So Tunbridge Wells magazine October 2014 by One Media

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SO T W

THE BIGGEST MAGAZINE IN

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

LOCAL & LIVE

Were you papped at the music festival?

HOMES

RAIL FARES

Loophole saves commuters hundreds of pounds

We reveal the most expensive place to live in the Weald

FOOD

Why currying favour really is a good thing

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

All the options to help you plan ahead

FASHION WEEK The view from our London front row seat

HALLOWEEN

Discover the stories that will chill you to the bone

MOTORING Porsche Cayman S is the ultimate petrolhead’s plaything

ISSUE 79 - O CTOBE R 20 14

KIRSTIE ALLSOPP OCTOBER 2014 £1.50

“TUNBRIDGE WELLS PROPERTY MARKET IS NO PLACE FOR NEWBIES”

WWW.SOMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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HELLO HERE’S WHAT’S INSIDE YOUR OCTOBER ISSUE

THE CELEBRITY

“Kent is no place for newbies” – Kirstie Allsopp on the Weald’s property market

113 THE GUIDE

Making the most of your options in later life

145

THE HOMES Pull up a chair in the Great Hall for £3.3million

63 THE FASHION

Our report straight from the front row of London Fashion Week

OCTOBER 2014

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CONTENTS

106

THE TRAVEL

We’re planning our winter escape to marvellous Mauritius

138 THE INTERIORS

There’s still time to give your home a pre-festive makeover

214 THE FOOD

Cranbrook restaurant’s menu is fit for royalty

THE FEATURE

Why the Weald is among the country’s most unaffordable places to live

STRICTLY LOCAL...

238 THE MOTOR Why the Porsche Cayman S is practically perfect...

Letters

News

Calendar

Tunbridge Wells’ big music bash 23 Tonbridge presents Bugsy Malone 27 TW musician is heading south

Rocking out in Crowborough

Eyes on the prize in TW

OCTOBER 2014

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Roger Dean at 70: A life in Art

'Heaven and Earth' EXHIBITION

M LEEDS CASTLE

FIREWORKS

OCTOBER 2014

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LETTERS

INBOX Email jconnolly@onemediauk.co.uk or write to us at SOTW , 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.

LETTER OF THE MONTH

TIPPING POINT I read with interest the rant in the September issue ‘Tipped Over the Edge.’ My nephew recently revealed that his boss often takes his tips away, claiming they’re going to the kitchen staff. He enquired with the staff only to discover they’re not going anywhere but his boss’s pocket. What disgusting behaviour! I feel sorry for the waiting staff who are working long hours just to see their bonus money disappear. I for one will think twice about tipping now. Helen Calder, Frant Ed: Has anyone else had second thoughts about service charges?

TRASH TALKING Tunbridge Wells Council started their litter crackdown scheme in September. Personally, I haven’t noticed the town to be particularly messy but it’s always helpful to make sure everyone knows what won’t be tolerated in this Royal town and I wonder whether we will notice a significant difference when it gets properly underway. Besides, the trial means people letting their dogs foul on the pavements and even dropping cigarette butts could end up with an £80 fine, not a bad idea in my book. Andrea Coleman, Tunbridge Wells Ed: This definitely isn’t a rubbish idea!

LUCKY LOCAL I consider myself very lucky to be a Tunbridge Wells resident, especially after the recent Local & Live festival. Not only was it free to listen to the best of our local talent all weekend but also, ending the day’s events in a packed pub with lots of happy people and a glass in my hand was just an added bonus. Mark Norwich, Tunbridge Wells Ed: Check out more happy locals on page 23

SURGERY SUSSED It was certainly an eye opener to read So Magazine’s Round Table debate in the September issue.

I didn’t realise the difference between plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery was so big. The lack of regulation in the cosmetics industry is very concerning but I was pleased the panel gave a very interesting insight into their careers and their respective industries. I’ve often passed places where surgery is being advertised and I definitely think more people should be made aware of the dangers involved in having cheap procedures administered by unqualified ‘surgeons.’ Definitely food for thought! Sophie Davis, by email Ed: We’re glad you found the feature informative.

TOPICAL TWITTER Andy Rayfield @AndyRayfield ■ “ah, those halcyon six weeks of summer when you could breeze into #TunWells with just a slight delay on Pembury Rd are but a distant memory” Joyce Basit @Joyce_Basit ■ “Tunbridge Wells MUST have a Zara and Urban Outfitters stores.” Le_Sloth @le_sloth ■ “Edgecumbe burger- still the best in #TunbridgeWells by far” Laura Edwards @lauraedwards3 ■ “Tunbridge Wells @Starbucks needs to buck it’s ideas up or just get new staff that seem to care about the customers! #feedback” Sarah Ward @sarah1990ward ■ “First meeting of Tunbridge Wells Camera Club was funnext is on first Thursday of October, open to all abilities and enthusiasms.” Jude @TheeJude ■ “It seems crop tops are a thing in Tunbridge Wells…”

SO IRELAND Here we are enjoying our favourite local read while on holiday in Dunfanaghy, Ireland – you should launch an Emerald Isle edition! John Oakley & Vicky Baker, Tunbridge Wells Ed: Have you taken SO somewhere nice? Send us your snaps!

Joanne Butler @joannewbutler ■ “Such a shame if council closes down theatre in Southborough.” Patrick Thompson @BrewDogPT ■ “It’s date night tonight. We’re off to @CAUrestaurants in Tunbridge Wells. #SteakSteakSteak” Why not tweet us yourself? We’ll print our favourites @SoMagazines

OCTOBER 2014

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NEWS

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

100 CANDLES Hopefully a letter from the Queen is on the way, after a Tunbridge Wells woman reached a milestone birthday - by turning 100 years old. Alice Dicker, who still lives independently in the town, originated from Lancashire before relocating to Tunbridge Wells 20 years ago. Mrs Dicker celebrated her birthday with a family party. Alice’s daughter Nancy describes her mother as “really feisty”. “She is very active, absolutely with it and totally acute,” says Nancy.

PHIL GLOVER

TEEN DREAM

FAMILY FRIENDLY Tunbridge Wells has officially been named one of the best places to raise a family in the UK, according to a survey by The Telegraph. Ranked sixth in Britain, the town saw off competition from places like the Cotswolds, north west London and Suffolk. Locations are assessed on factors including schools, amenities and entertainment facilities such as cinemas and playgrounds. Local property experts believe Tunbridge Wells is popular because of its highly regarded schools and the well-maintained public spaces like Dunorlan Park.

Teen football super-fan Seth Hardcastle has seen his dream come true, by becoming a ball boy for Arsenal. Seth, 14, from Tonbridge beat more than 3,000 applicants to be selected as one of the Gunners’ ball boys - and now gets to attend games and get close to his favourite players up close. “We are told not to jump up with our arms in the air when we score in case we block a camera and that was really hard, especially in a Champions League game,” says Seth.

WEDDING WINGS

BURIED TIME

STEPS TO SUCCESS

Pupils from the new Wells Free School in Tunbridge Wells have made history – literally. Eleven Year Six students were invited by the developer Berkley Homes to bury a time capsule at the Royal Wells park site. The capsule, filled with drawings and a newspaper, was lowered into the ground by a crane. “People in the future will be able to see how the proposer group set up the school, right from the early stages,” says Head Teacher, Ani Lawrence. “For the children taking part, this will be a fantastic memory – they will be able to tell their children and grandchildren.”

Two Tunbridge Wells children will be taking steps towards their ballet careers, as they’ve both been selected to dance for the National Youth Ballet. Hattie Lewis, 11 and Owen Horsford, 12, beat over 600 other hopefuls to gain their places at the prestigious dance school. Both Hattie and Owen dance for the Footsteps Academy of Dance in Tunbridge Wells. Their Principal, Emma Armour, says: “We could not be more proud of them. They are dedicated pupils who work extremely hard and deserve these fantastic opportunities.”

A local couple’s honeymoon got off to a bumpy start when their flight was forced to make an emergency landing. Lucy and David Westbrooke, from Tunbridge Wells, were on their way to Capri when their plane hit an air pocket and nosedived, injuring staff and passengers, with one air steward being knocked unconscious and suffering a broken hip. After landing in Rome the newlyweds then had to make an eight-hour bus journey to their intended destination. “Suitcases were being thrown out of the lockers overhead, there was just utter panic” Lucy Westbrooke says. “People were screaming. There was a baby thrown up in the air and the mother was just beside herself. No-one knew what was going on. In those moments, the plane was nosediving, I thought, ‘This is it - we only got married on Saturday and haven’t even made it to our minimoon.’ It was terrifying!”

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EVENTS

OCTOBER

CALENDAR 1 FRYING TONIGHT ST

If you’re dying to know what happened after Stephen Fry’s autobiography The Fry Chronicles, then wonder no more. The comedian, presenter and writer has penned his new memoir More Fool Me, telling the tales of his party days in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, and for one day only will be giving a sneak preview of the new volume in a live performance. Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge Wells will be streaming the event via satellite from the Southbank Centre from 7.30pm. Tickets cost from £16 and are bookable online. www.trinitytheatre.net

5 NEW SYMPHONY SEASON TH

The Royal Tunbridge Wells Symphony Orchestra begins its new season, opening with an exciting variety of classical music from 3pm. The concerts, which take place at the Assembly Hall include performances of Rachmaniov’s Third Piano Concerto and symphonic poem Smetana, while Roderick Dunk conducts Richard Strauss’ Death and Transfiguration. Book at www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk or call 01892 530 613. Tickets cost from £14 to £23 and half price season tickets are available to new subscribers.

WEDDED BLISS

CARROTT COMEDY

Brides, bridesmaids and cake lovers alike will delight at the Spa Hotel Wedding Fayre on October 5. From 11am to 3pm wedding co-ordinators will be on hand to answer any bridal bothers and a wine expert will be offering tastings and advice. Local wedding suppliers will be at the event, and brides-to-be and their partners can enjoy a glass of bubbles on arrival. There will be special offers for bookings made on the day and brides’ names will be entered into a prize draw. For more information, email events@spahotel.co.uk or call 01892 520 331.

It’s been a while since his last tour, but Jasper Carrott is back on the comedy scene and this time he’s bringing his rock friends Bev Bevan, Trevor Burton, Geoff Turton and Joy Strachan-Brain with him. The Stand Up and Rock Night promises to be filled with music and laughter, with the foursome belting out some rock tunes and Jasper returning with a new comedy routine. The show begins at 7.30pm and tickets cost £27. To book, or to find out more, visit www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk OCTOBER 2014

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EVENTS

11 AUTUMN COLOURS TH

NT/JOHN MILLAR

With the leaves turning brown and the air getting cooler, Scotney Castle’s beautiful grounds will be ablaze with autumnal colours this month. From October 11 to 17 nature walks are available through the grounds, where visitors can learn the history of the trees planted by Edward Hussey III in the 1820s. The walks run daily from 1pm to 2pm, and are free, although normal admission charges apply. Booking is not required, but for more information call 01892 893 868.

SHIP SAVINGS

BLEAK HOUSE

24 STAR TOURS

Boat lovers and sailing enthusiasts will enjoy a jumble sale with a difference when the Boat Jumble returns to the Hop Farm in Paddock Wood on October 12. Stallholders will be selling a variety of sailing equipment including dinghies, fishing tackle and fibreglass supplies. Entry costs £4 for adults and admission is free for children. Doors open to buyers from 10am and free car parking is available. New sellers are welcomed. To book a stall, contact boatjumbles@yahoo.com, or visit www.boat-jumbles.co.uk to book online.

Watch one of Charles Dickens’ greatest classics come to life at the Trinity Theatre. Bleak House, the novel he based on a house in Kent, is to be performed by the Pantaloons Theatre Company on October 16. With just five actors, over 50 characters are brought to life on stage using performance art and musical theatre. It all begins at 8pm and tickets cost from £12. Call the box office on 01892 678 678 or visit www.trinitytheatre.com to book.

After 14 years in the UK’s biggest boyband, Westlife’s Shane Filan is embarking on his winter solo tour, which sees him performing at Tunbridge Wells’ Assembly Hall. The You and Me tour includes songs from Shane’s top 10 debut album of the same name. The show starts at 7.30pm and kicks off with special guest Ben Montague. Tickets are £35 and VIP meet and greet packages are available. Booking online is available at www.assemblyhallthatre.co.uk or for VIP tickets visit www.livenation.co.uk/vip/artist/ shane-filan-tickets

20 O C T O B E R

2014

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EVENTS

25 JAZZING UP THE WEEKEND TH

MONEYPENNY PRODUCTIONS

If jazz, fine dining and wine sounds like your ideal evening, then book your tickets now for the Charity Jazz Event at the Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells. The evening, held by the Alchemy Charitable Trust – which helps those in exceptional need across Sussex and West Kent – presents award-winning jazz singers Ian Shaw and Liane Carroll, and includes a threecourse meal with wine and champagne on arrival. Tickets are priced at £89 per person and a prize auction will take place on the evening. Tickets are sure to sell fast, so to purchase visit www.alchemyct.org or call 01892 661 906.

DEAD OVER DINNER

BONFIRE BONANZA

30 HALLOWEEN HUNTING

Most dinner parties don’t end in a murder, but if a dramatic meal with a difference is what you’re after then Dead Over Dinner at the Mercure Hotel in Tunbridge Wells is where you’ll want to dine on October 25. Moneypenny Productions present a ‘whodunnit’ evening, inviting guests to turn detective and work out which character committed the crime. Prices are £32.95 per person and include a three -course meal, a coffee and of course, a murder. To book call 0844 815 9074.

Firework season returns with a bang this month. Rusthall Bonfire, near Tunbridge Wells is one of the first local displays and is free for anyone who wishes to attend. The event includes a torchlight procession, bonfire and firework show. Torches are available in Common View from 7pm and the parade begins at 7.30pm. Fireworks are due to start at 8.20pm. The event organisers need volunteers to help on the day. If you’re able to lend a hand, contact Lisa Lindfield on 07738 662 687.

Haunted houses and ghost walks aren’t everyone’s idea of Halloween fun, but if you’re looking for something a little less scary for you and the kids, then Bewl Water’s Scavenger Hunt from Thursday October 30 to Sunday November 2 could be the event for you. With Nature walks, kids’ games and making taking place from 11am each day, there’ll be plenty to keep the whole family occupied. Plus, who knows what you’ll uncover in the scavenger hunt? Admission is £4 and kids under four go free. Find out more at www.bewlwater.co.uk

OCTOBER 2014

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EVENT

SOCIAL

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF LOCAL & LIVE

The Tunbridge Wells bank holiday music event Local & Live became a full-blown festival this year as the town rocked over four days at 11 venues. Thousands flocked to Calverley Grounds when the main event was staged there for the first time. Others filled The Forum and pubs, clubs and cafes. With 225 acts vying for pole position, organiser Paul Dunton set up a Eurovision-style competition. He had asked every band in his 400-strong roster to vote for who should appear on the main stage and they couldn’t vote for themselves. The Standard Lamps came out top! www.localandlive.org

SARAH BOND

See Paul Dunton’s column on page 255 for what’s happening next year

OCTOBER 2014

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SOCIAL

OCTOBER 2014

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EVENT

OCTOBER 2014

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EVENT

SOCIAL

WHAT A PERFORMANCE

DAVID HODGKINSON PHOTOGRAPHY/SARAH BOND

Youngsters from Hayesbrook School, Tonbridge had a ball when they staged the hit musical Bugsy Malone, set in Prohibition era Chicago. It came in the final week of Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council’s Activate Scheme for eight to 16-year-olds. The pupils had just five days to pull the whole production together under independent director Colette Redgrave, including film segments. “Peter Pan is usually popular, but these kids really wanted to do Bugsy,” she says. “There is so much fun involved with the costumes and props.” Mayor Sasha Luck was among those in the audience. “The show was fantastic,” she says. www.hayesbrook.kent.sch.uk

OCTOBER 2014

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INTERVIEW

GET INTO THE

GROOVE

With their second album now released, John Harriman of local Latin jazz quintet Heads South reflects on rhythm, compromise and teaching a Cuban to speak Welsh

t’s been nearly four years since Heads South released their first album, Record Flight. Their second recording, On The Way, was released on September 30 and for bandleader John Harriman, the progress has been significant. “This second album is quite a step up from the first,” says John, who is a lawyer by trade. “Record Flight was a toe in the water, this is more of a confident plunge.” Made up of new original tracks and some classic favourites – including a rumba clave take on The Odd Couple theme tune – the new album reflects a group that is seriously getting its groove on. “One of the great things about our band is that we have a lot of versatility in the rhythm section. Our Cuban percussionist, Chino Martell Morgan, plays not only bongos, but also cajon and guiro. And our drummer, Buster Birch, is really a percussionist – he plays drum kit but also timbale and castanets, which are really important in our repertoire. He’s also added a frame drum, which has a real hypnotic flavour to it.” Living just outside Tunbridge Wells, Latin and Cuban jazz might seem like an odd choice of music for John. But having spent many years in California and married a Spanish lady, the Latin connection has always been strong. It’s clear that an authentic love for the music is essential to the band’s ethos, no matter where the members hail from. “Since the previous album we’ve really

improved our groove, which is important in the very rhythmic Cuban style of music,” John says. “Our new Venezuelan bass player, Adolfredo Pulido, has a very strong Latin groove. It’s not an ethnic thing, it’s just a feeling. During the recording of the album, Chino and Adolfredo just came up these rhythmic suggestions that come from having that type of background and upbringing.

Then we’ve got Buster and Steve Waterman, the country’s top jazz trumpeter, who bring the real jazz knowledge. Steve never ceases to amaze in the way he communicates with the audience and gets people riveted.” Steve had the chance to captivate audiences recently when Heads South embarked on a national tour of Wales, at the request of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. The band

performed at many of the country’s top venues, accompanied by talented students from the college who gave support gigs in the foyers. “There were incredibly talented students from many different countries. The Welsh students were able to teach us a little Welsh to speak to the audiences. Even Chino had a go – he gave quite an exotic output!” The band are hitting the road once again to bring Cuban jazz to the masses, having won the annual Jazz Services / National Rural Touring Award for 2014/15, which will see them taking their music to regional venues across the country. This all means that the ‘day job’ has had to take a back seat. “I still keep up my lawyer qualifications, but I don’t have much time for it, with playing in this and other bands,” John says. “It’s not one ongoing party though – playing music professionally is not an easy option. Professional musicians make a lot of compromises on a daily basis and I’m very fortunate to be in a space where I can do this.” The hard work appears to be paying off for Heads South though, as they were recently asked to play at an 18th birthday party, after the young man discovered their music via the internet. “Our music is good for dancing so that opens a lot of doors,” John says. “But it was the first 18th birthday party I’d been invited to for a long time – not even my own children’s!” On The Way is available to pre-order from iTunes and Amazon. www.headssouth.com

L-R: Adolfredo Pulido, Chino Martell Morgan, John Harriman, Steve Waterman and Buster Birch OCTOBER 2014

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A NEW NAME, A NEW CHAPTER, AN EXCITING FUTURE FOR EDMONDSON INTERIORS Clients, previous and new and the team at kitchen and furniture makers Bespoke Interiors, celebrated their change in company name with a fantastic launch event. The event was superbly supported by Frankie’s Farm Shop, Anno Distillers, Farrow & Ball Tunbridge Wells Showroom and Cocolicious, all of whom are local to the Edmondson Interiors showroom in the heart of the Kent countryside, Goudhurst. From morning croissants, cupcakes to canapés, we were delighted that so many could come and share in the fun of the all day cooking demonstrations and expert talks on all things interiors inspiration! 01580 212 323 edmondsonInteriors.co.uk

OCTOBER 2014

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EVENT

SOCIAL

MUSICAL SHOWCASE

SARAH BOND

Local young musicians had their day in the spotlight, and sunlight, when Crowborough Rocks staged their summer event in the garden of The Deerstalker pub in Ashdown Forest. Organised by volunteers to showcase the talents of students and sponsored by the Tunbridge Wells Music School, the day featured Milly McCarron, Pulse and Sappy, among the 16 acts. Visitors enjoyed a barbecue, too. “I’m a big fan of Taylor Swift and Pixie Lott,” says Milly. Let’s hope she follows in their footsteps. Crowborough Rocks is now booking bands for its autumn event on Saturday November 22 at All Saints Church Hall, Chapel Green. www.facebook.com/crowboroughrocks and www.twmusicschool.com

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'This isn1t an open-ended slimming club; says Rachei. 1 We set your target weight at the beginning and then get on with the business of helping you lose the weight/ addressing any difficulties along the way, then we concentrate on keeping it off - for good!/

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22/09/2014 16:23

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Six local charities were all smiles when they received cheques at the Rotary Club of The Pantiles’ Prizegiving Evening at the Nevill Golf Club. The awards followed two successful club fundraising events – a sponsored walk and a treasure hunt around Tunbridge Wells. The charities benefitting were The Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre, chYps, Kent Air Ambulance, Headway, the Pepenbury Primrose Horticultural Project and Hospice in the Weald. In total they received £3,100. Further fundraisers are planned and the club would welcome more members. If you would like to help, email John Pilcher at pilch@3leg.co.uk for details. www.rotary1120.org/the_pantiles x

OCTOBER 2014

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22/09/2014 16:19

MY RANT

WHAT A LOAD OF HOCUS POCUS Halloween is on its way, but will you be celebrating on October 31 or hiding behind the sofa? Tonbridge resident Claire reveals why the much-maligned All Hallow’s Eve has cast an enchanting spell over her

here’s nothing British people enjoy more than a jolly good moan. And the more contradictory the complaints, the better – for example, if you listen to Joe Bloggs in the street, every year our summertime is too cold one minute and too hot the next. Similarly, Brits like to accuse each other (particularly the younger generation) of having no sense of community and being unwilling to come together and celebrate as a nation, while being faced with much evidence to the contrary. Football is one of the few things that can actually promote a sense of patriotic togetherness, but then the naysayers are too busy complaining about merchandise and England flags on cars to notice how much pleasure the carnival atmosphere brings to sports fans. So it’s no surprise to me that Halloween also attracts the criticism of these misery guts, as some people seem determined to quash joy and fun at its source. There are 365 days in the year, but how many of them are dedicated to a particular celebration,

where people dress up, have parties, carry out traditional rituals or simply use it as an excuse to enjoy themselves in a communal spirit? Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, Easter Day and Valentine’s Day (if you haven’t written that off too) – that’s about it. Add on your own birthday and perhaps one or two other days of note and you’ve got about a week’s worth of revelry, which leaves 51 others when nothing special happens at all. So why would you want to rain on the Halloween parade? Some people are under the delusion that Halloween is an American festival, with practices such as trick or treating being a transatlantic infestation. Well actually, trick or treating was happening in the UK and Ireland long before the Americans ever thought of it. Halloween as a term dates back several centuries and the concept itself even further, so what right do grumpy people have to tell us not to celebrate it? I’ve even overheard religious people berating dressed-up children for “promoting the

Devil”, showing a clear ignorance of the true origins of this ancient festival. Admittedly, trick or treating is one of those pursuits that we could probably live without. Or perhaps placing an upper age limit on the children taking part would help to prevent people from feeling intimidated on their own doorsteps. When the ‘child’ asking you for sweeties has clearly been shaving for a while, it’s not so much charming tradition as twilight robbery. Those who use the night as an excuse to viciously attack their neighbours’ homes or go around asking for money are ruining it for everyone, but that’s no reason to deprive innocent children of a very special experience. When I was a child, Halloween was just as magical a time as Christmas – okay, so the things I was being invited to celebrate probably didn’t exist, but when has that ever stopped us? Childhood is short enough these days as it is, so please don’t take away another occasion when youngsters can simply enjoy a little of life’s rare magic.

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. OCTOBER 2014

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22/09/2014 12:28

OCTOBER

THIS MONTH

YOU SHOULD

SPLURGE... Diamonds are forever, or so they say – and at around £1million, the Argyle Cardinal red diamond is certainly the buy of a lifetime. As the centrepiece of Rio Tinto’s annual tender of rare coloured diamonds in Sydney, it is hoped the 1.21 carat Cardinal will equal the record set by a red diamond at Christie’s in New York last year, at $1.6million (just over £960,000) per carat. The collection features four Fancy Red Diamonds – experts believe there are only 30 red diamonds in the world, so you’ll need to raid the piggy bank if you want to be a lucky owner. Potential buyers have until October 8 to submit their bid.

LISTEN...

READ...

WATCH...

Madness fans will be in heaven with this 35th anniversary digitally remastered, two-disc edition of the band’s iconic debut album, One Step Beyond. Featuring 29 tracks, the CD boasts the original tracks, plus 14 rehearsal tracks from 1979 – these include two songs that have never been heard anywhere else. With various promo videos and a BBC documentary on the DVD, plus a 24-page booklet, this is a must-have for any Madness enthusiast. Available from www.play.com for £10.98 from October 13.

It’s a long wait until popular fantasy series Game of Thrones returns to our small screens, but addicts can get a fix with a lavish new book published on October 28. The World of Ice and Fire reveals the hidden history of Westeros and the lands beyond, with hundreds of pages of new material from George RR Martin, author of the novels on which the award winning TV show is based. Pre-order yours at www.waterstones.com for £24.

If you missed the hit Sky TV series Penny Dreadful when it first aired earlier this year, you’re in for a treat. Perfect Halloween viewing, the dark drama stars Timothy Dalton, Josh Hartnett and a captivating Eva Green as Victorian vigilantes on the trail of some truly chilling characters. Literary classics such as Frankenstein, Dracula and The Picture of Dorian Gray are drawn upon for this scary story. Available from www.amazon.co.uk for £19 from October 13.

OCTOBER 2014

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THIS MONTH

CARRY... The only thing better than a great new handbag is... a great new handbag filled with amazing things. New brand Jam Love has joined forces with luxury website VeryFirstTo.com to launch ‘the ultimate handbag’ – the SHIBAURA Travel Tote. It’s made from leather and bonded canvas, comes in a range of colours and is filled with, according to women who took part in the site’s survey, the five most desirable accessories. These are: a Vertu Signature Touch phone, an iPad Air, a Burberry Contrast ziparound leather wallet, a Sony Cyber-Shot RX 100 III and a pair of Gucci sunglasses. All this for £10,325 exclusively at www.veryfirstto.com

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Golf holidays don’t get much better than this. If you fancy yourself as the next Rory McIlroy, it’s time to put your clubs where your mouth is. Holidays Please is offering a 100-day trip around the world, during which you’ll play on every one of the 48 golf courses featured in the European Tour last year. From St Andrews to Australia, this remarkable itinerary will be a dream come true for golfers. The £62,500 ticket includes first class flights, accommodation, green fees and luxury private transfers – or you can upgrade to the private jet option at £250,000 per person. Better work on that swing! www.holidaysplease.co.uk

Why do some people manage to secure the best restaurant tables, the most exclusive invitations and the unattainable tickets, while some don’t? Well, you can be among the VIPs if you own a prestigious Aristocard – you’ll have no trouble bagging that reservation and getting into the best parties if you flash this little piece of metal. However, although membership only costs $250 (£150), the admission process is stringent; applicants must pass a suitability test and a face-to-face interview before being accepted. So give your shoes a shine and head to www.aristocard.com to see if you cut the mustard.

SCRIBBLE... Forget that old ballpoint with the chewed end – it’s time you moved up in the world when it comes to penmanship. If you’re looking for a more classy addition to your desk or briefcase, you’ll certainly turn heads with the Parker Duofold Giant Limited Edition Fountain Pen. Encased in 18kt solid gold, with a 23kt clip and pen holder, plus a total of 16 diamonds, the pen is a steal at £25,000. The company is producing just 125 instruments to celebrate its 125th anniversary – you can take a look at this rare model at Websters Pen Shop at Bluewater. www.websterspenshop.co.uk

OCTOBER 2014

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22/09/2014 10:25

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GOSSIP

CONFIDENTIAL BY TACITUS

NOTHING ESCAPES OUR ATTENTION

WHY

are certain estate agents at loggerheads over a load of rubbish? Because one of them caught their rival going through the bins outside their office; they were looking for interesting titbits about clients and deals. Words were exchanged, tempers flared and sale boards raised. Always thought real estate could be a dirty business.

WHICH

famous family retailer is threatening to leave town? Simples: The one facing the prospect of having a bar open very near to their premises. The furious owners have apparently let it be known that if the idea gets off the ground they will pack up their wares – something that would cause a sensation!

WHO

didn’t know which way to turn at Local and Live? Answer: The 30–something attractive brunette who got tired and emotional during the day–long TW music festival. Considerate young men gallantly offered to see her home - as did a number of women. A kindly neutral stepped in and carried her off, to much abuse from the lady herself.

WHY

has this wife lost the battle with the sat-nav? Because she kept insisting she was better at giving her hubby directions when he was behind the wheel. Only problem was her verbal updates consisted largely of her saying, as they flashed by a motorway, exit: “ I think that was our turn off.” Game over.

WHY

does this councillor have fond memories of the Vintage Fair? Because he bumped into a female voter on the doorstep while out canvassing, fell head over heels and saw her again much later at The Pantiles event where he engineered an introduction. Both are available (he is divorced) but has he got her vote? Watch this space.

WHO

feels totally unappreciated in the work place? That would be the woman who has worked at a smallish local company for three years. She was standing in reception one morning before going to her office when the boss came along and asked her who she had come to see and could he help her.

WHO

knows all about taking a responsible approach to drinking? That would be the lady on a night out with friends who turned to them towards the end of a challenging session and declared: “Sorry, I won’t have another bottle of champagne because I’m driving!” Well done you. Not!

WHY

is this woman a real fruit cake? Because she insists on dressing each day in the colour of a fruit. So far she’s worn outfits around town that are orange, peach, strawberry, yellow and even kiwi, which makes her pretty easy to spot. The word ‘eccentric’ springs to mind.

WHAT’S

happened-to-Binkynews-update! It’s official; the wedding is off! Binky has finally lost patience with her fiancé who has refused to stop his mother from interfering in their plans for the big day. The wretched woman insisted on a ‘proper church wedding’ with bridesmaids and page boys of her choosing. Life would have been hell Binky!

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

OCTOBER 2014

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22/09/2014 14:05

CELEBRITY

OCTOBER 2014

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KIRSTIE ON KENT

This time last year we met the queen of the property search, Kirstie Allsopp and took a look at her remarkable rise to fame. Now we catch up with her to see what’s been happening over the last 12 months – Kirstie shares her thoughts on the Weald’s intense housing market and inspires us to get crafty as her ventures go from strength to strength

roperty expert, craft enthusiast and star of Location, Location, Location, Kirstie Allsopp says: “Kent is just so pretty, the only strike against it is that it is the birthplace of Phil Spencer!” She and her TV partner-in-crime (‘Pip’, as she affectionally refers to the man born near Canterbury) recently brought the new series of their long-running show to the green pastures of Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding areas. Their house hunt, for two young couples buying for the first time, took them from The Pantiles to St Johns and Southborough. Kirstie can easily see the appeal of Kent as a place to put down roots. “It is picture perfect, with lovely countryside,” she says. “You’ve got the trendy, busy social scene of central Tunbridge Wells, but just outside there is still a country village-ish feel to the area.” She and Phil struggled with their search, she says, because the market is moving so fast in the county, with properties selling within 24 hours of going on the market.

House prices have also shot up, rising 7.1% in the past 12 months – which means Kent may not be able to retain its appeal for commuters hoping to live within easy reach of London, but without stumping up for extortionate London prices (houses here are currently two-and-a-half times cheaper than in London). “It’s no place for newbies,” says Kirstie, explaining that if even she and Phil, as experienced wheeler dealers in the housing business, found the Kent market tricky to navigate, then she wishes first time buyers the best of luck with their negotiations. When Kirstie isn’t traipsing around ‘project’ properties and having playful banter with her beloved Phil, she’s at home in either her Notting Hill or Devonshire houses, spending quality time with her partner and two children. She’s become well known for her love of crafts, ever since she and Phil produced her first string of home-crafting shows via their independent TV company, Raise The Roof Productions. “My house is full of craft projects that I’ve OCTOBER 2014

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22/09/2014 16:29

CELEBRITY

“Women are being let down by the system. We should speak honestly and frankly about fertility and the fact it falls off a cliff when you’re 35”

“I feel passionately that the comprehensive ethos is wrong, and that you cannot educate all children together in the same environment in the same way because they are so varied”

started but will never finish,” she says with a laugh. “My life’s ambition is to make a quilt from scratch.” Of course, filming shows like Kirstie’s Crafty Christmas means that she can combine work and fun. “I get to make a lot when I’m filming the shows, which is a brilliant fix, because being a busy working mum there isn’t lots of spare time. I do love making things with my children and I was given the most amazing gift recently by two little girls, of boat bunting, which I hung in Devon. They gave me the full kit, all made with instructions. I want them to come on my Christmas show and teach me how it’s done – although I’ve asked them to come up with an idea for Christmas bunting, a new spin on their amazing boats,” she adds. Kirstie’s craft of choice is the humble pom-pom, which she says are “fast, simple, and instantly gratifying, and of course you can do so much with them. Bunting, tree decorations, you can adorn your cushions with them, put them on your clothes, your shoes…” It hasn’t all been about cosy crafts over the last year though – never one to shy away from a controversial debate, Kirstie has attracted criticism recently for her opinions on such topics as child rearing and compensation culture.

An outspoken user of Twitter, Kirstie sparked outrage last Christmas when she suggested that victims of the UK floods were not showing “the Blitz spirit” by complaining about the lack of electricity and asking for compensation. Earlier this year, she made headlines again by suggesting that women should have children early in their adult life, putting career and personal ambitions on hold until their 30s or 40s. Her comments came under fire from feminists who believe Kirstie is supporting an outmoded and sexist view of women’s roles, but Kirstie stood by her remarks. At a talk last month, she said that women were “being lied to” about their chances of conceiving in their late 30s. “I want to say to women: be honest with each other, with your partners, daughters and sons – know that you can have careers at any age, you can go to uni at any age,”

OCTOBER 2014

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22/09/2014 13:05

CELEBRITY

“It’s perfectly possible to have an enormously privileged upbringing, which I did and still understand the value of the pound” she told the audience. “You can do a thousand brilliant things at any age. But just for now, we haven’t opened the fertility window any wider. It is easier and simpler and less of a heartache to just have children when our bodies allow us to. Nature is not a feminist and that’s just the truth.” Clearly, her passion for crafting is less controversial and her TV shows and books have attracted an army of fans, who all want to see what Kirstie will make next. Crafting is a lifelong passion that has fascinated her since childhood. ”My mum was an interior decorator and my dad was an auctioneer, so making beautiful things has been in my family for as long as I can remember and more importantly, up-cycling and changing things around,” she says. By the way, Kirstie’s cousin is also the queen of interiors, Cath Kidston (pictured right). “When I was little, I was obsessed with the look of my bedroom and I had a dressing table full of bits I collected and made,” Kirstie recalls. “For my 12th birthday my mum transformed my bed into a four-poster with white fabric, green bows and a pink trim… Then we moved house and my mum made the curtains of my beautiful bed into blinds for my new room,

because I moved into the attic!” Kirstie believes that everyone has their own craft – “you just have to find yours”. She’s hoping to inspire the next generation of crafters and she offered advice to those who are unfamiliar with a crochet hook and a glue gun, at her Handmade Fair that took place at Hampton Court Palace last month. She gathered together a host of experts and laid on loads of workshops and activities, all dedicated to the joy of crafting. “I liked the thought of doing something so bold and different to other fairs that are out there, putting learning at the core and celebrating so many talented people and sharing the whole experience with others who love making,” she says. “The Handmade Fair isn’t just about a whole lot of shops in a tent. This is a gathering of the people you’ve seen with me on screen, answering your questions, teaching you their techniques and opening up to a live audience. It’s 3D TV without the funny specs!” What So magazine wants to know is when will we get a 3D version of Location, Location, Location, so that we can have Phil and Kirstie on hand when we next need to move house? Let’s hope they make that happen one day.

Kirstie Allsopp by numbers Age: 43 Children: 2 Marriages: 0 Homes: 2 TV programmes: 7 Books: 5

OCTOBER 2014

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22/09/2014 13:06

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Visit our m, or call to book a free home /consultation, and we'll show you how easy it is to transform your kitchen with our granite, quartz or recycled gl,ass worktops.

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0208 ao8 9286 At Granite Transformations we offer a complete package for updating your work surfaces, doors and appliances. Fitting a new worktop is fast and effective with each top custom made to your exact requirements. There is no need to remove old worktops, we simply fit directly over your existing surfaces, guaranteeing complete peace of mind from start to finish. To complete the look, we also supply and install made-to-measure kitchen cabinet doors and drawer fronts, in a wide choice of colours, finishes and styles. Local Showrooms at: Tun bridge Well$: Unit 5 Tun bridge Wells Tr<tde P<trk, Longfield Rd, Tun bridge Wells, Kent TN2 3QF Sevenoaks: Polhill Garden Centre, London Rd, Badgers Mount, Sevenoaks, Kent TN 14 7AD Sidcup: 5 High Street, Sidcup, Kent DA14 6EN

GRANITE速

Visit granitetransformations.co.uk for more information

kitchen & bathroom makeovers

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22/09/2014 16:29

DENIM RESTYLED THIS SEASON THE FASHION

You can always rely on denim to take you through each season

FOCUS IS ON DENIM, SO

in style and at McArthurGien Designer Outlet Ashford, you'll

FIND YOUR SIGNATURE LOOK

fi nd brands like Levi's, Ted Baker and Guess for up to 60%

WITH OUR PICK OF THE BEST

less all year round. Plus, now you can save even more with

STYLES AT MCARTHURGLEN

our fantastic denim promotion, so take your cue from our new

DESIGNER OUTLET ASHFORD.

arr ivals and discover designer denim you'll worship forever.

THE TOPS

GAP Outlet Exclusive E39.99

Levi's Outlet Exclusive £45

Levi's Outlet Exclusive £60

THE JEANS

french Connection £65 Outlet Price £39

GAP Outlet Exclusive £39.99

Ted Baker £95 Outlet Price £60

THE OUTFIT MAKERS I 11""""11 '

9 OCTOBER - 2 NOVEMBER

DENil\f ICONS Join us as we celebrate designer denim at McArthurGien Designer Outlet Ashford between 9 th October and 2nd November and discover fantastic events and compet itions. Create iconic denim looks in our exclusive photo booth and enter our Treasure Chest competition for your chance to win amazing denim prizes. Plus, you could win a t rip to the Levi's flagship store in London and a pair of custom-made jeans wort h £501. Go online for more details.

GAP

Outlet Exclusive £42.99

Ted Baker £139 Outlet Price £90

M&S £25 Outlet Price £18

Michael Kors at Watchstation £115 Outlet Price £69.99

Lacoste Outlet Exclusive £36

f ossil £269 Outlet Price £169.99

AshfordOesignerOutlet.com #DenimThelcons Products feat ured are subject t o availability. All prices are correct at time of going to print.

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23/09/2014 14:48

THE LOOK

{

Our favourite october look

{

ANIMAL MAGNETISM As we head into the autumn in earnest, there are a number of key looks to keep in mind when stocking that warmer wardrobe. One huge trend that will be inescapable this season is sheepskin and faux fur, but how do you wear it with style? If you don’t feel comfortable with a huge fur coat, try wearing it as an accessory. Garments, handbags and even shoes edged in shearling offer an understated nod to the trend. This stylish look from Hobbs offers some chic inspiration – team the shearling scarf (£199) with the Teddy cocoon coat (£499, available in chocolate and red) for a cosy yet neat look. This would work with either a dress or trousers; here, the model wears the Verrio floral blouse (£149), Herringbone trouser (£159) and Brynne Derby shoe (£179). www.hobbs.co.uk

OCTOBER 2014

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22/09/2014 10:44

ILSE JACOBSEN HORNBA:K

No 6. High Street Royal Tunbridge Wells TNI lUX Tel: 01892 537 241 'viW'W.ilsejacobsen.com

OCTOBER 2014

p64 SO TW_OCTOBER14_Ads.indd 2

23/09/2014 10:05

THE LOOK

Direct from fashion’s front line Always one step ahead of the pack, we’re among the first of the magazines to report on the sartorial highlight that is London Fashion Week. There was a definite buzz in the air as everyone got in line to take their seats at Somerset House for the much anticipated Spring/Summer 2015 shows. Our fashion expert, Catherine de Crèvecoeur, reports straight from the front row for So magazine, giving you the top highlights from the designers’ collections and an idea of the trends we can expec to see next season. The overall mood gave a definite sense of romance, poetry, a fine line between beauty and darkness and a celebration of the strong woman

J.W. Anderson

Collared Contrast collars and cut-out details provide a girly twist to menswear-like clothing.

PREEN

Flowing fabrics Draped, loose, boxy shapes are taking over fitted outfits.

Pringle of Scotland

Pretty pastels This colour palette trend is going nowhere, with soft pastels taking over most collections.

OCTOBER 2014

SO TW_OCTOBER14_TheLook London Fashion.indd 3

22/09/2014 10:51

THE LOOK

Paul Costelloe

60s vibe A nod to the 60s with cocoon silhouettes, shorter hemlines and chunky shoes.

Lucas Nascimento

Block colours Ditch the bold prints for block colours in white, black and bright orange.

Amanda Wakeley

White out Crisp, clean and fuss free, white remains a key colour in the new spring/summer season.

OCTOBER 2014

SO TW_OCTOBER14_TheLook London Fashion.indd 4

22/09/2014 10:52

THE LOOK

Christopher Raeburn

Sports luxe Moving away from the obvious sports sweatshirts, this trend offers a more relaxed, chic look.

JOSEPH

Big sleeves The bigger, the bolder, the better.

Jean-Pierre Braganza

Asymmetric lines A major theme for the season, contrasting lines and bias cut forms take centre stage.

OCTOBER 2014

SO TW_OCTOBER14_TheLook London Fashion.indd 5

22/09/2014 10:54

PRADA

FENDI

LOUIS VUITION

BURBERRY

PRE-OWNED DESIGNER CLOTHES AND ACCESSORIES FOR LADIES AND GENTLEMEN 60% GIVEN ON SALE OF HANDBAGS

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23/09/2014 14:39

THE LOOK

BUYS OF THE

month Autumn is here but never fear – we’ve selected our favourite pieces from the new season collections to keep you up to date and on trend in October ADRIANNA PAPELL Print dress in teal, £140 www.johnlewis.com

DAY BIRGER ET MIKKELSEN Rain sequin embellished chiffon top, £200 www.day.dk/uk

ALICE BY TEMPERLEY Lou Lou long printed maxi skirt, £396 www.temperleylondon.com

NEEDLE AND THREAD Gilded Filigree embellished chiffon dress, £175 www.net-a-porter.com

ÊTRE CÉCILE Circle stripes dip hem T-shirt, £105 www.etrececile.com

PAUL SMITH ACCESSORIES Grey shearling neck warmer, £149 www.paulsmith.co.uk

J. CREW Collection floral satin-twill tapered pants, £250 www.jcrew.com/uk CATH KIDSTON Double strap leather bag with printed lining, £125 www.cathkidston.com

MAISON SCOTCH Printed belted dress, £154 www.scotch-soda.com PHASE EIGHT Rose textured two-tone tote bag, £139 www.phase-eight.com

J. CREW Barrett buckled suede ankle boots, £275 www.jcrew.com/uk

PHASE EIGHT Tabatha double breasted trench coat, £120 www.phase-eight.com Prices correct at time of writing OCTOBER 2014

SO TW_OCTOBER14_TheLook_Fashion Buys.indd 3

22/09/2014 10:41

KEEP YOUR MOMENTUM WITH OUR PHYS lOTH ERAPISTS

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SPARKLE

THE LOOKK

HAIR of an

ANGEL The halo braid is a popular way to frame your face for autumn/winter 2014, as it’s pretty and feminine while also being practical

his style is best for longer or mid length hair – those with short hair can mimic a similar look by making a few smaller braids secured with hairgrips. To create a sophisticated halo braid, divide your hair into two equal sections and plait each section separately from behind each ear. Then cross the braids and pull the two sections forward until they frame your face. Position the braid close to your hairline for the best halo effect. If your hair is long enough these braids will cross at the crown and can be secured behind your ears – or wherever your braids end. To make the look neater, tuck the ends of your hair under the base of the opposite braid slightly when securing. You can go two ways with this style – for a sleek look, try applying a smoothing product such as Ojon Super Sleek Restorative Blowout Perfector (£23) to your hair before drying for a shiny and frizz-free look. Alternatively, you can pull at your braids slightly to create a more tasselled look. To help add texture and volume, add a mousse before blow-drying – we like Bumble and Bumble Thickening Full Form Mousse (£21.50). Flyaway hairs can be kept loose with this look to frame your face and enhance your features. Celebrity fans of this style include Scarlett Johansson (pictured), Selena Gomez and Jennifer Lawrence. Jessica Alba likes a twist, experimenting with two separate braids for a striking effect, while Amanda Seyfried wears hers a little further back on her head, just as you would a headband, to create a crown braid.

OCTOBER 2014

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23/09/2014 14:54

SO t. 07921820094 e. samanthayardley@googlemail. eom w. www.samyardleyphotography.co. uk

samyardley photography

Relaxed and natural documentary Wedding photographer, based in Tun bridge Wells.

VAN DAL'S NEW CONCESSION DEPARTMENT OPEN AT HOAD SHOES IN SEVENOAKS. See the new and exciting Autumn I Winter range in store now Hoad Shoes, 107 High Street, Sevenoaks, KentTN131UP Tel: 01732 454004 I Email: Sales@hoadshoes.co.uk I Web: www.hoadshoes.co.uk

OCTOBER 2014

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23/09/2014 14:56

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22/09/2014 16:35

WAlQ1H 1DIDOQ ANTIQUE AND MODERN JEWELLERY

dU e/e~ MXIedimb o/ ~路 e4d Id-id it d- t2liiiV ~. 0)~ ~ tLtOttl'ct~ ~?

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22/09/2014 16:36

THE LOOK

Hairheroes Autumn weather can play havoc with your stylish hairdo, so we’re on patrol for some seasonal hair saviours. Here are some of our favourite finds for October

OROFLUIDO

VOLUME MOUSSE 300ML, £15

Suitable for all hair types, this strong yet lightweight mousse is great for adding volume, firming up curls and giving a shiny finish. It’s all thanks to the argan, cyperus and linseed oil, while the amber fragrance is a breath of fresh air. Available at Hare & Now in Ide Hill and Ruffles in Hawkhurst

AUBREY ORGANICS ISLAND NATURALS SHAMPOO 325ML, £10.49

Recover some of that summer feeling with this tropical shampoo, which blends mango, avocado oil, coconut milk and organic Shea butter to hydrate and nourish your hair. Also available in a complementary conditioner. Available from www.aubreyorganicsuk.co.uk

COLOR WOW

BRASS BANNED MOUSSE 194ML, £16.50

The pastel trend spreads to hair, but this mousse aims to enhance your colour treatment rather than add sugar hues. Using a hint of lavender in the formula for blondes and a teal tint for brunettes, it softens unwanted brassy tones for a softer look. Available from www.uk.spacenk.com

ALASSALA

BOUFFE

MOROCCAN ORGANIC ARGAN OIL FOR HAIR 50ML, £16.99

HAIR THICKENING SPRAY 200ML, £5.99

This 100% organic oil is great for protecting your hair against the ravages of winter weather, preserving shine and guarding against the damage and dryness that can be caused by a combination of cold, wind and central heating. Available at www.nutricentre.com

Supplied in a range of shades and an ‘all colours’ version, this product boosts volume and maximises your style, all while looking and feeling weightless. Say goodbye to back-combing and hello to big hair! Available from Boots

OCTOBER 2014

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22/09/2014 10:37

Ladies Designer Wear,

Accessories and Shoes

Ihe Autumn/Winter Collection has now arrived in Kitch with lots ofgorgeous new brands for you to see 1 High Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent. TN 1 1UL

01892 513 613 www.kitchclothing.co.uk

Specialist Lingerie Boutique Offering A-Kcups and 30-38 backs, opening in Ely Cowt, Royal Victoria Place, Tunbriclge Wells on 3rd October! Call 01892 527560 to book your personal lingerie fining and quote 'SO Magazine' to receive discount on your first purchase!

OCTOBER 2014

p78 SO TW_OCTOBER14_Ads.indd 2

23/09/2014 11:21

THE LOOK

beauty FILE

Take a peek in our cosmetics bag as we reveal our beauty favourites Tried & Tested... Our pick of the best beauty products around this month

JIVESSE

ORGANii

MARINE COLLAGEN CREAM 50ML, £80

ORGANIC SHOWER GEL 300ML, £5.95

New British brand ORGANii has launched a range of organic products including six shower gels in fragrances such as liquorice, peach and strawberry. The range also includes cream soaps and liquid soaps. Available from www.organii.co.uk

To give yourself a rejuvenating boost this autumn, try this premium cream containing marine collagen peptides. The formula stimulates natural collagen production to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and lines. Available from www.jivesse.com

MADAME LA LA

COLLECTION

BIG FAKE CURVES MASCARA £4.99

Eyes are massive in beauty this season, so you need lashes to match. Pretty doll-like peepers need special treatment, so the pink silicone brush in this new mascara is designed to cover lashes from root to tip. Available from Boots and Superdrug

MARKS & SPENCER

RUBY RED

SOOTHE & NOURISH BODY MOISTURISER 500ML, £48

Six nourishing plant oils – olive, sweet almond, grapeseed, babussu, shea butter and jojoba – combine with aloe vera and glycerine in this new formula to help hydrate skin and even out skin tone, with fragrances of jasmine, cardamom and ylang ylang. Available from www.rubyredcosmetics.co.uk

TEMPLE SPA

MADAME LA LA TAN 200ML, £36

THE BIG REVEAL 50ML, £40

You don’t have to lose your summer glow with this new self tan that features a DD (Dynamic Do-All) tan perfector, instant bronzer, built-in hydrator and anti-aging skin benefits. It comes in two shades and even claims to be streakfree for a perfect finish. Available from Fenwick in Tunbridge Wells and www.madamelala.com

This glycolic gel peel blends exfoliating ingredients with detoxifying pomegranate extract and moisturising raspberry seed oil, to lift away dead skin cells for a great one-minute facial. The product launches this month. Available from www.templespa.com

DR ORGANIC

PURE SUPER GRAPE OVERNIGHT TREATMENT OIL 28ML, £16

DEAD SEA MINERAL SALT BODY POLISH 200G, £8.99

M&S has developed the first natural skincare range to feature resveratrol, taken from English grapes left over from the production of the firm’s own English wine and grown at Tenterden’s Chapel Down winery. The range also includes face serum, eye serum and day and night cream. Available at Marks & Spencer

Natural oils and dead sea salt is used to exfoliate the skin and hydrate it, leaving you with a clear, soft surface. Mandarin, bitter orange, thyme, wild mint and spearmint lend their oils and give the polish a great fragrance. Available from Holland and Barrett

OCTOBER 2014

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23/09/2014 15:11

THE LOOK

BUBBLE, BUBBLE, TOIL & TROUBLE

ive yourself the chills while enjoying a relaxing hot bath this Halloween, with some fun new spooky products from Lush. You’ll fall under the spell of the Wizard Bubble Bar (below left, £3.25), which combines divine fragrances of ylang ylang oil, juniper berry and tangerine with popping candy for a spine-tingling experience. The anti-aging properties of shitake mushrooms are incorporated

into a Fairy Ring Soap toadstool (below middle, £4.10), along with myrrh oil, patchouli and opopanax oil. For some real Halloween magic, treat yourself or a loved one to the Wizard Hat Gift (£12.95) – containing a Wizard Bubble Bar, a Star Light Star Bright Bath Melt and a Sparkler Bath Bomb – for an uncannily utopian pamper. Available from Lush in Tunbridge Wells and online at www.lush.co.uk

GENTS’ GROOMING

TIMELESS STYLE

t seems the oldies really are the best, if the renewed popularity of a 1960’s face powder is any guide. Half a century after the product first wowed celebrities and fashionistas, Corn Silk is once again flying off the shelves. Makeup artists and beauty experts have dubbed the translucent pressed powder ‘selfie friendly’, as it eliminates shine and can restore an elegant glow to even the sweatiest brow. Priced at £5.44 at www.amazon.co.uk – where it has recently been riding high on the bestsellers list – this is a beauty secret that is as friendly to your budget as it is to your Facebook photos.

he silver fox look is always in vogue – just take a look at the likes of Paul Hollywood, Philip Schofield and George Clooney if you want reassurance that grey temples are considered distinguished. But if you’re not crazy about the grey sneaking into your facial hair, yet don’t want to commit to using dye, help is at hand. Blackbeard for Men (£7.99, www.bodyforreal.co.uk) is an instant, brush on colour that eliminates greys in beards and moustaches but only for a short period, so you can wash it out at the end of the day. Applied using a mascara style brush, the colourant lasts about eight hours and is ideal for those who just want a temporary fix or a more subtle change of

look. You could use it to just colour some of the greys, for a more natural look or to fill out moustaches, side burns or even eyebrows. If you don’t want to colour hair but remove it, the Zeos For Men (£29.99, www.zeosformen.com) might be of interest. Claiming to be the first warm male wax kit solution on the market, the system leaves you stubble-free and smooth for four to six weeks – ideal for sports use or those who simply want to avoid the hirsute look. The self-heating applicator has an adjustable temperature setting and the wax reportedly removes hair as short as 2mm with the first application. Perfect for all those smooth operators out there...

OCTOBER 2014

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22/09/2014 10:47

For the future of your skin

THURSDAY 30 1h OCTOBER 7.30pm

THE EVENING WILL INCLUDE: oo

Expert talks

Live breast check demonstration

Before and after photos

Q&A's

Drinks and light bites

Goodie bags and treats to takeway!

THE VISITING TAILORS 01892 66:33:39

07446 092561

enqmrics(?l]hardmanHildlwlnming.<·o.u!.. \I \1 ' ' • hanlmaoa ud bemmi ug-. <·o. nk

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OCTOBER 2014

p81 SO TW_OCTOBER14_Ads.indd 3

23/09/2014 15:09

Illuminate Skin Clinics, founded by Dr Sophie Shotter - an expert cosmetic doctor, offers tailored treatments in Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks and Kings Hill. \> r

With experience in a range of advanced techniques for treating the face and body, she is devoted to helping you feel great about what you see in the mirror.

~ITI:R:

• Advanced wrinkle relaxing injections • Body Sculpting · Dermal fillers • The 8 Point Lift with Voluma • Non-surgical nose augment ation • Platelet-rich Plasma (the 'Vamp 1re Facelift') • Threadlifting • Thermavein facial thread vein treatments • Aqualyx fat dissolving mject1ons • Coolsculpting • M1crosclerotherapy • Chem1cal peels • Skincare consultations • Obag1 & IS Clinical sk1ncare • !.ash growth treatments

1'01' you1·

appoinlmCnt wilh Dr Sophic, <'0111H('I:

PURITYBRIDGI: Tunbridge Wells: 01892 536960 U.LU\oiiNATC SKI._ Cl.lNICS Kings Hill & Sevenoaks: 01732 647007

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ILLUMI N ATE S tl~

CliNICS

OCTOBER 2014

p82 SO TW_OCTOBER14_Ads.indd 2

23/09/2014 14:40

THE LOOK

expert OPINION

KEEP YOUR MOMENTUM

Spire Healthcare in Tunbridge Wells launches Momentum Orthopaedics

pire Tunbridge Wells has launched Momentum Orthopaedics, offering expert diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. Specialising in four main areas – shoulder, hip, knee and foot and ankle – Momentum Orthopaedics is currently made up of six highly qualified expert orthopaedic consultants with over 60 years of combined experience between them. The weekly consultant-led clinics will ensure that patients have access to rapid assessment, diagnosis and treatment without having to be placed on a waiting list. Momentum Orthopaedics welcomes everyone, whether the patients are insured or not. The team is able to offer quotes for treatment in advance over the phone or in person*. The team of consultants, made up of Mike Fordyce, Paul Skinner, Justin Forder, Nick Bowman, David Rose and Richard Benson, specialises in all orthopaedic conditions, ranging from minor to complex surgery such as arthroscopy and

joint replacements. Momentum Orthopaedics has a dedicated team of specialist physiotherapists offering a multidisciplinary approach for diagnosis and rehabilitation, accepting referral directly from patients and all healthcare professionals. The clinic will also be able to offer Momentum patients access to its Radiology Department, including its newly opened MRI and CT scanners, located within the hospital grounds. With a state-of-the-art MRI and CT scanner, the Imaging Department has regular clinics with early and late appointment times, performed by specialist consultant radiologists and radiographers. Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mike Fordyce (left), says: “Momentum Orthopaedics allows our dedicated team of specialists to offer an express service for all orthopaedic conditions, from consultations and rapid access diagnostics, through to cutting-edge treatments and aftercare services.

We aim to provide specialist and tailored care, unique to each patient.” Adrian Connolly, Hospital Director at Spire Tunbridge Wells, says: “At Spire Tunbridge Wells Hospital, we pride ourselves on offering our patients exceptional services and care. With Momentum Orthopaedics, patients will now have access to a team of specialist consultants together under one roof, ensuring that they are seen and treated quickly and safely. We are delighted to be able to offer this specialist clinic as part of Spire Healthcare, in the fantastic surroundings of Spire Tunbridge Wells Hospital.” Account Manager for GE Healthcare, Mr Stephen Mittins, says: “We are delighted to provide the MRI and CT Imaging Technology and to work with Spire Tunbridge Wells to increase and support their clinical imaging expertise.” To make an appointment or find out more about Momentum Orthopaedics call 01892 598 124 or visit www.momentumorthopaedics.co.uk

*Please ask for a copy of our Patient Terms and Conditions for full details of what is included in our fixed price treatment.

OCTOBER 2014

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ADVERTORIALK

SOUTHBOROUGH SALON WINS TOP NATIONAL AWARD Southborough hair salon, The Gallery, has beaten hundreds of hairdressers in the UK to be awarded ‘Salon of the Year’ at the prestigious Hairdressers Journal British Hairdressing Business Awards

he awards recognise outstanding achievements in the hairdressing industry. Director of The Gallery, Lorenzo Colangelo (below, third from left), and his team were presented with the award at a star-studded ceremony at the Lancaster London Hotel by celebrity host Steven Mulhern (below, far left), beating five other finalists in the Salon of the Year category. To win the award, The Gallery in London Road had to enter a dossier answering a detailed criteria, providing evidence to substantiate all the claims. Impressing a panel of business leaders and respected industry associates, the award entry

secured them a place in the 2014 winners’ line-up. Speaking after the awards, Lorenzo said: “This is a great day for The Gallery and recognises all the hard work done by my team. To see the business started by my father, Tony, in 1982 grow to become what we are today, makes us incredibly proud of the efforts of everyone involved.” Hosted by Hairdressers Journal’s Executive Director, Jayne Lewis-Orr, the event, in its 16-year history, has become the most significant evening in the hairdressing business. Speaking at the ceremony to an audience made up of leading business

names, brand ambassadors, industry peers, sponsors and finalists, Jayne commented: “Each year the work presented by the entrants is of an incredible standard, but this year the finalists have outdone themselves. The competition has been very strong and the judges had a difficult job in deciding the winners, but through our autonomous judging process, the right winners were rewarded on the night.” For further information, call Becky Seabrook at The Gallery on 01892 514 900

OCTOBER 2014

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22/09/2014 13:51

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OCTOBER 2014

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committed to our local community Despite being very well-known in the world of insurance and an employer to over 1,100 staff living in and around Tunbridge Wells, Markerstudy as a business and our Corporate Social Responsibility programme is relatively unknown. Tunbridge Wells is a great place to live and work; in fact, many of the Markerstudy management team have made it their home. As a large local employer, we support both local businesses and residents alike in many different ways. Here are some local Markerstudy projects that we undertake to support our community

The Santa Express 2013

The Santa Express 2014

Working with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, the Markerstudy Leisure division brought the Santa Express land train to Tunbridge Wells from November 29 to December 29 2013, providing free travel around town. • We carried over 10,000 passengers during a one-month period • Collections raised £1,000 for The Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre in Tunbridge Wells

It’s back! Due to popular demand, the Santa Express will be returning to Tunbridge Wells this Christmas. This time we decided to invest in our own train at a cost of £100k, so the people of Tunbridge Wells will be able to enjoy free travel around town at other points of the year. So, look out for the Summer Express too!

TUNBRIDGE WELLS AT CHRISTMAS

Father Christmas World is sponsoring The Pantiles Christmas 2014 activities over five weeks with sponsorship of £30k, helping drive much needed footfall and trade to the area. It is forecast our funding will help attract over 10,000 additional shoppers/visitors over the period.

DRIVE TO ENSURE

• Drive to Ensure is a free road safety awareness programme launched by Markerstudy in July 2013 and supported by Kent County Council • Markerstudy Group is dedicated to promoting safer driving, particularly among young people. Drive to Ensure prepares children aged eight to 18 for life as a driver. Delivered in schools, youth groups and pupil referral units, it covers issues including drink driving, speeding and wearing seatbelts. Fun interactive games explore the programme’s four principles – Drive Slow, Drive Sober, Drive Silent and Drive Secure It • has now been delivered to more than 1,000 children • Ensure Kids, a similar programme aimed at younger children, has now been launched and will be delivered to over 10,000 local children over the next three months – for free!

Rusthall Amateur Boxing Club

• Rusthall Amateur Boxing Club was facing closure in 2013 • Markerstudy hosted ‘Fight Night’, inviting staff to participate • On the night 160 guests raised £20,650 in the auction • The raffle raised £1,006 • The total money raised was doubled by our Board of Directors to a whopping £43,000, with all funds going to the local Rusthall Tunbridge Wells ABC, giving valuable support to a club that operates without funding

SUPPORTING THE EMERGENCY SERVICES AND THEIR FAMILIES

• Our Shooting Stars programme challenges and prepares future leaders of Markerstudy Group. The 2013 project assigned to delegates was to organise Markerstudy Group’s first pantomime. The objectives: to raise funds for charity and have a positive impact on the local community • Tickets were offered free of charge to emergency service employees and their families in and around Tunbridge Wells, recognising their hard work over the festive period. Seats were then offered to the local community and schools and finally to Markerstudy Group employees • Employees from across the entire group were involved • Bucket collections and programme sales raised £1,409.40, which was divided between Help for Heroes and The Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre in Tunbridge Wells

St Andrew’s Medical Centre in Southborough One of our businesses, the NDGA, supports St Andrew’s Medical Centre with an annual donation of £250. This money has helped the surgery to improve customer communication and waiting room information for its 7,000 patients. The NDGA is a non-profit making division with 980 children enjoying a world-class gymnastic facility.

OCTOBER 2014

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ADVERTORIAL

COMPANY AWARDS The Pickering Centre – Markerstudy’s Chosen Charity As our chosen charity, we have donated and raised significant sums for The Pickering Centre over the past five years. Most recently, we are very conscious of the need to enable disabled or sick youngsters and those from under-privileged backgrounds to enjoy the magic of Father Christmas World. So, we have pledged an entire day of Father Christmas World tickets to The Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre. Some 1,800 complimentary tickets will be allocated to local children and their families via Pickering and seven other local charities.

Supporting local cultural and music events

We actively support local business and, wherever possible, employ local tradespeople and suppliers for our various businesses in Tunbridge Wells.

• Awarded a ‘three-star’ rating, the best achievement possible, and named an ‘Extraordinary’ company to work for

V The Sunday Times ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ • National award recognising 100 best companies to work for in Britain • One of the eight categories judged on is ‘Giving Something Back’ (see below)

V Best for Giving Something Back 2014 • Staff scored Markerstudy Group as having an ‘81% positive strong social conscience’ • Judges said Markerstudy ‘put road safety at the heart of its charitable work’ • It added ‘employees... chose to give their time to write, develop and design... Drive to Ensure’ • 83% of staff said Markerstudy’s leader runs the organisation on a ‘sound moral basis’

We have been the headline sponsor for all major events hosted on The Pantiles for the last four years, including Jazz on The Pantiles, Music on the Tiles, The Spring and Harvest Food Festivals and Local & Live with donations of £25k.

LOCAL SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT

V Three stars – Best Companies 2013 and 2014

FOOD BANKS

We support local food banks and make regular donations through our four town centre offices.

V 11th in 2014 • Top insurance business and one of two Kent companies in the top 10, mid-sized category • 88% of staff believe they can make a positive contribution to the success of the company • 80% said that senior managers follow Markerstudy’s values of teamwork, recognition, learning and focused fun • 82% of staff stated they loved working for Markerstudy Group

Statement from the Markerstudy Group’s Board of Directors

Brew House Hotel

Markerstudy is investing £6m into the redevelopment of The Brew House Hotel. With a launch date of December 2015, it is set to become Kent’s first five-star hotel.

ANYONE FOR CRICKET? Since 2009 we have sponsored and supported Tunbridge Wells Cricket Club with donations of £6k.

SALOMONS ESTATE

Markerstudy acquired Salomons Estate in 2013 with an ultimate aim to restore it to its former glory. An ongoing rolling renovation programme is in place, which has already seen the restoration of the Bell Tower and the refurbishment of the AA four-star hotel accommodation. We also launched ‘Picnic on the Lawn’ opening up our beautiful lawns for visitors to enjoy, free of charge, when they bring their own picnics. Plus, we hosted Kent’s largest Easter Egg Hunt, which was free of charge to eager chocolate hunters!

What’s happening in 2015?

HELPING THE YOUNG SUCCEED IN BUSINESS We have exciting plans to launch a new initiative for young local entrepreneurs. We want to help young people with great ideas get a solid foot on the work ladder and succeed in the competitive business world. More details of this new venture will be announced later this year.

Many things have been written and said about the Markerstudy Group over the past few years – not all of them factually correct. To help dispel any misconceptions about the company, the Board of Directors would like to offer an insight into some of its recent community activities. We have made a substantial commitment to the town as thousands of our stakeholders work and reside here. It’s a simple philosophy for us. We have to add to the economic development and wellbeing of the area to enhance all elements of the town. If the town flourishes, so do we. We feel it’s a self-fulfilling prophecy, in that the more successful we become, the more we reinvest and the cycle begins again. Markerstudy was established in 2001 and the simple business principle applies to all areas. We hope the town will continue to embrace our attempts to make Tunbridge Wells a premier destination of choice. Thank you to all those businesses and individuals who have supported us through the years. The Board of Directors, Markerstudy Group To find out more about Markerstudy Group, including working for us, please go to www.markerstudy.com OCTOBER 2014

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T R A I N FA R E S

Rail passengers across the Weald are facing big increases in fares in the new year. Tickets will go up by at least 2.5%. However, So researchers have uncovered a legal loophole that some people are using to save more than £300 on their annual season ticket. In one case the saving could amount to £1,700

Words: Sarah Bond

rain travellers have discovered they can cut their annual commuting costs to London through a strange ambiguity in the fare structure – buying a season ticket to a destination outside the capital that you can only reach by going through London. Here’s how it works: If you buy an annual season ticket from Tunbridge Wells to London it will cost you £4,260. But if you buy an annual season ticket from Tunbridge Wells to Oxted in Surrey, via London terminals, it will only cost you £3,932 – a saving of £328. And it works from other stations, too. An annual season ticket from Stonegate to London is £4,548, while an annual season ticket from Stonegate to Oxted, via London terminals, is only £4,228 – a saving of £320. Oddly, you cannot get a quote from

neighbouring Wadhurst, but you can from other stations on the Hastings line as long as they are south of Tonbridge. These include High Brooms, where the Oxted option is £228 cheaper… Frant where it’s £328 cheaper.... Etchingham and Robertsbridge are both £320 cheaper and from Battle there’s a saving of £292. The biggest apparent saving we found was travelling from Tonbridge to Oxted via London Bridge. When we called National Rail inquiries they advised us the annual season ticket would be £2,168 against a normal Tonbridge/ London season ticket of £3,884 – a massive saving of £1,716. In order to double check this figure we called Southeastern who later wrote to us saying “...I can confirm that there is an annual season ticket for travel from Tonbridge to Oxted, which is valid for travel via London Bridge and East Croydon. The cost of this ticket is £2,168.”

However, this contradicts information provided by other Southeastern sources stating that such a ticket would not be valid. Meanwhile, here are some confirmed discounts from a different line, Maidstone to Victoria. The annual fare from both East and West Malling to London is £3,996, while East or West Malling to Oxted via London is only £3,912 – a saving of £84. But commuters may not be able to use the loophole very much longer. We understand Southeastern are aware of it and are investigating, with a view to closing

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T R A I N FA R E S

it when the increased fares take effect on January 1 2015. When we tried to check the legality of the loophole with National Rail’s telephone service, the operator insisted that it was perfectly fine to “break” the journey by getting off at one of the London terminals and you wouldn’t have to go all the way to Oxted. However, at one Southeastern ticket office we were told that you have to complete the full journey a certain number of times a year. The ticket seller could not tell us how many times and when we asked how someone would ever be able to prove they had done this, she replied “by swiping the magnetic strip on the ticket through the barriers at Oxted”. But that is no guarantee the journey has been made because the barriers may not be working and magnetic strip tickets sometimes fail.

The loophole came to light when one regular commuter forgot to renew his season ticket locally and went to a London ticket office to buy it there instead. “Each year I buy my season ticket and watch the price going up steadily and thought I just had to grin and bear it,” he told us. “Then I found myself in a situation where I had forgotten to buy my annual ticket at my home station, so I went to buy one at a London station. I said to the seller ‘my season ticket from the local station to London is about £4,000’ and he said ‘I can tell you a way to get it cheaper’. I said ‘Is it legal?’ and he replied ‘Yes it is’. “So, on his recommendation I bought an annual season ticket to Oxted via London instead, which was much cheaper. Since then I have used it to get to and from London and it has been fine, even when checked by ticket inspectors. And I will go on doing this for as long as possible.” Bob Baker, Chairman of the Tunbridge Wells and District Rail Travellers Association, says: “I haven’t heard about the Oxted season ticket wheeze before, but I have heard that in the past you could travel from Battle to London cheaper by buying a through ticket to St Albans and getting off in London. “Both that and the Oxted anomaly reinforces the ludicrousness of the fare system under a privatised railway.” Our research highlights some confusion and anomalies on rail fare pricing. When buying a ticket you must ensure it is a valid ticket for the journey you wish to make.

Hastings Line to London Charing Cross

Annual Season Ticket to London

Annual Season Ticket to Oxted via London Terminals

Annual Saving

Tonbridge

£3,884

£2,168

£1,716

High Brooms

£4,160

£3,932

£228

Tunbridge Wells

£4,260

£3,932

£328

Frant

£4,260

£3,932

£328

Wadhurst

£4,524

No quote available

Stonegate

£4,548

£4,228

£320

Etchingham

£4,548

£4,228

£320

Robertsbridge

£4,548

£4,228

£320

Battle

£4,696

£4,404

£292

Maidstone Line to Victoria

Annual Season Ticket to London

Annual Season Ticket to Oxted via London Terminals

Annual Saving

East Malling

£3,996

£3,912

£84

West Malling

£3,996

£3,912

£84

OTHER WAYS TO SAVE ON YOUR FARES...

• Work out how much you would save by renewing your annual season ticket before January 1 to beat the rises and get it at this year’s price.

• Check whether you could save money by setting off from a different station. Fares can vary up and down the line, and check the car parking charges, too.

• For general tickets, always try and buy in advance as you can save a great deal. The National Rail site is good for showing the best fares from all rail companies www.nationalrail.co.uk but it might be wise to check individual rail company sites and try and use sites that do not charge a fee.

• Sometimes you can save quite a bit by splitting your tickets – buying separate tickets for different legs of your journey, so it is worth checking those options. And you don’t necessarily have to break your journey if a ticket to a midway station and then a second ticket from there to the end of the journey proves cheaper – as long as the train stops at the midway point.

• You can save loyalty points towards future tickets by buying your rail tickets through Red Spotted Hanky www.redspottedhanky.com – but be sure to use your loyalty points before the end of each year as they do not carry over. Once purchased, you will receive simple instructions on how pick them up from the ticket machine at your chosen departure station.

• Quidco.com is a site that offers cashback and it is worth shopping around for other sites with incentives for buying rail tickets through them – some may offer Nectar point deals, too.

• Always claim “delay repay” refunds on all tickets, including season tickets, when trains have been delayed by a certain amount of time. Details of the rules and which rail companies have signed up for the Passengers’ Charter can be found at the Passenger Focus watchdog site www.passengerfocus.org.uk Southeastern railway claims can be made online at www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/ contact/delay-repay/ or you can pick up a form at the station.

• Don’t forget to check for new discount railcards. Two Together is a new one from National Rail this year and gives discounts for two adults without the need for travelling with children, such as on the Family and Friends card.

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{ LIFE&STYLE }

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

HEHKU Hehku is a fresh, exciting brand created by a team of renowned luxury kitchen and glassroom designers. The Hehku team utilise their years of experience to deliver heavenly bespoke living spaces of divine look, function and quality. Consisting of the exclusive Cucina (kitchen) and Illuma

(orangery and conservatory) brands, Hehku are fast building a reputation for producing beautiful, eye-catching designs blended with uncompromisingly attentive service. Using only the finest materials to create ‘transformational living spaces’, Hehku will truly enhance the way you enjoy your home.

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

STARJUMPZ CHILDREN’S CENTRE

ioneering children’s centre Starjumpz will be opening its doors on the evening of Thursday October 2 to parents, teachers, health and other professionals wanting to learn more about the services it offers to children of all ages with learning, developmental, motor and behavioural challenges. Based in Tunbridge Wells, the centre can diagnose, treat and support children of all ages with neurological and behavioural problems such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia.

The centre brings together a number of renowned professionals specialising in child development. Starjumpz also recently added Neurofeedback to its range of therapies. Neurofeedback treats problems known to have a huge impact on learning such as attention and concentration, hyperactivity, anxiety, sleep and depression. Starjumpz is also the only centre in the South East to offer Neurofeedback treatment, in combination with other intensive therapies. The Open Evening will take place from 7pm to 9.30pm on Thursday October 2. To book a place, call 01892 510 257 or email info@starjumpz.com Speldhurst Place, 78 Speldhurst Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 0JA www.starjumpz.com

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LIFE AND STYLE

EDMONDSON INTERIORS Our experienced designers and master craftsmen make utterly bespoke kitchens and spaces. From the traditional and truly classic to the most contemporary, we follow our clients’ needs but give our years of experience and expertise to produce outstanding, ‘dream come true’ results. Visit us at our showroom and workshop in the heart of the Weald of Kent and you’ll understand how much store we put in the relationship with our clients. Alternatively, if you’d prefer, we can arrange for a designer to visit you at home. We’d love to hear from you! Hammonds Farm, Smiths Lane, Goudhurst, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 1EU 01580 212 323 www.edmondsoninteriors.co.uk

RENCRAFT

For more than 33 years, we have specialised in the design and build of exceptional handmade, solid wood kitchens and furniture for every room of the home. With showrooms in Tunbridge Wells and Chart Farm, Sevenoaks, we are hugely proud of our workshop, which adjoins our Sevenoaks showroom, facilitating a truly tailored and seamless service. We pride ourselves on fine quality materials, exemplary attention to detail and outstanding client service. We look forward to welcoming you to our showrooms soon. 81 Calverley Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2UY 01892 520 730 Unit 9, Chart Farm, Seal Chart, Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0ES 01732 762 682 www.rencraft.co.uk

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OCTOBER 2014

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23/09/2014 16:41

AFFORDABILITY

NEW RESEARCH BEGS THE QUESTION

COULD YOU AFFORD TO BUY A HOME IN THE WEALD? With property prices still on the rise, the local market is continuing to show strong signs of recovery, but this could be bad news for those who aspire to live and work in the Weald. Are you comfortably on the property ladder while your high earning friends struggle to afford a place in your neighbourhood? As research reveals that two local districts are among the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 10 least affordable places to live, we take a closer look at the surprising figures. Which areas are the most exclusive and which prominent Wealden town fails to make the top 100?

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AFFORDABILITY

veryone knows that London is the country’s most expensive property hot spot. With homes in most boroughs now costing at least 10 times the local average salary – to buy in Kensington and Chelsea, you’ll need to stump up more than 30 times your annual pay – it’s no surprise that in excess of one million people choose to commute to work in the capital rather than live there. London salaries, of course, go much further outside the city. But what if you want to work where you live? According to a recent study of rural property markets by the National Housing Federation, those who choose to live and work in certain areas outside London may not be any better off. The research reveals some unexpected facts about relative affordability, i.e. how much properties cost in relation to the average salary paid in the local area. For example, you’d be better off landing a job and settling in Hammersmith, where property costs 16.3 times the borough’s average salary, than trying to work and set up home in Sevenoaks, where you’ll pay up to 17 times your income – making it the country’s fifth most unaffordable place to live outside London. When, as in Sevenoaks, local salaries are also slightly under the UK national average of £26,500 per annum, that’s a worrying scenario for many homebuyers. The situation is not much better in the Wealden district, which came in at number 10 in the unaffordability stakes. Here, the average property will set you back just over £291,000, which is nearly 15 times the likely local salary of £19,900. Even those who earn well over the local average might find themselves priced out of their dream home, with London commuters, wealthy incomers and holiday home seekers pushing up values. This means that people who already bought a property in these areas years ago can feel very smug indeed, while even those on superior salaries looking to buy now may have missed the boat. Here are those top 10 pricey postcodes in full: LOCAL AUTHORITY DISTRICT South Bucks Cotswold, Gloucestershire Chichester, West Sussex Waverley, Surrey Sevenoaks, Kent Tandridge, Surrey South Oxfordshire Purbeck, Dorset South Hams, Devon Wealden, East Sussex

MEDIAN HOUSE PRICE £563,032 £344,614 £356,146 £438,032 £399,540 £383,336 £372,632 £273,586 £304,012 £291,535

AVERAGE LOCAL SALARY £27,903 £18,075 £19,911 £25,464 £23,442 £24,154 £24,107 £17,846 £20,478 £19,932

AFFORDABILITY RATIO 20.2 19.1 17.9 17.2 17 15.9 15.5 15.3 14.8 14.6

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HOMES

Rother in East Sussex charts at number 16 with asking prices of 13.9 times the average local salary, while residents of Tonbridge and Malling are slightly better placed at number 39, as they’ll only need a mortgage of nearly 12 times their income to buy in the district. In terms of relative affordability, this means Tonbridge locals shell out more for their homes than if they lived in Harrow, Kingston upon Thames or Hackney. Perhaps surprisingly, Tunbridge Wells doesn’t feature in the top 100 unaffordable districts, making it much less exclusive than its neighbouring towns. Does this mean that properties are under-priced, locals are overpaid or that the employment and property markets have struck a happy balance? To cast more light on the situation, we’ve crunched the numbers to see how property prices pan out in nine key towns and villages across the Weald. Will the figures support the NHF’s research and if so, where will you face the most competition for an affordable home? Bearing in mind the average house price in England currently stands at £276,000, we discover what proportion of homes for sale fall within the £270,000 to £280,000 price bracket in each area. See how many opportunities there are for first time buyers and what percentage of the local market requires a king’s ransom for the keys. Note: We searched properties available on the market at the time of writing, as listed on Rightmove.co.uk. For Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks, we searched within a three-mile radius; for the others we searched a one-mile radius.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS Properties for sale

716

More than £1million

Market share

£500,000 to £999,999

120

Market share

17%

£280,000 to £499,999

310

Market share

43%

£270,000 to £279,999

Market share

£150,000 to £269,999

175

Market share

24%

Under £150,000

Market share

Top priced property

£2.95million

SEVENOAKS Properties for sale

248

More than £1million

Market share

19%

£500,000 to £999,999

Market share

27%

£280,000 to £499,999

102

Market share

41%

£270,000 to £279,999

Market share

£150,000 to £269,999

Market share

10%

Under £150,000

Market share

Top priced property

£5.95million

TONBRIDGE Properties for sale

328

More than £1million

Market share

£500,000 to £999,999

Market share

20%

£280,000 to £499,999

154

Market share

47%

£270,000 to £279,999

Market share

£150,000 to £269,999

Market share

24%

Under £150,000

Market share

Top priced property

£2.5million OCTOBER 2014

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AFFORDABILITY

CRANBROOK

EDENBRIDGE

Properties for sale

149

More than £1million

Market share

13%

Properties for sale More than £1million

78 26

Market share

33%

£500,000 to £999,999

Market share

37%

£500,000 to £999,999

Market share

22%

£280,000 to £499,999

Market share

32%

£280,000 to £499,999

Market share

14%

£270,000 to £279,999

Market share

£270,000 to £279,999

Market share

£150,000 to £269,999

Market share

13%

£150,000 to £269,000

Market share

23%

Under 150,000

Market share

Under £150,000

Market share

Top priced property

£3.5million

Top priced property

£3.95million

10%

TENTERDEN

TICEHURST

Properties for sale

More than £1million

Market share

Properties for sale More than £1million

Market share

£500,000 to £999,999

Market share

28%

£500,000 to £999,999

Market share

17%

£280,000 to £499,999

Market share

46%

£280,000 to £499,999

Market share

54%

£270,000 to £279,999

Market share

£270,000 to £279,999

Market share

£150,000 to £269,999

Market share

12%

£150,000 to £269,999

Market share

17%

Under £150,000

Market share

Under £150,000

Market share

Top priced property

£1,995,000

Top priced property

£4million

CROWBOROUGH Properties for sale More than £1million £500,000 to £999,999 £280,000 to £499,999 £270,000 to £279,999 £150,000 to £269,999 Under £150,000 Top priced property

GOUDHURST 152 18 32 68 7 16 11 £2.85million

Properties for sale

Market share Market share Market share Market share Market share Market share

12% 21% 45% 5% 11% 7%

More than £1million

Market share

18%

£500,000 to £999,999

Market share

44%

£280,000 to £499,999

Market share

28%

£270,000 to £279,999

Market share

£150,000 to £269,999

Market share

Under £150,000

Market share

Top priced property

£3.35million

CHARITY STARTS AT HOME

So, of our nine Wealden towns and villages, all have by far the greatest proportion of property available at above £280,000 – none have more than a few for sale at the national average of around £276,000. Bearing in mind that the average local salary is slightly lower than the national average in the Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Malling, Wealden and Ashford local authority districts – the only exception being Tunbridge Wells borough, which bucks the trend at just over £28,000 per annum – this means that many of these homes are even more unaffordable to locals than they appear at first glance. Could the key to Tunbridge Wells’ affordability be

that healthy average salary? This may be the case, as house prices in Goudhurst and Cranbrook – both of which are in the TW borough and where the greatest number of homes are priced between £500,000 and £1million – do not hint at a lower end property market. But you’ll certainly need to be earning top dollar if you want to live in Edenbridge, which emerges as our most expensive spot to buy a home. With 55% of the available properties costing more than £500,000, and 33% at £1million or above, you’ll need to be earning significantly more than Sevenoaks district’s average £23,442 per year to secure a pad in this beautiful town.

Many Sevenoaks residents might find themselves priced out of buying their dream home, but that doesn’t mean they’re tightfisted with their cash. Donation website JustGiving.com has named Sevenoaks as the UK’s most generous town, in terms of individual donations. Their data showed that over the year to May 2014, locals gave an average of £42.29 per head to charitable causes, making them the most selfless donators in the country.

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EVENTS

PHOTO SHOOT

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

SARAH BOND

ALL THAT HOLIDAY JAZZ For the second year running, the popular free summer season of jazz on The Pantiles brought 12 extra Music on the Tiles performances for three days and nights over the August bank holiday. They included a lively evening performance by guitarist

George Anderson of Shakatak fame and his band (above). Even the rain on Monday didn’t stop play. Headliners the Blues Brothers Little Brother and other acts simply moved indoors and entertained inside the Tunbridge Wells Hotel and Woods Restaurant. www.pantilestraders.co.uk

CHARLIE BOND

GOOD WOOD The Weald was alive with the sound of music when The Rare Breeds Centre in Woodchurch held their Acoustic in the Wood concert. The event was a sell-out, with visitors coming from across the county to listen to some of Kent’s best local talent. All proceeds from ticket sales went towards helping the Canterbury Oast Trust. Guests danced the night away under the stars before the show closed with an incredible performance from Coco and the Butterfields. www.rarebreeds.org.uk

Hole Park’s annual Camel Race Day didn’t hit any humps – as thousands of people turned up to see the animals compete. The event, held in aid of the Wild Camel Protection Foundation, created traffic chaos across the Weald as cars queued to get into the park to see the camels race. The ‘War Camel’ Gobi also made an appearance, while Mongolian wrestlers performed and visitors enjoyed live music. www.holepark.com

100

DAN SCOTT

RUNNING WILD

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BARKING MAD AT THE BLUE CROSS

GENO’S FEELING FOOD Legendary blues singer Geno Washington may have swapped his Ram Jam Band for Yo Yos, but he still had The Forum in Tunbridge Wells rammed and jammed. Now in his 70s, he rocked the stage with such hits as I Feel Good and Jumpin’ Jack Flash. “Absolutely fabulous. I love coming to Tunbridge Wells,” Geno told the The Forum’s new online TV show The FTW. “The atmosphere was great… They treat us fantastic and in actual fact I feel like a fat rat in a cheese factory!” The next legend to appear at The Forum is fiery Arthur Brown on Saturday October 25. www.twforum.co.uk

SARAH BOND

Northiam Blue Cross Centre saw animal lovers from around the Weald turn out for their Fete and Fun day. With dog shows, live entertainment, animal agility classes and face painting among the activities, the day was perfect for pets as well as their human companions. The charity also opened its doors to the cat units, so visitors could view some of the felines in need of a new home. www.bluecross.org.uk

SARAH BOND

CHARLIE BOND

EVENTS

WISHING IN THE WELLS

The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) found rising Kent stars when they held a Furity Evaluation day at Plumpton College. Three local breeders may have reared the stars of the future, as their horses received high scores for their potential in dressage, showjumping and endurance careers. Some could even become Olympic champions. “Just A Jewel is the best one I have bred so far,” says breeder Julia Soyke from Tunbridge Wells. “I am excited about her, she is bold, curious and nimble and easy to handle. I am looking for a really keen and committed owner for her”.

CHARLIE BOND

CRAIG PAYNE

NOT HORSING AROUND

Tunbridge Wells shoppers had their Monday blues well and truly blown away when Australian band The Wishing Well came to town. The group performed a variety of music at Fiveways, using violins, electric guitars and even a cello to create a folk-rock sound. Crowds gathered to watch the musicians in action, and many took to Twitter and Facebook afterwards to compliment them and promote the performance. www.facebook.com/thewishingwell

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HALLOWEEN

TERRIFYING TALES FOR HALLOWEEN

Settle down by the fire, snuggle closer to your loved ones and discover the scary stories, both old and new, that are sure to chill you to the bone

ontrary to popular British belief, Halloween is not an American invention, but rather a deep-rooted tradition that stems from Blighty’s own dark past. Like any ancient ritual, there’s still a degree of debate about its exact origins and development, but the event is commonly believed to have derived from the Celtic harvest festival, Samhain. In ancient Gaelic culture, the spring and summer were regarded as the ‘light half’ of the year; once the harvest was collected and the nights began to draw in, this heralded the arrival of the ‘dark half’ and all the mystic connotations that came with it. Our ancestors also believed that around this time, the veil between this world and the next was at its thinnest, with spirits, goblins, fairies and other creepy entities able to enter our plane and walk among us at will. The practice of wearing frightening costumes and embracing occult items may have started in a

bid to frighten away these ghoulish creatures, by playing them at their own game. In a bid to banish pagan festivals and beliefs, Pope Gregory III moved the Christian celebration of All Saints’ Day from May 1 to November 1 in the eighth century. All Hallows is an old English term for All Saints – over time All Hallows Eve, on October 31, became shortened to Hallowe’en. And the rest is history... Although the Americans often get the blame for the popularity of trick-or-treating, the practice already existed in the UK and Ireland in some form, well before our transatlantic cousins adopted it in the early 20th century. ‘Souling’, in which the poor would sing outside wealthy people’s doors in exchange for food, was going on long before then, while ‘guising’ – dressing in costumes and carrying turnip lanterns – was recorded in Scotland as early as 1895. Our fascination with ghosts and ghouls,

however, isn’t just restricted to one night a year. For centuries we’ve been captivated by the idea of an afterlife and what happens when some poor soul is unable to reach ‘the other side’. This premise has sparked the imaginations of countless great writers, from Shakespeare’s Hamlet to Stephen King’s extensive canon of spine-tingling works. The art of terrifying readers is an exquisite one – without the use of visuals or sound to provide easy scares, writers have to craft unsettling pictures in their readers’ minds using words alone. This is no mean feat and one at which many authors have failed; others, however, have created timelessly horrifying moments that live in the imagination long after you’ve read the final line. So, if you’re in the mood to be spooked this Halloween, here’s our selection of some chilling tales, both classic and modern, that are sure to make your skin creep. Just don’t read them alone...

THE TELL-TALE HEART BY EDGAR ALLAN POE First published in 1843 Dark fiction doesn’t get much darker than the writings of Edgar Allan Poe and when it comes to macabre moments, his catalogue provides a wealth of highlights. Buy any collection of his short stories and you’ll find numerous unforgettable tales within – The Fall of the House of Usher, The Black Cat, The Masque of the Red Death, The Pit and the Pendulum, The Cask of Amontillado, Hop-Frog and The Man of the Crowd are all essential reading for any selfrespecting horror fan. Poe infused his work with glimpses into drug-fuelled madness and even insanity, in a way that leaves the reader unsure that some of it doesn’t stem from Poe’s own unfortunate experiences. If we have to choose one stand-out story though, it would be The Tell-Tale Heart. More horror than supernatural, the tale explores how an irrational obsession can create situations that may or may not be real, and induce phenomena that ultimately bring a criminal to justice by his own hand.

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HALLOWEEN

GHOST STORIES OF AN ANTIQUARY BY MR JAMES First published in 1904 You’ll find many of these tales reproduced in later, larger anthologies, but this first issue is proof, should it be needed, that MR James is the undisputed master of the ghost story. The elegance of his writing belies the really quite horrible situations that arise, from murdered or stolen children to a hairy demonic beast manifesting in a cosy sitting room. James’ favourite protoganists are fusty old academics whose assured sense of reality is suddenly rocked by the most baffling and terrifying occurrences. A great example of this is Oh Whistle, and I’ll Come To You, My Lad, in which a misanthropic professor heads off for a relaxing holiday in a remote part of coastal Suffolk. In a textbook case of curiosity kills the cat, the professor finds an old whistle buried among some Templar ruins and unwisely decides to blow it... Thus begins a slow-burning nightmare that will give any reader a few uncomfortable nights.

THE TURN OF THE SCREW BY HENRY JAMES First published in 1898 If MR James was a prolific creator of horrors, his namesake Henry James produced one great work that is cited by many aficionados as the greatest ghost story ever written. Reportedly inspired by an anecdote told to the author by the Archbishop of Canterbury, The Turn of the Screw was described by the Independent in 1899 as ‘the most hopelessly evil story that we have ever read in any literature, ancient or modern.’ More than a century after it was first published, the ambiguity of the story has kept the debate buzzing among critics and literature students, with a number of different theories emerging about its possible subtexts. A prim young governess lands her ideal job, taking care of two charming children in an isolated country house – only to find that she is their sole guardian against an insidious force for evil that wishes to corrupt her young charges’ souls. Does the woman really see what she thinks she sees? Are the spirits of two former servants really out to capture the children, or are her visions driven by paranoid delusion? Read for yourself and see if you can solve the mystery.

THE SHINING BY STEPHEN KING First published in 1977 While Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 film version is deservedly acclaimed as a scary watch, the real story of the ill-fated Torrance family is found in King’s masterly third novel. There are frightening moments in the book, certainly – more so than in the movie, in fact – but the novel is so much richer and really brings the characters to life. Jack is more than just a volatile drunk, Wendy is not the meek dishmop portrayed in the film and five-year-old Danny’s complex ‘gift’ is explored in the dark detail it warrants. Perhaps most importantly, the family’s history is described in some depth, giving a greater insight into the existing tensions and resentments that were just waiting to boil over amid the malevolent attentions of the Overlook Hotel.

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THE WOMAN IN BLACK BY SUSAN HILL First published in 1983 Film adaptations are famously unable to stick to the source material, as if the original bestselling story was not quite good enough for Hollywood directors. Often changes are made to better suit the movie format but this does mean that cinema audiences who haven’t read the book end up with a skewed idea of the real plot. The recent film version of The Woman in Black, starring Daniel Radcliffe, was a serviceable thriller with plenty of jumpy moments, but it took huge liberties with Susan Hill’s modern classic. Her deceptively simple tale takes an ambitious young solicitor to the fabulously eery Eel Marsh House to sort through a deceased client’s mountain of neglected paperwork, where he discovers that he might not be quite alone. Viewed by many critics as the perfect ghost story, this short and definitely not sweet volume is a must for your bookshelf.

THE LITTLE STRANGER BY SARAH WATERS First published in 2009 As much as we love our monsters, ambiguity is a fantastically effective part of any writer’s toolbox. Ghosts provide the ultimate division of opinion in real life – some people believe emphatically, others won’t entertain the idea – and this conflict is used to devastating effect in Sarah Waters’ fifth novel. Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize, this tale is something of a departure for Waters, who was previously best known for the controversial Tipping the Velvet and who won’t actually confirm whether The Little Stranger is a ghost story or not, leaving readers with a tantalising mystery in the last few pages. In post-war rural Warwickshire, a hard-up doctor is called to attend the last servant still working at grand Hundreds Hall. Home to the aristocratic Ayres family, the house is, like so many other stately homes at that time, in severe decline – as are the family’s fortunes. One by one, the occupants’ pasts come back to haunt them, as Dr Faraday watches in helpless bewilderment. Is it all the work of an unfriendly spirit or are the Ayres’ simply cursed with mental illness? Buy a copy and see if you can work it out...

DARK MATTER BY MICHELLE PAVER First published in 2010 Chilling in the most literal sense, this successful children’s author’s first attempt at an adult novel plays out in an extraordinary frozen landscape. It’s 1937 and young Jack is given the chance to escape the poverty and drudgery of his London life by joining a year-long Arctic expedition. Resentful of his privileged upper class colleagues, Jack is already struggling with his insecurities before they set sail. But as the short Arctic summer draws to a close and endless night beckons, he gradually becomes aware of a very unwelcome extra guest... Once these uncanny stories have put you in the mood for chills, check out the many great Halloween events taking place across the area.

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Tree of Hope Centre 61-63 CAM DEN ROAD, Tun bridge Wells Kent TN 1 2QE

Opening September 2014 in central Tun bridge Wells to create awareness and raise funds to support its fantastic work for children Selling both new own brand Blossom for children funky stuff and second hand items, there will also be a cafe wit h refreshments and treatment and therapy rooms on the first floor for children and mothers . If you are intereste d in hiring a treatment room contact: ce ntre@treeofhope.org.uk

www. Tree of Hope is passionat e about improving the health and lives of sick and disabled children resident in the United Kingdom by providing and assisting in the provision of grant s to enable them to obtain medical surgery, treatment, therapies and equipment which wou ld not otherwise be available to them. Tree of Hope is registered in England 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 TNllYP

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T R AV E L

ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE Writer Mark Twain once said that he believed Heaven had been modelled on Mauritius. So if you’re looking for some luxurious winter sun as the festive season looms, the Indian Ocean island just might provide the perfect getaway, as Lauren Taylor discovers

s I struggle to perform a tree pose followed by sun salutations, only the sound of birds chirping and leaves rustling in the ocean breeze threaten to throw me off balance. But the setting, a gazebo surrounded by pretty gardens, helps to induce a much-needed sense of calm and my early morning yoga session puts me in a relaxed frame of mind for the day ahead. I’m deep in the Indian Ocean, on the island of Mauritius and in an attempt to unwind and raise my spiritual awareness, I’ve enrolled in a Reiki master course at the dreamy Shanti Maurice resort. I’m not 100% convinced that a novice can master this healing practice in just 48 hours, but I arrive with an open mind, which I’m told is the first step. One thing I am certain of is that the island’s sandy beaches, swaying palm trees and calm

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turquoise waters spell instant relaxation. The five-star Shanti Maurice is located in the rural, unspoilt south of Mauritius, dominated by farmland and sugar cane plantations. There are far fewer hotels here than in the north of the island. The floor-to-ceiling window in my room is a picture of ocean water and white sand. As the days go by, I find myself leaving the curtains open so I can wake up to the sunrise in the huge bed facing out towards the sea. The room itself is elegant and minimalist, with a balcony overlooking the beach and an outdoor rain shower. But this island of one million people has far more to offer than just its picturesque coastline and year-round sunshine. Steeped in history, it’s a melting pot of diverse beliefs and culture. Officially

discovered by the Portuguese in 1505, it’s since been occupied by the Dutch, French and British, before becoming independent in 1968, but it was Indian ethnic groups that were the first to arrive on the island to settle. The European and Indian influence is evident in the local food, dress and culture. Many people speak English, French, Creole and an Indian dialect, Bhojpuri. And the religions include Hinduism, Islam, Christianity and Buddhism. I witness the religious fervency on a visit to Ganga Talao lake. Surrounded by temples and statues of deities Shiva, Hanuman and Lakshmi, it’s considered to be the most sacred Hindu place on the island. People are gathered around the water’s edge, excitedly dressing the statues with colourful decorations as a mark of respect.

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PA PHOTO/THINKSTOCK PHOTOS

PA PHOTO/SHANTI MAURICE RESORT

T R AV E L

“Everyone comes out to the streets to celebrate, no matter what religion they are,” our driver tells us. “Mauritians are proud of being so inclusive and welcoming of lots of different cultures.” Having soaked up some of the spiritual atmosphere, I’m ready to embark on my Reiki training. Developed by a Japanese Buddhist in the early 1920s, the technique involves laying hands on specific areas of the body to channel ‘life energy’. Many champion its healing powers and it’s even used in a number of private hospitals and hospices, as a complementary therapy on top of conventional treatment, for illnesses such as cancer.

there’s a lot to get through in two days. We learn about chakras and energy and self-healing, then practise techniques on one another. We meditate and chant, which feels incredibly alien at first, but I tell myself to get over it. Then we take part in ‘attunement’, where the Reiki healer ‘transfers’ the Reiki ability over to us, allowing us to finally learn the technique for laying hands on ourselves and others. It’s pretty simple but people react very differently. Some say they feel something very powerful, others just that it’s “comforting” or “relaxing”. It sparks diverse debate at dinner

Travel facts Lauren Taylor was a guest of Western & Oriental (www.westernoriental.com) who offer seven nights at Shanti Maurice (www.shantimau rice.com) from £2,040 per person, based on two sharing. This includes seven nights’ accommodation half-board, economy flights on Emirates from Gatwick and private airport transfers in Mauritius. Valid for travel until December 22 and must be booked 30 days before departure. The two-day Reiki Workshops cost an additional €299 (about

I find myself leaving the curtains open so I can wake up to the sunrise in the huge bed facing out towards the sea

PA PHOTO

There’s no evidence that it can cure conditions, but many people believe in its powers of improving overall wellbeing. Vijay Raghavan (below) from the Centre of Natural Healing gives me and my fellow travellers an introduction to the Reiki principles, its history and all things spiritual. We learn abdominal breathing and meditation, where we are encouraged to channel positive energy. I can’t help but feel it’s a shame the teaching isn’t outside, given that the surroundings are so pretty, but

afterwards though, but what someone will get from a course like this completely depends on the individual. I continue my spiritual training with a soothing yoga session, indulgent 60-minute full body massage in the heavenly Nira Spa and a day spent lounging on the beach. When I’m not feeding my soul, I spend time feasting on excellent seafood in the resort’s restaurant. Mauritians are warm and welcoming hosts, as I discover on a visit to the Rum Shed, a beach hut style rum bar within the resort. I sip

£247) per person and will be running from October 18 to 19 and December 13 to 14. www.tourism-mauritius.mu

on a cocktail while wriggling my toes in the sand and marvel at how the 20-year-old barman Sunny might just be the happiest man I’ve ever met. Later that evening, we dine at Fish Shack where lanterns line the beach. A roaring bonfire lights up the dark sea as Mauritian dancers in traditional dress spin in the firelight to a drum beat. On my final day, I wake up early, not for another yoga session but to take a catamaran ride in search of a school of dolphins that gather in Tamarin Bay. They jump alongside the boat and when a mother and baby appear, everyone squeals with excitement. On our way back to the resort, we stop at a tiny uninhabited island where stalls line the beach and men sell jewellery from rowing boats. But even insistent hawkers do little to dampen my mood. I certainly feel far more centred, mindful and relaxed than I did a week ago. While I’m not sure I’m quite ready to offer up my services as a Reiki healer, it will easily make for good dinner party conversation back home and the process of learning a new skill has helped focus my thoughts for a few days. Instead, I wrap my healing hands around another cocktail in the Rum Shed and raise a glass to the setting ball of fire on the horizon - my own take on a sun salutation. OCTOBER 2014

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••••••• RED SQ ••••••• ······· ••••••• ••••••• : : :: :: : DESIGN AND BUILD

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ADVERTORIAL

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. The truth is, there is no easy way out. However, the actions you take now and the choices you make will have a big impact on your new life. Your future is in your hands. You can choose to be reactive to your situation or you can be proactive, take the lead and put a stop to the fighting, anger and hurt. Divorce and separation is a life changing event and mistakes can be costly, both emotionally and financially; you must be prepared to invest to secure your future. To take control you need information and advice from an experienced and trusted advisor, which will allow you to make informed decisions about your future. My dedicated team are handpicked for their experience working with people who are going through a relationship breakdown. They are all members of Resolution, which means that they have the legal experience required to give you the best advice and are committed to solving your problem in a conciliatory way if possible – saving you the emotional drain of the legal court battle and the legal fees that go with it. They understand the emotional pressure and stress you are going through; they can help ease the pain and will work with you to achieve the best outcome possible

for you to move on with your life. Our service is confidential, discreet and bespoke to each client and we will never disclose your information to others. Out of hours appointments are available. For a limited period of time I am offering a selected number of potential clients the opportunity to meet with one of the family solicitors in my team for a free initial consultation to discuss the options available. Due to high demand my team are only able to offer 20 appointments this month and I know that the appointments will book up very quickly. Choosing the right legal team is key to your emotional and financial future, so contact us today to see how we can help you achieve the outcome you want.

The right legal team is key to your emotional and financial future. Family Law Solicitor, Mediator & Collaborative Lawyer, Sarah Jelly

To take control of your future and apply for one of our free consultations just complete this coupon and post it to the address below. Alternatively call or email me today quoting reference SO0314 Telephone 01892 526 442 or email so@keenemarsland.co.uk

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Keene Marsland Solicitors 6 Clanricarde Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1PH www.keenemarsland.co.uk Appointments available at Tunbridge Wells, Edenbridge, London, Windsor and Woodley Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority No. 71480

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They have always been there for you ... ... and w hen th e time comes for them to need a little help TerraBiu Home Care can support you and t he ones you love whenever it s needed, as little or as often as you like

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Our concierge service is there to support your loved ones with the administration of their affairs. You may be recently bereaved or just need a little help. Organising gardening, DIY jobs and appliance repairs, to library books and theatre tickets. Personal Care and Support

Our personal care service is there to help with all aspects of personal care after illness or stroke, or just with a little help when needed. From assistance with getting up, washing, dressing and medication to meal preparation, domestic support and trips out. We support people in their own homes in Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, and surrounding areas.

TerraBiu Home Care 9 Calverley Park Crescent, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN I 2NB Email: info@terrablu.co.uk Tel: 0 1892 529429 www.terrablu.co.uk

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Home Care

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L AT E R L I F E

OPTIONS FOR LATER LIFE When we plan ahead for our later years, we all want to look forward to a retirement that is independent, fulfilling and packed with happy memories. For most people, freedom and dignity are their top priorities, along with good health, financial security and the chance to spend quality time with loved ones

etirement presents the opportunity to enjoy new experiences, revisit past passions or simply enjoy the life you’ve worked so hard to build. Growing older, however, can present a variety of challenges and when circumstances change, finding a solution can seem like a difficult and emotive task. But whether you’re seeking help for yourself or for a much-loved relative, there are caring experts out there just waiting to offer the guidance and advice you need. If an older person wants to stay in their own home and just needs a little assistance with daily chores, there’s a service to suit and support their lifestyle. When more attention is required, there are other options that offer personal independence, with practical and medical support on hand 24 hours a day. Read on to meet the local experts and find out how they can help to make later life fulfilling and enjoyable, whatever the circumstances. Plus, we chat to Hollywood actress Susan Sarandon about playing a grandmother in her latest film and we discover why retired people should be making their finances a family affair. OCTOBER 2014

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L AT E R L I F E

inside your

LATER LIFE guide

WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS? From domiciliary care in your own property to round the clock support at a purpose-built nursing home, there’s plenty of choice when it comes to planning your future LUXURY OF INDEPENDENCE Assisted living means a beautiful home without the worry of maintenance, as you’ll discover at Barchester Care’s new Assisted Living apartments DIGNIFIED LIFESTYLE At Beulah Lodge, residents are encouraged to live independently and treat the Victorian house as their own, while enjoying the support of dedicated staff

FOCUS ON PATIENTS With a refurbished hydrotherapy pool and a commitment to quality, the team at Burrswood is here to meet your physical, spiritual and emotional needs CARE AROUND THE CLOCK Find out how Bluebird Care can help you live an independent lifestyle in your own home with 24/7 live-in support

PERSONAL SERVICE Specialising in live-in care, The Good Care Group provides everything from respite support to highly personalised 24-hour homecare HOME FROM HOME Debbie Harris of Harris and King explains how her expertise can help you to find the right care home

JOIN OUR CLUB Audley Willicombe Park retirement village offers luxury leisure facilities at its Audley Club Health and Wellbeing Centre

SHY ABOUT RETIRING Why you should consider discussing your retirement finances with your nearest and dearest

GROWING OLD DISGRACEFULLY Hollywood actress Susan Sarandon tells us why her latest movie role wasn’t about “an old granny in glasses and a crocheted sweater”

POWER IN YOUR HANDS Warners Solicitors shed light on power of attorney and how you can ensure the right people take care of your affairs

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L AT E R L I F E

WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS? People today are living longer, healthier lives, which makes planning for those future years increasingly important. We look at some of the choices for you and your family to consider

tatistics show that the average life expectancy in the UK is getting higher. English males can now expect to live 78.4 years, while for English women it’s slightly higher at 82.4 years. This means that children born today are expected to live two years longer than children born 10 years ago. But it’s not just about planning ahead. It’s also

DOMICILIARY CARE

LIVE-IN CARE

This is where you are looked after by a personal healthcare professional in the comfort of your own home. You are afforded the freedom and familiarity of staying at home with a few modifications to make mobility and day-to-day living easier and more convenient. Your personal carer visits once or twice a day, ensuring you are kept safe and healthy without infringing on your independence. So, you are able to live your life in a familiar and comfortable environment, while also being safe in the knowledge that you have someone to call upon whenever you need them. About £12-16 p/hr Appeals to: People who are capable of looking after themselves but would benefit from daily contact and check-ins

This means that you get to continue living at home, with your personal carer coming to live with and care for you full time. Having someone close by at all times can make everyday tasks considerably easier. Furthermore, extended company with a carer can do wonders for your emotional wellbeing, as they come to know your habits, preferences and requirements intimately, resulting in a more effective relationship that can adapt as needed. It also means peace of mind for your family, who can rest easy knowing that there is always someone at home to look out for you. About £600 p/wk Appeals to: People who are no longer capable of looking after themselves but don’t want to move out of their home

about the issues some of you might be facing today, or maybe you have older relatives unable to live without some form of support. There are now numerous choices available, which can be hugely beneficial to the person entering this new chapter of their life, as well as to their family. Each option can be tailored to different needs

SHELTERED HOUSING

CARE HOMES

These are for people who This is where you live are no longer able to live at independently in designated home by themselves, grouped housing such as a providing a wealth of block of flats. Often run by convenience in a safe, housing associations who comfortable and social work closely with local environment. They are authorities on a not-forstaffed 24 hours a day with profit basis, these schemes all your meals provided, so allow you to look after you can relax and feel right yourself and come and go at home, meeting new as you wish, living your life people and making new freely from an established, friends along the way. The reliable base. Living as part variety of activities on offer of a close-knit housing area means you can stay busy. also allows for a more social You can also lead a quieter environment, where you lifestyle in a peaceful can be part of a friendly, environment. With a supportive community. communal atmosphere A manager or officer also you’ll be able to enjoy resides on site, offering the company of others, assistance in the case safe in the knowledge of an emergency. that you’re being cared for About £12-20 p/wk plus round the clock. rent or mortgage payments About £700-800 p/wk Appeals to: People who are Appeals to: People who capable of looking after are no longer capable of themselves but prefer to looking after themselves live in a more communal and require day-to-day environment living assistance

and requirements, so whether you or a family member wants to live independently or require full-time assistance, there is always a solution. We take a look at some of those options and give you an overview of the different services, while also providing advice on that all important question of financial planning.

CARE HOMES WITH NURSING Care homes with nursing are purpose-built facilities aimed at people with medical disabilities who are no longer able to be cared for or look after themselves at home. Nursing aides and skilled nurses are available 24 hours a day, providing FINANCIAL premium medical care Financial planning for later where home carers are life is something that is unqualified to do so. Visiting certainly worth thinking hours are generally more about early. The first step flexible than hospitals, is to talk to an meaning you can see more Independent Financial of your loved ones. Adviser (IFA) with Stimulating activities are whom you can discuss a organised and communal risk assessment, grounds provided, enabling evaluate your financial you to socialise with status and explore all the fellow residents while available avenues. you’re on the mend. Pensions are generally About £1,200-1,400 p/wk the most popular Appeals to: People with safety net option, medical conditions who as this is something are no longer capable of you can gradually looking after themselves save for and contribute and require 24-hour to throughout your medical assistance working adult life. OCTOBER 2014

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Facilities handpicked for you. Audley Club- Willicombe Park Membership for over 55s includes use of the swimming pool, exercise suite and classes, plus discounts in the Bar/Bistro and Restaurant. Join us at our open day and enjoy a tour of the Audley Club facilities with complimentary refreshments. And if you join the Club on the day you could get £50 off single membership and £100 off joint membership. Audley Willicombe Park Sandhurst Road (off Pembury Road) Tunbridge Wells Kent TN2 3UU

Please call to book a tour

01892 616768

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ADVERTORIAL

AUDLEY WILLICOMBE PARK LAUNCHES REFURBISHED AUDLEY CLUB Newly refurbished Health and Wellbeing Centre reopened to owners and visitors

udley Willicombe Park is the luxury retirement village in Royal Tunbridge Wells and has recently refurbished the Audley Club, which is home to the Health and Wellbeing Centre, as well as its bar/ bistro areas and swimming pool. Motion Spot, specialists in creating beautiful interiors that are designed to be accessible to all, provided support for the flooring and changing rooms in the Health and Wellbeing Centre. The new look facilities will continue to provide an extensive range of activities for owners, including personal training, Zumba and Pilates classes. “Willicombe Park is a magnificent and important local landmark and we are excited to share the

revamped Audley Club with existing owners and the wider community,” states Audley CEO, Nick Sanderson. “At Audley we pride ourselves on offering owners and members from the wider community the kind of facilities you would expect at an exclusive country club or five-star boutique hotel.” The Audley Club is part of the Victorian villa, Willicombe House, which Audley painstakingly restored to its original grandeur from when it was the home of William Willicombe, an architect who was renowned in the local area at the time as the Cubitt of Tunbridge Wells for the number of houses he built in the area. 0800 093 8181 www.audleyretirement.co.uk

The Audley Club is part of the Victorian villa, which Audley painstakingly restored to its original grandeur

WIN... A full club membership for anyone aged 55+ by answering the following question: WHAT IS THE MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENT TO JOIN THE AUDLEY CLUB? Send your responses and contact information to either: carolynm@audleyretirement.co.uk or by post to Willcombe Park, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3US. For full terms and conditions on how to win this fabulous prize head to www.audleyretirement.co.uk

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Feel right at home with 8archester care homes

;t:J BARCHESTER_ '::elebrati 1,R lift www.barchester.com

Dudwell St Mary Etchingham Rd, Burwash, East Sussex, TN19 7BE 01435 667 890

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Hurstwood View Linum Lane, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 3FH

Wadhurst Manor Station Road, Wadhurst, East Sussex, TN5 6RY

01865 565 971

01865 565 972

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ADVERTORIAL

THE LUXURY OF INDEPENDENCE AT HURSTWOOD VIEW Assisted Living is a great way to maintain your lifestyle when you get older, safe in the knowledge that care and support is close at hand if you need it. With Barchester Healthcare’s new Hurstwood View range, you’ll feel right at home in no time

All luxury apartments have been built and decorated to very high specifications. Each apartment offers: • Modern kitchen with integrated appliances and granite worktops • Main bathroom en-suite • An allocated parking space • Emergency 24-hour call system to onsite care team • 24-hour CCTV • Audio-visual telephone entry system (connected to main entrance) • Sky TV and telephone sockets throughout • Smoke and fire detectors throughout, including a heat detector in the kitchen • Solar panels linked to each apartment

s it time you enjoyed more peace of mind in your retirement? Would you like a beautiful new home without the worry of upkeep? Do you want to keep your independence with the reassurance that help is at hand if you need it? Barchester Healthcare’s brand new Assisted Living apartments near Five Ash Down might just be the answer you’ve been waiting for. A range of 15 one and two-bedroom luxury apartments is now available, with just a few remaining. Close to the pretty hamlet of Five Ash Down, Hurstwood Court enjoys a rural location, yet is conveniently located just off the A26 between the Sussex towns of Uckfield and Crowborough.

The apartments are situated next to Hurstwood View Care Home, which provides first-class nursing, residential and dementia care. Living in an Assisted Living apartment will allow you to enjoy a beautiful home, while knowing that support is close by if you ever need it. At Hurstwood Court we take care of the property upkeep and maintenance, meaning you can enjoy life in a safe, caring, socially active and supportive setting. Assisted Living is all about peace of mind. It’s the perfect solution for someone who wants to maintain their independence in their retirement. Call Jane on 01825 565 971 for more information or visit www.barchester.com

Is it time you enjoyed more peace of mind in your retirement?

All properties are selfcontained, but you have the option of taking advantage of the additional services and facilities available from the care home, such as: • 24-hour onsite care • Clubs, activities and entertainment, including shopping trips and outings • Hairdressing boutique and nail bar • Housekeeping and laundry services • Café • Dining services • Use of Hurstwood View’s beautiful gardens

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11\..Town & â&#x20AC;˘ =1count!Y Private Care Service Homecare Limited Carlllr lor people in lhelr own homes

the BESPOKECARE com

LIVE-IN HOME CARE We ore on independent, family owned and run agency specialising in live-in core in your own home. Our mother & daughter team is based in Tunbridge Wells a nd p rovides core throughout Kent & Susssex.

01892 518400 www.bespokecorecompany .co.uk

Our Private Care Service offers tailored packages of personal care that can help people stay in their own home for as long as possible, For a flee assessment rather than going into a care home of your care needs or to before it's really needed. We assist receive your brochure those who need help due to eau us on 01580 762244 fraility, disability or illness to live as independently as possible, with comfort & dignity, in their own home. TownaCOuiiiJy_LI_ www.townandcountryhomecare.co.uk 102a Hi&h Stre-et, Tenterdtn, Kent TN)O 6HT

When it comes to f inding a little extra help around the house, we understand how daunting it can be. At

Open Care Kent

OpenCare Kent we specialise in being a one stop shop for all your needs.

We pride ourselves in having f riendly, well-trained and reliable staff, all of whom share our passion for maintaining the quality of life for our clients in the comfort of t heir own homes.

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23/09/2014 15:16

ADVERTORIAL

PROVIDING QUALITY CARE FOR OVER 25 YEARS The friendly and experienced staff at Beulah Lodge in Tunbridge Wells continue to help people make the most of their later years

or older residents of Tunbridge Wells who want to continue living an independent lifestyle, Beulah Lodge Rest Home has established itself as a mainstay of professional support in the area. Located on Beulah Road at the heart of the town, Beulah Lodge occupies a large listed Victorian house, enjoying the peaceful surroundings of a quiet residential area. Owner Robert Histed bought the house at an auction in 1987, renovating it from its previous state as a home for boys in the 1920s. Here, residents are encouraged to live independently, enjoying a quality of life that is based on safety and stability, while being treated with the utmost dignity and respect. With the level of required care being assessed on an individual basis, each resident receives their own personalised care plan, created specifically for them and serving to ultimately enhance and enrich their lives. Set out over three floors and accessible by lift, the individually styled en-suite rooms can accommodate up to 21 residents, who are made to feel right at home and given the freedom to treat the house as their own. Ian Lucy, the home’s experienced chef, prepares mouth-watering breakfasts, lunches and dinners on a daily basis from fresh, locally sourced produce, so it certainly isn’t hard to see why meal times are a real treat at Beulah. On that note, there is a distinctly communal atmosphere that is cultivated

here, bringing residents together to enjoy one another’s company in a variety of activities. From shopping trips into town to bingo with staff members on Thursdays, there is never a shortage of things to participate in and enjoy. A little pampering never goes amiss either, as weekly visits from the hairdresser and in-house beauty treatments make the residents feel their best. Further events to look forward to are the popular cheese and wine evenings, as well as afternoon cream teas, which always go down a treat. A variety of crafts and vocations can also be pursued as residents try their hand at baking, flower arranging and card making. Plus, for the more festive time of year, there’s always plenty of carol singing to get everyone in the Christmas spirit. Further afield, specialist outings are chosen by residents and arranged by staff. With past trips having included visits to the theatre, the Brighton Sea Life Centre and Buckingham Palace, such events are often

highlights on each resident’s calendar, allowing them to get out and about for a day of sightseeing. Perhaps the strongest and most touching part of life at Beulah is the long-lasting attachment and fondness that residents develop over the years. With people living here long into their later years, they are able to lead rewarding and fulfilling lives, making new friends and remaining happy and contented in comfortable surroundings that they can truly call home. If you or someone you know is looking for respite or long-term care in the centre of Tunbridge Wells, why not arrange a visit and see for yourself what Beulah Lodge has to offer? Beulah Lodge Rest Home 1 Beulah Road Tunbridge Wells Kent TN1 2NP 01892 548 447 www.beulahlodge.co.uk

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L AT E R L I F E

PATIENT CENTRED CARE AT BURRSWOOD HOSPITAL A unique, independent hospital situated in Groombridge, Burrswood provides an excellent and respected facility for those needing short-term medical care

are is provided by our professional and dedicated clinical team in a spacious 40-bed (en-suite) Decimus Burton building, surrounded by 110 acres of beautiful gardens and peaceful grounds; a wonderful place for recovery and healing. As a Christian organisation and a registered charity, we have welcomed patients of all faiths and none for more than 60 years. Patients’ physical, emotional and spiritual needs are met by a highly skilled team of doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, counsellors, chaplains and support staff; all helped by many trained volunteers. The Outpatient Department offers counselling, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and clinically approved complementary therapies, or you can stay in our Guest Rooms for a therapeutic break.

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Burrswood’s hydrotherapy pool has re-opened following refurbishment. We offer hydrotherapy to a wide range of people, many of whom have complex needs. Thanks to all the generous donations that made this possible, even more people will be able to access our service.

We are proud of our commitment to quality, person-centred care and providing value for money. But you don’t have to be a patient to visit; the gardens and extensive grounds are open to the public seven days a week, so we hope that you will come to see for yourself what makes Burrswood such a special place. Our Tea Room offers delicious home-cooked food and we also have a bookshop and gift shop on site. To find out more visit our website www.burrswood.org.uk Alternatively, call our Admissions Team on 0800 988 4379 or email enquiries@burrswood.org.uk Burrswood Hospital, Groombridge, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 9PY Registered with the Care Quality Commission. Registered Charity No 1095940

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22/09/2014 12:36

ADVERTORIAL

Bluebird Care develops

24 hr Live-in Care

Joan’s Story

Looking after an elderly relative is a challenge most of us face at some stage, but now there is a service that offers independent living in one’s own home. Bluebird Care is challenging conventional thinking about later-life care with its new 24/7 Live-in Care service where personal assistants live around the clock in the homes of vulnerable customers. As Debbie Moulton of Bluebird Care explains: “Live-in Care provides a bridge between the time when independent living can be achieved with assistance from visiting carers and the time when residential care is unavoidable. “We have had several customers from our day-visit service who have trialled Live-in Care as an alternative to residential care and have made the trial

permanent.” The costs are similar but the advantages of staying home and maintaining local social networks can make live-in care an attractive option. The local Bluebird Care office provides the staff for the supervision process and also the back-office resources necessary to comply with employment regulation. With places in top-quality residential care in short supply, many families are thinking hard about how their senior members can be helped to remain in their own homes – which is what most of them want. Bluebird Care may just have the solution that works for your family.

Joan has lived in her own home since she was 14, has always been independent and likes her routine. A few years ago she was admitted to hospital and upon her discharge was told that she needed help. She went into various nursing homes before deciding she wanted to move back home. Joan says: “The people in these homes had dementia, so I didn’t fit in and was having to wait for people to help me with my personal care. I had to eat the food they cooked and no one really had the time to keep me company. I really wanted to come home!” Joan’s Social Services case manager gave her a list of companies who offered care at home to choose from. After interviewing with three different companies, she chose Bluebird Care as they were the nearest and the friendliest. Joan adds: “I met with Graz in my own home and she was very pleasant and efficient and put the service into place very quickly. I’ve had carers from different backgrounds and of different ages and we’ve adjusted very quickly to each other and they know my routine. “I find it really beneficial having live-in carers - I have the upper hand in my own home and I’m still independent. I get one-to-one care and everyone looks after my needs. “At this stage in my life that’s very important to me.”

Email Debbie Moulton at debbiemoulton@bluebirdcare.co.uk or call your local office for more information: Bromley 0208 315 0236 bromley@bluebirdcare.co.uk

Sevenoaks 01732 471 541 sevenoaks@bluebirdcare.co.uk

Tunbridge Wells 01732 808 947 tunbridgewells@bluebirdcare.co.uk

CARE VISITS AT HOME Good Old Fashioned Service

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D D

L AT E R L I F E

GRAND

EXPECTATIONS At 68, Oscar winning actress Susan Sarandon is one of Hollywood’s elder stateswomen – though her latest role had people wondering whether she really could be a grandmother. Here, she chats about portraying the older generation and reviving a classic

usan Sarandon is reflecting on a “crazy” moment earlier this year when she set thousands of film fans’ hearts aflutter. The Oscar-winning actress Tweeted a picture of herself with her Thelma and Louise co-star Geena Davis, posting it beside the 1991 film’s classic image showing the two friends posing for a picture in their car. The Twittersphere went into overdrive with more than 27,000 people reTweeting the image and over 30,000 marking it as a favourite. If the social media reaction to the gesture is anything to go by, time has done little to

If you look at my own life, you’ll see that I’m like a free agent. I just travel in and out and all over dampen the popularity of the seminal movie, which saw Sarandon and Davis playing two friends in search of liberation on the American highways. But given the famous ending, Sarandon admits she struggles to see how a sequel would ever work. “I’d love to work with her [Davis] again,” says the 68-year-old, who joked that if there was a follow-up film, the two stars would have to stay seated in the car to hide the height difference between herself and 6ft 1in Davis. “They have kind of knocked around a few ideas of a sequel to Thelma and Louise, but they were so ridiculous,” the actress explains. “I remember at one point saying, ‘Well what would we do?’ And someone said, ‘You’d collect a big cheque, that’s what you would do’, but I don’t really know how you would resurrect them [the characters] in any way.” Thelma and Louise aside, Sarandon recently hit the road again for another movie. Released in UK cinemas in July and coming to DVD this autumn, Tammy is a straight-up comedy caper, in which she plays Pearl, the grandmother to Bridesmaids star Melissa

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L AT E R L I F E

It’s very liberating to look that bad... it didn’t matter if I was sweaty or the lighting was poor McCarthy’s eponymous character. The film also stars Kathy Bates, Dan Aykroyd and Toni Collette and is produced by Will Ferrell. Sacked from her job and fed up with her life, Tammy heads off on a road trip with the only person she knows who has a car and the money to fund a jaunt - her grandma. “Tammy is underdeveloped, stunted and immature. She’s a train wreck. But with a good heart,” says McCarthy, who also co-wrote the film with her husband Ben Falcone (he makes his directorial debut on the movie as well). At 43 though, McCarthy is only 24 years younger than Sarandon, so is it realistic for them to play a grandma and granddaughter? “I’m bad at math,” says Sarandon, laughing. “I just did what they said!” Apparently, however, the team are satisfied that the casting works. “If you figure that Pearl had a baby at 16 and that child had a baby at 16”, notes Sarandon, “it’s totally possible.” The actress didn’t think it was a “huge”

deal to consider how young her character must have been when she gave birth. “If you look at my own life, you’ll see that I’m like a free agent. I just travel in and out and all over. I haven’t done anything according to the right schedule or been with the people at the right whatever,” she says – though she did have a few concerns, about the type of grandmother she’d be playing. “One of the first questions Susan had was, ‘Are you seeing like a little old granny with glasses and a crocheted sweater and an up do bun?’” explains McCarthy, who has two daughters with Falcone. “And we were like, ‘Oh God no, she has raging problems with alcohol and she sleeps around’, and Susan was like, ‘Ok, we’ll be fine, we’re in the real realm’.” Part of being in that “real realm” meant the usual Hollywood grooming was off the agenda for Sarandon, who was made-under with a short salt and pepper perm, baggy, washed-out pastel blouses and often a bottle of liquor in hand. “It’s very liberating to look that bad,” says the Oscar winning actress, who also placed peppercorns in her shoes to force a limp. “We just accentuated everything I would normally hide. And so it didn’t matter if I was sweaty or the lighting was poor. That was kind of cool in hindsight.” You can pre-order Tammy on DVD from www.amazon.co.uk

SENSATIONAL SEVENTIES Susan Sarandon turns 68 this month, so her ‘three score and 10’ celebrations are not too far away. Here are some great looking colleagues who mark the big 7-0 this year Diana Ross, singer Jimmy Page, Led Zeppelin guitarist George Lucas, Star Wars and Indiana Jones creator Michael Douglas, actor Roger Daltrey, The Who singer Timothy Dalton, former James Bond Stockard Channing, Rizzo from Grease Jeff Beck, guitarist Connie Booth, comedy actress Robert Powell, actor Jerry Springer, talk show host Gladys Knight, singer Tim Rice, lyricist Joe Cocker, singer Len Goodman, Strictly Come Dancing judge Ray Davies, The Kinks frontman

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ADVERTORIAL

Your Care in Good Hands Specialising in live-in care, The Good Care Group offers a personalised later life service for you and your loved ones, ensuring the support is there when you need it most. Kent Area Manager Elaine Ferris tells us what the group has to offer and how it can make all the difference TELL US A BIT ABOUT THE BACKGROUND AND EXPERTISE OF YOUR COMPANY The Good Care Group’s vision is to provide a high-quality, professional homecare service unique to the health and care market. We aim to make a real impact on quality of life by adopting a highly person-centred approach to care. Our service is closely monitored and responsive to a client’s changing needs. We specialise in ‘live-in’ care and our service is fully managed, which means that we oversee and support the care team assigned to clients. We have a specialist Admiral Nurse, Dr Penny Hibbard, who can provide help and advice to families, as well access to 24/7 support. WHAT SERVICES DO YOU OFFER? Whether you’re looking for 24-hour live-in care or

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a respite service to allow a family carer to take a much needed break, we provide a one-to-one personalised service delivered by expertly trained professional carers. We are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), so you can be assured of the highest standards of care (we specialise in dementia, Parkinson’s, stroke and end-of-life, as well as other issues affecting day-to-day living).

reality. Many people don’t realise they can receive a high quality of service at home. We are very happy to explain all the options and will signpost you based on your situation. *’The Care Choice Gap’ report, commissioned by Consultus Care & Nursing

FINDING CARE FOR A LOVED ONE IS A SENSITIVE SUBJECT. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER TO THOSE JUST STARTING TO LOOK AT LATER LIFE OPTIONS? Take your time to consider all the options available and don’t rush your decision; planning is key. A recent survey* showed that, of over -75-year-olds wanting to be cared for in their own homes, only 54% think this could be a

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ADVERTORIAL

HOW TO EVALUATE A CARE HOME FOR YOUR RELATIVE As a result of her own experiences while looking for a care home, Debbie Harris established her own company in order to help families evaluate care homes and therefore find the best care for their loved one

ith a background in providing information online for self funders that focused on the best care homes in England, Debbie now offers support and information individually to families, enabling them to feel confident in their choice and reassuring them that they have asked all the right questions. The support offered by Debbie can be as simple as a cup of tea and a chat to ensure that a family is on the right track, or it might involve making a list of the most suitable homes based on individual needs and requirements. Alternatively, she will visit homes on behalf of a family and produce a shortlist from which they can make their decision. Whichever route is taken, Debbie will be there guiding and supporting throughout the process to ensure they find the very best care.

Independent care advice to help you evaluate the best care home for your loved one Be reassured, we can help

Looking for a care home is emotional, often confusing and very time consuming. However, it is important to include your loved one, wherever possible, in any decision making. Before you begin to look for a care home, make a list of questions to ask the Manager and staff and ensure you know the type of care that you need. Consider how the location of the home will affect your ability to see your relative and try and visit your shortlisted homes more than once. Arranging to have lunch at the home with the prospective resident will usually help you make your final decision.

Please contact Debbie Harris on 07810 837 331 or email debbie@harrisandking.co.uk www.dharris546666.wix.com/debbie-harris

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SUNRISE. SENIOR LIVING

THE JOY OF EVERY DAY

Don't stop doing the things you love Step inside Sunrise of Sevenoaks and you'll know you've arrived somewhere special -a vibrant place where life is lived to the full. Whether it's assisted living, nursing or specialist dementia care, we are committed to providing only the very best care to older people. • Individually tailored programmes of care • Entertainment and inspiring activities, day and evening, seven days a week • Restaurant dining with waitress serving • Stunning interiors, landscaped gardens and patio areas • Expertly trained compassionate staff • Spacious single and couple en~suite accommodation

Call us on 01732 748 400 to book your tour today. Sunrise of Sevenoaks, 64,70 Westerham Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2PZ

sunrise..-care.co. uk/sevenoaks

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Connect with us:

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ADVERTORIAL

AN EXCEPTIONAL PLACE TO CALL HOME Providing high-quality assisted living, residential care and dementia care services in Kent, Sunrise of Sevenoaks is one of the most prestigious later life communities in the area. We explore the support and services on offer for residents

t Sunrise Senior Living of Sevenoaks, everything is centred around six principles: encouraging independence, enabling choice, preserving dignity, celebrating individuality, nurturing the spirit and involving family and friends. It has a dedicated and compassionate team who are expertly trained to provide the highest standards of care to each and every resident. Each individual is treated with the highest degree of respect and dignity, promoting their independence, maintaining their skills and even acquiring new ones. Along with the picturesque grounds and beautiful, hotel-like interior, Sunrise of Sevenoaks residents have a choice in all aspects of their lives, from which activities they participate in to how their rooms are furnished. Sunrise has a range of suites available, specifically designed to suit a variety of needs. This includes the Assisted Living community and a specialist dementia community called the Reminiscence Neighbourhood. All the luxurious suites

celebrate individuality and every resident is encouraged to bring in their own furniture. Each suite has a memory box outside with treasured items that the residents have chosen and feel best represent them. There is an extensive list of activities available for residents to take part in, ranging from appearances by guest musicians to coffee mornings and gardening. These are just a few of the opportunities for residents to meet new friends and enjoy their retirement. Many of Sunrise’s events are held in its beautiful landscaped gardens, where you might see one of the community’s pets enjoying a leisurely stroll. Pets are an important part of life at Sunrise, providing companionship, which can be particularly beneficial for residents living with dementia. Sunrise of Sevenoaks’ Reminiscence Neighbourhood provides residents living with dementia with dedicated, well-supported care, delivered by staff with specialist training to support those with Alzheimer’s. With specially designed ‘peaceful areas’ and

activities to stimulate the residents’ minds, the Reminiscence Neighbourhood provides an enriching experience at the community. The chefs at Sunrise of Sevenoaks serve residents nutritious and delicious homecooked meals each day in the high quality restaurant. Residents can choose from a range of meals, alongside snacks and treats, which are available from the bistro all day. As well as providing a wonderful home, Sunrise offers expert advice to those thinking about moving themselves or a loved one into care. The dedicated Sunrise team are always on hand to discuss different care requirements and the options available to people, supporting them to make the right decision. Everything at Sunrise is tailored towards delivering exceptional care and quality of life to residents. For more information, please contact Sunrise of Sevenoaks on 01732 807 123 or visit the community’s website at www.sunrise-care.co.uk OCTOBER 2014

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ADVERTORIAL

WHY MAKE A LASTING POWER OF ATTORNEY? Mary Shaw from Warners Solicitors, based in Tonbridge and Sevenoaks, explains the benefits of making a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) Many people do not realise that no one person automatically has the legal authority to step in and manage your affairs for you if you should lose capacity. An LPA allows you to choose attorneys that you trust, who can then make these decisions for you. There are two types of LPA: â&#x20AC;˘ Health and Welfare â&#x20AC;˘ Property and Financial Affairs The main advantage of having separate LPAs is that you can choose the attorneys dependent upon the type of decisions that need to be made; the person you wish to manage your financial affairs may not be the same person you would like to take decisions in relation to your health and welfare.

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If you do not have an LPA and you lose the capacity to make decisions for yourself, an application has to be made to the Court of Protection to appoint someone to make those decisions. Accordingly, the person chosen may not be someone you would ordinarily choose to make such decisions. In addition, the court process can be costly and time consuming. If you would like to discuss LPAs, please contact Mary Shaw by calling 01732 770 660 or emailing m.shaw@warners-solicitors.co.uk Warners Solicitors Bank House, Bank Street, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1BL

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L AT E R L I F E

SHY ABOUT

RETIRING

The thought of discussing our financial arrangements with people we love leaves many of us tongue-tied – and recent research suggests it becomes no easier with age

report from Aviva, which gathered the views of around 1,000 people either approaching or in retirement, concluded money is a ‘taboo’ topic among many older people, with more than a quarter (28%) of those interviewed admitting they have not had any conversation at all with their family – even their spouse – about their retirement finances. Around two-thirds of over-55s said they actually had discussed their plans with their partner, but only one in five had involved both their partner and their wider family. Yet despite this secrecy, many people said providing for their loved ones was a high priority in retirement. More than two-fifths (42%) of those surveyed said it was important for them to have enough money from their pensions and savings to be able to help out their children and grandchildren. So, why are so many people keen to keep their plans for retirement finances to themselves? Perhaps people see their arrangements as a ‘personal matter’ and simply don’t want to get their family involved – around half of people gave this as the reason. But around a quarter of those who haven’t opened up said they just don’t know enough about their own finances to have a proper family discussion (those in the 55 to 64-year-old age group were the most likely to cite this explanation). The suggestion that many people are brushing their financial plans for retirement

under the carpet happens to come at a time when we’re being given much greater freedom over how we spend our pension pots. The “pensions bombshell”, unveiled in the Government’s recent Budget, will make it much easier for people to cash in their pension savings when they retire, spending their money how they want to, rather than being forced to use it to buy a lifetime income called an annuity.

Perhaps people see their arrangements as a ‘personal matter’ and simply don’t want to get their family involved

conversations” to take place within families about finances. He says: “These findings reveal a stark difference between what people want to do about their retirement finances in respect of their families and what they put into practice. The reality is that failing to address the needs of those close to you could mean they may lose out.” On a final, brighter note, the report also found that the older generation have, on average, around £150 a month more in their pockets than they did a year ago, a sign that they are starting to feel the benefits of an improving economy. Over-55s typically have an income of £1,373 a month, which is an extra £151 a month compared with the spring of last year. Almost one third (29%) of older people identified savings and investments as a source of their income, up from 24% a year ago.

There’s another concern about people’s apparent lack of responsibility too: Aviva’s report showed only around three in five (59%) people aged over 55 have made a will, rising to more than three-quarters (76%) of people aged over 75. Just under a quarter (22%) of those surveyed had made some arrangements that will provide their spouse with an income if they die. Clive Bolton, Aviva’s Managing Director of Retirement Solutions, says all this proves how it’s important for “honest

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TREESURVIVE

TREE MANAGEMENT

Tree Survive offer a professional Arboricultural service covering all aspects of tree management, from tree planting and pruning to tree

reduction and tree felling. We deliver the highest standards in Arboriculture/ tree surgery at competitive rates.

CROWN THINNING I REDUCTION I LIFTING TREE PRUNING I FELLING DEAD WOODING HEDGE TRIMMING TREE PLANTING

Established in 1963, Kibblewhite Gardens remain at the forefront of landscape contractors in the Kent & East Sussex area. The company has flourished on recommendations from its clients who value the attention to detail that David Kibblewhite provides and the consistently high standard of workmansh ip from his experienced staff.

Call: 01580 850394 Or Visit: www.kibblewhitegardens.co.uk

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Quality garden design & landscaping since 1963

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GARDENS

Glorious Gardens Emma Davies, who runs The Walled Nursery in Hawkhurst with her husband Monty, tells us how to enjoy splendid succulents

ucculents seem to be all the rage at the moment. We are all succulent addicts in our nursery – we plant them in boots, cups and saucers, broken pots, we even make living wreaths out of them. What makes these little beauties so great is that they are the easiest plants to grow; the ultimate in low maintenance and needing little watering, they give you architectural elegance all year round. So, what is a succulent? It’s a plant that is usually thick and fleshy; they store water in their leaves or stems, think of cacti but without the spikes. Most succulents perform best in sunny spots, though they will tolerate a fair amount of shade too. Sempervivums, also known as house leeks, are very popular; they are totally hardy and native to wild, rocky, arid areas in mountainous regions. Here they will happily grow and spread within crevices (think about their native habitat when planting, as this is what you need to copy for them to thrive). If you’re new to gardening or to succulents themselves, Sempervivums are good plants to start with.

plant

OF THE MONTH

There are hundreds of Sempervivums to choose from: some dark red, some bi-coloured, some silvery/grey or vivid green, there is even one variety called Arachnoideum, which looks as if it’s covered in spider’s webs! Mix the colours up to create a Persian carpet effect. The key element to remember when planting any succulent is free draining compost – mix horticultural grit half and half with your multipurpose compost. They actually need very little soil to grow, so why not create their own mountainous crevices? If you have any broken terracotta pots, place the pieces at angles within a larger pot and then fill with your gritty compost mix. Place the succulents between the crevices you’ve created and watch them multiply and start to scramble between the cracks. There are many different species of succulents, too many to write about individually, but here are a few of our favourites. Aeoniums are also known as tree leeks and are similar to Sempervivums in that they have rosettes of either deep black, waxy looking foliage or vivid green. The rosettes are held

Echeveria ‘Duchess of Nuremberg’ A succulent, of course! Beautiful rosettes of thick, waxy leaves that are a stunning pink/grey. Can reach 11cm by 20cm in size. Will not tolerate any frost and must have free draining soil and a sunny spot. Best in containers that you can move indoors over winter.

above stout succulent stems which also store water. Spot them growing out of walls in Cornwall where they overwinter happily. Aeoniums in Kent, however, are not hardy and will turn to mush if frosted; an unheated greenhouse will keep them happy or place them on your window sill for the winter. Lastly, Echeverias – larger versions of Sempervivums – mostly form large rosettes in attractive shades of pinky/grey or silver/green, some with coloured edges, some hardy and some not. These will do very well in shade and will tolerate more water than other succulents. Very architectural, we use these in our living wreaths where they grow purely in sphagnum moss. So, find yourself a container and have some fun! Happy gardening! Emma www.thewallednursery.com

nursery OF THE MONTH

Rotherview Nursery, Hastings This nursery has a superb selection of Alpine plants, including many succulents. They also produce fantastic stone effect troughs which are ideal for starting off a succulent garden. A great nursery to visit, it’s family run and has a large selection of Camellias too. www.rotherview.com OCTOBER 2014

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Fall in love with your garden Prepare your garden for autumn with these helpful tips from top local companies

MAY & WATTS GARDEN DESIGN Now is a great time to get in a designer to look at your garden, either for a complete garden makeover, or an overhaul of existing overgrown borders or tired features that need rethinking. If you had a great holiday this year, there might be elements that you’d like to add to your garden, such as planning a sub tropical border for next year, introducing Mediterranean plants into an unused gravel area or turning a viewing platform into the perfect gem of a Japanese garden. Ask us to help you think about it now and you could be enjoying it next summer. 7 Perryhill Cottages, Edenbridge Road, Hartfield, East Sussex TN7 4JP 01892 770 284 enquiries@mayandwattsgardendesign.co.uk www.mayandwattsgardendesign.co.uk

TREE SURVIVE Trees should have a ‘health check’ once a year, as a healthy tree is a safe tree. This means checking for the three D’s - Dead Wood, Damaged Wood and Diseased Wood. It is now the end of the growing season and a really good time to deal with these issues. If any of these problems are found they need to be dealt with promptly and safely. Any tears should be cut cleanly back to where they originate from to prevent further damage and decay setting in. The new season of autumn can usher in strong winds that can cause branches to fail – some branches are lucky enough to fall to the ground, others get caught up within the canopy of the tree and can be very heavy. These heavy branches will need specialists like ourselves to remove them in sections and bring them safely to the ground. 07984 129 383 / 01892 514 362 rudi@treesurvive.com www.treesurvive.com

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GARDENS

WEALDEN COUNTRY LANDCRAFT As we enter autumn there are many tasks to consider in preparation for winter and for the year ahead. Borders will require tidying where the foliage of some perennials like daylilies and geraniums need cutting back; others can be kept to allow the seed heads to add that extra dimension to the winter scene and to provide food for wildlife. Most perennials will require splitting every two to three years to maintain health and vigour. This is particularly beneficial in autumn for summer flowering plants. The soil can be improved by mulching with well-rotted organic matter. At Wealden Country Landcraft we tend to put the main winter mulch down later when we have removed all of the foliage and seed heads from the perennials to enable us to access the border. 01892 837049 / 07990 751353 www.playfootgardendesign.co.uk

PETALS FOR PLANTS Autumn is the time to prepare your pots, containers and hanging baskets to give interest and enjoyment throughout the winter months. Our tip is to always use fresh compost. Plant suggestions include a mixture of trailing foliage such as Vinca minor, Ivy, Lamium and Ajuga, Dwarf Conifers Heauchera and winter flowering Heathers, interspersed with Wallflowers, Pansies, Violas, Cyclamen and Ornamental Cabbage. You could also use dwarf slow growing shrubs such as Skimmia, Viburnum tinus, Gaultheria procumbens and Euonymus fortunei. To add further effect, extend the season by under-planting with dwarf spring flowering bulbs. Watering needs to be monitored as the compost will dry out during mild spells and wind can also have a drying effect. Protect containers using fleece during frosty periods and stand on pot feet to assist drainage. 01435 884 111 info@petalsforplants.co.uk www.petalsforplants.co.uk

THE POT COMPANY Are you looking for a distinctive feature for your garden that will stand the test of time? A corten steel water table would not only make a beautiful centrepiece for any garden, but it would also attract wildlife and is a fantastic alternative to a pond. Corten steel naturally weathers to develop a protective, striking, rust appearance and works well in both a modern and a more traditional setting. The Pot Company can supply corten steel water tables in various shapes and sizes. Get in contact for more information. 01892 890 353 www.thepotco.com

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

Adam Sutton BSc (Hons) Environmental Science Tim Playfoot BA (Hons) Garden Design Tel:01892 722699 Adam:07979 362241 Tim:07990 751353 www.playfootgardendesign.co.uk

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INTERIORS

HOUSE IN THE COUNTRY The story of Christina Strutt’s business is a true rags to riches tale. Gabrielle Fagan meets her to discover the inspiration behind her ‘country chic’ success

hristina Strutt was delighted but surprised when friends not only complimented her on her home, but wanted to copy its country chic decor. After all, the hard-up mother-of-two had only a shoestring budget to transform her cottage into a cosy home, but it was the way she used delicate, faded fabrics, painstakingly collected from fairs, markets and antique shops, which caught the eye and made her style unique. Finally, unable to find enough fabrics to satisfy the demand to replicate her

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look, Strutt resourcefully set to and designed her first fabric. That moment marked the humble emergence of such an innovative interpretation of country style, a world away from predictable twee chintz, that 15 years on has blossomed into Cabbages & Roses – the hugely successful, quintessentially British fabric and lifestyle brand. “I really had no intention of starting a business all those years ago,” Christina says, as she takes me on a tour of her flat and shop in a charming Georgian building in London, to give an insight into her design ethos. “At that

time, I was just a mum looking for a way to earn some money that would fit around my family. My only aim was to create something beautiful, which could move and charm with its hint of nostalgia, and would fit people’s homes and the way they wanted to live. I suppose I just wanted to sell things I loved and hoped that others would love them too.” Happily, what Christina loved – fabrics and accessories featuring washed-out florals, stripes and toiles in cool colourways – has, in turn, become adored by her legions of fans. These

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INTERIORS

out her first design all those years ago. “I still can hardly believe that it has all turned out the way it has,” she says. “All I ever hoped to build was something around, not just an idea, but a real life. Cabbages & Roses has always been an expression of the things I have found most enchanting throughout my life. It’s a manifestation of halcyon days here, of summers spent picnicking in the English countryside, of rambling coastal walks overlooking seas twinkling in the evening light and of winter nights curled up by the log fire with a pile of books and all the accoutrements of cosiness.”

IMAGES BY PA PHOTO/CICO BOOKS

include a host of celebrities, such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Helena Bonham Carter. Cabbages & Roses’ mail order business sells worldwide and her fabric range, including her first Bees design, recently launched in John Lewis. “This is a place where I can work in the week and get inspiration for new designs and new looks,” she says, as she leads the way through a string of beautifully decorated rooms, including her studio, which feature in her latest book, Cabbages & Roses: Living Life Beautifully. Although it’s miles away from Brook Cottage, the 15th century country home in the rolling hills of Bath, Somerset, where it all began, the interiors reveal not only her style but are also redolent with the atmosphere of ‘country’ that seems to suit any setting. The bias, as it’s an urban apartment, leans toward stripped back shades of grey and muted tones. She’s kept to a tight decorating budget. “It’s possible to make a big difference without spending loads of money,”she says. So a sofa and bed were bought in Ikea, bathroom fittings sourced in sales and hard-wearing sisal flooring runs throughout. Walls are painted in a classic Farrow & Ball shade of Cornforth White and make the perfect backdrop for her signature Cabbages & Roses floral fabrics and skilfully curated displays of memorabilia, crockery and art. The kitchen, which leads to a sunny patio, is a masterclass in bringing a slice of

DECORating TIPS TREAT EACH ROOM AS AN INDIVIDUAL There’s no such thing as one overall style. Read the character of the room as you would a person to help you dress it. CHOOSE ITEMS YOU LOVE Showcase those and use your real favourite as a starting point. Let one become a focal point, whether it’s a piece of furniture, an accessory or a few metres of fabric that could inspire a colour scheme. KEEP IT SIMPLE Neutral colours, unfussy furniture and gentle patterns create a scheme that is calm. Next, layer your accessories, artwork and objects, and the result will be subtle and relaxed. the country to a city setting. Subtle shades of white predominate on the walls and floor, and the only hints of colour come from decorative plates and one of her fabric tablecloths. A home-from-home look continues in the ground floor shop, where her range – fabrics, wallpapers, towels, cushions and perfumed candles – is artfully displayed in room settings. She enlivens the atmosphere with antiques – French furniture and quirky collections, from straw hats to vintage perfume bottles and even an old-fashioned bicycle. Everything is sourced during her travels both in the UK and abroad. “Basically, I haven’t an idea of what I’m doing and I mostly make it up as I go along,” says Christina, 58, who has a charming self-deprecating modesty which belies her success. “I’ve always firmly advocated that homes need to be filled with more than lovely things. To be really beautiful, they must be lived in, with the ‘things’ complementing the human stories that run through them. Spaces must also be comfortable, practical and functional.” At weekends, she returns to Brook Cottage. She often sits and comes up with ideas at the kitchen table, where she hesitantly sketched

CHARACTER IS ALL Ignore dents, scratches and wear and tear as they speak of a piece’s past and its story; those hints of age and history will add character and soul to a home. Cabbages & Roses: Living Life Beautifully by Christina Strutt, photography by Simon Brown, is published by CICO Books, priced at £25. www.cabbagesandroses.com

C imp OCTOBER 2014

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ANTIQUES

UNDER THE HAMMER Another chance to test your knowledge about antiques and their value and at the same time have a bit of fun. Here are five fascintaing items that have been sold recently by one of the leading auctioneers in the south east, Gorringes. What do you know about them? Answers at the bottom of the page and no peeking!

‘All that glitters is not gold’ - a

This deceptively plain

well-known proverb referring to

pebble-like container,

things that may not be as

only 7cm in length,

precious as they seem. In the

made £1,400 at

case of this amber bead

auction. It is Chinese

necklace recently sold at

and carved from white

auction, while it certainly doesn’t

and russet-coloured

glitter, if it is the ‘right’ type of

jade. How old do you

amber, it may be worth as much

think it is and what

as gold! How much do you think?

is its purpose?

For centuries the Chinese have held the reputation of being a nation of compulsive gamblers, using mother of pearl gaming counters which have become collectable items in their own right. This collection of approximately 200 counters, of various shapes and sizes including fish, roundels, squares and rectangles, recently made £480 at auction. They are not especially uncommon items, but have an interesting history. Most counters seen at auction were made in the early 19th century and used for gaming during the Regency period, but when did they first arrive in this country?

This unusual Swiss

This rare stoneware piece was made in Southall, London around 1880

triangular pocket

at Martin Brothers Pottery. It was modelled by Robert Wallace Martin,

watch was made in the

the eldest of the four brothers, who were famous for their highly eccentric

1930’s. Decorated with

‘grotesque’ designs - each unique item an echo of the art and architecture

various pictorial

of medieval times. What is it and what did it make at auction?

symbols, it also bears the inscription, Love

Your Fellow Man Lend Him a Helping Hand. You can buy an inexpensive reproduction of this watch, but this is the real thing, selling at auction for £950. Who might have owned a watch like this?

ANSWERS 1: An unexplained recent surge in amber-buying resulted in this necklace achieving £7,000 at auction. With a gross weight of 168 grams, this means that it was deemed to be worth around £42 per gram – or four times the value of 9ct gold! 2: It is a snuff bottle and would have been made at some stage during the Qing Dynasty, between 1760 and 1860. It served the same function as a European snuff box, with the difference that smoking tobacco was illegal in China during the Dynasty, whereas snuff was considered a remedy for common illnesses such as colds, headaches and stomach disorders, hence, as with other medicines, the use of a bottle container. 3: Mother of pearl gaming counters probably came to Europe around 1700, carried on East India

Company trading vessels, perhaps as curios or as a sea captain’s personal trading consignment. They were soon in demand and, like the hugely popular Chinese porcelain, became influenced by European taste, with more ornate decoration and a wider range of shapes. In some instances, sets of counters were commissioned to match the decoration on the personalised table services of wealthy clients. 4: A Freemason. The triangle is a hugely symbolic in Freemasonry, as in many religions throughout the world, representing the sacred number three and Deity. 5: Possibly the most expensive spoon warmer in the world, it was estimated at £10,000 to £15,000 and made £46,000. Warm your spoon in it if you dare!

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INTERIORS

GETTING READY

FOR GUESTS Too soon to think about the festive season? Think again – if you’ll be playing host to family and friends over Christmas, time is running out to make sure your home is a comfortable and welcoming place for guests

ow that autumn is here, it’s time to look ahead to the next big celebration and all the fun that Christmas brings. But if you’re looking forward to having visitors, now is a good time to take a fresh look at your home. We all want to feel proud of our surroundings, so take a stroll around your property and try to see it through your guests’ eyes – is the decor looking fresh and clean, or could it do with a little rejuvenation? Will your kitchen cope with the rigours of group catering and is the sitting room adequately furnished to ensure everyone will be comfortable? Is the spare room ready for visitors – indeed, do you have enough room for all your party? To help you get your plans in place, here’s our useful guide to giving your home a pre-festive makeover.

KNOCKING ON HEAVEN’S DOOR First impressions count, even for your oldest friends, so make sure your home has kerb

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appeal. A freshly painted front door, shiny doorknob and healthy looking topiary on the front step, along with a carriage lantern to light their way to your door at night, will all give your guests a warm glow when they arrive. Does the house need painting? Get out the ladders or hire a professional before the winter weather arrives in earnest.

WARM WELCOME You can’t have your guests shivering through Christmas lunch, so now’s the time to go on draught patrol. From replacing an antiquated heating system to swapping those crumbling window frames for energy efficient double glazing, head into the winter prepared for the cold. Always wanted to open up the fireplace in your living room or install a wood burner? Now’s your chance to create a heartwarming new feature – and don’t forget to have your chimney swept!

TAKE TO THE FLOOR Flooring in high traffic areas is sure to have taken a pounding over the year, so if your hallway or living room floor is looking tired and grimy, putting down a new carpet or re-sanding the floorboards will transform the space immediately. Or if you’re happy with your existing carpet, consider hiring a carpet shampoo machine or calling in a professional cleaner to rid yourself of all those shoe marks,

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INTERIORS

MAKE A SPLASH Bathrooms take a lot of punishment from busy families and often fail to exude a relaxing atmosphere, but it’s easy to overlook this and view the bathroom as a purely functional space. If you’ve inherited a grotty suite that needs replacing, bite the bullet and get the makeover underway. Even a generally well-presented room might benefit from replacing mouldy grout, cracked tiles, peeling sealant and rusty shower screens, while an additional cupboard or some hidden storage solutions can conceal all those unsightly cosmetics bottles and children’s bath toys for a sleeker look. Adding a few touches of luxury can lift the room and make your guests feel really special – think about investing in some new towels, high-end toiletries and scented candles for a boutique hotel feel.

LIFE IN COLOUR One of the quickest and most budget-friendly ways to give a room a lift is to replace the wallpaper or put up a fresh lick of paint. Simply refreshing your existing shade will do much to brighten the decor, but how about making a change? Consider replacing whites and beiges with soft greys, pale blues or even pastels – the most subtle change could work wonders for the room’s atmosphere and provide inspiration for further updates, such as curtains, soft furnishings and accessories. A feature wall draws the eye and makes a statement that will liven up even the dullest colour scheme. Alternatively, re-glossing the skirting boards and other woodwork will sharpen up the room for an instantly fresher look. Tired looking furniture can bring down a scheme too, so it might be time to throw out that old three-piece suite and invest in some comfy new seating.

food stains and pet hairs. Similarly, kitchen and bathroom floors may benefit from a change before you welcome guests; this can be done relatively cheaply if you use linoleum or vinyl tiles.

WHAT’S COOKING? We often put off the larger jobs for as long as possible, but there’s nothing like impending visitors to spur us into action. With a holiday as food-focused as Christmas, much of the action centres around the kitchen and you’re bound to have people milling about as you prepare the turkey. An outdated kitchen is not only a bit of an embarrassment, but poor equipment and a lack of capacity can actually hinder you when entertaining. If you’ve been meaning to carry out a makeover for a while, there’s still time to treat yourself to the early Christmas present of an attractive, well laid out and efficiently functioning kitchen that will be a joy to use. Remember that most kitchen companies provide an expert design service, which can help you to identify your needs and create the perfect layout for your lifestyle. Maybe you could forget all that dreaded washing up by installing a dishwasher, ensure you’ll have enough hob rings by investing in a range cooker and avoid over-flowing worktops by getting a bigger fridge.

GOING SPARE If you’ve invited guests to stay overnight, it’s important to provide them with a comfortable, warm and pleasant sleeping environment. Simply stacking all your junk in the corner of the spare room and putting up a camp bed won’t do, so if your guest bedroom is looking less than palatial, now’s the time to tackle the problem. A good sorting session should rid you of some

clutter, but when a spare room has become a dumping ground for things you genuinely need to keep, consider hiring a storage unit to keep your belongings safe without them taking over your home. You also need to make sure you’ve got the right furnishings for the room; if there’s not much space for cupboards, installing bespoke furniture or walk-in wardrobes could be the answer. Of course, if the guest suite is no more than a box room or you need more accommodation, it’s probably time to think about how you can make better use of your space in the longer term. Converting the attic could provide a stunning extra room without the need for an extension, while changing the garage into an annexe is another option if you have off-road parking available. These days, there is a range of garden buildings on the market that can provide extra space with all the comforts of your main home. Eventually, you could have a beautiful additional room to welcome your guests by Christmas Eve. OCTOBER 2014

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BEAUTIFUL HOMES

HOME FRONT As the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness descends upon us, thoughts turn to the cold weather ahead and feathering our nests in readiness for the winter. If roaring fires, cosy sitting rooms and generous family meals around the kitchen table are your idea of perfection, you’re in luck with this month’s selection of beautiful Wealden homes. From a quintessential English country mansion of national importance, to an elegant Victorian townhouse, you’ll find an irresistible collection of stunning properties to suit every taste. Whether they boast traditional open fireplaces or state-of-the-art technology, you’re sure to find somewhere that will give you a warm feeling inside. IN ASSOCIATION WITH

CROWBOROUGH Tudor thatched house with heated pool Price: £1,090,000

WEST PECKHAM

Ancient Monument exudes a sense of history Price: £3,295,000

TUNBRIDGE WELLS Rare find has ample town centre parking Price: £1.25million

SUNDRIDGE

Contemporary home in Arts and Crafts style Price: £3.5million

SANDHURST

Canadian A-frame house bathed in light Price: £895,000

JUNE 2014

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BEAUTIFUL HOMES

BRINGING HISTORY TO LIFE Modern luxury combines with a rich heritage at this stunning Grade I listed home in West Peckham

ith a magnificent Great Hall that boasts a triple height ceiling, Crown Post and original 15th century oak doors, Dukes Place is an exceptional country house that has a fascinating history. Built on buried medieval foundations, the building dates from 1408, with the Great Hall and Solar guest suite being rebuilt around 1500. The house is full of charming period features, such as exposed joinery, original fireplaces and an inglenook, while recent renovations have improved the home and made creative use of the outbuildings. Alongside the Great Hall, there is a dining

room, drawing room, study, library, sitting room, utility room and impressive kitchen/ breakfast room on the ground floor. Each of the five bedrooms on the first floor has its own en suite facilities; the guest suite is located above the library and the master bedroom is particularly atmospheric, with its vaulted ceiling, Crown Post and Tudor era fireplace. The beautiful gardens were laid out by RHS Chelsea Gold Medal winner Roger Platts and offer many features, including knot gardens, lavender beds, long lawns, ancient apple trees and a kitchen garden.

For full details contact: Hamptons International â&#x20AC;˘ 01892 516 611 â&#x20AC;˘ www.hamptons.co.uk

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH

BEAUTIFUL HOMES

Property: Dukes Place, Grade I listed manor house Location: Mereworth Road, West Peckham, Kent Price: ÂŁ3,295,000 Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 4 plus 1 shower room & WC Land: About 4.9 acres Extras: Detached barn with entertainment suite, workshops, garages, barn with three open bays and studio above, heated swimming pool, hard tennis court, formal gardens, kitchen garden, paddocks, two-bedroom cottage Best bits: Along with the tennis court and swimming pool, there is excellent scope for entertaining at Dukes Place. A barn was recently converted to a modern entertainment suite with a games room, kitchen and shower room, plus thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a two-bedroom cottage that could be used as extra accommodation or as a rental income.

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Go rri nges Tunbridge Wells LLP, 85 M ount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge We lls, Kent TN1 1PX

Halcyon Properties S.L Property sales and reform projects

SAN PEDRO BEACH SIDE, MARBELLA Prices from ÂŁ148,000 ÂŁ4,800 reservation and stage payments over 18 months to completion

HALCYON PROPERTIES SL Puerto Banus Office Off: 00 34 952 818 540 Mob: 00 34 630 727 690 Mob: 00 34 639 865 779

1 and 2 bedroomed apartments with specialized services for your every need. Private terraces from your luxury apartment, underground parking, 24 hour reception, spa and wellness centre, security systems, medical support, fitness centre, restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, nursing and Medical services and much more. In one of the best locations in the Marbella area and at a superb price, San Pedro is a lively little town just 10 minutes from Puerto Banus and Marbella and 45 minutes from Malaga Airport. Sunshine 325 days of the year, a quality and healthy lifestyle w ith every conceivable facility for your comfort and well-being.

www.halcyon-properties.com halcyon.realestate@gmail.com

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BEAUTIFUL HOMES

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

UNIQUE HOUSE HAS CANADIAN CONNECTION

Make a point with an ‘A’ frame house in a tranquil Sandhurst setting

arge feature windows – including a double height panel between the first and second oors allow plenty of light into this airy and contemporary home. Built in the 1960s and later extended, West Point is a Canadian ‘A’ frame house in a stunning semi rural location that offers spacious family accommodation. In the charming sitting room, windows and doors run along one side, allowing you to enjoy views of the secluded front gardens. A log burner is set into the stone tile hearth and wood par uet ooring adds extra character. The family room (or potential fifth bedroom and study both have

windows to the rear, while the kitchen/ dining room is a real highlight of this property. Fitted with contemporary white lacquer units, two integrated electric ovens, a breakfast bar and French doors to the rear terrace, the kitchen also has direct access to the integral double garage and utility room. The four bedrooms and family bathroom are arranged across the first and second oors. An en suite bathroom makes a welcome addition to the master bedroom, which has superb views. Alfresco dining will be a real treat here, as the attractive rear terrace has a delightful pergola and is set amid beautiful grounds with a good degree of privacy.

Property: West Point, Canadian ‘A’ frame house Location: Church Road, Sandhurst, Kent Guide price: £895,000 Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 plus WC Land: About one acre Extras: Integral double garage, terrace, pond, greenhouse, vegetable garden, within Cranbrook School catchment area Best bits: Located on a quiet no through road on the edge of Sandhurst village, West Point enjoys marvellous views of the surrounding countryside and offers all the tranquillity you could desire.

For full details contact: Chestertons • 01580 765 858 • www.chestertons.com OCTOBER 2014

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STATE ~~

ART

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DISCOVER MORE ABOUT

BESPOKE KITCHENS. FURNITURE AND JOIN ERY DES IGNED SPECIF ICALLY

FOR DISCERNING CLIENTS , WWW.MOUNTSH I LL. CO M

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ADVERTORIAL

MOVING WITH THE TIMES Throughout its 30-year history of designing quality kitchens and other home features, Mounts Hill Woodcraft in Cranbrook has seen styles change and tastes develop. We find out why this reputable company’s commitment to quality, passion and skill remains the same three decades on

of glass and fantastic, smooth running systems, as wide as you like. The lacquers we use now on doors, windows and kitchens no longer yellow with age. Colour schemes come and go and traditional cockbeading and raised and fielded panels seem to have slipped out of style, making way for clean lines and minimal Shaker-style kitchens. Did we even know what a Shaker kitchen was 30 years ago? And what about worktops? The available selection used to be quite restrictive, but now the market

Mounts Hill Woodcraft has seen it all, designed it all, built it all and fitted it all

hat were you doing 30 years ago? School? University? First job? First child? Don’t tell us, you weren’t even born! It sounds like a lifetime ago – it is a lifetime ago, but that was when Mounts Hill Woodcraft first began making their kitchens, furniture, windows and doors. What’s changed in those 30 years? Technology has moved us on, certainly. At Mounts Hill all our drawings and designs were by hand and quotes were typed on a typewriter and filed in big box lever files. A lot of our work was completely handmade and our apprentices learned their trade slowly and surely. But actually, quite a lot of that is still the case here at Mounts Hill; not the quote writing, for sure, but we still have a number of

employees who began their woodworking careers here straight from school. They are now extremely experienced, capable, clever artisans in their own right and they are the core of our success. Certainly, our workshop is now full of the latest machines and technology: laser cutters, veneer presses, lathes and huge saws. But still a lot of the work is done by hand, with skills handed down from old hands to new. Mounts Hill has definitely seen fashions change over the years. Pine was the timber of choice for both joinery and kitchens for many years, but we can’t remember the last kitchen we made from pine. We made stable doors and patio doors a lot; now, our most popular doors are bi-fold, sliding and folding, with huge panes

offers stunning granites, beautiful hardwoods, quartzite, stone, glass and resin worktops, different textures, a rainbow of colours, every single one beautiful! We now regularly quote for steam ovens, hot water taps, wine fridges, touchscreen ovens and American fridge freezers. Lights can be operated by waving at them, digital television screens fold down from under wall cabinets and extractors pop up from worktops. Mounts Hill Woodcraft has seen it all, designed it all, built it all and fitted it all, but the basic principle is still the same: to ensure the kitchen works for the customer so that it’s the centre of the home, the hub of the family, a pleasure to use and will last a lifetime – at least 30 years! www.mountshill.com OCTOBER 2014

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BEAUTIFUL HOMES

ARTF L CO NTRY HOME IN BEA TIF L GARDENS Built within the last five years, this Arts and Crafts house in Sundridge has both contemporary style and a traditional feel

pring Shaw is an exceptional country house designed by renowned architect Stephen Langer and offering modern conveniences alongside period style charm.Oak ooring through most of the ground oor, period and handmade stone fireplaces and tall ceilings make this feel like an historic home, while luxuries such as under oor heating and a Sonos music system bring it firmly into the 1st century. This is a fabulous property for entertaining on a grand scale, as you can access the rear terrace from the dining room, triple aspect drawing room and impressive kitchen/breakfast room. There is further

recreation space in the air conditioned basement, which has a gymnasium, cinema room and shower room. A feature double height window illuminates the oak staircase that leads to the first oor, where you ll find five bedrooms, two of which have an en suite bathroom or shower room. There is another bathroom on this oor and above, there is a large games room with potential to convert to further bedrooms, subject to planning consent. Outside, the house is approached via a circular gravel driveway that takes you past the attractive ornamental pond and on towards the oak garage block.

For full details contact: Knight Frank â&#x20AC;˘ 01732 744 477 â&#x20AC;˘ www.knightfrank.co.uk

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH

BEAUTIFUL HOMES

Property: Spring Shaw, detached house Location: Sundridge, Sevenoaks, Kent Guide price: ÂŁ3.5million Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 2 plus 2 shower rooms & WC Land: About 7.4 acres Extras: Games room, cinema room, gym, garage block, ornamental pond, tennis court, swimming pool with old oast and pool house, open barn with workshop, outbuildings, two greenhouses, kitchen garden, orchard, paddocks Best bits: Designed by RHS Chelsea Best in Show winner, Roger Platts, the stunning landscaped gardens have been designed to take advantage of the open countryside views, particularly from the swimming pool.

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Beautiful furniture at beautifully low prices!

he biggest ever sale is now on at HoLues Hill Furniture. If you're looking at freshening up your home this summer then look no further than Holmes Hill. They have everything from painted furniture to solid oak pieces, with over £100,000 worth of stock avai lable to take away today. If the car's not big enough for your purchases, don't worry- they offer free delivery all over the South East for orders over £500. Gifts, d ocks, ornaments and decorations for your home, you name it; you will find it at Holmes Hill! Opened nearly 10 years ago, Holmes Hill pride themselves on being the place to go for all your furniture needs in the South East. Experienced, friendly staff and a large showroom, together with an easy tO use website, means customers can browse a vast selection of high quality products, either in the comfort of their own home or by dropping in for a visit and a cream tea in the cafe.

BRT CARPETS lTD NOW IN STORE. Also on Holmes Hill Estate ... MASTERPIECE POTTERY STUDIO Pottery painting, hand and foot prints, deco patch, mosaics and garden ornaments; something for everyone from 0 to 99! A fun day out for all the family. Also offering children's parties, hen parties and

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team building days in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Create your treasured gifts for you and your family to enjoy.

needs and style in mind. Displaying kitchen and bathrooms with modern and traditiona l styles catered for.

HAPPY DAYS CAFE Whether you are after a home cooked meal or coffee and cake, the amazing views from the garden overlooking the lake make Happy Days Cafe a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy your time.

HOLMES HILL ESTATE ASHING Newly opened fishery consisting of two lakes containing carp, perch, tench, rudd, chub and roach. Just £5 a day for one rod for both lakes.

HOLMES 1-llLL KITCHEN &BATHROOMS The newest addition to Holmes Hill Estate. Our newly opened kitchen and bathroom showroom has been opened by our experienced kitchen fitter and designer, with customers' functional

Open Monday to Saturday (Closed Tuesday) 9.30am - 5pm Sul!day 10am -4pm www.iwantfurniture.co.uk 01825 873 607 Holnzes Hill Fu.miture, Holmes Hill Estate, Holmes Hill, Whitesmith BN8 6]A

HOLMES HILL FURNITURE 22/09/2014 16:46

BEAUTIFUL HOMES

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

IDYLLIC THATCHED RESIDENCE WITH POOL A quintessential English country house in East Farleigh set in delightful landscaped gardens

hose who dream of living the real country life will be in heaven at Thatched House. This immaculately restored Grade II listed home dates from the 17th century with 18th and 19th century additions, retaining many charming period features. The house’s elevated position offers wonderful views across the landscaped gardens to the west. Oak floorboards extend throughout the drawing room, dining room, sitting room and family room, plus some of them boast fireplaces, inset wood burners and access to the gardens. A Rangemaster oven is a key feature of the attractive

kitchen, which also has a convenient integral dishwasher. Upstairs there is a stylish bathroom to serve five of the bedrooms, while the second is en suite to the master bedroom. There’s useful built-in storage in three of the bedrooms and one boasts outstanding views to the west. Designed by Michael Marlott of David Austin Roses, the beautiful front garden features symmetrical lavender and box beds and ornamental roses. The gravel driveway takes you through apple orchards and mature hedging, while paved terracing extends around the property towards the lawn.

Property: Thatched House, Grade II listed Location: Heath Road, East Farleigh, Kent Price: £1,095,000

Bedrooms: 6 Bathrooms: 2 plus shower room & WC Land: About 6 acres Extras: Detached two-bedroom cottage, all-weather tennis court, heated swimming pool, thatched outbuildings, Breeze House, double open bay garage, covered well, apple orchards

Best bits: If you’d like to have staff living on the premises, extra guest accommodation or a private residence for family members, the detached single storey cottage is an added bonus to this property.

For full details contact: Savills • 01580 720 161 • www.savills.co.uk OCTOBER 2014

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SO Contemporary

Craft &Design Fair Ill Mid Kent Flooring Purchase direct from the very beat artists and craftmakers in the UK

• • • COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC FLOOR COVERINGS

Sevenoaks School

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AA Signposted from A225 • TN131HU Admission £3.50 • Accompanied under 14's free

www.craftinfocus.com

T 01622 747325

NEW SHOWROOM

NOW OPEN Bailey Wighton hove been seNing the West Kent and East Sussex area for over 50 years. O ur reputation has stayed os a competitively priced compony with excellent service. We employ all our fiHers, w ho ore highly trained and experienced.

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BEAUTIFUL HOMES

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

RARE FIND HAS BEEN RESTORED You can live the ideal Tunbridge Wells lifestyle in this refurbished Victorian townhouse with ample parking

ere is a fantastic opportunity to own a charming Victorian property in central Tunbridge ells, offering all the joys of this elegant architectural era while having been fully refurbished. The sash style double gla ed windows offer warmth without compromising on style, plus the house has been re-plumbed with zoned heating and re-wired to provide multi-socket TV and telephone points. nder oor heating in all the bathrooms will help to keep you cosy too. Having been sympathetically restored, the generous sized rooms have great charm, starting with the impressive entrance hall. An ornate marble fireplace and bay window are among the features of the dining room, while

the stunning and well-equipped kitchen/ breakfast room will be a delight for any keen cook. The room opens onto the balcony, offering opportunities to dine alfresco. On the first oor, you ll also find a marble fireplace and bay window in the drawing room, from where you can enter the study. Across the hall is the master bedroom suite, comprising a walk-in dressing room and an en suite bathroom with separate shower cubicle. Up on the top oor, the guest bedroom benefits from an en suite shower room and a family bathroom serves the remaining two bedrooms. Outside, there s a beautifully landscaped walled garden and a real rarity in central Tunbridge ells off road parking for six cars.

Property: 10 St John’s Road, four-storey Victorian townhouse Location: Tunbridge Wells, Kent Guide price: £1.25million Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 2 plus 2 shower rooms & WCs Extras: Conservatory area, balcony, wine cellar, walled garden, off-road parking, annexe potential Best bits: Ideal for use as independent living space for a family member or simply as a great recreation area, the lower ground floor offers tremendous versatility. Comprising a living room with conservatory area, kitchen, shower room and bedroom, this level could form a self-contained annexe or be used as a gym.

For full details contact: Jackson-Stops & Staff • 01892 521 700 • www.jackson-stops.co.uk OCTOBER 2014

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1 OO's of Worktops I 1OOO's of Doors door replacement I made to measure service I bedroom doors worktops I appliances I sinks and taps I drawer replacernent improved storage and access solutions door refurbishment seNice I instant hot water taps fitted

The Kitchen Doctor's bespoke service supplies and fits a comprehensive range of components to give your kitchen a netv lease of life.

01689 850000 chris@thekitchendoctor.com www.thekitchendoctor.com serving London and the South路East since 1984

Freelands Tiles 124-126 London Road, Dunton Green, Sevenoaks Tel: 01732 459 765 Open 7 days a week www. freelands-tiles.co.u k

The International Tile Store Proudly Serving the Tile Industry Since 1983

Huge range of wall tiles, mosaic and glass, porcelain, floor tiles, natural stone, amtico, karndean The Warehouse, Tunnel Road, Tun bridge Wells, Kent, TN21 2UT Tel: 01892 514 004 Fax: 01892 518 613 tunbridgewells@theinternationaltilestore.co.uk www.tilemates. eo. uk With mhcr hr.lllrh<'' .ts Wdlin!,(. Cr.oyf(lrd. PctN \Vood .utd Brighton

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SteveGiock F URN IT UR E

www.steveg lockfurni ture.co.uk

Sevenoaks based companv providing a first class service for bespoke furniture. joinerv and upholsterv Bespoke Furniture Furniture Repairs

TN14 SJU

Furniture Upholstery Headboards

steveglock@ntlworld.com

01959 524074

OCTOBER 2014

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163 23/09/2014 14:54

. - - - - - ~ Hartley Dream ~ Homes Limited Building Plot with detailed planning permission for: • Luxury 5 bedroom detached house (5,500 ft2 , 515m 2 ) • 9 acre site including 2 adjoining fields • Located in rural Kent within Sevenoaks District • Price: OIRO £900,000

Further detailed information about this project available on website

www.hartleydreamhomes.co.uk Contact ema il info@hartleydreamhomes.co.uk telephone 01732 822311 Hort!ey Dream Homes lld: Company No. 9115158

Badger Bathrooms

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We are proud to announce that we are the sole agent for Adezz products in the UK. Our products include a range of aluminium and corten steel wood burners, water features and planters. We can also offer fibreglass and aluminium planters in a huge range of colours, shapes and sizes.

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BEAUTIFUL HOMES

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

GATEWAY TO PARADISE Charming views are an added bonus with this former Victorian lodge in Langton Green

Property: East Gate Lodge, single storey Victorian house

verlooking a 10-acre field, the grounds of East Gate Lodge offer great tranquillity and seclusion. If you’re seeking a peaceful place to enjoy the beautiful Wealden countryside, look no further than this single storey gem. Parking is available on the gravel driveway and there is a patio and a raised terrace in the grounds, great for outdoor entertaining. Visitors are welcomed by an attractive rose garden at the front of the house, while gardeners will enjoy the productive vegetable plot that includes soft fruit bushes and fruit trees. The open plan kitchen/dining room is

ideal for socialising, as you can chat to your guests while preparing dinner. Adjacent is the double aspect sitting room, which has a great sense of space due to the French doors opening to the triple aspect conservatory – from here, you can step out into the courtyard area via more French doors. Off the kitchen, you’ll find a useful rear entrance hall that doubles as a utility room. A bathroom and shower room serve the three bedrooms, one of which has French doors opening onto the patio. The study is a handy place to work or it could be used as a fourth bedroom.

Location: Speldhurst Road, Langton Green, Kent Price: £700,000 to £750,000 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1 plus shower room Land: Just under 0.3 acre Extras: Patio, raised terrace, vegetable plot, two sheds, off-road parking Best bits: Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, East Gate Lodge has a fantastic outlook over fields and countryside in the Weald of Kent – all while being just on the edge of the village of Langton Green

For full details contact: Howard Cundey • 01892 515 670 • www.howardcundey.com

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Tailor-made Oak joinery and Oak Floorin9

I'IHme for our 52 pGge btochute

www.orlestoneoak.co.uk 01233 732179 SHOWROOM OPEN MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9AM-SPM.SATURDAY 9AM-12PM

timbered. WOOD FLOORING SPECIALISTS

Unit 21, Colebrook lnd Est, Longfield Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3DG

01892 537945 www.timbered.co.uk e: hello@timbered.co.uk

OCTOBER 2014

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BEAUTIFUL HOMES

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

ANYONE FOR TENNIS A delightful Crowborough home with its own all-weather court and heated swimming pool

ating from the Tudor period, this Grade II partly listed rural retreat is in an area of outstanding natural beauty and offers wonderful views across the surrounding countryside. The partly thatched roof is just one of the historic features that gives eleirs such charm others include exposed walls and ceiling timbers and open fireplaces. These features can be found in the triple aspect drawing room, which has a working inglenook fireplace. There is another of these fabulous fireplaces in the family sitting room, which has double doors to the double aspect

dining room. A cast iron wood burning stove is set into the fireplace here, with a brick surround and oak bressumer over. In the kitchen, pine wall and base units and a double oven Aga give the room a lot of character, plus there s a useful utility room. On the first oor, three of the four bedrooms have built in cupboards. You can enjoy magnificent views of the well tended gardens from the double aspect master bedroom, which has an en suite bathroom. A further bathroom and shower room are also found on this oor. The remaining two bedrooms are located on the second oor.

Property: Weleirs, Grade II partly listed house Location: Town Row Green, Crowborough, East Sussex Price: £1,090,000 Bedrooms: 6 Bathrooms: 2 plus shower room & WCs Land: 1.18 acres Extras: Swimming pool, tennis court, decking Best bits: Those who like to keep active will be delighted with the leisure facilities at Weleirs. In the attractive grounds there is a heated swimming pool with an adjacent pool house and you can even enjoy a set or two on the all-weather tennis court.

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

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Never look a

GIFT HORSE

•••

To celebrate 30 years of successfully handling the finest Wealden property, INSTRUCT Weald Property to SELL YOUR HOME and receive a Stevenson Brothers Dapple Grey rocking horse once it's sold.*

A Thank You from us that will last generations. Weald Propertyhandling exceptional property since 1985. Directors Alex Hill and Catherine Berkeley are proud to collaborate with Stevenson Brothers in presenting this incredibly exciting offer to our Clients, as we feel a Dapple Grey rocking horse of such exceptional qualtty makes a magical addition to any home Both compan1es have a long and well documented h1story 1n the Weald of Kent, workmg to a similar ethos of deltvenng the h1ghest standards tn quality and customer care. Weald Property m Rolvenden provtdes Clients with a bespoke and forward thmkmg Estate Agency experience, consistently ach1evmg success m sales and lettmg, whilst nurturing our valued long term cltent relat1on sh1ps . Once a sale has been agreed, we w1ll deliver your 'g1ft horse' approximately 10 weeks after the date of exchange of contracts.

Stevenson Brothers - makers of very fine rocking horses since 1982. Twin brothers Marc and Tony Stevenson have produced the f1nest rocking horses in the World for over 30 years from the1r inspiring workshop tn Bethersden . Quality, integrity and design are paramount and can be seen m the stunn1ng horses they create. Clients include Her MaJesty the Queen, Joanna Lumley and Judy Dench. For Weald Property's chents, Stevenson Brothers will produce a classic Dapple Grey with a beaut1ful Engltsh leather saddle and bridle and a bespoke Royal blue blanket. Weald Property are offering this very spectal 'g1ft horse' to say thank you for your instruction, a gift that will bring JOY to you and your family now and for many generat1ons to come.

To take advantage of this exciting offer, call Alex Hill on 01580 242700 or email alex.hill@wealdproperty.net and book a complimentary sales valuation. *Terms and Conditions· Offer open from 1/10/14 - 30/9/15 and is only applicable for properties sold over £750.000 on the condition that the Owner agrees to the standard Agency Agreement as set out wtthin Weald Property's terms of business. The rocking horse will be a classic Dapple Grey. Order placed on exchange of contracts. delivery approximately 10 weeks thereafter.

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Spanish Ghyll is a unique 4 bedroom detached house set within its own secluded grounds close to the village of Hawkenbury. Offering access to Tunbridge Wells in under I 0 minutes whilst benefiting from the tranquillity of a private countryside setting.

A charming Oast house located in this picturesque village location within a short walk of the village centre. with its local shops. public houses. churches and primary school. An internal viewing is highly recommended.

With August behind us and the school traffic back in force, the September market looks like it may pick up the baton and continuing in the same trend of the year so far. The market has been the strongest we have seen, with record prices being achieved and Alexandre Boyes having the best year to date since we opened our doors in /998. Although nationally mortgage lending has dropped, Tunbridge Wells in its bubble is still attracting a multitude ofgood buyers coming in for the schools and train lines and it is still more than possible to agree a sale within the (lrst fortnight of marketing, but as always it's down to the correct asking price. Dan Boyes CPEA dan@alexandre-boyes.co.uk Partner

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01892 525522

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A beautiful detached five bedroom residence in the centre ofTunbridge Wells within walking distance o f the main line station and wit h access to a private residents park

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A beautifully presented four bedroom detached house located in a quiet and secluded private drive off Bishops Down Park Road within walking distance of the main line stat ion, and close to a number of primary schools and the local Grammars.

September has showed no signs of the peak market slowing down and it is now fairly standard for a property to receive multiple enquiries from the moment of launch with many being let within 24 hours. This speed of/et is particularly evident for I and 2 bedroom properties. There has been a noticeable increase in fast move ins with tenants wanting to commence their tenancy within a week of making their offer. Rental values are increasing due to the demand, between 5% and I 0% compared to 20 13. Lease lengths now average I 8 months, with break clauses after the ftrst year. If you are considering purchasing a buy to let, three bedroom properties appear to be in the highest demand with the least supply. Kate Boyes FARLA MRICS

kate@alexandre-boyes.co.uk Partner

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Beyond your expectations www.hamptona.co.uk

TunbridgeWells,Kent, ÂŁ3750.00pcm This is a fine Edwardjan semi detached house very typical ofthe excellent houses in this very sought after part ofTunbridge Wells. The interior is very well presented throughout and includes elegant well proportioned rooms and many individual featmes such as fitted shunersin a munber ofrooms.

Tunbridge Wells, Kent, ÂŁ2995.00 pcm An outstandingfive double bedroom, five reception room executive family home with landscaped garden, located less thana mile from 1\mbridgeWells mainline station. This substantial property built circa 1940 is extl"emelyspacious and has been renovated by the current landlord.

Tunbrldge woue OtlleeLettings. 01892 313000 I tun bridgewellslettings@hamptons-int.com

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I_IAMPTONS 1.1 INTERNATIONAL

Heathfield, East Sussex, ÂŁ5250 pcm

Abealltifully presemed premium eighr Bedroomderached family homewirh four reception rooms and two acres offormal gardens. The propertyis situated ina wo nderfullocationwith superb countryside views the delightful drawingroom has a veranda and library.

Tunbridge Wells, Kent, ÂŁ2750.00 pcm This well presented four bedroom detached houseJ1as a wellarranged interior over three floors providing excellent family accommodationandis situated ina quiet tucked away location along popular BroadwaterDown.

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Beyond your expectations

www.namptone.oo.uk

TicehurstÂŁ1,550,000 A charming 6 bedroom detached country house, formerly a farmhouse with Victorian origins set on high ground with far reachi11g views between the villages of'ficehurst and Wadhurst. E.PC: E

WadhurstÂŁ1,295,000 An attractive and l>eaut ifully presented Grade 11 Listed 5 bedroom detached house with a wealth of character features in a semj rural la ne on the edge ofthis popular village with gardens and grounds of about 5.8 acres.

Tunbrldge Wells OffiCe Sales. 01892 597607 I tunbridgewells@hamptons-int.com

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CrowboroughÂŁ1,495,000

A beautifully appointed 6 bedroom contemporary homellnished ro a superb specification throughout with the use of glass, stainless steel and Spanish cherry wood creaUng an extremely light and spacious home. EPC: c

Southborough, Tunbridge Wells ÂŁ1 ,350,000

Substantial 5 bedroom detached house enjoying faptasticviewswith both spacious accommodation which can be con figured as one large family home or a 1 or 2 bedroom self contained annexe with potential to be run as a successful business. fiPC: C

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Westerham, Sevenoaks, Kent 拢695,000 Freehold A delightful and charming Georgian Grade II listed semi detached 3/4 bedroom cottage with off street parking and a garage in the pretty village ofWesterham. The property has a pretty landscaped 100ft rear garden.

Sevenoah Office

Snles. 01732 423 102

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23/09/2014 09:23

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INTERNATIONAL

Etchingham, East Sussex

ÂŁ2,600,000 Freehold

With lovely views to front and rear, a handsome country house designed and finished to an exceptional standard with elegant and spacious accommodation arranged over four floors and set in extensive grounds of approximately 6.76 acres. EPC: C

Tunbndge Wells Offtce

Sales. 01892597607

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23/09/2014 09:23

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WestPeckham, Kent Guide Price -ÂŁ3,295,000Freehold With lovely rural views, a beautiful and historic Grade I Listed manor house set in landscaped gardens and grounds approaching five acres including detached guest accommodation, pool and tennis court

Knockholt, Kent ÂŁ3,995,000 Freehold A fine country house extending to over 10,400 sq ft with auractive brick and flint elevations and exceptional entertainment and ancillary accommodation, set within park like grounds ofjust under six acres including stocked lakes.

Sevenoaks Office

Sales. 01732 423102

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scvenoaks@hamptons-i nt.com

23/09/2014 09:07

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Wadhurst, East Sussex

INTERNATIONAL

ÂŁ2,650,000 Freehold

At the head of a long and sweeping private drive, set within approximately 30 acres of gardens and grounds and in a sought aftet location, a handsome Edwardian countty house with elegant, spacious accommodation together with a pair of staff cottages, tennis court and swimming pool. EPC: F

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Sales. OI892597607

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23/09/2014 09:07

ÂŁ649,999

Southborough

One of just four newly built elegant Victorian style townhouses in a unique development conveniently situated for easy access to local schools and transport links. Features include a master bedroom with dressing room and en-suite, three further bedrooms, sitting room, dining room, a superb kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, family bathroom, downstairs cloakroom, secure under croft parking and landscaped gardens. Contact lnfo: 124london Road, Soulhborough, Kent, TN4 OPL Tel: 01892 5 11311 southborough@woodandpilcher.co.uk

Southborough Office 1 01892 511311 southborough@woodandpilcher.co.uk rightmove......

Tunbridge Wells Office 1 01892 511211 tunbridgewells@woodandpi lcher.co.u k

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22/09/2014 16:55

Stone Hill, Nr Chiddingly

ÂŁ895,000 Freehold

Internal viewing is essential to appreciate this highly individual detached chalet style residence situated in a glorious rural location in gardens and grounds of approximately 12 acres (tbv) that benefit from wonderful views and equestrian facilities including a stable yard with 2 stables, hay barn and tack room with easy vehicular access from the lane, two bay open garage block and adjoining e nclosed garage and workshop. The property itself has been significantly improved and extended by the present owner to p rovide exceptionally well presented flexible accommodation over two floors including a large open p lan kitchen/breakfast/family room providing moclern d ay living space w ith wood burning stove. The ground floor enjoys und erflOOI' heating throughout w ith a master bedroom suite including en-suite Sottini and Ouravit bathroom and a large double aspect sitting room with feature remote controlled fireplace. Energy Elficiency Rating: C.

rightmove....... .....................

Tunbridge Wells Office 1 01892 511211 tunbridgewells@woodandpilcher.co.uk

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Offices in Kent & Sussex. Associated London Office

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Edison Court, Exchange Mews

£194,950

Albert Court, Willicombe Park

£195,000

Situated in the St John's area of Tunbridge Wells is this Well Presented Modern First Floor Apartment set in a favoured position within the building overlooking the communal grounds. Benefits of the property itself include a Double Bedroom, Modern Fitted Kitchen and Allocated Parking.

A ground floor purpose built one bedroom apartment situated in a secluded, favoured area near Dunorlan Park. The property offers entrance hall, lounge with juliet balcony/ views over the communal grounds, modern kitchen and double bedroom. Residents & visitors parking.

Broadwater Down, Tunbridge Wells

Wilman Road, Tunbridge Wells

£238,750

A top floor two bedroom apartment within this converted Period Building situated on the popular south side of town in this tree lined road. The accommodation comprises of communal entrance, lounge/diner, kitchen, master bedroom, second bedroom, bathroom, off street parking and is share of freehold.

Tunbridge Wells

Guide Price £270,000

Beautifully Presented Three Bedroom House, conveniently situated approx 0.5 miles distant from Tunbridge Wells Town Centre. Accommodation comprises two reception rooms. modern fitted kitchen & bathroom and three bedrooms. Call to view.

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£270,000

A Delightfully presented Ground Floor Apartment situated in the sought after St John's area of Tunbridge Wells with Two Double Bedrooms, 15' Lounge and Country Style Kitchen/Diner. Further benefits also include its Own Entrance, a Recently Fitted Modern Bathroom and Private Rear Garden.

Longshoot, Rotherfield

Guide Price £500,000

A Substantial Five Bedroom Detached Chalet Bungalow offering versatile living accommodation across two floors and enjoying the benefits of Off Road Parking & Garage, Modern Kitchen/ Breakfast Room, 20'x19' Lounge and Three Bath/Shower Rooms. The property must be viewed to be fully appreciated!

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Connells

Silverdale Road

£1295cpm

This beautiful family home has been refurbished to a very high standard throughout. The house is set over three floors with spacious living room f lowing into modern kitchen. w ith patio door out to private rear garden. Moving up to the first floor you will find family bathroom and good sized double bedroom with wood affect f loors. Lastly up to the 2nd f loor which offers two good sized double bedrooms with feature fire places and wood effect f loors. The house also benefits from gas central heating and double glazing throughout. The property is perfectly situated for local schools and amenities and also has the benefit of a main line station just moments away.

Bordkye Tonbridge

£875pcm

This charming property has a spacious feeling thought-out with own private entrance, allocated parking and private patio. The property benefits from modern f itted kitchen, white suite bathroom, spacious lounge and good size double bedroom w ith patio doors out onto your own private patio.

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St Johns Road

£6SOpcm

Delightfully presented ground floor flat. Close to Tunbridge wells town centre and all local amenit ies. Property benefits from spacious lounge, modern kitchen, white suite bathroom and Allocated parking bay.

Edison Court

£775pcm

Connells are delighted to offer this spacious one bedroom ground floor executive apartment located w ithin walking distance of the town centre and MLS. This stunning apartment comprises of hallway, open plan living/dining room, stylish modern fitted kitchen with integrated appliances. double bedroom with en suite shower room and fitted wardrobes and bathroom.

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andrewsonline.co.uk I] /andrewsonline ~ @andrewsonline

GOODS STA-10~ ROAD, TN1

f950 PCM

A stunning and immaculately presented two bedroom apartment located in the heart of Royal Tunbridge Wells within a short walk of the mainline station. The property comprises a bright, open-plan kitchen, dining and living room area with a private balcony, master double bedroom, a further single bedroom, and a "Jack and Jill" bathroom. The building also offers a communa l courtyard garden and secure allocated parking space. Features include high ceilings, large windows and bright rooms. r llY Effide 1ry ~ ir g 0

GROV t'I ILL ROAD, rNl

£625 PCM

TUN'I\.E ROAD TN1

£895 PCM

LET IN THE FIRST WEEK -SIMILAR REQUIRED Located within half a mile ofTunbridge Wells mainline train station is this individ ually built, two bedroom end of terrace house. The ground floor offers an open plan, dual aspect living area and kitchen with a ra nge of appliances as well as a downstairs WC. Upstairs there are two double bedrooms and a modern bathroom suite including a bath with shower over. ~,.,. ,..... rff' 1 Rati C ft

ANSDOWNE SOl ARf:-, TNl

£1,295 PCM

LET IN THE FIRST WEEK- SIMILAR REQUIRED

LET ON THE FIRST VIEWING - SIMILAR REQUIRED

Newly redecorated, this studio apartment is situated less than 0.1 of a mile from Tunbridge Wells mainline station, and offers easy access to both The Grove and calverley Grounds. With a private entrance, the property comprises open plan living room and newly installed kitchen with breakfast bar and appliances, brand new shower room, separate WC and a separate bedroom area w ith built in wardrobes. The property also benefits from a private courtyard garden and gas central heating and will have new flooring throughout. E, ~11; Eft•c; r,.~ f ati -&' F

This three bedroom house is set in a private road at the top of the town, and lies only a quarter of a mile from the Royal Victoria Place shopping centre and half a mile to the main line station. The property comprises lounge/dining room, fitted kitchen and a downstairs WC, while upstairs there are three bedrooms all with built in storage and a family bathroom with a shower over bath. To the rear of the property there is a private garden, and there is also private off street parking. Er ., Ef .coen v Rat'lr • D

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

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.., Immaculate 3 bedroom detached family home in the village of Wateringbury. With driveway, garage, gardens side and rear, entrance hall, living room with box bay window, modern kitchen with inteerated appliances, downstairs we, upstairs bathroom and en-suite shower room off master bedroom.

Semi in St. Johns area on corner a plot. 4 Bedrooms and an upstairs bathroom, joined reception rooms, kitchen/dining room, downstairs cloakroom. Side and rear gardens, character features- viewing essential.

Flexible accommodation over 3 floors in the St. Johns town centre area. The property Is currently used as 4 bedrooms, 1 reception room, upstairs bathroom, separate we, courtyard garden and communal grounds. To the fro nt t here is allocated parking and garage. No chain. I

Incredible 2 double bedroom character home oozing features and boasting a charming 45ft x 15ft established rear garden. Bath and shower cubicle upstairs, sash windows, fireplaces, green views, exposed wood floors, separate hallway all features of this must see stunning home!

Tunbridge Wells 01892 515144 tunbridgewells@andrewsonline.co.uk

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Tunbridge Wells

Guide £1,100,000