So Wealden August 2016

T UNB RI DG E

WEL L S

so

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

AUGUST 2016

WWW.SOMAGAZINE.CO.UK

01273 400411

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oak-designs.co.uk

sales@oak-designs.co.uk

01/09/2016 16:15

We take great pride in both the oak frames we produce and the service we provide.

Oak Designs offer a wide range of quality oak buildings. We take great pride in the buildings we produce and the service we offer to our customers.

With over 30 years of experience in the oak frame industry Stephen Elliott has worked hard to create a range of Garage and Outdoor Living buildings that are not only practical and functional but that are aesthically complimentary to their surroundings as well as being eco friendly. Our Acorn range of garages has over 480 design variations and if you can't find a building to suit your needs then we offer a bespoke design service.

We have developed a bespoke in-house quoting system that allows us to provide you with a quote for buildings in our Acorn Range very efficiently, so you can get your project moving quickly.

Supply & Build Our Supply & Build service is a complete service from beginning to end, inclusive of all groundworks prior to the delivery of your building, the assembly of the Oak frame and hanging of doors (if required) and tiling of the roof once the frame is complete.

Please note this Supply & Build service will only be available to those living within the South East, this is because it is less cost effective for you to pay for additional travel hours and a potential overnight stay for our assembly team.

Supply & Assemble If you have employed a local building contractor to carry out groundworks, Oak Designs will then Supply & Assemble the frame. We will manufacture the oak components exactly to the agreed design specification (designed by us) and we will deliver them to your site at an agreed time usually just after your groundworks have been completed. Our team will then erect the oak frame building on this prebuilt base. Once the oak frame work is complete the customer will arrange for the roof tiling to be done and any other modifications they desire.

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“ In a town of Italian restaurants, L’Amore stands out with ease”

AUGUST 2016 WWW.SOMAGAZINE.CO.UK

WE DINE AT ONE WARWICK PARK’S NEW EATERY

SUMMER HOLIDAY EVENTS

LOCAL & LIVE GUIDE

All the best August fun happening in and around The Weald

The hottest acts to see in Tunbridge Wells this Bank Holiday weekend

Tenterden TV FAME

Coastal COOL

Garden Designer makes her screen debut

Add a chic nautical theme to your home

RECIPE for SUCCESS

KENT’S STAR BAKER CHETNA MAKAN IS ADDING SOME SPICE TO THE KITCHEN

The

GOLDEN GIRL WH Y

IT ’ S

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MARG OT

ROBBI E’ S

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marcobicego .com

MARCO BICEGD

By Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen Jeweller G Collins & Sons Limited Royal Tunbridge Wells

~. (!Collins & ~~~~~~~~~~~++~~-

on

63 High Street, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Tel. 01892 534018 [ Fj 0189 Email. info@gcollinsandsons.com I www.

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CONTENTS

M A G A Z I N E

SO

EDITOR’S LETTER

16 Lonsdale Gardens Tunbridge Wells Kent TN1 1NU Tel: 01892 779 650 www.somagazine.co.uk

EDITOR Charlie Bond cbond@onemediauk.co.uk HEAD OF DESIGN Rowena Cremer-Price rcremer-price@onemediauk.co.uk

WELCOME TO YOUR AUGUST ISSUE OF SO. I hope you’re reading this edition from your sun lounger on a beach in a far flung place. If you are, send us a picture! And if, like us, you’re having to work through the sunny days, fear not – we’ve got plenty in this issue to make you feel like you’re on holiday, from coastal inspired interiors (pg 136) to a summer pub guide that’ll have you forgetting about

COMMERCIAL Gemma Hak ghak@onemediauk.co.uk

the office and heading for a cool beverage in no time.

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Richard Moore rmoore@onemediauk.co.uk

the local ladies who have made blogging their business, and on page 85 we have our

PUBLISHED BY

I had the privilege this month of speaking to some really aspirational and inspirational women, who have bitten the bullet and started up businesses. On page 77 we take a look at Ladies Who Launch feature.

Speaking of inspirational women, our cover star Margot Robbie certainly falls into that category. On page 42 we discover what makes the actress tick - and how hitting a Hollywood star was one of her better decisions.

As always, we have an abundance of beautiful Wealden properties for you to admire, a

All rights reserved. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions relating to advertising or editorial. The publisher reserves the right to change or amend any competitions or prizes offered.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from the publisher. No responsibility is taken for unsolicited materials or the return of these materials whilst in transit.

review of the new One Warwick Park restaurant L’Amore, and lots more.

So, whether your view is currently a hotel pool or your computer, I hope the following pages provide a little escapism...

EDITOR cbond@onemediauk.co.uk

CONTENTS 10 GLORIOUS GARDENS

68 THE SOCIAL

Summer blooms

issue celebration?

Were you at our 100th

at Sissinghurst Castle Garden

77 LIFE ONLINE How four local women

14 WEALD ON THE WEB

have blogged their way to success

How you’ve been getting social this month

106 THE FOOD We sample new

22 CALENDAR

restaurant L’Amore’s

What’s on in and

Italian offerings

around the Weald

169 THE GARDENS 42 THE CELEBRITY

Local garden designer finds TV fame

Margot Robbie’s rise to recognition

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I Designers and makers of handmade kitchens

The difference is in the detail

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

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

-

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houzz

2016

www.rencraft.co.uk

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SO

OUT AND ABOUT

 GLORIOUS GARDENS

Summer blooms at Sissinghurst Castle Garden PICTURE NATIONAL TRUST/ ARNHEL DE SERRA

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

Email info@somagazines.co.uk

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Working together to protect your future Wills Powers of Attorney Probate & Estates Court of Protection Trusts & Trusteeships Inheritance Tax Capital Gains Tax

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

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

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SO

ONLINE

WEALDEN ON THE WEB TOPICAL TWITTER WHAT YOU’VE BEEN

A trip to Tenterden is always nice, but especially when there’s glorious sunshine

SAYING IN THE WEALD ■ ABS Blinds @absblinds Great meal and great service @montalbano.#great italian food in Tenterden ■ Shandy Mandy @ShandyMandys Cooling down from a mile uphill walk at The Star & Eagle in Goudhurst with a moscow mule #scorchio ■ Maggie Towner @MagsTWells @TenterdenTown Wish I

†This amazing cake tasted even better than it looked

†We really want this dress, and not even to wear to a wedding…

lived in Tenterden. Such a shame #TunbridgeWells doesn’t have a market like this ■ Spiketooth Wolf @SpiketoothWolf Been a great few days in Hawkhurst! On my way back now. Finally got signal and 4G back ■ Anna Foster @youbyyoubook1 Thanks @WstoneTenterden for re-ordering From Ships to Sheep, the Story of Smallhythe. Good holiday read. #tenterden

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

AUGUST 2016

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ONLINE

SO

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

SPEEDING AHEAD Kent’s most vigilant Speedwatch group has called for a rethink on the criteria for installing fixed speed cameras following a meeting with MP Greg Clark and the county’s new Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Scott.

Hawkhurst Speedwatch has observed the highest proportion of speeders compared to any other Speedwatch scheme in the whole of Kent and would like fixed speed cameras to be installed to act as a deterrent.

During 2014 and 2015, the group recorded 8,453 offences compared with 7,349 for the next highest scheme. Most were driving over 40mph.

Six of the eight highest speeders recorded throughout Kent in 40mph zones were also in Hawkhurst. Speaking at a speedwatch meeting, which was also attended by several county, borough and parish councillors, Mr Clark said it was time to ‘look again’ at where

cameras are placed, adding: “At the moment, the criteria for installing speed cameras is based on the number of fatal or serious accidents along a particular stretch of road.

“Speedwatch provides accurate information on where people are regularly breaking the speed limit and I think this also needs to be taken into account.”

“I don’t think it is unreasonable for the concerns of local residents, when those concerns are backed up by reliable data, to be used in d eciding where fixed speed cameras are placed,” says Mr Scott.

“So, while of course we can’t make any promises at this stage, I will be discussing the existing policy with chief officers at Kent Police and the Kent and Medway Safety Camera Partnership to see whether there is scope for it to be modified.”

THE SOCIAL SCENE Here’s what you’ve been getting in touch about this month… n@JSSSevenoaks ‫‏‬ @JSSSevenoaks Great to be part of @SoMagazines 100th edition Congratulations!! n Kat Portman ‫‏‬ @katportman Lovely evening @SoMagazines party @onewarwickpark a gorgeous new venue

n Basia Wilson ‫‏‬ @basia_wilson Lovely event last night @onewarwickpark! Thank you @SoMagazines Here’s to the next 100 issues n Ask Anna ‫@‏‬AskAnnaNouyou Congrats @SoMagazines! 100th issue! Fab party @onewarwickpark to celebrate. #TunbridgeWells

n Wood & Pilcher ‫‏‬ @WoodandPilcher Congratulations @SoMagazines on your 100th Edition - and here’s to many more!

n Kent Design Studio ‫‏‬ @design_kent @SoMagazines congratulations - here’s to the next 100 issues! #Kent #keepitlocal

n Strudders ‫‏‬ @CStrudders Thank you @SoMagazines for a lovely evening at the stunning @onewarwickpark - here’s to the next 100

n BabyPhotography ‫‏‬ @GetBabyPhotos Lovely evening to sit in the garden and enjoy July’s edition of @SoMagazines with a mint tea #metime

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

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Visit granitetransformations.co.uk for more information

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SO

LUXURY

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

EAT

MAILLE

Fruit is expensive in Japan, but while you may expect to pay more for an apple than a plate of sushi, how about splashing out several thousand pounds for a bunch of grapes? That’s what happened recently, when a bunch of Ruby Roman grapes sold at auction for 1.1million yen, (approximately £8,400). The bunch was the very first of the season and contained about 30 grapes, each slightly smaller than a ping pong ball, and each weighing at least 20 grams.

The grapes are the most expensive ever sold – definitely a pricey way to get your five a day.

FLOAT

Z TYRES

Be the envy of everyone in the villa pool by investing in one of these #FLOATY unicorn inflatables. Adorned with over 10,000 individual Swarovski crystals, it’s the world’s most expensive pool float retailing at $6,000USD (around £4,650). Not only are they lavish and incredibly sparkly, they can also be inflated by using the ‘cool’ setting on a hairdryer – what more could you need? We say, forget buying a new bikini for your jollies and buy one of these instead. www.getfloaty.com

UPGRADE

#FLOATY

Choosing extras for your car can be tricky – should you opt for assisted parking, heated seats or automatic lights? Or, perhaps you could add some world-record breaking tyres to your vehicle, and have everyone at the petrol station talking.

Combining 24 carat gold and specially selected diamond stones, the Z Tyres have been valued at $600,000 (£466,000), and are officially the most expensive in the world. We’d recommend avoiding potholes with these…

XX

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LUXURY

SO

EXERCISE

AURORA

Ever wondered how the likes of Victoria Beckham get their beach bodies? Sadly it isn’t living off a diet of hob nobs, but it also isn’t slogging it out on the treadmill.

Instead, stars such as Kate Moss, Hugh Grant and the Beckhams head to Chiva Som in Thailand – a retreat dedicated to a holistic approach to wellness promoting overall wellbeing. Seven days at Chiva Som start from £3,395pp, so you too can make like a celebrity and detox while in paradise. www.healthandfitnesstravel.com

WRITE

Forget scrabbling in your handbag for a biro and write in style instead, with the world’s most expensive pen. The Aurora diamante fountain pen costs around £1.1million, and is made with 24 carat gold and DeBeers diamonds. The total weight of diamonds used in the pen is more than 30 carats and it has a solid gold nib – perhaps it’s no surprise just one of these are sold a year. This is definitely something you should avoid lending when someone in the post office asks you, “have you got a pen I could borrow?”

PATRICK ERNZEN © 2016 COURTESY RM SOTHEBY’S

DRIVE

When it comes to investing in something timeless, you can’t go far wrong with purchasing a classic car – so why not make it the best available by bidding on Britain’s most expensive ever car when it goes to auction later this month? The D-Type Jaguar XKD 501, which was the overall winner of the 1956 24 Hours of Le Mans race, is due to be sold at auction in Monterey on August 19, and RM Sotheby’s expect it will comfortably eclipse the current record for a British automobile sold at auction which is $14.3million for an Aston Martin Zagato (sold by RM Sotheby’s in December 2015). It is expected that the vehicle could go for as much as £15million. www.rmsothebys.com

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'Ytl~~f~~ Create a kitchen where the welcome is warm, cooking is a joy and everyone loves to gather Suffolk kitchen lovingly hand-painted in Charcoal with brass handles and perfectly irregular Elcot tiles.

Corinium lidded jar and serving platter from ÂŁ36

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Create your own designs at neptune.com Neptune Tonbridge , 1-2 Tannery Road , TN9 1RF, 0 1732 351866, info@neptunetonbridge.com

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NEPTUNE

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EVENTS

AUGUST

CALENDAR 2nd » Theatre and Art

An amazing exhibition of ceramics and brush painting takes place at the Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge Wells from today until August 14. A mix of both western interest in invention, shared with an eastern focus on tradition, process and practice.

You will get the chance see the unique handmade pieces.

During the exhibition there will be various talks and demonstrations by artist Nick Winter. For more information visit www.trinitytheatre.net

3rd » Forest fun

Enjoy an exciting and challenging day out this summer with the family by learning forest skills at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve. This family bushcraft session is in partnership with Jack Raven Bushcraft, where you’ll be taught essential wilderness and outdoor living skills such as den building and fire lighting.

Starting at 10am, tickets are £15.

For more details, visit www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

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4th » Rail and Ale

The annual four day summer diesel gala is where you can see a variety of locomotives in action in Tunbridge Wells and surrounding areas. Real ales and ciders will be available as well as other attractions and events happening throughout the day. These include the driver experience, afternoon tea and high weald belle dining for the adults. There will also be exciting activities for children such as Peppa Pig specials.

This event starts at 9.30am and tickets are £25. Book your tickets at www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk

6th » Opera Evening

The Garden Opera company are performing The Barber of Seville at The Lamberhurst Music Festival. The well known tunes and the amusing plot has made this the most frequently performed opera of all time. As the sun goes down and the lights go up, the ruins of the Bayham Abbey are even more beautiful.

Starting at 5.30pm, tickets are £30.

To book, visit www.lamberhurstmusic.co.uk

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EVENTS

SO

7th » Puppy Love

11th » Historical Activities

Enjoy a day of Victorian fun at Ightham Mote. Test your knowledge in a special house quiz, as well as taking part in watercolour painting activities and other fun and games.

This is a great opportunity to discover more about the life of the Victorian owners, the Colyer-Fergussons.

This event starts at 11am.

For more details, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ightham-mote

NATIONAL TRUST, DAVID LEVENSON

NATIONAL TRUST, STUART COX

The popular Paws at the Castle annual event at Hever Castle will be packed with entertainment, and has a great line-up of a variety of dogs. Speak to experts about your pets’ behaviour, enjoy the dog show and look at the stalls selling goodies and accessories for canines. Huskies from the Siberian Husky Welfare Association will also be at this event to help raise money for charity.

For more details, visit www.hevercastle.co.uk

14th » Shakespeare Summer

Have a great evening at Smallhythe Place in Tenterden and watch the forbidden love affair of Romeo and Juliet. Set in Verona and performed in the garden, watch the drama unfold in this wonderful outdoor theatre setting. This great play is performed by The Pantaloons a young vibrant theatre company.

Starting at 6pm, tickets are £15 per adult.

To book, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ smallhythe-place

17th » Steam Supper

At 6pm board a diesel or steam-hauled train at Tenterden Station as the sun sets and travel through the beautiful Rother Valley between Tenterden and Bodiam. Your fish and chip supper will be freshly cooked and you can enjoy it with tea, coffee, wine or locally brewed beer as well as ice cream made nearby. The train will stop at Bodiam so you can see the historic Cavell Van. Tickets are £25.95 for adults and children aged 3 to 15 are £19.50.

To book, call 01580 765 155

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summe

f!U

Summer Fun Calendar Holiday fun for the whole family with Tunbridge Wells Museum & Art Gallery!

Summer Fun Holiday Happenings

Mini Beast Safaris & Young Nature Hunters

Weekly FREE drop in arts & crafts activities at the museum for families with a different theme each week:

FREE bug hunts around Tunbridge Wells - Young Nature Hunters (YNH) are for all ages, and Mini Beast Safaris (MBS) for those 6 and over.

10.30am - 12.30pm & 2 - 4pm 2 & 3 August - Delightful Dolls 9 & 10 August - The Bees are Buzzing 16 & 17 August - Summer Sun 23 & 24 August - Perfect Picnic 30 & 31 August - The Great Outdoors

10.30 -11.30am (YNH) & 2.30- 4pm (MBS) 4 August - Grosvenor & Hilbert Park 11 August - Tunbridge Wells Common 18 August - Dunorlan Park 25 August - Rusthall Common 1 September - St John 's Recreation Ground ~

01892 554171 Twitter: @TWartyculture

Try something new or just have a refresher to start

museum@tunbridgewells.gov.uk www.tunbridgewellsmuseum.org

'Birds of a Feather' Family Fun Day Saturday 13 August

FREE birds of prey demonstrations in Dunorlan Park, with drop in arts & crafts for the little ones.

11am - 4pm by Dunorlan Park Lake

Tun~ridge \ Wei Is Bom"gh ~

cil

TUNBRIDGE WE LLS

MUSEUM & ART GALLERY

West Kent Shooting School New Hay Farm, Old Hay Paddock Wood, Brenchley Kent TN12 70G Tel: 01892 834306

the season off

Open Monday to Friday

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E: lnfo@westkentshootlng.co.uk

www.westkentshooting.co.uk

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EVENTS

For a night of outdoor theatre, pay a visit to is performing at the Emmetts Garden in Sevenoaks, where Much Ado about Nothing comes to the stage in a production of Shakespeare’s battle-of-the-sexes comedy.

In this lively summer show, enemies betray lovers and friends trick friends.

Starting at 7.30pm, adult tickets cost £15 and children tickets are £8. For booking details, call 08442 491 895 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/emmetts-garden

19th » Go Wild

In a 48 hour race to record as much wildlife as possible, you will be able to join the Bedgebury team, along with wildlife experts, to help look for and record the birds, bats, mammals, insects, reptiles, butterflies and plants that live in the Pinetum. BioBlitz is a hands-on wildlife experience, and the whole family will be able to get involved in all kinds of fun, whilst learning how to find and identify the wildlife right on their doorsteps.

For more information, visit www.forestry.gov.uk/bedgebury

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20th » Country Crafts

Local craft makers will fill the sunny courtyard at the Silcocks Farm in Tenterden. This is a great market for gifts and goodies for family and friends. They sell locally made cushions, aprons, key rings, candles and much more. The cafe and farm shop will of course be open as well.

This event starts at 10am. For more details, call 01580 763 351 or visit www.silcocksfarm-organics.co.uk

NT/DAVID LEVENSON

18th » Alfresco Acting

21st » Family Fun

A day filled with exciting activities is guaranteed at Chiddingstone Castle when they hold a summer holiday family fun day. Listen to some traditional Japanese storytelling, take a look at the large collection of Japanese Samurai armour in the house, and see the Shetland ponies at the castle. This event will start at 12pm. Castle admission is £9 for adults and £4 for children. For more information, visit www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk

AUGUST 2016

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EVENTS

SO

23rd » Midsummer Merriment

CRAIG PRENTIS

Watch this great production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Tonbridge Castle and watch the characters deals with the universal theme of love and its complications. This play shows the adventures of four young lovers and their interactions with woodland fairies and a duke and duchess, taking place in an enchanted forest.

Starting from 6.30pm, tickets are £12 for adults and £8 for children. To book, visit www.illyria.uk.com

26th » Country Roadshow

Calling all Johnny Cash fans – be immersed in amazing celebration of the iconic country legend when the Johnny Cash Roadshow comes to the Stag Theatre in Sevenoaks.

Singing an inspiring set of cherished numbers and a lively performance from a group of highly talented musicians, this is a great night for big Cash admirers and country music lovers. Starting at 7.30pm, tickets are £18.50. To book, visit www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk

28th » The Place to be

There’s something for everyone at Penshurst Place during the Bank Holiday weekend, including a woodland trail with wilderness experts, the Penshurst maize maze and falconry on the Lime Walk. You can also take part in natural lotion making in the Old Coach House on the 29th or look around the stunning gardens that are divided into seasons and colour. Starting at 10.30am, for more details visit www.penshurstplace.com

29th » Town Talents

Local & Live is one of the biggest music festivals in Tunbridge Wells. This year over 100 acts will be performing, with the more electric sounding bands will be playing at The Forum and The Sussex, and the more acoustic style musicians taking to the stage at The Grey Lady. Tickets will cost £8 per venue, or you can buy a golden wristband for £20, allowing you access to all three venues across the Bank Holiday weekend. www.localandlive.org www.twforum.co.uk

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HEYER CASTLE

HEYER CASTLE

& GARDENS

& GARDENS

CHILDHOOD HOME OF ANNE BOLEYN

CHILDHOOD HOME OF ANNE BOLEYN

TUDOR LIVING

JOUSTING TOURNAMENTS JULY 16 & 17, 23 & 24, 30 & 31 AUGUST 13 & 14, 20 & 21, 26 - 29

AUGUST 29-31

...

Tudor encampment, re-enactments and stalls, with more thrills and spills from the jousting tournament.

...

...

Spectacular displays of action, stunts, falls and fights in an authentic arena.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT

hevercastle. co. uk/whatson

heverca stle. co, uk/wh a tson

Or call - 01732 865224

Or call - 01732 865224

Grosvenor House, Grosvenor Park, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2BF 28

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INSIDE VIEW This month, Paul Dunton gives us his tips on acts to look out for at this year’s Local & Live Music Festival

S

o with this year’s Local & Live being

headliners Sarah Tonin who are influenced by

Paul Rippengal, Lights On The Mountain, The

scaled down into a three venue

acts such as The Doors and The Beatles. The

Ackerleys, Mistress & The Malts, sibling duo

fundraising fest, who are the local bands to

Mystery Clarke Band will be main support for

The Breretons, Jono Harrison and one man

look out for?

Sarah Tonin and they are renowned for their

blues band Andy Tywman, who is possibly the

high energy riffs and funky grooves in addition

cheekiest act on the whole local music scene

to some saucy lyrics!

and one of the most talented and versatile,

The Forum will be hosting most of the electric ‘full’ bands and on the opening evening (Friday August 26) we have a stellar

The Sunday evening at The Forum will be

performing sumptuous blues guitar and

line up including a headline set from the

hosting the talents of headliners Noble

harmonica whilst playing the drums and

raucous, foot stomping country/Americana

Jacks who offer an inspired alternative folk/

singing! Some of the younger acts that really

sounds of The Orange Circus, who will be

rock sound with the brilliant fiddle/vocal

stand out for me are Lily Denning, Emily Izen

sure to raise the roof!

combination of front man Will Page, backed

Row and 14 year-old Zoe Eve who writes

by a superb rhythm section and lead guitar.

fantastic songs. She is so composed in the live

gracing the stage that evening is The

The whole band are incredibly tight and

environment, she is a joy to watch!

Standard Lamps who will be on mid-way

they will raise the roof at The Forum in

through proceedings. This is the band’s final

style. Other acts to look out for warming up

scale festival, (returning the mainstage to

warm up show before they go on their

for Noble Jacks are local rockers Cyrano and

Calverley Grounds), tickets for this year’s indoor

second UK arena tour supporting The Who.

I am Aquitaine – both are anthemic four

festival are £8 per day per venue or we have the

This is an incredible achievement and fully

piece groups with collective influences

golden wristband for just £20 which gives you

deserved, The Standard Lamps continue to

including Pearl Jam, Elbow, Radiohead, Kate

access to all venues for the whole weekend!

go from strength to strength and their latest

Bush and Queens of The Stone Age. With

Whilst line ups are subject to change the full

album Long lost Love is truly brilliant. The

plenty of acts performing on the Monday

listings are available at www.localandlive.org.

original Forum band Joey Fat will be on

my top picks of the day are local indie four

All tickets are available from

before The Lamps and they are renowned for

piece Youth, rapper Lee Willz and The

www.localandlive.org and

their unique alternative style; watching them

Floodgates.

www.twforum.co.uk

One of the most exciting bands to be

live is an incredible experience.

The Grey Lady and The Sussex Basement

To help raise funds for next year’s intended full

Thanks for supporting Local & Live and see

will be hosting an array of full bands and

you at The Forum, The Grey Lady and The

excellent acts to look out for are the

acoustic acts all weekend. Acts to look out for

Sussex Arms – an indoor feast of local

psychedelic sounds of Saturday night

include: sibling duo Kyla & Nat, Billy Jupp &

musical talent awaits!

Moving on to the weekend, and other

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25/07/2016 10:28

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T H E AT R E

ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT

IT’S SHOWTIME To help you decide on your must-see shows this autumn, here are some music and entertainment shows you can book for right now, all coming soon to the Assembly Hall Theatre

L

Theatre, by popular demand comedian

The current live band, which has been

and ventriloquist Nina Conti is back on

together for more than a decade,

the road with her sell-out 2015 show ‘In

features Gouldman on vocals, bass and

Your Face’. Strap into the mask as Nina,

guitar; Rick Fenn (lead guitar, vocals),

Monkey and a bag of tricks improvise

Paul Burgess (drums, percussion), Mick

their way through an adventure of

Wilson (vocals, guitar, percussion) and

hilarious witchery. No two shows are

Keith Hayman (keyboards, guitar,

ever the same! She’s won a British

vocals). Rick and Paul have both worked

Comedy Award, stormed Live at the

with 10cc since the mid-70s line-up.

Apollo, Russell Howard’s Good News,

Purveyors of some of the greatest pop

Sunday Night at the Palladium, and

records of the 20th century, 10cc has

made a BAFTA nominated film –

sold more than 15 million albums in the

all without moving her lips. Expect

UK and 30 million worldwide. Such is

the unexpected…

the enduring nature of their music that

Celebrating the 40th anniversary of

movie-makers can’t resist including the

their seminal album Sheet Music –

band in soundtracks, with I’m Not in

which included top ten hit The Wall

Love featuring in Bridget Jones: The

esley Garrett, CBE is Britain’s most

Street Shuffle – rock band 10cc return to

Edge of Reason and 2014 blockbuster

popular soprano, regularly

the Assembly Hall Theatre as part of a

Guardians of the Galaxy, while

appearing in both opera and in

26-date UK tour.

Dreadlock Holiday was used in The

concert. On television, and CD,

Led by 10cc’s original co-founder

Social Network.

she has won both critical acclaim and

Graham Gouldman, the band will

the affection of many fans and music

perform two sets, the first half of the

Lesley Garrett Wed Sep 21 7.30pm

lovers. Last here in 2004, she returns to

evening comprising Sheet Music in its

10cc Wed Oct 5 7.30pm

Tunbridge Wells with an evening of

entirety, with a pause for the symbolic

Nina Conti Sat Oct 8 7.30pm

song, reminiscences and chat. Her

turning of the vinyl album.

Assembly Hall Theatre Box,

behind-the-scenes stories and

The second part of the concert features

Crescent Road,

anecdotes will give audiences a unique

a comprehensive spread of the band’s

Tunbridge Wells office 01892 530 613

insight into her life on the stage.

11 top ten hits and more, including their

www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

three number ones – I’m Not in Love,

www.facebook.com/

Dreadlock Holiday and Rubber Bullets.

AssemblyHallTheatre Twitter@ahttw

Hot on the heels of her 2016 smash-hit season at the West End’s Criterion

AUGUST 2016

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35

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OVERHEARD REMEMBER, WE’RE ALWAYS LISTENING…

OVERHEARD IN A WEALDEN GARAGE

Man 1: “It’s funny how much you eat at a barbecue isn’t it?”

Man 2: “What do you mean?”

Man 1: “Well I went to one at the weekend and I ended up eating seven sausages in a row.”

OVERHEARD IN A TUNBRIDGE WELLS CINEMA

OVERHEARD IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS HIGH STREET

Woman 1: “Have you seen War Horse?”

Woman 2: “No I haven’t, is it good?”

Woman 1: “It’s as it sounds. It’s about war. And horses.”

“I don’t mind where we go for lunch, but I beg of you, let’s stay away from Wetherspoons.”

OVERHEARD IN A TUNBRIDGE WELLS CAFÉ

OVERHEARD IN A SEVENOAKS PUBLIC GARDEN

OVERHEARD IN TENTERDEN WAITROSE

“My daughter had her friend over and we all had had smoked salmon and eggs. Even the dogs!”

“Is a newt always a newt, or does it turn into something else?”

“When we leave the EU, do you think it’ll affect the price of avocados?”

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

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26/07/2016 16:35

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SO

MY RANT

RULES OF THE ROAD

Learner driver Hannah from East Peckham has some words of advice for dangerous drivers…

I NEVER USED to pay attention to the road

and other drivers as I have never had to. Relying on friends and family to drive me around meant that I could just sit back and not worry about it. However, now that I am learning to drive, I am becoming more aware of the troubles on the road and the maniacs on it too.

When driving, it is so important to pay attention to everything around you and the rules that come with it. Except when some people pass their test, they forget about safety. Not wearing their seatbelt, not indicating, speeding, tailgating, not paying attention to other useless drivers out there; so many risks that they’re willing to take, yet it’s so dangerous.

The most annoying thing for me about some drivers,is they use their mobile whilst driving. Is it that important to send that text straight away or to answer the phone immediately? Surely the priority is the road ahead and keeping safe?

I’m not saying that everyone is rubbish at

driving because of course there are drivers out there that are safe and sensible. However, I do know too many people that get so confident and careless when they pass their driving test.

They pick up bad habits from their parents or friends, and end up becoming sloppy with their driving techniques and are too relaxed.

A few weeks ago, I had a driving lesson on a track, before I started learning on the road.

With this came a safety talk by a man from the Kent Fire and Rescue Service. He spoke about the dangers on the road and what not to do when driving. He said that even though we may be one of the safest countries when it comes to driving, there are still six deaths caused by car accidents in Britain every day as well as on average around 55 injuries. This was a shock to me and in my opinion it is way too high. Of course, not all of them are due to reckless driving, but a lot of them are, and it should be stopped or the quality of people’s driving should at least be improved.

It doesn’t take much to slow down a bit or simply answer your phone once you’ve stopped driving. If you think your phone calls are that important, then just buy a head set to use in the car instead of risking your life and the lives of innocent others.

The other day, my friend reported seeing a woman driving through Tunbridge Wells while using her laptop to play Candy Crush, and when I was walking down the street recently, I saw someone stopped at the traffic lights… eating a bowl of pasta! It just baffles me that people can be so deliberately ignorant.

The fact that I am now learning to drive and hearing stupid stories and statistics of the amount of deaths and injuries from car accidents, makes me realise how cautious we all need to be when driving. People say that new drivers are the dangerous ones, but I’d beg to differ. I just wish people would be safer on the road, because at the end of the day I do want to arrive home in one piece...

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

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CELEBRITY

T HE

Golden Girl From Australia’s Gold Coast to the Hollywood silver screen, Margot Robbie is the rising star everyone’s talking about…

XX

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PA PHOTO/WARNER BROTHERS

CELEBRITY

At

26 years old some people have acquired a degree, some are married, some, if they’re lucky may have a mortgage.

And then there are those like Margot Robbie, who is starring in not one, but two major Hollywood blockbusters this summer, that have already racked up an impressive series of accolades and award nominations and worked with legends like Martin Scorsese, Leonardo DiCaprio and Will Smith.

But, it’s not without hard work that Robbie has achieved what she has at her tender age – raised on the Gold Coast of Australia, she grew up in a farming family and dreams of stardom couldn’t have been further from her mind.

“I didn’t decide, ‘I’m going to be an actress.’

I thought that only happened to people born in Hollywood.”

Her break came when she moved to Melbourne and subsequently landed the role of Donna Friedman in Neighbours – a part she would play for three years from the age of 17 to 20, before deciding the bright lights of LA were calling. In 2011, she arrived in the city and set about securing her first Hollywood role – auditioning for a part in the

Charlie’s Angels TV series. Although she didn’t get the part, producers were impressed and instead cast her as flight attendant Laura Cameron in the ABC drama series Pan Am, and she quickly found herself shooting and living in New York.

Unfortunately, within a few months, it became clear that the show’s concept wasn’t working, and after one series it was cancelled. For many actresses in the infancy of their career this may have come as a blow, but Robbie had been secretly working hard behind the scenes, looking to secure another role – and she just so happened upon one that would become the defining moment in her rise to stardom.

At just 22, Robbie landed the part of Naomi Lapaglia in Martin Scorsese’s adaption of The Wolf of Wall Street. Not only was this a major role, she was playing the wife of a major star – Leonardo DiCaprio. But, it was her gutsy audition that won her the admiration of Scorsese and DiCaprio, when she went off script and in the heat of the moment, hit Leo across the face.

“I’m thinking, ‘you just hit Leonardo DiCaprio in the face. They’re going to arrest you because that’s assault. You’re definitely never going to work again, that’s for sure. They’ll probably sue you as well in case there’s a bruise on his face and he needs to film something else.’”

Thankfully, the fiery improvisation paid off and

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CELEBRITY

within a week she had secured the role – one that put her firmly on the map and on magazine covers across the world. The film became Scorsese’s highest grossing movie, and for her skills she received critical acclaim and awards including the Empire Award for best newcomer.

“Wolf was so insane and doing it was such a crazy, amazing experience. But once I’d done it, or while I was doing it even, I didn’t see how I could possibly move things forward from that because that was just so incredible.”

The world had sat up and taken notice of Robbie, but she wasn’t about to let the acting world swallow her up – instead of splashing out on a luxury LA apartment, she moved to London and began living ‘like a student’ in a house with eight people. Now in a house of four, she lives with best friend and assistant Sophia, Josey McNamara and boyfriend Tom Ackerley, an assistant director who she met on the set of the World War II film Suite Française. Even when she landed the role of Jane in this summer’s adaptation of Tarzan, she refused to give up the London lifestyle to fit in with Hollywood expectation, and declined to lose weight for the role.

“If she’s got a bit of weight on her, it’s probably a good thing.

I’m not going to look thin just for the sake of it. It was my first time living in London properly and I wanted to try every pub!”

Initially, Robbie wasn’t interested in the role of Jane in The Legend of Tarzan, saying she ‘didn’t want to play the damsel in distress’, but once she read the script she changed her mind about the character and signed up to play the lead

SO

alongside Alexander Skarsgard.

No sooner had Tarzan wrapped, than she was back on set – this time in a completely different role, playing Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad – a Batman spin-off where she stars as the Joker’s psychotic girlfriend who loves causing mayhem and destruction. Unlike many actors, Robbie insisted on training hard and learning to do as many stunts as she could – earning her kudos from the cast and director alike, with the latter, director David Ayers commenting: “She’s a tough girl, and she’s incredibly smart and mature beyond her years. She has ridiculous depth, and she’s never been coddled, so she’s very physically courageous. The things she was doing herself as far as stunts, you wouldn’t believe. There’s only a handful of actors who do that sort of work themselves.”

A decade ago, Margot Robbie was an Australian teenager working in Subway – now she’s the golden girl from the Gold Coast, for whom nothing seems out of reach. With several other films in the pipeline, and some production work too, she’s nothing if not ambitious, but that drive, and one small slap of a Hollywood superstar is what’s got her where she is today.

“The whole fake-it-till-you-make-it thing has really worked out for me. The more times you do that, the more you realise that no one really knows what they’re doing; everyone’s kind of figuring it out or pretending they know until they do know. And you can apply that to anything – you just have to hustle.”

PA PHOTO/WARNER BROTHERS

FILM CRITIC DAMON SMITH GIVES HIS VERDICT ON THE LEGEND OF TARZAN entertaining and rumbustious romp

root for the lovers when the odds are

are pawns in a deadly game

that focuses on the love story between

stacked heavily against them.

masterminded by Machiavellian

the orphaned hero and his plucky

It has been many years since

Belgian envoy, Captain Leon Rom

sweetheart against a backdrop of late-

Tarzan (Skarsgard) left behind

(Christoph Waltz), who has agreed

19th century treachery.

the jungles of Africa to settle into

to deliver Tarzan to Chief Mbonga

gentrified life as John Clayton III,

(Djimon Hounsou) in exchange for

his magic at the helm of the final

Lord Greystoke, with his beloved

the legendary diamonds of Opar.

four films in the Harry Potter saga,

wife, Jane (Robbie).

Director David Yates, who worked

A stand-off ensues and Jane is captured as tantalising bait.

It’s been almost 100 years since

orchestrates vine-swinging action

The lush paradise of the Congo is a

Edgar Rice Burroughs’ muscular

sequences with aplomb, festooned

sweet, distant memory until the British

protector of the jungle swung into

with a menagerie of computer-

Prime Minister (Jim Broadbent) passes

action on the big screen in the

generated animals that look

on an invitation from King Leopold II of

swaggering form of silent movie

incredibly realistic in close-up.

Belgium to visit the Congo as a trade

his soulmate, John gathers together

emissary of Parliament.

his animal friends and unleashes the

actor Elmo Lincoln.

Olympic swimmer Johnny

Digital might beat its chest in every lush frame including a bone-

John initially refuses, but gun-

“He’s Tarzan, you’re Jane. He’ll come for you,” smirks Rom. Faced with the prospect of losing

primal warrior of the past.

Weissmuller popularised the iconic

crunching fight between Tarzan

slinging American envoy George

Shot at Warner Bros. Studios near

role in the 1930s and 1940s before

and one of his ape brethren and a

Washington Williams (Samuel L

Watford and on location around the

more recent incarnations including

terrifying stampede.

Jackson) persuades the Greystoke

UK, The Legend of Tarzan captures

heir to go in order to investigate

the bare necessities of Burroughs’ source text with gusto.

Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan

However, Yates is careful to stoke

with Christopher Lambert and

the smouldering on-screen embers

rumours that Leopold has enslaved

Disney’s animated rendering.

between an impressively bare-

local tribes to build his railroad.

Written by Adam Cozad and Craig

chested Alexander Skarsgard and

John, Jane and George depart

Brewer, The Legend of Tarzan is an

the luminous Margot Robbie so we

for the Congo, unaware that they

Skarsgard and Robbie are an attractive pairing, the latter imbuing her heroine with steeliness and resolve.

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THE LOOK

SO

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

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25/07/2016 15:08

The

ace

of HOOPER S Hoopers Tunbridge Wells is searching for two models to be crowned the Face of Hoopers 2016- could you be one of them?

F

rom the 1st August,

model-worthy treats from

Hoopers Tunbridge Wells

Hoopers' inspired selection of

will be launching its search

fashion, accessories, beauty

to find two local faces - one male,

and homewares.

one female - to star in the store's AW16 Fashion Show

SO MAGAZINE PHOTOSHOOT

in September.

The two competition winners will

But the winners will not only

continue on their model

walk the Hoopers runway-they

experience by starring in the

will also each win a selection of

fashion pages of So Magazine.

Printed in October's edition of the

exclusive prizes, including £500 to spend in store and a photo shoot

luxury lifestyle publication, each

in So Magazine ...

winner will have the opportunity to

THE PRIZES

world - and who knows who

HOOPERS AW16 FASHION SHOW

might be looking?

present their unique style to the

The two lucky winners of the Face

HOW TO ENTER

of Hoopers will star in the AW16 Fashion Show on Thursday 15th

If you think you have the

September.

confidence and style to be

In the hours before the show, the

crowned the Face of Hoopers, you

winners will receive a full model

can enter the competition by

experience, learning to rock the

sending a head shot and a full

runway and enjoying a glamorous

length body shot to

makeover to prepare for their

twfaceofhoopers@hoopersstores.

moment in the limelight. Each

corn, alongside a maximum of 100

winner will also receive 4 tickets

words stating why you think it

for friends and family to watch

should be you .

their star turn on the catwalk.

The competition closes on August 27th, and shortlisted entrants will be contacted and

£500 TO SPEND IN STORE

Each new face will win a fabulous

asked to attend an audition to wow

£500 to spend at Hoopers, giving

the judges in person, before the

the lucky winners the chance to

winners are announced in

shop till they drop in the iconic

early September.

designer-led store.

With exclusive collections from

Follow the competition at:

an eclectic mix of brands all under

Facebook: @HoopersStores

one roof, each winner can

Twitter: @HoopersEdit

handpick their very own edit of

Website: www.hoopersstores.com

TERMS & CONDITIONS This competition is open to all persons aged 16 and over. Competition runs from Monday 1st August until Saturday 27th August 2016. Entries received after the closing date will not be accepted. Entrants must be available w/c 12th September for rehearsals and the Hoopers Fashion Show on Thursday 15th September. Shortlisted entrants will be notified by Wednesday 31st August and asked to attend a

short audition on Saturday 3rd September. Winners will be notified no later than Wednesday 7th September. Entrants agree that any photography shared or taken before, during or after the competition directly in line with the Face of Hoopers can be used as promotional material by Hoopers or it's supporting sponsors. There is no cash alternative to the £500 to spend in store. Judges decision is final.

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THE LOOK

SO

FASHION INSIDER

THIS MONTH, CATHERINE DE CREVECOEUR FROM WWW.STYLEPOURMOI.COM ENCOURAGES US TO TEAM UP AND HIT THE SHOPS...

T

ime is such a precious thing. For any of you who are busy dealing with work, home and family, you sometimes may feel that having time for doing nice things is a rare thing. My job requires me to spend a lot of my time with my clients, finding them the perfect clothes and showing them new ways of dressing so that they look and feel fabulous, so I know too well the pleasure and enjoyment, shopping for clothes can bring.

Time simply spent browsing the shops with a friend, your mum, sister, can be one of those really fun, enjoyable moments. It can be even made more fun by asking your ‘shopping buddy’ what they love and why.

Set yourselves a task to find things that you think would look good on each other. Shopping as quality time together is not just about the purchase, it’s the perfect opportunity for you to share ideas, learning each other’s tastes and getting inspiration for outfits of your own. Whether it’s an accessory, a top or an outfit for a special occasion that you’re looking for, getting a close one’s point of view can open a whole new world of possibilities.

Having said that, I think it’s also fair to say that there might also be some disagreements during your shopping ventures; my mum came to visit me one year at uni and convinced me that a bright red and orange tube dress looked great on me. I’d say it probably wasn’t one of my best fashion moments but I really enjoyed our day popping in and out of the shops and taking our time to just appreciate each other’s company. I bought this dress (above) in the Topshop sale for a steal during a recent girl’s day out. What fab finds will you get thanks to your shopping buddies?

Catherine de Crèvecoeur PERSONAL STYLIST www.stylepourmoi.com

STEAL HER STYLE

Model of the moment, Mica Arganaraz, showcases one of this coming autumn season’s hottest trends, with masculine tailoring and wide trousers.

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TIP Avoid frustration and last minute morning rush by picking your outfit out the night before.

Splurge vs Steal This mini messenger handbag is perfect for adding a pop of colour to brighten up your everyday outfit (Furla £115). Equally colourful but at a fraction of the price, grab yourself this little number by Therapy for just £20.

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25/07/2016 12:28

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

''

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

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

,,

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

Call us today to book a FREE consultation

Featured surgeon on 111111[!)

'Facelifts & Fillers'

We also offer...

Neck Lift

Liposuction

Mr Amir Nakhdjevani

Upper & Lower Eyelids

Fat Transfer

MBBS, MRCS, FRCS (Plast.)

Lip Enhancement

Tattoo Removal

Consultant Plastic & Hair Transplant Surgeon

Breast Surgery

Revision Surgery

Tummy Tuck

Hair Transplant

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www.bellavou.co.uk 21/07/2016 14:35

THE LOOK

SO

SUMMER BRIGHTS JAZZ UP YOUR HOLIDAY WARDROBE WITH THESE COLOURFUL BUYS

OPERA

Xtra life swimsuit, £149 www.peterhahn.co.uk

MARIA’S BAG

Cross body fringe Santiago Sacatepéquez, £375 www.mariasbag.co.uk

CATH KIDSTON

Orchard bloom raglan sleeve dress, £75 www.cathkidston.com

FOREVER UNIQUE

Rue lime pleated maxi dress, £260 www.littleblackdress.co.uk

LK BENNETT

Fern lime suede courts, £195 www.lkbennett.com

CASHARA

Floral silk poncho, £50 www.cashara.co.uk

RADLEY

Fuchsia clutch, £99 www.ashforddesigneroutlet.com

EAST

Nico silk kimono, £199 www.east.co.uk

AUGUST 2 0 1 6

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53

25/07/2016 12:26

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25/07/2016 12:42

THE LOOK

SO

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

NO SWEAT

supermarket too? I ask my clients this all the

– something anti-bacterial with lots of

I go to the gym first thing in the

time and the majority would be horrified to

salicylic acid in it (all this does is dissolve the

morning before work. Sometimes I don’t

use a budget cleanser or moisturiser that

glue that bonds dead skin cells and bacteria

have time to wash my hair, and by the

they grabbed from the shelf in the

to your face). Set a reminder on your

time I get to work at 9am it’s sweaty

supermarket, yet for some reason have no

calendar for a few days before your cycle

and flat. What can I do that makes me a

problem using poorer quality products on

starts. Apply your spot cream to your area of

bit more meeting-ready?

their hair. Premium salon-sold shampoos

concern every night going to bed and hey

TALIA BROOKS, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

and conditioners have been designed by

presto! No spots.

Gary: I would recommend keeping

industry professionals, rigorously tested and are formulated with much cleaner and more

Redken’s Pillow Proof Blowdry Two Day

potent ingredients. Budget haircare contains

END OF THE LINE

Extender in your gym bag. It’s an oil-

a high percentage of water and sulphates

I love using eyeliner every day but I get to

absorbing dry shampoo. This means you are

designed just to lather up lots and make your

lunchtime and find that it’s run and puddled

getting a surface cleanse to your hair while

hair feel clean but not necessarily do the job.

in the corner of my eye. How do I make it

mopping-up any sweat from 7am yoga, and

Salon brands may be more expensive but

last all day?

it will give you body and texture for the day.

are less water-diluted and will last a lot longer

CASSIE DAVIES, RIVERHILL

After the gym, just spray this into the roots of

on the bathroom shelf.

your hair. If you want a sleek look, tie your hair up, and for a more textured look, after

David: I get this complaint a lot! Firstly, have a look at your eye cream. Is it extra-

spraying, put your head under the hand-

CHIN UP

dryer at the gym and give it some body!

I keep getting spot break-outs on my chin.

sink into your skin before you apply your

What can I do to stop this?

liner? Are you applying an extra-

HELEN WALL, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

moisturising concealer all over your eye

TOP CONDITION

rich? Are you giving it enough time to

first? If so, you might want to think about

I have never really invested in expensive

David: I’m going to go out on a limb an

shampoos or conditioners for my hair. I’ve

guess that these spot break-outs, specifically

formula you’re using. Liquid liner does

always got by on using whatever I grabbed

on the chin, happen once a month? When

not last on a naked lid – you need to

from the supermarket. Should I invest?

hormones flush, the skin gets a little

prime it. Gel liners last much longer,

LUCY HARMER, TENTERDEN

overwhelmed and tends to drop its defences

and waterproof formulas are best.

and breakout in spots across one’s chin. It’s

For extra oomph use a gel liner first,

natural. t’s inevitable... but it is also

allow to dry, then go on top with an

preventable. Get yourself a good spot cream

inky black liquid liner.

Gary: Let me ask you a question. Do you get your skincare or your makeup from the

that. Secondly, think about the eyeliner

AUGUST 2 0 1 6

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25/07/2016 12:21

~

Pur1t~ I

I:

Breast A\Nareness Evening

From Fillers to Facelifts, Breasts to Body Contouring, our Consultant Plastic Surgeons are here for you , , I felt in safe hands at all times and am delighted with the results , , -MsSG

Book your appointment for expert advice & guidance now!

01892 536 960 info@puritybridge.co.uk

www.puritybridge.co.uk Untitled-14 1

21/07/2016 14:35

THE LOOK

SO

BEAUTY

bulletin Here are some of our favourite new hair and beauty discoveries this month

 URBAN DECAY

 ENVIRON

 JANE IREDALE

VICE LIPSTICK, £15 Available in a staggering 100 shades, Urban Decay’s new lipstick is a makeup bag must-have. With six different finishes, including the edgy mega matte and the pretty sheer shimmer, these lipsticks are packed with nourishing properties. Lips stay moisturised thanks to the addition of aloe vera, jojoba, avocado and Illipe butter, so you can rock bold colours without the worry of them drying out your pout.

HYDRATING OIL CAPSULES, £44 Environ’s oil capsules have been formulated as a night time treatment tonic to energise the skin and increase free radical defence. The product hydrates and improves the general health of the skin, as well as reducing uneven skin tone and fine lines. Containing vitamins A and C, sunflower seed, soybean oils, green tea extract and Lipochromalin, these handy little pods leave skin feeling instantly softened, and by morning you’ll be glowing.

QUAD BRONZER, £29.95 Jane Iredale’s hero quad bronzers have had a summer makeover, and have been re-designed for improved portability. Each of the three bronzers provides a gorgeous, shimmery glow while looking natural, and can be used all over, including on the eyes and lips. Formulated with antioxidant protection from pine bark and pomegranate extracts the refillable compacts are perfect for portable on-the-glow touch ups.

www.urbandecay.co.uk

www.iiaa.eu

www.janeiredale.co.uk

 ANANNÉ

 KATHERINE DANIELS

URBAN SHIELD CONCENTRATE, 30ML £35 Launching this month, Katherine Daniels Urban Shield Concentrate is a new super-hydrating serum that’s soothing, skin boosting and works to tackle dehydration lines and reduce open pores. The concentrated formula works to boost the skin’s normal moisture levels, and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. It also has an anti-redness effect on skin exposed to the elements and UV radiation.

SERICUM BODY LOTION, 200ML £35 Envelop your skin in a deeply nourishing blend of Shea butter and moringaseed oil with Sericum, a luxurious, moisturising daily body lotion. A natural antioxidant, Passionfruit oil gently exfoliates, tones and firms as it is massaged into the skin.

The nutrient rich formula is quickly absorbed and hints of warm mandarin and zesty citrus fruits are released.

www.katherinedanielcosmetics.com

www.ananne.co.uk

 SWELL

 ESTÉE LAUDER

DOUBLE WEAR CUSHION STICK RADIANT MAKEUP, £28 This easy to use foundation has a built-in cushion tip to dispense the long wearing, instantly hydrating foundation. Lasting for eight hours, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles are immediately reduced, while skin tone is evened and skin is hydrated. Just twist up, apply and blend, and within seconds you’ll have a flawless, glowing complexion.

SILHOUETTE OF GRACE BROW EXPERT GEL, £22.77 If you want fuller, perfectly groomed brows then look no further than Rouge Bunny Rouge’s new eyebrow product. The brow expert gel comes in two different formulas to give you the desired effect – ‘earthshine’ is a light hazelnut tinted gel with matching fibres to shape and to fill in the brows, while ‘airglow’ is clear, and offers a lovely, invisible styling effect.

ULTIMATE VOLUME DRY SHAMPOO, £20 If you’re looking for a dry shampoo that’s a little bit different to others on the market, then get your hands on Swell’s latest offering. Unlike a chalky spray, this clever product contains rice starch which stops clumping, while pro vitamin B5 keeps hair soft and silky. Not only does it smell great, it also boosts hair’s volume – and it’s non-aerosol too, which we love.

www.esteelauder.co.uk

www.rougebunnyrouge.com

www.swell.co.uk

 ROUGE BUNNY ROUGE

AUGUST 2 0 1 6

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25/07/2016 12:21

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SO

SI~ BANWELL

20°/o off and a FREE skin tightening treatment with any ultrasound lipo course Offering a range of slimming & toning treatments and skin products.

Operating from 'You Time Beauty' in Wallcrouch and 'Beautique' in Sevenoaks.

The Banwell Clinic is a boutique destination for skin health, anti-ageing, and cosmetic procedures.

We offer the latest cutting edge technologies for body contouring and facial treatments.

Skin Care I Skin Health Non-surgical body contouring Mole Checks I Mole Removal Breast surgery I Body contouring Mummy makeovers I Facial Rejuvenation The Banwell Clinic

07825 757 934 info@s le nderwave.co.u k

01 342 330302 help@banwellclinic.com

U k ~ fJud FLIU'eaif ~...

Join us today & choose from 2 mini treats for £35 or 3 for £50

Or you could go for Which mini treats work just for YOU?

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26/07/2016 17:46

fresh thinking. real results.

We'd like to share our secret with you ...

Get ready to look years younger with our Fractional RF Micro-Needling Treatment!

Fractional RF Micro-Needling System is the latest minimally invasive technology that combines advantages of Radiofrequency and Micro-Needling Therapy to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, scarring and sagging skin.

Fractional RF Micro-Needling System delivers RF energy into the dermis by injecting micro-needles causing selective heating in the deep dermis leaving columns of undamaged tissue in between.

Minimally invasive RF thermal energy creates fractional electrocoagulation in the skin which facilitates the natural Wound Healing Process. WHP promotes collagen remodelling and wound contraction, reducing skin laxity and wrinkles.

Treatment is particularly effective for: • Wrinkle reduction around lips, chin, eye area, decolletage and neck • General skin rejuvenation : improves the texture and tone of the skin • Acne scarring and scars caused by burns or surgery • Skin tightening and lifting • Stretch marks • Large pores The combination of Micro-Needling and RF energy stimulates the body's natural collagen and healing processes with little or no downtime and at a fraction of the price of more invasive procedures.

The whole face approach

www.rtwskin.co.uk

01892 22 22 22

lsJ

@rtwskin

rtwskin

support@rtwskin.co.uk

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

Untitled-17 1

26/07/2016 16:51

Nuffield Health Family Fun Day!

Saturday 27th August

1-4pm

Kingswood Road, Tunbridge Wells Come along with you r fa mily a nd joi n us in celebration

of ou r C hild ren a nd

You ng People's Services

•

Food a nd refreshments

•

Face pa inting

•

Tou rs of the hospi ta l

•

Expert ta lks

•

Ga mes a nd activities fo r the fa mily

1.15 - 1.45pm

•

Meet Nuffy Bear himself a nd have photos taken

M r Darryl Coombes - Denta l Extraction in C hild ren

•

N uffy Bear Hunt arou nd the hospita l

1.45-2. l 5pm

Expert Talks

Samantha Cowley - C hild ren and You ng Services

Official opening of our new, child-friendly MRI scanner:

v' In-built entertainment system - great for distracting little ones

v' Wider bore

2.15-2.45pm Andrew Reader - Physiotherapy for C hild ren

2.45-3.15pm Miss Pei- Pei C heo ng -Paediatric Ear, N ose a nd Throat Consulta nt

- less claustrophobic

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

; ; Nuffield Health FOR THE LOVE OF LIFE

Untitled-14 1

-

01892 883 638

@

www.nuffieldhealth.com

Hospitals +

Health Checks

+ Physic + Gyms

21/07/2016 14:40

THE LOOK

SO

HAPPY HOLIDAYS Boost your body confidence and love your holiday snaps this summer be busy planning a little rest and relaxation

S

snaps you’re proud to show your friends and

your return, to help rejuvenate skin and

in the sun. While plenty of us can’t wait to

family, why not try teeth whitening or lip

remove impurities.

hit the beach and pose for some memorable

enhancements? You can go on holiday with a

holiday photos, some of us would love a last

beautifully enhanced smile, which you won’t be

face and neck, there’s still time to treat yourself

minute confidence boost. Research shows that

able to resist showing off at every possible

to the ConceptTM Facelift. Carried out under

women are twice as likely as men to experience

moment. The latest lip implants, such as

local anaesthetic, you can be in and out of

anxiety about their looks while on holiday. Bella

Permalip™, are designed to look and feel natural

surgery within a couple of hours and fully

ummer is finally here and many of us will

“To make your holiday a memorable one with

Vou’s Consultant Plastic Surgeon, Amir Nakhdjevani, has some great advice for those who want to look their best on holiday.

“If you’re looking for a quick fix before your summer holiday, there are a number of cosmetic procedures on offer that don’t require a long recovery, which is the last thing you need when you’re trying to prepare for a relaxing break away.

Schedule a treatment before you fly and on

“If you have loose or sagging skin on your

healed in less than two weeks, so you can jet

“Air conditioning on planes can really dry out your skin, causing premature aging.

A deluxe facial procedure, can significantly improve the look and feel of your skin.

“If you’re concerned about ‘glowing’

off to your destination of choice looking absolutely fabulous.

“Regardless of where you holiday this summer, it is important to remember to regularly apply a good quality sun screen to your skin, to reduce the potentially harmful ageing effects of UV rays and protect you from sunburn and melanoma. Topping up your sun cream every couple of hours is the best way to

excessively on holiday (only horses sweat!)

while permanently enhancing your lip volume

ensure lovely holiday pictures and avoid

then a muscle relaxant treatment can alleviate

and shape. Lip fillers provide a temporary

looking like a lobster.”

embarrassment. Typically used to reduce the

solution, adding volume to your lips to give you

appearance of wrinkles, Botox has the added

that perfect selfie pout in just 15 minutes.

bonus of reducing the amount of sweat you

“Air conditioning on planes can really dry

If you’re interested in any of the mentioned procedures and would like more information,

produce, meaning you can enjoy your summer

out your skin, causing premature aging. A

contact Bella Vou and speak to one of our

break without that dreaded shiny forehead and

deluxe facial procedure, can significantly

consultants on 01892 257 061 or visit

sweaty top lip, palms or underarms.

improve the look and feel of your skin.

www.bellavou.co.uk

AUGUST 2 0 1 6

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ADVERTORIAL

SO

EXPERT OPINION PROFESSIONAL ADVICE ON YOUR HEALTH, BEAUTY AND WELLBEING

LOOKING AFTER YOUR CHILDREN’S HEALTH If you are a parent, there is nothing more important to you than your children’s health and wellbeing.

That is why we make sure we have the best experts and the best services to help you look after your family.

Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Hospital offers a wide variety of children’s services, including day surgery and overnight stays, outpatients, pre-assessments and surgeries.

OUR PAEDIATRIC EXPERTISE

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

neonates in a high dependency unit, as well as undertaking a two-year research

Nuffield Health has a variety of

If there is an area of child

project with the Foundation of Nursing

paediatric healthcare

health that you would like to

Studies. Her specialisms include allergy

professionals, including nursing

know more about, please do

advice, infant feeding, asthma (education

staff, health care assistants,

get in touch. We organise

and management advice), breastfeeding

consultants, physiotherapists and our trained nursery staff.

regular child-health information sessions and aim to structure them around the topics that

and tongue ties. Sam works at both our Kingswood Road Hospital in the centre of Tunbridge Wells and the crèche at

Nuffield Health offers different surgical

are most important to you. Whether it is

Nuffield Health

and non-surgical specialities for children

managing childhood asthma, infant

Gym Tunbridge Wells Knights Park

such as:

feeding or encouraging fussy toddlers to

– if you bump into her after a workout,

Orthopaedic and sports injuries

eat, Nuffield are always here to help. If it

she will be happy to share her

Diagnostic procedures

matters to you, it matters to us!

expertise with you!

Minor procedures Cosmetic surgery

MEET THE EXPERT

Physiotherapy

SAMANTHA COWLEY

TALK TO OUR EXPERTS

Children and Young People’s Lead

To arrange a no obligation consultation

PARENT EDUCATION

Clinical Nurse Specialist

with one of our paediatric experts, or to

We run regular parent education

After completing her nursing training at

find out more about our parent

seminars on:

King,s College London, Sam began her

information sessions contact

Allergies

professional career looking after children

01892 883 638

Breastfeeding

and young people on a busy general

tun.enq@nuffieldhealth.com

Baby and parent lead feeding

medical and surgical ward in the south

www.nuffieldhealth.com/

Choking algorithms

east. She then specialised in nursing and

tunbridgewellshospital

AUGUST 2 0 1 6

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26/07/2016 09:56

The Sa()oy has always been, and continues Lo be, Lhe place in London Lo hosL Lhe mosL signiftcanL and mosL memorable of e()enls. Sa()oy Weddings by Bruce R-ussell is an entirely

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Our impressive room.s and spaces allow for any style of

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25/07/2016 15:14

WEDDINGS

SO

THE SECRET DIARY OF A BRIDE TO BE This month, our bride is worried about signing her name away…

IF THERE’S ONE THING I’ve learned about weddings (other than how obscenely expensive they are), it’s that no-matter what the topic, someone will have an opinion on it. From a guest telling me she “wouldn’t bother with a hat because unless it’s in a church it’s not a ‘real’ wedding”, to my grandmother having a minor meltdown because my dress bares a tiny bit of flesh, when you’re planning a wedding, everyone else suddenly becomes an ‘expert’.

With every decision I’ve had to make so far in the planning process, someone has had something to say on the matter, but probably one of the most hotly-contested topics is the name change – and, more precisely, whether I should take my new husband’s surname.

A few years ago, when a lot of my friends tied the knot around the same time, weddings were all we discussed. During one such conversation, the topic of name changes came up, and what my friends’ new surnames were to be, post-wedding.

“I don’t think I’ll change mine if I get married,” I piped up. The look I was met with was as if I’d just announced that my favourite pastime was stoning kittens to death.

“I hate modern women like you,” was the eventual response. And that was that.

Until now. Now, I have to decide what I want my name to be in a few months’ time, and while a few years ago I was sure I wouldn’t change, now I’m uncertain. Not because of my friend’s comment (she’s now divorced and wishes she’d never taken his name), but because there are many more factors to consider. I’ve lived with my name for my whole life, so is it time to adopt a new identity, or should I stick to what I know?

My fiancé claims that he doesn’t mind what I choose, but deep down I think he’d quite like me to take his name.

Unfortunately, double-barrelling isn’t an option as our names sound ridiculous together, so it’s one or the other (or we both pick something completely different – I’m tempted by Windsor…)

Then there’s the constant articles being

shared online, about how women shouldn’t change their name – apparently it’s now ‘anti-feminist’ to take your husband’s surname, so we should rebel. I thought feminism was about the freedom to choose, but apparently I was wrong.

Also, if I do keep my maiden name, what happens to my title? Will I still be a Mrs? Miss? Ms? Captain?

Although children aren’t on my horizon any time soon, friends with kids have told me that having the same surname as a family helps – I’ve been told horror stories about mums who can’t pick up their kids from school because they don’t share their child’s name, or problems when it comes to going on holiday because the passports don’t match.

Clearly, there’s a lot to consider, and the more I think about it, the less I’m sure.

Maybe I’ll go for Mrs Clooney – that has a nice ring to it…

Next month, our bride wonders why there’s so much pressure when tying the knot...

AUGUST 2 0 1 6

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SO

St Julians Club t.AN EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE 011EMBERS' (LUE A secret hideaway in the Weald of Kem, Sr Julians is an elegant Georgian country house just outside of Sevenoaks. Surrounded by woodland and landscaped gardens with breath-raking views across the rolling countryside, Sr Julians is an exceptional venue for your event.

Our beautiful listed rooms leading to a flagstone terrace are the perfect setting for music and drinks. Sr Julians suits dinner parties, charity balls and informal birthday parties of 10 to 150.

We still have dares available in 2016 - get in touch with us to discuss availability and prices, or visit our website for further information.

LA U]{ff2YE VE?{yE 'BESPOKE PLANNING & EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE

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KENT'S LEADING COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL

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Set in Kent's beautiful Garden of England. Less than 40 minutes from London.

Tel: 0 I 23 3 2 13 020 I Ema i I: weddings @; east we! I ma nor.co. uk I www.eas t we 11 manor. co. uk Eastwell Park, Boughton Lees, Ashford, Kent T N25 4HR

66

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EVENT

SO

SOCIAL A SUNNY CELEBRATION Sunshine, music, food and dance from around the world was the order of the day at the 11th Tunbridge Wells Mela Festival which took place in Calverley Grounds.The Mela Festival stage programme featured a range of culturally diverse acts, and headlining was international bhangra superstar Jassi Sidhu who had the crowd up and dancing with his unique fusion of bhangra and pop music.

Alongside the exciting stage programme there was a creative arts zone with workshops, music lessons and plenty of food and craft stalls. www.cohesionplus.com PHOTOS BY SARAH KNIGHT / COHESION PLUS & SARAH BOND

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25/07/2016 12:15

SO

EVENT

SOCIAL JUST SO To mark the 100th issue of So Magazine, a celebratory evening was held at the new One Warwick Park Hotel in Tunbridge Wells.

Esteemed clients and guests gathered at the hotel to enjoy fizz, canapĂŠs and cake, and to toast the magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success. During the event, editorial director Richard Moore and commercial director Nick Moore each addressed the guests and team behind the magazine to thank them for their continued support.

PICTURES BY SARAH BOND

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EVENT

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SO

25TH

JULY -

4TH

SEPTEMBER

SEVENOAKS LEISURE CENTRE

WHITE OAK LEISURE CENTRE

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70

AUGUST 2 0 1 6

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26/07/2016 10:19

EVENT

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SOCIAL SPARKLING CELEBRATION To celebrate the South East’s tourism, food and drink and agricultural industries, Biddenden Vineyards held their annual open evening where the best local produce was showcased and sampled. Guests were treated to a range of locally sourced refreshments and served by the producers themselves with beers from Romney Marsh Brewery, gins from Anno Distillers, and strawberries from Haven Farm Shop with cream from Hinxden Dairy. There was also cheese from Cheesemakers of Canterbury, fudge from Fudge Kitchen, canapés from Chives Caterers and S. W. Doughty butchers plus crisps from Kent Crisps. www.biddendenvineyards.com PICTURES BY MANU PALOMEQUE

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SOCIAL FESTIVAL FEELING Despite the odd summer shower, spirits were high at Tentertainment – Tenterden’s annual free music festival. To celebrate its tenth year, their biggest event yet took place over three days with a spectacular line-up including Youth Club, The Soundcasters and The Bay Rays, who also performed at Glastonbury. As well as the music, visitors enjoyed local food and drink produce, family activities, face painting, arts and crafts and rides. www.tentertainment.co.uk PICTURES BY STUART KIRK PHOTOGRAPHY

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OCEANS

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SOCIAL A FINE TIME An exclusive presentation evening was held in Tunbridge Wells, when Burrells and Tudor revealed the 2016 Tudor watch collection to VIP customers. Guests admired the new watches over a glass of crisp Prosecco and were treated to delicious canapés and music. Sven Olsen, UK General Manager at Tudor, spoke to guests about the new collection, which includes the Black Bay Bronze, this year’s biggest surprise at Baselworld.

To add to the excitement, guest speaker Carl Fogarty MBE was there on the night, the most successful World Superbike rider of all time.

“It was fantastic to have Carl Fogarty at our Tudor event,” says Edward Ferris, owner of Burrells. “Following the success of our last event with Sir Ranulph Fiennes it was wonderful to be able to bring another icon to meet and talk to our customers.” www.burrellsjewellers.co.uk

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25/07/2016 11:02

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BUSINESS

LIFE ONLINE

LOUISE ROBINSON

DAVID BURKE PHOTOGRAPHY

From writing fashion features to posting about family fun, we meet the local women who are at the forefront of the blogging world

I

t’s hard to keep track of just how many blogs there are in the world, but when you take into account that one of the leading platforms, Tumblr sees 291.7million posts written a month, and Wordpress has 409million people viewing more than 21.4billion pages monthly, it’s safe

to assume that blogs, and bloggers have a substantial standing and an influence that many companies and business people could only dare to dream of.

Locally, the blogging scene is thriving – from those who write about their pets in their spare

time, to those who have made their sites into a full time career, there’s never been a time when blogging has been more prolific. We speak to four local bloggers, who share their thoughts on the online world, and how the platforms they created have changed their lives…

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THE FOODIE BLOGGER LOUISE ROBINSON, CYGNET KITCHEN www.cygnetkitchen.co.uk

Two years ago, Louise Robinson from Burwash decided to combine her love of food and photography and set up her site whilst still working. Now, through the success of her blog she’s turned her passion into a career, and inspires thousands of people with her culinary creations

producers…it’s snowballed!”

KEEPING IT LOCAL “People ask me to do things, like promote beef from Argentina, but it would be so disingenuous and I couldn’t do it. I want to promote the amazing produce we get here – we’re in the Garden of England and I could probably feature a different producer every week, it’s just a question of time!”

LET THEM EAT CAKE “When I do things like layer cakes, they get the biggest amount interaction. Sadly, I haven’t got time to do one every week – there are endless things I want to be doing, especially when something comes into season. The way I blog, because I photograph in stages and it’s very stylised it takes a long time. If I was just photographing the end result I could easily blog once or twice a week but I don’t want to change what I do and it gives me a platform to showcase my photography.”

DIFFERENT PATH

LOUISE ROBINSON

“When you come into something through not having trained in it, there is an element of you feeling a little bit of a charlatan. I think there has been some resentment towards bloggers, that perhaps we’re not qualified.

It must be frustrating for people who have trained, but I do think the internet has opened up a whole world, I don’t think there is a sure path any more, I think there’s many different ways of getting somewhere.”

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS “I was still working part time up until December, so the blog has been my main focus since then. I’ve been very careful how I operate – I always wanted it to be a quality platform, and never to use it solely as a means of income – it was supposed to be a springboard, and that’s exactly what’s happened. Now, as well as blogging I work for Great British Chefs, The Japan Centre, Norwegian Seafood and I’ve worked with and done photography for other artisan

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now have to work harder than they did when blogging started.”

A REAL PASSION “Blogging is really intensive and hard work – for anyone who wants to start a food blog, there’s a lot of work involved. I spent every weekend for two years doing it while I was working, and you have to feel passionate about it. The thing I really love doing is going out and meeting producers, that always gives me a real buzz, even if I’m feeling a bit flat about blogging it always gets me going a bit – that passion is infectious.

If I had to blog about smoothies and avocado on toast, I’d stop next week.”

INTERNET INFLUENCE “Bloggers are incredibly influential. In fact, there’s a whole trend of moving away from calling yourself a blogger and calling yourself an ‘influencer’. I think that’s a bit pretentious but because we’re seen as the girl next door, who’s cooking in their own kitchen and has local knowledge of restaurants and producers, I think we have quite a lot of power because people assume you’re quite honest, and I think that’s a big responsibility. It’s interesting how it’s changing and evolving, and I think people

STATS* Monthly site visits: 8,000 Instagram: 2,000 Twitter: 1,050 Facebook: 800

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THE FAMILY BLOGGER CLARE LUSH-MANSELL, MY TUNBRIDGE WELLS www.mytunbridgewells.com

Formerly a PR consultant who jetted around the world for work, Clare decided to focus her interests a little closer to home just over a year ago, and has had huge success with her blog all about family life and events in the local area

DIGITALLY ENGAGED “I initially became interested in blogging when I got engaged. I don’t think I’d really been interested before then, but there’s so many good wedding blogs and I actually started my own – Wanderlust weddings and it was all about getting married abroad. Then, when I had my second son and was on maternity leave, during the night feeds I was on my phone a lot and on social media and became quite interested in mummy blogs.”

BLOG BEGINNINGS “I was having a conversation with my sister-inlaw who had just become a childminder, and we were talking about the different places to go and different things to do in Tunbridge Wells, and I realised that there was nothing that specifically

focused on personal opinion of events going on in and around the town. So it went from there – I spent my evenings doing it when the kids were in bed. The technological side of things was so time consuming and there was a lot of stuff I had to learn. I spent a lot of time setting it up, launching in March 2015, and then I started monetising from September.”

MAKING CONNECTIONS “As well as the blog I now also advise people on how to manage their social media – it’s all linked because the clients I’ve taken on are mainly those I’ve met through the blog; companies I’ve dealt with and worked with. I’ve done some one-on-one social media training with mums I’ve met who have their own businesses, or work in marketing and need to upscale their social media. It’s all linked, and I’m really pleased I did it.”

WE ARE FAMILY “There are a lot more bloggers than I thought there were but there isn’t anything specifically like mine. Since having my own blog I’ve got to

know quite a lot of the bloggers and it’s really nice. I think the parenting blogger market is a whole different ball game, but I fall somewhere in-between because I’m not really a parenting blogger, in that I don’t blog much about our general family life, it’s more reviews and events.”

FACEBOOK FOLLOWING “For me my traffic is massively through social media, mainly Facebook – I have the My Tunbridge Wells Facebook page and that’s great and loads of parents interact on there, and that’s almost becoming a community, then I also have the Facebook group where a lot of people go on and ask for things to do or recommendations.”

DIGITAL DETOX “Trying to switch off and separate family time from ‘work’ time can be tricky, especially when my blog is specifically about things to do for families. I am trying to be a lot stricter with myself these days and doing the blog during the day when the kids are around. I have also found that the technological side of things can be massively time consuming.”

ONLINE ASSISTANCE “Choose your niche, do some research and see what the competition is like in that niche and make sure it is on a topic or area that you are passionate about, otherwise you will get bored very quickly! Don’t worry about what other people think or say and don’t wait until you are ‘ready’ or until the site is perfect – personally I prefer to just get things done well otherwise it might not get done at all. Lastly, ask for advice from other bloggers, join blogger groups on Facebook and don’t be afraid to approach brands that you would like to work with directly once you have a few blog posts under your belt.

What’s the worst that can happen?”

STATS* Monthly site visits: 20,000 Instagram: 1,300 Twitter: 3,000 Facebook: 3,500

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At BSR Bespoke, we recently celebrated our 25th anniversary.

During that time, we've helped many client businesses on their own journeys; from launch, to director's retirement and aided the smooth transition from one generation to the next. Our experience on how businesses evolve has proven invaluable time and again.

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www.bsrb.co.uk Untitled-30 1

BSR BESPOKE CHARTERED

ACCOUNTANTS

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THE FASHION BLOGGER RACHEL MONTAGUE-EBBS, LADY M PRESENTS www.ladympresents.co.uk

Since launching her successful blog, Lady M Presents back in 2010, Rachel MontagueEbbs from Wadhurst has been leading a double life – moonlighting as a fashionista with a passion for upand-coming designers

CREATIVE OUTLET “I started the blog in 2010 when my boyfriend went to work in China for six months, so I had lots more free time. One of my friends said “what do you do that’s creative?” And I said “well nothing really, I spend all day in the office”, and he said “do something more creative, use the other side of your brain.”

I did a lot of writing when I was younger and at school, so I thought I’d give blogging a go.

I wasn’t really sure where to start, but at the time my industry was quite male-dominated, so I began by wearing a dress to work every day for a week, taking a photo and blogging about it, and it kind of carried on from there!”

PORTAL PLANS “What I wanted to do initially was build a fashion portal for Tunbridge Wells and speak to different boutiques to see what they were doing at the time, but some weren’t interested, so I then started to go to lots of offschedule shows at London Fashion Week. I really enjoyed meeting the designers, seeing what was going on and hearing the stories behind their work, so I started giving a platform for up-andcoming designers to showcase their work, and ones I met way back then I’m still working with now.”

FIFTH DAY “It’s hard for me because I can’t dedicate as much time to the site as I’d like. But, in January I went to a four day week in my day job, so that I could launch my own brand strategy and social media consultancy, so I do that on my fifth day! And that goes alongside the blogging because if I’m not working with a client it gives me more time to write, or I’m helping them with social media, and helping them tell their story through social media, and that’s what I like doing through the website is telling people’s stories, so it all connects.”

ONLINE TIMELINE “So many more people want to blog now, particularly in fashion which is why I do fashion, beauty, lifestyle and weddings, because if you want to be a fashion blogger it’s really hard to get to a certain high level.

A lot of people are just in it for the freebies.

There’s a difference I think, between being a hobby blogger and wanting to do it to make an impact or make money, so it’s like there’s two different levels.

Over time it’s become less of a blog and now I tend to call it an ‘online fashion magazine’ because I prefer it to be in magazine editorial style rather than ‘this is what I’m wearing this week.’ I will do that if I’ve got a brand that wants to work with me and wants me to do an outfit post, but normally I tend to focus on smaller brands, and people that I feel need some space to tell their story.”

TWITTER TRAFFIC “Twitter has had a huge impact on my following, I don’t think it would have been the same had I been naturally waiting for people to find the website, so Twitter is amazing for that, and also Instagram.

It’s taken six years to get to where I’ve got to, and it was quite hard work to get past the first and second year, and kind of thinking ‘should I carry on with this?’

You’ve just got to persevere, and now my main focus is Instagram and building that side of things up. Social media has a huge part to play in it really.”

STATS* Monthly site visits: 10,000 Instagram: 3,600 Twitter: 7,400 Facebook: 1,150

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THE LOCAL LIFESTYLE BLOGGER ALI AGNEW, KENT EDITOR OF MUDDY STILETTOS www.kent.muddystilettos.co.uk

When former magazine journalist Ali moved back to Tunbridge Wells last year, landing her dream job as editor of Muddy Stilettos was the icing on the cake…

of making it work financially, but it’s so much fun at the same time. When you love doing something you appreciate it, so I am really lucky. I’ll never moan again about my job!”

KENT CALLING

TECHNICALLY SPEAKING

LOCAL LOVE

“Online is really different to print and it’s been a massive learning curve, but it’s a challenge I love. The newsletter side of things I’d never done before, but it’s amazing the stuff you learn so quickly – you can never learn anything like that without just doing it and just trying it out.

I’m not a master of social media, I certainly wasn’t the mum on Facebook and Twitter every day at all, but I enjoy it because I’m doing it on something that I love and not tweeting about what my kids had for breakfast.”

“Hopefully there aren’t too many blogs around doing what we do, being local and lifestyle, I don’t think the market is saturated already. I think you have to really care about the area – there’s just so much to explore, and it’s finding all the hidden gems. I would never run out of ideas. In Kent there’s a real sense of community’ we’ve got the sea, the land and we’re the garden of England, it couldn’t be better really! I feel so lucky that I happened to be moving here, so I’ll have to get my skates on to get round to everywhere.”

“My husband and I are both from Kent, and it’s a really special place to me. We were in London for years, Surrey for a time because of his job, then moved here and I got a job in a school. At the same time I got offered the Muddy job, which I took in a heartbeat. I can work this around the kids and it works in so many ways – it felt like fate because we were moving back to Kent, and then the Kent editor job came up at the same time.”

STARTING FROM SCRATCH “Hero, the founder of Muddy Stilettos started the blog in Oxford as a hobby – within a year she realised everybody wanted it, so she turned it into a business. It’s her baby, so she’s carefully hand-picked one editor from each county, and it was really exciting as lots of us launched at once in February.

With any business you set up, you have to put in so many hours and do it every evening and every weekend and there’s the pressure

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if I go anywhere with my girlfriends, that’s all we talk about! Schools always come up in conversation and it’s such a big decision. That works really well because I’m looking at it as a journalist and a mum.”

BIG HITTERS “Our aim is to make sure things are a little bit different and also useful. Food content is really popular; trying somewhere that is a bit off the beaten track – people like things that are somewhere different or somewhere they’ve heard of and have been meaning to try. The school reviews are also really popular, I think because it’s an in-depth and personal account,

STATS* Monthly site visits: 20,000 Instagram: 200 Twitter: 800 Facebook: 300

*All numbers are approximate

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LADIES WHO LAUNCH The face of business in and around Tunbridge Wells is changing as an increasing number of women are appointed to senior positions within companies or launch their own businesses. Across the UK there are now almost 1.5million women who are self-employed, and globally more than 126 million women entrepreneurs are starting or running new businesses. In fact, RBS has calculated that boosting female entrepreneurship could deliver approximately £60bn extra to the UK economy – so it’s a great time for women to thrive professionally. This month, we speak to 11 women who are doing just that, and making a mark on their industries…

JEMMA ROSE

Company: Teasel Fabrics and Interiors Business Type: Interiors Position: Business Development Manager TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS AND YOUR ROLE WITHIN IT…

the final product is just amazing. But meeting

I am the Business Development Manager at Teasel Fabrics

and building relationships with so many

and Interiors. Teasel has been established in Tunbridge Wells

wonderful businesses comes second to none.

for 11 years and we are located on Camden Road. I joined the team in March when the business changed ownership and ever since we have been going through a really

DO YOU HAVE ANY BUSINESS REGRETS?

exciting rebranding process.

I don’t believe you should have regrets in

My role is to focus on the commercial side of the business.

anything you do, so I have none. If things

It is my job to create and maintain strong relationships with

don’t go to plan then you learn and

local, national and international brands and companies to

don’t let them happen again!

make sure Teasel gets the exposure it deserves.

DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN ONE WHAT ATTRIBUTES DO YOU NEED TO BE

SENTENCE

SUCCESSFUL IN BUSINESS?

I am an extremely driven,

You need to be enthusiastic and passionate about your role,

hardworking and sociable

product and customers. Good knowledge and patience are

young woman who will

necessities. Always wear a smile and good shoes!

not take no for an answer, I pride

WHAT CHALLENGES HAS YOUR BUSINESS FACED IN THE

myself on my

LAST YEAR?

loyalty and

Teasel hasn’t had challenges, only new beginnings! The long-

I love to laugh!

standing team at Teasel still remain along with some new faces (myself included), so we have an excellent well-rounded team who are ready and prepared for the day, every day!

WHAT GIVES YOU THE BIGGEST BUZZ AT WORK? Helping clients put together their dream interior for their home or business. It really is a great feeling and seeing

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BUSINESS

CHARLIE JENNER

MICHELE HARRIMAN-SMITH

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS AND YOUR ROLE WITHIN IT…

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS AND YOUR ROLE WITHIN IT…

Rent Locally is an award-winning letting service that has recently

Childrensalon was founded in 1952 by my mother Sybil Harriman as a

started operating in the Kent and Sussex region.

childrenswear boutique in central Tunbridge Wells. Today, it’s the largest global

Company: Rent Locally Business Type: Residential Lettings Company Position: Property Manager

We have set up the business in direct response to landlord feedback. They

Company: Childrensalon Business Type: Fashion Online Retailer Position: Chief Executive Officer

e-tailer for luxury clothing for kids and I’m proud to be the CEO. We ship to

were tired of paying inflated fees and surprise extra bills and they wanted an

160 countries and carry over 270 brands. Our range includes high-end luxury

effective 24/7 solution. At Rent Locally, there is a one-off fee of £325 and then

designers such as Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry and Kenzo as well as more

a fixed fee of 10% of the monthly rental - there are no hidden costs.

premium brands like Stella McCartney Kids, Rachel Riley and Billieblush.

One of our key unique selling points is transparency. Both landlords and tenants can access a dashboard on their mobile devices 24/7,

TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN BUSINESS, WHAT ATTRIBUTES DO YOU NEED?

which works well for the growing number of remote landlords.

Above all, I believe in attention to detail. As a detail-driven person, I make

My job as Property Manager is liaising with landlords, tenants and tradespeople, as well as seeking out new landlords.

sure even the tiniest aspects are taken care of. Whether it is the buying process, how images look on the website, our customer service or product editing, every detail is taken care of. However, since we launched the

TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN BUSINESS, WHAT ATTRIBUTES DO YOU NEED?

online business in 1999, it has ultimately always been about having fun!

I believe you should treat everyone as you would want to be treated yourself. Be passionate about your product and have the vision to

WHAT CHALLENGES HAS YOUR BUSINESS FACED IN THE LAST YEAR?

explore every opportunity.

Managing the fast pace at which the business was growing. We had to rapidly invest in new warehousing and head office space, as well as hiring

WHAT CHALLENGES HAS YOUR BUSINESS FACED IN THE LAST YEAR?

new talent. Currently we are up to six warehouses and over 230 members

There are three main challenges I would mention. The first would be

of staff. It is important during these times to keep everything fun and

breaking new ground in England. Although Rent Locally has won Scottish

remember everyone’s names!

Letting Agent of the Year, this is our first venture in England.

Secondly, working out the most cost-effective (both in time and money)

WHAT GIVES YOU THE BIGGEST BUZZ AT WORK?

way to get to my target audience was certainly a challenge. I am a great

Many things... I absolutely love talking to our customers

advocate for networking opportunities. I spend time visiting new property

– you will find me on live chat at five in the morning helping

building sites and I talk to everyone – potential landlords are everywhere!

out with customer enquiries. I also like seeing the products

Finally, getting the tone right on our

we have carefully selected and photographed going online.

referral scheme (we offer £250 to anyone

Last but not least, I look at the website daily making sure it

who refers a landlord) as this applies to

looks absolutely perfect.

businesses and individuals.

BUSINESS REGRETS? WHAT GIVES YOU THE BIGGEST

Not really. I’ve always

BUZZ AT WORK?

learnt from the challenges and

Simply knowing that this is a great

mistakes made in the past.

product at a great price and answers a real need in the market.

DESCRIBE YOURSELF

Do you have any business regrets?

I believe I’m a modern European

No regrets – even when things don’t

woman who always expects

go to plan, it gives you an opportunity to

perfection and visionary ideas.

IN ONE SENTENCE

learn from it.

Describe yourself in one sentence I am dedicated, loyal, enthusiastic, fun, but also have a no-nonsense attitude.

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BUSINESS

SHARON PAGE

SANDRINE GASNIER

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS AND YOUR ROLE WITHIN IT…

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS AND YOUR ROLE WITHIN IT…

My business has been established for over 35 years, providing glass

My Pilates studio specialises in Pilates for runners, cyclists, osteoporosis

and glazing to the local South East community. I recently became the

and those who suffer from back or knee pain. We also run a Pink Ribbon

director of JP Glass ltd and acquired the business as a whole entity

Programme for breast cancer survivors.

Company: JP Glass ltd Business Type: Glass merchants and glazing contractors Position: Director

Company: Sandrine’s Pilates Business Type: Pilates and Fitness Position: Owner and Master Trainer

after the previous directors decided they would like to advance their

There are 60 classes a week and we are open every day. There is no one

careers into other areas. I was previously the accounts manager and

type of person who tend our classes. We work with a variety of people, from

undertook all aspects of managing the company’s affairs to enhance the

GB athletes to elderly people, and 35 per cent of our clients are men, so we

business to its best ability and potential. Now, I run the whole operation,

cater to both sexes.

alongside all my dedicated staff, with the passion and drive it deserves.

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Recently, the studio received an award for ‘Best Pilates Studio in Kent. It feels incredible to be on top of the trends and our fantastic team are always

TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN BUSINESS, WHAT ATTRIBUTES DO YOU NEED?

determined to exceed the expectations of our clients.

A logical brain, common sense, humour, a cool head and a lot of stamina

To me, especially when it comes to Pilates, providing the right atmosphere

– running your own business is no walk in the park!

is key. The studio is incredibly friendly. Although every class is focused and challenging, it is always fun.

WHAT CHALLENGES HAS YOUR BUSINESS FACED IN THE LAST YEAR?

Along with teaching classes at the studio, I also run a teacher training

Addressing cash flow difficulties and securing work for the

academy. Here, I train enthusiastic individuals in both Pilates and BarrePlus

staff have been the biggest challenges. Without these areas

– my own creation from eight years ago. Clients leave with a credible

stabilized, it is extremely difficult to focus on other areas

certification and a new appreciation of the sport.

of the business that need attention.

TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN BUSINESS, WHAT ATTRIBUTES DO YOU NEED? WHAT GIVES YOU THE BIGGEST BUZZ AT WORK?

I would say that you need to be passionate and believe in what you do.

A satisfied customer and happy staff. All my employees

Running your own business requires hard work, time and dedication, so it is

pay a lot of attention to insuring our customers get

necessary to possess a strong love for what you too.

exactly what they want to the highest standards. Seeing them all work so effectively

WHAT CHALLENGES HAS YOUR BUSINESS FACED IN THE LAST YEAR?

together is my biggest buzz.

I train all of my instructors and finding the right one to represent the business is a challenge in itself.

DO YOU HAVE ANY BUSINESS REGRETS?

WHAT GIVES YOU THE BIGGEST BUZZ AT WORK?

None at all.

Even though I have been in the industry for the past 20 years, I still get excited about

DESCRIBE YOURSELF

teaching at the studio. My clients and staff

IN ONE SENTENCE

are a family. Nothing beats the feeling

I am thoughtful, focused,

when you make a difference in people’s

driven, passionate,

lives by helping them recover from an

brutally honest and a

injury, change their body shapes and

determined person.

movement patterns, realigning their body or bring balance back to their life both mentally and physically.

DO YOU HAVE ANY BUSINESS REGRETS? Not really.

DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN ONE SENTENCE I am a passionate, warm, bubbly, friendly, crazy person who loves having fun and teaching Pilates.

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BUSINESS

KADI WYKE

RHIANNON WHYBRA

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS AND YOUR ROLE WITHIN IT…

WHAT QUALITIES DO YOU NEED TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS?

St James’ Place Wealth Management is a wealth management and financial

Listening to clients is essential and has resulted in some excellent introductions.

planning business, based in Westerham. I’m associate partner – the title ‘partner’

Networking has proved incredibly beneficial for us. As we represent jobseekers,

is a marketing term used to describe St James’ Place representatives.

it is vital to communicate regularly with local employers. Although planning is

Company: St James’s Place Wealth Management Business Type: Wealth Management and Financial Planning Position: Associate Partner

Company: Office Angels Business Type: Recruitment Consultants Position: Business Manager

important, the ability to adapt to immediate changes in our business is essential.

WHAT QUALITIES DO YOU NEED TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS? In my opinion to succeed in business you need to be able to communicate to a

WHAT GIVES YOU THE BIGGEST BUZZ AT WORK?

broad group of people and, through your ability to communicate you help them

Offering a candidate their dream job and letting the client know the great news

towards their goal. Problems and challenges are common place in business be it

really is the best part of working in recruitment. Visiting a client and seeing

work related or personal life, therefore to succeed you need drive, resilience and

everyone you have placed in the office smiling is also extremely satisfying.

enthusiasm to overcome these obstacles.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST REGRET IN BUSINESS? WHAT GIVES YOU THE BIGGEST BUZZ AT WORK?

I don’t have any big regrets as the last 14 years in recruitment

So many things give me a good buzz at work, such as clients introducing you to

has taught me so much. Even when a mistake has been made,

their family or friends for a job well done. Importantly for me doing a great job and

I will always learn from it and improve the way in which I

achieving the desired outcome for my clients is my primary motivation.

approach something next time.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST REGRET IN BUSINESS?

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT IN BUSINESS?

My biggest regret is that I took too long to make the decision to go self-employed.

When I was promoted to Branch Manager at the age of 24,

Deciding to work in partnership with a professional, well-organised company like St

I was the youngest manager in the company and remember

James’ Place is the best decision I have made in my career to date.

feeling incredibly proud of what I had achieved as a consultant. Recruiting my own team who are consistently top

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT IN BUSINESS?

performers was also a highlight.

I have many memorable moments making it difficult to choose just one. I have been lucky enough in my career to work with some truly inspirational colleagues

WHAT DO THE NEXT 12 MONTHS HOLD

and clients who have made my job worthwhile and incredibly satisfying to do.

FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

A memorable moment that springs to mind was passing my Financial Advice

We already have a fantastic client base in West Kent

examination, with merits, whilst working a full time job and raising a young family.

and East Sussex with many going through a period of growth. We plan to assist with the increase in

WHAT DO THE NEXT 12 MONTHS

staffing levels. With a number of companies

HOLD FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

moving from London to these counties, we

This is an exciting journey

see the need to assist with recruiting for

for me and I intend to

them outside of the London market.

use the first 12 months to learn about myself

DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN ONE

and my capabilities.

SENTENCE

Financial Advice is a

I am professional, ambitious,

broad area and I will

dedicated and determined.

use the year to focus on increasing my knowledge to meet my existing and future clients’ needs.

DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN ONE SENTENCE I am loyal, consistent, tenacious and determined.

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BUSINESS

SO

CHARLOTTE NEWMAN

CAROLINE WEISS-JONES

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS AND YOUR ROLE WITHIN IT…

WHAT QUALITIES DO YOU NEED TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS?

Kitch is an award-winning, independent fashion retailer

Begin with a measure of self-belief and ambition. You do not have to be a

based in Tunbridge Wells. My role is to source brands

larger-than-life character, but you must have confidence and passion in order to

and collections from around the world that offer our

succeed. Learn humility early on; it is okay not to know everything and ask for help.

customer something new and different from the

Always be willing to learn. Be assertive when you need to be and brave when

rest of the High Street.

all you see is a brick wall ahead. Persistence and good old-fashioned hard

Company: Kitch Business Type: Ladies retail designer store Position: Business Owner

Company: BDHL Business Type: Private Medical Insurance Position: Director

work should see you through.

TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN BUSINESS, WHAT ATTRIBUTES DO YOU NEED? To be successful in business requires a large amount of hard work

WHAT GIVES YOU THE BIGGEST BUZZ AT WORK?

and dedication. Knowing your customer is key and having the

When I hear a conversation or read an email or letter from a client singing our

right staff is paramount to offer an expert level of customer service

praises and recommending us to their business acquaintances and contacts around the world because we have done such an amazing job.

WHAT CHALLENGES HAS YOUR BUSINESS FACED IN THE LAST YEAR? The continued growth of online shopping puts pressure on small

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST REGRET IN BUSINESS?

independents like us and now there is the uncertainty around the decision

Oh probably wouldn’t want to share! Any choice or decision we make in business

to leave the European Union.

that we later regret is just part of the course. What really matters is how you learn from the past. Hopefully the next decision you make will be the right one.

WHAT GIVES YOU THE BIGGEST BUZZ AT WORK? The biggest buzz I get is styling my customers and finding the perfect

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT IN BUSINESS?

outfit for the occasion. It’s extremely satisfying to know that I’ve done the

Making the decision to join forces with my husband to develop the brand that is

job well. For me, it is not just about the tills ringing or stock selling out.

BDHL and BD GlobalMedical. Having spent 20 years running a high-end events and hospitality company, I felt there was a change on the horizon. Whilst I was

DO YOU HAVE ANY BUSINESS REGRETS?

summiting Kilimanjaro in June 2010, I realised the time was right for a change of

I don’t really have any business regrets. Yes, I’ve made mistakes but I

direction. Shortly after, I joined BDHL and now own 50% of the business.

firmly believe that what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.

WHAT DO THE NEXT 12 MONTHS HOLD FOR YOUR BUSINESS? The year ahead is going to be a really exciting time for BDHL

DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN ONE SENTENCE

as we prepare to move into the heart of Tunbridge Wells early

I don’t take myself too seriously but I’m

next year. It has been on the cards for some time and we hope to

driven, passionate, loyal, honest

make an announcement before the close of 2016.

and thoroughly grateful for the life I have.

We like to create a balance of work hard and play hard. During the summer months, we will be involved in a series of fundraising challenges for a local charity including an in-house 100,000 metre rowing challenge.

As a business, BDHL will continue to strive at what we do best - deliver a first-class service. I believe that as a small business, we have a distinct advantage over the larger corporations when it comes to innovation, client relations, speed and efficiency. We always remain close to our customers, understand their needs and can respond speedily. Our ethos is to look past the obvious and do what our competitors haven’t done.

DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN ONE SENTENCE I am competitive, sensitive, passionate and loyal.

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BUSINESS

SAHIRA BEVIS

FIONA PENNY

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS AND YOUR ROLE WITHIN IT

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS AND YOUR ROLE WITHIN IT…

I was recently appointed as Senior Design Manager having spent the majority of my

We firmly believe that we are the ‘best in class’ in Kent and East

working life in London. Teasel Fabric and Interiors are based in Tunbridge Wells and

Sussex for finding clients their perfect property to buy or rent. I’ve been

our interior and design service extend through the Home Counties. We are truly the

personally responsible for each and every search for our clients’ dream

made-to-measure and design service. My role is to focus on the transaction of the

homes and am incredibly lucky to work with a small team of such

new branding of Teasel for both the domestic and commercial projects ahead.

exceptional staff.

TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN BUSINESS WHAT ATTRIBUTES DO YOU NEED?

TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN BUSINESS, WHAT ATTRIBUTES DO YOU NEED?

There are a number of key attributes to be a successful business, but there are

First and foremost, we’re human. Treating our clients with respect

three that come to mind. Customer service is an important concept being touted

and empathy is of the utmost importance. Moving house can be an

by all types of companies, especially in retail. We pride ourselves on excellent

emotionally charged experience and being able to communicate

customer service, knowledge and experience. Customer service shouldn’t be

effectively and positively whilst demonstrating resilience is key.

Company: Teasel Fabrics and Interiors Business Type: Interiors Position: Senior Design Manager

Company: Fiona Penny Bespoke Home Finders Business Type: Property Search/Home Finding Agency Position: Founder and Owner

difficult to define or deliver. A successful business is based on three important attributes, trust, consistency and loyalty.

WHAT CHALLENGES HAS YOUR BUSINESS FACED IN THE LAST YEAR? Finding and reaching out to those buyers and tenants who

WHAT CHALLENGES HAS YOUR BUSINESS FACED IN THE LAST YEAR?

have been unsuccessful in finding a property themselves.

We live in rapidly changing times, especially in business. We have to adapt to

Our expertise and local knowledge is a benefit and can

entirely new marketing channels, web and social media, decide how to invest

help them find their special home that ticks all the boxes.

and utilise these wonderful new technologies. Our biggest challenge as a small business is to adapt during developments in technology. It is vital

WHAT GIVES YOU THE BIGGEST BUZZ AT WORK?

for us to innovate or will be left behind.

It doesn’t happen every day, but sometimes I’ll

WHAT GIVES YOU THE BIGGEST BUZZ AT WORK?

that it is the one for my client – it really is so exciting!

walk into a property and I’ll know straight away Working in retail gives you the opportunity to share your knowledge, experience and enthusiasm with others. It’s also thrilling to work with a wide range of people.

DO YOU HAVE ANY BUSINESS REGRETS?

Best of all, it gives me the opportunity to deliver a service based on experience to

Only that I didn’t take the plunge and

our clients – that’s the biggest buzz of all!

start my business sooner.

Despite it being scary and

DO YOU HAVE ANY

exhausting at times,

BUSINESS REGRETS?

I’ve never looked back.

Almost everyone will look back and wonder about

DESCRIBE YOURSELF

the road not taken. That

IN ONE SENTENCE

doesn’t mean you have made a mistake or

I take my job seriously and am

have any regrets. It just means you have

possess a sense of humour and

imagination.

attitude, which is made easier by

very hardworking, but I also enthusiasm along with a ‘can do’ the fact that I passionately

DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN ONE SENTENCE.

love what I do.

I’m truly passionate about what I do and find opportunities where other people see none.

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

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

Lunch 12.00pm - 2.00pm

t: 01732 832944

Evening 5.30pm - 11.00pm

www. theci n n amon square. co. u k (Take away service available 10% Discount)

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the bewl water

BOAT HOUSE BISTRO

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FOOD

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THOUGHT FOR FOOD This month, our celebrity chef Rosemary Shrager is creating tasty treats for children and adults alike…

T

his is a very quiet time for us when

whole myriad of career opportunities like

local senior schools with the delivery of the

everybody goes on holiday, so we

food photography, journalism, nutrition, etc

new syllabus which includes students

concentrate on the children.

learning to cook is a life skill that we all need.

attending my cookery school for

As I have always said, the young can be

In my opinion the earlier the children start to

masterclasses in a whole range of topics.

If young people can leave home to go to

inspired to cook. Since coming down to Kent,

learn these skills the better. There is nothing

I have been invited into so many schools

more satisfying than watching the look of pure

work, university or travel the world armed

locally. What has struck me the most is the

joy, pride and accomplishment on a young

with the ability to cook a healthy nutritious

level of enthusiasm of the young people who

person’s face when they have created a dish

meal for themselves then I feel I have done

want to learn to cook, and experiment at

which is both delicious and nutritious.

my job. Here is a recipe that you can cook

That is why I am now running courses in

home with different ingredients.

Let’s not forget cooking is not all about being a professional chef. Apart from a

with your children in the holidays, then take

the school holidays for all age groups to

on a picnic. This is a very easy recipe,

learn to cook. I am also working with some

which will suit even the younger ones.

If you read my article last month you will know I am in a lifestyle change. One of the things I’m missing is my Moscow Mule cocktail in the summer – it’s vodka and ginger beer with a good squeeze of fresh limes, two ice cubes and a sprig of mint.

Whenever I stay at one of my favourite hotels, Rudding Park, one of the staff, Rory makes me different cocktails every evening.

I persuaded him to give me the recipes to the ones I most enjoyed. Here they are: SINGAPORE SLING

• 12.5mls fresh lime juice • 25ml gin • 12.5ml cherry brandy • 12.5ml D.O.M Benedictine • Three dashes angostura bitter • 50ml pineapple juice

SAUSAGE ROLLS INGREDIENTS

• 1 pack of puff pastry • 400g sausage meat • 1 egg OPTIONAL ADDITIONS

• Grated cheese • Dried herbs • Sesame seeds

KEY WEST COOLER

and split into two even parts,

with a fork and if it keeps

• 25ml Midori watermelon liqueur • 25ml Archers 25ml orange juice mixed • 12.5ml vodka and 25ml cranberry juice mixed • Mix ix separately and layered like a traffic light

long ways.

opening add more egg

ESPRESSO MARTINI

METHOD  Set the oven to 180oc / gas

 Then fold the pastry

4. Roll out your puff pastry

together and seal down

if needed. Do this with  Cut a hole at the end of each

the other pastry slice.

sausage and squeeze out all the meat, then lay in a row

 Finally, cut it into any

across the middle of the pastry.

sizes you want, and put on a tray and sprinkle on your

 Next crack an egg in a jug

optional ingredients if using.

• 25ml vodka • 25ml Kahlua • 12.5ml Cointreau • Single shot of espresso • Garnish with three coffee beans Have some fun!

and whisk with a fork or a balloon whisk and get a

 Bake in the oven for ten

brush and spread the egg

minutes or until golden

along one side of the pastry.

brown on top.

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SO

Our family run Free house is one of the oldest pubs in the South of England and is in an excellent position for exploring with lovely walks close by in Ashurst Park, Stone Cross, Burrswood, Withyham and The Ashdown Forest.

Come and try our traditional cuisine in the cosy beamed restaurant with log fires to keep you warm. We have a set menu and a daily specials board that caters for all tastes.

Our Sunday roast is a mouth watering experience!!

Family parties can be catered for and any special events please call early to book. Bed and breakfast is available. We have beautiful cosy rooms with all the characters of the 16th Century. Please feel free to call us to ask any queries.

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The Crown Inn Groombridge

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@crowngroombridge

56 II IG II STREET, TUNBRID GE WELLS, KENT TNl l XF 01 892 535 842 TW@SOPRANOWINEBAR.CO.UK

www.sopranowinebar.co. uk 94

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AWARD WINNING CASK ALES

~ ~Jia.•* gr.,,

RUMRUHHER .. 5.~ ..

•

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lntrodudng Strongbow Cloudy Apple, along with a large selection of prettllum Ciders & Lagers

26/07/2016 16:00

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FOOD

PA PHOTO/ NASSIMA ROTHACKER

THE TRAIL OF SUCCESS How Kent-based baking star Chetna Makan is bringing a little spice to her dishes

S

he impressed judging duo Paul

easy to source in supermarkets and Asian

of spices and other ingredients gave me the

Hollywood and Mary Berry with her

grocery stores: “I am not very active at

confidence to mix flavours and try new ideas.”

spice-infused recipes, but Great British

ordering stuff online, so I kept it exotic but

Bake Off 2014 semi-finalist Chetna Makan

easily available.”

Her recipes, grounded in the different cuisines of India and Europe, vary from a sponge cake with cardamom, pistachio

maintains she faces her ‘best critics’ at home.

The book features an explainer section on

“They love it when I make new things,”

spices, too, but as its author points out: “I’m

and white chocolate, to a steamed

she says of her two young children, Sia

not a professional; I’m a home cook. So

strawberry pudding flavoured with

and Yuv. “But they’ll say if they don’t like

when I look at spice books and they go into

cinnamon. There are also coriander

anything; they’re very honest.”

detail about where it’s grown and how it’s

chicken parcels, and a swirly bread rolled

grown, as much as I want to know that, I

with citrusy coriander.

“If people don’t generally cook with spices, how would they know how to use it in baking?I’m hoping the book will leave people feeling confident enough to mix things up.”

since appearing on Bake Off (she’s

The youngsters like to help out too – “they chop stuff and make little cakes” – and the family, who live in Kent (her husband Gaurav is a GP), are well accustomed to Makan’s unique recipes, which introduce colourful spices, aromatic herbs and other Indian ingredients into traditional Western bakes.

For Brits with a taste for real Indian cuisine, and aspiring home cooks who’ve followed

as a springboard for culinary creativity.

included in the 2015 GG2 power 101 List, which celebrates Britain’s most influential Asians), but says she’s not planning more TV work, stating while she’d love the chance, there’s a lot of competition.

She still keeps in touch with her fellow contestants though – “we’re really close friends, we try and meet every two to three

her journey, however, she’s hoping her debut book – The Cardamom Trail – will act

Makan’s enjoyed a whirlwind two years

can’t use that information when I’m cooking.

“I need to know what it goes with and

months to have a weekend at one of our homes with our families” – and is thrilled

how it tastes – and quickly, because I don’t

that her YouTube channel, Food with

how would they know how to use it in

have time to read,” she adds, chuckling.

Chetna, is ‘doing really, really well’.

baking?” reasons Makan. “Baking requires

“I’ve kept things short and sweet.”

“If people don’t generally cook with spices,

measurements, so you can’t just put things together, and that stops people trying.

“I’m hoping the book will leave people feeling confident enough to mix things up.”

Traditional Indian ingredients include –

Growing up in Jabalpur, an ancient city in Central India, Makan – who worked in Mumbai

beaming. “I release one new recipe every

as a fashion designer before moving to the UK

week, either a bake or any sort of Indian

in 2003 – has eaten good, home-cooked food

cooking, and I’ve had great feedback.

for as long as she can remember, and counts

Hopefully it will only grow.”

chillies and chickpeas, turmeric and

her mother’s ‘magical’ home cooking among

tamarind, poppy seeds and paneer – but

her biggest inspirations.

Makan was conscious they should all be

96

“I get to do what I want, however I want, and it’s my platform,” Makan states,

“I’m a keen learner; observing her skilled use

If you fancy trying your hand at baking with Makan, give this recipe from her new book a whirl...

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PA PHOTO/MITCHELL BEAZLEY

PISTACHIO, CARDAMOM AND WHITE CHOCOLATE CAKE (SERVES 10-12)

For the cake: • 225g unsalted butter, softened • 225g caster sugar • 4 large eggs • 250g self-raising flour • 1tsp baking powder • 1tsp cardamom seeds, crushed to a fine powder • 100ml milk • 50g pistachio nuts, roughly chopped • 50g white chocolate chips For the icing and decoration: • 150g white chocolate • 150g unsalted butter, softened • Few drops of vanilla extract • Handful of pistachio nuts, finely chopped

 Preheat the oven to 180oC/gas mark 4.

make the icing. Break the white chocolate

Grease 2 x 20cm round cake tins and line

into a heatproof bowl and set it over a pan

them with non-stick baking paper.

of steaming water until melted, ensuring

 To make the cake, cream the butter and

that the base of the bowl doesn’t touch the

sugar together with an electric whisk or a

water beneath it. Leave it to cool slightly.

stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment

Now cream the butter in a separate bowl

until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at

and add the melted chocolate and vanilla

a time, ensuring that each addition is well

extract. Mix well until light and creamy.

incorporated before adding the next. Now

 Spread half the icing on one cake, then

add the flour, baking powder, cardamom

align the second layer on top. Spread the

and milk. Beat for one minute until the

remaining icing on top and sprinkle with

mixture is light and creamy. Now fold in

the chopped pistachios. This cake

the pistachios and white chocolate chips

will keep in an airtight container

with a spatula. Once mixed, fill the

for up to four days.

prepared tins equally with the batter. Bake for 30 minutes until a skewer inserted into

The Cardamom Trail: Chetna Bakes With

the centre of the cakes comes out clean.

Flavours Of The East by Chetna Makan is

Leave the cakes to cool in the tins.

published by Octopus Books, priced £20.

 Once the cakes are completely cool,

Available now

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FOOD

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SUMMER PUB GUIDE

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The Great Summer Pub Guide

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SUMMER PUB GUIDE

lunch, so if you’d like to try it out for yourself, book early to avoid disappointment!

Legend has it that iconic film stars Elizabeth Burton and Richard Taylor enjoyed a tipple here, but that’s not the pub’s greatest claim to fame – it takes its name from the nearby Fairlawne Estate where steeplechase horses were trained. Her Majesty the Queen Mother secured 250 winners that

The Bell Inn

trained there, under the watchful eye of

TICEHURST

So, this is an interesting spot in which

Don’t expect normal! Surrounded by glorious

Stumble Hill, Shipbourne, Tonbridge, Kent TN11 9PE 01732 810 360 www.thechaser.co.uk

countryside in the pretty village of Ticehurst, this quaint red-brick building conceals an exuberant, cool pub. The bar is a great place to drop in for a

Peter Cazalet from 1949 to 1973. to enjoy some summer refreshment.

pint or sample well-cooked classic English food, using locally sourced, seasonal produce.

Described by The Times as ‘somewhere Alice in Wonderland would feel right at home’, The Bell has just got a little more curious with the addition of the Love Nest and three lodges that mimic the design of Kent and Sussex oast houses, set in beautifully designed gardens around a central fire pit.

The locals are friendly and you never know what event might be going on in the Stable or Big Room, to which all are welcome. Films, comedy, live music, fairs – all of life is here.

High Street, Ticehurst, East Sussex TN5 7AS 01580 200 234 www.thebellinticehurst.com info@thebellinticehurst.com

The Cricketers Inn MEOPHAM

With a large York stone patio area to the rear and additional patio overlooking the cricket pitch at the front, this W&H pub makes the perfect spot to enjoy a quintessential English summer afternoon. In fact, The Cricketers Inn even played a significant role in the birth of cricket in the 1700s – the sport’s founding fathers were known to have visited the pub before, during and after matches.

Low level outdoor lighting means you can continue to enjoy alfresco dining on those balmy summer evenings,

The Chaser Inn SHIPBOURNE

As an award winning W&H gastro pub, The Chaser Inn is renowned for its cracking Sunday

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even after the sun has gone down.

Wrotham Road, Meopham, Kent DA13 0QA 01474 812 163 www.thecricketersinn.co.uk

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SUMMER PUB GUIDE

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dining and a play area for children, so adults can relax in the sunshine with something refreshing while the youngsters work up an appetite for a delicious meal.

The Little Brown Jug embodies everything that ‘the Great British pub’ should be, from the warm welcome and relaxed atmosphere to the home-cooked food, excellent ales and fantastic wine. What better

The Pantiles Tap TUNBRIDGE WELLS

The Pantiles Tap is a real ale and craft beer paradise in the heart of The Pantiles that’s serious about brilliant

way to spend a pleasant hour or two with family and friends?

Chiddingstone Causeway, Tonbridge, Kent TN11 8JJ 01892 870 318 www.thelittlebrownjug.co.uk

beer. There are six ever-changing cask ales and six keg craft beers, including the best UK microbreweries and worldwide imports, plus 10 ciders, excellent wines and an amazing selection of chilled speciality bottled beers. Drink inside or in our Pantiles seating area on the Corn Exchange square below the bandstand.

39 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5TE 01892 530 397 Twitter: @thepantilestap

The Mark Cross Inn MARK CROSS

If you like a dining experience with a view, this W&H hostelry boasts an extraordinary outlook across the beautiful Sussex countryside.

There’s also an outdoor play area to keep the children safely entertained in the south-facing, fenced garden. Easy to reach by bus, car, bike or on foot, The Mark Cross Inn is the perfect wayside stop for any intrepid explorer.

The Little Brown Jug

Visitors might like to keep an eye open for the pub’s extra staff member – George the spider. He frequently resides on

CHIDDINGSTONE CAUSEWAY

the cellar stairs, but his job title is

Another W&H establishment, this pub was

Mark Cross, East Sussex, TN6 3NP 01892 852 423 www.themarkcross.co.uk

formerly known as The Station on account of its close proximity to Penshurst railway station, directly opposite. Now the pub boasts unique ‘hut’ facilities for outside

so far unknown.

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sourced, fresh produce, there’s plenty to enjoy here in the summer.

The beautiful garden also houses three huts that can be booked for any occasion. Open seven days a week, The Kings Head welcomes one and all to soak up the sun in the garden over lunch.

The Star

Westerham Road, Bessels Green, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2QA 01732 452 081 www.kingsheadbesselsgreen.co.uk

MATFIELD

The Star is found in the beautiful village of Matfield. The pub has recently reopened under new ownership, along with a complete refurbishment – a family friendly pub with extensive outside space for dining, drinks with friends and a bouncy castle for the kids.

There’s a menu consisting of homemade British classics and, although best known for the Sunday roasts and large choice of pies, there’s also a wide range of lighter bites and salads, plenty of space inside, with a cosy, snug area and large dining room that’s great for private functions.

Maidstone Road, Matfield, Kent TN12 7JR 01892 725 458 www.thestarmatfield.com

The Blue Anchor CROWBOROUGH

Fantastic food, a huge garden and a warm reception are just some of the reasons to visit the Blue Anchor in Crowborough.

This classic village pub specialises in offering fresh, locally sourced food to complement its fine wine selection and an array of real cask ales.

The pub’s impressively large garden and heated patio is a real attraction. The super fast fibre optic WIFI covers the pub as well as the whole garden, ideal for working lunches or just to surf the net.

The Blue Anchor caters for all types of celebrations from a wake to Christmas parties with a regular feature of live bands,

The Kings Head

is ideal for summer barbecues, garden

BESSELS GREEN

parties and wedding receptions. There’s

The Kings Head is the seventh addition

experience for the whole family.

to the Whiting and Hammond (W&H) family.

also a kids play area, offering a great The car park is large enough to accommodate

Standing proudly on Bessels Green,

coaches, and there’s a disabled entrance.

just a moment away from Sevenoaks, this

Beacon Road, Crowborough, East Sussex, TN6 1BB 01892 654519 www.blueanchorcrowborough.co.uk

delight promises dining experiences galore, with breakfast, lunch, dinner and even afternoon tea on offer. Continuing the W&H ethos of offering a delicious menu using locally

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and the large, newly-landscaped garden

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pub has been dramatically refurbished to bring out the building’s true potential.

The Abergavenny Arms boasts fantastic fresh food from locally-sourced ingredients, a wide selection of real ales and imposing views over the Sussex countryside.

Increasingly becoming famous for its seasonal à la carte menus, fantastic Sunday roasts and pub classics that we all know and love, the Abergavenny now offers a set menu for weekday lunches,

The Brecknock Arms

showcasing dishes from the à la carte menu at a

BELLS YEW GREEN

for three courses. Samples of all the menus can be

New landlords Sally and David Fawcett have

The Abergavenny Arms, Frant Rd, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 9DB 01892 750233 www.abergavennyarms.co.uk

transformed this tired Bells Yew Green tavern into a thriving country pub and restaurant, with a warm and inviting interior and a delightful suntrap of a garden.

very reasonable £13.95 for two courses and £16.95 found at www.abergavennyarms.co.uk.

With a wide selection of Harvey’s cask beers and a menu that ranges from steaks and burgers to moules marinière, their famous fish and chips and a kids’ menu, The Brecknock is ideal for a family visit.

The enclosed gardens, with marquee if required, make ideal summer function spaces and are popular for private events, including christenings, parties, wakes and other occasions.

Bayham Road, Bells Yew Green, East Sussex TN3 9BJ 01892 750 237 www.thebrecknockarms.com

The Crown Inn, GROOMBRIDGE

When the sun is shining there is no better place to be. The tables in our lovely beer garden offer a great view of the countryside, the church opposite and the Groombridge Green. The dishes at The Crown are always beautifully conceived, prepared and are absolutely delicious. We often have fresh fish on the menu that is prepared to the highest standards and will certainly make your

The Abergavenny Arms

mouth water. Why not try our salad of home cured salt beef, green beans, oak smoked cheese and quail eggs?

FRANT

We serve local real ales including Black Cat,

Built during the reign of Henry VI, the Abergavenny

of quality wines and Champagne.

Arms, as it’s now known, has stood for over 560

Groombridge, near Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 9QH 01892 864 742 www.thecrowngroombridge.com

years and is now under the care of former Tunbridge Wells jeweller Richard Burrell and his general manager Digby Harvey. In the past year, the

Harvey’s and Larkin’s, along with a variety

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SUMMER PUB GUIDE

and a collection of fine wines.

There is a large conservatory and glorious south-facing garden, which is simply perfect for al fresco dining on sunny days. For those chilly winter nights, there’s also a stunning inglenook fireplace to keep you toasty.

We feature some incredibly talented musicians on Friday nights who play the likes of blues, jazz, swing and Latin – a wonderful way to finish off a meal or spend time with friends having a few drinks!

The Kentish Hare BIDBOROUGH

Here at the Kentish Hare in the picturesque village of Bidborough, we are a freehouse offering fantastic local ales and beers, along with a great selection of wines,

The Elephant’s Head is the perfect place to end a summer stroll in the countryside and the ideal venue for lunch or dinner with the family. There is no taste that is not catered for.

The Elephant’s Head, Hook Green, Lamberhurst, Kent, TN3 8LJ 01892 739 525 www.elephants-head.co.uk

mixed and soft drinks. Our ethos is to celebrate the best of Kent, the Garden of England and its wonderful produce, which our talented team of chefs use to create modern British food in our state-of-the-art kitchen. We offer a drinking and dining environment in a relaxed and informal setting. In the summer months, why not dine alfresco on our calm and tranquil terrace or in our beautiful, mature garden, surrounded by flowers, plants and herbs? A great place to kick back, relax and enjoy the best of the Great British summer!

95 Bidborough Ridge, Bidborough, Kent TN3 0XB 01892 525 709 www.thekentishhare.com

The George Inn FRANT

In the village of Frant is The George Inn. Just two miles south of Tunbridge Wells, The George has everything expected of a village pub – well kept local beer, home cooked, traditional English food with continental variations, oak beams and log fires in the winter.

Known for its warm and friendly atmosphere inside, The George also has a beautiful, peaceful and enclosed rear garden. Planted and nurtured by staff and family, there’s barely a whisper of

The Elephants Head

sunny, colourful garden – ideal for sunny lunches

LAMBERHURST

with family or balmy summer drinks. Similarly, watch

A beautiful Grade II Listed country pub dating back

Frant is bordered by the beautiful Eridge Park estate

to the 15th century that is situated on the Kent/

and is part of the High Weald Walk, so is an ideal and

Sussex border. Filled with character and charm, The

popular watering hole for country walkers.

Elephant’s Head offers a welcoming atmosphere

36 High Street, Frant, East Sussex TN3 9DU 01892 534 136 www.thegeorgeinnfrant.co.uk

and serves delicious, fresh, home-cooked food every day. Fish specials and traditional Sunday roasts are accompanied by award-winning real ales

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traffic to be heard from the wooden benches in this

the village and the world go by at a table out front.

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THE SPA HOTEL

EVE NTIS@S P.Ar.i OliEL.CO.U K

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FOOD

PRICES AT A GLANCE: Starters from: £5.50 Mains from: £13 Sides: £4.50 Desserts from: £5

ONE LOVE

Charlie Bond heads to One Warwick Park’s restaurant L’Amore to discover what this contemporary Italian eatery has to offer…

B

We’re presented with menus, and order

efore One Warwick Park, Tunbridge

soft music playing in the background, it’s

Wells’ new luxury hotel finally

easy to imagine we’re a thousand miles

our drink – the maître d recommends the

opened its doors last month, there

away from the hustle and bustle of the

Chilean Sauvignon Blanc (£18) which is

evening commuter surge.

delicately fruity and smooth. While we scan

was a fair amount of anticipation surrounding the grand reveal. From the

It’s still early, but other diners are already

the options on offer, we’re treated to olive

sumptuous suites to the amazing

making the most of their evening, sipping

oil and balsamic vinegar with a selection of

architecture, there was a real buzz – and

cocktails and perusing the menu as they

breads, which we happily indulge in as we

once guests were finally able to peek inside,

catch up on recent events. There’s a

make our food choices.

they weren’t disappointed.

sophisticated ambience here, and the classic

There’s certainly no shortage of options,

yet contemporary interiors, coupled with the

and we have to ask our waiter to come back

town’s newest restaurant. Situated on

soft candles and floral touches make dining

twice because making a decision is so tricky.

Chapel Place, it’s in a prime location

here feel both inviting and exclusive.

Everything sounds delicious, but in the end I

An extension of the hotel, L’Amore is the

– close to The Pantiles and the High Street, everything is but a short meander away, so it’s the ideal place to while away a few hours in good company.

This is precisely my plan when I head there on a sunny Friday evening. An early dinner with a friend after a hectic week sounds like the perfect antidote, and L’Amore, with its cool, contemporary feel is the tranquil haven we’ve been searching for. As we’re shown to our plush grey seats,

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“MY MILK CHOCOLATE MOUSSE, BROWNIE, CARAMELISED BANANA AND SALTED TOFFEE POPCORN IS A PLEASING MIX OF TEXTURES – DECADENT AND INDULGENT AND, PERHAPS THE PIÈCE DE RÉSISTANCE”

choose the tempura tiger prawns with chilli and coriander marmalade (£9.50) to start, while my guest opts for the bruschetta with tomato salsa, olive tapenade and truffled mushroom pate (£6.50).

When our starters arrive, we know from the presentation alone that we’ve made the right choices – my prawns sit delicately atop a bed of rocket and vibrant red sauce, while the bruschetta on my guest’s plate with a variety of toppings looks equally as appealing.

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FOOD

for long. Even as the room starts to

equally as fervent about her sweet and sharp

– the batter on my prawns is light and crisp,

fill up and their focus is taken elsewhere,

Limoncello tart, with toasted marshmallow

and the marmalade teamed with the

they never leave any guest wanting

meringue, (£6.50) which comes beautifully

pepperiness of the rocket gives each

for anything.

presented with nasturtiums to embellish.

We tuck in, and certainly aren’t disappointed

We both confess we barely have room for

In a town filled with Italian restaurants,

how delicious the tapenade is, so I persuade

dessert, but once presented with the menus

introducing another was always going to

her to give me a bite – and I concur. Within

we can’t resist. I find that quite often a dessert

be tricky, but L’Amore manages to stand

minutes we’ve cleared our plates and are

can be a let-down at the end of the meal, but

out from the spaghetti-laden crowd with

eager to see what else is in store.

here this isn’t the case at all – my milk

ease. The contemporary setting, stand-out

chocolate mousse, brownie, caramelised

service and above all, fantastic food should

minutes later we’re presented with two

banana and salted toffee popcorn (£6.50) is a

see this eatery wowing the crowds for a

impressive-looking dishes, and again, we

pleasing mix of textures – decadent and

long time to come.

congratulate ourselves on our selections.

indulgent and, perhaps the pièce de

For my guest, the risotto, with fragrant

résistance of my meal, while my guest is

mouthful a real kick. My guest exclaims about

We don’t have long to wait – just a few

SO

www.onewarwickpark.co.uk

nettles, prawns and tender Dorset crab (£14) and for me, the hake cooked in parchment, garnished with a warm sea salad (£20.50). The risotto is an impressive sight – topped with a tiger prawn, it’s a vibrant green and looks delectable. My guest eagerly samples hers and expresses her delight at the flavours. “It’s creamy, delicate and the crab flavours are perfect,” she tells me.

My hake is equally pleasing – the fish itself is wonderfully tender and meaty, and the samphire from the warm salad adds a salty, zesty finish. As well as being beautifully presented, this dish is beautifully cooked and wonderfully flavoursome – I must admit, I eat every last morsel despite the fact I’m feeling quite full.

Nothing is too much trouble for the waiting staff, who are always nearby but never intrusive. They seem to instinctively know when the last mouthful of water has been drunk, or more importantly – drop of wine, and our glasses are never left empty

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

LIFE & STYLE

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

CUTEST KID Submit your ‘Cutest Kid of Tunbridge Wells’ pics to hello@ tunbridgewellslocallife.co.uk & via twitter to @TWellsLocalLife / @HappyFeetMgt / @wardrobefairy to enter our fabulous competition to #Win some amazing prizes.

The winner will receive a 12 month contract for their child with Happy Feet Management Talent & Model Agency based in Tunbridge Wells and mum will receive a day of pampering courtesy of Tunbridge Wells Local Life as well as a personal styling session and treats

PETER JENNER

courtesy of Victoria Genevieve Styling. As

JEWELLERY MAKER & DESIGNER

10 child finalists to be held at The Happy

well as pics from the photoshoot with the

Established beneath the picturesque

They are also experts in individually

Musick Gallery on the historic Pantiles in

designing and making wedding or eternity

1980, Peter Jenner is a Tunbridge Wells

rings to perfectly complement existing

treasure. Specialising in commissions in

rings.

platinum, palladium and gold, their shop is

silver jewellery is also stocked – the perfect

design service, Peter Jenner are qualified

thank you gifts for bridesmaids, best men

diamond and coloured stone specialists

and ushers.

combined with over 45 years experience in

02/09/16'

A varied selection of award-winning

their workshop. Offering a personal

and use state-of-the-art technology

Feet Studio in Tunbridge Wells on

For commissions please ring first.

They look forward to seeing you!

the best traditional methods.

Come and see the new and exciting

www.peterjenner.com/pantiles

range of diamond engagement rings,

43 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells TN2 5TE

beautifully crafted to the finest quality.

01892 521796

ST MICHAEL’S HOSPICE Now in its fourth year, the St Michael’s Hospice Fabulously Vintage Fair returns for what promises to be a truly retro day out for all the family on Saturday 17th September from 10am to 4pm.

Taking place in the grounds at the beautiful Pashley Manor in Ticehurst, the day will include a variety of stalls from the finest vintage traders spanning the 1920s to the 1990s.

Visitors can rummage through all that is available including clothing, home wares and kitchen memorabilia. There will also be a vintage tea room, village fete games, food stalls, workshops and live entertainment.

This year is going to be even bigger and better than the last, so get the date in your diary and dig out your glad rags.

Entry is £1.50 and children go free. Entry to Pashley Manor Gardens is highly recommend at an additional, reduced cost, of £8.50.

To find out more about the Fabulously Vintage Fair, please visit www.stmichaelshospice.com/fabulouslyvintage or www.facebook.com/stmichaelshospice

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

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THE WARREN The Warren restaurant has now been open for four months and is going from strength to strength. This success could not have happened without all of the dedicated staff and the suppliers who have been providing the restaurant with the very best local produce.

The fish and seafood that is served is from the expert merchant Chris Fenech of MCB seafood based in Newhaven. They have their own fleet of fishing boats along the southern coast and are the only supplier in the UK that holds Friends of the Sea status.

MCB seafood sources the best quality sustainable fish around and pride themselves in traceability.

For their delectable cheeseboard, The Warren rely on High Weald Dairy for their high-quality local dairy products.

Secret Cellar, the independent wine merchants, are to be thanked for the wine.

closely with Jon Dyer – their Matthew Clark

animals and ensure they are shown the

representative.

respect they deserve in life. The Warren are

His knowledge and enthusiasm has given

proud that their products come directly

Mike Watson and his team have been

The Warren the opportunity to have a

from nature to the table, which is what

aiding in the creation of the unique wine

boutique spirit and beer menu.

great food is supposed to be about.

list. They have picked up many awards over

Joe Lloyd’s Perk and Pearl, with their

the years, including Small Independent

extraordinary selection of teas, has taken

The Warren

Merchant of the Year with both the Decanter

our options to the highest level.

5A High Street, Tunbridge Wells,

World Wine Awards and the International Wine Challenge.

The Warren are also very happy to work

Finally, of course, a mention has to go to

Kent TN1 1UL

the Warren Estate Manager, Terry Higgs,

01892 328 191

and all his farm staff who care for the

contact@warren.restaurant

SEEART GALLERY PROUDLY PRESENTS PAST/PRESENT/ FUTURE An exhibition of sculpture and paintings spanning four decades by internationallyacclaimed artist Guy Portelli.

This stunning and iconic collection will be exhibited for sale and include work from Portelli’s renowned Pop Icons and Temptation, Reward series. The exhibition will also showcase never-before-seen paintings and artist studies inspired by travel, which portray his emotional response to landscape,

held on October 14th 2016. Created in stainless

EXHIBITION - PAST/PRESENT/FUTURE

featuring Africa and Latin America.

steel, mosaic and aluminium, the sculpture

PRIVATE VIEW August 24th 18:00-21:00

consists of three different techniques inherent

sponsored by Royal Riviera Champagne

Born in South Africa, and now living in England, Portelli came to prominence in 2008

in Guy’s oeuvre. The sculpture is the largest

after appearing on Dragon’s Den and he is

public commission ever for the South East of

PUBLIC DAYS

now one of the most recognised and

England and will remain as a permanent

August 25th - September 1st 2016

accomplished artists living and working

memorial for the town.

in the UK today.

Currently, Portelli is working on a monumental commission for the town of

The maquette and photographs of work in

Please contact the SEEART Gallery for

progress will all be on show at the exhibition.

PRIVATE VIEW invitations or for further

Guy Portelli’s work is held in both public

information on 01892 512 365

Battle, East Sussex. The sculpture of a Norman

and private collections, which include the

50 The Upper Pantiles | Tunbridge Wells |

warrior on a horse battling an Anglo Saxon

Porsche family, Sainsbury’s, Ringo Starr,

Kent | TN2 5TD

soldier will commemorate the 950th

Sheik Hamdan, Peel Holdings and the

www.seeartgallery.co.uk

anniversary of the Battle of Hastings, which is

Barclay Brothers.

art@seeartgallery.co.uk

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SO

e G ee Co e DAY

NURSERY

Organic Day Nursery' ; ; ~ Because we care Cl (} D O Free salt the rapy .session every day Free funding for early years Sensory & Sleep Room ~ Family environment Early education sessions Toddlers are welcome

&

~

0) 01892 800 033

Watch your child thrive in our happy, friendly school

Russell House For boys and girls aged 2-11

We welcome children from the age of 2

..... .....

From a young age, we encourage participation in music and sports Our track record in 11 + examinations for independent and grammar schools is impressive

www.russellhouseschool.co.uk I 01959 522352 Station Road, Otford, Kent TN 14 SQU

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SCHOOLS

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EDUCATION NEWS

FASHION FORWARD This year’s annual Young Fashion Designer UK competition saw a record number of entrants, with 175 admissions for the south region alone.

Organised by Kent College Pembury, ten local judges from the fashion and style industries selected the final winners, as well as spending the day of the awards ceremony treating students to workshops, including a Photoshop design workshop.

Prizes included winners getting the chance to have their work displayed in local stores, and trophies.

GOLDEN TALENT Rose Hill School is celebrating after one of its sporty students was awarded gold in the IAPS National Athletics Championship, which took place in Birmingham. Arthur

➧ OLYMPIC OPENING

Plunkett, 11, won gold for his

As part of their speech day event, Bethany School saw their new six lane, 25 metre indoor swimming pool opened by none other than Olympic gold medallist Rebecca Adlington OBE. During the prize giving ceremony, Rebecca gave an emotive speech, and talked everyone through how she won gold medals for both the 400m and 800m at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

“We were so pleased to welcome Rebecca to Bethany to open our pool, and to speak to parents and pupils as our keynote speaker for the day,” says

jump, securing a personal best of 4.62m and setting a new school record.

“Arthur is a great all-round sportsman and a fantastic

headmaster Francie

athlete,” says headmaster

Healy. “We are

David Westcombe. “He did

introducing a whole programme of

DAVID BARTHOLOMEW

achievements in the long

incredibly well against some

swimming events and

stiff competition. He should be

activities, and

very proud of his success and

swimming is now part of our sports programme all year round.”

we look forward to seeing him go on to achieve greater sporting success in the future.”

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Baldwins Travel Group #Holidaylnspirations Show I

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L U X U R Y T R AV E L

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

INTO THE REALM OF THE POLAR BEARS Considered to be wildlife royalty, polar bears reign supreme in the Svalbard Archipelago, Norway’s northern crown of islands. Mia Lysfjord grabs her thermals and takes a ten-day journey to circumnavigate the largest island of Spitsbergen, for a true Arctic adventure

L

et’s be honest. Not everyone is

nestled next to a fjord among the

entertainment is dispensed with,

game to spend their holiday

Svalbard mountains, I immediately

in favour of a relaxed and informal

hiking mountains, cruising up

know that this is the frontier of

atmosphere in the bar, lounge, and

to glaciers, and kayaking into crystal

civilisation. This, the ‘largest’

dining areas.

clear fjords, all the while keeping a

settlement in the archipelago, consists

Meals on board are generous buffets

keen eye out for polar bears in the

of a few rows of evenly spaced houses,

of homely fare – think crispy pastries,

distance. Some people just like flopping

their bright Haribo-colours standing

sumptuous seafood, melt-in-your-

on a beach and turning all shades of

out in the brown green valley. Still,

mouth venison (specifically reindeer –

pink. But Spitsbergen, just shy of 80°

I am surprised to discover a few art

sorry Rudolph, but you are delicious!),

north and a few hundred miles from

galleries, a mini-shopping centre,

and other traditional recipes. Each

the North Pole, is a unique destination,

museum, and even a fairly decent pub

meal is a real delight, but not too heavy

and so very different to all those

with a newly-opened brewery.

on the stomach either, much to the

generic beach holidays put together.

My trip to this Arctic kingdom

After spending a night at the charming Coal Miner’s Cabins,

relief of my waistline!

After stopping by Barentsburg, a

embarks in the summer to take

converted in sleek Scandinavian style

little slice of Russia known for its

advantage of the long hours of

from the former mining barracks,

coal mines and Soviet architecture, we

daylight (a 24-hour ‘midnight sun’

I board the reassuringly sturdy

now begin to sail north. The scenery

at summer’s peak) and the kinder

MS Fram for my voyage around

really is stunning. The coast stretches

temperatures (average high of 7°C).

Spitsbergen’s coast.

into the horizon, rugged mountains

Darkness prevails in the winter, but

As a vessel, the MS Fram is a

rise up to the clouds, the waters are a

this also forms the ideal backdrop to

moving base-camp built specifically

turquoise blue, and the air out on deck

snow-covered valleys and mountains,

for expeditions in polar waters, be it

is so crisp you can almost taste it. Up

not to mention the mesmerising

here, high up in the Arctic, or way

at North West Spitsbergen National

northern lights, which appear more

down south in Antarctica. Interiors

Park, exploring Kongsfjorden and

frequently within the Arctic Circle.

are comfortable and practical,

Krossfjorden is a picturesque affair

and thankfully, glitzy onboard

with mighty glaciers calving icebergs

Touching down in Longyearbyen,

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25/07/2016 12:21

L U X U R Y T R AV E L

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

into the sea. At Mitrahalvøya, we go

of a few hundred metres, these mammals

an impressive sight, an ideal scene for

ashore to see ruined buildings from the

look regal and huge, and I feel in awe

a yummy farewell barbecue before we

whaling era, as well as lovely alpine flora

just to be in their presence. We see more

return to Longyearbyen.

and roaming Svalbard reindeer.

polar bears as we visit Sorgfjord, and our

This voyage around this remote and

expedition team keep watch, armed with

unspoilt land stirred the explorer in

and partner up with fellow Londoner

rifles – just in case one of them starts

me. The range of wildlife to see was

Marcella to explore this shallow fjord in

thinking about us for lunch!

something special, the polar bear

At Hamiltonbukta, I don a wetsuit

a kayak. We both take a break from our

Next, we pass by the spectacular bird

being the highlight. I really feel I’ve

(unsynchronised) paddling to just drink in

cliff of Alkefjellet, one of the largest

seen, experienced, learnt, and done so

the tranquillity of the surrounding scenery.

of its kind. The cacophony of birds is

much here in this rarely visited place

matched later in the journey at Isfjord’s

at the top of the world. This isn’t your

Liefdefjord and clambering across the

Alkehornet Peak, where thousands of

standard holiday, and it’s definitely not

massive Monaco Glacier in the company

guillemots nest during the summer. In

your typical cruise. This is for those

of Karin, expedition team leader. A

this Arctic landscape, we spot mighty

that have an appetite for something

blonde blue-eyed Norwegian in her early

Svalbard walruses bellowing and

different, for something more than

forties, with a spark in her eye and a

rolling around on the shore, their tusks

the usual holiday. For an authentic

skip in her walk, I’ve never met someone

gleaming in the sunlight. White Arctic

adventure. The beach can wait.

with so much enthusiasm for the

foxes dart across the feet of mountains,

outdoors – it was contagious, even for a

and colourful puffins skim across the

 Circumnavigating Spitsbergen is a

hardened city-girl like me!

pristine waters.

10-day expedition on MS Fram with

One of my afternoons is spent visiting

The following few days are spent

The ship sails over the top of Edgeøya

Hurtigruten, largest voyage operator in

southbound through Eastern Svalbard,

island before looping north around

the polar regions. Price from £4563 on a

which has the highest population of

Spitsbergen’s South Cape. The final days

full board basis, including FREE

polar bears (out of a total of 3,500 for the

dip into Hornsund and Bellsund, with

FLIGHTS on July 2017 departures.

archipelago). True enough, we are soon

the expedition team giving interesting

For more information please contact

called to one side of the deck as a pair of

lectures on the geology and ecology in

Baldwins Travel Group

polar bears is spotted basking in the sun

these fjords. Isfjord is the largest fjord

www.baldwinstravel.co.uk

on a nearby shore. Even from a distance

in Svalbard and its U-shaped valleys are

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25/07/2016 12:21

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Tunbridge Wens Property Services Painting & Decorating

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Covering all aspects of interior and exterior decorating including hand painted kitchens and paper hanging, carpentry repairs to handmade furniture and all types ofplastering and rendering.

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26/07/2016 15:33

Missed the motorway exit and the turn to the office.

Some days everything works out perfectly.

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

Official fuel economy figures for the Porsche Cayenne range in mpg (1/lOOkm): urban 17.8- 37.2 (15.9- 7.6), extra urban 31.7 - 47.1 (8.9- 6.0), combined 24.6-42.8 (11.5 -6.6), C02 emissions: 173 - 267 g/ km . Official fuel economy figures for the Cayenne SE-Hybrid in mpg (1/lOOkm): urban N/A, extra urban N/A, combined 83.1 (3 .4), C0 2 emissions: 79 g/ km . The mpg and C0 2 figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results, are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience.

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Porsc he recommend s Mobil D and

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

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JUST YOUR TYPE Matt Joy puts the new Jaguar F-Type SVR to the test, to discover what the new model brings to the road…

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he F-Type should definitely be

from the 5.0-litre V8 engine, reduced

on your radar by now. First

drag and increased down force thanks

launched in 2014 and revised

to the new rear wing, diffuser and

have come a long way in the image

just last year, it is the Porsche-

front valance. There’s also retuned

stakes in just a few years thanks to an

worrying coupe and roadster that gave

suspension, less weight and unlikely

expanded range and exciting designs,

Jaguar a true successor to the E-Type,

as it may seem, an even louder

and SVR as a sub-brand now has a

as well as a halo effect on the rest of

exhaust system made from titanium

second model to boost its recognition.

the range. Now the SVO department

and aircraft-spec alloy.

The F-Type SVR is the fastest series

The changes are detailed and wideranging, with more power and torque

120

The F-Type and Jaguars in general

production Jaguar ever and can

has turned their attentions to it to create the F-Type SVR.

best effect.

LOOKS AND IMAGE

crack 200mph; that’s a potent image

You can have an F-Type SVR in

to project.

Roadster or Coupe form, just like the R version it’s based on, and arguably

SPACE AND PRACTICALITY

it is the latter that’s the better-

There’s no loss of cabin space in the

looking of the two. The exterior

SVR transformation but it remains a

changes certainly add aggression to

strict two-seater with an intimate,

what was an elegant and pretty shape,

rather than spacious, cabin. Even so,

and you’re left in no doubt that the

six-footers can be comfortably

SVR means business. Pick of the

accommodated in the supportive

colour chart is the sharp blue shade

sports seats, the glovebox and storage

that shows off the strong lines to

bins will swallow plenty of oddments

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THIS CAR SUMMED UP IN A SINGLE WORD:

SNARLY

quiet in the standard driving

required for the Roadster. That makes

mode too.

it almost £20,000 more than the R

But the SVR is best enjoyed when

model, but for that you get the extra

driven with a little more aggression.

power and torque, the exterior

Switch into Dynamic mode and the

changes including the aero upgrades

most notable difference is the firmed

and unique alloy wheels, the bespoke

up suspension, although the driver

suspension upgrades, the 25kg weight

can tweak the individual settings for

loss including the lightweight

the steering, engine and gearbox. It

exhaust and some interior fillips. That

feels extra sharp, responding with

seems like good value to us.

even more immediacy to inputs and stays flat, true and firm.

The engine dominates the

WHO WOULD BUY ONE? Jaguar is billing the F-Type SVR as an

experience, crackling and rasping

all-weather supercar rather than a

with even more volume than the

track warrior, but the fact it dealt so

already-loud R Coupe, and pushing

well with all these scenarios means

the SVR hard above 100mph. With the

there’s a lot to be said for its

freedom of the track to explore its full

capability to deal with daily use. 911

and the boot on the Coupe is big

potential the SVR remains pleasingly

Turbo owners might see it as

enough for a medium suitcase, as well

rear-drive in its balance; you can feel

something of an upstart, but it has

as some smaller bags too. The

the front wheels helping out

presence, is sufficiently comfortable

Roadster’s boot is inevitably smaller

occasionally but this is a car that can

and acceptably practical whilst

but space is freed up by opting for the

be sideways into, through and on the

crucially being a complete blast to

tyre repair kit over a spare, and

exit of a bend if you so wish. To call it

drive when the circumstances permit.

putting the roof down doesn’t impact

fun would be a gross understatement.

It’s also relatively inexpensive for a car that can top 200mph...

on boot space.

VALUE FOR MONEY

If this car was a... cat, it would

BEHIND THE WHEEL

In Coupe form the SVR checks in at

purr happily before tearing a B road

The tweaks beneath the skin are

exactly £110,000, with another £5k

to shreds

significant to the point where Jaguar knuckle to improve the suspension response, and developed bespoke tyres with Pirelli just for this car. In normal driving, the first thing you notice is that it rides surprisingly well; even this most extreme car in the whole range retains this familiar Jaguar quality, and it’s clearly designed to be

FACTS

developed a new read suspension

JAGUAR F-TYPE SVR COUPE, £110,000 Engine: 5.0-litre petrol unit producing 567bhp and 516lb.ft of torque Transmission: Eight-speed automatic gearbox driving all four wheels Performance: Top speed 200mph, 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds Economy: 25mpg combined Emissions: 269g/km of CO2

used every day. It’s even relatively

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25/07/2016 10:54

Our premises are lacated at Kingstanding Way Business Park in Tunbridge Wells.

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

• Full welding services • Specialist diagnastic equipment • Full engine and gearbax rebuilds • Baak yaur fflDT anline with us • Full nut and bait rebuilds General servicing and repairs to your vintage and classic vehicle!

[anlacl details: H-Engineering Unit 12, 2, Kingstanding Way, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3UP 01892 549 042 www.h-engineering.com

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ADVERTORIAL

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THE MUSIC HAVEN AT THE BOTTOM OF YOUR GARDEN Amadeus Acoustic Solutions have provided bespoke, modular soundproof music spaces to schools, conservatoires, professionals and hobbyists for over 15 years and you too could have a garden music studio haven of your very own. We find out what makes Amadeus different from other garden room installers

U

nlike many garden rooms, Amadeus Acoustic Solutions’ spaces are built from the acoustics out.

As highly experienced experts, they know that addressing a room’s sound characteristics retrospectively rarely delivers the high-level sound quality and sound proofing that a musician desires from a playing environment. Amadeus consider your practising and producing requirements long before design begins.

Once there is a strong understanding of what you truly need, they design your space based around the desired acoustics using the best quality, highest performing materials available.

And they make it look good!

One of the major benefits of Amadeus’ garden music studios is their multi-functionality.

While music making may be your motivation, a beautifully built garden room suddenly adds much needed space to your home without the inconvenience of renovation or room repurposing.

Younger kids can play noisily without giving you a headache, teenagers can use it as refuge to play Call of Duty at top volume and, when you get the chance to commandeer it, you can turn it into the perfect retreat for a quiet cup of coffee and that novel you keep meaning to finish.

Amadeus Acoustic Solutions Vantage Point, North Trade Road, Battle, East Sussex, TN33 9LJ 01424 775867 www.amadeus-equipment.co.uk info@amadeus-equipment.co.uk

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ADVERTORIAL

DOLBY ATMOS FOR THE HOME Dolby Atmos brings the ultimate cinema sound experience to your home, creating powerful moving audio that flows around you

T

raditional surround soundtracks must confine all sounds to the 5.1 or 7.1 channels of a typical home theatre setup, the same as our previous system if you have visited our showroom previously.

If a scene requires, for example, a helicopter taking off, that sound has to be assigned to specific channels and mixed together with other sounds. While that helicopter can move across channels, it cannot go above you. You hear it only from the small number of predetermined locations defined by the speaker setup – not as you would hear it in real life.

Dolby Atmos, by contrast,

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independent audio object, free of channel restrictions. They can be precisely placed and moved anywhere in your room, including overhead, to flow above and around you in a three-dimensional space.

Through the use of audio objects, Dolby Atmos turns your room into an amazing place for entertainment through all the richness, clarity and power of Dolby sound.

frees sound from channels.

It is the first cinematic audio format in which sounds exist as individual entities called

audio objects. In Dolby Atmos, any sound — the helicopter, a car screeching or a melodic birdcall — can exist as an

Why not book an appointment at New Wave AV’s Dolby Atmos demonstration home cinema in Tonbridge on 01732 852 500 and you will feel like you are inside the action, in ways you have never before experienced.

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Sevenoaks Smart Home Great value home automation and home entertainment, including Ultra HDTV, hidden speakers, multi-room audio and home cinema. Plus we will come to your home for a FREE no obligation consultation.

Whether you're after a streaming movies system, wireless music, intelligent lighting control, dedicated home cinema room or the best Ultra HDTV professionally hung on the living room wall, invisibly connected to surround sound wireless speakers, Sevenoaks Smart Home can install it all for you, fuss and mess free.

We do it all, from the initial free, no obligation consultation, a complete, clean installation through to the finished result without a wire or cable to be seen.

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stormer

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so SOMEWHERE BEYOND THE SEA A fascinating look inside Lamb House in Rye PAGE 170

NAUTICAL AND NICE

AND

EVENTS

SO

52

PAGES OF HOMES, INTERIORS & GARDENS

Give your home a holiday feel with beach inspired interiors PAGE 136

“Alan Titchmarsh is such a nice man”

TENTERDEN GARDEN DESIGNER MAKES HER TV DEBUT PAGE 169

BEAUTIFUL HOMES…TROPICAL TOUCHES … ENGLISH COUNTRY ROSES F E B R UA RY 2 0 1 5

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EXHIBITION

SHIP SHAPE Go back in time and explore this fascinating Titanic exhibition in Tunbridge Wells

T

he Titanic, the most famous ship ever built, continues to be one of the most popular culture topics in the world and touring Titanic exhibitions continue to attract millions of visitors every year. Based on the best-selling book of the same name by world-renowned maritime historians, Daniel Klistoner and Steve Hall, this gallery-style exhibition takes the visitor on a journey back in time, through the eyes of those who were there, including Harland and Wolff ’s professional photographer, Robert Welch, period press photographers & passengers on board Titanic and the rescue ship, Carpathia.

This summer, Royal Victoria Place in Tunbridge Wells is hosting an exhibition of unique photographs of the world’s most famous ship brought to life with a world class display of original artefacts. The international exhibition can be viewed between Saturday July 23 and Sunday August 21 before it sets off later this year to tour South America and the USA. The exhibition at Royal Victoria Place will be only its second opening in the UK and a first in Kent. The exhibition

128

is free to enter and will be open during centre trading hours each day.

The display will feature almost 100 large-scale period photographs, all of which are numbered and set out to guide the visitor through the immersive story of Titanic; from conception to her tragic demise. One of the visual highlights of the exhibition is the central display of an eight metre image of Titanic on one side and a stunning cutaway painting of the ship on the other, by internationallyrenowned artist and Titanic expert, Ken Marshall, showing incredible detail and many of the ship’s luxurious interiors.

The photographs are just part of this ‘must-see’ exhibition. Alongside many of the images are display cabinets, containing over 130 genuine artefacts from Titanic and her identical twin sister ship, Olympic. These rare and often unique items bring the photographs to life, transporting the visitor back in time

and placing them in the picture.

This visual journey takes you through the building process of the ill-fated ship, before transporting you onto the decks and into sumptuous staterooms; the smoking room, Turkish bath and swimming pool, the breathtaking grand staircase, the luxurious first class lounge with its magnificent cartel clock and much, much more.

All of these images are complemented by rare and beautiful artefacts; gilt and crystal light fittings, furniture, china, silverware, crystal and even the very chairs used by passengers.

“I am extremely proud that we will be bringing this unique exhibition to Tunbridge Wells and Kent this summer,” says Marc Burchett, marketing manager of Royal Victoria Place. “It will certainly provide visitors with something different to enjoy and has great appeal to all ages.

I think the story of Titanic has captivated us all and this exhibition will certainly not disappoint.”

Relive the emotion of the disaster as you view personal artefacts, such as stationery from Titanic’s reading and writing room, sent home as a souvenir by one of the victims of the sinking,

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T I TA N I C

mailed at Titanic’s last stop; Queenstown.

A railway ticket, purchased on board Titanic from the purser’s office by a third class passenger, for their onward journey that was never to take place.

Although the emphasis of the exhibition is based around the beauty, opulence and splendour of this truly magnificent ship, the tragedy itself is comprehensively covered with a poignant display, containing lifeboat plaques, unique original period photographs taken on board the rescue ship Carpathia, a passenger list, memorial postcards and even a gold pocket watch, dropped by a first class passenger as he rushed to secure a place in one of the last lifeboats to leave the sinking ship, only to be picked up by one of Titanic’s crew members.

As Titanic slowly slipped beneath the waves, bandleader, Wallace Hartley and his fellow musicians carried on playing until the final moments. View the actual sheet music he carried with him that night, tragically recovered (along with his violin) some ten days later.

A memorial wall lists the crew and passengers as the visitor leaves this exhibition of Titanic, driving home the cold truth of just how many survived and perished on that fateful night of April 15 1912.

Titanic in Photographs – The Exhibition offers an all-new experience and a comprehensive, educational view of one of the most memorable moments in history;

a story that continues to captivate the public’s imagination over 100 years later.

Discover more about Titanic in Photographs – The Exhibition at www.royalvictoriaplace.com

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25/07/2016 12:23

~aNique HOME INTERIORS

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A full measure service as well as expert advice in colour co-ordination.

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INTERIORS

BESSELINK & JONES

SO

DYBERG LARSON

Small square pineapple wrought iron lantern, £925 www.besselink.com

Pineapple pendant light, £90 www.limelace.co.uk

BARNABY & CO

Pineapple lampshade, £70 www.barnabyco.com

TROPICAL LIVING

MEN’S SOCIETY

Brass pineapple tumbler with straw, £95 www.amara.com

MARKS AND SPENCER

Pineapple cake stand, £49.50 www.marksandspencer.com

Bring a little fruit flavour into your home with these pineapple-inspired picks

MARQUIS & DAWE

Pineapple LED sign, £35 www.marquisanddawe.co.uk

THE FRENCH BEDROOM CO

Pineapple wall lights, £136 www.frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk

DEBENHAMS

Pineapple lamp, £80 www.debenhams.com

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INTERIORS

NAUTICAL AND NICE

Feel like you’re always on holiday by giving your home a coastal makeover

PA PHOTO/HANDOUT

As an island nation, it’s hardly surprising we’re drawn to the sea, and the trend for coastal style decor returns with the regularity of the tide every summer. Its clean, crisp look is so appealing, and lifts spirits by bringing to mind memories of sun, sea and sand holidays. Happily, taking the plunge and conjuring this easy-on-the-eye look isn’t difficult, and it’s a perfect way to revamp rooms suffering a decor winter hangover. So get on board and cruise into a full-on captain’s cabin look, complete with anchor motifs and a ship’s wheel, conjure the sand-between-your-toes informality of a beach hut, or simply be inspired by the natural landscape of the seashore with a neutral palette and swooping seabirds imagery.

{ SHIPSHAPE CHIC {

Salute a classic coastal look with a sea-spray white and blue scheme, with nautical touches. “The spirit of the British seaside is alive in our coastal collection, where the warmth of nostalgia is given a fresh, modern update,” says Caroline Driver, designer at John Lewis. “Relaxed textures, simple stripes and plainly crafted pieces reflect the comfort and informality of a home by the sea. We’ve enjoyed reminiscing about our childhood experiences of the coast and visiting British seaside towns for inspiration. We’ve included marine motifs, such as ropes, anchors and sailing boats, on all sorts of pieces, alongside fabrics with classic deckchair stripes in whites and blues.”

DECOR TIP: Surf supermarkets for style – this season they’re awash with pieces: Sainsbury’s Authentic By The Shore Embroidered Cushion, with an anchor design, is a bargain at £14, and available in stores and online.

GET THE LOOK: Generous-sized seating’s key for a space where relaxed informality rules. John Lewis’ Nelson Sofa, from £699, can be upholstered in a pale blue Selva Pacific fabric and teams well with a Holkham Armchair, in a deep blue Solva Blueprint fabric, from £1,199. Bring in stripes with a Padstow Footstool, from £299, and a Coastal Stripe Throw, £49.

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Navigate carefully through the vast array of nautical accessories – too many could capsize the look into kitsch – so select a few simple statement items. An Anchor Table Lamp by Jonathan Adler, with a price tag of £345, is definitely for those with a serious coastal crush. Pay a more affordable nod to the style with a Porthole Style Chrome Mirror, £75, Next. Cream Cornwall’s brilliant Maritime selection has Mackerel Lampshades, £48-£196, and beautiful bone china dinnerware: Packet Ship Dinner Plate, £17-£24.

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INTERIORS

SO

{ BEACHCOMBER BEAUTY {

Sun-bleached neutrals and driftwood grey tones conjure an unpretentious beach-hut sanctuary.

“Opt for a pared-back style with a muted colour palette, which reflects all the shades of the sea, from stormy steel to high-noon azure. The addition of bleached woods and pale textiles will create a living area that’s as calm and cool as an ocean breeze,” advises Andrew Tanner, head of home design at Sainsbury’s.

“The essence of our coastal collection brings together organic forms, reactive glazes and matte tactile surfaces. Bring in detail with sea-green bubbled glassware, model sailing boats, beachy artwork, and interesting textures provided by wicker storage and pottery in driftwood-hues, to add further charm and personality.”

DECOR TIP: Coast away from conventional lights and opt for a quirky Vegas Metal LED Circus Light - Anchor, £39, Cult Furniture, and monochrome Sea Shell Votives, £6 each, with a choice of a coiled shell or sea snail design, from Monty’s Vintage Shop.

GET THE LOOK: Stripped floorboards, white painted tongue and groove panelling for walls, and weathered furniture are essential ingredients for a shoreside retreat. Sainsbury’s Coastal Living includes Glass Bottles, from £5; a Bird Cushion, featuring white seabirds on a grey background, £12; tasselled Coastal Bird Throw, £14, and Blue Ceramic Vase, £12.

No yacht – no problem! Simply accessorise with a wooden Linea Ships Wheel, currently reduced from £40 to £20, House of Fraser, and dress up a sofa with a Super Soft Printed Heron Cushion, reduced from £8 to £4, George Home.

{ RULE THE WAVES { Evoke a gentle, seashore setting with a soft palette of pale, watery blues.

“This trend evokes the romantic notion and escapism of life at sea, and our collection’s influenced by the tantalising tales and legends of the ocean life,” says Julie Varma, senior design director at George Home.

“This season sees the conventional coastal colour palette take a theatrical turn, with the introduction of inky blues, hints of soft pastel blue and smoky grey hues and lilac. Thoughtful details, such as rope, rustic linens, classic sailor stripes, emulate the beauty of an antique cabin.”

DECOR TIP: Add a touch of luxury with metallic silver to evoke the enigmatic glimmer of the ocean. Mermaid Antique Mirror Tray, £10, George Home.

GET THE LOOK: Ensure a clear blue horizon with walls papered in an Ombre Wallpaper, £15 a roll, Next – ideal for a serene bedroom setting. Get on board with George Home’s highly original swallow-print bedlinen collection, featuring appropriately naval tattoo-style designs with swooping birds, anchors and a ‘faith, hope, love’ slogans: Swallow Print Double Duvet Set, £16.

Details count, and we love the witty ‘Seas The Day’ Wall Art, £6.50, The Contemporary Home; a Boat Scene Cushion, reduced from £20 to £10, John Lewis, and a Coastal Clock, £14, by Sainsbury’s.

A Paddle Tripod Floor Lamp, whose three legs resemble oars, £130, Pagazzi, makes an interesting addition.

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ADVERTORIAL

NEW HOMES IN THE SOUTH HAMS OFFERED BY TOP RANKING WESTCOUNTRY HOMEBUILDER Local homebuilder Cavanna Homes has launched their latest properties in the picturesque South Hams village of Stoke Fleming. The development, Offshore, is within walking distance of the award-winning Blackpool Sands, which is widely acknowledged as one of the finest beaches in the UK

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et within an area of outstanding natural beauty, this chic coastal retreat is a small development of just 24 three and four bedroom new homes.

The collection includes both detached and semidetached properties designed in a traditional style and are finished with either slate or render.

This is the newest development for the Torquaybased home builders and is located conveniently for the village’s local amenities and from Dartmouth, known for its rich maritime history and cobbled streets full of independent shops, restaurants and bars.

All properties at Offshore come complete with a 10-year NHBC Buildmark Warranty. Buyers also have the opportunity to select their kitchens and bathroom wall tiles, subject to the stage at which a property is reserved. It is this attention to detail, and level of aftercare, that has earned Cavanna Homes a maximum five stars in the prestigious Home Builders Federation customer satisfaction awards four years in a row.

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The first properties at Offshore are now available to buy and start from £260,000 as of 14.06.16. To view full details of all property types at Offshore please visit www.cavannahomes.co.uk. Marketing of Offshore is being handled by Marchand Petit’s Dartmouth office on 01803 839190 or email dartmouth@marchandpetit.co.uk and The Coastal House on 01803 835788 or email thecoastalhouse.co.uk

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ADVERTORIAL

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IDYLLIC HOLIDAY COTTAGES IN ENGLAND’S GARDEN

With such natural beauty across sprawling countryside, it is no wonder that Kent and Sussex attract visitors both nationally and internationally. Whether you’re a would-be investor or in need of break, Kent & Sussex Holiday Cottages have the expertise to get you started

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here is so much to see and do in Kent and Sussex, so it is no wonder that thousands of people book to stay here year after year. Kent & Sussex Holiday Cottages have over 250 Visit England assessed self-catering properties across the whole picturesque region. There are fisherman’s cottages, seaside houses, country cottages, town houses and barn conversions to choose from. The experienced local team can help you create the perfect holiday, whether it’s for a short break for two or a week’s holiday for the whole family.

The holiday home market is worth millions annually and is worth tapping into. You may already have a property on the coast, but if you are considering investing in a home there, we have 30 years’ experience in the holiday business and are perfectly positioned to offer advice. During this period, we have obtained a high degree of expertise and a wealth of knowledge. We understand the market, know what guests are looking for and work hard to maximise bookings for all our properties. We are always looking to take on stunning new properties to meet the growing holiday home market. Needs and expectations have changed over the last few years and our invaluable support will ensure that you maximise the return on your investment and create a successful holiday let. Our homeowner team offers a personal, tailormade service and we are happy to advise and talk you through any queries or concerns that you may have, looking after you every step of the way.

To discuss the letting potential of your property, contact us on 01580 720770 www.kentandsussexcottages.co.uk 15 High Street, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3EB

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Martello Beach is your local 5* family holiday park situated right on the beach at Pevensey Bay. Holiday homes start at ÂŁ18,995, we have a selection of quality used and new static holiday homes available to view now!

All prices include siting and connections, safety checks, TV aerial, skirting and steps. Open for ten and a half months of the year.

Childre11s outdoor barked play area & indoor ball pit

Private access to Pevensey beach, boatyard & slipway

Large ouldoor green recreational areas

Contact Liz or Pete on 01323 761424

I

sales@martello-beach.co.uk

Eastbourne road , Pevensey bay, East Sussex, BN24 6DH

Open for Christmas and New Year! Call for an appointment

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ADVERTORIAL

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LIFE’S A BEACH Five-star beach holidays in your very own holiday home are closer than you think

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artello Beach Holiday Park in Pevensey Bay offers a unique lifestyle choice for those seeking quality leisure time in a safe and secure environment with five-star facilities on hand.

Have you ever dreamed of owning your very own home from home?

That dream can become your reality at Martello Beach. Right on the shore with its own boatyard and slipway, it’s an ideal place to relax and enjoy your hard earned weekends and holidays.

Rated 5* by Visit England, Martello Beach is a beautifully landscaped park with large open spaces for recreational use. The well maintained indoor swimming pool is open seven days a week, and benefits from a Jacuzzi to ease those aches and pains, a splash pool for the little ones and the pool house also contains a sauna and fitness suite.

Martello Beach also benefits from being a stones throw from endless attractions and places of interest that will keep every member of the family amused throughout the year. It’s a short drive or bus trip to Eastbourne seafront where you’ll find Fort Fun, Treasure Island, Eastbourne pier and an excellent choice of restaurants. Drusillas Zoo Park is less than half an hour away, as are the

Downs, Michelam priory and the Long Man of Wilmington.

You can choose to while away your precious down time soaking up the atmosphere on the sundeck or enjoying a variety of local music acts throughout the season in the spacious and comfortable clubhouse.

The Boathouse is open every day for refreshments and the restaurant serves a menu to suit a wide variety of tastes, including Sunday roasts, and hosts themed evenings through the course of the generous ten and a half month season.

There is a warm welcome waiting for you and your family at Martello Beach in Pevensey bay, and a fantastic selection of holiday homes to suit your taste and budget. Liz and Pete are your dedicated sales team they will answer your questions and help you make the right choices to enjoy your holidays for years to come.

You can contact the sales team to arrange a viewing of the park and facilities on 01323 761424 or email sales@martello-beach.co.uk AUGUST 2 0 1 6

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Truly Bespoke Bathrooms Professional bathroom specialists The Brighton Bathroom Company have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the delivery of complete solutions for bespoke bathroom projects across Sussex and Kent. Read on for a unique case study in how they could bring yours vividly to life The Brighton Bathroom Company are bathroom design, supply and installation specialists. W ith every bathroom we design across Sussex and Kent, we ensure a perfect fin ish every t ime because of our obsessive attention to detail. We achieve th is through not on ly an outstanding approach to design, but also because we manage your project for you, taking away the stress of the process from start to fin ish.

Every bathroom we create is a response to an ind ividual cl ient's brief, and is therefore always un ique .What this means is that our bathrooms are tailored to your specifications and never chosen 'off t he peg'.

The bathroom you see photographed here is of a recently completed project in Chuck Hatch.The property is deep in the heart of t he Ashdown Forest and was designed for our client by our head of design, Louise Home.The brief was to create a modern yet classic space, fem inine but not too 'girly', with a bit of glam and a soft, neutral palette. Our cl ient required a large walk-in wet room and luxury freestanding bath as a focal point to the room.

The bespoke furn iture, incl uding a wardrobe, dressing area wit h upholstered stool and bathroom vanity un it were designed and commissioned by Lou ise Home.The bevelled mirrored doors of t he wardrobe area were specifically introduced to reflect light and the

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MASTER WET ROOM, CHUC K HATCH, EAST SUSSEX

beautiful view of the forest outside.

Specialist stone tiles were chosen to complement the Farrow and Ball paint finish of the furniture, which introduced a dramatic edge to the room.

Feature areas were created using painted glass for the bath recess, and a ribbed version of the tiles for the back of the shower and toilet recesses.

These were then highlighted using LED lighting details.The Hansgrohe brassware, including large rainmaker head with LED lighting, offered a contemporary feel to the space. Finally, we commissioned bespoke timber shutters to complete the 'boudoir' feel of the space.

We would very much like to speak to you if you are considering a bespoke bathroom project of your own. Please call us on O1444 882 889, or send an email to info@tbbc.co.uk

The Brighton Bathroom Company The Design Studio, Unit 2 Ricebridge Retail, Brighton Road, Hickstead, West Sussex RHl7 SNA 0 1444 882 889

fln¡ hton

batlYI"oom company

www.thebrightonbathroomcompany.co.uk info@tbbc.co.uk

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It's more than our outstanding knowledge and product range that makes us so attractive.

T: 01732 350911 Unit 4 Orchard Business Centre, Sanderson Way, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1QG

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showroom@townsbathrooms.co.uk

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AQUALISA

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ashton@bentley

IMPERIAL KOHLER.

~~ldÂŁE-~ ~.! Vi t r A GSr 21/07/2016 14:55

BEAUTIFUL HOMES

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HOME FRONT

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he saying goes that everything looks better in the sunshine, and while the current summer weather certainly brightens our outlook, this month’s array of beautiful homes would certainly still look stunning come rain or shine.

From charming cottages with rolling rural views to contemporary sophistication in convenient town settings, whether you’re after something historic or modern, we’re

sure to have the home for you over the following pages.

And, if it’s family space you’re looking for, then this selection of properties has an abundance of it – some have permission to extend so you can really make your mark, while others already benefit from additional outbuildings, ample bedrooms or large living and kitchen areas which are perfect for family life and entertaining alike.

MAGNIFICENT MILL

COUNTRYSIDE CHARMS

BEAUTIFUL BARN

CONTEMPORARY COTTAGE

CHARMING FARMHOUSE

A striking period mill

Detached four bedroom

Exquisite four bedroom

A stylish Grade II listed

Attractive rural property

conversion for sale

cottage in picturesque

attached barn conversion

cottage with permission

with detached oast

in Four Elms

Crockham Hill

in Benover

to extend in Matfield

house in Goudhurst

Price: £795,000

Price: £1,250,000

Price: £750,000

Price: £925,000

Price: £1,495,000

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BEAUTIFUL HOMES

CONTEMPORARY COTTAGE A stylish Grade II listed cottage with permission to extend in Matfield THIS QUINTESSENTIAL oak-framed 17th century cottage has been sympathetically updated with a fresh modern finish which enhances the many attractive period features and is set within lovely gardens, enjoying a southerly aspect to the rear.

Pimms Cottage offers scope to further enhance the living space, with planning and listed buildings consent to replace the conservatory with a larger garden room with double doors out to the terrace and the conversion of one of the garages to create useful additional guest accommodation.

To the ground floor, you’ll discover a sitting room in the oldest part of the house, with oak wall and ceiling beams, a study, the

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stylish country kitchen with a two-oven oil-fired Aga and open plan to the dining room, and the conservatory, which opens out to the mature gardens.

Upstairs, over the next two floors, you’ll find bedroom accommodation, comprising a master bedroom with wellappointed en suite shower room, a further double bedroom on the first floor, and two good-sized second floor bedrooms, plus a character family bathroom.

Externally, this property benefits from mature gardens, a brick terrace to the south side, a level lawn with herbaceous beds and a ‘meadow’ area which can be used as an informal play area.

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BEAUTIFUL HOMES

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PROPERTY: Pimms Cottage LOCATION: Crittenden Road, Matfield PRICE: £925,000 BEDROOMS: 4 BATHROOMS: 2 BEST BITS: The stylish country kitchen with doors out to the conservatory, oak flooring, a two-oven oil-fired Aga and open plan to the dining room, creating a well-proportioned family living space which includes a brick fireplace with a wood burning stove. n Rear entrance porch/boot room n Rear lobby n Sitting room n Study n Kitchen/dining room n Conservatory n Cloakroom n 4 bedrooms n 2 bathrooms n Two brick guest accommodation/workshop n Garden n About 0.54 acres n Planning permission for a garden room and to convert garage into guest accommodation

For full details contact: Savills Tunbridge Wells • 01892 507 000 • www.savills.com

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£950,000 Freehold A beautiful Grade II listed detached period residence , occupying a rural position with far reaching views of the surrounding countryside. Formal Garden of approximately a third of an acre. Viewing Highly Recommended.

An impressive and well-proportioned family cottage available with early possession . This pretty four bed cottage is full of character in a sought after village , with large and attractive gardens and private parking making it the perfect family home. EPC - E51 . Viewing Highly Recommended. Early Vacant Possession . No Chain .

Beautifully presented four bedroom chalet bungalow in a semi-rural location with far reaching views of the surrounding countryside. Being close to the town centre this property would certainly suit a family needing fast access into central London or someone wanting to downsize and enjoy living in the country. There is a beautiful enclosed garden approximately 115ft long , large terrace area and driveway with parking for several cars. EPC - D65.

Viewing highly recommended.

COWDEN, KENT

£895,000 Freehold

Beautiful four bedroom family home situated in a quiet country lane in a stunning rural location. Being only 3 miles to Cowden train station this property would certainly suit someone needing access to Central London. Originally constructed around 1900, Bellgate South is one of a pair of properties which has been substantially altered and extended. The property also comes with a shareholding of a 100 acre forest nearby, giving the owners a unique facility to enjoy. EPC - E55. Viewing Highly Recommended.

COWDEN, KENT Offers in the Region of £775,000 Freehold Spacious 5 Bedroom Chalet Bungalow in a stunning location with far reaching views of the surrounding countryside. The property sits within a large plot with large gardens to the front and rear of the property, driveway with parking for several vehicles and detached garage with power.

EPC - D56. Early Vacant Possession. No Chain.

Offers in the region of £350,000 to £375,000 Share of Freehold

A stunning conversion apartment arranged over two floors comprising the centre of an imposing detached Victorian house well known as a prominent landmark within the village of Hartfield. Having been sympathetically divided the apartment retains many character features including generous ceiling height, excellent decorative cornicing and mouldings , fireplaces and doors.

EPC - D63. Viewing highly recommended.

11 High Street, Edenbridge, Kent TNB SAB

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BEAUTIFUL HOMES

BEAUTIFUL BARN Exquisite four bedroom attached barn conversion in Benover BRAMLING CROSS IS an immaculately presented four bedroom attached barn conversion, with an abundance of character and charm but with a modern edge. This is a rare opportunity to purchase an exquisite property situated within a rural hamlet.

The front door opens into a grand reception hall with doors to the kitchen/ breakfast room and dining room with an open doorway to an inner hallway providing access to the remaining ground floor accommodation. The kitchen/breakfast room and dining room are combined within an open plan layout providing a fabulous light, bright and airy family room with a vaulted ceiling and double doors leading onto a south facing garden patio.

In the kitchen there is a central island with a breakfast bar and a range cooker

inset to an attractive exposed brick alcove.

The sitting room has a central exposed brick fireplace with a wood burner inset and two pairs of double doors opening out to a canopied seating area. On this floor you’ll also find the fourth bedroom, which could be used as an additional reception room.

On the first floor are doors to three double bedrooms. The master bedroom benefits from an en suite shower room with wc, while the two further bedrooms are served by a family bathroom.

The garden is mainly laid to lawn with a variety of interspersed trees and is well screened to the boundaries by mature hedging and further trees. There is an overhanging canopy to the balcony offering an alfresco entertaining area with views over the garden and surrounding countryside.

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PROPERTY: Bramling Cross LOCATION: Jarmons Lane, Benover PRICE: £750,000 BEDROOMS: 4 BATHROOMS: 1 (plus one en suite shower room) BEST BITS: The sitting room has a central exposed brick fireplace with a wood burner inset and two pairs of double doors opening out to a canopied seating area which enjoys a southerly aspect. n n n n n n n n n n n

Reception hall Kitchen/breakfast room Sitting room Four bedrooms Balcony Dining room Family bathroom Utility room Canopied seating area No onward chain Detached double garage with mezzanine floor

For more details contact: Lambert & Foster • 01892 832 325 • www.lambertandfoster.co.uk

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-------•-------WOOD & PILCHER

Tunbridge Wells

£695,000

This very desirab le style of three bedroom detached home is located in one of Tunbridge Wells' most sought after locations in view of its close proximity to the very popular Claremont Primary School and main line railway station. The property itself is extremely well presented with features including double glazed windows. UPVC fascias and soffits. gas central heating via radiators and separate sitting room with fireplace. The dining room has been extended to the rear and the kitchen/breakfast room includes a cooker and hob. There is a downstairs cloakroom. wh ilst at first floor there are three double bedrooms and bathroom with white suite. Another feature of this home is the delightfu l front and rear gardens well stocked with an abundance of mature shrubs and plants. Parking is provided with a driveway leading to an integral garage. As properties in this particular location prove to be extremely popular. we have no hes itation in recommending an early appointment to view.

Tunbridge Wells

£650,000 - £675,000

Awe ll presented, well maintained and spacious four bedroom detached family home in this popular southerly Tunbridge Wel ls location. Coming to the market for the first time since the early 1980's - a testament indeed to the quality of the location - the property enjoys four good sized bedrooms with an en suite faci lity to the main bedroom. alongside three large reception rooms (includ ing conservatory). a contemporary kitchen with further utility and family bathroom. Externally the property enjoys enclosed, level and wel l maintained rear gardens set mostly to lawn with low maintenance patio areas for entertaining. To the front there is generous off road parking on a private drive. alongside two individual garages each enjoying electric doors.

Acursory glance at the photographs and floor plans will give an indication as to the quality of the property offered for sale. Consequently we do encourage any viewer to make an early appo intment to avoid disappo intment.

Tunbridge Wells Office I 01892 511211 tun bridg ew e I ls@ w ood and pi I eh er . co. uk

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woodandpilcher.co.uk rightmove

NAEA

Other offices in Southborough , Tonbridge , Cro w borough , Heathfield & associated London Branch

21/07/2016 14:57

BEAUTIFUL HOMES

FAMILY LOCATION A beautifully presented five bedroom detached home in Tunbridge Wells THIS IS A rare opportunity to purchase a substantial family home in a soughtafter area of Tunbridge Wells. This extensive five bedroom detached family home is situated in a private position upon the entrance to a small development of detached homes on the southern side of Royal Tunbridge Wells, and is beautifully presented throughout.

The ground floor comprises a triple aspect sitting room with French doors opening to the rear garden and attractive brick fireplace, the spacious dining room which overlooks the garden, kitchen with convenient fixtures and fittings and the breakfast and utility room, plus there’s also a cloakroom on this level.

Upstairs, leading off from the landing

you’ll find the master bedroom with en suite bathroom and four further bedrooms, one of which could be used as a study. A family bathroom also serves this floor.

Outside, to the rear, a split level paved patio area leads to a mature corner garden being mainly laid to lawn and stocked with a variety of shrubs, plants and trees within a selection of beds and borders, fencing to boundary. A path leads down to a second patio area and summerhouse.

There is also a small area of garden to the side which has the access via the side gate to the front.

The property is approached by a double width driveway leading to an integral double garage, and there is parking for several cars.

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PROPERTY: 2 Highgrove LOCATION: Tunbridge Wells PRICE: £765,000 BEDROOMS: 5 BATHROOMS: 2 (including one en suite) BEST BITS: The generous mature gardens are a real feature of this house, with a split level patio area, summerhouse and a mature corner garden being mainly laid to lawn. n n n n n n n n n n n

Reception hall Downstairs cloakroom Sitting room Dining room Kitchen Breakfast utility room Master bedroom with en suite bathroom Four further bedrooms Family bathroom Double garage Generous gardens

For more details contact: Wood & Pilcher • 01892 511 211 • www.woodandpilcher.co.uk

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www lambertandfoster.co.uk

(i)nTheMarketcam

t rightmove

Property professionals for over 100 years

Brenchley, Kent

Monthly Rental of £1,950

Matfield, Kent

Monthly Rental of £2 ,150

Thatched period detached house situated in private lane near to picturesque village of Brenchley available to let furnished for short or long term.

Spacious attached double-fronted character house situated on the outskirts of Matfield Village just a short drive to Paddock Wood MLS.

• PADDOCK WOOD OFFICE 01892 832 325

• PADDOCK WOOD OFFICE 01892 832 325

At Lambert & Foster we understand that as a landlord you are putting your trust in us to look after your properties.

Unlike many "pop-up" agents who are only interested in the bottom line, our philosophy is as much about tomorrow as today, it is important to us that landlords remain with us.

We enter a relationship with a new landlord with longevity in mind, looking after your assets, understanding how to make the relationship work for the long term. This is also true of our tenants. Good relationships are vital

in maintaining a healthy platform to build on.

Together with the residential departments, the L&F lettings teams are successfully combining their efforts to give clients the whole package, selling buy-to-lets to new landlords who in turn

use the lettings team to find tenants for their property. With Lambert & Foster you benefit from a complete property professional team, working together synonymously to achieve the best results.

FREE ADVICE & APPRAISAL - NO LET, NO FEE

Nettlestead, Kent

Monthly Rental of £1,750

Lamberhurst, Kent

Monthly Rental of £1 ,200

Spacious detached family home with far reaching views over adjoining countryside. Mature gardens, paddocks and stables set in approx 4.5 acres.

Attractive semi-detached house situated in a semi rural location on the outskirts of Lamberhurst. Large garden with outhouse and parking.

• PADDOCK WOOD OFFICE 01892 832 325

• CRANBROOK OFFICE 01580 712 234

Paddock Wood 01892 831 606

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Cranbrook 01580 712 234

Mayfield 01435 873 999

Please note that for tenants only, an admin fee of £300 per property will apply.

-S'f, ARlA

(~ RICS

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BEAUTIFUL HOMES

COURT COTTAGE A contemporary converted cottage in Tudeley AT THE TOP of a private road in the favoured village of Tudeley you will find this delightful mews cottage, enjoying all the benefits of countryside living, yet within easy access of Tonbridge town, the mainline station and excellent schools.

Cider Court forms part of a range of tastefully converted farm buildings which combine character with contemporary style living.

Arrive in the property through the courtyard entrance with stable door into entrance lobby area. From here stairs take you down to the delightful open plan living room which incorporates a comfy seating area, dining space and comprehensively fitted kitchen including fitted appliances. The room is charmingly

structured around large beams making a real feature and natural division for living space. From the lobby/hall area, stairs to the first floor with high vaulted ceiling and skylight.

Upstairs, there is a double aspect master bedroom with en suite shower room along with two further bedrooms, both with mezzanine floor and a study/ bedroom four as well. The family bathroom completes the picture and also enjoys a skylight window.

As you approach the property there is a gravel drive which leads to integral, double, car parking bay which could (subject to planning consent) be converted into further living space if required. The property also enjoys stunning country views.

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PROPERTY: Cider Court LOCATION: Park Farm, Tudeley PRICE: £599,500 BEDROOMS: 3 (with option to use study as bedroom 4) BATHROOMS: 2 (including one en suite) BEST BITS: The delightful open plan living room which comprises a dining space, tasteful kitchen and comfortable seating area. n n n n

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Lobby area Open plan living area Comprehensively fitted kitchen Double aspect master bedroom with en suite shower room Two further bedrooms Study/ fourth bedroom Family bathroom Double car parking bay Possible opportunity to extend

For more details contact: Barnes Kingsnorth • 01732 771 616 • www.bkestateagents.com

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BEAUTIFUL HOMES

CHARMING FARMHOUSE Attractive rural property with detached oast house in Goudhurst FORGE FARM HOUSE is an attractive and substantial Grade II Listed farmhouse with a separate partly converted detached oast house/barn. The property is approached off a private track over a gravel driveway which sweeps round to a parking area and the garaging, and is situated in a wonderful rural position, on the edge of the beautiful Wealden village of Goudhurst.

The property comprises a 16th century Grade II Listed farmhouse on the edge of Bedgebury Forest. It is of brick construction with part tile hung upper elevations under a tiled roof. The side extension is also constructed of brick with a pillared porch. The farmhouse offers fantastic family/reception space with many of its original features such as a large

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inglenook fireplace, exposed timbers and some original flooring.

To the ground floor, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find an entrance hall, utility room, cloakroom, kitchen/breakfast room, study, drawing room and sitting/ dining room. Situated over the next two floors are five spacious bedrooms, including the master bedroom with en suite bathroom and dressing room. A family bathroom can also be found on the first floor.

Externally, attractive gardens and grounds surround the property and are laid to lawn with a multitude of mature trees, shrubs and plants.

There is a concrete stable yard with three stables, a large open garage and a recently resurfaced Mark Scott arena. The property also benefits from a partly converted detached oast barn.

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PROPERTY: FORGE FARM HOUSE LOCATION: BEDGEBURY ROAD, GOUDHURST PRICE: £1,495,000 BEDROOMS: 5 BATHROOMS: 2 BEST BITS: The separate partly converted detached oast house/barn, of which the first floor has been converted into a studio. n Utility room n Cloakroom n Kitchen/breakfast room n Study n Drawing room n Sitting/dining room n Master bedroom with en suite bathroom n Four further bedrooms n Family bathroom n Detached oast house/barn n Gardens and grounds n Three stables n Mark Scott ménage

For full details contact: Knight Frank • 01892 882 788 • www.knightfrank.co.uk

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Tunbridge Wells

Avon Street, TN1 2JG

Guide £380,000

Four bedroom family home with versatile layout in the St. James area of Tunbridge Wells.

Energy Efficiency Rating: E

Leneda Drive, TN2 5RJ £345,000

2 bedroom semi-detached bungalow on south side of town, Living room with patio doors onto rear garden, with side access and detached single garage, fitted kitchen with door to garden, shower room.

Energy Efficiency Rating: D

Regina Court, TN4 8DJ Guide £280,000

Location, location, location and with a view! Ground floor, 2 bedrooms, underground parking.

Energy Efficiency Rating: D

Edison Court, TN4 9TR Guide £275,000-£285,000

Feel secure in this gated complex, situated in the St. John's area of town.

Energy Efficiency Rating: B

GimbleWa'd, TN2 4BX £415,000

Versatile family living with 3 bedrooms in village cul-de-sac There is footpath access into woods from the end of Church Road. The living room has a log burning stove and opens into a garden room. The fitted kitchen has doors out to an alfresco dining area with pergola. Off road parking.

Energy Efficiency Rating: D

Western Road, TN1 2JJ Guide £349,999

Walk in and relax at this stylishly refurbished period home... lots of natural light, wood burning stove and low maintenance garden.

Energy Efficiency Rating: F

Tunbridge Wells Sales 01892 515 144 Tunbridge Wells Lettings 01892 525 551

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Andrews >

Andrews LANDLORDS WANTED Required for properties in

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Contact us on: 01892 51511tlt

I

lettings@andrewsonline.co.uk

To view more properties available from all 85 of our offices, visit andrewsonline.co.uk

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Barnes Kingsnorth

NOITTH TONBRIDGE £899,950 FAVOURED LOCATION overlooking parkland and w ithin easy access of town and MLS. This a ttrac tive Georgian style, d e tach ed h o u se offer s gen erou s living accommod a tion and scope to ad ap t into yo ur p erfect famil y h om e. D elightful, d ouble asp ect sitting room, sp acio u s d ining room , con servatory, family room / study, kitch en / breakfas t room , utility and d own s tairs ba throom . On the fir st floor are 4 d ouble bed room s, en-s uite and fa mily ba throom. Gra velled driveway, d ouble garage and garden s to front & rear. NO CH AIN EPC : E Apply Tombridge

OIEO £700,000 STUNNING, UNIQUE FAMILY HOME se t on th e village green . Deceptively spaciou s an d ch arac terful 4-5 bedroom a ttach ed h o u se with sunn y an d seclu d ed !aw n ed garden w ith brick cobbled courtyard and magn ificen t fig tree as well as a large balcony to the principal bed room. Beau tifully presented thro u gh o u t an d comprising 31' sitting room w ith stu dy area an d arch ed w indows, kitch en opening to the d in ing room , cloakroom , first fl oor family room leading to 3 bed rooms, prin cipal bed room , d ressing room / bedroom 5 and family bath room . In tegral garage and d riveway parking for several cars . In ternal viewing essen tial to fully app recia te th e ch aracter feat ures and sense of p r ivacy. EPC: F PEMBURY

Apply Pembury

CENTRAL TONBRIDGE £645,000 CHARMING GRADE II LISTED COTTAGE in q uie t b ackwater, yet just a stroll from the town and m ainline s tation. With roses round the d oor and oozing style & ch aracter, this d e tach ed p rop erty offers tha t special som ething ex tra! On the ground floor there is a bay fronted sitting roo m , family room , s tud y h all and a kitch en / dining room . Up s tairs ther e a re 3 b ed room s, an en-suite sh ower room and the fa mily ba throom. Pretty cottage garden s, p o tting sh ed and a s ummerhouse r etreat comple tes the picture! NO CH A IN Apply Tonbridge

'§) Primelocatior t i-rightmove.~..

Residential Sales & Lettings

Pembury: 01892 822880

Tonbridge : 01732 771616

Lettings: 01732 7716 16

e. pemb ury@bkea.ca uk

e. ta nbndg e@bkea.ca uk

e. lettings @b kea co uk

www.bkestateagents.com

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BEAUTIFUL HOMES

STYLISH SPACE Impressive and stylish family home in Tunbridge Wells DORKING ROAD IS in the St. James region of Tunbridge Wells and features a range of properties mainly period properties circa 1900.

This charming home is situated on an elevated position and has the benefit of the newly improved Grosvenor and Hilbert Park within a few hundred yards.

Inside the home, on the ground floor there is an entrance hall, bay fronted living room with wood burning stove, modern and light open-plan kitchen with the benefit of dining space for entertaining, and a family room with door out to the

rear garden. Extras to this floor include a convenient utility room and downstairs shower room with wc facilities.

Upstairs you’ll discover three wellpresented bedrooms, two of which overlook the garden and a family bathroom.

Outside, the garden is established with a range of raised borders and mature shrubs and plants. The property has side access, a shed and the benefit of a patio area which is ideal for alfresco dining and enjoying the outdoor space with family or guests.

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PROPERTY: Dorking Road LOCATION: Dorking Road, Tunbridge Wells PRICE: £550,000 BEDROOMS: 3 BATHROOMS: 1 BEST BITS: The stylish and spacious kitchen with plenty of dining space for entertaining. n n n n n n n n n

Three bedrooms Extended reception area Living room with wood burning stove Open-plan kitchen/dining room Utility room Shower room Family bathroom Established garden Patio area

For full details contact: Andrews • 01892 515 144 • www.andrewsonline.co.uk

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Coombe Edge, Crowborough

Kingswood Road, Tunbridge Wells

A four bedroom, executive style modern family home in a mews development on a private road. Lounge w ith doors to garden, kitchen/ breakfast area, ensuite and family bathroom. Gardens, Garage & Dri veway.

A purpose built second floor, two bedroom apartment,set in a popular secluded road just over half a mile to the tow n centre. Open plan lounge/ kitchen area, ensuite bathroom and shower room .Allocated parking.

Strawberry Close, Tunbridge Wells

Broadwater Down, Tunbridge Wells

£325,000-£350,000

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£625,000-£650,000

£275,000-£295,000

REDUCED

A charming three bedroom detached bungalow. Open plan li ving space w hich includes a lounge/ diner, kitchen and sun room area. Ensuite and bathroom. Gardens, Driveway and Garage en bloc.

A ground floor two bedroom apartment. Features include a lounge/ diner, modern kitchen and bathroom. Allocated Parking space & communal gardens . No chain.

Stone Street, Tunbridge Wells

This three bedroom semi-detached family home is situated in the fa voured St James area, the accommodation includes t wo receptions, kitchen, three bedrooms and a useful loft room . Drivew ay, Garage and lawned Garden backin on to Hilbert Park.

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Investors and First time bu yers this character three bedroom home is set in a tow n location and convenient for the local primary schools.

The accommodation includes two receptions, kitchen and bathroom, outside there is court ard arden.

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BEAUTIFUL HOMES

MAGNIFICENT MILL A striking period mill conversion for sale in Four Elms WITH DELIGHTFUL RURAL views and period charm, The Corn Mill offers a unique opportunity to own a detached converted mill house in a sought‐after and convenient village location.

The front door opens to an entrance hall, which gives access to the kitchen and dining room. The kitchen has been refurbished by the current vendors, with an attractive range of farmhouse style units and tile worksurfaces. A slate floor continues into the dining room, which has French doors onto a rear terrace, and on this floor you’ll also find a convenient utility cupboard and a cloakroom.

Climb the staircase to the first floor, and there you’ll discover the charming sitting

room, with views over the mill pond and access to the large terrace, which is perfect for alfresco dining. The master bedroom is triple aspect and has an en suite bathroom, with separate bath and shower cubicle.

To the second floor, there are two bedrooms, each with its own en suite shower room. A doorway gives access to spacious under eaves storage.

Externally, The Corn Mill’s garden is predominantly laid to lawn with an array of shrubs and trees. The most impressive terrace is accessed from the sitting room, which overlooks the mill pond. There is also a versatile summerhouse, which is currently used as an office.

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PROPERTY: The Corn Mill LOCATION: Four Elms PRICE: £795,000 BEDROOMS: 3 BATHROOMS: 3 en suite BEST BITS: The stunning outdoor terrace with built in barbecue, which overlooks the mill pond. n n n n n n n n n n n n

Entrance hall Sitting room Dining room Kitchen Cloakroom Master bedroom suite Two further bedrooms with en suite bathrooms Eaves storage Summer house Sun terrace overlooking the mill pond Delightful established gardens In all about 0.63 acre

For full details contact: Knight Frank Sevenoaks • 01732 744 477 • www.knightfrank.co.uk

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BEAUTIFUL HOMES

COUNTRYSIDE CHARMS Detached four bedroom cottage in picturesque Crockham Hill BROOK COTTAGE IS a wonderful detached period cottage dating originally from 1643, with later additions. A rare prospect for the market the house exudes character and offers a tranquil setting amongst its own mature gardens and paddock, with views to the open countryside beyond.

The ground floor offers good entertaining space, including a generous sitting room with a working inglenook fireplace, a dining room that also features an inglenook fireplace and leads to a bright conservatory which enjoys great views of the gardens and a spacious kitchen with an aga and an adjoining breakfast room with a pantry.

Additionally on the ground floor there is a downstairs cloakroom/utility area with a

butler’s sink and storage and a boot room.

On the upper floor there are four bedrooms, including a master bedroom with an en suite bathroom, plus a family bathroom with an airing cupboard.

The house is surrounded by the delightful mature gardens including the brook from which it takes its name. Beyond the garden there is a fenced paddock, separated from the garden via a low stone wall.

Double gates lead from the lane to an enclosed yard where there is a stable block and store. There is a spring water trough in the yard. The house benefits from a large detached barn that is currently used as a garage. There is also space to park in front of the barn.

PROPERTY: Brook Cottage LOCATION: Dairy Lane, Crockham Hill PRICE: £1,250,000 BEDROOMS: 4 BATHROOMS: 2 (including 1 en suite) BEST BITS: The delightful mature gardens, and the stunning surrounding views of the tranquil rural countryside nearby. n n n n n n n

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Detached period cottage Grade II listed Delightful rural setting Views over green belt countryside Detached barn/garage Stables and store 1.1 acre plot including stunning gardens with stream plus a paddock Sitting room with inglenook fireplace Bright kitchen with aga

For full details contact: Hamptons Sevenoaks • 01732 280 801 • www.hamptons.co.uk

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Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk TllllSll- = Tl)ml T H E .....T IM l-:S

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INTERNATIONAL

Platt-Guide Price £1,450,000 An attractive five bedroom detached home with fantastic entertaining space, and is part of a small and exclusive development of just three substantial, brand new family homes located in the hea rt of a picturesque village a nd each set a mid westerly fa cing plots of approximately 0. 74 acres. EPC: B

Westerham - Guide Price £435,000 Stunning penthouse apartment in a luxury conversion of the historic Cormorant Place featuring striking entertaining space with a vaulted ceiling, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a private balcony and off street parking located in the sought after market town of Westerham. EPC: C

Sevenoaks Office

Sales. 01732 423 102 I sevenoaks@hamptons-int.com

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Sevenoaks- Guide Price £400,000 Detached three bedroom chalet bungalow requiring refurbishment, located in a desirable no through road in Sevenoaks and set on a plot with development potential. EPC: E

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Whetsted, Five Oak Green, Kent

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An impressive detached period country home with an abundance of character and charm throughout. Situated in a semi-rural hamlet overlooking open countryside with five bedrooms and four reception rooms.

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The accommodation predominantly spans two floors and totals approx. 3663 sq.ft but includes just under 800 sq.ft of attic space offering the potential to convert subject to the necessary permissions and individual needs.

The garden lays to the front and side of the property which enjoys a southerly open aspect and includes a beautiful walled garden.

The walled garden is a real feature of the property and includes a pretty summer house to one corner and detached outbuilding to the back of the house.

Tunbridge Wells Town Centre approx. 6.8 miles Paddock Wood Mainline Station approx. 2.4 miles â&#x20AC;˘ PADDOCK WOOD OFFICE 01892 832 325

Paddock Wood 01892 832 325

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Mayfield 01435 873 999

Cran brook 01580 712 888

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GARDENS

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Cotinus coggygria ‘Lilla’

liked what he had seen so far of my work, which was so nice of him. He is such a nice man in real life and so passionate about what he does.”

How was it seeing all your work come together for the big reveal?

“It was nice to see everything come together, when you’re at the reveal, and you see how overwhelmed the people are and how it’s going to make such a difference to them, that’s the biggest reward, that’s what I really got out of it.”

The Constant Gardener

What would be your dream project, and

From sowing seeds to TV screens, Tenterden garden designer Laura Anstiss tells us about her latest venture and the passion for planting that got her there…

where I got flown to Italy, so something

what’s next in the pipeline?

“I’ve been lucky because I’ve had one very similar to that! The ultimate for a designer is to have completely free rein and an unlimited budget, so you could absorb yourself in the project. As for

Where did your passion for gardens

in Sevenoaks, I was with them for a year,

what’s next – I’d like to do Chelsea, but you

come from?

going through the whole process from start

need the time and quite a major amount of

“I grew up on Exmoor, so it was very

to finish, but then a small project could be

money to do it, so it’s getting sponsorship,

barren and remote, with beautiful scenery.

turned around in two or three weeks. That’s

but I’d love to do it!”

Horticulture was all around me – I grew up

what’s great about it, there’s so much

on a farm, and my first experience was

variation, and each customer wants

when I was about nine, when I dug into

different things – they have different ideas,

the field that surrounded my house

and inspirations and themes. No two jobs

and cut my first garden. My passion

are the same!”

started from there.”

Has it been hard to learn your craft?

“I’ve now been doing garden design for 20 years. When I first started there wasn’t even a degree but slowly over the years it’s progressed, and I’ve continued to train.

When I began, I did an HNC, then ten years later when I had my children I went back to university to do a degree in garden design.

This year just gone, I went to an evening college class to train in AutoCAD 3D

Your designs were recently used on ITV’s Love Your Garden – how did that come about?

“I do quite a lot of work with Frost Landscapes who were involved with the project, and they asked me to do the designs for them. It was really interesting and I was really pleased to be asked.

I designed seven gardens and I went and met each family to chat about what they wanted.”

which is all about visualisation, so I’m constantly learning!”

OUTSIDE EXPERTISE “Look at the garden as an extra room therefore planning and design of your outdoor space should be considered an integral part of your home. The garden should be styled to look appropriate for

Did you meet Alan Titchmarsh?

your home, which will give you a natural

“When I first met Alan he did a speech

flow and harmony to your whole property.”

How long can it take to do a job?

before a show – he had only just met me

“The design process depends on how big

but sought me out in the audience and

the garden is. One project I’ve just finished

complimented me on how much he had

www.anstissgardens.co.uk

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INTERIORS

NT/SHEILA ORME

LITERARY LIVING Susannah Mayor, house steward at Lamb House in Rye explains how this property with literary links is maintained…

What does your role as house steward involve?

I help care for the collection at Lamb House, Rye, which was once owned by American novelist Henry James and is now lived in by private tenants.

Have you worked at any similar properties in the past?

I also care for Smallhythe Place, near Tenterden, as part of my role with the National Trust. It’s wonderful to be able

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to work so closely across the two special places, so different but equally connected by their arts and literary heritage in our colourful local history.

What tasks will you be undertaking around the property this August?

August is a busy time of year for Lamb House. As one of the National Trust’s smaller places, the main job is to ensure that the collection is presented well and that the beautiful garden is at its best.

What is your approach to the property, both in terms of preserving its heritage and moving forward?

Although the way in which we present the history and heritage of Lamb House is bound to evolve over the future, it’s important to me that we maintain the key narratives that make its story so unique. For me, this would be literature across the decades from the day Henry James first leased it in 1897 to when it came into our care in 1950. I also want

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INTERIORS

Which original features still remain in the property?

The best original feature for me is the grand tall front door, which has seen so many interesting people pass through it including H.G.Wells, Joseph Conrad and Rudyard Kipling.

What is the biggest challenge at Lamb House?

There are so many wonderful stories at Lamb House that it can be a challenge deciding which to showcase in the limited space we have. This could range from looking at how the house famously played host to George I after he was shipwrecked at Camber, to an overview of Henry James’ life in Rye and his literary visitors, or the inspiration the house provided for E.F Benson. We want to capture the imagination of all our visitors, including those who have particular interests and those who know nothing about the house and rely on our knowledgeable volunteers to bring its heritage to life.

NT/DAVID SELLMAN

to carry on the thread of the house as a refuge from everyday life, so that it continues to enchant our visitors as it did with Henry James.

garden in August. From 19 to 21 August, the Lamb Players will perform Much Ado About Nothing. They are a company of professional actors who come together once a year to perform Shakespeare at Lamb House, and it’s always hugely popular. Tickets and more information is available at www.thelambplayers.com What is the most commonly asked question from visitors?

We often get asked which of Henry James’ famous novels he wrote here. The answer is several – including The Wings of the Dove, The Ambassadors and The Golden Bowl.

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How can visitors recreate something of the Lamb House feel in their own homes?

Why not start in the garden? The walled garden here at Lamb House has roses, lilies and herbaceous varieties bordering the lawn, which can easily be sourced and planted at home. The carefully curated combination takes you back to when James lived there, and starting your own gardening traditions is a delight to pass down the generations.

What’s the most popular time for visitors at Lamb House?

August is our busiest month, with visitors from all over the world. It has long been central to political and literary life in the town since being built by the Lamb family in 1722, and has been the home and indeed the inspiration for s ome significant authors.

Lamb House is open Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays in the summer season. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lamb-house

What’s your favourite area or element of the property?

In summer I particularly love the wonderful garden at Lamb House. It is one of the largest walled gardens in the old town of Rye, designed by Alfred Parsons. Surrounded by the Campsis that still climbs the wall as it did in James’ time, it offers peace, tranquillity and inspiration to all those who visit.

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Is there anything in particular that visitors should look out for this summer?

We are very excited to be presenting an open-air theatre production in the

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c c» HELEN BREEZE THE LETIINGS & MANAGEMENT SPECIALISTS

ARE YOU THINKING OF LETTING YOUR PROPERTY THIS SUMMER? We have been assisting landlords in this area for the last 25 years.

We can help you through the letting process, giving you clear guidance on how best to prepare your property. Contact our lettings team for more information!

To search for our properties on line, please visit our website:

www.helenbreeze.co.uk or come in to our office in Sevenoaks.

12 London Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN 13 1AJ

T: 01732 740789 F: 01732 740742 W: www.helenbreeze.co.uk

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GARDENS

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ROSES FOR NOSES For Jon Reburn from Coolings, everything’s coming up roses

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cent has been described as the other half of a plant’s beauty. Roses are the quintessential English garden plant and are frequently voted the nation’s favourite. In addition to their obvious beauty, many types are also highly perfumed.

The famous rose breeder David Austin divides the fragrance of roses into five distinct categories.

Old Rose, Fruity, Myrrh, Tea and Musk. Why not get sniffing and see if you can detect the difference! At Coolings we stock a large selection of home grown and David Austin roses for you to choose from.

MYRRH FRAGRANCE Boscobel Carolyn Knight Constance Spry Scepter’d Isle William and Catherine Wollerton Old Hall

FRUITY

Benjamin Britten Darcey Bussell Jubilee Celebration Lady Emma Hamilton Olivia Rose Austin Royal Jubilee

Above: Rosa Port Sunlight Right: Rosa 'Constance Spry' (Myrrh) Below: Rosa Graham Thomas

TIPS FOR SUCCESS WITH ROSES:

MUSK

The Generous Gardener Tranquillity

After care: Feeding spring and mid-summer with a slow release rose fertiliser such

OLD ROSE

Brother Cadfael Falstaff Gertrude Jekyll Harlow Carr Munstead Wood Winchester Cathedral

TEA ROSE

Golden Celebration Graham Thomas Lady of Shalott Port Sunlight Princess Alexandra of Kent Princess Anne

Planting: Roses appreciate

as Toprose or David Austin

good rich soil, so plant with

Rose Food will promote

Coolings tree and shrub

healthy foliage and generous

compost or well-rotted

flowering. Remove faded

farmyard manure. We also

blooms to promote repeat

recommend Rootgrow with

flowering. Plants can be

friendly mycorrhizal fungi to

sprayed with Rose Clear to

give your roses a boost

control pest and disease

throughout their lifetime.

problems should they occur.

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POTTS LTD

KITCHENS , BATHROOMS & INTERIORS

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Kiln Barn Road , East Malling , Maidstone , Kent , ME19 6BQ 01732 848444

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www.potts.ltd.uk

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GARDENS

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SHADES OF GREY

Add some chic touches to your outdoor space with these garden accessories

FARTHING GARDEN HOUSE DESIGN

Chic Battersea bench, £146 www.thefarthing.co.uk

Chelsea trough in faux lead, £397 www.gardenhousedesign.co.uk

CLOUDBERRY LIVING Ferm Plant Box, £160 www.cloudberryliving.co.uk

ALEXANDER & PEARL Portland large concrete dining table, £995 www.alexanderandpearl.co.uk

SWEETPEA & WILLOW VIVA LAGOON

Beatrice decorative urn, £329 www.sweetpeaandwillow.com

Skyline design Castries lounger, £1,299 www.vivalagoon.com

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ONE THE PANTILES INTERIORS CURTAINS

BLINDS

SHUTTERS

01892 549933 info@onethepantiles.co.uk TN2 STD

20%* CASAMANCE, CASADECO, CAMENGO, GALERIE, MARIMEKKO, RASCH, TODAY INTERIORS, VOYAGE. On presentation of this voucher for SO Magazine Readers. Offer ends 31st August 2016.

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OFF WALLPAPERS 22/07/2016 10:43

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Supply Only Oak Designs have over 480 designs in our Acorn Garaging Range as well as our 16 standard designs in our Outdoor Living buildings. These standard building designs can be produced quickly and efficiently in our workshops using a blend of traditional carpentry skills with some help from modern technology.

We can usually produce an entire building within 6 weeks from the date of order confirmation. Once your order has been confirmed and a deposit paid we will manufacture all components in our workshops which will then be dismantled and supplied to you in kit form. They will then be delivered to you as a kit with numbered parts, working drawings and stainless steel pins and oak pegs.

Bespoke We can design buildings to suit our clients whether they submit their own Architectural plans or Steve Elliott our M.D./Surveyor, can interpret our clients’ ideas to design an oak frame building best suited to their vision and their property. All of our Acorn Garaging and Outdoor Living range can be customised to suit our clients’ individual requirements. Our garaging buildings can also be designed to suit habitable standards.

Site Visits Oak Designs are one step ahead of the competition when it come to a personal and professional service. You will be visited by a qualified and experienced surveyor who can advise you on all aspects of your intended development to ensure you have the best chance of achieving planning permission (if required) and that you get the very best from the space you have available.

Please visit our NEW website www.oak-designs.co.uk for more information on our Summer Offer and to try our new ‘Quote My Design’ tool.

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Responsibly sourced Oak We only use green oak sourced from recognised sustainable F.S.C. and P.E.F.C. certified forests. Green oak has the lowest embodied energy of any primary building material. Materials used in green building are eco-friendly and help lessen the impact of the building on the surrounding environment.

Compared with traditional brick buildings, oak framed structures are ‘dry build’ thereby saving on gallons of water normally used on a building site.

They are considerably quicker to construct on site which means they are also more cost effective.

When using ‘green’ unseasoned oak the timber contracts, tightening the joints to give a superbly strong structure which will endure and be admired for many years to come.

“

We have been very impressed by your service right through from the initial discussions to the excellent assembly by your employees on site.

I would not hesitate to recommend Oak Designs to anyone; a friendly and efficient service from all involved.

”

We would have no hesitation in recommending yourselves to anybody looking for high quality product and company.

Oak_Designs_Digital_Wrap_Aug16.indd 4

The Oak Designs Company Ltd. Workshop and Sales Office Unit 3, The Framing Yard, Spithurst Commercial Centre, Spithurst Road Barcombe, Nr Lewes East Sussex, BN8 5ED 01273 400411 www.oak-designs.co.uk sales@oakdesigns.co.uk

29/07/2016 16:26