as we venture inside the spacious entrance hall and lobby area, we leave any thoughts of the working week firmly at the door.

Our first port of call is a visit to our bedroom to drop off our bags, but when it’s revealed where we’ll be sleeping, we almost cancel all other plans – our suite is stunning, with a

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my therapist Lida spends the next 30 minutes contorting me and working on the

“OUR FIRST PORT OF CALL IS A VISIT TO OUR BEDROOM TO DROP OFF OUR BAGS, BUT WHEN IT’S REVEALED WHERE WE’LL BE SLEEPING, WE ALMOST CANCEL ALL OTHER PLANS – OUR SUITE IS STUNNING”

In keeping with the hotel’s country style, the restaurant is both expansive, yet homely. The room is buzzing with diners toasting the weekend – there are groups of all ages, from a table of ladies celebrating a friends 30th birthday, to couples quietly sipping on wine.

We’re shown to a table near the window where we can enjoy the summer breeze, and presented with menus, filled with deliciouslooking options. We order our drinks, and set about an extensive deliberation over what to select. In the end, I order the scallops to start

SEPTEMBER 2016

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FOOD

The following morning we wake early and

(£12) and the hoisin glazed black cod for my

the butternut squash puree which

main (£19) while my guest opts for the fig

accompanies her chicken – she says it’s a

spend a while admiring the view from our

and parma ham salad (£8.50) followed by

great pairing, and teamed with the tender

balcony before it’s time for breakfast. We

the corn fed chicken breast (£16). Also, as

asparagus it’s another winning choice. Oh,

can barely believe it’s time to eat again, and

it’s a weekend and we fully intend to swim

and the chips – well, even though we hardly

both agree we’ll just have cereal and fruit,

everything off in the pool tomorrow, we

need them, we still manage to eat them all

but we get envious seeing other guests with

decide to indulge in a side of triple cooked

as they’re perfect – crisp on the outside and

their full English breakfasts, and soon we’re

chips to share (£3.50).

fluffy on the inside.

tucking into hearty plates of sausages and

As we sip our drinks, our waiter presents

The waiting staff leave just enough time

bacon too.

After refuelling, we head down to the spa

us with slices of focaccia to whet our

for our food to go down before approaching

appetite. These are baked to perfection,

us with the dessert menus – and of course,

with the intention of working off some of

with a crisp, salty top layer and moist

we oblige, with me selecting the Nutella

our indulgences. We have the benefit of

inside studded with olives and rosemary. If

chocolate delice and my guest choosing the

being the only two people in the swimming

this is an indication of what’s to come,

untraditional banana split (both £6.50). My

pool, and enjoy some leisurely lengths

then we’re in for a treat.

guest, who has a particular penchant for

before making our way to the steam room,

We don’t have to wait long to find out –

pancakes is delighted to discover her

followed by the sauna, where we definitely

we’re soon presented with our starters and

bananas encased in crepes, while I’m

aren’t exercising but we’re certainly

eagerly tuck in. My scallops are a taste

pleasantly surprised when my chocolatey

enjoying ourselves.

sensation – they’re topped with crispy

pudding contains an extra bit of sparkle in

panko breadcrumbs, and these, teamed

the form of popping candy.

As mid-morning arrives, it’s time for us to check out and leave the lap of luxury and our relaxing retreat behind. Feeling refreshed and

with the soft meat provides a wonderful

Long after the other diners have left the

variety of textures. Served with a parsnip

restaurant, we finally muster the strength to

rejuvenated, we head home, wishing that

puree, the dish is delicious.

drift back to our bedroom, and within

every weekend could be like this.

My guest is equally appreciative of her starter, which is served with gorgonzola

SO

minutes we’re sinking into the cloud-like mattress, feeling full and completely relaxed.

www.spahotel.co.uk

and truffle honey. She comments that the sharpness of the figs with the creaminess of the cheese is agreeable, and she especially likes the sweetness that comes from the honey flavours.

After such a successful first course, we worry that our main dishes won’t live up to expectation, but if anything, they exceed them. My cod is beautifully cooked, and the fish could melt in my mouth, while the crunch from the cashews and Asian noodle salad it’s served with again provides a fantastic array of textures with each mouthful. My guest is particularly savouring

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THE

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L U X U R Y T R AV E L

THE TUSCAN TOUCH There’s more to Italy than just food and wine, as our travel correspondent Pippa Park happily finds out

T

he Italian charm of Tuscany is well

unmistakable Italian style with

natural steamy saunas and, after a few

known the world over. Robust red

traditional wooden shutters. My phone

breathing exercises to adjust to the high

wines, a cuisine bursting with rich

and laptop remain switched off the

temperature, dip into the water. At the

flavours, sexy dark haired locals with

whole time, allowing me to connect

entrance the cave walls are close together

irresistible accents and that infamous

with the girls and indulge in the silence

and their rugged edges mean swimming

hospitality. What I was unaware of before

technology usually steals.

is not advised. Instead we cling to the

my trip is that it’s also the ideal

To start our healing process, we’re

sides with our hands and feet, a bit like a

prescribed mud treatments to detox and

tree frog. Gradually the tunnels open out

cleanse our skin. After a gentle exfoliation,

into a cave and you can truly appreciate

of jaded city girls, all looking to be

warm clay is applied liberally to my body

the eerie stillness.

thoroughly revitalised. Our first stop is

before I’m wrapped up in cling film and

the beautiful Grotta Guisti Golf and Spa

towels. Unlike many spa treatments that

to the bottom and get a feel for the

resort. I feel the stresses of modern life

focus only on pampering, here at Grotta

fascinating rock formations, or if you’re

slipping away as our car crawls slowly

Guisti the focus is on results and I feel

not quite as brave you can choose the

down the winding drive to the foot of the

they take a more medical approach to

‘floating experience’ which involves an

19th century villa, once home to the poet

spa life. Dressing gowns, slippers and

instructor gently manipulating your body

Guiseppe Giusti.

embossed swimming caps (all found in

into relaxing positions while you float on

your suite) are the dress code of choice for

the surface. Scuba diving and floating

lounging around the pool and spa.

costs €100 and lasts 50 minutes.

destination for wellbeing.

I fly into Pisa airport with a group

The grand building guards the entrance to what Mr Giusti regarded ‘the eighth wonder of the world’; a millennial thermal

A whopping 750m squared outdoor pool

Adventurous guests can scuba dive

The restaurant at Grotta Guisti caters for

cave. It’s the largest of its kind in Europe

boasts hydro-massage jets and a natural

those fresh from their nutrition plans so all

and has an underground lake that

waterfall massage feature, plus it’s a

courses include a lighter, low calorie option.

plummets to depths of 200m. Italians

balmy 34 degrees and rich in beneficial

It’s still Italy though so there’s no shortage

come from far and wide to experience

minerals like bicarbonate, sulphate,

of wine, pudding, bread and other treats.

these prosperous waters, which feed into

calcium and magnesium. After testing

Guided walks lead from hotel entrances

the hotel bathrooms. In fact, their benefits

all the massage jets in turn and dosing

into the Tuscan countryside with physical

are so well sung during our stay that we

up on some Vitamin D, we’re impatient to

challenges on every signpost, like squats,

fully expect to return home looking ten

visit the hotel’s biggest attraction – that

lunges and planks.

years younger.

millennial lake.

Rooms are simple, decorated in

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SEPTEMBER 2016

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Down in the caves guests can enjoy

When you’re feeling restored and ready for an outing, the traditional city of Lucca

JUNE 2016

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25/08/2016 10:56

is just a short taxi ride away. Thick

fit for a princess.

Medieval walls still surround the town

Come cocktail hour we’re presented

centre and their walkways are ideal for

with a lavish selection of antipasti. Our

The Italian Hospitality

cycling and walking. Lucca is the perfect

greedy fingers wrap around delicate

Collection

size to explore on foot and has a vibrant

cured meats and reach for pecorino

café culture, as well as an enchanting

cheese dipped in local honey. Dinner is a

Rooms at Grotta Guisti start

cathedral. A warren of pebbled streets

very civilised affair; every course packed

from €200. Pippa stayed in

and shops lead away from the main

with big flavours and washed down

a deluxe park view room at

square, where you can find tempting

with a few glasses of the local Chianti

€345 per night.

gelaterias, fashion stores and market

Classico, a wine I won’t forget in a hurry.

www.grottagiustispa.com

stalls selling everything from antiques

With special thanks to

To revive us the next morning, the girls

to artwork. Wherever you look there’s a

and I test out the indoor pool, which is

Rooms at Bagni di Pisa

lot going on, yet somehow it maintains a

reminiscent of a Roman bath, before

Palace and Spa from €208.

calm and unrushed pace of life.

enjoying the showers, sauna, steam room

Pippa stayed in a suite at

and ice room. Finally we settle on the

€547 per night.

Giusti, we set off through the wholesome

picturesque rooftop terrace, next to the

www.bagnidipisa.com

countryside, passing lakes, castles and

outdoor thermal pool, where we’re called

twisted olive groves, to reach our next

one by one for facials and massages.

After a few nights unwinding at Grotta

destination, Bagni di Pisa Palace and

My masseuse tailors the treatment

Spa. That’s right, a palace. Health and

especially to my needs by using different

wellness once again takes centre stage,

products and targeting areas where I hold

although this time with a little more

tension. Several masks, oils and hours of

indulgence. This is reflected in the bottle

expert kneading later, I walk out of the

of Prosecco that appears at check in,

treatment room in a thick daze and settle

the chocolate truffles in our room and

in the quiet area with a refreshing fruit

carefully selected spa products that

tea. I don’t have long to relax, however,

appear by our bedsides at turn down.

as it’s soon time for lunch with resident

Bagni di Pisa has a team of certified spa

dietician Laura Bettarini. She assesses

and health professionals who specialise

our eating habits and suggests ways

in weight-loss and wellness programmes.

to cook healthier at home. The health

The impressive architecture and

philosophy at Bagni di Pisa centers

gorgeous Italian décor turn our heads

around an innovative scientific approach,

at every corner. Frescoed hallways,

called PNEI. This stands for Psycho

terracotta accents and marble floors

Neuro Endocrine Immunology and is

set the precedence for a thoroughly

the principle of considering a person as a

decadent visit. This isn’t surprising

physical and psychic whole. Rather than

given some of the bolthole’s former

just being a health retreat, they strive to

guests, like George IV of England, Mary

initiate a lifestyle change in guests.

Shelley and the Cardinal of York.

On finding my suite, I push open the

En route to the airport the following day we stop off in Pisa, before breezing

heavy door into a stylish living room.

through customs and taking our seats

A corridor leads off to a magnificent

on the plane, feeling renewed and

marble bathroom and the biggest

looking, not quite ten, but at least five

bedroom I have ever slept in. It’s a palace

years younger.

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~LNT

New term starts now... Don't miss out!

With over 4,000 courses from Monday to Saturday and with courses throughout the day and in the evening , we have something for you.

Our courses range from Arts and Craft to Personal Development, Languages, Health & Fitness, GCSEs and Photography & Computing.

Whether you want to gain a new skill , advance your career, find a new hobby or want some much needed 'me' time, our courses can give you so much more.

For more information visit kentadulteducation.co.uk one of our local Kent Adult Education Centres or call 03000 41 22 22

Kent Adult Education is part of Community Leaming and Skills

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25/08/2016 13:36

EDUCATION guide

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

SO TW_SEPTEMBER16_EducationGuideCover2.indd 1

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-

SO â&#x20AC;˘

â&#x20AC;˘

Ofst~ Outstanding School

~ THE SKINNERS' ~~

I..O

~ 0 N

KENT ACADEMY7 -

Open Evening Thursday 6th October 4pm - 7.30pm Come and experience our 'Outstanding' Academy - all prospective students and parents are welcome.

Principal's speech at 4.30pm and 6.00pm.

Academy Tours We invite you to tour the Academy during the normal working day every Tuesday and Thursday during September and October.

Please book via our website; all tours begin at 10am and last approximately one hour.

The very high quality of teaching leads to pupils making outstanding progress. 11

11

Excellent behaviour in classrooms and around the schools means that pupils get

11

on very well together and are exceptionally keen to learn. 11 The curriculum helps pupils to grow into self-confident, inquiring and resilient learners."

Ofsted 2016 11

e:info@skinnerskentacademy.org.uk t:01892 534 377 w:www.skinnerskentacademy.org.uk

HEADLINES Weekly boarding No Saturday lessons 100% pass at Common Entrance 50 scholarships won in the last two years Diverse senior school feed "Excellent" in all areas (151)

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ADVERTORIAL

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

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Where Kent Learns If you’re looking to acquire a new skill, Kent Adult Education can help you discover your calling and unearth a newfound passion for learning. We find out how the institution, which spans such towns as Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks, provides a quality curriculum in the Garden of England

K

ent Adult Education is the heart of adult learning in Kent. As the largest provider, we have had almost 20,000 people enjoy a course with us over the last academic year.

With over 4,000 courses for you to enrol upon now, we really do have a course that’s perfect for you. Our courses run from Monday to Saturday at various times of day, from morning to as late as 9.30pm in the evening. We want everyone to find a new hobby, learn a new skill, get fit, get creative and have fun on our courses.

With 15 dedicated adult education centres across the county, from Tunbridge Wells to Dover and Folkestone to Dartford, we have courses that are local to you and convenient for you to get to, with many of our centres in the middle of the town. Plus, we work with around 100 other locations such as village halls, libraries and schools to make sure we have the perfect environment and location for everyone in Kent.

Courses are available in a range of subjects too: arts, crafts, business, general studies, GCSEs, health and fitness, language, personal development, photography and computing.

Ranging from free tasters to accredited courses, we’re sure that whether you are a beginner or someone who wants to excel with

an advanced course, we can find a course that’s at the right level for you to flourish.

One of the biggest misconceptions we come across is that potential learners think that courses will be too expensive to join.

We offer a range of ‘pay as you go’ fitness courses that start from £5 per session, and there is no obligation to turn up every week.

Our half-day courses can be as little as £25 and

full-day Saturday courses are £50 – these even usually include materials too! Plus, if your course is £70 or more, we offer the ability for you to pay a 25% deposit and pay the rest in instalments, so it really is easier than you think to enrol and enjoy adult learning.

We’re also really proud that for the past two years, we have scored 9/10 for customer satisfaction. Not only do we think our courses and teaching are fantastic, but our students do too! Here’s what just one of our students said about their experience: “Every aspect of the course has been excellent, enjoyable, informative, well-presented and beneficial.”

If there’s always been that course you think about doing, or you really want to do more with your spare time, now is the perfect time to take a look and enrol. Our brand new courses are available to enrol on now, and with 4,000 courses, over 700 of which are at the weekend too, there has never been a better time to start your Kent Adult Education experience.

For more information, visit one of our local Kent Adult Education Centres, call 03000 41 22 22 or head to www.kentadulteducation.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2016

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26/08/2016 11:16

ROSE HILL SCHOOL ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS Independent Co-education from 3-13 Coniston Avenue, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 9SY Telephone: 01892 525591 Email: admissions@rosehillschool.co.uk www.rosehillschool.co.uk

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SCHOOLS

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

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We produce a commissioning plan each year which is regularly updated to keep track of any changes in the number of school places required.

Local Lessons We speak to Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Education Roger Gough to find out how local schools are faring, and how the face of education is altering How are schools faring in the local area?

As we head into a new school year I am delighted to say that standards in Kent schools continue to progress; in fact they are now performing better than the national level.

Ofsted is continually raising the bar in terms of standards in schools. Kent schools have risen to the challenge and the latest Ofsted data shows that 87.4% of our schools are rated good or outstanding compared to 84% nationally. In July 2015 82% were good or outstanding and in 2014 this was 75%.

Tunbridge Wells primary schools have made excellent progress with 84% good and outstanding compared with 81% last year.

Sevenoaks primary schools are performing even better with 93% good and outstanding compared with 86% last year.

We have set an ambitious target of at least 90% of primary and secondary schools to be judged good or outstanding in the next year or two.

How has the role of education changed within the area?

The role of local authorities has changed dramatically over the last five years, due mainly to the introduction of academies and free schools. The government’s vision for education still encompasses a significant role for local authorities. This includes coordinating admissions and ensuring that there is a good supply of school places; in a time of rapidly rising school rolls, this will continue to be a major task.

Most of our secondary schools are now academies and, in fact, the three in Sevenoaks are academies or free schools.

However, most primaries are still maintained by the county council.

Kent County Council also has responsibility for making sure there are sufficient school places, and to do this we work closely with all the schools in Kent including academies.

What changes do you anticipate over the coming academic year?

The number of primary age pupils is expected to continue to rise significantly until 2021-22, after which it is expected to fall. In Tunbridge Wells, we are planning on building a two-form entry primary school by 2018 or 2019, to replace St Peter’s Primary School at Hawkenbury to help provide sufficient places for the new Berkeley Homes development of 235 homes.

Planning for additional secondary provision is now becoming a significant focus of activity as the number of secondary age pupils in Kent schools is expected to increase from 77,931 in 2014-15 to 96,581 in 2024-25.

In Sevenoaks, The Trinity Free School will open in its new building in September and work will be starting soon on the new grammar annexe building for girls provided

by Weald of Kent Grammar School, which should be ready by September 2017. KCC will continue to pursue options for boys’ grammar school provision in the district.

Why should parents consider sending their child to a local facility?

There will always be very strong demand for school places in tight urban areas, particularly in districts like Tunbridge Wells. Overall our record of meeting parental preference by expanding schools has been very successful.

Our vision is that every child and young person should go to a good or outstanding school, have access to the best teaching, and benefit from schools and other providers working in partnership with each other to share the best practice as they continue to improve.

SEPTEMBER 2016

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Open Day THURSDAY 13 OCTOBER

2016

,~ 2011 We open our new · \-\Ub rni\\ion Learnin9 £4:5 . dudes classrooms, ·te and \earnin9 which in library, ff SUi support centre.

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SCHOOLS

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

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King’s Rochester ADDRESS: Satis House, Boley Hill, Rochester, Kent ME1 1TE TYPE: Independent, co-educational, ages three to 18, boarding from Year 7 TEL: 01634 888 555 WEB: www.kings-rochester.co.uk EMAIL: admissions@kings-rochester.co.uk NUMBER OF PUPILS: 720 NUMBER OF STAFF: 201 COST PER TERM (DAY): £3,190 to £3,460 (pre-preparatory school); £4,140 to £4,700 (preparatory school); £6,070 (senior school) COST PER TERM (BOARDING): £6,860 (preparatory school); £9,860 (senior school) HEAD: Mr Jeremy Walker

Top results and so much more Founded in 604AD, King’s Rochester is the oldest cathedral choir school in the world, and the second oldest school.

Academic results are impressive at all levels. Just under a third of A-level passes this year were in the coveted A* and A brackets, and 58% were top grades A* to B.

83% of all passes were A* to C. This year, the 40% of students in the grammar stream at this broad-ability school achieved an average points score per pupil equivalent to three A* grades each.

In pre-prep and prep, 2016 Key Stage 1 and 2 results again far exceeded national scores, and the latest (2013) inspection report (ISI) deemed pre-prep, prep and senior schools ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ in all areas.

At the time of publication, GCSE results for 2016 had not been released.

But at King’s, we recognise that every child is unique, with talents and strengths that extend far beyond the classroom. Unsurprisingly, music plays a central role here, and many concerts are staged in Rochester Cathedral – our school chapel. The Cathedral Choristers have recorded for BBC radio and television, performed on London’s South Bank and taken part in many more local festivals, in addition to singing at the daily cathedral services. Most recently, they performed at London’s Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club alongside the James Taylor Quartet, making them the first cathedral choir ever to sing at the legendary venue. The outstanding musical abilities of our pupils cross all musical disciplines, from choral music to strings, piano to percussion and opera to jazz.

To find out more about the school, a great place to start is our open day on Saturday October 1 2016, from 9.15am to 12pm. No booking is required, but please call 01634 888 590, or email admissions@kings -rochester.co.uk for more information.

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SCHOOLS

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY What better way to find out about our fantastic local schools than to visit one of their open days?

SEPTEMBER MAYFIELD SCHOOL

MARLBOROUGH HOUSE SCHOOL

BEDE’S SENIOR SCHOOL

BEECHWOOD SACRED HEART

Open morning, Friday September 16 www.mayfieldgirls.org Open morning, Saturday September 17 www.bedes.org CRANBROOK SCHOOL

Open evening, Wednesday September 21 www.cranbrookschool.co.uk BETHANY SCHOOL

Open morning, Saturday September 24 www.bethanyschool.org.uk BRIGHTON COLLEGE

Open morning, Saturday September 24 www.brightoncollege.org.uk HURSTPIER COLLEGE

Open morning, Saturday September 24 www.hppc.co.uk

Open day, Friday October 7 www.marlboroughhouseschool.co.uk Whole school open day, Saturday October 8 www.beechwood.org.uk TONBRIDGE SCHOOL

Open morning, Saturday October 8 www.tonbridge-school.co.uk HOLMEWOOD HOUSE SCHOOL

Open day, Thursday October 13 www.holmewoodhouse.co.uk MEAD SCHOOL

Open day, Thursday October 13 www.meadschool.info FOSSE BANK SCHOOL

Open day, Saturday October 15 www.fossebankschool.co.uk

VINEHALL SCHOOL

Open days, Friday September 30 and Saturday October 1 www.vinehallschool.com

OCTOBER BRICKLEHURST MANOR SCHOOL

Open morning, Saturday October 1 www.bricklehurst.co.uk KENT COLLEGE PEMBURY

Prep & senior school open mornings, Saturday October 1 www.kent-college.co.uk KING’S SCHOOL ROCHESTER

Open day, Saturday October 1 www.kings-rochester.co.uk SACKVILLE SCHOOL

Open day, Saturday October 1 www.sackvilleschool.co.uk ST EDMUND’S SCHOOL CANTERBURY

Whole school open day, Saturday October 1 www.stedmunds.org.uk WOLDINGHAM SCHOOL

Open morning, Saturday October 1 – by appointment only www.woldinghamschool.co.uk SKIPPERS HILL MANOR PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Open morning, Wednesday October 5 www.skippershill.com SKINNERS ACADEMY

Open evening, Thursday October 6 www.skinnerskentacademy.org.uk

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SATURDAY 1ST r & TUESDAY 4TH OCTOBER

Get ready for 'Lift off!'

New for September 2016

Brickle-tots is an hour of fun exploring both music and French for babies and young children aged between 3 months & 3 years.

Sessions are held every Thursday morning at 11:00am during term time by our specialist music and French teachers

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To arrange a visit, please contact Clare Harrison:

An independent day school for boys and girls aged 2-13

admissions@theprep.org.uk • 01732 762336

W f www.theprep .org.uk

•

DDl SEVENOAKS

I I

•

independent schools

CHALLENGE • CREATIVITY • COMMUNITY

council

E!W

Skippers Hill Manor ~ Preparatory School For boys and girls aged

138

PREPARATORY SCHOOL

2

to 13

Call us on 01825 830 234 or visit

www.skippershill.com to book Five Ashes, Mayfield, East Sussex, TN20 6HR

SEPTEMBER 2016

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Vinehall

ROBERTSBRIDGE. EAST SUSSEX

Friday 30th September 9.30am - 12pm Saturday 1st October 9.30am - 12pm To register your attendance, or to arrange a separate visit, please contact Karen Cooper on 01580 883090 or at admissions@vinehallschool.com

www.vinehallschool.com

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TONBR.IDGE SCHOOL

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SCHOOLS

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

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Marlborough House School ADDRESS: High Street, Hawkhurst, Cranbrook, Kent TN18 4PY TYPE: Independent day and flexible boarding school for boys and girls aged 2½ to 13 TEL: 01580 753 555 WEB: www.marlboroughhouseschool.co.uk/ toptenreasonstoregister EMAIL: registrar@marlboroughhouseschool.co.uk NUMBER OF PUPILS: 320 NUMBER OF STAFF: 60 COST PER TERM (DAY): £2,730 to £5,645 HEAD: Mr Martyn Ward

Size Matters Marlborough House is a medium-sized prep school that deliberately maintains a roll call of under 350 pupils, so that it remains nimble enough to deliver on its promise: to offer a high-quality education, where the focus can truly be on each individual child.

The school’s size is critical in enabling each pupil to know and be known by every member of staff. Where the smallest, most subtle nuances in a child’s development

could be easily missed in a larger institution, at Marlborough House they are quickly recognised, rewarded and, above all else, celebrated. Every child can play and compete in a sports team, with an enviable pupil-to-coach ratio and 34 acres of beautiful grounds, providing ample space to identify and nurture natural talent, as well as inspire all children to ultimately enjoy taking part.

In June 2015, the Independent Schools Inspectorate judged the school to be ‘excellent’ in all areas of teaching and learning. It may not be the largest prep school

in the area, but with 22 scholarships awarded in academia, drama, music and sport this year, as well as 100% pass at Common Entrance, 100% pass to Cranbrook Grammar School, over £19,000 raised for various local and national charities, and Year 8 Latin students looking forward to celebrating their GCSE grades three years early, it consistently punches way above its weight.

Visit www.marlboroughhouseschool.co.uk /toptenreasonstoregister to find out more about why Marlborough House School believes that size really does matter!

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Awarded 'Excellent in all areas' 2016 Kent College is a leading independent day & boarding school for girls aged 3-1 8.

Established in 1886 by the Methodist Independent Schools Trust . Pembury, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 4AX 0 1892 8202 18

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SCHOOLS

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

SO

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11 +/13+ Open Event : Wednesday 21 st September Sixth Form Open Event : Wednesday 9th November

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St Ed's is a school where every pupil is connected by a love of learning, the pursuit of possibility and the challenge of being the very best they can be.

01227 475601

I www.stedmunds.org.uk

Open Day I Saturday 1st October SEPTEMBER 2016

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH

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Bethany School major project will be the construction of a future-focused Digital Performing Arts Centre.

ADDRESS: Curtisden Green, Goudhurst, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 1LB TYPE: Co-educational day and boarding school for ages 11 to 18

Do you have any awards or accreditations?

Bethany has been CReSTeD registered since 1994, and is well-equipped to give specialist help to dyslexic pupils within the mainstream curriculum.

TEL: 01580 211 273 WEB: www.bethanyschool.org.uk EMAIL: registrar@bethanyschool.org.uk NUMBER OF PUPILS: 346 NUMBER OF STAFF: 42 COST PER TERM (DAY): £5,265 to £5,830 COST PER TERM (BOARDING): £8,140 to £9,915 HEAD: Mr Francie Healy

Sum up the ethos of your school At Bethany, where ‘Education for life in a changing world’ underlies everything we do, learning and improvement permeates the culture of the school. In order to achieve this, the school celebrates not just achievement, but also progress.

Teachers understand that learning is learnable, and that this lesson is key to success in life.

How about the facilities on offer?

Bethany has an idyllic location, with easy accessibility and local mainline train links, set in a 60-acre, rural campus. The school’s continual rolling programme of development over its 150-year history has resulted in a wide range of impressive facilities available to its 350 pupils. The latest developments are a fantastic, newly built six-lane, 25m indoor swimming pool, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, a new Sixth Form Centre, and even its very own high ropes course. The next

What do you offer that other schools don’t?

Bethany has an excellent reputation for its pastoral care, family feel and exceptional nurturing environment.

The school provides a huge range of creative, academic, sporting and music activities that greatly broadens each child’s experience, and gives each pupil the opportunity to pursue their interests. Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility in their education, and they consequently develop necessary life skills for making good decisions in the future.

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SCHOOLS

Mayfield School ADDRESS: The Old Palace, Mayfield, East Sussex TN20 6PH TYPE: Independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11 to 18 TEL: 01435 874 642 WEB: www.mayfieldgirls.org EMAIL: registrar@mayfieldgirls.org NUMBER OF PUPILS: 365 NUMBER OF STAFF: 175 COST PER TERM (DAY): £6,550 COST PER TERM (BOARDING): £10,600 HEAD: Antonia Beary

‘Educating Mind, Body, Heart and Soul’ Mayfield is a leading independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11 to 18. Set in the beautiful, yet easily accessible Sussex countryside, it’s only 50 minutes by train to central London, 40 minutes from Gatwick Airport and about an hour from Heathrow.

We have an enviable academic record, exceptional pastoral care and extensive extracurricular activities. Mayfield girls learn how to combine rigorous academic study with a diverse range of activities beyond the classroom.

From dance and top-class equestrian facilities to fencing and debating, Mayfield challenges its girls to realise their full potential, providing them with a lifelong love of learning, so that they leave as mature, educated and independent young women, confident in their beliefs and prepared to make a positive difference in the world.

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Described by the ISI as ‘outstanding’ and by Country Life as ‘one of the finest schools in the land’, a Mayfield education combines academic rigour, breadth of opportunity and a strong sense of community, embodying our motto, ‘Actions not Words’.

At Mayfield, each girl is accepted for who she is, and we instil in her the confidence to find her strengths and build on them. We will give her the time, space and emotional support she needs to flourish. We will expect her to think independently, and our enthusiastic teachers will inspire in her a lifelong love of learning. We will stimulate her imagination and nurture her creativity in every subject she studies.

Her actions will be inspired by a sense of justice and integrity, sustained by her respect for others. Overall, she will have the chance to grow to be herself.

Mayfield is a vibrant community.

Traditionally, we have attracted pupils from all round the world, as well as locally. We are able to offer a very supportive structure, which ensures that we support what best suits your daughter’s requirements. From day to full boarding, there is an opportunity to flexi-board and weekly board too.

We have day pupil transport, which covers a large area of Sussex and Kent, enabling flexibility for parents and the girls to have a full day at school. We offer a weekly bus service to and from Central London, which leaves on Friday afternoon and returns on Sunday evening, giving your daughter time at home over the weekend. For our full boarders, we have a wonderful array of activities and trips, so there is never a dull moment!

Such a cosmopolitan ethos helps the girls to understand and appreciate different cultures and perspectives, and to value diversity. Friendships are forged here, which sustain and support not only through school, but on into the future, and we are proud to

welcome successive generations of girls back to Mayfield.

Sum up the ethos of your school Mayfield is a lively, happy and successful school. It offers amazing opportunities, helping girls to challenge stereotypical views of what they can and should achieve. Mathematics and science are among its most popular and successful subjects. Equally successful are

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SCHOOLS

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How about your biggest achievements to date?

Academic results, equestrian results and award-winning creative arts. We are extremely proud of all that our staff and girls achieve, so we feel that every achievement is our ‘biggest’, however small.

subjects as diverse as geography and music.

We also excel in areas traditionally considered to be ‘creative’. Mayfield instils in each girl the confidence to find her strengths – wherever they may lie – and build on them. A Mayfield girl is challenged to set herself demanding targets and helped to find strategies to achieve them.

Girls are expected to think independently, to question their own and other people’s ideas, and to learn to make informed decisions.

What facilities are on offer?

We have a wide range, from facilities that include a heated indoor swimming pool, dance studio, fully-equipped gym, sports hall, all-weather pitch, equestrian centre with Olympic-sized indoor and outdoor sand school, to stables for 28 horses, four boarding houses, outstanding learning support and sports fields.

Describe some of the trips and extracurricular activities While academic study and the pursuit of excellent examination results are important, the benefits that stem from a broad and balanced education are immeasurable. Our programme of extracurricular activities is wide and varied. There are three activity periods each day: one after lunch and two between the end of lessons and the end of school. This gives all girls the opportunity to pursue a range of interests and enthusiasms, including sport, the arts and academic enrichment.

We organise the activities to maximise the opportunity for each girl to take part in a range across the week and the school year.

These include fencing, dance, creative arts, performing arts, equestrian, swimming, tennis and yoga. We have an activity booklet, which is produced each year, listing a huge range of opportunities. Trips are also wide and varied, from Iceland, Cambodia, France and Germany, to trips locally and around the UK, which enhance academic learning and for leisure, as we are ideally situated to take advantage of the wonderful places locally and further afield.

Finally, what do you offer that other schools don’t?

Mayfield produces world-renowned ceramicists, and has a dynamic drama department and an enviable sporting tradition. With an equestrian centre on campus, our pupils are able to take advantage of stabling for 28 horses, pony loans/pony share, Olympic-sized outdoor and indoor sand schools, and the opportunity to compete at all levels.

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Beechwood Sacred Heart School ADDRESS: 12 Pembury Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3QD TYPE: Independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 3 to 18 TEL: 01892 532 747 WEB: www.beechwood.org.uk EMAIL: bsh@beechwood.org.uk NUMBER OF PUPILS: 400 NUMBER OF STAFF: 70 COST PER TERM (DAY): £3,100 - £5,550 COST PER TERM (BOARDING): £9,250 HEADMASTER: Mr Aaron Lennon

Sum up the ethos of your school Beechwood is an independent co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged three to 18, founded in 1915 by the Society of the Sacred Heart.

Today, there are 400 pupils on roll and there is an even gender balance throughout the school. We are a Catholic school, but welcome children of all faiths.

At Beechwood, we believe in excellence in teaching. In our small classes, we provide teaching that facilitates learning and inspires our pupils to explore new ideas, so that they achieve their full potential. A cognitive development programme focuses on higher-order thinking skills, encouraging independent thinking, a more positive approach to problem-solving and better habits of learning – essential skills for university and success in the world of work.

Mr Aaron Lennon

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Pupils in the Senior School enjoy access to a wide range of GCSE and A-Level academic courses, and have an enviable degree of flexibility when selecting their option choices. Most pupils go on to study at their first choice of university.

Teachers stimulate pupils to excel in what they are good at and build confidence in areas they find difficult. Academic standards are important and we challenge our pupils to do their best. We also encourage our boys and girls to participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities, trips and visits.

Beechwood is a popular, friendly school where standards of conduct and behaviour are exceptional.

What are your biggest achievements to date?

Obviously the progress made by every child at the school is the biggest achievement, but looking back over the past 12 months, a number of projects come to mind. Each year, we work with other Sacred Heart schools around the globe on a goal or theme, and this year our goal has been ‘Community’. The students and staff have been involved in a wide range of events and activities within school, delivered through the house and year systems.

The work of the Charities Committee has been particularly commendable this year, with significant sums of money raised as part of our global reach project.

Pupils have worked together in myriad ways, giving them opportunities for personal growth and development, as well as opportunities to excel academically.

These so-called ‘soft skills’ of teamwork, decision making, problem solving, time management, communication and flexibility of thinking are personal traits that we actively promote throughout the school, and are key features of the success of our pupils and our community.

Describe some of the trips and extracurricular activities We offer up to 40 clubs and societies e.g. astronomy, chess, bridge, LAMDA, English Speaking Union, debating, drama, trampolining, art, Amnesty, sports, music, Young Enterprise, Model United Nations and subject revision clubs. Additionally, there is the opportunity for pupils to take their bronze and silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards, and occasionally gold.

We arrange a large number of academic and extracurricular trips, expeditions and visits each year, to both local destinations and further afield to Spain, Iceland and Cambodia more recently.

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ADVERTORIAL

What do you offer that other schools don’t?

Beechwood is the only co-educational independent day and boarding school in Tunbridge Wells that in itself provides a unique environment in which pupils grow and develop, both academically and socially. Approximately 20% of our intake is international, which provides a more diverse range of nationalities and opportunities for local pupils to connect with a variety of cultures around the globe. We offer an outstanding educational experience from nursery to Sixth Form.

A Beechwood education doesn’t stop with what you learn in the classroom. The world is changing rapidly and we prepare our pupils for the future. We don’t just focus upon statistical outcomes and league tables; our philosophy is

very much to provide a bespoke educational experience for every child.

How do you manage parents’ expectations?

As a school, we set very high expectations, which are shared with pupils and parents. Regular communication with parents is key, whether through the reporting of progress, events or newsletters keeping parents informed about activities taking place at Beechwood. Open, honest and regular dialogue with parents is a key feature of a Beechwood education.

In what ways do students receive a well-rounded experience?

At Beechwood, pupils enjoy a well-rounded education, with arts subjects valued as highly as

other academic disciplines, and we provide opportunities for pupils to explore a wide range of learning outside the classroom. We are not constricted by artificial measures of pupil performance, which limit pupil subject choices.

Pupils in the Senior School enjoy access to a wide range of GCSE and A-Level academic courses, and have an enviable degree of flexibility when selecting their option choices. There is a broad range of extra and co-curricular activities that take place throughout the year, and pupils are encouraged to explore and develop new interests.

Performance opportunities are encouraged in music, drama and arts, and a rich and diverse programme is organised each year. It is often commented that Beechwood leavers are confident, articulate and ambitious young people.

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BEECHWOOD School An Independent School for Boys and Girls (3-18)

Nursery, Prep& Senior School APPLY

ONLINE

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To find out more, please contact registrar@beechwood.org.uk

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BUSINESS

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MONEY MATTERS The latest updates and advice from the finance and business markets PEER PRESSURE ‘ADDS NEARLY £900 A YEAR TYPICALLY TO BILLS’ Parents who cave in to pressure from their children to buy them the latest ‘must have’ item so they can keep up with their peers, estimate this adds nearly £900 to their annual household spending typically, a survey has found.

The research from Sainsbury’s Bank looked at the extent to which parents feel under pressure to buy their children expensive items, invest in hobbies or throw big parties so they can have the same as their children’s friends and acquaintances.

Technology, such as phones and tablets, is the main driver of pressure on parents, with 44% of parents feeling under pressure to buy their children the latest gadgets, the research among more than 2,000 people found.

WOULD-BE PARENTS ‘DELAY FAMILY PLANS DUE TO MONEY WORRIES’ Money worries are forcing many would-be parents to delay plans to start a family for three years or longer, a report has found.

Some 45% of 25 to 34-year-olds, who plan to have children, said they will put off starting a family for at least three years.

Half of these people were delaying starting a family for this length of time due to money worries, making this the top concern according to the research from the Centre for the Modern Family, a think-tank set up by Scottish Widows.

SIGNS OF CONFIDENCE RETURNING TO HOUSING MARKET, SURVEYORS FIND There are signs of confidence returning after a ‘wobble’ following the vote to leave the EU – surveyors have found. A net balance of 5% of surveyors reported house prices rising rather than falling last month, according to the

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics), marking the lowest reading in three years.

But Rics also says comments from some agents “suggest activity has picked up after an initial wobble, while others cite the Brexit vote as having only a modest or even negligible impact thus far”.

NEARLY TWO-FIFTHS OF BRITONS ‘STRUGGLE TO PAYDAY’ Women are more likely than men to cut their spending if their financial situation hits a crisis, a survey suggests.

Asked how they would cope with a hole in their money situation, 60% of women would tighten the purse strings, while 55% of men would cut back on their spending.

The survey of more than 2,000 people was carried out for insolvency trade body R3.

Across the survey, 39% of Britons admit they often or sometimes struggle to make it to payday.

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We build our mortgages around you All homes are different. The same applies to the need for home financing . Therefore we offer individual and flexible solutions for all your mortgage needs and requirements. We can find a financial solution to suit your needs whether buying a new home or remortgaging .

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Ray Keatley - Individual Banking Manager Tel: 01892 547475 email: rake01 @handelsbanken.co.uk Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

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Established in Uckfield since 1841, Dawson Hart is a long-established yet innovative firm of solicitors, committed to providing a professional and personal service to its clients. We hear how upcoming changes will help bring the civil justice process and court system into the 21st century

Jamie Wood is a solicitor with the Family and Matrimonial Team

1. Failing to enclose the correct fee (currently ÂŁ550) 2. Not correctly inserting details of the marriage as displayed on the marriage certificate

or containing insufficient information 7. Failing to enclose the original marriage certificate - copies cannot be accepted, and foreign certificates must be accompanied by a certified translated copy

at Dawson Hart 3. Jurisdiction -this page is often incomplete or incorrect 4. Incomplete details regarding other proceedings

THE TOP 10 REASONS WHY DIVORCE PETITIONS ARE BEING RETURNED

5. The facts -the grounds for divorce do not match the statement of case, or more than one ground has been selected

Her Majesty's Court and Tribunal Service

6. The statement of case - often incomplete

revealed last year that, since the move from cou rts to divorce centres, approximately 40% of divorce petitions are being returned .

8. No certificate of reconciliation received from solicitor - litigants in person are not required to send this

9. No fee contribution received from those who are entitled to a fee remission 10. Failing to provide an address for service for the other party Statistics show that divorce centres are typically processing between 250 and 300 petitions per day, as well as around 1,000 items of other post, 150 emails and 700 calls. Errors such as those listed above can therefore cause significant delays.

The Bury St Edmunds Divorce Centre,

For advice on all family matters, please contact Jamie Wood on 01825 762 281 or email Matrimonial@dawson-hart.co.uk

whi c h is the single centre covering London and the South East, has put together the top 10 reasons for the returns. These are:

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This information has been prepared for general interest and it is important to obta in professional advice on specific issues and for you r own circumstances . Whilst we believe the information to be correct at the time of print, we cannot accept responsibility for loss occasioned by any person acting or refraining from acting as a result of this material.

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C O M M E R C I A L F E AT U R E

Meet the Independents Over the last 12 months, we’ve seen an increase in the number of independent businesses opening in our town. We introduce some movers and shakers who are proving that a unique approach and knowledgeable staff, coupled with fair pricing and great customer service, is still a recipe for success NAME: Paul Matthews COMPANY: Hilden Park Accountants TYPE: Chartered accountants and business advisers POSITION: Managing director

Describe your company and what makes it different We are a firm of chartered accountants with years of experience, but have a fresh approach to the way we do business, focusing on providing timely and common-sense advice. We pride ourselves on being practical and realistic, but are not afraid to be imaginative with our solutions, realising that our clients and their needs are individual. Our expertise takes the stress away from our clients, allowing them to do what they do best – run their business.

Why did you choose Hildenborough as a location?

When I purchased Hilden Park 10 years ago, it was already established in Hildenborough, and over the years I have really come to appreciate where we are. Being close to Tonbridge,

Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells and the direct train links to London means we are within easy reach for local businesses, which benefits us all.

What’s your secret for success?

One of our greatest strengths is the relationships we build with our clients. An advantage to being a smaller firm is that we can take a real interest in them and their businesses, keeping in regular contact to ensure we give the best advice at all times. As a firm, we have a great team who are passionate about what we do. I strongly believe this shines through and means it is not unusual for clients to drop in for a cup of coffee if they are passing.

Finally, what do the next 12 months have in store?

We are excited about the coming year – we will continue to focus on our clients, both old

and new, and develop involvements with the community by supporting local events and initiatives. For example, we will be joined by a number of clients in our boat in the Tonbridge Dragon River Racing event in September, and will also be working with other local firms on joint business projects going forward.

NAME: Amal Uddin MRICS COMPANY: AU Consultancy TYPE: Chartered surveyors, commercial property services POSITION: Managing director (chartered surveyor)

Tell us the background of your company We are a firm of chartered surveyors, specialising in management and transactional services for owners/occupiers of commercial properties. The business was established in the City in 2010 as a consultancy practice. Our services have traditionally been delivered to corporate and institutional commercial property owners/occupiers.

Why did you choose to set up in Tunbridge Wells?

We have had instructions from corporate and institutional clients with property interests in Tunbridge Wells going back to 2006. So, there has been a familiarity and affection that has grown for the town over the years. Given its energy, not to mention its proximity to the City, it was a great fit

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for the business to evolve here, and to have its main office based in Tunbridge Wells.

What‘s the secret to your success?

Providing a service that goes the extra mile.

It may sound like a cliché, but in the corporate world and in the City, it is a given. We take the view that the corporate standards of service should be the normal expectation for all non-corporate clients too, with the highest levels of professionalism.

Where would you like to take things over the next year?

We are aiming to quietly establish both the brand and the business in Tunbridge Wells, with Kent and the neighbouring counties being our new client base, in addition to our corporate

City clients. We are extensively networking with other fellow professionals locally/ regionally, and hope that in 12 months’ time, we will be a more familiar brand, synonymous with Tunbridge Wells.

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C O M M E R C I A L F E AT U R E

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NAME: Charlotte Newman COMPANY: Kitch Clothing TYPE: Ladies’ retail designer store POSITION: Business owner

Tell us a bit about your business Kitch is an awarding-winning, independent fashion retailer selling unique brands sourced from around the globe. We pride ourselves on our five-star boutique customer service. With our expert, handpicked sales team, we aim to offer an attractive and relaxed shopping environment.

Why did you decide to set up shop in Tunbridge Wells?

I’ve always loved the area. I grew up nearby and chose to move back with my family after leaving my job in London.

Tunbridge Wells services many surrounding towns and villages, and is 50 minutes by train to London, so a perfect location to open a boutique. I knew I wanted to be in

the High Street, as it had a village-life feel and fitted in well with the other independent shops and boutiques.

Talk us through your secret to success The secret to success is to know your customer. Over the years, I’ve got to know what my customer likes, which is why I go around the world to source unusual brands to provide a mix, that is always fresh, new and exciting, and offer the customer something unique that she won’t find everywhere on the high street.

What are your hopes for the future?

Watch this space! I think the next 12 months are going to be really exciting, and I’m so looking forward to the season ahead.

I’ve bought a few new brands and can’t

wait to see how well-received these are by our customers. Our main focus is to invest and expand our online business and develop our own brand of clothing.

NAME: Mauro Di Santo COMPANY: Soprano TYPE: Tapas restaurant and wine bar POSITION: Business Owner

What can customers expect from your business?

We are a tapas and wine bar serving freshly prepared, high-quality food, sourced locally whenever possible, or directly from Spain if need be! Popular dishes include meatballs, patatas bravas and chorizo, along with the best paella in town. We offer an extensive lunchtime menu, along with specials and an evening menu. Our drinks menu includes wine, beer, spirits and our famous gin cocktails, whose ingredients are prepared and cooked onsite. Roasted orange, white cardamom and Mediterranean leaves are among our most popular.

Why did you go for Tunbridge Wells as a location?

We used to live in London, where we managed

a restaurant. We had ambitions to purchase our own restaurant and wanted somewhere slightly quieter, but with the ‘London feeling’, where people appreciate and understand about food.

How about the secret to your success?

We continually work hard and are always on the lookout for new ideas that we can implement in our restaurant. We take great pride in the look and feel of the restaurant, and regularly update the décor, along with bringing innovative new flavours and dishes to the menu. We also invest heavily in the quality of our staff, which includes bringing in chefs from Spain, and sending our bar staff to sommeliers in London, and a barman to New York to study a mixology course. It is vital to be recognised

for achieving a five-star rating for hygiene and cleanliness, as customers are rightly very discerning in this day and age.

Where are things headed going forward?

We are always looking for new opportunities and we will continue to invest in Soprano, where we are looking forward to celebrating our 10-year anniversary next year. We are very proud to be one of the oldest privately-owned restaurants in Tunbridge Wells.

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Concerned about your hotne being sold to fund your future care fees?

The Issue You probably own your home as joint tenants if you are a couple and solely if you are single. For couples this means you own it wholly, jointly and severally. Ultimately therefore you do not own it 50:50 as you might have assumed. You actually own all of it together and when one partner dies the surviving partner owns it solely and absolutely.

It is sole and absolute ownership that enables a whole property to be taken into consideration as an asset by the local authority and puts the property in danger of needing to be sold to fund care.

The Reality Today The care Act 2014 introduced in April 2015 allows local authorities to assess your assets to determine if you need to pay for your own care under the new charges and assessment of resources regulations.

Currently if you have assets above £23,250, you are on your own and require care, you will probably have to pay for it all - currently averaging around £1,000 per week.

Savings, cash and income would be used first and then your property would need to be taken into consideration. You would be expected to pay for all of your care until such time as your assets were depleted to below the £23,250 threshold.

You would then pay for a proportion of your care until your assets were below £14,250 - at which point all your future care would be paid for after any relevant income was taken into account.

The Solution For couples, simply by changing the way you own your property well in advance of any care considerations i.e. from joint tenants to tenants in common and by setting up two property Trusts either immediately or within a properly structured Will at the same time will in most cases, protect the integrity of your home should you ever require care in the future, so long as avoiding care fees was not a primary motivating reason behind the implementation fo the strategy - i.e. you should be looking to protect your half of your property should your spouse remarry after your death, or you should be looking to ensure that your children would not lose 50% of their inheritance should they be made bankrupt or divorce or for example you should be looking to prevent a generational inheritance tax burden in the future. These are all sound reasons for implementing this strategy which in themselves are not deliberate deprivation of assets, but the implemantation of which protects the integrity of the property.

For sole owners the process is simply to set up a Trust now and convey your property into it which will produce the same result again this must be well in advance of any care considerations and the motivation must not solely be for the purpose of preventing your home being used to fund your care.

The Reasoning When you own your home as tenants in common you actually own half each. With our Post death Property Protection Package

~

when the first partner dies, they leave their half into their Trust. The surviving partner is the Trustee of that Trust and also the Primary Beneficiary which means that as they own half and are Trustee of the other half they have complete control over the property and what happens to it. The children and/or whoever else is also nominated as ultimate Trust Beneficiaries will have access to that half of the property when the surviving partner dies. The first half of the property then is 100% securely in Trust for the beneficiaries and will not be at risk. As a result of this simple strategy and because it is not possible to sell just the survivor's half of the property, the integrity of the property is protected. While the "market value" of half a property is negligible, The Care Act 2014 guidelines do allow for this half to have a charge placed on it under a deferred payment arrangement for care fees which is why this package includes a Lasting Power of Attorney grant for Property and Financial affairs which will enable a pre-appointed Attorney to act on behalf of the survivor should they be unable to themselves and negotiate with the Local Authority for the property to be rented out and a percentage of the income given to the Local Authority instead of a charge being placed. The second half of the property would then ultimately go into the Trust for access by the nominated beneficiaries when the surviving partner eventually dies.

With our Whole of Life and Post Death Complete Property and Family Protection Package both halves of the property are conveyed into Trust IMMEDIATELY. This means the whole property is protected straight away and not just after the first party dies. The benefits of this package are that it then protects the property even if both parties go into care before the death of either. It also means that if the survivor goes into care the property does not have to be rented but if it is 100% of the income goes directly into the Trusts for the benefit of the survivor or any of the other Trust Beneficiaries and does not have to be given to the Local Authority. The most important benefit of this package though is the property can be sold at any time and the resulting proceeds be fully protected for the whole family within the Trusts and no negotiation with the Local Authority is required.

Sole owners and couples who have immediately conveyed their properties into Trust well in advance of any care consideration and not solely for the purpose of preventing their home being used to fund their care (deliberate deprivation of assets) secures the integrity of the property (so long as entry into care is not within 6 months of setting up the strategy) as the property is not absolutely owned by an individual anymore and it is not legal to force a Trustee to do something that is not in the ultimate best interest of the Trust Beneficiaries.

Call us now for a friendly chat about which package would be of best benefit to you and your family.

TONBRIDGE: 01732 605411 TUNBRIDGE WELLS: 01892 278171

www.thywill.co.uk

W SPLASH * · AWARDS 2015 Thy Will Be Done Voted

Best Business of 2015/2016

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GOLF

SO

A HOLE LOT OF FUN

A

Sports writer Andrew Tong explains why it might be time to give golf a go

good walk spoiled? That’s how

your co-ordination, the self-confidence

game that you can keep playing as the

Mark Twain described golf, and

that comes from overcoming your

years advance, maintaining a decent

he could not have been more

doubts, the simple, pure joy of winning:

level of fitness without excessive

wrong. A pleasant stroll around a

this is why millions of people all over

exertion – it’s a long old walk, Twain

pristine sculpted landscape. Working

the country like to spend an afternoon

was right about that. It’s a healthy,

gently your fitness and feeling the thrill

thrashing around in the undergrowth.

challenging activity for children, too,

of the competitive edge. Enjoying the

And there’s so much more. It’s

capturing the imagination and keeping

company of friends on the field of sport

becoming increasingly popular with

them occupied for hours. And for the

without struggling to breathe in the

women, helping to boost the figures

business-minded types who don’t

process. That’s more like it.

for female participation in sport. And

have much room for fun, it’s the

all that girl power has served to break

ideal background for entertaining

inner demons – that’s as bad as it gets.

down the gates of some of the most

corporate clients and cutting deals

Mastering the game’s complex skills

chauvinistic institutions in the country,

while grabbing some down-time

can take a lifetime but the challenge is

putting to flight all the old colonels who

in the process.

all part of the fun and games. The sense

don’t want ladies in the clubhouse.

Battling a wonky swing and a few

of satisfaction you get from improving

Talking of old colonels, it’s also a

Golf’s appeal is enduring, and it’s getting more popular. The rise of Rory McIlroy has given it the same

“FOR THE BUSINESS-MINDED TYPES WHO DON’T HAVE MUCH ROOM FOR FUN, IT’S THE IDEAL BACKGROUND FOR ENTERTAINING CORPORATE CLIENTS AND CUTTING DEALS WHILE GRABBING SOME DOWN-TIME IN THE PROCESS”

boost that Andy Murray’s success has provided for tennis. Suddenly it’s sexy again – it’s not all about plaid slacks, white slip-ons and diamond tank tops any more. Golf returned to the Olympic Games in Rio last month for the first time in 112 years, providing a global stage which will give the game a massive boost. The Olympics, after all, is sport for all, not just for the wealthy.

Behind all the green lawns and azaleas and sprinkler systems lurks a deeper side to golf: the sheer mystique of the game. Like cricket and baseball, it is one of the few sports with a genuine mythology attached to it.

There’s legend and lore here, flitting among the shadows as they steal across the fairway. Down the years this has translated beautifully into literature, drama, poetry and art. The game lives long in the memory and will fill your mind with wonder.

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C O M M E R C I A L F E AT U R E

TIME FOR TEE If you’ve been inspired to take up golf after watching the Olympics in Rio, now is a perfect time to start. There are plenty of courses available in our area, so you’ll be hitting your stride and getting into the swing of things in no time. Read on to discover some of the best places to spoil a good walk

Hever Castle Golf Club What’s the background of your course?

Hever Castle Golf Club, established in 1992, offers a mix of both length and tactical play, aimed to test all aspects of your game. Golfers enjoy a parkland setting in the beautiful Kent countryside, full of towering trees, lazy streams and golf ball-filled lakes! Hever Castle Golf Club is situated within one mile of the famous Hever Castle, birthplace of Anne Boleyn.

Do you work with professional golfers?

Head professional Peter Parks has been at the club since 1992 when it first opened. Passionate about coaching, Peter is one of only a few coaches in England to have achieved a Level 3 PGA coaching qualification. Castle Golf School, owned and run Peter, employs three PGA professionals and offers yearround tuition for all ages, groups and abilities. Hever Castle Golf Club offers fantastic coaching facilities, with the recent addition of a state-of-the-art indoor swing studio.

How about the costs to pay?

Hever Castle Golf Club is a 27-hole complex offering three

Lamberhurst Golf Club

variations of 18 holes. These consist of: the Championship Course, made up of the Kings and Queens 9s, costing £40

Lamberhurst Golf Club has 18 glorious holes snaking

per golfer; the Hybrid Course, made up of the Princes and

through mature parkland, with spectacular views over the

Kings 9s, costing £37; and the nine-hole Princes Course,

Kent and Sussex countryside. At first glance, the course,

which can be played twice for £23. There is also the option

6,423 yards off the back tees, looks simple, but the subtle

of nine holes on the Princes Course at a cost of £18. Twilight

slopes and undulations test even the lowest handicapper.

rates are available on all courses and are normally calculated to be within five hours of sundown.

Master our ‘Amen Corner’, including the flagship 12th hole, at 217 yards with a carry over water, and you’ll be well on

Visit us at www.hever.co.uk or contact the professional shop

the way to a good round.

for more detail on 01732 700 771 Close to Tunbridge Wells and just off the A21, the club aims to provide an experience comparable with the best Kent golf clubs. As a members’ club, golfers of all ages and handicaps can expect a warm welcome and a challenging day’s golf in rural Kent. Lamberhurst is run by the members, for the members – putting you first!

Play this Kent course once, and you’ll find yourself longing to come back again and again. To find out about current offers, green fees and membership subscriptions, visit www.lamberhrstgolfclub.com or call the secretary’s office on 01892 890 591.

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Westerham Golf Club Tell us about your golf course Boasting established forestry, lakes and stunning views over the Kent North Downs, our 6,300-yard, par 72 course is a picturesque golfing challenge you will not quickly forget.

Fairways lined with pine trees, colourful rhododendrons, strategically placed bunkers and three beautiful water features make Westerham a solid test for any standard of golfer. Built to a high standard with USGA specification greens and full irrigation throughout, Westerham is playable all year round.

What’s your most difficult hole?

The par three ‘eye of the storm’ 11th, with daunting pine trees and bunkers protecting a small green, will stay in your memory, as will the closing hole, which requires lake and bunker clearance to play out in a grandstand finish in front of the clubhouse!

Villa Golf

How does it stand out?

Exceptional first-class practice facilities, including an indoor

What can golfers expect at Villa?

golf simulator, short game practice area, 10-acre driving

Villa Golf is a family-run course, situated just off the A264

range and, our latest development, ‘The Churchill 9’ – a new

in the picturesque village of Blackham. Despite being in

nine-hole golf course – set us apart from the rest.

business for over 20 years, we are still unknown to a great many golfers due to our tucked-away location; consequently,

Designed with beginners in mind, this new par three

tee bookings are always available, but a call to check is

course will be the focus for Altonwood’s tuition centre,

always preferred.

providing a first-class venue at which juniors and adults alike can learn and develop their skills before

Over the years, the course has undergone many changes

progressing to a full-size course.

and is continually evolving into an even more challenging course. At the moment, we have three separate greens and

Involving Altonwood’s team of PGA-qualified professionals,

one tee to give a variation for those wishing to play 18 holes.

alongside major golf organisations, including England

We have a fully licensed bar, buggy hire, putting green and

Golf, an extensive tuition programme has been developed

driving nets for visitors to use, and groups and societies can

to target new golfers and encourage people to take up

be catered for.

golf – particularly juniors and ladies – including a detailed programme for schools, which meets the needs of the

In what ways is the course unique?

national curriculum.

Being family-owned and run means we have a real vested interest in how the course evolves. All the

Valence Park, Brasted Road, Westerham, Kent TN16 1QN

day-to-day maintenance, as well as the running of the

01959 567 100

clubhouse/bar, is done by ourselves so that we interact

www.westerhamgc.co.uk

directly with our customers.

info@westerhamgc.co.uk The kind and complimentary comments we get daily makes it all worthwhile and only serves to boost our enthusiasm.

On the other hand, if any golfer has a comment or suggestion to put forward regarding the course, we hear it first-hand and value the input. We try and keep the whole golfing experience as informal and friendly as we can, so that players new to the game don’t feel awkward.

How much does it cost to play?

Green fees start at £13 for adult nine holes during the week, with over-60s at £11 and juniors under 16 at £8. Buggy hire is £12 for nine holes, and we also have twilight rates. For more information, call us on 01892 740 344 or find us at www.villagolfcourse.co.uk

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•••

seIJCIO

For more information o r to book please v isit our website o r call your local ce ntre:

Children under 8 can have a splashing party in the teaching pool with floats and toys.

Bouncy Castle, sport fun, archery, roller skating and many more party options are available and are fully catered so we do the hard work for you.

EDENBRIDGE LEISURE CENTRE T: 01732 865665 I elc@senclo.org.uk SEVENOAKS LEISURE CENTRE T: 01732 470700 I slc@senclo.org.uk WHITE OAK LEISURE CENTRE T: 01322 662188 I wolc@senclo.org.uk www.sencio.org.uk

00

LULLINGSTONE PARK GOLF COURSE

2 FOR1 ON THE

9 HOLE COURSE (MON-SUN, FROM MIDDAY) T&Cs apply: offer valid 01/09/16 - 31/10/16, visit www.sencio.org.uk for details.

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We invite all new and seasoned enthusiasts to visit us today to find out more about our classic and vintage car restoration services.

We will use our experience to advise you on the best way to restore your classic, vintage or collectible car, and help you to revive its past glories.

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DRIVING REVIVAL

Vintage is officially fashionable, and that includes the motor industry, as we discover…

industries have been impacted

P

put our money into savings accounts

– now, the vehicles aren’t just being

within the UK, and even across

with minimal interest rates,

bought and preserved by collectors,

the world as a result – the housing

investing in a classic car could still

they’re being snapped up by

market is experiencing a tumultuous

be worth a venture.

investors too.

ost-referendum a lot of

few months, some retailers are

So, while we might be hesitant to

“At present there is so much more

seen a change in the type of buyer

“Since I started out, the interest in

suffering and tourism’s taken a hit.

interest in classic cars, as they have

classic cars has changed,” explains

But, one sector still riding high is

become more collectable and

Simon Dunford who owns Classic

the classic car market.

valuable” explains Tony Hansford of

Jaguar Racing in Wittersham. “Now,

H Engineering Motorsport in

with the stock market in the state it’s

– more than for other luxury assets

Tunbridge Wells. “Classic cars have

in, the big money has moved into

including watches, jewellery,

now become a great investment as

motor vehicles, and it’s investors

stamps, art and wine, according to

they do not lose their value.”

rather than enthusiasts buying them.”

The value increased 17% in 2015

the Knight Frank Luxury

A recent report by insurer James

Even car companies themselves have

Investment Index, and, although

Footman found that one in five

realised the value in a classic, with

this year there’s been talk about

people polled were considering

some manufacturers releasing limited

sales ‘cooling off ’ after such a

buying a classic car, and 51% of

edition remakes of classics in order to

success the previous year, purchases

those who had bought a classic car

feed the nostalgic demand. In 2014,

are still being made – this July

in the past year, did so because of a

Jaguar announced it was to make six

statistics from the US showed that

lack of trust or confidence in their

lightweight E-Types to the original

classic car sales were up to their

other investments.

specification – and with a price tag of

highest level since December.

Those in the industry have also

£1.2million each, they became the

“All very expensive cars are desirable – at the moment we have a 1970s – 80s renaissance with people in their 40s and 50s looking to relive their youth, so they’re driving up the value of cars and bikes of that era.”

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most expensive Jaguars ever made.

Then, earlier this year the company revealed they would be building nine XKSS’s, and each is expected to be worth more than a million when they hit the roads next year.

While classic Jaguars are some of the most sought-after and in demand cars available today, Simon, who began working on and restoring them in 1990 has seen a general increase in tomorrow’s classics? Tony, whose

investment, then Simon says: “All cars

projects have included working on

or bikes made in limited numbers or

because I know them very well, and

F1 cars, believes that some of today’s

anything that has crazy low miles

they are worth a lot of money,” he

supercars will be future investments.

with good solid history will be safe

explains. “But, all very expensive

“The cars I believe that would make

demand for classic vehicles.

“I mostly work with Jaguars

buy as it will be rare one day.”

And, if you don’t have tens of

cars are desirable – at the moment

great future classics would be

we have a 1970s – 80s renaissance

Bugatti, McLaren and any of today’s

thousands, or even millions to splash

with people in their 40s and 50s

supercars,” he says.

out on a vehicle – could you, and

looking to relive their youth, so

Now’s a good time to be a classic

should you, still search for a classic?

“The market is so high now it’s not

they’re driving up the value of cars

car enthusiast – so if something with

and bikes of that era.”

wheels is more appealing than an

a place to think your money is always

ISA, it could be time to clear some

guaranteed to make a good return,”

space in the garage and invest.

advises Simon. “Having said that,

“At present I would personally

anything old and cheap is always

And what about the next generations? The James Footman report discovered that younger

worth a punt.”

collectors and are on the rise, with

recommend investing in Ferrari,

16% of 25 to 34 year olds owning a

Porsche and E- Type Jaguars,”

classic car already, so what will the

suggests Tony. Or, if you’re looking

www.classic-jaguar-racing.co.uk

youth of today be investing in as

for something that’ll be a future

www.h-engineering.com

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ADVERTORIAL

FOSKERS FERRARI AT BRANDS HATCH As the UK’s oldest independent Ferrari specialist, Foskers at Brands Hatch specialise in sales, servicing and restoration of these Italian icons. We take a look at the services available, and find out how over four decades of experience can help with buying or selling a Ferrari

F

oskers Ferrari have

and visitors. Foskers

established an

appear frequently in a

enviable reputation

variety of motoring

for providing first-class

publications, both with

Ferrari sales, servicing

high-quality advertising,

and restoration. Foskers

as well as support of

clients send both classic

editorial features.

and modern Ferrari to us

If you’re selling, our

from all over the world

extensive client database

because of our experience,

and network of global

our knowledge and our

contacts can ensure your

attention to detail.

car will be seen by a wide

The personal touch at

range of potential

Foskers is what really sets

purchasers from all over

us apart. We have been

the globe. If you’re

passionate about Ferrari

contemplating buying a

Foskers Engineering LLP

for more than 45 years,

previously owned Ferrari,

Unit 5, Brands Hatch Park, Scratchers Lane,

and our open-door policy

we always have more than

Fawkham, Longfield, Kent DA3 8PU

means that we share this

30 examples available.

01474 874 777 www.foskers.com

passion with our clients

Please call us anytime.

sales@foskers.com marketing@foskers.com

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ADVERTORIAL

SO

RARE BMW RACES AGAIN Based in Tunbridge Wells, H-Engineering prides itself on a reputation as ‘the South East’s advice on the best way to premier classic and vintage vehicle restoration company’. We hear how the teamExpert of specialists restore your classic, vintage or breathed new life into a vintage BMW race car before its appearance at a major motoring event collectible car or motorbike.

FOR SALE

A

fter 27 years, H-Engineering was

Goodwood Festival of Speed. This meant

given the task to restore a rare

full steam ahead to get the car race-ready,

BMW Group 5 ex Eddie Cheever

but the excitement of such a prestigious

factory race car. After two years of major

event kept our spirits high as we worked

restoration, we are very proud to have

into the night for many days.

brought this amazing car back to life.

After a successful test at Donington the

We were pleased to have been invited

week before, the car was now ready to be

to the BMW Museum in Munich to see

shown to thousands of spectators for the

the sister car once driven by Marc

first time since 1989, when the car was

Surer. We were very lucky to have been

last raced. changing conditions, UnitIn 12, the 2 Kingstanding Way

MOT bay on site, and full workshop facilities for all types and ages of vehicle.

Visit us online for further details and to book. h-engineering.com or call: 01892 549042 1968 Porsche 911S chassis no. 11800167 Range of rare factory sports purpose options fitted Extensive nut and bolt restoration Better than new – price on application

given access by BMW to their

Tunbridge Wells, Kentwell TN2 3UP the car performed very and qualified

photographic archives; this helped with

for the top 40 timed shootout. This made

H-Engineering

the hours and hours of research that

all the hard work worthwhile when the

Unit 12.2, Kingstanding Way,

were already involved in taking on such

car came over the finish line.

Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3UP

a great project.

BMW invited the car to join the BMW Centenary, celebrated at the 2016

For all your restoration needs, from

01892 549 042

servicing to full restorations, please

www.classiccartunbridgewells.com

don’t hesitate to contact us.

info@classiccartunbridgewells.com

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BMWi

The Ultimate Driving Machine

EXPERIENCE THE FUTURE OF MOBILITY AT COOPER TUNBRIDGE WELLS. BMWi3 £269 Monthly Payment + Initial Rental 1

BMWi8 £1,239 Monthly Payment + Initial Rental 2

Contact Cooper Tunbridge Wells on 01892 628 120 to book a test drive."

COOPER TUNBRIDGE WELLS Longfield Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3UE 01892 628 120 www.coopertunbridgewellsbmw.co.uk Official fuel economy figures for the BMW i3: mpg NIA, CO, emissions Og/km, nominal power output (electric motor) 75/102 kW/hp at 4,800 rpm; peak power output (electric motor) 125/170 kW/hp, total average energy consumption per 62 miles/100 km (combined cycle) 12.9 kWh. Total range: 118 miles (combined cycle). Customer orientated range: up to 100 miles. Official fuel economy figures for the BMW i3 with Range Extender: 4 70.8mpg, CO, emissions 13 g/km, total average energy consumption per 62 miles/100 km (weighted combined cycle) 11 .5 kWh. Range without use of Range Extender: 106 miles (weighted combined cycle). Customer orientated total range: up to 186 miles. Customer orientated range without use of Range Extendec up to 93 miles.

Official fuel economy figures for the BMW i8: Weighted combined cycle: mpg 134.5 (2.1 1/100 km), CO, emissions 49 g/km, power output (engine) 170/231 kW/hp, power output (electric motor) 96/131 kW/hp, total average energy consumption per 62 miles/100 km (weighted combined cycle) 11 .5 kWh, customer-orientated total range up to 373 miles. Maximum electric range value 23 miles, common average electric range value (e-Drive only) up to 23 miles. Figures may vary depending on different factors, including but not limited to individual driving style, climatic conditions, route characteristics and preconditioning.

Cooper Tunbridge Wells is a credit broker. ' Initial rental £5,999. Price shown is for a 24 month Personal Contract Hire agreement for a BMW i3, with a contract mileage of 16,000 miles and excess mileage charge of 6 .08p per mile. 'Initial rental £14,999. Price shown is for a 24 month Personal Contract Hire agreement for a 'BMW i8 B38 1.5i, with a contract mileage of 16,000 miles and excess mileage charge of 29.80p per mile. Applies to new vehicles ordered between 1 July 2016 and 30 September 2016 and registered by 31 December 2016 (subject to availability). Retail customers only. At the end of your agreement you must return the vehicle.

Excess mileage, vehicle condition and other charges may be payable. Hire available subject to status to UK residents aged 18 or over. Guarantees and indemnities may be required . Terms and conditions apply. Offer may be varied, withdrawn or extended at any time. Hire provided by BMW Financial Services (GB) Limited, Summit ONE, Summit Avenue, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 OFB. Inchcape Retail Ltd, trading as The Cooper Group, commonly introduce customers to a selected panel of lenders including BMW Financial Services. We may receive commission or other benefits for introducing you to such lenders. T his introduction does not amount to independent financial advice. A Test drive subject to applicant status and availability.

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Missed the motorway exit and the turn to the office.

Some days everything works out perfectly.

For further information on the Porsche Cayenne range call 01732 386528 or visit www.porsche.co.uk/cayenne

Official fuel economy figures for the Porsche Cayenne range in mpg (1/lOOkm): urban 17.8 - 37.2 (15.9 - 7.6), extra urban 31 .7 - 47.1 (8.9 -6.0), combined 24.6 - 42.8 (11.5 - 6.6), C02 emissions: 173 - 267 g/km. Official fuel economy figures for the Cayenne SE-Hybrid in mpg (1/lOOkm): urban N/A, extra urban N/A, combined 83.1 (3 .4), C0 2 emissions : 79 g/km. The mpg and C0 2 figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results, are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience .

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Porsc he recommends Mobil D and

L~

Porsche Centre Tonbridge Brook Farm Five Oak Green Road Tonbridge TNll OQN info@porschetonbridge.co.uk www.porschetonbridge.co.uk

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ADVERTORIAL

SOUNDPROOF MODULAR MUSIC ROOMS - FAST, FUSS-FREE PRACTICE SPACES THAT INSPIRE If you’re looking for the perfect soundproof space, Amadeus Acoustic Solutions is the exclusive distributor of BOXY acoustic rooms in the UK. We hear more about how these modular music practice rooms offer fast, fuss-free solutions that inspire a variety of amateur and professional musicians

A

madeus Acoustic Solutions has provided bespoke modular soundproof music spaces to schools, conservatoires, professionals and hobbyists for over 15 years. For musicians who wish to practise and perfect their talents at home, BOXY modular music rooms provide a clean, easy and fast solution that creates an inviting and inspiring practice space, with incredibly high levels of sound insulation.

All musicians play, learn and perfect their talents best when immersed in an inspiring atmosphere. With a sound reduction rating of over 60dB, these rooms are suitable for all musicians, from singers to saxophonists, from drummers to double-bassists.

BOXY modular music rooms allow musicians to put their heart and soul into their practice in a comfortable environment, assured that their music is not imposing upon others, no matter how much passion they put into their performance.

The rooms’ modular nature allows Amadeus to design the space to your requirements and, should you wish to move the room in the future, the entire space can be dismantled, relocated and re-installed.

So, why choose Amadeus? The company’s success lies in its acoustics expertise. Amadeus knows that exceptional insulation and quality are rarely, if ever, achieved retrospectively, so plans the acoustics early in the design phase, ensuring they are an intrinsic part of the room development and installation. By creating a space driven by their clients’ acoustics requirements, Amadeus delivers a professionally installed, inspirational environment where the musician can play to their heart’s content.

176

Amadeus Acoustic Solutions is the exclusive UK distributor for BOXY

Amadeus Acoustic Solutions Vantage Point, North Trade Road, Battle, East Sussex TN33 9LJ 01424 775 867 www.amadeus-equipment.co.uk info@amadeus-equipment.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2016

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26/08/2016 11:40

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Sometimes all you need is a short break, a moment to close your eyes and let your mind drift a w ay.

BeoSound 35 is an al l- in - one wireless music system with an easy - to - use touch interface. Designed for multiroom and to be placed freestanding or mounted on a wall. It will take y ou wherever you w ant to go.

Experience BeoSound 35 exclusively at your Bang & Olufsen store.

BEOSOUND 35

BANG & OLUFSEN Bang & Olufsen of Bexleyheath 155 Broadway Bexleyheath KentDA6 7EZ Tel: 020 8303 2760

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Bang & Olufsen of Bromley 62 High Street Bromley KentBR11EG Tel: 020 8466 8080

Bang & Olufsen of Cambridge 29 Magdalene Street Cambridge CB30AF Tel: 01223 464400

Bang & Olufsen of Maidstone 37 Royal Star Arcade High Street Maidstone ME14 1JL Tel: 01622 756756

Bang & Olufsen of Tunbridge Wells 66 Mount Pleasant Road Tunbridge Wells KentTN11RB Tel: 01892 527525

25/08/2016 13:44

~aNique HOME INTERIORS

A fully installed kitchen with any extras professionally managed by us.

Limited lifetime warranty on Symphony - state of the art hinges and draw systems.

A range of modern, durable and practical design options to cater for any budget.

A full measure service as well as expert advice in colour co-ordination.

16 Monson Road , Tunbridge Wells TNl IND 01892 576969 â&#x20AC;˘ adam@youniquehomeinteriors.co.uk www. y ouni q ue ho me interiors. co. uk

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so THE SUITE LIFE Sit pretty on these stunning sofas PAGE 185

TOTALLY TROPICAL

AND

EVENTS

SO

66

PAGES OF HOMES, INTERIORS & GARDENS

Make summer last by bringing it indoors PAGE 194

WARMING UP Fantastic fireplace ideas keep your home cosy PAGE 189

BEAUTIFUL HOMES…ALFRESCO ADDITIONS…GLORIOUS GARDENS F E B R UA RY 2 0 1 5

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ENGLAND

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L a Loire Tap in Aged Brass

Upper Ground Floor Interior, Tunbridge Wells Showroom

Ground Floor Interior, Tunbridge Wells Showroom

"TO CREATE SOMETHING TRULY ORIGINAL, YOU MUST FIRST FULLY UNDERSTAND THE PAST" At Catchpole and Rye, we pride ourselves on our commitment to British manufacturing. In fact, we produce and hand finish the majority of our bathroom pieces in the very heart of Kent. Not only does this unique offering set us apart, but our passion for quality, craftsmanship and personal service are at the very core of our company's philosophy.

The Pyrford with Slate Top, Nickel Basin and Fittings

Why not come and visit our workshop facilities in Pluckley to see the work first hand? The newly opened showroom in Tunbridge Wells, has over two floors brimming with our luxurious bathroom creations. Here you will find friendly and helpful advice on designing your dream bathroom, with a full bathroom design service on offer.

The new range of finishes such as aged copper, aged brass and brushed nickel are now on display throughout all showrooms. These modern rusticluxe finishes are available on a variety ofbrassware, from taps and fittings to showers and heated towel rails.

On Thursday 13th October, 6.30pm - 8.00pm, Catchpole and Rye in collaboration with Farrow and Ball, will be hosting an inspirational and informative colour talk. The local Farrow and Ball colour experts will share their knowledge of colour families, decorating tips and helpful advice. Places are limited, so please call ahead to book your place Tel: 01892 526 996.

To arrange an appointment at one of our showrooms, or request a brochure, please call 01892 526 996 or visit www.catchpoleandrye.com.

The Copper Bateau with Verdigris Exterior

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beautiful wardrobes - designed to fit impressive storage - creating space

bluefield wardrobes - add value to your home Maximise your storage with bespoke sliding, hinge door or walk-in wardrobes.

Whether your home is large or small, new or old, Bluefield have a solution for you.

Offering a free design service, followed by a made to measure installation and a 10 year guarantee for total peace of mind.

For beautiful state of the art wardrobes at affordable prices take advantage of our exclusive 20% discount.

0800 61 0 2020 www.bluefieldwardrobes.co.uk - sales@bluefieldwardrobes.co.uk

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Bluefield Wardrobes Ltd

25/08/2016 13:46

stormer

As see n o n

german kitchen since 1958

PART OF THE NEW LUXURY KITCHEN RANGE AT

DESIGN BUILD AFTERCA RE

The design specialists at

Hehku transformed my vision and made the kitchen the heart of the home

At HEH KU CUCINA, our Designers will guide your kitchen project from concept to completion bringing nair & personality to a room that will become the heart of your home.

Since 1958, Stormer-Kuechen, made in Germany to this day, have fused inspired Italian design with the precision of German engineering creating simply stunning modern and contemporary Kitchens .

Need some inspiration & advice?

Start your journey at the Hehku lifestyle showroom ...

OPENING HOURS: 9.00am - 5.00pm Weekdays 10.00am - 2.00pm Saturdays YOUR NEAREST SHOWROOM: lmberhorne Lane, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH191RL

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0800 542 0852 email enquiries@Jhehku.co.uk

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Visit our showrooms at Brighton BN41 l PA 01 273 412000

Crayford DAl 4BZ 01322 555453

Tunbridge Wells TNl 2BT 01892514004

Welling

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Petts Wood

BR5 l DF 01689 878667 Chessington (Head Office) 020 8397 6284

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in

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25/08/2016 13:47

INTERIORS

RUME

SO

SOFAS & STUFF

Pelham Chesterfield sofa, £4,157 www.rume.co.uk

Ronaldsay large sofa in Liberty fresco citrus portrait, £2,349 www.sofasandstuff.com

THE SUITE LIFE Sit back and relax on this stunning selection of sofas

OLIVER BONAS

1958 three seater sofa, £1,095 www.oliverbonas.com

LAURA ASHLEY

Mayfield two seater sofa, £1,700 www.lauraashley.com

MARKS & SPENCER

Dalby small sofa in landscape toile green, £1,499 www.marksandspencer.com

HOUSING UNITS

Freya three seater chaise, £750 www.housingunits.co.uk

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GAS FIRES - WOOD STOVES - FIREPLACES

-

VICTORIA STONE Showrooms: Victoria House, 79 Saint John's Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 9TU Telephone 01892 541 337 • Email sales@victoriastone.co.uk • www.victoriastone.co.uk

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INTERIORS

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FEEL THE HEAT

From wood-burning stoves to open fires, we take a look at how to warm your home in time for winter… inter’s baffling dips and dives

order to maximise warmth, minimise

versatile heating at home.

heat-loss (which could be needlessly

– ranging from mild to Arctic –

While turning up the thermostat

and more predicted cold spells ahead,

on chilly nights is fine, it’s worth

firing up those energy bills, too), and

mean it’s important to have effective,

looking at other solutions too, in

add raise the style stakes as well.

FOCUS ON FIRE

days, sought after for both

designers – especially in

A real fire always adds a special

their look – many are design

Europe – turned their attention

ambience to a room, and serves

statements in themselves

and transformed them into

as a focal point around which

– and their eco-friendly

works of art.

everyone can gather.

credentials.

“We know these days that

Although, in reality, a real

“Stoves are designed to burn

people view radiators as far

open fire often isn’t the most

wood, coal or smokeless fuel.

more than just a heat source,

efficient solution, only warming

As well as heating rooms,

and they’re looking for high

up the immediate space – a

some also heat water and a

quality, individual products,

significant proportion of the

limited number of radiators.

which are efficient but also in

heat generated (up to 80%) will

All stoves use heat more

harmony with the design of

be lost up the chimney – the

efficiently and can be lit and

the home,” says Nick Duggan,

psychological and aesthetic

produce heat in minutes,”

managing director at The

benefits can be worth the

says Nick Sloane, managing

Radiator Centre.

investment.

director at stove specialists,

“One of our most popular

No chimney? That needn’t

Jotul UK.

models is The Big One,

mean your hopes of enjoying

“A stove prevents heat loss

renowned for its high heat

the crackle of wood, and

up the chimney, even when

output and strong powerful

glowing embers turn to ashes,

not lit, and one burning only

design. For colour and impact,

because with new ethanol fires,

wood operates at around

the funky Mod-u radiator is an

you can have all the beauty,

80% efficiency, compared to

outright winner.”

warmth and comfort of a real

around 15% for an open fire,

flame, but without the need

and burning wood is classed

WINDOW WINNERS

for a chimney or flue. They’re

as carbon neutral, and burns

Don’t overlook windows.

odour—free and ecologically

more cleanly than coal or

According to experts, around

friendly too, as the material’s

smokeless fuel. Many models

a third of a home’s total heat-

extracted from plants.

are now approved for burning

loss escapes through windows

wood in smoke control areas.”

and doors – so double glazing is a sound investment, or

STOVE SMART Wood burning stoves, once

RAVISHING RADS

consider draught-proofing

only found in country cottages,

Radiators ceased to be

and other solutions, including

are hugely fashionable these

‘wallflowers’ long ago, when

heavy drapes or shutters.

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P R O M O T I O N A L F E AT U R E

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

HOME IS WHERE THE HEARTH IS

With the arrival of the colder months, it’s time to start thinking about how to keep yourself and your family warm at home. For some of the inspirational solutions available, we’ve rounded up a top selection of leading fireplace, wood burner and firewood companies that can help keep the chill at bay VICTORIA STONE FIREPLACES

Wood burning stoves – how to choose the right one for your room twin wall flue system installed, which would allow for the use of a solid fuel appliance.

Once suitability has been established, you should consider the size of your room, how many rooms are to be heated, or whether or not your living space is open plan.

Throughout your decision making process, Victoria Stone Fireplaces will be able to help and provide detailed information about the wide range of stoves and fires available.

Once your decision has been made and your stove ordered, the process of installation will be completed by one of Victoria Stone’s qualified installation teams, and HETAS registered for The popularity of wood burning today can

retailer. This will be an invaluable source

a reliable and utterly professional fit. Then

probably be attributed to a number

of advice and information, beginning with

you can relax and enjoy the many benefits of

of factors, not least the desire for a

a full evaluation of the suitability of your

owning a wood burning stove.

good-looking appliance that will give

property. If your home has a chimney

79 St Johns Road, Tunbridge Wells,

your home a welcoming atmosphere.

breast, it is likely that you will be able to

Kent TN4 9TU

The first step is to visit Victoria Stone

install a fire or stove. If your home does not

0800 634 0510

Fireplaces, your local stove and fireplace

have a chimney, it may be possible to have a

www.victoriastone.co.uk

ADENA FIRES

Keep warm this winter Adena Fires offers the very best in wood burning stoves, fireplaces and range cookers.

At Adena Fires, we think there’s nothing quite like the warm glow of a wood burning stove to make your home feel really welcoming.

Visit our Cranbrook or Tunbridge Wells showroom, and you will find on display a great range of wood burning stoves in styles to suit every home, including stoves from Clearview, the UK’s number-one stove maker, along with the very best in Scandinavian design from Jotul, Scan and Contura.

As an approved HETAS retailer, Adena Fires

want, then we can undertake that work too.

Adena Fires also offers a wide range

The Old Wine Vaults 58 Mount Ephraim

of fireplaces in a choice of materials,

Tunbridge Wells, TN4 8BB

including limestone, marble and timber.

01892 - 534434

offers the complete service. Once you have

If you are looking for a new cooker to

visited a showroom and chosen your new

complete your kitchen, then Adena Fires

The Old Brewery

stove, we will carry out a free home survey

offers the best in range cookers from

Dorothy Avenue

and produce a quote. Your new stove will

ESSE and Everhot.

Cranbrook, TN17 3AL

then be expertly installed by one of our highly

Come and talk to Adena Fires to see how

experienced HETAS Engineers. If your project

we can help keep you and your home warm

needs building work to achieve the look you

with a beautiful wood burning stove.

190

01580 - 720700 www.adenafires.co.uk

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P R O M O T I O N A L F E AT U R E

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

SO

LOGBOX FIREWOOD

The Original Logbox – hassle-free firewood delivery Logboxes come in two

The Original Logbox is the clever new local firewood

different sizes: large (1mᵌ3

delivery system that takes

logs) and small (0.5mᵌ3 logs),

the hassle out of buying logs.

and come with a choice of

Delivered pre-stacked with

roof colours and log lengths.

locally-sourced, kiln-dried

An annual membership fee

hardwood, the logbox is

covers rental of the logbox

designed to be located right

and all delivery fees. Delivery

next to your house, keeping

is to Tunbridge Wells plus 15

your logs dry and easy to

miles, including Tonbridge,

reach, removing the need to

Sevenoaks, Oxted, East

sort and stack logs and clear

Grinstead and Crowborough.

The Original Logbox is the

up the mess afterwards.

Then, when you’re running

perfect hassle-free firewood

low on logs, simply reorder –

partner for your fire or wood

a new, full logbox is delivered

burner this winter, and for

within three working days and

outdoor fire pits and pizza

For further information or to order online, visit

the empty one taken away.

ovens all year round.

www.logboxfirewood.com or call 01892 440225.

are roaring away when you come home •You can set the temperature and they will reach and maintain that level of warmth •They will easily provide an evening’s comfort without refilling •They are over 90% efficient, as opposed to a traditional stove’s 80% •The fuel itself, wood pellets, comes in waterproof bags, which are clean and easy to load The ‘Cute’ woodpellet stove not only looks smart, but has a number of advantages over a wood burner

•The moisture content is under 10%, ensuring a hot, clean burn, and with minimal ash, cleaning is a simple hoover out •All pellets are from sustainable sources, ensuring that they are part of a carbon-neutral cycle

GREEN SQUARE

Take advantage of a wood-pellet stove

“They look great and provide a modern, carbon-neutral form of heating.”

Green Square, offers the complete

With climate change high on the agenda,

thermal and solar PV, biomass boilers

many homeowners would like to ‘go

and wood-pellet stoves. He is particularly

range of renewable technologies

green’ and reduce their carbon footprint.

enthusiastic at the moment about the new

across Kent, from initial enquiry

One of the best ways is to move to a

range of pellet stoves for space heating.

to design, installation and

heating system based on renewable

“Installing a pellet stove is an ideal entry

after-sales servicing. As a member

energy, as heating makes up 45% of the

point,” he says. “It’s a small step up from

of the Microgeneration Certification

country’s carbon emissions.

a wood burner, but they have a surprising

Scheme, they can also offer access

number of advantages:

to RHI payments.

based in Tunbridge Wells, which designs

•They are controllable. To turn on, just

9 London Road, Tunbridge Wells,

and installs renewable heating and

press a button on the stove, remote

Kent TN1 1DA

hot water systems using a range of

control or even your phone or computer

01892 522 883

technologies, such as heat pumps, solar

•They are programmable, ensuring they

www.greensquare.co.uk

Paul Smith is director of Green Square,

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1te l1i<e the warm glow of a wooa liurning stove to mai<e your name feel really ifunbridge Wells showroom you will find on display a fine selection of stoves ana ery home, taste and budget. Our knowledgeable staff will be pleased to help you ave for your home and all our HEifAS 1nstallation engineers have years of experien

192

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SB/ SOLAR POWERED

Garage Doors No running costs! No wiring!

Solar power remote control door £1699 German manufactured. 7 Year warranty!

7 Year warranty excludes travel & tabor. Price includes VAT & free fitting .

Freelands Tiles 124-126 London Road, Dunton Green, Sevenoaks

Tel: 01732 459 765

I

Open 7 days a week

www.freelands-tiles.co.uk

SB/ SPACE SAVER aluminium, insulated Remote control roller garage door £799 12 Month warra nty excludes travel & tabor. Price Includes VAT & free fitting .

0800 0742 721 www.sbiproducts.co.uk

As thoughts turn to autumn and evenings by the fire it is an ideal time to consider a wood-pe llet stove. Pellet stoves have the romance of a wood stove but the convenience and control of a modern gas fire.

Advantages of a pellet stove include: automatic ignition • can be programmed to turn on and off wi ll meet and maintain set room temperature • have minimum, no fuss cleaning can be controlled from yo ur armchair via controller, phone or tablet To find out more about pellet stoves, or any renewab le techno logy, visit our showroo m or we bsite or contact us direct. We offer a full design and installation service and can offer Government incentives

BIOMASS

HEAT PUMPS

SOLAR

BATIERY

THERMAL STORES

GREEN SQUARE HOME ENERGY CENTRE

SEPTEMBER 2016

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INTERIORS

TOTALLY TROPICAL

Go bright and bold this month and inject some patterns and colour pops into your home

I

house’ look for interiors.

t’s time for a style samba at home, as

far to find a profusion of palm-print

Olympic venue Rio has put jungle

designs, on everything from wallpaper

prints and flamboyant carnival

to fabrics, mimicking the lush, leafy

rooms with sultry settings is a reflection

colour on the decor map this season.

landscapes of jungles and Amazonian

of our continuing enthusiasm for all

Luckily, you don’t need to travel

rainforest, as designers embrace a ‘hot

things natural for interiors – from

The trend for turning up the heat in

PALM PASSION Exotic oversized foliage designs create a steamy tropical vibe and seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living. “Create a tropical carnival-themed room by mixing natural green hues and botanical prints with a pop of contrasting colour, such as red or burnt orange.

While green maintains an element of serenity, it’s good to enliven it with an injection of hot colour,” says Samantha Parish, interior design manager for bed specialists, Hypnos.

“Alternatively, look to the jewel-bright colours of a carnival procession for inspiration. Try mixing golden shades with rich-gemstone hues, such as deep purple and turquoise. Invest in a statement piece of furniture in a bold fabric and soften the look with patterned cushions and accessories in complimentary shades. The key to achieving this look at home is to focus on a couple of bright, complementary colours and then to play with pattern and shades.”

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INTERIORS

botanical prints to materials such as

a kaleidoscope of colour, from pink to

wood and stone – as well as a growing

burnt orange, and wing it with accessories

willingness to use more colour.

featuring flamingos or parrots.

Be as classic or exuberant as you like,

“The infectious spirit of Brazil has

SO

agency, Trend Bible.

“This is an energising trend featuring bold, up-scaled geometrics, thick looped lines and painterly effects for prints and

accessorising with those most fashionable

swept after the excitement of the

textiles. Roughly-glazed brightly painted

decor creatures, monkeys – used for

Olympics, and Brazilian art and

ceramics add to a crafted feel and playful

everything from ornaments to lamps this

design, food and culture is inspiring

details are key, from paper garlands

season – and then add to the atmosphere

everything from fabrics and ceramics

and strands of fairy lights, to flamingos

with plenty of pot plants. Throw caution

through to furniture,” says Joanna

and parrots, helping create a party

to the wind and go full-on carnival with

Feeley, founder and CEO at forecasting

atmosphere inside and out.”

FLAMINGO FLAIR Flamingos are strutting all over decor, and their hot pink plumage instantly evoke sun-drenched foreign climes.

“Exotic carnival-style colour is a great way to add vibrancy and visual interest into a space. When decorating with carnival inspired colours – think hot pinks, zesty green, lemon yellow, electric blue and so on - remember a little goes a long way,” says Will Taylor, interiors and design consultant and blogger, who’s currently collaborating with blinds specialists, Hillarys.

“This doesn’t mean you can’t add a big dose of hue, but it’s important to consider the surrounding space in order to get it right. For example, if you wish to go all out with, say, a hot pink splashback in a kitchen, keeping the cabinetry and surrounding walls white will act as a calming foil, also allowing the pink to zing and become that statement in the space.

“If you are looking to add carnival colours in more subtle ways, why not consider hanging a gallery wall of black and white photographs, where each frame is painted a different bright hue?

Adding colour via window treatments is also a stylish way to invite festival hues into a room - a graphic patterned roller blind in blue and yellow, or colour block bi-fold solid shutters, for example.

TROPICAL DESTINATIONS

“Finally, as feathers are so synonymous with carnival, pay a nod to the colourful party vibes by hanging an African Juju hat in a vibrant shade to make a bold colour statement in a space. Doing this also invites tactile texture into a scheme.”

ARTHOUSE: www.arthouse.com B&Q: www.diy.com THE CONTEMPORARY HOME: www.tch.net DEBENHAMS: www.debenhams.com DELCOR: www.delcor.co.uk DESIGN MY WORLD: www.designmyworld.net GRAHAM & GREEN: www.grahamandgreen.co.uk HILLARYS: hillarys.co.uk HYPNOS: www.hypnosbeds.com

HOUSE OF FRASER: www.houseoffraser.co.uk LIMELACE: www.limelace.co.uk THE OAK ROOM: www.oakroomshop.co.uk MIAFLEUR: www.miafleur.com OSBORNE & LITTLE: www.osborneandlittle.com OUT THERE INTERIORS: www.outthereinteriors.com PIXERS: www.pixersize.com SAINSBURY'S: www.sainsburys.co.uk SOFAS & STUFF: www.sofasandstuff.com

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SUSSEX STONE

Natural Stone Specialists

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01323 848100

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Distinctive Interiors Specialists in hand mode curtains, blinds, shutters, upholster!J and soft furnishings.

One of the largest collections of sample books in the Southeost.

6 Castle Street, Ro!Jol Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1XJ Email: soroh@skinnersoftunbridgewells.co.uk

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I www.skinnersoftunbridgewells.co.uk

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1OO's of Worktops

1OOO's of Doors

door replacement I made to measure service I bedroom doors worktops I appliances I sinks and taps I drawer replacement improved storage and access solutions door refurbishment service I instant hot water taps fitted

The Kitchen Doctor's bespoke service supplies and fits a comprehensive range of components to give your kitchen a new lease of life.

01689 850000 chris@thekitchendoctor.com www.thekitchendoctor.com se rving London and th e South-Eas t since 1984

Badger Bathroom Visit our showroom: Badger Bathrooms, 8-9 Tubs Hill Parade, London Road, Sevenoaks N13 1DH 01732 464450

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Add style and elegance to your home Garage doors By choosin g JB Garage D oors Ltd to carry out your insta ll ati on, you can be sure that that your in sta ll ati on is carried out expertly w ith the minimum of fuss, and you will see why we are the number one garage door company.

Electric gates Choosing a pair of beautifu l gates for the entrance to your home not on ly adds style and elegance, but also add iti ona l safety and security for chi ldren, pets and increased security for your home, property and cars .

We offer •

JB Garage Doors & Electric Gates Straw Mill Hill, Tovil, Maidstone, Kent M E15 6FL

Domestic and commerica l

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FREEPH ON E: 0800 035 2798 Tel: 01622 683200 I Fax: 01622 685546

www.jbgaragedoors.co.uk

SOPHISTICATION, ELEGANCE AND STYLE AT REGENCY PLACE The latest phase of luxury homes launching Saturday 17th September.

Regency Place is the latest collection of three , four and five bedroom family homes set within the prestigious Royal Wells Park development.

The homes benefit from a superior specification with private parking and outdoor space. Royal Wells Park is perfect for families with green open spaces and a children's play area as well as the brand new state-of-the-art Wells Free School opening September 2016.

Superbly located in the heart of Tunbridge Wells, Royal Wells Park is only 5 minutes from the train station, providing regular services into London Charing Cross in just 50 minutes·_ For further information please call 01892 882853 Sales and Marketing Suite open daily: 10am - 6pm Royal Wells Park, Culverden Park, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 9QT

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HOME FRONT

S

eptember is often known as the month of change – the children head back to school in their shiny new uniforms, the leaves begin to turn golden and the shops are filled with coats and scarves once again. So, what better to embrace the change in the air, than to make a change to your home too?

This month’s wonderful array of properties include stunning and spacious family homes, close to schools and charming

COUNTRYSIDE CHARMS A spacious family home full of charming features in Mayfield Price: £1,585,00

SUPERB SITUATION

A contemporary five-bedroom home in Bells Yew Green Price: £695,000

BEAUTIFUL BARN

period properties with inglenook fireplaces where you can cosy up and revel in the cooler temperatures.

Whether you’re looking for lots of land where you can watch the leaves change colour, a quiet village lifestyle or somewhere you can enjoy the vibrancy of a town, this month’s selection of properties has something for everyone – so now’s the time to celebrate the season of change and see the autumn in from a new outlook.

An attractively presented Grade II listed converted barn in Edenbridge Price: £1,150,000

OUTSTANDING OUTLOOK

A recently remodelled former lodge in Pembury with stunning views Price: £795,000

PERIOD PROPERTY

A rare opportunity to buy this attractive home in Tunbridge Wells Price: £785,000

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COUNTRYSIDE CHARMS A spacious family home full of charming features in Mayfield THIS IS A very rare opportunity to buy this desirable property, which hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been on the market since 1963.

The current owners have renovated and refurbished the home resulting in this delightful family home, which has a unique blend of modern and older features.

A large entrance hall, complete with cloakroom and contemporary staircase, invites you into the home. Branching off is the family room, which has an inglenook open fireplace and exposed beams and timbers, in keeping with the history of the property.

The sitting room has bi-folding doors which open directly onto an outside terrace.

The kitchen/breakfast/dining room is L-shaped and has a central island, an excellent range of wall units and integrated

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appliances including a Rangemaster cooker.

The first floor has four bedrooms, one of which is the master bedroom. This has an en suite bathroom, with a bath and shower, fitted wardrobes, but the main feature is the large balcony, accessed from bi-folding doors.

The three further bedrooms also have stunning views of the garden and share a family bathroom that is also located on the same floor.

The fifth bedroom is situated on the second floor, within the eaves, and again has an amazing view of the garden.

The garden itself is just under an acre in size and is surrounded by fields that give it such picturesque views. A terrace wraps around the rear of the house. There is also planning for a large garage block with an additional studio and a replacement for the summer house.

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PROPERTY: LINLEYS LOCATION: PICCADILLY LANE, MAYFIELD PRICE: £1,585,00

BEDROOMS: 5 BATHROOMS: 1 (plus one en suite) BEST BITS: The master bedroom has bi-folding doors opening onto a large balcony, which has stunning views of the garden and Sussex countryside.

n Entrance Hall n Sitting Room n Family Room n Kitchen/ Breakfast/Dining Room n Cloakroom n Five bedrooms n Family Bathroom n Generous gardens

For more details contact: Hamptons • 01892 516 611 • www.hamptons.co.uk

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www.lambertandfoster.co.uk

Property professionals for over 100 years

A UNIQUE WORKSPACE: IMPRESSIVE BARN CONVERSION IN AN ATIRACTIVE SEMI-RURAL LOCATION Lamberhurst, Kent

Annual rental of £28,000

An impressive barn conversion providing spacious open plan offices that professional businesses and staff will enjoy working in • 2,145 square feet floor area • Converted barn in a rural setting • Spacious open plan office accommodation • Fully equipped office and staff facilities • 20+ car parking spaces • PADDOCK WOOD OFFICE 01892 832 325

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Paddock Wood, Kent

Annual rental of £13,250

Five Oak Green, Kent

Annual rental of £24,000

A self-contained office suite located on the second floor of a business center which has a prominent position in the town center • 1,017 square feet floor area • Open plan office and meeting room • Private WC & kitchenette facilities • 3 designated car parking spaces • Good access & transport links

Restored Oasthouse which has been converted to the highest specification suitable for modern businesses • 2,000 square feet floor area • Open plan office space • Fibre optic link • Ample car parking • Located in an idyllic rural situation which is easily accessible

• PADDOCK WOOD OFFICE 01892 832 325

• PADDOCK WOOD OFFICE 01892 832 325

Paddock Wood 01892 832 325

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Mayfield 01435 873 999

Cran brook 01580 712 888

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ROOMS WITH A VIEW Semi-detached family home located in Brenchley THIS IS A brilliant opportunity to purchase a three double bedroom family home in a desired area. Located on Brenchley Road it is only a short walk away from the local amenities and has beautiful views.

A spacious entrance hall welcomes you into the home and houses the stairs to the first floor as well as doors leading to the sitting room and dining room, both of which have picturesque open fireplaces alongside built in storage cupboards. The sitting room also has a dual aspect outlook.

A pantry, with space for a fridge/freezer, is located just before the kitchen, which has a triple aspect view and comes complete with floor and wall units and an integrated hob and double oven.

The first floor landing is light and has a view over the front garden. It leads to the bedrooms and a family bathroom and

PROPERTY: 2 OLD PARSONAGE COTTAGES LOCATION: BRENCHLEY ROAD, BRENCHLEY

access to the loft and an airing cupboard.

All of the bedrooms have fantastic views of the garden with two of the bedrooms, one being the main bedroom, enjoying dual aspect views. The other bedroom includes a built in wardrobe and the master bedroom also has a feature fireplace.

There is potential to extend to the side and rear of the property, subject to the necessary permissions.

A lawn garden wraps around the property and hedging and trees at the front ensure privacy, there is also the potential to build a garage.

Orchards border the rear of the property, making it a very idyllic setting with brilliant views and the main feature. There is a formal lawn, with a seating area overlooking the small pond and a garden arch sectioning it off along with a vegetable garden and shed.

PRICE: £595,000 BEDROOMS: 3 BATHROOM: 1 BEST BITS: In a picturesque location, in a sought after village, this property has three double bedrooms which all have fantastic garden views. n Kitchen n Dining room n Sitting room n Three bedrooms n Family bathroom n Generous gardens n Potential to extend n Desirable location

For more details contact: Lambert & Foster • 01892 832 325 • www.lambertandfoster.co.uk

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*Based on a full purchase price of £420,000 and a 20% Help to Buy Equity loan. Help to Buy is available subject to status, terms and conditions. This scheme is not available in conjunction with any other financial incentives.Written details available on request. YOUR HOME IS AT RISK IFYOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR OTHER LOAN SECURED ON IT. Image is computer generated.

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SUPERB SITUATION A contemporary five-bedroom home in Bells Yew Green THIS DETACHED HOUSE is spread over three floors and is a perfect buy for those who want to live a quiet village life whilst also being in easy reach of bigger towns.

The whole house is very bright and has a modern feel to it whilst still having some charming features.

An entrance hall welcomes you into the home and gives you access to the lounge, kitchen and stairs for the first floor. The lounge is situated along the left side of the house and has a log burning stove and doors out to the garden. The kitchen/dining room is the opposite side of the house and has an additional breakfast area, along with access to the garage and a downstairs cloakroom.

A galleried landing with a feature window is featured on the first floor, where four of the bedrooms are located. One of these bedrooms has its own en suite and there is also a family bathroom.

The master bedroom is on the top floor and comes complete with a bathroom and defined dressing area.

Outside the house there is a wellestablished garden which also has a summer house and side access. The double garage was built in 2008 and is located at the front of the house, alongside the driveway and front garden.

The property is situated in the village of Bells Yew Green which is offers a mainline station, convenience store and public house.

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PROPERTY: Bells Yew Green LOCATION: Bells Yew Green, Tunbridge Wells PRICE: £695,000 BEDROOMS: 5 BATHROOMS: 3 BEST BITS: This light and modern family home is situated in an ideal location – perfect for living a village life whilst also being close to a mainline station. n n n n n n n n n

Entrance hall Kitchen/dining room Breakfast area Living room Galleried landing Five bedrooms Three bathrooms Detached Double garage

For more details contact: Andrews • 01892 515 144 • www.andrewsonline.co.uk

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Ferndale, Tunbridge Wells

£260,000-£280,000

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John Street, Tunbridge Wells SSTC

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Looking to sell your character apartment in the St James area? We had applicants who missed out on this well presented one bedroom apartment with garage and off road parking.

We have numerous applicants looking for similar 3 bedroom character properties in the St Johns area, both in need of work and well presented.

If you are looking to sell, call for a free market appraisal 01892 547966.

Dunstan Grove, Tunbridge Wells

Mark Cross, Crow borough

£425,000-£450,000

REDUCED

Sought after St Johns area. In need of some updating, this three bedroom detached house is situated on a corner plot and could make for a great family home. Mature garden, driveway and garage.

Are you looking for a *Project or some land to build your own home. *(Subject to planning permissions) A plot of land just under a third of an acre backing onto fields, with a detached chalet property,driveway and garage.

Chilstone Close, Tunbridge Wells

Strawberry Close, Tunbridge Wells

£260,000-£275,000

First Time Buyers or Downsizing? A great location for access to St Johns and the town centre. A ground floor 2 bedroom maisonette with private entrance, lounge, kitchen, bathroom. Private Garden and Garage en bloc.

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£625,000-£650,000

A charming detached three bedroom bungalow. Open plan living space which includes a lounge/diner, kitchen and sun room area. Ensuite and bathroom. Gardens, Driveway and Garage en bloc.

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OUTSTANDING OUTLOOK A recently remodelled former lodge in Pembury with stunning views PEMBURY HALL LODGE is a successful blend of character features alongside modern comforts and style. The property is believed to date back to the late 1800s and has recently undergone an enlargement as well as contemporary improvements.

The home is set in an enviable location, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and is elevated so it overlooks farmland and treetops.

There are plenty of windows so the stunning views can be enjoyed from the moment you wake, to when you relax in the evening.

The kitchen has recently been refitted to provide plenty of storage and a breakfast bar and is large enough to fit additional seating or even a sofa.

The sitting room is situated at the front of the house and is open plan with the dining

room. Also at the front is the master bedroom, which is double aspect and has a bay window.

The gardens measure approximately 0.22 acres and are a true delight. They have been carefully landscaped to create several seating areas, including a patio area and small ornamental pond. There is also plenty of room for growing fruit and vegetables alongside the vast arrangement of plants.

A recent conversion to garage has added a WC and kitchenette for the attached garden studio, which is currently being used as a creative studio and additional guest accommodation.

Pembury village centre is approximately 1.8 miles away and close enough to Tunbridge Wells to make full use of all the facilities.

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PROPERTY: Pembury Hall Lodge LOCATION: Old Church Road, Pembury PRICE: £795,000 BEDROOMS: 3 BATHROOMS: 1 (plus one shower room) BEST BITS: The delightful gardens are a main feature of this property with fantastic views of farmland and treetops. n Lobby area n Kitchen/breakfast room n Utility room n Sitting/dining room n 3 bedrooms n Family bathroom n Garage n Garden Studio

For more details contact: Barnes Kingsnorth • 01892 822 880 • www.bkestateagents.com

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BEAUTIFUL BARN An attractively presented Grade II listed converted barn in Edenbridge LOCATED IN AN Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Clays Barn is a property that has stunning features both outside and within.

Set across three floors, you walk into the galleried entrance hall and are welcomed by one of the most natural features of the house – the amazing views that are shown through a double height window. The bespoke fitted kitchen/breakfast room has a range of floor and wall units, integrated appliances and a central island. The sitting room has a triple aspect outlook as well as a large fireplace.

The lower ground floor offers the more modern twists from the conversion. It features a cinema room, sauna, home gym, study area and plant room.

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Located on the top floor is the master bedroom suite, two further bedrooms and a family bathroom.

Oak staircases are used to connect all three floors and match the wooden beams and pillars, in the rooms on the top and ground floor, which help to keep the character of the barn from before the conversion.

The 2.7 acres of garden is mostly lawn, and there is a large pond surrounded by oak trees also on the land. In addition, there’s a triple garage and a large purpose-built dog run on the property.

The converted barn is in a highly desirable location – not only does it benefit from the countryside views, but it is only three miles from Edenbridge and has good transport links to Tunbridge Wells and London.

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PROPERTY: Clays Barn LOCATION: Spode Lane, Edenbridge PRICE: £1,150,000 BEDROOMS: 3 BATHROOMS: 3 BEST BITS: A double height window in the galleried entrance hall/dining room ensures the breath-taking views can be enjoyed from inside the property. n Galleried entrance hall n Kitchen/ breakfast room n Three bedrooms n Two reception rooms n Three bathrooms n Outbuildings n Gym n Cinema room n Sauna n Private parking n 2.70 acres

For more details contact: Knight Frank • 01892 888 672 • www.knightfrank.co.uk

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www.lambertandfoster.co.uk

Property professionals for over 100 years

Goudhurst, Kent

Guide Price ÂŁ1 ,395,000

A fabulous opportunity to purchase a historic Grade II listed detached five bedroom country farmhouse with land and multiple detached outbuildings including stable block and barn spanning some 2,129 sq.ft. The property has an abundance of character and charm throughout with the potential to further develop to suit individual needs. Situated in an elevated position enjoying far reaching countryside views from the paddocks and a total plot of just under 2.5 acres. Located on the outskirts of the popular Wealden village of Goudhurst and within the sought after Cran brook School catchment area.

A21 approx 2.8 miles. A229 approx 5.4 miles.

Marden Mainline Station approx 6.4 miles.

Tunbridge Wells Town Centre approx 10.9 miles. â&#x20AC;˘ PADDOCK WOOD OFFICE 01892 832 325

Paddock Wood 01892 832 325

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Mayfield 01435 873 999

Cran brook 01580 712 888

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PERIOD PROPERTY A rare opportunity to buy this attractive home in Tunbridge Wells THIS CHARMING PERIOD property in Tunbridge Wells is situated in a prime location as it is close to the lower town and railway station as well as having the additional benefit of a southerly facing rear courtyard garden.

It is a rare opportunity to purchase the property. Set over three floors, the family home has a very modern feel yet still has some period features remaining such as sash windows, large fireplaces and period cornicing.

You walk through the front door straight to the lounge, which is very spacious and light.

This is due to the large bay window that occupies the majority of the front wall. The dining room has expertly integrated the stairs to the first floor into the design and made full use of the space provided as well as being able

to offer a lot of storage room.

The stunning modern kitchen has many contemporary fixtures and fittings, including fitted glass shelves and stainless steel worktops. It has an integrated gas hob, electric oven and a stainless steel extractor.

There is a breakfast bar is set in front of a decorative window, which looks out onto the garden.

On the first floor is the master bedroom, which has two original sash windows, as well as another double bedroom and shower room.

The second floor is where the family bathroom is alongside another two bedrooms, one of which has a washbasin in.

At the back of the house is a gate leading to Claremount garden, the property also has a garage in the Grove Hill Gardens.

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PROPERTY: 80 Grove Hill Road LOCATION: Grove Hill Road, Tunbridge Wells PRICE: £785,000 BEDROOMS: 4 BATHROOMS: 1 (plus shower room) BEST BITS: This property is rarely available and set in a fantastic location, with a sunny rear courtyard and close to town. It has a host of period features and is presented in an attractive style. n Lounge n Dining room n Contemporary kitchen n Four bedrooms n Family bathroom n Shower room n Courtyard n Garage en bloc

For more details contact: Wood and Pilcher • 01892 511 211 • www.woodandpilcher.co.uk

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FAMILY LIVING A stunning detached home in Brenchley THIS IS A rare opportunity to purchase an impressive family home in a soughtafter location.

A spectacular oak staircase that leads to the first floor catches your eye when you walk into this property, as well as the oak floors and beams.

Branching off from the staircase is the light and bright sitting room, with large windows to showcase the views outside and a brick fireplace with a large wood-burning stove.

The modern kitchen boasts granite worktops and a circular breakfast bar. There is also an integrated Miele dishwasher, range double oven with a grill and five-ring induction hob and space for a wine cooler.

The dining room has seamless glass sliding doors into the conservatory, which has decorative Tracery windows and casement doors to the rear garden.

Also included on the ground floor is a

PROPERTY: Saxbys LOCATION: Horsmonden Road, Brenchley

potential annexe area, which has its own kitchen with a built-in double oven and hob as well as a study space/spare room.

The top floor has three double bedrooms, one of which has its own en suite, along with a family bathroom and master bedroom suite.

The bedroom suite also has the potential to be an annexe and includes a large bedroom area, walk in wardrobe, en suite and a personal living room.

The property’s entrance is protected by electric gates, which lead onto a paved driveway. The garden is mainly lawn and, along with the orchard, creates spectacular views that can be enjoyed throughout the house.

Outbuildings on the property include former boarding kennels, a large expanse of parking and a double garage with a basement below it.

PRICE: £985,000 BEDROOMS: 4 BATHROOMS: 3 BEST BITS: Sitting centrally in its large southfacing garden, this impressive family home has stunning views across orchards and countryside. n 3/4 reception rooms n Kitchen n Conservatory n Four bedrooms n Three reception rooms n Family bathroom (plus two en suites) n Annex potential n Orchard views n Electric gates

For more details contact: Firefly Properties • 01892 838 363 • www.fireflyproperties.co.uk

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Cade Street

£875,000

An ind ividua l detached three bedroom property that has recently undergone significant improvement and renovation throughout to provide flexible living accommodation, coupled with a high standard of fitment throughout including oak joinery and floors. The property sits in stunning gardens and grounds extending to almost 3 acres (tbv) offering tranqui ll ity and privacy throughout with garden ponds, large sun terrace, off road parking, garaging/workshop and views to the South Coast. For those looking for peace and quiet in a private yet not isolated position this property must be viewed. Further notable features include the large sitting room with wood burning stove, vaulted dining room with access to the rear terrace, we ll fitted kitchen with integrated appliances and three bedrooms each with en-suite bath/shower rooms.

Cross In Hand

£825,000

A most impress ive detached five bedroom house standing in an elevated semi rural position with stunning views at the rear over The High Weald. Understood to have been built in the 1930's with later additions, this delightful property offers spacious well planned accommodation coupled with a detached barn style garage and room above. The property presents a recept ion hall, drawing room, dining room, garden room, study, kitchen/breakfast room, separate utility room and cloakroom. On the first floor are five bedrooms (master with en-suite shower room,) and a family bathroom. There is a driveway with ample parking leading to a detached open bay barn style garage with adjoining workshop and log store. There is a useful hobbies room above that could be used as occasional guest accommodation or office. The landscaped gardens extend to approximately 0.6 acre (tbv) and provide the perfect setting with extensive views.

He a th f ield Office I 01435 862211 he athfi e ld@ w ood and pi lcher. co. u k

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Other offices in Tunbridge Wells , Tonbridge , Southborough , Cro w borough & associated

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25/08/2016 13:53

NO ..ouse

Too 816,

NO ..ouse TOO SMALL We have anJflbsolutely :Fabulous team who can sell them all!

Call Carol@ Firefly Properties 01892 838363 for details ea rol@fireflyproperties.co.u k

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HELP TO BUY AVAILABLE AT KNIGHTS WOOD Owning your first home should feel like a dream come true.

With just a 5% deposit, now is a great time to purchase a new home at Knights Wood with Help to Buy.

Knights Wood offers a variety of exceptional new homes in a peaceful woodland setting in Royal Tunbridge Wells.

Our marketing suite is open daily from 10am to 5pm, so come and visit us to see how Help to Buy will get you the home you want for less. Alternatively, call us on 01892 800580.

Two and three bedroom homes available with Help to Buy from ÂŁ355,000 to ÂŁ530,000.

Knights Wood, Tunbridge Wells TN2 3UW

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Friars Gate, Crowborough

£750,000

An extremely well presented and heavily beamed renovated Grade II listed 4 bedroom detached property situated on the edge of the famous Ashdown Forest with its truly outstanding wa lks and riding and within easy reach of the town centre which provides excellent shopping facilities, a junior and senior schooling, leisure faci lities and main line rai l service at nearby Jarvis Brook. The rear garden is approximately 1 acre and is laid mainly to lawn leading to woodland with the boundary of the property marked by a stream. Subject to the usual planning consents access could be gained off Whitehouse Lane into the side of the property creating off road parking. 2 reception rooms, kitchen, utility, ensuite shower, family bathroom, gardens approx 1 acre (tbv). on road parking. EPC: D

Matfield

£595,000

A contemporary five bedroom detached home with garage and off road parking, located in the sought after village of Matfield, a short distance from the neighbouring towns of Paddock Wood, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells with strong commuter links to London. The village itself has a charming green set beside the village pond, a number of estab lished pubs and eateries, and a highly regarded primary school in nearby Brenchley. The property itself boasts a large kitchen with a number of integrated appliances, a bright and airy sitt ing and dining room separated by double doors, a downstairs cloakroom, a master bedroom with en suite and walk in wardrobe, three further double bedrooms (one with en su ite). and a generous fifth bedroom, a separate family bathroom and a further WC. Viewing is highly recommended, no onward chain! EPC: C

Crowborough Office I 01892 665666 cro w boro ug h@ w ooda ndpilcher. co. u k Tonbridge Office I 01732 351135 ton bridg e@ w oodand pi lcher. co. u k

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woodandpilcher.co.uk rightmove

Other offices in Tunbridge

NAEA

Wells , Southborough , Heathfield & associated London Branch

25/08/2016 13:52

-------•-------WOOD & PILCHER

Tunbridge Wells

£560,000 - £580,000

A spacious period property arranged over three levels in the preferred 'vi llage' location, offering excel lent access to The Grove Park, the old High Street, main line rai lway station and exce llent local schools. Well cared for throughout and offered to a high standard of presentation, the property offers a large principal reception room, a further dining room open to an attractive contemporary kitchen, two double bedrooms with a further large loft room on the second floor and, throughout the house, a family bathroom, a second family shower room and further we. Externally the property has an attractive low maintenance front garden with water feature and further lighting and to the rear a courtyard garden set principally to brick with mature shrubs, retaining fencing and gate. The village area is rightly one of the most popular quarters of Tunbridge Wel ls with sales being agreed traditionally, very quickly.

Consequently we wou ld urge any interested party to make an immediate appointment to view. Energy Efficiency Rating: E

Tunbridge Wells

£1,100,000

An excellent opportunity to purchase this especially spacious and attractive attached Edwardian town house with gardens and off road parking on a no through road to the rear of Mount Ephraim. Newly refurb ished, the property benefits tremendously from a host of improvements and updates including new plumbing and electrics, windows, kitchen and bathrooms. The property has also been recently extended to the rear to now offer a separate family room adjacent to the principal dining area. With an internal space in excess of 2,500 square feet, the property offers a large sitting room and further kitchen/dining room to the ground with the aforementioned family room, a separate uti lity and convenient ground floor bathroom. There are five bedrooms arranged over the upper two floors, two of which benefit from en suite faci lities as wel l as a further family bathroom for the remaining three bedrooms. The property also enjoys a separate study to the first floor. Externally it has two off road parking spaces at the front and spacious family gardens to the rear set mostly to grass. Properties of this style and condition are rare ly availab le, consequently we would urge any interested parties to make an immediate appointment to view. Energy Efficiency Rating: D

Tunbridg e W e ll s O ffi ce I 01892 511211 tun bridg ew e I ls@ w ood and pi I eh er . co. uk

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woodandpilcher.co.uk rightmove

Other offices in Southborough , Tonbridge , Cro w borough , Heathfield & associated

NAEA

London Branch

25/08/2016 13:52

Langton Green Attractive modern family property situated just off the Village Green 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms. Built in 1997 by renowned house builder Berkeley Homes. Doubl e garage. Pretty landscaped gardens . EPC rating D.

Immaculately presented Edwardian family home in a prime residential area 6 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 3 reception rooms. Situated just 0.9 miles from the mainline railway station. Off-street parking and established rear garden. Large loft space with potential to create further accommodation. EPC rating E. In all about 3,242 sq ft.

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Cumberland Mews, Tunbridge Wells A spacious townhouse just 0.4 miles from the mainline station 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 reception room. Integral tandem garage, rear patio garden and additional parking to the front. EPC rating C. In all about 1,314 sq ft .

An impressive Grade II Listed family residence within the Cranbrook School Catchment Area 7 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and 6 reception rooms (including 2 bed annexe) . Triple open bay garage with storage space above. Stables and yard comprising 4 stables, tack room and feed room . Further outbuildings. Mature gardens and grounds. Heated swimming pool. Fenced paddocks and manege. In all about 10.47 acres.

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Tunbridge Wells

Montacute Road, TN2 5QR Guide £265,000-£280,000

Ground floor apartment - large garden, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, living room, basement area, parking. EPC: D

Vale Road, TN40QQ Guide £550,000

A beautiful Victorian halls adjoining family home with period features, set over 3 floors. 4 bedrooms, 2 receptions, character fireplaces, en-suite and family bathroom, separate we, courtyard garden.

Energy Efficiency Rating: F

Rochester Wald, TN6 2DR Guide £415,000

Situated in an elevated position, this four/five bedroom family home has many boxes ticked! EPC: D

Gimble Wald, TN2 4BX

£415,000

Versatile family living in village cul-de-sac - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, cloakroom and garden studio room.

EPC:D

Dukes Drive, TN2 5FA £725,000

A 4 bedroom modern detached house on 3 floors to the east of Tunbridge Wells. Entrance hall, kitchen/dining room, living room, we, 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Double car port and rear garden. No chain.

Energy Efficiency Rating: B

Chestnut Avenue, TN4 OBU Guide £350,000-£375,000

This three bedroom family home is chain free and ready to move into when you are ... EPC: D

Tunbridge Wells Sales 01892 515 144 Tunbridge Wells Lettings 01892 525 551

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25/08/2016 13:55

Andrews >

Andrews LANDLORDS WANTED Required for properties in

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Contact us on: 01892 51511tlt

I

lettings@andrewsonline.co.uk

To view more properties available from all 85 of our offices, visit andrewsonline.co.uk

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25/08/2016 13:55

Beyond your expectations

--

www.hamptons.co.uk

TIIESUNIM.YlUU:S

TII E .....T IM~:S

Mayfield - £1,585,000 An exceptional detached 5 bedroom country house in beautiful garden setting with glorious views and PP for a double garage with studio and to replace the summerhouse with a single storey garden lodge. EPC: D

Goudhurst - £1,095,000 An impressive, spacious 6 bedroom family house with a versatile internal layout set on the edge of this delightful village within the Cranbrook School Catchment Area. EPC: D

Boars Head - £985,000 A fine Grade II listed 4 bedroom farmhouse with many original features situated along a private lane within a small, little known hamlet in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Tunbridge Wells - £965,000 A substantial Victorian 4 bedroom town house situated in a very central location within a stone's throw of the picturesque High Street and fabulous Grove Park. EPC: D

Mayfield - £650,000 Located in a superb tucked away position in mature gardens of approx.

1/2 acre within the village this unique 3 bedroom detached house offers tremendous scope for updating and improvement. EPC: F

Cousley Wood - £650,000 Situated in a semi rural location between Wadhurst and Lamberhurst this fine detached 3 bedroom converted chapel is beautifully presented with wonderful landscaped gardens. EPC: C

Tunbridge Wells Office

Sales. 01892 597607 I tunbridgewells@hamptons-int.com

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26/08/2016 14:40

Tunbridge Wells -ÂŁ1,350,000

A stunning detached 5 bedroom contemporary house designed and finished to a high specification by a Scandinavian architect with an exceptional light and spacious interior and well established private gardens. EPC: C

Crowborough -ÂŁ1,600,000

An outstanding superbly presented detached 5 bedroom character house in a beautiful garden setting which has been renovated to an exceptional standard and has full planning consent for an additional house in the garden. Gardens just over 1 acre. EPC: D

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26/08/2016 14:40

UNCOMPROMISING DESIGN IN CENTRAL SEVENOAKS

PRIME PLACE S EVENOAKS

From just £869* per month 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments From £324,950

Allocated Parking Private Architecturally Designed Gardens Views of The Downs I Concierge I Business Suite

Call: 01732 451000 Visit: www.primeplace.co.uk Sales & Marketing Suite Now Open Travel times taken from nationalrail.co.uk. Prices correct at time of press. *Help to Buy is subject to eligibility. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or any other debt secured on it. If you are in any

doubt, seek independent financial advice. Figure based on a 1 bedroom apartment priced at £324,950 and a 2 bedroom apartment priced at £399,995, with a mortgage term of 30 years and a typical 2 year fixed rate. Exclusive of service charges.

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PEMBURY £795,000 LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION! A s tunning, d etached form er lodge w ith far-reaching views ov er farmland to the front. N estled w ithin beautifully landscap ed g arden s of approximately 0.22 a cr e. It has a n ewly-fitted , high quality kitchen, stylish bathroom and show er room with integrated storage, 3 bedrooms, drivewa y parking and s up erb garden s tudio equipp ed w ith w ood-burner, kitchen ette and we. EPC: D

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NORTH TONBRIDGE £495,000 SUPER POSITION & LOTS OF POTENTIAL a t this d e tach ed Ch ale t h o u se n ear op en countr yside. Sp acio u s & flexible accommod a tion w ith d elightful sitting room enj oying pa tio d oors to the garden , kitch en , sh ower room, 2 bedrooms to ground floor and m as ter bed room w ith en-s uite bathroom to fir s t floor. The r ear garden is a real fea ture bein g south facing w ith m ature shrubs, border s and lar ge area of law n . Integral garage and p arking too! (Scop e to ex tend subj ect to PP) NO CH AIN EPC: D

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PEMBURY

£480,000

WELL PROPORTIONED AND IMMACULATELY PRESENTED 4 bedroom famil y home located in a quiet cul-de-sac within a short walking distance to the highly regarded village primary school. Wide h allway, cloakroom w e, sitting room, open-plan kitchen / dining/ famil y room and sep arate utility room. Up stairs ther e ar e 3 doubles and 1 single b edroom and a modern b a throom. Outside there is a d elightful secluded r ear garden , d eta ched garage and drivew ay p arking for more than 2 cars. EPC : D Apply Pembury

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25/08/2016 13:56

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SUPERIOR SURROUNDINGS Untitled-1 2

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www.potts.ltd.uk

25/08/2016 13:57

Wealden Country Landcraft For all your design, construction and maintenance requirements, contact:

Adam Sutton BSc (Hons) Environmental Science Tim Playfoot BA (Hons) Garden Design Tel:01892 722699 Adam:07979 362241 Tim:07990 751353 www.playfootgardendesign.co.uk

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26/08/2016 12:20

GARDENS

SO

96 PER CENT Scientists believe that everything we know about ourselves, and our planet amounts to 4%Cotinus of everything we ‘Lilla’ could possibly know. The coggygria scene is set in the garden by a large question mark as you enter.

Dominant features include a huge diagonal monolith wall splitting the garden across the centre. The monolith is broken in the middle by a water passageway you can walk through.

This reveals a different section of the garden. It

A festival of gardens

is dominated by shallow waterbeds with lilies.

Tim Sykes from Gardenproud heads off on holiday and discovers a garden festival while he’s there…

Nymphaea and ornamental grasses.

Surrounding the hard landscaping are beds of Cosmos, Echinacea, Erigeron, Iris, Anthemis,

EXPORTED KNOWLEDGE Designed by a local team, this garden seeks

W

to question the concept of leaving your ho would’ve thought? A week’s

THE FIVE SENSES GARDEN

roots in search of greener pastures.

break in the sun, with no grand

A tunnel pergola, shaped from wooden

A crashed plane dominates the garden.

plan and we arrive at Ponte de

frames takes you through the garden

The plane is full of suitcases of knowledge

Lima in northern Portugal in the height of a

revealing different aspects, starting narrower

(plants from Portugal) and acts as a useful

garden festival! My wife is not entirely

and becoming wider as you progress.

metaphor. It lands in unknown territory and

convinced that this was not planned.

The flower beds feature many plant

its surroundings are alien to the travellers.

varieties that create pleasant aromas.

Planting includes:

on the banks of the river Lima, just north of

A water feature dominates the central

Sedum Spurium, Stupa Gigantea,

Porto and a stone’s throw from the Spanish

area formed out of weathered steel.

Miscanthus Sinensis, Lavandula Stoechas,

Ponte de Lima is a rather nice town situated

border. It manages to retain that undiscovered

Thistles, Cosmos, Salvias and ornamental

Lonicera Japonica, Echinacea Purpurea

grasses are among the plants highlighted.

and Achillea Millefolium.

Portugal and this is reflected in its beautiful

GARDEN NUMBERS

For further information about Ponte de

buildings, narrow streets and well preserved

From an Italian designer, this is probably my

Lima and the Festival of Gardens, see

surroundings. You get the impression that the

favourite garden. The planting plan includes:

www.cm-pontedelima.pt

locals love their gardens, as there are plenty of

Agapanthus, Echinacea Purpurea, Dahlia,

If you are thinking of redesigning your garden

places to buy plants, and communal areas are

Campanula, Eryngium Alpinum, Kniphofia,

or adding a feature then contact Tim Sykes at

well laid out, stocked and maintained to create

Rudbeckia and Salvia.

Gardenproud on 07725 173 820, or via email at

feel, but still caters brilliantly for the tourist.

It is reputedly one of the oldest towns in

a very pleasant ambience to the town.

The International Garden Festival is

Inspiration for the garden was taken from the golden ratio and the Fibonnacci Sequence.

reallygardenproud@btinternet.com. You can also Google us at ‘Gardenproud’.

organised between June and October. It encompasses permanent displays and annual contributions from designers which are erected for the duration. In 2013 the festival won the International Garden Festival of the Year.

The site for the festival sits on the northern banks of the river and can be accessed via road from the car park adjoining the nautical centre. Or on foot it can be approached from the town centre via the famous Ponte de Lima bridge c 1359.

The gardens reflect designs from all over Europe. My favourites include:

SEPTEMBER 2016

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25/08/2016 13:09

BESPOKE, LUXURY HOMES IN DESIRABLE KENT LOCATIONS SEQ!JOIA PLACE

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PILGRIMS PLACE, THURNHAM

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Just two elegant 5 bedroom homes each set within

Five highly specified 5 bedroom homes with fantastic

driveway, close to the vibrant town centre offering an

generous 0.5 acre plots, offering spacious open plan

entertainment facilities, extensive rear gardens and

assortment of amenities.

accommodation on the edge of Bearsted village.

breath-taking views over the Kentish Downs.

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Tel: 01622 851144

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I

1 REMAINING - SUMMER 2016

Email: info@clarendonhomes.co.uk

ONLY 2 REMAINING

I

www.clarendonhomes.co.uk

25/08/2016 13:58

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25/08/2016 13:58

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26/08/2016 11:23

GARDENS

SO

BE BOLD WITH BEDDING This month, Jon Reburn from Coolings has this advice for embracing the season ahead in your garden

A

fter we have enjoyed all the colour of the summer garden, as autumn approaches there is no need for the party to finish.

Now is the time to be bold and extend the enjoyment of our outside spaces by replanting with hardier choices of bedding and patio plant.

People often make the mistake of delaying re-planting too long. Take advantage of autumn warmth to really establish later season plants before the cold weather sets in.

Primrose

Garden Girl Heathers

WINTER PANSY

Sweet William

Flower power from autumn to spring. Autumn planting ensures good bud formation and better winter flowering.

SWEET WILLIAM

VIBRANT VIOLAS

All the colours of the rainbow; plant them now to put a spring in your step!

Tough little fellows whose smaller flowers withstand the winter chills.

TOP TIP

MINI-CYCLAMEN

Double deck your planting! Bedding above,

Fab for adding instant colour in sheltered locations.

bulbs below for twice the display next spring.

FORGET-ME-NOTS

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to plant them now!

Autumn planting ensures a fragrant spring.

POLYANTHUS AND PRIMROSE CHRYSANTHEMUMS

Bold colours that encapsulate the nostalgic feeling of autumn.

GARDEN GIRLS HEATHER

A fab recent introduction. Tough as the hills, these garden beauties flower for months.

www.coolings.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2016

SO TW_SEPTEMBER16_GardensCoolings.indd 3

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25/08/2016 13:08

If you would like to find out,

Call us now

SJD ESTATES

LAND & DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANTS

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Contact Stephen Donnelly on 07739 514350 or 0845 456 8969 sjd-estates.com I steve@sjd-projects.com I twitter.com/sjdprojects

25/08/2016 13:59

GARDENS

SO

PICNIC PERFECT

Make the most of the final warmer days with these alfresco dining items

LAURA ASHLEY Ahoy filled picnic hamper, £75 www.lauraashley.com

TWEEDMILL Pure wool picnic blanket, £98 www.amara.com

IN-SPACES Poppy deckchair, £99.99 www.in-spaces.com

OUT AND OUT ORIGINAL Victoria luxury picnic table, £1,499 www.outandoutoriginal.com

ANNABEL JAMES

TOLLY MCRAE Chunky picnic rug, £99 www.tollymcrae.co.uk

Picnic hamper, £94.95 www.annabeljames.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2016

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We look after over 100 properties throughout Kent and East Sussex.

IF YOU ARE PLANNING A NEW GARDEN FOR 2017, THEN CONTACT TIM SYKES ON 07725 173820, OR JUST GOOGLE GARDEN PROUD

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BLACK BAY BRONZE BRONZE CASE DIAMETER 43 MM WATERPROOF TO 200 M (660 FT) IN-HOUSE MOVEMENT

Aluminium bronze alloy case. An aesthetic reference to historic ships and other diving equipment, this metal guarantees the development of a subtle and unique patina to match its user's habits.

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TUDOR 25/08/2016 15:55