So Wealden Magazine September 2014

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W E A L D E N

SO W EALDEN

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292 PAGES

OUR BIGGEST EVER ISSUE

WEDDINGS

making the most of your big day

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

education

all you need to choose

HOMES

the right school

the chance to convert your very own barn

motors THIS DRAMATICALLY GREEN BMW MIGHT BE FOR YOU

the queen’s grandson

NICK LEESON

PETER PHILLIPS TALKS EXCLUSIVELY ABOUT RIDING HIGH

the original rogue trader comes to the weald

plastic surgeons

the restaurant

we hear from probably the best in town

just about the finest seafood in kent and east sussex

the look HOW TO KEEP THAT SUMMER FEELING

ISSUE 24 - SEPT EMBER 201 4

OSCAR NOMINATED

BRADLEY COOPER

ON WHY HE HAS TO KEEP PROVING HIMSELF

SEPTEMBER 2014 £1.50 WWW.SOMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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HELLO HERE’S WHAT’S INSIDE YOUR SEPTEMBER ISSUE

50 THE CELEBRITY

“I’m still driven mainly by the desire to grow as an actor”

67 THE ROUND TABLE

Local experts shed light on the mysteries of plastic surgery

147 THE HOMES

Relax in your personal cinema room in this £2.6million country house

63 THE LOOK

Your indispensable guide to the new season’s fashion and beauty trends

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CONTENTS

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THE WEDDINGS

THE FOOD

Say “I do” to a wonderful Wealden celebration

Fishy flavours in Tunbridge Wells are just about the best

239 140

THE SCHOOLS

Teachers and students give us a lesson on life in top local classrooms

THE ROYAL

“I was on a horse almost before I could walk”

230 THE MOTOR Would you spend nearly £100,000 to be green? BMW thinks you should

STRICTLY LOCAL...

Letters

11

News

13

Calender

19

Bard’s love story in Hawkhurst

25

Charity gig rocks Ticehurst

28

Heathfield fund in loving memory 31 Step back in time at Bateman’s

33

Royal appointment in Eridge

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Cranbrook blossoms for contest 36 Flower fancies at Burrswood

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LETTERS

SO

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

TOPICAL TWITTER

LETTER OF THE MONTH

Crowborough Centre @CrowboroughCC � Do you know about the community theatre group Crowborough Players?

To be involved or for further information see www.crowboroughplayers.com

OLD TRICKS NIMBY NIGHTMARE Will there ever be a housing development proposed that doesn’t generate gales of outraged protest? Now that a big estate is being mooted for fields near Walshes Road, Crowborough, the locals are up in arms. I support their right to complain, but I wish people would be more honest about their objections. Campaigners say that their three main concerns are: extra traffic on the country lanes, pressure on local infrastructure and even the presence of crested newts!

These may be valid points, but where do they include the fact that they simply don’t want to look out at these new homes either?

Jack Bester, Crowborough Ed: And would you like to overlook them instead Jack?

homeowners in the area, who could not have foreseen this when they bought their properties. I hope common sense and decency prevails.

Rachel Carrick, By email Ed: We might need to invest in some ear plugs

PLANE SPEAKING How lucky I am not to live under the proposed new flight path to Gatwick. Naturally many affected residents have been campaigning hard against the changes and I’ve been disgusted to overhear people saying, “What are they moaning about? They shouldn’t live near Gatwick if they don’t want to hear planes.” But Crowborough and the affected Wealden villages were not near enough to be under flight paths until a few months ago!

This change is totally unfair on

SAFE BET I’ll be interested to see whether the online petition to drive the new Coral betting shop out of Cranbrook is successful. I’m fascinated by the idea of ‘cyber signing’ and the sheer ease of both running it and adding your name to it. If the organisers of the petition had to walk all around town to get the 1,000 signatures required to have the idea debated by the council, would this petition even get off the ground?

Alan Dores, By email Ed: Might be worth a flutter...

Your feature on local food producers in August’s issue (Baking Mad) made fascinating reading. I was really inspired to get back into the kitchen and reignite a long-forgotten love of making scones! It was particularly nice to read about the two ladies (pictured) who run the Lighthouse Bakery at Bodiam; to know that they had eagerly accepted the help and expertise of retired baker Neville Sanger was heart-warming.

It’s great to know that us oldies – I’m 78 years young – can still be of some use!

Jean Jackson, Robertsbridge Ed: We’ll be delighted to test your scones for you

CAT NAPS I love summer, but the one good thing about autumn is that I have to see fewer cats in my garden. It’s not the digging in flowerbeds that I mind, but the catching of birds.

Being lazy creatures, most cats seem to stay indoors more when the weather turns colder, which will allow the poor wild birds to visit feeders and tables in peace.

So I appeal to your readers – if your cat doesn’t already stay in the house this winter, try keeping them in and giving the wildlife a chance!

Mary Wilson Tenterden Ed: Looks like they’ve ruffled your feathers

Dulwich Cranbrook @DPS_Cranbrook � Thanks for the great social spread of our 75th Anniversary Ball in the August edition @SoMagazines - top read!

Francis Whittington @FWeventing � Watching max at eridge pony club @ThePonyClub how great to see the next generation having so much fun. This is how summers should be spent.

Laura Anstiss @LauraAnstiss � Cant believe how much road kill there is between Tenterden and Goudhurst never seen so many dead foxes Twig @twigster83 � My train journey was dry this morning and then I reached Wadhurst....

Lilli Spice @LilliSpice � How beautiful is Sissinghurst?!

Ricky Mullen @Rickoza � Loving the re-runs of Darling Buds of May. Makes me recall my time doing the hops at @horsmonden great times back then.

Robin de Peyer @robindepeyer � Re: City fare dodger: ’To dodge responsibilities in a place such as the civil parish of Ticehurst, is really not on’ Why not tweet us yourself?

We’ll print our favourites @SoMagazines

SEPTEMBER 2014

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NEWS

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

In the pink A Tenterden landlord put authorities in a fluster by painting his listed pub pink. Rob Cowan decided to adorn the exterior of the 15th century Woolpack Inn in the vintage hue to make it more authentic. But Ashford Borough Council insists that permission is needed to change the colour of listed buildings and that it now intends to investigate. “A lot of old buildings which are now black and white would not have been that colour originally, because there was no such thing as white paint,” Mr Cowan says. “No one has said they don’t like it.”

Not so artful dodger

PAUL GILLETT

The mysterious East Sussex commuter who managed to avoid £43,000 worth of rail fares over a five-year period was finally named. High flying investment executive Jonathan Burrows, 44, who owns mansions in Wadhurst and Stonegate, had been boarding for free at Stonegate – which has no ticket barriers – and ‘tapping out’ with his Oyster card at a London station, incurring a standard penalty rather than the full fare. Believed to earn as much as £1million per year, Mr Burrows hoped to avoid public exposure by repaying the dodged fares to Southeastern as soon as the scam emerged in April. But since being named, he has resigned from his job at asset management firm Blackrock and may now be investigated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Strike the hour Lightning struck a clock tower in Crowborough High Street during a summer storm. Deb and Barry Marquardt had just left the Original Factory Shop below when the bolt crashed to earth at about 5.15pm. “There was debris flying everywhere, the clock face flung off and there were tiles everywhere,” Mrs Marquardt told local press. Fire and rescue crews attended, but fortunately no fire had taken hold.

Birthday biker

Icy reception

Marion Parkes from Wadhurst will celebrate her 60th birthday in unusual style by undertaking a gruelling physical challenge for charity. On October 9 Marion will be heading to London’s Hyde Park where she’ll cycle 60 miles on her faithful basket bike. The sponsored ride will raise money for Victoria’s Promise, a charity that was founded in memory of a young woman who lost her grandmother, father and in the end, her own life to cancer. You can sponsor Marion online at www.justgiving.com/ MarionParkes and find out more about the charity at www.victoriaspromise.com

A Facebook petition was launched to save a popular ice cream man’s pitch at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest. Eugene Hughes, 58, from Cranbrook was shocked to be told he could no longer trade at the site’s play area after nine successful years – the news was particularly devastating as he had just sold his house to fund a new £90,000 van. He claims that Bedgebury’s management welcomed him back in June, only to later say he would have to leave unless he could pay £50,000 to rent the café instead.

Fight or flight The controversial six-month trial of new Gatwick flight paths came to an end amid many complaints from Wealden residents. Protestors believe the consultation process was flawed and did not include areas that were in reality affected by the trial. Some campaigners also claim that people living in Crowborough, Mayfield and Rotherfield can expect to see hundreds of planes fly over their homes each day, if the proposed change goes ahead.

Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign has demanded that the new routes be scrapped and that the Land Compensation Act should be amended to include ‘motorways in the sky’.

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interior design

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

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EVENTS

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VYING FOR VEG The Tenterden and District Horticultural Society Autumn Show will see displays of top quality vegetables, flowers, floral art and cookery exhibited at Tenterden Junior School. For a small admission fee, you can admire the children’s section, enjoy light refreshments, pick up some bargain plants, take part in the Bring and Buy sale and have a gamble on the raffle, all between 2pm and 3.30pm.

For more information visit www.tenterdentown.co.uk/events

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CAMEL RACING

TRI AGAIN

ENTER THE DRAGON

Make the trip to Hole Park Gardens at Rolvenden and you’ll be rewarded with the extraordinary sight of pig and camel racing.

The Wild Camel Protection Foundation is staging the race day to aid the conservation of the wild double-humped camel, one of the world’s most endangered species, which lives in arid regions of Mongolia and Western China.

The Mongolian Ambassador will attend, plus there’ll be Mongolian wrestling, singing and dancing. The fun starts at 2pm, visit www.holepark.com for more details.

Exercise enthusiasts will be taking on the challenge of the Bodiam Castle Triathlon, while spectators take it easy and enjoy the action in this picturesque setting. Competitors will undertake a 500m swim, a 20km bike ride that goes out to Staplecross, Northiam and back via Sandhurst and then a 6km off-road run along the banks of the River Rother.

The action starts from 7.30am and there’ll be an open air barbecue, so this makes a great day out for all the family. www.velocity-events.co.uk

Messing about in boats takes on new meaning at Bewl Water’s hugely popular Dragon Boat Festival. Over Saturday September 13 and Sunday September 14, 85 teams will compete in eight dramatic dragon boats in Europe’s largest event of its kind.

Now in its 17th year, the event has raised almost £2.4million for hundreds of charities.

The races attract thousands of spectators, so be sure to go along and support the rowers or even enter your own team. For details visit www.funraisers.org.uk SEPTEMBER 2014

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EVENTS

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CARNIVAL FEELING

LEWIS J BROCKWAY

Crowborough’s annual carnival and bonfire gets underway on Chapen Green at 1pm, with the torchlit procession setting out at 7.30pm.

There’ll be marching bands, carnival groups, troupes, floats and visiting bonfire societies taking part, plus there’s a fancy dress competition so make sure you’re the best dressed in town. This family focused event is a great day out with lots of community participation.

Find out more at www.crowboroughtowncouncil.gov.uk

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HOPPING AROUND

THINK PINK

PLOUGHING AHEAD

Work up an appetite with the traditional skill of hop stripping, then fill up on barbecued food and local ales at the Kent and East Sussex Railway’s Hop Festival Weekend. There will be five steam departures between Tenterden and Bodiam stations on Saturday September 13 and Sunday September 14, along with live entertainment and stalls selling local produce. The event celebrates the railway’s long history of bringing hop pickers to Bodiam in the past, before the last hops were picked in 1970. To book tickets call 01580 765 155 or visit www.kesr.org.uk

Authentic sounds and a stunning laser show make Think Floyd an unmissable treat for fans of the original band. Hailed as the UK’s finest Pink Floyd tribute act, this group has been bringing a fantastic live experience to fans for 20 years and the new production features the full range of classic Pink Floyd, from early Syd Barrett right through to The Division Bell.

Tickets for the show at the Assembly Hall in Tunbridge Wells cost £20. Book online at www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk or call 01892 530 613.

People and dogs are invited to join the horses and compete in this year’s Weald of Kent Ploughing Match at Gatehouse Farm in Marden. Visitors are urged to enter teams to the annual tug-of-war contest, while canine friends can take part in the first dog agility competition (entries close on September 10, email janandianlinch.pobox.com for a form). There’ll also be a fun dog show on the day with rosettes on offer, plus attractions such as a gymkhana, farmers’ market, country sports, birds of prey, tractors and a raffle. www.wkpma.co.uk

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REAP THE HARVEST Enjoy the best produce from the Garden of England when The Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells hosts the Harvest Food Festival on Saturday September 20 and Sunday September 21. From hog roast and game to locally produced fruit juices and wine, there will be a mouth-watering array of food and drink to enjoy across more than 50 stalls. Top local chefs and food experts will once again be giving cookery demonstrations on the Bandstand and there’ll be lots of ideas about how to use the fabulous autumnal wares. The festival runs from 10am to 5pm both days. Visit www.pantilestraders.co.uk for more information.

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DAFT TIMES

OPERATIC SOCIETY

LONE LAUGHS

Comedian Milton Jones brings his work in progress show to Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge Wells to test out more of his ridiculous one-liners. In his new production, Milton Jones and the Temple of Daft, he’ll be unveiling a new collection of the surreal gags that have made him such a hit in TV shows such as Mock the Week and Live at the Apollo. Be quick to book though, as tickets – priced at £12 – were selling fast at the time of writing. Call 01892 678 678 or book online at www.trinitytheatre.net

Internationally renowned baritone Sir Thomas Allen is the latest star to perform at Frant Church. He has sung at many of the world’s most prestigious opera venues and now celebrates 40 years at The Royal Opera House Covent Garden. Sir Thomas will sing Schubert’s sublime Winterreise at the church, starting at 8pm and accompanied by acclaimed pianist Joseph Middleton. Priced at £16, tickets are available from Frant Stores, by calling Paul Barber on 01892 750 665 or David Cragg on 01892 750 845 or at www.wegottickets.com

You won’t be on your own when Lone Star Comedy Club returns to the Sinden Theatre in Tenterden, as this popular event has another great line-up of talent.

Bracing and opinionated, Ian Cognito is a circuit veteran whose animated routines always bring plenty of laughter. Also headlining is another established comic, Ben Norris, who recently supported Ed Byrne on his national tour. Compere Angie McEvoy keeps the room under control during the show, which starts at 8pm. Tickets cost £10, or £15 including a meal deal. Book at www.lonestarcomedyclub.co.uk or call 01580 763 826.

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EVENT

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SOCIAL

VERY SWEET SORROW

WALLED NURSERY/CHANGELING THEATRE

Romeo and Juliet brought cheers and tears to The Walled Nursery at Hawkhurst, when Kent’s Changeling Theatre Company staged an open air production over two nights, keeping to their promise to “bring new interpretations of Shakespeare”.

Costumes were inspired by Alexander McQueen, Grayson Perry and Conchita Wurst, while hints of Adam Ant, Beyoncé and Will.I.Am also modernised the ancient tale. “I have never heard an audience laugh so much at a tragedy,” says nursery owner Emma Davies. “Though it did get very dark in the second half…” www.thewallednursery.com

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SOCIAL

RAVING BULL

BRUCE HEMMING PHOTOGRAPHY AND SARAH BOND

The first Bullfest charity music festival at The Bull Inn, Ticehurst, was a big hit, providing entertainment for a whole afternoon and evening in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust and St Michael’s Hospice.

Former Blue Mink and T Rex band member Herbie Flowers was among those taking to the stage, along with Sean de Burca, Barnstorm and Grooveriders, while Wood & Pilcher’s founding partner John Pilcher fronted a charity auction that included some amusing memorabilia from The Who – a tambourine that Roger Daltrey once punched his fist through. www.thebullinn.co.uk

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INTERVIEW

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Songs from the heart When renowned Weald based opera singer Robert Poulton was killed in a car crash, the musical world was left in shock. Now, nearly two years on, his widow Philippa Poulton tells how family and friends are honouring his memory with a singing project that will change lives

I

nternational opera star Robert Poulton captivated his audiences at venues all over the world, including the prestigious Glyndebourne. News of his death in October 2012 devastated all those who knew him – most of all, his beloved wife Philippa and their two sons, Tom, now 23 and William, 14.

Robert died after being involved in a head-on collision at Cross in Hand while driving to his home in Heathfield. Having been happily married for 26 years, his death was naturally a terrible loss for Philippa and their children. But the enormous affection and respect for Robert that emerged after the accident inspired her to keep his legacy alive.

“There was a Facebook page set up in his memory by his colleagues, because his friends felt bereft,” Philippa says. “Because he was an international opera singer, he had friends all over

the world and people felt they had nowhere to gather and grieve. There was a real outpouring of grief and people started to talk about what they should do to honour him. I found it quite difficult at first because no one knew him as well as I did and I wanted to make sure that whatever was done was worthy of him.”

Also a trained singer, Philippa had met Robert at music college and it was clear that whatever project she chose should be music based.

with a community spirit. We went to a school in Havant, Hampshire, where some of the children were so poor they didn’t have school uniforms.

We couldn’t even start the singing until after they’d had their teeth brushed, as many wouldn’t have done at home. But it didn’t matter about their background, or how quickly they picked it up – all the children stood up and really sang as children can, from their hearts.”

So far the foundation has raised nearly £7,000 and is in the process of gaining charitable status, although Philippa needs to

“I feel very strongly that singing is not only therapeutic, it can also bring children together with a community spirit.”

“We have so many talented friends and I felt it would be possible to use that energy in a positive way.”

So she started The Robert Poulton Foundation, which has two key aims. The first is to set up a community hospice choir and already enough money has been raised to get that started – The Robert Poulton Community Choir will begin rehearsals at St Wilfred’s Hospice in Eastbourne next January.

“The hospice has a wonderful ethos and an open door policy,” Philippa says. “They have a coffee shop and often have music there; anybody who wants to can come in. Hopefully the choir will be supportive to patients, staff, carers and the families of people who are suffering. I think music can be very uplifting and therapeutic; the hospice is brilliantly positioned so that patients in their rooms will be able to hear the choir rehearsing.”

The second target is to send a specialised singing tutor into two schools, probably in inner London, with the aim of introducing children to the joy and freedom of expression that music can bring.

“I feel very strongly that singing is not only therapeutic, it can also bring children together

raise around £30,000 to secure the first two years of the schools scheme. A fundraising concert is being held at St John’s Smith Square in London on October 1, plus you can make a donation online at www.gofundme.com/ Robert-Poulton-Foundation “Another aim is to provide classes with CDs so they can start each day with 10 minutes of singing,” Philippa says. “Research shows that it helps with every aspect of children’s lives. I strongly believe that it is a child’s right to sing.”

For information on concert tickets, check the website above – you can also email Philippa via the site.

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SOCIAL

THE WESTERN FRONT

DAVID BARTHOLOMEW

A Great War Weekend held at Rudyard Kipling’s former home, Bateman’s, at Burwash, raised funds for the Blue Cross and the British Legion. The Blue Cross helped animals at the front, such as the heroic war horses, with their flag identifying the injured as opposed to a red cross for humans. A fundraising team who were about to set off on a horseback trek in period uniforms, to travel “From the Sea to the Somme” along the Western Front, joined the re-enactments. www.bluecross.org.uk

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BOWLED OVER

DAVID BARTHOLOMEW

The Duke of Edinburgh was greeted by more than 100 energetic schoolchildren when he visited The Bowles Rocks Trust, Eridge, to mark its 50th anniversary. This included youngsters from Lamberhurst St. Mary’s School. Prince Philip is patron of the educational charity, which gives more than 4,000 youngsters from all backgrounds a taste of adventure each year, including skiing, rock climbing, archery and bushcraft.

The Duke also helped bury a Time Capsule, to be opened by children in another 50 years. Bowles Director Richard Hardwick says: “The Prince was warm and friendly with everyone and had a smile on his face throughout.” www.bowles.ac

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With building pressures, busy schedules and erratic lifestyles, it really is no surprise that the thought of escaping to another world every so often is somewhat appealing, Even if it's just for a few hours of' me time' we feel as though we deserve it, and guess what. ,. we do!

Resting and recharging may seem like a privilege but it can make a noticeable impact on your life, affecting you and others around you. By taking time to 'stop' you are inviting your mind to revel in a moment of calm, allowing your body to relax and ultimately giving yourself time to plug had mto \\hat s really important - roul Your health, your wellbeing, your energy, yom body; we are often so busy with life we forget to ask, how do I feel?

So rest assured you are allowed to think about you and there is no better place to enjoy and maximise this time U1an on a spa day where you can simply switch ofT. Spa experiences are not only designed for relaxation but select therapies have naturally healing benefits and stress relieving properties. Stretching back to ancient times our ancestors recognised the importance of reconnecti ng with ourselves and the positive impact balancing the mind and body can have on your physical appearance and sunoundings. Professional spas

and s killed therapists understand this wisdom a nd those who get it right include Utopia Spas at Alexander House and Rowhi ll Grange.

Their utopian spas and spa day packages are designed to gtv..: you a hr..:ak. from ) our external cnvtrotmJcnt Half day experiences arc convenient enough to work. around your day, so before picking up the kids or after work, you can spend 4 hours enjoying a u路eatment, laying by the pool and having a nourishing bite to eat If you have a little more time, a full spa day is absolutely worth it! You can enjoy hours and hours of relaxation time and bask in the therapeutic properties of various pools and detoxifying faciliLies. Most importantly, you can book a treatment that is eitl1cr preselecled or receive credit to spend on a treatment that will be most beneficial for you.

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21/08/2014 16:00

SO

SOCIAL

CRANBROOK BLOOMS LARGE

SARAH BOND AND MAUREEN LEAH

Floral Cranbrook has entered the RHS’s prestigious Britain in Bloom competition for the first time, having been shortlisted in the five-strong Small Town category. After the town welcomed the judges in July (far right), the 1,800 hardworking gardening volunteers involved are keeping everything crossed for national success at the awards on October 16. “We have won regional South and South East in Bloom awards in the past, and had been invited to enter the national competition before, but we weren’t brave enough then,” say local organisers Linda Page, of Page’s Newsagents (below right), and Maureen Leah (below left) “But this year we thought we were ready!” www.cranbrookinbloom.co.uk

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EVENT

SO

• Rejuvenated bv •

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"ith K.H.\\.P. WILDLIFE AREA

NO DOGS

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22/08/2014 10:50

The Vine Goudhurst

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.r. ~~.. ~ '~,

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ET_

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21/08/2014 16:02

EVENT

SO

SOCIAL

FLOWER HEALING POWER

SARAH BOND

Crowborough Flower Club, led by Chelsea Silver Medal Winner Ruth Collingridge, worked round the clock on more than 1,000 blooms to ensure Burrswood Hospitalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first flower festival was a success. Flower fans attended a champagne reception to raise funds for the charity, which provides care and retreat in stately surroundings at Groombridge.

Tunbridge Wells Mayor Cllr Julian Stanyer was guest of honour, as Burrswood is his chosen charity. Further events included artist workshops, a concert and vintage tea party. www.burrswood.org.uk

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22/08/2014 16:03

HARWOODS TON BRIDGE

Come and meet the Land Rover family.

See the entire Land Rover range, all under one roof, with over 20 new cars on display.

Harwoods Tonbridge Vale Rise, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1TB

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MY RANT

SO

TIPPED OVER THE EDGE Should you be forced to tip even when you’ve received bad service in a restaurant? And how do you know that your gratuity will reach the person who served you? Here we give readers the chance to rent their true feelings on a hot topic – this month, former waitress Lucy reveals why some tipping practices leave a bad taste in her mouth

S

o, you’ve had a terrible meal; the starter ended up splattered over your clothes, the wine was corked, your main courses took over an hour and then arrived at different times and, to top it all off, your pudding looked like something the cat brought up. As if to insult you, the bill arrives. The only thing that could make this terrible night any worse has occurred – service is included in the fee. Even at the best of times, I feel that an obligatory service charge is an unbelievably cheeky move which makes me, the customer, feel like an untrusted child. If I haven’t had a good experience, I don’t want to pay the 12.5% arbitrarily added to my bill and if I have had a good experience, I want to choose my own figure, thank you very much.

I understand that sometimes the fee is necessary to catch out those cheapskates who empty their copper purse over the table in a crude imitation of a tip, or even worse, those who pay to the exact penny and skip out of the

restaurant as soon as possible. However, the most ludicrous part of this whole farce is that, more often than not, the servers don’t even get the tips! This is a problem I have encountered at multiple restaurants in both Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells; you know who you are.

As an ex-waitress, knowing that the extra cash I’m dishing out in aid of my valiant server – who listened to, and obeyed, my requests for no salad or mayo in my burger, and to hold the lemon in my water etc – may not actually reach them enrages me. This completely invalidates the entire point of the tip system! It is a common fact that service staff are paid minimum wage, which is hard to support yourself on, let alone a family or a household, yet the restaurant management think it’s acceptable to take the extra hard-earned cash, which the patron believes is going to the servers and add it to their profit margins. How can this be legal?

The waiters and waitresses work long, hard, footsore, antisocial hours, putting up with all

sorts of anger at problems they’ve had no hand in and inappropriateness they never asked for, from clientele who are frequently drunk and impatient. In return, the managers line their pockets and the hardest workers leave the evening’s shift almost empty-handed.

More importantly, from the customer’s point of view, the servers have far less of an incentive to work under these conditions because either, they know they will receive the obligatory service charge anyway, or because they never see their tip money. This disheartens the waiters and waitresses and becomes a vicious cycle where there is no reason to try and make your meal more enjoyable when they aren’t even reaping the benefits.

If the customer is always right, it’s about time those conniving restaurants listened to this one: sort your priorities out, restaurants of Kent! Business should be about people just as much as it is about money – and right now the only people some restaurant owners are thinking about are themselves.

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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SO

THIS MONTH

YOU SHOULD DINE...

Two of the country’s most exclusive experiences can be enjoyed in one day this month, with a special trip on the British Pullman train. Leaving London on September 10, you’ll enjoy a delicious brunch aboard the beautifully restored railway carriages, before arriving in Oxfordshire for a sumptuous threecourse meal at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons – the two Michelin starred domain of chef Raymond Blanc. You can then explore the restaurant’s stunning grounds or simply relax until it’s time to reboard the British Pullman for the return journey, during which you’ll indulge in a two-course dessert. Another trip is being run on December 10, which includes a festive carol service at the restaurant’s nearest church. Tickets cost £550 – to book call 01234 480 412. www.eventsandhospitality.com

LISTEN...

READ...

WATCH...

You don’t necessarily have to be a blues fan to appreciate the genius of Joe Bonamassa.

The child prodigy was showing up older guitarists by the time he was seven and at the age of 10, he prompted blues legend BB King to declare: “This kid’s potential is unbelievable.” His new studio album, Different Shades of Blue, is release on September 22 and features 11 all-new tracks.

If you’ve been slow to discover this masterly musician, now’s the time to catch up.

Available from www.play.com for £17.99.

Celebrated author David Mitchell returns on September 2 with his latest inventive and captivating story. In the 1980s, a teenage runaway from Kent is offered a small kindness by a stranger, in exchange for ‘asylum’. Over the decades that follow, she begins to understand the murderous feud into which she has been drawn, played out in the shadows and margins of Mitchell’s fascinating world.

The Bone Clocks is available from www.waterstones.com priced at £20.

Fans of classic Hitchcock-style thrillers will find plenty to enjoy in The Two Faces of January.

Kirsten Dunst and Viggo Mortensen star as a wealthy couple who befriend a student tour guide, Rydal (Oscar Isaac) during their trip to Greece. Rydal realises that his new friends are not what they seem as an unexpectedly dangerous situation unfolds.

Reviewers liked this tense and stylish story, so snap up your copy when its released on September 15. Available from www.amazon.co.uk for £10.

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THIS MONTH

SO

SIP...

Next time you’re in Las Vegas, don’t bother stirring from the pool’s edge when you want to order a drink. Walking to the bar is now a thing of the past, it seems – delivering tipples by drone appears to be the latest trend in Sin City. The Marquee Club reportedly now offers to fly Champagne direct to guests onboard an aerial remote controlled device. Naturally, this special delivery doesn’t come cheap; the club refused to confirm to local press that only orders worth at least $20,000 (£12,000) would qualify for the stunt, but it beats waiting for the waiter.

MOISTURISE...

CARRY......

There’s a popular misconception that when you’re stocking up your new autumn wardrobe, the bright colours of summer are no longer in favour. But there’s no reason why your cool weather arm candy can’t bring a little sunshine into your life. This new colour block cross body bag from Paula Cademartori, £1,043, will be brilliant at brightening up even the darkest morning, while being a practical size – perfect for the office.

Available from www.my-wardrobe.com

The demise of summer might leave you fearing for your healthy sunkissed glow, but there are plenty of ways to keep looking radiant through the colder weather. NaturaBissé’s High Density Lift cream claims to offer an unprecedented solution for filling wrinkles, lifting skin and recapturing youthful definition. At £234 for 50ml at Harrods (www.harrods.com) it’s an investment, but some reviewers say it’s a purchase worth making.

For alternative methods of feeling great this winter, check out The Look’s comprehensive guide to the new season’s fashion and beauty trends.

BUY...

As our attention turns back towards indoor parties, you might be thinking about replacing your stereo system. In that case, B&O Play’s beautiful new A9 Airplay wireless speaker, £1,699, hits all the right notes. Designed like a stunning piece of furniture, the disc-shaped speaker includes everything you need for fantastic sound – no further cables, amplifiers or accessories are needed. There isn’t even a volume button, you just pass your hand gently above the device to raiseor lower the sound. Music is streamed from your mobile phone, tablet or music player via Apple Airplay or DNLA technology.

Available from www.veryfirstto.com and www.selfridges.com

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Our beautiful showrooms showcase the best products available and our helpful and knowledgeable staff look forward to extending you a warm welcome

GAS FIRES -WOOD STOVES - FIREPLACES

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VICTORIA STONE Showroom~: Victoria HOtL~e. 79 Saint John's Road. Tunbridge Well~. Kent TN4 9TU Telephone 0 1892 541 337 • Email sal~@victoriastone.co.uk • www.vlctoriastone.co.uk

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22/08/2014 16:32

GOSSIP

SO

CONFIDENTIAL

BY TACITUS

NOTHING ESCAPES OUR ATTENTION

WHY

does this dad have no conscience?

Because when the family rabbit dropped dead from natural causes in the garden, he didn’t let it go to waste. He skinned the poor thing, turned it into a stew and served it at dinner when friends came round. What did you tell the guests – and your kids?

Hopefully the kids didn’t have any of the leftovers!

WHY

are we down in the dumps here at So towers?

Because our favourite local celebrity – Lisa Marie Presley – has left the building. The daughter of Elvis, and the one time wife of Michael Jackson, has put her £7million Rotherfield pile on the market. Anyone looking for a six bed, six bath mansion in 50 acres?

WHY

has this pub changed its policy about eating outside?

Because it’s fed up with being ripped off by people leaving stolen credit cards behind the bar as security for meals taken in the garden. The final straw was a family that ate and drank heartily, and then slipped away without paying.

Payment first now!

WHICH

law firm might be in for a big surprise?

That would be the one that’s taken on a new client for some foreign work. Only problem is, that client is well known in the town for, how shall we say, late payments of his bills. Word is, the firm were warned by others but grabbed the client anyway. Good luck!

WHY

should these soccer mad parents get the red card?

Answer: They have groomed their 10-year-old footballing son to the extent that even his teeth have been whitened.

Perhaps it’s because his skills on the ball have come to the attention of a Premier League London club that plays in blue. Kerching!

WHY

has this little doggie been given a bone?

Because the couple who own the French bulldog have been training him to stay up late without having an ‘accident.’ “And the other night he managed to stay in the pub until closing time,” they tell admiring friends.

Atta boy!

WHO

was spotted holding hands with the wrong lady?

That would be the chap visiting the vintage fair in Tunbridge Wells.

He took the hand of his partner as they ambled romantically among the stalls. Only problem, the hand did not belong to his wife but his lover.

And we have the picture!

WHICH

restaurant chain is working hard to overcome a bumpy local opening?

The one that invited eight ladies back for a free meal after they failed to be impressed on their first visit.

Well done, you. It’s not the mistakes you make.

It’s how you handle the complaints.

WHY

does this printer need to run off a blank cheque?

Because he was invited to drive a client’s Radical SR3 supercar during a track day at Brands Hatch. The chap spun the car at Druids hairpin, mucked up the clutch work and shredded the gears. No word yet on the cost of repairs.

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

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SO

CELEBRITY

Cooper Gears Up RENA SCHILD

After his big breakthrough in The Hangover (alongside Mike Tyson and an escaped tiger, lest we forget), Bradley Cooper became an Oscar nominated Hollywood A-lister. He talks to So about his journey so far, bringing us up to date on his latest releases, Guardians of the Galaxy and Serena

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CELEBRITY

also know that winning an Oscar won’t change anything about me or how I perceive myself.

“What was more important was being part of Silver Linings Playbook and playing a character who had different edges to him and wasn’t necessarily that likeable. Those are the kinds of roles that inspire you and give you the recognition that will lead to working with the best directors and playing in the most interesting films. The main thing that the [Oscar] nomination did for me was being placed in that arena with all those talented people that I respect.

A level of respect comes with that and I’m very grateful for it.”

That sense of humility comes from knowing his current status has been hard-earned. It has been a tough slog for Cooper to get to where he is now; he enjoyed only EVERETT COLLECTION

A

n Oscar nomination can change an actor, for better or worse.

For Bradley Cooper, there was a purely positive outcome.

Considering that he was already armed with star charisma and grade A sex appeal, it was the first critical recognition of his talent - a talent that has taken its time to flourish, but is now a guaranteed box office draw.

A Best Supporting Actor nod for 2012’s Silver Linings Playbook (he was shortlisted for the same award for this year’s American Hustle) suddenly elevated Cooper out of The Hangover-shaped pigeonhole he was in danger of finding himself in. The nomination quickly moved Cooper into “the same company as an outstanding actor like Daniel Day-Lewis”(below), the 39-year-old acknowledges.

Considering that the Philadelphia-born actor was already one of the undisputed good guys of the industry – a reputation that remains steadfast to this day – it always seemed unlikely that the increased exposure would change him.

“No, I don’t think it did,” he says. “The biggest difference might be the way I’m perceived in the business because most people knew me from The Hangover and I’m not sure I got a lot of respect for that as an actor, even if those films did very well. I

“When you’re offered a role that challenges you, it’s one of those moments when life says, ‘Are you |ready to walk the walk?’”

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don't miss out on our current Hehku offers!

Receive the latest kitchen must-have, a Quoolcer boiling tap completely FREE when you order a Cucina kitchen, or enjoy the luxury of Warm noors Wtth a complimentary high specification Hehku Intelligent Underfloor H-ting System with every llluma installation.

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CELEBRITY

SO

HELGA ESTEB

“If you’re a single man and you happen to be in this business, you’re deemed a player.

But I don’t see myself as a ladies’ man” these kinds of films, you ask yourself, ‘Okay buddy, do you really mean what you’re saying?’”

Cooper’s movie output has been relentlessly prolific – by the end of 2014, he will have been seen in no less than 13 films over a four-year period – so it comes as no surprise that he is on a relentless promotional trail over the next 12 months. Cooper features in both Guardians of the Galaxy and Serena, the latter of which reprises his successful on-screen relationship with Jennifer Lawrence (above left). The Former wife pair have electric chemistry after working on Jennifer Esposito together on both Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle.

“Jennifer amazes me each time we work together,” Cooper says. “She’s naturally gifted as an actress and brings so much to every role. I’ve worked with her on three films now and we get along so well. She’s very uninhibited

FEATUREFLASH

intermittent levels of success after his movie debut Wet Hot American Summer in 2001 before The Hangover brought him widespread exposure. David O Russell, director of American Hustle, describes Cooper as an actor who is “able to constantly transform himself in every role”.

“That’s very kind of him,” Cooper says with a laugh, but there is truth in the statement and Cooper confesses that he deliberately takes on roles that challenge his skill set.

“Every movie I’ve done since Limitless, I’ve been out of my comfort zone (except for Hangover 3!) Every day you’re thinking, ‘Oh my God, this is not safe.’

“A film like American Hustle or A Place Beyond the Pines is going to push you to face up to your own fears of what you can do as an actor. When you’re offered a role that challenges you, it’s one of those moments when life says, ‘Are you ready to walk the walk?’

“As an actor, you like to tell yourself that all you care about is working with great directors and not playing whatever kind of character you think is going to be good for an image or something. So when you’re asked to do

Bradley Cooper’s British model girlfriend, Suki Waterhouse

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CELEBRITY

“I was pretty as a child and I felt that I wasn’t very manly and that plagued me for years”

and she always tells you what’s on her mind – it’s a joy to be around someone like that.”

The same thing could be said of Cooper, whose charisma is as startling in real life as it is on screen. Keen to insist that “I have a lot of curiosity about life,” he rejects the stereotypical ‘shallow’ Hollywood lifestyle. He’s tee-total, having given up alcohol at the age of 29, which means partying doesn’t hold much appeal – although he is often seen out and about with his British model girlfriend, Suki Waterhouse, 22, his one-year marriage to actress Jennifer Esposito having ended in 2007.

Mostly, though, you’ll find Cooper broadening his horizons.

“I haven’t stopped reading literature and philosophy just because I’ve become an actor. I also love travelling and studying other cultures because that’s the kind of experience that gives me a more interesting perspective on the world.”

This open-minded approach explains how he is “not the type of person who lets himself get carried away with attention and awards. I have the attitude that I have to

keep proving myself and that’s probably the best motivation you can have.”

He still has ambitions, of course – “I admire French films so much and making a movie in Paris would be a dream come true” – but Cooper’s primary desire is to ensure he doesn’t relinquish the position he has worked so hard to attain.

“Getting to this point has been a fairly long process and I know how fortunate I’ve been. I just had to keep working and believing in myself and see where that would lead me.

I’m still driven mainly by the desire to grow as an actor, to continue to work with great actors and to tell great stories.”

Bradley Cooper by numbers Age: 39 Height: 6ft Marriages: 1 Divorces: 1 Children: 0

“I think I’m a decent-looking guy.

Sometimes I can look great and other times I look horrifying” 54

Films: 31 Oscar nominations: 2 BAFTA nominations: 2 Fortune: £18million

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22/08/2014 15:13

I THOUGHT I NEEDED

ANEW KITCHEN UNTIL I DISCOVERED ...

THE WORKTOP THAT FITS ON TOP Over 50 colours to choose from all fully fitted by us!

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0208 ao8 9286 At Granite Transformations we offer a complete package for updating your work surfaces, doors and appliances. Fitting a new worktop is fast and effective with each top custom made to your exact requirements. There is no need to remove old worktops, we simply fit directly over your existing surfaces, guaranteeing complete peace of mind from start to finish. To complete the look, we also supply and install made-to-measure kitchen cabinet doors and drawer fronts, in a wide choice of colours, finishes and styles.

Local Showrooms at: Tun bridge Well$: Unit 5 Tun bridge Wells Tr<tde P<trk, Longfield Rd, Tun bridge Wells, Kent TN2 3QF Sevenoaks: Polhill Garden Centre, London Rd, Badgers Mount, Sevenoaks, Kent TN 14 7AD Sidcup: 5 High Street, Sidcup, Kent DA14 6EN

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kitchen & bathroom makeovers

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LADIES FASHION AW 20 14 ON THE UPPER GR OUND FLOOR

Get ready for the season ahead at Fenwick Tunbridge Wells

Autumn

fashion trend report 2014 As we move into autumn, there is a change in the air with the sun rays turning hazy and nights becoming crisp and chilly. The transition between seasons is the perfect t ime to be thinking about updating your wardrobe.

There is always excitement when the autumn's collections land in store. So how will the fashion pieces seen on the catwalks translate to ready to wear trends this autumn. lt will be a season of contrasts: Colours :The darkest hues of black, inky navy blue and grey, to highlights of vibrant fuchsia, orchid, ochre and teal.

Fabrics : from lace, sheer chiffon and lame to soft woollen yarns, neoprene and leather.

Trends : Ladylike silhouettes, luxe sport and folklore to the tomboy look.

Weekend MaxMara has taken inspiration from the SO's, seen in dresses with a nipped in waist and full skirt, creating an hourglass silhouette. American Vintage, Majestic and Charli sit nicely within the category of luxe sport, using super soft jersey seen in lounge suits. MiH Jeans, Maison Scotch and Bella Jones will showcase folklore using beautiful embroidery, mixed prints, flora l designs, tassels and embellishment creating a truly bohemian style. And for a more edgy or masculine style, look no further than Eileen Fisher, Oska and Farhi, using structured and asymmetric lines in fine luxury fabrics. Plus, soft layering will continue to be key found in both the Masai and Sandwich collections.

I am sure you are aware of the saying "what goes around comes around". That is so true in fashion, but what you will see this season is new takes on old favourites. There are so many possibilities and something to suit every personality.

Fenwick Royal Victoria Place Tunbridge Wells Kent TN12SR Telephone: 01892 516716

Casual, wide, boxy... is the look of the new tops. They go beautifully with the soft, flowing and fitted skirts and trousers. Wool coats replace quilted parkas, whilst the new jackets are inspired by the biker look and blouson style.

Knitwear and knitted fabrics remain the centre of the OSKA collection.

Heja coat ÂŁ299

www.fenwick.co.uk

~ick TUN6RIDGE WELLS

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20/08/2014 09:50

LAD IES FASH ION AW 2014 ON THE UPPER GROUND FLOOR

EILEEN FISHER

Thirty years ago, working out of her New York loft, EILEEN FISHER started designing simple clothes in shapes that worked together effortlessly.

Today EILEEN FISHER is a global company with a big anniversary. To celebrate, the design team created the Icons, a capsule collection drawn from the archives (select pieces are shown here).

Like all of EILEEN FISHER's Fall collection, the Icons are both timeless and fashion forward. They show the company's love of clean lines and beautifu l fabrics as well as its commitment to sustainable practices. Eileen says that her 30-year-plan for the future is to help shift the fashion towards good growth. "I see us as a powerful force for change in the world" she says.

Kimono co at ÂŁ335

~ick TUNBRIOGE; WELLS

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LA D IE S FA SHI ON A W 2014 ON T HE U PPE R GR O UN D FL OO R

Come and discover the beautiful designs of DES PETITS HAUTS : wrap yourself up warm ly in cosy alpaca pullovers, and warm up those cold tones with powder pink colours and shades of tan. With the new season, cutaway dresses and b louses are becoming fuller and worn beneath button less jackets. Tops with a feminine V-shaped neck are being worn underneath soft, large knits and for a novel look, chunky knit pullovers with extra-large volumes are layered over silk dresses.

left Delice oversize knit· available in marine £150

right Tahia stripe top £70

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LAD IES FA SH IO N AW 2014 ON THE UPPER G RO UND FLOOR

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Trinity dress - available in raven ÂŁ105

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LADIES FASHION AW 2014 ON THE UPPER GROUND FLOOR

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Thora coat £179

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THE LOOK

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YOUR GUIDE TO FASHION AND BEAUTY FOR AW14 A new season presents an opportunity to reinvent your look from top to bottom – or simply invest in a few key pieces to take you through the autumn and winter in impeccable style.

Whatever your agenda, in this month’s The Look you’ll find a comprehensive guide to what’s hot in the world of fashion and beauty, and how to keep feeling great about both your body and wardrobe as the weather cools.

The end of the summer doesn’t herald doom and gloom – pastels will still be a huge trend, so you can light up your life with candyfloss pinks and baby blues.

Marks and Spencer embraces the sugarplum vibe with the elegant Autograph coat (£110); wear with a light and feminine dress for the perfect fusion of warmth and style. www.marksandspencer.com

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THE LOOK

Look Great Our Autumn and Winter 2014/2015 Guide The best of the sunny days might be behind us, but there’s no reason to feel blue as summer turns to autumn. Over the next 28 pages, we look at all the ways you can dress well, look good and feel great during the cooler months

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s the days get shorter and the evenings colder, memories of that sun kissed beach holiday might begin to fade as you’re tempted to indulge in creature comforts to get you through the winter. There’s no need, however, as we’ve put together a comprehensive guide that will keep you looking and feeling as fabulous this season as

“Last year a grand total of 50,000 cosmetic surgery procedures were performed in the UK alone” you did on your summer break.

To help you make the most of the coming months’ most glamorous styles and trends, we’ll be exploring some of the best ways to hold onto that getaway glow, from the latest hair and beauty products to the many ways you can maintain that vacation physique.

We’ll also be speaking to some of the leading local experts about the hot topic of cosmetic surgery. If you’re looking to iron out those wrinkles or get rid of some stubborn weight, there’s an abundance of procedures available that will leave you feeling fresher, younger and fully rejuvenated.

Whether for practical or aesthetic purposes, plastic surgery has become an integral part of our culture as many women and men have opted to alter their appearance. While attaining a more desirable look is often viewed as the main drive, there can also be functional benefits as well; breast reduction, for instance, is often undertaken by women who suffer from back or neck pain.

Not to be confused with reconstructive plastic surgery (which is used to repair damaged tissue following injury or illness), cosmetic surgery has been on the rise in

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recent years, as more and more people have embraced a number of treatments to look and feel younger, or improve their quality of life.

Last year a grand total of 50,122 cosmetic surgery procedures were performed in the UK alone. According to an audit by the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (Baaps), this figure is part of a 17% rise on average since 2012, including a 41% rise in liposuction procedures (surgery to remove unwanted body fat).

Moreover, the report stated that not a single individual operation saw a decrease on the year before; a trend reportedly not seen since before the start of the recession in 2008. Of these, the most popular was the breast augmentation (more commonly known as a ‘boob job’), which saw 11,135 carried out last year in an increase of 13% year-on-year.

However, the biggest increase was seen in liposuction. In a time when we as a nation are increasingly concerned about watching our weight, the removal of body fat remains a top priority for many. Some 4,326 liposuction procedures were performed in 2013, giving it a 41% increase on the year and making it the sixth most popular treatment among women and the fourth most popular among men.

Needless to say, cosmetic surgery is big business. Indeed, the value of UK cosmetic procedures was worth £2.3billion in 2010 and is estimated to rise to £3.6billion by 2015, according to the review of the regulation of cosmetic interventions by the Department of Health last year. Furthermore, the report also stated that nonsurgical treatments account for nine out of 10 procedures and 75% of the market value.

The industry continues to flourish, as the Baaps credits the rise in procedures to a public desire for tried and tested methods. Whatever the reason, there can be no denying that a nip and a tuck is still just what the doctor ordered for thousands of people throughout Britain and around the world, and is showing no signs of slowing anytime soon.

Read on to find out how our new look guide can help you achieve and maintain that much loved summer style...

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The Beautiful People We take a look at five famous faces Katie Price, 36 No stranger to cosmetic surgery, Katie ‘Jordan’ Price has had more than her fair share of public attention for her ever-changing looks.

Her heavily publicised breast implants and Botox injections even earned her the label of ‘cosmetic surgery addict’.

Pamela Anderson, 47 Once an international sex symbol for her role in TV’s Baywatch, blonde bombshell Pamela Anderson has always been renowned for dramatically transforming her breast size and quickly became a pinup favourite around the world during her 90s prime.

Simon Cowell, 54 While the X Factor judge is only rumoured to have had a facelift, he’s forthcoming about his Botox treatments. His youthful complexion has certainly kept him looking sprightly for the cameras.

Sharon Osbourne, 61 She’s been open and honest about going under the knife over the years, promoting her enthusiasm for procedures that have set her back hundreds of thousands of pounds, including leg and arm lifts, tummy tucks and breast reductions.

Amanda Holden, 43 Like her Britain’s Got Talent co-star, Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden makes no secret about her frequent use of Botox injections. Now 43, she still looks as fabulous as ever and has become an icon in her own right.

Cosmetic Surgery Glossary Our guide to all the terms you’ll need to know

Surgical procedures Breast augmentation surgery to increase breast size using breast implants Breast reduction (male and female) surgery to reduce the weight and volume of the breasts Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) surgery to remove excess skin from the upper and lower eyelids to get rid of hooded eyelids or eye bags Liposuction surgery to remove unwanted body fat Otoplasty or pinnaplasty (ear reshaping) surgery to treat protruding ears Rhinoplasty surgery performed on the nose Lipostructure a fat grafting technique used to restore the fullness that is lost due to aging

Nonsurgical procedures Botulinum toxin injections to help relax facial muscles and make lines and wrinkles less obvious (e.g. Botox) Dermal fillers injected into wrinkles or creases to fill them out Chemical peels the use of chemicals to remove the outer layer of skin cells Microdermabrasion the use of fine crystals and a vacuum to remove dead skin cells Laser and intense light treatments such as hair removal Chemical peel technique used to

Carol Vorderman, 53

improve and smooth the texture of

After turning 50, the former Countdown star announced she was looking into “a little rejuvenation” to “fix the things that need fixing”. While she didn’t get a full facelift, she claimed to be more than happy to have an eyelift.

the facial skin Non-invasive facial rejuvenation procedure used to increase or restore the appearance of youth to the face

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BE BEAUTIFUL. EYOU.

Spire Tun bridge Wells Hospital Fordcombe Road. Fordcombe. Tunbridge Wells, Kent. TN3 ORD

Our vision is to be a world class healthcare business and we aim to do this by bringing together the best people who are dedicated to developing excellent clinical environments and delivering the highest quality patient care- a vision which will be enhanced further by our recent hospital expansion. including new MRI and CT scanners.

We currently have vacancies for Registered Nurses, Theat re practitioners and Radiographers- For further information on any of these vacancies or to apply please contact Sian Edwards on 01892 741102 or email your CV to sian.edwards@spirehealthcare.com. Further information is also available on our website: www .sp irehealthcare. eo m/tu nb ri dgewe 11 s/jo b-vaca ne ies/

WEDNESDAY 24"' SEPTEMBER 7 30pm

wllh Consultant Ptastoc Surgeon Mr More Pacl fico, Stylist Lynn• M••k and Cosmetic Doctor Sophi• Sho«er

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THE GREAT ROUND TABLE DEBATE...

We continue our theme of looking good and feeling great about yourself with the return of one of our most popular features - where we invite a group of experts to sit down and chat about a hot topic

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PHOTOS BY SEAN AIDAN

his time round we have three leading consultant plastic surgeons plus a much respected cosmetic doctor. Over the following three pages they talk about taking the safe approach to surgical and non-surgical

Anita Hazari is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Spire Hospital in Tunbridge Wells where she performs aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast, body contouring, liposuction and aesthetic abdominal surgery. She has been a Consultant at the Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, East Grinstead since 2006. As the Plastics Breast Lead, Anita has been a key member of the Kent Breast Cancer Network, helping to formulate the breast reconstruction pathway, policy for pre-op screening in breast reduction surgery and the use of fat transfer in breasts. She is a Council member of BAPRAS and a member of BAAPS. www.anitahazari.co.uk

cosmetic procedures, the dangers of the wrong people treating you, the emotions involved and the trend today towards believing that ‘less is more.’ This is a must read for anyone thinking of having work done on their face or body. So....

Nora Nugent is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon based at the Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead, Purity Bridge in Tunbridge Wells and other private hospitals in the Tunbridge Wells and East Grinstead area. She has an interest in all aspects of aesthetic (cosmetic) surgery including facial rejuvenation, breast surgery and body contouring. Nora also runs a reconstructive surgery practice.

She is actively involved in plastic surgery education and training and is the Surgical Tutor at The Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead. She is a member of BAPRAS and a Member of Council for the plastic surgery section of the Royal Society of Medicine. www.noranugent.co.uk

MEET OUR PANEL...

Marc Pacifico is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon based at Purity Bridge in Tunbridge Wells. His aesthetic plastic surgery interests include facial rejuvenation surgery, breast and abdominal contouring surgery, aiming for a natural and fresh post-surgical result. Marc opened the cosmetic clinic, Purity Bridge, in June 2013 which continues to grow and thrive thanks to its reputation for high quality care and excellent treatment results.

Marc is on the Specialist Register for Plastic Surgery with the General Medical Council and is a member of BAPRAS, BAAPS & ISAPS. www.marcpacifico.co.uk www.puritybridge.co.uk

Sophie Shotter runs Illuminate Skin Clinics, offering a comprehensive range of advanced injectable and skincare treatments across Kent. She trained in the NHS as an anaesthetist prior to establishing her cosmetic medicine clinics.

Sophie has been driven by delivering treatments that she feels will offer the most benefit to her patients, from facial rejuvenation to body sculpting.

Sophie believes in creating a natural, radiant look – leaving other people noticing a difference but never quite knowing what it is. Patient safety is at the forefront of Sophie’s practice in an industry which has been unregulated for many years – Sophie uses only top quality products in a safe environment. www.illuminateskinclinic.co.uk

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BRINGING TOGETHER HEALTH PROFESSIONALS TO TALK ABOUT THE PROS AND CONS OF PLASTIC SURGERY AND OTHER UPLIFTING PROCEDURES

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elcome to another in our series of Round Table Debates where moderator Richard Moore is joined by plastic surgeons Anita Hazari, Nora Nugent and Marc Pacifico along with cosmetic doctor Sophie Shotter. Their full biogs are on the previous page...

RICHARD: Tell us first, about your

specialities.

ANITA: I am a consultant plastic surgeon, and I would say about 80% of the work I do is breast and tummies.

MARC: I am also a consultant plastic surgeon, and my areas of interest from a cosmetic or aesthetic side are surgery to the face, breasts and I enjoy body contouring as well.

NORA: I am also a consultant plastic

surgeon and my cosmetic areas of interest are face body and breasts as well, but I also have a strong reconstructive practice.

SOPHIE: I am a cosmetic doctor with a background of training in anaesthetics. I also target facial rejuvenation and body sculpting, but using non-surgical techniques.

RICHARD: What’s the difference between

cosmetic surgery then and plastic surgery?

ANITA: Plastic surgery is a recognised speciality and one has to go through medical school and a plastic surgery training programme, which lasts six to eight years. It’s a very rigorous programme in which you are assessed at every point, similar to what Sophie has undertaken in anaesthetics. It takes 19 years on average to become a consultant

Richard Moore

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“Your local hairdresser can go on a two-day training course and inject dermal fillers” plastic surgeon. So, anyone cannot call themselves a plastic surgeon. There is no speciality as a cosmetic surgeon and any doctor can call themselves a cosmetic doctor or a surgeon. There is no qualification or training programme for cosmetic surgery in this country. It is completely unregulated.

SOPHIE: The mandatory training requirements to call yourself a cosmetic doctor and do some Botox and fillers are virtually none. You can do a one-day course and then go and call yourself whatever you like, charging hundreds of pounds to do it.

ANITA: The same applies to cosmetic surgery. One doesn’t need to have a higher surgical qualification to do an operation. You can have a basic medical degree and still do cosmetic surgery and call yourself a cosmetic surgeon.

RICHARD: How concerned are you about it being totally unregulated ?

NORA: It’s very concerning, because it has left the market as a free for all. It means that people find it very difficult to tell who is properly qualified, who isn’t, who should be doing these procedures, be it surgical or non-surgical, where it should be done, how to tell the difference between a string of initials after a name, and what any of it means. It’s extremely confusing to someone who isn’t in the medical profession.

SOPHIE: We need to encourage patients to ask the right questions. To research

whoever they go to, and to see a few practitioners to find out who they have the best rapport with.

NORA: Another problem is that not all products require you to be in a medical facility or even need a medical practitioner to use them, for example, dermal fillers.

SOPHIE: I took over in a clinic where they didn’t have any idea about the dangers. They had a beautician charging £80 to put permanent silicone fillers into faces. Young girls were having these procedures and could have lifelong complications – it is absolutely horrifying.

ANITA: Your local hairdresser can go on a

two-day training course and inject dermal fillers.

However, the surgical side is different. A good starting point for finding a surgeon who is qualified is to see if a cosmetic surgeon is a consultant plastic surgeon in an NHS facility or has been in the past. Then you are pretty much guaranteed that he/she has been through the training programme and has got the necessary qualifications. Every plastic surgeon has to go through revalidation and appraisal every year to continue to perform as a plastic surgeon.

Plastic surgeons will generally offer the whole range of cosmetic surgery.

RICHARD: What makes people want to become plastic surgeons?

MARC: I always wanted to be a surgeon, and I have always loved art, sculpture, drawing and painting and being creative and making things, so it was a perfect marriage. I really enjoy it because at the end of the day, whether we are performing surgery to rejuvenate someone or reconstruct someone, it is sculpting with skin and

Anita Hazari

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Sophie Shotter

tissues and recreating things. I like the fact that it is visual and the patient is the final arbiter of how good we are and we can have such an impact on their lives. When it comes to internal surgery, no one is going to say ‘oh that gallbladder was stitched very well’!

RICHARD: Why do people come to you?

NORA: Some people come because they

have one particular feature that has always troubled them, something about themselves that they don’t like, and it can affect a lot of aspects of their lives. For example, if someone dislikes their nose, it is very visual, it’s in the middle of their face, or patients may dislike having very small or very large breasts. These things can affect their self-confidence and how they project themselves and how they socially interact. A cosmetic procedure to change this feature can make a huge difference to their quality of life. Other people come to us for different reasons; they may want an improvement in their skin quality or to reduce or counteract the effects of ageing or pregnancy on their bodies. We see a huge variety of reasons for people coming to us.

RICHARD: What about the people who say it’s pure vanity?

MARC: The one thing you learn is that you cannot be judgmental. There is a wide

Nora Nugent

“Whether we like it or not we live in a society where image matters, and we are judged on the way we look” range of emotional psychology involved. For example, almost every ‘nose job’ patient I see will never talk to anyone unless they are sitting directly facing them. One patient told me that every time she pulled up at traffic lights and there was a car alongside her, she’d shield her nose with her hand. So there are everyday impacts that people have with certain areas of concern. The other common thing is people will one day look in the mirror and say ‘who is this old person looking back at me? That’s not me.

I feel a completely different person.’ People might also be telling them they look tired, which gets them down, and now they have an opportunity to do something about it.

SOPHIE: It’s all about confidence rather than vanity. Every single person has something about themselves that they don’t like, and it affects some people to a more extreme degree than others. Whether we like it or not we live in a society where image matters, and we are judged on the way we look – that can have a really big impact on some people. It’s about bringing people self-confidence when they look in the mirror, and that carries forward to other aspects of their lives.

ANITA: I agree with all of that, but at the Marc Pacifico

Nora Nugent

same time I think as clinicians who are ethical, we do need to be careful about patients who come asking to be changed to something else.

When it’s affecting their self-confidence or they want to improve a feature, that’s fair enough, but only if that particular issue is actually a physical problem.

RICHARD: Have you ever told people you won’t do something?

ANITA: For about 20% of the people I see, I tell them they are being a little bit unrealistic, that something is not achievable with surgery.

A perceived problem by a patient can, in fact, be a psychological issue rather than actually a physical problem. This is where psychological counselling is very important, because you may do an operation for a specific body part, but no amount of surgery is ever going to make that person happy because the problem is more to do with perceived body image. There are a few times in one’s life when undergoing plastic surgery should be avoided: Soon after bereavement, going through divorce or moving house. Then, I will say ‘put it on the back burner and if you still feel the same way come back in six months or a year’.

I recently did a breast reduction for a young woman. She had very large breasts but she also had a lot of psychological and emotional baggage associated with it, so I suggested that she see a psychologist. She had a few sessions, which helped her to sort out her emotions about herself and her perception of her own body image. It was still very much the case that she needed the operation, but her other issues were sorted out first and she was in a better place to undergo the operation and be realistic about the results.

NORA: You have to be very honest with whoever has come to you about what the procedure can and cannot achieve and if they need to go away and think about things, that’s better still. They should have at least two consultations before embarking on any cosmetic procedure.

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Left to right: Marc Pacifico, Anita Hazari, Richard Moore, Sophie Shotter and Nora Nugent

SOPHIE: There are limits to what non-surgical treatments can achieve and I think it is important to be honest with my patients about it. I have referred several people to Marc when I think something he can offer a patient is more suited to them. A good cosmetic doctor will always have a referral relationship with a plastic surgeon.

MARC: Yes I think there are limits. We are all saying that you must be honest and not oversell any treatment, either surgical or medical, because the patient is going to be the one who loses out and runs into problems emotionally and physically as well.

RICHARD: What trends are you seeing?

NORA: I would say the non-surgical side of aesthetics has grown enormously and that more people are looking for smaller surgical procedures such as a one-stitch facelift instead of a full facelift.

SOPHIE: Also there are non-surgical procedures that have come in over the last few years that can achieve similar effects to liposuction. Yes the results won’t be as dramatic but they don’t have to go through a general anaesthetic, they don’t have to take time off work, and the procedures are virtually pain-free.

These types of procedures have grown hugely.

ANITA: At the moment non-surgical procedures account for nine out of ten cosmetic interventions, and that is 75% of the cosmetic market. Non-surgical is where a patient does not have an operation, things like Botox, fillers, peels, micro-needling (dermaroller) and laser.

MARC: People are looking for procedures

that will achieve noticeable effects with less downtime, maybe less expense, and people are more prepared to have repeat procedures.

ANITA: Another reason why women and

men want to go for non-surgical is because it

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“There is a big difference between looking good when you look in the mirror, and having the trout pout and looking completely filled” goes hand in hand with economy. Surgical procedures cost money, they are what I would call a premium market. When there is not that much in one’s pocket, having a little bit of Botox, filler or micro-needling gives an instant uplift. It’s the feel-good factor and it doesn’t break the bank.

RICHARD: Do patients always want others to know what they’ve had done?

SOPHIE: There are some people, and I think this is true of the Tunbridge Wells population, that don’t want others to look at them and know what they have had done. It’s about achieving subtle improvements and not sudden drastic transformations. Some people do want a more ‘obvious’ look – huge lips, pillow cheeks and frozen foreheads – but that isn’t the look I enjoy working towards.

ANITA: There is a big difference between looking good when you look in the mirror, and having the trout pout and looking completely filled. I think it can work in a reverse fashion.

If women start too young, I personally feel it ages them.

SOPHIE: There are several high profile celebrities who admit to starting Botox and fillers in their early 20s and now many of them look ten years older than they actually are.

They lose that natural youthful look.

MARC: Keeping on the theme of the looks people are aiming for, I often hear, when out socially, people making comments like ‘oh I would never have a facelift, they look terrible’.

And my comment is ‘well you have only noticed the terrible ones, the really bad outcomes’.

Because a good facelift you wouldn’t notice; people look refreshed; rejuvenated and bright.

They don’t look different.

But when someone is overfilled, with big artificial looking lips – if I have anyone like that in my waiting room who is coming to see me about something else I get worried! I don’t want anyone to think I, or anyone else at Purity Bridge, has done that. And I have had that happen, that sort of patient coming to see me about another part of their body, and it’s worried me that people might think it was my work!

SOPHIE: Every patient we treat is an advert for us, and if they walk around with something that looks a bit strange it isn’t a good advert. If someone says to them [fibbing] ‘you look brilliant, where did you get that done?’ and they say ‘oh it was Dr Sophie’, they will think in their head ‘I’m never going to her’.

ANITA: Today, less is more and it is not just non-surgical treatments, it is true for surgical treatments, too. With a facelift, you don’t want the wind tunnel effect; you want to look fresher.

Maybe the facelift won’t take 20 years off, but it will take five to ten years off and make one look fresher and younger. It’s the same thing with every body part. I do a lot of breasts and tummies – for breasts I think the days of the Baywatch round look belong to the past. Pretty much all women who come to me want to look natural. Once they have had a couple of children they want volume restoration, something in keeping with the rest of the body shape. A lot of them say ‘when I am wearing a bikini and I am on the beach I don’t want anyone to know I have breast implants’. That is achievable if the correct size implants are chosen.

RICHARD: How much damage do you think that whole breast implant scandal had?

ANITA: It has caused a tremendous amount of damage but there is a silver lining with the PIP scandal. It has brought the whole problem of regulation right to the forefront.

NORA: It’s made people ask the right questions. What are you putting into me? How many of these have you done? How did you

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train? It’s made people ask the right questions before they have something done. Obviously it was disastrous for the people who had those implants put in but it’s made the next group of people looking for implants much more cautious and much more aware of the right questions to ask and the right information they should get.

SOPHIE: But I think, unfortunately, the vast majority of regulations that were suggested won’t happen. Dermal fillers are classed as a medical device, they are not a prescription-only product. Botox is a prescription only medication, yet compared to dermal fillers Botox carries far fewer risks. Anita, Marc and Nora must have seen several complications from fillers.

MARC: Oh yes.

SOPHIE: In the wrong hands and with the

wrong product they are terrifying. Blindness, skin ulceration, infections – they can even happen in safe hands, but a good practitioner will know how to spot complications and have systems in place to deal with them. At the moment they are just not being treated with enough respect.

ANITA: There is a drive now, though, to try

and make fillers a prescription only product.

RICHARD: Where’s it all heading?

MARC: Maybe not in our lifetime, but the progress being made in respect to what can be harnessed from stem cells in the future is incredibly exciting. Whether it’s for rejuvenation or restoration, the sky is the limit. We will see what happens because science and research is a slow process, but it’s a bright future from that point of view.

RICHARD: What reaction do you get at social gatherings when people find out what you do for a living?

NORA: They want to show some area they are not happy with and ask what cosmetic surgery could be done.

ANITA: When that happens, I am usually asked ‘by the way can you have a look at this in the loo?’!

Anita Hazari

“The progress being made in respect to what can be harnessed from stem cells in the future is incredibly exciting” SOPHIE: Yes, I get a lot of that. I try to switch off my professional eye in social situations – I don’t look at people like that unless they ask me to. It is tricky as a lot of people do feel quite selfconscious about it.

RICHARD: Tell us about the plastic surgery procedure that you feel you might benefit from most.

ANITA: I can give you two. For a non-surgical treatment, I would say micro-needling is something I may have. A dermaroller looks like a little roller with lots of needles and causes superficial trauma to the treated skin, usually the face and neck.

RICHARD: What does it do for you?

ANITA: The body generates collagen as a reaction to the micro-needling and the skin looks plumper and fresher. It is quite subtle.

RICHARD: And the second one?

ANITA: My mother is in her 70s now and her eyelids are really heavy, making her look tired. If I am going to have something when I am older, it would be under local anaesthetic with least downtime, so it would have to be my upper eyelids so I wouldn’t look tired all the time.

RICHARD: What would you have

SOPHIE: I get a lot of ‘please don’t look at

done Marc?

RICHARD: Really?

– he’s slim)

my wrinkles’!

MARC: A bit of lipo! (much laughter

RICHARD: Very much?

MARC: No, just a touch-up, sculpting.

NORA: I would agree with Anita, I think probably the first surgical procedure would be upper eyelids and non-surgical it would probably be Botox.

SOPHIE: I would love to have PlateletRich Plasma – the Vampire facial, combined with micro-needling at the same time. It makes your skin look healthier, volumised and glowing, and would refine a few pores I have around my nose. I need to train a friend!

RICHARD: Ok, I’m afraid we have run out of time – thank you all for such a fascinating Round Table.

UPDATE ON MEASURES TO IMPROVE REGULATION IN COSMETIC SURGERY Breast Implant registry: The Dept of Health has completed a pilot and is in the process of setting up a nationwide Breast implant registry.

Cosmetic Surgery InterSpeciality Committee (CSIC): The Royal College of Surgeons of England is in the process of: Setting up a clinical database of cosmetic operations Setting standards for training and certification in cosmetic surgery Dissemination of information on osmetic surgery to patients Non-Surgical: A review of qualifications and accreditation that will be required by all practitioners administering non-surgical cosmetic treatments

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THE LOOK

YOUR FASHION FIX FOR THE NEw seasoN From sharp masculine tailoring to oversized slouchy jumpers, pretty pink pastels, furry textures and prints, Catherine de Crèvecoeur gives you the lowdown on which autumn/winter 2014 trends to look out for and how to work them into your wardrobe.

With the summer season well and truly behind us, it’s time to rethink your autumn/winter wardrobe, be inspired by this season’s trends, figure out which ones work for you and how you can incorporate them into your own personal style.

Black & White For those monochromatic fans out there, you’ll be delighted that black and white remains a strong trend with black taking centre stage. It’s about investing in the best quality classic items you can find and that will see you through many more seasons to come. Don’t hold back on adding embellishments, mixing and layering different textures and cuts to your mono outfit.

Jump to it The oversized jumper is also a trend to watch out for this winter and even though it is definitely a cosy item, it can give an impactful look. It is sporty and wearable but if you invest in the right fabric and choose a cut that suits your body shape, it can give a more sophisticated look as shown on the J. JS Lee catwalk.

Get your coat A major trend this season and an important wardrobe item for us living in Britain, is the statement coat. It was presented in a variety of different styles, from ankle skimming to thigh-grazing and various shapes, from masculine to ultra-feminine.

Ultimately, you will find a coat that will suit your body shape and style. For a bold statement, go for an over-sized, masculine cut coat, like this one by Mark Fast.

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Furry friends The winter is guaranteed to be a warm, cosy one, with fake fur collars, coats and large chunky scarves. The rule here is the bigger and furrier, the better. As demonstrated on the Daks runway, you can still go for this bold texture and pull off a sophisticated look.

Embellishing the facts Look out for garments with rich embellishment detailing; if you don’t want to go too far with this trend, simply add a beautiful corsage to your outfit with a bold brooch.

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In the pink If you already invested in a pink coat last winter, hold onto it as pink remains a strong colour for the season. With many designers offering a light, pastel pink hue throughout their collections, this is a perfect way to add a soft, feminine touch to your look.

Life as art We saw art’s influence on fashion already in spring/ summer 2014 but for this winter, many collections have a more romantic take on the trend. From muted watercolour palettes at Burberry to baroque paintings at JP Braganza, it’s a flashback in time, almost fairytale like in style.

Time to man up Masculine tailoring was everywhere on the womenswear catwalks this season, moving away from the androgynous interpretations of past seasons to a fresher and more feminine aesthetic. Mannish flats were worn with fitted suits that gave strong, hourglass figures, while rich colour and print splashed across silky fabrics made even loose and boxy tailoring undoubtedly feminine.

Swinging 60’s Every season sees a return to a decade and this time it’s the 60s that are back in full swing, with high hemlines, sharp silhouettes, funky prints and structured A-line dresses.

Designers such as Louis Vuitton, House of Holland and Orla Kiely gave a more glamorous take on the trend by introducing easy to wear, office to evening garments. Also expect to see 60s flats and mini boxy handbags out in the shops. It’s all about having fun with this trend.

Remember, unfortunately not every trend is your friend, which is why it’s important to avoid feeling under pressure to adopt each fashion trend to perfection. Instead, observe, pick and mix by making the most of what the designers and high street have to offer to create the perfect look for you.

Even just investing in an accessory, whether it’s a belt, piece of jewellery or handbag, is an excellent way to update your wardrobe by giving a nod to this season’s trends. www.stylepourmoi.com

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The Wells Suite at the Tunbridge Wells Hospital is able to offer outstanding care for people with joint related problems.

We provide rapid access to consultations and treatment for all joint conditions, including hip, knee, foot and ankle, shoulder, hand and upper limb conditions.

Hip or knee replacement surgery is priced very competitively for self-pay patients at ÂŁ7,995.

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Jean genie

A great pair of jeans is a staple part of any wardrobe, but finding the perfect pair to flatter your figure can be a challenge. This autumn, John Lewis and House of Fraser at Bluewater could solve your denim dilemmas, as they stock lots of top brands including Mint Velvet, Levi’s and Diesel. You can also save time on your shopping trip by using the ‘click and collect’ option online at www.bluewater.co.uk

7 For All Mankind

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Mid-rise bootcut jeans in New York Dark £180 John Lewis

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Buster 831D slip taper jeans in Mid Rinse £120 House of Fraser

Not Your Daughter’s Jeans Skinny jeans in Indigo £139.95 John Lewis

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New Radar low loose fit Hydrite Dark Aged jeans £90 House of Fraser

Mint Velvet

Boyfriend jeans in Indigo £59 John Lewis

Salsa

Carrie skinny jeans £69 House of Fraser

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Hair we go

Wave goodbye to your mermaid waves and banish those bobs – it’s time to start plaiting, sweeping and slicking if you want to be on trend with your tresses this season

Bun fight Buns are back, but avoid severe scraped back do’s – dubbed the ‘off-duty ballerina look’, catwalks have been boasting soft styles with a look of effortless elegance.

Make sure your makeup is super fresh and a gentle, understated bun like Natalie Portman’s will look just as good in either a casual or glamorous setting. For a bit more interest around the face, bring your fringe into the equation with a careless sweep.

Oribe’s Superfine Hairspray (£28.50 at www.uk.spacenk.com) is great for keeping your style in check without weighing hair down, so you can perfect your bun without ending up with a bad case of ‘helmet head’.

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THE LOOK

Bringing in the corn

Wet wet wet

Cornrows and plaits have been a celebrity favourite for a while, often sported by the likes of model Cara Delavigne and this summery style looks just as good in winter. What’s great about this trend is that you can wear it in so many different ways, with a technique to suit just about every hair type and personality. If you have the courage (and the time) you could go all out for cornrows, which will certainly keep your hair out of your eyes. If you favour a less severe look, cornrow just one side of your head or add in little plaits at intervals.

A pretty crown braid will give you the air of a Grecian goddess and can be reminiscent of 1930s glamour, particularly when teamed with delicate sparkly embellishments.

Those blessed with thick hair can create fat, loose plaits that look great either worn casually or on a night out, while fine hair looks good in plaited pigtails.

Wispy is one thing, but frizzy is another – keep those braids looking beautiful with a good smoothing product, such as Alterna Bamboo Frizz-Correcting Styling Lotion (£18 at www.lookfantastic.com).

Don’t bin the wet look gel just yet, as it appears that slick chic is going nowhere. The ‘sports luxe’ craze – for the uninitiated, that’s looking as if you’ve just stepped out of the gym changing room – is still going strong and will provide a quick fix on those dark winter mornings when you’ve overslept and have no time for fussy styles. No need to catch a cold by heading out with wet hair though, just blowdry as usual but without too much emphasis on volume, then run some wet look product through from the crown.

Try Redken Water Wax 03Shine Defining Pomade (£8.80 at www.feelunique.com) in towel dried hair for an all-day damp look.

A clean sweep If the heat of summer had you sweeping your fringe back, you’ll be sweeping it forward again to keep up with the autumn/winter trends.

At the fashion weeks earlier this year, Giles, Alexander Wang and Marni all favoured flattened side partings with slick fringes swept low across the brow and this is a chic way to bring your bangs back into play as the weather cools down. Wear it smooth and straight or allow a little wispiness for that ethereal waif vibe.

A little added shine looks great on heavy, brunette fringes, so finish by drifting a shine spray such as Tigi’s Headrush (£7.35 at www.amazon.co.uk) over your hair.

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Looking cool this season Beat the post-summer blues by embracing the hot new beauty trends that will take you through the cooler months with effortless style

The eyes have it

Precious metals

In the beauty world, the eyes are massive this autumn – when the days grow shorter, our lashes will grow longer as we team prominent peepers with ‘barely there’ foundation, for a feminine yet stripped back look.

So, if you make just one change to your beauty regime this season, invest in your lashes. Whether you layer on the mascara in heavy-handed punk style, or follow the Italian fashion houses’ example and go for delicate, doll-like lash extensions, it’s time to open up the windows of your soul.

Regardless of what you might think of TOWIE, the reality show’s star Lauren Goodger knows how to do false eyelashes well – you can get your hands on her entire range of four day and evening styles for £20 at www.laurensway.com

Those who do stray away from the pale and interesting look should be investing in shimmer. Metallics were huge both on the catwalk and in the beauty aisles for summer and the gold rush continues into the autumn.

Lips are slightly sidelined this season, but lipstick addicts can still indulge in trendy shades of bronze and copper; try gold eyeliner for a subtle yet glamorous nod to the trend. Mac Gorgeous Gold (£13 at www.maccosmetics.co.uk) will add the required dash of glitz to eyelids, while Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Golden Lustre lipstick (£25 at www.boots.com) comes in a range of hues with luminous metallic finishes.

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Smooth operator The emphasis is on ‘effortlessness’ to some degree – the summer’s trend for natural-looking complexions continues into the new season, but many of the models at the autumn/winter fashion weeks went a step further and were sporting a mannequin-like perfection. For example, Marc Jacobs and Givenchy opted for a flawless sculpted look created with shades of taupe and nude. Aim for ethereal smoothness and you’ll be on the right track, although you should be wary of looking like a waxwork – a light dash of blusher will give your complexion a touch of warmth and keep the android look at bay. A popular choice for complete yet sheer-looking coverage is Chanel’s Perfection Lumière (£36 at www.debenhams.com) – it comes in 23 shades, so you’re unlikely to have to settle for a hue that doesn’t quite match your skin tone.

Pick the highlights Along with nude foundation, you’ll be reaching for highlighters in all forms this season. Sculpt those cheekbones with a lightly shimmering product such as Clinique’s Up-Lighting Liquid Illuminator (£22 at www.clinique.co.uk) which comes in three shades – on-trend Natural, a useful Blush to do two jobs in one and Bronze, if you can’t let go of that sunkissed look just yet.

You can work the magic with makeup too – adding the gentlest of taupe, vanilla and even orange shades to eyes and cheeks will give your flawlessness a lift and a touch of brilliance.

A favourite look of Valentino, consider adding white eyeshadow behind those luscious lashes for an ‘other worldly’ feel.

Got the blues Blue eyeshadow was an essential trend of the summer but as seaside dreams fade away, the fashion is still going strong. Go bold with azure, cobalt and cerulean; spark up the look with a glitter finish – a smattering of gold looks particularly glam against a rich blue. Younger eyes can pull off an all-over shimmery look, while more mature ladies should use a matt shade from the crease up to the brow.

If a lid load of shadow is too much for the more timid among you, start with a slender slick of liner, giving it a little flick at the corners.

You can take that summer beach feeling into the autumn with Chantecaille’s handy Save the Sharks Eye and Cheek Palette (£75 at www.net-a-porter.com).

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Our Travel Vaccination Clinic offers you an Individually tailored course of travel vaccinations, anti-malarial medication and travel advice appropriate to your destination(s). length of stay and personal medical circumstances r=rom backpackers to families. corporate travellers to individuals. our nurse will advise you on the day of your consultation as to the vaccinations and medications needed

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expert OPINION FACE VALUE

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Nose jobsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; are among the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures in the UK, but what does Rhinoplasty surgery actually involve? Darryl Coombes, a Consultant Maxillofacial Surgeon (Facial Plastic Surgeon) at Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Hospital, sheds light on the procedure NOSE RESHAPING (RHINOPLASTY) SURGERY The nose is one of the most defining features of the face. Sometimes the size or shape of the nose can be a cause of unhappiness or low self esteem. In some cases the nose may have been distorted by injury; this may result in problems with nasal function, as well as the appearance of the nose.

What is involved in Rhinoplasty surgery?

Rhinoplasty is highly skilled and complex surgery. There is no standard operation because every nose is unique in terms of shape and anatomy. Surgery to reshape the nose can either increase or decrease the size of nose.

The shape of the tip, the bridge and also the nostrils can be changed, as can the angle between the nose and the upper lip. In some cases it may be necessary to take cartilage

BEFORE

grafts from the nose or ears to sculpt the shape of the nose. Sometimes breathing difficulties can be corrected at the same time.

The surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic (the patient is asleep). An overnight stay in hospital is required following Rhinoplasty surgery.

the surgery. The nasal splint is left in place for five to seven days, then the surgeon will remove it. The majority of the swelling is resolved by three weeks following the surgery, but in cases of nasal tip refinement the final result may not be seen until up to a year following surgery.

What to expect after Rhinoplasty surgery The operation is remarkably painless and it is unlikely that you will need anything other than mild painkillers afterwards. It is, however, uncomfortable because you will also have a firm splint over your nose to hold the bones in their correct position. In some cases nasal packs may be in place for the first few hours following the surgery. Most patients expect to have some minor bleeding from the nose for the first day or two after the operation. Most patients need seven days off work following

Mr Coombes has his NHS practice at the world famous Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead and is renowned for reconstructive nasal surgery. Mr Coombes is an expert in Rhinoplasty surgery and believes the consultation is the most important aspect for anyone considering nose reshaping.

To arrange a complimentary consultation with Mr Coombes call 01892 552932 or email tun. enq@nuffieldhealth.com

AFTER

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Fit for the new season

Stocking up on a fantastic autumn/winter wardrobe can feel less satisfying if you’re not happy with the body inside your new clothes. If you’re looking to lose weight, get fitter or simply improve your shape, there are many different ways to achieve your goal in a way that suits you Your bikini may have been banished for another year, but that’s no reason to let your fitness goals slip. Not only does exercise produce endorphins that make you feel happier instantly, improved fitness will give you more energy in the long run and increase your body confidence – all of which will help you approach the onset of winter with a positive outlook.

Dark mornings and cold evenings are not always conducive to exercise, but if you want to tone up, there are plenty of options available other than just pounding the pavements.

Be sociable Joining a group activity is one of the most fun ways to get fit and great for making new friends.

Those who want to concentrate on defined goals should consider joining a running club or athletics society, or taking part in a bootcamp programme. Dance-focused systems such as Zumba will take your mind off the exercise, while yoga and Pilates classes are more sedate but just as effective methods of shaping up in good company.

Getting personal

Slim gym For many people, joining a gym for the first time can seem like an impossibly daunting prospect, but a visit to any reputable gym will put you at your ease. A good establishment will put new members through a thorough induction session, during which you’ll be shown how to use the machines, asked about your goals and desires, and given a personalised exercise plan so that you can work out whenever you like, with the benefit of expert guidance without having to employ a personal trainer.

People who would like help with their exercise plan but lack the time or the confidence to join a class should consider hiring a personal trainer. You can arrange sessions to fit around your commitments, which is ideal for parents, shift workers and others who find it hard to stick to a set workout time each week. With a trainer, you’ll benefit from their undivided attention and follow a bespoke regime that is tailor-made for your body.

Make a splash While you shouldn’t be fooled into thinking that swimming is a soft option, it can offer a low impact start on the road to greater fitness.

Aqua-aerobics classes are a great way to socialise and step up the calorie burn without putting too much stress on joints – alternatively, you could set yourself distance or time-related goals to work on over time.

Budget beauty

Walk this way Don’t forget that walking is not just a way to get from A to B. Long country treks across a variety of terrains can lead to significant benefits for your heart, lungs and muscle tone if you make it a regular habit. You could join a ramblers’ club for inspiration and company, or buy one of the many books detailing Kent and East Sussex walks of various durations. Your dog will love it...

If a lack of cash is thwarting your fitness ambitions, remember that activities such as running and bodyweight training can be done at any time for free. There are many free fitness apps available to help you work out alone, while investing in a bicycle will provide you with endless free sessions after a one-off outlay.

Sporting life From signing up with your local hockey, football or rugby team, to joining a squash or tennis club, sport provides a new interest and is a good way to make friends – many clubs have an active social calendar outside their fixtures.

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ADVERTORIAL

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

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{ LIFE&STYLE }

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

KNIGHTS WOOD Set against a picturesque backdrop of ancient, mature and protected woodland and with glorious views across Tunbridge Wells, Knights Wood is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after destinations in the town. Providing a contemporary take on traditional Kentish and Wealden architecture, all of the 550 homes at Knights Wood have been carefully designed for stress-free living.

The initial phase launched recently and over 90% of the first three-bedroom homes are now reserved. In fact, demand has been so strong that a further 24 homes have been released for sale ahead of schedule. A £6.3million road improvement scheme to reduce congestion

in the area is already underway and the Skinners’ Kent Primary School is set to open at Knights Wood in September 2015.

The stunning new Marketing Suite at Knights Wood is open seven days a week and perfectly encapsulates the style, attention to detail and build quality of the family homes at this exciting new development. Prices from £365,000.

Knights Wood, Knights Way, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3UW 01892 800 580 www.knightswood.co.uk

BABYBALLET The babyballet Song and Dance Academy was started to encourage babies and young children to enjoy the benefits and joys of song and dance. Since then the Academy has won numerous awards and appeared on national television (CBeebies, Nickelodeon). The classes aim to help children to learn balance and poise, to appreciate and become inspired to move and dance in harmony with music, and to build self esteem, confidence and a sense of achievement. Unlike many other dance classes, the root of everything we do is in pure ballet. Miss Stephanie joined the babyballet team in 2011, with a background as a professional stage actor and dancer in the USA. Combined with her experience working professionally with daycare centres in the USA and children’s charities in London, this makes her an ideal teacher to inspire your child. We would like to see you at a class soon.

07809 148 348 twellsandsevenoaks@babyballet.co.uk www.babyballet.co.uk

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BURNHILL KITCHENS Family-owned Burnhill Kitchens thrives in today’s competitive marketplace, offering unequalled levels of service, innovative design and outstanding value for money.

“We really do have something for everyone,” says Sam D’Arcy, Burnhill’s Sales Director. “From tiny town house to rambling country cottage, there is a kitchen style to suit all.”

Burnhill Kitchens boasts a breathtaking range of bespoke kitchens in oak or walnut and other beautiful timbers. Fabulous paint finishes enhance the classic style whilst high gloss or matt lacquers and German engineering flair create the popular contemporary look. Burnhill Kitchens will provide all the preparation elements a client may need and creative design is completely free.

Woodgate Business Park, 12 Vale Rise, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1TB 01732 373 515 www.burnhillkitchens.co.uk

HOLME Holme, a sophisticated new shop in Tunbridge Wells, embodies the quintessential ‘classic modernism’ of interiors. Holme caters for novice buyers looking to kit out their pad, right through to connoisseurs of home décor and classic mid-century design.

The other specialist field Holme has is their selection of tailor-made wooden flooring. Truly unique with outstanding craftsmanship, the selection of flooring holds the potential to make your home as individual as you are.

Each floor is created with passion, experience and nature. From the subtle bleach of ‘Cabana’ to the intricate texture of ‘Fired Country’ and earthy warmth of ‘Bastille Coniac’, Holmes’ offerings create an ambiance and atmosphere for any room in your home.

7 Chapel Place, High Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1YQ 01892 527 926 Hello@holme-uk.com www.holme-uk.com

THE POT COMPANY The Corten Steel Fire Bowl is great for warming log fires, to keep the chill off on a cool evening or for burning dry garden waste that cannot be composted or recycled.

Its rustic effect gives it a practical appeal and understated elegance.

The bowl itself includes drilled holes for air circulation as well as water drainage. This fire bowl is made with hand-worked 3mm corten steel and develops a protective warm rust patina when weathered.

01892 890 353 www.thepotco.com

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EVENTS

PHOTO SHOOT

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

SARAH BOND

Jazz on the Pantiles 24 July and bride Katy Taylor

TAYLOR MADE JAZZ The summer swelter saw the open air jazz nights hotting up on The Pantiles as everyone came out to play – including a real Pantiles bride! Katy Taylor (who avoided the nuisance of changing her name by marrying a Mr Taylor) had an even bigger day than expected when her wedding party at Woods Restaurant coincided with one of the busiest nights of the year. The Upper Walk filled with diners and dancers as award-winning Liane Carroll hit the ivories as well as the songs.

Bodiam had a taste of magic when children and adults turned into fairies, princesses and knights for Fairytale Day adventures in the gardens of Mad Hatters Fancy Dress. The fantasy fun included a taste of Bodiam Castle’s dragon slaying and lemon jousting, as well as storytelling, circus skills, legend quests, crafts, stalls and even a hog roast.

Just in case you don’t believe in fairies, you can see them yourself in the video… www.vimeo.com/101211910

LEGEND PHOTOGRAPHY

MAGIC IN THE AIR

Presenter Pa ul

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Martin

The treasure hunting was in full flow when BBC1’s Flog It! returned to Chiddingstone Castle. The BBC’s Alex Habgood said: “The valuation day was a great success, with more than 600 people attending. Thank you to everyone who came. We really enjoyed filming at Chiddingstone, and the castle was the perfect backdrop. Items ranged from diamond rings to toy trains, and we are hoping for impressive results at auction. The show will be aired in the next 18 months.” www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk

LISA LINDFIELD

HIDDEN TREASURES

RUSTHALL HAS A BALL Rusthall Fete was honoured with special guests including Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark and the Rev Ronnie Williams, vicar of the local St Paul’s Church. The pair are pictured chatting at the event. The Pentacle Drummers started the day to the thump of a tribal beat and visitors were also treated to line dancing, a dog show, a tug of war, Punch & Judy, a coconut shy and local band Stone Cold Sober, as well as a display about Rusthall during WW1. It all ended in a lather – with a foam party. www.rusthallvillage.org

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Marcus Gray of the Urban Soup gallery

TINA CHATFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY

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SARAH BOND

EVENTS

DECKING THE HALL

SARAH BOND

Culturally diverse acts from around Kent brought an international flavour to Tunbridge Wells’ annual Mela Festival in Calverley Grounds, which entertained hundreds of people in its ninth year. Local Samba group Bloco Fogo opened the event, followed by sounds of the Caribbean from the Phase 5 Steel Band, the Cullen Academy of Irish Dance, local resident Jack Curtis, an Afro-Bhangra Fusion performance and young singers Gemma Moore and Ryan Bennett, whose band had everyone up on their feet. www.kentecc.org.uk

SARAH BOND

DANCING IN THE PARK

Marcus Gray, who has jazzed up The Pantiles with pop and street art at the Urban Soup gallery, was one of the exhibitors making a stand for creativity at the first South East Art Fair. The four-day event filled Tunbridge Wells’ Assembly Hall with artworks, with the stalls seats removed to make way for the displays – which even spread up on to the stage. Some 3,500 people went to along to the fair which will return next June. www.seeartfair.co.uk www.urbansoup.co.uk

FIESTA FEVER HOWZAT, GIRLS! Kent county cricket schoolgirl players India Sax and Laura Williamson had plenty to look up to when they met the captain of the England women’s cricket team, Charlotte Edwards. Head of Girls Games Amanda Wren was also delighted when Charlotte visited Rose Hill School, Tunbridge Wells. In an inspirational Speech Day talk, the cricket star told pupils how she rose to the top, and won the Ashes, after she had to start playing in a boys’ team at the age of 11. www.rosehillschool.co.uk Charlotte Edwards (centre) with Amanda Wren, Head of Girls Games (far left), and Year 6 Kent cricket schoolgirls India Sax (left) and Laura Williamson

Rotherfield village mounted its most ambitious event to date when The King’s Arms, St Denys’ Church, Rotherfield School and the Rotherfield St Martin charity for the elderly came together to create a three-day fiesta spread between the Millennium Field and the village hall. More than 1,000 people came to party. Country singer Kathryn Anderson, from Heathfield, was among the performers and schoolchildren designed a new flag for the village. Sascha Evans and Jess Hardy (right), who were among the organisers, were “very happy indeed”. www.rotherfieldfiesta.org.uk

The Fiesta Stage and Organisers Sascha Evans (left) and Jess Hardy

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Linden Cakes of Mayfield Bespoke couture cakes designed especially for you

• Celebration Cakes • Tiered Wedding Cakes • Cup Cakes

For a cake consultation please contact Zoe Linden on

077 7 523 969 www.lindencakesofmayfield.com

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Throughout August Hundreds of lilies, some highly perfumed, growing in the gardens and woodland areas Kitchen garden bountiful with produce and herbaceous borders starting to look their best at this time of year SUSSEX GUILD CRAFT SHOW Sat 23 - Bank Hol M011 25 August Open Tuesday-Saturday and Special Event Days Ticehurst, East Sussex, TNS 7HE 01580 200888 www.pashleymanorgardens.com

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ADVERTORIAL

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

Dear Debbie,

My family like many others are spread around the world on four continents. We have worked out a means of keeping in touch with my children using Skype which is working really well. This technology seems to be too much of a challenge for my parents though. Is it too much to expect a home care agency to help with putting something into place?

Best Regards Tricia W

Dear Tricia,

Technology can be a challenge for older people and in this context “older” starts at a far younger age than for most other uses of the word!

The answer to your question is definitely “yes” but you may have to look a little harder to find the right agency. This would be not be within the normal definition of “Care”.

Good care agencies will do everything they can to help a customer remain in touch and integrate with the modern world and using technology. Having Skype conversations with children in Australia, Talking Books using an iPod or just getting to grips with the current brands of interactive TV’s are all part of what a good care agency can offer.

My team have helped several customers set up technical processes that have improved their quality of life and kept them in touch with family members that would otherwise be beyond reach. If the first grandchild is born in Sydney, then that’s where Grandma would like to be! But if it’s not possible, then a Skype connection makes a fantastic second best alternative!

Best wishes Debbie Moulton Care Manager, Bluebird Care

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

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• BRIDAL BOUTIQUE

www.froufroubride .co.uk TUNBRIDGEWELLS KENTTNI 2LU

0 1892 541 381 Cl MatlldaRosePhoto&raphy 201 4

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WEDDING SECTION

FASHION TIPS FOR FESTIVALS

YOUR ‘I DO’ LIST Enjoy stress-free preparations with our essential guide FINISHING TOUCHES Those little things that mean so much on your special day

A PLACE IN YOUR HEART Tie the knot in a stunning local venue ALL DRESSED UP Gorgeous gowns to suit every blushing bride

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ALL DRESSED UP

Choosing a wedding dress is one of the bride’s most thrilling tasks, but with so many designs and styles on offer, it can be difficult to know where to start. Selecting your gown is a huge emotional investment as well as a financial one, so here are our top tips for making your shopping trips a joyful experience

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Decide on your budget and only look at dresses that are suitably priced.

That doesn’t mean you can’t use more expensive frocks as inspiration for a similar, cheaper alternative, but actually trying one on is fraught with peril as you may fall in love with it – then you’ll either end up blowing the budget and buying it, or you’ll settle for a dress that feels inferior in comparison, which would be a shame on your special day.

CATWALKER / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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Assess your body shape and find out which style suits you best. Like any clothing, a wedding dress will only look amazing on you if it complements your body. Those with an hourglass outline will look fabulous with a close-fitting mermaid gown, while boyish figures can create curves with a nipped in waist and flared skirt.

Pear-shaped ladies can benefit

from the looseness of an A-line skirt and plus-sizes look great in empire-line frocks that flare out from beneath the bust. Tall brides appear willowy and statuesque in clean, simple lines without too much embellishment.

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Be open-minded. Although a flattering shape is important, there are many further nuances to be found and trying on something you had never considered before could turn out to be a real “eureka” moment. Flicking through bridal magazines and celebrity wedding pictures can provide useful inspiration.

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Choose your shopping companions carefully. Take someone whose taste you trust, though beware of anyone who has preconceived ideas of what you should wear – mums who have dreamed of your wedding for

decades may be guilty of this occasionally. Try to take no more than a couple of people along, as too many differing opinions could simply result in confusion.

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If you know how you want your hair on the wedding day, wear it in a similar style during fittings. Similarly, if you’d like to wear a veil or a certain pair of shoes, take them along to see how they look with each dress. Even the slightest outfit change can have a big impact on the overall look.

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Consider your venue, the time of year and the theme, if you have one. These elements not only offer practical guidance – a skimpy dress with only a flimsy bolero will not be warm enough for a Christmas wedding, for example – they can also inspire you with aesthetic ideas. Traditional styles look great against a stately home or

church backdrop, while a beach ceremony or less formal day will be complemented by a more boho look.

If you’re having a rock and roll band at the reception, why not dance the night away in a 50s style prom dress and full petticoat?

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Think about how the dress ties in with other elements of the day. If you’ve already settled on the colour scheme, flowers or bridesmaids’ dresses, look for gowns that will complement your existing ideas, as this will help to narrow down your choices.

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Finally, have faith in your decision. Take your time and don’t be rushed, but once you’ve chosen your dress, stop the search. Concentrate on the remaining preparations and just look forward to looking fabulous on your special day.

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GORGEOUS GOWNS Now you’ve read about how to choose the perfect dress for your wedding day, here’s some inspiration from the new collections of top designers JENNY PACKHAM This designer is renowned for her vintage inspired, yet contemporary style that combines timeless elegance with modern sensibilities. www.jennypeckham.com

Harlow - Fully embellished ivory silk chiffon gown £3,890

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Josephine - Snowdrop lace gown with crystal and sequinned embellishment £4,470

Merle - Ivory short lace gown with sequinned embellishment £3,030

Noa - Ivory silk chiffon gown with crystal embellishment £4,320

Charise - Strapless ivory silk chiffon gown with crystal embellishment £2,740

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JUSTIN ALEXANDER Established as T&G Bridal in New York in 1949, this company helped femininity to re-emerge after the austerity of the Second World War – today the designs still feature classic style and romantic details. www.justinalexanderbridal.com

8730 - Luxe charmeuse fit and flare gown with Venice lace V-neckline, cap sleeves and hem line. The gown is finished with a scoop illusion back and charmeuse covered buttons to the end of the chapel length train £1,476

8731 - Bugle beads, crystal and pearl covered bodice with a sweetheart neckline on a chiffon fit and flare gown. The gown is finished with chiffon covered buttons over the back zipper and a chapel train £1,605

SINCERITY BRIDAL Modern romance is the inspiration for this trendsetting brand, which creates gowns in a variety of silhouettes, often with touches of colour. www.sinceritybridal.com

3801 - Embroidered beaded lace gown featuring a sweetheart neckline and a basque waist on a tulle A-line skirt with floating beaded lace appliqués. The back of the gown is finished with tulle covered buttons over the back zipper and a chapel length train £891

3804 - Venice beaded lace over tulle ball gown with a boat neckline and pleated tulle cummerbund at the natural waist. The gown is finished with a V-back, tulle covered buttons to the bottom of the cummerbund and a chapel length train £966

KATJA NUUTINEN COUTURE Originally from Finland, Katja has quickly established herself as one of the most sought-after new generation couturiers in London, attracting high profile clientele not only from UK but also around the world. www.kncouture.com

Sea Pearl - 100% silk fluid bias cut gown with flower detail on the side £2,300

Sapphire - For a different angle on traditional white, this flowing aqua colour gown is made of silk satin with silk chiffon overlay £2,200 SEPTEMBER 2014

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This dress by Charlie Brear has a Voulaire lace overlay and strapless gown. Inspired by a love of revolutionary decades of style, these whimsical separates can be made to create an array of truly unique looks, ÂŁ1,979

Available at Frou Frou Bridal Boutique 17 Crescent Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2LU 01892 541 381 www.froufroubride.co.uk

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Elizabeth Stuart’s Primrose is a modern twist on a classic design. From the soft flowing skirt to the delicate blush tone, this gown is the epitome of romance, £3,300

Available at Frou Frou Bridal Boutique 17 Crescent Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2LU 01892 541 381 www.froufroubride.co.uk

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Ian Stuart’s Parisienne is a simple, chic A-line gown made in luxurious silk satin featuring stunning handmade silk roses at the waist, £2,690

Available at The Pantiles Bride 34 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5TN 01892 514 515 www.pantilesbride.com

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Sassi Holford’s Ruby is a sensational ball gown with tulle skirt, fine lace cap sleeve bodice, beaded abstract lace appliqué and a slim satin belt with beaded diamante detail, £2,380

Available at The Pantiles Bride 34 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5TN 01892 514 515 www.pantilesbride.com

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THE GRAND HOTEL, EASTBOURNE WHAT MAKES YOUR VENUE STAND OUT? Affectionately known as the ‘White Palace’ and ‘A Wedding Cake of a Hotel’, the Grand is England’s finest five-star seaside hotel and one of the most romantic wedding venues in Sussex. With its beautiful seafront setting and impressive 19th Century architecture, coupled with elegant lounges, fabulous reception rooms and the soaring pillars, marbled fireplaces and glittering chandeliers of the Great Hall, The Grand provides a magnificent setting for truly memorable weddings.

TALK US THROUGH SOME OF YOUR WEDDING PACKAGES Whether you’re planning a lavish banquet for up to 200 guests or an intimate celebration with close family and friends, we understand that every wedding is unique and no two celebrations are the same. In addition to totally bespoke and tailor-made weddings, The Grand Hotel offers a range of packages that include everything needed

for an outstanding reception and, whatever you choose, one of our dedicated wedding planners will help with every aspect of the preparations.

and ceremonies, which, together with our choice of superb reception rooms, creates an exclusive venue for the wedding party.

HOW MANY WEDDINGS TAKE PLACE AT THE GRAND? Approximately 35 to 40 per year, but we only take one large wedding per day.

HOW ABOUT YOUR ‘MINI MOON’ FACILITIES? A Mini Moon can be your wedding night, the one or two days between your wedding and honeymoon, or a romantic getaway for those who prefer to take a longer break in the weeks or months after their wedding. Chilled strawberries and Champagne await you upon arrival and dinner and breakfast can be ordered in your room. The Romantic package also includes handmade chocolates, a Molton Brown gift and rose petals scattered on your pillow at turndown.

TELL US ABOUT THE PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES There are magnificent floor to ceiling mirrors, accompanied by the grandeur of the Great Hall and marbled flooring in the front hall.

Outside, shots can be taken on the front steps, in the Mirabelle Garden and on the Putting Green. And, of course, just across the road you have the waterfront!

WHAT DO YOU OFFER FOR CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS? The Grand Hotel is licensed for civil partnerships

King Edwards Parade, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 4EQ 01323 412 345 www.grandeastbourne.com SEPTEMBER 2014

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THE ORANGERY, MAIDSTONE TELL US ABOUT THE BACKGROUND OF YOUR VENUE The Orangery is the ultimate setting for your special day. Set in the heart of the Garden of England, in Kent’s county town, Maidstone, The Orangery represents the true and natural beauty of Kent itself. From the moment you step into the grounds, the sheer magic will encapsulate your dreams for that perfect day.

Nestled within nine acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, with a tranquil lake and tumbling waterfall, it is an exclusive-use venue.

You nurture the dream, we compose the reality.

TAKE US ON A GUIDED TOUR At The Orangery, there are two choices for a civil ceremony. The magnificent Garden Room is a stunning location; five double doors span the front façade, providing guests with a perfect view of the beautiful Mill Barn Garden and, more importantly, of the bridal party as they make their momentous entrance across the bridge. During British summertime, weather permitting, couples are also given the option of having their ceremony in the beautiful Gazebo, which is nestled within the immaculately landscaped grounds. Both the Garden Room and the

Gazebo provide an unforgettable setting for couples to exchange those all-important vows. Your reception will take place in the Orangery itself, where your guests will enjoy a sumptuous wedding breakfast provided by one of our designated caterers, who will work with you to ensure that you and your guests receive a delicious menu made from high quality produce.

WHAT DOES IT OFFER FOR WEDDINGS? A venue for all seasons. A professional team of landscape gardeners is dedicated to creating the perfect look all year through. A beautiful range of flowers, bulbs and other seasonal interests are carefully planned and maintained to ensure the best results at all times. During December, festive decorations and a stunningly dressed Christmas tree add that extra special sparkle. Come rain or shine, winter or summer, the Orangery and Garden Room offer the perfect location for both ceremony and reception. We pride ourselves on our personal touch, knowing that each and every wedding is unique. Our ultimate goal is to remove as much pressure from our couples as possible so that they can enjoy the buildup to the day, as well as the day itself; to ensure

they feel safe in the knowledge that we will take care of those all-important details so that they can just relax and enjoy every moment.

HOW ABOUT PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES? The photographic possibilities are endless throughout the grounds: at the lake with the boathouse as a stunning backdrop, in front of the tumbling waterfall, beneath an outstanding Wellingtonia Pine or simply relaxing on the lawns. The grounds are there for you and your guests to enjoy, so seize the moment and capture all those precious memories. The Orangery truly is a photographer’s paradise.

Turkey Court, Turkey Mill, Ashford Road, Maidstone, Kent ME14 5PP 01622 919 919 www.theorangerymaidstone.com

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THE LOST VILLAGE OF DODE

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lmost 25 years ago Douglas Chapman discovered a dilapidated and disused Norman chapel some four miles up a single track road and lost in the North Downs of Kent. It in fact comprised the sole remaining building of Dode Village, which was disbanded as a result of the Black Death in 1349; essentially it had remained unused since that time.

He instantly fell in love with it and within three days had purchased what is now known as The Lost Village of Dode. A seven-year programme of repair, restoration and conservation followed, including the re-tiling of the roof and the replacement of the ancient door, which had been burned off by vandals, together with complete landscaping of the two-acre grounds.

Although Douglas had no pre-conceived ideas of how to use Dode, a change in the law enabled

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couples to be married in suitably licensed premises shortly after the restoration programme was complete. The small building, which looked exactly as it did over 900 years ago when it was built and is constructed of flint under an oak roof, seemed ideal for intimate family weddings and so it proved.

Now in its 15th season, The Lost Village of Dode offers not only a completely unique, but a magical and deeply spiritual setting for weddings. Dodeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s medieval interior, lit only with candles and flares, offers superb photo opportunities, as does its secluded grounds surrounded only by meadows and woodland.

A stunning stone circle, which is often used for Hand Fastings, adds even more mystery to this special place.

Dode was recently voted in a National Newspaper as one of the Best 50 Wedding Venues in the UK. 01622 734 205 www.dodevillage.com

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SENSE OF PLACE

The venue in which you hold your wedding will set the tone for the entire day, so it’s important to choose a place that perfectly captures your vision Whether you opt for a church or civil ceremony, the options are endless – but remember to consider some key factors that will help you make the right choice of venue to host your big day.

1

Decide what sort of venue you’re looking for.

You’ll need to sit down with your partner and discuss your respective ideas. You might find that you have differing tastes or priorities, in which case a compromise will need to be agreed upon. Consider the atmosphere you’re trying to create and what sort of venue will best suit your needs; have you always dreamed of sweeping up the driveway of a stately home, or would you like a more rustic do in a barn or marquee? Should it be a town or country setting? Glamorous or shabby chic?

Set the budget. Discuss with your partner how much of your wedding budget you’re willing to spend on the setting. If you’re having a secular ceremony, consider holding the service and the reception in the same place, as this could potentially save you money.

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Location, location, location. As well as the general backdrop, think about the geographical spot that will best suit the needs of yourselves and your guests.

Choosing a venue far from your home may incur extra travelling and accommodation costs for many people attending, although if you can negotiate a bargain room rate or an exclusive hire package, this might even work out cheaper than using the hotel around the corner. Think about how your guests will get there and

whether it’s conveniently placed for transport links and parking.

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Size matters. How long will your guest list be and what sort of entertainment do you intend to provide? Those who want to party into the night will need to ensure there’s adequate space for a dance floor and extra room for the evening guests, while those who intend to keep things intimate and low key could save money by holding their reception in a restaurant or private dining room. If you can’t afford to rent your favourite venue’s main ballroom, there might be a smaller space or even a marquee option that falls within your price bracket and size requirements.

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Picture perfect. Naturally, you’ll carry the happy memories of your wedding day in your heart forever, but beautiful photographs will also provide a treasured memento. So choose a venue that has some suitably attractive backdrops for those all-important snaps.

Stunning grounds are ideal, but ensure there is an equally pretty indoor option in case the weather lets you down. The same goes for alfresco ceremonies – if a garden wedding isn’t an option on the day, it’ll be reassuring to know there’s a charming interior space in which to tie the knot.

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Compare value for money. You might think that a certain venue is completely out of your reach, but ask what extras are included in the package. If they are willing to take care of the catering, flowers or decorations, this will free up some of your budget to spend on the venue hire.

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A MEM6 RY Fe RYe U AND Ye UR GUESTS Te TREASURE Fe REVER Our vintage buses from the 1940's and 1 gso â&#x20AC;˘s will entrance you and your specially chosen guests. We w ill provide uniformed drivers and conductors, experienced and trained to the highest standards. These double desk buses will take 56 passengers each and reflect a lost era of travel. We operate in Londo n and South east England, so consider us to make !hot special day even more special....

T O D I SCUSS YOUR REQUIREMENTS PLEASE CALL

0772 1 335500 OR 01580 754253

LINNET HOUSE HAWKHURST KENT TN18 4AX- MAIL@OLOLONOONBUS.CO.UK

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SALOMONS ESTATE TELL US ABOUT THE BACKGROUND OF YOUR VENUE The perfect setting for your big day There can be few better places to celebrate your wedding day than the magnificent Salomons Estate, one of Kent’s most popular wedding venues. Situated just two miles outside the genteel spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells, Salomons Estate is a beautiful Victorian mansion and something of a hidden gem. Set in 70 rolling acres of gardens, parkland and woods, yet within an hour’s travel of Central London, it offers a magical and romantic backdrop to your special day.

TAKE US ON A GUIDED TOUR Salomons Estate offers three fabulous function rooms to choose from. Our elegant Gold Room, which can seat up to 65 people for your ceremony, has doors that open onto the Terrace, where you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Estate. Our Drawing Room can provide a beautiful backdrop for your wedding breakfast. Seating up to 100 people, the room

can be set with round tables or in lines and, with the adjoining conservatory and bar, it provides a spacious setting for your evening party. Finally, our grand Victorian Theatre is ideal for large wedding parties and can host all aspects of your big day, from the ceremony to the evening reception. With its large stage, it provides a generously proportioned space for all your entertainment. Salomons Estate also offers 47 4* AA-accredited bedrooms, all with en suite showers, free-view TV, direct dial telephones, Wi-Fi and tea and coffee-making facilities.

WHAT DOES IT OFFER FOR WEDDINGS? Whether you wish to hold your ceremony, wedding breakfast, drinks reception or all three at Salomons Estate, our choice of rooms means we can offer you the right wedding package to suit your needs. And if you’re planning a traditional Asian Wedding, our Victorian Theatre can provide an exciting canvas bursting with colour and creativity, decorated to your taste. Our theatre is the ideal place to host a Mandap and evening

entertainment, while our recommended Asian Wedding caterers will provide mouthwatering food for your special day. Here at Salomons Estate we are passionate about good food and carefully pick our fresh produce and outside caterers to ensure we provide you with food and drink of the highest quality. We understand how difficult it is to organise a menu for a number of different people with different tastes, which is why we offer such a wide range of choices.

HOW ABOUT PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES? Salomons Estate is at the heart of England’s garden and offers a stunningly picturesque setting for your big day. Come summer or winter, our views are outstanding and, with full access to the grounds, offer perfect photo opportunities.

Broomhill Road, Southborough, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 0TG 01892 515 152 www.salomons-estate.com/weddings reservations@salomons-estate.com SEPTEMBER 2014

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ounlams Country House

Mountains Country House Wedding & Event Open Day, Sunday 28th September 2014 1Oam-3pm

Weddings and ceremonies at Mountains Mountains is a Grade 11 listed country house surrounded by 26 acres of historic parkland and steeped in history with its magnificent redwood and ancient oak trees. The beautiful Victorian house is full of vintage charm of bygone years and is the perfect setting for the drinks reception and ceremony as well as for smaller weddings.

The permanent luxurious marquee can accommodate wedding receptions for up to 200 guests. The great advantage of having your wedding reception in the marquee is that the bar, dance floor and light, ambient dining area are contained in one space, thus ensuring that your guests stay together at all times for a great party in the evening. We have created a bespoke package which includes everything you need for a perfect wedding reception.

Further details are available on our website.

For more information or to make an appointment to view, please contact us: T. 01732 832222 E. enquiries@mountainsevents.co.uk Noble Tree Road , Hildenborough, Kent, TN11 8ND

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“The permanent marquee at Mountains is a fully-lined, all-weather luxurious marquee. It is ideal for a classic summer or winter wedding”

MOUNTAINS COUNTRY HOUSE magnificent

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ountains Country House is a breathtaking venue that delivers a wedding celebration to remember in the most romantic country setting. As you make your way down the sweeping driveway, you will be greeted with the view of the impressive Grade II listed country house. Mountains offers a beautiful vintage setting for weddings and is a photographer’s paradise with so many beautiful areas to photograph, including the house, grounds and formidable mature Redwood trees. Mountains offers a flexible choice for your weddings.

Smaller wedding receptions can be held in the main house where the oak panelled hallway is the perfect setting for receiving guests before enjoying pre-reception drinks in the Clarke Somers room, along with the

listed mansion set in stunning parkland in attractive conservatory and sun catching terrace. You could marry in the open air under the attractive oak framed gazebo; this area can accommodate up to 120 guests. Or you may be suited to the Clarke Somers room with its incredible Grade II listed dresser, which can accommodate up to 80 guests for a smaller, more intimate ceremony.

The permanent marquee at Mountains is a fully-lined, all-weather luxurious marquee. It is ideal for a classic summer or winter wedding. Partitioning inside the marquee makes the internal space suitable for both smaller and larger parties of up to 240 guests for a sit-down reception. The marquee is complete with a carpeted wooden floor, bar, toilets and dance area. If you have a vision in mind, then the venue is perfect for its flexibility and approachable ethos.

ildenborough, ent

Mountains Country House offers a personal bespoke service and complete exclusivity.

The team of registrars and celebrants who visit Mountains regularly ensure that the ceremony is both beautifully staged and personal to you. Many guests often comment on this aspect and with the ease and command that the registrar portrays, you are guaranteed a very moving marriage ceremony.

If you would like to find out more, please speak to one of our Event Managers to discuss your requirements.

Noble Tree Road, Hildenborough, Tonbridge, Kent TN11 8ND 01732 832 222 www.mountainscountryhouse.co.uk enquiries@mountainsevents.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2014

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SYLV I A'S I< I TCH EN For unique, elegant and delicious cakes designed and created with love and care by Liz Chatfield.

With a professional, friendly and personal service throughout, Liz always ensures great attention to quality and detail.

Covering the South East, contact Liz Chatfield on 07816 766146 liz@sylviaskitchen.co.uk

www.sylviaskitchen.co.uk IJ tl

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Jonathan Ball Wedd:iing Photography www.jonathanballweddingphotography.com 07742636185

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The

ueen's Inn

EAT • DRINK • SLEEP

01580 754233 FOR RESERVATIONS

The Queen Is Inn welcomes you for.

I

I

Breakfast: 9-1 Oam everyday Lunch: 12-2.30pm Monday-Saturday Dinner: 6-9.30pm Monday-Thursday

& until 9 .45pm Friday & Saturday Sunday Lunch: 12-4pm ~ Private dining Overnight accommodation Wedding receptions Private parties or events Conference bookings Please call 01580 754233 for more information or to make a booking. Or book on line www.thequeensinnhawkhurst.co.uk or e-mail info@queensinn.co.uk Don't forget to check our website for regular updates & special offers or email to become a friend of The Queen's and be kept informed of all special offers and events.

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WWW.MARCELGPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

Inspiration for those fine details that will make your wedding day even more special SYLVIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S KITCHEN Unique, elegant and delicious wedding cakes designed and created with love and care by Liz Chatfield. With a professional, friendly and personal service throughout, Liz always ensures great attention to quality and detail. All floral decorations are carefully handcrafted. Celebration cakes should not only look fabulous, they should taste fabulous too! Liz uses the best ingredients available so that whatever flavour and filling you choose will be fresh and moist. Special dietary requirements can be catered for.

07816 766 146 liz@sylviaskitchen.co.uk www.sylviaskitchen.co.uk

CHAIR COVER CHIC Chair Cover Chic provides a complete chair dressing service with a wide range of sashes available in organza, silk, satin and the very popular lace and hessian for the vintage/ antique themed weddings.

As well as the classic white linen chair coverswe also have elegant ivory and dramatic midnight black.

Also available to hire are tall table centre candelabra in silver and vintage style cream candelabra.

CAKE DESIGN BY JOANNA CLARKE Joanna Clarke started as a Pastry Chef apprentice in a prestigious restaurant.

Moving up through the roles to Head Pastry Chef, Joanna remained in award winning restaurants, acquiring numerous qualifications and a wide range of skills. With this knowledge came a passion for cakes and a natural progression towards advanced sugar work. At Cake Design by Joanna Clarke we are committed to producing the finest quality, unique design pieces for every bride on her wedding day.

07983 735 085 cakedesignbyjoannaclarke@gmail.com www.facebook.com/ cakedesignbyjoannaclarke Website coming soon

JONATHAN BALL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY A stolen moment away from their guests as dusk falls...

The spontaneous nature of my work results in natural photographs with a strong narrative.

My aim is to capture the personality and emotion of the day â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the story.

The quiet moments of anticipation as the day begins, right through to the celebratory dancing of family and friends.

07742 636 185 www.jonathanballweddingphotography.com

01342 824 180 www.chaircoverchic.co.uk

LINDEN CAKES OF MAYFIELD Zoe Linden specialises in making beautiful couture cakes by using the very best ingredients and liaising closely with couples for their inspiration.

07787 523 969 www.lindencakesofmayfield.com

THE ORIGINAL POP UP FESTIVAL COMPANY The Original Pop Up Festival Company brings all that is wonderful and unique from the festival world to your wedding. We can pop up in your garden or we can find you your perfect site. From giant yurts to ferris wheels, street food to circus acts and everything in between, we make your biggest day a truly memorable one. Please get in touch to see how we can help.

0800 083 8368 www.popup-festival.co.uk

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HEVER_C.ASfLE &..GARPEITS

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11n• childhood home of Anne Rnleyn

• Exclusive hire of The Astor Wing for up to 64 people • Guthrie Pavilion for up to 200 people • Licensed to conduct civil ceremonies and partnerships • Private lawn for marquee weddings • Japanese Tea House Folly for romantic proposals • 19 luxury bedrooms To arrange a visit, have an informal chat or request our wedding brochure please call our wedding co-ordinator on 01732 861800 or email weddings@hevercastle.co.uk Visit our wehsite for more information

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DANNI BEACH PHOTOGRAPHY

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THE FLORAL WORKSHOP

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estled in the beautiful Kentish countryside is one of the county’s newest and leading florists, The Floral Workshop. Having started up their own business just over a year ago, Lucie and Charlotte have gone from strength to strength. The talented duo pride themselves on their design skills and their ability to know exactly what their client wants; it’s no wonder they are now approved suppliers at many local wedding venues. Their eagerness to design and create stunning displays is obvious, as is their passion for the job and, of course, working with flowers.

With an abundance of knowledge, Lucie and Charlotte will bring your floral fantasies to life. From the moment you first meet with them until the big day arrives, they are always on hand to advise and guide you.

Whether you dream of exotic orchids or a woodland wedding with just picked posies, you will not be disappointed with the style

and quality that The Floral Workshop are becoming renowned for. They also carry an amazing variety of stock, which they hire out, so if it’s crystal candelabra, bay trees or even chair covers, you can be assured The Floral Workshop will look after you.

Not ones to rest on their laurels and always looking for something new to offer their clients, Lucie and Charlotte are also offering floral workshops, so if you want to learn a new skill or just fancy the idea of getting creative with flowers for the day, this is a must for you. A pumpkin Halloween themed workshop is next on the agenda, which will see you create an amazing floral display from a pumpkin, while enjoying a cup of tea in the beautiful surroundings of Salomons Estate in Tunbridge Wells. The workshops are held in the estate’s stunning conservatory, so why not give it a go? The Christmas workshops are also sure to be a huge success.

Lucie and Charlotte offer their services for bespoke, tailor-made workshops, so maybe a hen party with an afternoon making buttonholes and posies or a teambuilding corporate workshop making hand tied bouquets? The possibilities are endless.

Charlotte and Lucie will also be exhibiting at the Fabulous Wedding Fayre at Salomons Estate on September 7 and look forward to seeing you there. The first 25 brides that come and visit will receive a free gift!

For more information on weddings or to book a workshop please see their website www.floralworkshop.org.uk or contact sales@floralworkshop.org.uk Unite 3 Bowens Farm, Poundsbridge Lane, Penshurst, Kent TN11 8AJ Charlotte: 07792 950 355 Lucie: 07714 994 057 SEPTEMBER 2014

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Mercure Tunbridge Wells Hotel

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The Mercure Tunbridge Wells is a charming Oast House licensed for civil ceremonies for a small and intimate wedding or a large reception. Set in the Weald of Kent, on the outskirts of Tunbridge Wells & village of Pembury, our flexible wedding packages allow for your day to be tailored to suit your needs. To ensure your dreams become reality, we are dedicated to making your special day perfect and as individual as you are. Whether you are planning a Civil Ceremony, Traditional Church Service or Civil Partnership, we recognise that every wedding is different. We are completely flexible and happy to discuss your specific requirements to ensure that our beautiful hotel provides imagination, flair and the perfect setting.

Contact Your Wedding Coordinator on 0844 815 9074 For further information email: csales.mercuretunbridgewells@jupiterhotels.co.uk

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

samyardley photography

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

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ASHDOWN PARK HOTEL & COUNTRY CLUB WHAT MAKES YOUR VENUE STAND OUT? Ashdown Park is a truly magical and romantic location. Our magnificent converted Chapel is one of the most unique and impressive wedding venues in Sussex, complete with its original organ, wedding bells and vaulted ceiling, as well as spectacular stained glass windows, with their 30 shades of blue designed by famous 19th Century Irish stained glass artist, Harry Clarke. Our beautiful licensed Summer House is situated on the lawns overlooking the lake and is a wonderfully unique venue for your ceremony or drinks reception. On the day, Ashdown Park’s stunning setting offers a wealth of inspirational backdrops for photographs, including the lake with its cascading fountain and our secluded secret garden.

TALK US THROUGH SOME OF YOUR WEDDING PACKAGES We offer endless possibilities with regards to creating your perfect wedding day. Each package can be changed to meet your needs as we understand fully that no two weddings are the same. Our two main packages are

Gold and Platinum. These include everything you can think of for a truly unforgettable wedding day, including room hire for the whole day, Toast Master, fresh floral arrangements, drinks reception, three-course wedding breakfast, wine, Champagne and stationary, as well as a master suite and two junior suites for the wedding night and a menu tasting for the couple prior to the wedding. Sprinkled with a little extra stardust, our Platinum package includes a few extras on top of the Gold package. For smaller weddings we offer an Intimate wedding package, which is equally as special with a more intimate yet no less luxurious wedding.

We are very flexible and are more than happy to change elements of packages to suit the couple’s needs.

WHAT DO YOU OFFER FOR CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS? Ashdown Park is licensed for civil ceremonies and partnerships and our superb rooms provide a wonderful atmosphere, helping to create a really meaningful experience.

Whether you’re looking for somewhere grand or more informal, our choice of rooms and suites cater for all tastes. Our Summer House

also offers civil ceremonies if you’re looking for an outdoor service with the stunning backdrop of our manicured lawns and lakes.

HOW ABOUT YOUR ‘MINI MOON’ FACILITIES? We have 106 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, including spacious master suites with four poster and king-size beds, separate lounges and gorgeous views, which provide a luxurious retreat for wedding couples. A Mini Moon could be your wedding night, the one or two days between your wedding and honeymoon, a short honeymoon in itself or a romantic getaway for those who prefer to take a longer break in the weeks or months after their wedding. Our romantic packages include fresh rose petals scattered on your bed on arrival, afternoon tea and an in-room treatment tray for you and your partner to enjoy before a candlelit dinner and Champagne breakfast in bed the following morning.

Wych Cross, Nr Forest Row, East Sussex RH18 5JR 01342 824 988 www.ashdownpark.com reservations@ashdownpark.com SEPTEMBER 2014

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PAUL MEYER

EMILY BUTTERS

CHIDDINGSTONE CASTLE

C

hiddingstone Castle is a hidden gem, nestled in the heart of the rolling Kent Weald and set within 35 acres of beautiful grounds, including a lake, rose garden and woodland. Situated in the National Trust village of Chiddingstone, this stunning historic house is the perfect fairytale setting for your dream wedding. The Castle can be exclusively yours for the day of your marriage celebrations and offers a selection of rooms and locations in which to hold the most romantic wedding.

The magnificent galleried Great Hall is a grand room in which to hold your civil ceremony and wedding breakfast, seating up to 80 for dining. The White Rose Drawing Room is a beautiful, more intimate room for smaller ceremonies. Alternatively, the Castleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own marquee can be sited on the South Lawn or by the North Door to give couples the freedom to invite up to 120 guests for the full day, from ceremony through to evening reception.

The Victorian Orangery is an amazing outdoor space that effortlessly combines

ancient splendour with contemporary architecture. Also licensed for civil ceremonies, this outstanding Grade II listed building perfectly complements our splendid grounds.

The Castleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Weddings Co-ordinator and her team offer flexibility and attention to detail, ensuring that every wedding is unique.

The Castle does not charge corkage on your own choice of wines and our three excellent caterers provide an unparalleled bespoke service for every occasion to match every budget.

For further information please contact Natalie Wilkins, Weddings Co-ordinator, on 01892 872 744, weddings@chiddingstonecastle.org.uk or visit www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk

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34 THE PANTILES TUN BRIDGE WELLS • KENT

01892 514515 WWW.PANTILESBRIDE.COM

SAMPLE SALE 20 September to 4 October

DESIGNER DAYS Sassi Holford 13 September meet the designer

Jenny Packham 10 & 11 October

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BEST BRIDALRETALLER ENGLAND

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Maaic at Weddinas Ifs Your maeical day, so whY not add SParkle and amazement with some maeic from Stuart and Maeic at Weddines

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Durin2 the Photo2raPhs With the spotlight on you, the happy couple, a lot of your guests are standing _: around waiting. This is th e perfect time for close-up magic right in front of their eyes.

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Loyal Parade, Mill Rise, \Vestdene, Brighton East Sussex Bnl 5gg

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www.blessingsbridal.co.uk www.occasionsbyblessings.co.uk

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SLMPLY UNFORGETABLE

~D Your Wedding is a unique occasion. At London Golf Club we know how important it is to host this special day in the ideal setting. To speak to our wedding coordinator and request a brochure please call 01474 875 720 or email weddings@londongolf.co.uk

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LONDON GOLF CLUB

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ll couples want the assurance that their wedding day will be a relaxed and enjoyable one – a guarantee that London Golf Club can proudly offer. The Club takes care of every last detail so that the bride and groom can enjoy their day and celebrate their union in stress-free style.

From Champagne receptions and a Toast Master to bespoke menus, the attentive staff will happily help you plan the day, creating the perfect start to your married life.

Attention to detail and style go hand in hand at London Golf Club. From the moment you enter the gates and make your way down the winding driveway, you will sense the unique ambiance. Situated in 700 acres of natural beauty in the North Downs, the Club is not only picturesque, but private.

A Clubhouse for all seasons awaits you. In the summer months, reception drinks and canapés can be served outside on the upper terrace or in the Long Bar. Both offer breathtaking views over two championship golf courses and a stunning backdrop for

your memorable wedding photographs.

If you’re opting for a winter wedding, then the oak-panelled Great Hall offers a warm alternative with its roaring fire.

Imposing staircases and feature fireplaces also provide the perfect settings for interior photos.

London Golf Club is licensed for civil marriage and civil partnership ceremonies, which conveniently allows you to hold all aspects of your day under one roof. Our experienced Wedding Co-ordinator will process your ceremony booking directly with the Registrar office, allowing you to concentrate on other details.

Your wedding breakfast will be served in our spectacular Banqueting Room, characterised by its stunning views overlooking the golf courses and elegant décor. There is capacity to seat up to 132 guests for a sit-down meal and 270 for the evening reception. Bathed in natural light, this room also includes air conditioning, access to the outside terrace, a grand

marble fireplace and wooden dance floor.

Superb menus are available to choose from and the flexible approach of the head chef and his team allows you to tailor the existing menu.

For more information, to request a brochure or if you have any questions regarding our wedding packages, please do not hesitate to contact the Wedding Co-ordinator, who will be happy to arrange a show around. We look forward to being able to assist you and to welcoming you to the luxury and charm of the London Golf Club.

Please contact the London Golf Club Wedding Co-ordinator on 01474 875 720, email weddings@londongolf.co.uk or visit www.londongolf.co.uk Stansted Lane, Ash, Nr Brands Hatch, Kent TN15 7EH SEPTEMBER 2014

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THE MANSION IS NESTLED IN 00 AC R ' .. , ., A J AND SURROUNDED BY THE WORLD RENOWNED " IF YOU ARE SEEKING TO ADD A UNIQ!JE ELEMENT TO YOUR SPECIAL DAY, WHY NOT INCLUDE A SAFARI?

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ADVERTORIAL

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PORT LYMPNE MANSION HOTEL the evening sun. With a colour scheme inspired by the marble bathroom and the evening autumnal light, the room overlooks the famous Lime Tree Avenue, Trojan Steps and West Terrace. No matter what the weather or time of year, the view from this room is fabulous.

TELL US ABOUT THE BACKGROUND OF YOUR VENUE Nestled in the heart of Port Lympne Reserve in Kent, the Port Lympne Mansion Hotel is one of Kent’s most stunning wedding venues. The Mansion offers brides and grooms the chance to have their civil or same sex wedding their way, in their exclusive mansion surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens and breathtaking views. The recent stunning renovation of the Mansion has transformed it into a lavish boutique hotel, returning this unique and elegant Edwardian building to its original purpose – luxurious relaxation, fine dining and accommodation. The hotel package includes a delicious full English or continental breakfast.

TAKE US ON A GUIDED TOUR THE REX WHISTLER HOTEL ROOM Central to the Mansion, the Rex Whistler Room is located above the entrance with charming views across the unique ‘hippo’ water feature. The room has a beautiful blue and yellow colour scheme, with original built-in wardrobes and en suite bathroom, providing a comfortable and tranquil retreat. The room also features a king-size sleigh bed, two relaxing chairs, an occasional table and television.

THE CHAPLIN BRIDAL SUITE Indulge in a stay in this romantic bridal suite, with a private sitting room, original luxurious marble bathroom and king-size bed. With a colour scheme to complement the indulgent bathroom and views of the sunrise, couples will adore this beautiful suite on the night of their wedding.

THE SIR HERBERT BAKER HOTEL ROOM

THE SIR PHILIP SASSOON BRIDAL SUITE The most luxurious of the bridal suites enjoys stunning views all year round of the famous Lime Tree Avenue, Trojan Steps and West Terrace.

Indulge in beautiful sunsets and the comfort of a four-poster bed, with a private bathroom and your very own dressing room. The exclusiveness, along with fantastic views, promises to create memories that last a lifetime, against the spectacular backdrop of Port Lympne Wild Animal Reserve.

This beautiful twin bedroom affords stunning views across the South Terrace and the Romney Marsh out to the English Channel. You can relax and unwind with your own en suite bathroom and two single sleigh beds. Features include an original 1920s ceiling in the lavishly styled room.

THE SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL HOTEL ROOM With a colour scheme inspired by the vibrancy of the southern terrace during the summer, the Sir Winston Churchill Room enjoys views across the gardens and grand pond with its high cascading fountain. Enjoy the added luxury of a king-size bed and en suite bathroom.

THE TE LAWRENCE HOTEL ROOM Located on the west side of the Mansion, this room offers a king-size bed and enjoys the last of

WHAT DOES IT OFFER FOR WEDDINGS? During the summer, weather permitting, you can say your vows on the romantic, Italian style Western Terrace and enjoy a canapé reception on the Iceberg Terrace with views of the famous Lime Tree Avenue and Trojan Steps.

Alternatively, in the winter months, ceremonies can be conducted in one of the lavishly decorated ground floor rooms of the Mansion.

The Aspinall Suite adjoining the Mansion offers the perfect venue for eating, drinking and dining after the ceremony, no matter what the weather holds in store.

Aldington Road, Lympne, Hythe, Kent CT21 4PD 0844 842 4647 www.aspinallfoundation.org

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ADVERTORIAL

THE JEWEL IN THE CROWN SWAG Jewellers have added another prestigious store to their ever-growing empire with the acquisition of Burrells in Tunbridge Wells. We sit down with Edward and Tom Ferris, who oversee the family business, to discuss their new venture and find out what the future holds

TELL US ABOUT THE BACKGROUND OF SWAG JEWELLERS Edward: Our father, Bill Ferris, started SWAG in 1974. He was a pilot for British Airways at the time, but his dream was to own his own business. He opened our first shop in Kingston during the miners’ strike, despite restrictions on electricity use limiting businesses to a three-day working week!

Tom: Bill always wanted to give his customers something a little bit different that you couldn’t find in the large chain-owned jewellery shops. It was always his vision to have beautiful shops with expert staff who were as passionate about jewellery as he was.

Edward: He turned 70 this year and is still involved, especially in the buying, but a few years ago we took on the running of the family business. Our sister Lucy also works with us, along with my wife, our aunt, our

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cousin… We’re proud to be a family business and determined to make our generation’s contribution a significant one.

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH BURRELLS? Edward: SWAG and Burrells have had a relationship for a long time. We first met in 1996 when Bill bought another of Richard Burrell’s shops – SWAG Bromley used to be a Burrells store.

Tom: We’d admired Mr Burrell’s Tunbridge Wells shop for a while and when he announced that he was looking to retire, we were first in the queue. It’s an extremely high quality family jewellery business with an impressive pedigree – Mr Burrell has been in the business for over 50 years. Bringing Burrells of Tunbridge Wells into our portfolio brings us further into the world of luxury watches and introduced us to a wonderful new area outside of London.

WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO TUNBRIDGE WELLS? Edward: It’s an exquisite town. There’s a wealth of history, but it’s not a sleepy backwater – it’s alive and vibrant and, in addition to its fascinating heritage, offers the people who live and visit here a very high quality retail experience. A sophisticated population is always attractive to a fine jewellery establishment.

ARE THERE MANY SIMILARITIES BETWEEN SWAG AND BURRELLS – DO YOU SHARE THE SAME VISION? Tom: We have had a lot of similar experiences with Richard Burrell over the years – running a family business is a special thing in these days where most towns have few independent retailers. We both prioritise expert service and bringing a luxury shopping experience to customers, enriched with that genuine family

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touch that is so difficult to emulate.

TALK US THROUGH SOME OF THE BRANDS AND PRODUCTS CUSTOMERS CAN EXPECT Edward: SWAG’s jewellery buyers have contacts with some very gifted designers, so do look out for stunning additions to the fine jewellery offering in the shop. Our diamond buyer is a qualified diamond grader and will be personally putting together a collection exclusively for Burrells. We’ll also be bringing couture diamond brand Hearts On Fire – a range featuring the world’s most perfectly cut diamonds, which has been wonderfully successful in our SWAG stores.

Tom: SWAG’s pricing policy differs slightly from that of Burrells, so customers can expect a considerable reduction in prices across the board on jewellery and rings.

HAVING GROWN AS A FAMILY BUSINESS, HOW HAS SWAG CHANGED AND DEVELOPED OVER THE YEARS? Edward: Our first shop, in Kingston, was tiny and fitted out on a shoestring – our father made the cabinets himself in his uncle’s workshop. In the beginning we sold costume jewellery and cuddly toys; Bill would buy stock at the market and price it at the kitchen table on Sunday night to sell in the shop the following week. Soon we graduated to selling

silver, before slowly moving into fine jewellery and becoming diamond specialists. In the ensuing years we eventually expanded to six shops in the greater London area – we have shops in Kingston, Staines, Croydon, Bromley, Bluewater and Watford.

taking over a shop like Burrells and we intend to honour that.

Tom: In 2009 we became a franchisee of Pandora and now operate 17 Pandora concept stores around the UK, in addition to our SWAG fine jewellery stores.

Edward: We’ll be keeping much of the original Burrells branding, and of course the store will keep its name. Most of the changes we are making will be behind the scenes, but customers should keep a look out for new collections, updated displays and our industryleading SWAG diamond guarantees.

SWAG TURNS 40 THIS YEAR – HOW WILL YOU BE CELEBRATING? Edward: With a big party! We’re also producing a special commemorative magazine, but the main focus of the celebrations will be a starstudded charity ball in aid of Shooting Star Chase, a children’s hospice (tickets are still available – see our website for details).

BURRELLS HAS PREVIOUSLY BEEN A PROMINENT BUSINESS IN THE TOWN – HOW HAVE YOU FOUND TAKING OVER THE FAMILY NAME OF SUCH AN ESTABLISHED BRAND? Tom: We understand how important it is to pay tribute to and continue the work of a respected local business. The most crucial part of this enterprise has been to keep talking to the people who work at Burrells – they know the business, its customers, its ethos. There’s considerable responsibility associated with

WILL YOU BE RETAINING THE ORIGINAL IDENTITY OF BURRELLS OR BRINGING IT IN LINE WITH THE EXISTING SWAG BRANDING?

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR BURRELLS UNDER THIS NEW ARRANGEMENT – ARE THERE ANY PLANS TO EXPAND? Tom: No plans at present, but we’re never ones to pass up an opportunity! We’d love to open more Burrells stores. Our first priority will be the existing shop, but I think the Burrells brand is a strong one, and with the SWAG engine beneath it, the future holds great things.

Burrells 210 Royal Victoria Place, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2SS 01892 618 618. www.burrellsjewellers.co.uk www.swaguk.co.uk

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Sport of kings Being 12th in line to the throne might make it hard to keep a low profile, but Peter Phillips, the Queen’s grandson, has managed to avoid the media glare. He has also built a career around his great passion – horses. As Peter takes the Longines Global Championships Tour equestrian event around the globe, he takes time out to chat to So about Royal life, riding and the future of the sport

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eter Phillips has positioned himself as a low profile royal, if such a thing is possible. The evidence is with him though – his now-wife didn’t even know he was a royal until six weeks into their courtship, only realising when she saw him on the television performing VIP duties at a local gathering.

But the Windsor family traditions haven’t quite left him behind. His sister, Zara, won an equestrian silver medal at the London 2012 Olympics and while his work in sports marketing keeps him busy – as does being a father to two young daughters – Phillips hasn’t relinquished his love of all things equine. Far from it, in fact.

“I think loving horses, loving horse riding and the whole pomp of equestrian, is something

you’ll always come back to. It hooks you in and it’s difficult to shake!”

As the son of horse enthusiast Princess Anne, Peter spent his childhood in and around stables.

“I was on a horse from almost before I could walk,” he says. “So it’s been a fairly major part of my life.”

He might have gone on to play rugby in his school days before studying Sports Science at the University of Exeter, but horse riding has remained not only familiar territory, but a passion. And far from being the sport of kings, it appears that the people’s love affair with the equine world is now more prevalent than ever.

As far as current projects go, Phillips has kept himself content by organising the

Longines Global Champions Tour, orchestrating the popular horse jumping show’s return to London for the second time last month. And while the 36-year-old may not be one to carry out royal engagements – his mother Princess Anne relieved her children of their honorary titles – he did manage to secure the event a rather aristocratic location. Calling Horse Guards Parade, the home of the three-day spectacular, “one of the most iconic venues in the world,” Phillips admits that hosting a major international riding event just a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace took two years of hard work.

“It has been a weighty task. I was keen to take the sport out of its traditional setting and to present it in a way that made the whole

Peter Phillips

Top showjumper Scott Brash, who won the London leg of the Longines Global Championships Tour

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“Rather, their success is the result of sheer hard work and perhaps a lacing of Lady Luck! With any pursuit, you need a certain amount of that, make no mistake”

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thing so much more accessible. With horse riding generally seen as a pursuit for the privileged these days, I’m passionate about expanding the interest of the sport beyond its traditional centre.”

He is adamant anyone can – and should – take to the saddle.

“If you look at most of the professional riders at the moment, most of them don’t come from privileged backgrounds at all,” he says. “Rather, their success is the result of sheer hard work and perhaps a lacing of Lady Luck! With any pursuit, you need a certain amount of that, make no mistake.”

A lucky horseshoe may be the key to a high profile career in show jumping, but what about those just looking for a short trot? Phillips insists that, whether urban or rural, access to a horse needn’t be a problem.

“You’ve got some great equestrian facilities within cities. You can go and enjoy what horse riding and equestrianism gives you without having your own horse. And of course, coming out to the country offers even greater choice.

There are some marvellous stables across Kent and East Sussex, some of the very best in the whole country. And what you have out there in terms of scenery and bridleways makes the attraction of getting out onto a horse absolutely fantastic.”

Coming out the other side of our national economic downturn, horse riding may have seemed like a sport under threat, but the truth is very different. What’s more, the popularity of equine events like Hickstead and the Longines Global Champions Tour only prove its continuing resurgence.

The past five years have seen a strong following for equestrian sport in the UK – “you just have to look at the support that was given to all three disciplines at the Olympics,” Phillips adds. And with mainland Europe the centre of the show jumping world, the UK is set to reap

the benefits.

“There are world class horses and world class centres right on our European doorstep,” he says. “And if you’re searching for evidence, just look at the gold medals that the team are bringing back.”

What’s more, the BBC seems to be easing back into live equestrian coverage since the London 2012 Olympics, after what had been a serious decline in terrestrial television exposure. Phillips puts this down to the quality performances on show.

“When you bring the top 30 riders in the world together, you get close, exciting finishes and that’s what people want to see. It’s the drama – it’s man and animal against man and animal!” he says with a laugh.

Phillips calls his Champions Tour “the Formula 1 of the riding world” – high praise indeed, especially as he held the position of accounts manager for the Williams F1 racing team until 2005.

Though whether it be racing, riding or roller skating, extra airtime brings bigger audiences to any sport.

“Unfortunately, with the way modern

television works and because equestrianism isn’t mainstream, there’s a quota of how much can actually be shown on terrestrial television.

That said, the BBC’s coverage has increased from two-and-a-half hours last year to four-and-a-half at this year’s Global Champions event. If we continue to produce these world class events in fantastic locations like Horse Guards Parade in the centre of London, that’s only going to help and we’ll continue to see the thing grow, of that I am certain.”

Central London may make an iconic backdrop to equine events, but don’t expect to see Phillips cantering across Buckingham Palace’s gardens any time soon.

“I love the idea, but I’m not sure I’d get permission from ‘you know who’... She is very proud of her lawns and some hoof prints perhaps wouldn’t go down too well!”

For more information and to purchase tickets for the Global Championships Tour – which visits Lausanne, Switzerland and Vienna, Austria this month, followed by Doha, Qatar in November – visit www.globalchampionstour.com

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ADVERTORIAL

How to buy a horse If you’re seeking advice on what to look out for when making an equestrian purchase, Warners Solicitors can help.

Partner Michael McNally explains how the Tonbridge and Sevenoaks law firm can offer premium legal assistance

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f you buy a house or new car, you can expect the process to involve paperwork and formalities. If you are buying a horse, however, the agreement is likely to be verbal only, even if you are spending many thousands of pounds. Nonetheless, this is still how the purchase of most horses is carried out. So, what rights does a purchaser have?

Have you bought the horse from a business or from a private seller? It is only when you buy from a business that certain terms are implied into the contract by the Sale of Goods Act, under which the horse must be of satisfactory quality and fit for purpose. It will help your case if you told the seller what you wanted to use the horse for and were told it was suitable.

Whether the contract was verbal or written, you may be able to sue in the court for breach of contract or misrepresentation and ask for compensation and/or termination of the

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contract. The seller may argue that there was nothing wrong with the horse and that the horse’s behaviour is down to your lack of care – or to your lack of riding ability!

Any horse may exploit weaknesses in its new owner’s control over it and a new home may cause behavioural problems. If so, obtain a report from an expert in equine behaviour as to the real cause. If both parties obtain their own experts’ reports (something the courts are reluctant to allow), the case may have to go to trial for the judge to determine whose witnesses and expert he prefers.

If the seller is not a horse dealer, you will only have a claim if you can prove that they were in breach of something they said or wrote before purchase. Of course, if the horse only behaved well during pre-purchase examination because it had been drugged, you should still have a good breach of contract or misrepresentation claim.

You should usually have a five-stage vetting carried out on the horse before you buy. If your vet fails to spot any problems, then you may have a claim against them for professional negligence!

Make sure you ask all the questions of the seller that you want and make sure that you get answers. If the seller won’t sign a contract, at least make notes of what you agree with the seller. Explain what you want to do with the horse and ensure the seller agrees it is suitable.

Check all the horse’s documentation, such as the passport and details of breeding. Finally, be rational – it’s easy to fall in love with a horse, but you will quickly fall out of love if it proves a disaster!

For advice on all aspects of the law relating to equine purchase and disputes, contact Michael McNally on 01732 770 660, or email m.mcnally@warners-solicitors.co.uk Follow Warners @KentSolicitors

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Glorious Gardens Emma Davies, who runs The Walled Nursery in Hawkhurst with her husband Monty, tells us how to prepare the garden for an exciting autumn

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ith autumn approaching, how do you feel about your garden’s performance so far this year? Are you pleased with it or does it need a bit of tweaking?

Now is the time to make notes of changes you’d like to put in place, as soon you’ll be left with the bare bones of the garden and will forget about those ideas. Take a stroll around your garden – some plants may be encroaching on others, some may simply have ended up in the wrong place. Draw a rough sketch of the bed and note down changes which need to take place in the autumn.

In our own garden/nursery, we are always making notes on how we can improve each area. We have some beautiful Stipa gigantean (Golden Oats Grass), which has overtaken a bed and now needs to be dug out, split and potted up. Autumn is the ideal time to split grasses and herbaceous perennials, as the soil is warm and we should get frequent rain to encourage the roots to establish.

plant

OF THE MONTH

Grasses on the whole tend to clump up; the centre of the clump can become congested and will not thrive. It is a good idea to split ornamental grasses after a few years anyway, discard the poor centre and separate the clump into several new clumps to be planted elsewhere.

Take a look at hardy annuals – they can fill in gaps giving you a much needed injection of colour. Hardy annuals can be sown in a greenhouse in September or October and will overwinter ready to be planted in the spring. You can also sow hardy annuals again in the spring, so that you have a succession of plants with your autumn sown ones flowering earlier than spring sown. Ammi majus, Cosmos and Cornflowers are all good performers and gap fillers.

We have a huge clump of Echinops ritro with its deep blue globular flowers that the bees adore, however, it is now smothering two roses and somewhere in its depths are some large Allium ‘Christophii’ that have been totally hidden this year.

Stipa gigantean, Golden Oats Grass This wonderful ornamental grass has thin, strap-like foliage which clumps up at the base with long, tall stems held 2.5m high. In early summer the flower heads are a deep, russet brown/red/gold; the flowers then turn into a warm golden colour and they bob about in the slightest of breezes. This plant can easily hold its own in any border as a centrepiece or plant in swathes for a dramatic effect in a large border.

It’s time to split. First, chop the plant down so that you have about 10cm of stalks left; take a border fork and working your way around the outside of the clump, lift the edges up first. Ease the clump upwards using your fork; if this proves difficult, take a border spade and chop the clump in half, now try lifting it with the fork again. Your aim is to lift the plant with a good rootball so that you can transplant it elsewhere.

Do remember to thoroughly water after planting up the new clumps you’ve created, this will encourage roots to go down into the soil and help them get over the trauma.

A garden is not created by planting it and forgetting about it, you are always re-evaluating, tweaking and improving. Sometimes you have failures, sometimes pleasant accidents!

Happy gardening!

Emma www.thewallednursery.com

nursery OF THE MONTH

Stone Green Nursery, Bethersden This is a ‘proper’ nursery that has been running at its current site for 14 years now. Adrian grows a large selection of specimen shrubs, shrubs, perennials and grasses as well as a vast range of clematis.

Not generally open to the pubic but with plenty of open weekends. Join their mailing list to be informed of open days. www.stonegreennurseries.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2014

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WHOLESALE NURSERY OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 5th , 6th, 7th SEPTEMBER Opening times: Fri 9am - Spm, Sat & Sun 9am - Spm, Bank Holiday Monday 9am - Spm

At Stone Green Nurseries you will discover that w e are passionate about plants.We grow a fantastic range:

Shrubs Ferns

Trees 1 Herbaceous perennials 1 Climbers Grasses 1 Large plants for instant impact

You can choose your plants from our vast selection and direct from their growing beds!

You can't buy fresher" Our broad variety of garden plants are offered to you at fair prices.

Should you need help with your selection we also have knowledgeable staff to help answer your questions.

On the 5-6-7 September we have with us a visiting nursery Bulborum Botanical offering a wide range of carefully selected bulbs. Additionally we will have our new crop of winter pansies and viola's, also available in baskets.

FUTURE DATES 26th, 27th, 28th September For more details directions please use our website Pluckle}r Road, Bethersden TN26 3ET

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Jgsaw "Now everyone can invest in property"

CALL DUNCAN N OW at Jigsaw International Property on 01892 457172 or email duncanbudd@ jigsawinternationalproperty.com â&#x20AC;˘conditions apply

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Dreweatts

BLOOMSBURY

Free Auction Valuations Inviting Entries for our 2014 Au ctio n Calendar

MAY&WATTS Rolex, a gentleman's stainless steel wristwatch, cirGJ1940.

Sold for £9,300,March 2014.

G A RD EN D ES IGN

Thursday 18th September, 1Oam-2pm

Hotel du Vin, Crescent Rd, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2LY Come and meet our specialists for valuations on: • Jewellery, Silver, Watches & Coins • Asian Ceramics & Works of Art • Pictures & Works of Art • Antiques & Collectors Items For more details or to book a home visit info@dnfa.com I 020 3291 28351 www.d reweatts.com Est 1856

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STANLEY GIBBONS

Part of The Stanley Gibbons Group plc

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Bespoke Gardm Design j or Discerning Clients f rom Award Witming D esigners

01892 770284 www.ntayandwatts.com

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BEAUTIFUL HOMES

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HOME FRONT For many homebuyers, a charming retreat in the country is the lifestyle dream. Here in the Weald, we’re lucky to have a broad variety of beautiful villages and even more isolated rural getaways – yet still within easy reach of major road systems and direct rail services to London. With their rich and colourful history, West Kent and East Sussex have plenty of homes with charm and character, along with more recent projects that were designed with our stunning landscape in mind.

From a contemporary country house built in the elegant Queen Anne style, to a converted barn with its traditional beams and joinery, we have some breathtaking properties on offer this month.

There’s even the opportunity to create your own unique retreat from scratch, with a magnificent barn that has already secured planning permission for a wonderful family home.

Read on to make your country dream come true...

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

CROWBOROUGH Elegant entrance hall in chic Victorian home Price: £975,000

ETCHINGHAM Modern Queen Anne style house with lake Price: £2.6million

CHART SUTTON

Barn conversion boasts stunning rural views Price: £1.5million

HIGH HALDEN

Fantastic chance to convert your own barn Price: £495,000

SEVENOAKS

1930’s elegance with plenty of space Price: £1,995,000

BENENDEN

Rural barn conversion with detached cottage Price: £1.25million

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SO Reclaimed Building & Landscaping Materials Architectural Salvage

We stock Sleepers to Statues and everything in between, why not pop in for a coffee and a look around.

Freelands Tiles 124-126 London Road, Dunton Green, Sevenoaks 1el: 01732 459 765 Open 7 days a week

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

www. freelands-ti les.co. uk

ALOHA, MARBELLA 2 Bed Townhouse Built: 150m2

Halcyon Properties S.L Property sales and reform projects

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€250,000 I £210,000 R1956456

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BEAUTIFUL HOMES

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

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Property: Church Farm Barn,

Create a spectacular home in a striking heritage building at High Halden

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ust three miles from Tenterden, Church Farm Barn presents a great opportunity to turn a magnificent traditional barn into a unique family home with stunning countryside views. elieved to be around years old, the pictures ue structure has been used in the TV show The Darling Buds of May and ollywood film Monuments Men. ermission has been granted to create a two-storey home with a total footprint of nearly , s ft. he plans comprise, on the ground oor, a large entrance hall, central study, reception room with French doors to the gardens, open plan kitchen and dining room, cloakroom, WC, utility room and storage areas.

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n the first oor the plan would see master and guest bedrooms, each with en suite bathrooms, two further bedrooms and a family bathroom. nside, the barn retains the vernacular aisled’ layout along with original timbers, braces and trusses. The proposed conversion would retain the wagon entry doors and feature a full height vaulted entrance with minstrels’ gallery over and much of the original joinery. n the grounds, there is a cattle byre that might have further conversion potential, subject to planning permission. new driveway has been created to link the barn to the public highway.

conversion project Location: Church Hill, High Halden, Kent Guide price: £495,000

Bedrooms (proposed): 4 Bathrooms (proposed): 3 plus WC Land: About two acres Extras: Woodland, new drive, cattle byre with conversion potential

Best bits: Flanked by open countryside, the two-acre plot offers far-reaching rural views and features mature indigenous trees and an area of woodland, making this a fantastic spot to create your own special family home.

For full details contact: Jackson-Stops & Staff • 01580 720 000 • www.jackson-stops.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2014

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HOME FIT FOR ROYALTY This stunning Queen Anne style property in Etchingham has been finished to an exceptionally high standard

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uilt for the current owners, Foxwood House is an elegant four-storey country property that combines traditionally crafted materials with the latest 21st century technology. The large windows let in plenty of light, as does the magnificent atrium at the top of the breathtaking reception hall, with its feature oak staircase created by Belgian craftsmen. The gracious dining room is located in the orangery, where bi-folding doors give fabulous views of the beautiful grounds. Also on the ground floor are a drawing room, sitting room and study, plus a boot room and utility room are convenient for

the delightful kitchen/breakfast room. This space has a comprehensive range of oak and hand-painted wall and floor cabinetry by Mark Wilkinson.

On the lower level there is a room that is currently used as a gym, although it has wiring for a cinema room and plumbing for a bar.

Up on the first floor, the principal bedroom suite covers one side of the house and has a dressing area, en suite bathroom and two balconies. Four of the five further bedrooms – arranged over the first and second storeys – are en suite, plus there’s a useful store room on the second floor.

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

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH

BEAUTIFUL HOMES

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Property: Foxwood House, detached country property Location: Sheepstreet Lane, Etchingham, East Sussex Price: ÂŁ2.6million Bedrooms: 6 Bathrooms: 5 plus shower room & WC Land: About 6.76 acres Extras: Atrium, gymnasium/cinema room, balconies, Control 4 Smart Home Automation System for lighting, music and security, individually zoned under floor heating, air ventilation system with heat recovery, CCTV cameras, speakers throughout house and in garden, extensive security and fire alarm, data points with wireless networking, store room, detached three-bay garage, workshop Best bits: The extensive grounds have been laid out to reflect the local countryside and they boast many beautiful features. These include a large pond stocked with grass carp and designated ancient woodland that is currently undergoing a management programme to preserve old English species.

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TREESURVIVE TREE MANAGEMENT

Committed to onering a friendlY anordable service.

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improved storage and access solutions door refurbishment seNice I instant hot water taps fitted

The Kitchen Doctor's bespd<e service supplies and fits a comprehensive range of compcnents to give your kitchen a neN lease of life.

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

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Kitchens + Bedrooms + Bathrooms + Studies

+ Over 100 stunning displays + Exceptional value for money + Expert craftsmanship + An established family business for over 30 years + Independent Consumer Deposit Protection (Details available on request)

01435 866 166 Heathfield Hill House, Mutton Hall Hill, TN 21 8NL

www.hks-uk. com

Eastbourne 231 Seaside, BN22 7NR St Leonards-on-Sea 138 London Road, TN37 6NA Haywards Heath 104 South Road, RH16 4LL

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BEAUTIFUL HOMES

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

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Period elegance and generous living space in the south west side of Sevenoaks

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uilt in the 1930s, 28 Oakhill Road has had subsequent extensions and now offers well presented family accommodation, arranged over three oors. rom the entrance hall, you’ll step into the elegant dining and drawing rooms, which are connected via a double doorway in the dividing wall. his splendid entertaining space runs the full depth of the house, plus the drawing room has a s uare bay window and rench doors to the garden. he light and attractive kitchen overlooks the garden and leads through to the breakfast room, which also has rench doors to the rear garden. here’s a useful utility room next

to the family room a study and cloakroom complete the ground oor layout. n the first oor, you’re bound to be impressed by the master bedroom it’s the depth of the house and has a dressing area and large en suite bathroom. he guest bedroom benefits from an en suite shower room, while the rest of the oor comprises three further bedrooms and a family bathroom. he other two bedrooms and a shower room are located on the second oor. utside, you’ll find further storage space in the large room above the double detached garage and there’s more parking in the single attached garage.

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Property: Detached family house Location: 28 Oakhill Road, Sevenoaks, Kent Price: £1,995,000

Bedrooms: 6 Bathrooms : 2 plus 2 shower rooms & WC Land: About 0.45 acre Extras: Single garage, detached double garage with store room above

Best bits: Gardeners are in luck with this property, as the grounds are a real asset.

Facing south west, the garden enjoys sunshine through most of the day. The large flat lawn has mature trees, shrubs and border hedges, plus there’s a patio area for alfresco entertaining.

For full details contact: Knight Frank • 01732 744 477 • www.knightfrank.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2014

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/la nur rk·r /'J By chobsing J B Garage Doors Ltd to carry out your installation, you can be sure that that your installation is carried out expertly with the min imum of fuss, and you will see why we are the number one garage door company.

J krin(· ~alf'J Choosing a pair of beautiful gates for the entrance to your home not only adds style and elegance, but also additional safety and security for children, pets and increased security for your home, property and cars.

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PROPERTY

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HOW TO ATTRACT THOSE BUYERS It’s well-known that September is one of the best times for homeowners looking to sell to put their property on the market. This month we hear from two leading local estate agents about some of the best ways to make sure you’re home gets snapped up

Country House Finders Heather Cernis, MD What tips can you offer to people looking to sell their home this autumn?

To parody Jane Austen, “It is a truth universally acknowledged that a buyer in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a house.” “Perfect,” you think, “I have a house; choose mine!” If only it was that straightforward…

Price and Prejudice: You’ve got the presentation nailed – decluttered, cleaned, gardened, fumigated the pets, baked bread, made fresh coffee. However, don’t overlook the main attraction: price. Be pragmatic. An over-ambitious pricing strategy risks deterring potential buyers and may prejudice your sale.

Are there key steps we should take to get the ball rolling?

Sense and Sensibility: It’s sensible to contact your conveyancer early. Far better to pre-empt legal, planning or maintenance issues and fix these now than to have surprises and delays mid-transaction.

How can I add value to my home before selling?

Persuasion: Seek advice from architects, builders or planners about the potential to extend, convert or remodel.

Buyers are more readily persuaded by facts and figures than mere speculation.

Job done – another bestseller!

01435 865 658 07747 588 777 www.countryhousefinders.co.uk heather@countryhousefinders.co.uk

Wood & Pilcher Steve Bovis, Director What tips can you offer to people looking to sell their home this autumn?

Don’t delay in preparing your property for sale, leaving it no later than September 28 if you want to be moved before Christmas. One of the biggest factors in making the best first impression is the property’s Kerb Appeal; attention therefore should be spent on the property’s garden, boundaries and façade, as these are areas of the upmost importance. Once inside it is essential to convey the impression of space; consider looking at the rooms of your property through the eyes of a buyer and de-clutter wherever possible.

Are there key steps we should take to get the ball rolling?

Call Wood & Pilcher now for a free market appraisal. Once instructed, we can arrange for professional photography to be carried out so that we can take advantage of the late summer weather. It takes time to prepare brochures, floor plans and advertising etc. so the sooner we are appointed, the better prepared we are for your launch date.

How can I add value to my home before selling?

Suggestions here may include landscaping the gardens – this has the potential to add up to 10% to the overall value of your property. Ensure neutral décor and plenty of light – if required, redecorate key rooms. Consider for evening viewings how best to light the room; artificial light sources providing too much light can make rooms appear stark.

Repair and revitalise – re-grouting bathroom surfaces, replacing broken fixtures and ensuring doorbells, lighting etc. work as they should. This will make sure buyers believe your property is well cared for and worth caring about.

01892 511 211 www.woodandpilcher.co.uk

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BEAUTIFUL HOMES

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

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Victorian elegance and generous living space in a tranquil part of Crowborough

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uilt around 1850, Linden Place is an impressive detached family house that has been recently refurbished, yet retains many desirable period features such as ceiling roses, polished oors, panelling and open fireplaces.

From the attractive reception hall, you can access the gardens and go up to the impressive galleried landing. hose who enjoy entertaining will love this house the kitchen breakfast room has been newly fitted with oak units and granite worktops, with a large cooker and central island, plus it has a pantry. he four well proportioned reception rooms a sitting room, dining room, study and family room

all have charming period features.

An en suite Victorian style bathroom is a delightful feature of the master bedroom. here’s a luxuriously fitted family bathroom and the guest suite has an en suite shower room. ou’ll find three further bedrooms on the first oor and two large attic rooms on the second oor, which are useful for storage or could be converted to further accommodation, subject to the re uired planning consent. utside the garden is mainly laid to lawn, with an original terrace and a further entertaining area to the side. lenty of off road parking is available on the well screened driveway.

Property: Linden Place, Victorian detached house Location: Beacon Road, Crowborough, East Sussex Price: £975,000 Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 2 plus shower room & WCs Land: About 0.7 acres Extras: Double detached garage, off-road parking, two attic rooms, pantry Best bits: If you’re looking for the ‘wow factor’, Linden Place certainly greets you in style – the magnificent reception hall boasts period features such as an open fireplace, wood panelling, decorative deep moulded coving and polished floor.

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

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Our new Design Centre is the largest Neptune Home Store in the UK and offers the full range of Neptune hand crafted furniture and accessories for the whole home.

Located just off Tonbridge High Street, near Waitrose, our new showroom is 6,800 square feet.

SUMMER OFFERS available on

Kitchen, Bathroom & Garden

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BEAUTIFUL HOMES

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

BARN WITH EXTRA BENEFITS Panoramic views are just one great feature of a stunning barn conversion in Chart Sutton

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et in an elevated position, Ladds Court Barn is an impressive property that boasts ancillary accommodation in the form of a second barn conversion. The main home was converted 12 years ago and now offers more than , s ft of attractive family living space. Exposed timbers and beams, a wood burning stove in the sitting room and a galleried landing all add further character to this generously proportioned home, while under oor heating with individual thermostatic controls ensures you’ll always feel warm and cosy here.

In the triple aspect sitting room, two sets of French doors open to the south westerly

terrace. There are various integral appliances in the fantastic fitted kitchen and the convenience continues upstairs, where two of the four bedrooms have en suite facilities and the master suite has a dressing room fifth bedroom. Two of the three bath or shower rooms have been refurbished, too.

The property is approached via electric gates and there is plenty of parking on the block paved driveway, along with a uadruple garage block this has a studio with shower room above. Terraced areas, lawns, specimen trees and a decked terrace with a hot tub are all delightful features of the gardens.

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Property: Ladds Court Barn, barn conversion Location: Chart Hill Road, Chart Sutton, Kent Price: Offers in region of £1.5million Bedrooms: 4/5 Bathrooms: 2 plus shower room & WC Land: 1.3 acres Extras: Three-bedroom annexe, landscaped gardens, terrace with hot tub, garaging, studio Best bits: The ancillary accommodation on offer provides useful extra space and currently generates a rental income. Ladds Court Barn East was converted in 2011 and has three bedrooms, a bathroom, two en suite shower rooms, a utility room, a downstairs cloakroom and a substantial sitting room/dining room/kitchen.

For full details contact: Savills • 01580 720 161 • www.savills.com SEPTEMBER 2014

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CONVERTED BARN IN BEAUTIFUL GARDENS This unlisted rural barn in Benenden comes with a holiday let property and potential to create an annexe

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pacious and full of character, Standen Barn is a fantastic example of a successful conversion to a family home. High ceilings and generous room sizes mean this property has an airy feel and there’s also scope to form a self-contained annexe – the rear entrance hall and fifth bedroom (currently used as a playroom) are reached via a separate entrance and have stairs to the master bedroom and its en suite shower room.

With oak flooring throughout, the open drawing room and dining room together provide a great space for entertaining. Steps lead down to the garden room which has French doors opening onto the rear terrace, enabling guests to enjoy warm summer evenings.

There’s plenty of room in the kitchen/breakfast room

too, which has a two-oven Rangemaster cooker and a stable door opening onto another outdoor seating area.

From the sitting room you can enjoy views of the rear gardens while warming yourself at the Vermont wood burning stove. Also on the ground floor are a utility room, study and snug.

An oak staircase takes you up to the first floor, where all three further bedrooms have en suite facilities, along with attractive vaulted ceilings, beams and built-in cupboards.

The beautifully landscaped gardens include a well, a pond, willow trees, a shed and a greenhouse. The cart lodge garage provides a double open parking bay and one enclosed.

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

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Property: Standen Barn, unlisted conversion Location: Standen Street, Benenden, Kent Guide price: £1.25million to £1.35million Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 2 plus 2 shower rooms & WCs Land: About 1.1 acres Extras: Three-bedroom cottage, triple bay garage, off-road parking, fish pond

Best bits: The detached cottage in the grounds is currently used as a successful holiday let, offering an additional income.

Along with three bedrooms, the cottage has a dining room, kitchen, sitting room and bathroom.

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Tailor-made Oak joinery and Oak Flooring

Phone for our p ptlf~ bnldrure

www.orlestoneoak.co.uk 01233 732179 SHOWROOM OPEN MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9AM-5PM, SATURDAY 9AM-12PM

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Wealden Country Landcraft For all your design, construction and maintenan ce req uirements, contact:

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

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SO HEHKU CUCINA Hehku are the original pioneers of creating luxury kitchens within bespoke glazed structures. Cucina is the kitchen division of this exciting lifestyle brand, created by a team of renowned luxury kitchen designers and craftsmen. They utilise their years of experience to create the very best in bespoke living spaces and, by sourcing only the finest of select specialists and materials, Hehku have developed an unrivalled reputation. From concept to installation, a Cucina designer will be with you every step of the journey, ensuring a premium quality, visually stunning kitchen you will use daily and enjoy for years.

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

Five of the best...

KITCHENS AS WE HEAD INTO THE NEW SEASON, THERE’S NO BETTER WAY TO GIVE YOUR HOME A MAKEOVER THAN BY TRANSFORMING THE KITCHEN. AS THE HUB OF THE FAMILY HOME, A BEAUTIFUL AND WELLDESIGNED KITCHEN CAN MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE TO YOUR DAILY LIFE. HERE, FIVE TOP LOCAL COMPANIES REVEAL HOW THEY COULD HELP YOU COOK UP A STORM THIS AUTUMN

NEPTUNE TONBRIDGE As Neptune’s first contemporary design, the ‘Limehouse’ blends the cutting edge and the classic, the new and the rediscovered. The style is calm, contemporary and timeless, with real attention to detail. The cabinets have soft close doors and invisible magnets, with a hand painted finish. For a closer look and an opportunity to see the full Neptune kitchen and furniture range, visit our new 6,000 sq ft showroom in Tonbridge.

Unit 1-2 Tannery Road Industrial Estate, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 1RF 01732 351 866 www.neptunetonbridge.com

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BURNHILL KITCHENS Family-owned Burnhill Kitchens thrives in today’s competitive marketplace, offering unequalled levels of service, innovative design and outstanding value for money.

“We really do have something for everyone,” says Sam D’Arcy, Burnhill’s Sales Director. “From tiny town house to rambling country cottage, there is a kitchen style to suit all.”

Burnhill Kitchens boasts a breathtaking range of bespoke kitchens in oak or walnut and other beautiful timbers.

Fabulous paint finishes enhance the classic style whilst high gloss or matt lacquers and German engineering flair create the popular contemporary look. Burnhill Kitchens will provide all the preparation elements a client may need.

Woodgate Business Park, 12 Vale Rise, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1TB 01732 373 515 www.burnhillkitchens.co.uk

TRADITIONAL BESPOKE FURNITURE We are not just kitchen specialists; we also design, manufacture and install beautiful tailor-made furniture for all interiors, with the finest materials used by the finest craftsmen. We take pride in offering a truly bespoke and personal service to every client and have a proven history of strong customer satisfaction. Each tailored design is created with an understanding of your needs, your style and to fully complement the way you live. Should you wish to take advantage of just some or the full range of our services, you can depend on our experience, professionalism and personal attention.

Unit 2, The Coppice, Petteridge Lane, Matfield, Kent TN12 7LP 01892 723 083 www.traditionalbespokefurniture.co.uk

KRIEDER Krieder are one of Europe’s leading German kitchen suppliers.

From cost effective laminates to high gloss lacquered veneers, all of Krieder’s products are made to the highest European standards. Krieder also believe in providing outstanding customer care and offer a five-year parts and labour guarantee on all their furniture products. The range is always innovative and forever expanding too, for instance this year there will be the introduction of two new internal carcase colours to choose from and no less than 28 new wood veneers. There really is no end to Krieder’s product range or their passion to create products of beauty, rich in quality and daring in combination.

3 Chapel Place, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1YQ 01892 619 721 www.krieder.com

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*Knights Wood Marketing Suite – Kitchen.

WOODLAND WONDERS Back in June we spoke to Catriona Hill-Scanlon, New Homes Sales Manager at Knight Frank, about the launch of the highly anticipated Knights Wood development in Tunbridge Wells. Three months in, we have a catch-up to find out about buyers’ reactions and what the future holds WHAT HAS THE RESPONSE TO KNIGHTS WOOD BEEN LIKE SO FAR? It’s been fantastic! We held our launch on June 28 when we released the first phase of three bedroom houses and opened the arketing Suite. We have now reserved 90% of the first release. isitors to the arketing Suite have been impressed by the location and surprised by the tran uil woodland setting, with its views over the countryside, yet being in easy reach of the local amenities and within a mile of igh rooms station. he road improvements to the area have now started, so buyers are encouraged knowing that these will be completed next year. n the arketing Suite, which is open every day from am to pm, we have a site model so that

buyers can picture the development, see the natural topography and walk through the fabulous room sets, which replicate the ramling, showing the excellent finishes and stylish interiors.

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S e currently have three bedroom houses available to reserve off plan. he starting price is , for the semi detached dmiral detached dmiral are all reserved and the detached ramling from , . his is very competitive with other family housing in the town.

WHAT KIND OF BUYERS ARE S e are seeing first time buyers, downsi ers and families also, the

houses are appealing to investors who are looking for high uality properties with the prospect of a good rental return. So a real mix, which will be great for the community. he new primary school, which will be run by the Skinners oundation, is proving a particular attraction.

WHAT IS THE NEXT PHASE AND WHAT CAN BUYERS EXPECT IN THE FUTURE? e continue to offer the three bedroom houses and early next year the next phase will include more three bedroom houses, plus two, four and five bedroom houses. e know that the two and four bedroom houses are going to be very popular with potential buyers registering with us already.

Churchill House, 85 Mount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1PX 01892 512 006

Knight Frank • 01892 512 006 • www.knightfrank.com SEPTEMBER 2014

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D aily Deliveries I ndividual attention- advice S ervice second to none

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E very effort to please R eady for you to call us

HAND CRAFTED IN SUSSEX USING NATU R A L MATE R I AL S Lcvlck Jorgcnsen Kitchen Showroom & Workshops, 57 Framfiold Road, Uckftold • 01825 76604 8

Tel: 01892 870882 Station Hill, Chiddingstone Causeway sales@pallethandlingpenshurst.co.uk www.chasefencing.co. uk

Huge range of wall tiles, mosaic and glass, porcelain, floor tiles, natural stone, amtico, karndean The Warehouse, Tunnel Road, Tun bridge Wells, Kent,TN21 2UT Tel: 01892 514 004 Fax: 01892 518 613 tunbridgewells@theinternationaltilestore.co.uk www.tilemates. eo. uk Wirh mhcr hr.tmhe' ·" Wellin~. Crayt<1rd.

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

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

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

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

Quality garden design & landscaping since 1963

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TOP DRAWER BESPOKE KITCHENS CR EATED BY HI GHLY SKILl ED CRAFTS M EN

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ADVERTORIAL

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HOUSES WE’D LIKE TO STAY IN, PLACES WE’D LIKE TO STAY...

Bramley and Teal Holiday Cottages is an independent holiday letting company offering firstclass, self-catering holiday homes with unrivalled customer service. We have a friendly and knowledgeable team who know all of our properties personally and can offer you expert help and advice in choosing your perfect holiday cottage COTTAGES FOR COUPLES Bramley & Teal Holiday Cottages has an ever-growing selection of one-bedroom properties in Kent and Sussex that are perfect for couples. Whether it’s for a romantic break with a loved one or a trip away with a friend, we have something to suit your needs. From coastal properties just a short walk from sandy beaches, to rural cottages in tranquil settings, we have a great selection available throughout the year, finished to the same high standard consistent with all of our properties.

If you think this could be something you would like to undertake, we would be delighted to hear from you and to help you with your new adventure...

THINKING OF LETTING YOUR PROPERTY AS A HOLIDAY COTTAGE? Now is a great time to think about 2015 as the UK Holiday Lettings Market looks set to grow with more people choosing to holiday in the UK. The South East is the sunniest place to live in England and also perfect for holidaymakers wishing to enjoy the best of the UK weather.

DERETA, CAMBER SANDS, SLEEPS 6 Dereta is a lovely single-storey property tucked away at the far end of First Avenue in Camber Sands. It has been restored and decorated with a mixture of modern and vintage styling with wooden oors throughout. here are three bedrooms and a spacious open plan living area with a wood burner for use on cooler days.

NEW PROPERTIES IN KENT AND SUSSEX Our portfolio is ever-expanding and just recently we have taken on some beautiful cottages across the counties. Keep an eye on our homepage for all of our new and featured properties. Here are two examples...

COACH HOUSE STUDIO, APPLEDORE, SLEEPS 2 Coach House Studio is an 18th Century brick building which has been beautifully refurbished by the owners and is located in a perfect setting with breathtaking views over to Romney Marsh.

This cottage is ideal for couples wanting to get away from it all! It’s close to the market town of Tenterden, with antique shops to browse in and the renowned Kent & Sussex Steam Railway offering wonderful trips down to odiam Castle, where an explore is a must with a cream tea afterwards!

01580 860 840 info@bramleyandteal.co.uk www.bramleyandteal.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2014

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Selling beautiful solid wood furniture and reclaimed flooring. Helping you create your ideal Holme.

Brand new showroom now open in Tunbridge Wells.

HOLME T I ME~ESS F~OORING

www.holme...uk.c:om I 01892 527 926 7 Chapel Place, High Street, Tunbrldge Wells, Kent, TNl tYQ

& FURNITURE

~ Hartley Dream ~

Homes Limited

Building Plot with detailed planning permission for: • Luxury 5 bedroom detached house (5,500 ft2 , 515 m2 ) • 9 acre site including 2 adjoining fields • Located in rural Kent within Sevenoaks District

• Price: OIRO £900,000

Further detailed information about this project available on website

www.hartleydreamhomes.co.uk Contact email info@hartleydreamhomes.co.uk telephone 01732 822311 Hortley Dream Homes lrd: Company No. 9115158

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F E AT U R E

THE FRENCH CONNECTION Whether you’re looking to relocate or enjoy the many benefits of a holiday home, Hamptons International can help secure your dream property in France. We hear from the Sevenoaks Sales and Lettings office about buying in France HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BUY A PROPERTY IN FRANCE? When looking at adverts of French houses you will find that they nearly always include the letters ‘FAI’ with the price. This stands for ‘frais d’agence inclus’ and means that the estate agency fees are already included in the price. However, you should allow for further purchase costs of roughly 7%. These are paid to the notaire and cover notaire fees, as well as all other governmental costs. Therefore, if a house is advertised for €100,000 FAI then your exposure would be around €107,000.

Prices vary throughout France; the average sale price across the country (excluding Paris)

is €160,000. The cheapest regions tend to be in the middle of the country, while you pay a premium in the Alps and on the Côte d’Azur. As examples, the average property price in the Creuse department of the Limousin is just €75,000, while it is €345,000 in the Haute-Savoie (Alps) and €415,000 in the Alpes Maritimes (South of France). Within our listings you will find barns for renovation and magnificent chateaux; we can help a buyer from around €50,000 up to several million. A buyer from the UK, though, will typically spend around €270,000 – this will buy a lovely family home with pool and gardens in most regions.

HOW DO I KNOW WHICH REGION TO BUY IN? France shares its border with eight different countries and therefore cultural differences are enormous from north to south and east to west. If you are looking for a property surrounded by world-class vineyards then you will probably head to Aquitaine or Burgundy. If you like skiing then you’ll probably aim for the Alps or (particularly if you’re on a budget) the Pyrenees. The west coast is popular with families as it has beautiful beaches and relatively low prices. Head to the Côte d’Azur for glitz and glamour and you may be surprised at how affordable some of the villages are if you look even a little inland. Brittany and Normandy are

Cote d’Azur, France £260,000

Charente, France £41,000

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Charente Maritime, France £320,000

Vendee, France - £105,000

Vienne France £288,000

popular with UK buyers as they are pretty and easily accessible – some of the coastline there is truly spectacular. If you want ‘up and coming’, try the Midi Pyrenees or Languedoc Roussillon.

SETTLING IN – HOW DO I MAKE FRIENDS? Easy – you get out as much as you put in! Go and introduce yourself to the Mayor straightaway and then look for clubs and events that mirror your interests. Even the smallest villages will have associations ranging from hunting to line dancing and from cycling to yoga. Try and learn the language and make sure you at least have the basics. If you have school age children then strike all the above because you’ll soon have more friends and events to go to than you could possibly want!

IS THERE MUCH VARIATION IN THE TYPES OF PROPERTY AVAILABLE? There are lots of different styles on offer, from barn conversions to farmhouses, longeres to maison de maitres, apartments, villas, chalets, eco houses, village houses, town houses, old school houses, chateaux, medieval forts, isolated retreats. The list is endless and you might be surprised at what you can get for your money.

LEGALITIES – SHOULD I USE A LAWYER IN FRANCE? It’s your choice; most buyers don’t as the sale is overseen by a government appointed official called a notaire who makes sure everything is above board. We can offer an in-house contracts team who ensure that each sale passes as smoothly as possible – they are bilingual and you will have a single point of contact throughout the purchase.

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO THOSE LOOKING FOR A HOLIDAY HOME? If you are looking at renting it as well as staying in it yourself then you need to make sure it is in a good area for transport links, tourist attractions and lots of leisure facilities for families and children – this will make it easier to rent. Alternatively, you could invest in an apartment in the Alps or the Côte d’Azur, whereby you could leave it with a property management company (there are plenty in these areas) and they will do it for you.

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WHAT’S MY NEXT MOVE TOWARDS GETTING THE BALL ROLLING? Choose your area; this is very important as the location is essential. You will find your dream house anywhere in France, so choose your location first. Once you have narrowed down where you want to be, then start looking at properties within your budget and view all sorts, as it’s often the case that clients are surprised by what they came to buy and what they actually buy – usually the ‘wild card’ or something completely different. We would be delighted to help you with your search.

01732 280801 sevenoaks@hamptons-int.com

Angouleme, France £1,060,000 SEPTEMBER 2014

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Eco-friendly decking boards by Round Wood of Mayfield

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omeowners with a conscience frequently struggle with a common dilemma when it comes to purchasing materials to improve their property.

While they are keen to make environmentally friendly decisions, doing so often means sacrificing aesthetics and digging a bit deeper.

Green issues particularly come into focus around timber products, such as decking boards. rees are not always harvested responsibly or machined efficiently the subse uent impacts on global warming and natural habitats are well documented. hankfully, increased education has seen consumer tastes adapt. he supply chain is responding and eco friendly options are being made available. n the decking market these have typically taken the form of composite boards featuring recycled materials or those that are FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) accredited. he former have an unmistakably plastic feel, the latter an often astronomical price tag. recent innovation being offered by ast Sussex based company ound ood of ayfield

not only avoids both drawbacks, but also offers improvements on traditional timbers. he eveatech’ boards they exclusively supply are engineered from a hardwood that has reached the end of its commercial life, using techniques that make the best use of felled timbers while retaining their sought-after natural appearance.

Heveatech is cut from the ‘Hevea Brasiliensis,’ better known as the ubber ree’. his species has a typical rubber or latex producing lifespan of 25 to 30 years, after which they have historically been felled and used for firewood, or even discarded. nstead, this timber is now cut into small layers, which are bonded together under extreme compression and finished with a solid veneer. he result is an engineered, yet natural, decking board with a uniform moisture content. he stability this provides is highly sought after, as even the toughest standard decking boards can be subject to movement. t also means that Heveatech is ideal for use with hidden fastenings, such as the Archideck and Sharkstooth systems ound ood supply. oth allow your deck to be displayed to its full

potential by cutting out the need for unsightly face screws. nsurprisingly, ound ood have reported significant interest in eveatech, which is supplied with a year warranty. t has already been supplied for numerous projects, receiving unanimously good feedback. itters have reported that the boards make for an enjoyable project as they are supplied in generous lengths and always cut clean, unlike inferior laminates and composites. omeowners have also been impressed, particularly by the final look and budget. fficient manufacturing techni ues that minimise waste allow for eveatech to be offered at exceptional value, despite its high end characteristics. eveatech decking is available in a Smooth anish profile. t is supplied from an FSC accredited source. Boards have a warm, light teak finish and are available in lengths of 3m, 4m and 4.9m. For more information please visit www.roundwood.com or call their sales team on 01435 867 072.

SEPTEMBER 2014

SO TW_SEPTEMBER14_Advertorial_Roundwood.indd 3

181 20/08/2014 17:36

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SI'EI.DIIlJHST

Scriventon House is an attractive country property dating rrom the early 1900's, set within its own gardens and grounds or I I acres in this idyllic setting with views over the Kent countryside.

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A rantastic opportunity to purchase this handsome Grade ll listed Georgian town house arranged over three floors in this highly convenient terrace.

The Spring market this year has been one of the most buoyant that we have known, with a good percentage of our sales going in excess of the asking prices. The current market has seen the annual summer holiday seasonal lull but prices are remaining strong and have plateaued out rather than dropping Buyers are still abundant and the lack of available town centre properties should improve following the holiday period. The investment buyer has made a swift comeback to the market whilst the interest in property from the London buyers looking for easy access to the city and excellent schooling for the family remains as strong as ever.

Ben Carey BA (Hons) PG Dip

ben@alexandre-boyes.co.uk Senior Sales Negotiator

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20/08/2014 12:12

01892 525522

A stunning two /three bedroom apar tment located in Swaylands House on the Swaylands Estate in Penshurst, with a private roof terrace, communal tennis court, gym and 40 acres of grounds.

TIJ~BIW!GE WELL~

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A st unning fou r bedroom town house located in Woodbury Park Road. a popular location for Primary and Secondary schools. and for the close proximity t o the town centre & station.

Traditionally the summer months are a busy time for Residential Lettings, particularly for the family house market. So far we have not been disappointed. We have seen a healthy pipeline of good quality, well priced, stock come to the market teamed with high demand.

Increasingly we are achieving asking price for a property within a week of it coming to the market. With the abundance of excellent schools, shops and restaurants set in some of the most stunning countryside, all within a 52 minute commute to the city it is no wonder Tun bridge Wells is one of those Golden Triangle towns. This all impacts the supply and demand chain, market rents and yields, and market activity in general.

Emma Child MARLA emma@alexandre-boyes.co.uk

Lettings Manager

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20/08/2014 12:12

Beyond your expectations

www.namptone.oo.uk

Rotherfield ÂŁ945,000 A beautifully presented and spacious 5 bedroom attached former carriage house enjoying superb views LO the west over the Sussex Countryside.

FrantÂŁ725,000 A fabulous 2 bedroom ground Ooor aparrmen1 with stunning interior on the south side of a fine Georgi~tn style mansion, set in 9 acres of communal grounds cmd enjoying countryside view.

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

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20/08/2014 12:14

Rotherfield ÂŁ1,350,000 An attractive, unique and very well position detached house in a peaceful elevated position with tree-top views towards Rot herfieldincluding the spire

at St Denys' church.

Mark Beech ÂŁ1,850,000

A fine detached 6 bedroom period country house in sought after location with o utstanding views set in very attractive gardens and grounds of abouL 10.5 acres with stabling.

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20/08/2014 12:14

Beyond your expectations

www.namptone.oo.uk

Smarden, KentÂŁ5500 pcm

A charming grade n listed 5/6 bedroom house with stunning gardens, a separate two bedroom oast house, unique outside entertainment room, swimming pool and stunning gardens.

Herons Ghy11, East Sussex ÂŁ2500 pcm Stunning three bedroom, two bathroom duplex 11partment within a Usted Grade 11 country house of impressive proportions. The apartment is surrounded by 15 acres of communal parkland including a lake, tennis court and heated swimming pool.

Tunbrldge Wells OffiCe

Lettings. 01892 313000

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I

tunbridgewellslettings@hamptons-int.com

20/08/2014 12:15

Maytield, East Sussex £1100pcm

Penshurst, Kent£1900 pcm

This enchanting two bedroom, village centre period cottage enjoys delightful out looks over the parish church.

A fabulous 4 bedroom semi-detached Viet ori<'~ n country cou:age With a beautiful garden in the sought after village ofPenshursl.

Shovers Green, EastSussex£2300pcm

Tunbridge Wells, Kent£2750pcm

A four bedroom Converted Baptist Chapel including panelled walls and double height ceilings in the open plan silting/dining room.

This well presented four bedroom detached house has a well arranged interior over three floors providing excellent family accommodation.

Untitled-5 3

20/08/2014 12:16

Beyond your expectations www.ttamptons.co.uk

I-IAMPTONS 11 INTERNATIONAL

Wrotham, Sevenoaks, Kent ÂŁ585,000 Freehold A charming four bedroom detached Victorian cottage located in this popular and quaint Sevenoaks village.

There is the additional benefit of off street parking and a pretty rear garden . EPC E

Sevenoaks Office

Sales. 01732 423102

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sevenoaks@hamptons-int.com

20/08/2014 12:16

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 Cernis, a property professional with over 25 years' experience. Call Heather for an informal, no obligation chat.

CO U NTRY HOUSE FINDERS

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

20/08/2014 12:17

BIDDENDEN, KENT Grade 11* listed attached family home • 2 reception rooms & study • 4 bedrooms • 3 bath/shower rooms • unconverted bam • approx 3,322 sq ft of accommodation • Cranbrook School catchment (2014) Offers in Excess of £845,000

HAWKHURST, KENT Delightful listed farmhouse • in need of updating, currently configured for dual occupancy • 6 bedrooms (2 attic) • 3 reception rooms • gardens & paddocks of approx 4 acres • Cranbrook School catchment (2014) Offers in Excess of £950,000

Buying or selling this Autun1n? Talk to Savills.

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20/08/2014 12:18

ANDREWS

DETACHED CHARACTER COTIAGE WITHIN 0.2 MILES OF MAIN LINE STATION'Huntsman's Cottage' is an individually built detached three bedroom cottage with PARKING at the front and rear. Other benefits include a cellar, open fireplace and a detached log cabin that is currently used a home office!

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Detached house set in St Johns, requiring updating. Enclosed porch, entrance hall, living room, dining room, sun room, kitchen and downstairs we. Upstairs there are 3 bedrooms and a bathroom. Parking, garage and gardens to front and rear.

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listed Grade 2 attached property at the top of Southborough Common, currently 2 x 2 bedroom flats, with garage, parking and gardens. For sale as a whole.

Detached 1930's family home in South borough. With entrance hall, living room, dining room, conservatory, kitchen/breakfast room downstairs. Upstairs there are 4 bedrooms and a bathroom plus a separate we. Gardens to front and rear, parking and garage.

Tunbridge Wells 01892 515144 tunbridgewells@andrewsonline.co.uk

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20/08/2014 12:19

andrewsonline.co.uk lj /andrewsonline [;I @andrewsonline

YORK ROAD, TN1

£11Su PCM

Set over t he second and t hird floors, t his m ai sonette offe rs uniq ue accommodation with views of the Common. Recently refurbished to a high standa rd, t he property com prises dual aspect living room w ith wood floor, kitchen w it h a full ra nge of applia nces, bathroom with shower over t he bath and a downstairs cloakroom as well as three double bedrooms, one w ith built-in ward robe storage. Early viewing is genuinely recommended to fully appreciate what t his apartment has to offer.

En rgy EffldE' lry R1ting 0

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£1395 ?CM

Three bedroom town house within wa lking distance of Bat and Ball station and local shops comprising ent rance hall with shower room, utility room plus third bedroom on the ground floor, L sha ped lounge/diner and stylish modern kitchen on the first pl us two doubl e bedrooms and large, modern family bathroom with twin hand basins on the t hird. This lovely family home also offers gas centra l heating, double glazed w indows throughout, integral garage w ith parking to front plus rear garden.

En;.rC) Effh:i n ~ R ti• · 0

CULVEROEf\l PARK ROAD TN-'

t:.1395 PCM

Spacious four bed room semi-detached Victoria n home with 'bags' of character located in popular residential area on the north west side of Tunbridge Wells.

Th e accommodation offe rs a good size living room with bay w indow and feature fireplace, dining room, modern kitchen/d iner with f ull range of appliances, two double and two single bed rooms, part ti led bathroom with shower over plus mostly paved rear garden w it h small shed.

Ent>r!SY Cffu iE IX Rannr r

<INGSWOOD ~OAO TN2

£1 50 -:~cM

Two double bedroom apa rtment less tha n 1 mile f rom t he main line station comprising open-plan living room and kitchen with a ra nge of integral appliances, master bedroom with en-su ite shower & bathroom and built-in storage, fam ily shower room and airing/sto rage cupboard as well as t he added benefits of lift access and gated parking. <nergy ff ki.,ncy Rating: C

:DW.A RO STR~='ET 1 1'.14

£695 PCM

Very well presented one bed room purpose built first floor fl at located in Southboro ugh. The accommodation comprises living room, modern fitted kitchen, modern bathroom w ith showe r over bath, and double bedroom. There are also the added benefits of gas centra l heating, and double glazing.

Enerb') Eft1<1ency ,atm : C

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

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20/08/2014 12:20

ANDREWS

Unbeatable price

Product: Let Only

"Product Product

RRP: Match It!

Rent Collection

Full Management

RR"P: RRP: Match It!

Match It!

Superior service We pride ourselves on our award-winning letting service.

And with our Match lt!" promise, you can now experience it first hand.

Give yourself an unfair advantage. Instruct us today.

Call 01892 525 551 Click tunbridgewells.lets@andrewsonline.co.uk Visit 11 Grosvenor Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2AH "If you find a comparable service offered for less by any other ARLA regulated letting agent within 3 miles of our branch. we will price match their commission fee. This offer is subject to our minimum fee, written proof of the package you are being offered and applies to new instructions only and must be agreed before signing our Terms of Business.

Untitled-5 3

Andrews. Get ahead. andrewsonltne.co.uk

20/08/2014 12:20

McAufey

Mi(ter Estate Agents

"'Makina 'Moves"

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01892

614777

www.mcau(eymi((er.com Untitled-5 2

safes@mcau(eymi((er.com 20/08/2014 12:21

Knockholt

Guide price £4,000,000

Oakhill Road, Sevenoaks

Guide price £1.,995,000

A magnificent country house situated in a parkland setting.

5 reception rooms, 9 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms. Annexe flat. Tennis court, heated indoor swimming pool, landscaped gardens. EPC rating E. In all about 6.5 acres.

An excellent detached family house located just 0.25 mile from Sevenoaks station. 4 reception rooms, 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms. Single garage, double garage with store room above, garden. EPC rating C. In all about 0.45 acre.

Knightfrank.co.uk/Sevenoaks 01737 744477 sevenoaks@knightfrank.com

KnightFrank.co.uk/Sevenoaks 01737 744477 sevenoaks@knightfrank.com

Marlborough Crescent, Sevenoaks Guide price £895,000

Windmill Road, Sevenoaks

A well -presented detached family house. Situated in a highly soughtafter Sevenoaks address. 3 reception rooms, 4 bedrooms, family bathroom, shower room. Garage, attractive gardens. EPC rating C. In all about 0.2 acre.

An imposing and uniquely positioned family house, hidden away within Sevenoaks Common. 7 reception rooms, 5 bathrooms, 4 bathrooms.

Separate 1 bedroom flat. Extensive garaging, beautiful landscaped gardens, pond, tennis court. EPC rating C. In all about 1.8 acres.

Knightfrank.co.uk/Sevenoaks 01737 744477 sevenoaks@knightfrank.com

Knightfrank.co.uk/Sevenoaks 01737 744477 sevenoaks@knightfrank.com

Downsview Road, Sevenoaks

Guide price £775,000

An attractive detached house offering scope for modernisation and further enhancement. 2 reception rooms, 3 bedrooms, family bathroom. EPC rating D. In all about 0.19 acre.

Vine Court Road, Sevenoaks

Guide price £3,250,000

Guide price £1,895,000

This beautifully presented and refurbished period family house is located just 0.5 mile away from Sevenoaks station and the High Street.

3 reception rooms, 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms. Dry cellar. Attractive gardens, off street parking. EPC rating C.

Knigh tFrank.co.uk/Sevenoaks

Knig htF r~nk .co.uk/Seve no~ks

01737 744477 sevenoaks@knightfrank.com

01737 744477 sevenoaks@knightfrank.com

Untitled-5 2

20/08/2014 12:21

Bid borough

Guide £995,ooo

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

Tun bridge Wells

Guide £875,000

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

As we enter into the Autumn market, there is no better time to have your property appraised. Whether you are looking to sell this autumn, or even next year, we would love to hear from you.

Daniel Aldred daniel.aldred@knightfrank.com

Tun bridge Wells

01892 515035

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

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

Untitled-5 2

Guide £1,295,000

Pembury

Guide £535,ooo

Guide £765,000

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

20/08/2014 12:22

Etching ham A beautifully presented Grade 11 listed manor house in a sublime valley

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

Occupying an elevated setting in an idyllic valley overlooking its own lake.

6 reception rooms, 6 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms. Extensive outbuildings including separate cottage, swimming pool, beautiful gardens, tennis court, stable block, boating I fishing lake, woodland. In all about 56.31 acres.

OlEO ÂŁ5,000,000

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20/08/2014 12:23

Glendale

£775,000

The fi nal plot remaining at this Stunning Gated Development of j ust Five Luxury Detached Ho uses is this unique Four Bedroom, Three Bathroom Executive Home with Double Garage. To regist er your interest please contact the team at Connells, Tunbridge Wells.

Town Row

£545,000

A Substantial Five Bedroom Detached Chalet Bungalow offering Versatile Living Accommodat ion across two floors and enjoying t he benefi ts of Off Road Parking & Garage, Modern Kitchen/Breakfast Room, 19'x16' Lounge and Three Bat h/Shower Rooms.

Ferndale

£375,000

Three Bedroom Garden Apartment set within t his Period Building is sure to appeal. Accommodation includes.

Lounge, Kitchen, Master Bedroom with Ensuite, Two further Bedrooms, Bathroom and Cloakroom . Combine t his with your own Private Garden & Character Features.

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Streatfield Place

£760,000

The final plot remaining at t his Select Development of only Seven Det ached Houses with Garages designed and built to a High Specification by Riverdale Developm ents is this Five Bedroom, Four Bathroom Det ached House wit h Garage.

Register your interest today with our team at Tunbridge Wells.

Brooklands

£420,000 - £450,000

Property with no onward chain! A well presented four bedroom home. Salient features include concertina doors from the lounge/ diner to the garden, 8' x 7' utility room, double garage with electric door and potential to extend (st pp). Viewings highly recommended!

Allandale Road

£235,000

In our opinion, t his very well presented Two Bedroom House, which is situated under a m ile from the Mainline Tra in Station, offers many benefits including Two Double Bedrooms, Kitchen/Diner, Modern upstairs Bat hroom and fantast ic sized Rear Garden.

20/08/2014 12:27

Connells

£1050pcm

York Road

A well presented second floor apartment, situated in the centre of Royal Tun bridge Wells w it h two double bedrooms and secure underground parking. The property comprises of modern f itted kitchen, large lounge/diner, two double bedrooms one with en suite & Juliette Balcony. Second double bedroom with built in wardrobe and stylish family bathroom.

Coniston avenue

£1595pcm

This Beautifully presented 3 Bedroom semi detached house, has a homely feel the moment you st ep through the door. A ll spacious rooms feel light and airy and have all been refurbished to a high standard t hroughout.

Untitled-5 3

Horizon close

£700pcm

Delightful One Bedroom Terrace House. Wit h allocated parking and easy walking dist ance to Hig h Brooms station. Book a viewing today!

Addison

£675pcm

Connells are delighted to offer t his beautifully presented top f loor apartment, providing spacious accommodation in a popular and convenient location. Accomodat ion affords spacious lounge, fully fitted modern kitchen wit h integrat ed appliances, bat hroom w it h shower over bath, good size double bedroom.

Allocated parking, walking distance of MLS.

20/08/2014 12:28

ÂŁ675,000

Lanthorne Mews, Tunbridge Wells

This four bedroom double fronted rnews home forms part of a small select development converted from the original stables in 1999 by Try Homes to provide an incredibly spacious property, within one of the town'S premium residential locations. Reception hall, downstairs cloakroom, living room/dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, master bedroom, en suite shower room, three further bedrooms, bathroom, private termce, area of communal gardens and area of private garden. Two allocated parking spaces.

Gas central heating, double glazing.

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Tunbridge Wells Office 1 01892 511211 tunbridgewells@wooda nd pi Ieh er.eo.uk

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Zoopta.co.vk

Offices in Kent & Sussex. Associated London Office

woodandpilcher.co.uk Untitled-5 2

20/08/2014 12:29

Vines Cross

Price: ÂŁ435,000 Freehold

An exceptionally well presented 3 bedroom detached period property wtlh many original features including sash windows and fire surrounds and being situated in a desirable lane location in the small East Sussex village of Vines Cross. The property has a large extended snting room with feature fireplace and separate dining room, ktlohenlbreakfast room, utiltly, downstairs cloakroom and remodelled bathroom . Outside the property is approached via a five bar gate opening onto ~sown driveway providing off street parking for a number of vehicles. The garden to the rear features a large deck. lawn , pond and large timber workshop/studio. NO ONWARD CHAIN.

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Heathfield Office 1 01435 862211 heathfield@woodandpilcher.co.uk

Z~O.co.uk

Offices in Kent & Sussex. Associated London Office

woodandpilcher.co.uk Untitled-5 2

20/08/2014 12:29

SALES & LETTINGS

jackson-stops.co. uk

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jackson-Stops

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& Staff

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Brenchl ey Guide Price £1,10o,ooo An impressive Berkeley home situated at the head of a quiet cui de sac close to the centre of Brenchley village with large gardens • Entrance Hall • 3 Reception Rooms • Study • Kitchen/Breakfast Room • Utility • 2 En-Suite Bedrooms • 3 further Bedrooms • Family Bathroom • About 2,390 sq ft • Double Garage • Large Mature Gardens including area of Woodland • In all about 0.75 of an acre (tbv) • EPC: E

Tunbridge Wells Guide Pri ce £97o ,ooo A substantial 5 bedroom house in a quiet location on the south side of Tunbridge Wells • Spacious Entrance Hall • 3 Reception Rooms • Open Plan Kitchen/Breakfast Room • Utility • 5 Bedrooms (2 En-Suite) • Family Bathroom • Integral Double Garage· Parking for several cars • Sloping Rear Garden • Far Reaching Views to the rear • EPC: D

Tunbridge Wells Guide Price £859,950 An attractive cottage style house set in delightful gardens in a fabulous elevated position on the desirable south side of Tunbridge Wells • Entrance Hall • 3 Reception Rooms • Recently fitted Kitchen/Breakfast Room • Utility • Master Bedroom Suite • 3 further Bedrooms • Family Bathroom • Detached Double Garage • Pretty Mature Gardens · Parking for Several Cars • EPC: C

South borough Guide Pri ce £550,000 A deceptively spacious house arranged over 3 storeys offering scope for updating in a quiet cui de sac with rear gardens backing onto woodland • Entrance Hall • Sitting Room wit h Balcony • Dining Room • Kitchen/Breakfast Room • Shower Room • 2 Lower Ground Floor Rooms potential Annexe (stp) • Master Bedroom Suite • 3 further Bedrooms • Family Bathroom • Double Garage • Brick Shed • EPC: D

TunbridgeWells

01892 521700

tunwells@jackson-stops .co.uk Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices

Untitled-5 2

People Property Places 20/08/2014 12:23

j ackson -stops. eo. uk jackson-Stops & Staff

Guide Price £1,495,000 Peasmarsh A classic Grade lllisted Georgian farm house with flexible equest rian faci lities in a peaceful rural situation • 3 Reception Rooms • Kitchen • Break fast Room • Cellar • Master Bedroom with En Suite • 4 further Bedrooms • Bathroom & Shower Room • Heated Swimming Pool • Garden and Grounds with Po nd and Wood land of about 7.5 Acres • Stables • Outbuildings

Charing Hea t h Guide Price £1,300,000 A charming farmhouse with detached barn amid lovely gardens and grounds of about 20 acres in a beautiful rural location • 3 Reception Rooms • Kitchen/Breakfast Room • 6 Bedroom (2 En Suite Bathrooms) • Family Bathroom • Detached Barn w ith Planning Permission • Swimming Pool • Oak framed Double Garage • Greenhouse • Gardens & Grounds of approximately 20 acres

Stone, nea r Tenterden Guide Price £895,000 In an desirable rural location. a Grade ll listed country house providing well balanced and inviting accommodation and outstanding views ' 2 Reception Rooms • Kitchen ' Conservatory • cellar • Master Bedroom with En Suite • 3 further Bedrooms • Family Bathroom • Outbuilding • Pond • Kitchen Garden • Gardens and Grounds of about 0 .6 acres

Cranbrook Guide Price £650,000 A sympathetica lly extended and stylishly refu rbished semi detached cottage wit h about 7 acres of gardens and grounds. CSCA

Chainhurst

Guide Price £550,000

A rare opportunity to develop a rural Grade 11 listed period barn into a pair of residential units • No Onward Chain • • PP granted for two dwellings • West Barn: Reception Area • Kitchen/Dining Area • Drawing Room • Family Room • 4 Bedrooms (2 En Suite) • Bathroom • Garden - East Barn: Reception Area • Family Room • Kitchen/Lounge/Dining Area • Master Bedroom Suite • 2 further Bedrooms • Bathroom • Garden

Cranbrook 01580

• 2 Reception Rooms • Ki tchen • Master Bedroom w ith En Suite • 2 further Bedrooms plus Att ic Room • Family Bathroom • Landscaped Gardens and Grounds • Substantial St able Block • 2 Paddocks • Woodland Area • Garden Store • About 7 acres in all • EPC:

Headcorn Guide Price £499,950 An ex tended semi det ached character cottage convenientl y w it hin easy reach of the mainline station • 3 Reception Rooms • Kitchen/Breakfast Room • Sun Room • Master Bedroom w ith En Suite Bathroom • 3 fu rther Bedrooms • Family Bathroom • Work-Shop and Garden Store • Gardens • EPC: D

720000

cranbrook@jackson-stops.co.uk Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices

Untitled-5 2

People Property Places 20/08/2014 12:24

Three individual properties with furt er p tential.

WHITSTABLE Delightful 6 bedroom house currently arranged as two properties with the potential to sub-divide subject to the usual consents. Planning for a detached house in the grounds. Approximately 1.1 acres including paddock. £875,000

MAYFIELD Substantial equestrian complex with 32 acres comprising main farmhouse, 2 bed house and further 3 bed grooms cottage, 16 stables and various other outbuildings. Potential for further development/sub division subject to the usual consents. £ 1.895m

PRATTS BOTTOM , Modern detached property of approximately 3000 sq ft set in grounds approaching 1.5 acres adjacent to open countryside. The property could potentially be extended or replaced with a significant dwelling in this stunning location. £1 .55m

SJD

PROJECTS

Contact Stephen Donnelly on 07739 514350 or 0845 456 8969 web: sjd-projects.com • email: steve@sjd-projects.com

Land & Development Consultants

Untitled-5 2

20/08/2014 11:17

CHESTERTO S Your Loca4 London and International Agent.

vVoodchurch

BeckJ cy

[I ,600,000 guick ptin·

,Oi9.l,OOO guid(· prin·

An impres.~i\'c detached period property offering spacious, immaeulatcl) presented accommodation including 5 Double Bedrooms and 1 Bathrooms plus detached 2 Bedroom Coach House, all set \\ithin extcnsi' e grounds and beautiful gardens of approximatclr 16.5 acres" ith '' imming Pool, Orchard and Fields ,,;th Outbuildings including a\ \'ater Tower,' \'ell House and 3 Garages, all situated in a peaceful rural location surrounded b) open counuysidc on the fringes of picturesque \ \'oodchurch 'illage. EPC rating D

An auracti,·c '' hitc '' eathcr boarded detached. 5 Bedroom, flexible f:'lmil) home and all sympathetically enlarged and updated b) the current owners to pro,·ide a light spacious home with large Kitchen, ~eparate Dining Room, Drawing Room , Conser\'atOI')', itting Room, Study/Playroom, Ctility and Bedroom I ground Ooor Annexe..\pproximately 3 acres of garden and grounds. a Stable block for 3 ponies ,,;th Tack Room and separate access, an established vegetable area, large patio and far reaching \'icws and situated in a semi-rural position. EPC rating D

Pluckley

Rolvcnden Layne

£500.000 j..,ruid(• )Hir<'

[3<n.ooo ~uidt· prin·

A charming demched Grade 11 Listed property bclie\'ed to date back to circa 16th Centu11 and oflcring immaculately presented, light and airy I Bedroom, 3 BatiU"oom accommodation with period features retained inclucling fireplaces and exposed timbas, with Sitting/Dining Room, Family Room and Study, all set within beautifully maintained gardens with Double Garage and adjoining Studio, with ofr street parking and backing onto open countryside to reat; located in the historic rural village of Plucklcy. EPC exempt

. \delightfuL light and airy detached cottage with 2 Reception Rooms, Kitchen, Cloakroom and rear Lobby plus 2 double Bedrooms. The property benefits from an open fireplace a nd good ceiling height throughout, all standing within pretty gardens with detached brick built Garage in the heart of the sought afler hamlet ol' Rolvcnden Laync. EPC rating F

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Tenterden 01580 765858 tenterden@chestertons.com

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chest ert ons.com 22/08/2014 14:29

Barnes Kingsnorth

for this smartly presented, detached bungalow in popular location. Good size accommoda tion: 3 bedrooms, one w ith en-suite plus a family bathroom, 2 receptions, kitchen/breakfast room and well-appointed conservatory. Double garage, ample parking and easy t () maintain gard<>n. EPC: D Apply Tonbridge

OlEO ÂŁ650,000 C ENTRAL LOCATION WITH PAR.KJNG. A handsome, Victorian semi-detached house set on a private road . Light & bright accommodation with period featu res.

Traditional sitting room & stunning contemporary-style open plan kitchen/ dining/ family room wilh bi-fold doors to the attractive, M<>diterranean-style garden. 4 Double bedrooms, bathroom & shower room. Working .fireplace & woodburner. EPC: E Apply Pembury

VERSATILE FAMILY HOM"E situated in favoured residential road. large entrance hall, 2 receptions, kitchen/ breakfast room, study, bedroom 5/family room with ensuite, doaks. Bedroom I wi th <>n-suit<>, 3 further bedrooms & bathroom. Double garage, parking and large gardens. NO CHAIN EPC: C Apply Tonbridg<'

ÂŁ495,000 LOCATION LOCATION LOCATlON. Spacious d4?tachcd cha let bungalow within a small cui-de-sac. Growtd floor: lounge/dining room. kitchen, utility, cloakroom & double bedroom with en-suite shower. Upstairs : double bedroom. bathroom, master bedroom with en-suite. Front gru-den, driveway & garage (currently used as a den).

Seduded corner plot garden. large outbui lding. EPC: E Apply Pembury

Pembury 01892 822880

Tonbridge0 1732 77 1616

e. pembury@bkea.co.uk

e. tonbridge@bkea.co.uk

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MADDISONS

- - - - R E SID E N 'T I A L

Kind words ... " It is incredibly difficult to begin writing a review of an estate agent who for me, has redefined the very dcnnition of what an 'estate agent' should be. Dcborah and her team at ~Iaddisons were, quite simpl~', incredible. When we decided to sell our home, we expected a sale ....what was dclh·cred by ~-laddisons was an exceptional, unique experience that we \\ill never forget.

I ncn~r want to sell a house without Dcborah again. " Mr and Mrs Baldock , Tunbridge Wells

" Dcborah stands apart from other agents because she takes time to understand the circumstances of sale and shows sensitivity to all invoked in what can be an extremely stressful process.

She communicates regularly and clearly with all parties, and has put the other agents inYolvcd to shame! On the business side, Dcborah knows exactly what sells houses, sh<.: has an incredible eye for derail. " Mrs Wills, Mat fie ld

" l\faddisons is the new benchmark in estate agency, totally professional, inspiring trust for all parties & going far beyond simply opening the door to buyers & bclie\ing that is job done.

Thank you so much for all your efforts Dcborah & team, we cannot praise you highly enough for all your work. " Damic n a nd

"Dcborah is a ray of light that guided us, helped us, in fact seemed to take us under her "·ings, stepping ,,·ell beyond what anyone could have e,·er hoped for. Spea.king to anyone about "·hat llladdisons lun-c done for us, e,·erybody thinl's it is just incredible. Deborah has a quite genuine unique gift that is a Yery rare almost impossible thing to find but \\·e "·ere Yer~. lucky. " Arra n and family. Ileathficld

Annc-~1aric,

\'aid ing

'' \\'hen l first met Deborah, she told me that :.taddisons \\·as ,·cry different to other estate agents. This is so true, from the ,·er~· beginning Deborah and her team have had a Ycry hands on, fresh approach, gidng ad\'ice and always being so emhusiastic. The~· hm·c gh·cn me the belief that they really care on a personallcYcl and that selling my house. is not Just another sale. " Mrs Davics, Tunbridgc We lls

Deborah and her team at Maddisons would simply lm.:e to discuss your property plans ·with you, so please, do ~et in touch. }'()u'llfeel the dijference immediately. www.maddisonsresidential.co.uk Telephone: 01892 514100 Email: deborah@maddisonsresidential.co.uk

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20/08/2014 15:21

(~ RICS TONBRIDGE OFFICE. Tei: OI732 770588 TUNBRIDGEWELLS vr Ft...E· Tei: OI 892 51 5670

TUNBRIDGE WELLS GUIDE PRICE £600,000-£625,000 Built Circa. 1850's and vastly improved and modernised, a beautifully presented and gated 4-bedroom period lodge with garden office built

by The Garden Office Company to a high Specification, perfect for those running a business from home or as a teenage den.

CROSS IN HAND, HEATHFIELD £1,200,000 In a semi rural location along one of Cross in Hand's most sought after roads, a substantial and beautifully presented 6-bedroom Edwardian family house with approximately I Acre and Planning Consent for further ground floor acco mmodation.

Tunbridge Wells 01892 515670

Tunbldge W e lls 01892 515670

HAWKHURST £1 ,850,000 Within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Grade 11 Listed, an impressive 8-bedroom family house with detached 2-bedroom lodge, tennis court, stables and beautiful gardens and grounds of approximately 2.6Acres.

CROWBOROUGH £1,250,000 A superb 7-bedroom Mi llwood Home in a semi rural location on the outskirts of town, close to Crowborough Beacon Golf Course and Ashdown Forest, w ith delightful gardens & grounds of 1.1 Acres and an area of light woodland with mature trees including Oak.

Tunbridge Wells 01892 515670

Tunbrldge Wells 01892 515670

I I offices in Kent, Surrey, Sussex & London

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20/08/2014 12:53

FOOD

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FOODNEWS

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

Fast food

FEATUREFLASH

Double Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes has revealed that her new eatery will be called Cafe 1809 Hildenborough. The venture in her home village is named after the number that Dame Kelly wore during the Athens 2004 Olympics, where she won her two treasured gold medals. Diners can look forward to a modern yet vintage interior and she hopes that it will become a meeting point for local cyclists and runners. There will even be bike racks and a washing point for cyclists at the back of the premises, with locks provided to ensure that riders can relax and enjoy a welcome break.

“I want it to be a nice environment and have a buzz and for people to feel it’s a fun place to go,” Dame Kelly says. “It’s not a sports café in any way, shape or form, but it will be a place to go to eat, drink, relax and smile.”

Food fit for royalty

Back with a bang

For those who enjoy their food in historic surroundings, Leeds Castle’s first Fantastic British Food Festival on Friday September 12 to Sunday September 14 will be just the ticket. The 900-year-old castle near Maidstone will play host to more than 70 homegrown food and drink producers, including artisan bakers, local microbreweries and pulled pork barbecues. There’ll be cookery demonstrations, talks from experts and roaming entertainers to bring the produce to life, while children can also join in the fun with special cookery workshops.

Those who fancy themselves as the next Jamie Oliver or Nigella Lawson can try their hand in the bake-off competitions or even compete in the Open Mic Cookery Demos.

Admission to the festival is included in the entry ticket price. www.leeds-castle.com Just one week later, on Saturday September 20 and Sunday September 21, Tunbridge Wells hosts its own Harvest Food Festival on The Pantiles, with a rich array of locally produced food and drink to discover. There’ll be cookery demos there too, so you should have no end of inspiration for the dinner table. www.pantilestraders.co.uk

If you have children starting back at school this month, you can look forward to their social life resuming and this will often include inviting friends home for dinner. But with so many children suffering from food intolerances and allergies these days, it can be hard to know how to create a meal that everyone can enjoy. Tunbridge Wells based company debbie&andrew’s have tackled the problem with their Harrogate 97% Sausages – they are wheat, dairy and gluten free, which means you can rustle up sausages and mash or any other banger-based meal without the worry. The sausages are available at Asda and Tesco. www.debbieandandrews.co.uk

Star quality A confectionery company based in Hawkhurst is celebrating after being honoured in the Great Taste Awards. DulciBella Marshmallows was awarded one star each for its Lemon Meringue and Strawberry mallows, as part of the annual awards organised by the Guild of Fine Food. www.dulcibella-marshmallows.co.uk

Undercover Eater is away this month SEPTEMBER 2014

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FOOD

BIGGER

FISH TO FRY

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atthew Sankey is a young man with his fishy fingers in a lot of fishy pies. The bearded entrepreneur is steadily building an empire that is operational almost 24 hours a day. From the stupidly early raids on Billingsgate fish market to even sillier early morning sessions in his eponymous pub, the Sankey’s brand is gathering serious momentum.

Add to this the newly refurbished Seafood Brasserie on Mount Ephraim and the retail fishmongers just off the high street, plus rumours of a boutique hotel abound.

According to the man himself the hotel rumour is merely speculation (for now) although more probable additions include a micro-brewery and a fish and chip shop.

Sankey’s latest offering, The Old Fishmarket on The Pantiles, has been open since December 2013 and has already established itself as one of the hottest tickets in town.

With The Pantiles basking in warm sunshine, the scene is well and truly set for one of my most anticipated reviews to date.

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SOMETHING OF A TUNBRIDGE WELLS INSTITUTION, THE SANKEY’S BRAND CONTINUES TO GROW AND GROW. JOE MURPHY PULLS UP A CHAIR AT THE OLD FISHMARKET TO SEE WHETHER THE QUALITY IS STILL GOING STRONG AT THE FIRM’S LATEST VENTURE

The past year or so has seen a lot of new arrivals on the Tunbridge Wells culinary scene.

The big guns have descended on the town: Cote, Cau and now Bill’s have thrown their various hats into the ring. This increased competition has no doubt galvanised Matthew’s desire to continually refine and evolve the business acquired from his father Guy over five years ago. A tough ask given the legendary status afforded by Sankey Snr. Matthew, however, has added his own ideas to a winning formula with some startling results.

You get the feeling that the chains will keep coming as our economy continues to recover and with every new opening, the independents will have to keep their eye on the ball. At the moment, however, the ball belongs to Matthew.

The Old Fishmarket is a curiosity box packed full of delights. Small but perfectly formed, the former tourist office

has been sympathetically transformed into a super stylish seafood emporium. Every square inch has been rejuvenated and brought into play, allowing plenty of room for diners and staff to exist in perfect harmony.

The nautical feel is reassuringly expensive; the interior is almost a throwback to the first class lounge onboard the Titanic. Meanwhile, the outside space has been cleverly utilised to provide perhaps the most enviable terrace in Tunbridge Wells. It’s in this rather special enclosure that my table for two has been secured – book early if you want the same privilege. Joining me for dinner is my wife (a seriously committed seafood lover) and Buddy, our three-month-old Pug. Yes, that’s right – well behaved dogs are welcome at all Sankey’s locations and having the option to take a walk up The Pantiles with our canine friend before dinner is a real treat.

Having taken our seats, it’s time to get

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FOOD

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PRICES AT A GLANCE Oysters: from £5.50

Now we’re onto the Peterhead hake, a roasted fillet with kalamata olive Mains: from £12.50 tapenade, tomato and shallot Sides: £2.50 salad (£18.50). According to the National Federation of Wine by the glass: from £4.50 Fishermen’s Organisation, Wine by the bottle: from £19 hake is now the most sustainable and plentiful fish in Britain, however, only 1.5% of last year’s catch was eaten in Britain. Most try a more modest of it goes to Spain – utter madness. Silky, firm 2.5g tasting spoon and snow white, more delicate than cod and for £10. tastier than whiting, not much is required to For me, though, I’m keen to let the chefs elevate this unsung hero to its rightful place loose and get stuck in to sample their sublime on our table. It comes with a simple salad with cooking skills. But not before I’ve taken the some pungent tapenade, what more could liberty of half a dozen Colchester rock oysters you want on a warm summer’s evening? (£15). Growing wild in the River Blackwater, To complete the experience, it simply has to these Pacific Gigas oysters are saltier than be the Lemon Colonel (£6) – lemon sorbet the natives, with a plump and creamy finish. with Russian Standard vodka, a sharpener to Hosed down with Tabasco and shallot vinegar, refresh the senses after a truly stupendous these could not be a better prelude to a fine evening. seafood feast.

The Old Fishmarket is pure class, The exceptionally chilled Marlborough exemplified by our charming waitress Victoria Sauvignon Blanc (£30) refreshs the palate and front of house Liam. It’s a gift to the good after every ceremonial pour from shell to folk of Tunbridge Wells. It’s a magical blend of gullet. Next up comes Sardine Escabèche luxury and sustainability; it’s a wry smile to (£7.50), butterflied Cornish sardines the private equity backed chains gathering at marinated in spiced oil. The humble sardines, the city walls. But most of all, it’s about the or pilchards as they used to be known — the best seafood in Kent. You decide the budget Latin name is Sardina pilchardus — have an important place in Cornish history. Salted, and the rest looks after itself… pressed and packed into wooden barrels and boxes, for centuries they were a delicacy that was shipped all over Europe; now they are The Old Fishmarket being shipped to Tunbridge Wells. Crispy 19 The Upper Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, skinned, sun kissed sterling silver, these Kent TN2 5TN British beauties easily outscore their 01892 511 422 Mediterranean cousins… Am I on holiday? www.sankeys.co.uk Starters: from £7.50

down to business. The menu reads like your bucket list of things to eat before you die. The Old Fishmarket specialises in oysters and shellfish; there’s a range of oysters never before seen in the town from Carlingford, Colchester, Lindisfarn and The Duchy of Cornwall, to name a few. Fresh crabs and lobsters arrive live and direct from Cornwall’s Cadgwith Cove and are dressed by the chefs on site daily. Running things in the open plan kitchen is Harvey and alongside him, Jake Hone and Russell Gormley complete the exciting line up of young and gifted chefs.

Turning high end ingredients into high end head turning plates under the microscopic glare of paying customers is as tough as it gets, but these three make it look easy.

The ‘build your own platter’ option provides the diner with dozens of potential combinations, teamed with a vast array of bubbles and cocktails. If you are feeling flush then you can always kick back with some Exmoor caviar – the UK’s only caviar – farmed in Devon sustainably and salted using Cornish sea salt. It costs £40 for 10g, served with toasted brioche and crème fraiche, or you can

The Old Fishmarket is a curiosity box packed full of delights.

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Thought for food THIS MONTH OUR OWN CELEBRITY CHEF ROSEMARY SHRAGER TELLS US ABOUT FOOD SHOWS, THE PERILS OF PEPPER AND A VERY EDUCATIONAL TEA EXPERIENCE

I

have had a very busy couple of months – I spent my time travelling about going to shows. Badminton was great fun but very wet, while Worstershire had a wonderful food and drink festival. The Great Yorkshire Show was fantastic; the weather was very hot and it’s always one of my favourite shows. James Martin is there every year and he certainly likes taking the mickey!

This year I had a quest to tell people about not using too much black pepper on their food, because it takes the delicate flavours away. As my chef John Rogers always says, it’s a spice, so you have to watch what you put it in or over, otherwise it takes over. Because I had said this just before his demonstration at a show , he decided to put loads of pepper on his dish – the audience were gasping, saying to him, “No, you can’t do that, Rosemary says no!” So he just put more on. But don’t worry, we do get along normally!

This year I went and did tea tasting at Taylors of Harrogate and before I went I had no idea how it was done. All tea comes from one type of bush called Camellia sinensis. The flavour depends on where the tea is grown – it’s all to do with the soil, climate, rainfall and also the way it’s picked. All these elements affect the quality.

Yorkshire tea uses blends from Assam, East Africa and Sri Lanka. They pick only the two leaves and the bud from the top, because each tea has a different characteristic. They

the gold Yorkshire tea I tried in Tunbridge Wells with its hard water is the best tea I have ever tasted then allow the leaves to wither and dehydrate, before allowing them to ferment. The leaves turn from green to brown, then black when put into the hot ovens to seal in the flavour. Then they are sorted by size, ready to be shipped over to this country and blended. What I hadn’t realised is that a great brew is also all to do with the water. I must say the gold Yorkshire tea I tried in Tunbridge Wells with its hard water is the best tea I have ever tasted.

The summer has been a complete joy with the hot weather; it’s drawn all the crowds out to The Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells. The jazz nights have played their part as usual, attracting an amazing amount of people; it’s been the highlight of my week.

I honestly think we have to thank all the organisers, such as Julian Leefe-Griffiths of the Tunbridge Wells Hotel and Richard Simms from the Ragged Trousers, who is Chairman of the Pantiles Traders, and all the volunteers who give up their time to help.

What we all must not forget is the Harvest Food Festival there, on Saturday September 20 and Sunday September 21, as this is a wonderful event. Please try to make it, there are lots of cooking demos and all sorts of different stalls. Don’t forget to come to the Patisserie too. We have a new manager now – we had a sticky start with the service, but we are now going on all cylinders. Our patisserie chef Marc Mouson has had a baby girl called Manon, she is beautiful. Luckily Marc is up at 4am anyway so he gets to do the feed before work – very convenient for his wife Sissi!

We have also had the most amazing cherries this year. It’s wonderful when you can pick your own, Cherry Gardens Farm at Groombridge is a great place to go. What I am really looking forward to now are the apples and pears, as I will make a tasty dish with them.

Speak next month. www.rosemaryshrager.com

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ADVERTORIAL

A Day in the Life of a Hotelier AS THE HUGELY POPULAR JAZZ ON THE PANTILES EVENINGS CONTINUE INTO SEPTEMBER, WE FOLLOW JULIAN LEEFE-GRIFFITHS FROM THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS HOTEL THROUGH AN AVERAGE DAY OF PLANNING EXQUISITE SEASONAL MENUS AND ORGANISING ONE OF THE TOWN’S MOST TREASURED MUSICAL EVENTS

M

uch like a grandmaster in a game of chess, running a successful hotel is hugely demanding and requires the pre-empting of the next move weeks, if not months, in advance. It is of no surprise, then, that Julian Leefe-Griffiths of The Tunbridge Wells Hotel finds himself in the juxtaposition of sitting on a humid Thursday with his head chef and general manager, planning the new Autumn and Christmas menu, the staff happily buzzing around them setting up for the outstanding musical extravaganza that is Jazz on the Pantiles.

The chilled out music and Antibes-esque vibe that draws in huge crowds begins at 7pm each Thursday and is meticulously planned and eccentrically executed by Julian and his exceptional jazz cat musical impresario, Lionel Shell.

The day would have begun for the hotelier some 12 hours earlier, with quiet time going

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through the reports from the previous day and checking near to 150 emails before heading to The Tunbridge Wells Hotel.

Fast-forward through breakfast service and a catch-up with General Manager Michal to iron out any issues that may be outstanding, and Julian is in discussions with the chefs about the menus for the day. Strong advocates of encouraging fresh produce to speak for itself, Julian and the chefs will change a selection of items on the menu every few weeks, depending on what is best available at any time.

As the prep for the busy night ahead continues and the staff prepare for the vast 150 hungry diners that will be fed and looked after that balmy

Thursday evening, Julian sits with Head Chef Chris Reeve and Michal to consider next season’s menu. Future patrons of the restaurant at The Tunbridge Wells Hotel have much to look forward to in what are

SEPTEMBER 2014

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ADVERTORIAL

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The Brasserie des Sources Christmas Party Menu Starters Gill Wing Farm Butternut Squash Soup, Sage and Chestnut Buckhurst Park Game Terrine, Prune and Brandy Chutney Confit of Scottish Salmon Fillet, Vanilla and Lemon Verbena Dressing Farleigh Wallop Goat’s Cheese, Hazelnut Bread and Fig Jam Mains Roast Pumpkin Quiche, Walnut Crumble and Spiced Yoghurt Dressing

Future patrons of the restaurant at The Tunbridge Wells Hotel have much to look forward to in what are Julian’s favourite seasons for food, some of which the hotelier may have gathered himself while enjoying a day foraging or shooting

Buckhurst Park Pheasant, Puy Lentils and Forest Mushrooms Braised and Roasted Chart Farm Venison, Squash Purée and Herb Dumpling Roasted Atlantic Hake, Braised Cabbage and Spiced Celeriac Cream All dishes served with seasonal vegetables and mash potatoes to the centre of the table Desserts Chocolate Fondant, Espresso Panna Cotta and Salt Caramel Truffle Groombridge Apple and Quince Pie, Cinnamon Ice Cream Stem Ginger and Date Sponge, Butterscotch Sauce and Vanilla Cream Selection of Farmhouse Cheeses, Chutney and Biscuits Tea or Coffee with Homemade Fudge

Julian’s favourite seasons for food, some of which the hotelier may have gathered himself while enjoying a day foraging or shooting. As the game season begins, perhaps we will see some partridge on the menu with woody mushrooms and a rich jus, and later on a favourite dish at the restaurant that deservedly has a place on the menu each year, Venison Chop & Chump, nutty from the acorns that the wild deer would have fed off and accompanied by an indulgent dauphinoise.

The excitement for the jazz ahead is building, the events manager, sound and security are prepped and glamorous Tunbridge Wellians arrive for a night of great food and dancing round the tables. The good news is, when the season has ended and the bandstand is quiet once more, the local residents can relax in the knowledge that they have exceptional food and service to look forward to in the coming months.

£29.50 per person 12.5% discretionary service will be added to all bills We try at all times to buy organic, GM free and free range food No farmed fish or intensive production

The Tunbridge Wells Hotel 58 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5TD 01892 530 501 www.thetunbridgewellshotel.com

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Here at the Raj Bari we have immense pride in our excellent food and warm friendly service. We use only the freshest of ingredients infused with authentic spices to create our selection of wonderful Indian cuisine.

The Ahad family have been running Indian restaurants for over 60 years and strongly believe in their ethos of hard work, determination and always putting the customer first The Raj Bari has recently been nominated for the Family Business of the Year Award.

Raj Bari provide a Takeaway Service w:ith either a 15% Discount or Large Beer w:ith every order over£15. There is a Free Home Delivery service on orders over £20 within a three mile radius. Free Parking on site!

This year the restaurant has benefited from new furnishings, including more comfortable chairs, and a newly refitted kitchen The team at Raj Bari are also passionate about helping the community and have generously supported many schools and local charities.

OPENING TIMES Monday to Thursday: 12.00pm to 2.30pm and 6.00pm to ll.OOpm Friday to Saturday: 12.00pm to 2.30pm and 5.30pm to 11.30pm Sunday: 12.00pm to 3.00pm and 6.00pm to ll.OOpm Proud sponsors of:

.

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ADVERTORIAL

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AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT...

Since opening its doors at the end of last year, The Vine in Goudhurst has been wowing patrons with a wealth of culinary flair and originality. Chef Owner Tobyn Excell tells us what customers can expect from their visit and why he’s trying something new with his menu HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN YOUR CURRENT POST? 9 months as chef owner, since we opened in December 2013.

HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE BUSINESS? I’ve worked in hospitality since I was 15, starting as a pot washer in the local pub, I’ve been a chef for almost 10 years.

WHAT IS YOUR SIGNATURE DISH? I’m still looking for it, but one that would sum up my cooking would be fried pigs head, torched scallop, elderflower vinegar. We’ve had pigs head on the menu in various guises since we opened. It’s an ingredient that can make diners wary but it truly is the tastiest part of the animal.

We spend three days in the kitchen transforming it into a beautiful, unctuous piece of slow cooked pork. We work closely with passionate local producers, so with all the care and effort that goes into farming such well treated animals we should respect every part of it as equally valuable.

I love using foraged and wild ingredients like elderflower, and preserving is a great way of finding new applications for them.

Perhaps at the moment, because the restaurant is still in its naissance, customers are unsure of what to expect from visiting The Vine. We strive to be original in our food, so you won’t find many classics here. We try to encourage diners to put their faith in us as professionals to create something new and exciting for them, to take them

on a journey with us.

When guests leave The Vine, we want them to feel as if they’ve just left a terrific dinner party.

That warmth you feel after spending time with friends.

You’ve enjoyed beautifully executed dishes beside an innovative wine selection aided by our tremendously experienced sommeliers and waiters. You’ve relaxed and shared a unique experience. We want you to feel indulged, even spoiled, and replete.

WHO IS YOUR FOOD HERO/ BIGGEST INFLUENCE IN TERMS OF THE FOOD THAT YOU PRODUCE? Marco Pierre White, Heston Blumenthal, and Fergus Henderson. Pioneering chefs who are uncompromising in their pursuit of excellence. Sometimes you have to be the one to set the precedent and hope others follow.

EARLIEST FOOD MEMORY? Cooking lentil soup from The Usborne Children’s Cookbook with my grandmother, aged 6.

It was soigné.

BIGGEST VICE? Haribo. It’s my cross to bear.

IDEAL DINNER PARTY GUESTS? Willie John McBride, Ernest Hemingway, Oliver Reed, Tom Kerridge, Fergus Henderson, Ferran Adria, George Orwell, Ayrton Senna.

ONE ESSENTIAL QUALITY EVERY CHEF SHOULD HAVE? Tenacity.

The Vine High Street, Goudhurst, Kent TN17 1AG 01580 211 753 www.thevinegoudhurst.com SEPTEMBER 2014

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Char~Farm SH 0 P

Chart Farm ts a family-run buSiness that has been se ng cuts of vemson and other good quality meats for over th ny years on the1 larm In Kent.

NEW SEASON VENISON THE VERY BEST CUTS NOW AVALIABLE 4p

THE SNAIL, STONE STREET, SEVENOAKS IS UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT AND HAS RECENTLY UNDERGONE A COMPLETE OVERHAUL We now offer a finely crafted A la Carte Menu with high quality locally sourced ingredients, all prepared in house.

www.chartlarm com

We also cater for outside dining in our beautiful gardens suitable for families with play areas for children of all ages.

Private functions including weddings are catered for in our marquee in which we have regular music events t hroughout the summer.

For more information visit our website or give us a call

'J\dax in style with your family and friends.

Tucked away behind Knole Park, Sevenoaks, you will find our friendly family club, perfect for relaxing, di ning and socialising. StJulians is in a beautiful setting with outdoor swimming, tennis courts, 70 acres of gardens, woodland and play areas to explore.

0 1732 4 5826 1 info@stjulians.co.uk www.stjulians.co.uk

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Coming to Tun bridge Wells October 2014

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BUTCHERS

Your first choice for locally sourced, high quality and Free-Range meat Specialising in: Turkey, Geese, Capons Turkey Crowns and three bird roasts OPENING TIMES Monday to Friday 6:30A.M.-5:00P.M. Saturday 6:30A.M.-1:00P.M.

01892 529757 southboroughbutchers.com 60a London Road, Southborough, Tun bridge Wells, Kent TN4 OPR

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VISIT US AT THE HARVEST FOOD FESTIVAL WEEKEND AT THE PANTILES lN TUNBRIDGE WELLS ON SATURDAY 20TH & SUNDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER Come and sign up during the Harvest Festival weekend between 10am - spm at Shrager's Patisserie to win one of the following prizes:

-ONE DAY COOKERY COURSE AT ROSEMARY SHRAGER'S COOKERY SCHOOLExcluding Rosemary Shrager Day Courses.

-A MEAL FOR FOUR WITH A BOTTLE OF HOUSE WINE AT THE DUKE OF YORKBooking in advance is required at TI1e Duke of York.

- CHAMPAGNE AFTERNOON TEA FOR TWO AT SHRAGER'S PATISSERIE Monday to Thw路sday oll.ly, booking is essential.

APPRENTICES NOW RECRUITING AT ROSEMARY SHRAGER'S COOKERY SC HOOL!

ARE YOU ...

YOUR CHOICES EXPLAINED

路 currently out of education, employment or training? 路 interested in becoming a qualified chef in as little as 12 months?

If the answer to the above is "YES!" then you should contact us RIGHT NOW!

A young person completing an apprenticeship would gain a Level 2 NVQ qualification. Our Apprenticeship Programme blends working and learning so you will be supported by both your employer and Rosemary Shrager's Cookery School.

We carefully select employers committed to this style of training and work together to help you become a highly employable, young chef.

W HY? Because we are looking for enthusiastic, ambitious, young people who have a passion for food and would like to be trained by Rosemary Shrager and her team of talented chefs in our new, state-of-the-art, professional kitchen in Tunbridge Wells. We are offering NVQ at Level 2 endorsed by East Kent College.

You DO NOT need to have any qualifications or previous experience, just tons of enthusiasm and ambition!

To apply and for any further information, please contact our Apprentices Team on 01892 522 115 or apprentices@rosemaryshrager.com.

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Come Along for the Ride WHETHER YOU’RE A KEEN CYCLIST OR PASSIONATE ABOUT GREAT FOOD AND DRINK, THE VELO HOUSE IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS OFFERS THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS. WE SPEAK TO OWNER OLLY STEVENS ABOUT WHAT’S ON OFFER FOR CUSTOMERS BOTH IN AND OUT OF THE SADDLE HOW DID THE VELO HOUSE GET STARTED? It was an idea I had when I lived in Australia five years ago. My bike rides always stopped at a café for coffee and a chat and this made cycling more social and easier to make friends.

When I returned to the UK my job role changed and I started to make contacts in the cycling industry, which allowed me to progress the idea.

Everyone I talked to about it seemed to like it, so I thought, ‘Why not give up the corporate life and take a chance?’

WHAT DO YOU OFFER YOUR CUSTOMERS? The café is a great place to meet friends, hang out, have a drink and something to eat and relax. We try to offer something different to other cafés and I think we’ve achieved this. We wanted the bike and workshop to be different too. It doesn’t matter what bike you ride or how much you ride; we want you to feel welcome.

We also wanted it to be more convenient, so we are open from 7am for the workshop and late night Fridays to pick up last minute essentials for the weekend.

DO I HAVE TO OWN A BIKE TO EAT OR DRINK AT THE CAFÉ?

Absolutely not. We are lucky to have enough space to be both a bike shop and a café. You certainly don’t have to be a cyclist; most of our customers are coffee and often beer lovers too and frequently come without their bikes. Our aim is to be a great café first and secondly to offer the facilities that cyclists want. Hopefully we can inspire some people to get back on a bike, but we certainly won’t force anyone. Our aim was for a non-cyclist’s first impression to be, ‘Wow, what a great café’ and for cyclists to think, ‘Wow, what a great cycling café’ and I hope we have achieved this balance.

TALK US THROUGH THE FOOD AND DRINK AVAILABLE ON YOUR MENU We have a full breakfast menu seven mornings a week followed by lunch from midday with homemade salads, sandwiches and savoury snacks and a range of specials we make onsite.

Cakes and treats are available through the day and all homemade. The coffee is roasted by friends of ours and is a real passion for the staff.

For later in the day or weekends we have a full licence and serve a range of craft beers and cider on draught and in bottles, along with a range of wines and soft drinks. We are open until 7pm during the week and later on Friday nights.

The Velo House 5 St John’s Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 9TN 01892 554 500 www.thevelohouse.com

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MOTORING MATTERS OUR ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM THE MOTORING SCENE DIAMOND DISCO

To mark the 60th birthday of the legendary Alfa Romeo 1900 C52 ‘Disco Volante’, Touring Superleggera - a prestigious Milanese coach building firm which has been designing and building vehicle bodywork since 1926 – has created the 2013 edition of the Disco Volante with the official endorsement of Alfa Romeo. The Disco Volante is a two-seater Gran Turismo with a completely bespoke, handmade carbon fibre and aluminium body underpinned by the stunning Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione coupe, with its front-central mounted 4.7-litre V8 engine and transaxle rear drive with unmodified specifications.

FOR EVA YOURS Silverstone Auctions is offering the opportunity to own a unique and very special car, with connections to one of the most famous women of the 20th century, in its sale at Salon Prive, London, on September 4. Estimated to fetch between £200,000 and £260,000, the 1951 Cadillac Limousine served as the official state limousine for Eva Peron, affectionately known as Evita, and her husband, the Argentine President Juan Peron. Eva’s life story was famously told in the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Evita, as well as the 1996 film of the same name starring Madonna and Antonio Banderas.

WILD HORSES Ford has revealed power outputs and performance details for the all-new Mustang. The Ford Mustang for America, equipped with the new 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine, will offer 310 horsepower and 320 lb/ft of torque, while the Mustang equipped with a muscular 5.0-litre V8 engine will generate 435 horsepower with 400 lb/ft of torque. Both engine options will be made available to UK customers when the car goes on sale for the first time next year.

All-new Mustang will also offer fully independent front and rear suspension, and an advanced lightweight body structure with extensive high strength steel and aluminium components for excellent ride and handling.

HAPPY HYBRID

ON THE ROAD

WORLD TOUR

The first purpose-built, plug-in hybrid sports car from BMW has gone on sale, powered by engines exclusively produced at their Hams Hall engine manufacturing facility, near Birmingham. The BMW i8 is a brand new contemporary, sustainability focused sports car. It is the company’s first production vehicle to be powered by a three-cylinder engine and together with BMW eDrive technology, it is able to combine the dynamics of a high performance sports car with the fuel efficiencies of a small car. Already the BMW i8 has sold out for more than a year – read on for our review.

Aston Martin’s hotly anticipated V12 Vantage S Roadster arrives in markets around the world later this year. The new sports car will become the luxury British marque’s most potent, fastest and fastestaccelerating series production roadster to date and it follows in the broad tyre tracks of the V12 Vantage S Coupe that was launched to worldwide acclaim in 2013. Equipped with the latest 565bhp (573PS) Aston Martin AM28 6.0-litre V12 engine, featuring state-of-the-art Bosch engine management, the car is capable of reaching 201mph and sprinting from rest to 60mph in only 3.9 seconds.

After making its world debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, Maserati has revealed an exclusive limited edition Maserati Quattroporte in collaboration with luxury Italian fashion house, Ermenegildo Zegna. Just 100 examples of the limited series will be built, featuring colour schemes, materials and exclusive trims that link the histories of the two brands. To celebrate the launch of the Quattroporte Zegna Limited Edition, Maserati and Zegna have embarked on a tour of four international events that started in Shanghai in July and will stop in New York, Dubai and Milan before next spring.

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F E AT U R E

Cooper Tunbridge Wells

The Ult imate Driving Machine

AFFORDABLE LUXURY FROM THE COOPER GROUP. BMW Z4 sDRIVE 18i ROADSTER. JUST £299 PER MONTH (PLUS DEPOSIT 1).

BMW 420d M SPORT CONVERTIBLE. JUST £499 PER MONTH (PLUS DEPOSIT 2).

BMW640dSE CONVERTIBLE. JUST £559 PER MONTH (PLUS DEPOSIT 3).

Contact Cooper Tun bridge Wells for more information and to book your test drivet.

Cooper Tun bridge Wells Longfield Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3UE www.coopertunbridgewellsbmw.co.uk 01892 548 877

BMW EfficientDynamics Less emissions. More driving pleasure.

Official fuel economy figures for the BMW Range: Urban 12.8-56.5mpg (22.0-5.311100km). Extra Urban 26.2-78.5mpg (1 0.8-3.glf100km). Combined 19.2-68.9mpg ( 14.7·4.4111 OOkm). C02 emissions 352-109g/km. FIQ<Kes mayvafYdepcndlng on driwlg style and oond1t100S. ' Prices shown a.e for a 48 month Contract Hire agreement for the models shown; •a deposit of £2,579 on a BMW Z4 s01Ne18i Roadster, With a c:ontmct mdeage of 40,000 miles and an excess mileage thalge of 8.25p per

mde; ' • deposit of £6,599 on a BMW 42()d M Spor1 Co<M>rliblc, With a contract mileage of 40,000 m11<1s and an excess mileage charge of 10.?5p PQr mdo; and >a deposit ot £3,354 on a BMW 640d SE Con~tible ...;U> a conttact mdeage of 40,000 miles and an exoess mileage charge of 14p per mole. Apphes to new llehlcles ordeled at participaltng Cooper BMW Dealers between 1 July and 30 $eptember 2014 and reg1stered by 31 December 2014 (SOOJCl!Ct to availabihty). Retad customets only. Al. the end of your agreement you must return the vehicle and vehic;l<) condrtion, excess mileage and other charr_.es may be payable. Hire available subject to status to UK re3idcnt:a aged 10 or over. <'..uarantccs find indemnilie3 may bo requir(:d. Terms and oonditiOf\3 apply. Otfe-- may be variQd., withdrawn OC'" c.xtended a\ any 1it"''l0. Hico f)(ovidcd by 9MW F'Ulonoi(ll Scrvic03 (ea) Limited, Bartley Wwt, Hook, Hampshire RG27 9UF. SeMce lncluSNe tO< 5 years "' 50,000 miles (whichever occurs first) is ava1lable for an extra £10 a month. Se<vicing rnust be cruried out at a BMW SerW>e Authorised WO<kshop. E>cessive wear and tear or misuse not covered. Se<.ond brake fluid change not covered. Please ask your dealer, "'visit www.bmw.co.uklserviceinclusive for prices for all model$ and full BMWS<1rv><:e Inclusive terms and oonditions. tTcst drive subject to applicant status and availability. lnchcape Retail is not an independent financial advisor. We wor1< with a panel or selected lendels "'hen arranging funding for your purchase and these lenders may pay us for tntroducing you to them. BMW Effic1cnt0ynam1cs reduces flMW omissions Without comprOilliSong perlormance developments and IS standard actOSS the model range.

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THE BMW CONVERTIBLE RANGE DESIGNED FOR DRIVING PLEASURE 2O14 IS SHAPING UP TO BE QUITE A YEAR FOR COOPER TUNBRIDGE WELLS BMW, AND WITH THE RAIN TAKING A BREAK, WHY NOT LOOK FORWARD TO ADDING SOME FUN TO YOUR DRIVING WITH ONE OF BMW’S RANGE OF EXCITING CONVERTIBLE MODELS?

BMW 4 SERIES CONVERTIBLE With summer underway, the highly acclaimed new BMW 4 Series Convertible couldn’t have arrived at a better time.

Launched in March, it combines elegant styling, aerodynamic details and sporty proportions with a Retractable Hard-Top roof to provide all-year-round driving pleasure. What’s more, the new BMW 4 Series Convertible now boasts a generous 37O litre loading space with the roof up, and an ample 22O litres with the roof down.

A new innovative loading aid part raises the roof at the touch of a button, giving you access to extra storage space beneath the load area cover while the roof is down.

Available in five trim options – SE, Luxury, Modern, Sport and M Sport – and a choice of three engines – 428i, 435i and 42Od – every BMW 4 Series Convertible is as unique and distinctive as its driver.

BMW Z4 ROADSTER This classic BMW roadster is now even more appealing. As well as featuring new interior and exterior design enhancements,

the latest BMW Z4 sees the introduction of the new sDrive18i, offering a lower starting price for the new range.

All the BMW Z4 models have turbocharged engines for enhanced performance and efficiency, Drive Performance Control for tailored driving modes and optional eight-speed Sport automatic transmission.

You’ll also find a higher standard specification, including DAB digital radio, Bluetooth, USB connection and Sport multi-function leather steering wheel, with stylish new paint colours, interior trims and Alloy wheels available.

BMW 6 SERIES CONVERTIBLE The stunning BMW 6 Series Convertible, with its elegant, fluid design, beautiful proportions and dynamic sports car capabilities, will have you craving the open road. It has a graceful, athletic appearance with sweeping contour lines and a low muscular stance.

The sumptuous interior is equipped to an exceptionally high standard

specification, including Dakota leather upholstery with SunReflective Technology, and with two full-size rear seats, it can fit four adults comfortably.

The 32Ohp six-cylinder 64Oi SE achieves O-62mph in 5.7 seconds, yet 35.8mpg combined and 185g/km CO2 emissions.

The 65Oi SE’s twin-turbo V8 engine delivers O-62 in an impressive five seconds – taking it to almost M car performance.

Thanks to BMW EfficientDynamics technologies, both models are class-leading on fuel economy and CO2 emissions.

So, as you can see, there’s something for everyone with this exciting range of BMW Convertible models.

For more details on how to put the fun back into your driving, feel free to contact the team at Cooper BMW on Longfield Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells.

Cooper BMW - 5O6-516 Longfield Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3UE - O1892 628 1O5 - www.cooperbmw.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2014

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MOTORS

Dramatically green Last month we took the powerful new BMW M4 for a spin and discovered it to be a menacing but fun addition to the range. This month, we look at a more environmentally friendly alternative – the new BMW i8. Would you spend twice as much for a fraction of the CO2 emissions?

Iain Dooley checks out this supercar hybrid

Facts at a glance BMW i8, £94,845 including £5,000 Government grant ENGINE: 1.5-litre petrol unit and electric motor producing a combined 357bhp and 420lb/ft of torque TRANSMISSION: Six-speed dual clutch gearbox driving the rear wheels; electric motor drives the front wheels PERFORMANCE: Top speed 155mph, 0-62mph in 4.4 seconds ECONOMY: 134.5mpg combined EMISSIONS: 49g/km of CO2

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“This car summed up in a single word: Futuristic”

onsidering the quantum leap in design and approach to performance motoring, it would be easier to list what wasn’t new about BMW’s i8 than what is. The car’s carbon composite structure has much in common with the firm’s smaller i3, while the mix of petrol and electric power in the form of a plug-in hybrid should ensure maximum flexibility regardless of the driving conditions.

Furthermore, the i8’s appearance is a world apart from BMW’s familiar, more conservative family of conventional cars. Despite the presence of child-size rear seats, the i8 is realistically a two-seater – something the car’s dramatic, sleek profile makes no apologies for.

Taking the definition of dramatic to new heights, the i8 isn’t a car for shy and retiring types. Some sports cars downplay their potential, but that’s not the case here. Pick a light coloured car and you can really see all the various styling details. It’s clear that considerable effort has gone into designing the car with the intention of making a bold statement.

And while BMW is no stranger to producing potent performance cars, the i8 is its first attempt at a hi-tech plug-in hybrid sports machine. Not content with just a token approach to producing an eco-friendly car, the firm has pulled out all the stops: high power small capacity petrol engine, advanced materials and construction methods; the potential for huge economy and emissions gains, and the convenience of short recharging times.

You can’t expect any car at this end of the performance spectrum to be child friendly, but the i8 with its two-plus-two seating arrangement strikes an acceptable balance between macho performance and accommodating the occasional need to transport those of pre-school age. And with the petrol engine at the back, the car’s boot is also modest, so no room for the golf clubs sadly. Up front, there’s sufficient oddment space for mobile phones and

associated clutter.

For all the i8’s green credentials, it’s first and foremost a sports car.

That’s obvious from the low-slung driving position and the handful of electronic modes available to fine tune the experience. That said, the default starting mode is electric, with the i8 offering an eerily quiet way to travel around town. Be more enthusiastic with the throttle and the petrol motor joins in automatically. Opt for Sport mode and the default configuration is the reverse: petrol power with electric assistance.

The result is a supercar-like elastic power delivery allowing you to minimise gearshifts and concentrate on spearing from one corner to the next. And spear along the i8 does; the car is rapid enough to demand your full concentration and sufficiently composed at speed to take even the worst road surfaces in its stride. Switching between driving modes serves to fine tune the sensation, while for added excitement the rorty engine note apes that of Porsche’s 911.

It’s hard to put a real world value on a car like the i8. Yes, it does cost close to six figures in basic trim, but the technology underpinning the car is pretty clever and tech-savvy early adopters will no doubt be motivated by what the car can do, not what it costs. That said, it’s generously equipped even

by BMW’s standards, although there’s still ample room to personalise the cabin trim. One thing’s for sure, you don’t buy an i8 to save money on your fuel bill or annual road tax, although it is a nice bonus.

The i8 has ‘early adopter’ written all over it. If you’ve got the cash, enjoy performance motoring and appreciate the technology underpinning this rapid sports coupe, then you’ll likely want to be one of the first in the queue. And what better way to make a statement regarding your green credentials than by driving one of the most dramatically styled hybrids on the market.

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Balance defined.

GTS: three letters that declare the concentrated essence of Porsche.

Cars with increased power, enhanced specification and a dire ct link to our motorsports roots.

Cars driven by individuals who always desire more.

The new Cayman GTS. Purist.

Find out more at porsche.co.uk/caymangts PCJ~SCHE

Porsche Centre Tonbridge Brook Farm Five Oak Green Road Tonbridge, TN11 OQN Tel: 01732 590 112 info@porschetonbridge.co.uk www.porsche.co.uk;lonbridge

Fuel consumption for the Boxster GTS in 1/100 km (mpg): urban 12.7路11.4 (22.2路24.8), extra urban 7.1-6.3 (39.8-44.8), combined 9.0-8.2 (31.4-34.4 mpg); C02 emissions: 211-190 g/km. The mpg and C02 figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results, are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience.

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New Porsche Cayman GTS

resets sports coupe benchmark The new Porsche Cayman GTS is the most powerful and fastest edition of the mid-engined coupe from the German sports car manufacturer to date. With an uprated engine and sharpened chassis responses, it sets a new benchmark for sporting performance in its market

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he six-cylinder ‘boxer’ engine in the Cayman GTS is based on the 3.4-litre engine of the Cayman S. Specific fine tuning has delivered an additional 15hp (11 kW), with the result that the Cayman GTS offers 340hp (250 kW). The torque has also increased by 10 newton metres to 380 Nm. Further emphasising the distinctive character of the GTS is the Sport Chrono package and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), fitted as standard.

These offer the driver the opportunity to not only modify the damper stiffness, but also subtly change the throttle characteristics of the engine. In conjunction with the optional Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) seven-speed double-clutch transmission, the Launch Control function accessed via the Sport Plus button enables the Cayman GTS to accelerate from 0-62 mph in 4.6 seconds, 0.3 seconds quicker than a standard Cayman S with PDK. With the standard manual six-speed

transmission, a top speed of 177 mph is possible. The new GTS is also the first mid-engined Porsche coupe to be certified according to the Euro 6 emissions standard, and achieves an overall fuel consumption with PDK of 34.4 mpg Combined (31.4 mpg with manual transmission).

The dynamic engine mounts also offered as part of the Sport Chrono package enables the Cayman GTS to provide an impressive breadth of chassis responsiveness. Under acceleration, cornering or braking, the mountings between the body shell and engine stiffen automatically to reduce the effects of mass transfer during dynamic manoeuvers, further increasing agility.

The Cayman GTS can be specified with a new, optional sports chassis configuration that lowers the ride height by 20mm, underlying the fact that at the heart of every Porsche is a race car suitable for both the circuit and everyday use.

The strong, individual character of the

Cayman gains further independence with the GTS model. A distinctively styled front spoiler and black-finish Bi-Xenon headlights – with the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) as standard – are subtle clues to the new model’s identity, which is confirmed from behind with exterior lettering in silky black gloss finish, and a re-styled lower rear apron.

Inside, bolstered sports seats and leather trim are standard. Like other Porsche GTS models, the sporting ambience of the interior is refined with Alcantara elements.

CAYMAN GTS IN THE UK The car is now on sale and is priced from £55,397 (incl. VAT). This is inclusive of a Porsche Driving Experience, which will take place at the new Porsche Driving Experience Centre at Silverstone. For more details contact Porsche Centre Tonbridge on 01732 590 112 or email info@porschetonbridge.co.uk

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The centre provides a premium location in West Kent/East Sussex where visitors can now browse Audi's award-winning range of new and used cars, experience the technologically sophisticated models and purchase while receiving the highest levels of customer service.

Along with everything you'd expect of a modern state-of-the-art showroom, our new eco friendly Audi Centre in Tunbridge Wells also incorporates the very latest in customer comfort, innovation and technology.

Customers are also be able to enjoy a relaxing cafe lounge area, plus a Direct Service Reception where they can watch their car being serviced via a monitor and interact with the technician carrying out the work.

Why not call in to Tunbridge Wells Audi today to experience it yourself?

Tunbridge Wells Audi DowdingWay Tun bridge Wells TN2 3UY

01892 703 000 www.tunbridgewells-audi.co.uk enquiries@tunbridgewellsaudi.co.uk Part of the Inch cape Group

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Vorsprung durch

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Now open in Tun bridge Wells.

Intro duct o ry o ffe rs Up to £1,000 Finance deposit contribution available on selected Approved Used Audi."

11.9% APR Representative Audi Service Plan from only £299.

If your Audi is between 3 and 5 years old then you can save over £100 on your next two services by purchasing the Audi Service Plan for a one-off payment of only £299.

Mojor Serv1ce

What's includ ed?

Oil and filter change

Oil Cnonge Service

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Clean and replace air filter (if necessary) Replace spark plugs (petrol) /fuel filter (diesel) (if necessary) Full vehicle inspection, including road test Vehicle health check

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Reset service interval display

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·subject to status. Terms and conditions apply.

• Please note, any other service and maintenance work, including normal wear and tear, is not included in the plan.

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EDUCATION NEWS WE TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE WORLD OF EDUCATION

Strictly schools Celebrity judges are lining up to spot future stars at the grand final of the Kent School Games Cultural Celebration on Sunday September 7. Strictly Come Dancing regular Craig Revel Horwood (pictured) joins Britain’s Got Talent runner-up Damon Scott, West End theatre impresario Iain Vince-Gatt and former BBC weathergirl Kaddy Lee-Preston, as they prepare to judge the 18 young acts. The finalists include three students from Weald of Kent Grammar School in Tonbridge: saxophone player Asha Parkinson, dancer Jessica Chappenden and pianist Daisy Widdicombe. A cash prize of £1,000 is on offer to the winner to help them pursue their performing arts dreams.

“Encouraging young talent is vitally important and I am therefore thrilled to be judging Kent’s best young performers,” Craig says. “It’s fabulous to be involved in wonderful initiatives such as the KSG Cultural Celebration that will give winners the financial support and kudos to go all the way.” To book your free seat at the live final at Tunbridge Wells’ Assembly Hall, visit www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

Caring quest The Quest School in Paddock Wood received a boost when staff from a local company took a day out to paint the school’s new premises. Workers from Liberty Property Trust UK arrived armed with paint brushes to refresh the exterior of the oast at the Hop Farm, as part of the firm’s annual Bill Rouse Day of Caring, named after Liberty’s late founder.

The Quest School is an independent school that creates a specialist learning environment designed around the specific needs of pupils with autism. Now with 20 pupils, the school continues to expand, hence its move to larger premises at the Hop Farm.

“We were absolutely delighted with the efforts of all the staff from Liberty,” says headmistress Anne Martin. “We cannot thank them enough for choosing to support us on their Day of Caring.” www.questschool.co.uk

100% success Congratulations are in order for Year 8 pupils at Sevenoaks Prep School who passed all their common entrance exams for the senior schools into which they were entered. In addition, the group also won 15 academic, art, drama, music and sport scholarships and exhibitions between them.

A school spokesperson says: “They worked extremely hard and we are very proud of them. As our student leaders, throughout the year they have set a great example to our younger pupils. We will miss them enormously and we wish them every success in their senior schools. Well done to all our Year 8 pupils and their teachers!” www.theprep.org.uk

Fair deal Shoppers will discover a broad array of goodies at St Leonards-Mayfield School’s Michaelmas Fair. Taking place on Wednesday September 24, the annual fair will have around 50 stalls offering a variety of interesting products and gift ideas, from luxury clothing to locally sourced food. As well as raising money for the school and its buildings, the school also donates funds from the fair to small local charities. The fair runs from 10am to 3.30pm in the school’s Old Palace and a marquee. www.mayfieldgirls.org SEPTEMBER 2014

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Every parent knows that choosing a school for their child is one of the most important decisions they will ever make – consequently, it can also be among the most daunting. In our indispensable guide, leading local schools reveal why they deserve to be top of the class When you’re looking for the right school, there is so much more to consider than just the league table results. Of course, a high standard of academic achievement and expectation is essential, as the grades your child earns at school could set the scene for their future career.

However, school life is a full and varied experience with so much to offer in terms of your child’s social, emotional and physical development that the whole ethos of the establishment must be taken into account.

Impressive sports and educational facilities will

play a part, as will the range of leisure and extracurricular activities on offer. The school’s approach to learning, discipline and pastoral care is also important, as finding the ‘right fit’ for your child could have a far-reaching influence on their academic, social and ultimately, professional life.

In the following pages, top schools from across the area talk about the ways in which they’re helping to shape the next generation. We meet the head teachers, parents and students to find out what’s special about their school and why you should consider entrusting your child’s precious school days to their care.

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Bricklehurst Manor School B A R D O W N R O A D , S T O N E G A T E , W A D H U R S T, E A S T S U S S E X T N 5 7 E L TYPE: Independent Prep School COST PER TERM (DAY): £2,700-3,600 WEB: www.bricklehurst.co.uk TEL: 01580 200 448 HEAD: Mrs Christine Flowers STUDENT: Olivia Johnson (age 9)

to visit Battle Abbey, where we re-enacted the battle wearing our helmets and using our swords and shields that we had made in class. This year we also completed our first project – it was all about the Ancient Egyptians and the River Nile. We did lots of research in class and for our homework.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SUBJECT? History; I have loved learning about the Battle of Hastings and the Egyptians. We were lucky enough

TELL US ABOUT THE AFTERSCHOOL ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE We have lots to choose from. We can do Dance,

Gymnastics, Hockey, Netball, Rounders, Football, Rugby, Athletics, Tennis, Art classes, Board Games and Swimming. This summer I joined the Cricket Club for the first time and loved it.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL? I love the teachers. Although we work very hard, they all make the lessons lots of fun, which helps us to learn. Bricklehurst has the most beautiful garden and I love playing in the orchard in the summer. It’s a very friendly school and everyone looks after each other. We are also very lucky to go on some amazing school trips; we get to visit the museums in London, castles and last year the whole school went to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. In Years 5 and 6 we have our residential trip and next year we will be visiting the Isle of Wight.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN YOU LEAVE? I would like to be a teacher when I grow up.

I love all the teachers at Bricklehurst and would like to help other children to enjoy going to school and learn like my teachers have helped me.

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For further information and to book on line

www.EastbourneCollegeSixthForm.co. uk The Birley Centre. Eastbourne College. Carlisle Road. Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 4EF T: 01323 452323 • E: admissions@eastboume-college.co.uk

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COBHAM HALL School COBHAM HALL, COBHAM, KENT DA12 3BL UK TYPE: Boarding and Day School for Girls COST PER TERM (DAY): £5,156 - £6526 COST PER TERM (BOARDING): £7,789 - £9,817 WEB: www.cobhamhall.com PHONE: +44(0)1474 823371 HEAD: Mr P Mitchell BSc PARENT: Dr K O’Neill-Byrne WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS SCHOOL FOR YOUR CHILDREN? Primarily because of the values and ethos of worldwide school association Round Square International, which permeate the school, and because of the internationalism of the school community. The values of Round Square resonate with our own family values and we were clear from our first Open Day that the school was in the business of building strong global citizens who would make a positive contribution to a world that sorely needs it.

DO YOU FEEL THEY ARE RECEIVING A WELL-ROUNDED EXPERIENCE? Absolutely. They are stretched in every way possible, from the academic to the social and all points in between, and we can actually see them developing as a direct result of their experiences at and through Cobham.

school anyway and we can pick them up afterwards.

AS A PARENT, WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THE SCHOOL? Without a doubt it is the support shown by each and every member of the school staff, both teaching and non-teaching, to all the girls in their care. It’s going to sound cheesy to say this, but I have witnessed numerous times over the past six years the way in which teachers seem to love the girls rather than simply tolerate them. As parents, we could never imagine the girls to be in a place where they would be more understood and supported than they are here. We feel able to say this, particularly as the two daughters we currently have at Cobham Hall are very different. One is highly socially-skilled, while the other really struggles socially at times; yet the school makes each of them feel that they are special and valued and, as a result, our socially-constrained daughter is growing steadily in confidence. Nothing is ever too much trouble for the staff and they make themselves accessible to parents instantly when asked to do so. The academic support received is also outstanding; teachers make themselves available in all

breaks to support girls and our older daughter got results in her GCSEs far beyond what we had dared to hope. Whatever is in a student upon entering Cobham Hall will certainly be discovered and nurtured during her years there.

HOW HAVE AFTERSCHOOL ACTIVITIES HELPED ENHANCE THEIR TIME THERE? To a great extent. Our older daughter had not even played netball before coming to Cobham Hall, yet discovered an aptitude for it while here and this allowed her to take part in a sports tour to South Africa in Year 9. Our younger daughter has been able to do all of the Skill and Physical areas for her Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award through the afterschool activities. Also, on a practical note, since I work fulltime as a doctor in the NHS and my husband is a nurse, it would be impossible for us to collect the girls at 4.30pm, but because of the wide range of activities, they more often than not have a reason to stay at

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“ACHIEVEMENT BEYOND EXPECTATION”

Combe Bank School in Sevenoaks becomes co-educational from September 2014. Excellent Exam results in 2014. With 100% passing at A Level and 97% GCSE success with 5 or more A*-C grades.

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ositioned on the East Surrey and North West Kent border near Sevenoaks, Combe Bank School is the perfect environment for children to achieve academic excellence whilst developing their individual characters, abilities and interests. Our incredibly talented teaching staff are second to none and, coupled with small class numbers, ensure our children have a carefully tailored educational programme.

We are an independent prep and senior school and take children from 3yrs to 18yrs. This is a very exciting time for our school as from September 2014 we will become co-educational, introducing boys into Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 and our sixth form. From September 2015 boys will be introduced into Year 7 of the senior school. We are also introducing wraparound care in the prep school from September 2014, so families can take advantage of our extended opening hours where children will be supervised from 7am to 7pm five days a week.

Both our Prep and Senior schools are housed in elegant and stunning Grade I and Grade II listed buildings, with 26 acres of beautiful grounds and a state-of-the-art Sports Centre.

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At Combe Bank School we are committed to providing: ■ Academic excellence supported by excellent teaching ■ Small classes and personal attention ■ Outstanding pastoral care ■ Values based on Christian principles and respect for others ■ First-class facilities in a superb setting, including outstanding sporting facilities We offer a wide variety of extracurricular activities throughout the week and regularly get involved with outside professionals coming into school to teach and inspire our pupils. For example, this year a team of artists from the Royal Academy of Art joined us for a day to engage our own talented artists and those in other schools. Our distinguished community choral society became a Gospel Choir for the summer season. The well-known singer, conductor and instrumentalist Ken Burton (a panel judge of BBC 2’s Sing While You Work) led all the rehearsals, which culminated in a major performance at the Stag Theatre in June this year.

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KEY DATES For further details on any of the listed events please contact our Registrar on 01959 567 166 or email registrar@combebank.co.uk

AUTUMN OPEN MORNINGS Saturday October 11 2014 10am – 12 noon Tuesday October 14 2014 10am – 12 noon SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING November 6 2014 – 7pm 11+ ENTRANCE EXAM November 11 2014 13+ ENTRANCE EXAM

Jane Abbotts, Headmistress commented: “There are very few independent schools offering tailored teaching, outstanding sporting facilities and extensive extracurricular programmes that can match Combe Bank. Now we are becoming co-educational in September, it is no wonder we have never been so busy recruiting new pupils!”

December 4 2014 SIXTH FORM SCHOLARSHIP EXAM December 4 2014 11+ SCHOLARSHIPS Art – November 24 2014 Music – November 25 2014 Sport – November 26 2014 ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP Interviews November 28 2014

Please contact our Registrar, Francesca Wade, for further details about admissions at registrar@combebank.co.uk Combe Bank School Sevenoaks Kent TN14 6AE 01959 567 166 www.combebank.co.uk enquiries@combebank.co.uk

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Dulwich Preparatory School COURSEHORN, CRANBROOK, KENT TN17 3NP TYPE: Day and Flexible Boarding Preparatory School for Boys and Girls aged 3-13 COST PER TERM (DAY): £3,325 (Reception)/£5,165 (Upper School) COST PER TERM (BOARDING): £40.75 per night WEB: www.dcpskent.org TWITTER: @DPS_Cranbrook TEL: 01580 712 179 HEAD: Mr Paul David TELL US ABOUT THE HISTORY AND ETHOS OF THE SCHOOL Evacuated from London to Cranbrook in 1939, the school is one of two preparatory schools administered as a charitable trust by a Board of Governors, the other being Dulwich College Preparatory School in London. Now in our 75th anniversary year, we are celebrating all that has been achieved since those humble early days in the orchards of Cranbrook at the outbreak of World War Two. Throughout the school there is a twofold purpose: to enable the children to learn as much as possible according to their individual abilities, and to be happy and confident in an environment of learning.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST NOTABLE FEATURES? Our school is set in 50 acres of countryside in the heart of the Weald of Kent, surrounded by farmland. We offer nursery, pre-prep and preparatory education for children from the ages of three to 13. The school is divided into three sections – Nash House, Little Stream and Upper School – which work together to make a stronger, more vibrant whole. Four brand new light, bright classrooms have been rebuilt for Nash House

(Early Years), featuring outdoor learning areas under a retractable canopy. Sports facilities include a fully equipped Sports Hall, AstroTurf, two swimming pools, tennis courts and a 400m athletics track. Children in Years 7 and 8 are all issued with an iPad, which is a great tool for both independent and group study, and for collaboration between children and staff. The school offers a broad programme of Outdoor Education, from innovative forest school activities to overnight camps and a challenging five-day trip to Snowdonia in Year 8.

FROM WHAT SORT OF CATCHMENT AREA DO YOU ATTRACT PUPILS? The majority of children live in Cranbrook and the surrounding villages. Morning minibuses draw children from Tunbridge Wells, Ashford and Maidstone areas.

The option of part-boarding is highly popular and adds flexibility for parents.

HOW MUCH OPPORTUNITY IS THERE FOR PARENTS TO GET INVOLVED IN SCHOOL LIFE? We are lucky at Dulwich to have a fantastically supportive parent body called ‘The Friends’. They do an enormous amount to benefit the pupils by running whole school events such as Christmas Fairs and Summer Festivals. Last term they organised a Grand 75th Anniversary Ball with over 400 guests, which was a wonderful launch to our anniversary year. There is a real feeling of community within the school as a result of their involvement. Parents in Nash House and Little Stream are invited regularly to craft days, outings and assemblies and Form showings give the children a chance to show parents what they have been learning.

WHAT ABOUT EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES? There is a vast array of clubs and activities for all ages, both at lunchtime and after school. There are music groups for all levels, including a school orchestra, jazz band, choirs and recorder groups. Arts Week in the Autumn Term will culminate in a 75th Anniversary Gala Concert with songs, poetry and music performed by the children at the Assembly Hall in Tunbridge Wells. Drama Club is very popular and each year group produces a play or revue. Sports Clubs cater for all levels and ages in most of the major sports; Triathlon Club is proving particularly popular in Upper School. Art, Sewing, Gardening, Cookery, Newspaper and Eco Clubs are some of the other options on offer.

GIVE US A FEW WORDS THAT BEST SUM UP THE SCHOOL Space to breathe, time to grow.

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Independent education for girls and boys aged 3 - 18 • Boarding available from I I Exceptional academic results from broad-ability intake • First-rate ISI inspection report in 20 I 3 Small classes • Award-winning music • Fantastic range of extra-curricular activities Preparatory School listed in The Sunday Times Top I00 Prep Schools • Extensive sports facilities Academic, Music, Sports and All-rounder scholarships available at I II 13/ 16 Organ scholarships offered at 13/ 16 and Chorister scholarships at age 8

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King’s Rochester SATIS HOUSE, BOLEY HILL, ROCHESTER, KENT ME1 1TE TYPE: Independent School for boys and girls aged 3 – 18 COST PER TERM (DAY): Pre Preparatory £3020, Preparatory £3875 (Forms L1/1) £4400 (Forms 2/3/4), Senior £5680 COST PER TERM (BOARDING): Preparatory £6425 (Forms 3/4). Senior £9225 WEB: www.kings-rochester.co.uk PHONE: 01634 888 555 HEAD: Mr Jeremy Walker STUDENT: Charlie Medhurst WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECT? I am currently studying A-Levels in English, Geography, History and RS, but Geography is probably my favorite subject. Last year I took part in a World Challenge expedition to Ladakh in Northern India and it was unbelievable to trek in the Himalayas. I enjoyed studying the physical geography of the area, but Geography is unique in providing an insight into how society, the economy and environment combine to bring about change and this is vital in a complex and rapidly changing world.

TELL US ABOUT THE AFTERSCHOOL ACTIVITIES ON OFFER The options available are many and varied. I have been involved in Drama since the Pre-Preparatory School, when I was picked to play the Emperor in The Emperor’s New Clothes (fortunately I did not have to perform naked) and I have enjoyed General Knowledge and Debating. Sporting clubs have always been popular. I have represented the school first team at Cricket, Hockey and Rugby and I have just returned from an Old Boys cricket tour to Yorkshire. Chess, Choir and Orchestra are popular activities, while many enjoy the opportunities available in the CCF (Combined Cadet Force). School does not end at 4.10pm; there are always things available to be doing.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL? It isn’t just for your 14 years of education and its focus isn’t just grades. You will be nurtured and developed even after you have left. Its age and eye to tradition teaches you how to be part of something bigger and how to look beyond yourself. For this reason, I particularly enjoy chapel in Rochester Cathedral.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN YOU LEAVE? University applications are the current focus, but first of all I would like to take a gap year to Australia and parts of South East Asia. I enjoy travelling and this is partly down to the opportunities given at school.

School trips to Barbados, Germany, Iceland, India, Italy and Russia have encouraged my desire to see more of the world, and then it will be back to another three years in education, hopefully studying Geography.

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Kent College Pembury O L D C H U R C H R O A D , P E M B U R Y, T U N B R I D G E W E L L S , K E N T T N 2 4 A X TYPE: Independent Day and Boarding for Girls 3-18 COST PER TERM (DAY): £5,975 COST PER TERM (BOARDING): £9,633 WEB: www.kent-college.co.uk TEL: 01892 822 006 HEAD: Mrs Sally-Anne Huang TELL US ABOUT THE BACKGROUND OF YOUR SCHOOL AND HOW YOU FIRST GOT INVOLVED I applied for the headship of KC back in 2007 because it was committed to boarding and to girls’ education – which were my two main drivers. Since then I’ve come to realise that it’s also the Methodist ethos of the school that suits me. We are relaxed and happy to let people be themselves (including the head), but we also want to produce young adults with a sense of responsibility and the ambition to lead purposeful lives. I’m immensely proud of that combination.

Confidential, personal issues with both staff and pupils are the painful times when you have to be strongest.

However, accompanying a group of sixth formers to our sister school in Nepal and camping in a paddy field with no running water or toilets was a very positive challenge. That definitely broke down any barriers between head and pupils!

HOW DO YOU MANAGE PARENTS’ EXPECTATIONS? This is all about relationships. If you can take the

time to get to know pupils and their families well – and give them the time to know you personally – then it’s easy to understand their perspective and to have useful conversations, based on trust, when there are challenges. Although there is the stereotype of fee-paying parents wanting straight A*s and Oxbridge because they have ‘bought’ it, my own experience is that most parents just want you to know their child and to be honest with them at all times. That’s fair enough.

WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES YOU’VE FACED? Most heads know that the challenges people see – pupil discipline, results – are nothing in comparison to the behind the scenes issues people don’t see.

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Marlborough House School H I G H S T R E E T, H A W K H U R S T, K E N T T N 1 8 4 P Y TYPE: Independent, co-educational prep school for ages 2¾ - 13+, day and flexi-boarding COST PER TERM (DAY): £2,450 – £5,070 WEB: www.marlboroughhouseschool.co.uk TEL: 01580 753 555 HEAD: Mr Martyn Ward ABOUT THE SCHOOL Marlborough House School is set in 34 acres of grounds with extensive sports pitches, orchard, ponds and woodland. The school boasts superb sports facilities including an astroturf pitch, indoor sports hall, netball and tennis courts, shooting range, outdoor swimming pool and dance hall. The newly extended and refurbished Pre-Prep was opened last year.

Happy, confident children are keen to learn, to push themselves and to achieve more. That is our belief at Marlborough House and one which we know is shared by parents. It is our job not only to help your child to achieve academically but also to become a well-rounded, enthusiastic and self-confident individual.

Academic achievement is, of course, at the heart of our work and year on year Marlborough

House children have been hugely successful in securing places at leading senior schools. Our pupils leave with lasting friendships, happy memories and more importantly, a love of life and learning.

MARTYN WARD, HEADMASTER “There is no getting away from the fact that educating children in the private sector is a significant financial commitment for many. And yet against the backdrop of the deepest, longest recession for a hundred years, the sector has remained largely buoyant. There are flickering signs of life but the economic conditions out there are very tough.

Parents who have chosen to educate their children privately don’t need me to remind them of the sacrifices that many of them make in order to fund this. So, the question then is, why do parents make these sacrifices?

“The answer, I believe, is that private education is the best investment you can ever make; it is something that will pay dividends to your children throughout their lives. In educating your child at a private school you are providing them with opportunities and experiences that are significantly better than ‘good enough’. Excellent results should be taken as read, but it is the round development of the child that is so important: personal happiness,

wellbeing, the confidence to face the challenges of the future as responsible, confident, compassionate leaders are paramount in a child’s education.

“Schools like us make substantial investments to offer facilities and surroundings that enthuse and stimulate our children, but what you really pay for in an independent school is the people. At Marlborough House that means employing and developing the very best teachers and then giving them the freedom to take on a bit more, to inspire, to excite, to challenge, to create a bit of magic.

“Given the sacrifices that so many parents make, they are right to expect all of these things from an independent education. Parents are right to expect value for money. ‘Good enough’ for your children should not be good enough.

I would like to invite you to come and see for yourself what Marlborough House can offer your child.”

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

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Rose Hill School C O N I S T O N AV E N U E , T U N B R I D G E W E L L S , K E N T, T N 4 9 S Y TYPE: Independent prep school COST PER TERM (DAY): £1,820-£4,275 COST PER TERM (BOARDING): N/A WEB: www.rosehillschool.co.uk TEL: 01892 525 591 HEAD: David Westcombe WHAT’S YOUR APPROACH TO EDUCATION? I believe it is the children’s personal development, through the sporting, creative, social and spiritual opportunities Rose Hill provides, which underpins their academic success and enables them to move successfully and happily through their secondary education and beyond.

TALK US THROUGH THE NOTABLE FACILITIES? Last year we opened a new £2.1m teaching facility, including a 95sq m science laboratory, six teaching classrooms, two ICT suites, a learning skills suite and a medical room for the school nurse. We also have a fantastic creative arts centre including a 220 seat theatre, an astroturf and a sports hall in 18 acres of land in the heart of Tunbridge Wells.

WHY MIGHT A PARENT CHOOSE YOUR SCHOOL OVER ANOTHER? Rose Hill is friendly and open and relatively small with just over 300 pupils across the Pre-Prep and Prep departments. Its size allows each child to be known and valued.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF AT YOUR SCHOOL? In December 2013 Rose Hill was awarded ‘excellent in all areas’ by the ISI (Independent Schools Inspectorate).

Inspectors commented that ‘parents expressed their overwhelming satisfaction with the education and care the school provides for their children’ We are thrilled with the results as an excellent grading across the board is extremely hard to achieve and is a tribute to the hard work of the staff and pupils and the strong support of parents. I am very proud of the school. The staff and pupils all work incredibly hard to make it a happy place to learn and develop.

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An independent day school for boys and girls aged 2-13 For more information, please contact Clare Harrison: admissions@theprep.org.uk 01732 762336 www.theprep.org.uk

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PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Call us on 0 1323 733203 or email admissions@standrewsprep.co.uk

www.VisitStAndrewsPrep.co.uk

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Skippers Hill Manor FIVE ASHES, MAYFIELD, EAST SUSSEX TN20 6HR TYPE: Preparatory School COST PER TERM (DAY): From £1,437 (Fulltime Kindergarten including EYEE) to £4,000 (Years 7 & 8) WEB: www.skippershill.com TEL: 01825 830 234 HEAD: Mr Tim Lewis STUDENT: Verity Mack (age 12)

graciousness, kindness and trying your best at everything.

WHEN YOU LEAVE, WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO? I would like to be a psychiatrist because I think it would be interesting to help people get through their problems and to understand how their brains work.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SUBJECT? Biology because I find it very interesting being able to know how living things work. I also enjoy English because it’s fun and I love writing, as well as Drama and Sport, especially hockey.

TELL US ABOUT THE AFTERSCHOOL ACTIVITIES There’s a widespread selection of options available in both winter and summer. The afterschool activities I’m involved in are Gym, Athletics, Cricket and French conversation. I would love to do more, but I don’t have enough time!

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL? The friendliness between the pupils and teachers is amazing and the spirit of the school, which is about

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Educating mind, body, heart & soul 'Excellent Academic Achievement' 'Excellent Pastoral Care' 'Excellent spiritual, moral, social and cultural development' Inspectorate Report 2012

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St Leonards-Mayfield THE OLD PALACE, MAYFIELD, EAST SUSSEX TN20 6PH TYPE: Catholic Independent Boarding and Day School for girls aged 11-18 COST PER TERM (DAY): £6,250 COST PER TERM (BOARDING): £10,000 WEB: www.mayfieldgirls.org TEL: 01435 874 600 HEAD: Miss Antonia Beary MA MPhil PGCE (Cantab) TELL US ABOUT THE BACKGROUND OF YOUR SCHOOL AND HOW YOU FIRST GOT INVOLVED A visionary American, the venerable Cornelia Connelly, founded St Leonards-Mayfield 150 years ago. Mayfield is now one of Britain’s leading Catholic girls’ schools. I became Headmistress in 2008.

HOW ABOUT THE ETHOS BEHIND YOUR APPROACH AS HEAD? I am passionate about girls’ education. I want our girls to challenge the boundaries of what a ‘successful’ woman can achieve. At Mayfield we accept each girl for who she is. While we will stretch her academically to attain the best exam results, we also want to give her the time, space, spiritual and emotional support she needs to flourish. Most importantly, we nurture

creativity – not just in art, but in every subject.

We aim to inspire a love of learning, a sense of perspective and an independence of mind. Our most popular A Level subjects are Maths and Chemistry and many of our girls go on to study sciences and engineering at university.

WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES YOU’VE FACED? People often have preconceived and erroneous ideas about single sex girls’ schools and convent schools in particular. While our values may be traditional, they are also forward looking. We are educating young women to make a difference – they can’t do that if we wrap them in cotton wool. Girls and boys learn in different ways and one size does not fit all. While co-ed schools can work for some, many girls are more successful personally and academically in a single sex environment. It is also our responsibility to ensure that the education we provide is excellent value for money. Any surplus is reinvested into school facilities and teaching resources.

HAVE YOU NOTICED CHANGES IN THE CLASSROOM OVER THE YEARS? The pressure on students, especially girls, to be brilliant at everything is almost intolerable nowadays.

If a girl is capable of straight A*s then we will make sure she achieves this. On the other hand, not everyone’s talents are academic and there is more to life than just passing exams. A good education provides a wide variety of opportunities, both inside and outside the classroom.

HOW DO YOU MANAGE PARENTS’ EXPECTATIONS? Parents naturally want the best teaching, facilities and resources for their daughters and we take pride in providing them. One of our particular strengths is our ‘Value Added’ – helping girls who have traditionally underperformed to fulfil their potential and surpass their expectations. While our exam results are excellent, we are careful to avoid the pitfalls of academic hot-housing. We place great emphasis on nurturing well-rounded young women who can handle pressure and have a balanced and robust approach to life.

WHAT IS YOUR VIEW ON PASTORAL CARE? Pastoral care is at the heart of everything we do. We have an extensive support network including our lay chaplain, housemistresses and health centre, not forgetting the kitchen staff – food is very important at Mayfield! The girls are immensely supportive of each other and there is a real sense of community. As a school founded on strong Catholic principles, we place great importance on spiritual and emotional development. Community service is fundamental. Approximately one fifth of our students come from overseas, giving the girls an opportunity to live and work with friends from a variety of different cultures – an ideal preparation for taking up future roles on a global stage.

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SUTTON VALENCE SCHOOL N O R T H S T R E E T, S U T T O N VA L E N C E , M A I D S T O N E , K E N T M E 1 7 3 H L COST PER TERM (DAY): £4,925-6,435 COST PER TERM (BOARDING): Flexible boarding available from three nights per week to full.

Three nights: £1,630-1,820 in addition to day fees WEB: www.svs.org.uk TEL: 01622 845 200 HEAD: Bruce Grindlay PARENT: Mrs Grabowska WHY DID YOU CHOOSE SUTTON VALENCE SCHOOL FOR YOUR CHILDREN? Unlike many other schools we considered, SVS seemed to adapt to its students (rather than adapting its students to the school) to build their confidence and unlock their latent academic and broader life skills.

Whatever their performance at 11, whether in Maths or on the rugby pitch, the evident ethos was to help them deliver their potential. From the Headmaster to the student who showed us around, all those we met reinforced this impression. Our one hesitation was the distance from Tunbridge Wells.

We could have taken advantage of the school’s flexible boarding arrangements. If they had stayed for three nights or more, the children would have had their own room, been able to take advantage of supervised prep and had full use of the school’s facilities in the evenings. However, for us, the journey (lift to Paddock Wood, train and then SVS

bus from Headcorn) works very well. This takes 45 minutes.

DO YOU FEEL THEY ARE RECEIVING A WELL-ROUNDED EXPERIENCE? Absolutely. As well as the academic education – which delivers excellent results across a full spectrum of abilities – there is every opportunity and

encouragement for the students to become involved in a very dynamic and wide-ranging co-curricular line-up. The culture of participation is instilled from day one and each student is encouraged to find his or her niche. The pastoral approach has also been very effective in working both with the students and with us as parents.

HOW HAVE AFTERSCHOOL ACTIVITIES HELPED ENHANCE THEIR TIME THERE? The array of opportunities has been impressive and has included a wide variety of Music groups (from chamber choir to brass band), Drama events (from Macbeth to We Will Rock You), Sports (from rugby to archery), Debating, an energetic Combined Cadet Force, a programme of outside speakers, the Duke of Edinburgh awards and caring for the elderly at a local home. These have provided valuable experiences of leadership, self-challenge, working in teams, inspiring and caring for others and much more.

AS A PARENT, WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THE SCHOOL? In the end, it is the whole package: a sense that the school understands our children as individuals and, as an institution, has the necessary financial strength, cultural values and, most importantly, a coherent and effective leadership, dedicated teaching staff of a very high standard and strong governance support to foster our children’s development into self-confident adults who can achieve their best in life.

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St Edmund’s School S T T H O M A S H I L L , C A N T E R B U R Y, K E N T C T 2 8 H U TYPE: Co-educational day and boarding school for girls and boys aged 3 to 18 years COST PER TERM (DAY): £2289 - £6018 COST PER TERM (BOARDING): £5966 - £9365 WEB: www.stedmunds.org.uk EMAIL: admissions@stedmunds.org.uk TEL: 01227 475 601 HEAD: Mrs Louise Moelwyn-Hughes St Edmund’s School Canterbury understands and upholds the values of both stability and change.

The Head, Louise Moelwyn-Hughes, explains: “The school’s core values remain constant in that at the heart of all that we do remains a tradition of academic excellence, a respect for the individual, a belief in

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meritocracy and a commitment to ensuring that our young men and women leave St Edmund’s not only with the exam grades they will require for university and employment, but with the interpersonal skills and qualities they will need to lead happy, fulfilling and successful lives.

Government statisticians increasingly know the price – or at least the UCAS tariff score – of every conceivable qualification, but they do not always recognise the value of a high quality, all round education.

“At St Edmund’s, we are confident that pupils have been well taught to excel in GCSE and A level, but we are equally sure that important benefits of a St Edmund’s education are the intangibles, the values and inner strengths, that underpin adult life.

“In many ways, St Edmund’s, although true to its traditional roots, is a changing school, with the recent upgrading of classroom, boarding and House facilities, and the creation of a new astro pitch, Medical Centre and Sixth Form Centre very much enjoyed by our pupils and staff. So too has the curriculum seen change in the last two years with Arabic, economics,

Greek and government and politics being added to the wide range of subjects on offer to our pupils.

“St Edmund’s welcomes new pupils and their families to come along and experience our excellent classroom teaching, our outstanding extracurricular provision and our lively and vibrant charitable and service programmes.”

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The Mead School 16 FRANT ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT TN2 5SN (200M FROM THE PANTILES) TYPE: Prep, Co-educational, Day COST PER TERM (DAY): £3315 per term (Years 3 - 6), £2990 per term (Reception, Years 1 & 2), £1625 per term (Pre-Reception) & £1300 per term (Kindergarten) WEB: www.meadschool.info EMAIL ADDRESS: office@themeadschool.co.uk TEL: 01892 525 837 HEAD: Mrs Angela Culley TELL US ABOUT THE BACKGROUND OF YOUR SCHOOL AND HOW YOU FIRST GOT INVOLVED The aim of The Mead was always to provide a first-class education at a more affordable price. We started in 1987 under the current management and the passion for this and the school’s ethos gets stronger each year. Our recent inspection report with no fewer than 46 rankings of ‘Excellent’ was thrilling and completely recognised our values.

HOW ABOUT THE ETHOS BEHIND YOUR APPROACH AS HEAD? Every child is unique and deserves to be treated as such.

A child who is happy and secure in school, where each

day is exciting and the curriculum is creative, stretching and well planned, will become an independent, lifelong learner and reach their potential, whatever that may be.

WHAT WAS YOUR MAIN INSPIRATION FOR BECOMING A HEAD? I did not enjoy my own prep school years and certainly did not reach my potential until adulthood.

I am passionate that the children entrusted to The Mead’s care have a totally different experience.

HAVE YOU NOTICED CHANGES IN THE CLASSROOM OVER THE YEARS? The curriculum is more creative, the days fuller, the expectations and pressure enormous, but the children are just as wonderful.

HAS THE EMERGENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA CHANGED THE WAY YOUR SCHOOL OPERATES? Inevitably! Information is at the press of a key and it is very easy to whistle off an email and expect an immediate reply. There is little time for reflection and thought, which can be a shame. Generally the pace of life is much quicker and more transparent.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE RUNNING A SCHOOL AND RUNNING A BUSINESS? I have a wonderful business team and we work incredibly closely together. They completely and totally appreciate the machinations and values of a school.

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING? I wonder how I find time to work! Spending time with friends and family, being a besotted grandmother, gardening, cycling, reading, swimming, knitting and sewing and relaxing on the gorgeous island of Alderney!

HOW DO YOU MANAGE PARENTS’ EXPECTATIONS? Through constant two-way communication, both formal i.e. school policies, information and regular reports, and non-formal i.e. one-to-one discussions, meetings or email. We operate an open-door policy and no question or worry is too small. Each child is respected and treated as an individual.

WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH TO PASTORAL CARE? To ensure every child feels cherished and that the whole school community works and lives within the ethos of The Mead.

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lt's not too late!

• Not sure that you have made the right choice of course?

• School sixth form is not for you?

• Missed out on a university place?

We offer a wide range of courses at all levels; places are still available on some of these.

Come along to our Information Evening to see if there is something to suit you.

Information Evening Wednesday 22nd October

Brook Street Ton bridge TN92PW

Kingstanding Way Tunbridge Wells TN2 3UP

4.30 - 7 .30pm westkentcollege

@westkentcollege

0845 207 8220 I """"""·""estkent.ac .uk Part of the Hadlow Group Untitled-5 2

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woldingham school MARDEN PARK, WOLDINGHAM, SURREY CR3 7LR TYPE: Independent Catholic Boarding and Day School for girls COST PER TERM (DAY): £6,160-6,715 COST PER TERM (BOARDING): £9,850-10,725 WEB: www.woldinghamschool.co.uk PHONE: 01883 654 206 (Registrar) HEAD: Jayne Triffitt STUDENTS: Tilly Morgan (age 12, Year 7) and Holly Castle (age 14, Year 9) WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SUBJECT? Tilly: I love learning in general and usually get high marks and there are so many interesting facts to learn in History. My teachers are all very kind and approachable, helpful and supportive – I wasn’t expecting such kindness when I started here.

Although I’m only about to go up to Year 8, I’m also really excited to start Politics in Year 9.

Holly: I am passionate about Sport and I like Science too. I have recently been accepted as a county netball and hockey player for Surrey.

It’s helped my confidence levels, especially in English, Maths and Science, which are all subjects I was keen to improve on and I’ve become a lot more focused in my studies.

TELL US ABOUT THE AFTERSCHOOL ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE Tilly: I enjoy all of the ones I do, but my favourite is swimming and I love debating. I also like gym and Saturday Active – which we do on Saturday mornings and includes anything from trampolining and artistic roller-skating to jewellery-making.

Holly: We are lucky to have so many extra-curricular options to choose from. I think there are around 80 different activities and my favourites are sports – I currently do nine activities. The good thing is that there are new ones on offer most terms, so you can stick with your preferred ones and still have the chance to try something new.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL? Tilly: I just love being at school and learning. I have made really good friends, including older girls, which has made me more confident and outgoing and it feels like a huge family – there’s always someone to talk to. I wasn’t sure what to expect, coming from a co-ed prep school, but I do feel comfortable and happy in a single sex environment. I think the best thing this year has been the House Festival, when everyone in each House had to dress up and sing and dance in the style of a female icon we were given. I love that the Houses

encourage different age groups to mix. I am also amazed by the grounds – they seemed so big when I first arrived and we even have our own station, but I’ve got used to it now.

Holly: I chose Woldingham to improve academically and I really like the fact that I’ve had the opportunity to become more independent and more focused. I live locally but decided to board from Year 8, as I prefer the routine of boarding and the study sessions – study is really important to me. The bonding between

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“I have made really good friends, including older girls, which has made me more confident and outgoing and it feels like a huge family” us all is that much stronger – we can have deeper discussions about topical issues, apprehensions, or air anything we want and I enjoy breaking down stereotype ideas.

It all makes for a more relaxing relationship and there’s always time to be yourself.

I like the integration we have here between day girls and boarders and all our House events and sports tours are with a mix of year groups. I also like the varying styles of teaching around the school – it’s helped make me a more adaptive learner.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN YOU LEAVE? Tilly: I’m not entirely sure, but probably something to do with politics.

Holly: At the moment I’m thinking of Marine Biology, but I’m still not sure.

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BACK TO SCHOOL Classroom days might seem like a distant memory, but it’s never too late to revisit your education.

If you’ve been inspired by the many options on offer for young people today, why not take the plunge and try that course you’ve always fancied? You certainly won’t be alone...

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or some time now, university has not been the sole preserve of collegeleavers – last year, around a quarter of the UK’s full-time undergraduate students were aged over 21 and recent figures have shown that more than 5,000 over-50s have taken out student loans.

But if you don’t have the time, funds or inclination to take a full-time degree in an academic subject, there are countless other ways to indulge your interests, expand your horizons and improve your skills. From enhancing your employability to simply having a bit of fun, there’s an adult education programme to cater for just about every interest and need. And if you’ve got enduring memories of stern teachers and disruptive fellow students, be prepared for a pleasant surprise – with adult education, everyone is there because they want to be and are eager to learn!

For those looking to take vocational qualifications or embark on an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, or any other kind of higher education, many local campuses offer part-time options – these will take longer than the full-time programme, but often provide classes in the evenings, at weekends or one day per week, making it easier for

working people to fit study into their schedule. There are also numerous distance learning institutions, including Open University, which offer the chance to study at home in your own time and submit work via post, email or the internet, often with the aid of residential elements or regular meet-ups for students and tutors.

If you’re not looking for higher education but would like to improve upon, or resume, subjects you studied at school, there are also opportunities to take GCSEs in a variety of subjects or simply improve core skills such as English and maths.

Got a holiday coming up or fancy moving abroad? Language courses are a really enjoyable way to pick up a useful new skill and gain an insight into other cultures, all in the company of likeminded adults.

Even if you’re not looking to gain a qualification, you can still get a great sense of satisfaction from taking courses

simply for fun. Joining an evening class is a fantastic way to meet new people and brighten up those winter nights.

Plus, having new skills can create fresh opportunities and increase self-confidence.

Indulge your creative side by taking an art course – local colleges offer everything from the study of art history

and antiques, to painting, drawing, sculpture and photography. Crafts are big news too, with courses on offer in baking, silversmithing, embroidery, floristry, woodwork, pottery and much more.

Why not warm yourself up this winter with a health or fitness course? You can boogie on down with Zumba or tone up in a more sedate fashion with yoga – alternatively, why not train to be a fitness instructor, or give yourself peace of mind with self defence lessons?

You could master the many arts of computing, pick up some beauty tips, reach out with sign language, learn the vital skill of first aid, get a buzz from bee keeping, push yourself forward with assertiveness classes or open up a whole new world by learning coastal navigation – the possibilities are endless.

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FPERAT O PUERRET Y

SCHOOL’S IN FOR HOMEBUYERS ARUNDEL ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS • Guide Price: £749,950 • Substantial detached Victorian townhouse in the heart of the ‘Village’ area • 2 reception rooms, 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, courtyard garden • Ideally located for Claremont Primary School

HAWKHURST • Guide Price: £1.395million • Occupying a delightful setting on the edge of Hawkhurst • 3 reception rooms, 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, attractive gardens and grounds, outbuildings, swimming pool • Ideally located for Cranbrook School

ST JAMES’ ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS • Guide Price: £1.495million • A beautifully refurbished Victorian town house close to the town centre • 3 reception rooms, 7 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, gardens with terrace, garage, off-road parking • Ideally located for St James’ Primary School

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As term time begins for another school year, we turn our attention to the many benefits of buying a property near a local school. Whether it’s the convenience, security or facilities that catch your eye, there are plenty of reasons to snap up that dream home with your child’s education in mind

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s the old one-liner goes, the three most important things to look for when buying a home are location, location and location. When deciding where you’d like to put down your roots, you investigate many aspects of the community you’ve set your sights on. Buyers check into a neighborhood’s quality of life, demographic, convenience of the commute and availability of shopping.

Buyers gravitate towards a home with a view, a house on a quiet street or a place close to nature. Most buyers avoid a home on a busy street, near railroad tracks, in view of a cemetery or close to the town’s commercial district. What about buying a house near a school? Is it an advantage or a disadvantage?

It all depends on your viewpoint.

As with most areas of life, there are two ways to look at the situation. Deciding whether to buy a home in proximity to a school will depend on you and your position in life. Your age, family status, personal preferences and noise tolerance levels will all play a part in forming your conclusion.

BUYERS WITH CHILDREN Buyers with school-age children will likely view living in close proximity to a school as a positive. There are some towns with excellent school systems that actually charge a premium for homes in the vicinity of the school. It is

super convenient to have your child attend a school that’s a stone’s throw away from your front door; no carpools, frantic calls about forgotten lunches or searching for parking for PTA meetings. However, keep in mind that your kids will grow up eventually. Before you know it, you will still be living next to a school, but now it will be someone else’s kids who attend.

ADVANTAGES TO LIVING NEAR A SCHOOL Even after your kids move on, there still may be some plus points to living alongside a school. School zones are generally considered safer locations as they are closely monitored by the police. Residents have easy access to school facilities, such as track and fields and sometimes even the school library. Remember that school is only in session for roughly half the days of the year, so the disruption to your life may be minimised, especially if you are at work during school hours. Another potential benefit is the employment opportunities the school presents, particularly if you are interested in babysitting or childcare.

tunwells@knightfrank.com 01892 515 035 Knight Frank Tunbridge Wells.

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GOUDHURST • Guide Price: £1.75million • Attractive farmhouse on the market for only the second time in 40 years • 5 reception rooms, 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, outbuildings, wonderful gardens, swimming pool, orchard, pond, paddock • Ideally located for Cranbrook School

PARK ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS • Guide Price: £1million • A spacious detached family home within a mile of the station • 4 reception rooms, 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, double garage, landscaped garden • Ideally located for grammar schools and Bennett Memorial

BAYHALL ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS • Guide Price: £525,000 • A beautifully presented Victorian town house • 2 reception rooms, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, courtyard garden • Ideally located for St Peter’s Primary School

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Pipe a rose, create jewellery, fine dine, sketch with confidence, create with stained glass, upcycle a chair, arrange a bouquet ...

Courses start from only ÂŁ25

For more information visit kentadulteducation.co.uk your local centre or call 0845 606 5606

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Moving With the Times K E N T A D U LT E D U C A T I O N B U I L D S O N T H E S U C C E S S O F I T S ‘ E X P E R I E N C E S ’

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ave you ever wanted to have a go, but were worried about how much it will cost, or whether you can fit it in? It’s time to shake off the dusty old image of evening classes and have a new look at what’s on offer. Kent Adult Education is moving with the times, so you’ll find a range of courses designed to fit around you and your lifestyle. There’s no need to worry about having to commit to long, expensive courses; they now have a huge range of short courses, suitable for all budgets.

A great example of how Kent Adult Education is

helping people like you is with their increasingly popular Experience Courses. Introduced just over two years ago, these courses allow students to try a range of media on one course. For example, if you’re interested in Art, you can try the ‘Art Experience Course’, where over five weeks you’ll be introduced to pencil, charcoal, pastels (oil or chalk), watercolour and acrylics. And with courses starting from only £70, they’re perfect for those looking for something new.

Due to popular demand, this year Kent Adult Education has increased the number of Experience

Courses on offer. You can now choose from: ■ Art ■ Jewellery ■ Pottery ■ Sewing ■ Sugarcraft ■ Textiles To find out more go to www.kentadulteducation.co.uk where you can find over 3,500 courses to choose from.

Alternatively phone their Student Services Team on 0845 606 5606.

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MidKent College MEDWAY ROAD, GILLINGHAM, KENT ME7 1FN Young people eager to learn valuable job skills while earning money at the same time are being urged to consider an apprenticeship at MidKent College. As one of the top training providers in the country, the College is approved by the Skills Funding Agency to offer both apprenticeships and advanced apprenticeships – perfect to help school leavers climb the career ladder.

Young people aged 16-18 are eligible to become an apprentice and have access to priority funding. This means their employers will pay them a wage while all other training costs will be covered. Over-19s are still eligible to carry out an apprenticeship, but in this case their employer will be required to contribute to the cost.

Charlie Croucher, 18, is one of thousands of young people to have reaped the benefits of an apprenticeship after deciding the academic route of sixth form followed by university was not for him.

The Maidstone resident spent a day a week learning motor vehicle repair skills at MidKent College and recently purchased his first car, which he maintained with help from his new colleagues at the Marshams car dealership.

“On-the-job training makes a big difference

Apprentice Charlie Croucher with Ricky Munro of Marshams car dealership

PJS owner Paul Matthes (left) with apprentice Jordan Jennings

because there’s a lot more variety and it helps you learn things more quickly,” says Charlie. “I didn’t like school one bit so I knew I was going to leave and go to MidKent College as soon as I could.”

Charlie’s manager Ricky Munro – who began his own career as an apprentice – contacted the College last year for help in appointing a student to follow in his footsteps from MidKent College JobShop “We received a lot of support and assistance with selecting the right apprentice to join our team, and we are really pleased with how well Charlie is doing,” he says. “We had reservations as to the quality of applicants at first, but our fears proved unfounded and the entire process has exceeded our expectations.”

MidKent College offers apprenticeships in a wide range of subject areas including Catering, Customer Service, Hairdressing, Health and Social Care, Plumbing, Vehicle Fitting and many more. Meanwhile, the College also offers traineeships for young people who want to work but who require extra help to gain an apprenticeship or job, with the initiative helping them develop the

skills and experience most employers are looking for.

Jordan Jennings, 18, from Gillingham, spent eight weeks gaining valuable job skills through the MidKent College JopShop traineeship programmeh before progressing onto an apprenticeship with Strood-based PJS Direct, which supplies equipment to the beauty industry.

“My traineeship helped me learn how to speak to customers and made me a lot more employable,” he says. “The courses I attended at the College were very helpful too. I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship; the work is varied and it’s much better than being at school.”

PJS owner Paul Matthes says: “Jordan’s personality and confidence shone through when I was interviewing for his role, and you could tell he had benefited from being in a work environment. He’s doing really well and I notice improvements in him all the time. He’s a fast learner and can think on his feet, which is important in the workplace.”

Visit www.midkent.ac.uk/courses/ apprenticeships or call 01634 383 118 for more information. Alternatively email apprenticeships@midkent.ac.uk SEPTEMBER 2014

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BUSINESS NEWS OUR MONTHLY LOOK AT WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE LOCAL BUSINESS WORLD

n MEGA INVESTMENT

n ON TARGET

Award-winning Millwood Designer Homes has attracted a £10million investment.

The Tonbridge-based house builder specialises in high quality homes and will use the money to accelerate its building programme across Kent, Sussex and Surrey.

MD John Elliott says: “The housing market is robust in the south east and there is strong demand for good quality new homes.“The £10million we have received, with help from our longstanding legal advisers Cripps, will enable us to bring forward a greater number of sites over the next four years, with knock-on benefits for homebuyers and the local economy.” Millwood’s projects have won numerous accolades, most recently an Evening Standard 2014 New Homes Award in the best family home category.

Twenty teams competed for the Insurance Institute of Royal Tunbridge Wells annual Golf Championships at the Nevill Club. The event attracts members of the local Chartered Insurance Institute and the Personal Finance Society chapter.

The Insurance Charities give vital financial and practical support to past and present employees of the insurance industry.

Simon Miller of event sponsor AXA and the Insurance Institute says: “We had a great day with fantastic weather and raised just under £1,000, which will help contribute to making a difference to someone’s life when they need it most.”

The event was won by Colin Lawler with 34 points, pictured (right) receiving the trophy from IIRTW Deputy President Tom Woolley. The team event went to Mezzanine HR, captained by Ian Clabby.

n GREAT ACHIEVEMENT The MD of a Tonbridge-based consulting engineers has been highly commended at the South East Constructing Excellence Awards in London. Steve Hall of Crofton was recognised in the Achiever of the Year category. Crofton provides structural, mechanical, electrical and civil engineering design for the construction industry.

n SELECT SELECTED

n LEGAL CHALLENGE

Affinity Select Insurance Services, based in Uckfield has been named as UK Business Insurance Intermediary of the Year 2014 by Finance Monthly magazine.

The Financial Business Awards are given in recognition of the “considerable achievements of companies which have a proven record in innovation and which have demonstrated strategic vision”. Eventual winners are the result of an independent poll taken among Finance Monthly’s 108,000 subscribers. Affinity Chief Executive Jenny Carter-Vaughan says: “It is always nice to receive an award, but it is especially gratifying when the recognition has come from your peers.”

Staff at Loch Associates Employment Lawyers, based in Tunbrdidge Wells, are celebrating being shortlisted for one of Halsbury’s Legal Awards for Law Firm of the Year. The awards celebrate excellence in the law and legal profession. Endorsed with the prestigious Halsbury name, and chaired by independent judges, the major awards ‘celebrate the values the legal community embodies.’ Loch Associates, a niche employment law practice, specialising in providing solutions-focussed employment law advice, will find out at the end of this month if it has won. MD Pam Loch says: “We are both delighted and proud to have been shortlisted.”

n OSCAR NOMINEE The team from The Pantiles Bride in Tunbridge Wells are in line this month for an ‘industry oscar’. It’s the third year they’ve been finalists in the Best Bridal Retailer category of the Bridal Buyer Awards. Susi Rogl Editor in Chief of Bridal Buyer says: “The number of entries has been astounding and the quality exceptional.” The winners will be announced at a glittering awards event in Harrogate.

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NOW MEET

THE MAN

HIMSELF He’s the trader who brought down a bank and he’s heading for Tunbridge Wells. Nick Leeson lost almost £1billion on unauthorised trading in derivatives and that led to the crash of Barings the first of the banking scandals. In November he will be the guest speaker at a major business dinner at Salomons Estate.

He talks here to Richard Moore

You were born in Watford into what sort of family?

I come from a very working class background; my mother was a nurse, my father was a plasterer and they have always wanted me to achieve more than they did, so I was quite motivated, but in terms of those early years that would have been in academic achievements.

The plan was to go to university at the age of 18, but a few people started to apply to Coutts and Company, so I threw my hat in the ring and I was offered a job. It was kind of by default; banking wasn’t something that was ever really on the horizon. I suppose banking probably wishes that it was never on the horizon.

But you did well, moved on to Morgan Stanley and then Barings...

Yes, I suppose you have got to think of what the era was in 1987. It was the Big Bang, it was deregulation of the financial markets in the UK; so there were a lot of new banks coming into the City with lots of jobs and very few people to do those jobs.

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You had a great start with Barings, making a bonus one year of £130,000 on your salary of £50,000, so when did you realise things were going wrong?

You know straight away, it’s not as if it creeps up on you. You know that you’re doing something wrong, you know you shouldn’t be doing it and you know you shouldn’t continue. Because of my background, I have a huge need for success and the thing that should have been the counterbalance to that, but clearly wasn’t, was a huge fear of failure. When I did confront something that I couldn’t cope with, I didn’t tell anybody; I tried to deal with it myself. I was fairly young, and from a business perspective, immature. I made some bad decisions and compounded those with even worse decisions.

You’re in your 20s, you’ve run up losses of £866million and you’re about to bring down a bank. How on Earth do you handle all of that?

You handle it badly. From beginning to end it’s a period of avoidance, you are avoiding the realisation of the losses. I was just postponing the realisation of the losses. Month by month, I was pushing them out further and further.

You are avoiding the realisation of your own failure, and you are avoiding

everything else that’s happening in your life at that time.

How did you avoid everything that was going on?

One of the classic methods of avoidance, is to immerse yourself in alcohol and that was one of the things that I did during the week. Then at the weekends, it was easier to fly to the Philippines or to Hong Kong and avoid Singapore full stop. So it was just various different methods of avoidance, not talking about things that were going on; not sharing anything with my wife, family or friends, and trying to deal with it all yourself which just manifests itself in more stress and more difficulty.

It all came to a head in January ’95 when you had lost hundreds of millions of pounds and you tried to recover the position basically by betting the Japanese stock market wouldn’t move significantly over night.

The position had built up to quite an enormous stage by the beginning of 1995 and was just so big that it was impossible to unwind.

How big was it then?

I think it was something like 100,000 futures and 65,000 options positions.

The liquidity in the option market was such that you might be able to buy 20 or 30 at a time, not 20 or 30,000 but 20 or 30, so in terms of working your way out of that, position it had gone past the impossible stage. You were literally waiting for that eureka moment that

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When were you arrested?

I was trying to get back to the UK and I was arrested in Germany. The border police were there to meet me.

might come around every 500 years.

Then you had an earthquake in the early hours of the morning; talk about bad timing?

Yes, it was bad timing throughout. A backdrop of the Nikkei 225 traded at its record high during that period of 40,000, and by the time that I left Singapore, it was down to 18,000 and what the earthquake did is it propelled the market lower. I had a huge position where the bias was 100% towards the upside, so everything was going against me. I think at that stage, personally I had given up hope and was just sort of clinging on for some fairly ridiculous reasons. Those reasons included the fact that my wife had some friends visiting in March, and

You pleaded guilty to fraud by deceiving your bosses.

How long did you get?

The jail sentence was six and a half years and there is a standard one third remission for good behaviour. I served four years, four months.

It has been suggested that you made money from the dealings and had millions stashed away in various banks.

No, no, no, no. There was a front page story in The Times early in 1996 that suggested that there was a bank account with £50million in it. I think that was a guy called Frank Kane who

Because of my background, I have a huge need for success and the thing that should have been the counterbalance to that, but clearly wasn’t, was a huge fear of failure she wanted to stay in Singapore to show them how her life was. I was also very conscious of the ten or eleven people who worked for me, who were expecting bonuses in the upcoming period.

Eventually, you left a note that just said ‘I am sorry’ and took to your heels?

Well, the other way round; I took to my heels and then left a note that was faxed back from the hotel in Kuala Lumpur that we were staying in. I didn’t know what to say. Until that stage, nobody really had put their finger on what was going on, and while I knew that the effect of my actions was going to cause financial loss, never for one moment did I expect it to cause the collapse of the bank. I suppose it was a very lame attempt on my behalf in notifying them that something was wrong and that they needed to do something about it.

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came up with that story. I met him years later and he told me that the story came from a private eye and he had never actually seen a bank statement. But I had the liquidators, I had the police, everybody visit me in the prison in Singapore and they said: ‘We know about the bank account’. I said ‘it doesn’t exist... there is absolutely nothing to tell you about, so if you want to quiz me about something the first thing you need to do is show me evidence’.

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brought out The Times and showed me the headline. I said ‘look until you have a bank statement’ I am not going to answer your questions until you have spoken to the newspaper.

You paid a heavy price for what you did; years in jail, the breakup of your first marriage and then you were diagnosed with cancer. How did you rebuild your life?

I am a firm believer that you have to accept the consequences of your actions, so in that regard it was entirely justified. The onset of cancer was definitely a consequence of the way that I was living; lots of alcohol; lots of eating out; not exercising enough, and of course extreme stress. So in that regard you can only overcome what is in front of you. When you are in prison and you have got 1500-1600 days to face, it’s very, very tough although slowly you overcome it.

What did they tell you about the cancer?

When I was diagnosed with cancer, they told me I had a 60% chance of surviving for five years and you never know whether that means you are only going to live for five years, or you might not even get that far, so I only used to look at the future in very short periods of time; three months, six months, and I didn’t really think too much further ahead than that.

And when you came out of prison?

I did an interview with the Daily Mail when I first came back from Singapore.

That was the first time people had heard my voice in terms of what had gone on. I’d been in a number of prisons up until that stage, and hadn’t really

Did they have any evidence?

What they did, they were clearly unable to show me anything that was a bank statement, they

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by banks to borrow from each other], it was co-ordinated amongst a number of banks. It’s a rate that is used to fix an awful lot of things, and I don’t mean fix in a negative way, but to fix rates at what people are paying around the world, so it’s extremely significant. To me, it’s the way it’s spread among banks rather than just within one bank; it suggests that regulators and central banks still really haven’t got their finger on the pulse of what’s happening.

Furthermore, it suggests that the deterrent to these sorts of actions still isn’t significant, and that’s because it wouldn’t be continued if it was.

Ex-Barings trader Nick Leeson, centre, was surrounded by Singapore police when he arrived back from Germany where he was arrested. He faced 11 counts of fraud and forgery for his role in the collapse of Britain’s oldest bank.

communicated with anybody. I am very family orientated, and some of the sensational stuff that was printed at the beginning couldn’t have been further from the truth, but with a limited amount of information people make merry.

What did you think of the film Rogue Trader? How accurate a portrayal of your life was that?

The movie came out in ’98 and I wasn’t released from Singapore until ’99 so I had absolutely nothing to do with it. It is clearly dumbed down a lot to allow people - the majority of people - to understand what’s going on in the markets. The characterisation of me is a wee bit rough, but it is a story of incompetence and negligence on a grand scale... I have only ever seen it twice to be honest with you.

Are you a criminal, or just an unlucky trader?

I probably wouldn’t take either of those two characterisations myself. There were some simple things that I could have done, and asking for help and advice would have been the easiest one because I was surrounded by people that could have helped me. Was there any criminal intent? I had seen people putting trades into an error account so many times during my time at banks, it was rather commonplace. So, did I think it was a particularly big deal when I first did it? No, I expected somebody to knock on the door and question me over it almost immediately. It wasn’t the huge step that it should have been because I had seen it happen so many times in the past. So, was I an unlucky trader? No, I was stubborn - I thought I

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was right. I amassed a huge position that brought around the collapse of the bank, so certainly not an unlucky trader.

A criminal then?

I went to prison, so by the dictionary definition, yes I am a criminal. Was there criminal intent? I don’t think there was at the beginning, but I would counsel that by saying I knew it was wrong from the beginning, but it wasn’t naivety either. I did genuinely believe that I would be able to turn it around and unfortunately there were episodes along the way that kind of reinforced that belief. I blindly went forward. It wasn’t just me that was buying into the perceived success story, everybody was. Wherever you turned, somebody was talking about the success that I was having and that in itself propelled it forward. You become very blinkered to what’s going on around you.

You talk about an error account; that’s a way of hiding the losses, isn’t it?

Yes, and like I said, I had worked in banks like Morgan Stanley and Barings previously, and certainly at Barings, it was commonplace to have an error account for a day or two. When one person does it and gets away with it, more do it, and it becomes consolidated.

People don’t think it’s as wrong as it really is. It’s a strange concept, but you do become influenced by what you see.

How do you view the banking industry today?

I don’t think it has changed a great deal over the last 20 years or so. Some of the behaviour has clearly got worse. Look at the manipulation of the Libor rate [used

Could Barings happen today then?

I was in the City of London recently for one of the big consultancy practices.

Lots of big banks were present, and one of the questions I asked them was, how many rogue trading scandals, or how many rogue trading episodes, not scandals, but episodes, have you had this year? They had the option to answer one to five or five to 10. The answer from all 50 was one to five. So that suggests that between those banks, all big banks, there has been somewhere between 50 and 250 rogue trading episodes.

That’s scary!

Here’s your chance to hear Nick Leeson first hand and put your own questions to him.

In November he will be one of the guest speakers at a major business dinner that takes place at Salomons Estate near Tunbridge Wells. The other speaker will be the entrepreneur Peter Cullum, founder and non-executive Chairman of Towergate Insurance. Nick Leeson was jailed after losing almost a billion pounds on stock market gambling. Peter Cullum CBE, was honoured after amassing a personal fortune of almost a billion pounds building his insurance empire. It promises to be a fascinating evening. Listen to both these extraordinary men and then decide – which one you are.

Tickets cost £59 and include a two-course ‘a la carte’ meal with drinks on arrival.

You can book online at www.salomonsestate.co.uk or by calling 01892 779 650.

DATE: NOVEMBER 6 PLACE: SALOMONS ESTATE TIME: 6.30 -10.30 PM The book Nick Leeson’s Rogue Trader is available on www.amazon.co.uk priced at £7.99

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WHERE THERE’S A WILL, THERE’S A WAY Buss Murton Law LLP has recently appointed Edward Walter as Senior Associate in the Private Client team, based at its Tunbridge Wells office. We catch up with him to find out a bit more about his career to date Where have you worked before?

Round and about the Tunbridge Wells area (Sevenoaks, Brighton, Uckfield), but never in the town itself, despite having been a resident here since the age of nine months old. Before becoming a Solicitor, I practised law in the Isle of Man and am a ‘retired’ Manx Advocate.

What areas of law do you specialise in?

All aspects of Inheritance tax planning and Capital Gains tax planning. Drafting Wills, Powers of Attorney, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Declarations of Trust re properties, drafting, amending and ending Trusts, advising on associated tax implications, registration of Lasting and Enduring Powers of Attorney, making Statutory Wills and gift applications at the Court of Protection, Probate administration and post death Variations for Inheritance tax and Capital Gains tax purposes, advice on (tax) domicile and residence issues.

How often should someone review their estate planning strategy?

Estate planning is a term to cover not just trying to legitimately minimise various taxes on death, but also to ensure that assets pass to the person you intend them to pass to and, in some cases, in a particularly safe manner to protect against the ill effects of future divorce or bankruptcy on their part. I would suggest every four to five years, or as frequently as their personal/family circumstances change or their financial circumstances change,

whether for the better or worse. You should find that a brief telephone call with your solicitor will give you the tools to decide whether the life or financial change requires a change to your Will.

Families are becoming increasingly fragmented and many have complicated arrangements following second or more marriages – how best should you approach estate planning in this situation?

There is no one size fits all approach that works and arrangements must suit the personalities involved. However, there are perhaps some types of Will that are usually best avoided. I tend to be concerned for clients where a couple who have been married before and may have children from those relationships specify that they wish to leave assets to each other on an outright basis under their Wills and/or choose to hold property on a joint tenancy basis so that the survivor has unrestricted ownership of the assets and can gift during life to their own children/leave to them by changed Will etc.

While the couple may trust each other to do the right thing, frequently one sees a succession of Wills after the death of the first to die being made by the survivor, which may progressively disenfranchise the non-survivor’s children and may do so in a manner that leaves them little or no remedy on their step parent’s ultimate death. This state of affairs can lead to much later life heartache and, indeed, recriminations

within such blended families, even if, in fact, the Will has not been changed. A flexible life interest Will may be a more appropriate choice, or else something that is more bespoke to the blended family’s particular needs.

People with overseas land and property assets need to take particular care when estate planning – what are the common issues they often fail to take into account?

Not having an appropriate local Will in place to deal effectively with those ‘foreign’ assets and/or having an English Will that is not territorially limited to prevent there being a tussle between Wills in different countries requiring a court ‘somewhere’ to rule upon difficult issues of private international law. ‘Take timely legal advice’ is very good advice in this area!

If someone wants to leave a charitable legacy in their Will, what is the best way to go about this?

See your solicitor and ask them to make the appropriate changes. You should then have put in place the appropriate legal wording to ensure that your wishes are met effectively, rather than leave an uncertain outcome with potentially the subject matter of your gift not passing to the charity that you had intended the legacy should pass to.

Remember that charitable legacies are, in addition, Inheritance tax efficient.

Outside of the office, how do you like to spend your free time?

Enjoying the attractions of living in this beautiful area with my wife and three young children.

Edward Walter is a Senior Associate at Buss Murton Law LLP and can be reached on ewalter@bussmurton.co.uk or 01892 510 222

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CONTACT US: Tel: 01892 800 492 tunbridgewells@brightyoungthings.co.uk

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Book online now to reserve your place: www.brightyou ngthi ngs.co.u k/tu nbridge-we lls

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Will You be There?

The BanK on Business Expo, is the destination for businesses to grow and prosper. it's free to attend and offers visitors the chance to network with local business owners. lt also offers the chance for you to gain free business advice and support from local organisations and speakers.

Venue: Coolings Nursery, Rushmore Hill, TN14 7NN Date: Wednesday 15th October What can you hope to achieve at Bank on Business 2014?

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CULTUREVULTURE OUR MONTHLY LOOK AT WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE AREA

ONE IN A MILLION

Funny lady Dawn French brings her first solo tour to the Assembly Hall in Tunbridge Wells this month, to ruminate on the lessons that life – both private and public – has taught her so far. We take a closer look at one half of Britain’s most successful female comedy act

The Tempest

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t the time of writing, tickets for Dawn French’s show at the Assembly Hall were still available, but fans shouldn’t waste time in booking because this iconic figure of British comedy is proving highly popular. In 30 Million Minutes (which refers to roughly the duration of her life so far) French reveals how she has attempted to be “a fully functioning female human” and talks about the delights that have enriched her life, alongside the difficult times that have also shaped her outlook.

Always known as a ‘larger than life character’, French has been famously unfazed by her physical size, despite Western society’s obsession with the female beauty ideal. This self-confidence reportedly stems from her late father Denys, who told her she was beautiful “every day” during her childhood.

“He taught me to value myself,” she has said.

“He told me... that I was the most precious thing in his life.”

Born in Anglesey, Wales, French enjoyed a private education thanks to her father serving in the Royal Air Force. In a short film made for Sky at Christmas 2010, French recalled the time when her family played host to the Queen Mother in their home at one of the RAF bases.

(Strangely, it emerged many years later that her

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future comedy partner, Jennifer Saunders, had grown up on the same base and even shared a mutual friend, without ever bumping into French.)

French met Saunders at the Central School of Speech and Drama in the late 1970s, but it was not comedy love at first sight – the pair reportedly disliked each other, as French was enthusiastic about studying to be a drama teacher while Saunders was dreading the prospect. They had known each other for some time before realising that they could actually be good friends and when they decided to work on a comedy project together as part of their course, their joint destinies were confirmed.

It was as part of the ensemble project The Comic Strip Presents in the early 1980s that French and Saunders had their big break, alongside Peter Richardson, Robbie Coltrane, Rik Mayall and Saunders’ future husband, Ade Edmondson. The pair landed their own TV series in 1987 and went onto to produce more sketch shows over the following 30 years.

French has also forged a solo career, as an actress and writer as well as a comedian.

Starring roles in the comedy/drama Murder Most Horrid and the sitcoms Jam and Jerusalem and Wild West have increased her

individual profile, but her most successful character must surely be Geraldine Granger, the eponymous Vicar of Dibley. Penned by Richard Curtis, the show was voted the third best sitcom of all time in a BBC poll.

It was a role that French nearly turned down, thinking that Granger was not funny enough.

“How on earth do you play a central character who is so blooming good?” she says.

The gamble paid off though, as did French’s foray into literature; she has published two hit novels and an autobiographical work called Dear Fatty (which is the ironic nickname she adopted for Saunders). Life hasn’t all been plain sailing – in 2010 French split with her husband of 25 years, Lenny Henry, plus the couple had to contend with media intrusion into the life of their adopted daughter Billie. But French was remarried in 2013, to charity worker Mark Bignell and, to quote one of her books, life is probably now A Tiny Bit Marvellous.

BOX OFFICE DETAILS: Tickets cost £39.50 and can be booked online at www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk or by calling 01892 530 613.

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BLOOD BROTHERS The tragedy of the ‘pals regiments’ is explored in a moving play about the First World War. The Princeford Pals tells the story of four young men from a Devonshire village who sign up to fight alongside each other – little could they have anticipated the horror that awaited them on the battlefield. Staged in aid of The Royal British Legion, the show features 26 original songs. See the show at the Stag in Sevenoaks from Friday September 12 to Sunday September 14. Priced at £10/£7, tickets can be booked by calling 01732 450 175 or visit www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk

ON THE BOUNCE Voted one of the greatest plays of the 20th century by National Theatre, Bouncers is a fascinating trip back in time to the 1980s nightclub scene – a stroll down Memory Lane for those who were there, an illuminating insight for those who weren’t! John Godber’s multi award winning play invites you to join Judd, Les, Ralph and Lucky Eric for one night at a Yorkshire disco and meet the numerous characters who populate the social landscape. You can see the show at Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge Wells on Saturday September 20. Tickets cost £14/£12; book online at www.trinitytheatre.net or call 01892 678 678.

GIG OF THE MONTH

VIVA L’ESPANA Escape the British autumn for an evening of Spanish guitar with accomplished musician, Robert Drury. Starting out as a self-taught cabaret guitarist, Drury went on to do a degree in music, followed by an MA in musical performance. You can enjoy his talents at Tenterden Town Hall at 7.30pm on Tuesday September 16, where he’ll perform a repertoire that features the work of Andres Segovia. Tickets cost £15 including a two-course meal, plus a bar will be available. You can book by calling Julia on 01580 763 683.

Who hasn’t dreamed of a bluegrass take on the rock songs of AC/DC? You’re guaranteed a fantastic night out with Hayseed Dixie, whose Appalachian angle adds something very special to Highway to Hell etc. (Check out their YouTube videos of Bohemian Rhapsody, Ace of Spades and Walk This Way for a flavour of the banjo bonanza in store.) Catch them in action at the Forum in Tunbridge Wells on Friday September 19 and you’ll be in for a real shindig. Tickets cost £16 in advance; book at www.twforum.co.uk

ROLLING ONWARDS It’s time to dig out the tartan scarves, waistcoats and hot pants for an evening of nostalgic pop as Bay City Rollers roll into Tunbridge Wells.

Wells Original front man Les McKeown lends his voice to the hits that made the band a teen phenomenon in the 1970s – prepare to dance the night away to Bye Bye Baby, Shang a Lang, Summer Love Sensation and more when Les and his four-piece band visit the Assembly Hall on Sunday September 21.

Tickets cost £19.50/£17.50. Call the box office on 01892 530 613 or book at www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

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REVIEW

Paul Dunton is away this month

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UTOPIA SHAKE – SON OF KIRK Always popular on the local original music circuit, Son of Kirk is one of those bands that just seems like great value with every listen. Their sound is rich and full and mellow and all the things you want from a band inspired by folk and tribal traditions. Best of all, even if you don’t particularly like either of those styles, you’ll still like Son of Kirk and this new four-track EP demonstrates why.

The eponymous first track is one of the most folky, building to a gently soaring central melody that will suck in even most hardened listener. A stripped down start evolves into seductive mellowness with Sleeping In, while Lazy Onion and Baby Demands utilise those gently hypnotic tribal beats in different ways, but to great effect in both cases. Want to feel chilled out? CV was practically horizontal by the end of the first play. Snap up your copy from iTunes or Spotify; plus you can catch them live on a tour that concludes at the Forum in Tunbridge Wells on Friday October 3. Find them on Facebook for details.

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Longford House, 19 Mount Ephraim Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1EN Tel: 01892 779 650 www.somagazine.co.uk Editor Jane Connolly jconnolly@onemediauk.co.uk Head of Design Rowena Cremer-Price rcremer-price@onemediauk.co.uk Junior Designer Xela Ruy xruy@onemediauk.co.uk Production Co-ordinator Phil Glover pglover@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 Gemma Hak ghak@onemediauk.co.uk Alice Harding aharding@onemediauk.co.uk Patsy Kelly pkelly@onemediauk.co.uk Clara Higgs-Prosser chprosser@onemediauk.co.uk Distribution Co-ordinator Harry Lamb Contributors Sarah Bond Valerie Thacker Catherine de Crèvecoeur Daniel Gee David Bartholomew Nick Ellis Vikki Moynes Claudia Fishwick Abbie McMasters Publishing Director Nick Moore nmoore@onemediauk.co.uk Editorial Director Richard Moore rmoore@onemediauk.co.uk

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ENCORE Stars are born Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge Wells reveals how its youth theatre group is helping to inspire the next generation of performers

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very Monday night, in the heart of Tunbridge Wells, you might hear the distant sounds of young actors treading the boards... For over 30 years Trinity have run a Youth Theatre for local young people. They’ve survived funding cuts and building works, as well as changes in management and they are now at their strongest for many years.

In early 2013, due to overwhelming interest, they expanded to run four age-specific classes on a Monday night for seven to 18-year-olds.

Through fun and creative workshops, participants learn theatre craft and performance skills (focusing mainly on drama), gain friends and confidence, and learn valuable team building, leadership and communication skills. This gives them an opportunity to mix with like-minded young people in a relaxed and engaging setting.

When asked what he thinks of his time at Trinity Youth Theatre, Luke, 12, says: “I like coming to Trinity as I get to meet friends who

don’t go to my school and I get to develop my acting skills.”

Izzy, 11, says: “Trinity is really fun, and it’s imaginative and it lets you be creative.”

Danny, 20, attended Trinity Youth Theatre for nearly seven years before becoming a workshop assistant. He says: “The skills that I have learned at Trinity Youth Theatre have definitely helped me at university. Socially I feel that I have gained the confidence to join a range of societies and meet a wide range of interesting people from my experience in the theatre. Also, I can bring my experiences of acting into my English degree when understanding and analysing scripts. Trinity Youth Theatre encouraged me to challenge myself and pick up new opportunities, which I have continued to do since leaving.”

Members of the regular Youth Theatre have gone on to take places at drama schools and on theatre degrees and taken part in large scale local and professional productions, as well as successfully becoming members of the National Youth Theatre, making Trinity incredibly proud.

Alongside the term time Monday sessions, they strive to run a varied and engaging programme of youth arts activities, ranging from Audition Technique workshops, to Stop Motion Animation, to Street Theatre and Human Statues. This summer they launched

their first Senior Summer School, where 36 13 to 18-year-olds took on the challenge of performing a full production of the musical Hairspray after just five days of rehearsal, with spectacular results.

Upcoming projects include an Acting For Screen masterclass in October with Michaeljohn Gonzalez, who has worked as an acting coach in the film industry for over 30 years. Michaeljohn has coached numerous stars on a one-on-one basis (Shane West, Wayne Brady, Jena Malone, Jonathan Jackson, Claudia Jordan and Patrice Fisher to name a

few) and has worked on the sets of the biggest TV shows and movies in Hollywood.

With over 200 young people engaging with the programme in the last six months alone, things can only get bigger and better for this company of young performers.

If you’d like more information on Trinity Youth Theatre and the new term starting in September, email Bethan Minter at bethan@trinitytheatre.net SEPTEMBER 2014

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FROM THE ARCHIVES...

MY MY MY ELIZA Long before Nigella Lawson taught us all how to be domestic goddesses, a lady from Tonbridge had already whipped up a storm in the kitchen. This summer Eliza Acton was officially acknowledged for her contribution to the culinary revolution with a prestigious Blue Plaque – but how did she change the flavour of British cooking?

Vikki Moynes digs into the archives to find out

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ou may have heard of the renowned Isabella Beeton of Mrs Beeton’s Book of Household Management fame, but fewer people know of that good lady’s original inspiration. Eliza Acton was the author of the first cookbook aimed at the domestic woman who didn’t have a host of servants to help her.

Eliza has been praised by many high profile figures over the years, from Charles Dickens, who declared that he “would have been proud to acknowledge” her book, to the more recent Delia Smith, who regards her as “the best writer of recipes in the English language”.

Eliza’s genius lay in the way that she demystified the cooking process and revolutionised the humble recipe book; introducing the now familiar list of exact ingredients, as well as estimated cooking times and highlighting potential problems that may arise. All this gave ordinary untrained women the tools they needed for a successful meal.

This achievement was recognised earlier this year when Tonbridge and Malling Council

installed a blue plaque at Eliza’s former home, The Priory in Bordyke, Tonbridge. The plaque was the latest to be awarded as part of a scheme to bring the borough’s heritage to life by highlighting local places where influential figures have worked or lived. The council is leading the

Modern Cookery for Private Families was an immediate hit, selling 60,000 copies and generating a £900 income (equivalent to £70,000 today)

From the left: Paul Britton (Tonbridge Civic Society), Patricia Mortlock (Tonbridge Historical Society), John Smalman-Smith (Tonbridge Civic Society), Stephen Gregg (Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council) and David Davis (Tonbridge Town Wardens) celebrate the unveiling of the blue plaque to commemorate Eliza Acton at The Priory, Bordyke, Tonbridge.

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Blue Plaque campaign with the help of Tonbridge Civic Society, Tonbridge Historical Society, Men of Kent and Kentish Men and the Town Wardens.

While her celebrity and influence lies in her novel cook book, Modern Cookery for Private Families, published in 1845, she started her writing career as a poet. Born in Battle in 1799, she grew up in Suffolk and quickly established her ambitious nature – at the age of just 17 she co-founded a girls’ school near Ipswich. Her poetic inspiration is believed to have derived from the time she spent in France during her early 20s, where it is rumoured that she had a passionate love affair with a French officer and gave birth to an illegitimate child. Her collection of 52 poems was published in 1826, a year before her move to Tonbridge and the works mused on themes of disillusion and unrequited love.

Her career as a poet was short-lived as her collection was only moderately successful.

However, her publisher, Longman, suggested that she turn her hand to more practical matters and thus, at age 43, her path to becoming the forerunner to Mrs Beeton was laid. Modern Cookery for Private Families was an immediate hit, selling 60,000 copies and generating a £900 income (equivalent to £70,000 today) due to its unique style and influences. In the 1855 edition she even introduced Jewish and foreign recipes, including Indian curries.

The influence of her connection to the county of Kent and more specifically, Tonbridge, is clear in some of her dishes. Her mother took in boarders from Tonbridge School, which could account for the recipe named ‘tourte a la Judd’ – named after Sir Andrew Judd, the school’s founder. Other recipes such as ‘Kentish Sausage Meat’ and ‘Tonbridge Brawn’ also drew on her experience in the Kent town.

Acton sadly suffered with ill health for much of her life and died at The Priory in February 1859, shortly before her 60th birthday. Despite claiming towards the end of her life that other writers had blatantly plagiarised her work – Mrs Beeton herself was accused of having ‘borrowed’ 150 recipes from Eliza – she is remembered fondly by modern day chefs. Delia Smith even named her ‘Eliza’s salad sauce’ after the pioneering cook, which shows how strongly her influence is still felt in the current cooking scene.

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PATEK PHILIPPE GENEVE Begm vour own tradttion.

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