So Wealden June 2015 Magazine

SO W EALDEN

“I WAS BORN TO RACE AND TO WIN”

LEWIS HAMILTON ON BEING BRITISH SPORT’S RICHEST STAR

EXPERIENCE

THE BEST OF ALFRESCO SUMMER DINING IN AND AROUND THE WEALD

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

BODIAM

BOATING

NEWENDEN COUPLE FIND DREAM JOB IS NOT ALL PLAIN SAILING

PONDERING ON POUNDLAND “WHY SOME TOWNS DESERVE THIS SHOP”

GLORIOUS

GOLF

WEALDEN BUSINESSES BATTLE FOR THE SO TROPHY

COAST WITH

THE MOST

DISCOVER THE GEMS OF THE KENT SEASIDE

ISSUE 33 - JUNE 201 5

JUNE 2015 £1.50 WWW.SOMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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ONE MAN, ONE MACHINE. G.P.M.H.

SPONSOR AND OFFICIAL TIMEKEEPER OF THE GRAND PRIX DE MONACO HISTORIQUE Untitled-5 2

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~. (!Collin~ & ~on~ --------路路-------63 High Street, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TNl lXU Tel. 01892 5340181 Fax. 01892 510536 Email. info@gcollinsandsons.com I www.gcollinsandsons.com

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Designers and makers of handmade kitchens

The difference is in the detail

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

81 Calverley Road Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN 1 2UY Tel 01892 520730

速

www.rencraft.co.uk

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CONTENTS

SO

HELLO HERE’S WHAT’S INSIDE YOUR JUNE ISSUE

32

76

THE TRAVEL

THE CELEBRITY

From desert islands to eco palaces – the world’s most luxurious hotels

“I’ve never known anyone as competitive as me”

188 THE FOOD

Our galloping gourmet enjoys a taste of the Kent coast

XXX 93

137

Turn your garden into a summer sanctury

Beautiful Wealden homes with the wow factor

THE HOMES

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

206 THE MOTOR

Serious fun with the new Range Rover Sport SVR

83

STRICTLY WEALDEN...

THE FEATURE

News – Sheepish stars head for the Weald

COVER IMAGE: GETTY IMAGES

Oh, we do like to be beside the seaside…

Letters – Feeling the squeeze in Sissinghurst

57

THE LOOK We shed light – and weight – on an intensive slimming weekend

Not all plain sailing for Bodiam boat business Calendar – All’s rosy in Ticehurst garden Undercover foodie on Goudhurst eatery Mayfield girls impress in the saddle Wealden business group’s record gift JUNE 2015

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M A G A Z I N E

C O N TA C T S

16 Lonsdale Gardens Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU Tel: 01892 779 650 www.somagazine.co.uk Editor Jane Connolly jconnolly@onemediauk.co.uk Head of Design Rowena Cremer-Price rcremer-price@onemediauk.co.uk Senior Journalist Charlie Bond cbond@onemediauk.co.uk Publishing Design Manager Xela Ruy xruy@onemediauk.co.uk Junior Designer Ameila Giddings agiddings@onemediauk.co.uk Production Co-ordinators Lauren Howe lhowe2@onemediauk.co.uk Becky Wells bwells@onemediauk.co.uk Writer Frederick Latty flatty@onemediauk.co.uk Commercial & Digital Marketing Manager Laura Plane lplane@onemediauk.co.uk Head of Sales Joe De Kwant Stoner jstoner@onemediauk.co.uk COMMERCIAL TEAM Team Leader Gemma Hak ghak@onemediauk.co.uk Team Leader Patsy Kelly pkelly@onemediauk.co.uk Jake Short shortj@onemediauk.co.uk Clara Higgs-Prosser chprosser@onemediauk.co.uk Laura Welstead lwelstead@onemediauk.co.uk Robin Singer rsinger@markerstudy.com Distribution Co-ordinator Harry Lamb Contributors Valerie Thacker • Catherine de Crèvecoeur • Daniel Gee Craig Matthews • David Bartholomew Publishing Director Nick Moore nmoore@onemediauk.co.uk Editorial Director Richard Moore rmoore@onemediauk.co.uk Like us on Facebook facebook.com/SoMagazines Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/SoMagazines

one media Published by:

and creative uk ltd

SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE ONLINE 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.

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NEWS

Wealden

NEWS...

OUR MONTHLY LOOK AT SOME OF THE LOCAL STORIES MAKING THE HEADLINES will be arriving or departing. “It is always horrible coping with changes which affect how we go about our daily lives,” says Pat Hughes, Rye and District Community Transport’s Operations Manager. “And those in Peasmarsh, Beckley and Northiam have the most to deal with.”

WHITE WRITE The next Sherlock Holmes novel could include references to a white deer, after author Tim Symonds believes he spotted the creature near his home in Burwash. Tim, who was heading to his favourite writing spot at the time, was stunned to see what he believed to be a pure white deer among a herd. “I was walking to this place to work on my next plot but I now may include the sighting in the title – Sherlock Holmes and the Mystery of the White Deer,” he says.

“You do feel privileged; it is so rare.”

DESIGN BRIEF An award winning Woodchurch gardener has moved from landscaping to lingerie by creating underwear sets made from real flowers. Lucy Summers, a landscaper, writer and designer, hand-stitched blooms into briefs and bras in a bid to create an unusual gift idea. “It is flirty, totally frivolous and luxurious and if any man came home with that gorgeous lingerie in a box, there aren’t many women that wouldn’t be so deeply flattered that they’d marry him on the spot,” says Lucy. “Every woman who has seen it has said ‘wow! I want some.’” www.lucysummersliving.com

FAME ACADEMY Having recently signed for not one, but two agencies, a Goudhurst schoolboy could be heading for stardom. James Clarke, a pupil at the Bethany School, was recently taken on by the Starlight casting agency in London, responsible for finding the stars in Guardians of the Galaxy and The Imitation Game. Tunbridge Wells modelling agency Happy Feet has also signed the year 9 pupil, who is a regular in school performances and last year won the chance to record a song in a music studio.

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A bizarre new ITV show where stars retrain as shepherds is due to be filmed in Bodiam.

Eight celebrities will spend six weeks training with professional mentors before showing off their skills in front of a live audience. The show, presented by Gabby Logan, will be recorded at the Sterling Quarter Horses arena in Bodiam on June 11 and 12. The celebrities appearing are yet to be announced, but dance diva Louis Spence and Gogglebox’s Silent Jay are rumoured to be part of the line-up.

TRANSPORT TROUBLES Passengers using bus services between Northiam and Hastings have been left confused after a number of changes were made to their journeys. As well as timetables missing from bus stops, the 344 route has now been split into two separate services and a lack of information means passengers have no idea what time their bus service

Featureflash/shutterstock.com

SHEEP SHOW

STAR SPOTTING Surprised punters in a Tenterden pub were treated to a celebrity sighting when Denise Van Outen spent an evening in the town.

The star, who has a house in nearby Biddenden, attended a live music event at the Woolpack on Tenterden High Street.

The next morning she took to Twitter to express her enjoyment, writing: ‘@Brilliant night last night @TenterdenTown @26TheWoolpack live band were amazing! www.passthecat.co.uk’.

JUNE 2015

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LETTERS

SO

...AND VIEWS

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

LETTER OF THE MONTH

PICTURE PERFECT I just wanted to thank everyone who came along to our Tenterden 365 photography exhibition recently. From the outset it was a personal project to capture a picture a day of Tenterden and local residents were invited to join in and submit pictures. Well, we had no less than 3,600 images submitted and it became the exhibition that took the town by surprise. We’re now looking to produce a book and a calendar and hopefully repeat the exhibition later in the year. I think other towns are now planning their own projects too after seeing what can be done.

STUART KIRK, TENTERDEN Ed: Sounds like Tenterden residents are a creative bunch!

HUGE THANKS Might we through your magazine say a big ‘thank you’ to the staff at Waitrose and all their shoppers who helped raise money for Pickering Cancer Drop in Centre in Tunbridge Wells. Customers were handed small green discs that they could drop into one of three glass boxes for designated local charities.

Ours is the one on the right of the picture. Amazing!

Waitrose then converted the discs into cash. The Crowborough branch raised £599, Tonbridge raised £545 and Kings Hill £175, making a grand total of £1,319. The charity is run entirely by volunteers, which means every penny will go directly to helping those whose lives have been touched by cancer.

POLLY TAYLOR, PICKERING CO-FOUNDER Ed: What a great result!

Anyone who has to drive through Sissinghurst High Street knows it’s a squeeze at the best of times due to parked cars at the roadside, but I had to chuckle when I noticed one of the cars had a sign sticking out of its driver door, alerting passing cars to be aware of parked vehicles. I suppose it worked because I definitely took notice, but I think installing a car park and getting rid of on street parking is the only way to ensure traffic can flow easily without the danger of parked cars losing wing mirrors on a regular basis.

LAURA COLE, FRITTENDEN Ed: What would you like to see happen in the village?

Let us know.

UNFRIENDLY FIRES As a non-smoker I think lighting up while driving is a vile habit anyway, but what’s worse is people chucking cigarettes, still lit, out of their cars with no regard for other drivers, wildlife or their surroundings.

Just the other day I was driving on the busy A268 to Flimwell when out of the corner of my eye, I spotted flames on the grass verge.

Luckily within a few seconds they died out, but it could easily have been much more serious. I’m so mad, I’ve almost got smoke coming out of my ears!

NICHOLA FLETCHER, HAWKHURST Ed: Come on people, stub it out!

SO GENEROUS Thank you deeply for supporting our charity Taylor Made Dreams through your fine magazine, we very much appreciate your tremendous support! I thought you might like to know that following a recent article on us, some of your readers made a very generous donation. Mr James Le Bouedec, in conjunction with the Rosemary Shrager Cookery School in the Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, made a staggering donation of £20,000. Without your coverage this would not have been made possible and we very much appreciate your continued support, both now and in the future.

SUZI MITCHELL, TAYLOR MADE DREAMS Ed: Wow, what an act of kindness.

TOPICAL TWITTER Bodiam Nursery @BodiamNursery n #Bees nesting in the wall of our shop here at #Bodiam nursery. Their bee-line out to our #plants is over the customer counter! Eeek! Help!

Olly Tucker @tuckstar11 n Had an amazing day down in Tenterden at the 1940s weekend! Espically seeing @MyFavThingsUK take the stage! #1940s Emily Davies @emilydavies85 n Having a lovely day out in #tenterden with the family.

Sunshine, shops, food, cake, vintage railways... What more could you want?!

Des Prichard @Des_Prichard n Just met new female firefighter recruit for Burwash hammering the fitness test on the treadmill, welcome to our team @EastSussexFRS Jonathan @jonathanworking n Enjoyed our walk around Northiam, Newenden and Beckley yesterday.

Ellie Mascall @EMasc1 n Nice trip to Biddenden Vineyards today with sharminiii #apples #cider #juice #kentlife Edward Gallier @EdwardGallier n The sun is out in a wet #maresfield it’s going to be a lovely day!

Frank Cackett@FCackett n Called into Marden meadow on way home from work, nice show of Green winged orchids again this year!

Why not tweet us yourself?

We’ll print our favourites @SoMagazines

We’re happy to have helped!

Email jconnolly@onemediauk.co.uk or write to us at SO Wealden, 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU Please be sure to include your full name and address. Letters may be edited for publication.

JUNE 2015

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MODEL SHOWN KL38 - £27,971 * KRIEDER SHOWROOM- 3 Chapel Place, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN11YQ- 01892 619721 - info@krieder.com- www.krieder.co m •price shown includes delivery, cabinet furniture , appliances, worktops and VAT

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Be more ...

~ j\

On Thursday nights we're demons on the dance floor . c~

~~o,.~~''N-o

The New Course Directory is now available from our centres and li brari es across th e county.

W ith almost 4 ,000 courses, designed for all levels of ability - whether you're learning for pleasure, or to gain a new skill or qualificati on, th ere's a course at a time to suit you.

Courses start from only ÂŁ14

Phillip and Susan, 40s, Cafe Owners

.. .what do you want to be?

For more information visit: kentadulteducation.co.uk pop in to your local centre or call 03000 41 22 22

Kent

County Council kent.gov.uk

Kent Adult Education is part of Community Learning and Skills

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INTERVIEW

SO

“WE BEGAN LOOKING FOR BUSINESSES AND FOUND BODIAM BOATING WE CAME TO LOOK AT IT AND OUR HEARTS SANK BECAUSE THERE WAS SO MUCH TO DO, BUT WE BOUGHT IT AND HIT THE GROUND RUNNING”

grown up in Norfolk and had spent a lot of time on boats, but for Vanessa it was a completely new experience.

“We moved in and I think I cried every night,” she admits. “We came down here wanting a better family balance and we ended up working every hour. We ran the first season pretty much as it was.”

Once the season was over, the family knocked their existing house down and lived in a caravan while their new home was built.

Then, for the next two years they worked on developing the business; buying in more kayaks and rebuilding the jetty. The one thing they hadn’t managed to do, though, was build

FLOATING THE BOAT

on their foodie dreams.

“We pulled out quite a lot of food from the

From boating to brunches, there’s never a quiet moment for Vanessa Ferrett from Newenden

tiny kiosk we had but we were really restricted,” Vanessa says. “So last winter we decided to go ahead and build the café. It was just a field so we didn’t know where to start!”

In October the foundations were put in and

ALTHOUGH SHE ALWAYS wanted to work

already decided!” Vanessa says. “We came

the Lime Wharf café officially opened in April,

in the hospitality business, even Vanessa, 40,

back, moved to Bath and in 2002 we set up

selling breakfast, brunch, lunch and most

didn’t envisage herself running a boating

our new tapas restaurant. It was such a buzz.”

importantly, Vanessa and Alex’s baby – tapas.

For a few years the pair were in their element,

As well as catering for the campers they now

station and café in Kent’s smallest village.

Having grown up in the county, after university

but eventually, once their children Izzy and Billy

have somewhere local people can go to eat

Vanessa went travelling and it was during that

came along, they sold the business. However, it

and socialise and for them, a business they

time she decided that opening a café was her

wasn’t long until they were soon itching to get

can keep open all year round.

dream. “I wrote my mission statement on a

back to what they did best.

beach in Thailand,” she explains. “I had a

“We came back to Kent for a wedding and

So, now that they’re back to doing what they love, is it plain sailing for the couple?

“Well, to pay for everything we’ve got a lot

scrapbook of recipes and menus, which I’d

started feeling nostalgic,” Vanessa explains.

stick in with chewing gum!”

“We began looking for businesses and found

of coffee to sell, put it that way!” Vanessa

Bodiam Boating straightaway. We came to

says with a laugh. “Now that everything’s

where she met her partner Alex. The pair

look at it and our hearts sank because there

falling into place I just want to enjoy it. We

decided to go travelling together and it was

was so much to do, but we bought it and hit

have a job called ‘boy on the bank’ and it’s

while they were in America that they decided

the ground running.”

someone who just chats to people, gets a

After travelling, Vanessa moved to London

to take the plunge and go into the catering business together.

“Alex said ‘so what are we going to call it?’ and I said ‘Same Same but Different’ – I’d

Moving in March 2012, within days they

suntan and helps people on and off the boats.

were open to the public, running a campsite,

I tell my team they’ll know I’m relaxed when

operating ferry rides to nearby Bodiam Castle

I’m doing that!”

and hiring out rowing boats. Luckily, Alex had

www.bodiamboatingstation.co.uk

JUNE 2015

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complications, five of which are linked to chiming, making it the most complicated wristwatch Patek Philippe has ever produced. Six of the watches have been sold to longstanding Patek Philippe collectors, while the seventh, which will be on display at the Saatchi Gallery, is intended for the Patek Philippe museum in Geneva.

HOW DO YOU THINK THE GRAND EXHIBITION WILL INFLUENCE NEW POTENTIAL CLIENTS? The exhibition will appeal to anyone who appreciates history, beautifully handcrafted works of art and high precision engineering.

The main aim of the Grand Exhibition is to raise general awareness about the wonderful world of horology; it is not a commercial exercise. Specifically with regards to Patek Philippe, the exhibition will offer an insight into its heritage, history and craftsmanship.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS PATEK PHILIPPE CONTRIBUTED TO THE WORLD OF HOROLOGY? Patek Philippe’s contribution has been invaluable. It has an impressive repertoire of more than 100 patents and has created

THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF HOROLOGY

With the continuation of an exciting exhibition in London this month, watch enthusiasts from far and wide can get a behind the scenes glimpse at one of the world’s most iconic brands, Patek Philippe. We speak to UK Managing Director, Mark Hearn, about what to expect from the event

some of the greatest horological masterpieces, from the first Swiss wristwatch created in 1868 for the Countess Koscowicz of Hungary, to the Calibre 89, which is the most complicated portable timepiece ever made; it embodies all the horological knowledge and skill amassed since the foundation of the company and remains unequalled to this day.

WHAT CAN VISITORS SEE AT THE GRAND EXHIBITION?

be a truly exceptional event, encompassing 175 years of tradition

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO KEEP THE ART OF TRADITIONAL WATCHMAKING ALIVE?

The exhibition is a rare chance to

of the world’s leading haute

It is so very important for various reasons;

see the inner workings of the last

horlogerie manufacturer.

most importantly, to preserve the unique skills that have been enriched by centuries

independent, family owned Swiss watch manufacturer. Occupying over 2,000m², visitors will be able to explore as many as 400 exhibits, presented throughout 18 themed rooms.

TELL US ABOUT THE INTERACTIVE ROOM

of experience to achieve timepieces of unrivalled quality and reliability.

– WHAT CAN PEOPLE EXPECT TO DISCOVER?

The Grand Exhibition is free and open to the

These spaces recreate the world of Patek

This room is created to inspire and immerse

public, from May 27 to June 7, at the Saatchi

Philippe, from the company’s historic Geneva

visitors into the world of Patek Philippe.

Gallery in London. For more information, visit

headquarters on Rue du Rhone, to its

A short introductory film will be shown

www.patek.com/london2015

workshops and museum. Among other

on a 10 minute loop.

attractions, there will be a complete collection of Patek Philippe timepieces on show, ranging

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU’RE

from perpetual calendars and minute

PARTICULARLY LOOKING FORWARD TO?

repeaters to rare historical timepieces,

The Grandmaster Chime will be the

including the first wristwatch ever created, as

highlight for me. This grand complication

78 High Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent

well as special limited edition pieces. Artisans

wristwatch, which was unveiled in Geneva

TN1 1YB

will also be on hand to demonstrate their

last year, was explicitly developed and

01892 534 018

unique and rare skills at working on

crafted for Patek Philippe’s 175th

www.gcollinsandsons.com

complicated movements. The exhibition will

anniversary. It is endowed with 20

info@gcollinsandsons.com

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Proud Main Sponsor of Jazz on the Pantiles

Tunbridge Wells Audi Now open at North Farm Industrial Estate www.tunbridg ewe lls-audi .co. uk

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EVENTS

SO

JUNE

CALENDAR 1ToSTmark » theLife50thLessons anniversary of the passing of Sir Winston Churchill, Chartwell is holding a series of one-off lectures highlighting

ZSOLT SZASZ

DARREN BELL

NT/ROBERT MORRIS

various aspects of the great man’s life. Throughout June, talks on everything from his interests to his influence in the Second World War will be held at his former Westerham home. Each lecture costs £10 to attend and tickets can be booked online at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell or by calling 0844 249 1895. Details of dates and times can be found on the website.

1ST » Comedy Avenue

4TH » Finest Food

4TH » Sizzling Sounds

Broadway comes to Tunbridge Wells from Monday June 1 to Saturday June 6 when comedy musical Avenue Q takes to the stage at the Assembly Hall Theatre. The hilarious show, which tells the story of graduate Princeton and his escapades in New York, has been a West End hit since coming over from America five years ago and now promises to be a sell-out in Tunbridge Wells too.

Tickets cost from £19.50 and are available at www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

Sample local delights and award winning wines at the Best of Kent Produce event, held at Chapel Down vineyard near Tenterden. From 11am to 4pm foodies will be in their element as they try an array of locally sourced treats from Kent suppliers.

Entry to the fair is free and ample free parking is available onsite.

For more information, call Lucy Patridge on 01580 766 111 or visit www.chapeldown.com

Make the most of the warm summer evenings when the hugely successful Jazz on The Pantiles event returns to Tunbridge Wells. Every Thursday until late September, jazz musicians will be entertaining from the bandstand while diners and drinkers enjoy alfresco performances.

The music begins at 7pm every Thursday and there is a £2 requested donation for each audience member. To find out more about the acts coming to the town and for more information visit www.pantilestraders.co.uk JUNE 2015

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15TH » Glorious Gardens

Spend time admiring fantastic displays of flowers at Hever in Bloom from Monday June 15 to Saturday June 20. Each day visitors can explore the grounds, learn about Hever Castle’s history during free tours with the gardeners and even bring along problem plants to receive advice on successful growing. During the event there will also be floristry workshops (£8) where aspiring florists can create their own hand-tied bouquets. Entry to the castle and grounds costs £16 for adults. For more information, visit www.hevercastle.co.uk

9TH » Looking Rosy

10TH » Wogan’s Words

12TH » Anniversary Art

From Tuesday June 9 to Sunday June 14, enjoy a stroll around Pashley Manor Gardens in Ticehurst as they hold their annual Rose Week event. Visit the rose garden, take a walk with the Head Gardener and treat yourself to some flowers from 21 times Chelsea Gold Medal winners Peter Beales Roses.

The gardens are open from 11am to 5pm; entry costs from £9.50 for adults and is free for members of the Historic Housing Association. www.pashleymanorgardens.com.

TV and radio legend Terry Wogan makes a very special appearance in Tunbridge Wells when he comes to the Assembly Hall this month.

An Evening with Terry Wogan sees the presenter sharing stories about his life and long career. There will also be a Q&A session – turn to page 221 to read our chat with Terry ahead of the show.

The event begins at 8pm and tickets cost £29.50.

Visit www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk or call 01892 530 613 to book.

This month the Fairfax Gallery on The Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells celebrates its 20th anniversary. To mark the occasion, from June 12 to September 8 the gallery will hold an exhibition of recent work from 20 of its leading artists, showcasing styles from contemporary figurative to abstract. Admission is free and the gallery is open from 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and from 12pm to 3pm on Sundays. For information call 01892 525 525.

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EVENTS

SO

19TH » Rail and Ale

Try local beers and ales, watch Morris dancing and take a trip on a steam train during the CAMRA beer festival at Kent and East Sussex Railway in Tenterden on Friday June 19 and Saturday June 20. As well as live entertainment on Saturday afternoon, food will be available all day and for those who are looking to make a weekend of it, camping is available too.

The event runs from 6pm to 10.30pm on Friday and from 11am to 10.30pm on Saturday. www.camra-afrm.org.uk

19TH » Odell Outdoors

20TH » Summer in Sevenoaks

28TH » Fun and Games

Fans of singer Tom Odell won’t have to travel too far to see the star this month, as he takes to the stage at Bedgebury Pinetum. As part of this year’s Forest Live concerts, Tom will be bringing his talents to the woodland near Goudhurst, with special guest Rae Morris also performing on the night.

The show begins at 7.15pm and tickets cost £34.50. To book, or for more information, visit www.forestry.gov.uk/music

Sevenoaks Summer Festival returns for its 46th year with a whole host of entertainment for all the family from Saturday June 20 to Sunday July 5. Concerts, comedy and competitions will be taking place in many local venues such as the Stag Theatre and Squerryes Farm. The event will be officially opened by the new town Mayor.

To view a programme of events and to book tickets for shows, visit www.sevenoaksfestival.org.uk or call 01732 742 213.

Held at the Hadlow cricket ground on Common Road, the village’s inaugural country fair takes place from 12pm to 4pm.

The event has something for everyone, with games and a bouncy castle for children and live music and a beer tent for adults. Plus there will be a farmers’ market and stalls selling local goods.

There’s no charge for entry and free parking is available too. For more details on what’s in store, visit www.facebook.com/ hadlowcountryfair JUNE 2015

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SO

HEYER CASTLE & GARDENS CHILDHOOD HOME OF ANNE BOLEYN

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JUNE

THIS MONTH

YOU SHOULD FLUTTER… Whisking your Dad away for a special trip would make a fantastic Father’s Day present, particularly if he can feel like James Bond in the process. No 007 film is complete without a sophisticated casino scene, but why settle for just one when you could have a dozen? Available exclusively through VeryFirstTo.com with InterCasino, this is the ultimate gift for high rollers – a month-long holiday during which you’ll visit the top 12 casinos in the world. Business Class flights will transport you to iconic venues in Las Vegas, Germany, Monaco, Atlantic City, Argentina, the Bahamas and more; the itinerary includes a visit to the world’s largest casino, The Venetian Macao. Tickets cost £96,000 – time to raid the piggy bank... www.veryfirstto.com

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Bestselling author Stephen King revisits the

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idea of the obsessed literary fan in his new

the Machine return with their third album,

who hasn’t read the book or seen the movie

novel Finders Keepers, published on June 2.

How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful on June 1.

yet, it’s time to find out what all the fuss is

John Rothstein hasn’t published a book in

The Brit and Grammy award winning band

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recording 11 new songs and the new album

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Having killed the writer and stolen notebooks

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JUNE 2015

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THIS MONTH YOU SHOULD

SO

CHARGE… Mobile phones may have revolutionised the way we live today, but a flat battery sends us straight back to the Dark Ages. A great gift idea for Father’s Day (June 21), this stylish leather wallet by Seyvr features a handy, built-in phone charger, so Dad can keep connected on the go. The phone charging cable is neatly integrated into the wallet, which is also practical as it has room for six cards and a clip for cash. It takes two and a half hours to fully charge the battery via a USB cable, so he can top it up at work or while watching TV. So, Dad will always be contactable when you need a late night taxi service…

Available from www.cuckooland.com priced from £49.95.

BUCKLE… When you’d like to subtly add some class to your summer outfits, this new horsebit leather belt by Gucci, £325, is an understated way to say ‘I shop designer’. The horsebit is a signature piece of hardware for the Italian fashion house and this ladies’ belt will look great with trendy 1970s style dresses and kaftans. Also handy for hitching in the waist after too many barbecues…

Available from www.matchesfashion.com

CAMP… Festival season is here and that means the dreaded camping, but these days there’s no reason why you should have to rough it. And if you’re glamping, don’t forget the dog! Now even Rex can travel in style with a doggie tent from Raj Tent Club, which offers bespoke options so you can create a seriously cool canvas kennel.

The model shown costs £250, plus a further £60 for the cushion and £25 for the mat – plus, it’s available in a choice of pink or blue. Although if you’re going to treat the dog, you should probably treat the children too; the kids’ tent pictured is a snip at £600. www.rajtentclub.com

POLISH… Petrolheads like to treat their cars well and when you’ve put a lot of effort into maintaining your pride and joy, nothing but the best will do. No one wants to polish a great paint job with inferior wax, but luckily Mitchell and King are on hand with their range of premium products. Prices start at £35 for their highly specialised, handmade waxes; our favourite is Arklet, a resilient blend that is individually tailored to match your car’s finish perfectly and perfumed from a choice of over 100 fragrances. At £1,495, it’s a pricey Father’s Day gift, but two complimentary refills are included. www.mitchellandking.com

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22/05/2015 09:12

RANT

SO

SILENCE THE SNOBBY SHOPPERS

Here’s where we give readers the chance to air their opinions on contentious local issues.

This month, Gerrard from Tunbridge Wells reveals why he’s ashamed of the town’s reaction to news that a budget store is heading our way

W

hen it emerged recently that Poundland was recruiting staff for a future premises in Tunbridge Wells, the outrage levels on Twitter practically went into orbit. Still smarting from Waitrose’s refusal to set up shop in the town, certain residents went crazy in cyberspace about the prospect of such a cheap establishment daring to darken the pavements of Royal Tunbridge Wells. (A local paper’s April Fool joke about a ‘98p store’ being destined for the old cinema site raised similar terror in the population’s hearts.) The indignation reached such a pitch that it made the national press, drawing a predictably disdainful reaction from the rest of the country.

Now, before readers dismiss me as a poor person who can’t afford to shop elsewhere, may I say that I don’t really want Poundland to come here and I’m not likely to use it much. I think the stores’ facades are ugly and the shopping experience depressing, but that makes any brand undesirable in my book, whether the shelves are stacked with goods worth pennies or millions. There are high end designer shops in town that I don’t visit for the same reason!

However, I support everyone’s right to have a choice about how much money they have to shell out when shopping on their own doorstep. And that doesn’t just apply to people who have no option but to scrimp and save; believe it or not, even people on healthy salaries like to have a choice about how much of it they waste unnecessarily. If the Waitrose admirers really want to pay significantly over the odds for their daily groceries, then let them, but don’t condemn everyone else who has just as much sense as money.

As it happens, I can afford to shop at Waitrose and at those

designer shops I mentioned, but I choose not to because I find the value for money is unreasonably low and I prefer not to throw cash down the drain just because I can spare it. If I really must aspire to be middle class, buying baked beans from Poundland makes perfect sense – it leaves me all the more to spend on Fired Earth tiles and Farrow & Ball paint!

Yes, I think that Poundland will be an aesthetically unattractive addition to an otherwise quite elegant town centre and will not draw big spenders to our town. And yes, I would love the place to be packed out with independent, unique shops run by local people.

Tunbridge Wells has a (deserved) reputation as a delightful town and I enjoy the look of envy that I see on people’s faces when I tell them I live here – but I don’t wear rose-tinted glasses when it comes to our economy. When the town has so many shops standing empty, it’s quite clear that the support from residents is not there, otherwise those businesses wouldn’t have gone under. So if locals don’t like the type of shop that is finding a footing here, perhaps we’ve got no one to blame but ourselves?

Similarly, big chains don’t open new branches on a whim; they do it because their research tells them there’s a market there. Poundland obviously believes that if it builds in TW, they will come; Waitrose, on the other hand, felt that Tonbridge could offer something Tunbridge Wells couldn’t. So the snobs and snooties might have to accept that our town, beautiful and historic as it is, isn’t quite the middle class haven they would like it to be. Maybe that means we can all stop being disgusted at last and lose our stuffy image once and for all.

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

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T R AV E L

SO

y. he to win t ke destin rson. li r e d iv e r m d ngest , it see ortspe in 2008 the you hest sp e ic ip r h m s a ’s c n K e the U ampio ton b orld Ch is Hamil le and is W it w t e e ition 1 L n F O n d e thir Wh ole pos p is h in Formula r , s o r y f a er ge ourse ’s alwa

e’s on c et anoth an who h y m , p y e u a boss h d s t o e t T ne team

a look a eer mov r e mula O a k r c o cars a ’ F t ’s is n e n n e n w ilto McLar ace De r d e y a h c d a e o As Ham m to ould on e podiu oy appr at he w nted th ar-old b th u e in o -y im m 0 h o n 1

, a med milto oked n In 1995 nd infor have lo ewis Ha

ft) a must when L nnis (le rs later, , Dennis e a e Ron De tl y ti 3 1 ip pionsh ry. Just to victo ld Cham tly F1 Wor e der… as recen n th o claim n – he w little w a to an t il o h .” m n it a in and d to w ning. W ck for H delight race an ear run ar) race tra y e o e t y d t n th n s o r c o la to b since r the se n onfined “I was o fo c li t n il s o ay s m r ju r r g isn’t dy Mu ortspe out £20 hest sp Winnin ney, An dded ab o ic a o r m ’s R o ’s e e fr K n (h the U f Way name litting named e likes o ince sp ne to his S w th o . t tu n e r u d p ’s fo a s e h n a o the s year, h mpion h £88milli not lier this utton in r F1 Cha B a ll g e ti n s r e in e s n Jen erzing , 30, is the reig g star ole Sch amilton ursue a ow racin ger Nic , but H in s s r on to p s lo ti ll e and fell n o h c D te a t b in a c y le is s h Pus eligib nced former ’s most e annou areer. e world ently h c th e f music c R o a . e g ls e n on r ti u r la ta s earliest on his ion by s me.” from his resting le posit titive a e o e p n p f la o had m t o e s c t typ the fa ne as nnis, he differen n anyo Ron De lived in w ng o n to ti e n r t e k a n b r e K ve statem ritish life has “I’ve ne in ophetic d the B milton, k r a a c p h a H b is d is h t n to ge e made years a For Lew im h r h e u ed m s ld fo s ti ally to impre y the ts for r that, days. B ing kar is origin te n iv la to r n d e s r D a n im . e bee ree y ned h is belt already oss sig e s just th b under h a th w 1 ip d it F h e s t d n e u io t inclu ess, th c c ’ time, b a Champ c s r tr u a s ’s n e e o y c nine The tinued gramm the pro n’s con touch in ramme. e to g m o il r o m c p a e b t men ng H later develop by you n would driver Hamilto ’s d n e. n e is a r t a m a L Mc e F1 se that pro f a futur ood on o g n e o k ti a p o r to m st drive younge

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21/05/2015 11:43

“I wouldn’t be here without my dad. He's been the driving force in my whole career”

Hamilton’s father Anthony (inset) has always supported his ambitions

“To be racing in Formula One with McLaren has been the

hard at school; also a keen cricketer and footballer, the boy

ultimate goal for me. It’s a dream come true.”

complied and Anthony often worked three jobs at a time, while

There was no shortage of support from the young prodigy’s

still making time to attend Hamilton’s races. He later became

family. Hamilton’s parents separated when he was two and for

his son’s manager, an arrangement that continued until 2010.

the next decade, he lived with his mother and two half-sisters.

Anthony’s faith was well-placed, as it turned out – his son

At the age of 12 he moved in with his father Anthony, his

wasted no time in proving his talent and ambition. Hamilton

stepmother and half-brother Nicolas. Anthony promised to

stormed through the ranks of the karting world, becoming

support Hamilton’s racing ambitions as long as he worked

European Champion in 2000 with the maximum available points. That year, he was named a rising star by the British Racing Drivers’ Club and when Michael Schumacher returned to karts for a one-off competition the following year, Hamilton finished just four places behind the F1 World Champion.

Hamilton’s extremely competitive nature was evident as he powered through his early career. At the age of 12, he found out that fellow kart racer Nico Rosberg – who would later be his Mercedes F1 teammate – could ride a unicycle and so he immediately mastered the vehicle himself.

“I don’t aspire to be like other drivers – I aspire to be unique in my own way.”

At 16, Hamilton began his car racing career in the British Formula Renault Winter Series and finished the season in fifth position. He finished third in Formula Renault UK the next year with Manor Motorsport. From there, Hamilton went on to win the Marlboro Masters of Formula 3 with ASM, then also won the GP2 Championship in his first season.

With an impressive record of wins and high finishes, Hamilton finally signed with McLaren’s Formula One team in 2006 and made his F1 debut at the 2007 Australian Grand Prix – true to form, he was not content to just warm his tyres and so he claimed third place, becoming only the 13th driver in history to earn a podium place in his first F1 race.

“It’s quite similar to the karting days. At that age it was as intense as I had experienced. I wanted to win back then and nothing’s changed.”

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CELEBRITY

CELEBRITY

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partly due to tax considerations. Five years later he relocated to Monaco, another tax haven, but Hamilton always maintained that the lack of privacy brought about by his fame made living in the UK difficult.

“I can’t go to the cinema. I go to the bathroom in a petrol station and people come in there for autographs.”

If Hamilton was in search of a more private personal life, meeting Nicole Scherzinger in 2007 did little to lower his profile. Nicole was the lead singer with Pussycat Dolls, an American girl group that was at the height of its success and the couple were rarely out of the celebrity tabloid magazines throughout their seven-year, on-off relationship. Their fourth and probably final split came

Hamilton clashed with former teammate Fernando Alonso (right)

in February this year; the couple cited their mutually hectic globe-trotting schedules as the main reason for the breakup, though rumours persist that Nicole was unhappy

In 2008 Hamilton made that 10-year-old boy’s greatest

with Hamilton’s refusal to commit to marriage.

dream come true, by winning the Formula One World

“Last year, I adopted… a mental attitude that was

Championship. Not only was he the youngest driver to claim

impenetrable. But I feel that I still carry that kind of

the crown, he was also the first champion of black heritage and

mentality from last year and whilst it’s not been easy, I feel

the first British driver to triumph since Damon Hill in 1996.

stronger than ever.”

“Being the first black man doesn’t matter much to me personally,

Although Hamilton has been spotted partying with models

but for the sport itself it probably means quite a lot.”

since their split, it seems that his time with Nicole has left a

The news that Hamilton was leaving McLaren to join the

lasting influence. Perhaps inspired by his ex’s chart-topping

Mercedes-Benz works team for the 2013 season was greeted

exploits, a music career is next on his ‘to do’ list. He revealed

with some surprise, with fans fearing that Mercedes could not

that after building a studio at his home for Nicole’s use, he

produce a car that was competitive enough to match

started recording there himself. Over the last few months,

Hamilton’s skills. However, Hamilton finished his first season

Hamilton has been playing demos to such music heavyweights

with the new team in fourth place and in 2014, he beat

as Jay Z, Pharrell Williams, Timbaland and Drake, in the hope

teammate Nico Rosberg to become World Champion for the

of gaining valuable advice ahead of any future releases.

second time; an occasion he proclaimed as “the greatest day

“You just need to be accepted for who you are and be proud

of my life”.

of who you are and that is what I’m trying to do.”

Although Hamilton’s dominance in his chosen career is beyond

Whether Hamilton can race ahead of his competitors in the pop

doubt, it hasn’t all been plain sailing. Highly publicised clashes

charts remains to be seen. But even if he doesn’t manage to make

with teammates, particularly Fernando Alonso at McLaren,

sweet music, Hamilton’s winning days are surely not over yet.

colleagues’ tactics. At one point, Hamilton’s rivalry with Alonso reached such a pitch that the pair refused to speak to each other.

“We’re extremely competitive – we can’t be best friends. I apologised, he apologised and we said, ‘let’s just get it over with and get on with the rest of the year’.”

He also attracted criticism from MPs when he moved to Switzerland in 2007, a decision he admitted was at least

36

FACTS

revealed a ruthless attitude and a willingness to criticise his

Age: 30 Marriages: 0 Children: 0 F1 Championship titles: 2 Other car racing titles: 6 Estimated fortune: £88million

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22/05/2015 10:27

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CONFIDENTIAL

BY TACITUS

NOTHING ESCAPES OUR ATTENTION WHY do we feel hugely sorry for this poor doggy?

Because he shares a home with his mistress and her daughter, who is supposed to take him for walkies.

When mistress is out, daughter just takes the lead from its hook and hangs it on the back of a chair, making out she’s done her duty. Shame on you!

WHY

WHO

WHO’S

WHICH

is this non-technical hubby

feels just a little bit

getting just a wee bit

loved-up girlfriend is

rather red-faced?

under-loved?

ahead of herself?

biting her tongue?

Because he drove home from

That would be the chap who

Simples: The young lady

That would be the hairdresser whose ardent new beau

the pub (just the half, officer)

has his birthday the same

who says she’s getting

and could not get his BMW to

week as his younger wife.

stressed out worrying about

showed his devotion by

do more than 20 miles an hour.

She had 170 Facebook friends

a venue for her wedding.

having her name tattooed on his shoulder. Shame the

Exasperated wife checked out

wish her many happy returns

Her boyfriend is much

the controls and explained that

and was delighted. He had

surprised – they are not

tattooist didn’t spell it

he had somehow kicked in the

just four messages and one

engaged and have never

correctly… She’s just hoping

car’s cruise control. Where’s

of those was from his

even talked about marriage.

he never looks in a mirror

that bike?!

charming, lovely wife.

Walk away, sir, walk away.

long enough to notice.

WHAT

WHICH

WHO

WHO

caught this lady’s attention

landscape gardener is

has Bridezilla upset with her

needs to keep better track of

on the drive home?

hiding in the shed?

hen plans?

their recycling?

Answer: The sight of a

During a long job, he decided

All her groom’s female

This thrifty accountant saves

chap putting his rubbish bin

to relax in his clients’ garden

relatives. She told a pal that

money by hoarding unwanted

out while wearing nothing

with a beer all day while they

she’d be having a few drinks in

gifts and handing them to

but Wellingtons and a big

were at work. Unbeknownst

town for the benefit of his

friends on their birthdays.

grin. Seems he didn’t bat

to him, the lady of the house

family, but the ‘proper do’

Great idea – until she gave a

an eyelid as she tootled

had been off sick and had

would be a secret weekend

bag back to the person who

down a country lane past

observed his ‘activity’ from

abroad – minus the in-laws.

lovingly picked it for her last

his cottage. The joys of

her bedroom window the

Shame his sister’s best friend

Christmas. That’s one less

country life!

whole time.

was standing behind her…

mate to buy for…

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

JUNE 2015

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21/05/2015 11:37

BRORA SCOTTISH CASHMERE

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TEL: 01892 519 074 Untitled-42 2

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THE LOOK

SO

FASHION INSIDER

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

D

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STEAL HER STYLE

Cate Blanchett wears a simple yet extremely chic outfit, ideal for the office or a networking event. Add this look to your wardrobe by combining this skirt

by Kaliko (£79, www.kaliko.com.uk) and tucking in this top from Miss Selfridge (£30, www.missselfridge.com).

CINEMAFESTIVAL/ SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

o you own something that you bought for a small fortune 10 years ago and never wear? I see a lot of these items in my clients’ wardrobes, garments that wouldn’t fall into the classic category of wearable items but more into the ‘sad, alone and almost unworn’ class. When you are investing in expensive pieces, you need to be thinking about cost per wear to really make it worth your while.

A pair of jeans, for example, can be worn all year round, but it doesn’t hurt to bear in mind that an expensive coat or dress also has many possibilities to be worn, not just on those special occasions.

So, instead of buying something you are going to wear only once or twice a year, look at it as something you can wear all year round, so you get the maximum bang for your buck.

For example, take a summer jacket like this one from Dickens & Jones (£180, www.dickensandjones.co.uk) – perfect for a summer evening wedding party, worn over a dress. Rather than putting it in the back of your wardrobe, keep it on standby and create other outfits with it that can be effortlessly cool and hip; simply pair with some silver metallic brogues, a pair of navy skinny jeans and a white shirt, creating a relaxed, fun, stylish look. Or team it with a high waist grey pencil skirt, a pastel coloured T-shirt or blouse and strappy sandals for a feminine, smart casual outfit.

If you own a dress or jacket that you’ve only worn a couple of times over the years but want to hang on to, take it out of its lonely spot and have fun trying it on with your everyday casual clothes – you’ll be surprised at how many great new outfits you can create.

“SIMPLICITY IS THE ULTIMATE FORM OF SOPHISTICATION” LEONARDO DA VINCI

top

TIP

If you want longer looking legs instantly, wear shoes the same colour as your trousers.

Splurge Vs Steal Perfect for office work days or travelling, this beautiful tan tote bag by La Portegna (left) is a great investment for any demanding wardrobe (£225, www.laportegna.com). ).

However, this one from Very will do the same job and carry all your everyday essentials for a fraction of the price (£28, www.very.co.uk) JUNE 2015

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21/05/2015 10:10

EXCLUSIVE SUMMER SAMPLE SALE SATURDAY 6TH JUNE 2015 **Spaces limit ed. A £25 Cancellation fee applies. Appointments n ecessary**

NOW AT OUR LUXURY NEW LOCATION- Sa Chapel Place Tunbridge Wells Kent TNt 1 YQ

FR UFROU BRIDAL BOUTIQUE 01892 541381 www.froufroubride.co.uk

Untitled-1 2

21/05/2015 15:04

THE LOOK

SO

WEDDING BELLES BE THE BEST DRESSED GUEST IN THESE BRIDAL INSPIRED BUYS…

KALIKO

GLITZY SECRETS

Jacquard printed jacket, £149 www.kaliko.co.uk

Twenties treasure tiara, £120 www.glitzysecrets.com

CADENZZA

Indian summer necklace, £249 www.cadenzza.co.uk

MONSOON

Loa dress, £169 www.monsoon.co.uk

PRETTY ECCENTRIC

Magical beaded dress, £179 www.prettyeccentric.co.uk

JACQUES VERT

Pleat bow shoe, £99 www.jacques-vert.co.uk

JAEGER

Soft petal dress, £250 www.jaeger.co.uk

DUNE

Elizabeth clutch, £139 www.dunelondon.com

MICHAEL KORS

Pink envelope clutch, £195 www.houseoffraser.co.uk

MODA IN PELLE

Idolise heel, £99.95 www.modainpelle.com

HOBBS

Charlotte necklace, £149 www.hobbs.co.uk

PHASE EIGHT

Amandine A-line dress, £140 www.phase-eight.com

JUNE 2015

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21/05/2015 09:59

fresh thinking. real results.

One Stitch®Thread Lift Silhouette Soft® is the non-invasive "face and neck lift" procedure. An innovative 1 hour treatment with a double lifting and regenerating collagen affect which last for 18 months or more. Perfect for

rtw skin

lifting heavy jowls. neck and Photos courtesy

or

'- Je>tte so

~

cheeks. providing an immediate enhancement for a naturally younger looking you.

Why Silhouette Soft? · Immediate natural lift · Entirely re-absorbable thread · Quick 1 hour procedure

rtw skin

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ft

· Minimal downtime · FDA approved · Natural restoration of

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collagen for up to 18 months

For more information call 01892 222222 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The whole face approach

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01892 22 22 22 ~ (Q)rtwskin

rtwskin

su pport(Q)rtwskin.co.u k

Royal Tunbridge Wells Skin & La ser Clinic, Cobden House Medical Centre, 25 London Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TNl lDA

Untitled-1 2

21/05/2015 15:11

THE LOOK

SO

BEAUTY BULLETIN WE BRING YOU THE LATEST HEADLINES FROM THE BEAUTY WORLD

Toddler Treats

BOTOX

BREAST RESULT You can now get a breast augmentation in your lunch hour if you opt for a ‘Botox boob job’. Celebrity favourite Dr Neetu Nirdosh is offering a Botox solution to lift and enhance breasts – a procedure that takes less than 30 minutes at her Harley Street clinic. Dr Nirdosh claims there are no side effects, scarring or downtime and that the procedure is ideal for giving a boost to those with cup sizes A to C. At £1,000, the Botox treatment costs around a fifth of the price of a surgical breast augmentation, but only lasts six months, making it a popular option for celebrities who want to look good on the red carpet in awards season. www.drnirdosh.com

The average parent allows their daughter to have painted nails from the age of three, a survey showed. However, the same study by cosmetics company Nailbox revealed that most of the respondents would prefer their children to wait until the age of eight before using nail varnish.

In the poll of nearly 2,200 British parents – all of whom have daughters aged between five and 10 – the same parents confessed they went against their own preference simply because their daughter asked, or because they thought she looked “cute” with painted nails.

PROFESSIONAL PRIDE Brands such as Elemis, Clarins and Aromatherapy Associates were among the professional winners at the Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) Awards. The victor in the Best New Prestige Bath and Body category was Aromatherapy Associates’ Inner Strength Bath and Body Oil, while Elemis’s Pro Collagen Marine Cream Ultra Rich moisturiser picked up the Best New Prestige Everyday Skincare Product accolade.“We’re delighted that this richer version of our number one bestseller has won such a prestigious award in a highly competitive category,” says Elemis Managing Director, Noella Gabriel. “Thank you to everyone who voted for it.”

Those who are looking for a pre-summer tan will be interested to know that the Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster was named the best in the Sun Care or Self Tan category. Mud treatment brand Glamglow was honoured with the Best Prestige Skincare Treatment Product for its Powermud Dual Cleanse Treatment. www.cewuk.co.uk

JUNE 2015

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22/05/2015 09:05

SO

THE LOOK

CLEANSER

beauty secret Media personality Amanda Holden revealed the secrets of her increasingly youthful complexion – and one costs just £6. The Britain’s Got Talent judge swears by Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, a soap-free product that she started using while starring in Shrek: The Musical. Afraid that wearing green makeup every day

FIT FOR A PRINCE

would affect her skin, she turned to

Boosting your facial skincare

favourite of A-listers such

regime will help to improve

as actress Charlize

young people’s prospects

Theron. Formerly a fan of

with Murad’s new charity

the cleanser that’s also a firm

Botox, Amanda stopped having the injections in 2012

session, the treatment

and has since discovered

seems to have done

collagen wave facials, in

wonders for the

which radio frequency

44-year-old’s complexion.

edition of its Rapid Collagen

waves are delivered deep

Amanda’s final tip is to

Infusion Serum this month, in

into the skin to encourage

undergo a brow shaping

support of The Prince’s Trust.

it to produce more

treatment from HD Brows,

collagen. Priced at around

as getting the right arch

£150 for a 45-minute

can transform your face.

collaboration. The cosmeceutical company launches a special limited

Packaged in purple to match the trust’s logo, the serum is considered the brand’s ‘hero’ product, so should raise plenty of money for the cause. For each sale, £10 of the £65 retail price will be donated to the charity, which helps disadvantaged children get into education and employment.

Those who long for thicker hair

The brand’s founder,

could give their follicles a boost by

Dr Howard Murad, says:

eating the right foods. According

“At Murad we strive to make

to experts, changes to our diets

younger generations feel worthy of having a bright future and working with The Prince’s Trust means we can

could help to give us the luxuriant locks we long for. Key foods to eat include whey protein, which helps to strengthen hair and

support our future

blueberries, as they provide the antioxidants

generations by helping young

that protect hair from free radical damage. Eggs contain that all-important

people improve their lives

protein, along with vitamin D for growth and Biotin, which helps build the

and fulfil their potential.

keratin that gives hair its density. Almonds combat the stress that can cause hair

We look forward to growing and developing the partnership over the coming years.” www.murad.co.uk 46

BEER ‘N’ NUTS

loss – there are benefits for strong nails too – and Brazil nuts can replenish the mineral selenium, a deficiency of which can cause poor hair growth. Last but not least, beer contains silica, which is great for your hair. There’s about 10g of silica in one unit of beer; alternatively, you can take a silica supplement.

JUNE 2015

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21/05/2015 10:22

ADVERTORIAL

SO

BECAUSE SMILES MATTER

Feeling confident when you smile is of the utmost importance, and finding a dental clinic that fills you with trust and certainty is paramount. To help you show off those pearly whites, Aspen Dental Care in the heart of Tunbridge Wells offer an unparalleled, tailor made service to all of their clients cosmetic dentistry, from check-ups and

TELL US ABOUT THE BACKGROUND

dental implants to clear braces and

OF THE CLINIC

fixed dentures. Our team has many

At Aspen Dental Care, located in

directions, it is difficult to rely on the limited current public healthcare system. The most cost effective way

the heart of Royal Tunbridge

yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; clinical experience and is

to maintain oral health is simple: to

Wells, Kent, we welcome

continually expanding its

prevent any disease so that no invasive

anyone to visit us and discuss

knowledge to ensure we stay at

treatments are needed in the future.

their dental health concerns in

the forefront of modern dentistry,

We are happy to advise patients on

comfortable and calm surroundings.

offering minimally invasive filling

Our approach to dental issues is to

techniques and advanced cosmetic

Mr Jay Patel

find a suitable solution for now. Whilst bearing the long term in mind. We

cleaning methods and how to help prevent decay occurring.

treatments. We have advanced knowledge of surgical and dental

always listen to our patients to understand

implant procedures, whether you need a

their requirements and needs, whether

single tooth, multiple teeth or

theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re simple or complex.

all dentures retained by dental implants.

Also, because we are a single practice,

We also offer ICON treatment for cosmetic

our patients get full, undivided attention

correction of stained teeth.

from the whole team.

Aspen Dental Care 20 Mount Ephraim,

HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO PREVENT

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WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY SERVICES

DENTAL PROBLEMS OCCURRING?

Kent TN4 8AS

YOU OFFER?

In times where NHS resources are constantly

01892 516 030

Our dental clinic performs both routine and

being changed and channelled in different

www.aspendentalcare.co.uk

JUNE 2015

SO TW_JUNE15_Advertorial_AspenDentalClinic.indd 3

47

22/05/2015 09:08

me before mY facel:Lft•••

' ' After a week, I'm thrilled with my new-look face! Looking in the mirror in the morning is no longer a scary experience and I'm constantly being told how well I look! , ,

••• and this is

Sally's Story

me now, 7 days later!

I work in sales with a major property developer in London. I certainly don't feel anywhere near my 62 years of age, but I'd certainly started to look it!

Age 62 from Sussex

For quite a while I'd been concerned about how the ageing process had started to affect my face and that I'd acquired a constant 'tired' look due to saggy eyelids. Also, this sagginess seemed to have spread to my neck to the extent that I would worry about going out. I first met Amir when I attended an open evening.

After the presentation we all had an opportunity to ask questions, which was helpful as other people raised queries that I hadn't even thought of.

I feel so much more confident and love the natural results ...

After a week, I'm thrilled with my new-look face! Looking in the mirror in the morning is no longer a scary experience and I'm constantly being told how wellllook! I feel so much more confident and love the 'natural' results; very subtle, not stretched. Thanks Amir!

S:.ri/!J_

The Concept FaceliftT"' is a pioneering technique and carries significant advantages over the traditional facelift: • Procedure takes just 2-3 hours • Minimal bruising, swelling and recovery time • Performed under local anaesthetic • Minimally invasive short-scar facelift technique • Return home the same day

Visit our open evening!

Champagne & canape reception

• No hospital stay = reduced costs • Lasts as long as a traditional facelift The Concept FaceliftTM was pioneered by Ul< trained surgeon Mr. Amir Nakhdjevani MBBS, MRCS, FRCS (Plast.)

Amir graduated from St. George's Hospital Medical School and undertook his plastic surgery training in a number of prestigious hospitals in England and overseas.

Thu 25th june at 7pm Bella Vou, The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells 45-47 The Pantiles. Tunbridge Wells. l<ent TN2 STE

To book your place email Lisa, at lisa@bellavou.co.uk, Call 01892 257 040 or book online at www.bellavou.co.uk Untitled-42 2

21/05/2015 11:46

THE LOOK

SO

BEAUTY

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

URBAN DECAY

AFTERGLOW 8-HOUR POWDER BLUSH, £19 This lightweight new blush goes on really easily and stays put for hours, so you can keep the perfect rosy glow all day. Light-diffusing pigments help to give your skin just the right flush of colour and it comes in 12 versatile colours.

Available from www.urbandecay.co.uk

MURAD

BLEMISH CLEARING SOLUTION 50ML, £39.50 This new solution targets blemishes and calms redness, claiming to achieve an improved complexion in just three days. The product clears excessive oil and unblocks pores, plus it helps to encourage healing of blemishes to keep them at bay.

Available from www.murad.co.uk

LIZ EARLE

CLEANSE & POLISH BEAUTY TRIO, £50 To celebrate their 20th anniversary, Liz Earle have released a limited edition set featuring three versions of their classic cleanser in a pretty collector’s tin. The rich cream cleanses and softens – here, it comes in Rose & Lavender, Grapefruit & Patchouli and Orange Flower & Chamomile.

Available from www.lizearle.com

ALPHA H

MULTI-PERFECTING SKIN TINT 30ML, £37.95 Coming complete with a colour matched concealer and a handy mirror in the lid, this new formula uses the latest skin blurring technology to cover blemishes and imperfections. Key ingredients include vitamin E-rich sunflower oil and invigorating rosemary oil.

Available from www.alpha-h.com

CIATÉ

NAIL GYM 13.5ML, £12 Summer is sandal season and we all need to pay attention to our pedicures – this smart new formula could become a key part of your routine. The intensive treatment uses advanced oxygen technology and patented Hexanal to strengthen and tone your nails.

Available from www.ciatelondon.com

JO MALONE LONDON

BLUE SKIES & BLOSSOMS 100ML, £86 A limited edition collection of the brand’s best loved floral fragrances has been released.

The three delicious scents are delicate Sakura Cherry Blossom, exotic Osmanthus Blossom and juicy Plum Blossom – snap up your favourite while you can!

Available from Fenwick Tunbridge Wells & www.jomalone.co.uk

RODIAL

HYALURONIC CHEEK SCULPT 10ML, £24 If you’re hankering after celebrity cheekbones, this clever new product gives your skin a healthy glow, while hyaluronic acid plumps up the skin for instant sculpting.

The coral shade is universally flattering so you can look forward to a subtly radiant look.

Available from www.rodial.co.uk

BONDI SANDS

GRADUAL TANNING MILK, 375ML FROM £10.99 This Australian brand offers a natural self tan colour without the tell-tale biscuity smell. Enriched with aloe vera, vitamin E and antioxidants, this milk comes in Everyday and SPF 15 versions – giving you a real golden Aussie glow.

Available from www.bondisands.co.uk

JUNE 2015

SO TW_JUNE15_TheLook_BeautyProducts.indd 3

49

22/05/2015 09:11

-

SO · 1can help you keep vibrant

NEW TAl CHI

balanced and healthy

through my Tal Chi QIGong

QIGONG CLASSES

classes.~

RESTORE · RENEW · REVITALISE

Toi Chi QiGong group classes ore designed se> y learn practical routines and, if you choose, nrr•r-+ii~d'\thl""'C'l""'lo..,..,t home. These ore relaxed, informal and open en for this mindfulness-in-movement-based exercise.

Generally, after just 12 weeks, the positive effects wellbeing, energy levels and body strengt will ho developed significantly.

• Reduce muscular aches and pains • Improve your balance and co-ordination (recognised by NICE) • Relax and reduce the physical impact of stress

£20 drop in cost or £150 for block of lOclasses

London (From Sep 2015)

£15drop in cost or £80 for block of 6classes

Studio One Pilates

llam-12 noon

l-5pm

Price dependent on location

Risden Barn or Serenity Therapies in Tunbridge Wells

12-lpm

THURSDAY

Tai Chi QiGong

(Private sessions also available)

FRIDAY

Tai Chi QiGong

SATURDAY

Private Tuition

• Achieve better breathing, mobility and flexibility • Increase strength and improve posture

Buddha on a Bicycle

Covent Garden

The Pantiles Tunbridge Wells Home Visit

• Achieve better concentration and enhance the quality of your sleep

Do please double check there are &paces available in your preferred class before joining and that the class is running during school holidays Further drop in classes will be available soon in Tunbridge Wells and london.

Please contact Julie on 07872 517 109 if you have any questions.

Please contact Julie on 07872 517 109

BOOK NOW AT WWW.JULIECOURTNEY.CO.UK

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'I thoroughly enjoyed my fi rst ever medical pedicure with Darren at the Contemporary Foot Care Company who made me feel relaxed and extremely well informed. My feet have never looked and felt so good.'

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p50_SO TW_June15_Advert.indd 2

21/05/2015 17:28

THE LOOK

SO

BEAUTY

bulletin innovations, South Korea. Unpeel the two transparent parts of the SkinPep Collagen Growth Factor Face Mask, £19.99 for five (www.skinpep.com) and smooth them over your face for 30 to 40 minutes for a plumping, peptide-rich skin infusion.

THE FACE FIRMER Promising to mimic the action of Botox, Temple Spa’s The Contourist, £50 for six masks (Selfridges or www.templespa.com) is an ultra-firming sheet mask that tones, tightens and fades pigmentation. With a chin strap and loops that hook over the ears, it’s slightly scary looking, so make sure you’re not expecting any visitors when you pop it on.

THE SPOT STOPPER

UNMASK YOUR POTENTIAL

Regular treatments at a luxury spa would work wonders for our skin – but there are ways to achieve good results with a DIY facial

Unclogging pores and reducing sebum are key to preventing spots. From the new acne-targeting range, the Avene Cleanance Mask, £15 (www.escentual.com) does both, plus it contains kaolin clay for a matt finish.

WHEN FREQUENT SPA visits are not

rich botanical extracts and dark spot-fading

THE CULT REBOOT

feasible, home application masks can still

actives. Massage it in, leave for 10 minutes,

To mark its 15th anniversary, REN has

make a big difference to the condition of your

then rub in any excess so nothing goes

re-released their classic Glycolactic Radiance

skin. Because they get longer to seep beneath

to waste.

Renewal Mask, £32 (www.lookfantastic.com).

the surface, the active ingredients in masks

This cult favourite harnesses a cocktail of

work their magic where it’s needed most,

THE PORE PERFECTER

fruit acids to exfoliate dead skin cells and

while giving you instantly visible results at the

There’s a reason charcoal

flush out pores when rinsed off.

same time. And right now, there’s a slew of

has been a trusted

new soak-in saviours targeting everything

cosmetic ingredient for

THE BOTANICAL BOOSTER

from sullen skin to clogged pores and acne.

generations – powdered

New to the UK, French brand Aloree

carbon (that’s really all it is)

uses chlorophyll, the key component

candle, run a bath and get ready to mask

loves sucking up unpleasant

of photosynthesis in plants that also has

in glory...

stuff from our skin.

anti-ageing properties. The pearlescent

Likewise, Clinique’s

green Skin Rescue Radiant Face Mask, £24

THE BRIGHTENER

Pore Refining Solutions

(www.pravera.co.uk) oxygenates cells and

The latest addition to Origins’ line-up of

Charcoal Mask, £22

leaves your complexion with a subtle shimmer.

the UK’s bestselling masks is the

(www.clinique.co.uk) works

Dr Andrew Weil for

like a vacuum cleaner on pores

THE HYALURONIC HERO

Origins Mega-Bright

and de-shines oily patches.

Another sheet mask, Indeed Laboratories

So, block out an evening, light a scented

Hydraluron Moisture Boosting Mask, £19.99

Dark Spot Correcting Night Mask, £48

THE WRINKLE SMOOTHER

for four (www.boots.com) is soaked in

(www.origins.co.uk),

Sheet masks – face-shaped patches

moisture-maximising hyaluronic acid. In15

a leave-on cream

saturated with complexion-boosting serums

minutes, the key ingredient seeps in deep,

packed with vitamin-

– originated in the home of so many skin

leaving your face fresh, plumped and dewy.

JUNE 2015

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22/05/2015 10:57

SO

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

MEET THE STYLISTS

FOUR TOP LOCAL SALONS TELL US HOW TO ACHIEVE PERFECT SUMMER HAIR

DIAMOND GEEZERS CROFT ROAD, CROWBOROUGH, EAST SUSSEX TN6 1DL Joshua Kneebone, Technical Director What’s your favourite trend of 2015 for men?

The London crop, which consists of high and tight faded sides with a heavy, bulky fringe. It’s been all about the slick, swept 1950s look in the last year but now it’s going to be about the blunt fringe with a real matt finish. Barbering is all about being creative and we are always looking at the latest trends. If you’re not sure what might suit you, feel free to walk in and ask our friendly and experienced team who will always be on hand to offer advice.

If I only take one styling product on holiday this year, what should it be?

Personally, I would take Hard Muk from Muk Haircare. It’s strong with a matt finish – plus it’s heat resistant so your style won’t drop, even in hot, humid conditions. So it’s great for that choppy, textured holiday hair, with ‘don’t care’ attitude. We stock a variety of branded products and our stylists are happy to recommend the right product for your hair type, together with the tools needed to recreate your summer look.

Which celebrity’s hair would you most like to get your hands on?

Probably David Beckham’s, as he is a real style icon and I believe I could be very creative and try almost anything, but it would still catch on with the general public.

01892 654 824 www.diamondgeezershair.co.uk Instagram: @joshdiamondgeezers

LEIGH ROBERTS

that at the moment. It’s a freehand

6 VALE ROAD,

technique where you’re just

TUNBRIDGE WELLS,

sweeping the colour onto the surface

KENT TN1 1BT

of the hair. You’re not trying to

Leigh Roberts,

re-create highlights, it’s about

Technical Director

getting the light to just shimmer on the hair, a bit like the sunlight on the

What’s the look for

surface of the water. Also, allow a

summer 2015?

bit of re-growth or depth at the roots

Demand is already high for those

just to bring the look up to date.

subtle, barely-there bohemian waves as seen at Valentino and Chloe.

Which celebrity would you

Hairstyles will be a little more

most like to style?

un-done, a subtle bend in the hair

I think Emilia Clarke would be fun.

and a bit rougher around the edges.

She’s got a fresh, natural look but

Everything seems to be a bit more

would adapt well to most things.

de-constructed.

Maybe Jennifer Lawrence as well, she’s pretty cool. Also Sofia Vergara,

52

How can I get a sun-kissed

just because I have a huge crush

look this summer?

on her!

With colour, it’s all about ‘Balayage’

01892 557 718

this summer. We’re doing a lot of

www.leighroberts.co.uk

JUNE 2015

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21/05/2015 11:34

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

SO

THE GALLERY 63-67 LONDON ROAD, SOUTHBOROUGH, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT TN4 0PA Jade Betson, Senior Stylist and Bridal Specialist I’m getting married this summer – what are the hot trends?

We’re expecting to see a lot of the pin-up girl looks from the 1940s and 50s, such as the classic and smooth victory roll, being used at the back or the front of the style. We also love the high shine finger wave, showing off classic techniques that can also be a softening feature to any style. It’s a beautiful technique and can be used in so many different ways.

I love creating something different for weddings and this creative form of styling, which incorporates so many classic techniques, is fab when mixed with a contemporary twist.

Katy Maynard, Senior Stylist and Bridal Specialist How has the bridal look changed from last year?

For the last wedding season brides stopped looking at magazines for inspiration and took to Pinterest and Instagram. The key was always to look soft but polished; natural but glamorous. Styles at the nape of the neck, teamed perfectly with vintage feel gowns, gave ideal elegance.

Floaty dresses and tousled waves made boho brides look just perfect.

Alex Harris, Stylist and Bridal Specialist What’s the essential bridal hair product?

One word – hairspray. Shu Uemera Sheer Lacquer is the perfect spray to fix your hair for your big day. Its micro-fine diffuser makes sure you

MCQUEEN HAIR & BEAUTY

get invisible hold and its build-able, so you can add more for better hold

67 CALVERLEY RD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT TN1 2UY

or only a little for natural movement. It gives a natural shine too, so you

Simon Karl Barker, Artistic Director

can be picture perfect all day.

01892 514 900

What’s your favourite trend

www.thegalleryhairandbeauty.co.uk

this year?

to use a heat protector spray. We’ll be

I think the biggest trend of 2015 so far

keeping hair fun, light, full and easy to

is the tousled look, with multi-tonal

manage this season, so you can style

Balayage on the ends of the hair to

and go with fantastic looking hair.

create a beachy look. This can be

We’re offering 20% off colour services

achieved easily and looks great at all

to SO readers until the end of July.

events. Our clients love the tousled look, as sported by trendsetters Ella

Whose hair would you most

Henderson, Caroline Flack and Sarah

like to get your hands on?

Jessica Parker. This look gives a sense

It has to be Nicole Scherzinger.

of sophistication and a fun feel for the

She always looks stunning, whether

summer months ahead.

presenting X Factor, performing in the West End or selling yoghurt!

How can I get a carefree look

I have always admired her and her

this summer?

ever changing look, from her long

Expect to see the ever faithful beach

black locks to her new beautiful soft

look that is easy to manage with sea

blonde waves. I would love to sit her

salt and a twist, or use a wax spray –

down in my chair, blow dry a big style

just don’t overdo it as it can make the

and have a natter over a cup of coffee.

hair greasy. You can also use a hair

01892 536 464/537 464

wand to create the curls, but be sure

www.mcqueenhairandbeauty.com

JUNE 2015

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21/05/2015 11:47

THE LOOK

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EXPERT OPINION

PROFESSIONAL ADVICE ON YOUR HEALTH, BEAUTY AND WELLBEING need be, use crutches, a sling or a supportive boot/footwear.

OPTIMAL LOADING – Rest was previously advised, but there is increasing evidence that early weight bearing and controlled movements stimulate tissue repair and reduce stiffness and pain. The most common sports injury is an ankle ligament injury, so try to weight bear as early as pain allows and regain a normal walking pattern as soon as you can (even if slow!).

ICE – Try to ice the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes every two hours during the first 48 hours. Crushed ice in a food bag is best as it moulds to the affected area, but remember to put a layer next to the skin, such as an old T-shirt, to prevent ice burns.

COMPRESSION – This is probably the most important component of rapid recovery. Use a simple Tubigrip from a pharmacy and make sure it feels tight but not uncomfortably so.

Specialist compression garments often used whilst playing sport, such as under armour or ‘skins’, can be worn under clothes following injury. Use compression until swelling has resolved fully.

EXERCISE THE BEST DRUG IN THE WORLD

Physical activity is important to your health, but there can be side effects. Dr Jon Houghton, Consultant Sports Physician at Sevenoaks Medical Centre and Chief Medical Officer of the Football Association of Wales, gives his tips for how to recover from injury

ELEVATION – Keep the affected area elevated as much as possible to reduce swelling.

Tendon injuries are an increasingly common soft tissue injury that comes on over time rather than following a specific injury. They can last for many months and there is normally focal pain and stiffness at the start of exercise that reduces as you stretch or warm up. Common areas affected are the Achilles

WITH THE NIGHTS getting longer and the

heart attack by 40%, diabetes related death

sun shining, there has never been a

by 40% and risk of death from bowel

better time to get out of the house

or breast cancer by 50%. It can

tendon and plantar fascia on the heel. Specific exercises are helpful and a new treatment called shockwave therapy, or Extracorporeal

and exercise. Britain is slowly

reduce blood pressure and also

Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT), has been

becoming a nation of couch

has a similar effect on mood

shown to significantly improve tendon pain

potatoes, with levels of obesity

when compared to

and speed up the time to recovery.

tripling in the last 20 years. In

antidepressants.

fact, a recent WHO (World Health

So, exercise really is the most

Organisation) report has shown Britain

effective drug available out there, but

So, get exercising, even if it is brisk walking, and reduce your risk of diabetes, heart attack, cancer and depression and

to be the most overweight nation in Europe,

like most drugs there are possible side

remember to follow the simple rules above if

predicting that 74% of men and 64% of

effects and this comes in the form of injury!

you do suffer an injury.

women will be overweight by 2030. Obesity

Injuries to muscles, ligaments and joints are

and poor fitness cause more deaths, due to

extremely common during sport and activity,

Dr Jon Houghton holds regular sports

heart attack, stroke and diabetes, than

but you can reduce the recovery time by

injury clinics at Sevenoaks Medical Centre

smoking, but there is something that can be

following the POLICE principles in the first

at Beadle House in London Road.

done about it!

week after an injury. POLICE stands for:

Visit www.sportsortho.co.uk or

PROTECTION – try to stop the injured tissue

www.sevenoaksmedicalcentre.com

moving too much in the first 48 hours. If

or call 0207 496 3597 for more information.

Scientific studies have shown that regular physical exercise can reduce the risk of a

JUNE 2015

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21/05/2015 10:11

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SLIMMING

SLIMFIT

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for someone to come and meet me.

Slimmeria team member Ann comes to greet me and shows me up to my room; the

We’ve all heard how detox spas can provide fast slimming results and are beloved of celebrities for that reason, but what really goes on at these mysterious places? Charlie Bond heads to Slimmeria in East Sussex to get the skinny…

‘green room’ overlooking the vineyard.

Although some rooms are shared and have communal bathrooms, I’m fortunate enough to have a room to myself and an en suite bathroom. So far, so swish hotel.

Unlike a swish hotel, however, rather than

‘START YOUR PREPARATION a week

stints, the guests who book in are after one

being left to collapse on my bed and read a

before your retreat by cutting out caffeine

thing: results. While I’m doubtful that I’ll

book, I’m herded back downstairs to fill out

slowly (coffee, tea, including fruit teas, fizzy

shed a stone in a weekend, I’m hoping a

some forms about my medical background

drinks). Try to cut down on dairy, wheat,

couple of days of fitness training and healthy

and to be weighed. Ann records my entry

gluten, sugar and red meats as well as

food will encourage me to stop convincing

weight in stone and kilograms and tells me

alcohol and junk food. Drink plenty of water.’

myself that wine is one of my five a day.

I’ll be weighed again when I leave on

This sentence on the Slimmeria welcome

Detoxing at home is much harder than I

Sunday. Then she goes through some of the

letter alone is enough to make me question

anticipate. I want to cry into my asparagus

‘house rules’ with me (lights out at 9pm, no

my sanity. Not only am I agreeing to give up

when my partner indulges in pizza and

mobile phones outside of the bedroom) and

all of my favourite sins for a week, I’m also

beer right in front of my eyes, but I try to

shows me the board where each day’s

booked in for a weekend detox spa retreat,

pretend my daily cup of Ultracleanse Matcha

itinerary is written up. While I’m usually on

where I’ve heard there’ll be a lot of

(Bloom Tea, £16.99) is a match for his lager.

my first glass of Merlot by 7pm on a Friday, I

exercising and not very much food. I think I

However, the special tea and calorie deficit

note that this evening I’ll be taking part in a

need a glass of wine to steady my nerves,

must be working, because when I weigh

belly dancing class instead.

except fresh air will have to do…

myself before heading off to Slimmeria, I’ve

Slimmeria, a ‘detox spa’ in Crowhurst, near Hastings was started in 2010 by Russianborn Galia Grainger, who, after being

Next, I’m led into the white room – a sunny

lost a couple of pounds. And I only cheated

space with white leather sofas and loungers

once. Or maybe twice.

where guests go to chill out. Five or six

As I pull into the sweeping driveway and

fellow slimmers are chatting and Ann leaves me in their company.

overweight and slimming down herself,

lug my bags up to the shiny red door of the

decided to start a programme where others

Georgian mansion, I wonder whether I’ve

could follow in her footsteps. Since then,

found the right place. With a vineyard and a

moaning,” one girl says to me apologetically

she’s seen a steady stream of would-be

swimming pool to the right and woodland to

as I listen to the group discussing their

slimmers come through the doors, including

the left, I feel like I’ve stumbled upon a lavish

experiences. “It’s just that we’ve been here

celebrities such as Gail Porter and the cast of

country spa rather than a bootcamp. I knock

all week so we’re ready to go home now!”

Made in Chelsea. Offered everything from

on the door and am led into a hallway,

weekend detox packages to month-long

complete with a suit of armour, while I wait

“You’ve only just got here, sorry for our

At 6.30pm sharp a loud bell tolls from the hallway, signifying that it’s time for dinner.

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I find a place at one of the dining tables and begin to tuck into the meal in front of me, which is a base of chopped courgettes with a tomato, pepper and coriander topping.

While I quite enjoy the meal, others are struggling to eat it.

“Everything tastes the same to me now,” explains someone who’s already been here a few days, pushing their plate away.

After dinner, a mug of lemon water and a hilarious hour belly dancing in the gym, we sit chatting in the white room before heading up to bed at 9pm. It’s barely dark outside but most of the group are pretty weary and after a busy week at work, I’m ready for an early night too.

Before the bell has even rung on Saturday morning I’m awoken by a crashing headache.

I have been warned that this may happen as a side effect of having kicked caffeine, but as I

The green room where Charlie stayed

haven’t had a cup of tea in over a week I’m surprised by this unwelcome pain. At 7.15am the bell sounds, alerting us to the fact that we need to be downstairs and ready for our

each given a slice of apple for energy and

morning walk by 7.45am.

told that if our blood sugar crashes while

For many of the guests, this is their last morning, which means one thing – weigh-in day. There are mixed emotions as each

we’re out we can ask for two ‘magic raisins’,

from Charlie’s room

which will give us a boost.

The three-hour walk takes us through fields

person returns from the scales. Some have

and woodland. Although the steep inclines

lost a stone but feel disappointed, while

are quite tough, it’s not as hard-going as I

others are satisfied with a 7lb loss. Slimmeria

anticipated. We walk at a steady, but fairly

claims the average weight loss for a seven-

leisurely pace, which gives me the chance to

day stay is 12lbs, but this can vary depending

chat to other guests about their reasons for

on how much the guest needs to lose when

staying at Slimmeria.

they arrive.

The vineyard view

“This is my second time – I started a new

Another guest, who is already very slim,

job and put on some weight so I came here

also reveals it’s her second visit. “I’ve put on

walk through the Sussex countryside to the

because it was cheaper than a week in

about 8lb recently,” she says. “This is the

nearby town of Battle. To prepare us, we’re

Marrakech,” one woman tells me.

quickest way to lose it.”

Our first activity of the day is an eight-mile

As we walk, our conversations turn to food. The guests who are leaving today are already planning what they’ll eat when they get home and those of us who are staying listen in envy as our stomachs rumble. I find once I’ve started thinking about food, I can’t stop. The muddy ground starts to remind me of chocolate and I’m eagerly anticipating breakfast when we arrive back at the retreat.

Maybe I shouldn’t have been quite so enthusiastic – breakfast is a glass of grapefruit juice. Straight after, the bell rings and we’re back in the gym for an exercise class. I’ve heard rumours that it’s going to be quite intense, but luckily our instructor takes pity on us and gives a stretching and breathing session instead. On weekdays, the group follow their walk and breakfast with a cardio class, then yoga, but as it’s a Saturday we’ve done a longer walk with just one class.

Once we’ve stretched out our tired limbs, it’s lunchtime. This is a salad of shredded

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SLIMMING

SO

The ‘dungeon’ spa room

vegetables, beetroot and dill, but despite being hungry I find it a struggle to eat it. My head is still pounding and I feel sick but I know that I’m not going to be getting much else today, so I try to force down as much as I can.

The afternoons at Slimmeria are ‘free’ time,

Charlie tries her hand at bellydancing

where guests can go for further walks, book personal training sessions or indulge in some spa treatments. Naturally, I’ve chosen the latter and I find myself easily whiling away

travelled from Yorkshire to come to the

discover I’ve lost 1.5lbs since Friday evening

two hours with a full body massage and facial,

retreat, admits she’s hoping to lose a stone

– not too bad considering I spent a

which are so relaxing I think I actually fall

and the others are looking for similar results.

considerable chunk of my Saturday lying still

asleep for a while. Treatments take place in a

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

and covered in essential oils.

After bidding my farewells and spending

room below the house, affectionately

we’ve lost. Before 8am on Sunday we’re

nicknamed the ‘dungeon’. On busy days,

stepping on the scales to discover what we’ve

my drive back convincing myself I’ll just

multiple guests can be down there divided by

shed. Of the two guests staying on, one loses

have fruit when I get home, perhaps for the

screens, but luckily I have the room to myself

a stone and the other 12lbs, which they’re

rest of my life, I do rebel and find myself in

so I can enjoy an uninterrupted session. Once

both pleased with. The guest from Yorkshire is

Nandos. Yes, I’ve probably just regained any

it’s over, I don’t stay relaxed for long. Guilt

a little disheartened by her 7lb loss, although

weight I lost, but having endured a week of

starts to creep in, so after a snack of fruit I find

she has lost four inches off her waist and two

lettuce, chicken has never tasted so good.

myself back in my workout gear and heading

off her chest. “I’m disappointed because I

for a three-mile stroll around the vineyard

took part in everything; all the walks and

for a longer stint. When you’re just doing a

outside. The fresh air helps my headache to

classes, even with awful blisters,” she tells

weekend visit, a lot of the detox process

subside slightly and I feel a little less guilty for

me. I try and reassure her by telling her that

rests on you having willpower before you

my afternoon of opulence.

she will have built up muscle and have toned

arrive. Most of the guests I met had done at

up over the week.

least seven days at the retreat and were

With most of the group now gone, there are only four of us for tonight’s dinner of

Then, it’s my turn. As I’ve been at

Would I return to Slimmeria? Probably, but

seeing great results, plus they benefited

vegetable soup. Discussions turn to

Slimmeria for less than 48 hours I’m not

from nutritional talks and beach walks

tomorrow’s weigh-in. One woman, who has

expecting much, but I’m surprised to

during their stay, so I think for maximum impact a week would be more beneficial. I can definitely see the appeal if you’ve got an occasion to slim for, such as a wedding, and you need to shift the weight fast.

Whether this is a long-term solution or a quick fix remains to be seen, but since my visit I’ve definitely found I’m eating smaller portions and am being more considered in my food choices. So something has certainly shifted, even if it isn’t necessarily all my extra weight…

Weekend detox spa retreat breaks start from £595 per person.

Slimmeria Hye House, Royal Oak Lane, Crowhurst East Sussex, TN33 9BX 01424 830 153 www.slimmeria.com

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EVENT

SO

the SOCIAL scene These are the pages in the magazine where we focus on events and happenings across the area. If you would like your special occasion to be featured just let us know at info@onemediauk.co.uk PERFECT PICTURE Southborough hair salon The Gallery celebrated in style when they held an event to commemorate their 20th anniversary. Over 100 loyal customers, family and friends spent the evening at the Kentish Hare in Bidborough toasting the salonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success. There was live entertainment from vocal group The Patriot Girls and DJ Marcel Mendez. The Galleryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s owner, Lorenzo Colangelo, also took to the stage and made a speech, thanking everyone for their continued support. www.thegalleryhairandbeauty.co.uk

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ALL THE NEWS THAT MATTERS, LOCAL, NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL

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A unique mix of local, national and international news Collect your FREE weekly newspaper every Wednesday from newsagents, train stations, supermarkets and independent retailers within a to-mile radius of Tunbridge Wells Or sign up for your digital version via www.timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

GET WITH THE TIMES

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EVENT

SO

SOCIAL SCHOOL CELEBRATION To mark their centenary, Beechwood Sacred Heart School in Tunbridge Wells held a fundraising ball in the school grounds. The evening began with a Champagne reception before guests sat down to a three-course dinner. After the meal there was dancing, an auction and even a photo booth. Over 150 parents and staff attended the ball, which was raising money for the new outdoor classroom, due to be built during the centenary year.

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EVENT

SOCIAL THE CHARITABLE ST GEORGE They’re a group of local businessmen known as the Exiles and for the last three years they have gathered together to celebrate St George’s Day. More than 150 business men and women went along to this year’s lunch at the Spa Hotel in Tunbridge Wells and, through an auction and raffle, helped raise almost £14,000 for the popular local charity Pickering Cancer Drop in Centre. Co-founder Polly Taylor tells us: “These guys are really incredible. In the last three years they have raised a staggering £34,000 for the centre, which is run entirely by volunteers.

Thank you so much!”

Photos: www.davidbartholomew.co.uk

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EVENT

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

RETRO STYLE Lovers of handmade, homemade and retro finds were in their element when King John’s Nursery in Etchingham held a vintage fair recently. Hundreds of visitors headed to the venue to browse stalls selling genuine vintage clothing, home accessories and garden tools.

Gardeners were able to visit the nursery and pick up some plants, before popping into the tearoom for a slice of cake.

The gardens were also open during the day so that visitors could take a walk through the late spring blooms.

Over £3,000 was raised when Newenden Cricket Club held an awards dinner at the London Beach Hotel in Tenterden. As well as enjoying a three-course dinner, guests took part in an auction, bidding to win items such as tickets to major sporting events, cases of fine wine and tennis lessons. Club players were presented with trophies for their performance during the 2014 cricket season and junior players attended the evening too.

CHRIS HUGHES

CRICKET CELEBRATION

FRIENDLY FAIR

mob music

Traffic came to a standstill and crowds gathered when a flashmob took place in Tunbridge Wells High Street. Over 200 people joined in with the singing and dancing in the street, which celebrated the opening of a new store in the town. Freckles and Fire and LoveInc, two local businesses, have joined forces and set up shop in Manna, a café in the town.

Their new venture will combine selling vintage goods and offering creative workshops.

The sun shone and the local community came out in their thousands to join in with Grosvenor and Hilbert Park’s annual family fun day in Tunbridge Wells. During the day there was plenty to see and do, with donkey rides, a dog show and live music as well as gymnastic performances and a Hula Hoop extravaganza.

“I would like to say a big thank you to all the brilliant volunteers who put so much time and effort in to make it such a great day,” says Chris Hughes of the Friends group.

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21/05/2015 10:33

-

SO

Sit-in Private Care Service

colmJPamon!;ntp or just someone to our Private Care Service to your house and help. for as little as one hour or as long as 1 hours. This help can form part of a tailored package of care that could help you stay in your own home for longer, rather than going into a care home before its really needed. We can assist those who need help due to frailty, disability or illness to live as independently as possible, with comfort and dignity, in their own home.

www.townandcountryhomecare.co.uk

70

~Town& ~ =~count!Y Homecare Limited

Caring for people in their own homes

For a free assessment of your care needs or to receive your brochure Call us on 01580 762244

~ the BESPOKE CARE company

LIVE-IN HOME CARE We are an independent, family owned & run agency based in Tunbridge Wells, w ith over 30 years experience in the care sector.

01892 518400 Town & Country Homecara Llmitad 102a High Street. Tenterden, Kent TN30 6HT

www.bespokecarecompany.co.uk We are always look1ng to reg1s te r expenenced l1ve-1n carers, for more 1n fo rma hon please ca ll us.

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ADVERTORIAL

SO

“Sheila was so kind when she took me and my sister down to Whitstable for the day. My sister is 84 and no longer drives long distances.

I have been going to Whitstable for years, and it was so nice to go and spend the day eating scampi and enjoying the sea air”

ENJOYING LIFE TO THE FULL

DAVID B, HADLOW

Don’t be trapped in your own home this summer. Why not enjoy something of the sunshine and let TerraBlu Homecare entice you out?

TerraBlu Homecare believes in enjoying life to

help with the administration of the home.

the full, even when age and frailty or illness

TerraBlu will organise gardeners or home

mean that things aren’t as easy to do as they

adaptations where necessary, and organise

once were. Established in 2002, with a

payment when the work is done.

reputation for excellence in the local area,

TerraBlu provides a flexible, personal care

TerraBlu Homecare provides personal care and

service at its heart. Priding itself on its staff, it

concierge services to older people living at

supports older people in their own homes with

home in the Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and

all aspects of their daily routine, depending on

Tunbridge Wells areas.

what support they need. This may mean

Recognising that many of its clients become

assistance with getting ready for the day,

less able to venture out of the home, TerraBlu

medication or bespoke trips out for a client

Homecare introduced a programme of social

and their partner, who no longer drive.

events and trips out, on a bespoke or group

As a local independent, TerraBlu Homecare

basis. The social year starts with a winter

knows its way around the local GP network,

lunch in February, and then an organised event

so it can take the pressure off family members

follows every couple of months, from a trip on

by organising a GP or district nurse home

the Spa Valley Railway, to a cream tea at a

visit, or following up with a pharmacy on

country garden, to fish and chips at the

missing medication.

seaside. TerraBlu staff volunteer their time on

“Good support for our clients means taking

an unpaid basis, and clients only pay a nominal

the pressure off the family where we can, so

amount for their fish and chips. Clients are

they can enjoy time together,” says Director

often accompanied by their regular carer, who

Julia Mead.

they have built up a relationship with.

Summertime is a lovely time to enjoy the

To find out how TerraBlu Homecare can

garden, but sometimes gardens are no longer

help this summer, or to

accessible, or have been let go. Simple

discuss your situation in

measures such as grab rails down steps or a

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them on 01892 529 429

difference. TerraBlu offers a concierge service

or by visiting

alongside its personal care service, which can

www.terrablu.co.uk

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SO

LIFE & STYLE

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

Flying Fish Properties A family-run independent estate agency is due to open in Southborough village on June 1.

Driven by committed and capable professionals, the agency will offer clients a truly bespoke and friendly service. Flying Fish aims to deliver exceptional customer care and a service tailored to individual clients’ needs, so that properties sell or let in record times and at the best possible price.

SO readers get an introductory 10% reduction on selling fees for the month of June, subject to terms and conditions. If you need your property to fly, book a free, no obligation valuation.

44 London Road, Southborough, Kent TN4 0RB 07496 147 571 bradley@flyingfishproperties.co.uk www.flyingfishproperties.co.uk

Wild Wood Installations Thinking of renovating a tired outside terrace, balcony or decked area? Looking to create an

the outside space of any home.

Wild Wood are true believers in the build quality

amazing outside space to enjoy with friends and

that they can achieve with some of the best

family? Think Wild Wood Installations.

composite decking and glass balustrade on the

Wild Wood offers a complete service, from

market today; the products speak for themselves.

Wild Wood work with both contractors and

planning stage to end result. They provide a complete range of composite decking products

private clients throughout Kent, Surrey, Sussex

from top manufacturers such as Millboard,

and London. Contact for a quote and take a look

TimberTech, Ecodek and The Forest Range,

at the website and Facebook for more photos.

which work in perfect harmony with their range

01892 750 200

of ‘Balcony Systems’ glass and anodized

ingrained@wildwoodinstallations.co.uk

aluminium balustrades and Juliette balconies.

www.facebook.com/WildwoodInstallations

Wild Wood’s experience will help to transform

www.wildwoodinstallations.co.uk

BROAD ARROW OAK Broad Arrow Oak offer a range of finely crafted oak framed garages, outbuildings, gazebos and garden rooms specifically designed to meet your individual needs. With a traditionally crafted green oak frame at the heart of each of our buildings, the strength and durability of oak enables us to provide you with a building that is both attractive and will be there for years to come.

After requests from customers, Broad Arrow also make beautiful outdoor furniture, designed to remain outside all year round, with the range of furniture continuing to season irrespective of the weather.

01634 387 666 07789 747406 www.broadarrowoak.com

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KNOWLE GRANGE HEALTH SPA For relaxing spa days by the pool, divine treatments by our fabulous therapists or your own private health club membership, Knowle Grange Health Spa has it all. Set in beautiful Victorian gardens between Frant and Wadhurst, Knowle Grange offers a range of indulgent spa treatments in a tranquil environment where you can relax, restore and rejuvenate mind, body and soul. Or why not join as a member and enjoy the full range of facilities, including heated natural spring water pool, spa, sauna and gym, all year round. Visit the website or call to find out more.

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

stylehouse shutters Stylehouse Shutters are based in West Malling, supplying and fitting shutters to surrounding towns and all over the south east. We offer the highest quality, handcrafted wooden shutters for your home, which are fast becoming the most popular alternative to traditional blinds. They will set your home apart from the rest with their elegance, style and perfect finish to any room.

Providing ultimate privacy and light control, they integrate perfectly with both the contemporary and traditional design style.

All of our shutters are made to measure and come in a fantastic range of styles, suitable for any size or shape of window, including a 100% water resistant range to suit kitchens and bathrooms. Contact us to arrange an appointment.

01732 521 287 hello@stylehouseshutters.co.uk www.facebook.com/stylehouseshutterswestmalling www.stylehouseshutters.co.uk

3-spirit At 3-Spirit we offer and specialise in a wide range of unique and beautiful products, including homeware and an extensive gift range, including shabby chic signs and accessories, incense, herbal teas, supplements and minerals, detox, organic pet food, electronic cigarettes and E-liquids, and much more! Our aim is to provide you with quality products and a quality service. With new products always arriving, you will be sure to see something different every time you visit.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re open seven days a week.

26 London Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1AP 01732 666 060 www.3-spirit.co.uk

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GOLF COURSE

GOLF MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES: • UNLIMITED GOLF ON THE 78 AND 9 HOLE COURSES 7 DAYS A WEEK • UNLIMITED USE OF THE PITCH AND PUTT COURSE • DISCOUNTED DRIVING RANGE • DISCOUNTED ADMISSIONS AT OUR LEISURE CENTRES • FREE PARKING AT LULLINGSTONE PARK GOLF COURSE • ONLINE TEE TIME BOOKINGS T&Cs apply: offer valid 07/06/75 - 37/08/75, not in conjunction with any other offer, dress code applies on the 78 hole course, booking is advised on the 78 hole course to avoid disappointment.

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MATCH UPDATES KEMSING “Kemsing Cricket Club’s pre-season friendlies went pretty well, with a last over victory in a two innings match against Telston and Mereworth CC and a narrow 15 run defeat to Sidcup CC. Although the chief selector had some difficulty persuading 11 players to turn out for both games, standards were pretty good, with some terrific individual performances in both games!

“In the first game, young leg spinner, Jordan Austin, took four wickets for only seven runs in the first innings.

In the second game, against Sidcup, Jordan again took a 4-fer, dismissing some very handy batsmen. 72-year-old Brian ‘Godfrey’ Baldwin, last year’s top wicket-taker in the division, chipped in with a couple, as did the newly rebuilt

Following on from last month’s cricket feature, we find out what our six local teams have been up to…

skipper, Roger Shaddock!”

HADLOW “So far we’ve played a few friendlies and

NEWENDEN

score down on a difficult wet wicket.

the league has just started. One

“The start to every new season is

We did our best to field with nine

impressive victory came against Gore

always a little painstaking – the

players on a bumpy outfield but

Court, a Kent League team, with Hadlow

majority of our players prefer their

the opposition did well to get

scoring an impressive 274 for six, which

cricket to be sun-kissed and go

a good score.

the visitors failed to get – achieving 154

AWOL until the summer. Coupled

“Against Ashford we bowled really

for seven. Our first Saturday league

with a bank holiday clash, this meant

well and kept the runs down until

game was against Penshurst Park CC,

raising a team was always going to

drinks at 20 overs; however, after

where our Saturday I XI team had a

be tricky. Our opposition were having

drinks the runs started to flow a lot

good start with 35 for 0 after seven.

similar problems and pulled the plug on

quicker. We batted well and managed to

our first game. A familiar false start to

get a few runs but not enough to win.”

the season was followed by a match

“Our Sunday XI played Sheppey CC, where they beat them by 26 runs, with Jack Poore scoring 68 not out.”

against our most local rivals, Northiam.

CAPEL

Newenden tend to specialise in batting

“The season opened, as we hoped it

STONE

collapses and true to form, a promising

would, with a victory! A bitterly cold

“Stone have had a very busy early

start was snuffed out by a succession of

wind blew but in the first game, away

season all told, with a golf day and

dismal dismissals and we ended up

to Gills Green, hearts were warmed

jumble sale combined with a number of

falling 30 runs short. With the season

when the team won by two wickets.

preseason fixtures. The Saturday XI

now in full swing and players slowly

“The first home match was versus our

have played three matches, where

coming out of hibernation, this minor

chairman’s XI. Captain Alex Stevenson

blip will hopefully be followed up by

scored 56 runs and his partnership

stronger performances.”

with Dan Stronell, who went on to

of the highly popular fines system to

they’ve won one and lost two.

“This season has also seen the return

score 93 not out, put 110 runs on the

both sides. These are a light hearted

BELLS YEW GREEN

board. Capel’s final score was a

way of raising a bit of cash both for the

“So far we’ve played two games, the

respectable 171 for three in the allotted

club and for a bar tab at the end of the

first against Finchley Gunns and the

30 overs. For a while it looked as if a

season. Fines are awarded for a variety

second against Ashford. In the first

second win was assured, but our

of misdemeanours, from dropping a

match we won the toss and fielded first.

visitors went on to snatch victory on

catch to over the top socks. The fines

Shottie Hopkins and Georgie Maddison-

the final ball of a very exciting match

are usually fairly small and are dished

Brown opened the bowling, keeping the

played in a fine sporting spirit.”

out by each team’s chosen fine master.”

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L U X U R Y T R AV E L

FLIGHTS OF FANCY Holiday season is upon us once again and we can all look forward to a fortnight of fun in the sun. But we believe our readers deserve nothing less than the best, so where do the A-list go for their summer break? If you’re struggling for some travel inspiration, here are six of the best VIP holiday hotspots

CALL OF THE WILD

estancias and mountains; after a hard day’s

been to the ends of the Earth. It’s a 17-hour

TIERRA PATAGONIA

hiking or mountain bike riding, you can relax

flight from London to Santiago, where you’ll

HOTEL BOUTIQUE & SPA, CHILE

in the lodge’s tranquil spa – while still being

hop on a further three-and-a-half-hour flight

For the eco-conscious, here’s a down

enchanted by those other-worldly views.

down to Punta Arenas; from there, it’s a four-

to earth holiday that will still be

hour drive to the hotel. (Punta Natales airport is

something to write home about. Set in

Hotels’ philosophy and Tierra Patagonia has

three hours closer, but that’s only open during

one of the world’s last great

been thoughtfully designed to complement its

the summer.) Alternatively, the hotel can quote

wildernesses, the Torres del Paine

surroundings. The place is powered by solar

for a private jet direct from Santiago.

National Park in Patagonia, this

energy and they work in close collaboration

40-room lodge offers staggering views

with local communities, so you can feel smug

superior double room on the all-inclusive

of the incredible landscape. The hotel

about your destination’s eco credentials.

programme cost £3,350 per person (correct

provides an all-inclusive programme in

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Sustainability features strongly in the Tierra

Getting there, however, might leave

How much does it cost? Seven nights in a

in May 2015), including meals, daily

which knowledgeable guides will take

something of a carbon footprint, but offers

excursions, spa use and some transfers.

you to explore the surrounding

more kudos if you like to tell people you’ve

www.tierrahotels.com

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LIFE’S A BEACH HIDEAWAY BEACH RESORT & SPA, THE MALDIVES

If you’re craving some sun, sand and sophistication, the Maldives are bound to be at the top of your list. Renowned for their stunning beaches and tranquil pace of life, the islands in the Indian Ocean are among the world’s most breathtaking holiday backdrops. They’re the beach destination of choice for those with a generous budget to spend, but if you really want to outdo the Joneses, you’ll be heading for the revamped Hideaway Beach Resort and Spa on Dhonakulhi Island. The whole island has just undergone a $50million renovation, making it the hippest spot in the Maldives this year.

One of the largest islands in the Maldives and the first to boast a fully functioning marina, Dhonakulhi offers plenty of space and privacy for guests, with a choice of eight types of accommodation. Our favourites are the brand new Ocean Suites – perched on wooden stilts in the crystal clear blue lagoon, the suites have two bedrooms and two bathrooms, so there’s room for the whole family. A huge veranda, outdoor dining area and 25sqm infinity pool are among the highlights of these gorgeous suites, from which you can enjoy the island’s most romantic views; plus there’s a private butler on hand to tend to your every whim.

To get there, you can take a scenic 45-minute flight from the Maldives’ capital, Malé, then enjoy a 20-minute speedboat ride to the island.

Another idea is to take a private charter seaplane direct to Dhonakulhi or arrive in style on your own yacht.

How much does it cost? From £5,493 per person for seven nights in an Ocean Suite, including breakfast and excluding flights. www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com

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GOLD STANDARD BURJ AL ARAB JUMEIRAH, DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

When it comes to the perfect blend of hot weather and high luxury, Dubai is certainly leading the field. And from the moment the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah opened its doors in 1999, the distinctive sail-shaped hotel became one of the most iconic buildings on the planet. Standing proudly on its own manmade island just off the Jumeirah coast, 15km south of Dubai, it’s proclaimed as the world’s most luxurious hotel, so it’s no surprise that it’s become a ‘must visit’ destination for travellers of taste and means.

This jewel of the Arabian Gulf rises to 321ft above sea level, making it the tallest all-suite hotel in the world. A spectacular water feature greets you in the entrance foyer, plus there are three aquariums and a cascade waterfall to keep you entertained as you ride the escalators.

Guests have a choice of seven levels of luxury, but there’s only one option for us –

LIVING THE HIGH LIFE

the two Royal Suites are certainly fit for a king (or queen) of the road. Spanning the

PRESIDENT WILSON HOTEL, GENEVA, SWITZERLAND

entire 25th floor, the Royal Suites come

Sometimes we’re too busy for a long holiday, but a city break can offer

complete with 42” television screens, iMacs,

much-needed rejuvenation and there’s no reason why you should skimp on

a private butler and even a 24-carat gold

the luxury, even if you’re short on time. Geneva is a fantastic choice for the

iPad, which serves as a ‘virtual concierge’

discerning tourist – here, you can enjoy the high life by dining every night in

during your stay. There’s a private dining

one of 13 Michelin starred restaurants, one of which is the Bayview eatery at

menu available 24 hours a day, or you

the President Wilson Hotel.

can ask the Executive Chef to come up

When you’ve enjoyed a wonderful evening, there’s no better feeling than knowing your hotel room is just upstairs, but there’s only one button we’ll be reaching for in the lift. Acknowledged as the largest and most luxurious suite

with some bespoke dishes for that special occasion.

Located about 25km from Dubai

in the world, the President Wilson’s Penthouse Suite comprises an astonishing

International Airport, the hotel is easy to

12 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms and extends to 1,700sqm in total. Offering a

reach – not that you’ll be taking taxis, of

jaw-dropping panoramic view of beautiful Lake Geneva, the suite boasts

course. The hotel boasts the world’s biggest

everything from a grand piano to a private gym.

fleet of Rolls-Royces to ferry its guests to

A terrace gives you the chance to enjoy the breathtaking mountain

and from the airport. Plus, with a staff to

scenery, while the security conscious are in luck here – even the most

guest ratio of eight to one, you’ll never be

nefarious millionaire can feel safe in the private lift and behind the

left wanting for service.

bulletproof glass.

How much does it cost? You won’t get much change from £41,500 per

How much does it cost? A three-night weekend stay in a Royal Suite in June 2015

day, but the holiday snaps alone will be worth the price…

will set you back £16,000.

www.hotelpresidentwilson.com

www.jumeirah.com

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GET AWAY FROM IT ALL ILHA DE MANÁ, BRAZIL

Ever fantasised about doing a Robinson Crusoe and casting away on your very own desert island? Well, your dream can come true at this fabulously isolated resort off Brazil’s Costa Verde. Set in the breathtaking bay of Angra dos Reis, Ilha de Maná (or Maná Island) is available for exclusive hire to those who really wish to get away from it all.

There’s accommodation for eight guests, in the form of

SAIL INTO THE SUNSET STAR CLIPPERS CRUISE, ROME TO BARBADOS

a main house and four chalets – ideal for a group break

Among true travel connoisseurs, there are cruises and then

for family or friends, or you can simply leave the other

there are cruises – while the Joneses are preparing to enjoy

properties empty and enjoy the splendid isolation!

their 10-day trip around the Med, you can look forward to

To reach the island, it’s a three-hour drive from Rio de

blowing their break out of the water with a truly sumptuous

Janeiro to the historic colonial town of Palaty, followed

Star Clippers vacation. For this is sailing in the traditional

by a 15-minute boat ride across the bay. Alternatively,

sense, with all the convenience of luxurious modern

why not take advantage of the island’s helipad? You can

accommodation added to the mix.

reach Ilha de Maná by air in just 40 minutes from Rio. Once you’re there, all there is to do is relax: enjoy a swim

Fans of Errol Flynn will be in heaven aboard one of Star Clippers’ three magnificent, fully masted sailing ships; each

in the freshwater swimming pool carved into the rock, get

one is a high tech recreation of the vessels that were seen

cooking on the built-in barbecue under the palm trees or

crossing the oceans in the 19th century. Aspiring

jump in a motorboat to explore the bay. Or simply just sit

swashbucklers can enjoy a taste of sailing’s golden age on a

back, relax and forget about the rest of the world…

variety of inspiring routes – you’re welcome to help the crew

How much does it cost? From £2,500 per night to hire the island. www.whereinrio.com

on deck if you wish – before retiring to your luxury cabin or enjoying a snifter in the piano bar.

The largest vessel is the 400ft, 42-sail Royal Clipper, which is the biggest of its kind in the world. With just 227 passengers, the ship has an intimate yet elegant feel that offers guests both privacy and the chance to mingle.

Itineraries vary from five to 28 days in duration, journeying to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Cuba and the Panama Canal. For a really unforgettable holiday, get your sea legs on and climb aboard the Royal Clipper as it sets out on a fourweek journey from Rome to Barbados. The route takes in such evocative destinations as Corsica, Ibiza, Casablanca, Lisbon and Tenerife, plus there are several days at sea, when you can relax by one of the three swimming pools, be pampered in the ship’s spa or enjoy watersports on the open wave. It’s a sailor’s life for us…

How much does it cost? Prices for the Rome to Barbados trip, sailing in October 2015, start from £3,655 per person – the Owner’s Suite costs £9,250 per person. www.starclippers.co.uk

CAN’T DECIDE? HERE’S THE ULTIMATE MULTI-CENTRE TRIP… If you just can’t make a decision about which ticket to buy, VeryFirstTo.com can come to the rescue. They’re offering a fantastic 21-day trip that will take you to 10 of the world’s most luxurious hotels, including the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah in Dubai. Your itinerary also takes you to Paris, the Bahamas, Tokyo, Rome, Las Vegas, New York, London, Istanbul and Hong Kong, all on Business Class flights, of course – and it’s a snip at £359,000. For each trip booked, £1,000 will be donated to The Prince’s Trust. So, what are you waiting for? Book up and get packing! www.veryfirstto.com

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www.niche-online.co.uk

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Ladies Designer Wear, Accessories and Shoes

Kitch one stop holiday shop is back!

Come and see all the new beach and holiday wear we have on offer; Melissa Odabash, Beth & Tracie and Miss June, to name a few and not forgetting Tom Ford and Balenciaga sunglasses. l High Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TNl l UL

01892 513 613 www.kitchclothing.co. uk

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OH, WE DO LIKE TO BE BESIDE THE

Along with the stunning Weald of Kent, the county also boasts 350 miles of spectacular coastline. With its wealth of beautiful bays, sandy beaches and of course, the iconic White Cliffs, who needs the Mediterranean? From fun family attractions to some of the county’s best food and drink, the Kent coast offers everything you could want from a great day out or summer holiday.

Within easy reach of the Weald, a trip to the seaside is a must this summer – so join us as we explore some of our fabulous coastal destinations…

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S E A S I D E F E AT U R E

COAST WITH THE

MOST Discover why millions of visitors flock to the Kent seaside each year, as we find out more about the historic and intriguing towns dotted along our beautiful coastline

WHITSTABLE

Located just a seven-mile bike

After Whitstable harbour was built

ride from Canterbury, Whitstable is

in 1832 to serve the ‘Crab and

very popular with visitors. Harbour

Winkle Line’, which was the

Street offers the chance to indulge

world’s first passenger railway

in some fascinating window

service, a thriving seaside town

shopping – you’ll certainly want to

soon sprang up around it. Today,

indulge at the tempting deli – or

Whitstable is one of Kent’s most

you can lose yourself in the past

attractive and atmospheric coastal

among the town’s evocatively

destinations, offering a real taste of

named alleyways. Another glimpse

seaside life. The harbour fish

of history can be enjoyed at the

markets are still highly popular and

beautiful Whitstable Castle.

there’s a restaurant on the spot to

DIARY DATE: Whitstable Oyster

offer up the day’s catch, fresh from

Festival – Saturday July 25 to

the boats. You can sample the best

Friday July 31. Witness traditional

local seafood and shellfish at a

rituals such as the Landing of the

number of acclaimed eateries in

Oysters, along with top class

the town, while at nearby

music, comedy and other

Seasalter, Michelin starred dishes

entertainment.

are served up at The Sportsman.

www.whitstableoysterfestival.co.uk

“The Street” a sandy spit of land revealed at low tide in Whitstable

HERNE BAY

and set off on the seven-mile

Margate is fast becoming one

due to reopen this month. Led by

Those who long for a taste of

Oyster Bay Trail, from Reculver to

of the trendiest and most

award winning designer Wayne

traditional seaside holidays will

Swalecliffe, along which you’ll

exciting places in the south east.

Hemmingway, the iconic venue’s

find it here in Herne Bay. Along its

enjoy some stunning sea views and

The town’s cultural renaissance

makeover will bring yet more

two miles of splendid seafront,

wide open landscapes.

really got underway with

families to Margate this summer.

you’ll see brightly coloured beach

DIARY DATE: Herne Bay Festival

the opening of the Turner

Along with a variety of watersports

huts, interesting Victorian

– Saturday August 22 to Sunday

Contemporary gallery on

you can also explore the funky

architecture, summer gardens and

August 30. This year, the annual

the seafront, which attracts

cafés, galleries and shops of the

concerts on the bandstand – along

event will be focusing on Herne

visitors from all over the country.

Old Town, discover more local art

with plenty of tasty treats, from

Bay in its Victorian heyday,

Exhibiting a broad spectrum

on the Harbour Arm and sample

candyfloss to fish and chips.

alongside the regular sandcastle

of works, from its namesake,

the town’s foodie scene; acclaimed

Watersports are popular here, or

competition, evening lantern

JMW Turner, to the modern

fine dining restaurant The Ambrette

for a more sedate day out, you can

parade, fireworks display, live

local star Tracey Emin, the

was a finalist for the county’s

explore the nearby 12th century

music and much more.

gallery has really put Margate

favourite eatery in this year’s Taste

Reculver Towers and Roman fort.

www.hernebayfestival.co.uk

on the art world map.

of Kent Awards.

Walk the Herne Bay Cultural Trail

More artistic credentials are on

DIARY DATE: Margate Soul

to find out more about this

MARGATE

show at Dreamland, the

Weekend – Friday July 31 to

fascinating town, or hire a bicycle

Now a hub of creative activity,

rejuvenated family attraction that is

Sunday August 2.

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Viking Beach in Broadstairs

At Kent’s biggest soul, funk and

Celebrating its 50th anniversary

summer festival over the August

Gertrude Jekyll and Sir Edwin

jazz festival, the legendary Roy

this year, Folk Week is a packed

bank holiday weekend features a

Lutyens has been restored to its

Ayers will be headlining on the

programme of music and other

wide variety of live performances,

former glory. Sandwich is a hot

Sunday, with guest DJs Norman

activities that attracts folk fans

along with workshops, arts and

destination for golfers too, with

Jay and Joey Negro making

from all over the country.

creative workshops.

several courses nearby, including

appearances throughout

www.broadstairsfolkweek.org.uk

www.ramsgatearts.org

the Royal St George’s and Prince’s

RAMSGATE

SANDWICH

DIARY DATE: Sandwich Folk & Ale

For a cosmopolitan vibe, discover

While Sandwich is set two miles

Festival – Saturday July 11 to

BROADSTAIRS

the European style café culture of

inland, on the River Stour, it was one

Sunday July 12. This festival sees

History comes alive in Broadstairs,

Ramsgate. Boasting the country’s

of the original Cinque Ports and is

high quality acts performing free

which is proud of its strong links to

only Royal harbour, with a bustling

still one of the most well-preserved

gigs at various pubs, along with

one of the world’s greatest novelists.

marina, the town has fine Georgian

towns along the coast, with many

outdoor stages at the Guildhall

You can walk through the arched

and Regency architecture, along

medieval buildings. At the Guildhall

Forecourt and Market Street.

walkway next to Charles Dickens’

with waterfront bars and the

Museum you can see the ancient

There’ll also be food and

former summer residence, Bleak

beautiful Italianate Greenhouse.

courtroom and learn more about

craft stalls, and Morris

House, plus the Dickens House

The town has another claim to

Sandwich’s rich history, while the

dancing displays.

Museum is located in the cottage

fame in that it has its own Meridian

White Mill Rural Heritage Centre

www.facebook.com/

that inspired Betsey Trotwood’s

Line in the fascinating Maritime

gives further insight into the past,

SandwichFolkAleFestival

home in David Copperfield. The

Museum.

particularly the Victorian era.

Championship courses.

the weekend. www.margatesoulweekend.co.uk

Dickens Festival (June 13 to 19)

Highlights of the town include

Gardeners will be in heaven at

DEAL

offers another chance to immerse

The Grange, a Victorian Gothic

The Salutation, where a

Winner of the Daily Telegraph’s

yourself in his literary world. You can

house built by Augustus Pugin, and

rediscovered garden designed by

High Street of Year award in 2013,

discover more history at the

the neighbouring St Augustine’s

Broadstairs Town Museum and

Church, also designed by Pugin.

Crampton Tower, or simply relax on

For those who love the great

the sandy beaches, including

outdoors, there are plenty of

spectacular Viking Bay.

opportunities to explore the

Hidden squares, cobbled

stunning natural landscapes

walkways and fascinating

around Ramsgate. Take a boat trip

independent shops provide interest

over to Goodwin Sands to spot the

all year round, plus there’s a busy

seals, walk the stunning coastal

programme of events in the

path to Broadstairs or look out for

summer, including the Water Gala

birds and other wildlife as you

on August 19.

stroll along the Saxon Shore Way.

DIARY DATE: Broadstairs Folk

DIARY DATE: Summer Squall –

Week – Friday August 7 to Friday

Saturday August 29 to Monday

August 14.

August 31. Ramsgate’s annual

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SEASIDE

Sunny Sands Beach, Folkestone

Deal is particularly attractive to

family day out, where you

foodies as it has a wide range of

can learn about everything from

speciality food shops, including an

the castle’s beginnings in the

Italian patisserie. The town is a

1180s, through to the Secret

great example of a Georgian

Wartime Tunnels where Sir

seaside resort and you can enjoy

Winston Churchill orchestrated

fantastic views of the seafront from

the war effort.

the quarter-mile-long pier.

Two museums and three weekly

In Dover itself, the new Sea Sport Centre offers exhilarating

markets also add interest for

watersports, or you can shop until

visitors, plus there’s family fun on

you drop at the De Bradelei Wharf

offer at Deal Castle and Walmer

Designer Outlet.

Castle, both of which were built by

DIARY DATE: Chilli Farm Festival

King Henry VIII. Deal Castle in

– Friday July 24 to Sunday July 26.

particular is ideal for children to

Combining live music with country

explore, as there are specially

fair style entertainment, the Chilli

designed audio guides to help

Farm Festival is a family friendly

Stroll along the atmospheric Old

them understand its history.

event that includes displays of

High Street and visit the diverse

pre-theatre dinner, there are

The Deal Maritime Museum

VW’s, vintage vehicles, a funfair,

cafés, shops and artistic spaces in

plenty of dining options, including

reveals details of Deal’s smuggling

ferret racing, laser clay shooting

the exciting Creative Quarter, or

the stylish Rocksalt – overlooking

past, sure to thrill and intrigue

and much more.

pick up some high street bargains

Folkestone harbour, this chic

visitors of all ages.

www.chillifarmfestival.com

at the popular Bouverie Place

eatery is run by celebrity chef

shopping centre. In November the

and Gordon Ramsay protégé,

DIARY DATE: Deal Festival of

Mermaid Street in Rye

at the Quarterhouse. For some

Music & the Arts – Friday June 26

FOLKESTONE

town hosts a Book Festival with an

Mark Sargeant.

to Sunday July 12. An annual

When you’re not relaxing on Sunny

impressive roster of speakers.

DIARY DATE: Folkestone Skabour

celebration of the best in classical

Sands beach or encouraging the

and contemporary music, the

children to let off steam at the

entertainment here – household

September 20. Held at the Grand

festival also includes a variety of

adventure playground in the Lower

names in music, comedy and

Burstin Hotel overlooking the

other arts such as literature,

Leas Coastal Park, you can explore

drama regularly appear at the Leas

harbour, Skabour is a major event

theatre, cinema, opera, dance and

the cultural and artistic

Cliff Hall, while smaller scale

in the ska music calendar. This

visual arts.

experiences on offer in Folkestone.

shows and screenings can be seen

year’s performers include The

There’s no shortage of

– Friday September 18 to Sunday

www.dealfestival.co.uk

DOVER

The White Cliffs of Dover

No trip to the Kent coast is complete without a visit to the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, a 16-mile stretch of natural landscape that provided such inspiration during the Second World War. There may not be bluebirds over the cliffs, but there’s a wealth of wildlife in the area and plenty of opportunities to discover it in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Dover Castle provides a full

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SEASIDE

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Fayre – Saturday July 25. Now the largest free event on Romney Marsh, the country fayre celebrates its 21st anniversary this year. Attractions include falconry displays, marching bands, dancers, circus acts, Morris men and much more. www.newromneycountryfayre.co.uk

RYE Although Rye is in East Sussex, rather than Kent, it’s located just 12 miles from New Romney and if you’re exploring the East Kent seaside, it would be a shame not to continue and discover one of the great gems of the south coast. A celebrity favourite, medieval Rye is a particularly attractive hilltop fortified town that rambles down the slope towards the sea and is bursting with character. Charming places to eat and stay include the Mermaid Inn, which was once the haunt of smugglers. Rye is also home to the National Trust property Lamb House, whose former residents include writers Henry James and EF Benson.

The picturesque town makes a Selecter, The Original Aces and

a ride on its one-third size steam

Marsh makes it a wonderful place

great base from which to explore

Beat Goes Bang.

and diesel locomotives as it

to explore for those who enjoy the

Rye Harbour Nature Reserve,

www.skabour.co.uk

powers out across the Romney

great outdoors; four of Kent’s finest

Henry VIII’s Camber Castle, the

Marsh to Dungeness. Alternatively,

beaches can be found at

pretty town of Winchelsea and the

HYTHE

Port Lympne Wild Animal Park is

Dymchurch, Greatstone, St Mary’s

stunning stretch of unspoilt sand

Home to the world’s smallest public

just a couple of miles outside

Bay and Dungeness. Twitchers will

dunes at Camber Sands.

railway, the Cinque Port town of

Hythe.

find much to agitate them on the

DIARY DATE: Rye International

Hythe offers both a long seafront

DIARY DATE: Hythe Venetian Fete

RSPB Reserve at Dungeness, plus

Jazz & Blues Festival – Thursday

promenade – you can walk all the

– Wednesday August 19.

there’s the Dungeness National

August 27 to Monday August 31

way to Folkestone (about four miles)

This family water extravaganza

Nature Reserve and the Romney

The programme for the 2015 event

– and a section of the historic Royal

features decorated floats on the

Marsh Local Natural Reserve to

had yet to be released at the time

Military Canal to explore. Visitors

Royal Military Canal and is

visit. Sports fans can enjoy a round

of going to press, but last year’s

can hire a boat and row along the

followed by live entertainment and

of golf or zoom around the kart

festival featured an impressive

tranquil canal, indulge in a spot of

a firework display at dusk.

circuit at nearby Lydd, which is the

array of acts performing across

fishing on the canal bank or beach,

www.hythe-venetianfete.com

most southerly village in Kent.

numerous venues in the town.

DIARY DATE: New Romney Country

www.ryejazz.com

or enjoy a round of golf on the seafront. Or if you’re looking

NEW ROMNEY

for a more adrenalin-fuelled

Once a harbour town at the mouth

activity, watersports such as

of the River Rother, New Romney is

sailing, windsurfing, kayaking

now situated about a mile and a

and kite surfing are available

half inland – the Norman church in

from the beach.

the centre of town, St Nicholas’s, was once located on the

there’s a rather macabre attraction

harbourside. It’s still a popular

at St Leonard’s Church, which

coastal destination, though, with

boasts one of only two ossuaries in

many visitors being attracted to its

England and houses more than

picturesque high street; highlights

1,000 skulls and countless other

include the Grade II listed

bones. For a great family day out,

Assembly Rooms and the 17th

hop on the Romney, Hythe and

century former almshouses.

Dymchurch Light Railway and enjoy

The haunting beauty of Romney

VISIT KENT

For those interested in history,

The shingle beach in Hythe

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T R AV E L

ROLLERCOASTER

The bigger you are, the louder you scream – as Ryan Hooper discovers when he faces his fears in Florida IT’S FUNNY THAT, while suspended

loft; Sorry, Grandma is coming to stay;

335ft above the beautiful Florida

Sorry, there’s a Peak Practice omnibus

skyline, I can neither see nor hear a

running on UK Gold.

But I’m surprised to discover that

single shrieking child.

But as I sit on the edge of the world’s

Florida’s popular theme parks are not

first vertical drop tower – complete

heaving with small, screaming

with 90-degree tilt function – I don’t

children. In fact, most of the

really notice anything that’s going

‘screaming’ appears to be coming from

on around me. Up until now, I’d

adults – including myself.

convinced myself that Falcon’s Fury –

I’m visiting Discovery Cove, SeaWorld

internationally renowned theme park

and Aquatica to find out why scary rides

Busch Gardens’ towering centrepiece

and animal attractions are still just as

– would be a breeze. I’ve already

much fun for adults. It’s not that these

bottled it three times, but now, looking

venues are child-free zones at all. In fact,

down at the ant-like crowds below me,

during my stay, I bump into several

there’s no turning back.

school trips, as well as families crossing

Summoning an imaginary shield of

the Atlantic to enjoy a welcome bit of

courage, I grip tightly onto the buckle

much-needed Vitamin D. But the parks

around my waist. I can still taste the

are so vast and well laid out that there’s

waffles I had for breakfast and I fear I

enough space for everyone.

may be reunited with them very soon.

Like the best children’s films, laced

An invitation to spend the half-term

with references that will have mums

holiday at a theme park popular with

and dads nodding wryly in recognition,

children would normally be met with a

the USA’s top tourist attractions seem to

series of excuses from me: Sorry, I’m

cater for all tastes. I’m just amazed so

cleaning out

many kids are brave enough to tackle

the

these rides. I’m certainly pushed to my limit at Aquatica’s daunting Ihu’s Breakaway Falls. The set-up is simple – a cylindrical, vertical-drop flume with twists, turns and a countdown clock.

The trudge up to

in inverse proportion to the ascending

the summit of the

heart rates, the tension builds. Then,

ride – which, for

one by one, trapdoors open under

those wanting a

each flume and the twitching riders

distraction, allows

disappear from sight.

the chance for

“

“

tranquil across the road at Discovery

views of the

Cove, where the Lazy Rapids represent

Orlando

the most terrifying thing in the whole

landscape – is

park. Floating effortlessly like an autumn

conducted in

I’m just amazed so many kids are brave enough to tackle these rides

silence. Three participants at a time are then placed into solo tubes, upright and facing each other. As the countdown clock ticks away

88

Fortunately, the pace is altogether more

magnificent

leaf on a stream, it’s almost possible to drift into a slumber as the 15-minute course loops around the park again and again.

One of my highlights, though, is a safari through Busch Gardens. I’m able to glimpse rare and endangered animals and

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learn about their plight at the hands of poachers. As our 4x4 lumbers over uncertain terrain, my guide explains that much of his daily work is dedicated to educating people about wildlife and spreading awareness.

There are also opportunities for close contact with animals. At Discovery Cove, I’m able to swim with dolphins, while at SeaWorld, I’m invited to help feed the stingrays. It’s my first encounter with the pancake-flat fish, and I find the whole experience quite daunting. But in a week where my courage has been tested to new heights, I’m more than ready to embrace new adventures. The stingrays seem to enjoy it too.

FACTS

T R AV E L

� Ryan Hooper was a guest of

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment (www.seaworldparks.co.uk).

The Discovery Cove Ultimate Package includes a one-day reservation at Discovery Cove – with 30-minute dolphin swim experience, all meals, snacks and beverages – plus 14-day unlimited entry to SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Aquatica. Prices start from £175 per person.

British Airways (www.ba.com; 0844 493 0787) flies from Gatwick to Orlando 14 times a week and Gatwick to Tampa seven times a week.

Prices from £553.06 per person.

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Walking and Wine Tasting Tours

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INSTALLATIONS

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EMBRACE THE

GREAT OUTDOORS Summer is here at last, bringing with it lots of opportunities to enjoy the company of family and friends in the sunshine. So, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to make sure your outdoor space is in perfect condition for alfresco entertaining and relaxing. With so many ways to enjoy the garden, no matter how the Great British weather behaves this season, there are lots of things you can do to make the outdoors an attractive extension of your home. Read on for some fantastic ideas on how to make the best of your garden this summer...

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

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LETâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GO

OUTSIDE

Summer is here at last and in the Weald, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re lucky to have a wealth of fabulous eateries that offer alfresco dining in delightful settings. So, read on for inspiration on where to enjoy the sunshine with family and friends this season

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

THE GRASSHOPPER INN MOORHOUSE WHAT MAKES YOUR PLACE SO SPECIAL FOR SUMMER DINING? Diners can enjoy some innovative pub classics in our gorgeous rear terraced garden any day of the week. Our beautiful outdoor spaces, with some covered seating areas, can also comfortably hold up to 80 people and are the perfect backdrop for private parties or corporate gatherings, whether it be for drinks and canapés, or a three-course meal.

WHAT ARE YOUR ‘MUST TRY’ DISHES? Our outdoor bar and barbecue, with breathtaking

HOTEL DU VIN TUNBRIDGE WELLS

views over the rolling Kent and Surrey countryside, will now be opened for the summer every weekend (that the sun is shining!). Our chefs love cooking up a storm alfresco and nothing beats a burger

WHAT MAKES SUMMER SPECIAL AT YOUR PLACE?

from the barbecue.

“Imagine sitting in the south of France with a chilled glass of

AND TO ACCOMPANY IT?

Pinot” – this is testament from one of our guests, expressing

You can supplement the food with one of our

what it feels like to relax on our alfresco terrace.

locally sourced ales, fully scrutinised wines or

TELL US ABOUT YOUR APPROACH TO FOOD.

refreshing jugs of Pimms.

Famed for hearty, honest cooking with a British and French twist,

Check out our website to see all the

Hotel du Vin’s alfresco menu is ideal for light summer evenings

activities we have planned in the garden for

and lazy lunches. Each dish has been carefully chosen by Hotel

summer 2015.

du Vin’s talented chefs to evoke the taste of summer.

WHAT’S YOUR ‘MUST TRY’ DISH THIS SEASON?

Moorhouse, near Westerham, Kent TN16 2EU

Our cob salad is our ‘must try’ dish, full of the joys of summer: a

01959 563 136

plate of fresh avocado, chicken and pancetta, amongst other

grasshopper@faucetinn.com

delights, this bowl is plenty for one or perfect to share!

www.grasshopperinn.co.uk

CAN YOU RECOMMEND A SUMMER THIRST QUENCHER? Alongside Hotel du Vin’s extensive wine list, a new range of alfresco drinks are on offer – jugs of Sangria, Pimms or Aperol Spritz, fruit beers and ciders on ice, or delicious cocktails are all designed with summer socialising in mind.

Crescent Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2LY 01892 512 044 reception.tunbridgewells@hotelduvin.com www.hotelduvin.com

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ALEXANDER HOUSE HOTEL AND UTOPIA SPA TURNERS HILL WHY SHOULD WE HEAD FOR ALEXANDER HOUSE

DESCRIBE YOUR FOOD ETHOS.

THIS SUMMER?

We offer modern European food with an emphasis on indulgence.

Our beautifully maintained grounds and gardens are the perfect

WHAT SHOULD BE ON OUR ‘MUST TRY’ LIST?

setting to enjoy an alfresco experience. The Two-Rosette

In our Reflections Restaurant, it should be the buttered Birchden

Reflections Restaurant sits within the heart of our lovingly

farm asparagus with a poached hen’s egg and soft herb

maintained building and boasts a seasonal menu using locally

hollandaise. While in AG’s Restaurant, don’t miss the native

sourced and sustainable produce, delivering outstanding flavour

lobster consommé, lobster ravioli, air dried English coppa ham

and experience. Within the restaurant centre is a heavenly outdoor

and fresh peas.

courtyard, which can only be described as a dreamy ‘suntrap’.

CAN YOU RECOMMEND A SUMMER TIPPLE?

In the grounds or on the terrace, you can indulge in a cup of tea or a glass of bubbly and a traditional afternoon tea – finely cut

Cucumber Martini – comprising Chase vodka, Chase elderflower liquor, cucumber and fresh mint.

sandwiches, freshly baked scones with homemade jam and clotted cream, delicate pastries, our range of mini desserts and a

Turners Hill, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH10 4QD

selection of fine loose leaf teas from around the world – an

01342 714 914

unforgettable afternoon lies ahead.

www.alexanderhotels.com

Here you can indulge in Michelin starred dining in a relaxed, informal setting – The Curlew Terrace; it’s what summer was made for.

WHAT TYPE OF FOOD CAN WE EXPECT? The Curlew’s menu evolves through the passing colours of the seasons, yet we remain committed to sourcing the very best produce we can find.

WHAT’S YOUR MENU HIGHLIGHT THIS SEASON? This summer you’ll see beautifully plump hand dived scallops, succulent Kentish milk-fed lamb and a Sussex cherry gateaux.

AND THE PERFECT TIPPLE? An English summer’s day lunch must start with a glass

THE CURLEW RESTAURANT BODIAM

of English sparkling wine. World class, multi award winning Gusbourne Estate’s Burt Reserve is produced a grape’s throw away from The Curlew, in Appledore, Kent. The wine is handcrafted, as a true expression and

WHY SHOULD WE VISIT YOU THIS SUMMER?

embodiment of our wonderful location.

Is there anything more glorious than an English summer’s day? Perhaps so; taking a leisurely lunch

Junction Road, Bodiam,

on The Curlew Terrace. Surrounded by the tranquillity

East Sussex TN32 5UY

of edible flowers and herbs, you can enjoy stunning

01580 861 394

dishes served to you by a team besotted by food

enquiries@thecurlewrestaurant.co.uk

and wine.

www.thecurlewrestaurant.co.uk

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

LA DOLCE VITA LAMBERHURST

WOODS RESTAURANT & BARS TUNBRIDGE WELLS HOW DOES WOODS STAND OUT AS A SUMMER EATERY? Woods has a unique position on the historic Pantiles in Royal

WHAT’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT YOUR PLACE

Tunbridge Wells. Our terrace can seat up to 80, overlooking the

IN SUMMER?

bandstand so our customers can either simply sit and watch the

The patio of La Dolce Vita has a variety of

world go by, or enjoy the many musical events and markets that

different herbs growing next to your table.

are hosted right on our doorstep.

The flow of the River Tiese next to the patio

DESCRIBE YOUR APPROACH TO FOOD.

creates a lovely gurgling sound, while the

The restaurant has stuck to its principles of emphasising regional

whistling of sparrows and the sight of squirrels

and seasonal ingredients, and using local produce whenever

all around makes for one of the most spectacular

possible. Almost all of our dishes are prepared on the premises.

dining experiences you could get ever get in

WHICH DISHES SHOULD NOT BE MISSED?

the summertime.

Our great salad bowls, which can also be shared by two people.

HOW ABOUT THE FOOD?

Why not try the hot smoked salmon, cucumber, pea shoots,

Our chef is passionate about his food and has

fennel, boiled egg and green beans with a lemon and dill

over 24 years’ experience in five-star London

dressing, or the pear, walnut, blue cheese and rocket salad with

hotels. Exciting new dishes are now on the

French dressing?

menu for you to try.

CAN YOU RECOMMEND A GREAT SUMMER TIPPLE?

WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND?

A quintessentially English Pimms, or our homemade lemonade.

Why not try our roast duck breast with wilted spinach, carrot and amaretto puree

62 & 64 The Pantiles,

with seasonal berries, or our grilled medallions

Tunbridge Wells,

of steak cooked to perfection with pink

Kent TN2 5TN

peppercorn sauce? Plus, our pan fried king

01892 614 411

prawns in garlic sauce are always popular.

www.woodsrestaurant.co.uk

TELL US ABOUT YOUR DRINKS MENU. We have a good selection of full bodied and light bodied Italian red wines, which are a great accompaniment to our dishes, or try our medium, fruity and dry white wines in particular with the fish and white meat dishes.

School Hill, Lamberhurst, Near Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 8DQ 01892 890 277 www.ladolcevita.uk.com

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

THE CROWN INN

ANY SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS TO LOOK OUT FOR?

GROOMBRIDGE

Why not try our salad of home cured salt beef, green beans,

SO

oak smoked cheese and quails eggs?

WHY SHOULD WE PAY THE CROWN INN A VISIT

WE’LL NEED A REFRESHING ACCOMPANIMENT…

THIS SEASON?

We serve local real ales, including Black Cat, Harvey’s

When the sun is shining there is no better place to be – the

and Larkin’s, along with a variety of quality wines

tables in our lovely beer garden offer a great view of the

and Champagne.

countryside, the church opposite and the Groombridge Green.

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM THE FOOD?

Groombridge,

The dishes at the Crown are always beautifully conceived and

Near Tunbridge Wells,

prepared, and absolutely delicious.

Kent TN3 9QH

We often have fresh fish on the menu that is prepared to the highest standards and will certainly make your mouth water.

01892 864 742 www.thecrowngroombridge.com

Time to sit back and relax at one of our wonderful local inns or restaurants

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OUTDOOR LIVING

Embrace the great outdoors The Great British summer is upon us and it’s time to look ahead to alfresco get-togethers with family and friends. But is your garden ready for barbecue season? Whether you’ve got a park or a patio on which to entertain, there are lots of ways to give your outdoor space the wow factor this summer

LIE OF THE LAND

MATCH POINT

For those with a challenging garden that

Wimbledon swings into action again at the

needs revamping, the job can seem impossible

end of this month and the tournament is sure

– particularly if you have no expertise or

to spark an increase in tennis club

experience in landscaping. Here’s where a

membership. You could save on subscriptions

professional can take the burden off your

by investing in your own tennis court – from

hands and create the outdoor space of your

a traditional grass surface to a high tech,

dreams; you’ll usually find that no job is too

all-weather solution, it’ll provide a great

big or too small. There’s still time to transform

opportunity for children to get active and for

your garden for the summer, so check out

families to enjoy a game together. Who

local garden designers and landscapers to see

knows, you could have the next Andy Murray

how they can work miracles in your backyard.

or Serena Williams on your hands!

� HOME FROM HOME If you want a permanent ‘extra room’ in the garden, a summerhouse will provide a place to retreat from the elements while still enjoying the great outdoors. Summerhouses can also fulfil other useful functions, such as serving as a home office, studio or extra accommodation for guests.

Many garden buildings can now be equipped with electricity, heating and internet access, making it literally an extension of your home.

� SEATS OF POWER Forget cheap plastic chairs and rain-stained tables – the choice of outdoor furniture on the market today is broader and more impressive than ever. From contemporary metal structures to charming rustic wood, you can relax and recline in whatever style suits your taste. A wrought iron bistro set for two provides a tranquil spot in a small garden, while those who boast large spaces can invest in rattan or wicker cushioned three-piece suites, for the ultimate in outdoor relaxation. Swing chairs, egg-shaped nests, hammocks – the world is your oyster as you turn the garden into an additional open-air room.

� IN BLOOM Colourful displays of flowers make even the smallest garden look appealing, but don’t worry if you’ve neglected yours until now. It’s not too late to add bags of vibrant colour – you can pick up large trays of inexpensive bedding plants and fill any empty spaces with the new additions.

Putting the plants into pots will give you the flexibility to move blooms to where they’re needed and can make a bare patio or courtyard look stunning.

Remember, you can add personality and save money by getting creative with your planters. Recycling salvaged pots, tins and other vessels will lend extra personality to your scheme – even old wheelbarrows and discarded baths can be pressed into service as attractive focal points.

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OUTDOOR LIVING

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� COOKING UP A STORM No British garden is complete without an area for bringing out the trusty barbecue, but if you lack the skill or enthusiasm to work culinary magic on the coals, help is at hand.

Gas-fired options take the guesswork out of the process and mean you don’t have to wait around for the coals to heat; nowadays you can buy everything from a modest mobile gadget to a fully equipped kitchen outdoors.

Those who want to go back to basics should consider having a permanent brick barbecue built, or why not go the whole hog and invest in your own outdoor pizza oven? Here you can wow your guests by knocking out delicious homemade treats in minutes, plus it can be used for other cookery, such as making your own bread.

If you’re looking to do little more than toast marshmallows outside, an ornate chiminea or fire pit will give you the flame power you need, while helping to keep you warm on chilly evenings.

� HEAVENS ABOVE Erecting a canopy or roof over any outdoor entertaining area will keep the rain at bay and allow you to enjoy alfresco dining, whatever the Great British summertime throws at us.

Gazebos can be decorated with trailing flowers and even fitted with lighting and heaters, allowing you and your guests to enjoy the fresh air well into the night.

� ALL DECKED OUT Steep gardens, uneven ground and land prone to flooding can be solved by installing decking, which will allow you to enjoy the outdoors without wallowing in mud or struggling to keep your feet.

Decking or paving over problem areas provides ideal spaces for alfresco dining and entertaining, as well as somewhere you can show off your specimen potted plants and favourite furniture.

� GREEN CREDENTIALS Lawn looking scorched and bare? Combine neglected turf with the all too regular drought restrictions and you can end up with a lacklustre lawn. But there are experts out there who can save the situation for you and give your green carpet some magic again.

� TAKE THE PLUNGE Once upon a time, having a swimming pool in your garden was the ultimate status symbol and purely the preserve of the rich and famous. But now you don’t have to be a millionaire to make a splash.

Installing a pool can be surprisingly affordable and even if you consider your garden to be too small to accommodate one, it’s worth speaking to the experts – you might be surprised. Pools make a great focal point for family parties, as the children will love it!

For those who don’t feel energetic enough to do 20 lengths every morning, a plunge pool, spa or decadent hot tub are great alternatives. For true luxury, consider installing a sauna into a garden building so you can enjoy the steam as well as the water.

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

Adam Sutton BSc (Hons) Environmental Science Tim Playfoot BA (Hons) Garden Design Te1:01892 722699 1Adam:07979 362241 Tim:07990 751353 www.p1ayfootgardendesign.co.uk

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Outside interests While we can't guarantee good weather this summer, it is at least possible to make a stylish and comfortable setting a dead cert, by lavishing some love on your outdoor space and investing in the latest furniture trends AS WELL AS the advantage of creating

money. A garden can increase the value

service, which also found that the

another 'room' – always welcome in our

of a property by up to 20%, according to

majority of buyers (66%) say outdoor

space-starved times – investing in a

research by RatedPeople.com, the UK's

space would be a key deciding factor

patio could also literally help you 'grow'

largest online trade recommendation

when it comes to buying.

TROPICAL

PATIO PICKS Habitat’s a reliable source for funky, colourful pieces and it doesn’t disappoint with a new Minaji range in easy-care polypropylene. Their Two-Seater Garden Bench, in orange or black, is £395; the Garden Armchair, in green or black, costs £195. www.habitat.co.uk

down to earth

patio picks

Natural materials – wood and stone – are always

Marks & Spencer’s Dahlia

a sound choice for a patio, as they look more

collection, in grey-painted

beautiful as they weather and their colour tones

eucalyptus wood, is a winner,

blend into the surroundings.

combining both style and comfort.

"Furnish the outdoor space as you would an

The Sofa costs £599, the Armchair

indoor room and, ideally, choose colours and

is £349, the Coffee Table is £179

prints that echo your indoor scheme,” says

and the Lounger is £259. Don’t

Nicola Gidlow, Buyer for outdoor living at John

forget that summer essential, a

Lewis. “This will unify all the spaces. If you

funky deckchair – pick up the

haven't got green fingers, a collection of faux

Tropical Floral Deck Chair for £69.

Whatever the weather, your patio will have a tropical twist with furniture in neon hues and playful accessories.

"This season's tropical trend has found its way into our gardens, with bold and bright accessories leading the way,” says Kate Watson, Interior Designer for furniture specialists, Fishpools. "Choose two 'key' colours – and don't be afraid to be bold –

trees and plants in pots grouped around the boundary of the patio could delineate the space."

BOTANICAL KITSCH

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then complement with small splashes of accent colours to add interest."

WHITE HOT Lighten up and look beyond dark brown and black furniture (so yesterday!) to give a more spacious feel to even the most compact space.

"Neutral shades – white, taupe, varying shades of grey – are a strong trend this year," says Tina Mahony, Director of garden furniture company, Go Modern. “These are natural partners with sleek, streamlined furniture, which truly turn a patio into an outdoor room."

PATIO PICKS Bring Spanish style to a space with the Arc Garden collection from Go Modern, with its soft, curved lines and white weather-resistant rattan. The Round Table costs £1,200 and Club Armchairs cost from £560 each. www.gomodern.co.uk

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GARDENS

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Glorious Gardens This month Emma Davies, who runs the Walled Nursery in Hawkhurst with her husband Monty, reveals why you should be raising the stakes in June Delphiniums

NOW WE’RE GETTING into early

It’s best to stake your plants in the

the smaller sticks will be useful for

summer, our borders are bursting with

spring, before they’ve put on too much

providing smaller perennials with support,

life. Your hard work is beginning to bear

growth and you find yourself struggling to

such as the aforementioned Aquilegias.

fruit, so don’t let the weather get the

get close to them. Stake now and the

better of you. This month we’re mastering

plants will grow into their supports; stake

bamboo canes and string. Say, for

the art of staking herbaceous perennials.

later and they’ll look hemmed in and may

example, you are staking a clump of

Why bother? Well, all it takes is some

have already been damaged. The plants

Echinops, which are tall – take some

seriously gusty wind or heavy rain and

will grow quickly enough so that you soon

5ft canes and push them in deeply just

you can find your border flattened;

won’t notice your staking at all. Trust me,

inside the outside area of the clump

however, there is a way to

it’s much easier to get it all done now.

(this is so the canes aren’t the first thing

avoid this but you need to

There are many different methods

do it now.

and materials to use when staking.

Not all plants need

By far the most natural looking

You can, of course, make a grid with

you see when looking at the plants), with a few dotted through the middle as well. Use string to tie from one cane to

supporting, but

are pea sticks, made from

the other so that the stems are supported.

there are a few

coppiced Hazel. These branchy

Don’t try to tie the string to the stems

that will always

stems are ideal, with pointed

themselves as the stems will rub against

need a helping

tips so they can be pushed in

the canes with any wind movement,

hand. Achilleas,

firmly around the outside of the

damaging the plants.

with their large, flat

clump with a few placed in the

flower heads, can

centre too. You do need to make

easily flop. Dahlias, Peaonias and Delphiniums

sure you get the stakes well into the

You can cheat – there are plenty of good value plant support systems for sale in nurseries and garden centres.

ground, at least five inches, so that they

Whichever method you choose, just

can take the weight without becoming

make sure you get your plants propped up,

heavy flowers that benefit from some

loose. If the ground is too dry and solid,

as you know our good old British summer

support. Echinops, the beautiful Globe

water it thoroughly at least an hour before

is bound to throw something at us just

Thistle, can also be prone to toppling over

attempting to stake and this will make it

as the garden is at its best!

and some smaller plants such as

much easier. You want the pea sticks to

Aquilegias can be easily flattened. But

reach just below the eventual height of the

Happy gardening!

these don’t actually have any flowers yet,

mature plants, so snip them to shorten if

Emma

so why stake now?

needed. Don’t throw away the clippings;

www.thewallednursery.com

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Echinops

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GARDENS

MAKING THE GREAT ESCAPE

NATIONAL TRUST IMAGES / ANDREW BUTLER

Designed as a family retreat by a man who loved plants, Emmetts Garden is a rural oasis for visitors of all ages. Our National Trust garden series continues with a visit to the Ide Hill attraction that still inspires today

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GARDENS

WHEN VICTORIAN BANKER Frederic

really the hub of family life; they used to

Lubbock set out to create a relaxing

go there to have tea. I wanted to make it

family home where he could indulge his

feel that way again.”

his private haven would grow to mean so much to local people. Now in the care of the National Trust, Emmetts Garden at Ide Hill, near Sevenoaks, has become a place where the public can relax and enjoy the fruits of Frederic’s labours, nearly 90 years after his death.

For the property’s Head Gardener, Simon Walker, it’s apparent that the garden has earned a place in visitors’ hearts purely for its beauty and sense of tranquillity.

“The big thing I’ve noticed here is that people come to Emmetts Garden to relax and get away from things,” he says. “They don’t come here for the history or to

After Frederic died in 1927, the estate

NATIONAL TRUST IMAGES / ANDREW BUTLER

hobby as a plantsman, he had no idea that

was acquired by geologist Charles Watson Boise, who later bequeathed it to the National Trust in the 1960s. Honouring the vision of these two very different men, while continuing to nurture the garden for future generations, is a delicate balance for Simon.

“We can’t try to make the garden be as we would perceive it; that will never

“This is a very unique and escapist garden; plants grow here that don’t grow elsewhere”

work,” Simon says. “A garden will tell you what it wants to grow. Someone has laid it out before you and the National Trust ethos is to maintain properties that would be lost otherwise. I know a collector owned the place, but Frederic was a passionate amateur who had a big back

explore a big house. Frederic lived in

because it was never meant to be kept

garden; he just picked up what he liked. I

London and this was his escape; I want to

pristine. We don’t need to have play

suspect that’s how Frederic appreciated it

make it feel that way for visitors. The

equipment branded with children’s TV

and I just follow that idea, letting the

Lubbocks were an important family, but

characters; kids appreciate being allowed

garden show me the way.”

this garden is considered very local. Some

to let their imaginations work. I have a

of the people who come today say that

young family and I really like being able

Garden home, Simon believes the trick is

their grandparents used to come here in

to let a small child just enjoy the space in

to create areas where you can feel shut

Frederic’s time.”

their own way.”

away from the rest of the world.

The house at Emmetts Garden was built

Having worked at Chartwell and Hever

If you’d like to bring a sense of Emmetts

“Find a corner where, when you go into

Castle, along with other impressive

in 1860 and purchased 30 years later by

it, you’re not visible on all sides and where

gardens, Simon has noticed the different

Frederic Lubbock, who set about creating

you’re facing a view that you love to look

ways in which visitors connect with

the collector’s garden of his dreams. He

at. Shutting off your peripheral vision

properties. At Emmetts Garden, where

and his wife Catherine had seven children

gives you a sense of ownership over the

the house is not open to the public, it’s a

and family life was clearly important in

view. Use subtle colours, with a colour at

very different experience.

the design of the garden, which was also

the end of the view that you focus on. If

influenced by Frederic’s friend, wild

you love a particular plant, putting it into

they want to feel the history of the place

gardener William Robinson, and the ideas

your forward vision will give you a real

and the presence of the great man, Sir

of Gertrude Jekyll.

sense of place.”

“People often go to Chartwell because

SO

“When I first came here three years ago,

Winston Churchill. But here, it’s about letting their hair down. This is a very

the rose garden was a bit neglected and

Emmetts Garden

unique and escapist garden; plants grow

sad; it wasn’t really part of the main

Ide Hill, Sevenoaks, Kent TN14 6BA

here that don’t grow elsewhere. Our

collector’s garden,” Simon says. “But the

01732 868 381

greatest challenge is people’s expectations

rose garden was very important to the

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/

– we don’t have a big house to explore, but

family. It was built for Catherine and was

emmetts-garden

after a couple of hours you can see them visibly slow down and experience a change in attitude.”

Making the garden fun for families is a the Great Storm of 1987 tore out many of the original trees and recently Simon’s team have been looking again at this area, to see how it can be put to good use.

“Some of the trees matured and some didn’t, so we’ve emptied the space out a bit. There are some nice specimens at the edges but now we have an opening with a wild play area. This is a very rustic, family oriented garden and it’s not too precious,

NATIONAL TRUST IMAGES / JERRY HARPUR

priority here. A pinetum was planted after

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INTERIORS

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Bespoke castle bed from The Baby Cot Shop

Fit for a Princess

Prince George has had to abdicate his nursery to make way for his new sister Princess Charlotte and now new parents all over the world will want to give their little ones an equally regal start in life. Here are some great ideas for giving your baby’s bedroom a right royal makeover

PETITE PALACE

up space needlessly. Warm cream,

DECOR TIP Two By Two, a parade

“The nursery is a room on which

antique white and dove grey are still

of Noah’s ark animals, is one of the

parents lavish a lot of thought and

classic choices for walls, but there’s a

delightful designs in Little Sanderson’s

care; second time around, if they want

growing enthusiasm for brighter

Abracazoo fabric and wallpaper

a decor change – perhaps because of a

colours. We’re seeing deeper blues,

collection – fabric £69 a metre,

different sex sibling – they’re often

bright pinks, sharp citrus yellows and

wallpaper £40 a roll. It was reportedly

more confident about opting for a

vivid greens coming through this year.

considered by the Duchess of

specific style and are bolder in their

Wall murals, which are enjoying a huge

Cambridge, who chose furniture and

colour choices,” says Lucinda Croft,

revival, are becoming more dramatic in

furnishings decorated with Beatrix

owner of Dragons of Walton Street, who

vivid, rich colours too.

Potter illustrations for George’s nursery.

created nurseries for Princes William

“Since the London 2012 Olympics and

and Harry and their cousins, Beatrice

Queen’s Jubilee, we’ve also seen an

REGAL STYLE British company Ercol

and Eugenie.

increasing demand for traditional icons

began in the 1920s and its nursery

“A space that is functional but stylish

of Britishness, from our design depicting

pieces at Marks & Spencer retain their

is always the most successful and after

Terry’s Soldiers, which resemble the red

timeless appeal. The Ercol Cot Bed

a first baby, people are aware of the

uniformed Guardsmen at Buckingham

costs £749 and the Ercol Rocker Chair

must-haves and the pieces which took

Palace, through to London landmarks.”

with Seat Pad costs £499.

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INTERIORS

G-Raff Jungle Fever blind from Blackout Blinds

Two by Two fabric from the Abracazoo collection from Little Sanderson

TODDLER’S KINGDOM When a little one moves out of the nursery to make way for a new baby, they need to be given their own little kingdom, reflecting their personality.

Ercol at Marks & Spencer

“Be inspired by your toddler’s favourite books or TV programmes to help you decide on a scheme, which will also help your child feel involved in the choice,” says Toks Aruoture, Designer and Founder of online nursery specialists, The Baby Cot Shop.

“A simple rule to follow is ‘less is more’.

Children love colour, but an excessive amount of bright colours can overstimulate, so reserve those for a playroom. Grey is ultra-fashionable and can be paired with reds, yellows or oranges for an adventurous scheme, or consider on-trend geometric prints, which would work well picked out on

ROYAL REVAMP

shades that are warm and gentle, and

rugs, bed fabrics and pictures.”

After your toddler’s grown out of

tone with most versions of white.”

the nursery, you may find it needs

DECOR TIP Make an engaging focal point

a right royal makeover to get it

DECOR TIP Accents of colour in

in a room by repainting a key piece of

ready for a newcomer.

accessories and pictures put zing into a

furniture, such as a chest and stencilling

“Simply turning one wall into a

room. Frame an older child’s paintings,

it with a pattern featuring nature,

feature, by painting it in a deeper, more

so they feel they’ve helped decorate a

animals or flowers. There’s a wealth of

striking version of a shade which

room and bring in further colour with

designs to choose from at The Stencil

complements your existing

a decorative blind. G-Raff Jungle

Library (www.stencil-library.com).

furnishings, may be all that’s needed,”

Fever Blackout Blind, from £31.50,

says Marianne Shillingford, Creative

has a parade of different coloured

REGAL STYLE Although you might

Director of Dulux. “Alternatively, give a

giraffes at Direct Blinds.

need a king’s ransom to pay for it, you

neutral scheme new life by painting the

could give a prince or princess their

bottom half of the walls in another

REGAL STYLE

own bespoke Castle Bed, with a play

shade. Beauty Cream and Honest

Give a crib or cot a touch of royal

area and bed in its base and another

Touch [available from the Dulux

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bed upstairs in the turrets. Starting

MixLab Him + Her range, £24.99

or coronet and a canopy, starting from

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for 2.5L] are super emulsion

£400 from The Baby Cot Shop.

Teepee cabin bed and bookcase from Cuckooland Egmont Toys mushroom light from Smallable

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Creative Floorcoverings & Rugs by

CRUCIAL TRADING at Fashion Carpets

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INTERIORS

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just as well for dressing up rooms.

“Accent colours added to a monochrome scheme will bring warmth, but in general, stripes look so graphic and bold on their own, it’s better to avoid cluttering a setting or distracting with too many colours,” says Mike Constable, Managing Director of fabric specialists Jab Anstoetz Constable.

A combination of reflective and lightabsorbing monochrome fabrics is striking.

Alternating flat and glossy stripes can add perceived depth and dimension to a room.

STRIPEY STARS: Julien Macdonald is a designer who’s not afraid of drama and proves it with his glitter-embellished striped Glitterati Black/White wallpaper, £20 a roll, Graham & Brown (pictured left). www.grahambrown.com

RAINBOW STRIPES Take a shortcut to summer with stripes in zingy colours reminiscent of beach huts, deckchairs and parasols.

“Colour’s come to stay in homes and stripes are a fun way to introduce it,” says Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director at Dulux. “Make stripes work as a creative statement and try some interesting painting effects, which can give you a look unique to you and your home. There’s no

Going straight Life may never follow a straight line, but this year, your décor should. Embrace one of the season’s hottest trends and you’ll be in line for a fashionable home

rule that says stripes have to be rigid straight lines and I think wavy, softer bands of colour are just as effective.”

You only need a couple of handy DIY tools to help you create stripes. Use a plumb line for vertical stripes and a spirit level for horizontals; if you want an accurate sharp edge, apply decorators’

STRIPES ARE DECORATING every

“Crisp, clean stripes are synonymous

low-tack masking tape.

surface right now, from walls to floors.

with seaside interiors and can be mixed

STRIPEY STARS: Have fun on the floor with

And not only are they the most fashionable

and matched for breezy, summer looks

a multi-coloured striped Xian Fesh 76800

choice of the season – and a smart way to

that are appropriate all year round,”

rug, from £89 at Kelaty (below).

bring colour and personality to rooms

says David Collinge, Managing Director

www.kelaty.com

– they have the power to ‘stretch’ walls

at fabric specialist Ian Mankin.

too. It’s all a visual trick, of course, but

Stripe patterns can be mixed with

vertical stripes can make ceilings appear

gingham, larger checks and florals, as

taller, creating the illusion of height, while

long as you ensure all patterns are within

horizontal stripes elongate a space,

the same colour family.

making rooms feel wider.

STRIPEY STARS: Kelly Hoppen’s signature

So, if you thought zebras, pedestrian

shade is taupe but she’s just as skilful

crossings and bar codes had the monopoly

working in other palettes, as her Hoppen

on stripes, think again and bring decor

Stripe White/Prussian Blue wallpaper, £20

into line with this expert guide.

a roll, for Graham & Brown, demonstrates.

STRIPES AHOY

www.grahambrown.com

Blue and white’s a classic combo for

BLACK & WHITE VISION

stripes, evoking a coastal feel and this

Monochrome’s also one of fashion’s big

year its popularity reflects our passion

trends, which means black and white

for blue shades.

stripes are everywhere and these work

JUNE 2015

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JUNE 2015

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HOME FRONT

With the arrival of June, we can officially say that it’s barbecue

find all these and more in this month’s selection of stunning Wealden

season at last – but are you looking forward to hosting garden parties

homes. From the contemporary family house in a sought-after part of

with pride, or wishing you’d invested in the perfect patio? If your

Sevenoaks with gorgeous landscaped grounds, to the Burwash

outdoor space lacks the wow factor, or indeed the space, that you

cottage with south-facing gardens and breathtaking valley views,

long for, it’s time to think about moving on to a new home where you

you’ll find your perfect ‘summerhouse’ among our pages.

can enjoy the great outdoors in style.

So, read on to find out what’s hot on the local property market

Luscious lawns, tremendous terraces and beautiful borders – you’ll

this summer…

BURWASH

TONBRIDGE

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

SEVENOAKS

TONBRIDGE

Grade II listed cottage with

Elegant Victorian living in

Great location for spacious

Annexe and orangery add

Cherished family home with

paddock and pond

town centre semi

five-bed house

generous space

split-level garden

Price: £950,000

Price: £750,000

Price: £1,325,000

Price: £1,795,000

Price: £1.4million

JUNE 2015

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137

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TO THE MANOR BORN Own a piece of Kent history with a Grade II listed medieval village house in Headcorn DATING FROM THE early 1500s,

terrace. There’s also access to the terrace

Headcorn Manor is a beautiful example of

from the airy kitchen, where you’ll find a

a medieval Wealden hall house. At its

splendid inglenook fireplace. Also on the

heart is the breathtaking Great Hall – open

ground floor is a snug and a study with an

nearly to the pitch of the roof, this room

en suite cloakroom, which could be used

has a king post supported by an

as a fifth bedroom.

enormous curved beam and deep braces.

Two staircases rise to the first floor,

With its oak boarded floor and attractive

emerging either side of the magnificent

fireplace, the hall makes a superb drawing

central Great Hall. The master bedroom

room and a real talking point for guests.

has an en suite bathroom and a family

Charming period features, such as

BEDROOMS: 4 BATHROOMS: 2 plus shower room & WC LAND: About 5 acres EXTRAS: Detached period outbuilding comprising tool shed, workshop, double garage and hayloft; two paddocks, York stone terrace, ponds, stone fountain, kitchen garden, greenhouse, orchard

bathroom serves the other bedroom.

fireplaces, high ceilings, dragon beams

Two further bedrooms are on the

and oak mullioned windows are found

second floor, also reached by two

throughout this property, which was once

separate staircases – one is a guest

a vicarage. Unusually large windows for

suite with a shower room.

the period admit plenty of natural light to

Outside, the former period byre, which

this beautifully preserved home.

currently offers garaging and storage

On the ground floor, the reception/dining

PROPERTY: Headcorn Manor, Grade II listed detached house LOCATION: Church Walk, Headcorn, Kent GUIDE PRICE: £1.2million

space, has potential for conversion to

hall is partially divided by a ‘screens

provide further accommodation, subject

passage’ and has a door to the west-facing

to the necessary planning consents.

BEST BITS: The extensive grounds at Headcorn Manor are absolutely stunning – there are beautiful formal areas and three different types of pond. The greenfingered will be particularly pleased to see the kitchen garden and orchard. Also, to the east of the house there’s a gate giving access to the nearby ancient church.

For full details contact: Savills • 01580 720 161 • www.savills.co.uk 138

JUNE 2015

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JUNE 2015

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p141_SO TW_June15_Advert.indd 2

21/05/2015 16:36

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ANYONE FOR TENNIS? Victorian home in Rotherfield is perfect for the sporting life PROPERTY: St Denys Lodge, detached house THIS SPACIOUS DETACHED

lead down from the kitchen to the

property offers fantastic country views

utility room, cloakroom and boiler room;

and versatile accommodation with

there’s also a useful shower room on

annexe potential, along with its own

the ground floor.

tennis court and equestrian facilities.

On the first floor, occupants of the

Period features include sash windows

master bedroom are treated to

and fireplaces, plus there’s scope for

wonderful views over the surrounding

further improvement.

countryside, while the en suite

LOCATION: Eridge Lane, Rotherfield, East Sussex GUIDE PRICE: £1,675,000 BEDROOMS: 6 BATHROOMS: 2 plus shower room & WC LAND: About 17.5 acres

bathroom overlooks the rear of the

EXTRAS: Garden room, two attic

opens into the sitting room, which has a

property. Three further double

rooms, detached four-car garage, tennis

fireplace and wood burning stove. Both

bedrooms, a bathroom and a box r

the dining room and the drawing room

oom complete the layout on this floor;

lawn, vegetable plot, paddock, fields,

– which features a marble fireplace –

a half landing takes you up to the

are double aspect and there’s a garden

two other bedrooms, with secondary

room from which to enjoy views of the

stairs to the kitchen.

On the ground floor, the entrance hall

grounds, whatever the weather.

An oil-fired AGA and built-in dresser

You can practise your backhand on the grass tennis lawn or grow your

equestrian facilities BEST BITS: Riders have the chance to own their own horses at St Denys Lodge, where the grounds include three fields – one with delightful

add extra charm to the farmhouse style

own produce in the vegetable garden,

kitchen, which is a bright and charming

which are among the features of the

views across the surrounding countryside –

space with an adjoining pantry. Steps

delightful grounds.

a stable block and a tack room.

For full details contact: Batcheller Monkhouse • 01892 512 020 • www.batchellermonkhouse.com JUNE 2015

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BEAUTIFUL HOMES

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LIVING THE GOOD LIFE Wonderful country views and delightful gardens on offer in Burwash SET IN A PICTURESQUE spot in the

terrace, a living/breakfast room, a kitchen

High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural

fitted with Shaker style units and a charming

Beauty, Yeomans Cottage has much to

dining room with a ducks nest fireplace.

tempt buyers, both inside and out. Believed

There’s also a study, utility room, wet shower

to date from 1640, the Grade II listed village

room, cloakroom and rear hall with a

house is thought to have originally been a

staircase to the first floor.

row of four cottages. Having been

From the reception hall, the principal

sympathetically refurbished by the current

staircase takes you up to the first floor and

owners, Yeomans Cottage now provides

two double bedrooms, both of which have

generous accommodation of just under

en suite facilities. The rear staircase leads to

2,600 sq ft, while retaining period style

the master bedroom, which has a spacious

features such as oak doors, inglenook

en suite shower room, plenty of fitted

fireplaces and oak plank floors in

storage and views to the north.

Outside, the detached Heritage style

some rooms.

On the ground floor you’ll find a triple aspect sitting room with French doors to the

double garage features a lean-to log store and a secure wine storage cupboard.

For full details contact: Jackson-Stops & Staff • 01892 521 700 www.jackson-stops.co.uk 142

JUNE 2015

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PROPERTY: Yeomans Cottage, Grade II listed detached house LOCATION: Burwash, East Sussex GUIDE PRICE: ÂŁ950,000 BEDROOMS: 3 BATHROOMS: 1 plus 3 shower rooms & WC LAND: About 2.5 acres EXTRAS: Electric gates, detached oak framed Heritage style double garage, secure wine storage, off-road parking, paddock, terraces, ornamental pond BEST BITS: Enjoying stunning views over the Dudwell and Rother valleys, this property offers a mature, landscaped rear garden with lots of charming features, including a south-facing terrace across the back of the house and further dining terraces, making it ideal for summer entertaining.

JUNE 2015

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MADDISONS

- - - - R ES ID EN TI A L

Kentish Mansions, Tunbridge Wells Beautifully presented, light and spacious third floor apartment set within this stunning, historically significant, period property.

Flexible accommodation with a generous sitting room and three bedrooms.

Plenty of period charm with high ceilings, original fireplaces and picture rails.

Situated in the heart of the town centre with stunning roof top views and just a short walk away from the mainline station.

ÂŁ375,000

Tanners Way - Crowborough Well presented 4-bedroom family home which has been extended and completely refurbished by the current owners.

Shaker style kitchen with separate utility room and three further reception rooms.

Lovely secluded garden with two workshops.

Lovely, quiet cul-de-sac, not far from the heart of Crowborough.

ÂŁ495,000

Expect the exceptional www.maddisonsresidential.co. uk

.-..

THE SUNDAY TIMES

Telephone: 01892 514100 Email: info@maddisonsresidential.co.uk

T HEoiiiiLTIMES

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22/05/2015 10:47

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PAST MEETS PRESENT A modern extension enhances a 17th century country house in Blackham DATING FROM THE 1600s,

leads up to the five bedrooms, which

Pilbeams is a magnificent Grade II

are arranged across the first and

listed country house where the best of

second floors. Above the kitchen is the

contemporary living blends seamlessly

west-facing master bedroom with en

with the charm of the past. Not only

suite bathroom and there are two other

has the property undergone a complete

bedroom suites on the first floor. The

refurbishment by the current owners,

remaining two bedrooms and a shower

but a substantial steel and glass

room are located on the second floor.

Fitness fans have even more to enjoy

extension has been added to create further accommodation,

in the beautifully landscaped grounds,

to stunning effect.

where a heated swimming pool has

On the ground floor, there’s a dining

been installed in a pleasant walled area,

room, drawing room, family room and,

with an adjacent pool house boasting a

in the extension, a striking modern

kitchen, changing room and shower

kitchen. Below this, on the lower

room. This property even has its own

ground floor, fitness fans will love the

putting green!

air conditioned gym with shower room.

Ideal for family members or staff,

There’s also a wine cellar to keep your

there’s a detached cottage in the

collection cool.

grounds with a kitchen, sitting room,

A fabulous contemporary staircase

bedroom and shower room.

PROPERTY: Pilbeams, Grade II listed country house LOCATION: Blackham, Kent GUIDE PRICE: £2.95million BEDROOMS: 5 BATHROOMS: 2 plus 3 shower rooms & WC LAND: About 10 acres EXTRAS: Gym, wine cellar, multi room integrated entertainment system, some air conditioning, new oak windows, walled garden, heated swimming pool, pool house, outdoor pizza oven, detached double garage, outbuildings, patio, brick playhouse, putting green, one-bedroom cottage, two paddocks BEST BITS: Set within the modern extension, the contemporary bespoke kitchen by Siematics is a stunning space. Floor to ceiling windows and the bi-fold doors, which open to the stone patio, flood the room with light and there’s a range of integral appliances, along with a Subzero fridge and an AGA.

For full details contact: Knight Frank • 01892 515 035 • www.knightfrank.com JUNE 2015

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21/05/2015 12:14

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

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

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

No upfront charges -just a flat- rate 1% success fee when you purchase. It's as straightforward as that.

Whatever your requirements and budget, we can help.

Country House Finders is run by Heather Cern is, a property professional with over 25 years' experience. Call Heather for an informal, no obligation chat.

COUNTRY HOUSE Fl N DERS Untitled-14 1

01435 865658 07747 588777 www.countryho usefinders.co.uk heather@countryhousefinders.co.uk

22/05/2015 10:51

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SPACIOUS HOME IN COVETED LOCATION Modern home in The Vine area of Sevenoaks set within beautiful landscaped gardens BUILT IN 1995 as part of a select

double doors to the terrace and a range of

development by Berkeley Homes, this

high quality appliances. A cloakroom and

versatile property has been extended and

utility room complete the ground floor layout.

remodelled to provide an enviable standard

From the galleried first floor landing, you can

of family living. The south-facing landscaped

step into the master bedroom, which has a

garden offers a great deal of privacy, along

vaulted ceiling, dressing room, en suite

with excellent entertaining space on the

shower room and views over the rear garden.

paved terrace.

With separate access to both the bedroom

This property also has ample room for

and dressing room, this means the dressing

entertaining indoors with its impressive

room could be used as a sixth bedroom. Four

reception rooms. The orangery is a

further bedrooms – one of which is part of a

particularly attractive space, while the double

guest suite with en suite bathroom – and a

aspect drawing room boasts a stone

family bathroom are also found on this floor.

fireplace with a multi fuel stove. The informal

Outside, there is separate access to the

family room is open to the stylish,

games room on the lower ground floor; this

contemporary kitchen/breakfast room,

has an en suite shower room, so could be

highlights of which include an island unit,

used as an annexe if required.

PROPERTY: 5 Hollybush Close, extended house LOCATION: Sevenoaks, Kent PRICE: £1,795,000 BEDROOMS: 5 BATHROOMS: 2 plus 2 shower rooms & WC LAND: About 0.38 acre EXTRAS: Games room/annexe, orangery, landscaped gardens, integral double garage, off-road parking, terrace BEST BITS: The orangery is a fantastic addition to the house, offering both formal and informal entertaining space. Double doors and bi-folding doors open to the terrace, and with both air conditioning and underfloor heating, this room can be enjoyed all year round.

For full details contact: Hamptons International • 01732 423 102 • www.hamptons.co.uk JUNE 2015

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147

21/05/2015 12:24

THE COACHWORKS,

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ELEGANT VICTORIAN LIFESTYLE Create your perfect family home with this versatile period property in Tonbridge WITH SPACIOUS ACCOMMODATION arranged over three floors, this attractive

steps down to the cellar.

Five bedrooms are arranged over

Victorian home in Quarry Hill Road

the two upper storeys – a family

provides ideal family living in a sought-after

bathroom is on the second floor,

location. Situated within walking distance

while the master bedroom on the

of the town centre and mainline railway

first floor has the use of an en suite

station, there’s much to recommend this

shower room. From the first floor landing

desirable property.

of the secondary staircase, you can

Double full height windows give the dining room an elegant air, while the adjoining kitchen/breakfast room is

access a bedroom and second shower

PROPERTY: 57 Quarry Hill Road, Victorian semi-detached house LOCATION: Tonbridge, Kent PRICE: £750,000 BEDROOMS: 5 BATHROOMS: 1 plus 2 shower rooms EXTRAS: Cellar, garden room, detached garage, turning space, courtyard garden, vegetable garden, greenhouse, potential to create annexe

room, giving this area annexe potential.

Gardeners will find much to interest

well-presented with integral appliances.

them in the large rear garden, which

Walk on through to the garden room

features a charming courtyard terrace,

and you’ll find a delightful space for

a vegetable garden and a greenhouse.

relaxing and entertaining. There’s also

A driveway and detached garage

a useful utility room on this level and

provide off-road parking.

BEST BITS: This property offers a huge amount of versatility – one of the bedrooms is currently used as a stylish reception room, while the existence of a second staircase means there is scope to create a self-contained annexe if required.

For full details contact: Barnes Kingsnorth • 01732 771 616 • www.bkestateagents.com JUNE 2015

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BEAUTIFUL HOMES

GROW YOUR FAMILY TREE With generous and well-presented accommodation, Oak House in Tunbridge Wells is an ideal family home SET IN A GREAT location in Rodmell

benefits from a Smeg multi oven and gas

Road, Oak House has much to offer for

hob. You can bring the outdoors in by

those who wish to enjoy all the benefits

throwing open the French doors to the rear

of the Tunbridge Wells lifestyle. The

garden, while the adjoining utility room

attractive gardens feature mature trees

offers useful extra space.

and plants, a small stream and areas of

The five bedrooms are arranged on the

decking and patio that are ideal for

first floor, along with a well-fitted family

alfresco entertaining.

bathroom. Occupants of the master

On the ground floor, you’ll find an

bedroom can enjoy the use of an en suite

impressive, triple aspect drawing room that

shower room with underfloor heated slate

has a remote controlled gas fire, French

tiles and an Aqualisa digital shower; there’s

doors to the conservatory and doors to the

also a large walk-in wardrobe.

adjacent dining room. From here you can

Outside, the house is approached via a

pass on through to the delightful kitchen/

shared gravel drive and there’s off-road

breakfast room, which is also triple aspect

parking for a number of vehicles, along

and has underfloor heating. Plus, the room

with the detached double garage.

PROPERTY: Oak House, detached house LOCATION: Rodmell Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent PRICE: £1,325,000 BEDROOMS: 5 BATHROOMS: 1 plus shower room & WC EXTRAS: Conservatory, some underfloor heating, double garage, off-road parking, stream, patio BEST BITS: Located on the favoured southern side of Tunbridge Wells, Rodmell Road is just a short walk from the attractive Pantiles and High Street – so you’re ideally placed to enjoy the town’s restaurants, bars and live music scene.

For full details contact: Hamptons International - 01892 516 611 • www.hamptons.co.uk 150

JUNE 2015

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21/05/2015 12:24

FiruFLY PROPERTIES

BY CAROL PRIER

01892 838363 I carol速fireflyproperties.co.uk

www.fireflyproperties.co.uk

Untitled-42 2

21/05/2015 12:34

@ WILD ERNE SSE HOUSE SEVENOAKS

Alice Hillingdon, daughter-in-law to Wildernesse House's owner Lord Hillingdon, is thought to have coined the phrase 'lie back and think of England' in the early 20th century. A yellow, sweetly fragranced variety of climbing tea rose is named Lady Hil!ingdon after her, and can be found growing in the gardens ofWildernesse today.

Be part of the next chapter

PegasusLife Retirement living, but not as you know it

Untitled-42 2

Coming soon to the heart oft his historic estate in Sevenoaks: a collection of apartments in the carefully restored listed building, together with a series of contemporary mews houses within the estate grounds.

W ILDE RNESSEHOUSE .CO .UK

01732 510164

21/05/2015 12:35

BEAUTIFUL HOMES

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

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DISCOVER A FAMILY TREASURE Located in a sought-after part of Tonbridge, this much-loved home is a real find PROPERTY: Sundridge Cottage, HAVING BEEN OWNED by the same

A family bathroom with separate bath

detached house

family for 65 years, Sundridge Cottage is

and shower is also located on this floor.

LOCATION: Yardley Park, Tonbridge, Kent

clearly a treasured home and the love

Outside, the detached oak framed

lavished upon it is evident in the beautifully

barn style garage has lockable storage,

presented, extended accommodation.

so you can keep your vehicle and other

All three of the large receptions rooms

valuables safe. Plus, there’s no chain

PRICE: £1.4million BEDROOMS: 5

have bifold doors opening to the stunning

with this property, so interested buyers

BATHROOMS: 1 plus 3 shower rooms & WC

rear garden, so you can always bring the

should move quickly.

EXTRAS: Detached garage, patio, alarm

outside in. Along with the dining room

All this is found within walking distance

and sitting room, the kitchen/breakfast

of Tonbridge town centre, with its

room is an impressive space with a

attractive castle, mainline railway station

contemporary design and a central island.

and public and grammar schools. It’s no

There’s also a study, utility room

surprise that Sundridge Cottage has

and cloakroom on the ground floor.

remained under the same ownership

Upstairs, you’ll find five bedrooms, three of which have en suite shower rooms.

system, wired for surround sound, wired for electric gates, Karndean floors, no chain BEST BITS: This property is perfect for summer entertaining, as it boasts a large,

for so many years, as it provides an

beautiful back garden on two levels and a

ideal lifestyle for busy families.

generous Indian sandstone patio.

For full details contact: Firefly Properties • 01892 838 363 • www.fireflyproperties.co.uk JUNE 2015

SO TW_JUNE15_Property_Firefly2.indd 167

153

21/05/2015 12:12

KNIGHTS WOOD EMERGES AS ONE OF THE MOST DESIRABLE DESTINATIONS IN ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS AS BUYERS FLOCK TO THE LANES Strong demand for the homes at Knights Wood is showing no sign of slowing, following the official launch of The Lanes, the eagerly-awaited second phase at Dandara's stunning development, set in over 200 acres of established Kentish woodland on the edge of Royal Tunbridge Wells.

The Lanes, a charming collection oftwo, three and four bedroom homes, was officially launched to the public in March and by the end of a very successful opening weekend, over 50% of the first release had been sold.

A number of house types featured within The Lanes are available for the very first time at Knights Wood and have been very well-received, including the Gala, with its attractive brick and render finish and striking square bay window overlooking the front garden.

at Knights Wood said, "This really has become one of the most sought after destinations in the town. The first phase was extremely popular with young professionals and families, who were attracted to the style and excellent value of these lowmaintenance homes.

The Golding is also turning heads, with buyers taken with this spacious four bedroom home which includes a practical utility room and en-suite shower to the master bedroom.

"In terms of value for money in the local property market, we believe that Knights Wood is unrivalled. With High Brooms station nearby, it is a/so very convenient for commuters and with a new primary school currently being built at Knights WoodThe Skinners' Kent Primary School- we are certain that we will continue to see very high demand for these fantastic properties."

The first release of the two bedroom Victoria house types have already been sold and the Sunburst is also proving very popular, with semi-detached and detached versions available.

Speaking about the popularity of the development, Susie Bennett, Sales Director

Early buyers were not the only ones to recognise the quality at Knights Wood, which scooped two Gold Four-Star "Highly Commended" accolades at the UK Property Awards in November 2014.

Register your interest in The Lanes now to avoid disappointment, by visiting www.knightswood.co.uk or calling 01892 800580. Alternatively, please visit the Marketing Suite at Knights Wood, which is open daily from 10.00am to S.OOpm. Buyers' legal fees of up to ÂŁ1,000 paid on selected homes, subject to terms and conditions- full written details are available.

by

dandara

Untitled-42 2

21/05/2015 12:35

~ KNIGHTS WOOD ROYAL

TUNBRIDGE

WELLS

THE LANES NEW PHASE - NOW RELEASED

The Lanes, the next phase of contemporary homes at Knights Wood, is released for sale.

This charming collection of three and four bedroom homes are set amongst tree-lined avenues, enveloped in circa 205 acres of established woodland.

Each home features the high level of specification and attention to detail that is fast becoming synonymous with this landmark development.

Register your interest now to avoid disappointment!

Prices from £305,000. Legal fees paid on selected homes, ask for details.

••Knight

. . Frank Untitled-42 3

21/05/2015 12:36

SUBSTANTIAL FAMILY HOUSE OFF THE HIGH STREET TENTERDEN,KENT Cranbrook 7.9 miles; Rye 10 miles; Ashford lnternational13 miles; London 57 miles + secluded and convenient position + 4 reception rooms + kitchen/breakfast room + 6 bedrooms + 5 bathroom/shower rooms + heated swimming pool + attractive gardens+ garaging +about 1.7 acres + 471 sq m (5,075 sq ft) + EPC=C

Savills Cranbrook Patrick Baily pbaily@savills.com

01580 720161

Guide £1 .95 million Freehold

LISTED PROPERTY WITH PERIOD BARN AND ANNEXE MARDEN, KENT Marden station 1.8 miles; Goudhurst 6.5 miles; Maidstone 7 miles; Tunbridge Wells 16.5 miles + 4 reception rooms + 4 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms + 2 bedroom annexe/cottage + unconverted detached barn + established gardens overlooking farmland + two ponds +about 2 acres+ 284 sq m (3,051 sq ft)

Savills Cranbrook Patrick Baily pbaily@savills.com

01580 720161

Guide £1 .295 million Freehold

Untitled-11 2

22/05/2015 09:35

GRADE II LISTED COUNTRY HOUSE HAWKHURST, KENT Hawkhurst 1.7 miles; Cranbrook 3.3 miles; Tunbridge Wells 15.5 miles; London 52 miles + rural country lane setting + 3 reception rooms + kitchen/breakfast room + 4 bedrooms + 3 bath/shower rooms + tennis court + gardens and grounds + fields and woodland + Cranbrook School catchment (2015) + over 10 acres + 305 sq m (3,283 sq ft)

Savills Cranbrook Patrick Baily pbaily@savills.com

01580 720161

Guide £1 .495 million Freehold

UNLISTED ELIZABETHAN SIX BEDROOM HOUSE LANGLEY, KENT Maidstone 4 miles; Tenterden 15.4 miles; Ashford 18.4 miles; London 41 miles + offering flexible accommodation + 4 reception rooms + kitchen/breakfast room + 6 bedrooms + 5 bath/shower rooms + indoor swimming pool + tennis court + established gardens+ extensive garaging +about 2.3 acres+ 686 sq m (7,387 sq ft) + EPC=D

Savills Cranbrook Sarah Simmonds ssimmonds@savills.com

01580 720161

Guide £1 .35 million Freehold

Untitled-11 2

22/05/2015 09:36

ROTHERFIELD

£98.5,000

Huntington is an attractive and beautifu lly posit ioned period house dating from the late 1920's in th is qu iet country lane close to the villages of Rotherfeld and Mayfield.

TUNBRIDGE \'\'ELLS

£479,950

An attractive semi detached fam ily house located in th is high ly sought after road with in a short walk of local amenit ies.

TUNBRIDGE \'\'ELLS

£425,000

A stunn ing penthouse apartment located in th is modern development on Mount Ephraim, benefiting from a contemporary finish as well as a good sized roof terrace with far reach ing views.

Untitled-42 2

21/05/2015 12:37

01892 525522

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£3250 PCI\1

A Grade II listed five bedroom semi-detached house displaying many Georgian features and in a fantastic location for the main line station, town centre and the Pantiles.

GROOMBRIDGE

£3000 PCM

A stunning barn conversion located in Groom bridge village, a short walk from StThomas Primary School, with a walled garden, office and annexe.

GROOMBRIDGE

£2750 PCM

A beautifully designed five bedroom semi detached house located in Groombridge, w ithin walking distance of Groom bridge primary school and only a short drive from Tunbridge Wells.

Untitled-42 3

21/05/2015 12:37

Vote of Confidence

Trusted to deliver since 1946 Andrews is a constant. Since 1946 we've seen our customers through 18 elections - and are still going strong.

Want our expertise by your side?

Book your free valuation today* Sales Call 01892 515 144 Click tunbridgewells@andrewsonline.co.uk

Lettings Call 01892 525 551 Click tunbridgewells.lets@andrewsonline.co.uk Visit 11 Grosvenor Road, TN1 2AH

*Free valuation does not apply to valuations conducted for insurance or mortgage purposes.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused if you are not considering selling or letting your property or changing your agent. If you have instructed another agent on a sole agency and/or sole selling rights basis, the terms of those instructions must be fully considered to avoid a liability to pay two commissions, or before you switch to a new agent.

Untitled-5 2

21/05/2015 16:07

ANDREWS

The Greenways, TN12

£399,995

Hazelwood Close, TN2

£360,000

Three bedroom detached home located in a cul-de-sac on the outskirts of Paddock Wood.

On the ground floor is the garage, lobby, hallway, bathroom, lounge, family room, kitchen Et utility. Upstairs there are three bedrooms Et an en-suite. Planning for an extension has been granted.

A four bedroom detached home with detached garage on a corner plot nestled at the end of a cul-de-sac. Living room, separate dining room, kitchen and entrance hall with cloakroom. Upstairs there are four bedrooms (the master with an en-suite shower) and a family bathroom.

Energy Efficiency Rating : D

Energy Efficiency Rating: D

St. James Road, TN1

£350,0000 - £375,000 Guide

Bright semi detached halls-adjoining family home in the StJames area, 0.5 mile from main shops, with Grosvenor Rec. nearby. Two reception rooms, kitchen and utility lobby, three bedrooms, upstairs bathroom, generous loft area with skylights and enclosed courtyard garden .

Energy Efficiency Rating : E

Untitled-5 2

Pump Terrace, TN1

£225,000

Individual and quirky apartment in the centre of town, set over two floors with its own entrance. Communal outside decking area, entrance hall, kitchen/breakfast room, living room, we, two bedrooms, a through room and upstairs bathroom. No chain!

Energy Efficiency Rating : E

21/05/2015 16:06

Biddenden A substantial house and pair of cottages enjoying an idyllic accessible rural setting Cranbrook School Catchment Area. Drawing room, dining room, sitting room, kitchen I breakfast room, utility, boot room, office, bedroom with kitchen and en suite. 7 first floor bedrooms (5 en suite) , bathroom, shower room. Pair of cottages currently used as holiday lets. Outbuildings. Gardens and grounds. EPC rating D. In all about 5.3 acres.

Hawkhurst A newly refurbished family house within the Cranbrook School Catchment Area Entrance hall, cloakroom, kitchen I breakfast room, utility room , sitting room, ground floor bedroom with en suite shower room. Master bedroom with en suite shower room , 2 further bedrooms (one en suite), family bathroom. Gardens and grounds with decked terraces.

New sweeping driveway. Parking area. EPC rating C. In all about 1 acre.

Untitled-42 2

21/05/2015 12:39

CONNECTING LONDON TO THE COUNTRY Our agents will be visiting a selection of our 25 London offices to talk face-to-face with buyers seeking a move to the country. We'll be there to share the best properties we have for sale and our expert local area knowledge with buyers, and to advise them on their move.

If you are considering selling a property this year, you can trust us to go the extra mile to bring the right buyer to your door.

For your complimentary market appraisal, please contact us today.

Tunbridge Wells: 01892 310269 or tunbridgewells@knightfrank.com Sevenoaks: 01732 658113 or sevenoaks@knightfrank.com

"JJ #MoveToTheCountry Untitled-42 3

21/05/2015 12:39

In a sought-after road on the popular south side of Sevenoaks with further potential. 2 recept ion rooms, 4 bedrooms, shower room . Detached garage, delightful established gardens. EPC rating D. In all about 0.32 acre.

A charming detached house set in a sought-after location on the south side of Sevenoaks. 3 reception rooms, 5 bedrooms , 2 bathrooms. Driveway, double garage, attractive gardens. EPC rating D. In all about 0.14 acre.

Sale Agreed

An exceptional detached house set in a private position within this sought-after and convenient cul-de-sac in Sevenoaks. 3 reception rooms, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.

Detached double garage, driveway, delightful gardens and grounds. EPC rating D. In all about 0.25 acre.

An elegant Edwardian semi-detached house beautifully presented and set in this highly sought after Sevenoaks road just 0.3 miles from the town centre and station. 2 reception rooms, 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Driveway, beautiful landscaped garden. EPC rating E. In all about 0.12 acre.

Farnaby Drive, Sevenoaks A versatile family home on the private Kippington Estate, w ith delightful gardens and enormous potential subject to planning permission. 3/5 reception rooms, 4/5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Double garage, store room, delightful south-facing gardens. In all about 0.32 acre.

Untitled-42 2

A superbly appointed house by Millwood Homes in an excellent central position.

3 reception rooms, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Detached studio, integral garage, landscaped gardens. EPC rating B.

21/05/2015 12:40

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Beyond your expectations

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Central Seven oaks, Kent

INTERNATIONAL

Asking Price ÂŁ1,325,000 Freehold

Built in 2000, this detached five bedroom family home located in central Sevenoaks, a short walk to both the mainline station as well as Seven oaks town centre and shops. The property is approached across a private drive and sits in a secluded position, set in established gardens. EPC: D

Sevenoaks Office

Sales. 01732 423 102 I sevenoaks@hamptons-int.com

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Between Tunbridge Wells and Crowborough ÂŁ1,295,000

In a lovely tucked away position, along a no-through road and with sensational rural views to the rear this extended 5 bedroom former coach house offers exceptional accommodation all within beautiful walled gardens. EPC: D

Tunbridge Wells ÂŁ1,325,000

In a prime position offRodmell Road and only a short walk from the Pantiles and High Street, this property is a substantialS bedroom detached home providing spacious accommodation arranged across two floors and is offered in excellent order throughout. EPC: D

Tunbridge Wells Office

Sales. 01892 597607 I tunbridgewells@harnptons-int.com

Untitled-42 2

21/05/2015 12:41

EridgeGreen ÂŁ1,850,000

A wonderful conversion of this detached Grade II Listed 5 bedroom twin roundel oast and barn with about 3.5 acres situated in a rural, yet convenient position with views on high ground about 3.5 miles from Tunbridge Wells.

Rother1ield ÂŁ1,295,000

Along a private lane in a rural position on the edge of Rotherfield, this 6 bedroom detached family house offers both spacious and versatile accommodation with many period features and lovely gardens of about 1.2 acres. EPC: F

DC Untitled-42 3

21/05/2015 12:41

High Hurstwood

ÂŁ1 ,395,000

An exceptionally well presented 4 bedroom period country house set in a quiet location in the highly sought after village of High Hurstwood within gardens and grounds approaching 7 acres (tbc) 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, conservatory, study, double garage with workshop/office over. The property is approached via a long gravelled driveway, situated in a country lane in the highly sought after village of High Hurstwood.

Lamherhurst

ÂŁ1 ,175,000

An especially impressive attached Grade II listed Victorian property dating back to 1842, forming part of a substantial rectory, now adjacent to Lamberhurst golf course and with beautiful rural views. Originally purchased in a tired condition, the property has been ex1ensively modernised and refurbished, including the installation of a complete central heating system and now offers particularly good entertaining and living space over three rooms, five good sized bedrooms and with further potential to ex1end subject to the necessary permissions being available, whilst all the time retaining a wealth of impressive period features and elegant high ceiling rooms.

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

Crowborough Office 1 01892 665666 crowborough@woodandpilcher.co.uk

Associat1onof Res,dcntlallettl!lgAgents

National Association of Estate Agents

~nTheMarketcom

woodandpilcher. co. uk Untitled-11 2

22/05/2015 09:39

Crowborough Office The Cross, Crowborough, East Sussex TN6 1AL

01892 665666 anitaastill@woodandpilcher.co.uk

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Offices in Kent & Sussex. Associated London Office

AN EXCITING DEVELOPMENT OF FIRST & SECOND FLOOR APARTMENTS EXCELLENT COMMUTER LINKS IDEAL FIRST TIME BUY/INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY PRICES FROM 拢149,500 Exceptionally well appointed accommodation, including stunning Ream kitchens with Zanussi appliances, Italian porcelain tiling, beautiful and spacious bathrooms, secure gated parking, close to al l amenities and offering excellent commuter li nks

Enterprise House, Farningham Road, Crowborough, TN6 2JR For further information please contact Wood & Pilcher on 0 1892 665666

www. woodandpilcher.co. uk

Untitled-11 2

22/05/2015 09:39

Newcomen Road, Tunbridge Wells *Price Range £395,000 - £435,000*

Rochdale Road, Tunbridge Wells Price Range from £350,000-£375,000

This most attractive two bedroom semi detached property is situated in the popular StJohn's quarter of Royal Tunbridge Wells. Potential buyers will approve of the vendors presentation and enjoy the modern fitted kitchen, lounge and outlook the conservatory provides with views onto the garden. For those wanting this great location but wishing to expand in the future there is the potential to turn the home from two bedrooms into three bedrooms, (spp).(The vendor can provide drawn plans.)

This combined with the pretty rear garden and having off road parking to the front of the property, makes this a desirable home.

This three bedroom semi detached property is situated in the sought after residential area of StJames, which is convenient for the Tunbridge Wells town centre.

The property offers an entrance hall , lounge, dining room , downstairs cloakroom and modern kitchen. On the first floor there are two bedrooms and bathroom , on the third floor you have the Master Bedroom with views of the park. Outside there is a courtyard garden and of particular note the house benefits from having off road parking to the rear (two allocated spaces).

WE ARE EXPERIENCING HIGH LEVELS OF DEMAND FROM POTENTIAL BUYERS FOR FAMILY HOMES AND BUNGALOWS IN CENTRAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE. If you are looking to sell your property and want to learn more about our PREMIUM MARKETING PACKGAGE please call for further details

Fairfield Cresent, Tonbridge Guide Price £499,950

Kendal Park, Tunbridge Wells £325,000

SOLD STCC- MORE PROPERTIES URGENTLY REQUIRED IN THIS AREA.

This two bedroom semi detached bungalow is situated in a no through road in the sought after StJohn's I Lakes area of Tunbridge Wells. The property offers entrance hall , two bedrooms, lounge, kitchen and bathroom . Outside there is a mature rear garden and garage.

Imagine having a family home that could suit all your needs - a lovely garden for your children to play and for you to entertain with the added benefit of having a good mix of living space and a popular residential area . This can all be found in this three bedroom detached chalet bungalow.

Offering a lounge with bi-fold doors out to a patio, dining room, kitchen, utility room , master bedroom with en-suite, garage, driveway and mature rear garden and two patios .

Untitled-11 2

22/05/2015 09:37

Connells

Addison Road

£775pcm

The apartment offers light and airy open plan living space, with a modern fitted kitchen and integrated appliances making this a hassle free property to move into.The master bedroom is a large double with two windows allowing natural light to flood the room.

Modern fitted bathroom with shower over bath.

Jackwood Way

£975pcm

Attractive two double bedroom top floor apartment with private balcony.

Beautifully decorated property can be offered furnished or unfurnished to suite your needs. Benefits from modern fitted kitchen, Light and airy living room with patio doors to private balcony, Two double bedrooms- master with en-suite, and modern family bathroom with shower over bath. located perfectly near the main line station .

Untitled-11 3

Edison Court

£775pcm

Delightfully presented one bedroom apartment with off road parking for one car. This modern apartment benefits from modern fitted kitchen , good size lounge, modern bathroom and double Bedroom. Situated within easy walk distance to Tunbridge wells main line station and town centre. Also benefiting from off road parking for one car and a lift in the building.

Commercial Road

£975pcm

This Beautifully presented Victorian semi detached cottage is situated close to Tunbridge Wells town centre and within walking distance of the main line train station. Includes 2 large double bedrooms , family bathroom.

The property also benefits from a light, airy lounge, separate dining room and modern fitted kitchen, gas central heating and a delightful courtyard garden . Available August 2015

22/05/2015 09:38

Untitled-42 2

21/05/2015 12:44

MILLWOOD DESIGNER HOMES LIMITED

Untitled-11 2

22/05/2015 09:40

Alexandre Boyes Trade Apprenticeships Alexandre Boyes are proud to announce the launch of our Trade Apprenticeship Scheme.

The scheme is part of the Government's National Apprenticeship Service and in partnership with East Kent College.

The apprentice will be working as part of the property maintenance team, created to provide additional services to Alexandre Boyes' Lettings & Block Management Clients, alongside qualified members of staff. The apprentice will gain experience in decorating, carpentry, plumbing, plastering, groundwork, electrical and roofing over a two year period working towards a GQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Building Maintenance Multi-Trade Repair and Refurbishment.

Once awarded we will look to support them in obtaining the Level 3 NVQ and specialising in their preferred trade.

To apply please visit the National Apprenticeship Service website: www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/551078 The closing date for applications is 5 June 2015.

Any questions, please call 01892 525522 or email: john@alexandre-boyes.co.uk

For Sale

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22/05/2015 09:41

Barnes Kingsnorth

拢530,000

FARMLAND VIEWS TO REAR at this detached family home in sought after cul-de-sac with lovely south facing garden. Living room, dining room, spacious kitchen / breakfast room, 4 double bedrooms, bathroom and cloakroom. Garage & parking. Scope to update and re-style. NO CHAIN EPC: E Apply Tonbridge

ATTACHED GRADE II LISTED OAST HOUSE located with lots of stunning features. Offering 5 bedrooms, 3 bath/ shower rooms, I re< 'eo路tlons. galleried landing and a super kitchen / breakfast room set in one of the two Circular sittiog room/ Bed 5 with views over the adjoining fields to the rear. EPC: D Apply Tonbridge

mbury 01892 822880 . pembury@bkea.co.uk

Untitled-42 2

ELEGANT & SPACIOUS Victorian Semi with versatile accommodation in most convenient position for town, schools & MLS. Offering traditional features and generous rooms sizes with 4/5 bedrooms, 2/3 reception rooms, kitchen / breakfast room, utility, cellar and 3 bath/shower rooms. Super garden, garage and parking. EPC: E Apply Tonbridge

Tonbridge01732 771616 e. tonbridge@bkea.co.uk

Lettings 01732 771616 e.lettings@bkea.co.uk

21/05/2015 12:46

Chartham, Kent l cT4 1nJ 1

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22/05/2015 09:41

TUNBRIDGE WELLS I REGION

ÂŁ995,000

Attractive spacious detatched family house in a convenient location for Tunbridge Wells town centre, mainline station and grammar schools with attractive gardens and a double garage Drawing Room. Family Room. Dining Room. Study. Kitchen Breakfast Room. Master Bedroom with En Suite Bathroom. Guest Bedroom with En Suite Shower Room. 3 Further Bedrooms. Family Bathroom. Driveway with Double Garage. Attractive Landscaped Gardens. EPC C APPLY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS OFFICE

Battle 01424 775577

Haywards Heath 01444 453181

Pulborough 01798 872081

Tunbridge Wells 01892 512020

London Mayfair Office

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21/05/2015 12:46

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22/05/2015 09:42

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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 online, 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

Untitled-11 2

22/05/2015 09:43

LITTLE PEMBURY COURT

£750,000 - £795,000

SOUTH STREET, ROTHERFIELD GUIDE PRICE £450,000- £475,000

This substantial character house has been considerably improved and extended by the current owners to provide a light and spacious family home. With well proportioned accommodation arranged over two floors the property is presented to a high standard throughout.

A beautiful4 bedrooms, 3 reception room period attached cottage with a wealth of original character features situated in the centre of the village of Rotherfield. A viewing is highly recommended.

!1" Tunbridge Wells 01892

'a" Tunbridge Wells 01892 278085

278085

BENTHAM HILL TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£450,000

This splendid former country home was originally built by Decimus Burton (circa. 1833) and subsequently divided into apartments in the 1980's. It stands within magnificent well maintained communal grounds of approximately 6 acres which are one of the property's most notable features. The apartment is well presented throughout and in our opinion has retained a warm period feel.

SPELDHURST TUNBRIDGE WELLS £700,000 - £750,000 A single storey 3 bedroom, 2 reception room, former Victorian lodge situated on the edge of the village in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with delightful outlook over adjoining fields and woodland and with views of the Weald of Kent.

'D" Tunbridge Wells 01892

278085

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Untitled-11 2

22/05/2015 09:44

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sa(es@mcau(eymi((er.com 21/05/2015 12:47

SALES & LETTINGS

jackson-stops. co. uk jackson-Stops &Staff A handsome Victorian country house with exceptional ancillary accommodation and equestrian facilities on the edge of this popular village, with over 9 acres and extensive views

* 4 Receptions & 2 Studies * Superb Vaulted Kitchen/ Breakfast

Room * 8 Bedrooms * 5 Bath/ Shower Rooms

* Cellarage * 2 Staff/Guest Annexes * Stabling, Indoor Riding School

& 2 Barns * PP for Tennis Court, Swimming

Pool & Barn/Garage

* Gardens, Grounds & 10 Paddocks * EPC: D * Joint Agent: Hamptons International

Guide Price £2,500,000 TW55547

Guid

Price £1,950,000

TW61021

Tunbridge Wells A fine contemporary family house with light and airy accommodation set away from main roads on the rural fringe of Tunbridge Wells * Reception Hall

* 3 Reception Rooms * Kitchen/Breakfast Room * Utility Room * Cloakroom

* Galleried Library Landing * 2 En-Suite Double Bedrooms * 3 further Bedrooms

* Family Bathroom * In all over 2,700 sq ft * Attached Double Garage

* Gardens * In all about 0.35 of an acre * Balance of 10 year NHBC warranty

* EPC: C Guide Price £1,350,000

People Property Places Untitled-11 2

Tunbridge Wells 01892 521700 tunwells@jackson-stops.co.uk Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional office

TW60491

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FOOD NEWS Our monthly look at what’s happening on the local culinary scene

DAY OUT!

Fairway to Heaven Those who love a round of golf and a top tipple are in luck, as Chapel Down announces a tasty new package.

Fairway to Vine days start with a continental breakfast at Tenterden Golf Club, before you head for the course at 9.15am.

After playing 18 holes at your leisure, you’ll sit down for a light lunch in the club’s restaurant, before heading off to Chapel Down Winery in Tenterden. Starting at 3pm, you’ll be treated to an informative guided tour of the vineyards and winery, followed by a tutored tasting of their award winning sparkling wines.

You’ll round off the day with coffee and cake at 4.30pm and the chance to take browse the

REFURB

Wine and Fine Food Store, so

hush hush project

tipple home.

Fairway to Vine packages cost £85 per person – to book call Lucy Patridge on 01580 766 111 or email lucy@chapeldown.com

LISA HILLS

Locals were invited to admire the new-look Goudhurst Inn after the pub underwent a complete refurbishment.

Richard and Leslie Balfour-Lyn, who own Hush Heath Estate in Staplehurst, have turned the venue into a traditional pub and inn, suitable for casual, formal and private dining, while showcasing the estate’s wines and ciders. The project is part of Hush Heath’s plan to establish a group of boutique hotels and pubs across Kent and London; the Goudhurst Inn is their third development project.

Goudhurst residents and other guests attended a cocktail party ahead of the inn’s official opening, so they could enjoy a preview of the extended bar, Conservatory dining space, outdoor Pizza and Barbecue Shack and other improvements. Upstairs, there are four boutique hotel rooms, while the gardens have been re-landscaped to take advantage of the views and provide a bespoke children’s play area.

“We were delighted by the compliments and support shown by everyone attending,” Richard says. “We very much hope that visitors to our nearby Hush Heath Winery will decide to extend their stay in the area with a visit to or overnight stay at the Goudhurst Inn.” www.thegoudhurstinn.com

you can take your favourite

WILDE ABOUT FOOD Alexander House Hotel at Turners Hill has welcomed a new Executive Chef who brings a wealth of high level experience to the role.

Darrel Wilde has worked with three Michelin starred chefs – Raymond Blanc, John Burton and Gary Rhodes – and in particular spent 12 years helping Gary Rhodes achieve success at a number of the celebrity chef’s restaurants.

Now he brings the expertise acquired during his 14-year career to Alexander House’s Reflections Restaurant, AG’s Restaurant and 1608 Champagne Bar. “Alexander House is a fantastic opportunity for me to work in a sophisticated environment that still allows scope for innovation,” Darrel says. “My vision for Alexander House is to continue to bring the guests’ dining experience to the next level by developing the uniqueness of food, service and ambiance with the hotel’s food and beverage offerings. I look forward to leading the team forward.” www.alexanderhouse.co.uk

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The Royal Wells Hotel has reopened following a

ÂŁ2.4 Million Transformation

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ROYAL WELLS HOTEL TUNBR I DGE WELLS

which now makes it the most sought after venue in Tunbridge Wells The refurbishment has now enabled us to offer the following : 27 newly refurbished bedrooms including 4 brand new Superior Rooms Our new elegant double Orangery can accommodate 120 covers Alfresco dining in our newly created courtyard garden Non resident breakfast from 7am- lOam Now serving food in our Orangery from noon - 9:30pm Wells Bar & Library Bar 3 functions/meeting rooms including our new Victoria Room Afternoon/ High Teas Our newly designed Ephraim Suite now has a capacity to hold: 150 for functions/parties 120 for sit down lunches/ dinners 90 for meetings/seminar Larger weddings for 120 in the day & 150 in the evening

The Royal Wells Hotel 59, Mount Ephraim, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 8BE

Tel: 01892 511 188 Email: royalwells@shepherd-neame.co.uk Website: www.royalwells.co. uk

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CINNAMON ~

ZAUtilities Limited

BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT IN THE SOUTH EAST REGION KENT AWARDED BY THE BCA 2014 The Cinnamon Square Co-Owner Habib Siddiq said: "We were surprised yet elated and felt very honoured to have won the award. To be appreciated in just over two years has given us an immense feeling of satisfaction for the hard work and effort we have put into The Cinnamon Square . Furthermore , it has motivated us to go the extra mile to bring great and unparalleled food and service to our patrons .

We would like to dedicate this award to the management team and the entire staff for their hard work and dedication; without them this would not have been possible."

The winners of the ninth annual BCA (Bangladeshi Caterers Association) Awards were announced at an illustrious London ceremony in November. The awards welcomed chief guest , Ed Miliband MP, who delivered an inspirational speech commending the contributions of the British-Bangladeshi community.

Mr Miliband said: "These are incredibly important awards , because they honour a community and a set of restaurants that are at the heart of every street and every neighbourhood in our country. It 's a privilege to celebrate your success. "

RINGS HILL I HILDENBOROUGH I KENT I TNll 8LX I 01732 832944 (Take away service available 10% Discount)

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FOOD

PRICES AT A GLANCE Nibbles from: £3 Little plates from: £7 Big plates from: £12 Desserts from: £5 Wine by the bottle from: £18 Wine by the glass from: £3.30

exudes class from the moment the doors are flung open by impeccable ‘people guy’ Gianpaolo, or GP – this Florence native learned his stuff in the States, and the combination of Italian charm and American service culture is a breath of fresh air.

Formerly the village store, the little double fronted building dates from 1900 and a good deal of effort has been made to restore a sense of heritage to the simply yet stylishly furnished dining room. The original pine

FLAVOURS FROM THE COAST

flooring has been dusted off, as have the apothecary shelves that line one wall.

Teamed with contemporary paintings and furniture, this achieves a harmonious meeting of past and present.

Passing dishes are already setting our noses

This month we’ve been looking towards the Kent and East Sussex seaside for summer holiday inspiration. But we’re not just about the hotels and attractions - for most discerning travellers, great food and drink is an essential part of the holiday experience.

So we sent Jane Connolly to the Cinque Port town of Hythe, to check out one of the Kent coast’s newest restaurants and see if Saltwood on the Green really is the catch of the day

a-tingle as we head for the petite bar for a

L

Redman-Hubley and it’s clear that here, drinks

pre-dinner tipple, but if there’s one thing I’m to learn here, it’s this – don’t neglect the cocktail menu. Fans of Cosmopolitans and fishbowls are going to be disappointed; here, the cocktail offer is seasonal and features concoctions that are as creative as they are tasty. The eatery’s approach has been guided by award winning beverage boffin Dan

et’s just get one thing straight from

is a broad culinary outlook that will take you

are not just something you wash the food

the start: diners who are looking for an

from the bracing waters of the English

down with. Established classics appear

expansive sea view won’t find it at

Channel to the mulchy depths of Kent’s

alongside their own inventions, some made

woodland in a few fragrant forkfuls.

with the house’s homemade tonic. Those

Saltwood on the Green. Set about a mile inland from Hythe’s beach – aptly enough, in

Since the place opened just over a year ago,

who fancy a Martini or G&T can choose from

the village suburb of Saltwood, up on the hill

Saltwood on the Green has been pretty

seven gins, including local Anno Kentish Gin

above the town – this restaurant’s views are

consistently busy and it’s easy to see why.

and they’re happy to go off-menu if you have

distinctly limited. What you will get, however,

Small without feeling crowded, the eatery just

a particular hankering.

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my guest is musing on ham hock served with

Behind the bar, the impossibly tiny and endlessly smiling Claudia knocks up a Martini

a Brandade croquette (cod and potato, for the

with Tanqueray (£7.50) for my guest, then

uninitiated among you – yes, I had to ask too)

mixes me the intriguing Caramel Caipirovska

peas, radish, truffle and a soft boiled egg

(£7). Shamelessly sweet-toothed, I’m drawn to

(£17). We feel as if we’ve eaten healthily, as

the combination of malted caramel, lime and

well as heartily; the modest portion sizes

vodka – it shouldn’t work, but it really, really

mean I won’t need to have myself winched

does. Can’t we just stay at the bar all night..?

out of my chair afterwards, so I end up feeling rather smug as I scoop up the last

By the time we move to our table in the

delicious mouthful.

window, we’ve already started tucking into

Of course, all that goes out of the window

tasty treats, thanks to the ‘nibbles’ menu available at the bar. Soft, salty pretzels with a

when I snatch the dessert menu from

fabulously cheesy rarebit sauce (£3) have set

GP’s hand and point mutely at the dish

our taste buds racing in anticipation of the

with the word ‘chocolate’ in the heading.

evening’s main event. Here, ‘starters’ and

My companion is all for the local cheeseboard

‘mains’ are out – we’re to choose from ‘little

but I’ve only got eyes for the dark chocolate

plates’ and ‘big plates’, or further nibbles if

tart with salted caramel and malt ice cream

we don’t want a full-blown first course. Not

(£5). Dark isn’t my favourite variety of the

much chance of that…

brown stuff, as often I find it too bitter, but

Chef and owner Jeff Kipp appears to have a

this actually leans towards the milky and the

clear vision for this place: simple, fresh,

malt ice cream is just gorgeous.

seasonal food prepared to an exquisite

The restaurant is evidently a fan of Wealden

standard. A late starter in the gourmet world,

wine – Biddenden Vineyards’ Ortega and

Jeff came to Saltwood with an impressive

Hush Heath’s Chardonnay are both on the

pedigree that includes Gordon Ramsay, Sushi

menu – but tonight we’ve been enjoying a

Samba and London’s Duck and Waffle, and

bottle of the light and crisp Domaine

his talents appear to be in full flow here. On

Houchart 2014 (£24), which is the only rosé

this menu, Kentish gems – your local

GP will allow in the place. What Jeff and GP

chickens, your fish straight off the boats in

have created here is a little oasis of flavour

Hythe and Dungeness, your rare breed pork

and experience in a pretty unexpected

– are treated with gentility and respect, to

setting. While seafront restaurants might be

create dishes so delicate that you’re loathe to

an obvious option for day trippers and holiday

disturb their zen by eating them.

makers, I would urge you to explore Hythe

The mouth-watering whiff of wild garlic that’s been prodding me since we arrived leads me straight to the herb gnocchi to start

and its environs a little further, and you might anyway, so all’s well that ends well.

Here, I’m discovering that you tend to eat

(£7) and it’s an excellent choice. Little pillows

well in every sense of the word. My slow-

of yum swim about in garlic cream and

cooked duck breast comes with poached

shavings of Parmesan – two aromatic no-no’s

rhubarb, turnip and buckwheat (£18) – not a

for a first date, but luckily I’m on about the

slippery chip in sight. The meat is presented

300th date, so tough luck for my companion.

in slender, tender slivers and the crispy skin is

His perfectly cooked pigeon breast on

scattered over in elegant shards; no slabs of

asparagus (£7) is adorned with the same

unwieldy flesh on this plate. Across the table,

just come across a pretty special place…

Saltwood on the Green The Green, Saltwood, Hythe, Kent CT21 4PS 01303 237 800 www.saltwoodrestaurant.co.uk

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St Julians Club LAN eXCLUSIVE PRIVATE U'vfEMBERS' (LUB Summer season begins now at St J ulians and the heated pools are in full use with members enjoying the pleasures of swimming in the open air.

The Clubs charming location is the perfect place for families to relax together and have a family meal or to explore and play in the grounds.

St Julians has beautiful listed function rooms with fantastic views for catered parties of up to 150 guests. Our versatile rooms are perfect for meals in the restaurant and larger parties. Visit our website for further information, and to find out how to join.

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EVENT

SOCIAL FLAVOURS OF THE MONTH Foodies flocked to The Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells to enjoy a taste of the best regional, national and international food and drink. The three-day Pantiles Food Festival included mouth-watering cookery demonstrations, to give shoppers some culinary inspiration, along with live entertainment and childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities. From cheese to chocolate, there was something to appeal to every type of taste bud, while local producers had the chance to promote a taste of the Weald.

Photography by Altan Omer

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PRICES AT A GLANCE Starters: from £3 Mains: from £8.95 Desserts: from £4

BREAKING THE MOULD The Brecknock Arms in Bells Yew Green is embracing its rural roots, as Charlie Bond discovers…

W

hile plenty of pubs around these parts are desperately seeking a ‘gastro pub’ status, The Brecknock Arms in Bells Yew Green, near Tunbridge Wells, is bucking that trend. The landlords, Sally and Dave Fawcett, took over the running of the Harveys pub 18 months ago. Unlike many proprietors, the couple had no experience of running a pub, but decided to take on the task as well as continuing with their individual careers too.

“We’d always dreamed of opening a bar in Spain when we retired,” Sally says.

“But instead we took on the pub two doors down. It didn’t have much character, so we decided to turn it back into a

traditional country pub.”

With its crimson walls, open fireplaces and candelabras, the couple have certainly succeeded in restoring rustic charm to this village hostelry. There are vintage prints on the walls, freshly cut flowers as table centrepieces and comfy sofas where punters can enjoy a beverage or two.

My guest and I have chosen to eat at the Brecknock Arms on a Friday night. The pub is busy with diners and drinkers and there’s a jazz band playing in the adjacent room. The young waiter shows us to our table and explains the specials to us, then leaves us to peruse at our leisure.

Nowadays you’d be hard pressed to find a pub menu without the words ‘jus’, ‘espuma’ or ‘confit’ appearing, but not here. Their menu has an extensive range of pub grub options, ranging from steak and sandwiches to curry and chilli con carne.

To start, I opt for the mixed bread with dipping oils (£3.50) and my guest chooses the nachos (£3). The food comes quickly and is nicely presented; mine on a slate with an array of oils served with brioche and ciabatta and the nachos in a square dish

loaded with cheese and guacamole. They’re both pretty tasty but filling and I hope that my main is modest.

No such luck – the fish and chips (£8.95) I’ve chosen is so large it barely fits on the plate. Served with peas (which I fire across the table every time I try and cut into the fish) and homemade tartare sauce, it’s delicious. I might go as far as to say it’s the best fish and chips I’ve ever had and maybe the first time I’ve ever been able to actually taste the beer in beer batter. I eat for what seems like an age, yet the portion on my plate doesn’t seem to diminish. I even give some to my guest, who has already devoured his Mexican chilli cheeseburger and chips from the specials menu (£9.50).

As well as a tangy chilli sauce inside the bun, the meat also contains a hidden chilli kick, much to his delight.

We spend a long time eyeing up the dessert menu, toying with the idea of banoffee sundae or sticky toffee pudding before finally admitting defeat and finishing the meal with a cafetiere of coffee (£2) instead. Even this comes with a small square of cake, but I’m still much too full to even entertain the idea of eating it.

With friendly staff, a buzzing atmosphere and nicely presented, inexpensive dishes, the Brecknock Arms is definitely a country pub worth visiting. But be warned – you will need a forgiving waistband and a hefty appetite!

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

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lain More is cooking up a storm in Tunbridge Wells! lain More joined us last summer as Head Chef working alongside John Rogers teaching courses. In 2015 lain is hosting his own Chef's Tables in the Gallery Kitchen every Friday and Saturday evening. He is creative with his dishes and enjoys using seasonal Kentish produce when creating a Michelin style 5 course tasting menu changing every week.

John Rogers says: "lain was the perfect choice for my Head Chef, he is someone who has great ability in the kitchen, but is also approachable and has great humour. I really enjoy working with lain again and cooking up a storm in Tunbridge Wells!" lain says: ''I'm thrilled to be working with a Culinary Legend such as rosemary. John and I get on fantastic and I love it when we are in the kitchen together being creative, it's a real buzz" We are celebrating lain More's first year at Rosemary Shrager's Cookery School!

Book your place on one of lain's Chef's Table until 31st August 2015 and receive 10% discount!* *(Discount applies on bookings of 4 or more places.)

ROSEMARY SHRAGER_S COO

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COOKERY COURSES • CHEF'S TABLE • PRIVATE PARTIES CORPORATE EVENTS • H OSTED MEET INGS

Chefs Table Exclusive Dining Experience with ever-changing menus created by Michelin trained chefs

One & Two Day Weekend Cookery Courses with Rosemary Shrager, John Rogers & lain More

Children & Family Courses • Private Celebrations Telephone: 01892 528700 Email: school@rosemacyshrager.com

www.rosemaryshrager.com

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THOUGHT FOR FOOD This month Rosemary Shrager is away, so we’re hearing from French legend Raymond Blanc, as he reveals the inspiration behind his latest cookery book

92-year-old mother, Raymond Blanc was

O

heritage,” says the 65-year-old. “For me, it was the

Victoria’s royal kitchen garden at Kew, in leafy

woken one morning by a noise in the garden.

strongest part of my philosophy and it still is today.”

south west London.

see? Maman Blanc,” the chef recalls. “That little

moving to England in 1972 to work as a waiter, the

to work on a former royal plot. With a wicked l

woman had already hoed about 10 square metres

eatery’s chef fell ill and he ended up being required to

augh, Blanc adds: “I loved that and I sang

of earth and she was going fast. I said, ‘Maman,

take over in the kitchen. By 1984, the two-Michelin

La Marseillaise [the French national anthem] on it.”

can you stop? You’ll break your back!’”

starred chef had opened hotel and restaurant

n a recent trip to France to visit his

“It was 6am, I opened the shutters and who did I

The father-of-two, who grew up in Besancon, eastern France, adds: “My sons call her Mother

“It gave me an understanding of seasonality, of

Blanc’s culinary big break came when, after

Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire. immense garden. Before I even considered the

faster than me.”

foundations or the roof, I did the garden,” he says. month he could be seen on the BBC Two series

and his four siblings would be digging soil and

Kew On A Plate. The show – which also has an

harvesting food for his mother to cook, bottle or

accompanying book of the same name – saw Blanc

pickle to store for the cold winter months.

help to create a sumptuous fruit and vegetable

(SERVES 4 TO 6)

• 400g Jersey Royal potatoes, quartered • 1 onion, diced • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped • 3 tbsp olive oil • 2 bay leaves • 1 thyme sprig • 1 rosemary sprig • Pinch of Espelette pepper or smoked paprika • Pinch of sea salt • 120g chorizo, cut into small dice • 15g flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped • 80g spinach, chopped • 8 eggs, whisked

Want to get fresh in the kitchen? Here’s a delicious Kew On A Plate recipe to try at home.

Kew On A Plate With Raymond Blanc is published by Headline Books, RRP £25

His passion for gardens hasn’t abated and last

while his school friends were playing football, he

NEW POTATO AND CHORIZO TORTILLA

A “French republican”, he relished the chance

“The first thing I did at Le Manoir was create an

Teresa on speed. She’s still working 10 times Blanc’s father was also a keen gardener and

garden on the site of what was once Queen

 Preheat the oven to 170C/Gas 3.5.

vegetables for 30 seconds, then remove

 In a medium saute pan with a lid, over

from the heat, add the eggs and stir

a medium heat, sweat the potatoes,

everything together until evenly mixed.

onion and garlic in the oil with the bay

 Pour the egg mixture into a 20cm

leaves, thyme, rosemary, Espelette

non-stick ovenproof frying pan and

pepper or smoked paprika and salt for

place in the oven for 15 minutes. Once

13 to 15 minutes. Stir regularly to avoid

cooked, remove from the oven and leave

any colouring.

to rest for five minutes before turning

 Add the chorizo and continue to sweat

out onto a board or a large serving dish.

for five minutes with the lid on so the

Using a serrated knife, cut the omelette

flavours mingle. Finally, add the parsley

into four to six wedge-shaped slices and

and spinach and stir them into the

serve warm.

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ADVERTORIAL

THINKING OF MOVING HOMe THIS SPRING? You’ve made the decision to move, found your dream home and your offer has been accepted. Feelings of excitement and apprehension set in and all you want is the whole process to end with you safely ensconced in your new home. So what steps can you take to ensure that the process will run smoothly and costly mistakes are avoided? Well, skimping on surveys and conveyancing can cost you dearly in the long run. So here are some top tips to help your move go as smoothly as possible.

By Deborah Miller.

GET YOUR MORTGAGE AGREED FIRST Although borrowing from banks and building societies has improved recently, it is not a given. So to avoid disappointment, check you can get the mortgage you need before starting the process. You can get a mortgage agreement in principle secured first, but remember that this is an indication and not a legal agreement.

DECIDE WHETHER YOU ARE HAPPY TO RELY ON THE MORTGAGE LENDER’S VALUATION OR DO YOU REQUIRE A FULL SURVEY. A lender’s valuation is an assessment carried out by and for the benefit of the lender in order to check that the property presents adequate security for its loan should you default and the property has to be sold. However, it does not report on actual faults in the property. For many, a Home Buyer’s Report, which will expose problems such as damp, dry rot and subsidence, is adequate but if you are buying an older house or unusual home a full structural survey will be a wise investment.

You wouldn’t buy a car without the knowledge of a service history, so why would you run this financial risk when buying a house?

REMEMBER TO FACTOR IN THE TRUE COST OF MOVING. Mortgage arrangement fees, survey fees, legal costs and removal costs are all substantial costs of moving. However, the often overlooked but most expensive cost is Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) which varies dependent 198

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ADVERTORIAL

“YOU WOULDN’T BUY A CAR WITHOUT THE KNOWLEDGE OF A SERVICE HISTORY, SO WHY WOULD YOU RUN THIS FINANCIAL RISK WHEN BUYING A HOUSE?”

FREE HOME BUYERS GUIDE For a copy of the Kent Guide to Buying and Selling Your Home telephone 01892 539 379 or email times@maxbarford.co.uk

on the value of the property purchased.

If you purchase a property above £125,000

money and your dream home. That is why it is essential that you get the advice and guidance

SDLT becomes payable. Recent changes to

you need every step of the way from a known

SDLT have been introduced to try to make the

reputable law firm. They are there to help you

tax fairer. Under the old regime the SDLT

avoid the pitfalls of what can be a murky area.

percentage rates increased at various

The cheapest option may not always prove to

thresholds. Under the old rules SDLT was

be the best. Remember, this may well be the

payable at a single rate on the whole

biggest purchase you’ll make and you want to

transaction value. From 4 December 2014,

be sure that you know what you are buying.

SDLT is payable on a sliding scale depending

You should be able to contact your conveyancer

on the portion of the purchase price that falls

and fully understand what is happening at each

within each rate band. Where contracts have

step of the move. If you are not sure, ask!

been exchanged on or before 3 December

One further point to bear in mind is that your

2014, and the transaction is completed on 4

conveyancer will not visit the property

December or later, you can choose whether to

themselves, so should there be something you

use the old or the new rules.

feel uncertain about bring it to their attention

There is no doubt that the SDLT changes will be of benefit to many home buyers. For

SO

and they will provide you with the options available in order to try to resolve the issue.

example, under the old regime, Stamp Duty Land Tax payable on a purchase price of £350,000 would be £10,500 and under the new regime it would be £7,500 - representing a saving of £3,000.

REMEMBER TO ARRANGE BUILDING INSURANCE FROM THE DATE OF THE EXCHANGE OF CONTRACTS. From exchange of contract you will be legally

CHOOSE YOUR CONVEYANCING SOLICITORS WITH CARE

responsible for the structure of the property.

If you take the risk of buying without the

buildings insurance cover in place from this date.

support and guidance of an expertly trained

This is often overlooked and can potentially have serious consequences. Make sure you have With this being said and the potential risks

legal conveyancer, you run the risk of walking

of buying a home with hidden problems

into a financial booby trap which can seriously

amounting to thousands of pounds in

hamper your progression up the property ladder.

potential outgoings, why would you cut

You should also make sure you know who you

corners for the sake of a few pounds when

are instructing and that the firm is registered

the risks are so large?

with a regulatory body such as the Solicitors Regulation Authority. There are bogus law firms out there who will take your money and then close up shop which means you lose the Parfitt Cresswell is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority no. 71480

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For further information or to request a copy of our free home buyers guide please call 01892 539379 JUNE 2015

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SCHOOLS

EDUCATION NEWS Ride of their lives

PRIMARY SCHOOLS

pride of place The vast majority of Kent parents secured their first choice of primary school places this year.

Of more than 17,400 applications, 86% were successful in gaining a place at their preferred school – this was an improvement of 427 on last year. However, the number of applications had increased by 321 compared to 2014’s process, which did bring down the success percentage slightly in real terms.

Six new academies are opening across the county to help cope with the increase in demand for primary school places. In addition, the 800 parents who did not get their first choice were advised to join waiting lists, in the hope that some places will become vacant before the new school year starts.

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Age is no barrier to success, as Mayfield’s Equestrian Squad proved at the National Inter-County Dressage Finals.

The youngest members of the squad are celebrating coming a close second in the competition, having lost out by just one point – even more remarkably, they were only narrowly beaten by riders up to seven years older than them.

Representing East Sussex, the independent girls’ school’s Junior Dressage Team – comprising Georgia Thomson, 11, Anna Martin, 11, Molly Faulkner, 12 and Katie Higgins, 14 – were all competing at championship level for the first time. As well as their success as a team, they also excelled in the individual contests, with Georgia coming fifth in the prelim and Molly claiming seventh place in the novice.

“The girls exceeded expectations and we are all very proud of them,” says Jill Barker, Mayfield’s Director of Riding.

“The team was fantastic – they supported each other passionately but managed not to over-pressurise each other, and as a result they achieved an incredible feat, coming second at their first attempt at championship level. A very promising result for the future of the Mayfield Equestrian Squad!” www.mayfieldgirls.org

SOLAR POWER  Students at a Tunbridge Wells school will now be creating their woodwork projects with sustainable local timber that they’ve dried themselves.

The Skinners’ School has become the first secondary school to work with the High Weald Partnership to build a solar kiln, which will be used for drying out high quality wood sourced from sustainably managed woodlands in the area. Instead of buying in inferior wood from mass suppliers, students can now produce their own eco-friendly planks for use in their Design and Technology classes.

Pupils from Years 7 to 12 helped to build the kiln and Year 8 students commented: “We learned a lot. The project offered opportunities to use skills we’d learned in D&T. Even though it’s a long process it means we can use local wood and make really good products, like stools.”

It’s hoped the students will now make items they can sell at school markets, with the desirable ‘sustainable’ tag helping to boost sales.

The project is part of the Living Woods initiative and is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Woodland Trust and the Forestry Commission.

Matt Pitts, Cultural Landscape Advisor for the High Weald Partnership, says: “The High Weald’s woodlands have been managed to produce timber for centuries but many woodlands are now underutilised.

This project was set up to make it easier and less costly for schools to use some of that timber.”  Schools interested in building their own solar kiln can download a guide at www.highweald.org or contact Matt Pitts on 01424 723 007 for advice.

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INAIDOF

~

TREE OF HOPE ~ www.treeofhope.org.uk

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TreeQ!Hope

21/05/2015 12:52

SO

ADVERTORIAL

Tim Austen

A NEW BROKER IN TOWN – BUT WITH A FAMILIAR FACE

With the opening of a representative office in Tunbridge Wells, Carroll Insurance Group Ltd are teaming up with Hubstar ltd and establishing their presence in both the town and region. We hear from Tim Austen and Peter Carroll about what this exciting new partnership will mean for both companies.

approach to local business insurance needs.

This, along with him also focusing on private clients who require more understanding and attention with their bespoke policies, makes him ideally suited to being our representative.

“As a well-established Lloyds broker, the Carroll Insurance Group look forward to supporting Tim and together finding the right insurance solutions for clients, focusing on their

CARROLL INSURANCE GROUP LTD have

see that a void had been created in Tunbridge

opened a representative office in Tunbridge Wells

Wells and the surrounding area by the removal of

– a long established (35 years), City based Lloyd’s

my old company. Added to this – and more

The Carroll Insurance Group Ltd

broker, specialising in all classes of commercial

importantly, in my view – an opportunity presented

London Office

and private client insurance policies with a

itself to offer people a ‘Client First’ service driven

2 White Lion Court, Cornhill,

number of bespoke schemes. Tim Austen’s

ethos when looking after their insurance needs,

London

company, Hubstar Ltd, is their appointed

rather than the ‘pile it high, sell it cheap’ attitude

EC3V 3NP

representative operating out of Calverley House.

that is so often the norm these days.”

0207 623 2228

As well as working in Tunbridge Wells for the past

Tim Austen will be fully supported by Carroll

particular requirements.”

peter.carroll@carrollinsurance.co.uk

10 years, Tim is an active member of the Lord’s

Insurance’s commercial and private client teams,

Taverners and is looking forward to re-engaging

who are based in their City office and have

Tunbridge Wells Representative Office

with the business community within the region.

access to both Lloyd’s and company markets.

Calverley House, 55 Calverley Road,

“Having been sold by our parent company to a

“After ‘being on the beach’ for some time due

Tunbridge Wells,

large consolidator, who subsequently found

to contractual covenants, I am really looking

Kent TN1 2TU

themselves in financial trouble and the subject of

forward to being able to offer a professionally run

01892 704 078

much speculation in both the national and

broking solution to both former and new clients

07836 781 186

insurance press, I was approached by a large

alike,” Tim says.

tim.austen@carrollinsurance.co.uk

number of friends and clients who were

“We are delighted to have Tim as our

concerned about their insurance arrangements,”

appointed representative in Kent,” says Peter

www.carrollinsurance.co.uk

says Tim, whose Tunbridge Wells based broking

Carroll. “As an insurance broker who has been

The Carroll Insurance Group Ltd

firm was acquired last summer.

based in Tunbridge Wells for many years, he is

is authorised and regulated by the

very well known for his highly professional

Financial Conduct Authority

“I approached my friend, Peter Carroll, as I could

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MOTORING MATTERS

OUR ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM THE MOTORING SCENE

CHINA COMMITMENT For the first time in China, the innovative Aston Martin Lagonda DBX Concept and exclusive Lagonda Taraf were unveiled, spearheading Aston Martin’s display at the Shanghai Motor Show. The display of handcrafted luxury sports cars defined the way ahead for Aston Martin and its commitment to the market in China, with each model on display representing a distinctive and differentiated story for Chinese customers. The DBX Concept signals a key change in vision as the brand embarks on a new chapter of change and growth.

I SPY SUCCESS

COOL CAT

COUPE COUP

NEW GENERATION

For the second time in succession BMW i clinched victory at the World Car Awards in the category World Green Car. Following the success of the purely electrically driven BMW i3 the previous year, the BMW i8 was awarded this prestigious award at the New York International Auto Show. The sports car’s combination of groundbreaking plug-in hybrid drive technology and innovative lightweight construction, together with its avant-garde design, was honoured by the international jury at the World Car Awards. The BMW i8 was also one of the finalists in the category World Luxury Car, thereby underlining its special position.

Jaguar has scored an impressive set of results in this year’s Auto Express Driver Power customer satisfaction survey. Top of the executive car table was the Jaguar XJ, scoring 92.46% for customer satisfaction. The XJ finished comfortably inside the overall top 10, in seventh place.

The Jaguar F-TYPE finished second in the sports car category in its Driver Power survey debut.

Finishing just behind the F-TYPE was the XK, which won plaudits for its glamorous looks, ease of use and comfort. Completing an excellent run of results was the XF, which was voted best in class for ride quality and fourth overall in the executive car class.

McLaren launched its second model in the new Sports Series, the McLaren 540C Coupe, at the Shanghai Motor Show. The most attainable McLaren yet, the 540C Coupe joins the recently revealed 570S Coupe in the Sports Series as the brand brings its race derived DNA to a new audience and segment. These introductions bring the number of new McLarens launched in 2015 to four as the brand continues its rapid growth.

Globally available and priced from £126,000, the 540C Coupe can be pre-ordered now, with deliveries scheduled to begin in early 2016.

Following the world debut of the next generation RX, Lexus has revealed its luxury SUV will be available with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine.

Designed for selected markets around the world, including the UK, the RX 200t is powered by the in-line, four-cylinder engine first deployed in the NX range.

The unit features VVT-iW intelligent/wide variable valvetiming, a low-inertia turbocharger and an air-to-liquid intercooler. Target output in the RX is more than 225bhp. The engine will be matched to a six-speed automatic transmission with ratios tailored to support strong acceleration.

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Cooper Tunbridge Wells

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The Ultimate Driving Machine

21/05/2015 12:53

BMW 4 SERIES CONVERTIBLE. IMPRESSIVE. FROM EVERY PERSPECTIVE. Elegant styling, aerodynamic details, sporty proportions- the BMW 4 Series Convertible delights your senses visually too. Inside, choice materials, elegant leather upholstery and atmospheric interior lighting are always a feast for the eyes.

The new BMW 4 Series Convertible accelerates through each bend and immediately captivates attention, from whichever angle. It exercises an irresistible aesthetic appeal with a distinctive design that expresses a readiness to leap in to action.

With the Retractable Hard-Top open or closed, the BMW 4 Series Convertible is prepared to take the world by storm. The state-of-the-art technologies from BMW Connected Drive and an interior perfectly tailored to the driver's needs make for a superbly comfortable drive and enhance the unique driving experience in the BMW 4 Series Convertible.

Every detail of this car evokes one thing above all: the irresistible feeling of pure freedom.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, AND TO ARRANGE A TEST DRIVE*, PLEASE CONTACT COOPER TUNBRIDGE WELLS TODAY. Cooper Tunbridge Wells Longfield Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3UE 01892 629 503 www.coopertunbridgewellsbmw.co.uk

BMW EfficientDynamics Less emissions. More driving pleasure.

Official Fuel Economy Figures for the BMW Range: Extra Urban 26.2-83.1 mpg (1 0.8-3.41/1 OOkm). Urban 14.664.2mpg (19.3-4.41/1 OOkm). Combined 20.3-7 4.3mpg (13.9-3.81/1 OOkm). C0 2 emissions 325-99g/km.

Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions. *Test drive subject to applicant status and availability. BMW EfficientDynamics reduces BMW emissions without compromising performance developments and is standard across the model range.

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PUMP UP THE VOLUME

If you’re looking for a car that offers serious enjoyment, the new Range Rover Sport SVR is louder, faster and raring to go – as Matt Joy discovers

A

t first glance, the

power under the bonnet from the

probably won’t be long before the SVR

Range Rover Sport

5.0-litre supercharged V8 and revised

logo signifies business.

SVR should be

damper settings for better control. The

recognisable, if

interior also gets some smart new seats

much in terms of practicality compared

somewhat different

and a re-trim.

to the standard Range Rover Sport.

from how you remember it. This is the

In terms of image, if it’s subtle you’re

Happily, the SVR doesn’t give away

The only concession is the reshaped

pumped-up, pimped-out Sport and

after, then the SVR might not be for

rear seat that, while still offering three

while that might seem a world away

you. Sure, finished in black you might

seat belts, is really optimised for two.

from a typical Range Rover, the reality

mistake it for a standard car, but one

However, there’s still plenty of space

is, buyers want more – which the SVR

brief blast from the exhaust will change

front and rear and although it’s not as

supplies in spades.

all that. It squats on its huge wheels

big as a full-size Range Rover, you

and the big front air vents – essential

should be able to deal with most

wheels (with the option of 21-inch) and

for cooling the engine and brakes

eventualities. It even retains a useful

other modest external flourishes,

– certainly give it some significant

amount of off-road ability; quite a lot

including more vents at the front, side

menace. It’s clear that Land Rover is

more than anyone spending this much

skirts and a large spoiler on top of the

going Porsche-chasing with the SVR

money would dare use in any case.

tailgate. More importantly, there’s more

and although the name tag is new, it

So, with an SVR, you get 20-inch

206

Right from the moment you start the

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This car summed up in a single word:

FACTS

GRUNTY

RANGE ROVER SPORT SVR, £93,450 Engine: 5.0-litre petrol unit producing 543bhp and 502lb/ft of torque Transmission: Eight-speed automatic driving all four wheels Performance: Top speed 162mph, 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds Economy: 22.1mpg combined Emissions: 291g/km of CO2

engine, the SVR lets you know that

be hurled about with impressive ease

market, price isn’t so much of an issue

performance is the name of the game.

for something so large and the brakes

as it is a badge of honour.

There’s a snarl from the exhaust that

are more than a match for the

wouldn’t be out of place in something

performance. Ultimately it’s huge fun,

thinks the standard Range Rover Sport

with two seats and there’s the

but capable of being calm and

Supercharged – 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds

performance to back it up; the SVR has

controlled when you need it to be.

and 155mph flat out – isn’t quite fast

543bhp to power it along and you hear

Make no mistake, the SVR is an

enough will love the SVR. While that

So, who would buy one? Anyone who

every single one of them as it tears

expensive car; £93,450 before options

might seem like a pretty small

along. For a car weighing 2.3 tonnes,

to be precise, but then you are in no

audience, the truth is the SUV market

the SVR is hilariously fast.

doubt that you’re getting a lot for your

continues to grow, whether you’re

money. The sporty new seats, leather

spending £10,000 or £100,000. It’s no

do something other than go in a

everywhere, a slick infotainment

harder to live with than any other

straight line either. Sure, it’s tall, but

system (although there’s a high-end

Range Rover (with the possible

the steering is sharper than the

Meridian system available for another

exception of petrol station visits) yet is

standard car and helps you accurately

£5,000), climate control, reversing

undoubtedly more fun than any other.

place it on the road. The suspension

camera – you name it. It’s worth

changes are modest, but the SVR can

remembering that at this end of the

It doesn’t fall apart when you try to

If this car was a... Top Gear presenter, it would be looking for a new job.

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JUNE 2015

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BUSINESS

SO

BUSINESS NEWS OUR MONTHLY LOOK AT WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE LOCAL BUSINESS WORLD

Left to right Chris Marks, Ron Marks, Simon Reevek, Nick Marks

Simon Says

Salomons Estate in Tunbridge Wells recently welcomed a special guest for an exclusive charity event. Simon Reeve, presenter of popular BBC series such as Sacred Rivers and Pilgrimage, took to the stage for a one hour talk at the Victorian mansion, where he spoke to 170 guests about his latest series, Caribbean. The evening, which was hosted

by Baldwins Travel Group and introduced by Joint Managing Director, Nick Marks, raised nearly £450 for 3H – Helping Hands for Holidays. Ed Langridge, representative for 3H, says: “It was a superb and very rewarding evening. The amount raised is incredible!” www.baldwinstravel.co.uk

WORTHY CAUSE

A Tenterden based networking organisation has presented a record charity cheque to a Sussex charity. Wealden Business Group donated £5,100 to Pestalozzi International Village Trust, which is based in Sedlescombe and offers life changing opportunities to disadvantaged young people around the world. The money was raised by the 30-member group through collections at their weekly networking breakfasts and a charity dinner held at The Little Silver Country Hotel in Tenterden. The charitable contribution is the largest raised by the group in a single year, bringing the total amount to more than £20,000 in the past four years. www.wealden-business-group.co.uk

pioneering publicans Expansion plans are underway for a local pub group. Whiting & Hammond, which owns seven award winning venues throughout Kent and Sussex – including The Mark Cross Inn near Tunbridge Wells – has secured its eighth site, The Blue Ball, in Walton on the Hill, Surrey. Having been closed for over two years, the pub is due to reopen by mid-August and will be renovated by W&H and Star Pubs on a combined budget of £750,000. W&H MD, Brian Whiting, says: “This is an exciting time and we look forward to getting this pub open and trading once more.” www.whitingandhammond.co.uk

CHARITY CHEQUE

LEFT TO RIGHT Newly elected Wealden Business Group Chair, Dee Bateman, Susan Walton and outgoing WBG Chair, Simon Hammond

FRESH FACES Visit Kent has welcomed two new members from the private sector to its board of directors. Eurotunnel Director John Keefe (bottom) and Southeastern MD David Statham (top) join the board for the first time, while Mulberry Cottages MD Sarah Wood (right) and Receiver General of Canterbury Cathedral, John Meardon, were re-elected for another two years. Chief Executive of Visit Kent, Sandra Matthews-Marsh MBE, says: “This is the first time that we have had significantly more nominations than available places on the board, which is a very positive sign of the level of confidence the private sector has in Visit Kent.” www.visitkent.co.uk

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EVENT

SOCIAL GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS… Sixteen teams of four players each, battled it out on the stunning fairways and greens of Hever Castle Golf Course last month, in a Cooper Tunbridge Wells BMW sponsored Stableford, for the chance to take home the prestigious So Business Charity Challenge trophy. At the end of the day it went to the team from the Imaging Centre (90) with Fox Print pressing hard (84) and Pennies Day Nursery (83) in third place.

OTHERS HONOURS WERE: Longest drive men: Paul Matthews Longest drive ladies: Jackie Barker Nearest pin in 2 shots: Ian Cooper Best individual lady: Claire Burroughs (29) Best individual man: Phillip Scotton (37) Another winner on the day was Pickering Cancer Drop in Centre that benefitted from an auction and ‘beat the pro’ competition that raised £1,500. The Tunbridge Wells charity is run entirely by volunteers and supports all those whose lives have been touched by cancer.

Photography by Craig Matthews

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EVENT

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Winning team: Imaging Centre with SO Magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Richard Moore (left) and Paul Harvey

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

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gnerson publications RANI POKHARI

BHAKTAPUR SKY

THIRST

SWYAMBHUNATH STUPA SKY

Grierson Publications is incredibly proud to be supporting and showcasing the exquisite work of Nepalese artist NB Gurung, especially in the aftermath of the terrible earthquakes to hit this incredible country. NB, together with fellow artists from the International Watercolor Society of Nepal, has been working hard to help his fellow countrymen at this terrible time. We salute them.

Artist Gurung and Grierson Publications go back a long way, and Annie recognised NB's talents many years ago. We have undertaken many projects together and post-earthquake all we at GP can say is that it has unleashed the artist's talents and insights even more- if this is possible . Indeed most of the scenes of World Heritage sites are no longer standing which makes his originals and prints even more poignant.

Predominantly a watercolourist NB has had his art showcased around the world. His originals are outstanding mainly depicting scenes of his beloved Nepal, also portraits with a difference. Many of his original paintings are of Nepal pre-earthquake. One pictured here is of Bhaktapur, a district of Kathmandu, post-earthquake.

All originals (framed and unframed) are available for sale and to view.

Grierson Publication's Giclee prints of NB's originals are of a quality second to none.

Please do visit our lovely space in Cranbrook, or for more information visit www.nbgurungart.com

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ADVERTORIAL

The Fairfax Gallery will be celebrating its 20th Anniversary with a special exhibition starting on June 13, featuring paintings and sculpture specially created by artists including Royal Academicians, winners and finalists of awards such as the National Portrait Gallery’s BP Portrait awards and Discerning Eye. We will have the strongest examples of new original works from our most sought-after artists.

ON THIS PAGE Dorion Scott Nest Oil on Panel 76 x 76cm David Atkins Evening, Rye Harbour Oil on Panel 60 x 81cm Helen Sinclair Thomas Came Too, Stone Resin Height 60cm Fred Cuming RA Sea Haze Camber Oil on Canvas 20 x 26cm

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

2

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ADVERTORIAL

The Fairfax Gallery was founded in 1995 on the elegant Lower Walk of the Pantiles. Whilst the Fairfax Gallery gallery has another gallery in Burnham Market, as well as regularly exhibiting in London, New York, Singapore and Hong Kong, the original Pantiles gallery always ensures it has the latest and strongest examples on display in its spacious gallery set over two floors with a large stock behind the scenes. The gallery offer services for private clients, and interior designers, including a home trial service to help, whether it is one painting or a larger project.

ON THIS PAGE Louise Balaam RWA, NEAC Breeze and Salt Spray, Holkham Oil on Canvas 80 x 80cm Charlotte Harris (previous outright winner of National Portrait Galleryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s BP Portrait Awards) Paper Tulip and Pot Oil on Canvas 34 x 37cm Shaun Ferguson Battleships Oil on Canvas 60 x 60cm Jack Frame Pink Blossom Oil & Gold Leaf on Panel 122 x 122cm

Tel: 01892 525 525

www.fairfaxgallery.com

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CULTUREVULTURE OUR MONTHLY LOOK AT WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE AREA

ENTERTAINMENT

COME TO THE CABARET Tunbridge Wells already has a thriving live music scene, but for John Butterworth – owner of Scallywag Café on Mount Ephraim – there was always something missing. Now he plans to fill the niche by offering top quality cabaret acts, so we caught up with him to find out about all that jazz…

SO JOHN, TELL US ABOUT

opportunity to get back to having conversations

YOUR IDEA.

and getting to know other people!

We’re just getting started, but the main thrust of the programme is going to be cabaret style

IS CABARET COMING BACK

entertainment, because that’s the kind of

INTO FASHION THESE DAYS?

event that needs to be presented at a certain

Its popularity has been building in London

level. I’ve always tried not to go down the

over the last three to five years and it’s

usual route that everyone else takes, so I

reaching the point where cabaret is very

decided to go for cabaret as it’s something

much back in fashion, in the right

new for the area. There’ll be the odd night of

environment. The venue has to be furnished

blues and other acts that I come across, but

in a certain way; you couldn’t hold cabaret in

although I love the blues, I’m not looking to

a tea room. Scallywag Café, however, is

become another blues venue. I want to bring

perfect for cabaret.

something to Tunbridge Wells that’s not happening currently.

SO WHAT’S COMING UP THIS MONTH? On Wednesday June 3, there’ll be a proper

WHAT CAN PEOPLE EXPECT FROM

Cockney singalong, with songs from the

THE SHOWS?

great shows – there’ll be booklets with the

There’ll be lots of top performers coming

lyrics, so everyone can join in! Champagne

down from the West End to appear here, so

Charlie and the Bubbly Boys (pictured)

that audiences don’t have to take the train to

perform on Wednesday June 10 and on

London; they can be at home in bed by

Wednesday June 17 we’re holding our next

midnight. I found the acts by putting in the

open mic night. This is done in the good

miles, trying out lots of artists, connecting

old-fashioned, New York style, with a double

with people and looking until I found what I

bass and pianist; just bring your sheet music

wanted. I’m only interested in the top quality

if you want to sing. You might be a musical

acts. I grew up running nightclubs and used

theatre performer or a local singer songwriter

to book acts like Benny King and Aretha

– everyone is welcome.

Franklin back in the 1960s – now it feels like

When we get into the autumn, we’ll start

I’m going full circle and organising intimate

putting on full-blown cabaret evenings with six

gigs in a small building again.

or seven acts on. This summer it’s all about

Cabaret will be on Wednesdays and

getting the word out that cabaret is coming

Thursdays; Fridays and Saturdays are going to

to Tunbridge Wells and giving people the

be quieter, with the focus more on background

opportunity to enjoy this great entertainment.

music. This might be a jazz pianist or trio, a

216

violinist or a harpist – it’ll be all about allowing

To find out more as dates are

people to have a conversation. After 25 years

announced, find Scallywag Café on

of noise in venues, people will have the

Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

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C U LT U R E

JUSTIN LAMBERT

April Showers

SO

Bet dreams of a better life, while doing a mundane job in a shoe shop. When her partner Al loses his job, their relationship comes under severe strain – but Bet has won a romantic trip to Paris, which might save their love. A hilarious adventure ensues in John Godber’s Olivier Award nominated comedy, which sizzles with smart observational humour.

See April Showers at Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge Wells at 8pm on Friday June 5.

Tickets cost from £13 to £16 and can be booked online at www.trinitytheatre.net or by calling 01892 678 678.

EP REVIEW

laugh it up MUSICAL INSPIRATION

‘Sheffield’s funniest man’ John Shuttleworth has packed his Yamaha organ and is heading for Sevenoaks to perform some of his best

A retrospective exhibition

tunes on Friday June 26. With hits such as

of local artist Libbi Gooch

Two Margarines and Early Tea, this is an

opens at Portico Art Gallery in

unmissable show packed with hilarious

Riverhead on Sunday June 7.

songs and comic musings.

Inspired by the natural

The show starts at 7.30pm at the Stag

environments of Kent and the

Theatre and tickets cost £17.50. Book online

Norfolk and Cornish coasts,

at www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk or call

Gooch is a self-taught artist

01732 450 175.

who works to music as she produces her constantly evolving works.

The exhibition runs throughout the summer and admission is free; plus all works will be for sale. The gallery is open from 10am to 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday. www.porticogallery.com

DANGEROUS LOVE The true story of Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be hanged in Britain, is told in a gripping play

by Amanda Whittington. Working as a nightclub hostess in the 1950s, Ellis was a divorced mother who fell in love with dashing racing driver David Blakely, but their affair was to end in tragedy all round. The Thrill of Love can be seen at the Oast Theatre in Tonbridge from Saturday June 27 to Saturday July 4.

Tickets cost from £7.50 to £10.

To book call 01732 363 849 or visit www.oasttheatre.com

RUSHES

BY THE WEALDEN Here’s something a bit different – rather than the usual local aspiring stars, The Wealden is a duo that comprises two individuals who are already highly successful in their own diverse fields.

Guitarist and composer Justin Quinn has won a BBC Jazz Award for Innovation and the Mojo Number 1 Jazz Album of the Year in 2005. With a background in choral and classical music, songwriter and vocalist Tim Dickinson has impressed critics with his incredible voice, particularly when playing David Bowie in Dylan Howe’s Berlin Trilogy.

Listening to their four-track EP before finding out that last fact, CV had already been struck by the similarity in tone and power between Dickinson’s voice and Bowie’s. The opener Lifeline pulses with post-punk energy and a raw guitar riff, putting one in mind of the early 80s’ better offerings. Together this pair have created a compelling brand of pop-rock that has a retro edge, without being derivative. The lighter tone of Boyband takes a swipe at modern politics, although My Sign is a bit too similar to stand out.

However, the closing track Blue and Gold shows that The Wealden can strip it all back for a memorable ballad with the best of them. Ones to watch…

Rushes is available from digital retailers and in CD form at www.thewealden.com

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Main sponsor

ThmnsonSnell& Passinore

Sponsors & partners

Tunbridge Wells Audi

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"Knight NFrank

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Media sponsors

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Tinfes

Heartwood 21/05/2015 12:54

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JUSTIN LAMBERT

ADVERTORIAL

THE CAT IS OUT OF THE BAG The return of the South East England Art Fair to Tunbridge Wells this month is a great chance to check out the wealth of talent on our doorstep. Co-founder Guy Portelli chats to professional artist Phil Tufnell about what to expect from this year’s event, as well as Phil’s own feline themed exhibition

I

am sitting with Phil in his conservatory talking about art, cricket and life in

also the best examples of their work.

“That’s very topical; I have spent a lot of

general. Looking out across his garden, I

time in Australia and love those artworks,”

can see it is designed with a good party in

says Phil. “I remember visiting galleries on

mind and there is evidence that I probably

my first tour in 1985.”

just missed one.

I use it in my own work, but everything means something.

Tell us about the work you’ll be exhibiting at this year’s fair The paintings and prints I am showing are all

This year at the South East England Art

What has your art meant to you?

on one theme: the cat. I’ve had some

Fair (SEEART), we are very pleased to have

With my busy life of TV, radio and charity

exhibitions already, and sold some of my

Phil Tufnell not only showing his work, but

dinners, painting and sketching has always

paintings for charity. It’s great to be able to

also opening the show. With a career as an

been a way of getting some time for

do that and to know that people are happy to

England international cricketer, as well as art

myself; it has given me a balance in life, in

hang my work in their homes! This latest

critic for the BBC’s One Show, this is a

the way yoga might have done. I have

collection is really exciting for me, because

great coupe for us. Phil says how excited he

always sketched and painted.

it’s so personal.

How did your time at the BBC influence your artwork?

If you could have any piece of art, what would it be?

artists this year, in particular the

I have been very lucky with being the art

Without doubt, the Angel of the North in the

contemporary aboriginal works with JGM

critic for The One Show and working with

back garden. Not the 6ft model – the full size

Arts, a London gallery founded by private

Sister Wendy; we were a bit of an ‘odd

one. What a place to hang your washing!”

dealer, Jennifer Guerrini-Maraldi. Jennifer

couple’. She taught me how to look at a

goes into the bush and works with the artists

painting, in particular the old masters, and to

Thank you Phil, we look forward to

in order not only to get the best artists, but

be able to read the symbolism. I don’t think

showing you around the SEEART Fair.

is to be involved with the fair and also how important art has been in his life.

We have a strong international group of

Phil’s work can be seen on the SEEART Fair stand from June 24 to 28 2015 at the Assembly Hall Theatre, Crescent Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2LU. Head to www.seeartfair.co.uk for more information on the event. You can also visit Phil’s own website at www.philtufnellart.com

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“I have a low threshold for embarrassment.

I’m completely unsuitable for television, radio or showbiz”

QUESTION TIME

IRISH EYES ARE SMILING This month broadcasting legend Terry Wogan is coming to Tunbridge Wells to share stories and memories from his incredible 50-year career. We catch up with the silver-tongued veteran as he prepares to hit the road [ PAUL DUNTON IS AWAY THIS MONTH ]

What can the audience expect from

What’s the biggest change you’ve

the evening?

seen in the broadcasting world

I wish I could promise them a spectacular

during your career?

evening of song and dance, but I won’t

Eurovision has got bigger, the buildings

even be singing The Floral Dance. It’ll just

have got bigger, but as ever, radio and TV

be a leisurely wander through the

remain inexact pursuits. Currently it

highways and byways of radio and

features gardening, cooking, baking,

television.

dancing, “reality”… What’s next? Nobody really knows anything – like life,

What do you particularly enjoy

entertainment is a game of chance.

about this sort of show?

I get to meet the people who have listened

You’ve said before that

to my radio show and watched me on TV

embarrassment is your “constant

for years. It’ll be a pleasure to answer their

companion” on live TV – how do you

questions and share a smile with them.

cope with that?

Easily. I have a low threshold for

Do you have an absolute

embarrassment. I’m completely unsuitable

favourite anecdote from your

for television, radio or showbiz.

long career that you’ll be telling?

I make it all up as I go along and if anything

Clearly you spend a lot of time

amusing occurs to me, or to my audience, I

entertaining the UK, but do

hope we’ll share a laugh.

you get back to Ireland much?

Ireland comes to me in the shape of friends

There’s a Q&A element to the show

and family, although I’m involved with the

– what’s the most common question

University of Limerick, in my home town, of

that you’re asked?

which I’m proud to be a Freeman.

I get such a variety, about everything from Jimmy Young, to Eurovision, to Children in Need, to Togs, to Fight the Flab, and everything in between.

I just take my chances and tell the truth.

I do my best to answer the bits I can remember. Don’t forget I’m the founder of the Togs, or Terry’s Old Geezers...

Do you have a favourite interviewee from your many years of chatting to the stars?

That’s an impossible question to answer in any short space of time. There were three episodes of Wogan a week for 50 weeks a year, for over eight years – that’s 12,000 programmes, all of them ‘live’. Wish I could remember them all...

An Evening with Terry Wogan takes place at the Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells on Wednesday June 10, starting at 8pm. Tickets cost £29.50. To book call the box office on 01892 530 613 or visit www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

Did you miss commentating on the Eurovision Song Contest?

I miss the fun, the camaraderie and the ostentatious grandeur of the great event, but I felt it was time to gently steal away and give someone else a chance.

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ENCORE

WHIP-CRACK AWAY! The Deadwood stage rolls into Tunbridge Wells in July with a hotshot of a show in Calamity Jane

A

udiences can look forward to some

experience, this brand new production gets to

rip-roaring entertainment when Calamity

the heart and soul of the musical.

Jane comes to the Assembly Hall Theatre for a five-day run next month.

Set in the Wild West, this is the story of

Jodie Prenger is probably best known for winning the role of Nancy in Cameron Mackintosh’s West End production of Oliver!

Calamity Jane can be seen at the Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells, from Tuesday July 28 to Saturday August 1.

tomboy Calamity Jane, who dresses like a man,

through the BBC television series I’d Do

Shows start at 7.30pm daily, plus

totes a gun and drives the Deadwood City

Anything. During her run in the show at the

2.30pm matinees on Wednesday,

stagecoach. Hard, boastful and desperate to

Theatre Royal Drury Lane, she received both

impress, she tries to help the local saloon

critical and public acclaim for her portrayal of the

proprietor by promising to fetch a music hall star

character. Since then she has starred in the

from Chicago to perform there. But things don’t

National Theatre’s hit production of One Man,

go too smoothly for Calamity Jane, as everyone in

Two Guvnors, both in the West End and on tour,

the town favours the new girl and she struggles

and as Lady of the Lake in Spamalot. Jodie is also

to keep her jealousy and pride in check. It takes

a regular presenter on BBC Radio 2.

her long standing enemy, Wild Bill Hickok, to make her see sense and realise her secret love…

With an Oscar nominated score that includes

Tom Lister most recently played Grimes and Eel in the world premiere of Water Babies at Leicester Curve. He is probably best known to TV

The Black Hills of Dakota, The Deadwood Stage

audiences for his role as Carl King in ITV’s

(Whip-Crack-Away), Just Blew in from the Windy

Emmerdale, a part he played for nine years. His

City and the award winning song Secret Love,

theatre credits also include Pan in Love’s Mistress

Calamity Jane is a show not to be missed.

at the Globe Theatre and Ralph in Accrington Pals

Following numerous highly acclaimed

at the West Yorkshire Playhouse.

productions that include Sweeney Todd and

‘Prenger is a force to be reckoned with; Tom

Sunset Boulevard, The Watermill Theatre returns

Lister’s Wild Bill Hickok proves to be perfect

with an intimate new production of the classic

leading-man material, boasting both charisma

musical, starring Jodie Prenger (Oliver!, Spamalot

and talent.’ – The Stage

and One Man, Two Guvnors) and Emmerdale’s

So, grab a partner, slap your thigh, shout

Tom Lister. Featuring a cast of multi talented

“yee-haw” and come along to enjoy this

actor/musicians to create an unforgettable

whip-cracking musical!

Thursday and Saturday.

TICKETS TUESDAY TO THURSDAY EVENINGS £27.50, £24.50, £18.50 WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY AND SATURDAY MATINEES £25.50, £21, £17.50 FRIDAY AND SATURDAY EVENINGS £37.50, £32.50, £25 Plus a £1.50 per ticket booking fee (£1.25 online) Call the box office on 01892 530 613 or book online on www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

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FROM THE ARCHIVES

W ROYAL PHOTOGRAPHERS W & D DOWNEY

Princess Louise

SECRET

BURYING THE TRUTH As a commoner’s claim to Royal birth rumbles on, we find out how Langton Green and Sevenoaks both played a role in the suspected scandal – does the truth lie in a local graveyard?

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ith the monarchy’s colourful history, it’s no surprise that many people have claimed to be illegitimate descendants of the Royal family over the years. When Nick Locock from Hampshire tried to prove his own claim that he was Queen Victoria’s great-great-grandson in 2004, it appeared he was just another deluded wannabe – two years after first going to court, he was refused permission to exhume the body of his grandfather, thereby denying him the DNA tests that Locock believed would prove his blood was tinged with blue.

Buried in the family vault at St Nicholas’s Church in Sevenoaks, Henry Locock was believed by Nick to be the illegitimate son of Princess Louise, Queen Victoria’s sixth child. Henry himself reportedly believed he was the Princess’s secret child, a claim that was neither confirmed nor denied by his own adoptive father. But although Nick’s campaign had ground to a halt, his story gained some unexpected support when author Lucinda Hawksley decided to write a biography of the Princess.

Routine requests for access to Royal archives were denied, much to Hawksley’s surprise; even some archivists she approached for help were astonished to find that records concerning Queen Victoria’s most intriguing child had been locked away in Windsor.

However, Hawksley was still able to trace much of the Princess’s story and came across some compelling circumstantial evidence to support Nick Locock’s claim that he was Princess Louise’s greatgrandson.

Queen Victoria was not considered an affectionate mother and her relationship with Princess Louise – whom she described as ‘difficult’ and ‘rebellious’ – was particularly strained. Despite this, Louise blossomed into a beautiful and flirtatious young woman; so when her brother Leopold’s handsome tutor was abruptly dismissed in the summer of 1866, rumours began to circulate. Until this point, Lieutenant Walter George Stirling had been considered excellent at the job, so his sacking was a shock to the Royal household. Reasons for the dismissal were vague, but the Queen

evidently still held him in high regard, as she later granted Stirling the official title of Royal Groom and a generous annuity – without any duties.

Letters between members of the Royal family made cryptic mention of Stirling’s ‘discretion’ and the ‘great secret’ that must not be mentioned – was a love child at the centre of the mystery?

That winter, 18-year-old Princess Louise made few public appearances and when she was seen outdoors, she remained in her carriage. She complained to a friend that she felt ‘low’, often cried and was expected to agree with something she ‘knew to be wrong’.

By the following February, she had resumed her Royal duties and her appearance attracted no comment.

It was at this point that the Locock family entered the frame. Sir Charles Locock was the Queen’s gynaecologist, a trusted servant and friend. In the spring of 1867, his son Frederick suddenly moved into what may have been a ‘grace and favour’ apartment near St James’ Palace. Later that year he flouted the traditional year-long mourning period by marrying his fiancée just six weeks after his mother’s death; in December, they adopted a baby boy, whom they named Henry.

During Henry’s childhood, he and his parents were regular visitors to Sir Charles’ home in Langton Green – which just happened to be next door to Dornden, Princess Louise’s Kent retreat. The theory suggests this enabled the Princess to see her estranged child; the fact that both Frederick and Henry left unfeasibly large estates on their deaths also seems to support the idea that they may have had another, secret income.

Henry died in 1907 at the age of 39, after falling off a train while on a land-buying visit to Canada – where, coincidentally, Walter Stirling had emigrated.

So, is Sevenoaks the site of a genuine Royal grave? And did Langton Green bear witness to touching secret reunions between mother and son – or is Nick Locock just another fantasist? The truth is out there…

The Mystery of Princess Louise by Lucinda Hawksley is published by Chatto & Windus.

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