So Tunbridge Wells December 2014 magazine

SO T W

THE DOWNTON GIRLS different views of those famous faces

CHRISTMAS PAST P ROBAB LY TH E B EST LO CAL M AGAZIN E IN THE WO R LD

a fascinating look at what we bought, heard and thought over the decades

rocking red TIME TO REPLACE THAT LITTLE BLACK DRESS

HE’S BEHIND YOU our panto round-up

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PAGES OF HOMES, INTERIORS AND GARDENS

DECEMBER 25 IS THE ULTIMATE DAY OF SOCIAL MEDIA SMUGNESS One reader’s heartfelt plea to give it all a rest ISSUE 81 - DECE MBE R 20 14

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Enjoy this festive edition of your fun filled local magazine DECEMBER 2014 £1.50 WWW.SOMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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Designers and makers of handmade solid wood kitchens and furniture for every room

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CONTENTS

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HELLO HERE’S WHAT’S INSIDE YOUR DECEMBER ISSUE

135 195 COVER IMAGE: AUGUST IMAGES

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THE HOMES New additions to the Weald’s elite property market THE FOOD “It’s like inhaling all the best bits of a stroll through British woodland”

THE COVER STORY Behind the scenes at Britain’s most scandalous stately home

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THE MOTOR “The Mercedes-AMG C63 has evolved into something that’s subtler than before”

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THE TRAVEL Dining with the natives at one of Zambia’s stunning wildlife parks

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THE FASHION Why pastels aren’t just for the summer

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THE FEATURE Join us on a trip to Wealden Christmas Past

STRICTLY TUNBRIDGE WELLS...

News – Falling from the skies above TW Letters – Buskers hit the wrong note Life tastes good for local food blogger Calendar – Festive magic comes to town TW charity celebrates 10 years of support Beery good times at Spa Valley Railway New good cause shop in TW DECEMBER 2014

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MODEL SHOWN C3 SINTESI BIANCO + ROVERE GRIGIO- 拢38,753 * KRIEDER SHOWROOM - 3 Chapel Place, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN11YQ- 01892 619721 - info@krieder.com- www.krieder.com 路Price shOwn includes delivery, cabinet furniture. appliances, work tops and VAT

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SO

NEWS

Tunbridge Wells

NEWS...

OUR MONTHLY LOOK AT SOME OF THE LOCAL STORIES MAKING THE HEADLINES

VELO VICTORY STAGE SUCCESS The bright lights of London are calling for a Tunbridge Wells musical set to make its West End debut.

The Dreamers, written by two local musicians James Beeny and Gina Georgio, tells the story of how town hero David Reginald Salomons led his men to Gallipoli in 1915. After huge success at the Assembly Hall Theatre, it was revealed that the First World War show will be taking to the stage in London next year. “It was great that so many people came to see the production,” says Dee Kirkwood of production company Runner Bean. “I can’t wait to present The Dreamers to a wider audience.” The show is billed as a ‘musical drama’ and the cast is made up of young people from across Kent and Sussex.

FLIGHT FIGHT As the battle for a new runway continues between two of the UK’s major airports, a report produced by the Airport Commission has found that if Gatwick were to build a second runway, flights over the countryside and towns like Tunbridge Wells would double. The report also found that if Heathrow were to succeed in their bid the economic benefits would be twice that of Gatwick’s. Concerns over the noise of extra flights and also the loss of woodland have also been raised if Gatwick gets the go-ahead.

SKATE UPDATE Work has begun to give a Tunbridge Wells skate park a facelift. The facility, which is situated in Grosvenor and Hilbert Park, will be repaired and revamped as part of the Heritage Lottery Fund regeneration project. “It is really fantastic that we are able to use some of the lottery project money for something that will make a difference to our younger park users,”’ says Cally Fiddimore, the park’s lottery funded Community Engagement Officer. Gravity Skateparks, who built the park, have taken feedback from users and developed an improvement plan that integrates with the current design.

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Despite only having been open since April, the Velo House on St John’s Road, Tunbridge Wells is already enjoying huge success, both with booming business and award nominations. The café-cum-cycling shop has been shortlisted for the prestigious Society of British and International Design awards 2014 and is one of only two UK venues to make the shortlist. “I’m proud of the project,” says the shop’s creator Olly Stevens. “We’re delighted to be finalists in the SBID awards.” The awards recognise design excellence and categories are judged by international industry leaders.

RACING AHEAD A Tunbridge Wells racing driver is celebrating after being signed to British Touring Car Champion squad AmD. Mike Bushell, 25, was recently crowned Renault Clio Cup UK Champion and his huge success this year led to the move up into BTCC. “Winning the Clio Cup was a massive achievement for me,” he says. “I can’t believe I’ll be in the BTCC next season.”

Bushell makes the step up after previously impressing in a one-off BTCC race in 2013 when he stood in for Andy Neate.

SLIDING SKIES Police were called and Tunbridge Wells residents began searching fields after a ‘mystery object’ was seen falling from an aeroplane. The Thomas Cook flight, which was bound for Egypt, had just taken off from Gatwick when locals spotted the item falling and alerted the authorities. It was later revealed that the object was the plane’s safety slide, after it was discovered in a field in Langton Green. The flight returned to Gatwick while investigations took place.

DECEMBER 2014

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LETTERS

SO

...AND VIEWS

THIS IS WHERE YOU HAVE YOUR SAY ON WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR PART OF THE WORLD LETTER OF THE MONTH

just

Chapman. Double that with the awful music blasting out from the shops and my lunchtime is usually more of an earache than a nice break.

Abigail Lomax, Tunbridge Wells Ed: With the colder weather, perhaps earmuffs are the answer!

TOPICAL TWITTER Rachael S-G@RStosGale ■ In Tunbridge Wells. Don’t tell my husband what I’ve spent.

Especially not after Harrogate on Wednesday Lovely Lucy@lovelylucy97 ■ So today I found out ‘Tumbridge Wales’ was in fact called ‘Tunbridge Wells’ - WHO woulda thought it!!!! #mindblow dollygal@nataliedolly05 ■ #carluccios in #tunbridgewells is the best place to go for amazing food wouldn’t go anywhere else

WILDLIFE AWARENESS Please be careful on the roads at this time of year, not only because of the ice but because of the deer. In winter, with the light gone by late afternoon, Fallow deer crossing can occur during busy times and collisions aren’t uncommon. Keeping to a reasonable speed helps tremendously, but if you do see a deer crossing, it’s likely there’ll be others close behind it, so come to a halt, dip your headlights and if appropriate alert other traffic with your hazard lights. If you are unfortunate enough to hit a deer, always call the police as an injured animal in the road may be a hazard to other road users. And please, never try to move a deer yourself.

Dave Risley, Director of The Folly Wildlife Rescue Trust, Tunbridge Wells Ed: Let’s all try to be vigilant on the roads this Christmas couldn’t resist drawing a face on an apple and sticking it on the chicken. It reminds me of someone but I can’t remember precisely who. Hope it makes you smile.

John Banks, via email Ed: We hope you’re planning to stay away from the turkey, John...

MUSIC TO MY EARS LAUGH OVER LUNCH My wife likes to spatchcock her chicken, which means splitting and flattening the bird to expose more skin. Passing through the kitchen I noticed one that was part cooked resting on the counter top and I

Pretty much every day buskers appear on the streets of Tunbridge Wells and some of them are actually rather good. My one complaint though is that quite often they stand within earshot of each other, which means that rather than tuning into their talents, all you hear is a horrible mash-up of Oasis and Tracey

COMMUTING CHEER I’m so pleased that the woes of Crowborough commuters have finally been recognised. From next July there will be six extra carriages added to the service to London and I for one cannot wait. We won’t know what to do with 10 carriages.

Imagine how rested we’ll all be after sitting down on our train journeys Peter Stoneham, Crowborough Ed: Southeastern, with these extra carriages you’re really spoiling us!

A BIG THANKS I just wanted to say how kind and considerate some members of the Tunbridge Wells public can be. I recently had an embarrassing fall in town and immediately people rushed to my aid, with one even buying me chocolate while I waited for the ambulance. I’ll be eternally grateful, if a little bruised!

Heather Pole, Southborough Ed: Good to know that community spirit is going strong

Daniel Hardcastle@ DanBHardcastle ■ Just found a packet of choc digestives on the back of a 281; jolly decent of the travelling public ;-) #tunbridgewells #munchies #biscuits Menna Rawlings@MennaRawlings ■ Tunbridge Wells is trending due to sonic boom. And I was shopping in the depth of Sainsbury’s and heard nothing. #disgusted Dean Griffin@oakman18 ■ Nice herd of Fallow deer nr.

Lamberhurst today including a number of white & an impressive stag N¡çKo@Niiick ■ I remember why I never go into Tunbridge wells industrial estate during the day... So. Much. Traffic! o

Lucy Westbrooke@ LucyWestbrooke ■ @RoyalTunWells don’t bother preserving the millennium clock!

Rip it down too!

Why not tweet us yourself?

We’ll print our favourites @SoMagazines

Email jconnolly@onemediauk.co.uk or write to us at SO TW , Longford House, 19 Mount Ephraim Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1EN Please be sure to include your full name and address. Letters may be edited for publication.

DECEMBER 2014

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HARWOODS TONBRIDGE Come and meet the Land Rover family. See the entire Land Rover range, all under one roo( with over 20 new cars on display.

Harwoods Tonbridge Vale Rise, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1TB

01732 353637 www.harwoods.uk.com/landrover Official Fuel Consumption Figures for the 2014 Land Rover range in mpg (l/100km): Urban 15.4 (18.3)47.1 (6.9) Extra Urban 29.1 (9.7)- 62.8 (4.5) Combined 22.1 (12.8)- 56.5 (5.0) C02 Emissions 299-181 g/km.

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- State of the art Land Rover showroom.

- 60 Approved Used Land Rovers (over 300 in group stock).

- Authorised servicing using genuine Land Rover parts.

- Accident repair centre.

Call Harwoods Tonbridge today to book a test drive.

The figures provided are as a result of official manufacturer's tests in accordance with EU legislation. A vehicle's actual fuel consumption may differ from that achieved in such tests and these figures are for comparative purposes only.

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whisk briskly whilst

gently warming.

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INTERVIEW

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS FOODIE LOUISE ROBINSON FROM BURWASH IS COOKING UP A STORM BOTH IN THE KITCHEN AND ONLINE

P

robably the best thing about meeting Louise Robinson, 44, is the huge plate of cakes she’s baked ahead of our interview - madeleines and canneles bordelaise all dusted with icing sugar. For some people, watching MasterChef is the closest they get to cooking, but for Louise it’s become her obsession since launching her food blog www.cygnetkitchen.co.uk earlier this year.

Raised in Cousley Wood, near Wadhurst, she was brought up on food from local producers.

“My grandmother lives near Robertsbridge and she’s the one who taught me to cook,” she explains. “There was no supermarket so we went to the butcher and the farm shop and ate very seasonally.”

Despite enjoying her rural upbringing, when

move out there – I wanted to create a boutique hotel where I could cook food and offer cookery courses.”

In April 2013 the pair sold their flat in London and were days away from starting their new life when the French bank pulled out of the mortgage, leaving them homeless.

“Our furniture had the most expensive holiday ever,” Louise says with a laugh. “But we were devastated and had to decide what to do next.”

The decision was not to chance France again and after a brief stint in Tunbridge Wells they chose to make their home in Burwash. Now, there was no stopping Louise from following her foodie dream – and a few months after moving to Cygnet Cottage she started her site.

“I didn’t know anything about launching a

Maybe once in a while if people eat locally and seasonally, they’ll be trying something a bit different she turned 18 Louise decided the bright lights of London were calling and moved to the city to find fame as an actress. Over the next 25 years she worked as a model and a handbag designer and trained as a homeopath, but her love of food was always at the forefront of her mind.

“My husband Steve and I enjoy eating in nice restaurants and every year we go to France because we love the food so much,” Louise says. “When I finished my degree in homeopathy we decided to leave London and

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blog,” Louise admits. “I went on a photography course, invested in some expensive camera equipment and spent ages perfecting it. I wanted to create a platform good enough that brands and producers would want to work with me.”

The blog – a mix of recipes, food photography and reviews – celebrates local producers, many of which Louise remembers visiting when she was a child.

“I love Pippins Farm in Pembury,” she says.

“They produce the biggest variety of apples

in the south east and when I was a kid they were the apples I used to eat.”

Since launching her blog in July, the site has gone from strength to strength. Now receiving over 2,000 hits a month, it seems Louise’s love for local is catching on.

“I have visitors from the UK and Europe but recently Americans have got in touch after seeing my pictures on food sites like www.foodgawker.com,” Louise says. “I think they love the Englishness of what I’m doing.”

Although she admits to the odd Ocado delivery, Louise tries to buy most of her food locally and hopes her blog will encourage others to do so too.

“The more we support local producers the more accessible they’ll become,” says Louise.

“I buy all my meat from Speaight’s in Tunbridge Wells and fruit and vegetables from local sellers. Maybe once in a while if people eat locally and seasonally, they’ll be trying something a bit different.”

So, with Louise’s life now very food-focused, does she ever get a break from the kitchen?

“We do still go out for nice meals but Steve’s view is ‘if it’s not nicer than something you can cook, what’s the point?’” she says with a laugh. “He has a go at cooking but he can mostly just do mince three ways: Bolognese, chilli and lasagne!”

DECEMBER 2014

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FOR THE REAL THING, BOOI< YOUR TICI<ETS NOW: www.fatherchristmasworld.co.uk or call 0800 085 0020 SALOMONS ESTATE, BROOMHILL ROAD, SOUTH BOROUGH, TUN BRIDGE WELLS, I<EHT TN3 OTG

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EVENTS

SO

DECEMBER

CALENDAR

1 FATHER CHRISTMAS WORLD ST

LEWIS J BROCKWAY

Ride the tinsel train, meet polar bears Bing and Daisy and even experience falling snow during a visit to Father Christmas World at the Salomon’s Estate, Tunbridge Wells. On selected dates until December 24 you can visit Father Christmas in his grotto, have fun in the Elf Village and even try ice skating. There’ll be plenty of delicious food to eat and you can learn more about the history of the grounds in the Salomon’s Estate Museum. Tickets cost from £25 and booking is essential. Visit www.fatherchristmasworld.co.uk to book or for more information.

MERRY MARKET

TENTERDEN ‘TIL LATE

Whether you’re a whizz on the ice or a skating novice, head down to Calverley Park throughout December and give gliding on the rink a go.

Returning for the fourth year, the rink will be open seven days a week until Sunday January 4 (excluding Christmas Day) and sessions cost from £9.50 per adult and from £7 for children. Nonskaters can watch from the sidelines with a glass of mulled wine, or browse many of the Christmas chalets selling festive food, drink and gifts. To book tickets or find out more, visit www.tunbridgewellsatchristmas.com

On Friday December 5 and Saturday December 6 Penshurst’s magical Christmas market will be returning, bringing with it plenty of festive joy. Over 30 stalls will line the High Street, selling locally sourced items, gifts and food. Performances from local schools, choirs, dance groups and musicians will entertain you and there will be mulled wine, a barbecue and refreshments. The market raises funds for the Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre and over the past four yearsit has generated nearly £20,000. There will befree parking and entry. For more information visit www.facebook.com/penshurstchristmasmarket

One of Tenterden’s most memorable community evenings returns on Friday December 5 when the town holds its annual Christmas Market and Late Night Shopping event. There will be fun for all the family with fairground rides and Father Christmas for the children, while adults can enjoy a warming glass of mulled wine as they do their shopping.

The High Street will be open until 9pm and as well as the usual stores there will be stalls selling food, drink and gifts. Carol singers will be providing music throughout the evening to give the night a truly festive feel. www.tenterdentown.co.uk

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EVENTS

14 REINDEER RUN TH

NT/ ANDREAS VON EINSIEDEL

Take a break from the mince pies and sherry and run like Rudolph at Buxted Park for Uckfield’s Reindeer Run on Sunday December 14. The event, which aims to raise money for The Firefighters Charity, will be a fun day where runners can race either 5km or 10km. Every entrant who reaches the finish line will receive a medal and to add some festivity to the occasion, participants can wear fancy dress. Entry costs £10 and the race begins at 10am with registration open from 9.15am. For more information or to book a place, email buxtedparkfunrun@hotmail.co.uk

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TH

KNOLE NOEL

CHRISTMAS COMEDY

LAW AND ORCHESTRA

If you’re feeling musical this month then Knole, near Sevenoaks, is the place for you. On selected dates from Sunday December 7, visitors can join the Knole Singers in the majestic Great Hall for traditional Christmas carols. As well as exercising those vocal chords, guests can enjoy traditional mulled wine and mince pies to add some merriment to the occasion.

The carol events take place from 5.30pm to 6.30 pm and cost £23. Booking is essential, so call 08442 491 895 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knole.

Wearing warm clothing is advisable as the hall can be cold during the winter.

For some comedy this Christmas, don’t miss Nativity in Creakebottom at the Queen’s Hall Theatre, Cranbrook on Saturday December 13.

Instead of wise men and shepherds, the play tells the story of five actors from Suffolk whose nativity could be jeopardised when they’re offered a shot at London fame. With excellent national reviews, this is a performance not to be missed. The show begins at 7.45pm and tickets are £10 for adults and £6 for students.

For more information or to book visit www.queenshalltheatre.co.uk

When they’re not enforcing the law, some of Kent’s serving and retired police officers have another project on the go – music. More than 30 performers make up the Kent Police Band and on Sunday December 14 they’re bringing their talents to the Stag Theatre in Sevenoaks. The band will be playing an array of music, including some classical compositions and show songs as well as some much-loved Christmas tunes.

Tickets cost £10 and are bookable at www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk. The event is fundraising for the theatre and begins at 4pm.

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EVENTS

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31 FULL STEAM AHEAD ST

NT/DAVID LEVENSON

Welcome the New Year in style by boarding a Spa Valley train and indulging in a High Weald Belle Dining Experience. During the evening guests can enjoy a four-course meal while the steam train makes trips between Tunbridge Wells and Groombridge. Then, at midnight there will be a firework display and Champagne and the train will sound its whistle! A table for two is £180 and includes canapés, dinner and a bottle of wine. The celebrations begin at 7pm with the train departing at 7.30pm. To book a table visit www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk

24 JOLLY JUMPERS

WINTER WALKING

31 HAPPY HUGS

Christmas parties are known for being a bit OTT on the glitz and glam front, but if you’re looking for something a bit more casual where you can wear your most hideous knitwear with pride, then The Forum in Tunbridge Wells has the festivity for you. On Christmas Eve don your winter woollies and head to their Christmas Jumper party. Entry costs £3 for advance tickets and early arrivals will receive a free mince pie and mulled wine. Live music and party tunes will be played throughout the evening. For more information or to book visit www.twforum.co.uk

What better way to walk off that turkey and tipples than a good old stroll in the British countryside? On Friday December 26, Ightham Mote near Sevenoaks is holding a Boxing Day Trek, where for £21.50 visitors can enjoy a guided walk across the estate as well as a full English breakfast. The event, which runs from 10am to noon, will give guests the opportunity to appreciate the winter scenery while enjoying some exercise. Booking is essential; visit www.nationaltrust.org/igtham-mote or call 01732 811 314.

See in the New Year with Tunbridge Wells’ HugMany charity event on The Pantiles from 8pm to 12.30am. The family occasion features heated marquees, hot refreshments, DJs, a piper, fireworks at midnight, live bands and headline act, Blues Brothers Little Brother. Creator Ian Andrew (left, with Tunbridge Wells Hotel owner Julian LeefeGriffiths and Siobhan Stirling of Sterling Words), hopes the event will raise £10,000 for Hospice in the Weald and the Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre.

Entry costs £6; free for ages 12 and under. www.hug-many.co.uk

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DECEMBER 2014

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GOSSIP

SO

CONFIDENTIAL

BY TACITUS

NOTHING ESCAPES OUR ATTENTION

WHICH commuter got a pleasant suprise on the train home?

Simples: The man who sat next to an attractive young lady at Charing Cross.

As she got off the train at Sevenoaks a piece of paper fell from her hand onto the empty seat. He was about to tell her, when he noticed she had written down her name and mobile number. Watch this space for updates!

WHAT

WHO

WHICH

WHY

fashion secret did this firefighter hide from his colleagues?

The fact he had stepped into a pair of his wife’s Spanx before leaving home. He wore the body shapers to rein in his bulges so that he looked fit and trim for the station’s photo shoot for the charity calendar. No firemen jokes please!

turned out to be something of a snob?

Answer: The parents of a lad at a top Sevenoaks public school. He was stepping out with a lass from Beacon Community College in Crowborough. Much unhappiness.

Wind forward: She at Downing College, Cambridge. Much happiness. She, though, has moved on and no longer has any interest in number one son.

leading local councillor really appreciates cheap booze?

That would be the one who invites people to join him at Wetherspoon’s in Tunbridge Wells because “there’s nowhere else in town where you can buy a bottle of plonk for just a few quid.”

Let’s hope he’s as frugal when dealing with the council’s budget.

does this husband need to make up some lost ground?

Because he made the wrong comment when his wife bounced into the lounge and announced she was going on a crash diet. “No need to do that - I’ve got used to you being fat,” he responded.

Guess who is sleeping in the guest room?

WHO

WHO’S

WHO

WHY

now drinks below stairs?

That would be the regulars at a pub where the landlady has turned the basement into an ‘exclusive club’ for members only and it’s working out quite well.

It now has 100 people paying £80 a year for the privilege of supping with others they used to stand next to in the upstairs bar - for free.

paying the price for neglecting their friends?

That would be Binky who is set for a lonely Christmas after calling off her wedding; her fiancé refused to stand up to his controlling mother. Trouble is Binky turned her back on her friends who have now done the same to her.

gave their neighbours a rude awakening?

The woman who parked her car on the shared drive, climbed out, locked the vehicle and disappeared inside her flat – leaving Classic FM blaring out on the radio. It was 4.30am, yet she ignored all the banging on her front door and shouted pleas to wake up and switch the radio off. No Christmas cards for you then.

are these shop staff keeping fingers crossed?

Because they’re hoping for a better present this Christmas from their boss, who is known as Mr Scrooge. Last year he wished them season’s greetings and placed a tin of biscuits in the staffroom for all to share; this from the man who asked staff to a lunch and then invited them to share the bill. The word ‘stuffing’ comes to mind.

Got a rumour? Pass it on via confidential@onemediauk.co.uk We never reveal our sources

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SO

DECEMBER

THIS MONTH

YOU SHOULD

HOVER...

In the 1980s, hit film Back to the Future II prophesied that Marty McFly’s son would be getting around on a hoverboard by 2015. With just one year to go, there has been no sign of the handy device – until now. In the nick of time, Californian technology company Arx Pax has finally created a real life version of Marty Junior’s famous toy and the Hendo Hover can now be pre-ordered for a mere $10,000 (£6,200). The technology has yet to be perfected, but the board can levitate three inches above the ground for up to 15 minutes. Ideal for escaping the neighbourhood bully... Order yours at www.hendohover.com

LISTEN...

READ...

WATCH...

If you have a Supertramp fan in the family, here’s an inspired Christmas present idea. Forty years on from the original album’s release, a remastered version of Crime of the Century will go on sale on December 8. The package also includes a previously unreleased concert staged at London’s Hammersmith Odeon in March 1975, plus you can hear tracks from their forthcoming album, Crisis...

What Crisis? You can order your copy from www.amazon.co.uk for £14.99.

If you’re able to take time out of the pre-Christmas frenzy and put your feet up with a good book, it’ll be hard to beat this collection of short stories by Kate Fforde. A Christmas Feast is a compilation of festive tales by the bestselling romantic author, including a brand new story and even a preview of her new novel, A Vintage Wedding, which comes out next February.

Published on December 4, A Christmas Feast is available from www.waterstones.com for £5.99.

Quentin Tarantino’s masterpiece Pulp Fiction (cert 18) is not exactly festive viewing, but the 20th anniversary box set will be a must-have for any serious film fan. Contained in a suitcase style box, the collection features the film on Blu-ray, four art cards and intriguing pieces of memorabilia, such as a Jack Rabbit Slim’s menu, Zed’s keyring and 20 Pulp Fiction banknotes.

Pop this into a movie lover’s stocking this Christmas Eve and you’ll earn enough Brownie points to see you right through 2015. Available for £30 at www.amazon.co.uk

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THIS MONTH

SO

COUNT...

For many ladies, a Jo Malone perfume will be making an appearance on their Christmas wish list this year. But we’re sure you’d rather have 25 gifts, than just one... This year the acclaimed fragrance company have launched their first advent calendar and it’s a real cracker. Behind each door you’ll find a mini scent, body crème or other little treat – which makes it a bargain at £250. Buy it at Jo Malone stores and online at www.jomalone.co.uk

PARTY...

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MY RANT

SO

#HAVE A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS

Will you be spending Christmas Day away from technology or refreshing Twitter waiting for the next tree picture? Tenterden resident Annie explains why for her, social networking will be a no-go zone on December 25

A

t the best of times, social media has a lot to answer for. From employees receiving their P45’s for pulling a sickie, then tweeting about their post-party hangover, to the fact that we now know everything about everybody we’ve ever met, it has become a necessary evil in our lives. Only, is it always really necessary? Especially over the festive period? Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for the odd Christmas jumper selfie or status about receiving socks again. It’s the social media smugness – SMS for short – that I despise.

SMS is rife whatever time of year. In the summer it’s seeing pictures of cocktails and sunsets while you’re sitting at your desk watching the rain pour down outside. In February it’s the incessant uploads of romantic gestures -the Eiffel Tower engagement shot is a yearly update we all have to endure. But Christmas is a whole other smugness situation entirely.

It begins in September or October, when the “I’ve started my Christmas shopping” statuses start appearing. One, I could handle, but the trouble is when one person pipes up, the other ‘smugs’ join in. “I’ve bought and wrapped all of

mine!” “I bought all of mine on Boxing Day last year!” This is usually the time I think about starting my shopping, go online to get gift ideas, buy myself something, then forget all about Christmas until the next SMS incident.

This usually occurs in November. Tenterden switches its lights on and there’s a big event to celebrate – this I am okay with. What I’m not so wild about is when Instagram is awash with tree and light pictures from inside people’s homes.

There’s still a good seven or eight weeks to go until the big day, yet people already have the ‘Santa stop here’ signs up and they’re shamelessly posting them with a cosy-looking filter. I just hope they’re buying non-drop trees.

From December 1, the SMS levels go crazy.

The work parties begin and every other picture is of sequins and Champagne. The shops start selling their seasonal sandwiches, so naturally everybody posts an arty shot of their turkey and cranberry roll and in the background you can just spot a Starbucks Christmas coffee.

Then there are those who aren’t having the sandwiches because they’re ‘eating clean’ before the big blowout. Eating clean doesn’t just involve healthy eating in the privacy of

your own home. Oh no, every quinoa-based meal is filtered to perfection and has a thousand hashtags after it, just reminding the sandwich eaters that BREAD IS BAD. Then December 25 arrives – the ultimate day of smugness. There are the perfectly wrapped present pictures, the posed family shot and of course, the constant statuses about how ‘blessed’ everyone is. It’s all lovely stuff, but I have to question how genuine it is.

While I’m in the middle of a row about who let the cat climb the Christmas tree, other people are documenting every fabulous minute of their festive celebrations. If it’s all true then that’s great, but if you’re having to tell your Facebook friends or Twitter followers how amazing everything is every five minutes, then how are you having time to enjoy your day? I know I’d rather spend Christmas losing at board games, eating mince pies and being merry than taking 500 photos of how tasty my turkey looks. Then I can spend Boxing Day online when all the craziness has died down and the sales have started. After all, I hear it’s a great time to start your shopping for next year…

DO YOU HAVE A RANT YOU’D LIKE TO RELEASE? Email your views, in no more than 600 words, to Editor Jane Connolly jconnolly@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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COV E R STO RY

HAVE A VERY ABBEY CHRISTMAS Four years, five seasons, millions of viewers and a lot of hats. We could only be talking about one thing – Downton Abbey. With this year’s Christmas special set to be explosive, the Downton cast – including on-screen sisters Michelle Dockery and Laura Carmichael – reveal in our exclusive chat what it was like filming the festive special. And why they’ll be watching it on the big day…

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COV E R STO RY

“We work 11-day fortnights which I think is inhumane on a shoot, and we’ve got makeup starting at half five in the morning, but viewers wouldn’t know it to see it”

SO

Michelle Dockery

- HUGH BONNEVILLE, WHO PLAYS ROBERT CRAWLEY THE EARL OF GRANTHAM (LEFT)

S

ince 2010 the nation has

is amazing, we were very flattered to have been

the first show to film in the interiors of the castle – the Duke and his family enjoy the show so much Downton Abbey. The that they allowed us to do that!” award winning ITV With almost 10 million viewers tuning in to period drama, created by watch the ITV drama every Sunday evening, it’s Julian Fellowes, has just not surprising that the Duke of Northumberland completed its fifth season isn’t its only high profile fan. George Clooney is where, to recap, there set to make a guest appearance in a charity were house fires, illegitimate children and episode and with everyone from Liam Neeson imprisonment to name just a few of the goings on. and Gloria Hunniford to the likes of Kim We left Downton in the winter of 1925 where Kardashian hinting they’d love to star in the show, we last saw The Crawley family dealing with Lady the only way Downton is going is up.

Edith’s (Laura Carmichael) revelation that Marigold was her own daughter, while “I read somewhere that Maggie Gyllenhaal youngest sister Lady Rose (Lily loves the show so I thought that James) got married in London would be great if she fancied and Lady Mary (Michelle popping in and doing a cameo,” Dockery) decided that neither of Michelle says with a laugh. “Laura the men she’d been courting and I were at the Met Ball last year during the series were suitable. and Beyoncé told us she was a fan She also sported a daring new of the show. That was an amazing hairdo. Now, picking up from and strange experience. It’s where the drama last unfolded, overwhelming when people who American actress Maggie Gyllenhaal, shown with this year’s Christmas episode is you’ve watched and admired for brother Jake, is a fan set to be a cracker. years and who you wouldn’t have Aside from the turkey and trimmings, the ever dreamed of coming into contact with, come up to you to tell you how much they enjoy what Downton Christmas special is the thing many you’re doing and how much they love Downton. households are looking forward to sitting down to on December 25. For the past two years the It’s quite a surreal thing, actually.” festive episodes of the period drama have been With many of the cast having worked together set in Scotland and London respectively, with the since the show began, it is perhaps unsurprising latter being shot in the summer, so it is a great that they are close, despite some of them having delight to fans that this year’s Christmas offering tempestuous on-screen relationships. While will be, well, Christmassy. While each series is sisters Lady Mary and Lady Edith have what can filmed at Highclere Castle, a Victorian manor in only be described as a turbulent relationship, Berkshire, the Christmas special sees the show’s their strained bond is worlds away from the cast in a new location – Alnwick Castle, the stately friendship that Michelle and Laura share home of the Duke of Northumberland. off-screen. Last year, Michelle moved close to “It was like being on a school holiday for us,” Laura and much of their time away from filming says Michelle of the filming. “They say a change is spent with each other. is as good as a rest and it is good fun for the cast “I’ve lived in my place five or six years. A flat and crew to all be together, working somewhere came up nearby and Michelle bought it. We’re a new; there are different challenges involved in minute’s walk from each other -- it’s lovely,” admits that. I’d never been there before and that castle Laura. “And we share a local pub!” adds Michelle.

FEATUREFLASH / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

been captivated by

Julian Fellowes with wife Lady Emma Kitchener-Fellowes

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COV E R STO RY

Alnwick Castle in Northumbria is a new location.

The castle has been used as a setting in many films including the Harry Potter movies.

“I’ve lived in my place five or six years. A flat came up nearby and Michelle bought it. We’re a minute’s walk from each other - it’s lovely” - LAURA CARMICHAEL Aside from the social aspect, the actresses, who admit they see each other as “family”, find that spending time together outside of filming benefits them because they are able to discuss the show – without accidentally letting spoilers slip to those not in the know.

“We can’t really discuss the show with friends and family, but if I need to talk about a storyline I can talk to Michelle, or Lily James (Lady Rose] or Hugh Bonneville, (screen father, the Earl of Grantham],” explains Laura. “Then you don’t have to worry about ruining it for people.”

Viewers may be enticed by the grandeur of Downton but don’t be fooled - the actors film for months at a time and work long days; the truth from behind the scenes is that the glamour you see on screen is often a far cry from the reality off-screen. “We work 11-day fortnights which I think is inhumane on a shoot and we’ve got makeup starting at half five in the morning, but viewers wouldn’t know it to see it,” says Hugh Bonneville.

“Humour definitely helps you get through the day.”

Humour is something Hugh is famed for while filming and although his character may not be too jovial, on set he’s known as a bit of a joker.

“Oh no, I completely deny that!” he protests. “It’s Allen Leech [Tom Branson] who’s the prankster really. He’s just a bundle of energy and very good at keeping people’s spirits up because they can be long, punishing days for the crew. We do enjoy ourselves on set but the filming demands are constant and there’s a huge amount of pressure to get everything done in time and to the required standard.”

Despite the sometimes intense filming schedule, the cast make the most of their

Laura Carmichael

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COV E R STO RY Edith when she isn’t on set.

“If anything feels a bit Downton, I won’t wear it,” she says. “I love dressing up for the show, I am never going to get tired of it. It’s so beautiful and people would love to wear those clothes now, but I also enjoy the opportunity to not be that.”

The wardrobes of the Crawley sisters have been coveted since the drama came to our screens. The

Downton production team have won Emmy awards for their outstanding period costumes and makeup and with good reason – not an episode goes by where Twitter isn’t awash with viewers exclaiming over the fabulous fashions, while demand for Downton bridal couture has risen too.

The first series, set in 1912, introduced the ladies in long robes and corsets, but time has moved on and Downton ‘down time’ when they get it. we’re now well into the roaring 20’s; gone are the gowns “We have a glass of red wine with Jim Carter [who and in their place are beaded flapper dresses and long plays Carson the butler]!” Laura says with a laugh. “We gloves. It doesn’t matter what era – the sisters, film quite a lot together up at the house and are often in especially Lady Mary are quite the fashionistas. each other’s pockets. I’m thrilled that part of this job has “The designer decided that Lady Mary, would be very been being able to socialise with one another and, you much on trend with the fashion so it’s been amazing know, shake off the day, talk about jobs that other people actually, looking into all the new designs coming in,” have done and listen to Jim tell stories.” explains Michelle. “There’s a very Chanel-like quality now With the aristocrats living upstairs and the maids and to a lot of the clothes and so for me it’s been great kitchen staff ‘below stairs’ it often means the cast don’t because I’ve got to wear a slightly more integrate with each other unless their characters interesting wardrobe to what I did last year. happen to interact in a scene. That, coupled Some of it is quite risqué, you know. with the fact the filming isn’t in There are different shapes of the dresses, sequence, means that often the actors lower backs and the ankles are well on themselves will be tuning in to find out show now!” what has occurred.

The revealing skirts in the later series “I sit down and watch it live on a have been causing quite a stir, especially Sunday when it comes out because I among cast members. “The hemlines are won’t have seen it since or heard it since just shockingly short - you can see calf the read through,” admits Hugh Jim Carter and all sorts!” says Laura. “It is really Bonneville. “We obviously film in isolation funny because you do notice it on set and Jim is always and the downstairs scenes I won’t have seen... and hilarious about it. ‘Look at your short skirts,’ he’ll laugh.” because we’re filming so out of sequence the whole time For Laura, although she is pleased to have moved you sort of lose track of your own story. So it’s really away from the Edwardian costumes from the first series, lovely to sit down and watch it like anyone else does... to there are still elements to her character’s costumes she see what everyone in the house has been up to!” doesn’t favour. “The underwear is still very different from Michelle agrees, adding “I used to get defensive when ours; kind of boyish you know, it’s very flattening,” she people said it was soap-like but it kind of is!” says. “On the plus side, it’s not corseted all the way down As with a soap, many fans of the show can find it so that’s a relief from the first couple of series!” difficult to differentiate between the actors and the While the Crawley sisters will probably be spending characters, believing that Michelle and Laura are similar their Christmas dripping in diamonds and amidst a to their upper class alter-egos. “I’m not like Lady Mary at crisis, which will no doubt have us captivated as the all. For one thing, I’m not actually posh!” Michelle says. “I episode airs on Christmas Day, Michelle will be doing had a very strong Essex accent when I was younger and I what many of us are doing – watching from the comfort don’t think I would have got the role of Lady Mary if I’d of her sofa. “I actually have a tiger onesie that I was walked into the audition going, ‘allo, nice ter meet ya!’” bought for Christmas, so I’ll get that on,” she says with a Laura also admits she’s nothing like her character, smile. “I don’t just sit around watching Madmen while especially when it comes to image. The 28-year-old makes a conscious effort to distance herself from Lady wearing my Downton dresses!”

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ROCKING RED For years the little black dress has been a Christmas party staple, but this year it’s time to add a dash of rouge to the festivities by investing in a LRD instead. There’s no better way to be spotted in a crowd than by wearing a pop of colour and this gorgeous Diva Organza Red dress by Nicole Coste (£1,490) will ensure you’re noticed for all the right reasons. Team with a faux fur stole for instant Hollywood glamour, or opt for some dazzling diamond accessories to really help you shine. www.nicolecoste.com

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THE LOOK

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FASHION

insider

PERSONAL STYLIST CATHERINE DE CRÈVECOEUR REVEALS HOW TO BRING THE LATEST TRENDS TO YOUR DECEMBER WARDROBE

F

Catherine de Crèvecoeur PERSONAL STYLIST

STEAL HER STYLE

HELGA ESTEB

ine knit, chunky knit, fitted, oversized, embellished or classic – the jumper is a huge player this season after taking centre stage on the Autumn/Winter 14 catwalks. I’m not suggesting that jumpers are a one-off trend but there was a definite move by designers to give us knitwear that not only makes us feel warm, comfortable and content, but also offers an opportunity to inject more stylish options into our wardrobe. Designers and the high street have made knitwear more accessible and wearable than ever with intricate cuts and textures, a huge choice of bright to muted colours, and styles to fit every body type.

However, it’s always good to have a few tricks up your sleeve when it comes to wearing knits.

For example, if you’re ever in doubt that your outfit might be too casual, then layer your jumper over a shirt or blouse. Make sure the collar is contrasting in colour, whether that’s a crisp white or an embellished Peter Pan; this is a layering technique that never fails to add interest to your look. Also, think about exposing the cuff of your blouse or shirt, another way to add pretty detailing.

Also, when you’re wearing a fine knit jumper, try and tuck the front of it into your trousers, jeans or skirt. It will give you instant body definition, no matter what your body shape. Try it and see for yourself.

If you want to brighten up your outfit, team bold colours together, like a pink wool top with an orange cotton layer underneath, or dark navy or aubergine hues with soft pastels.

And finally, if like me you love to join in the Christmas jumper extravaganza, then why not show off some seasonal kitsch fun while making a style statement too? This little number from Marks and Spencer will do just that (£25 at www.marksandspencer.com).

Taking a break from Downton Abbey, Michelle Dockery gives her outfit a modern twist with this chic print skirt and embellished top combo. Perfect for a dinner date or a drinks party, get the look with this top from Apricot (£26 at www.apricotonline.co.uk) and skirt from MSGM (£336 at www.farfetch.com).

“YOUR DRESSES SHOULD BE TIGHT ENOUGH TO SHOW YOU’RE A WOMAN AND LOOSE ENOUGH TO SHOW YOU’RE A LADY” EDITH HEAD

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TIP Invest in a colour block jumper dress for an effortlessly comfortable, warm and adorable look. If you still aren’t convinced, just add your favourite printed scarf, a simple clutch bag and some killer boots to dress it up and you’re good to go!

Splurge Vs Save Something to add to your Christmas list is this must-have red tote bag from Mulberry (£595, left, at www.selfridges.com).

Alternatively, grab yourself this number from Matalan for an instant splash of colour (£25 at www.matalan.com).

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THE LOOK

PRETTY PASTELS

Ditch the dark side and give your winter wardrobe a new lease of light by using these pastel hues to stave off the winter blues TIBI Mint full skirt with pleated detail, £345 www.my-wardrobe.com

TED BAKER Lotussi botanical bloom full skirt, £139 www.tedbaker.com

PAUL & JOE SISTER Sibelius waffle knit jumper, £160 www.my-wardrobe.com

HEINE Leather trousers, £199 www.kaleidoscope.co.uk

CHRISTOPHER KANE Pink crystal embellished wool skirt, £950 www.harveynichols.com

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M MISSONI Ripple motif knit jacket, £730 www.m-missoni.com

DUBARRY OF IRELAND Shandon cable knit sweater, £169 www.dubarryboots.com

ACNE STUDIOS Bird fleece sky blue, £150 www.acnestudios.com

JAEGER Wool embellished sweater, £175 www.jaeger.co.uk Prices correct at time of writing

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REISS AT BLUEWATER Schiffer metallic bandeau top, £95 www.resiss.com

LULU GUINESS Gold glitter clutch, £225 www.houseoffraser.co.uk

MAWI Ruby Glitter Bug clutch bag, £525 www.benna.co.uk

VASHI Diamond snowflake pendant, £379 www.vashi.com

JUICY COUTURE Ladies’ Stella watch, £425 www.watchshop.com

WONDALAND I Get What I Want dress, £249 www.wondaland.co.uk

RAYNE Lily shoe, £395 www.rayneshoes.co.uk

DIESEL Ladies’ Flare watch, £165 www.watchshop.com

Prices correct at time of writing DECEMBER 2014

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Now shop on line intu.<:o.uk/lakeside

~;;

intu Lakeside

--

Love Christmas even more With your choice of top brands and stores, 13,000 free parking spaces, great gift advice, late night shopping from 1st December and our magical Santa's grotto, intu Lakeside can be your one and only this Christmas.

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ADVERTORIAL

SO

A Decade of Style This year has been an exciting time for Kitch Clothing in Tunbridge Wells, as the women’s fashion boutique celebrated its 10th birthday and showcased a number of eye-catching, head-turning designs.

We find out how the store has become the town’s go-to destination for ladies with great taste

S

pring/summer 2014 saw the launch of Kitch’s one-stop holiday shop, which introduced Melissa Odabash swimwear and Hipanema bikinis, alongside our ever-popular Juliet Dunn kaftans and 120% Lino summer dresses, Tom Ford sunglasses and an array of beautifully coloured beach bags.

The holiday shop proved to be a huge success and led us to have our busiest season in 10 years of trading. It will now be a permanent fixture to Kitch’s spring/summer collection and, for 2015, we’re excited to be introducing new brands, including Balenciaga sunglasses, Antica Sartoria kaftans and Beth & Tracie beach wear from Barbados. We cannot wait for it all to arrive!

Autumn/winter has seen our collection of Alpe boots prove to be even more popular than last year; we’ve doubled our offering and have just watched them fly out the door. All the styles are so reasonably priced, ranging from £99 to £149 in fabulous shapes that are super

comfy. Many of our customers who discovered the brand in Kitch last year were so excited to see them back that they’ve invested in two or three pairs this season.

This year has been a milestone for Kitch as we’ve reached our 10-year anniversary!

No mean feat considering the economic climate of the past few years and something that we’re looking forward to celebrating with our loyal and fabulous customers just as soon as we have time to organise a party – so watch this space!

We cannot wait to welcome in the New Year and share lots of new and exciting brands (as well as all our trusty favourites) with our wonderful customers. So, here’s to 2015 – wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Kitch Clothing 1 High Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1UL 01892 513 613 www.kitchclothing.co.uk

DECEMBER 2014

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SO

THE LOOK

wave goodbye to boring hair Those who miss the carefree days of summer, take note – this winter you can give a nod to seaside style and still be on trend with loose mermaid waves

S

een on the Fashion Week runways of many top designers, including Chloe, Stella McCartney and Georgio Armani, mermaid waves are one of this season’s most feminine and low maintenance trends.

These loose and casual kinks are great for softening features and they pull their weight in any situation – perfect both for a laidback daytime look and for adding a gentler tone to a glamorous work or evening outfit.

Wear with a side parting to keep the style bang up to date and make sure there’s plenty of volume in the length, rather than the roots.

You can create the waves with tongs, after running some firm hold mousse through first (Oribe Surfcomber Mousse is good for forming natural looking shapes, £35 at www.spacenk.com).

Uneven waves are fine and an even easier method is to put just-dry hair into plaits or twisted buns and sleep on it – unravel in the morning to reveal strong and long-lasting kinks. A leave-in conditioner is a good idea to keep waved hair healthy; Kérastase Initialiste Advanced Scalp and Hair Concentrate (£32 at www.lookfantastic.com) leaves hair looking shiny and nourished without weighing fibres down.

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For more information, please call: 01892 457050 I 07971 422 771 or email us: enquiries@twrejuvenate.com or visit: www.twrejuvenate.com First Floor, 50 Mount Pleasant Rd, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TNl 1RB

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50

DECEMBER 2014

p192 SO TW_OCTOBER14_Ads.indd 2

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MARK ADAM PuRE UNADULTERATED LUXURY FOR CHRISTMAS

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THE LOOK

Hairheroes

SO

So, the countdown to Christmas has finally begun – but that doesn’t mean you need to wear a woolly hat between now and next spring. Constant transitions from cold outdoor weather to artificially heated rooms can dry out your locks, leaving your hair looking brittle and lacklustre, just when you want to be at your party-ready best. Fight back against the ravages of winter by treating your hair to some festive gifts that will keep on giving

NANOKERATIN SYSTEM MASK TREATMENTS 500ML, £57.29

These deep conditioning masks replace lost keratin and give your hair a boost using vitamins and essential oils. There are three formulas: Revitalising for natural hair, Colour Preserving for dyed hair and Refining for highlighted or sensitive hair.

Available from www.nanokeratinsystem.co.uk

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UMBERTO GIANNINI

SUPERFOODLX

RENE FURTERER

FRIZZI MIRACLE WORKER WITH ARGAN OIL 125ML, £7.50

ADVANCED HAIR NUTRIENT COMPLEX FROM £16.50

KARITÉ INTENSE NOURISHING MASK 200ML, £18

A blend of argan oil and silicone makes this formula highly effective at smoothing dry, rebellious hair, but is light enough to not weigh the strands down. Use it on the lengths for super-softness, or just a little to tame split ends.

Available from www.harveynichols.com

Designed to be used as either a wash-out or leave-in treatment mask, this product can also be used as pre-blowdry serum to ease frizz. It comes in two formulas: Intelligence targets damaged hair, while Illuminism is for natural, relaxed and coloured afro hair.

Available from www.superfoodlx.com

This leave-in conditioning cream blends chea butter with quince pectins to repair and regenerate damaged hair, leaving it silky and bouncy. Just what you need when the wind and rain has wreaked havoc with your glamorous party hair!

Available from www.escentual.com

l

BUMBLE & BUMBLE

BB REPAIR BLOWDRY BALM 150ML, £23

At this time of year, our hair can expect to be ravaged by various heated styling devices, but a swipe through with this repairing cream can help to prevent split ends and make dry hair feel soft and healthy.

Available from www.bumbleandbumble.co.uk

DECEMBER 2014

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SO

ADVERTORIAL

ACHIEVE THE BODY YOU WANT If you’re failing to see the fitness or weight loss results you want, maybe it’s time to call in an expert. We find out more about personal trainer Chris Dear

ABOUT CHRIS

was the sort of person that forced themselves to pound the treadmill for an hour every day (and hate every minute of it!), now I know how to train efficiently and have seen much better results. I would highly recommend him.” - Holly

Chris has worked in the fitness industry for over six years and has trained a variety of clientele, ranging from athletes competing internationally to individuals working to lose weight, shed body fat and improve functionality. Chris works closely with all his clients, ensuring their training and nutrition is optimal to achieve their goals.

His patient teaching approach ensures you know exactly what you are doing both in the sessions and in your own training inbetween sessions with the programmes he will write you.

Chris has vast knowledge of the field of fitness and can guide you to your goal.

his qualifications include: Level 3 Advanced Personal Trainer Advanced Nutrition for Weight loss and Physical Performance Crossfit Level 1 Coach Crossfit Coaches Prep Crossfit Movement & Mobility Coach Olympic Weightlifting Coach & British Weightlifting Assistant Club Coach Extreme Russian Kettlebell Coach

HAPPY CUSTOMERS “I have been training with Chris for the last six months; not only have I seen significant improvements in my strength and fitness, but he has taught me about the importance of form and technique, which means I am able to work out confidently even when I am not training with his assistance. Before I trained with Chris I

54

Chris coaching at The Gym in Tunbridge Wells

For more information and testimonials from happy clients please visit Chris’s website, or to arrange a session please give him a call.

07789 066 474 www.chrisdear.co.uk

DECEMBER 2014

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•

sencro COMMUNITY LEISURE

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ADVERTORIAL

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A Glittering Legacy After 26 years of loyal service to Payne & Son jewellers on Tunbridge Wells High Street, Senior Sales Executive John Farrell is sadly moving on to pastures new. Here, he looks back at a rewarding career and remembers some of his most cherished moments in the town How did your journey with Payne & Son begin?

It was a bitterly cold, early Saturday morning 26 years ago in 1988 when the wind buffeted me down the old High Street in Tunbridge Wells towards a clock looming out from a Victorian balustrade.

I was ushered up to the first floor where Mr Payne (Snr) welcomed me into the fold with a friendly chat and introduced me to a silver teapot. I thought he wanted to test my tea making skills, but he asked me what I knew of silverware instead – I was able to tell him it was Georgian, but couldn’t remember the exact dates. After chatting for a bit longer, I was soon expelled back into the cold.

A few days later a letter arrived from Mr Payne (Jnr) offering me a position within the company at a higher salary than was talked about in the interview – wow, a pay rise already! I must be good! Having worked in the City of London for most of my life looking after the Mansion House Plate and Lord Mayor’s Regalia, I relished the thought of a job in the country and a commute that was somewhat closer to home. I never thought that, from that cold morning in the winter of 1988, I would be here until I finally retired.

What has been the best part of your career?

The lasting relationships I’ve made over the years with colleagues, loyal customers and suppliers who have now become friends, are the most outstanding and rewarding memories of my time here.

You must have had your fair share of interesting customers – who’s walked through the door?

Over the years I’ve met some of Tunbridge Wells’ most colourful characters as clients to Payne & Son – not to mention any names, but there were the rich and the famous, the odd and the slightly crazy!

If you could take one piece of jewellery away with you, what would it be?

There’s so much to choose from! But if I could take a piece away with me today, it would be the blue sapphire and diamond cluster ring sitting in the window. The quality is simply lovely; a beautiful blue sapphire set off by stunning white diamonds.

Tell us about your hopes for the future of the company and the legacy you’re leaving behind I hope my experience and knowledge of the jewellery industry has been passed on to my other team members; it’s such a vast and interesting subject that I shall miss very much.

Payne & Son Clock House, 37 High Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1XL 01892 525 874 www.payneandson.com

A FEW OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS We quiz John on some of his top pastimes and preferences

Beer or wine?

Wine Book or TV? TV Home or away?

Away Cats or dogs?

Dogs Summer or winter?

Summer Favourite film?

War Horse Favourite place?

The Maldives

DECEMBER 2014

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~

BR ORA ~r

LUXURY SCOTTISH CASHMERE "\NOME N, MEN, CHILDRE N & BABIES

Victoria Stapleton FO UNDER & CREATIVE D IRECTOR

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THE LOOK

SO

beauty FILE

Take a peek in our cosmetics bag as we reveal our beauty favourites Tried & Tested... Our pick of the best beauty gifts for Christmas

VIKTOR & ROLF

AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES

BONBON EAU DE PARFUM GIFT SET £73

ULTIMATE BATH JEWELS £55

Bonbon is a deliciously fruity fragrance that combines orange, mandarin, peach, caramel, jasmine, gaic, cedar wood, sandalwood and woody amber. This gorgeous gift set features 50ml bottles of the Eau de Parfum, Shower Gel and Body Lotion.

Available from www.johnlewis.com

This is a real treat – all 10 of the award winning Bath and Shower Oils are presented together in one attractive set. From the divine Deep Relax to the invigorating Revive Morning, this is a must-have addition to any luxurious bathroom.

Available from www.aromatherapyassociates.com

ANDREA GARLAND

BLISS

BENECOS NAIL SET £25

Ideal for vegans and the ethical buyer, this all-natural nail gift set comprises three nail varnishes, a Natural Nail Care Pen to nourish your nails and cuticles, and an acetone-free Nail Polish Remover that cleanses without drying out your nails.

Available from www.benecos.co.uk

CLARISONIC

LIBERTY PRINT COMPACT MIRROR £30

BUTTAH-BLING! SPA SET £42

ARIA SKIN CLEANSER £155

Adorned in three beautiful Liberty fabrics – Chive Purple (pictured), Eliza’s Pink and Lagos Laurel – these elegant mirrors add instant class to your handbag. Each has both a normal mirror and a magnified one, ideal for all those beauty emergencies on the go.

Available from www.andreagarland.co.uk

Those who love pampering will be happy to find this collection of three 200ml body butters in their Christmas stocking.

In fragrances of lemon and sage, grapefruit and aloe, and orange and white pepper, these will leave your skin smooth and soft.

Available from www.blissworld.co.uk

Cleansing and stimulating the skin with its oscillating technology, the Clarisonic Aria is now available in a festive winterlace print. The device comes with a Luxe Cashmere Cleanse Facial Brush Head and a Refreshing Gel Cleanser, to help transform the skin’s texture.

Available from www.clarisonic.co.uk

LULU GUINNESS

NEAL’S YARD REMEDIES

Label fans can give their beauty products a designer twist with this quirky vanity case from a British fashion icon. Put this under the Christmas tree and your style conscious loved one will be happy all year long!

Available from www.hoopersstores.com

Clinically proven to reduce the appearance of lines, Frankincense Intense Cream uses plant stem cells from gardenia and a peptide complex to firm, tone and hydrate the skin.

This gift pack includes a 50g tub, plus 100ml Frankincense Cleanser and a muslin cloth.

Available from www.nealsyardremedies.com

CUT OUT LIPS STRIPE VANITY CASE £85

INTENSE GIFT PACK £65

DECEMBER 2014

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20/11/2014 16:33

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THE LOOK

SO

WHAT’S IN STORE FOR TUNBRIDGE WELLS?

T

wo interesting new developments are now offering a great beauty choice to shoppers in Tunbridge Wells. At Boots, the new Origins counter aims to provide an interactive experience for customers that is also ‘immersive, personalised and high-touch’.

The counter focuses on how the company, founded in 1990, sources ingredients from

around the world, takes them through the testing process and creates the final formulas.

Those who would like help to ‘follow the brand’s story’ can ask the Guides or you can explore the counter on your own with no sales pressure.

Origins are also offering a mini-facial area, where visitors can try out products and enjoy

a complimentary personalised skincare consultation, with free sampling pots to take away. And here’s a Christmas bonus – the counter offers a free giftwrapping service all year round, particularly helpful for those who are short on time or manual dexterity. www.origins.co.uk Meanwhile, over at Fenwick, Estée Lauder has launched a new AERIN counter.

Here, shoppers can browse the brand’s new Essentials range of makeup, which includes such goodies as the rich Rose Lip Conditioner (£20), Rose Hand and Body Cream (£36), Pretty Bronze Illuminating Powder (£34) and the Weekday and Weekend Palettes (£48 each). AERIN has also just added two new fragrances to its collection – Iris Meadow and Waterlily Sun join the existing range comprising Gardenia Rattan, Amber Musk, Lilac Path, Ikat Jasmine and Evening Rose (50ml, £85 each). These five scents are also now available as luxurious body creams (150ml, £40 each). www.esteelauder.co.uk/aerinbeauty

comb, pocket comb, moustache comb, boar’s hair brush, trimming scissors, Beardbrand Moustache Wax and a Beardbrand beard oil in one of three varieties.

The Tea Tree Kit’s priced at £130, while the Spiced Citrus and Tree Ranger kits cost £137 at www.selfridges.com For the man who can’t make up this mind, here’s a stocking filler that will provide a scent to suit his every mood next year.

The acclaimed masculine fragrances of Ermenegildo Zegna are a highly desirable gift at any time, so the Essenze Eau de Toilette Collection, featuring all six Essenze fragrances in 30ml bottles, is a real investment. He can choose from Sicilian Mandarin, Bergamot Harvest, Florentine Iris, Indonesian Oud, Javanese Patchouli and Haitian Vetiver – a snip at £180 for the set from www.johnlewis.com

GENT’S GROOMING

W

hen it comes to Christmas present ideas, high quality shaving kits and associated products are a great idea for the man in your life. Unless, of course, he’s of the hirsute persuasion – in which case fancy razors and brushes are a bust. That’s why Beardbrand have decided to show hairy chaps some festive love with a beautiful offering of their own. The Beardsman’s Kit comes in a fine black walnut box and includes a large

DECEMBER 2014

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SO FACE VALUE Feel and look divine this Christmas with a Pure Indulgence Facial (£68) at Knowle Grange Health Spa in Frant. This 90-minute sensory ritual begins with a relaxing back and chakra massage and oriental scalp massage, followed by deep cleansing, gentle exfoliation and a mask to refresh, renew and hydrate. Organic frankincense oil improves skin tone; a three-peptide complex and stem cells support collagen production, smooth lines and increase firmness and enhance skin’s strength and suppleness. Enjoy organic spa treatments that nourish your soul, rejuvenate you and revitalise your energy. Beautifully presented gift vouchers are available.

Knowle Grange Health Spa Wadhurst Road, Frant, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 9EJ 01892 750 761 www.knowlegrange.co.uk

PREP, POLISH AND PERFECT IT’S PARTY TIME AND WE ALL WANT TO LOOK OUR BEST, SO WE ASKED LOCAL BEAUTY EXPERTS TO REVEAL THEIR TOP TIPS ON HOW TO DAZZLE UNDER THE MISTLETOE

EXCELLENT ELECTROLYSIS The Country Cottage Clinic is a beautiful, tranquil and very discreet treatment clinic set in the beautiful East Sussex countryside. They specialise in Advanced Cosmetic Procedures using electrolysis.

This is the use of electrolysis to effectively treat a wide range of skin disorders and blemishes. Probably the least invasive way to treat many disorders, it is a safe and sensible choice. Results are often instantaneous, but some treatments do require a healing time. The winter months are the ideal time for skin treatments, as the sun is usually best avoided immediately following a treatment.

Sarah loves helping people look and feel their best and strongly believes that the emotional and psychological benefits that looking good can bring should not be underestimated.

Country Cottage Clinic East Cottage, Beech Green Lane, Withyham, East Sussex TN7 4DB 07770 693 951 sarah@countrycottageclinic.co.uk www.countrycottageclinic.co.uk

62

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P R O M O T I O N A L F E AT U R E

SO

STUNNING SKIN Prep your skin this festive season with anti-wrinkle injections such as Botox® – a safe, non-surgical treatment which smoothes and rejuvenates the skin by relaxing overactive muscles, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

Anti-wrinkle injections are amongst the most popular minimally invasive aesthetics procedures in the UK. Results are visible within days and normally last three to four months or longer.

Dr Johanna Ward, Medical Director of multi award winning The Skin and Body Clinic, advises: “Anti-wrinkle injections are a safe and effective way to smooth fine lines and boost your appearance. Research practitioners, ensuring you choose one who injects daily for best results.”

The Skin and Body Clinic 01732 462 844 enquiries@theskinclinic.org.uk www.theskinclinic.org.uk

CROWNING GLORY Whether you want your style to whisper, talk or shout for this party season, great conditioned hair has to be a priority.

At The Gallery we offer luxury Shu Uemura conditioning treatments prior to all styling services or after all colour services, to ensure your style is left with a deep shine that will be the envy of all your party pals. The treatments are priced at £20 and are a great addition to a cut and finish or a special party blow dry. We wish you a dazzling Gallery Christmas.

The Gallery 63-67 London Road, Southborough, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 0PA 01892 514 900 www.thegalleryhairandbeauty.co.uk

NAILING IT As the party season approaches, be tempted by the new Gwen Stefani Collection from OPI with midnight shades, decadent plums, illustrious metallics or more classic reds. At Knowle Grange Health Spa in Frant we offer a personalised service; if you feel you require a special colour to match your favourite party dress, we will order colours especially for you – you just need to let us know in advance.

OPI gel formula delivers a high gloss, flawless finish that dries in seconds and will last the whole festive season through. Enjoy a £10 discount when you book a gel manicure and pedicure together.

Knowle Grange Health Spa Wadhurst Road, Frant, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 9EJ 01892 750 761 www.knowlegrange.co.uk

DECEMBER 2014

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SO

FASHION RECYCLED

WISDOM COMMON S ENS E TELLS US THAT ....-W HEN YOU NEED A DENTIST YOU S HOULD CALL US

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SO

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ANTIQUE AND MODERN JEWELLERY

www.walshbros-jewellers.co.uk eMall. shop@walshbros-jewellers eo uk Tel: 01892 514519 Fax: 0'892 543865 16 Mount Pleasant Road, Tunbndge Wells Kent TN1 IOU

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20/11/2014 11:33

THE LOOK

SO

expert OPINION

ARE YOU FEELING SAD THIS WINTER?

Your ‘winter blues’ could be seasonal affective disorder – or ‘SAD’ for short.

Consultant psychiatrist Dr Aarohee Desai-Gupta explains how to recognise the condition and what you can do to lighten your mood

PA PHOTO

PA PHOTO/THINKSTOCKPHOTOS

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ow that the days are shorter and darker, many people understandably feel a bit miserable. But an estimated half a million of them aren’t just a little low – they have seasonal affective disorder. And that means their malaise could last from around now until April, when spring is in the air again.

For up to 2% of the UK population, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a seriously disabling psychiatric disorder that prevents them from functioning normally without medical treatment. Symptoms can include depression, extreme lethargy, sleep problems, overeating, anxiety, social problems, mood changes and loss of libido.

For a further 20%, it’s a milder, but still somewhat debilitating, form called subsyndromal SAD or, more commonly, ‘winter blues’. While symptoms include low mood, and sleep and eating problems, full-blown depression and anxiety tend to be absent or mild.

While the exact cause of SAD is still unknown, it’s thought to be linked to a biochemical imbalance in the brain, due to the shortening of daylight hours and the lack of sunlight in winter.

One theory is that light stimulates a part of the brain called the hypothalamus, which controls mood, sleep and appetite. In people with SAD, lack of sunlight may prevent the hypothalamus from working properly, increasing the production of the hormone melatonin, which helps you sleep, and reducing the production of the hormone serotonin, a neurotransmitter thought to contribute to feelings of wellbeing and happiness. The lack of sunlight may also disturb circadian rhythms (the body’s internal clock).

Consultant psychiatrist Dr Aarohee Desai-Gupta says SAD patients tend to be extremely sleepy and lethargic with an excessive appetite, compared to people with typical depression, who lack an appetite and

often can’t sleep.

While antidepressants and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help, she says bright light also works well.

Light therapy, involving daily exposure to very bright light, at least 10 times the intensity of normal domestic lighting, has been shown to help in up to 85% of diagnosed SAD cases.

“One of the theories about the cause of SAD is a change in circadian rhythms,” explains Dr Desai-Gupta. “The body’s internal clock fails to adjust to the change in the length of the day and reduced light, and as a result, the serotonin and melatonin levels in the brain change. So exposure to bright light in the dark hours may help the body clock get back to normal and thus reduce some of the SAD symptoms.”

She points out that while people with severe SAD, which can impact on their work, relationships and social life, need to visit their GP and start treatment, there’s plenty that those with milder forms of the condition can do to help themselves. This includes vigorous exercise, like brisk walking for 25 to 30 minutes per day, eating a healthy diet – rich in protein, salads and fruits, rather than comfort foods like biscuits and crisps – and getting outside during the day as much as possible.

The doctor also suggests having structure to the day and trying to make exciting social plans, adding: “Having something to look forward to during the winter months can help.”

Light boxes can also help – these cost around £100 and the affected person can work or read as normal while sitting in front of them. The length of time a light box is used varies from person to person, but can be as little as half an hour, once or twice a day. Most reputable light box companies will offer a free trial so you can see if it works before buying.

For more information visit www.sada.org.uk DECEMBER 2014

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Cobden House Medical Centre 25 London Road Tunbridge Wells Kent TN1 1DA 01892 22 22 22 www.rtwskin.co.uk

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SO

{ LIFE&STYLE }

SOME OF THE BEST WAYS TO ENHANCE YOUR HOME AND LIFESTYLE THIS MONTH

ICON ROOFS Is your conservatory too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter?

With over 50 years’ combined experience in the conservatory business, the directors of iCon know a thing or two about temperature differences and how to solve the problems many people experience.

We pride ourselves on carrying out conservatory and building work to the highest standard with all work undertaken by fully trained staff, giving you total peace of mind. We also promise to give potential customers a free, no-obligation quotation along with no-nonsense

conservatory roofing and insulated ceiling advice. iCon Roofs can either install a new highly insulated lightweight complete replacement roof, refurbish your existing roof or provide an insulated under ceiling that reduces the level of heat conductance found in an unaltered roof, making it vastly more efficient in matching the temperatures found in the rest of your home.

0800 003 355 www.iconroofs.com

COUNTRY HOUSE FINDERS Heather Cernis is MD of Country House Finders, offering buyers a unique, professional house-finding service.

“It should be easy to find a house, shouldn’t it — just register online and wait for email alerts. Property websites can be an excellent way to search for houses; however, they’re not necessarily effective for everyone. My clients confidently expect to learn of opportunities well before they hit the portals. This year, 80% of the houses they purchased were not in the open market.

Sourcing the right house and negotiating the best price is only part of the job. Just as

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important is helping clients navigate the complex path to exchange of contracts. This is where 20 years’ experience in conveyancing and seven as a house-finder are invaluable, in pre-empting and handling potential dealbreakers. Recent challenges include managing disappointing surveys/valuations, resolving missing planning/building regulations consents, exploring legal issues and preventing a chain collapse. If your dream home isn’t dropping into your inbox, it may be worth having an informal, no-obligation chat.” heather@countryhousefinders.co.uk 01435 865 658 / 07747 588 777

DECEMBER 2014

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LIFE AND STYLE

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KITCH Kitch loves autumn/winter and this one even more so, as we celebrate our 10-year anniversary! The evenings may be getting darker and the mornings frostier, but what better excuse to update your wardrobe with a pair of our beautiful Alpe boots, a Day Birger et Mikkelsen chunky knit jumper (such as the North jumper shown, £299) or one of our gorgeous new Charlotte Simone fur popsicles?

There are so many wonderful winter pieces to choose from, you’ll soon be embracing the colder weather.

1 High Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1UL 01892 513 613 www.kitchclothing.co.uk

JOSEPH MCCARTHY FINE FRAMES Joseph McCarthy have been designing and making bespoke mirrors, frames and overmantels, in both traditional and contemporary styles, for over 30 years. We create mirrors that sit in perfect harmony with the surroundings, bringing a sense of space, light and animation to a room whilst also creating a beautiful focal point and a piece to treasure forever. Please browse our website for inspiration.

68 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5TN 01892 527 528 www.josephmccarthy.co.uk

THE POT COMPANY Bring some much needed warmth and light to your garden this winter with a stunning corten steel burner from The Pot Company. Corten steel, also known as weathering steel, develops a striking rust appearance featuring warm rich textures not normally offered by metal. The burners, which are hand-worked

in Europe, are available in sizes ranging from 60cm to a stand-out 1.5m.

Prices start at £69.99. For more information and to see the full range of planters, burners, ovens and water features, please visit www.thepotco.com or call us on 01892 890 353.

DECEMBER 2014

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Business Reflections As the year draws to a close, we ask local businesses to look back on how they fared over the course of the last 12 months. Here they shed light on the challenges, triumphs and developments encountered in 2014 ALEXANDRE BOYES BUSINESS TYPE: Estate Agent NAME: Dan Boyes, Partner How would you describe the 2014 property market?

This year has been fantastic and a lot of fun.

The spring and summer markets were fastpaced, with many properties selling in excess of the asking price and, while the autumn market has subsided, the sales are still being agreed, although understandably at a slower rate.

What has that meant for your business?

It’s growing rapidly due to the interaction we have within the three disciplines of sales,

MADDISONS RESIDENTIAL BUSINESS TYPE: Estate Agent NAME: Deborah Richards, Managing Partner

How would you describe the 2014 property market?

This year has proved to be the ‘year to move’, with HMRC reporting higher transaction levels when compared to the same period last year.

This increase has largely been due to improved consumer confidence, caused by consistently

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low interest rates and combined with improved economic data after several years of uncertainty.

Looking more locally, the traditional busy periods of the spring and autumn were very strong. We all know of London’s incredible property boom, which led to many buyers seeking better affordability out of town.

This helped fuel Kent’s increased asking prices, with September’s average initial selling price being 0.9% higher than the previous month. This was the first time such a rise had happened since 2011; an indication that pent up demand remained strong, despite the summer lull and the uncertainty caused by the Scottish Vote for Independence. Indeed, in October the South East overtook London as having the highest annual price rises (up 10% against London’s 9.6%).

What has that meant for your business?

A really great year! Although the improved confidence persuaded some sellers who had been wanting to move for a while to list their property, instruction levels were still lower than normal. So, sound advice on the marketing and presentation of a property resulted in fabulous prices being achieved for many.

As an agent, you’re entrusted with such an important role that to sell a property for a good

lettings and block management; we offer advice that few can match in the town. As always, we’re looking for new ways to market properties and are currently looking at drone technology for the coming year.

Where are local property prices right now?

The market is probably around 5% down on its peak back in the spring, but I wouldn’t say that’s unusual for the season.

48 Mount Ephraim, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 8AU 01892 525 522 www.alexandre-boyes.co.uk

price to a good buyer as quickly as possible is always incredibly rewarding.

Where are local property prices right now?

Certainly still strong, but there is definitely a slow-down, with mortgage approvals and house price growth reducing. There is a final push from those buyers who want to be in their new home before Christmas, but generally the rise in sellers has seen power returning to buyers, giving them more choice and negotiating power.

Despite this, many properties are still priced at the optimistic springtime highs, in part due to unrealistic vendor expectations. There are real dangers in over-pricing; the market is so transparent that prospective buyers can easily gauge if your property is correctly priced and whether they will therefore want to view it.

A property has its highest chance of securing an offer when it’s first listed to the market, so it’s much better to price a property realistically, build a good level of interest from a number of buyers and then see if the price can be pushed up.

Royal Victoria House, 51-55 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5TE Tel: 01892 514 100 www.maddisonsresidential.co.uk

DECEMBER 2014

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BUSINESS REFLECTIONS

ILSE JACOBSEN BUSINESS TYPE: Womenswear NAME: Sharron Parris, Owner

What were the key looks that stamped themselves on 2014?

The main trends of the Ilse Jacobsen collection embrace relaxed luxury and smart-casual, related closely to the Scandinavian lifestyle and Ilse’s roots in her hometown of Hornbaek, which has a beautiful small harbour and a white sandy beach. The year started with our stylish, yet practical waterproof coats and comfortable rubber boots, which sold like hotcakes, allowing our customers to stay dry in the typical British weather.

Ilse Jacobsen has incorporated several of the strong key fashion trends for 2014. We opened the year with the spring/summer 2014 collection of hot pink, coral, oranges, greens, blues and aqua, all in our wash and wear noniron maxi and short dresses, dressed up for

weddings and parties and dressed down for daywear, with a casual cardigan or hoody and our trendsetting glitter flip flops – watch out for the new colours arriving in store in March next year. Finally, in July and August we kept cool in white embroided dresses and tops, teamed off with neon or neutral footwear.

Moving into autumn/winter, our colour blocks were reds and wines, tan-brown, teal-blue and black with a flash of orange. We’ve loved the various animal prints, both obvious and subtle; animal printed trousers worn with block colour tops is a real statement! The dresses are always sassy, finished off with ‘key jewellery pieces’.

Our iconic soft fabric dresses come in four shapes to suit every woman and work hard in any wardrobe. With key pieces, you can dress up or down, day or evening like a chameleon!

Our wool plaid dresses come in three styles as a homage to Vivien Westwood’s style, icon and personality. Another fashion trend that can be found in the Ilse Jacobsen collection is the bling and crystal trim on footwear, such as Chelsea boots and our Pieszak jeans, which are a great fit with a sporty crystal stripe down the legs. We’ve sold out of our fabulous camouflage jeans with varsity tops and down jackets, worn with short rubber army boots – Private Benjamin eat your heart out!

How did your business evolve during the year?

This is our first year in Tunbridge Wells and I can honestly say I’m loving it. We’ve continued to grow month by month, with a band of loyal customers who have become great friends and enjoy the warm welcome from all our staff.

We’ve been joined by many visitors from areas such as East Sussex, Surrey, Essex and London and even some of our foreign buddies from the

north. We’ve also welcomed people from as far afield as America, Canada, Australia and India.

But it would be wrong not to mention the many Scandinavians who’ve settled in the area and were pleased to find a brand they were familiar with from home.

Our new project opening in the next few weeks will be our menswear shop in our basement. Sticking with the Scandi theme, we’ve sourced a Swedish brand, Park Lane (a Scandinavian take on Gant, Hackett, Ralph Lauren etc.), so we look forward to serving the other halves in the near future. We will also be adding Ilse by Ilse Jacobsen, which is an awardwinning collection of face creams, body lotions, shampoos and wellbeing products, designed and developed for Ilse’s lovely luxury spa that she has opened in Hornbaek (the same week we opened in Tunbridge Wells).

For you, what were the highlights of the year?

It’s so hard to pick out highlights, as almost daily we find an exciting new experience. We had some lovely styling evenings with local stylist Lynne Meek, helped along with some nice bubbles and nibbles and it was great to celebrate our first birthday, where we marked the occasion with some Champagne and Maltesers (I know, a bit off the wall, but they’re my favourites!).

But the main highlight has been seeing so many of our customers happy now that they’ve discovered Ilse Jacobsen and our friendly, helpful and happy store!

6 High Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1UX 01892 537 241 www.ilsejacobsen.com DECEMBER 2014

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SO THE GALLERY HAIR AND BEAUTY BUSINESS TYPE: Hair and Beauty Salon NAME: Lorenzo Colangelo, Managing Director

What were the key trends in hair and beauty in 2014?

Throughout the seasons in 2014 we’ve seen Raw Beauty and Boho Bronze being huge in the spring/summer collections; Raw Beauty has been great as it involves minimum styling and more attention to quality products.

This suited us down to a tee at The Gallery as we have always promoted quality products

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such as Shu Uemura and Kerastase. We saw models from Christopher Kane and Guido Palau simply blow-dried and let onto the catwalk with minimal styling, from a simple oil to tame frizz.

We adore Shu Uemura Essence Absolu for this – it’s simply, in our opinion, the best hair oil on the market.

In autumn/winter we’re seeing more of the same in terms of natural styling and beauty, however long lash extensions are still ever popular in the salon; there’s been a sporty, healthy vibe in the mix. For hair, ballerina buns returned to the spotlight, while cornrows made an unexpected appearance at Alexander McQueen, Marchesa and DKNY.

amazing and is a must for those who are feeling that their hair is thinning through age or just lacking the lustre it once had. It’s definitely the product range of the autumn/ winter season for us at The Gallery.

How did your business respond to those trends?

At The Gallery we’ve always loved natural and simple styling for all of our customers, but never ignoring the need for a bit of glamour.

We have a team of special occasion hairstylists and one of the best make-up artists in the industry, dealing with some of the most beautiful and simple to the most incredible weddings and party events.

Which brands brought revolutionary products to the market?

L’oreal are great supporters of The Gallery and have launched some amazing hair thickening products called Serioxyl. The difference made to fine and autumnal thinning hair has been

67 London Road, Southborough, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 9AP Tel: 01892 514 900 www.thegalleryhairandbeauty.co.uk

DECEMBER 2014

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WE’RE RECRUITING! ONE MEDIA, THE PUBLISHERS OF SO MAGAZINES AND NATIONAL CONTRACT TITLES, ARE SET TO EXPAND WITH THE LAUNCH OF OTHER EXCITING PUBLICATIONS AND ARE LOOKING FOR THE FOLLOWING STAFF:

EDITORS with at least five years experience at a senior level in magazines or newspapers JOURNALISTS with a minimum of three years’ experience in magazines or newspapers DESIGNERS with a minimum of three years’ experience with artwork/page layout and design PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATORS with proven experience at chasing advertising and editorial copy FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHERS with a magazine or news background

Terms and conditions, including salaries, will be in line with industry guidelines.

All positions are based in Tunbridge Wells.

To register an interest please email or send your CV in confidence to lmilan@markerstudy.com or by mail to Lara Milan, Markerstudy Leisure, Longford House, 19 Mount Ephraim Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1 EN

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ADVERTORIAL

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See in 2015 on The Pantiles Visitors and locals of Tunbridge Wells will be celebrating in style on New Year’s Eve, as the charity fundraising event Hug-Many heads to the town’s picturesque promenade. Generating much needed funds for two local charities, it promises to be a night to remember, as we find out here

K

ent’s biggest public New Year’s Eve celebration is being held in Tunbridge Wells, with people being invited to see in 2015 on The Pantiles.

Hug-Many is a family friendly event that will include great live bands, DJs, a piper to pipe in the New Year and fireworks at midnight.

The headline act has been confirmed as the highly popular Blues Brothers Little Brother, a 12-piece Blues Brothers Tribute Act. There will be heated marquees to keep the weather at bay and plenty of refreshments to keep revellers warm, with food stalls, mulled wine and hot chestnuts planned, as well as other food and drink available from the many bars and restaurants on The Pantiles.

All the proceeds from Hug-Many will go to the Hospice in the Weald and the Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre in the town. It’s the brainchild of Ian Andrew, who lives off Broadwater Down.

“For many people with life-threatening

illnesses, a hug can make all the difference, so we want the people of Tunbridge Wells to come together for a fantastic New Year’s Eve celebration and share as many hugs as possible as 2015 arrives,” he says. “In the process, we aim to raise £10,000 for these fantastic charities that do so much for people in and around Tunbridge Wells.”

“The hotels, bars and restaurants are delighted to be supporting this fantastic event,” continues Julian Leefe-Griffiths, who owns The Tunbridge Wells Hotel. “It will bring a great atmosphere to The Pantiles and give an amazing focus to Tunbridge Wells for New Year’s Eve that is long overdue. It promises to be a brilliant evening with fabulous music and dancing, great food and drink and a piper and fireworks at midnight – and with the heated marquees, we’re covered, whatever the weather. It will be an amazing way to see in 2015 with friends and family.”

Among those helping pull the event

together is Siobhan Stirling, of Sterling Words Content Marketing and PR agency: “I was delighted to help out when Ian approached me. It’s going to be a fantastic event raising money for fabulous charities. Having lived in Tunbridge Wells most of my life, I know it’s just what the town needs to see in the New Year in festive style.”

Hug-Many The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, Kent December 31 2014 8pm – 12:30am Entry: £6 at the gates. Children aged 12 and under free. www.hug-many.co.uk DECEMBER 2014

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21/11/2014 11:38

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EWYEARS EVE GO RMET DINNEI\__ WITH MUSIC FROM PIANIST STEVE BARNS ENJOY A LUXURY 6 COURSE GOURMET MENU AND A GLASS OF BUBBLY AT MIDNIGHT

MENU AMUSE BOUCHE Wild mushroom risotto and parsnip, served with thyme ice cream

STARTER Lobster scallop salad with caviar mousseline Tomato consomme and chevial (V)

MAIN COURSE Loin of venison wrapped in pancetta, topped with a sloe gin blackberry glaze and served with blue cheese gratin, French beans, baby glazed carrots Goat's cheese and roasted cauliflower mille feuille Butternut puree, cashew nut salad (V)

DESSERT Trio of mango: parfait, de/ice and crumble Selection of cheese and biscuits Fair trade tea/co_ffee and mints Glass of bubbly to toast at midnight

Salomons Estate, Broomhill Road, Southborough, Royal

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EVENT

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the SOCIAL scene These are the pages in the magazine where we focus on events and happenings across the Tunbridge Wells. If you would like your special occasion to be featured just let us know at info@onemediauk.co.uk

LADIES WHO LUNCH A group of women (and the occasional man!) gathered at High Rocks for a charity event in aid of Burrswood Hospital. Among those in attendance were the Mayor of Tunbridge Wells Cllr Julian Stanyer and his wife Anne (left) who have chosen Burrswood as their mayoral charity. Guests enjoyed a drinks reception before sitting down to a two-course lunch. After the meal, there was a speech from Jo Hardy, (right) who is currently Miss Tunbridge Wells and has also appeared on BBC2â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Young Vets.

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SOCIAL

WHAT A BIRTHDAY BASH! Supporters of Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre joined the volunteers to celebrate a decade of ‘turning tears into smiles’ with a 10th birthday party that raised the rafters at Salomons in Tunbridge Wells – and at the same time generated around £40,000 for the charity. Among the highlights was an auction of two Suzuki Altos donated by Lifestyle Motor Group. They went for £10,000 each. The Blues Brothers Little Brother, Bloco Fogo, singers Charlotte and Lorraine, Shades disco and host Mike Osman all donated their time to help make it a memorable night. Adding to the fun were the Rat Pack and comedian Chris Turner.

Chairman of the Pickering Board of Trustees Richard Moore thanked all those who worked tirelessly to keep the doors of the centre open and went on to pay a special tribute to co-founder Polly Taylor. He described her as a “unique character” who in his view was “the most inspirational person in this town.” Polly herself told the audience that each and every one of them was special. Without their support there would be no centre to help those whose lives have been touched by cancer.

Pictures by David Bartholomew Photography www.davidbartholomew.co.uk

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FOOTBALL GETS FANCY The Tenterden Tigers celebrated their seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success in style when a black tie ball was held at the London Beach Hotel in the town. Organised to raise funds for the football club, the evening consisted of dinner, drinks and dancing as well as a touch of magic from a local conjuror.

Guests included those associated with the club and other local VIPs. There was also a raffle held with prizes including a TV, sparkling wine and a hamper of food and drink.

DECEMBER 2014

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CHARITY’S NEW CENTRE IS FULL OF HOPE Tunbridge Wells charity Tree of Hope had a successful evening when they unveiled their new centre in Camden Road. The event saw charity workers and local residents come together to celebrate the new centre.

It combines two treatment and therapy rooms for disabled children and mothers, a shop selling children’s clothes and toys and a coffee shop run by Javabean. Tree of Hope helps sick and disabled children and their families. www.treeofhope.org.uk

DECEMBER 2014

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Tree of Hope is registered in Eng land and Wales as a charitable company limited by guarantee Charity No: 1149254 and registered as a charity in Scotland No SC042611 Registered Office: 43a Little Mount Sion, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TNl 1 YP

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EVENT

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CHRISTMAS ALL WRAPPED UP Over £6,700 was raised for Cancer Research when a charity Christmas fair was held in Westerham. Broadcaster Nicholas Owen opened the event, giving a speech on how his life has been touched by cancer and the importance of the work Cancer Research does. Two floors of the Grasshopper Inn were filled with stalls selling everything from jewellery to cakes and crafts and there were plenty of Christmas gift ideas. “This is the most we’ve ever raised at our Christmas fair,” says Debbie Innes, one of the organisers.

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BARNARDO’S BRINGS CHRISTMAS TO BENENDEN Locals jumped at the chance to get some stocking fillers and seasonal gifts when Barnardo’s held their annual Christmas Present Fair in Benenden. The fair, which took place in the Village Hall, was packed all day with locals hoping to find some unique gifts. As well as home-made jewellery, fine foods and clothing for sale, there were refreshments and a raffle to raise money for the charity.

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BURRELLS Burrells hosted the launch of Tudor watches on Wednesday 19th November with 100 VIPs being treated to Champagne, cocktails & canapĂŠs. They were joined by Sven Olsen, UK General Manager of Tudor and a surprise visit by Head of Rolex, Richard de Leyser. A fantastic evening enjoyed by all.

Photography: Phil Glover

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ALL ABOARD THE BEER TRAIN Pints of fun were had when the Spa Valley Railway in Tunbridge Wells held their annual CAMRA beer festival. For the fourth year running the three-day event saw hundreds of visitors attending to sample beers and ciders from across the country.

The event coincided with the railwayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Diesel Heritage Day and as well as sampling the drinks, some guests took trips on the trains before returning to enjoy more beer, live music and Morris dancing.

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SEVENOAKS MAYOR SPICES THINGS UP Cllr Simon Raikes and his wife Christine welcomed guests to the Raj Bari restaurant in Sevenoaks fora charity curry evening. The event, which was heldto raise money for Mencap Sevenoaks and the Royal British Legion Sevenoaks saw over 30 guests join into network and enjoy food, drink and a DJ set.

Among those who went along were the Mayor and Mayoress of Ashford, John and Jill Link and Chairman of the Wealden District Council Brian Redman.

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A NIGHT AT THE NURSERY Local residents and Wealden business owners enjoyed an evening of socialising when a drinks reception was held at King Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nursery in Etchingham.

Hosted in the nursery shed, the event saw guests enjoying fine wines and canapĂŠs while they mingled. Outside, lanterns lined the pathways and fires were lit to keep the ambience. During the evening, owners Harry & Harry Cunningham discussed their success so far and their plans for the business.

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FOCUS ON CRAFTS Some of the best professional artists and contemporary designers came together for a weekend when Sevenoaks School hosted the annual Craft in Focus fair. 2014 marked the 10th anniversary of the organisation staging its event at the school and as a result the event was bigger than ever with two floors full of unique designs.

Exhibitors displayed their home-made and hand crafted wares and the halls were packed with visitors looking to buy some bespoke Christmas gifts.

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TOP OF THE CROPS After a bumper grape yield this year, Chapel Down vineyard near Tenterden threw a ‘harvest supper’ to salute their success. Held in the Swan restaurant, staff and local figures of the community were invited to celebrate with a warming winter meal and of course, plenty of wine. The company’s CEO Frazer Thompson delivered a speech where he gave thanks and raised a glass to all who had contributed to their 2014 accomplishments.

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PHOTO SHOOT A monthly round up of socials and other events across our part of the world

FUNNY FUNDRAISING Over £1,400 was raised for Crowborough charity TaylorMade Dreams when the charity’s patron comedian John Bishop encouraged his audience to dig deep at a recent gig in Brighton.

When Suzi Mitchell’s son Taylor passed away from a terminal condition in 2011 she vowed to raise funds to help other young people fulfil their dreams.

“I received an email via my website about a young boy called Taylor who was unfortunately terminally ill, “ says John. “He was asked to write his bucket list and he wanted to meet me. We arranged to meet in Nottingham and I could see what

a bubbly person he was and how he was approaching what was coming ahead. Being a patron of something that is, if you like, a smaller charity is possibly more rewarding because it can have a big impact.”

Before he took to the stage, Suzi presented John with the charity’s Christmas single, It’s Christmas Time by the Acoustic Revebs, while he spoke of his passion for the charity and the work it does. He invited Suzi and the charity’s trustees to come to the show and during his set he talked about Taylor Made Dreams and his involvement.

It’s Christmas Time is available to download from iTunes now or visit www.taylormadedreams.net Pictures by Sarah Bond

Taylor-Made Dreams supportors pass around the buckets

SPICE GIRLS Students from the Sackville School in East Grinstead held a curry evening at Bengal Village in Forest Row to raise money for a forthcoming trip India. Hannah Karpel, 15, and her friends plan to visit the country in 2016 as part of a World Challenge team and need to each raise £4,000 to get them there. The curry night was the first in a series of events the girls are holding in order to fund their trip. During the evening guests enjoyed a spicy buffet and entertainment in the form of a quiz.

MAKING A MARK Volunteers braved the winter weather and headed to Grosvenor and Hilbert Park in Tunbridge Wells to plan their new project. The group gathered in the grounds to begin marking out the new orchard, which is being planted as part of the lottery funded regeneration project. After the hard graft of the helpers, the field will be ready for the first trees to be planted at the beginning of December during National Tree Week.

During the day the group learned about soil and tree species and also sampled some local fruit juices. www.fogh.org.uk DECEMBER 2014

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FASHION MONSTERS Unusual characters were spotted in Tunbridge Wells recently, when some large, colourful monsters appeared at Wellington Rocks. The creatures, which were made entirely of fabric, pulled in quite a crowd as people gathered to watch them clambering over the rocks. Called the ‘social fashion monsters’, they are a creation by artist Ana Cortada. “My idea for the collection comes from the observation of the world,” she tells us.

“It tries to break standard rhythms, colours and shapes that suggest a trend of primitive expressions to propose new ways of interpreting fashion.”

GALLERY GATHERING A successful show of art and fashion was held by local artist Nicola Colbran at Smallhythe Studio, a new art gallery run by Debbie Hynard and Rowena McWilliams near Tenterden. Visitors were able to find outfits and accessories at the studio. The gallery will be running a series of shows and exhibitions over the winter with the next, Silver taking place during December. It will be a showcase of paintings, ceramics, sculpture and silver by 20 local artists. www.smallhythestudio.com

IT’S SHOWTIME Celebrities, local VIPs and guests enjoyed a sparkling night of dinner and dancing at charity ChYps’ ‘Showtime’ black tie event, held at the Salomons Estate in Southborough. TV star Cheryl Ferguson, who is a patron for the charity, was in attendance, while Kaddy-Lee Preston compered the event.

After a three-course meal an auction was held, with over £11,000 being raised for the charity. There were performances by The Voice’s Jamie Johnson and 90s star Angie Brown, while Eastenders star Tony Discipline also made an appearance.

Pictures by David Bartholomew www.davidbartholomew.co.uk

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SAINSBURY’S STYLE Fashion met fundraising when Sainsbury’s in Otford held a ‘style and colour’ event. House of Colour Consultant Amanda Richardson was on hand to give guests advice on how to re-work their current wardrobes and which new purchases would update their look. As well as being treated to drinks and nibbles, invitees were able to indulge in some pampering, with Indian head massages, manicures, pedicures and hair styling all on offer. During the event £400 was raised for the store’s chosen mental health charity, Sevenoaks Area Mind. www.sevenoaksareamind.org.uk

AWESOME ASTONS CHARITY CHRISTMAS Cards for Good Causes, an organisation which sells Christmas cards on behalf of charities, brought festive cheer to Tunbridge Wells when it launched a pop-up shop on Mount Ephraim. The store was opened by Bargain Hunt’s James Braxton and will be in business until December 20.

“Not only are Christmas cards an important source of funding for charities, they also help to raise awareness of their work,” says the store’s co-manager Don Rossiter.” The shop is staffed by volunteers and sells cards for more than 25 national and local charities, including Help for Heroes and the Children’s Society.

Petrol heads enjoyed a day of driving and challenges when the Ultimate Evolution Tour came to Lancaster Aston Martin Sevenoaks. Guests were invited to feel the speed and become James Bond by driving one of the latest models, including the Rapide S and Vanquish, before attempting to beat each other’s scores and win a prize competing in a full-scale prototype Gran Turismo 6 driving challenge. Festive treats were supplied too, while guests were able to view the other vehicles in the range.

LIVING LEGENDS To commemorate war veterans and some influential celebrities, body sculptor Louise Giblin from Tunbridge Wells unveiled her Lest We Forget/Living Legends collection of sculptures at gallery DIFFERENT in London. Louise, who is famed for making sculptures of Olympians, revealed her collection of brass hand prints of war veterans and head casts of stars such as Michael Portillo. She also showed a full body cast of Heather Mills, who was invited to open the exhibition.

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ADVERTORIAL

LIVE WELL AT HOME FOR LONGER Providing a fully managed homecare service, The Good Care Group offers 24-hour live-in, day care and respite service, delivered by employed and expertly trained carers. We hear how the group’s success, led by Fiona Lowry CEO, is driven by a quest for quality care in familiar surroundings

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he prospect of one day moving her father to a care home filled Fiona Lowry with dread. Her father had lived in two houses for all his life and, having watched her grandmother go downhill very quickly after going into a care home with dementia in 1998, Fiona moved on from a successful business career at the BBC and in the private sector to concentrate on elderly care.

She felt people should have the opportunity to stay at home for as long as they want and deserve a trusted service with carers who can support them in a professional way. She founded the Good Care Group in 2009, with a vision to become the leading provider of high quality homecare services that enable people to live well in their home for longer and avoid

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the stress of moving into residential care.

Fiona’s ambition was to establish an organisation that was able to professionalise homecare and lead the way in the care sector.

The Good Care Group’s first office was opened in London in 2009 and they now cover the UK with teams from Scotland to the South Coast of England, winning industry awards along the way.

“I am very proud of the many industry accolades The Good Care Group has won in recognition of the high quality homecare we provide,” says Fiona. “In the past four years we have won, and been shortlisted for, more healthcare awards than any other UK homecare provider.

“These prestigious awards recognise not only our high standards of quality care in the home, but the innovation and

expertise we have in developing services that drive up standards and deliver improved outcomes for those we provide our service to.”

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Dear Debbie DEBBIE MOULTON, CARE MANAGER OF BLUEBIRD CARE, OFFERS HER ADVICE

Dear Debbie, I live overseas and this winter I will be unable to visit my elderly mother who lives on her own. As the weather is getting colder I was wondering if you could provide me with some advice to pass on to Mum on how to deal with the colder climate?

Yours sincerely, Marie-Ann B

Dear Marie-Ann, As the weather starts to get colder, people need to prepare for the winter with some simple steps to stay warm and safe. Last winter was one of the coldest on record and with the threat of another severe winter Bluebird Care is urging everyone to think WARMTH this winter.

WRAP UP indoors and outdoors. Wearing extra layers indoors can help you keep warm. If you need to go outside, sturdy shoes with good grip or attachable grips to wear over your shoes can help prevent falls, and an insulated waterproof coat will help keep you warm and dry.

ALERT Keep an eye on the weather forecast and stock up with nutritious food and speak to your GP about medicine in advance of a cold snap. If you have vulnerable neighbours, try and check up on them during cold weather.

RISK Minimise the risk of falls or becoming ill by taking the weather into account when you plan activity when severe weather is forecast. Plan ahead for the cold weather by talking to your GP about getting a flu jab, and talking to your neighbours about clearing snow in front of your home.

MONEY Winter bills can be very expensive. Make sure that you’re receiving all of the benefits you’re eligible for. In addition to the Winter Fuel Payments (Helpline 0845 915 1515), if it gets very cold you could be entitled to additional Cold Weather Payments (Helpline 0800 731 7898).

If you have internet, see also www.gov.uk/browse/benefits/heating TEMPERATURE Keep your bedroom heated to 18°C (64°F) and your living room around 21°C (70°F). If you prefer to heat just your living room during the day, to keep you warm through the night, try heating your bedroom just before you go to sleep.

HOT MEALS One hot meal a day and hot drinks throughout the day can help to keep you warm. Eating nutritious food regularly can help to keep up your energy levels and support your immune system in the cold weather.

Kind Regards, Debbie Moulton Care Manager, Bluebird Care

If you have a question that you would like to ask Debbie then please email her at debbie@bluebirdcare.co.uk DECEMBER 2014

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WHY SEPARATION AND DIVORCE CAN BE A CIVILISED AFFAIR If you are experiencing the anxiety and loss of a relationship ending and suffering sleepless nights worrying about the future, you are not alone.

Almost 50% of all marriages end in divorce and for many it can be the most traumatic time in their lives. Months and sometimes years are spent deciding whether to separate and then when the decision has been made it can take an age to pluck up the courage to take action. Emotions run high and delays are usually down to fear of the unknown and what life will be like after the separation, not to mention how you’ll cope financially and what you’ll tell the kids.

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MEMORIES OF

Christmas Past So, the advent calendar has started its countdown and it won’t be long before we’re all rocking around the Christmas tree. For the last few days of 2014, we’ll be watching festive television at a time to suit us on our digital recorders, sending Christmas greetings via email and social media, and streaming carols on our MP3 players. Children will be unwrapping iPads, PlayStation 4s and talking dolls that can synchronise with their smartphones, while adults start their Boxing Day shopping online instead of queuing around the block.

How times have changed over the years... Here, we take a breather from the holiday preparations to look back over the decades and remember some ghosts of Christmas Past. Join us as we stroll down a snowy Memory Lane to recall the top toys and Christmas number ones that entertained us in days gone by, the extreme Wealden weather that ‘enlivened’ the festive period and some seasonal trivia with which to amuse your loved ones over the turkey.

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MAGIC ON THE ICE In 1909 – the year that Tunbridge Wells received its Royal prefix – the town celebrated with the opening of a magnificent ice rink in Culverden Down. Located on the former site of the Down Lane football ground, the grandly named American Skating Palace was six times larger than the Pump Room, yet it was still overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of people who turned up on its opening day on

November 1. With morning sessions free, afternoon skating priced at 1s and tickets for the evening costing 6d, it was a hugely popular attraction.

On December 15, it was the setting for a festive fancy dress carnival that attracted 1,000 spectators and the revelry carried on in the High Street until 2am. There was more frosty fun on New Year’s Eve when skaters were invited to

enjoy a ‘Grand Skating Cinderella’. Evening dress was compulsory until 10pm, although ladies were advised that it would probably be safer not to wear a train. Meanwhile, Tonbridge Council came under pressure from envious residents to ignore the restrictions of local by-laws and create their own rink in the town.

Source: Tunbridge Wells in 1909 by Chris Jones

Evening dress was compulsory until 10pm, although ladies were advised that it would probably be safer not to wear a train

DR JACK GILLETT

Tenterden High Street sometime between 1900 and 1910

CHRISTMAS IN TOYLAND Every parent knows that whilst Christmas is a magical time that creates unforgettable memories with their little ones, securing that year’s must-have toy can be a stressful task.

The prospect of disappointed faces around the tree on Christmas morning is just too much to bear, which is why the week before Christmas accounts for six per cent of the UK’s annual toy sales – worth a staggering £2.9billion in total – as desperate parents struggle to track down that elusive item.

This year, industry experts predict that My Friend Cayla (priced at around £60) – an interactive talking doll that can answer your child’s questions using Bluetooth wireless technology – will be at the top of every little girl’s wish list. The Kiddizoom Smart Watch (around £40) and the Teksta T-Rex (around £60) are also highly ranked, along with a blast from the past, the Transformers Stomp N Chomp (£90).

But what coveted novelties were you delighted to see in your stocking as a child? Here is a selection of the most popular Christmas toys over the last six decades; do you remember playing with any of these or buying them for your children?

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2009

Peppa Pig Princess’s Palace

1984

Masters of the Universe action figures

1979

Legoland Space

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WHAT A CARD

Tunbridge Wells Common in the snow, around 1900

TUNBRIDGE WELLS MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY

If you’re the sort of humbug who sighs every time another batch of Christmas cards lands on the doormat, you don’t have to look very far to point the finger of blame.

Cranbrook artist John Callcott Horsley designed the very first Christmas card in 1843, commissioned by innovative civil servant Sir Henry Cole. Sold for a shilling apiece, the new invention failed to make an immediate impact on the buying public. But sales soared after Queen Victoria endorsed an official card in the 1840s and a new festive phenomenon truly got underway.

A member of the Cranbrook Colony of Artists, Horsley moved to Willesley House in Angley Road with his wife Mary – who was the sister of engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel – in 1861. We wonder if he received much mail at Christmas...

Turn to page 234 for more on this festive pioneer.

TENTERDEN HISTORICAL SOCIETY

A snowy Christmas scene outside the Black Horse (now the William Caxton) in West Cross, Tenterden in 1938

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Power Rangers action figures

Bratz Flashback Party dolls

1974

Lego

1969

Hot Wheels cars

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1999

Furby Babies

Sooty glove puppet

1989

Sylvanian Families figures

1959

Whack-O! board game

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DISGUSTED AT CHRISTMAS Even during the festive season, the famously prolific letter writers of Tunbridge Wells continued to address their comments to the late newspaper, the Tunbridge Wells Advertiser. It seems that seasonal good cheer was in short supply at times – and that some complaints never change...

Tunbridge Wells General Hospital at Christmas 1906

CAROL CACOPHONY SIR – We, the inhabitants of the Grove Hill Road district, have for the last few nights found the old adage quite true, ‘There is no rest for the wicked’, for the nuisance to which we are subject every Christmas has this year become intolerable. Soon after dark our front and back doors are pestered with bands of children ‘carol singing’, who, if we do not open to them, commit nuisances. On Tuesday we had added to this a party of ‘grown-ups’ at it. They infested our district until 10 o’clock, and for an hour and a half we had the screeching of a horrible voice in particular. It haunts us still.

Last night, sir, we thought that the gods would be favourable and we should have rest, but no such good fortune awaited us, for at 11 o’clock a man with a cornet commenced and played in all the roads round...

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CHRISTMAS COMES TOO EARLY SIR – Would some local trader care to let me know through your columns just what manufacturers are up to? Christmas has begun in the shops already; in fact, it started in October in some stores.

It is the same with November 5 and Easter; merely because they are available in the shops as early as the end of August we have been subjected to three months of fireworks; Easter eggs will doubtless appear in the shops as soon as the last Christmas pudding has been sold.

Puzzled Shopper, November 10, 1954

TUNBRIDGE WELLS MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY

TONBRIDGE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

...This sort of thing is past endurance and as there seems to be no law to stop it, it must be left to individual effort. As far as I am concerned, I am going to have a jolly good try to free this district. I find the water pressure on the mains in this road is 30lb to the square inch. I shall arrange a hose direct onto this supply and then ‘Let ‘em all come’.

Exhausted Patience, December 18, 1903 C. Woods Butchers put on an impressive Christmas display. Taken by H. Jenkins in 1908

DOWN WITH DRINK

I do not suppose that there will be much drunkenness in our streets this Christmas, but what about drinking in the home, which injures health and wastes hard-earned money just as much as does drinking in the public house? The excitement produced by strong drink is an ugly thing to witness.

There will be many soldiers and sailors home for Christmas. May I plead with your readers to refrain from tempting these fine men to drink by ‘treating’ them?... It is a wicked thing to tempt a man to drink. Who knows where it may end?

E.E.H. December 21, 1910

SIR – Carlyle was out walking one day and he wondered why he met so many drunken people. ‘Oh, I know,’ he exclaimed, ‘It is the birthday of the Redeemer of the world!

That is why these people are drunk.’

You can read more fascinating letters in Outraged of Tunbridge Wells – Original Complaints from Middle England by Nigel Cawthorne, £9.99, published by Gibson Square.

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DON’T THEY KNOW IT’S CHRISTMAS? For most people, Christmas Day involves opening presents, quaffing bubbles and stuffing their tummies with roast turkey and all the trimmings.

There might be time for a few carols or a game of Monopoly later on – if we haven’t fallen asleep in front of The Great Escape, of course...

DANGER IN THE SKIES The first German shell to attack British soil in the First World War fell near Sittingbourne, Kent on Christmas Day, 1914. Guns at Sheerness fired at the cheerless visitor, but the plane was still able to drop a shell into a field at Iwade. Four days earlier two bombs had been dropped into the sea near Admiralty Pier in Dover. The Germans’ air campaign against Britain began in earnest in January 1915 and by the end of the war, more than 50 bombing raids had been carried out.

But for some, Christmas is just another day and when there’s history to be made, they put their party hats aside and get on with it. Here are some historic events that took place on December 25.

THE INTERNET HAD ITS FIRST TEST RUN Blissfully unaware that a true technological revolution was at hand, in 1990 revellers tucked into their Christmas pudding while out there in cyber space, the internet was being born.

The boffins at CERN in Switzerland trialled the world’s first internet server at info.cern.ch on Christmas Day, witnessing the first steps of a genuinely world-changing development.

GEORGE WASHINGTON CROSSED THE DELAWARE RIVER

OUT OF THIS WORLD

Us Brits really love to relax at Christmas – a fact that George Washington exploited to his own gain during the American War of Independence. In 1776, the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army was looking for a chance to surprise the British-employed Hessian forces, who were based in Trenton, New Jersey. He suspected he would catch them napping as they enjoyed the festivities on Christmas Day, so that night Washington launched a secret mission to cross the Delaware River from Pennsylvania. His gamble paid off and he defeated the troops of Johann Rall, returning with prisoners and supplies.

Today the sites of the crossing are treated as national landmarks.

Science and religion enjoyed a strange truce on Christmas Eve, 1968, when mankind made an historic breakthrough in space travel. The American Apollo 8 reached the moon’s orbit – becoming the first piloted spacecraft to break free from Earth’s orbit and circle another body. This momentous occasion was broadcast live, accompanied by readings from the Book of Genesis.

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DREAMING OF A WHITE CHRISTMAS Every year optimistic punters flock to bet on the likelihood of a British White Christmas – and usually it’s the bookmakers who are feeling cosy on Boxing Day. But the Weald has seen its fair share of extreme weather at Christmas, as a Tonbridge weather station reveals.

For those who love to keep an eye on the elements, the privately owned automatic weather station in Tonbridge is a fascinating source of current data. There are a number of local weather stations in the area, including Crowborough, Tunbridge Wells and Southborough, but the Tonbridge station’s website – www.tonbridge-weather.org.uk – is particularly interesting because it features historical records about notable weather events of the past. Presumably these extreme conditions affected a much greater area than just Tonbridge, giving much of the Weald a Christmas to remember.

If you’re looking at the sky and grumbling that we never get snow at Christmas, spare a thought for the local residents who got more than they bargained for in December 1836.

On Christmas Eve a heavy snowfall began – the fall became a blizzard that continued throughout Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Snow was between 5ft and 15ft deep in

Tonbridge had got off lightly compared with Lewes in East Sussex, where Britain’s only known avalanche killed eight people places, with drifts reaching incredible heights of 50ft. The London coach road was blocked for more than a week and ‘many lives’ were lost in the severe weather. But it turned out that the Tonbridge area had got off lightly compared with Lewes in East Sussex, where Britain’s only known avalanche occurred on December 27, killing eight people.

Fifty years later, Wealden locals might have been afraid of history repeating itself when snow began to fall heavily on Boxing Day 1886. Although Kent only received a relatively modest 1ft of snow, with drifts of up to 8ft, most of southern Britain suffered under the deluge and miles of telegraph

TOP OF THE POPS

ALL IMAGES SEVENOAKS LIBRARY

Festive fare and Christmas card catalogues printed by Sevenoaks publishers J. Salmon Ltd in the 1930’s

A highlight of any British Christmas has always been the fight for the number one spot in the pop charts. These days, digital sales and other forms of listening have somewhat diluted the thrill of buying a single in your local record shop and waiting to see if your favourite artist would triumph. But there is still kudos to the Christmas number one and many music fans are still passionate about it; so much so that in recent years online campaigns have been launched to stop that year’s X Factor winner automatically ascending to the top spot. This was successful in 2009 when Rage Against the Machine’s hard metal track, Killing in the Name, forced Joe McElderry’s effort into second place.

However, at the time of writing, X Factor finalist Andrea Faustini was the bookies’ favourite to reach the top of the tree this Christmas, regardless of the song released.

They just don’t write them like they used to, so let’s revisit some Christmas number ones of the past. Do you remember bopping around the mistletoe to these festive favourites? (One song in particular seems to crop up with some regularity...)

Programme for a 1938 Sevenoaks production of Dick Whittington

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wires were brought down in London and the south east.

Another White Christmas came to Tonbridge in 1890, in the middle of the ‘Long Frost’, which lasted from November 26 to January 23, 1891. Snow remained on the ground for the duration and for weeks people were able to skate up the river to Ballast Pit. Local bookmakers might have started to feel nervous in the run-up to Christmas in 1917, when continuous snow falls between December 1 and 21 led people to believe that a White Christmas was in store, though it was not to be. In 1925 Tonbridge residents laid claim to their first snowy Christmas for 35 years when they awoke to about 3in of the white stuff.

It would be a very different story two years later, when festive weather took a significant turn for the worse. We had already experienced our greatest annual rainfall levels to date by Christmas Day of 1927, when heavy rain turned to snow by the evening and culminated in what was

1968

SCAFFOLD Lily The Pink

believed to be the worst Christmas period snow blizzard in a century. Although most of the country felt the freeze, it was worst by far in the south and many vehicles were stranded as 15ft drifts made local roads impassable. There was no respite the following year, when Tonbridge suffered floods from December 23 to Boxing Day. In 1962/63 we saw the coldest winter of the 20th century, causing travel chaos for those trying to get around during the Christmas holiday. On December 27, 10-mile traffic jams were reported in Kent and the runway at Gatwick lay beneath 10in of snow. The following day, a further 3ft fell in West Kent and East Sussex; on December 30, one local motorist took 90 minutes to drive 400 yards. His little stretch was estimated to be among 95,000 miles of blocked highway across the country. The misery continued into the New Year and Tunbridge Wells saw a continuous frost, day and night, from January 16 to January 25.

So, the moral of the story is – be careful what you wish for!

1954

BIRTHDAY BONUS

We all hope for a special delivery on Christmas Day, but these famous folk made an even more memorable entrance than Santa Claus...

ISAAC NEWTON scientist, born 1642 HUMPHREY BOGART actor, born 1899 QUENTIN CRISP writer, born 1908 KENNY EVERETT comedian, born 1944 NOEL REDDING rock guitarist, born 1945 SISSY SPACEK actress, born 1949 ANNIE LENNOX singer, born 1954 SHANE MCGOWAN singer, born 1957 HELENA CHRISTENSEN model, born 1968 DIDO singer, born 1971 ALASTAIR COOK cricketer, born 1984

1964

WINIFRED ATWELL Let’s Have Another Party

THE BEATLES I Feel Fine

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1974

MUD Lonely This Christmas

1959

EMILE FORD & THE CHECKMATES What Do You Want To Make Those Eyes At Me For?

1994

1989

EAST 17 Stay Another Day

BAND AID II Do They Know It’s Christmas?

1979

1984

PINK FLOYD Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)

BAND AID Do They Know It’s Christmas?

1999

WESTLIFE I Have a Dream

2004

BAND AID 20

Do They Know It’s Christmas?

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CHRISTMAS

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS

Last month, we offered some helpful hints for getting ahead in your preparations for Christmas.

Now, with the advent calendar counting down the days, here’s our useful guide to making the last few weeks smooth and stress-free Three weeks to go...

DO YOUR ONLINE SHOPPING ORDER YOUR TURKEY If you haven’t done it already, get your order logged with your turkey farmer, butcher or supermarket. If you’re planning to buy a frozen bird, buy it now – as Christmas marches closer, you’ll start to see empty freezers and could be left with a menu nightmare if you leave it too long.

You may be thinking that you still have plenty of time, but even the most efficient online retailers may experience shipping delays at this bumper time of year. Avoid giving yourself the worry of late deliveries or out of stock products by ordering early, then all you have to do is sit back and wait.

WRAP AS YOU GO ALONG Anyone who is dreading the usual marathon present wrapping session on Christmas Eve should take control by spreading out the task. If you package your gifts as you buy them, there’ll be far more time to relax with mulled wine and mince pies on the night before Christmas.

CHECK OUT THE DECORATIONS Even if you don’t plan to deck the halls just yet, it’s a good idea to get the box out of the attic and check that everything will still pass muster. Regardless of when you choose to decorate, finding that the tree lights are on the blink, the wreath has fallen apart or the colours don’t go with your table theme may prompt a last minute – and potentially expensive – dash to the nearest outlet for a replacement. Keep your options open by identifying problems early and shopping around for new adornments.

START WRITING THE CARDS This is another job that can swallow hours of your time if you have a large address book. Begin writing a few at a time while you’re watching television and the pile will soon grow without you even realising. Alternatively, consider protecting the environment – and your wallet – by sending cheerful e-cards instead.

Two weeks to go...

POST YOUR CARDS AND PARCELS FINISH YOUR SHOPPING

FINALISE YOUR MENU

Some people – we’re looking at you, gentlemen – seem to relish the panicked Christmas Eve dash to the shops. But why give yourself the stress and risk disappointing your loved ones when you could simply get the job done earlier in the month? In particular, parents looking for a popular toy should never leave it until the last minute, as trendy items tend to sell out weeks in advance.

So, stop telling yourself you have plenty of time and brave the traffic to get your shopping finished. Your reward will come when you see the joy on your family’s faces on Christmas Day.

If you’re hosting this year and are having doubts about what to serve, make a decision now and stick to it. You still have time to do a trial run of any untested dishes, to avoid Christmas Day disasters; plus, as soon as you pin down your ingredients, you can start buying the non-perishable items ahead of the last-minute rush.

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Save yourself anxiety and time by sending out your postal items well ahead of the final dates. Royal Mail recommends that all second class post should be dispatched no later than Thursday December 18; first class should go by Saturday December 20 and Special Delivery by Tuesday December 23. The thought of the post office queues in the last few days alone should be enough to spur you into action!

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CHRISTMAS

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One week to go...

STOCK THE CUPBOARDS

HOW CLEAN IS YOUR HOUSE?

Try to plan ahead as much as possible and stock up on the items that you might need over those few days. Check the packaging of children’s toys and avoid the disappointment of ‘batteries not included’ by buying a bumper pack. Items like matches, napkins, ice and kindling for the fire could also run low during the festivities

Give your home a deep clean while there’s still time. Then you can relax in the knowledge that it’s all sparkling and you’ll only need to do the bare minimum just before your guests arrive.

Three days to go...

PREPARE THE SPARE ROOM If you need to wash bed linen and towels, or shift all your clutter out of the guest room, that’s not something you want to be doing at the eleventh hour. Clear the decks now and make up the spare bed, then shut the door so the cat can’t cover it with hairs by Christmas Eve. It’s also a good idea to plan your wardrobe for the Christmas break now so you can get your laundry and ironing out of the way, then set your favourite clothes aside in readiness.

One day to go...

BUY THE FOOD

START THE THAW

SET THE TABLE

Now it’s time to brave the crowds and fight your way into the shops to buy the fresh produce that you’ll need for Christmas lunch. Anticipate shortages of popular items and allow yourself time to visit more than one shop if need be. Shopping at unusual hours, such as late at night or early in the morning, will not only mean clearer aisles but may also give you the pick of fresh deliveries before the hordes descend again.

If you have a turkey or other food to defrost, check the packaging for thawing instructions a few days in advance to make sure you have enough time. Then put it well out of reach of the dog and let it melt.

On Christmas morning you want to spend time mingling with your guests, not flitting about taking care of chores.

Laying out the table the day before will lighten your workload and give you the chance to take real time and care over the job.

GET COOKING Some people swear by cooking their turkey on Christmas Eve and other crafty culinary tricks, such as peeling the vegetables the night before. Anything that saves you time and stress on Christmas morning is worth doing, so set aside an hour or two to get ahead of the game.

Writing down a clear timings plan for each element will also make your life easier as you prepare the feast.

IT’S A WRAP

FLOWER POWER

Make that inevitable last minute dash for forgotten gifts and wrap the last stragglers.

If fresh flowers play a part in your table decorations, buy now and keep them in a cool place until it’s time to make the displays.

RECHARGE THOSE BATTERIES Make sure that your camera and phone have plenty of juice, so that you won’t miss a moment of the fun.

FINALLY...

Pour yourself a glass of mulled wine, put your feet up and let Father Christmas take care of the rest!

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IMAGES: PA PHOTOS / SARAH MARSHALL

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WALK ON THE WILD SIDE If you think the prospect of gathering your family around the Christmas table is a daunting one, remember that you could have even more demanding dinner guests. Join Sarah Marshall as she witnesses feeding time at the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia

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istening to someone noisily chew their food isn’t especially pleasant, but I find myself mesmerised by the loud-mouth diner munching his evening meal just five metres away from me. As his jaw pounds heavily up and down, greens hanging from his bottom lip, I’m gripped by what is essentially a mundane daily activity. But while I’m used to spending mealtimes with other people, sitting down to dinner with a rhino is an altogether novel experience.

I’ve stumbled upon this raucous feast while on a walking safari through the dusty scrubland of Zambia’s Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, located close to Livingstone. As the dipping sun bathes the landscape in warm yellow light, wildlife scout Alfred signals me to edge backwards into a thicket, while he assesses the rhino’s mood and looks for any signs of aggression.

“If you see him tilt his tail upwards, it’s time to exit,” warns Alfred, one hand gripping the rifle slung over his shoulder. Fortunately, the 14-year-old male is more engrossed in his food than the small crowd of spectators that has gathered in front of him. Observing rhino at eye level, rather than the elevated comfort of a safari vehicle, is both exhilarating and humbling, and a reminder of how powerful and

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Travel facts Sarah Marshall was a guest of Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma.

A&K (www.abercrombiekent.co.uk; 0845 485 1141) offers a three-night stay, including all meals and drink (except premium brands), park fees, game drives, tour of Victoria Falls, local school and village tour, sundowner cruise, transfers and international flights with BA from £2,695pp.

unpredictable nature can be.

Along with neighbouring country Zimbabwe, Zambia is credited as being the birthplace of the walking safari and it’s still one of the attractions drawing visitors to the African country. Celebrating 50 years of independence this month, Zambia enjoys both political stability and a rapidly developing infrastructure which, in combination with great game and impressive landscapes, makes it a favourable option for safari.

Mosi-Oa-Tunya is the smallest park in Zambia, encompassing just 66 sq km, but it still has massive appeal – mainly in the form of 10 white rhino currently living within its grounds.

In the 1970s, when the park first opened, there were 60,000 rhino in Zambia, but by 1989 there were none. The main cause of their demise was poaching, an epidemic which is still sweeping across Africa at an alarming rate. Believed by the Chinese to have medicinal properties and increasingly coveted as a status symbol, rhino horn is now prized as being more valuable than gold as an investment proposition and sells for US$35,000 per kilo on the black market.

In 1992, five white rhinos were successfully trans-located from South Africa to Mosi-OaTunya, where the small scale of the fenced park facilitates 24-hour security and the population

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has since doubled. Ten guards take it in turns to protect the precious creatures, following them on foot and often allowing tourists to join them.

A short drive from Livingstone airport and reached by a tarmac road, Mosi-Oa-Tunya is far less wild than Zambia’s bigger, more remote national parks. Fifty years ago, animals were kept here in cages in a set up more akin to a zoo.

When they were eventually released, all predators were relocated elsewhere by the Government, so there are no big cats to be found in the park.

The positive impact though, is that the game here is remarkably relaxed and easy to approach. On a drive through a mixture of gnarly bush and open woodland, I encounter buffalo playfully locking horns, elephants bulldozing their way through thickets and giraffe kneeling down to sleep at dusk, their long necks remaining upright. None are particularly perturbed by a vehicle driving past.

The park is also within easy reach of one of Zambia’s greatest tourist attractions, Victoria Falls. Containing the biggest volume of water of any waterfall in the world, the roaring Falls stretch for 1.7km, although the largest slice belongs to neighbouring Zimbabwe. When I visit, the Zambezi river is swollen from heavy rainfall and the water level is high. Following a trail through parkland, I can hear the urgent call of the Falls as water rushes over boulders and broken branches in an unstoppable charge.

Even further along the Zambezi, while sitting on my riverside veranda at Sanctuary Retreats’ Sussi and Chuma lodge, I can still hear the rumbling – although at this distance it’s more of a pressing whisper. Guests here sleep in elaborate spherical tree houses on stilts, designed in dark wood with standalone baths and four poster beds. Stretching along the river, rooms are connected by suspended wooden walkways often patrolled by curious vervet monkeys. At night, hippos tramp clumsily beneath the rooms, while elephants pass calmly through camp, often stopping to drink at the lodge’s pools before swimming across the Zambezi.

After sunrise one morning, my guide Junior takes me on a boat ride along the Zambezi, looking out for wildlife on both the riverbanks and in the water. Zambia has the biggest hippo population of any country in Africa, so it’s not

long before we run into a series of pink blubbery mounds submerged like stepping stones in the water. As we approach, a male raises his periscope-like eyes, then flips back his head to reveal a jaw full of black teeth dripping with thick, sticky saliva. It’s a warning that we should back off from his territory and given that hippos can run up to 35km per hour under water, I’m not about to challenge him.

At one time, the rivers here were so full of hippos, the Government had to start culling them. The skin and tails were used to make police truncheons and the meat ended up being sold as hippo sausages.

“We had them nearly every day on a barbecue,” Junior recalls.

Given the abundance of water in the area, it’s surprising to discover that the nearby Nakatindi Village only recently received funding for boreholes. Much of the money came from donations made by the Sussi and Chuma philanthropic arm, which has also invested in a local medical clinic and the provision of free school meals.

When I arrive in the village, I’m immediately besieged by affectionate children wanting to hold my hand and pestering for sweets. Mavuto, a 28-year-old who has been given the role of village guide, takes care of tourists and shows them around.

His tour begins with an introduction to the local homes; spherical mud huts thatched with elephant grass. With barely any room in the dark chambers, people spend most of their time outside. Two young brothers, Patrick and Julius, take it in turns to play a marimba instrument set up outside their simple dwelling. By striking cattle horns of different sizes, it’s possible to create a musical scale – although both boys seem satisfied with hitting the instrument as hard and as frequently as possible.

Although living only a few kilometres from the national park, the sad reality is that, like most children in the village, these young brothers have seen very few animals in their wild environment. There are plans though, to take children on trips to visit Mosi-Oa-Tunya’s 10 white rhino. After all, it is the next generation who will benefit from the protection of rhino and in 50 years’ time, hopefully Zambia will have another success story to celebrate.

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Glorious Gardens Even though Christmas is on its way, there’s still plenty to be done to ensure your garden survives the winter and is looking radiant next spring. Plus, we’ve got some inspiring gift ideas for the green-fingered folk in the family

The Armchair Gardener For those who want inspiration from gardens at home and abroad, The Gardener’s Garden (£49.95, Phaidon Press) will provide it in spades. This is surely the ultimate coffee table tome on the world’s most outstanding gardens, featuring examples from every continent by designers including Beth Chatto, Christopher Bradley-Hole, Capability Brown and Tom Stuart-Smith. It’s illustrated with more than 1,000 colour photographs – a beautiful gift.

If armchair gardeners can drag themselves into the kitchen, they may enjoy making a tipple of their own with a Kilner eight-piece Sloe Gin gift set, designed to provide all the essentials needed to make sloe gin or any other fruit liqueurs. Use natural hedgerow produce with traditional recipes (£22.95, www.harrodhorticultural.com).

The Pampered Gardener

The Outdoor Stylist

Bring the fragrance of Christmas into the discerning gardener’s home with a stylish and subtle pine and eucalyptus scented bauble from Jo Malone, which will happily adorn any tree and make the scent of Christmas last well into the New Year (£32, www.jomalone.co.uk).

The pampered gardener will appreciate a pile of soothing goodies after a hard day in the garden, including hand lotion, hand wash and body soap in a Woodlands Watering Can Gardener’s Gift (£26, www.gardendivas.co.uk). The set includes a handy wooden nail brush and a pair of floral gardening gloves.

Create an illusion of space with a garden mirror.

The ornate Gothic Mirror from Harrod Horticultural will be an eye-catching addition to any garden wall and make the area seem bigger. The cream mirror is made from wood and painted with an antique wash, waterproof paint to withstand the elements.

The mirror is 85cm high x 66cm wide (£49.95, www.harrodhorticultural.com).

The Gadget Lover Keep hands warm with a pair of Briers Warm Ups, gloves which you stick in the microwave to heat up the micro gel within them to keep hands warm.

They should stay warm for up to an hour and you can dry them naturally and wipe with a damp cloth (£24.99, www.briersltd.co.uk).

The Shed Enthusiast Are you always tripping over tools in your shed?

If so, you need the new Tool Track Rack from Nether Wallop, as its ingenious sliding elements enable it to hold at least 15 tools. It comes supplied with fixings for both wood and brick. (£29.95, www.netherwalloptrading.uk).

What to do in December • Check your sheds, greenhouses and garden structures are in good condition to brave the winter winds • Make sure your greenhouse heaters are working The Wildlife Lover Bird lovers will appreciate a classy bird feeder which you can also personalise. Check out the Oak Hanging Bird Feeder from Getting Personal, which comes with a thick, twisted rustic rope so that you can hang it from a tree branch or other support. Featuring a shallow bowl for seeds and nuts, the wide edge of the feeder can be engraved with a short message or name (£84.99, www.gettingpersonal.co.uk).

• Prune open-grown apples and pears, acers, birches and vines • Insulate stand pipes and look into devices to prevent your pond freezing • Harvest your remaining root crops and vegetables like leeks, parsnips and sprouts

• Don’t forget you can still plant or move deciduous trees and shrubs • Ensure your grain and seeds are protected from mice • Cut down on watering of houseplants • Take hardwood cuttings Emma Davis is away DECEMBER 2014

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INTERIORS

DESIGNS ON WINTER Winter’s a time to hunker down, snuggle indoors and enjoy a home whose decor complements the season

Florence sofa, from £449; Pemberley armchair, £399; feather cushion, £10; Ombre shaggy faux fur cushion, £12, all from Tesco

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his year, there’s an abundance of chic looks, taking inspiration from the latest interiors trends, which can transform rooms – but divine decor tends to come at a price.

Luckily there’s no need to despair if, with the expense of Christmas looming, money’s tight and you fear you can’t afford your dream of creating rooms perfect for indulgent hibernating. Pick one of our three on-trend schemes and either splash out on a full-on luxe interpretation, or get the look for much, much less with some carefully chosen budget buys.

WINTER PALACE A dark, moody, monochrome palette, sensual textures and razzle-dazzle metallic touches conjure an opulent, elegant sanctuary. A subtle change of colour may be all that’s needed to capture the atmosphere of this look – opt for mellow tones like fashionable greys, or muted taupes for a feature wall. Charcoal grey or black upholstery, cashmere

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and wool throws and cushions, plus decadent chandeliers and the soft light of candles in hurricane lanterns are the rest of the essential elements for a hotel chic cocoon for winter.

LUXE LOOK: Designer John Rocha knows a thing or two about style and his dark grey Elements Chaise Corner Sofa, currently £1,344 (usual price £1,920), Debenhams, is a handsome choice. Glamorous lighting always adds a ‘wow’ factor, and shimmering glass Deltra Ceiling Light, £189, Littlewoods, has contemporary grandeur. Complement with a slim, silver Flos Miss K Table Lamp, currently £152.95 (usual price £180), Design55.

Extra seating’s useful when there’s an influx of family and friends at Christmas, and John Rocha’s dark grey Knitted Rope Pouffe, currently £88 (usual price £110), Debenhams, is a handsome perch. Decor divas believe brands speak louder than words and Versace Home collection accessories, such as a black silk Vanitas Matelasse Cushion, £235, LuxDeco, couldn’t fail to impress.

John Rocha corner sofa, £1,536; coffee table, £480; John Rocha beaded cushion, £25, all from Debenhams

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INTERIORS

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STYLE SAVER: Luxury and comfort combine in a Shannon 3 Seater Pillow Back Corner Sofa, available in charcoal and black, and currently a bargain at £899 (half its usual price), DFS. Trip the light fantastic without busting the budget at Laura Ashley, whose Vienna Glass And Antique Brass Ceiling Light looks the business but is only £126 (usual price £180). Light a dull corner with the silver Anastasia Table Lamp, currently £64 (usual price £80), BHS. A Sabichi Knitted Pouffe, £75, Littlewoods, doubles as a seat or footrest, and all you need to give a sofa a cheap facelift is a black or grey throw, and then add upmarket John Rocha grey Beaded Flower Felt Cushions, £25 each (usually £32), Debenhams.

SIMPLY SNUG What could be more appealing than a log cabin retreat, with wood panelled walls and stripped floors, where you toast your toes in front of a traditional stove? The pure pared-back simplicity of this Scandinavian inspired style isn’t difficult to evoke and its colour palette of neutral tones is easy on the eye. Dress up with faux fur and velvet, or dress down with chunky woollen throws and rugs for a more homely feel.

LUXE LOOK: Wood burning stoves from companies such as Chesney’s start from around £895, and sanding, sealing and varnishing floorboards is characteristic of this rustic look. Timber-effect wallpaper is a fast way to transform a room and Rockett St George’s Engineer Collection paper in Driftwood & Oak, £69 a roll, is super-realistic.

A Peppy Armchair, from £735, and Jonesy Sofa, from £1,095, both Loaf, have appropriate softly curved lines and generous seats, and can be upholstered in plain linen or cotton fabrics. Pile on the luxe with a Faux Ermine Throw, £275, Lux Deco, and scatter cushions portraying a wintry landscape, such as the Blue Lake Cushion, £55, Unique & Unity.

deep blue teams brilliantly with jewel-bright reds and plums Crewl work cushion, £20; wooden candlestick, £10, all from Sainsbury’s

striking natural grain. Follow the theme with dark wood floors, gaily patterned rugs and, as a focal point, a pale stone fireplace.

LUXE LOOK: Invest in glamour with a Dusty two-seater sofa, in blue velvet, £749, DFS. Well-designed wood furniture never loses its appeal and a Naseby Coffee Table, in a rustic oak finish, £429, and Chunky Wood Tall Table Lamp, £149, both Marks & Spencer, are solidly stylish.

Lanterns are an interesting alternative to candlesticks and Sweetpea & Willow’s Criss Cross Lantern, £120, is decorative and appropriate for any season. Ward off the chills with a Chunky Crocheted Wool Throw, £190, Nutmeg & Sage, and add an injection of rich colour with Velvet Cushions in

gorgeous glowing shades, £32 each, Oliver Bonas.

STYLE SAVER: A hard-wearing Rebecca three-seater fabric sofa, available in teal cord upholstery, currently £349 (usual price £699), Very, would provide that shot of colour. Keep clutter to a minimum with a coffee table incorporating generous storage: Ripley Rough Sawn Solid Oak 4 Drawer Coffee Table, £249.74 (usual price £399.74), Oak Furnitureland. Bring on more blue with a turquoise Gurli Throw, £5.50, Ikea, and Multi-colour Pattern Crewelwork Cushions, £20 each from selected Sainsbury’s stores. Lamplight makes any room cosy and a Wooden Walnut Lamp, £20, from Asda’s George Home range, would match this decor.

STYLE SAVER: Cut costs and fake that glow with a Dimplex Tango 2KW Optiflame Electric Stove, £137.91, Amazon, while Galerie Wood Panel Wallpaper, £34.95, John Lewis, artfully mimics white-washed panelling. Tesco’s furniture is a stylish steal, especially its Florence Sofa, from £599 and Pemberley Armchair, £399. Finishing touches make or break this look; Mink Luxury Polar Faux Fur Throw, £60, BHS, and Tesco’s accessory gems, an Ombre Shaggy Faux Fur Cushion, £12, and Frozen Tree Cushion, £8, would complete it beautifully.

NESTING INSTINCT Rich colour, including this season’s star shade of deep blue, teams brilliantly with jewel-bright reds and plums. That colour-combo will bring welcome warmth to any winter setting and if you introduce key pieces of oak furniture, you’ll conjure a relaxed, unfussy, inviting parlour, suitable for a rural or urban setting.

Clockwise from top left: George Home wooden walnut lamp, £20, Soft textured velvet or faux suede sofas will Asda; velvet cushions, £32 each, Oliver Bonas; Peppy armchair, from £735, Loaf; contrast well with polished wood, boasting a Anastasia table lamp, £80, Bhs

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Wealden Country Landcraff For all your design, construction and maintenance requirements, contact:

Adam Sutton BSc (Hons) Environmental Science Tim Playfoot BA (Hons) Garden Design Tel:OJ892 722699 Adam:07979 362241 Tim:07990 751353 www.playfootgardendesign.co.uk

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HOME FRONT “All I want for Christmas is a beautiful Wealden home...” That’s not quite how the old song goes, but it’s all you’ll be singing once you’ve seen this month’s stunning selection of properties. As the family gathers around to celebrate the festive season, consider your wishes for 2015 – where would you like to be next Christmas?

Whether you’re dreaming of a new location, a different style of home and simply more room to welcome family and friends, there are plenty of reasons why you might want to make a move next year. Read on to discover the fantastic array of homes that we’ve discovered this month, from the extended family house set amid its own private parkland, to the recently built property with breathtaking country views, there’s something for everyone this Christmas. The only question is, have you been good this year..?

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

LANGTON GREEN

BRENCHLEY

WATERINGBURY

EAST PECKHAM

WADHURST

Detached family house with feature grounds Price: £1,295,000

Former village store makes stylish home Price: £535,000

Arts and Crafts house has naval heritage Price: £1.65million

Smart barn conversion in semi-rural location Price: £595,000

New property exudes traditional charm Price: £2.25million

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Dreweatts

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BEAUTIFUL HOMES

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

ROOMS WITH A VIEW This charming family home in Tunbridge Wells is ready for some new residents

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f it’s stunning views, spacious rooms and a real family feel you’re looking for, then search no further than Albury, a beautiful detached home on the edge of Tunbridge Wells town.

This 1930s property has been in the same ownership for 39 years and is well-placed in a prestigious, private residential area. Set within a large garden, the house also boasts picturesque views while maintaining a level of privacy with conifers and herbaceous borders lining the lawn.

Set over two levels, the ground floor of this property benefits from a large drawing

room and dining room, both with picture windows creating a light and bright space.

The drawing room also has a stunning carved oak fireplace and a quirky walk-in cubby hole with fitted book shelves. A separate kitchen/breakfast room adds to the house’s traditional feel.

After climbing Albury’s oak balustrade staircase and walking along the galleried landing you’ll find four double bedrooms, each with a view and a modern family bathroom.

The property also benefits from a downstairs cloakroom, two reception rooms and two garages- perfect for parking with ease.

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Property: Albury, detatched Location: The Crossway, Nevill Court, Tunbridge Wells Price: £1.75million Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: One plus cloakroom Land: About 0.78 acres Extras: Two garages, cloakroom, larder, two reception rooms.

Best bits: This property is located in a private, highly desirable area with rural views but is situated close to bustling Tunbridge Wells with its excellent rail links and extensive shopping options.

For more information contact: Savills • 01732 789 740 • www.savills.com DECEMBER 2014

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1 OO's of Worktops

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH

PERIOD CHARM IN STORE Situated in the village of Brenchley is a former shop that is now a delightful home

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nce the village store, Bourne House has been converted into a charming family residence, with accommodation arranged over three floors.

Retaining period features such as exposed beams, brickwork and fireplaces, this Grade II listed property has been fully refurbished to offer maximum style and comfort.

A new side entrance opens onto stairs to the ground floor hallway with a raised dining area platform and access to the sitting room opposite, where you’ll find a cosy open fireplace. Also on this floor is the kitchen/ breakfast room, which has a White Quartz work surface and a number of appliances.

Stairs lead down to the useful lower ground floor level, where there’s plenty of extra space in the utility room and store room, plus there’s another cloakroom. Two bedrooms and a family bathroom make up the first floor – the master bedroom has an en suite shower room, while the second makes good use of the fantastic country views.

The third bedroom is located on the second floor and benefits from a dressing room and en suite cloakroom.

This property comes with a parking space and there is a parish garden just across the road, where you can enjoy the fresh air.

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Property: Bourne House, Grade II listed, attached Location: High Street, Brenchley, Kent Price: £535,000

Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1 plus shower rooms & WCs Extras: Basement level with utility room, store room and cloakroom, parking space, parish garden opposite

Best bits: While being situated in the vibrant heart of a quintessential Kentish village, Bourne House also enjoys far-reaching views across the surrounding farmland.

For full details contact: Alexandre Boyes • 01892 525 522 • www.alexandre-boyes.co.uk DECEMBER 2014

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FLOORZ Floorz have been established in Tunbridge Wells since 2000 and we specialise in offering a unique range of bespoke solid and engineered hardwood floors. Our floors are manufactured in Holland, France and the Czech Republic and imported directly by Floorz. Clients can decide on each element of their new floor, from grade, thickness and width to surface texture, colour, finish etc, allowing our clients to create their own truly unique floors.

77 Calverley Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2UY 01892 516 638 www.floorz.co.uk

Five of the best...

WINTER WARMERS WITH CHRISTMAS ON ITS WAY AND THE WEATHER TURNING COLDER, WE ALL WANT OUR HOME TO BE A WARM AND WELCOMING SANCTUARY. HERE, FIVE TOP LOCAL COMPANIES REVEAL HOW THEY CAN MAKE YOUR FESTIVE WISHES COME TRUE

CHAMBER FURNITURE Chamber Furniture was established in 1994 with the aim of providing the highest quality bespoke furniture and service to its customers.

As a family business we combine the best of traditional values with the latest in technology to create luxury fitted furniture. Our philosophy is simple; having furniture custom-built should be a joy from start to finish and whilst we are probably best known for our bespoke kitchen,s our work encompasses every room in the house. To truly appreciate our kitchens, bedrooms, studies and service please visit our showroom Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm and Saturday 9am to 2pm. Contact us to discuss your project with a designer or request our latest brochure.

The Old Timber Yard, London Road, Halstead, Kent TN14 7DZ 01959 532 553 www.chamberfurniture.co.uk

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HOLMES HILL FURNITURE The biggest ever sale is now on at Holmes Hill Furniture. If you’re looking at freshening up your home this winter, then look no further than Holmes Hill. We have everything from painted furniture to solid oak pieces, with over £100,000 worth of stock available to take away today. If the car’s not big enough for your purchases, don’t worry – we offer free delivery all over the south east for orders over £500. Gifts, clocks, ornaments and decorations for your home – you name it and you will find it at Holmes Hill!Opened nearly 10 years ago, we pride ourselves on being the place to go for all your furniture needs in the south east. We have experienced, friendly staff and a large showroom.

Holmes Hill Estate, Holme Hill, East Sussex BN27 6JA 01825 873 607 www.iwantfurniture.co.uk.

HEHKU Hehku are pioneers of creating luxury kitchens within bespoke glazed home extensions. Combining their brands Cucina (kitchens) and Illuma (orangeries and conservatories), the Which? accredited team have developed an unrivalled reputation for their design, quality of materials and service, and have been commissioned in some of the UK’s finest properties. Hehku are currently running autumn offers which include a free Quooker instant hot water tap or intelligent underfloor heating with every installation, so get in touch today to request a brochure and find out more.

Alltask House, Commissioners Road, Rochester, Kent ME2 4EJ 0800 542 0852 www.hehku.co.uk

BADGER BATHROOMS Badger Bathrooms are in their 31st year, supplying and installing beautiful bathrooms in Kent. From the showroom at Tubs Hill Parade, Sevenoaks, retail and trade customers alike benefit from the company’s many years of experience. Badger Bathrooms offer a bespoke design service, even working off architects’ plans for customers extending their homes or building from new. Each design is accompanied by a workable image of each room along with detailed quotation. New this year is the exclusive and gorgeous Laura Ashley range of bathrooms offered together with a huge choice of major manufacturers’ products, including tiles and specialist flooring for bathrooms.

Tubs Hill Parade, London Rd, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1DH 01732 464 450 www.badgerbathrooms.co.uk

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BEST OF OLD AND NEW This Grade II listed village home within the conservation area of Sandhurst has been beautifully refurbished

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ating from the 18th century, The Old House is a stunning piece of Kentish history that has been brought up to date in impressive and sympathetic style. Now incorporating an adjoining barn, the property offers spacious family accommodation that extends to more than 3,700 sq ft.

Features such as exposed timbers, oak flooring, leaded light windows and wood-burning stoves add even more charm to the reception rooms, while additional touches like Villeroy and Boch sanitary ware and travertine flooring in the bathrooms make this home feel even more luxurious.

On the ground floor you’ll find a splendid drawing room with French doors to the terrace and an

attractive reception/dining hall. There’s an integral Miele dishwasher and wine cooler in the stylishly finished kitchen, along with space for a range cooker and fridge. A games room, utility room and cloakroom complete the ground floor layout.

On the first floor you can enjoy the lovely views from the master bedroom with its en suite bathroom.

The remaining five bedrooms, which are arranged over the first and second floors, are served by a family bathroom with separate walk-in shower.

A shared driveway, over which The Old House has right of way, leads to the property and there is a parking area at the front, with side access to the integral garage.

For full details contact: Savills • 01580 720 161 • www.savills.co.uk

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH

BEAUTIFUL HOMES

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Property: The Old House, Grade II listed house Location: Queen Street, Sandhurst, Kent Guide price: Offers in excess of ÂŁ1,095,000 Bedrooms: 6 Bathrooms: 2 plus WC Land: 0.33 acres Extras: Games room, landscaped gardens, loggia, terrace, ornamental pond, garden office, single integral garage, off-road parking, lapsed planning permission for an open bay garage Best bits: From the delightful landscaped gardens that lie mainly to the side and rear of the property, you can enjoy fantastic views across farmland. The loggia is a great place to enjoy the outdoors, plus thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a garden office that is ideal for those wishing to work from home.

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BEAUTIFUL HOMES

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

COME HITHER TO A REAL DISCOVERY A superb detached house in Langton Green with its own private parkland

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ust two miles from the bustling shops and restaurants of Tunbridge Wells, Hither Chantlers enjoys a splendid spot close to all the amenities in Langton Green. This beautifully presented property has been extended and remodelled to provide deceptively spacious accommodation, ideal for families.

On the ground floor there is an impressive drawing room, which opens onto the double aspect dining room at the rear of the house.

From the stunning kitchen/breakfast room you can enter the utility room, which has a personal door to the attached garage, and a sitting room. Stairs rise from this room to a first floor guest bedroom with en suite

shower room and the fifth bedroom, currently used as a study.

The pleasant entrance hall has panelled walls, a slate tiled floor which continues into the kitchen and dining room and a fine staircase rising to the first floor. Here you’ll find the remaining three bedrooms – two of which have en suite shower rooms – and a bathroom.

Areas of lawn with mature hedging and well-stocked beds edge the driveway and at the rear of the property, there are large terraces overlooking further lawns. A wooden walkway leads through the secluded grounds to an area of private parkland, which is part wild and part mown.

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Property: Hither Chantlers, detached house Location: Langton Green, Kent Price: £1,295,000 Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 1 plus 3 shower rooms & WC Land: Nearly 1.25 acres Extras: Double garage, off-road parking for several vehicles, terraces, parkland Best bits: Those who enjoy entertaining will love the 26ft double aspect drawing room, which is spacious enough to accommodate a large dining table along with a further seating area. This room also has doors opening to the garden, making it ideal for parties.

For full details contact: Hamptons International • 01892 516 611 • www.hamptons.co.uk DECEMBER 2014

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tune;J We are always on the look out for land with development potential.

If you think your land or property could be redeveloped, why not give us a call, without obligation and in confidence.

Many of our clients retain our services and, in the majority of cases, pay our fees saving land owners significant costs.

Call us now For regular updates, visit us at

SJD

PROJECTS

l:J twitter.com/sjdprojects

Contact Stephen Oonnelly on 07739 514350 or 0845 456 8969

web: sjd-projects.com â&#x20AC;˘ email: steve@sjd-projects.com

Land & Development Consultants

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ADVERTORIAL

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Lay of the Land If you’re looking for expert advice on land, property or development, look no further than SJD Projects BESPOKE, EXPERT ADVICE A specialist land and development consultancy, SJD were founded over 10 years ago and offer a professional, personal service. They guide clients through anything from finding, selling or developing a single plot through to major, mixed-use regeneration projects across the UK. They help homeowners and developers achieve the best possible returns, while also sourcing plots to meet specific requirements.

Where confidentiality is an issue, SJD complete projects ‘off market’. But when it is important to open up an opportunity to as many potential purchasers as possible, they gain the greatest possible exposure across targeted media.

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES SJD help homeowners and developers optimise their returns. They provide a bespoke service for their clients and offer a free consultation to discuss any suitable opportunity and advise on the most appropriate course of action to achieve the greatest benefits from any assets.

SERVICES FOR HOMEOWNERS For most of us, our home is our biggest asset.

SJD specialise in helping homeowners get the greatest possible value from their investment in a way that complements their current lifestyle. For example, many people no longer have the time to maintain large gardens; SJD can assist in sympathetic garden development to realise some financial benefit while creating a more manageable plot.

Redevelopment can also be more financially beneficial than simply selling an existing property. For example, trying to sell a house that is not beautifully maintained – particularly one that has structural issues – can be time-consuming and frustrating, with unsuitable viewings and offers that fall apart when the mortgage lender refuses to underwrite the investment. Traditionally, people inheriting run-down houses have looked to auctions to sell them, but these offer a limited number of buyers and a low reserve.

Alternatively, if you have a house that is small in relation to its plot by today’s standards, redevelopment with a new house that matches today’s lifestyle expectations can prove more financially rewarding. In any of these situations, SJD can advise on the best course of action to help you get the best financial returns from your investment.

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT SJD have wide expertise in all types of commercial property development. Typical opportunities include commercial buildings with potential for residential development (such as industrial units for demolition or office buildings with the potential for change of use) or pubs, restaurants or shop freeholds where the upper parts could be converted. Other opportunities include the renovation or conversion of existing properties of any size or style, from barns to listed buildings.

STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENTS SJD regularly advise on complex, strategic

projects, such as farms or amenity land on the edge of a built-up town or village where the long-term potential may provide for residential or mixed-use development.

SOURCING SERVICES SJD also offer an acquisition service; using their extensive contacts, they can source suitable sites to match your criteria.

SJD specialise in helping homeowners get the greatest possible value from their investment in a way that complements their current lifestyle STEVE@SJD-PROJECTS.COM WWW.SJD-PROJECTS.COM FOR A NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION, CALL SJD FREE ON 0845 456 8969

STEPHEN DONNELLY

@SJDPROJECTS

DECEMBER 2014

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BEAUTIFUL HOMES

NEW HOME WITH RURAL CHARM Surrounded by undulating countryside, this property near Wadhurst has wonderful views towards the Rother Valley

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uilt between 2011 and 2012 by its current owners, one of whom is an established architect, Old Walland is a beautifully presented family home that combines rustic touches with modern convenience.

High ceilings and exposed beams give the home a sense of history – indeed, some features were salvaged from historic buildings. Under floor heating, clever lighting and large windows all contribute to the warm yet bright atmosphere in the house.

Large windows edged by deep set bookshelves give character to the drawing room, which also has

an open fireplace and window shutters. In one section of the ground floor there is a family room, bedroom, utility room and bathroom; this area could be used as an annexe.

Five bedrooms are arranged across the first and second floors, along with a study that could be used as another bedroom. The master bedroom on the first floor is served by a large bathroom and there is also a second bathroom with separate shower on this level.

A sweeping gravel driveway leads to the house, through grounds that are mostly laid to lawn.

For full details contact: Knight Frank • 01892 515 035 • www.knightfrank.co.uk

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Property: Old Walland, detached house Location: Brinkers Lane, Wadhurst, East Sussex Guide price: ÂŁ2.25million

Bedrooms: 6/7 Bathrooms: 3 plus WC Land: About 3.21 acres Extras: Garage block, old dairy, timber barn, byre, outbuilding, terrace, potential annexe

Best bits: The kitchen/dining room on the ground floor is particularly impressive, with a central island and an AIMS Aga. Here you can enjoy views of the south facing terrace, the garden and the delightful countryside beyond.

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SteveG ock FURNITURE

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Sevenoaks based companv provid ing a first class service for bespoke furniture, joinerv and upholsterv Bespoke Furniture Furniture Repairs

Contact Us STEVE GLOCK FURNITURE LTD The Tractor Shed Filston Farm Shoreham Sevenoaks Kent TN14 SJU

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01959 524074

Gorringes Tunbridge Wells LLP, 85 Mount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge Wel ls, Kent TN1 1PX

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Phillip McKnight

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DECEMBER 2014

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH

A SENSE OF SPACE Contemporary country living at a barn conversion near East Peckham

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Property: West Wing, attached barn conversion Location: Stilstead Farm, Tonbridge Road, East Peckham, Kent Price: £595,000

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e all dream of combining a stylish modern home with the tranquillity of a countryside lifestyle and this barn conversion, just over a mile from East Peckham village, offers the best of both worlds. This smartly presented home provides large, bright rooms and contemporary luxuries, while enjoying a semi-rural location.

You’ll really experience a sense of space when you step into West Wing, especially the impressive dining/reception hall and the living room with its feature mezzanine level.

Cooking will be a joy in the luxury fitted

kitchen, which has an Aga, an American style refrigerator and a cream high gloss finish.

A double bedroom and a study/bedroom four are also located on the ground floor.

Upstairs, there are two further double bedrooms, along with a chic bathroom boasting a free-standing bath.

Outside, occupants of West Wing have the benefit of an enclosed private courtyard with a high screening wall, along with an area of garden overlooking farmland.

There’s a double open oak framed garage, along with off-road parking for several vehicles.

Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 1 plus shower room Extras: Off-road parking, double garage, courtyard plus garden area

Best bits: Those who yearn for a bit of space will be delighted with the 30ft by 23ft dining/reception hall, where you could hold a New Year’s Eve party to remember.

For full details contact: Barnes Kingsnorth • 01732 771 616 • www.bkestateagents.com DECEMBER 2014

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BEAUTIFUL HOMES

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

DETACHED ON EDGE OF COUNTRY PARK

Property: The Gables, detached house Location: Osborne Road,

Spacious family property in a tranquil area of Crowborough

Crowborough, East Sussex

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Bedrooms: 4/5

his attractive detached residence offers a fantastic location for busy families, being within easy reach of local transport links. The landscaped gardens to both the front and rear of the property provide ample space for children to play and adults to entertain, all in the setting of Crowborough’s country park area.

On the ground floor, you will find a double aspect sitting room with French doors leading to the garden.

The fireplace with gas fire and marble hearth is a particular feature of this room, which opens into the impressive dining room. This is an elegant space for

entertaining, as it has a double height window overlooking the garden, vaulted ceiling and exposed brickwork pillars.

Double doors open from the family room to the conservatory, while the kitchen has a bay window to the front and a range of integrated appliances.

A study, shower room and utility room complete the ground floor layout.

From the galleried landing you can access the rear aspect master bedroom, which has a walk-in wardrobe and en suite bathroom with Jacuzzi bath. You’ll also find a family bathroom and three further bedrooms on this floor.

Price: £650,000

Bathrooms: 2 plus shower room Extras: Detached double garage, landscaped gardens, conservatory, utility room Best bits: Located within the country park area of Crowborough, The Gables offers the best of both worlds for commuters – a delightful setting with attractive landscaped gardens, while being within walking distance of the railway station.

For full details contact: McAuley Miller • 01892 614 777 • www.mcauleymiller.com

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Beautiful Barley dining furniture in any Farrow & Ball colour your heart desires!

Telephone 01732 458150 Full range of furniture online www.knolehousefurnishings.co.uk 14-18 London Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN I3 IAJ

DECEMBER 2014

p161 SO TW_OCTOBER14_Ads.indd 3

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spraycraft specia list spray finisher

www.kitchenrespraying.co.uk • SHO 83

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A colourful overhaul to an essentially good kitchen Spraycraft can offer a Professional Paint Spraying 5eNice of the highest quality.

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If some of your dOOIS. panels or ldckboords ore damaged we con mol<e new to match. We con match the contemporary colours ot designer point companies.

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ADVERTORIAL

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PROPERTY PIONEERS Kate Boyes has been making headlines recently with her innovative Property Management Company Software ‘Resident®’ being shortlisted for a prestigious award. We hear about the benefits of this cutting edge creation.

R

esident has been shortlisted for the Best Services Provider of the Year Award at the News on the Block Property Management Awards. As the first cloud-based property management solution, it’s designed to assist leaseholders and freeholders to self-manage without the need for a managing agent.

“We are so excited to have been shortlisted for the Best Services Provider of the Year Award at the News on the Block Property Management Awards. Resident is an entirely unique concept. Being cloud-based, it enables all leaseholders to log in and view ongoing maintenance tasks, current and historical annual accounts, health and safety and insurance documents, while providing help sheets and comprehensive guidance.”

Managing agents’ fees for small blocks of flats are often disproportionate to the annual service charge. Leaseholders and directors of resident management companies elect to self-manage to retain control of their building

and to save service charge funds, but want to be sure they are acting in accordance with legislation and fulfilling their management role correctly. They often do not know what contractors to use, or where to go for professional advice, from people experienced in block management issues. Resident not only guides on how, when, why and what to do regarding maintenance and repairs, but it also administers accounts and tasks, making the management as simple and efficient as possible.

Resident was created by Kate Boyes, a chartered surveyor and property manager who has been letting and managing property in Tunbridge Wells for 11 years as a Partner at Alexandre Boyes. A collaboration of local independent companies in Tunbridge Wells worked together to create the national product.

Torpedo Juice designed and built the website and technical content, Digitom Ltd produced the marketing video and CooperBurnett solicitors wrote the online licences.

Kate has a first-class honours degree in Land Management from the University of Reading, specialising in Investment and Finance, and trained at Nelson Bakewell (now Capita Symonds), a property consultancy in London. She qualified as a chartered surveyor in 2004 and is a Fellow of the Association of Residential Lettings Agents (ARLA). Her block management and lettings teams at Alexandre Boyes have won awards at the Sunday Times/Times Property Awards and West Kent Property Awards.

“The idea for Resident came from recognising a need for a solution that sits between the role of a managing agent and self-management, as well as a need for increased transparency, communication and access to documents and information in the block management industry.”

Resident 48 Mount Ephraim, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4 8AU 01892 739442 www.resident.uk.com DECEMBER 2014

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EVERYONE DESERVES THE BANG & OLUFSEN EXPERIENCE

BeoVision 11 40" From £152.00 per month ~

24 moftths: w1th a 2096 depo~t

Beolabl8 From £151.16 per month CYVer 24 months w1th a 20~ depos•t

BeoVision Avant SS" with motorised floor stand

From £199.58 per month <MJ< 24 months w•th a des>OS•t of U400

BeoPiay A9 From £56.6 3 per m onth ovef 24 months wtth a 20% deposit

bang-olufsen.com

O%APR*

Bang & Olufsen of Bexleyheath 155 Broadway. Bexleyheath. Kent DA6 7EZ Tel: 020 8303 2760

Bang & Olufsen of Bromley 62 High Street Bromley. Kent BR! lEG Tel: 020 8466 8080

Bang & Olufsen of Cambridge

REPRESENTATIVE AVAILABLE

29 Magdalene Street. Cambridge CB3 OAF Tel: 01223 464400

AVAILABLE TODAY AND PAY OVER THE NEXT 24 MONTHS

37 Royal Star Arcade. High Street Maidstone ME14 lJL Tel: 01622 756756

Bang & Olufsen of Maidstone Bang & Olufsen of Tunbridge Wells 66 Mount Pleasant Road. Tunbridge Wells. Kent TNllRB Tel 01892 527525

OFFER APPLIES TO A LL PRODUCTS ABOVE £1.699 "Terms & Conditions apply. 18's and over. The financing offer applies in the United Kingdom only until 31st December 2014 on all Bang & Olufsen products w1th a RRP of more than E1.699.

BeoVision Avant 55": RRP E5.995. Motonsed floor stand: RRP £1.195. energy class C. The pnce excludes 1nstallatoon. BeoVislon 11 40": RRP £4.195. Easel stand: RRP E365, energy class C. The price excludes installation. 8eolab 18: RRP £4.535. This price example •s based on a pair of loudspeakers w1th wooden front panel and floor stand. BeoPiay A9: RRP £1.699.

Bang & Otulsen act as a credit brokers and only offer credit products from a small panel or lenders. Cred1t prov1ded subject to age and status.

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ADVERTORIAL

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The extraordinary home With a popular store already located in Tunbridge Wells, home integration specialists Bang & Olufsen are now bringing their high-end sound systems and televisions to the Royal Star Arcade in Maidstone.

We find out about what’s on offer for new and existing customers in the area

B

ang & Olufsen of Maidstone has opened its doors at the town’s historicallyrenowned Royal Star Arcade after moving from its previous King Street premises. The new showroom sees customers enjoy a significantly better facility that is not only more spacious, but which also offers a more convenient and central location at the heart of Kent’s county town.

Over double the size of the previous shop, the new showroom allows an extensive selection of the ever-expanding Bang & Olufsen and B&O PLAY ranges to be demonstrated in-store, including the just launched BeoVision Avant 85 television with its incredible 85” screen, which has picture quality four times that of a ‘normal’ High Definition television.

The move also brings Bang & Olufsen within reach of those who may have previously ruled out the brand’s prestigious products, as the new premises incorporates a second shop that is devoted to the sale of guaranteed, handpicked pre-owned equipment, together with refurbished items and discontinued lines.

Upgrading to a much enhanced retail environment is the latest development in the success story of Bang & Olufsen of Maidstone.

The business has been a mainstay in the town for over 25 years and is stronger than ever after last year becoming part of the familyowned Beoshop group, which also operates B&O retailers in Bexleyheath, Bromley, Tunbridge Wells and Cambridge.

While the location of Bang & Olufsen of Maidstone is all new, existing customers will find that familiar faces are still expertly looking after their every need. The showroom continues to be manned by Carl Chapman

and Phil Smith, who have over 60 years’ combined Bang & Olufsen experience, and are joined by Sales Executive Callum Tennant, who has just completed his 12-month apprenticeship.

As Paul Blake, Dealer Principal of the Beoshop group of retailers, explains, customers can look forward to the best ever Bang & Olufsen of Maidstone experience.

“Our significant investment in making Bang & Olufsen of Maidstone our flagship store perfectly illustrates how much we value our local customers, the refurbishment of the showroom taking six weeks before we were happy that it met the exacting standards that our visitors deserve,” he says.

“We’ve only been open for a matter of weeks, but the reaction has been very positive, from existing customers and also new visitors who never before realised there was a Bang & Olufsen store in Maidstone. In fact, so interested in the move were a number of our longstanding customers that they actually joined us in completing the refurbishment works.”

Bang & Olufsen of Maidstone 37 Royal Star Arcade, High Street, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1JL 01622 692 893 www.bang-olufsen.com DECEMBER 2014

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BEAUTIFUL HOMES

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

LIVING HISTORY ON THIS COUNTRY ESTATE Naval heritage abounds at a charming rural Arts and Crafts home in Wateringbury

B

uilt in the early 1920s by architect Morley-Horder, who was a contemporary of Sir Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll, Spinnakers is a delightful country house set amid nine acres of park like ground with many charming features.

An entrance hall with five magnificent oak arches welcomes you into the striking house, giving access to the principal rooms, most of which have oak beams and double aspect leaded windows with oak ledges.

On the ground floor there is a sitting room, dining room, study, cloakroom and drawing room, which has an impressive Tudor inglenook fireplace with oak

bressumer beam over and carved stone pilasters – these are believed to have been salvaged from Maidstone’s Three Tuns Inn when it was demolished in the early 1920s.

From the stunning triple aspect kitchen/ breakfast room you can step out to a courtyard, where you’ll find a rear utility room and an outside WC. Upstairs, there are four wellproportioned bedrooms – one of which is currently used as a library – plus the master bedroom has a dressing room that could be used as the fifth bedroom. An original claw foot enamel bath encased in Verdi Crystal marble panelling makes the family bathroom a luxurious place to relax.

Property: Spinnakers, detached country house Location: Nettlestead Green, Wateringbury, Kent Price: £1.65million Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 1 plus WCs Land: 9 acres Extras: Stabling, hay barns, miniature cross country course, paddocks, grass ménage, mature bluebell woods, ponds, wildflower meadow, electric gates, detached double and single garages Best bits: As well as its Arts and Crafts appearance, Spinnakers has some fascinating historical connections. The oak beams in the hall are reputed to have been taken from The Temeraire warship, which was immortalised in Turner’s painting, The Fighting Temeraire.

Some of the mature oaks in the grounds are believed to have been selected for shipbuilding for Nelson’s army in the 19th century.

For full details contact: Firefly Properties • 01892 838 363 • www.fireflyproperties.co.uk

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Traditional values from a forward thinking company

01892 838363 carol @fi reflyproperties.co. uk www.fireflyproperties.co.uk

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Quality.. .. In Originality....

Huge range of wall tiles, mosaic and glass, porcelain, floor tiles, natural stone, amtico, karndean The Warehouse. Tunnel Road, Tunbridge Wells. Kcm, TN2J 2BT Tcl: 01892 514 004 Fax: 01892 518 613 tunbridgewells@theinternationaltilestore.co.uk www.tilemates.co.uk With other branch<" .1, Welling. Cr.1ytord. Petts Wood .111d Bnghton

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f~ KNIGHTS WOOD ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS

AWARD WINNING HOMES IN ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Visit the Marketing and Show Suite to see first hand the quality, specification and stunning location of these award winning family homes.

Set in over 205 acres of established woodland, Knights Wood will feature a new school and village square, making it one of the South East's most vibrant destinations.

THE AVENUE PR ICES FROM ÂŁ360,000 MARKETING SUITE OPEN DAILY FROM 1OAM - SPM

01892 800 580 twsales@dandara.com

knightswood.co.uk

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L\\CJ'Ol\ CREEL\

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Bray House is a handsome Georgian innuenced classically designed double fronted detached house located in one of the nnest private roads in the Tunbridge Wells area. The property has been beautifully designed with an in out gravelled drive with bespoke electric gates and intercom to all levels of the house.

Maple House is an exclusive five bedroom detached house constructed in 20 I0 within this highly sought after gated development of just seven homes wrthin the picturesque village ofSpeldhurst

Bourne House is an attractive Grade 11 listed property located in the heart of this quintessential English village.The house has undergone a full refurbishment programme in its transformation from the local village slore into this three bedroom house, yet still retains many of the period features one would hope to nnd.

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01892 525522

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A four bedroom lodge house sitting in this private estate on the edge of Rotheriield village in East Sussex. Extending to over 2,500 sq ft and freshly decorated throughout.The Lodge nestles behind secure entrance gates in the heart of the Sussex countryside. with a large private garden. driveway and integral garage.

A large four bedroom detached house on the edge of Pembury village a short drive from the centre ofTunbridge Wells and its main line station, benefitting from a beautiful family garden to the rear.

A spacious two double bedroom apartment located in the popular St Johns area ofTunbridge Wells, within walking distance of the town centre and main line station. The property benefits from an allocated parking space and the building has a secure entrance door and a lift to all floors.

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andrewsonline.co.uk lj /andrewson\ine ~ taandrewsonline

POCHDAL~

ROAD - ,...Jl

ÂŁ995 PCM

A two/three bedroom home in a popular St James location. Arra nged over t hree floors, t he property offers flexible accommodation; to the ground floor is a kitchen/ diner w ith appliances, a separate utility room and a recepti on room leading to a store room and th e courtya rd ga rden. Upstairs there is a bathroom with shower over the bath and a f urther reception room or the third bedroom, while o n th e top floor are two double bedrooms, o ne with fitted wardrobes.

QUE RI PEL CLOSE, TN2

!:850 PCM

Set in the Connaught Park development, this ground floor apartment is conveniently located under one third of a mile f rom High Brooms Station. The accommodation comprises entrance hall wit h sto rage, two double bedrooms, bathroom with shower over the bat h and open-plan lounge/dining room and kitchen with a range of appliances. The property also benefits f rom allocated off-road parking.

E'ler-y (ffi 1ency Ratif",. C

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QUEENS !lOAD TN4 A first floor, two bedroom apartment in a popular St Johns location. With wood laminate flooring in the living room and bedrooms, the accommodatio n comprises generous living room, kitchen/breakfast room with appliances, bathroom with shower over, two double bedrooms, entrance hall with good storage and allocated off-road parking to the rea r. ~ n<>rgy Et -iQ ry k~ti ng: C

OWER G1EEN qQADJ TN2

ÂŁ595 PCM

One bedroom ground floor flat located one mile from Pembury Hospita l. Benefitting f rom its own private entrance, the accommodation comp rises bat hroom with electric shower over the bath, dual aspect living room, double bedroom and a kitchen with appliances including electric cooke r and fridge. There are also comm unal laundry facilities, a shared courtyard garden and off roa d parking. tn<>r6\' Effi 1enry Ratir11. G

Tunbridge Wells 01892 525551 tunbridgewells.lets@andrewsonline.co.uk

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r This Grade 2 listed character property is located at the top end of Southborough just beyond the Common and cricket pitch . This attached property is currently arranged as two self-contained 2 bedroom flats with their own gardens and parking. Each has a living room, kitchen/dining room and shower room. The ground floor flat has a cellar. The upstairs flat has a study. Both flats have their own external entrances, gas central heating and replacement double glazing.

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Situated on the prestigious Hamilton Estate, this two bedroom GROUND FLOOR apartment is available chain free. The bedrooms are both a double size, one has a charming cast iron fireplace and the other has double doors out onto the shared courtyard. Residents parking and no chain!

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Located just 1/4 mile Royal Victoria Place Shopping Centre and 1/2 mile from the Main line station, these newly built fam ily homes are nearing completion. Two alternative styles are available each has: Entrance hall and downstairs cloakroom, living room with doors to gardens, fitted kitchens with in tegrated appliances.

Upstairs there are 3 bedrooms and a first floor study. The inner plots have en-suite shower rooms to the master bedroom and the outer ones have a separate shower room on the top floor. The main bathrooms include separate comer showers. Outside, there are paved courtyard gardens, each with a shed and off road parking.

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"''10 £370,000

SPECIFICATION INCLUDES: • Burglar alarms • Kitchens have AEG washing • 'Solid or' mu lti locking machine I tumble drier, front doors Hot point d ishwasher, AEG • Doub le glazing fridge/freezer, Hotpoint • 'Joule' solar heating systems touch contro l ceramic hob, • Worcester-Bosch Greenstar boiler Nett double oven.

Tunbridge Wells 01892 515144 tunbridgewells@andrewsonline.co.uk

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Eridge Green

GUIDE PRICE: £650,000

A most attractive double fronted, four bedroom semi detached former Abergavenny Estate cottage in a beautiful semi rural location at Eridge Green. The property offers a host of period features throughout, attractive views over this area of outstanding natural beauty and a large garden. Internally it has particularly flexible living space and is currently arranged with a reception room, a further dining room, a large, light principal sitting room, kitchen, utility room and attractive study. To the first floor t he property has four bedrooms w ith further family bathroom and additional shower room.

T unbridge Wells

GUIDE P RICE: £575,000 - £600,000

An extremely spacious three storey Victorian town house situated towards the end of a no through road within the extremely desirable St James' area and benefitting from a generous rear garden and off road parking. Entrance hall, dining room/family room, kitchen/breakfast room, downstairs bathroom, first floor sitting room with open fireplace, conseNatory and third bedroom, second floor master bedroom with en suite bathroom and second bedroom w ith en suite shower room. Landscaped rear garden, off road parking for a single vehicle, gas central heating, double glazing.

Tunbridge Wells Office 101892 511211 tunbridgewells@woodandpilcher.co.uk Southborough Office 101892 511311 southborough@woodandpilcher.co.uk

rightmove....... . n.W'lo _ _ __

Zo~a.co.uk

Offices in Kent & Sussex. Associated London Office

woodandpilcher.co.uk Untitled-1 1

20/11/2014 15:54

THE PROPERTY 1 IARKET FOR 2015?

1

It's looking Elfy from 'ere!

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

CROWBOROUGH

23 HJgh Street. Tunbndge Wells Kent TN11UT

The Cross. Clot速orough East Sussex lN61AL Sales 01892 665666

Sales 01892 511211 tunbridgewel!s@woodandpllcher.co.uk Letting & Management 01892 528888 lettings@woodandpilcher.com

SOUTH BOROUGH

HEATHFIELD

124 London Road, Southborough Tunbndge Wells, Kent TN4 OPL Tel: 01892 511311 soulhborough@woodandpilcher.co.uk

27 Htgh Street, Heathfield East Sussex TN21 8JR Tel: 01435 862211 heathfield@woodandptlcher co.uk

TONBRIOGE OFFICE 38 High Street. Tonbndge, Kent TN91EJ Tel: 01732 351135 tonbndge@woodandptlcher co.uk

croMlo!ough@woodandpllcher.co.uk Letting & Management

01892 664666 lettings@wooda~r.corn

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Mayfield

Guide £895,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/tunbridge-wells 01892 515035 tunwells@knightfrank.com

Tunbridge Wells

KnightFrank.co.uk/tunbridge-wells 01892 515035 tunwells@knightfrank.com

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Guide £925,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/tunbridge-wells 01892 515035 tunwells@knightfrank.com

Guide £1,550,000

Tunbridge Wells

Guide £1,150,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/tunbridge-wells 01892 515035 tunwells@knightfrank.com

KnightFrank.co.uk/tunbridge-wells 01892 515035 tunwells@knightfrank.com

Tunbridge Wells

Speldhurst

Guide £595,000

Wadhurst

Guide £649,000 - £720,000 KnightFrank.co.uk/tunbridge-wells 01892 515035 tunwells@knightfrank.com

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Etching ham A Grade I listed Jacobean Hall, in need of restoration, set amid beautiful parkland

KnightFrank.co.uk/Tunbridge-Wells t unwells@knightfra nk.com 01892 515035

Etching ham Station 1 mile, Heathfield 10 miles, Tunbridge Wells 16 miles Reception hall, great ha ll, Chinese drawing room, library, dining room, sitting room, kitche n, serving kitchen, estate office, utility room. 12 bed rooms, 9 bathrooms. Cellars.

Court yard. Coach House and yard. Gate Lodge. Out buildings, beautiful gardens and g rou nds, walled garden, tennis court. swimming pool. In a ll about 85 acres.

Guide ÂŁ2,000,000

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High Street, Pembury

Guide Price £460,000

Enjoy the Landscaped Gardens this Detached Family Home has to offer. Situated in a village location under three miles from Royal Tunbridge Wells. accommodation includes Three Bedrooms to the first floor, Lounge, Dining Room, Conservatory with views over the Garden. Family Bathroom. Gated Driveway and Garage. Internal Inspection of this property is Highly Reccommended.

Brooklands Avenue £315,000

Edison Court

This Detached Three Bedroom Bungalow is situated to the south of Crowborough Town Centre and is positioned in a Sought After Area. The property offers Entrance Hall, Lounge/ Dining Room, Fitted Kitchen, Ensuite and Dressing Area to Master Bedroom, Two Further Bedrooms, Family Bathroom, Garage & Offroad Parking and Mature Rear Garden.

Positioned in the favoured St John's quarter of Royal Tunbridge Wells is this Well Presented Two Bedroom Ground Floor Purpose Built Apartment.

Benefits of the property include Communal Entrance, Entrance Hallway, Open Plan Lounge/Modern Fitted Kitchen, Two Bedrooms w ith Ensuite to Master, Family Bathroom and Underground Allocated Parking.

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£250,000

Stuart Close

£199,950

Modernisation Required! This Three Bedroom Terraced House is situated on the South Side of Tunbridge Wells Town Centre. Accommodation includes Cloakroom, Lounge, Dining Room. Kitchen to the ground floor, Three Bedrooms and Bathroom to the second floor. O utside there is an enclosed Rear Garden and Garage en Bloc. The Property is also offered with No Onward Chain.

20/11/2014 15:56

Connells

Brooklands

£1475pcm

Stunning four bedroom semidetached house w ith double garage and driveway. This delightful House is Conveniently located less t han 0.5 miles from Highbrooms train station and easy access onto the A264 to Pembury. Property benefi ts from entrance porch with cloakroom. open plan lounge /diner. Modern fitted kitchen. utility room, study, fo ur bedrooms, fami ly bathroom. double garage and drive way

Grove Hill House

£1250pcm

Sought after 2 Double Bedroom Apartment. Situated mom ents away from Tunbridge wells main line station and popular Pantiles area. Also benefi ting from off Road parking.

This beautiful property is spacious throughout benefits from 2 double bedroom s master with En-suite, modern fitted kitchen with dining area and spacious lounge. Also benefiting from private balcony and allocated parking space fo r one car

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Edison Court

£1050pcm

Christ Church Avenue £775pcm

Modern Top Floor Apartment with secure Parking Space for One Car. This Beaut iful apartment benefits from two double bedrooms, master w ith en suite.

Modern fitted kitchen, living room and fam ily bathroom. Also benefits from private gated parking space.

Situated in central Tunbridge wells within easy walking d istance to Tunbridge wells main line station, and royal Victoria shopping centre.

Delightfully Presented Town Centre Apartment. Ideally located in a sought after road, with Grove park on your door step and Tun bridge Wells main line station a short stroll away. You will also be able to benefits from this private roads parking availability.

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TENTERDEN, KENT Substantial family house set in secluded grounds with views • Tenterden 1 mile; • Ashford International 12 miles • 3 reception rooms, study • kitchen/breakfast room • 5 bedrooms • 4 bath/shower rooms • heated outdoor swimming pool • garaging • about 4 acres + 3,530 sq ft + EPC=D

Savills Cranbrook Patrick Baity

pbaity@savills.com

01580 720161

Guide £1.35 million Freehold

M A RDEN, KENT Charming Grade 11 listed family home • located at the end of a private lane • 3 spacious reception rooms • master bedroom with en suite • 5 further bedrooms • landscaped gardens with ponds • paddock and bluebell wood • garaging and stabling • all set in approx 5.5 acres

Savills Cranbrook Sarah Simmonds ssimmonds@savills.com

01580 720161

Guide £1.295 million Freehold

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CRAN BROOK, KEN T Beautifully presented family home • sought after rural location • 3 reception rooms • 5 bedrooms • 3 bath/shower rooms • garden + garaging and workshop • Cranbrook School catchment 2014 + about 0.43 of an acre • EPC=C

Savills Cranbrook Sarah Simmonds ssimmonds@savills.com

01580 720161 Guide £895,000 Freehold

SI SSINGH U RST, KENT Charming period property with well proportioned accommodation of 3,535 sq ft + 3 reception rooms + 5/6 bedrooms + 4 bath/shower rooms • attractive gardens • garden/recreation room + Cranbrook School Catchment 2014 • about 0.77 of an acre + EPC=E

Savills Cranbrook Sarah Simmonds ssimmonds@savills.com

01 580 7201 61

Offers in excess of £849,500 Freehold

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Inside every great home is an e xceptional Christmas waiting to happen .

Savills Tunbridge Wells 53 High Street Tunbridge Wells TN1 1XU 01892 507050 tunbridgewells@savills.com

savills.co.uk

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Katrin Olander Head of Lettings 01892 507050 kolander@savills.com

Becky Card Senior Lettings Negotiator 01892 507050 bcard@savills.com

savills 20/11/2014 13:30

McAufey

Miffer Estate Agents

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Barnes Kingsnorth

NORTH TONBRIDGE £795,000 lMPRESSIVE FAMILY HOME in superb location near open cowttryside, yet convenient for town & mainline station. This substantial detached house offers light & bright sitting room, dining room, fabulous kitchen/breakfast room, utility & cloakroom along with 5/6 bedrooms & 3 ba th /shower rooms to the first floor. Delightful garden, in tegral garage & plenty of parking. EPC: D Apply Ton bridge

PEMBURY

£589,000

FLEXIBLE ACCOMMODATIO.N.Adetaclled, chalet bwtga.low in the heart of the village and a level waJk of the shops a nd amenities. Set back from the road with driveway parking and an attached garage/ workshop to the front and good size garden to the rear. 2 Ueceptions, modern kitchen, 2 ground floo•· double bedrooms and bathroom, 2 fU'St floor bedrooms, 1 with ~n-suite and walk in wardrobe, cloakroom. EPC D Apply Pembury

CR.IDDINGSTON£ HOATH £585,000 BEAUTIFULLY PRES.ENTI!D COUNTRY COTTAGE in enviable location, just off the beaten track. Mu ell improved accommodation offering versatile living space and potential for self-contained ruutexe. 3/4 bedrooms, 2 bath/shower rooms rutd 3/4 reception rooms.

Detached bam/workshop, ample parking; attractive & weU maintained garden. EPC: E Apply Tonbridge

GUIDE £595,000 STYLISHBARNCONVF:RSION onvillagcoutskirts.Offeringgenerouslysizedroornswith a 30' x 23' dinutg/reception hall, living room with feature mezzanine level_ contemporary styled kitchen, bedroom, s hower room and bedroom 4/reception on the ground floor.

Upstairs there are 2 dollble bedrooms & bathroom. Garden and ga.rage. EPC: C Apply Tonbridge

Pembury 01892 822880 e. pembury@bkea.co.uk

£395,000 TOWN UVlNG WITH RURAL OUTLOOK! A detaclled family home, set within a sought after cui-de-sac surrounded by woodland and fannJrutd. Kitchen, dining room gaUeried to sitting room, with floor to cei.IU1g wmdows Md views to the rear, 4 bedrooms, bathroom & s hower/utility room. Gardens to front & rear. Garage en-bloc with u nrestricted parkmg to the front of the property. This super home offers scope for further improvement. NO CHAIN. Apply Pembury

Tonbridge01732 771616 e. tonbridge@bkea.co.uk

Residential Sales & Lettings FP 2013 210x297.indd 1

Lettings 01 732 771616 e. lettings@bkea.co.uk

www. bkestateagents.com 20/11/2014 13:34

(~RICS TON BRIDGE OFFIC TUNBRIDGEWEL.:LS

Tel: 01732 770588 Tei:OI892 515670

CROWBOROUGH £1,195,000 In a no-through road just 1.2 miles from the town centre and with gardens & grounds of 1.1 Acres, this superb Millwood Designer Home offers impressive & spacious accommodation over three floors and is within walking distance of the Golf Club

GUIDE PRICE £700,000-£750,000 LANGTON GREEN In an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the outskirts of this popular village, a 3-bedroom single storey former Victorian lodge enjoying a delightful outlook over adjoining fields and woodland and with views of the Weald of Kent

Tunbrfdge W ells 0 1892 5156 70

Tun bridge Wells 01892 515670

TUNBRIDGE WELLS GUIDE PRICE £895,000 Within easy access of the town centre, mainline station and schools, this very well presented and spacious 6-bedroom family house has a south-west facing rear garden, garage and off-road parking.

PENSHURST £675,000 In a semi-rural village location, th is unique detached 4-bedroom property is deceptively spacious and offers versatile accommodation of some 3000 sq.ft original features and courtyard garden.

Tunbrldge W ells 01892 515670

Tun bridge W ells 01892 515670

I I offices in Kent, Surrey, Sussex & London

FP 2013 210x297.indd 1

howardcundey.com

20/11/2014 13:41

We appreciate just how challenging finding your ideal country home can be.

That's why we've made the process as simple as possible.

We use our expertise and contacts across Kent and Sussex to unearth houses that surprise and delight our clients.

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20/11/2014 16:50

FP 2013 210x297.indd 1

20/11/2014 13:43

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FA I R FA X G A L L E R Y

The Christmas Exhibition will feature new work from over 25 artists with both floors of the gallery alive with original paintings and sculpture. To help during December, if artworks are purchased as presents we offer the safeguard that if the recipient is not delighted, they can exchange their painting or have a credit note during the following January.

We are always delighted to help you find the perfect painting and continue our home trial service throughout Kent, Sussex & London to help you find the perfect piece or help with a larger project.

ON THIS PAGE Alice Scrutton ’Holham, Incoming Tide’ Oil on Canvas 100 x 100 cm David Atkins ‘Morning Light, Ashdown’ Oil on Canvas 102 x 90 cm Dorion Scott ‘Child’s Nightie’ Oil on Panel 76 x 76 cm Elaine Jones ’Curve’ Oil on Canvas 94 x 94 cm

Open seven days a week • 23 The Pantiles (Lower Walk), Tunbridge Wells 2 F E BDREUCAERMYB E2R0 1240 1 4 188 SO TW_DECEMBER14_Fairfax.indd 2

20/11/2014 15:50

FA I R FA X G A L L E R Y

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The Fairfax Gallery was founded in 1995 on the elegant Lower Walk of the Pantiles. Whilst now having two other permanent galleries one in Burnham market & Holt and 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 with a large stock behind the scenes.

ON THIS PAGE Jack Frame ‘Pink & Rose Blossom’ Oil on Gold Leaf 122 x 122 cm Shaun Ferguson ‘Orange Polkadot’ Oil on Canvas 102 x 82 cm Paul Darley ‘John’s Last’ Oil on Board 44 x 49 cm Paul Darley ‘Orange & Blues’ Oil on Board 44 x 50 cm

Tel: 01892 525 525

www.fairfaxgallery.com 1893

D E CFEEM BB RE UR A R2Y0 1240 1 4

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20/11/2014 15:51

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20/11/2014 13:44

FOOD

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FOODNEWS OUR MONTHLY LOOK AT WHAT’S HAPPENING ON THE LOCAL CULINARY SCENE

Change on the menu

Not so Secret Squirrel

Traditional favourites and contemporary dishes share star billing on the new seasonal menu at Salomons Estate in Southborough. Using high quality, locally sourced ingredients, highlights for winter include pan fried wood pigeon and lightly spiced duck breast, along with classic such as chicken coq au vin and beer battered cod. Those seeking to warm their cockles will be happy to see indulgent treats like warm chocolate brownie and sticky toffee pudding on the menu at the Salomons’ Bistro.

Head Chef Dan Yardley says: “I want people to start talking about the Bistro as a thriving place to eat. I’m a Tunbridge Wells boy, so making it a success locally means a great deal to me.” www.salomons-estate.com

Some diners thought that a Tunbridge Wells restaurant had gone nuts when squirrel was introduced to the menu.

But there was a broadly positive response when Rendezvous in Camden Road added the rodent delicacy to its offerings, serving the meat up alongside venison kofta and wild boar kebab. Despite some patrons thinking the new dish was a joke, adventurous eaters tucked in and found that the squirrels – which are sourced from the Bayham Estate, where the restaurant also buys its venison – were a tasty addition.

Owner Mark Harper explained that he had already considered putting squirrel on the men when adding goat last year.

He says: “It tastes gamey, but like chicken. It has more flavour than goat.” www.rendezvoustw.co.uk

Turkey masterclass If you’re worried about getting your turkey just right on Christmas Day, help is at hand at Chapter One restaurant in Locksbottom. On Tuesday December 23, Chef Patron Andy McLeish will be holding a Christmas cookery class in which he’ll show you how to prepare, stuff and dress your own turkey (you can order your bird beforehand), all ready for Christmas Day. Once all the hard work is done, you can pick up some carving tips from Andy while enjoying a three-course meal.

Classes start at noon and 6.30pm and entry costs £130.

For more information visit www.chapteronerestaurant.co.uk

An experience to share New Southborough restaurant The Twenty Six is a ‘test kitchen’ that promises to offer an intriguing experience for just a handful of lucky diners each day. Located in Church Road, the eatery is an outlet for the talents of chef Scott Goss and seats only 26 people. There’s a new menu every day, with dishes served on small and large plates designed for sharing. You can see an example menu on the website, plus there are light bites and Sunday meals on offer. www.thetwenty-six.co.uk DECEMBER 2014

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St Julians Club l/IN eXCLUSIVE PRIVATE <..:MEMBERS' ( LUB E njoy the winter .ca~n with your family ar Sr J ulians. Coming up soon is our C hristmas-themed Quiz a nd C hristmas Eve Raffle a nd our popular Boxing Day lunch. We also have a family-friendly 7 0s disro on N ew Years Eve, and free live m usic evenings t.>vcry Friday th roughour January and F~bruary!

St Julians has beauTiful listed function rooms wirh fantastic views for c:uered parties of u p to 150 g uests. O ur vcrsadle rooms are perfect for C hristmas m<:a b in the restaurant and larger C hristmas pan ic:s. V isit our wcbslte for further information, a nd to find out how ro join.

L/f'F. TENDLY(LUB

W HERE ~AMILIES [AN ~LAX <JJINE

& HAVE 'FUN TOGETHER 0173.! 458261 • Tl' FO((i !'1]lJTJAi\S.CO.l ' J.;: • \'7\~'\\-r~I ULT. \i\S.CO.l lK

TH E KENTISH HARE IS OVERSEEN BY THE TANNER BROTHERS. CHRIS AND JAMES HAVE ASSEMBLED A GREAT TEAM FOCUSSING ON DELIVERING THE VERY BEST FRESH LOCAL FOOD. The pub takes full advantage of the superb larder available to us in Kent, complemented by a specially selected range of superb wines, beers and spirits.

TANN ER BROT HER S 95 Bidborough Ridge, Bidborough Village, Kent TN3 OXB

01892 525709 enquines@thekentshhare.com wvvw.thekentishhare.com

The Kentish Hare is a family friendly pub with great food and service where children under five eat free.

Check our website for details of our fantastic Chrsitmas parties and meals.

192

DECEMBER 2014

p192 SO TW_OCTOBER14_Ads.indd 2

20/11/2014 15:50

THE GEORGE HOTEL CRANBROOK

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.. .we are now serving food between 12pm - 21.30pm everyday.

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...don't forget to book our popular family Sunday Roast from 12 noon .

...for an exclusive private dining event we are able to accommodate up to 8 people in the Montgomery Dining Room with our Head Chef creating your own unique menu and in our Restaurant we can hold private events for up 40 guests .

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11C 20/11/2014 13:46

You are guaranteed a warm welcome and comfortable surroundings when you visit The Bull Inn. With a mass of small, 1ntimate areas within, this is the one place to come for an excellent range of real ales, including locally brewed I Iarvey' s.

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21/11/2014 09:45

REVIEW

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Homesuitehome When Alexander House Hotel in Sussex announced the opening of their new luxury suites, we were among the first on the guest list. Editor Jane Connolly was invited to spend an evening checking whether the new additions live up to the hotel’s exquisite standards. Oh, go on then...

Y

ou know those scenes in movies when the heroes get to swan around in vast hotel rooms, clad in fluffy white robes as they quaff Champagne and nibble fruit, before sinking into a bubbly bath for two by candlelight? You know how the hotel rooms you stay in are never like that?

Well, you clearly haven’t been to Alexander House Hotel in Turner’s Hill recently. Because here, you’re immediately transported through the silver screen and gently submerged into that world of luxury, privilege and more fluffy white things than you can shake a stick at. From the warm welcome afforded by the impeccably turned out staff, to the wonderful autumnal aroma of open fires that greets us in the reception hall, we know there’s something special in store.

Earlier this year, the five star boutique hotel and spa added to its elegant manor house accommodation by opening a new contemporary collection of 19 garden suites. Set in a striking modern building in the grounds, within just a few steps of the main house, the DECEMBER 2014

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REVIEW

“we put our appetites entirely in Executive Chef Mark Budd’s hands, we’re not sorry...”

Cedar Lodge suites offer a wealth of features that add that extra touch of indulgence to your stay.

On entering the contemporary foyer, with its modern artworks and breathtaking chandelier direct from Venice, we’re struck by the attention to detail. The next thing we’re struck by is the sheer size of the space – with at least 52 sq m per suite, you’re not exactly going to be tripping over your suitcase in these rooms.

Alongside the huge and supremely comfortable bed, there’s plenty of space for a large sideboard with a generously sized television, a stylish glass table and chairs, a corner sofa that would easily seat six people or more and a private balcony overlooking the grounds.

A Nespresso machine replaces the usual tea and coffee tray, plus there’s fresh fruit and a bottle of chilled Champagne – Taittinger, my

lighting, giving you a choice of ambience as you soak under the bubbles. The four options range from practically broad daylight through to soft and sensuous – perfect if your partner could do with a little Instagram-esque filtering... Plus, the under floor heating means the bathroom always feels cosy, so if you awake in the early hours needing a comfort break, there’s no hasty dash back to bed with frozen toes, even in the depths of winter. Of course we take full advantage of the muchprized white bathrobes, even though it’s not really cold enough to need them, while the pristine towels boast roughly the same weight and thickness as a 14-tog duvet.

However, we eventually tear ourselves away in order to enjoy a pre-dinner tipple in the 1608 Champagne Bar, also a new addition this year. The former library exudes

favourite – awaiting us. And then there’s the bathroom...

Sweeping through the double doors, we feel as if we’ve stepped into a perfume advert or a James Bond film, at the very least. A deep and modern styled bath, large enough for two (with a central faucet and plughole, so no taps in the back), takes centre stage between two chic glass ‘his and hers’ sinks. There’s a separate walk-in monsoon shower, too, so whichever you choose for your ablutions, you won’t want to get out when it’s time to dress for dinner.

An electronic keypad controls the

class and tranquillity, the sort of atmosphere a high end members’ club might have (I would know for sure had I ever been a member of such a thing). Being barflies by nature, we choose to perch on stools at the business end of the room, rather than relax in the many deep sofas and armchairs, and turn our attention to the cocktail menu.

One thing you’ll notice about Alexander House is that the staff don’t ‘walk’, ‘stride’ or even ‘appear’ – they shimmer, shimmy and gently materialise, in much the way that domestic hero Jeeves was proclaimed to do in PG Wodehouse’s novels. Our bartender Christian is no exception

196

and before we can say ‘olive’, we find before us a pair of Martinis that would have James Bond tipping his blessed Vesper (I’ve tried it and it’s horrid) into the nearest plant pot.

My guest has opted for the Lemon Drop Martini, a refreshing blend of Chase vodka or gin, with lemon juice and merlet triple sec (£12), while I’ve fought off the temptation of the Raspberry and White Chocolate Martini – which sounds like something Alexander House siphoned from one of my more cheese-addled dreams – and gone for the Espresso incarnation instead (£12). Approximately 53 seconds later, it’s gone. If coffee mornings served this stuff, I’d frequent my local village hall a little more often. Rich, aromatic with fresh espresso and Bebi Tosollini coffee liquor and with the alcohol barely decipherable, it goes down very smoothly and could easily replace good old gin as today’s

take on ‘mother’s ruin’.

We’re already filling up on root vegetable crisps and olives at the bar when we’re presented with the dinner menu and wine list, which is on a convenient tablet, to peruse at our leisure before repairing to AG’s Restaurant along the hall. These also come with complimentary ‘nibbles’ – though if you’re expecting dry roasted peanuts, you’re going to be disappointed. Cute little butternut squash muffins nestle alongside crisp miniature cones filled with steak tartare, plus there’s a selection of delicate savoury sticks flavoured with parmesan, anchovy and olives.

We’ve still barely forced ourselves to choose our actual dishes before we’re gently ushered along to be seated in the classically stylish restaurant. The moment cannot be put off any longer, so I reluctantly commiserate with the runners-up (which was most of the menu) to

DECEMBER 2014

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REVIEW

bestow my patronage on the roast quail to start and the John Dory for main. My guest goes for duck liver foie gras to kick things off, followed by the beef option – then we sit back and wait for the magic to happen.

Having dined at AG’s once in the past, when we made the cardinal error of having to leave some side dishes untouched, this time we put

before us an amuse bouche of cauliflower mousse, layered with Madeira jelly, cauliflower foam and delicious little crunchy bits of something that work well with the mousse’s heavenly smoothness.

Some poet or other once said something about autumn being ‘the season of mellow fruitfulness’ and if that poet had also been a chef, he

Prices at a glance STARTERS from: £16 MAINS from: £28 SIDES: £6 DESSERTS from: £12.50 WINE BY THE GLASS: from £7 WINE BY THE BOTTLE: from £26

our appetites entirely in Executive Chef Mark Budd’s hands and let the food come as he intended. As the evening progresses, we’re not sorry – not only is each dish perfectly portioned, but the staff are so generous with the little extras, that it would be criminal to overload the waistband to the point where it can’t admit any more fabulous flavours.

As we make a start on the crisp and fruity Sancerre Domaine, Franck Millet 2011 (£54), our charming waiter does that shimmering thing and we find

probably would have made something like my starter dish. The roast quail (£18) practically melts in the mouth and has a mellow flavour with the faintest whiff of smokiness at its base. This woody deliciousness seems to permeate everything on the plate, from the mushroom sauce to the fermented garlic, pine, pear and dandelions. It’s like inhaling all the best bits of an autumnal stroll through a British woodland and I’m sorry when it’s all gone.

My guest doesn’t have much to say about the duck liver foie gras

with black figs, maple roast oats and homemade roasted brioche (£18), largely because he’s too busy vacuuming it up. It’s much the same story when the hay smoked rib of dry aged beef (£30) arrives, with its accompaniment of beer and Cheddar gnocchi. It’s been cooked on open coals and is perfectly rare.

There is a pause in proceedings when he gets around to the whisky glazed cheek, however, in order for him to roll his eyes and practically

roasted black plums with vanilla rice pudding, gingerbread wafers and muscavado ice cream (£12.50).

Another excellent choice, as it turns out, for the festive spices seem to round off the seasonally angled menu brilliantly. There’s a shot of summer in store first though, as we enjoy our pre-desserts of pina colada mousse with a sherry jelly and cool iced pineapple on the top.

Sadly, we fail to manage all the complimentary petit fours before

faint from its tenderness and phenomenal flavour.

I love fish, yet John Dory is not a chap I get to enjoy very often, so I’m intrigued to see how the roast fillets with caramelised and salt baked celery, root, verjus and golden sultanas (£28) will go down. Very well, as it turns out – beginning with the divine aroma that wafts up from the crispy skinned fish when it arrives. The sweetness of the fruit is cut through by the vinegar taste of the garnish, leaving my palate refreshed and ready for the next course, even if my tummy is starting to back off from the task.

As usual, my guest has had his eye on the artfully stocked cheese trolley all night, so there’s no question that he’ll be opting for the cheese board (£15). I, however, believe that it is one’s duty to try the dessert offerings because they better reflect the kitchen’s creative output – that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it. After mentally undressing the hot banana soufflé (£12.50), I decide on the spiced

it’s time to stumble back to our exquisite suite for an excellent night’s sleep. In the morning, there’s no dining with the riff raff for us.

Another magician comes shimmering in with our breakfast hamper, comprising muesli, yogurt, fruit, pastries, juice, tea and coffee – a welcome light start after our indulgence of the night before.

One more lingering visit to the wonderful monsoon shower and it’s time to leave this heavenly place, to revisit Earth with a bump. If the new Cedar Lodge suites reveal anything about Alexander House, it is that they know exactly how to make a guest feel special and to not only meet expectations, but exceed them.

Jane Connolly stayed in a Garden Deluxe Suite. Suites cost from £345 per night, room only.

Alexander House Hotel Turners Hill, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH10 4QD 01342 714 914 www.alexanderhotels.co.uk DECEMBER 2014

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20/11/2014 17:32

So Tunbridge Wells Ad_Layout 1 20/11/2014 12:24 Page 1

The Leicester Arms Hotel High Street Penshurst Kent TN11 8BT

Celebration !

Christmas has come early for The Leicester Arms Hotel in Penshurst. Despite only being open for under a year they have just achieved listing in the prestigious Michelin Restaurant & Hotel Guide. This is an incredible achievement, not only to be listed but to have achieved this status in such a short space of time.

Local restaurateur Julian Leefe-Griffiths commented “we are so excited to have got in to the Michelin so quickly after opening! It is a great achievement by all the staff to get listed so quickly after the refit. For us the Michelin is like winning the Olympics, only the best of the best get chosen and we love the fact that you can’t pay or cajole your way into the guide.

Heston Blumenthal is in there, Raymond Blanc in there, even that git Gordon Ramsay is in there and now, fantastically, so are we” The Leicester Arms Hotel is a beautiful 16th Century former Coaching Inn, set in the heart of the picturesque village of Penshurst. Having only been open for under a year, what they have achieved as a group has been remarkable and the quality of both

their food and service has been superb. With countless good reviews and an outstanding level of service, they have worked hard for their success. The Hotel is an eclectic mix of stylish en suite bedrooms sympathetically eased into the grade II listed building. Rooms feature, Fab French walnut beds with Royally approved Hypnos mattresses, flat screen TV’s with many rooms having stunning views across the charming Kent countryside.

Dining is available in 3 distinctive areas, the large garden room at the back of the hotel features a panoramic view of the rolling countryside, The Leicester Square with its panelled dark walls and crisp white linen, and the bar areas with open fires and quirky wallpaper.

The chefs at The Leicester invest a great deal of time sourcing the correct local suppliers and ingredients to create a seasonal menu with favourites like Roasted Breast of Crockham Hill

Pheasant, Confit Leg, Shallot Puree & Dauphinoise potatoes or Venison Carpaccio alongside pub classics like larkin’s Beer Battered Fish and Chips. Couple this with beautifully conditioned local ales and a wine list to die for there is no wonder that the Leicester Arms is coming along so nicely. On the doorstep is Penshurst Place one of the largest privately owned estates in the South of England, with country walks through the parkland and the House and Gardens, the setting could not be more idyllic.

If you have not been for a while or never visited it’s well worth a try, especially with the festive period upon us The Leicester Arms is the perfect venue for all occasions formal and less formal, and who knows what they may achieve in the next year?

+44 (0)1892 871617 info@theleicesterarmshotel.com www.theleicesterarmshotel.com

ROSEMARY SHR_AGEKS c

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COOKERY COURSES • CHEF'S TABLE • PRIVATE PARTIES • CORPORATE EVENTS • HOSTED M EETIN GS

Chefs Table Exclusive Dining Experience with ever-changing menus created by Michelin trained chefs One & Two Day Weekend Cookery Courses with Rosemary Shrager, John Rogers & lain More Children & Family Courses • Private Celebrations Telephone: 01892 528700 Email: school@rosemaryshrager.com

www.rosemaryshrager.com

APPRENTICESHIPS AND VOCATIONAL TRAINI NG FOR PROFESSIONAL CHEFS

TEN OF THE BEST WANTED! EaI'll & learn in some of the best establis hments Kent has to offer.

Are you: Currently out of education, employment or training? fnterested in becoming a qualified chef in as little as 12 months?

The next Rosema1y Sl1rager Apprentice? ffthe answer to the above is "YES!" then you should contact us RIGJiT NOW!

Why: Because we are looking for enthusiastic, ambitious, young people who have a passion for food and would like to be trained by Rosemruy Shrager and her team of talented chefs, in our new, state-of-the-art, professional kitchen in l\mb1idge Wells.

"It is now all about the next generation ofchefs and I am so excited to have the opportunity to be involved in training our new future stars."

Rosemary Shmger 2014

Limited places still available for January & July 2015 Please vi.s it our website www.rosemarysh rager.com to download the application form or contact: jason@t·osemaryshrager.com

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FOOD

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Thought for food THIS MONTH OUR OWN CELEBRITY CHEF, ROSEMARY SHRAGER, REFLECTS ON THE YEAR GONE BY AND GIVES HER TOP TIPS FOR A FLAWLESS CHRISTMAS LUNCH

C

hristmas is upon us once again – it comes around so quickly!

For us at the Cookery School in Tunbridge Wells, it’s a small celebration as we have been open for 18 months.

We’ve had a few scary moments, as you do with new businesses, but I’m thrilled with how we are growing. We’ve taken on three more fabulous chefs, plus we’ve opened a new dining room to offer more chef’s tables, private functions and corporate events. This is a great venue for Christmas parties or any other celebration. We are really excited about the new bespoke dining room, furnished and designed by the team at home–anatomy.com who did a fabulous job sourcing beautiful and different objects and furniture from all over the world.

Christmas in the Pantiles is going to be great fun, as we have Christmas markets every weekend in December selling all sorts. Also it’s good for getting into the festive mood. There will be lights, music and lots of places to eat and drink. The Patisserie will be making the window very Christmassy, so the children will be looking through the window at all the wonderful chocolates and delicate cakes.

For the adults, we will be selling mulled wine and for the children, gorgeous hot chocolate; we’re also selling Christmas cakes and puddings to be pre-ordered.

Now, I would like to give you some tips for Christmas lunch that could be useful: • Plan your menu well in advance, so that you can work out your dry store cuboard, also this allows you to prep ahead of time.

• Never serve a first course. I always make bits and pieces to have with a drink, such as smoked salmon on blinis.

• A few weeks before Christmas, I freeze the red cabbage, bread sauce, cranberry sauce and good stock for the gravy and I make the stuffing for the turkey, which I freeze uncooked. I do try and get as much ready in advance as possible, so I can cut down on the shopping and cooking required nearer to the day.

• I always do a Gravlax, this takes two to three days to make. I serve it on Christmas Eve with baked potatoes and salads.

• I also cook a ham – part of a ham will do, it’s great to have it hot and then cold for Christmas.

• Two days before Christmas, remove the stuffing from the freezer.

• On Christmas Eve, I prep and three quarters cook the sprouts, roast potatoes and parsnips. Take everything you need out of the freezer.

Stuff your turkey.

• Pop the turkey in the oven for however long you need.

Once cooked, remove it and put in your sausages and three quarter cooked parsnips.

At this point I turn up the oven.

Allow the turkey to rest while everything else is finishing.

• Heat up the red cabbage and bread sauce, add the sprouts to butter with chestnuts, cook gently and make a gravy from the turkey pan with your defrosted stock etc.

• Put everything onto dishes and serve.

To cut the turkey I remove the leg and cut the brown meat off, then I take off a whole breast – the slice down is much easier this way.

All that is left to say is ‘Merry Christmas!’

Enjoy! www.rosemaryshrager.com

DECEMBER 2014

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11 FIREZZA PIZZA FOR LIFE

WWW .FIREZZA.COM TEL: 01892 5210 50 Follow us for new & exclusive offers!

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FOOD

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UNDERCOVER EATER

This is where we send our resident foodies into local eateries incognito and they tell it like it is.

This month they check out the re-launched Camden Quarter in Tunbridge Wells LOCATION On Camden Road (funnily enough...), by the entrance to Royal Victoria Place, so theoretically the restaurant is well-placed to enjoy a roaring trade.

DECOR Predominantly wood with black. The branding and signage is also black, with a slightly gothic, contemporary feel.

Perhaps giving a nod to Camden Town where ‘black’ features heavily in the clothes and makeup of the residents.

There is local art for sale adorning the walls, exposed brickwork (love that) and a good amount of light in the place from their glass frontage. There’s not a huge amount of room but the layout is well considered. The typewritten menu is retro chic and I like the little buckets of individually wrapped sugar cubes. There are pots of faux flowers on each table – being into authenticity I wonder if eateries can feature real flowers or would your senses of smell and taste become confused? The taste of the food that is, not the flowers...

My most puzzling discovery is made while visiting the ladies – a double toilet cubicle, something I’ve never encountered before. Why would you want to forgo your privacy? I return to the table feeling baffled, to find that the food presentation is creative without being fancy.

Is the food under-priced or just good value?

Undercover Eater is on the fence MENU I would gently suggest that the menu is a little out of focus. Between 3pm and 7pm, Tuesday to Sunday, the 333 menu is available – three courses at £13 – ideal for a ‘mini’ posh meal out after Christmas shopping, an after-work bite with a mate or a late lunch at the weekend. But we choose not from the 333 menu (too early), nor the main menu, but from the chalk boards. There are two specials, so that’s what we order: a spicy lamb burger, with flatbread, fries and onion tomato salad (£10) and whole baked sea bream, samphire, new potatoes and

caperberry butter (£13). A glass of good house white for Mr Undercover Eater (£5 – what’s not to like about that) and a locally produced Owlett’s Apple and Raspberry for me. The burger choice allows a direct comparison with other local eateries, who serve very similar dishes on their menus.

This was better and if my memory serves me correctly, cheaper.

Menu options in general range from breakfast through to dinner, comprising sub-categories starters, sharers, sandwiches and light meals, main meals, sides and puddings/desserts – homemade apparently, so you’ll see me again, CQ...

PRICE Is the food under-priced or just good value?

Undercover Eater is on the fence and will be recommending the place to friends and associates to get a wider view over time.

THE ONLY THING IS...

The staff were efficient, apart from when it came to settling the bill. I’m not the most patient, especially when I’ve eaten and want to go home. I needed an afternoon nap...

Camden Quarter 28 Camden Road Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2PT 01892 544 522 www.camdenquarter.co.uk

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EX RER

WOOLPACK HOTEL

26 HIGH STREET TENTERDEN KENT TN30 6AP

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Discover one of the Pantiles best-kept secrets.

FIND US ON SUSSEX MEWS BEHIND THE PANTILES, ONE OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS MOST HISTORIC PUBS, TUCKED AWAY THROUGH COACH AND HORSE PASSAGE.

The Sussex Arms, Sussex Mews, The Pantiles, Tun bridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5TD. Phone: 01892 549579 • Web: thesussextw.co.uk • Tweet: @TWSussexArms

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PHOTOGRAPHY: PHIL GLOVER

ADVERTORIAL

Spa by Name, Spa by Nature The Spa Hotel in Tunbridge Wells is celebrating the win of a prestigious food award and getting ready for the New Year with a fabulous makeover and planned expansion. We hear about some of their latest developments and how there will be even more for customers to look forward to in 2015

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t’s all been happening at The Spa Hotel and developments are set to continue into 2015. When Head Chef Neil Wiggins (pictured) first arrived, he vowed to raise the standards and has done just that as The Spa has recently received a two-Rosette accolade from the AA. This award is mirrored by the success of the new Brasserie Zagatos, which opened in June, and the new-look bar is proving to be a big hit with both hotel guests and locals.

The refurbishments don’t stop there.

January will see the hotel’s main lounge completely transformed with more stylish, contemporary décor, yet retaining that comfortable, homely lounge feel.

New for 2015: Outdoor wedding ceremonies will be possible within the Spa’s manicured grounds in a beautiful new gazebo, meaning couples can tie the knot overlooking the lakes – weather permitting, of course!

Spa by Name: Perhaps the most exciting news of all is the proposed expansion and refurbishment of Spa Spa. The top-secret plans are being finalised at the moment, however the aim is to create a spa befitting the hotel’s name. Watch this space for more information...

The Spa Hotel Mount Ephraim, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 8XJ 01892 520 331 www.spahotel.co.uk reservations@spahotel.co.uk DECEMBER 2014

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E D U C AT I O N

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EDUCATION NEWS WE TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE WORLD OF EDUCATION

n SELFIE PORTRAITS

n FAST FOOD OFF THE MENU? Takeaway food outlets near schools across Kent could be banned from opening at certain times. In a bid to tackle obesity and remove the temptation of fast food for children at lunchtime or after school, this summer Medway councillors voted to restrict the opening hours of new takeaways in their area. County councillors are now considering extending those restrictions throughout Kent, though the rules will apply to new businesses only. Currently in Medway, new hot food takeaways located within 400m of a primary or secondary school are not allowed to open between 3pm and 5pm; those who are within that distance of a secondary school must also close between noon and 2pm.

Andrew Scott-Clark, Kent’s interim Director of Public Health, says: “We need to do this systematically across all of our 12 districts and boroughs. Whilst I wouldn’t want to hold up fast food outlets as the sole source of the problem, there’s no doubt that diets that are energy-dense or have high calorie value, when eaten frequently, contribute to the obesity issue.”

Tunbridge Wells Museum and Art Gallery has found a novel way to engage secondary school students with art – by holding free workshops on the history of the ‘selfie’. The one-day events, held in schools, are designed to show youngsters that the phenomenon is not purely a 21st century one; in fact, artists have been painting self-portraits by looking at themselves in the mirror for centuries.

The idea was inspired by the 18th century Camden Family paintings, which hang in the museum’s Portrait Gallery. Award winning international photographer Andrew Bruce leads the workshops, in which students have the chance to create their own photographic selfies based on the portraits and upload their work on social media using the #TWMAGselfie hashtag.

At the time of writing there were still two funded workshops available – schools that would like to take part should email Jeremy Kimmel on jeremy.kimmel@tunbridgewells.gov.uk for more information.

n THREE’S COMPANY A trio of East Sussex schools have joined forces to become the county’s first three-primary school federation.

Following a partnership last year, Dallington Church of England School, Broad Oak Community Primary School and Punnetts Town Community Primary School decided to formally create the Woodland Federation. This will allow the schools to work together on educational projects while remaining separate. Executive Head Shirley Franks will oversee the venture, along with the three Headteachers: Jackie Hewess at Broad Oak, Paul Cox at Dallington and Will Bentall at Punnetts Town.

“I am delighted with the creation of our new federation,” Mrs Franks told local media. “We can now build on the considerable success of our partnership of last year which has already proved beneficial for both our pupils and our staff. I look forward to many opportunities to increase the learning experiences for all in our school communities.”

n NEW SCHOOL OPEN EVENING Parents who would like to find out more about the new primary school being built at Knights Wood, Tunbridge Wells, are invited to an open evening.

The Skinners’ Kent Primary School is being created at Dandara’s new housing development, with a £3.95million contribution from the developer, and is due to open in September 2015. The school – which will have academy status and will educate girls and boys aged four to 11 – will be run by The Skinners’ School Foundation. Go along to The Skinners School in St Johns Road between 4pm and 6pm on Tuesday December 9 to find out more.

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SOCIAL

TURNING BACK TIME AT DULWICH PREP Students from Dulwich Prep School in Cranbrook took to the stage to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the school’s arrival in Kent.

The concert at Tunbridge Wells’ Assembly Hall Theatre featured songs, dance and poetry from across the decades, plus the children re-enacted the evacuation of pupils from Dulwich College Prep in London to Cranbrook on September 1, 1939. Another commemorative event saw students dressed in 1930s and 40s clothes as they retraced the steps taken by those evacuees when they set up the emergency wartime camp, walking three miles from Cranbrook to Coursehorn. The concert and walk were part of the school’s Arts Week and the culmination of the 75th anniversary celebrations. www.dcpskent.org

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MOTORING MATTERS OUR ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM THE MOTORING SCENE DIAMOND DISCO To mark the 60th birthday of the legendary Alfa Romeo 1900 C52 ‘Disco Volante’, Touring Superleggera - a prestigious Milanese coach building firm which has been designing and building vehicle bodywork since 1926 – has created the 2013 edition of the Disco Volante with the official endorsement of Alfa Romeo. The Disco Volante is a two-seater Gran Turismo with a completely bespoke, handmade carbon fibre and aluminium body underpinned by the stunning Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione coupe, with its front-central mounted 4.7-litre V8 engine and transaxle rear drive with unmodified specifications.

GREAT EXPECTATIONS Expectation is building for the market launch of Toyota’s fuel cell vehicle with the hydrogen-powered saloon included in the short list for What Car? magazine’s Reader Award for the most eagerly anticipated new model of 2015. The UK will be one of the first world markets for the four-door model, Toyota’s first production FCV and a global technology pioneer for zero-emissions mobility. The car was shown with its production-ready design last month at the Paris Motor Show and will be introduced in Japan, North America and Europe during the course of next year.

GREEN OPTION

CLEANING UP

RETRO RACING

SPORTING CHANCE

An even more frugal version of the critically acclaimed Audi A6 ultra executive saloon is included in the new range that is now available for UK ordering. Priced from £31,955 OTR in Saloon form or £33,955 as an Avant, the latest ultra model extracts even more mileage out of each gallon than its recently introduced predecessor, emits as little as 109g/km of CO2 and doesn’t ask drivers to forego attractions like the S line sports specification in return. Like all other A6 and A6 all-road variants they are open for order now and will reach their first UK owners this month. High performance S6, S6 Avant and RS 6 Avant models will follow shortly afterwards.

The first ix35 Fuel Cell customer vehicles have arrived in the UK, continuing Hyundai’s global roll-out of the world’s first series-production hydrogen-fuelled car. Hyundai is the first car manufacturer to supply these zero-emission vehicles to paying customers in the UK, paving the way for growth of the clean technology, having led its research and development since 1998. The arrival of ix35 Fuel Cell vehicles comes shortly after Business Minister Matthew Hancock announced £11million of UK Government and industry funding to support hydrogen transport.

Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations have announced the launch of the Jaguar Heritage Driving Experience.

This range of exciting motoring experiences gives participants the unique opportunity to take the wheel of cars such as Le Mans-racing legend Jaguar D-type, legendary E-type and Jaguar’s most potent sports car ever, the F-TYPE R Coupe. Details of the new Jaguar Heritage Driving Experience may be reviewed at the Jaguar Heritage website. www.jaguarheritage.com

With excitement building following the debut of the performance-oriented 308 GT at the Paris Motor Show, Peugeot has announced full details of two new models that will further enhance the range’s appeal. The 308 GT Line capitalises on the sporting character of the GT and is available on a wide range of PureTech, HDi and BlueHDi powertrains. Meanwhile, the 308 Sportium is a new special edition model for retail customers and features Peugeot’s ultra-efficient three-cylinder petrol engine. Both models will bring new buyers to the versatile and practical 308, the reigning European Car of the Year 2014.

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Coop er Tunbridge Wells

The Ultim ate Driving Machine

Some cars are built purely for power, others for comfort, some are designed solely for beauty. The BMW X5 removes the need to choose, combining incredible power and efficiency with exceptional luxury and craftsmanship.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK A TEST DRIVE* CALL COOPER TUN BRIDGE WELLS TODAY ON 01892 628 120.

Cooper Tun bridge Wells Longfield Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent T N2 3UE www.coopertunbridgewellsbmw.co.uk

Official fuel economy figures for the BMW X5 range: Urban 2 1.7- 43.5 mpg (13.0- 6.5 1/1OOkm). Extra Urban 36.2 - 54.3 mpg (7.8 - 5.21/1 OOkm).

Combined 29.1 - 50.4 mpg (9.7- 5.6 111 OOkm). C02 emissions 2 26 - 149g/km. Figu~<::s may vary depend>ng on driving style and conditions. â&#x20AC;˘Test drive subject to applicant status and availability.

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ADVERTORIAL

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No matter the weather – BMW have it covered Nothing is as predictably unpredictable as the British weather! It’s not unusual to experience all four seasons in one day with bright sunshine one minute and torrential rain the next. That’s why it pays to be able to adapt. BMW xDrive, the most intelligent all-wheel-drive system available, features on all BMW X models

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eacting in the blink of an eye to changing driving conditions, BMW xDrive balances power between all the wheels to deliver the performance you’d expect from the ultimate driving machine without compromising efficiency.

Moreover, unlike many all-wheel-drive systems, xDrive is fully variable so it eliminates virtually all understeer as the front wheels only receive power when required.

BMW X1 Ideal for customers wanting the space, versatility and raised driving position of an X model with the efficiency and dynamics inherent to all BMW models, the BMW X1 is the first Sports Activity Vehicle in the compact premium segment, and the first BMW X model offered with either two- or four-wheel drive.

Its distinctive exterior styling is a contemporary interpretation of the traditional SAV look and its compact dimensions make it ideal for both city and out of town driving.

BMW X3 The new BMW X3 launched in July, with a revised front end design, increased standard specification and improved performance.

As well as Nevada leather upholstery and Automatic rain and headlight sensors as

standard, the generous specification now also includes heated front seats, Automatic tailgate and BMW Business Media package. A greater selection of models, colours and trims – including SE, xLine and M Sport – provides you with even more choice. The latest BMW ConnectedDrive technologies are also available on the new BMW X3 and include optional BMW Head-up Display and Surround-view, which gives you a birds-eye view of your surroundings from within the car.

this striking model is sure to turn heads.

Its eye-catching design in no way overshadows its practicality BMW X4 The dynamic new BMW X4 is now in the showroom. Combining the sporty aesthetics of a coupé with BMW xDrive, the intelligent four-wheel drive system, this striking model is sure to turn heads. Its eye-catching design in no way overshadows its practicality, with the 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats allowing you to create more space when required. What’s more, every model sports a high level of equipment as standard, including 18” alloy wheels, Xenon headlights and automatic tailgate. Leather upholstery, heated front seats and BMW Business Navigation further enhance your

driving pleasure. Undeniably powerful yet impressively economical, the new BMW X4 demands to be driven.

BMW X5 The commanding BMW X5, available in SE and M Sport variants, offers enhanced levels of efficiency, luxury and versatility, setting a new benchmark in its class. Whether you’re heading for the hills or into the city, you will benefit from the latest BMW EfficientDynamics technologies that combine to deliver increased performance, improved fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions. The xDrive30d SE, for example, delivers 47.9mpg (combined) and CO2 emissions of just 156g/km.

BMW X6 Providing a greater level of standard equipment and personalisation features, the second generation of the BMW X6 launches in December. Featuring four-wheel drive xDrive technology as standard across the range, the new BMW X6 will take all the British winter can throw at it. Increased luggage capacity of up to 1,525 litres and a 40:20:40 rear seat split provide increased versatility, while enhanced standard equipment levels includes features such as a 10.2” widescreen display, so you won’t need any excuse to take a second look at the new BMW X6.

For more information about any of the above BMW models, please contact Cooper Tunbridge Wells on 01892 628120.

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mobile

The Mercedes-AMG C63 gets a new badge and an entirely different engine.

Andy Enright reflects on some monumental changes to an old favourite

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W

ith great power comes great responsibility. Or at least it does now that the Mercedes-AMG C63 is fitted with a 4.0-litre V8 that gets better fuel figures while still wielding the big stick. Choose from the 476PS C63 or the 510PS C63 S in either saloon or estate body styles and enjoy responsibly.

Can we just have a moment of solemn remembrance for the Mercedes M156 engine? This 6208cc V8 started out great and just got better with age. Alas, emissions regulations are no respecters of reputation and Mercedes has teamed up with its go-faster arm to develop something more in keeping with today’s requirements. You might well have also noticed that this C63 isn’t badged a ‘MercedesBenz’. Instead it now wears the ‘Mercedes-AMG’ moniker to signify the increased involvement the AMG team at Affalterbach have had in developing this model.

Clearly the biggest change comes under the bonnet, where that charismatic 6.2-litre lump has

been replaced by a smaller 4.0-litre V8 that’s boosted by a pair of turbochargers, but there are significant upgrades throughout this model. The name change is apt. The C63 might have ditched its party piece but be in no doubt, it’s moved onwards and upwards.

You might have seen a version of this engine doing the rounds in the Mercedes-AMG GT coupe. If not, here are the cliff notes. The ‘M177’ powerplant displaces 3,982 cc and is equipped with twin turbochargers cleverly packaged in the ‘V’ of the cylinder banks and cooled via a special duct built in the bonnet of the car. The engine’s good for 476PS in the standard 63 and 510PS in the even hotter C63 S model. You won’t need reminding that it’s a good deal more efficient. You want to know whether it’s any quicker. The news is all good on that front, the C63 S accelerating to 62mph in 4 seconds, with the estate version a tenth slower. The standard C63 is no sluggard either, adding a tenth to those previous times. Whichever model you choose, it’s

electronically limited to 155mph.

The changes don’t stop there.

A heavily revised version of the AMG Speedshift seven-speed transmission now features significantly quicker shift times.

There are dynamic engine mounts and a revised suspension setup: four-link at the front and a multilink rear with a wider track.

Both ends are linked to the AMG Ride Control system, operating through electronically-controlled three-stage dampers. There’s a mechanical locking rear differential on the C63, with an electronic version for the C63 S. The braking system uses 390mm discs at the front and 360mm rotors at the back, with the option of ceramic discs for circuit bashers.

The C63 models have always majored on understated muscularity and this latest version is no different. You won’t find huge spoilers or box-arches.

Instead, it’s about teasing the bodywork out to hint at a car that’s spent some serious time in the gym. Front bumpers with

Facts at a glance MERCEDES-AMG C63 – from around £60,000 ENGINE: 4.0-litre V8 TRANSMISSION: AMG Speedshift 7-speed transmission PERFORMANCE: Top speed 155mph, 0-62mph in 4.0 seconds ECONOMY: 34.5mpg combined for saloon and 33.6mpg for estate EMISSIONS: 192g/km of CO2 for saloon – 196g/km for estate

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MOTORS

deep air dams feed the intercoolers and there’s an AMG-specific grille that frames a bonnet equipped with subtle power domes. The front wings are slightly wider and there are subtle ‘V8 biturbo’ badges above a set of similarly discreet sill extensions.

The rear bumper is also different, designed to house the quad exhaust pipes. There’s a small boot lid spoiler on the saloon and a low-key item on the tailgate glass of the estate version.

The C63 gets contoured seats set behind a wieldy AMG wheel and recalibrated AMG dials. Even more focused AMG Performance seats can be specified along with a range of different leather treatments and trim finishes from piano black to carbon and aluminium. The buttons for the AMG Ride Control, the optional active AMG performance exhaust system and the three-stage gearbox modes are grouped around the standard Touchpad controller, above which is an AMG badge and surprisingly non-tacky IWC-branded analogue clock.

Prices start at around £60,000 for the C63 saloon, with the estate version offered at a premium of £1,320 over its four-door stablemate. There’s a premium of nearly £7,000 to pay if you want one of the C63 S models. You probably don’t need us to break the news that this is quite serious money but it’s about the same amount as you’d pay for a rival Audi RS4 Avant - or a BMW M3 saloon with an auto gearbox.

You’re also getting more power with the C63 too, remember, and you certainly get a beautifully finished vehicle with plenty of equipment on board.

The C63 features Nappa leather for the seats and the steering wheel, the COMAND infotainment system and a memory package for the seats, plus 18-inch multi spoke wheels. The S version isn’t just about more horses and a trick diff either. Customers who sign up to the senior C also get 19-inch alloys and a ‘Race’ function in the COMAND set-up to allow the driver to alter the gearbox, engine and damping modes according to their

preference. A set of AMG Performance Seats are teamed with grey belts. Should you want to go further, you could also specify a powerful Burmester surround sound system or, for those wanting a soundtrack straight from Affalterbach, the option of a variable AMG exhaust. There’s also the incredible LED Intelligent Light System to consider.

This isn’t the point where we tell you how reasonable a 500PS Mercedes is to run. Should you exercise your right boot liberally, running costs will still rank as ruinous to 99% of UK wage earners, but exercise a little more restraint and the efficiency gains of this 4.0-litre engine can be brought to bear. Mercedes-AMG quote a combined fuel economy figure of 34.5mpg for the saloon and 33.6mpg for the estate, regardless of whether you choose the standard power output or the uprated S model. These economy figures equate to 192g/km of carbon dioxide emissions for the saloon and 196g/km for the estate.

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Those numbers really aren’t that bad. Well, they aren’t bad in comparison to other 500PS vehicles. If you’re old enough to remember the days when a car that could get better than 30mpg was deemed economical, they’re quite remarkable. Residual values ought to hold up well on the back of them and the fact that this is no facelift of an ageing model.

Insurance is likely to require a bit of specialist help from a diligent broker.

The C63 has evolved into something that’s subtler than before and this more cerebral approach is one that’ll play well to a very well-informed customer profile. They’ll know all about the residual values, the efficiency gains, the clever engine mounts and slicker suspension. They’ll appreciate the quality gains of the interior and will have the wit to compare and contrast the value proposition versus Audi and BMW. Mercedes-AMG have crunched the numbers already. Which is why they’re looking pretty smug about the C63’s chances.

“you certainly get a beautifully finished vehicle with plenty of equipment on board”

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MASERATI QUATTROPORTE DIESEL FROM £69,235 ON THE ROAD Maserati has a long tradition of surprising the automotive world with innovation and unconventional thinking. The introduction of our new state-of-the-art V6 diesel engine in the Quattroporte is just the latest example. This 3.0 V6 unit produces 275 HP and the performance that befits the company's flagship, whilst clever engineering has managed to reproduce the distinctive and much loved Maserati exhaust note.

For more information on the new Maserati Quattroporte Diesel contact 01622 233111

Official fuelconsumption figures for the Maserati Quattroporte Diesel in mpg (111 OOkm):Urba n36.2 (7.8). Extra Urban 54.3 (5.2).

Combined45.6(6.2).C01emissions 163g/km.fuelconsumptionandC01figuresarebasedonstandardEUtestsforcomparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. Model shown is a Maserati Quattroporte Diesel at £71,647 On The Road including optional metallic paint at £660, electric sunroof at £1,560 and extended key-less entry at E192. www.maserati.co.uk

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MOTORliNE MASERATI BIRCHOLT ROAD. PARKWOOD MAIDSTONE, ME 15 9XY

Phone: 01622 233111 E·mail: maserati@motorline.co.ul:. www.motorline.co.uklmaserati

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BUSINESS NEWS OUR MONTHLY LOOK AT WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE LOCAL BUSINESS WORLD

n COUNCILS URGED TO HELP LOCAL COMPANIES

Across the Weald business continues to improve, although there is some caution about the strength of the economic recovery – and local councils could do more to help.

Those are the main conclusions from the third Wealden Business Barometer survey, the quarterly research project analysing the views of current business trends among the members of the Wealden Business Group.

The group, which meets for weekly networking breakfasts in Tenterden, comprises 31 owner-managers of a diverse range of companies across the Weald, from accountancy to commercial property, creative services to construction and car sales to law firms.

Main findings In the second quarter of the year (to end of June), 60% of members report profits increasing by up to 25% over the previous quarter, and over the same period last year.

Business was even better – in some cases turnover up more than 50% – in sectors such as construction and professional services.

There were modest plans to increase expenditure both on recruitment, such as apprentices, and IT equipment.

Some anxiety remains about the strength of the recovery.

Professional advisers to business start-ups report that while many are taking on leasehold premises, they are cautious about the terms and length of those leases.

More ‘fringe’ and secondary lenders have emerged to offer financial support to start-up businesses.

How local authorities can help business Members were asked what local government could do to improve help for local businesses.

RESPONSES INCLUDED...

• Speeding up planning approvals, and more pro-active advice prior to submission of planning applications.

• Improving information about local authority training grants. While these are available, more needs to be done to promote them.

• Easier, cheaper parking for local workers and tourists.

• Creating a level playing field between charity shops, which receive 80% rates relief, versus other retailers, who receive no rates relief at all.

• Working more closely with local Chambers of Commerce and business groups to respond to the differing commercial needs of different towns.

• Using local businesses to undertake small local authority projects.

Commenting on the results of the latest survey, Wealden Business Group chairman Simon Hammond (pictured) says: “It’s good to see that the recovery seems to be sustaining and that the majority of our members are seeing improved turnover and profits.

“We would welcome closer links with local authorities to bring benefits to both parties - a clearer understanding of the opportunities that councils can provide local businesses and an improved responsiveness from councils. This will provide the benefit of improved tax revenues from a flourishing commercial sector.”

n LAW LORD

n SOLAR SWITCH ON

Former High Sherriff of Kent Lord Colgrain, who lives on his family farm near Sevenoaks, has joined the board of law firm Cripps as a non-executive director. He has run his own City-based executive search company specialising in the financial sector for the past 12 years. Cripps has offices in Tunbridge Wells, Kings Hill, Sandwich and London.

A 64-acre solar park with 40,000 panels has been given the green light for development in Tudeley, near Tonbridge, by the borough council. British Solar Renewables says it will power 4,000 homes in the surrounding area for a period of 25 years.

Planning officers argued the idea was “sustainable” and that any harm that might occur would be temporary.

BUSINESS NEWS CONTINUED OVERLEAF è

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n WINNING LINE-UP

such a vibrant, successful and diverse

engineering company. Neva Consultants

Winners of the Uckfield Business Awards 2014 were announced during a gala dinner last month at the East Sussex National Hotel attended by 330 people.

President of the Uckfield Chamber of Commerce Fiona Monson told them: “We are extremely fortunate to work in

business community in such a beautiful

supplies contract hire, vehicle finance and

part of the country.”

fleet management consultancy services to

Judges split the Business of the Year Award between CJ Thorne and Company

all sectors.

Challenge Packaging, the independent

and Neva Consultants. Founded in 1939,

designer and producer of cardboard

CJ Thorne has evolved from a two-lorry

packaging, picked up two major accolades.

haulage business into a major civil

MD Simon Allen was voted Business

n MEDIA SPIN

n WAXING LYRICAL

Three Kent organisations have pledged their support for local journalism by sponsoring a new awards scheme for the county’s media.

Law firm Cripps, East Kent College and the Port of Dover are all sponsoring categories in the new Kent Press and Broadcast Awards.

Organised by Tunbridge Wells PR company Maxim, the awards will be judged by a panel of experts including journalist Susie Boniface, known as the Fleet Street Fox (pictured), Haymarket’s Patrick Fuller, journalist and lecturer Dr Sarah Lonsdale and award-winning TV producer Martyn Gregory.

For more information visit www.kpbawards.co.uk.

Nick Brown, the MD of the Wadhurst company Nikwax was presented with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Sustainable Development 2014, by HM Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex Mr Peter Field.

The award, handed over at Salomons in Tunbridge Wells, reflects the company’s commitment and achievements within sustainable development, which include: reducing environmental impact, educating local schools on sustainability and providing a grants programme.

It is the fourth Queen’s Award for Nikwax, which manufactures water-based waterproofing solutions for outdoor clothing.

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n FASHIONABLE APPROACH Luxury brand London W11 has brought its cashmere collection to Sevenoaks after seven years of selling online and internationally.

The company was founded by Eva-Maria Khan (above left) whose background in fashion houses such as Prada gave her the insight into luxury style. It has so far enjoyed success at fashion shows and invitation-only trunk sales, but this winter the brand is branching out in an innovative way.

During a launch at St Julian’s in Sevenoaks, Eva-Maria announced that London W11 will recruit ‘fashion advisors’ who will learn more about the brand, then run clothes show events and parties to connect with customers.

She tells us: “I believe in key, long-wearing pieces that will stand the test of time. London W11 is being launched here after the support and interest of the Sevenoaks Mums group.”

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Person of the Year and the company was named National/International Business of the Year. Fellow director and business partner Colin Prior collected the prizes.

Bespoke kitchen design and manufacturer Levick Jorgensen walked away with three awards: ‘Small Business of the Year’, ‘Customer Service’ and ‘Best New Product or Service’.

FULL LIST OF WINNERS: Business of the Year Neva Consultants CJ Thorne and Co. Business Person of the Year Simon Allen National / International Business of the Year Challenge Packaging

n CLIENT

APPROVAL

Tunbridge Wells based Kate Lawson has been named as a Top Rated solicitor by a national consumer website.

She was selected as a result of clients writing to VouchedFor.co.uk to recommend her employment law services. The site helps people to find a solicitor or financial adviser and works much like TripAdvisor.

“There are thousands of solicitors in the UK so to be amongst the top rated is a real achievement,” says Kate, who has specialised in employment law for 13 years.

“What makes it even more special is that I’ve been selected as a result of support from my clients.

“Almost everyone will seek the services of a solicitor at some point in their lives, but it can be difficult to know what to look for. In my opinion client testimonials are an important vehicle when it comes to establishing trust, which makes receiving this commendation even more significant.”

VouchedFor.co.uk lets consumers find, rate and review a range of professionals, including independent financial advisers, mortgage brokers and solicitors.

Small Business of the Year Levick Jorgensen

Retailer of the Year Carvills

Best New Product or Service Levick Jorgensen

Young Employee of the Year Gina Hadfield, Candlelight Homecare Services

Customer Service Award Levick Jorgensen

Tradesperson of the Year Uckfield Framing Co

Best Place to Eat The Cock Inn

Best New Business Oldfield Smith and Co

Contribution to the Community Uckfield Citizens Advice Bureau Best Looking Shop Josefina Outstanding Achievement Award Doug Spickernell, Green DIY

n TOUCH OF ROMANCE Hotels from across the UK and Europe were at the Mayfair in London last month for the Condé Nast Johansens Awards 2015. And it was a great night for Alexander House Hotel and Utopia Spa who were recognised as the UK’s Best for Romance!

They’re part of the independently owned hotel group, Alexander Hotels and Spas. Others are Rowhill Grange in Wilmington and Langshott Manor in Horley.

Judges believe the five star hotel “strikes that fine balance between contemporary comfort and historic charm.

Cosy during every season… it’s the perfect getaway!”

Hotel General Manger Ian Heath tell us: “This award is a wonderful acknowledgement of our achievements to date. I believe our genuinely warm service, new celebration breaks and choice of outstanding accommodation are just a few of the details that contributed to our success.”

Condé Nast Johansens, from the publishers of Vogue, GQ and Glamour, is the premier reference guide for independent travellers.

Hotel General Manager Ian Heath (left) and Marketing & PR Manager, Lindsay Kinniburgh (far right) accepting the award from Emma Johnstone, Gilchrist & Soames.

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Protecting your Future Wills Powers of Attorney Probate & Estates Court of Protection Trusts & Trusteeships Inheritance Tax Planning

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ADVERTORIAL

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SOME THOUGHTS FOR BUSINESSES LEADING UP TO CHRISTMAS AND 2015 As the festive season and New Year is practically upon us, it’s worth reminding ourselves of a few developments that will require some attention going into the holidays and beyond. Alex Lee, Company and Commercial Partner at Buss Murton in Tunbridge Wells, looks to the months ahead CONSUMER CONTRACT REGULATIONS Although coming in earlier in the year, it was at Christmas in 2013 when some 20% of non-food sales were made online and 2014 is expected to be even higher. For an online retailer, this trend must be good news.

However, even with efficient supply chain management, things can go wrong. If delivery is not made within the specified 30-day period, the requirement to refund has been reduced from 30 to 14 days. If a delivery is delayed, the consumer may be able to treat the contract as ended if the timing for the delivery was specified as essential or the circumstances made it clear that the timing was essential.

If the consumer is not able to terminate, they can specify a new date. If that date is not met, the contract can be treated as being at an end and the retailer must reimburse in the time required.

Speaking of holidays…

is not guaranteed overtime in their contract, but they have worked overtime in any event.

DESIGN RIGHTS There has been new legislation regarding intellectual property to make the UK fit in with the rest of the EU. One of the more important matters that has changed relates to the commissioning of designs from third parties. It was the case that the person commissioning the design would be the owner of the intellectual property rights therein. That is no longer the case and it is now the designer who is the owner.

The requirement for businesses getting design work done is to make certain there is an assignment of the rights in the design to the commissioning business.

OTHER THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR IN 2015 There will be changes to company law. It is likely that the use of corporate directors will be stopped and that it will be required that the person who has significant influence over the company (financially or otherwise) will have to register their interest.

Also in 2015, watch out for the Government’s proposed shared parental leave. In essence (aside from the first two weeks), the 52week maternity period can be shared between parents (as well as up to 39 weeks’ maternity pay).

Alex Lee is a partner at Buss Murton Law www.bussmurton.co.uk or call 01892 510222.

HOLIDAY PAY This has been an area of some activity recently, including input from the European Court of Justice. Calculation has always been on the basis of basic pay. This, it turns out, was an error.

It has been recently found that, for those people who are paid in part by commission, the commission element must be taken into account in the calculation of holiday pay. Calculation is by reference to period prior to the holiday to work out what the payment should be.

The second part of this story is that it is now the case that overtime that has been worked must also be taken into account when considering holiday pay. This is the case where the worker

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2015

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The event is a Stableford with full handicap and best 2 scores from 4 to count. The package costs just £240 inclusive of vat for a team of 4 and includes coffee and a bacon roll, the 18 hole challenge, a two course dinner, charity auction and presentation of prizes such as best team score, individual, nearest pin, longest drive.

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Join us for a day to remember with 18 holes of golf, the chance to win a new BMW 4 Series Cabriolet, a dazzling dinner and charity auction in aid of Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre plus the opportunity for your business to win an impressive trophy The event will comprise 20 teams of four. Maximum handicap will be 28 for men and 36 for women. Places will be allocated strictly on a first come first served basis. There’s also the opportunity for non- playing guests to enjoy the day with a visit to Hever Castle itself, beginner golf lessons and attendance at the presentation dinner.

PLACES ARE LIMITED. PLEASE CALL CLAIRE JONES AT HEVER CASTLE GOLF CLUB ON 01732 701 003 TO BOOK IN YOUR TEAM.

You can also call Paul Harvey: 01892 779 650 or 07720 970 056 Golf Competition_SOTW _FP_Dec14_v3.indd 1

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SOCIAL

Peter Callum (left) with Nick Leeson, host Fergus Ross in the background

THE BILLION POUND GAMBLE It was a tale of two experiences with money that could not have been more different.

In one corner was rogue trader Nick Leeson who brought down Barings bank after losing almost a billion pounds on unauthorised trading in derivatives. Opposite him was Peter Callum the founder of Towergate Insurance who amassed a personal fortune of almost a billion pounds. The pair were guest speakers at a business dinner held at Salomons in Tunbridge Wells. Nick Leeson told the audience of the “pivotal” day his world started to fall apart. He was working for Barings in Hong Kong and had been up until 4.30am trying to reconcile their trading ledgers. Back in the office a couple of hours later he still failed to balance the books and was advised by a colleague to tell London about the problem so they could help sort out the mess. He didn’t make the call and basically then tried to gamble on the markets to recover his losses. In 1995, after the collapse of the bank, he was jailed for six years.

Photography by Sarah Bond

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BUSINESS IS BOOMING

IN SEVENOAKS The Sevenoaks and District Chamber of Commerce was established in 1910, originally as the Chamber of Trade. Today it has seen an overhaul that has positioned it as one of the most talked about business groups in the area. So what’s happened..?

The flagship event of the year for the Chamber was the summer reception party which was a celebration of business for the town and covered by SO magazine. More than 100 guests were invited to an evening at St Julian’s Club.

We catch up with the Chamber’s Acting Marketing Director Robert Brown...

How did you get involved?

Firstly, going back almost 18 months, I was newly self employed and decided I would branch out of London and insurance to see what was happening in the provinces. I’ve always been a huge fan of Sevenoaks and it seemed to have a vibrant business community so I went to one or two networking events, including the Chamber’s Wednesday meeting which was open to non-members. As usual

THE CHAMBER’S BOARD LEFT TO RIGHT: Robert Brown, Kirsteen Allen, Mark Tuvey, Andrea Starbuck, Avril Ferguson (Administrator) and Elizabeth Dolding

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IMAGES RUSSELL HARPER PHOTOGRAPHY

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here are a number of changes that have taken place this year at the offices of the Sevenoaks Chamber of Commerce, some of which are not obvious to the outside world.

With a strong board comprising a solicitor, recruitment consultants and a technology expert, there is a wide breadth of experience to run the Chamber and bring it into the 21st century.

Board Directors are Mark Tuvey (Chairman) of Connectacard; Andrea Starbuck of Ten2Two; Kirsteen Allen also of Ten2Two and Elizabeth Dolding of Warners Solicitors. Avril Ferguson is the Administrator.

Michael Fallon MP, the UK Defence Minister, is its Patron and the Chamber counts amongst its members some of the UK’s largest brand names, such as Marks and Spencer, Savills and Specsavers.

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you are pounced upon as the new kid on the block but I found everyone to be really enthusiastic and it was completely different to the corporate world I had been used to. It was then that the Chairman Mark Tuvey approached me and said he was looking to build a board that would consist of people with different skills sets that would enable the Chamber to go to the next stage.

What do you see as the Chamber’s biggest achievement this year?

I would say raising its profile. It’s so hard to put a price next to doing things like this but there is a true sense of momentum around all of the Chamber activity and events. Our membership has grown by almost 50% in the past 12 months, to around 140. We’ve rebranded including a new website and a leap into social media - and the Chamber now has a hub for events and membership communications.

It has also turned profitable for the first time in as many years as anyone can remember and it is the place to be each month for regular networking, which is attended by at least 50 businesses on the first Wednesday of every month at different venues around the town.

We were also extremely delighted with our celebration of Sevenoaks business summer event – we knew it was going to be a prominent event in the business calendar but we were really overwhelmed with the thanks and compliments we received after the event. I knew then that we were turning a corner with the Chamber.

What effect do you think a large business like M&S will have on smaller retailers in Sevenoaks?

Firstly, I think it’s a very good thing having a larger store in town – genuinely – it brings people in to the town from surrounding villages and stops people going to Bluewater and buying everything else there. You only

have to look at the social media traffic where people were talking about the opening of the new Marks and Spencer to see that it was something people wanted.

Also, smaller independent retailers offer different things. For example, not everyone wants an M&S sandwich and not everyone wants M&S shirts. I’ve spoken with a number of local retailers who are all quoting high numbers of items they have sold this year. Sevenoaks has something for everyone and despite some of the negative press with some businesses closing, under the radar business is booming.

What’s the biggest problem facing local businesses?

Personally I think footfall. If you struggle to park in the first place, this puts people off. They get frustrated. Simple things like this need to be hassle free, particularly when you are paying for the privilege. People want to shop here and you can tell that because they queue for the car parks! The Chamber is fighting the constant parking battle and liaising with the council to try and find a solution.

Why have you launched a new sole trader tier to your membership?

We are 104 years old! Things change. We saw a number of businesses attending different networking events who were one man bands working from home and this is why we have introduced a sole trader package to allow start-up and smaller businesses to integrate into the local business community cost effectively. I suppose post recession there are a lot of quality individuals who left big companies and are now making a name for themselves. There are some really interesting businesses out there at the moment!

Where do you see the Chamber five years from now?

I think the Chamber will have a larger membership but we will be talking to

members in a different way. One thing that is certain to remain is that people will do business with people they like.

What’s next on the Chamber’s agenda?

Keeping with what works well and listening to our members. As I said before it’s about engagement – at every level.

Our ambition is to be the voice of business for Sevenoaks. Our new After Hours events are an exciting new venture too. The first of its kind for the Chamber was at the new Marks and Spencer earlier this month and we were delighted to introduce key speaker Steve Kemp, who is Head of M&S Food and Hospitality.

This was really well attended and sporadic future events will clearly be a game changer for high profile networking in the area, attracting like-minded entrepreneurs. The high profile speakers we seek to attract for future After Hours events will all have high profile inspirational business storie Finally, tell us the best business advice you’ve been given?

You have to reinvent yourself every three years. Don’t stand still or you will be left behind. I’ve always remembered someone saying that. Also on a day-to-day basis, cash flow and activity is absolutely key to everything. And we’ve used those principles to grow the Chamber.

Find out more about Sevenoaks and District Chamber of Commerce at www.sevenoakschamber.com Non members are welcome at the Christmas party on December 11 at Cote Brasserie

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C U LT U R E

CULTUREVULTURE OUR MONTHLY LOOK AT WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE AREA

He’s behind you!

No Christmas celebration is complete without a family visit to a festive theatre show - the music, costumes and audience interaction make for fantastic shared experiences. Here’s our round-up of the best local shows for all ages, to help you get Christmas started in entertaining style.

For many children, pantomime is their first encounter with live theatre and can create magical memories. There’s certainly no shortage of spectacular shows this year, telling some of the best-loved children’s stories. But, thanks to the array of productions on offer throughout the Weald, pantomime isn’t the only option for your festive outing. Let’s take a look at what’s happening on stage across the area.

Cinderella The Stag, Sevenoaks The star-studded cast includes Ryan Moloney, who plays Toadfish in Neighbours, as Buttons. Joining him as the grotesque Ugly Sisters are former Coronation Street baddie Brian Capron and Dirty Den himself, Leslie Grantham, so there are sure to be big laughs amid the romance.

Dates: Saturday December 6 to Sunday January 4 Box office: 01732 450 175 www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk A Christmas Carol Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells Characters both creepy and loveable appear in Charles Dickens’ unforgettable story about Christmas past, present and future. There’s plenty of laughter and moving moments as Ebenezer Scrooge discovers the error of his

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ways – but can he change in time to make a difference? Suitable for ages eight and above.

Dates: Thursday December 11 to Saturday January 3 Box office: 01892 678 678 www.trinitytheatre.net

Peter Pan Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells Holby City star Mark Moraghan brings the nasty Captain Hook to life in this sparkling production, which also stars CBeebies’ Gemma Hunt as Tinker Bell. Audiences are promised thrilling flying scenes and all the magic of Neverland in this timeless tale.

Dates: Friday December 12 to Sunday January 4 Box office: 01892 530 613 www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk Babes in the Wood Community Centre, Crowborough Crowborough Players are providing the laughs in the town’s community pantomime.

Following the success of previous years, this is sure to be another hilarious show as the unfortunate children of the title embark on a surreal adventure in the woodland.

Dates: Friday December 12 to Sunday December 14 Box office: 01892 300 567 www.thecrowplayers.com

Nativity in Creakebottom Queen’s Hall Theatre, Cranbrook Five male actors from rural Suffolk (one of whom is a woman pretending to be a man) decide to stage a nativity play about the real meaning of Christmas. But their resolve is tested when they’re offered the chance to take their show to the bright lights of London... Suitable for anyone aged over 10, this hilarious play features silly songs, physical comedy and sharp wit to create an entertainingly different Christmas show.

Date: Saturday December 13 Box office: 01580 711 856 www.queenshalltheatre.co.uk The Railway Children The Oast Theatre, Tonbridge For an entirely different family show, join the Waterbury children on an unforgettable summer adventure as E Nesbit’s beloved story is brought to life on stage. A joint production between Play of the Month and Oast Youth Theatre, this stars talented local youngsters as the well-to-do children, who are forced to leave their privileged lives behind and adapt to poverty in rural northern England.

Dates: Saturday December 13 to Saturday December 20 Box office: 01732 363 849 www.oasttheatre.com

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HIGH STANDARDS Local band The Standard Lamps are going from strength to strength and if you don’t believe us, head down to The Forum in Tunbridge Wells on Friday December 12 to check them out for yourselves. Currently working on their second album, they’re a big hit on the local circuit with their blend of melodic and raw sounds. In support will be Brighton two-piece Dull Knife and Kent acoustic duo, Ant and Fie. Doors open at 8pm and the show, which is for over-16s, costs £6 – as an added bonus, the entry price includes two MP3 downloads of the band’s tracks. Book online at www.twforum.co.uk

MAN OH MAN Both original lead singers of The Manfreds will be performing with the band at the Assembly Hall in Tunbridge Wells on Friday December 5. Paul Jones and Mike d’Abo will be helping to belt out some of the R&B group’s 17 hits, which included three UK number ones: Do Wah Diddy Diddy, Pretty Flamingo and The Mighty Quinn. Manfred Mann formed in 1962 and achieved their first Top 10 hit two years later with 5-4-3-2-1. They disbanded in 1969, to reform as The Manfreds in 1991 and have not looked back since. The concert starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £25.50/£23.50. Book online at www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk or call 01892 530 613.

MERRY MEDLEY No classical music fan should miss the Royal Tunbridge Wells Symphony Orchestra’s wonderful Christmas concert. This year the performance includes Humperdinck overture Hansel and Gretel, R Strauss Horn Concerto No 2, Tchaikovsky Mélodie, Alan Silvestri concert suite The Polar Express and Danny Elfman Christmas Eve Montage, as well as Roy Moore’s Christmas Carol Medley.

Catch this atmospheric concert at the Assembly Hall in Tunbridge Wells at 3pm on Sunday December 7. Tickets are priced from £15.25 to £24.25 and can be booked online at www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk or by calling 01892 530 613.

SWEET DREAMS

WINTER WONDERLAND Families are invited to join Alice in a surreal and magical world populated by remarkable characters. Children aged four to 11 will love this enchanting adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s fantastical story, which visits Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge Wells on Saturday December 13 and Sunday December 21.

Performances of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland start at 11.30am and tickets cost £8.

Call 01892 678 678 or visit www.trinitytheatre.net

Acclaimed theatre company Long Nose Puppets have created another captivating children’s show in Arthur’s Dream Boat. When young Arthur has an amazing dream about a beautiful vessel, no one is very interested – not even when the boat starts to grow on his head! Enchanting puppets and music guide you along on this charming adventure. See the show at The Stag in Sevenoaks at 10am or 11.30am on Saturday December 6. Priced at £7/£6, tickets can be booked at www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk or by calling 01732 450 175.

LAUGH IT UP Take time out from the stress of Christmas shopping to enjoy belly laughs of which Santa would be proud. The Lone Star Comedy Club returns to Tenterden’s Sinden Theatre on Friday December 12 with another great trio of comic talent. Headlining is Paul Pirie who, since making his debut in 2006, has gigged as far afield as Australia. Also on the bill is Jonny Awsum (pictured), whose Edinburgh Fringe show earned rave reviews this year, and energetic compere Paul T Eyres. The fun starts at 8pm and tickets cost £10, or £15 including supper. Call 01580 763 826 to book or visit www.sindentheatre.com

Paul Dunton is away

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M A G A Z I N E

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Longford House, 19 Mount Ephraim Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1EN Tel: 01892 779 650 www.somagazine.co.uk Editor Jane Connolly jconnolly@onemediauk.co.uk Head of Design Rowena Cremer-Price rcremer-price@onemediauk.co.uk Senior Journalist Charlie Bond cbond@onemediauk.co.uk Junior Designer Xela Ruy xruy@onemediauk.co.uk Production Co-ordinators Phil Glover pglover@onemediauk.co.uk Lauren Howe lhowe2@onemediauk.co.uk Writer Frederick Latty flatty@onemediauk.co.uk Commercial & Digital Marketing Manager Laura Plane lplane@onemediauk.co.uk Head of Sales Joe De Kwant Stoner jstoner@onemediauk.co.uk COMMERCIAL TEAM Team Leader Gemma Hak ghak@onemediauk.co.uk Alice Harding aharding@onemediauk.co.uk Clara Higgs-Prosser chprosser@onemediauk.co.uk Philip Selwood pselwood@onemediauk.co.uk Business Development Manager Patsy Kelly pkelly@onemediauk.co.uk Distribution Co-ordinator Harry Lamb Contributors Valerie Thacker Catherine de Crèvecoeur Daniel Gee Nick Ellis David Bartholomew Sarah Bond Publishing Director Nick Moore nmoore@onemediauk.co.uk Editorial Director Richard Moore rmoore@onemediauk.co.uk Like us on Facebook facebook.com/SoMagazines Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/SoMagazines

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T H E AT R E S

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ENCORE No more Mister Nice Guy

As an actor, many viewers will remember Mark Moraghan as Greg Shadwick in Channel 4 soap Brookside and as Owen Davies in BBC’s Holby City. This Christmas Mark takes on the role of Peter Pan’s nemesis Captain Hook at the Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells – he tells us how he’ll relish playing a baddie You’ve succeeded former Beatle, Ringo Starr, and Michael Angelis as the narrator of children’s TV show Thomas and Friends.

What’s your favourite read and why?

I tend to read factual, historical books. I am very interested in both the world wars. Biographies are also interesting; among my favourites are David Niven’s The Moon’s a Balloon and Bring on the Empty Horses.

The medical series Holby City is one of BBC One’s most successful shows. What was your most exciting storyline?

It was a while ago, but it has to be the love triangle between Chrissie and her mother.

That one stands out in my mind.

You appeared on Celebrity MasterChef, reaching the final alongside Andi Peters and eventual champion Liz McClarnon. Do you have a signature dish?

I couldn’t say just one; I am particularly partial to Asian dishes. Some of my favourites are spare ribs, green and white jade soup, steamed sea bass, rice wrapped in lotus leaves and sesame toffee lychees.

How do you feel about playing the baddie in Peter Pan – or should we say, Neverland’s most fearsome pirate?

The baddie is always the most fun to play. And Captain Hook is the best of them – my Hook will be a cad, a bounder and very nasty, with a hint of charm…

You’re also well known for your role in the Sky football drama Dream Team. If you were a footballer, what position would you play?

I used to play a lot of football until breaking my femur in a charity match in 2005. I started at left back in school, but as an adult switched to centre half, so that would be my best position.

You are a born and bred Liverpudlian. Who do you support – Liverpool or Everton?

I’m a staunch Liverpool supporter. Bob Paisley was our greatest manager, winning 20 major

honours in nine seasons. But Bill Shankly is my favourite as he laid the foundations.

A few years ago you met Watchdog presenter Nicky Campbell on the set of BBC One’s singing show, Just the Two of Us, and decided to record an album together. Since then, how has music been a part of your life?

I’ve been fortunate to tour with a full band, appear in the West End in Priscilla Queen of the Desert, tour in 9 to 5, sing at the Royal Albert Hall and the Royal Festival Hall, perform alongside Mel C and The Christians and record with some amazing talent.

Have you ever been to Tunbridge Wells before? What are you looking forward to the most about coming to our town?

A friend lived in Tunbridge Wells and I live in Kent, so I’m no stranger to the area, but I’ve only ever visited in the summer. So I’m expecting a chocolate box Christmas. I imagine Tunbridge Wells will look amazing at Christmas.

Peter Pan will run at the Assembly Hall Theatre from Friday December 12 to Sunday January 4. To book tickets call 01892 530 613 or visit www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk DECEMBER 2014

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FROM THE ARCHIVES...

Greetings from Cranbrook Good tidings we bring! To celebrate the Weald’s festive past, we revisit the story of how a Cranbrook resident changed the face of Christmas forever

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s we all know, Christmas cards are a time-honoured tradition of the festive season. It was not until 1843, however, that the face of seasonal greetings would be irrevocably changed when a member of the Cranbrook artists’ colony was commissioned with the task of designing the first ever Christmas card.

John Callcott Horsley was born in London in 1817. As the son of William Horsley, a renowned composer and founder of the Royal Philharmonic Society, he was from a family of well-known artists, musicians and innovators (his brother-in-law was none other than the legendary civil engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel).

With such an inspired heritage, young Horsley was destined for tremendous artistic success. He first pursued his creative studies at the Royal Academy in London in 1836, where he met fellow artist and lifelong friend Thomas Webster, who would later establish the Cranbrook artists’ colony.

In 1843, Horsley permanently put his stamp on the world of fine art. As a favour to civil servant and engineer Henry Cole, Horsley designed and introduced the world’s first commercial Christmas card. The design, which depicted a family raising their glasses in celebration, sparked considerable controversy in its depiction of a young baby drinking wine. Such public exposure was unusual for Horsley, who had formerly adopted the nickname “Clothes-Horsley” for his reluctance to portray even a trace of nudity in his work.

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A thousand copies of the card were subsequently produced in the same year and sold for one shilling apiece (£2.21 in today’s money).

In 1871 however, an inevitable backlash from seasoned Scrooges became widely publicised through a newspaper article, condemning Christmas cards for delaying “legitimate correspondence”. Nonetheless, the craze endured and was big business by 1880, employing artists, painters, writers and engravers in the mass production of these immensely popular festive communications.

Horsley married his first wife, Elvira Walter, in 1846. Following her death from scarlet fever in 1852 however, he was remarried to Rosamund Haden in 1854. They had seven children together, three of whom were born in Cranbrook, where the family bought a

house in 1861. It was Horsley’s old friend Webster who drew him to the sleepy Kentish village, where he was inaugurated into the Cranbrook artists’ colony. The two friends, along with four additional leading artists of the day, formed a close association of colleagues and companions who thrived in Cranbrook in the latter half of the 19th century.

Depicting still-life scenes of local residents, their work was the first real indication of what everyday life in Victorian-era Cranbrook was like. The six painters, who occupied The Old Studio in the High Street, would often use their families and friends as models in order to create a truly authentic representation of the local community.

Horsley died in October 1903 at High Row, Kensington, but his legacy lives on every December to this day, immortalised on Christmas cards the world over. Our humble town of Cranbrook is part of that legacy, having played host to this unassuming pioneer and put him firmly on the pages of Noël history.

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