So Wealden March 2015 magazine

E

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

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

Spring home event 19th march - 12 april 2015

Whether you are setting up home for the first time or feel it’s time for a change, the Fenwick Spring Home Event is the perfect opportunity to fill your home with beautiful accessories.

Plus, SAVE up to 50% on selected lines.

The Fenwick Lingerie Event Buy One Bra, Get The Second Half Price

6-22 March Are you wearing the right size bra?

If in doubt, make the most of our fitting event.

Fenwick Fashion Brochure / Spring Edit 2015 is available in the

So Tunbridge Wells Magazine April Issue.

E

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

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

Spring home event 19th march - 12 april 2015

Whether you are setting up home for the first time or feel it’s time for a change, the Fenwick Spring Home Event is the perfect opportunity to fill your home with beautiful accessories.

Plus, SAVE up to 50% on selected lines.

The Fenwick Lingerie Event Buy One Bra, Get The Second Half Price

6-22 March Are you wearing the right size bra?

If in doubt, make the most of our fitting event.

Fenwick Fashion Brochure / Spring Edit 2015 is available in the

So Tunbridge Wells Magazine April Issue.

SO W EALDEN

FRESH FASHION

Have a spring fling with

the season’s best dresses

magical maldives GET AWAY FROM IT ALL IN CELEBRITY STYLE

SPRING CLEAN YOUR LIFE

Sweep out those bad habits at work and home BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH P ROBAB LY TH E B EST LO CAL M AGAZIN E IN THE WO R LD

“I’ll never give up on Sherlock”

Ashdown Park Hotel life is sweet at luxury weald eatery

looking ahead to the holiday FANTASTIC IDEAS FOR EASTER FAMILY FUN

feather your new nest Award winning country home in Etchingham

GET THE LOOK WITH FENWICK’S FASHION

ISSUE 30 - MARCH 20 15

Your guide to the most prestigious schools in and around

WEALDEN

MARCH 2015 £1.50 WWW.SOMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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CONTENTS

HELLO HERE’S WHAT’S INSIDE YOUR MARCH ISSUE

88

THE TRAVEL Love is in the air in the magical Maldives

178 THE FOOD

We indulge in pudding perfection at Ashdown Park Hotel

30

THE CELEBRITY “Hamlet is not something to be completely daunted by”

73

187

THE FEATURE

THE SCHOOLS

Forget the house – it’s time to spring clean your life!

Make the right choice with our indispensable Education Guide

121

STRICTLY WEALDEN...

THE HOMES

News – Charity musicians are on song

Why not splash out nearly £4million on an award winning Wealden house?

Views – Why dodging wildlife is a boar Buttering up a Ticehurst inventor

228 THE MOTORS

“The Audi S6 is not cheap, but it is very lovely”

Calendar – Make a splash in Tenterden Dastardly deeds at Bethany School Scottish celebrations in Tenterden Sissinghurst's glorious garden MARCH 2015

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NEWS

Wealden

NEWS...

OUR MONTHLY LOOK AT SOME OF THE LOCAL STORIES MAKING THE HEADLINES DISNEY DREAMS A disgruntled girl has complained to Southern Rail about the delays at London Bridge – as her father now returns home too late to read her a bedtime story. Ella Porter, six, whose dad Neil travels from Uckfield to Shoreditch for work, penned the letter when her father missed yet another bedtime. As well as addressing the delays, Ella wrote: “Daddy says you take all his money, that is why I can’t go to Disneyland. I really want to go to Disneyland.”

The letter was spotted on social media and quickly went viral, with news outlets across the world covering the story. However, there has been no word from Southern Rail on whether they will compensate young Ella.

STAND BY SONG Local musicians are hoping to raise money for mental health charity Depression Alliance by releasing a single. The cover of The Pretenders’ I’ll Stand By You is the fourth charity single created by Local Aid – a group

PLANT APPEAL

devised to raise awareness of good causes

After its Victorian glasshouses were severely

through music. “I’ve chosen to support

damaged by storms, a local nursery is

Depression Alliance as I feel that depression

hoping to win £5,000 to restore the historical

can sometimes be a forgotten illness,”

buildings to their former glory. The Walled

says Local Aid founder James Vince.

Nursery in Hawkhurst entered English Garden magazine’s ‘future fund’ award and has

COIN CONUNDRUM

been one of the lucky few to be shortlisted.

Furious rail customers are facing problems

“Our poor Carnation House has already

at stations because they can’t pay for

been closed for one year and it won’t last

parking. The issue came to light when

another,” says Walled Nursery owner, Emma

William Wood from Etchingham, finding

Davies. “Despite our best efforts we are now

that the daily parking rate at his local station

really struggling to keep our rare heritage

had risen by 10p, tried to insert 10p into the

site going, so we need to win this public

machine. However, the machine rejected his

vote!” www.theenglishgarden.co.uk/news-

coin and after complaining, he discovered

events/the-english-garden-future-fund

that the equipment can’t accept the new

The single can be downloaded at www.localaid2012.bandcamp.com and you can donate at www.depressionalliance.org

5p and 10p coins – which have been in

TOTALLY FOXED Breakfast definitely wasn’t on offer for one sly

circulation since 2012. Southern Rail, who operate the machines, have apologised for any inconvenience caused.

creature, who crept into the spare bedroom of a house in Wittersham for 40 winks, unbeknownst to its sleeping owners. When the couple awoke,

SPEEDY RESPONSE

they noticed their cat acting strangely, so they

Concerned residents met with the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner, Ann Barnes, to address

investigated and found a fox cowering by the

fears about rural speeding. Parish councillors from Cranbrook, Frittenden, Hawkhurst, Benenden and

shoe rack. “I didn’t know what to do,” admits

Sandhurst, along with borough and county councillors, believed police had “abandoned” attempts to

Jon Bond. “In the end I had to open the front

enforce speed limits in their villages. The meeting was also attended by MP for Maidstone and the

door, then jump on the bed until it got scared

Weald, Helen Grant, who says they received “a good response” from the police.

and ran out!” The pair believe the fox entered

“After hearing the worries of people from our villages, they agreed to my suggestion of setting up a

through the cat flap and had been sleeping in the

working group with them, to include elected representatives and residents to make sure this dangerous

room all night.

problem does not get overlooked anymore,” she says.

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LETTERS

SO

...AND VIEWS

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

HOLA SO!

TOPICAL TWITTER

After visiting family in the Weald last year, I fell in love

Neil Baker @neilbaker

with SO magazine. The trouble

n As a new Tenterden

is, I live in Mexico so it’s not

resident, paid a first evening

easy to come by! In fact, my

visit to @26TheWoolpack on

family now send me an issue

Friday. What a great pub.

every month so I can keep

Gufo @janeowles

up to date with all the local

n Going to miss the best

goings-on. Here I am reading

mocha in the world from

it outside the Bosques de las

etchingham station bistro they

Lomas, in the Santa Fe area of

warm the soul!

Mexico City.

VITAL SIGNS

XIMENA FERNÁNDEZ CONDE,

I recently heard that due to the issue of wild boar getting killed on

MEXICO

Wealden roads, new warning signs were being proposed to alert

Ed: Where’s the furthest

drivers to ‘boar hotspots’. Having been involved in an accident with

you’ve taken SO?

a boar many years ago I for one welcome this move – I think more

Send us your snaps!

Kate Reynolds @twernip_soup n How odd, my location is showing up as Burwash Common. I’m nowhere near it! :D Sammie Hodges

drivers need to be aware of the wildlife.

@Oneblueonepink

JOSEPH MCGUINNESS, TENTERDEN

n We had lots of fun exploring

Ed: Signs for rabbits crossing would also be handy while

@BodiamCastleNT at the

they’re at it!

weekend! Another @nationaltrust property ticked off our list!

Hannah Daw @hcluaduad

COSTLY CHARITY

n @kino_digital would love

I’m a huge advocate of

a cinema in Tenterden

charity shops and I visit

pleeeeeeeaaaaasssee

them frequently, but recently

Anna Foster @youbyyoubook1

I’ve noticed that the ones

n Excited to be working

in Tenterden and Cranbrook

on a history of the fire with

especially have really started

Smallhythe 500 @smallhytheNT

to ramp up the prices of

#localhistory

anything with a brand name.

WONDERFUL WINSTON

I realise the money is all for a

Lulu Tasker @LuluTasker

good cause, but when items

PUB CRAWL

are priced higher secondhand

There are so many wonderful pubs

Robertsbridge station. Thick

I’m just writing to say how much

than they would have been

across the Weald that I’ve never

with cold. Fortunately I was

I enjoyed your article on Winston

in a sale, you have to wonder

frequented, so this year my wife

rescued by a good samaritan

Churchill (February). I must admit,

whether these shops have

and I decided we would sample

I knew very little about him

lost touch with reality?

the delights of many of the village

before reading it but by the end I

Surely making them cheaper

locals around. Every weekend

was fascinated. In fact, I became

means they’ll sell quicker,

we’ve visited a different one

so engrossed that I spent the rest

rather than driving customers

and we’re compiling a list of our

of the day reading up on his life,

to the High Street to buy new

favourites. So far we’ve been very

n I will never understand how it costs £5 to get from Oxford to London, yet it costs £3.50 to get from Cranbrook to

then visited Chartwell the next

items instead? We all love a

impressed by all of them, especially

Hawkhurst. What is this?

day. Thank you for opening my

bargain and if it makes you feel

the Black Boys Inn near Uckfield

n Flat tyre, stranded at

Charlotte Robinson @stumbling323

eyes to a great man and a great

good too, great, but at what price?

and the Queen’s Inn in Hawkhurst.

Why not tweet us yourself?

piece of history.

VICTORIA BISHOP,

ROBERT SANDERSON,

We’ll print our favourites

SAM PORTER, BY EMAIL

CRANBROOK

HURST GREEN

@SoMagazines

Ed: We aim to please! Glad

Ed: Still the cheapest way to

Ed: What a good idea!

you enjoyed it.

get a designer frock though!

It’s a hard life, eh?

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.

MARCH 2015

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SO

BUTTER WOULDN’T MELT

Fed up with struggling in the mornings, David Alfille from Ticehurst turned inventor and developed a device to solve a common breakfast dilemma…

I was trying to spread some butter one day and couldn’t, because it was too cold

I

Having spent the past 10 years developing

t was almost inevitable that David, 54,

founding www.drakon.hk allowed him to

would go into the food industry. His

manage a successful and steady business while

the product, David admits he’s now

father owned a frozen food company,

continuing to develop his culinary creations.

something of a butter connoisseur.

which he was due to join until a chance

“I’ve been out to China 60 or 70 times now,

“The perfect temperature is 18.5 to 19.5

encounter making sorbet with a friend one

which is far too many!” David says with a

degrees Celsius,” says David. “It took me a

summer led to a 19-year career in the ice

laugh. “I’ve built up a lot of airmiles though, so

long time and a lot of butter to work that out!

cream business. The company, which turned

that will be a nice family holiday at some point.”

Butter sales in the UK have gone up, but I

over £8million a year and made two tubs of

As a family of butter lovers, David’s wife

contribute to those sales too – we get though

ice cream a second, helped David to

Annie and his three daughters were all

a pack every couple of days!”

understand temperature control. So, after

behind him when he decided to pursue his

www.alfille.co.uk

selling the firm in 2004, he decided to create

dish invention. Now, having sold over

something he believed every household

400,000 units and with celebrities among the

would need – a dish designed to keep butter

purchasers, it seems David’s brainchild is

at the perfect temperature.

becoming a household staple, not just in the

“I was trying to spread some butter one

UK but worldwide.

day and couldn’t, because it was too cold,”

“A lot of our sales do come from the UK,

David explains. “I suddenly had the idea for

but we’ve also had a huge amount of interest

a temperature controlled butter dish and I

from South Africa, Singapore, Hong Kong and

began researching it straightaway.”

the States,” says David. “It’s also selling

Armed with ideas, he took his plans to

really well in Australia and New Zealand

a designer in Wales. Together, they spent

because they used to have a section in their

the next two years trying to locate

fridges called a butter conditioner, which kept

a manufacturer.

the butter warm, but they don’t anymore so

“We wanted to find a manufacturer in the UK, but because the work was quite labour

they need something else!”

While sales are taking off, David admits

intensive, we couldn’t,” says David. “So I got

that not everybody instantly thinks the dish is

on a plane to China and went and found a

a necessity – until they realise what a palaver

factory out there.”

spreading butter can be.

It was during these visits to the country that

“People think they don’t want to spend

David found himself involved with another

£35 on a butter dish, but everyone has the

business venture – this time helping other

same problems,” he says. “Everyone you

companies, such as John Lewis and Next,

talk to has mashed up their bread in the

source products and factories in China. Having

morning or put their butter in the microwave

remortgaged his home three times and spent

and it’s become a runny mess, so everyone

£500,000 on developing the butter dish,

who buys the dish loves it.”

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EVENTS

SO

MARCH

CALENDAR 4TH MOUNTAIN MOVIE Now in its sixth edition, the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour comes to the Assembly Halls in Tunbridge Wells to showcase a diverse collection of the best and latest films from the global mountain sports community. Outdoor sport lovers will enjoy this exhilarating event, introducing the most talented adventure film makers around.

Adrenaline junkies can meet other adventurers and there will be prizes to be won during the evening.

The festival begins at 7pm and tickets cost from £11.

DAVID BARTHOLEMEW

www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

4TH HIGH FASHION

6TH TRIBUTE ACT

7TH FAWLTY FOOD

Spend a stylish afternoon socialising and spotting

Experience an evening of hit songs

For a dining experience like no other,

the latest trends at High Rocks’ Rock the Runway

and magnificent moves when A Night

head to the Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge

event in Tunbridge Wells. Between 11am and

of Dirty Dancing comes to the Assembly

Wells for their Dinner is Served evening.

3.30pm, you’ll enjoy a three-course lunch with

Halls in Tunbridge Wells. Billed as ‘the

The Fawlty Towers themed night will see

wine, then sit back and watch as a selection of the

ultimate tribute show’, the production features

madness, mishaps and mischief ensue when

town’s best loved boutiques showcase their SS15

all the biggest songs from the classic 80s

Sybil the hamster goes missing, leading to

collections. A raffle will be held to raise money for

film, including Hungry Eyes, She’s Like

a string of comedic calamities. For £39,

the event’s chosen charity, the Pickering Cancer

the Wind and the Oscar-winning (I’ve Had)

enjoy a three-course meal while comedy

Drop-In Centre, and there will be stalls selling

The Time of My Life, presented by a

actors entertain you and you’ll become part

clothes, jewellery and accessories too. Tickets cost

glamorous cast. The show begins at

of the Fawlty experience. The event begins

£65 per person and are bookable by searching

7.30pm and tickets cost from £19.50.

at 7.30pm. For more information, or to book

‘Rock the Runway’ at www.bookitbee.com

www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

visit www.trinitytheatre.net MARCH 2015

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EVENTS

8TH MAKING WAVES Raise money for charity and help to break a world record by taking part in Swimarathon 2015. Over 30 countries and 6,000 swimmers compete in the global event, which raises funds for End Polio Now. Teams of between four and six swimmers are invited to make a splash by competing in a water relay at Tenterden Leisure Centre, with each team having 30 minutes to complete as many

NT/ ARNHEL DE SERRA

lengths as possible. If you’re interested in taking part, visit www.tenterdenrotary.co.uk for more information.

7TH SPRING SONG

13TH BIJOU BUYS

15TH MOTE MAKERS

For the past 75 years the Royal Tunbridge

Instead of spring cleaning your house, fill it

Make this Mother’s Day one to remember

Wells Orpheus Male Voice Choir has been

with unique finds instead, by visiting

by heading to Ightham Mote for their

providing top class choral entertainment and

Continental Flea in Tenterden. The market,

‘Make Mum’s Day’ event. Enjoy a stroll

they’re set to continue when they hold a

filled with vintage European homeware and

around the grounds before visiting the

spring concert in Wadhurst. The choir, which

fashions, takes place from 10.30am to 2.30pm

Mote Café for a meal. Everybody knows

comprises more than 50 male vocalists, will

in the Assembly Room at Tenterden Town

homemade presents are the best, so

perform a range of music, from hymns to

Hall. Emerging fashion talent Lily Collette will

children can take part in a making session

modern pop songs. The performance, which

be showcasing her new clothing collection on

in the Squire’s Room, where they’ll create

is being held in the St Peter and St Paul

the day, with all items made from vintage

a brooch to give as a gift. The sessions are

Church, begins at 7.30pm and tickets cost

fabrics. Entry is free. For more information,

free, but normal entry prices apply. To find

£10 in advance or £12 on the door. To book,

visit www.cherishthevintage.co.uk or call

out more, call 01732 810 378 or visit

call 01892 785 658.

Julia on 07885 610 912.

www.nationaltrust.org/ightham-mote

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EVENTS

SO

21ST PROTECT PENSHURST Defend Penshurst Place from an impending invasion at their Great Armada weekend on Saturday March 21 and Sunday March 22.

Join costumed actors to help fortify the walls and protect the historic house by warding off the Spanish troops. From 11am to 4pm each day children can join in with the activities as well as spending the day in the house and grounds. Normal admission prices apply. For more information visit www.penshurstplace.com

21ST KEY MUSIC

29TH PADDOCK RUN

29TH WONDERFUL WEDDINGS

For a weekend of music, food and

Voted as one of the best runs in the

If you’re in the process of planning your

fun, get yourself along to Springfest

UK, the Paddock Wood half marathon

big day then you’ll find everything you

at the Cross Keys pub in St John’s Road,

returns in 2015 for its 26th year.

need to organise the perfect wedding at

Tunbridge Wells on Saturday March 21

The 13.1-mile race sees over 2,000

Chiddingstone Castle’s wedding fair.

and Sunday March 22.From 3pm each

participants running through the Kentish

Meet specialist wedding suppliers, enjoy

day a number of local bands and talent

countryside, with every competitor receiving

live entertainment and sample delicious

from the Acoustic Reverb Collective

a goody bag at the finish line. Entry costs

treats. From 11am to 4pm the grounds will be

will be taking to the stage and

from £20 and the run begins at 9.30am.

filled with some of the best in the wedding

entertaining the crowds. The event,

This year, fundraising will be for Kent,

business. There is no charge for entry to the fair

which is raising money for the

Sussex and Surrey Air Ambulance.

and free parking is available. To find out more,

Kezi Silverstone Trust, To find out more,

For more information visit

visit www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk/weddings

visit www.crosskeystw.co.uk

www.paddockwoodhalfmarathon.co.uk

or call 01892 872 744.

MARCH 2015

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MARCH

THIS MONTH

YOU SHOULD PACK...

So, how did you do on Valentine’s Day? If you have a little making up to do, here’s a gift that will earn a lifetime of Brownie points. Whisk your sweetheart to 10 of the world’s most romantic destinations, comprising Venice, Paris, Santorini, The Maldives, Florence, Hawaii, Rome, Saint Lucia, Koh Samui in Thailand and St Moritz in Switzerland – all on business class flights, of course. During the month-long trip, you’ll stay in luxury hotels, where you’ll be welcomed by love songs, petal-filled baths and scented candles; you’ll also enjoy a candlelit dinner at each destination’s finest restaurant. All this indulgence will set you back £68,500 per couple, with £1,000 per trip being donated to The Prince’s Trust – but what price love? www.veryfirstto.com

WATCH...

LISTEN...

READ...

British Oscar nominee Benedict Cumberbatch

Since quitting Oasis in 2009 after numerous

Kazuo Ishiguro, author of the Booker Prize winning

stars as unsung war hero Alan Turing in the

disagreements with his brother Liam, Noel

The Remains of the Day, returns with his first new

acclaimed film, The Imitation Game. The

Gallagher appears to have not looked back. With

novel in a decade. Set in a declining Britain long after the departure of the Romans, The Buried Giant follows

movie itself was nominated for eight Academy

his new band, High Flying Birds – which he

Awards, in recognition of its gripping plot based

describes as “not anyone in particular... a loose

the progress of Axl and Beatrice as they set off across

on a true story. During the Second World War,

collective kind of thing” – he has scored a number

a troubled land to find their lost son. While they expect

mathematician Turing and his colleagues at

one album and six top five hits on the UK indie

many hazards, they cannot foresee the dark corners

Bletchley Park worked tirelessly to break the

chart. The band’s much-anticipated second album,

of their own love that will be illuminated by the journey.

German Enigma code, with the aim of gaining

Chasing Yesterday, is due for release on March 2

Exploring love, loss and war, this is an incredible new

crucial intelligence about German movements.

and fans will be looking forward to hearing what’s

story from the author hailed as ‘an original and

The film is released on DVD on March 9 and is

new from this modern music icon. Available at

remarkable genius’. Available at

available at www.amazon.co.uk for £10.

www.play.com priced from £10.99.

www.waterstones.com for £16 from March 3.

26

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THIS MONTH YOU SHOULD

SO

BOOK...

If you’re already making plans for the summer, here’s a diary date not to be missed. Platinum selling pop star Paloma Faith will be coming to Bedgebury Forest and Pinetum at Goudhurst on Saturday June 20, to perform her hit songs in this spectacular setting. The latest act to play the Forestry Commission’s acclaimed Forest Live tour, Paloma will be visiting

PRINT...

seven beautiful woodland locations across the country, singing songs from

Those of us who are already baffled by 3D printers will be even

her back catalogue and her third hit album, A Perfect Contradiction.

more bemused by the Foodini – yes, it’s a 3D food printer.

So, book your tickets and start planning the picnic...

Currently at prototype stage, the machine takes fresh, cooked

Tickets cost £38.50 and are available

ingredients and ‘prints’ them into the desired shape on the

from 0300 068 0400 and www.forestry.gov.uk/music

plate. The manufacturer, Natural Machines, says the device will take away the more time-consuming elements of home cooking – such as shaping burgers. The company has launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund a full production run and is halfway to its $100,000 target. Those who contribute $999 (£665) can reserve a Foodini, saving around 25% on the expected retail price. www.naturalmachines.com

LEARN...

Our Education Guide profiles the very best local schools, but if you’d like to send your child further afield, you might consider Institut Le Rosey on Lake Geneva, Switzerland. Believed to be the most expensive boarding school in the world, the establishment charges around £80,000 per year, but the fee buys students extraordinary privilege. Pupils have the use of a 40ft yacht on the lake and a luxurious spa; school facilities also include a 1,000-seater concert theatre, a shooting range and an equestrian arena. Former students include Prince Edward and King Juan Carlos I of Spain, so your youngsters will be in royally good company. www.rosey.ch

BID...

After you’ve watched The Imitation Game, you might feel inspired to find out more about the incredible mind that helped to end the war. Well, you can get an insight into Alan Turing’s world when his notebook dating from 1942 goes on sale at Bonhams New York next month. Containing notes on his early experiments into computer science, the book features Turing’s thoughts as well as his calculations.

He willed the document to his close friend Robin Gandy, who later used the book as a dream diary.

The auction takes place on April 15 but you’ll need to start saving now – the lot is expected to fetch

NPL / SCIENCE MUSEUM

$1million (£660,000). www.bonhams.com

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RANT

SO

TALKING RUBBISH

Here’s where we give readers the chance to vent their opinions on a contentious local issue.

This month, ‘Grumbler’ from Tunbridge Wells returns to express their anger at the litter louts

O

ur nation’s capacity to dump its detritus

that doesn’t seem to extend to picking up litter, let

widespread use of head-cameras (the sort cyclists

absolutely anywhere is litter-ally foul.

alone not dropping it. And as for unscooped dog

attach to their helmets), but some worthies might

You can’t go out (along a motorway even)

poo...

adopt them. After all, car dash-cams are

The remedy? I suggest children learn from

without seeing cast-off packaging, crisp packets,

increasingly popular – a Russian one went viral over

fish and chip boxes, beer cans and soft drink

parents and teachers that their homeland and its

that meteor strike – and could provide crucial

bottles – what’s the matter with people? Is there

future are theirs to protect, and that litter is a selfish

evidence. Concealed cameras already help local

no civic pride, no national sense of neatness?

indulgence that undermines personal worth; that

authorities detect and prosecute fly-tippers, who

Even rubbish bins have stuff festering beside them.

littering is lazy and places private convenience

are sometimes fool enough to be incriminated by

above the simple pleasures that enrich our

discarded names and addresses in their litter.

Smokers get a bad name for wantonly discarded cigarette packets, while non-degradable butts can

everyday lives – the undefiled street, the green

be seen anywhere inhalers congregate to indulge

countryside, the elegant road verge.

And talking of local authorities, are ours doing what they should to recycle our offloads? As directed by

We should increase social awareness with a

them, conscientious residents sort their refuse into

much better, the sticky residue clinging to the soles

National Litter Day – as do countries like Australia

separate containers (a variable recommendation) but

of the passing. And as for that mile-long fly tip at

– picking up and disposing of litter, in the hope this

it’s rumoured that back at the depot everything may

Cory’s Wharf in Essex... A million pounds it may

will become a conditioned reflex. To make every

be aggregated, making a farce of the householder’s

cost to clear up, and guess who pays? Nationally,

day a personal Litter Day is perhaps a dream too

efforts – or is that an urban myth?

we spend £1billion a year trying to Keep Britain Tidy.

far, but it’s no hardship to have a plastic bag handy

their health-hating habit. Gum-chewers are not

Perhaps it should be carrot, not stick: a deposit on

to collect litter as one strides out and about. I do,

bar-coded containers of all sorts, then a refund for

establishment’, an act of personal rebellion against

and it transforms my favourite Area of Outstanding

returning them, as with glass bottles in my childhood.

faceless Orwellian authoritarianism? Surely not

Natural Beauty.

That would be a nice little earner and for companies

Why do people drop litter? Is it to rubbish ‘the

A few well-publicised penalties, perhaps with a

too, as Belgian and German shops have found with

closer to that tolerant Cameronian ‘Big Society’,

photo to name and shame, might discourage the

their dedicated machines. And what do Scouts and

whose volunteers’ unpaid time is invaluable but

‘litterati’, many of whom seem unaware of, or

Guides get up to these days? How about a bob-a-

worth billions (1.5% of the GDP); Beveridge would

oblivious to, the impact of their actions (though a

bottle – that’s only 5p – instead of bob-a-job?

be proud. Most folk enjoy an endorphin delight, a

day of community service picking up other people’s

serotonin surge, from random acts of kindness, but

rubbish would soon fix that). I don’t advocate the

– we’re 30 years on from 1984 and progressively

Once that’s all sorted, there’s flotsam and jetsam to be tackled... Then the five oceanic gyres.

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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INTERNATIONAL MAN OF MYSTERY

CELEBRITY

The British love him, the Americans love him, he’s brought a classic literary character to life with barely a hitch – it seems that Benedict Cumberbatch can do no wrong. A huge star on both the big and small screens, this charming Englishman truly is the Man of the Moment. But who is Benedict and can he really be that cool?

A

t the time of going to press, we don’t know whether Benedict Cumberbatch will have won the Best Actor Oscar for his

performance as Alan Turing in The Imitation Game. But regardless of whether or not he is victorious, this enigmatic actor’s journey to the top has been a rapid and convincing one.

When he made his television debut with a guest part in undemanding 60s drama Heartbeat just 15 years ago, neither he nor the viewers could have had any idea that he would be the toast of the glittering Academy Awards ceremony in 2015.

“Fame is a weird one. You need

to distance yourself from it. People see a value in you that you don’t see yourself.”

Now, with an Oscar nomination (at the very least), a number of confirmed film hits and a safe-as-houses TV role under his belt – the chances of the BBC axing the BAFTA and Emmy award winning Sherlock are pretty much zero – Cumberbatch, 38, has the world at his feet. His crown almost slipped recently when, during a debate on US television about equality in acting, he argued in favour of employing more black actors but used the outdated term ‘coloured’, much to the disgust of many viewers.

However, he immediately issued an apology, describing himself as “an idiot” and “devastated to have caused offence.” His evident remorse helped him to weather the social media storm

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E D U C AT I O N G U I D E

SCHOOL’S IN FOR STAMPEDE! STOCKING OVER 30 DIFFERENT BRANDS OF STYLISH FOOTWEAR, STAMPEDE! TUNBRIDGE WELLS HAS BECOME A GO-TO OPTION FOR SPECIALIST CHILDREN’S SHOE-FITTING. WE FIND OUT HOW THIS BOOMING BUSINESS GOT STARTED AND WHY IT’S PUTTING A SPRING IN KIDS’ STEPS ALL AROUND THE TOWN

F

ounded in 2005 by mother of three, Andrea

shoe-fitters, who are able to offer a whole new

Stampede!

Afrifa, Stampede! Fashion and Footwear for

mezzanine floor of fitted school shoes from

6b Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2PT

Kids has gone from strength to strength. After

brands such as Start-rite, Geox, Ricosta, Petasil

Open Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 6pm

and Hush Puppies.

01892 511 651

winning the accolade of ‘Best Independent Kids

Andrea says she has dreamed of being in the town

www.stampedeshoes.co.uk

decided to take the plunge and move the business to

centre for years and is excited about enjoying passing

info@stampedeshoes.co.uk

Tunbridge Wells.

trade for the first time. She is confident that her

Footwear Retailer’ in the UK last year, Andrea

“We had a big unit in St John’s, but were becoming

database of over 5,000 regular customers will follow her,

more and more popular with customers travelling

and when asked, “Why should shoppers choose

from all over the South East and floor space was

Stampede! over the other nearby high street retailers?”,

becoming an issue, particularly on Saturdays.”

she laughs and quickly responds, “It’s easy – our shoes

The new bigger shop offers a range of children’s

and clothes speak for themselves and, moreover, I invest

shoes and clothes from birth to 15 years and deals in

most of my time training the team to ensure customers

most on-trend children’s brands such as Converse,

get a way above average service and come away smiling

Vans, Dr Martens, Skechers, Kickers and Geox, as

every time. Shopping at Stampede! should always be a

well as offering a full shoe-fitting service. Andrea is

pleasure, plus our loyalty scheme keeps customers

proud of her growing team of 11 qualified

coming back time and time again as well.”

ool shoes h c s d e t it nally f Professio to sizes up lf a h d n tings a 4 width fit 0/EUR 45 size UK 1 rucksacks , s k c o s , plimsoles Trainers, in nery now and statio

Stampede, 6b Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2PT Tel: 01892 511 651

www.stampedeshoes.co.uk

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CELEBRITY

SO

and to emerge looking even more humble and charming than before.

Add the fact that he’s now expecting a baby with his new wife, theatre director Sophie Hunter, and you could say that Cumberbatch’s personal world is looking pretty fine too.

“I’ve been broody since I was 12, but I can’t just get anyone pregnant. It has got to be the right person.”

It could be argued that the future Sherlock Holmes didn’t have the hardest start in life – he was born into a London family that already boasted decorated submarine officers and consuls to Queen Victoria among its ancestors. Cumberbatch grew up in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, though from the age of eight he attended boarding schools

make sure the school bills were paid”

revival of the playwright’s work After the

Benedict Cumberbatch with

and spent some years in the Weald

– but it seems that even this privileged

Dance at the Royal National Theatre.

The Imitation Game co-stars

– he was sent to Brambletye School,

upbringing did not make the young

near East Grinstead, which currently

Cumberbatch entirely happy.

charges over £7,000 per term and

“Having your adolescence

After a gap year in which he volunteered as an English teacher at a Tibetan monastery in India, he

proudly claims Cumberbatch among

at an all-male boarding

began his studies at the London

its alumni.

school is just c**p.”

Academy of Music and Dramatic Art,

Next came Harrow School

He made it through his school

leaving with an MA in classical acting.

“I love theatre, and you learn

(currently charging £35,000 per year)

days, however, already having

where he was an arts scholar. He

developed a love of performing arts.

too much as an actor and enjoy

says that his parents, actors Timothy

At the age of just 12, the teacher

too much of it not to want

Carlton and Wanda Ventham, had to

who directed him in a production of

to go back a lot.”

work very hard to provide such a

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

high standard of education – “Mum

described young Cumberbatch as the

did not have to earn his stripes in

did a lot of commercial theatre and

best schoolboy actor he had ever

theatre before getting a chance in

farces in the 1980s and 90s to

worked with. While at Harrow he

Unlike many actors, Cumberbatch

television. His stage and screen

was a member of the

careers have developed almost in

school’s dramatic arts

tandem with each other – even as he

club, The Rattigan

was landing major roles at some of

Society, named after

London’s most prestigious theatres,

former student Terence

he was appearing as Freddy in the

Rattigan – Cumberbatch

controversial BBC adaptation Tipping

would later star in a

Allen Leech and Keira Knightley

the Velvet in 2002. In 2005 he was nominated for an Olivier Award for his portrayal of George Tesman in Hedda Gabler and his theatre run

Left: Cumberbatch married

continues apace, alongside his

Sophie Hunter on Valentine’s Day

television and film successes. When it was announced that he would be playing Hamlet at the Barbican Theatre later this year, the tickets sold out in minutes, making it the fastest selling show in London theatre history. Despite these tremendous expectations, he is philosophical about the weight of the coveted role.

“There’s a huge raft of roles that actors in our culture perform and you can see any one of about

Hawking

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CELEBRITY

three Hamlets in a year. It’s not something to be completely daunted by.”

One of his most striking theatrical roles was in a dual part, shared with Jonny Lee Miller, in Frankenstein at the Royal National Theatre in 2011.

The two actors swapped roles each night, one portraying the tortured doctor and the other his confused creation – the play was broadcast to cinemas all over the country as part of the NT Live programme, giving cinemagoers the chance to enjoy two household names without venturing into the West End. An early foray into television, playing Hugh Laurie’s son in the short-lived comedy-drama Fortysomething, led to a high profile and potentially hazardous role, as Dr Stephen Hawking in the 2004 TV

has portrayed troubled artist Vincent

behind Doctor Who – Sherlock was

drama, Hawking. The gamble paid

Van Gogh on television and when

an immediate hit. Alongside The

off, however, and he was BAFTA

Matt Smith announced he was

Office’s Martin Freeman as Dr

nominated for the role, as well as

leaving Doctor Who in 2013,

Watson, Cumberbatch became a

winning a Golden Nymph for Best

Cumberbatch was among the

hero to legions of viewers, bringing

Actor. Coincidentally, one of his rivals

bookies’ favourites for the part,

the unfathomable genius of the

for the Best Actor Oscar this year

although he has since declared he

original Holmes to contemporary

was fellow Brit Eddie Redmayne, for

will never appear in the hit sci-fi

London in real style. The character’s

his portrayal of Hawking in

show. But his next choice of role

‘death’ at the end of series two got

The Theory of Everything.

was still a surprising one for some,

the nation talking and the third series

until you considered his acting

became the most watched on UK

credentials.

television since 2001. Despite his

“Landing the role of Stephen Hawking was the most positively surprising thing that has happened to me.”

Major film roles followed, with

“I realised quite early on that,

Cumberbatch clearly values the

career speciality of it, I was

opportunity Sherlock has given him.

Cumberbatch seemingly being in

playing slightly asexual,

demand for practically every notable

sociopathic intellectuals.”

British film; these included Atonement,

upwardly spiralling film career,

although I wasn’t trying to make a

Five years ago, 221b Baker Street

“I’ll always do Sherlock - it’s something I’m not going to give up on.”

Will Sherlock always want him,

The Other Boleyn Girl, Tinker Tailor

was a crowded place to be. Guy

Soldier Spy and War Horse.

Ritchie had just released a hugely

however? If the reaction of the

successful movie rehash of Sherlock

fans and critics is anything by

spy, because it is the ultimate

Holmes, while American TV was

which to judge, that’s elementary,

Cumberbatch and co-star

acting exercise. You are never

starting work on a new series called

dear Watson.

Martin Freeman in Sherlock

what you seem.”

Elementary, which would feature

“I’ve always wanted to play a

It’s not just the classic upper class

Cumberbatch’s Frankenstein co-star,

Brits that he’s in demand for though,

Jonny Lee Miller, as a contemporary

having starred in the Hollywood

version of Conan Doyle’s great

blockbuster Star Trek: Into Darkness

detective. Yet the BBC felt there was

and provided the voice for Smaug

still new life to be found in one of

the Dragon and the Necromancer in

literature’s most popular characters

The Hobbit film series. However, it is

and they didn’t have to look far to find

a certain literary detective who has

a man who perfectly encapsulated

provided Cumberbatch with his

Holmes’ indefinable allure.

best-loved character and, perhaps,

“The world of Sherlock Holmes

his most enduring association in the

and the world that we live in now

minds of fans...

is big enough to take more than

Cumberbatch is renowned for his ability to capture the essence of eccentric, enigmatic characters – he

34

one interpretation.”

Created by Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat – interestingly, the producer

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CONFIDENTIAL

BY TACITUS

WHO

NOTHING ESCAPES OUR ATTENTION

turned penny pinching and nasty over a wedding? that would be the mother of the groom who fell out with the parents of the bride over where the marriage should take place. she wanted it near the family home in the midlands. the parents argued successfully for it to be in their local church in the weald. both had agreed to split the cost of the wedding. the woman though deducted travelling expenses and hotel accommodation from her share. happy families!

WHY

WHICH

WHO

WHY

does this business speaker

estate agent told

is trying to keep their

should these two shop assistants lower their voices?

need to watch his step?

a bit of a porky?

lottery win quiet?

Because after addressing a

The one who advised a client

That would be the man who

Because when they were

networking event, he handed

that a potential buyer was not

collected a bundle of money,

moaning about their jobs, one

out business cards showing

interested in the property

thought to be around £250,000,

was heard telling the other:

some impressive university

because they “hated the

but ticked the box about no

“The bosses want us to give

grades and an industry award.

garden”. The reality was the

publicity. Seems he doesn’t want

customers the service and

Background checks revealed he

agent forgot to turn up for the

the rest of his family to know

product knowledge of Waitrose

had not actually graduated and

viewing and the garden was the

about the windfall that he intends

but pay us the wages of Lidl

had not won the prestigious

only part of the property they

to spend mainly on himself and his

and give us the training of The

award – he was runner-up.

could see. Naughty.

girlfriend. That’ll delight his wife.

Pound Shop.” Who feels neglected then!

WHO

WHY

WHICH

WHO

had a fantastic

does this pub nicely

advertising boss had

won a round of drinks

Valentine’s Day?

sum up the place we live?

trouble gettIng back home?

with a party trick?

Simples: the commuter we told

Because of the following

The one who went on a lads’

The chap who bet a pub

you about in December who was

conversation: well-dressed

weekend to Amsterdam with three

landlord he could stand on one

slipped a mobile number by an

woman enters bar orders large

friends and drove a beat-up old

leg and tuck the other behind

attractive young woman. He rang

G&T and says: “Hell of a day.

banger for a laugh. When they

his head without falling over.

the number, arranged a dinner

Tried to book three different villas

arrived back in Dover, suspicious

Bet accepted, he took off his

date and it turns out, they have

in Dubai for our hols and would

customs officers (think enhancing

prosthetic carbon fibre leg

now both fallen deeply in love

you believe, they were all taken!

substances) detained and quizzed

and duly performed. A few

with each other. What a happy

Had to settle for another one, not

them before opening the boot and

years ago he was badly

ending – let’s hope it lasts!

as good, for £38,000.”

finding – tulips!

injured in a car crash.

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

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FASHION INSIDER

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

STEAL HER STYLE Reese Witherspoon’s look gives the lace dress a modern approach with all-over floral embroidery, scalloped trims and a contrasting collar. Turn heads and add this beautiful statement piece by Self-Portrait to your own spring/summer wardrobe (£320 at www.self-portrait-studio.com)

I

f you haven’t already, it’s time to book out a couple of hours in your diary and get down to it: a thorough wardrobe detox. I’ve said this

before, but it’s a good reminder – if done regularly, in a ruthless manner, you’ll end up saving a lot of time and stress every morning while you get ready to start your day. It’s an important job, partly because every year, you may end up accumulating a whole collection of unworn, unused items that just sit there gathering dust unnecessarily. But it’s also vital because there may have been events that have changed or had an impact on your lifestyle, career, social networking etc and so it’s important that your wardrobe reflects those HELGA ESTEB

changes too. Whether you’ve had a child, changed jobs or started a business, there will be areas of your wardrobe that will need to work better for you than others.

Items you used to cherish but no longer wear

“PEOPLE WILL STARE. MAKE IT WORTH THEIR WHILE.” HARRY WINSTON

top

TIP

For a feminine looking neckline, layer dainty necklaces over your spring tops and dresses.

This will add an intricate element to your overall look.

should be cleared, to allow you to replace them with things you’ll enjoy wearing now. There’s a difference between holding onto key classic pieces, like a good quality wool coat, and an old blouse or pair of trousers that used to be great ‘back then’ but can easily be replaced with something suitable for you now.

And a final word on your jewellery and accessories – if you happen to own a multitude of big, small, long, short, colourful, plastic beaded or stoned necklaces, and bangles and bracelets

Splurge Vs Steal Invest in the chunky heel trend this season with these Bella sandals (left, £129 at www.hobbs.com)) or make an equally stylish statement with this pair from Topshop (£30 at www.topshop.com) and simply team with tapered pants or midi skirt

of all shapes and colours, which you never wear, there’s no time like the present to clear your jewellery box of them. Unless it has sentimental value, of course, replace with just a few key pieces, something to suit your style. Start with some easy to wear, fine necklaces, like the one above from Boticca (£130 at www.boticca.com). It will make putting the final touches to your outfits so much easier.

Catherine de Crèvecoeur

.

PERSONAL STYLIST www.stylepourmoi.com

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SPRING FLING

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PHASE EIGHT

BODEN

Bergamot dress, £130 www.phase-eight.com

Sylvia dress, £119 www.boden.co.uk

UNTOLD

Pink jacquard full skirt, £120 www.houseoffraser.co.uk

20TH CENTURY FOXY

1950s swing dress, £120 www.20thcenturyfoxy.com

LITTLE WHITE LIES

Josie dress, £105 www.littlewhitelieslondon.co.uk

J BY JASPER CONRAN Spotty dress, £95 www.debenhams.com

KALIKO

Lemon embroidery detail dress, £149 www.kaliko.co.uk

CATH KIDSTON

Paradise bunch crepe jumpsuit, £95 www.cathkidston.com

FADENMEISTER BERLIN Pink dress, £315 www.peterhahn.co.uk

PHASE EIGHT

Kensington fit & flare dress, £110 www.phase-eight.co.uk

HOBBS

Madison check dress, £129 www.hobbs.co.uk

MONSOON

Sophia prom dress (available April), £119 www.monsoon.co.uk

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50

MARCH 2015

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THE LOOK

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ADVERTORIAL

SO

At Present, previously Wells Hot Yoga, you will find a calm and intimate environment; a place where you can unwind from the stresses of the day and bring your focus inward, giving yourself time to take notice of how you really feel, notice who you really are, connect with yourself and nurture yourself.

We teach a variety of Hatha and Vinyasa Flow Yoga classes in a studio heated to approximately 38°C. The heat instantly helps to relax the body and mind, allowing you to become more physically and mentally open. This is an effective and simple way of maintaining a healthy body and mind; relieving tension and stress, managing injuries and alleviating stiffness, aches and pains. In addition to classes, we offer private 1:1 and 2:1 sessions, as well as yoga and meditation workshops.

Will hot yoga benefit me?

Whether you are looking to combat stress, rehabilitate after an injury, wanting to improve sporting performance or just looking for a way to wind down after a long day at work, we truly believe hot yoga will make a difference to your life.

Suitable for both beginners and advanced students, every class follows a sequence of poses and breathing techniques, allowing you to continually improve your practice and work to your own ability.

Location and facilities Situated in the St John’s area of Tunbridge Wells, the studio comfortably accommodates nine students in each class. We use radiant heat to warm the room, ensuring a comfortable and

FINDING PRESENCE

safe environment to practise yoga. Facilities are available for changing and a shower is available

Looking to increase your flexibility and be at one with yourself in the moment? Then hot yoga could be the answer. At Present in Tunbridge Wells, you’ll learn how to make the most of now through a series of classes that will show you how to relax and reconnect with who you are

if you should require the use of one after class.

WE LIVE IN a world that constantly demands

feel pain, disappointment or fear, but instead of

newsletter, please scan the QR code below.

more from us; no matter what we do or

running away from the situation and the

achieve, it never seems to be enough. We

physical and emotional feelings that are stirred

criticize our pasts and fixate our thoughts on

in us, we can learn to let go and not judge or

2A William Street,

the future and how we do/get/be more,

form an attachment to those difficult feelings.

Tunbridge Wells,

regretting our words, actions and inactions.

We are free to open up, to find ourselves and

Kent TN4 9RS

Rarely do we stop and notice the present

be at ease with ourselves.

07450 318 776

moment and see it for what it really is.

When we step onto the mat and root our

hours during the day and completely free after 6pm. Please do get in touch with us, should you have any enquiries. To subscribe to our

The Wells Studio Ltd

If we choose, we can take what we learn on

www.wearepresent.today

our mats – strength, flexibility, patience, focus,

hello@wearepresent.today

consciousness in our yoga practice, we define

compassion and kindness – and take it into our

what it means to be present. We use our bodies

everyday lives. To be present is to be open to

as a tool to bring clarity to the mind, listening to

whatever presents itself and to have the ability

the body, immersing ourselves in the moment

to respond to what is actually happening and

without judgment or expectation and allowing

not to what you think should be happening.

ourselves to accept the reality of the present.

This ability allows us to observe and fully

Sometimes the reality is difficult; we may

John Street car park is less than a two-minute walk from the studio and is free for the first two

participate in the moment.

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ADVERTORIAL

A PLAN FOR LIFE

Set in beautiful Victorian gardens in Frant, Knowle Grange Health Spa offers a friendly, private atmosphere where you can truly relax and unwind.We find out about their exciting weight loss scheme and discover why they continue to put your health and wellbeing first

SO

offering an extensive range of beauty treatments, classes and Spa days to members and non members alike.

WHAT HEALTH PROGRAMMES DO YOU OFFER? As well as all of the beauty and fitness programmes, the latest addition has been “Take the Weight off Your Mind”, a combined mind-body approach that also understands what effects stress can have on your ability to lose weight. We’ve combined the expertise and support of a Mindful Counsellor, a leading nutritionist and the exercise team at Knowle Grange. The next Take the Weight

less PMS or menopausal symptoms, better digestion and increased vitality.

off Your Mind course is being launched at Knowle Grange TELL US ABOUT KNOWLE

this month.

Cost: £297 payable over three months and receive an extra 30 minutes PT free worth £25 when you pay the whole amount on

GRANGE AND ITS TEAM Sue and Clive bought Knowle

ARE THERE NOTICEABLE

enrolment. For details on membership,

Grange together after Sue

BENEFITS?

spa days and treatments, call Sue on

discovered Reiki in 1999. As an Usui and Karuna Reiki Master and a Kinesiologist, I have tried to adopt the same

Typically, participants tend to lose at least 5cm (two inches) from their

01892 750 761 or email sue@knowlegrange.co.uk

waists in just 12 weeks and 30% of

principles of achieving balance through a more

participants lost as much as 28.5cm in total. It

Knowle Grange Health Spa

holistic approach to everything we do. Starting

is not a fad diet, but a plan for life, so you can

Wadhurst Road, Frant,

as a private members gym, we now have a

keep the weight off permanently. Clients also

Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 9EJ

team of 10 therapists and personal trainers

benefitted from clearer skin, improved mood,

www.knowlegrange.co.uk

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ADVERTORIAL

ASHDOWN PARK HOTEL

Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club Wych Cross, Nr Forest Row, East Sussex RH18 5JR 01342 824 988 weddings@ashdownpark.com www.ashdownpark.com

With its captivating setting, professional service and seasonal weddings, this hotel and country club in East Sussex will make magical memories for you and your guests. From small, intimate ceremonies to larger affairs with friends and family, we find out what’s on offer at this stunning venue WHAT’S UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR VENUE?

WHAT TYPES OF WEDDING CAN YOU

HOW CAN YOU GUARANTEE AN

Set in 186 acres of parkland at the heart of

ACCOMMODATE?

EXTRA SPECIAL DAY?

the Ashdown Forest in East Sussex, Ashdown

Ashdown Park can cater for the

We can’t control the weather, but we can

Park is everything you would expect of a

most intimate of weddings through

guarantee that, whatever the size of wedding,

luxurious country house hotel. The former

to lavish banquets – anything from

the service remains professional and discreet;

chapel, with its high vaulted ceiling and

two up to 150 people. We have three

we consider attention to detail to be crucial.

original stained glass windows, provides a

rooms within the hotel licensed for civil

Our unique venue offers a stunning setting,

stunning and unique backdrop to any

ceremonies, as well as the Summer

whether it’s a ceremony inside the Summer

wedding. The gardens and parkland include

House on the lawns. Our catering is very

House in the height of the season, or posing

lots of hidden delights, including a beautiful

flexible, so whether you require a barbecue,

for your photographs beside a roaring log fire

Secret Garden and a Summer House, which is

hog roast, afternoon tea or five course

in the depths of winter. We guide you every

licensed for outdoor ceremonies. The deer

banquet, we are well equipped to cater

step of the way and ensure you leave with

often make an appearance too!

for any theme or tastes.

memories to cherish forever.

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THE LOOK

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BEAUTY FILE

TAKE A PEEK IN OUR COSMETICS BAG AS WE REVEAL OUR BEAUTY FAVOURITES Tried & Tested... Our pick of the best beauty products around this month

URBAN DECAY

NAKED SKIN ULTRA DEFINITION POWDER FOUNDATION, £26 Urban Decay’s new spring collection includes a light-diffusing foundation that can be applied either wet or dry – the wet finish perfects skin, while the dry application gives a lighter, more matte effect. The doublesided sponge allows you to apply either effectively.

Available from www.urbandecay.co.uk

CATWALK BY TIGI

FASHIONISTA VIOLET SHAMPOO 300ML, £12.95 Blondes can give their hair that ‘just highlighted’ look with TIGI’s newest combination of shampoo, conditioner and protective mask.

Banishing brassy tones and promoting natural looking shades, this violet hued formula is ideal for natural or dyed fair ladies.

Available from www.catwalkbytigi.com

BALANCE ME

SUPER TONING BODY POLISH 150ML, £18 This creamy new polish contains walnut spheres to slough away dead skin cells and promote regeneration.

It also features juniper, geranium, lavender and bergamot essential oils, plus nutritious meadow foam, rice bran and sweet almond oils.

Available from www.balanceme.co.uk

BENEFIT

ROLLER LASH £19.50 Launching this month is a new mascara that has a patent-pending Hook ‘n’ Roll brush, designed to lift, separate and curl lashes. It also has a curve-setting formula that holds for 12 hours, as well as Provitamin B5 and Serin for lash conditioning. Available from www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk

DELILAH

COLOUR INTENSE EYE SHADOW £20 This new luxury makeup brand has created a striking range of shadows in 12 hues, all available in a matt or shimmer finish. Licorice is particularly good for statement smoky eyes and the durable formula blends well for a sultry look.

Available from www.delilahcosmetics.com

TRILOGY

CERTIFIED ORGANIC ROSEHIP OIL 20ML, £28.50 This 100% natural product contains 80% essential fatty acids and clinical studies have shown that the oil reduces the appearance of wrinkles by 23%.

It is also claimed that the formula diminishes scars and stretch marks and improves skin moisture by about 40%.

Available from www.trilogyproducts.com

AGE DEFY+

TINTED DD MOISTURISER SPF15 30ML, £34.95 Available in two tones, light and medium, this organic tinted formula doesn’t require colour matching.

A good base for makeup, this moisturiser minimises the appearance of pores without blocking them, using stem cell technology from the sea fennel plant.

Available from www.greenpeople.co.uk

cRABTREE & EVELYN

PEAR & PINK MAGNOLIA COLLECTION, £6 TO £35 Until March 16 you can support Breast Cancer Care by buying selected products from this range. A £1 donation will be made for each sale – products include the Fragrance Gift Set (£25), Luxury Gift Set (£35), Eau de Toilette (£20/£35) and Body Lotion (£16).

Available from www.crabtree-evelyn.co.uk

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ADVERTORIAL

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LOOK YOUNGER FOR LONGER As we get older, our skin becomes prone to wrinkles, lines and ‘crow’s feet’. Fortunately, with the help of a number of non-invasive procedures available at Nuffield Health in Tunbridge Wells, you’ll be well on your way to retaining that youthful glow for years to come

AS AESTHETIC MEDICINE

treat prominent muscle banding on

becomes more popular, there has

the neck (‘turkey neck’).

Any injection procedures should come with good

been an increase in demand for

When lines on the face are deep,

injectables. These non-invasive

dermal fillers are more appropriate.

potential side effects. Localised

procedures are particularly

As the name suggests, they work by

swelling, redness and bruising can

attractive, as they have minimal

filling in deeper wrinkles from within

happen from time to time and

downtime, are relatively safe and

or underneath the skin, thereby

mostly settle within a few days.

Miss Pei Pei Cheang

achieve high patient satisfaction.

smoothing out the overlying skin.

However, filler injections can also

Consultant Cosmetic

Broadly speaking, injectables are

Filling in frown lines and the deep

occasionally result in granuloma

Surgeon

divided into neurotoxins and

lines that run from the nose to the

formation, skin necrosis and

dermal fillers.

mouth is very effective with fillers.

ulcerations. If side effects are

When we age, our lips can become

recognised early, prompt therapy

toxins) serve to reduce the

thinner, there is less show on the red

can be initiated. It is therefore

movement of specific facial

lip and a common complaint is the

important that the injection is

muscles, thereby minimising the

difficulty of applying lipsticks. Fillers

carried out by a skilled,

lines on the face associated with

can be used to increase the lip

experienced, medically qualified

facial expression. It is effective for

volume in these cases. Subtlety is the

professional, both to minimise

eliminating frown lines, forehead

key here, to avoid the ‘trout pout’

the occurrence of side effects

lines and ‘crow’s feet’. The more

phenomena. In specialised cases,

and to be able to deal with

Nuffield Health

experienced practitioners will also

fillers can also be used in shaping and

these, should they occur.

Kingswood Road,

be able to offer extended use of

contouring, as in the nose or the

For further information

Tunbridge Wells,

neurotoxins – treating fine lip lines,

cheek. Temporary fillers such as

or to arrange a free 15-minute

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from corner of mouth), or pebbling

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wellshospital

Neurotoxins (i.e. Botulinum

explanation and discussion of

MARCH 2015

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THE LOOK

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EXPERT OPINION PROFESSIONAL ADVICE ON YOUR HEALTH

MELTING AWAY PAIN

Mr David Rose, Consultant Shoulder Surgeon at the Spire Tunbridge Wells Hospital, answers common questions about the condition ‘frozen shoulder’

WHAT IS ‘FROZEN SHOULDER’?

of the shoulder are seen – pain is less severe

WHAT TREATMENTS CAN BE OFFERED?

‘Frozen shoulder’ is a painful, often debilitating

during this phase as the joint is less inflamed.

The mainstay of treatment is supportive and non-surgical, involving a combination of

condition that typically occurs in the middle aged and more often in women than in men.

The lining (capsule) of the shoulder

CAN I EXPECT A FULL RECOVERY?

anti-inflammatory medications, physiotherapy and steroid injections. Steroid injections are

joint becomes first inflamed, then

Up until quite recently the school of

typically only useful in the first six months

scarred, which restricts movement.

thought was that all patients would

of the process, when the joint is most likely

The process usually has no obvious

achieve full recovery with no

to be inflamed. Physiotherapy is generally

cause and comes on out of the blue

long-term functional problems after

focused on exercises to improve the

(primary frozen shoulder). However, it can be secondary to surgery or trauma to

a ‘frozen shoulder’. Several recent studies have shown, however, that a

movement of the shoulder, as well as to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder

the shoulder, or to general medical problems

significant proportion of those suffering the

such as diabetes or thyroid disorders (secondary

condition will have ongoing stiffness and pain in

frozen shoulder).

their shoulder, long after the process would be

WHAT IF NON-SURGICAL TREATMENTS

predicted to have run its course.

DO NOT WORK?

There are classically three phases to the condition, which in total can last anything from

and stabilise the shoulder blade.

A proportion of patients will have ongoing

one to three years from the onset of the first

DO I NEED TO SEE A DOCTOR?

symptoms that have not been satisfactorily

symptoms. The first, or ‘freezing’, stage is

Getting advice from a medical professional,

managed with supportive treatments. For these

characterised by pain, often severe and

ideally one who specialises in musculo-

patients surgery may be offered. Modern surgical

commonly at night, and corresponds to the

skeletal problems, is highly recommended

developments mean that the thickened, inflamed

time when the lining of the joint is at its most

since it is important to rule out other

capsule within the shoulder can be cut under

inflamed. The second, ‘frozen’, stage occurs

conditions that can often be mistaken for a

direct vision via a keyhole or arthroscopic

when scar tissue begins to form within the

‘frozen shoulder’, such as tendon (rotator

approach, which generally provides rapid and

shoulder, which results in both stiffness and

cuff) tears or even arthritis.

permanent relief of symptoms.

pain, with difficulty in performing usual

An X-ray of the shoulder will rule out arthritis.

activities with the affected arm. The third,

Further, more detailed imaging such as

Mr Rose holds regular clinics at the

‘thawing’, phase is usually the longest and

ultrasound or MRI scans will show if there

Spire Tunbridge Wells Hospital. To find

corresponds to the time when the body is

has been a soft tissue injury, such as a rotator

out more information or to book an

gradually reabsorbing scar tissue and slow,

cuff tear. The investigations you require will

appointment, contact the Private Patient

gradual improvements in range of movement

generally be determined by your doctor.

Adviser on 01892 741 150.

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SOCIAL READ ALL ABOUT IT… More than 100 of the great and the good gathered at the Hotel du Vin in Tunbridge Wells last month to celebrate the launch of the Times of Tunbridge Wells newspaper. Editorial Director Richard Moore told them that the quality tabloid, published by One Media, will “provide a unique, new media platform for readers and advertisers”. Starting March 4, the free newspaper will be available every Wednesday from 6am at railway stations, newsagents, supermarkets and shops within a 10-mile radius of the town centre. Teams of hawkers will also hand out the 64-page paper that will have a print run of 30,000. “Our intention is to focus on a very tight area and to saturate that area with copies of a newspaper that has serious local content reflecting the business and culture of the town,”explained Richard Moore. One Media also publishes So magazines..

Photos: Sam Yardley and Phil Glover

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EVENT

SO

Editorial Director Richard Moore leads a toast to the new publication

Head of Sales, Joe De Kwant Stoner

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EVENT

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SOCIAL FRIGHT NIGHT The audience were on the edge of their seats when Bethany School in Goudhurst put on a spooktacular performance of Sweeney Todd.

The sold-out show saw students from all school years take to the stage to perform the musical adaption of the tale, which tells the story of the demon barber from Fleet Street.

“The event was supported by the school with pupils, staff, parents and Governors coming along to see the talent on stage,” says Sarah Boyle, Head of Drama. “Next year’s show will be looking to celebrate the school’s 150th anniversary, so watch this space!”

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EVENT

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SOCIAL SCOTTISH CELEBRATIONS An evening of food and fundraising was held at the London Beach Hotel in Tenterden, when the Mayor of Ashford Cllr John Link (pictured right) threw a Burns’ Night bash. Tartan-clad guests attended, with Mayors from across the county making an appearance to celebrate the festivities. Before the group sat down to a three-course meal, the host Mayor and Mayoress made their entrance by being piped in by bagpipes. After the guests tucked into a traditional Scottish dinner of haggis and whiskey, the evening ended with a raffle to raise money for the chosen charities - Pilgrims Hospices and HI Kent.

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EVENT

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photo shoot A monthly roundup of socials and other events across our part of the world

CLUB CELEBRATION Charity fundraisers the Paddock Wood and Lions District Club recognised the work of those who regularly help them by throwing an anniversary dinner and dance at Dale Hill Hotel and Golf Club.

Close to 100 people attended, including the Mayor of Tunbridge Wells Julian Stanyer and his wife Anne, along with the Lions President Christine Small and her husband Eric (pictured). Guests enjoyed a three-course dinner and after the meal there were speeches commending the charity’s work.

LET’S GET QUIZZICAL Over £1,600 was raised for charity Hospices of Hope when a quiz night was held at Woods restaurant in Tunbridge Wells. More than 100 locals took on the challenge, answering questions on everything from showbiz to sport in a bid to beat their rivals, before enjoying a meal. “Thank you to everyone who came and for their support to the charity,” says a representative for Hospices of Hope. “The event was a great success and we have heard some brilliant feedback from those who attended.”

SILENT PARTY A Champagne reception was held to celebrate the launch of the South East’s first silent MRI Scanner at the Spire Tunbridge Wells Hospital. Local GPs and Consultants were welcomed by Hospital Director, Mr Adrian Connolly and Dr Charles Wetton, Lead Consultant for Radiology before being given the opportunity to use the Silent MR Booth. “With less noise, patients are more relaxed and they will find it easier to lie still,” says Dr Charles Wetton. A regular MRI scanner emits 110 decibels of noise, which is equivalent to a jackhammer. www.spiretunbridgewells.com

GATSBY GATHERING A night of retro music and fundraising was held at St Julians Club, Sevenoaks, when Kent singing group the Vintage Cats performed for a charity Great Gatsby themed evening. The event, organised by Marcel Mendez Music, saw the venue transformed into a speakeasy, while the group took to the stage and performed their biggest hits. Many of the audience danced the night away to the girls’ retro sound and after, a DJ set. A significant amount of money was raised on the night for Limbpower, a charity that supports those who have lost a limb.

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LIFE

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SPRING CLEAN YOUR LIFE You don’t need to turn your house upside down to enjoy a new start this season.

Now is the time to embrace the spirit of spring by giving your lifestyle a makeover

T

he start of a new year isn’t the only chance to take a good look at your life and make positive changes. Obviously, you can do this at any time, but with March comes the onset of spring and a general theme of new beginnings. From the flower bulbs pushing their heads up through the earth, to the song of birds returned from their winter exile in warmer climes, the arrival of the spring season

brings with it the promise of a fresh start.

Traditionally, this has always been the time when people clean away the soot and smut of winter and declutter their houses, ready for the new season. But even if you baulk at the thought of wiping down skirting boards, washing curtains or clearing out the loft, why not take a look at the other, less mundane elements of your world and see how you could improve your health, happiness and outlook? In short, forget the house – why not spring clean your life?

Spring is by far the most sensible time to make changes to your lifestyle.

With the clocks going forward at the end of this month, we can look forward to longer, lighter evenings and this will naturally make you feel more inclined to hit the gym after work or join an evening class, compared with the cold, dark nights of January.

But getting fit isn’t the only way to give yourself a new lease of life. Even if you’re in brilliant shape, there are probably other areas of your life that could do with a little freshening up. Whether you want to revitalise your career, perk up your love life or explore a new interest, there are myriad ways in which to clear out the dross and give your world a clean sweep this spring.

Often, you can achieve just as much by stopping an old habit as you can by taking up a new one – it’s easy to be unaware of how your own attitudes might be holding you back in life. So, metaphorical duster in hand, let’s explore some inspiring ideas for cutting out negative trends and putting a spring in your step this season...

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LIFE

SPRING CLEAN YOUR HEALTH So, this year you were determined to lose weight, but the Marine-style exercise regime and 500-calories-per-day diet didn’t last beyond Burns’ Night – so far, so predictable. Does that mean you should beat yourself up over your failure and write 2015 off as another ‘fat year’? No, it certainly does not – forget about what’s happened so far and start afresh, today. Longer, lighter days offer up more hours when you can enjoy getting out and about, but don’t just go back to the way you’ve always tried – and failed – to get fit. Now is the time to take a fresh look at your fitness plans and ditch the habits that have not worked for you in the past.

SWEEP OUT...

UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS

running machine? Find a dance class or a

anyway, so chuck them away and instead

fun outdoor activity that burns calories in

treat yourself to new clothes that fit

a way that you enjoy and you’ll be much

perfectly every time you reach a landmark

Making serious changes to your body

more likely to keep it up.

weight loss goal. Then you’ll always feel fabulous and positive, rather than not quite

takes effort and there’s no escaping the

the fat. But that doesn’t mean you can’t

SWEEP OUT...

THE ‘I’LL SLIM INTO IT’ CLOTHES

build up your stamina slowly and on your

Spring is a good time to clear out your

own terms. Rather than throwing yourself

wardrobe and that’s a great excuse to rid

SWEEP OUT...

WEIGHT LOSS GOALS BASED ON SPECIAL OCCASIONS

into an intensive workout plan that your

yourself of the too-tight jeans and the dress

Who hasn’t said at some point, “I want to

body is not yet able to cope with – and

that’s three sizes too small for you. It’s good

lose x-amount of weight by Christmas/our

the inevitable sense of failure that follows

to have a goal, but every time you find you

summer holiday/Sheila’s wedding”? While

– forget about the quick fix and begin at a

can’t yet fit into something, you’ll feel like

having a time-related goal may help you

low impact level, building up the intensity

you’re failing. Chances are, the too-small

focus, life sometimes gets in the way of

over time.

garments are probably out of style by now

even the best laid plans. If you haven’t quite

fact that you will need to push out of your comfort zone, if you wish to really blitz

good enough.

hit your target by the big day, you’ll be

SWEEP OUT...

FITNESS ACTIVITIES THAT YOU DON’T ENJOY

feeling down about your shortcomings,

Exercise is tough but it doesn’t have to

weekly goal – 1lb or 2lb is usual – and

be torture. Find out what your

congratulate yourself on your sustainable

friends and colleagues do to

consistency at each weigh-in.

instead of feeling happy about how much weight you have lost. So, set a realistic

keep fit; you might come across some unexpected and intriguing hobbies.

Consider asking a professional for advice; if you’ve never joined a gym or hired a personal trainer, it might be time to find out whether some expert guidance could make all the difference. Hate the

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LIFE

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SPRING CLEAN YOUR RELATIONSHIPS Making a small change to the way you relate to people, or even deciding whether someone should remain in your life at all, could make a world of difference to your wellbeing.

SWEEP OUT...

THE OLD ROUTINE

to communicate with your youngsters?

Teenagers are notoriously hard to please,

SWEEP OUT...

FALSE FRIENDS

It’s not unusual for even the happiest

but that doesn’t mean that you have to

We can’t like everyone we meet and there’ll

relationships to fall into something of a rut

accept strained silence as an inevitable part

always be some acquaintances that we could

over time and you’d be surprised how

of growing up. It’s easy to pin the blame

live without. But if you’re finding yourself

refreshing a little change of routine can be. A

on raging hormones, but are you really

often in the company of someone who

date night once a week or month is the ideal

making the best of your leisure time

consistently leaves you feeling angry, hurt or

way to revive romance, but if that’s

together? If you tend to follow a routine

humiliated, it could be time to think about

logistically or financially unviable, even

at weekends, ask yourself whether doing

having a friendship clear-out. That might

turning off the TV one night a week to chat

the same old things that they find boring

sound harsh, but the cumulative effects of

will provide a chance to reconnect as friends

is really opening up chances for you to

being around a person who has a negative

and lovers, not just parents, breadwinners,

connect. Try finding out what your child

influence on you can be surprisingly stressful.

carers etc. A little unexpected gift – even a

might like to do instead and keep an open

Do you regularly spend time with a ‘friend’

handmade one – will let your partner know

mind. Showing that you’re open to their

who criticises you, expresses opinions that

that you still care and are still thinking of

ideas could give them a new perspective

you find abhorrent or whose company bores

ways to delight them. A surprise weekend

on you as a fun person, not just a taxi

you? It might sound simple, but just stop

away will delight them even more!

service or housekeeper.

issuing and accepting invitations – you may be surprised at how quickly they take the hint

SWEEP OUT...

BAD DATES

and move harmlessly on.

Those of us who are looking for love can often be guilty of wearing rose-tinted

SWEEP OUT...

REPRESSED FEELINGS

spectacles, even if our new paramour’s flaws

When you have an issue with someone who

are obvious. No one’s perfect, but the key is

cannot be sidelined so easily, such as a

to find someone who is perfect for you – in

relative or an integral member of your social

short, they should have the qualities that you

group, the impact can be much more serious.

want and the faults that you can live with. If

It’s important not to overreact to petty

you’ve spent years convincing yourself that

irritations, but when the discord between you

you love a bad boy or a femme fatale and

boils over into severe distress, it’s time to

that you don’t mind their wandering eyes,

take a new broom to the situation.

when actually it breaks your heart every time

Often, you may find they don’t even realise

they flirt with someone else, now is the time

that they’re upsetting you and a simple, calm

to stop. Lying to yourself will do you no

chat could bring about a resolution

favours in the long run.

surprisingly quickly. Success is not guaranteed and it might seem easier to just

SWEEP OUT...

TEENAGE TENSIONS

not say anything, but if you’re spending time

Adolescence has always played havoc with

to sweep the problem out of your life.

worrying about it, then you should at least try

child-parent relationships – are you struggling

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LIFE

SPRING CLEAN YOUR HOME Okay, so we promised we weren’t going to talk about actual spring cleaning, but whoever coined the phrase ‘a tidy house is a tidy mind’ might have had something. While you might not want to spend hours each week keeping the place in order, coming home to absolute chaos probably brings your spirits down in ways that you don’t even realise.

Taking a fresh look at your living space and tackling those long-ignored problem areas could lead to all sorts of surprise benefits, while allowing you to open the front door with a smile rather than a groan.

SWEEP OUT... THE UNUSABLE SPARE ROOM

your creative ambitions or a space in which to

resentments and damaged family

create a home gym – all at once the attic

relationships. Disconcertingly, a study in 2012

It might be the guest bedroom, it might be

room offers that potential. Now that the shed

revealed that couples who shared the

the loft or the utility room – somewhere in

has been emptied of junk, you’ve got

housework equally were more likely to

your house there will be a place where clutter

somewhere to work out of the elements and

divorce than those who had a rather more

accumulates. It’s a handy spot for dumping

can start taking an interest in the garden

old-fashioned view. But it’s still hard to find a

stuff that you’ll “sort out later” – only later

again. Suddenly got a functioning spare

person who would claim to love doing 99%

never comes and before you know it, one

room? If your social life has been flagging

of the housekeeping chores, while the rest of

area of your home is not fit for purpose.

because family and friends live a long way

the family put their feet up.

Spending a weekend having a thorough

away, now you have the means to get the

sort-out might seem arduous, but the new

party started once again.

hands – remember you can even rope the

space that is suddenly available to you will be

children into doing safe and appropriate tasks.

inspiration for other areas of your life. Maybe

SWEEP OUT... THE UNFAIR DIVISION OF LABOUR

you’ve always longed for a studio to pursue

In a well-run and fairly maintained household,

would make the process fun for them and

everyone will have roughly the same amount

start to build a work ethic. Many people who

of chores. However, in real life most people

feel overworked at home find that even

will know this not to be the case. It’s

having the smallest jobs taken off their hands

frequently true that one member of the

can make a huge difference to their day, so

family (unfortunately, in many households

don’t be afraid to delegate. After all, they all

this is Mum, even if she works full-time)

live under the same roof as you! And if you’re

tends to be lumbered with the lion’s share of

the guilty party when it comes to laziness,

the cleaning, tidying, cooking and grocery

stop sweeping your responsibility under the

shopping, which can lead to serious

carpet for the sake of your loved ones.

a revelation and might even provide

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A cleaning rota will make your expectations clear and puts the responsibility into others’

Introducing some sort of reward system

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SPRING CLEAN YOUR CAREER When you hate your job and are bothered by unfulfilled ambitions, it’s never too late to consider making major changes to your career path. But when the job is fine in itself, yet you’re feeling unhappy in your work/life balance, you might find that even small steps could improve your outlook and prospects.

SWEEP OUT...

UNHEALTHY COMPETITION

their faults and foibles might make for

feel overworked will mark you

entertaining conversation, but spreading

out as weak or lazy, but putting

Working with strong colleagues can only be

rumours or giving a negative impression of

up with an unrealistic workload

a good thing – they make the team work

someone’s performance could have far-

will only wear you out and make

better and will encourage you to up your

reaching consequences for the unfortunate

you resentful. Calmly and clearly,

game. But if you find yourself dwelling on

subject. Plus, the colleagues who can’t wait

make the case for extra staffing,

John’s promotion or wondering if Brenda is

to share juicy stories about other people with

or inquire as to whether some flexible

earning more than you, it’s time to stop

you are probably just as willing to spread

working would solve the problem.

worrying about everyone else’s

your secrets behind your back, which hardly

Employers are increasingly open to

performance and bring the focus back onto

makes them trustworthy friends.

home working and flexible hours these days, offering immeasurable

yourself. Is there a way you could improve

benefits for employees and often helping

earn you similar recognition? Try asking the

SWEEP OUT...

OVER-WORKING AND FATIGUE

boss or, better still, swallow your pride and

You might fear that telling your boss you

boss having to take on more staff.

your skills or learn new ones that would

to solve workload issues without the

ask John or Brenda. Workplace jealousy is nothing but destructive – if you have a genuine grievance with someone’s behaviour, there will be a formal complaints procedure for you to follow. If you don’t, then you need to forget resentments and concentrate on being the best colleague possible. Any boss worth their salt will recognise that and reward you; if they don’t, it might be time to move on. So what if Gloria was invited to the boss’s house for dinner? You can congratulate yourself on not having to indulge in social climbing in order to get ahead!

SWEEP OUT...

GOSSIP SESSIONS Having a good natter over the water cooler might be one of the few respites in a dull day at the office, but does gossiping about your co-workers really make you feel good about yourself? There may be some characters in the workplace who seem determined to draw attention to themselves, but most people will simply be trying to earn a crust and do a good job – just like you. Discussing

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LIFE

SPRING CLEAN YOUR INTERESTS Fed up with an old hobby or just wishing you had time for leisure at all? Don’t waste any more energy – get rid of the old habits that are preventing you from exploring your potential and enriching your life with new fascinations.

SWEEP OUT...

THE EXCUSES

a few pages or scribble in a notebook.

an unshakeable habit. But do you still enjoy

Alternatively, work on intelligent ways to

it or do you just go to make up the

Many of us claim that we would love to take up

rearrange your day so that you can bring those

numbers? Does bingo on a Friday night still

a new hobby but simply don’t have time to give

five-minute intervals together to form an hour

give you the same thrill, or would you like to

our attention to a good book, attend an evening

– whether you want to disappear into a novel,

give it up and go to Tango classes instead?

class or indulge in some arts and crafts. Is that

take up a language course, get fit or even do

If an old interest has run its course or no

really true? During one day this week, pay close

extra jobs around the house, you’ve probably

longer gives you the same enjoyment it

attention to how you actually spend your time

got more spare time capacity than you realise.

once did, it’s time to be ruthless and have a

and make a mental note of every occasion at

If you long to be more widely read, remember

cull of excess entertainments. Continuing to

which you are at a loose end – this could be an

that audiobooks can be listened to at any time,

limply pursue a spent passion at the

hour, or it could be 10 minutes. (Include times

even if you’re driving, working or scrubbing the

expense of opportunities to try new ones is

when you’re not really engaged with what

bathroom, so you can have the best of

a shame, so don’t let old loyalties hold you

you’re doing – this could be watching

both worlds.

back. It might be hard to tell the cricket team that you’re handing in your bat so you

something dull on TV, playing games on your

can take up trampolining instead, but real

around waiting for the dinner to cook.) You’re

SWEEP OUT...

TIME WASTERS

bound to be surprised at how many little breaks

So, you’ve been playing darts every Tuesday

knows, your teammates might jump at the

you have during your day, when you could read

night for the last 10 years and it’s become

chance to join you.

phone, browsing social media or standing

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friends won’t stand in your way – and who

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LIFE & STYLE

We take a look at ways to enhance your home and lifestyle this month

PORT LYMPNE RESERVE Port Lympne Reserve, near Ashford, offers Kent’s authentic safari experience and is close to becoming Europe’s first wild animal focused holiday destination. Visitors can jump onboard a safari truck to be transported to The African Experience – 100 acres of Kentish savannah, alive with African animals, including Rothschild giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, ostrich and eland. For those wishing to extend their stay, Port Lympne Reserve is the only attraction in the UK offering a variety of short break accommodations, including luxury glamping at multi award winning Livingstone Lodge, longer stays at Elephant Lodge and year round relaxation at Livingstone Cottage and the boutique Port Lympne Hotel. In 2015, Pinewood Camping Pods and the Treehouse Hotel, the height of extravagance offering the ultimate treetop retreat, will be added to the reserve’s extensive accommodation portfolio.

Lympne, near Hythe, Kent CT21 4PD

0844 842 4647

www.aspinallfoundation.org

BLOOMING GREEN Blooming Green invites brides to be to swap their ‘to do’ lists for precious time with friends and family picking seasonal wedding flowers from the florist’s acre plot in the heart of Kent. Brides, plus friends and family, are invited to grab buckets and a pair of secateurs and ‘lose themselves’ amongst the foliage – filling their buckets as full as they like with fresh flowers and foliage.

As well as picking their own church and reception flowers, brides can order other items, such as bouquets, buttonholes and corsages, via Blooming Green’s website.

Loddington Farm, Linton, near Maidstone, Kent ME17 4AG 01622 298 676 www.bloominggreenflowers.co.uk

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SO ALEXANDRE BOYES “At Alexandre Boyes we have spent the last few months re-structuring our block management team, having listened to feedback on areas of service that would benefit from improvement and also positioning ourselves with a strong team with a breadth of skills to look after our clients, both old and new, moving into 2015 and beyond,” says Kate Boyes, MRICS. “I am very pleased to confirm that we now have a block management team of nine, consisting of two property managers and two service charge bookkeepers, in addition to our in-house chartered accountant, a surveyor, a landscape manager and an assistant. “The team will be moving into new block management offices at 43 Mount Ephraim, Tunbridge Wells, with our sales and lettings teams remaining at our existing premises at 48 Mount Ephraim. The new office will benefit from a meeting room for clients to utilise for AGMs and residents meetings. “2015 has also seen the introduction of our inhouse property maintenance team to provide a responsive reaction to repairs and maintenance items for our Block and Lettings clients,” Kate says, “You will soon see the Alexandre Boyes property vans in Tunbridge Wells.

Please read more about the new members of the team below and do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.”

01892 525 522 kate@alexandre-boyes.co.uk www.alexandre-boyes.co.uk

COUNTRY WAYS OAK FURNITURE We are specialist oak furniture makers and designers, offering handmade oak tables and hand crafted solid oak furniture for discerning clients.

We pride ourselves on the quality of our workmanship and our unparalleled personal service. Our customers’ complete satisfaction is our highest priority at Country Ways Oak, where our philosophy is simple: quality without compromise. Our highly skilled craftsmen strive to create bespoke furniture of charm and character – furniture that will stand the test of time. Tomorrow’s antiques, perhaps! Visit our workshop and showrooms situated in the tranquil Sussex Weald in heart of the English countryside.

Little Swailes Green Farm, Battle Road, Cripps Corner, East Sussex TN32 5QU

01580 830 077

www.countrywaysoak.co.uk

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ADVERTORIAL

IS THE COMPANY YOU WORK FOR THE RIGHT ONE FOR YOU?

Town and Country Housing in Tunbridge Wells have a strong commitment to providing good quality housing and excellent customer service.

We hear about their recent success in the Sunday Times 100 Best Companies list and discover why they continue to stand out from the crowd

LOOKING FOR A new job can be a daunting task. You see a job advertisement, read the brief and apply for the position, but how much do you know about the company? You may have been offered your dream job, only to find out that the company you are working for doesn’t fit with your personal aspirations and vision for your future career.

Finding the right job is just a part of the recruitment process, which is why Town and Country Housing are celebrating after being named as one of

accredited with the Institute of Customer

the Sunday Times Top 100 not-for-profit

Service (ICS) ServiceMark, and over the last

companies to work for, after receiving a

year staff have been working on a journey to

two-star accreditation with Best Companies.

customer excellence in both the Tunbridge

Being a Sunday Times Top 100 company is a huge achievement for any organisation and shows

Town and Country Housing has excellent career

a commitment to creating a place where people

opportunities and in the last year has taken on three

choose and love to work. The rankings and awards

apprentices, a number of trainees and a graduate,

are based entirely on employee feedback on areas

who are all progressing through the ranks.

including: wellbeing, personal growth, leadership,

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Wells and East Kent offices.

For more information about working

team work, pay and conditions. Town and Country

with Town and Country Housing, visit

Housing were the first housing association

www.tchg.org.uk or call on 01892 501 480.

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ADVERTORIAL

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“SUPPORTING OLDER PEOPLE NEEDS PATIENCE AND TIME. IT’S OFTEN ABOUT REASSURING AND DEVELOPING TRUST” who have an aptitude for care,” says Richard.

“We deliver more than that. We also become an advocate for our clients, making sure the NHS works for them; from arranging District Nurse visits or following up on missing medication, to calling out GP visits when required.

“Supporting older people needs patience and time. It’s often about reassuring and developing trust. Clients do not want to lose their independence and sometimes families feel that

RELIABLE, COMPASSIONATE HOME SUPPORT FOR ELDERLY RELATIVES Local care company TerraBlu specialises in providing expert, reliable, sensitively tailored homecare to older people living in their own homes in Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells. Managing Director Richard Gould explains how

dealing with an older relative has become very difficult. We are used to these situations and will agree a step by step approach to getting things back on an even keel.”

Recognising that supporting relatives in their own home often involves a multitude of tasks, from gardening to fixing a TV or telephone, TerraBlu has established a concierge service for older people. TerraBlu will commission the right handyman or service, pay them direct and settle with the client on an itemised invoice.

Approved tradesmen are used, with no cash

OUR GENERATION AND its lifestyle is so very different from that of our parents and our

that’s where TerraBlu Homecare can help.

TerraBlu is an award winning independent care

changing hands. This is particularly suited to support clients with dementia, or who are unused to such tasks.

grandparents. Even if we still live locally to our

agency, based in central Tunbridge Wells,

parents, or have returned to be near them, we

helping people to stay living safely in their own

live such busy lives that we can often feel

homes. TerraBlu takes care of the day to day,

scalable solutions to help people continue to

squeezed between the competing needs of our

helping clients maintain their quality of life and

live comfortably in their own home.

children and our parents. TerraBlu assists by

allowing family members to enjoy each other’s

For more information or to register for an

offering highly trained, friendly ‘at home’ care

company again.

invitation to a forthcoming free seminar on

and support for older people.

The group manages all aspects of personal

TerraBlu offers a range of cost effective,

Care at Home options, call 01892 529 429,

Continuing to live in your own home is the

care, from help with getting up in the morning,

email info@terrablu.co.uk

best solution for many, even when managing

bathing or showering, to a pop in call to prompt

or visit www.terrablu.co.uk

to do so becomes more difficult. Familiar

someone to take medication. Alternatively, it

surroundings, neighbours and memories all

could just be a chat, preparing meals, shopping,

contribute to a feeling of wellbeing and

trips to the doctor, days out or getting ready for

ultimately our quality of life. But sometimes,

bed in the evening.

with failing health or energy, some tasks of living at home can become a burden, and

“When you pay for support at home, you should expect a reliable service, with good staff

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FOLLOW THE TRAIL Of course, the best thing about Easter is chocolate and no holiday would be complete without an Easter egg trail. Lots of family attractions organise trails for visitors to enjoy, with tasty treats on offer for the victorious entrants. It’s a great way to spend time in the fresh air, in the grounds of some beautiful venue, so why not take the family out for the day and see if they can solve the clues?

Alternatively, you could lay out your own trail in your garden (or indoors if the weather is poor) and create fun personalised clues for your children.

COOK UP A STORM There’s no reason to settle for shop-bought Easter eggs when you could fire your children’s imaginations by getting them to make their own. Egg moulds can be bought in kitchenware shops and then the world is their Easter egg – why not challenge them to create the most brightly decorated or outrageously colourful egg they can? Think about unusual fillings and remember, everyone can choose their favourite brand of chocolate and flavourings to make an egg to remember.

But don’t stop there – set your children to work making bunting, napkins and table decorations so that you can host an Easter tea party for family and friends. Along with the chocolate eggs, you could knock up sandwiches, cakes, sweets and savoury treats; the youngsters will love serving up their own homemade goodies.

SPRING INTO THE GARDEN When spring arrives, there is so much to see in the garden that it’s an ideal time to introduce your children to the great outdoors. From

HOW TO HAVE A CRACKING EASTER

Spring is nearly here and with Easter just around the corner, we can all look forward to fun family adventures during the school holidays

planting seeds to watching the progress of pretty indoor bulbs, such as hyacinths, your little ones are sure to enjoy seeing nature in action. Whether you have a large garden where they can have their own small plot, or just a window box with space for a handful of plants, they could nurture their own flowers, herbs and vegetables. Get them to keep a photographic

The Easter holidays mark the first break of the

have you explored all the wonderful days out

diary of the growth and then, if their wares are

year when families can really get out and about to

that are right here on your doorstep? The

edible, serve up them up in a grand dinner once

enjoy the Kent and East Sussex countryside. Even

Easter holidays are a perfect time to discover

the fruits of their labour are ripe.

if the weather fails to live up to the occasion, there

castles, theme parks, wildlife centres, country

are plenty of ways to make the most of your free

trails – anywhere that provides entertainment,

ON YOUR BIKE

time together, whatever your budget.

and even a little education, for all the family.

Celebrate the end of winter by getting out into

Many attractions will be putting on special

the fresh air and encouraging your children to

PLAY THE TOURIST

events during the school holidays, from

be active – a habit they’ll hopefully take forward

Our beautiful corner of the world attracts

historical re-enactments to craft workshops,

into the rest of the year. You could blow away

thousands of visitors every year and with good

making it a great time to explore what’s on

the cobwebs with a family bike ride – bicycles

reason – boasting fascinating historic buildings,

offer and engage your children with the

can be hired for the day if you don’t already

fun-filled family attractions and stunning

Weald’s heritage. Keep your eyes open for

have them – or have a go at a new sporting

landscapes, the Weald offers everything you

discount offers and family tickets to make your

activity as a group. You might ignite a lifelong

could want from a UK holiday destination. But

money go further.

passion in your youngsters!

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T R AV E L

WELCOME TO LOVE ISLAND

Whether you’re planning your honeymoon or simply looking for a little romance, Maafushivaru in the Maldives is a dreamy retreat, as Sam Wylie-Harris discovers

G

Maafushivaru is an all-inclusive resort with à la carte dining options, 48 villas and a ‘No shoes, no news’ tagline. Activities can include a Sunset Cruise to see dolphins, or snorkelling excursions where you can come face to face with turtles, whale sharks and manta rays.

What marks Maafushivaru out from

ingerly I take the hand of the cabin

to a wooden walkway. Perched above the

other resorts is its smaller, neighbouring,

crew member helping me down the

reef, it’s the gateway to our romantic

uninhabited island of Lonubo. Guests can

steps of the twin-engine sea plane

island escape.

take advantage of a complimentary trip to

to a small pontoon surrounded by

I’d chosen a water villa over a beach

the idyllic getaway, where they can spend

calm turquoise water. The glistening white

bungalow as I loved the idea of staying in a

a couple of hours swimming and

sands and lush vegetation of a small island

bedroom on stilts and stepping down to

sunbathing with a picnic (at extra cost). But

are finally within my reach.

swim straight into the sea, with the added

my husband and I decide to splash out the

privacy of a sunbathing terrace not

extra $1,000 for a Robinson Crusoe-chic

Malé, my husband and I have arrived at our

overlooked by other guests passing by.

overnight stay.

romantic hideaway.

However, the debate during our welcome

After a 20-minute scenic flight from

Our adventure begins late afternoon

cocktail is whether to opt for a ‘sunrise’ villa

when the dhoni boat drops us off on

(‘maaf’ means flower and ‘fushi’ island) is

or ‘sunset’. With the throw of a dice, we

Lonubo and we stroll barefoot in the sand

on the southern tip of an ancient

choose the latter and awake to uninterrupted

to our wooden bungalow. We arrive to find

underwater volcano called the North Ari

views across the Indian Ocean.

an exterior bathroom with a rain shower,

About 93km from Malé, Maafushivaru

Atoll. It’s a giant lagoon that’s fringed by

Settling into this unique ‘one island, one

big screen TV, pink frangipani scattered on

reefs and dotted with other remote resorts

resort’ concept (there’s no island-hopping in

crisp white bed linen and a bottle of

with similar palm leaf roofs, water villas

the Maldives) we feel like we’ve joined an

sparkling wine on ice. It doesn’t take long

and ancient Indian banyan trees planted

elite club where everyone’s friendly, where

for us to head to the dead calm sea, which

among the coconut trees for shade.

the staff greet you with a genuine smile

is 30 degrees.

A dhoni wooden boat gently glides into

and where you can simply relax or enjoy

view and an outstretched hand welcomes

some of the best diving and snorkelling

a kiss (even though no one is looking!) and

me on board for the briefest of crossings

sites in the south of the Ari Atoll.

burrow our toes into the sand. As darkness

PA PHOTO/UNIVERSAL RESORTS

Waist deep with glasses in hand, we steal

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T R AV E L

falls we lounge on the beach bed, play

India, and Yon-Ka face and body

on the oversized sofa swing and watch

treatments from France. The plunge pool

clusters of crabs building their evening

overlooks the sea with gentle waves

home in the sand.

lapping beneath the day beds, which are

The dhoni boat returns and a couple of members of staff busy themselves with

shielded from the sun by billowing sails.

That evening, after dinner, we sink into

FACTS AT A GLANCE Sam Wylie-Harris

setting up the barbecue for a menu of grilled

giant beanbags and watch clips from David

was a guest of Kuoni

fish and lobster, which is served by candlelight.

Attenborough’s marine life series,

(01306 747 008;

projected onto a large screen. What we’d

www.kuoni.co.uk)

another light show going on which

seen snorkelling by day was being played

who offer seven nights

captures our attention. Bioluminescent

out at night. Seduced by the flora and

all inclusive at the

plankton are performing in the sea under a

fauna of the Maldives, we toast our

4.5-star Maafushivaru

blanket of darkness. That night, alone on

good fortune at having been cast away

in a beach villa,

the island, we enjoy a peaceful night’s

at Maafushivaru.

including flights

Twenty feet from our table, there’s

sleep and awake to the sound of

On the way back to our room, I notice

with British Airways

a beautiful big white flower with petals

from Gatwick. Prices

splayed wide open. During the day, I’m

for 2015 are from

romance with a relaxing 60-minute

told, it rests, unfurling only as darkness

£2,228 per person,

couples’ massage in the newly refurbished

falls. I later discover it’s name, Queen of

based on two sharing.

spa. Set over the water, it offers a menu of

the Night, which aptly describes how I feel

body rituals from Indonesia, Thailand and

during my stay in this holiday paradise.

blackbirds frolicking in the palm trees.

Back at Maafushivaru, we continue the

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ADVERTORIAL

THIRST FOR ADVENTURE Looking for an alternative trip with a difference? Meet the Tunbridge Wells family who experienced the challenge of a lifetime with Clipper Ventures

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unbridge Wells family the Fitzsimmons were

about the race from prominent businessman and

looking for the ultimate adventure. Last year,

family friend, Sir Keith Mills, who took part in 1998.

Lizzy Fitzsimmons, a 28-year-old

Following and supporting Wendy on her adventure,

Environmental Consultant and her father, David, a

Lizzy and David were inspired to take on the

59-year-old businessman from Penshurst, took part

challenge themselves last year.

in the world’s longest ocean race.

Lizzy, now based in London, attended

An endurance test like no other, the Clipper Race is 40,000 nautical miles long, taking almost a year to

Holmewood House School and was a member of

complete, and is the only global race of its kind for

the local Brownies group at King Charles Hall.

everyday people. Divided into eight legs that include

Father David lives in Tunbridge Wells with wife

a series of individually scored races, crew can

Wendy, who took part in the biennial Clipper Round

choose to complete the full circumnavigation of one

the World Yacht Race in 2011. Wife and mother

or more of the legs, which are around five to seven

Wendy, a 60-year-old former Barrister, first heard

weeks long each if you have limited time or funds.

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ADVERTORIAL

Wendy Fitzsimmons

Lizzy Fitzsimmons

David Fitzsimmons

Southern, Pacific and North Atlantic oceans,

definitely a sense of ‘bring it!’ among the crew

visiting ports around the world, including Rio de

– we were ready. We managed to be the first

Janeiro, Cape Town, Sydney and the iconic

boat to hoist our kite across the start line and

Rolex Sydney Hobart Race, Qingdao in China

had an amazing start; a huge spectator boat

and New York, to name a few. David took part in

cheered us on with the iconic Table Mountain

three legs, crossing more than 12,000 nautical

in the background. It was an epic start to what

miles and spending three months at sea.

turned out to be an immense journey.

As we count down to the 2015-16 edition of

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I still find it hard to believe that only a few

the Clipper Race this summer, we speak to

months ago, I was battling waves the size of

daughter Lizzy about her amazing adventure.

houses, extreme cold storms, sweltering heat and becalmed waters. I also enjoyed the

HOW DID YOU PREPARE FOR

breath-taking scenery and wildlife – my boat

THE RACE?

was even bitten by a shark!

Lizzy: I completed the compulsory four levels of training in the UK, but you can also train in

WHAT WAS YOUR MOST UNIQUE

Sydney, Australia. Training was a lot of laughs,

MOMENT FROM THE RACE?

incredibly hard work and really fun. It was a

Lizzy: Celebrating Canada Day. I was on a

challenge as my only real sailing experience has

Scottish partnered boat, we had a Dutch

been very easy cruising! However, it’s amazing

skipper, listening to the Canadian national

how quickly you can become used to boat life

anthem being sung by a Brit, while peeling

and the challenges it presents. You bond so

potatoes. We sang the national anthem, played

quickly with your fellow crew, mostly over bad

Canadian charades and ate ‘Canada cake’. It

porridge, midnight sail changes and the hundreds

just goes to show the international influence of

of other things that just make you think, “Why

the race. It was definitely one of those

am I doing this?” when you’re doing them, but

moments where you sit back and think, “What

that you always laugh about later.

is going on here – this is great!”

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BEST

to become part of a very special club of

ACHIEVEMENTS AT SEA

people who share a thirst for adventure and

Lizzy: We didn’t have a great start to the race

challenge. More than 3,000 people have taken

leaving New York to race across the North

part in the Clipper Race since the first edition

Atlantic and decided to take down our

in 1996. Since the inaugural event, nine

spinnaker, as there was ice being spotted in the

residents from Tunbridge Wells have taken

water. If we hit ice, it would be devastating to

part in the challenge and there are 12

the boat, so we opted for a slower, but safer

residents from Kent taking part in the next

take on the challenge, as full training is provided

tactic. This left us in last place, about 500

edition of the race this summer.

and organisers supply a fleet of 12 identical

nautical miles behind the leader. However,

racing yachts, each with a fully qualified skipper

instead of giving up, the team pulled itself

to safely guide their non-professional crew. All

around and we came into Derry-Londonderry,

that is asked of participants is a good level of

Northern Ireland in third place after fighting

fitness, an age over 18 – and a thirst for

hard for two weeks to get those miles back.

adventure into the unknown.

Getting on the podium after all of that work

To become a Clipper Race crew member is

No previous sailing experience is necessary to

Want to represent your town while tackling the world’s oceans in the ultimate adventure?

Find out more here:

was a huge achievement for the whole team.

WEB: www.clipperround

over the world, including everyone from taxi

ANY PARTICULAR HIGHLIGHTS?

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.

drivers to chief executives, students to doctors

Lizzy: One of them for me was leaving Cape

and many more.

Town; we had a fantastic stopover with friends

Up to 40% of crew members have never sailed before they sign up and come from all

Racing against her father, Lizzy took part in six

and family flying over to visit and we knew we

legs of the eight-leg series, crossing more than

had a very tough challenge ahead of us in the

27,000 nautical miles of ocean and spending

Southern Ocean. After an emotional farewell,

eight months at sea. Lizzy took on the mighty

we all got our racing heads on and there was

theworld.com com/clipperroundtheworld TWITTER: www.twitter.com/ clipperrace YOUTUBE: www.youtube. com/user/ClipperRTW

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INTERVIEW

STEP INTO SPRING

This time of year is a delight for gardeners, as their outdoor space springs back into life.

Whether you’re green-fingered or simply long for a stunning alfresco retreat, here are some fantastic ideas for making the most of your garden throughout the coming months

TREE SURVIVE Tree Survive are a tree management company, offering a friendly and complete Arboricultural service from tree planting and tree pruning, to crown thinning and crown reductions, tree felling and stump grinding. All tree work is carried out by qualified arborists adhering to the British Standard BS3998 Arboriculture. Tree Survive are specialists in the latest climbing and rigging techniques, making their work safe and efficient. The health of the tree and the environment it lives in are of upmost importance to the team at Tree Survive, thus ensuring the correct method of pruning is always implemented.

If you want your trees cared for properly, please don’t hesitate to call us or email us for free

GARDENER & COOK

advice and a free quotation.

Available in two sizes and a variety of attractive

07984 129 383

garden shades, these decorative beehive garden

01892 514 362

stores are ideal for spaces large or small. Use to

rudi@treesurvive.com

store hand tools, pots and compost, the

www.treesurvive.com

recycling, children’s toys, pet food or welly boots – the list is endless. Made in the UK from durable, pressure treated timber the stores are finished with a low toxicity paint, safe for domestic pets and wildlife. Prices start at £110.

38 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5TN www.gardenerandcookstores.co.uk

WEALDEN COUNTRY LANDCRAFT Why not have your garden designed by Wealden Country Landcraft? The aim of our detailed design process is to provide you with a garden designed to your choice, whether traditional or modern and which should realise your garden’s full potential. Following agreement of the final design, we can also offer the full landscape process of build, plant and maintain to ensure your garden develops as planned.

Wealden Country Landcraft have been designing and creating beautiful gardens since 1998.

01892 722 699

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LEAF MATTERS Spring is just around the corner. Bulbs are beginning to poke their heads out of the ground, while trees are slowly coming out of their winter slumber, their sap rising up and outwards to provide energy to budding new leaves. Now’s the perfect time to cut back any shrubs and trees to bring more light into your garden and if you are looking to prune or plant new trees, then best to do that no later than the end of March. Contact Leafmatters, professional tree surgeons, for expert advice on all aspects of tree work.

01732 451 351

www.leafmatters.co.uk

SMALL LOADS As seen on TV, Gabion cages are the new vogue for gardeners and designers who like to be different. Gabion cages are so versatile; from retaining walls, raised beds, planters, pond edging and furniture to creating your own natural environment – the insects love them. What will you fill yours with? More pictures and prices can be found on the Small Loads website.

Forstal House, Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood, Kent TN12 6PY 01892 833 325 www.smallloads.co.uk

GARDEN PROUD Gardenproud will help you transform an area, or your complete garden, with our design and landscaping teams. Then we can help you care for your garden through Gardenproud’s regular maintenance service. See more about Gardenproud on our website and read about our latest news on our blog www.reallygardenproud.com/blog The Red House, Camden Park, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 4TN 07725 173 820

www.reallygardenproud.com

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GLORIOUS GARDENS

Emma Davies, who runs The Walled Nursery in Hawkhurst with her husband Monty, tells us how to spring clean your garden THE DAYS ARE getting longer, the sun is getting higher, gardeners’ fingers are getting ever itchier – it’s time to get ready for spring!

In early March, our beds may still be a bit too soggy to get much work done in them – do remember that trying to work with claggy, moisture logged soil will do more harm than good. It’s much better to wait until it dries out a bit, as walking on the soil will break down the structure, pushing all the air out and making sludge instead. There are plenty of other jobs you can be getting on with in order to get ahead. tennuissima will benefit from a few sharp tugs

once you have managed to have a weed through,

scaffold boards to walk on so that you don’t

at the tatty, strap leaves around the edges.

give your beds a good, thick layer of mulch from

compact the soil. If you haven’t already done

They’ll come away easily and will immediately

your well rotted compost heap. It will help to get

so, pull up last year’s annuals. They will have

smarten up the plant. Pennisetums can be a

you a good crumbly soil. No need to dig it in, let

seeded by now, so their job is done and it’s

little fragile; I’d advise you to leave them to chop

the worms do that for you. Mulching will help

time for the compost heap. Remove last year’s

later once risk of frost has passed, which for us

keep weeds at bay too but do remember, don’t

growth from herbaceous perennials; it’ll please

is usually around the end of May.

compost pernicious weeds such as Mare’s Tail,

If you do need to carry out work in beds, use

you to see that new growth is emerging but do

You really should have pruned your roses and

ground elder or nettles or they will end up being spread around your garden.

be careful not to cut into it! If you still have

wisteria by now, but if not, quick – get a move

leaves lying around, sweep them up to expose

on! All roses should have damaged or crossing

any bulbs that may be popping up already.

wood removed. Roses need a good prune to

don’t despair. Use a bin with a lid, drop the

encourage them to put on lots of new flowering

weeds into it and leave them there to

Ornamental grasses that were left for

If you do have a pernicious weed problem,

growth. Remember, a rose gets woodier

decompose completely – you’ll end up with a

be cut. Leave around four inches, new

as it gets older and the more hard bark

foul smelling soup! Pour this liquid onto your

growth will start once they’re ready. Not

that forms, the fewer flowering buds

compost pile; this helps to increase the rate of

architectural interest over the winter can now

all ornamental grasses need to be cut – Carex’s and Stipas

you’ll have, so chop, get new growth

decomposition and keeps rats away, as they

going and enjoy more flowers.

hate wet environments. Avoid putting too much

There is plenty of information on

woody material on your compost as this will

the internet about different methods of pruning depending on the type of rose you have, just make sure you do it!

Start a new compost pile or bay. It’s best to start afresh each year if you have the space.

take a lot longer to rot down. Create a woody compost area or start a bonfire pile.

Spring cleaning your garden now paves the way for the fun bit of planting, rejigging and enjoying your garden later on.

Leave last year’s compost to decompose so that you can use it the following year to mulch your

Happy gardening!

garden. If you are tight on space, pallets make

Emma

great smaller bays in a row. During the spring,

www.thewallednursery.com

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EVERYTHING’S ROSY IN THE GARDEN

With spring in the air, thoughts turn to our reviving gardens and what better place to find inspiration than one of the world’s most important gardens? In the first of an occasional series, we pay a visit to one of Kent’s finest National Trust properties – Sissinghurst Castle Garden – to discover more about the heritage and future of this most influential of outdoor retreats Photos courtesy of National Trust

ANYONE WHO VISITS Sissinghurst Castle

Garden in Wales and that was really amazing,”

Garden, near Cranbrook, cannot help but be

he says. “That was 130 acres and Sissinghurst

captivated by this stunning celebration of nature

is just six acres, so the contrast was stark. But

and nurture. Not only a beautiful attraction in its

having worked here before, I knew the garden

own right, the garden has also been a major

really well and, more than plants themselves,

trendsetter in the horticultural world and continues

I’m interested in how you use plants in a

to provide a source of inspiration for the green-

specific environment. Lots of gardens drift away

fingered, more than 80 years after it was first

from that, but design is important and

established by a very famous former owner.

Sissinghurst does that really well within the

For Head Gardener of two years, Troy

framework of the hedging. Planting is all-

Smith, Sissinghurst really is the pinnacle of

important and using my experience, I felt that I

gardening expertise.

could do something good here.”

“This is one of the finest gardens in the

It’s not surprising that the garden exudes

world,” he says with pride. “People say that

character, having been founded by two

enjoyed a conventional marriage – both parties

lightly about places, but Sissinghurst has been

significant horticultural and literary figures who

were renowned for their extra-marital adventures

really influential in gardening and has been

certainly lived colourful lives. Flamboyant writer

– together Vita and Harold created a garden that

copied all over the world. It really is very

Vita Sackville-West was passionately interested

celebrated their shared love of romance and the

beautiful – it has a great sense of character.”

in planting and after being barred from inheriting

great English garden.

Troy is in a good position to judge – after

her ancestral home, Knole in Sevenoaks,

By creating a series of ‘rooms’ within the

initially working at Sissinghurst for five years in

because she was a woman, Vita set about

garden, they set a distinct and enduring new

the 1990s, he acted as Head Gardener at two

making her mark at Sissinghurst Castle. And

trend. They were also responsible for making

other National Trust properties before returning

along with her diplomat husband, Harold

popular the idea of using colour themes.

to Kent to take up the lead post.

Nicolson, she achieved just that.

Designed to be viewed best by moonlight, Vita’s

“Before coming back here I was at Bodnant

Although the couple may not always have

White Garden was an astonishing new concept in the 1930s and visitors continue to be enchanted by the scheme today.

White Garden

With such a heavy weight of history and expectation upon their shoulders, it would not be surprising if the Head Gardener felt a little constricted. However, Troy views the garden’s fame as something to be worked with and respected, by both moving forward and tipping its hat to the past.

“You can’t help but feel that somebody is looking over your shoulder – not just Vita, but subsequent gardeners too,” he says. “The gardeners employed by Vita stayed here for 30 years. They left an air of history here and now it’s my turn to look after it.

“The nature of gardens is that they’re

Rose Garden

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constantly changing; a garden is a living thing.

It’s not like a painting, which is hung on a wall

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Vita and Harold. Their garden was as much about romance and intimacy as about horticulture.”

So, if visitors are inspired by their experience, how can they take a little of the essence of Sissinghurst Castle home to their own gardens?

“It’s important to grow plants that you really love,” Troy advises. “Vita and Harold travelled to the Alps and all over, bringing home plants and seeds from the places they loved to go. Vita also used lots of plants with literary connections to the books she liked to read. A plant should either work really hard and contribute something, or it should be a plant you really love. What’s the point of having a plant if it has no connection to the space around it?”

This month Troy and his team will spend most of their time finishing off the ‘heavy’ winter jobs, such as pruning, clearing away old growth, forking through the soil and planting new spring flowers.

But there will still be time to enjoy the garden,

“YOU CAN’T HELP BUT FEEL THAT SOMEBODY IS LOOKING OVER YOUR SHOULDER – NOT JUST VITA, BUT SUBSEQUENT GARDENERS TOO”

although Troy struggles to name his favourite part.

“Every ‘room’ has its peak, but if I was really pushed, I’d have to say the rose garden is my favourite. It’s a really good design, it feels romantic and when you open the big wooden door in the morning, the scent is lovely and strong. It’s a beautiful space.”

SISSINGHURST CASTLE GARDEN Biddenden Road, near Cranbrook, Kent TN17 2AB For opening times, call 01580 710 700 and it’s finished. Plants die and are reborn, and

been altered, we have to question those changes

or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/

change is part of a garden, so you shouldn’t be

and think whether there is a good reason to put

sissinghurst-castle-garden

afraid of that and it’s something I enjoy.”

something back in Vita and Harold’s style.

Rather than striving to move away from Vita

“For example, there used to be some lovely

Would you like to view Vita’s White

and Harold’s influence, Troy is looking to

almond trees in the White Garden, but in the

Garden by moonlight? You can enjoy a

incorporate their ideas as the garden moves on

1970s they died and the decision was made not

unique private experience by staying

into the 21st century.

to replace them. But we might put them back

overnight at the Priest’s House holiday

now because they’re important to the character

cottage at Sissinghurst Castle Garden

of Vita and Harold, as the garden’s creators,

of the garden. There may be fewer white flowers

– for more information visit

first,” he says. “We have to reference the layers

afterwards because we’ll need more shade-

www.nationaltrustcottages.co.uk

that came after they were here, but if things have

loving plants, but that was the planting vision of

“My vision is, where possible, to put the vision

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INTERIORS

Pimlico bed linen, www.thewhitecompany.com

Master the bedroom With spring on the horizon and designers launching their latest bed linen collections, there couldn’t be a better time to give your bedroom a little bit of love and attention

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A beautiful white bedroom, layered with elegant neutrals, is always a trend statement

thread count linen range is by far the bestseller within the current collection and we’ll be focusing on expanding our highest quality ranges for 2015.”

The height of luxury and Rolls-Royce of bed linen sets, 1,000-thread count is the highest quality yarn and will sustain more wear and tear than lower, say between 200 and 600 threads.

As Paul Deckland, Decorative Bed Linens Buyer at John Lewis, points out: “Thread count Rose and Bee bed linen, www.emmabridgewater.co.uk

is the number of yarns packed into every square inch of fabric. The higher the thread count, the softer the bed linen – think crisp and sumptuous

R

hotel sheets. High quality Egyptian cotton emember that the bedroom is the

give the bedroom personality, while layering the

bedding is an ideal option. It’s supremely soft

most intimate room in the house,

bed will create the complete effect.”

and also exceptionally hard-wearing, thanks to

where we go to unwind and relax –

Indeed, scattering softly-coloured decorative

the longer threads of the Egyptian cotton plant,

and, if we’re lucky enough, where we

cushions and a beautiful throw at the bottom of

which are stronger and more durable than other

spend a third of our lives sleeping.

the bed for a neutral but textured look, adds

cottons, so your sheeting will last for years to

interest without overwhelming the scheme. And

come, wash after wash.”

A haven of tranquility with plenty of scope for

Other designers, such as Dorma, have also

personal touches, simple pleasures such as soft

if you can’t resist decorative details for a more

cotton sheets, a boudoir cushion and a throw

luxurious feel, delicate lace borders, embroidery,

introduced a higher quality thread count to their

can evoke a feeling of wellbeing, enhance your

seersucker or a subtle floral pattern in a muted

luxury bedding collections to help meet

space and be an open invitation to come to bed.

colour palette are right on trend for 2015.

customer demand.

“The most important thing about your

“This season, we have gone one step

bedrooms, white or Champagne tones are

bedroom is that it reflects your personal style

further with our most luxurious bed linen to

timeless, romantic and naturally calming,

and taste; it has to be a place that you want to

date, a true 100-thread count, which

making the perfect antidote to a busy day,” says

be. Whether you share or have the room all to

complements our indulgent Pyrenean goose

Julie Hall, Head of Design at Bedeck. “As in

yourself, make it your favourite place to relax,”

down duvet and pillows, and our goose feather

fashion, the addition of stylish accessories can

advises Molly Freshwater, Founder of Secret

and down topper, for the most extravagant

Linen Store.

night’s sleep,” says Sarah Williamson, Dorma’s

“For a fresh, elegant look for spring

Classic, timeless designs, combined with the highest attention to detail, seem to be the ideal

“A beautiful white bedroom, layered with

way to create a tranquil feel for your sleeping

elegant neutrals, is always a trend statement,”

space and work the ‘boutique hotel’ look without

adds Williamson. “In addition, we are seeing

feeling like a guest under your own roof.

more soft greys and gorgeous large scale florals

And in keeping with the mode for a subtle palette, bestsellers are still white, cream and pale grey - but, according to Liam Butler, Brand

emerging, with flashes of hot pink as a spring/ summer 2015 trend.”

If you can’t commit to colour and prefer a

Director at Achica, there’s a definite trend for

more homely, pared-back scheme before

colour. As a result, Achica’s buying team have

getting some shut-eye, personalising your bed

developed a range – which will be available in the

linen with monogrammed initials will instantly

late spring – featuring hot pinks and cobalt blues

create a luxe feel and dress up the bed without

that can be layered into white and pale grey.

going overboard.

“Coloured bed linen is an easy way to update Finlay throws and Emilie duvet cover, www.thewhitecompany.com

Design and Brand Development Manager.

Alternatively, decorative props, such as a

a neutral scheme and add personality,” says

vintage trunk or suitcase, will give the room a

Butler. “Our customers are also more savvy

stylish designer look – and double up as a linen

when it comes to quality. The Achica 1,000-

cupboard/extra storage space.

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OUTDOOR LIVING LUXURY

If you’re looking for beautifully made garden furniture, look no further than Westminster Outdoor Living. Director Neil Richardson talks about the company and what’s in store at their new showroom in Tunbridge Wells

TELL US A BIT ABOUT THE COMPANY Westminster was incorporated in 1990 by the current MD, Robert Houlton.

We started from humble beginnings, operating through a handful of retailers that became two handfuls the following year. Now, 25 years later, we operate through a countrywide network of stockists and interior design studios. The new shop in Tunbridge Wells, opening in March, is a big step forward in bringing the Westminster brand to the high street. We will be displaying our complete range of outdoor furniture, with the addition of Weber barbecues and cane furniture for the conservatory.

HOW DOES YOUR FURNITURE HAVE AN EDGE OVER OTHER BRANDS? It’s the whole package, from design, quality materials and manufacture, right through to the after sales care. We make clients aware that we use the best materials available and that cushions adhere to all the fire standards. Another relevant point is that seasonal goods need to be available in the season, so we hold very high stocks in order to make this possible.

WHAT’S YOUR MOST POPULAR LINE? An interesting question, with no real answer! Trends change year on year in relation to materials. A decade ago our sales would have been predominately teak; five years ago, it was synthetic weave; last year it was aluminium, synthetic weave, moulded resin and stainless steel! It’s an interesting time - outdoor lounge sets are definitely becoming more popular as people replicate their living room outside.

ANY PREDICTIONS FOR WHAT’S GOING TO BE BIG IN 2015?

Crystal ball, please! We believe that the products we are showcasing will appeal to a good cross-section of potential clients, due to the wide variety of materials and prices to suit tastes and pockets alike.

Westminster Outdoor Living 12-16 London Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1DE 01892 524 337 www.westminsterfurniture.co.uk MARCH 2015

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

HKS A bedroom should be the ultimate place to relax and recharge. Comfortable and restful, simple or opulent, a bedroom is the ultimate expression of your personality within your home. That is why Daval bedrooms are all bespoke. Manufactured individually and made to measure, a Daval bedroom fits perfectly into your home and your life.

HKS Interiors have been successfully selling Daval bedrooms for over 30 years.

“Working with Daval is a designer’s dream,” explains HKS Managing Director, Tim Burgess. “We’re able to offer our clients wardrobes of any height, width and depth in a wide variety of colours and finishes. This gives our customers a truly bespoke bedroom at an extremely affordable price’.

Showrooms in Heathfield, Haywards Heath, Eastbourne and St Leonards on Sea 01435 866 166 www.hks-uk.com

FIVE OF THE BEST... BEDROOMS

All year round, your bedroom should be a tranquil and stylish sanctuary in which to relax at the end of a busy day. Here, five leading local companies give their tips for turning your bedroom into a blissfully restful retreat

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

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

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NEPTUNE TONBRIDGE We have always thought that a proper bed and a good pair of shoes are worth investing in – because if you’re not in one, then you’re in the other. When we started designing our bedroom ranges we wanted to create something beautiful and strong, yet fine and elegant. Whether it’s a stunning Larsson king size bed or original wardrobe, or a Chichester grand chest of drawers or Open bedside table, we have a piece to fill any place or suit any activity.

For a closer look and an opportunity to see the full Neptune bedroom, kitchen and furniture range, visit our new 6,000 sq ft showroom in Tonbridge.

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

JOSEPH MCCARTHY FINE FRAMES Joseph McCarthy have been designing and making bespoke mirrors, frames and overmantels, in both traditional and contemporary styles, for over 25 years.

We create mirrors that sit in perfect harmony with the surroundings, bringing a sense of space, light and animation to a room whilst also creating a beautiful focal point and a piece to treasure forever. Please browse our website for inspiration.

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

BLUEFIELD WARDROBES Whether your home is new or old, big or small, we have the solution to all your storage needs.

Our aim is to design beautiful, state-of-the-art doors, changing the way people design and decorate their homes. With a wide range of sliding and hinge doors, plus matching furniture, we can give your home the style and look you require, at an affordable price.

A small, south east based company, with over 20 years’ combined experience, we offer a complete ‘made to measure’, customised service from initial design through to installation.

0800 610 2020 sales@bluefieldwardrobes.co.uk www.bluefieldwardrobes.co.uk

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH

BEAUTIFUL HOMES

SECURITY

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HOME FRONT

Spring is in the air and there’s a pervasive feeling of new life everywhere

perhaps, so you can enjoy an even prettier show of spring flowers

we turn. But as the garden comes to life and the birds return to the trees,

next year? Or are you looking for more leisure facilities with which

do you look forward to another year in your current home or is it time

to entertain family and friends – a high tech cinema room, a tennis

for pastures new? If you long to capture the essence of spring by making

court to start getting in shape for summer or maybe a wine cellar

a fresh start, you’ll find plenty of inspiration in the pages that follow.

for that burgeoning collection?

The Weald is a beautiful place to be at any time of year, but this season

We’ve got all that and more in this month’s selection of beautiful

is one of the best – a perfect time to look forward ahead and decide

Wealden homes, so read on and you’re sure to find something to

where you’d like to be next spring. Are you seeking a bigger garden,

put a spring in your step.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

ETCHINGHAM

CROUCH

ROTHERFIELD

HEATHFIELD

One of the town’s most

Award winning house is a

Grade II listed country

Versatile lodge house has

Sauna in the garden at

coveted Regency addresses

real grand design

pile with quaint folly

paddock and stables

modern family home

Price: £2.85million

Price: £3.95million

Price: £2.65million

Price: £1.75million

Price: OIRO £699,950

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BEAUTIFUL HOMES

COUNTRY HOME HAS WINNING FORMULA

Award winning house in Etchingham has been extensively refurbished to create a home that is bursting with modern technology and stunning features

TAMARIND WAS THE regional winner and finalist in the national LABC Best

games room and access to the garage.

On the first floor, the private sitting

Extension or Alteration category at the

room in the magnificent master bedroom

Building Excellence Awards, and one

suite also makes best use of the views

look inside the front door reveals why.

and opens onto an oak-decked balcony.

Combining the latest technology with

Three further bedrooms, another

top quality, natural materials and

bathroom and a shower room share this

delightful finishing touches, this is a

level; on the second floor you’ll find the

breathtaking property that boasts a

other two bedrooms, a bathroom,

seemingly endless list of sumptuous

shower room, sitting room and

extra features.

tank room.

The reception hall, kitchen/breakfast

Tamarind is set in the centre of its plot,

room, dining room and drawing room are

with landscaped gardens to the front and

arranged to make the most of the

mostly lawn at the rear, with some light

wonderful panorama at the rear of the

woodland and wide terracing. There’s

house. Also on the ground floor are a

also a floodlit tennis court if you’re

study, conservatory, utility room, cinema,

feeling active.

For full details contact: Hamptons International • 01892 516 611 • www.hamptons.co.uk 122

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Property: Tamarind, detached country house Location: Sheepstreet Lane, Etchingham, East Sussex Price: £3.95million Bedrooms: 6 Bathrooms: 4 plus 2 shower rooms & WC Land: About 2.03 acres Extras: Conservatory, cinema room, games room, balcony, landscaped gardens, attached double garage, electric gates, pond, terracing, greenhouse, floodlit tennis court, gardener’s store Best bits: Movie fans will love the 12-seater cinema, where you can relax in leather reclining seats and enjoy the latest blockbusters on a 110” wide, high definition screen with a JVC 3D HD projector, Blu Ray player and a 7.2 surround sound system – all iPad controlled.

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Property: Wanshurst, Grade II listed former farmhouse Location: Battle Lane, Marden, Kent Guide price: £1,295,000 Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 plus WC Land: About 2 acres Extras: Wine store, walk-in pantry, attic room, detached two-bedroom annexe, period detached barn, double garage, orchard, paddock, pond Best bits: A recent sympathetic extension has created a stunning kitchen/breakfast room, which boasts a four-oven Aga and plenty of work surfaces. Walking through into the dining area, the space opens up with a vaulted ceiling and three sets of French doors opening to the garden.

VERSATILE CHARACTER HOME With ancillary accommodation and two acres of grounds, this 17th century house in Marden has plenty to offer

BELIEVED TO DATE from about 1650,

to relax in the television room and study.

Wanshurst is a period home that offers

You can entertain your guests in the

both character and versatility. The two-

separate dining room or in the magnificent

bedroom annexe cottage was converted

kitchen/breakfast room.

to a high standard in 1998, while the listed barn provides further potential.

The property backs onto farmland, with

Two staircases lead to the first floor, where you’ll find the four bedrooms.

The master bedroom suite benefits from

level gardens that are both extensive and

the added capacity of a dressing room,

easy to maintain; an orchard and paddock

a hall with fitted cupboards and a bathroom

area lie beyond. Two entrances give access

with a roll top bath and separate

from Battle Lane to the driveway and

shower. A second bathroom serves

there’s parking in the open fronted byre

the other bedrooms.

style garage.

On the second floor there is a substantial,

Inside, the drawing room has a splendid

unconverted attic room that has partial

inglenook fireplace and there’s more room

flooring and offers yet more versatility.

For full details contact: Savills • 01580 720 161 • www.savills.co.uk MARCH 2015

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BEAUTIFUL HOMES

FABULOUS PARK VIEWS

Designed by Decimus Burton, this substantial Regency house is in a sought-after area of Tunbridge Wells

HAVING BEEN GRADE II listed for

On the ground floor there’s a sitting room,

its historical and architectural interest,

dining room and drawing room, from which

23 Calverley Park is an important part of

you can step onto the terrace. Through a

Tunbridge Wells’ heritage and is in one of the

butler’s pantry you’ll find the stunning kitchen/

town’s most prestigious addresses. While

breakfast room, with access to the garden, a

retaining its elegant Regency features, the

separate pantry and a study beyond. A

property has been significantly updated to

magnificent cinema room is found on the

offer the perfect blend of past and present.

lower ground floor, along with a games room,

After approaching the house via an arched entrance into Calverley Park, you’ll arrive at a parking area and a detached garage with a

wine cellar, bike store, utility room and cloakroom.

The master bedroom on the first floor has an

stacking system, allowing two cars to be parked

en suite bathroom; plus, there are two further

vertically. Once inside, you’ll discover spacious

bedrooms, a shower room and a separate

rooms with real historical charm, where you’ll

WC. The last two bedrooms and a second

love entertaining friends and family.

bathroom are arranged on the second floor.

For full details contact: Knight Frank • 01892 515 035 • www.knightfrank.co.uk 126

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Property: Grade II listed detached house Location: 23 Calverley Park, Tunbridge Wells, Kent Price: ÂŁ2.85million Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 2 plus shower room & WCs Extras: Cinema room, games room, wine cellar, detached garage with car stacking system, extensive parking, double entrance from either Calverley Park or Prospect Road, listed building consent to remodel first floor en suite facilities Best bits: While being located within walking distance of the High Street and mainline railway station, this property has beautiful grounds with lots of attractive features and views towards the mature trees of Calverley Park. Highlights include a secluded seating area with a water feature, a large raised terrace and a walkway with period railings linking the rear and front gardens.

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Property: St Denys Lodge, detached Victorian house Location: Eridge Lane, Rotherfield, East Sussex Guide price: £1.75million Bedrooms: 6 Bathrooms: 2 plus shower room & WC Land: About 17.5 acres Extras: Attic rooms, detached four-car garage, stable block, grass tennis lawn, paddock, fields, vegetable plot Best bits: Those who dream of owning their own horses are in luck with this property – in the extensive grounds there is a stable block, tack room and paddock with its own access to the road, with three further fields beyond.

LODGE IN THE COUNTRY

Beautiful rural views are among the many assets of this late Victorian property on the outskirts of Rotherfield

SET IN AN ENVIABLE location with

Those who dream of a generous farmhouse

delightful gardens and outlooks across the

kitchen will love the hub of this property – the

surrounding countryside, St Denys Lodge is a

kitchen/breakfast room boasts an oil fired Aga

substantial property with plenty to offer. The

and built-in dresser units, with steps leading

versatile accommodation has potential to

down to the handy utility room, cloakroom and

create an annexe, which would be useful for

boiler room. A garden room and shower room

creating privacy for staff or family members,

complete the ground floor layout.

plus the house retains many period features such as open fireplaces and sash windows.

There’s a wood burning stove in the sitting

Upstairs, the occupants of the master bedroom can enjoy fantastic views over the gardens and countryside, while the en suite bathroom

room, while a marble fireplace is a focal point

overlooks the rear of the property. Also on the

of the double aspect drawing room. In the

first floor there are three more double bedrooms,

dining room, which is also double aspect,

a box room and a bathroom, plus two further

there’s a large bay window overlooking the

bedrooms that are accessed by a half-landing and

tennis lawn.

another set of stairs to the kitchen.

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

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Property: Hawksden Forge, Grade II listed house Location: Witherenden Road, Mayfield, East Sussex Guide price: £835,000 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1 plus shower room Land: About 0.92 acre Extras: Double garage, barn incorporating workshop and stores, terrace, vegetable garden, pond Best bits: Hawksden Forge retains its period charm with a wealth of attractive features – these include inglenook fireplaces, exposed oak beams, oak framed leaded light windows, wide oak floorboards, drop latch doors and vaulted ceilings in the bedrooms.

SPLENDID HAWK’S EYE VIEWS

Enjoy picturesque rural vistas at this Grade II listed house near Mayfield

COMBINING ITS 17TH CENTURY

garden in the breakfast room, while the

heritage with a stunning rural setting just

adjacent kitchen benefits from a two-

a couple of miles from the village of

oven electric Aga.

Mayfield, Hawksden Forge is a

Upstairs, one of the double bedrooms

quintessential English country house.

has exposed floorboards and a

Some of the rooms are double aspect,

woodburner in the inglenook fireplace.

giving you views of its own secluded

The master bedroom enjoys the use of

grounds and the surrounding countryside.

an en suite shower room and has an

A shared driveway wends its way

interconnecting opening to the second

through woodland towards the house,

bedroom, currently disused. A single

where an oak front door welcomes you.

bedroom overlooking woodland and a

An inglenook fireplace with bressumer

family bathroom with a roll top bath

beam is a real feature of the double

complete the first floor.

aspect drawing room and from the sitting

Outside, the terrace is a delightful place

room, you can step directly onto the

from which to enjoy the pretty gardens

terrace. There’s also a handy door to the

and country views beyond.

For full details contact: Savills • 01892 507 000 • www.savills.com MARCH 2015

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Property: Winfield House, Grade II listed Regency house Location: Crouch, near Sevenoaks, Kent Price: £2.65million Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 5 plus WCs Land: About 1.33 acres Extras: Orangery, cellar with wine store, store rooms, coach house with cinema, garage and storage, folly, tennis court, electric gates, carriage driveway, extensive veranda Best bits: The beautifully landscaped gardens are a real feature of Winfield House, with extensive lawns, a charming sandstone and brick folly and a tennis court. Stunning southerly views of the Bourne Valley can be enjoyed as you stroll around the grounds.

PERIOD LIVING IN REGENCY STYLE

Step back in time to a more graceful age at this Grade II listed country house in Crouch

BELIEVED TO DATE from the mid-19th century, Winfield House is a beautifully

doors opening to the veranda.

The bespoke kitchen/breakfast room has

presented property that offers all the most

an Aga, while the newly added orangery

elegant features of the classical Regency

provides a wonderful space to entertain

style. Highlights include period features

and enjoy views of the garden. A wood

such as spacious rooms, high ceilings, sash

burner makes the nearby family room feel

windows with shutters, cornice and ceiling

really cosy and it’s easy to pop down the

roses, and the original farm bell and plaque

stairs to select a tipple from the cellar wine

dated 1841.

store.

With its limestone tiled floor, the

Upstairs, all five bedrooms have en suite

attractive entrance hall welcomes you into

bathrooms; the master suite also benefits

this light and airy home. A superb Wallace/

from a dressing room.

Webster patterned cast iron fireplace with

Out in the well-tended grounds, you’ll

clean air system is a feature of the double

find a coach house that comprises a

aspect drawing room. Both this room and

garage, a well-appointed cinema room and

the double aspect dining room have French

stairs to a storage room above.

For full details contact: Knight Frank • 01732 744 477 • www.knightfrank.co.uk MARCH 2015

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Property: The Stacks, detached 1920s house Location: Catts Hill, Crowborough, East Sussex Guide price: £770,000 Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 1 plus shower room & WC Extras: Detached double garage, conservatory, utility room, shed, pergola, patio Best bits: From the dining room, which has a built-in shelved cupboard, bi-fold doors open to the wood framed, double glazed conservatory – making this a superb space for entertaining guests, whatever the weather.

STACKS OF CHARACTER

A gorgeous setting and charming features make this home in Crowborough a real find

SITUATED IN A PRIVATE close with

Here you’ll find the grounds mostly laid to

just five other properties, The Stacks

lawn, with a patio, pergola and small

enjoys a fantastic position within the High

timber Wendy house that children will

Weald Area of Outstanding Natural

love to play in.

Beauty. The house was built in the late

From the entrance hall you can step

1920s in Sussex farmhouse style and has

into the fantastic double aspect living

a number of charming features, such as

room, with its brick fireplace and beamed

leaded light casement windows. Later

ceiling, along with the dining room and

additions have helped to create a

conservatory. The useful utility room has

generous and characterful family home

a sink and space for a washing machine

with delightful gardens.

and tumble dryer, which means you can

The property is approached via a shared drive, leading to a detached double garage with electrically operated doors.

simply enjoy cooking in the spacious kitchen/breakfast room.

Upstairs there are four bedrooms – two

Visitors will love the pretty lych gate that

of which are double aspect and have

gives entrance to the front garden, while

fitted wardrobes – served by a bathroom

the rear garden enjoys a southerly aspect.

and a shower room.

For full details contact: Bracketts • 01892 533 733 • www.bracketts.co.uk 134

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Property: Cedar Lodge, detached house Location: Thorntree Close, Heathfield, East Sussex Price: Offers in region of £699,950 Bedrooms: 7 Bathrooms: 2 plus 2 shower rooms & WC Extras: Conservatory, double garage, parking for several vehicles, electric gates, landscaped gardens, patio, sauna, hot tub, children’s play area Best bits: Ideal for entertaining on warm summer days, the rear garden is a real delight – there’s a formal garden, a large decked area, a children’s wooden play area and an illuminated walkway. In the log cabin you’ll find a hot tub and sauna, plus you can step directly through double doors from the kitchen to the terrace and barbecue area.

MODERN HOME WITH FORMAL GARDEN

SET IN A PRIVATE, brick paved cul-desac close to both the town’s amenities

You can enjoy the garden whatever

and open countryside, Cedar Lodge is a

the weather, thanks to the gas effect

contemporary family home with plenty of

wood burner in the new oak-floored

generous living space.

conservatory.

From the impressive entrance hall you

This contemporary house in Heathfield comes with a sauna and hot tub in the attractive grounds

disturbed by the appliances.

From the spacious first floor landing you

can access the dining room, study,

can step into four bedrooms – two of

cloakroom and double aspect drawing

which have en suite facilities – and a

room, which has French doors to the

family bathroom. The master bedroom

terrace and a gas effect fire with a

also has the use of a useful dressing

dressed stone surround. There’s plenty of

room with double built-in wardrobes.

worktop space in the attractive kitchen,

Three bedrooms and a shower room

plus in the breakfast area, there are

make up the second floor; one of the

double doors opening to the garden.

rooms is currently used as a cinema

With the fitted washing machine and

and has bespoke fitted cabinet

tumble dryer located in the utility room,

housing for a drop-down projector

you can relax in the kitchen without being

screen and speakers.

For full details contact: Foresters XL • 01435 865 477 • www.forestersxl.com MARCH 2015

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FOOD

SO

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

LAST SUPPER A new dining experience has been launched in Tunbridge Wells, thanks to Last Word Suppers.

Run by husband and wife team Hanna Sorrell and Mike Roberts, the new supper club offers exclusive

FLYING HIGH

local menus, individually crafted to suit each venue at which the meals are held. The first supper was hosted by coffee house Perk & Pearl in Grove Hill

Michelin starred restaurant

Road; last month’s event took place at The Velo

The Curlew has been named t

House, a café cum bike workshop in St Johns Road,

he Best Eating Experience in

where diners enjoyed local, seasonal produce that was sourced from within a 67-mile circular bicycle route of Tunbridge Wells. Paying £36 per person for five courses, guests were welcomed with a ‘Kentish Kir’ cocktail, served with canapés. The dinner began with a charcuterie plate, followed by a main course of slow-roasted lamb. Dessert was a celebration of apple flavours and the meal was rounded off with a selection of cheeses fro Burwash and Stonegate.

Every course featured locally sourced ingredients from across the Weald. If you’d like to join in the fun, keep an eye on the Last Word Suppers website for details of their next event. www.lastwordsuppers.tumblr.com

Sussex by happy customers.

The acclaimed eatery in Bodiam received the accolade at the Sussex Food and Drink Awards, seeing off competition from the Coach and Horses in Danehill and Zari’s Restaurant and Lounge in Crawley.

Owners Mark and Sara Colley paid tribute to the hard work of their team, including Head Chef Michael Mealey and Manager Beata Winiarskaa.

“What makes this award so special is that a central part of The Curlew’s philosophy has always been the use of local, seasonal produce,” Mark says.

“Sussex is home to incredible producers who are, figuratively and literally, experts in their field. These producers work with, care for and nurture produce that compares to anywhere in the world. For anyone interested in food, Sussex is an

FREE FLAVOURS

incredibly exciting place to be at the moment. The award is made even more special to us because it was voted for

Clear your Saturday mornings for the rest of

purely by the public.”

the year – Biddenden Vineyards are now

www.thecurlewrestaurant.co.uk

offering free tours to get your weekend started in style.

The guided experiences start at 10am, though the vineyards will be open from 9.45am for those who would like to buy tea or coffee in aid of their chosen charity, the RABI, which supports farming families. After you’ve looked around the 23-acre estate, you’ll be treated to tastings of all the vineyards’ wines, ciders and juices in the shop, where you can also browse their other tempting produce. www.biddendenvineyards.com MARCH 2015

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ADVERTORIAL

THE SPA HOTEL

NO SOONER HAD 2015 begun, so too did

Spa overlooking the fabulous lakes. The

RECEPTION AND LOUNGE TRANSFORMED!

the renovations. January saw the total

gazebo can be viewed in all its glory at The

transformation of The Spa’s traditional and,

Spa’s Wedding Fayre on Sunday 1st March.

There’s lots going on at The Spa Hotel in Tunbridge Wells this year.

With some beautiful makeovers and fabulous new spaces, the four-star luxury site is set to look even more stunning in the coming months. We find out how these changes have helped breathe new life into the venue

dare we say, tired Lounge area into a sleek, modern and totally delightful space. The

COMING SOON… THE SPA SUITE

design and layout was created by Georgie

While the design remains shrouded in

Scragg, Interior Designer for The Spa and

secrecy, we’ve been assured this suite will

Shareholder. Leaving the day-to-day running of

take hotel accommodation to another level.

the business to her brother Ant, Georgie is

Amazing views, luxurious fittings and a hot

making a name for herself as a designer and

tub… watch this space!

has caught the attention of industry professionals with this latest project.

The Spa Hotel Mount Ephraim,

OUTDOOR WEDDING VENUE

Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 8XJ

The improvements don’t stop there, with the

01892 520 331

creation of a new gazebo licensed for civil

www.spahotel.co.uk

ceremonies, enabling couples to marry at The

reservations@spahotel.co.uk

MARCH 2015

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THE UNDERCOVER EATER Here’s where we send one of our resident foodies into a local eatery and they tell it like it is. This month Undercover Eater visits CAU in Tunbridge Wells

“We leave feeling both underwhelmed and uncomfortable about the whole experience”

A YEAR SINCE our first visit, shortly after it

and a brioche bun. It’s cooked medium rare

minutes to get the right drink brought over.

opened in the town, we’ve heard murmurings

and contains peppers, jalapenos and avocado.

The food takes about 25 to 30 minutes, so

that the CAU experience leaves a lot to be

To drink, I order a virgin mojito (£2.50) – which

for just one course and a drink we’re in the

desired, so, before heading to a gig in town,

is mistakenly brought with alcohol in so I have

restaurant for almost 90 minutes. Not the

Undercover Eater and obliging boyfriend head for

to send it back – and my partner tries one of

‘quick bite’ we’d hoped for.

a quick bite to eat to see whether the

the Argentinian lagers (£3.95). Everything is

restaurant’s reputation really is at stake (or steak).

nice, but not overwhelming.

LOCATION

PRICE

choose not to pay it by only putting down

The eatery has a prime spot on Mount

The price of the burger with a side is probably

enough cash to cover the cost of the meal

Pleasant Road; it’s right in the town centre

comparable with other restaurants in the

and are quickly accosted by a member of

and is close to the bars, shops and theatres.

town. However, things get a little more costly

staff, who comes over to the table to find

if you choose one of the ‘big plates’, which

out what the problems are. We’re told that

DÉCOR

are all between £11.95 and £15.25 and

the ‘gratuity charge’ isn’t really for service;

CAU describes its restaurants as ‘vibrant,

require you to order a side separately.

it’s for the ‘experience’ because CAU is one

THE ONLY THING IS...

The gratuity charge, which isn’t optional. We

of only two open kitchen restaurants in

edgy and full of energy.’ The ultra-modern interior is a mix of clinical and industrial chic

STAFF

Tunbridge Wells, the other being

– the ceilings are lined with exposed pipes

When we first enter, we’re greeted by the

Thackeray’s. I think we’re expected to pay

and the chairs and booths are a bright white

manager who takes our coats and is more

the gratuity at this point, but we still refuse

plastic. It’s fairly spacious, although we’re

than helpful. However, the rest of the staff

and leave feeling both underwhelmed and

unfortunately seated on a small table right by

leave a lot to be desired. After being

uncomfortable about the whole experience.

the bar, where lots of people walk past but

pounced on as soon as we sit down and

nobody stops.

asking for a couple of minutes to make our

CAU

drinks choices, we then don’t see our

99-101 Mount Pleasant Road,

MENU

waitress again. It isn’t until the manager

Tunbridge Wells

As we’re due elsewhere, we just have one

comes over to see if we’ve had our drinks

TN1 1QG

course; both opting for the Latin Burger

order taken that we’re served and even then,

01892 528 456

(£11.95), which comes with a choice of side

the order is wrong and it takes another 10

www.cau-restaurants.com

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FROM SUITE TO SWEET

light, perhaps too light - because the small

When Ashdown Park Hotel in Sussex announced their new pudding club evenings, we were pretty quick to take them up on their invite to sample their sweet supper. Charlie Bond had the arduous task of spending an evening eating, drinking and sleeping at the sumptuous country club…

overnight bag we’ve shared is not really worth

WHEN IT COMES to puddings, it’s safe to

At 375 square feet, it contains a four-poster

him carrying. Instead, he leads us up to our suite, called ‘Monkey Puzzle’ because of its view of the tree in the sprawling gardens outside. After explaining how the heating and facilities work, he leaves us to explore our room.

I say ‘explore’ because the suite is huge.

The first thing that hits you when you enter

say I’m a fan. From gateaux and cheesecake to

the hotel reception is the vast space, with a

bed, a sitting area with sofas and umpteen

tart and strudel, I’m yet to discover a dessert I

sweeping staircase and high, stone ceilings.

places to store your belongings – and that’s all

don’t like. Which is why, when Ashdown Park

The second is the delightful smell of the roaring

before you get to the bathroom. Peeking inside

announced their new pudding club evenings

open fire, which provides an instant relief from

reveals a Jacuzzi bath and luxurious white

and asked me along to check out the menu,

the chilly evening outside. Previously a convent,

fluffy towels, with an array of Molton Brown

I was excited, albeit slightly concerned for the

the hotel’s stone architecture and stained glass

products to enhance the bathing experience.

welfare of my teeth after the sugar hit.

windows are just some of the charming

I could definitely get used to this.

The hotel, nestled in the heart of the Ashdown

features that draw you in.

The décor is elegant and old-fashioned, but

We check in and are told someone will be

far from dated. There’s a mix of floral patterns,

countryside. Boasting an 18-hole golf course,

with us shortly to collect our bags. A second

deep greens and light browns, which perfectly

a double AA rosette restaurant and a country

later, an immaculately dressed butler is at our

complement the cream walls and deep brown

club complete with spa facilities, you know that

side, ready to haul our luggage up the staircase

furniture. Refurbished in the 1990s, the rooms

whether you’re staying the night in one of their

to our room. “Are these yours?” he asks,

might not be contemporary but they’re

106 luxury rooms or enjoying afternoon tea on

gesturing to two large suitcases near to us.

definitely country-chic and very in keeping

the lawns, you’re in for a treat.

We then have to admit that we’ve travelled

with the hotel’s ethos and clientele.

Forest, is set in 186 acres of landscaped Sussex

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We get dressed for dinner and head back

herbaceous Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

down the staircase, feeling like we’re making a

from award winning New Zealand winemaker

grand entrance in a Hollywood movie. We’re

Alan McCorkindale. What comes next is the

directed to the West Lounge, where we’re due

first ‘pudding’ – poached duck egg atop

to meet General Manager Ben Booker and his

asparagus and Parma ham, with Hollandaise

wife Carina for pre-dinner drinks. We’re the

sauce and a parmesan crumble completing

first to arrive and are greeted warmly by the

the dish. The delicate mix of flavours and

pair, before a glass of Champagne is placed in

textures is delicious and although the crumble

our hands and to complement it, delicious

is subtle, the nod to pudding is noticeable.

canapés. I wonder out loud if I should stock up

Conversation turns to the hotel’s history and

on these savoury snacks before our descent

Ben regales us with tales of famous guests while

into decadent desserts commences, but Ben

our next wine (a 2011 Edmeades Zinfandel) is

reassures me that although the menu will

poured. We learn that Tom Cruise has frequented

involve a lot of sweet treats, it’s also ‘pudding

the hotel on occasion, when he visits East

themed’, so not all of it will be sugary. I’m

Grinstead for Scientology conventions.

intrigued, but also pleased I won’t have to

Out comes the next ‘pudding’, which is

resort to eating the ‘emergency’ peanuts I’ve

revealed with pizazz from under individual

got stashed upstairs.

silver cloches. On the plate lies an alternative

I don’t have to wait long to discover what’s

SO

take on pie – two beef medallions with a small

in store, as a few moments later we’re

puff pastry lid, red onion preserve and a confit

ushered into one of the hotel’s private dining

potato bonbon. I can barely remember the

rooms - the Richard de Wych, where the

conversation while I’m consuming it – it’s so

attentive waiters begin pouring wine to

delicious I want to savour every mouthful.

accompany our first course, a delicious,

Even recalling the dish makes me salivate; it’s

“I say ‘explore’ because the suite is huge. At 375 square feet, it contains a four-poster bed, a sitting area with sofas and umpteen places to store your belongings – and that’s all before you get to the bathroom”

better than any pie I’ve ever tasted and that’s saying something (along with a penchant for puddings, I’m a pie fanatic).

Then comes what we’ve been waiting for – the puddings themselves. There are four of them, with a glass of dessert wine, a 2002 Hungarian Tokaji, as accompaniment. Executive Chef Andrew Wilson personally delivers the dishes to us, explaining that the plan for the pudding club will be to ask guests to try all of the desserts and vote for their favourite. Then, the winner will stay on for the next event.

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FOOD

After all the previous night’s food, you’d be forgiven for thinking it would be impossible to eat anything else but, never ones to turn down a challenge, the next morning my guest and I are once again sitting with a plate of food in front of us – this time in the form of breakfast in the Anderida restaurant, which overlooks the gardens and parkland outside.

Once we’ve refuelled (not that we were ever empty), it’s time to check out and return to a They’re great British classics but I feel they’re

life less luxurious. On our way back through the

summer pudding, treacle tart with almond

lacking a little of the creative flair Andrew has

winding roads we spot a herd of deer crossing

cream, lemon meringue pie and steamed hot

so perfectly imparted on the other courses.

and we marvel at the views across the forest

After coffee and petit fours, which remain

and Sussex countryside. I’m already planning

Before us lies a sugary vision: strawberry

chocolate pudding. Andrew admits that the chocolate is his favourite, so I eagerly tuck into

mostly untouched due to our groaning

my return to this idyllic retreat – once I’ve lost

this first. Although it is delicious, I find it a little

waistbands, we retire to our suite, where,

all the weight I’ve gained from my pudding club

rich and can’t manage it all. Jugs of cream,

worried I won’t be able to sleep until the

gluttony, that is.

raspberry coulis and chocolate sauce are on

sugar has stopped surging around my body, I

the table but they’re a bit out of reach – having

take it upon myself to try out the Jacuzzi

Pudding Club is held at Ashdown Park on

a selection for each end of the table would

bath. It’s definitely relaxing and indulgent,

Friday April 24 and November 13 and costs

probably have saved passing the plate to and

although I have a brief panic when the

£59 per person. Charlie Bond stayed in a

fro and perhaps adding some chocolate sauce

bubbles I’ve

suite, priced from £375 per night.

to the hot sponge may have moistened it. But

added begin to swell above the sides.

I don’t have time to dwell on these things

Finally tired enough to sleep, we pull back

Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club

because the next slice of something delightful

the bed covers and discover the softest

Wych Cross, near Forest Row, East Sussex

is coming my way.

mattress and pillows known to man. I’m

RH18 5JR

asleep in seconds, the coffee and cakes

01342 824 988

long forgotten.

www.ashdownpark.com

The treacle tart is the next dish to tantalise my tastebuds and, while I think it could do with being warm, it hits the spot. The almond cream is a nice addition, adding another level of flavour and a pleasant, creamy aftertaste.

Next, I try the summer pudding, which is bursting with red fruits and fresh flavours. It’s a perfect texture and my guest concurs that it’s the best summer pudding he’s ever tasted.

While I can’t finish my slice, he happily devours his before we move on to the last and final pudding – the lemon meringue pie.

Perhaps because I have this last or perhaps because it’s exceptionally good, this is my favourite. The lemon is refreshing and zingy; the meringue light and fluffy, almost mousse-like.

When voting at the end we all agree – the lemon is the clear winner. Of all the courses, however, I think the beef is my favourite. While the desserts are all delicious, they aren’t quite the pudding piece de resistance I was expecting.

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SO

THOUGHT FOR FOOD This month our own celebrity chef, Rosemary Shrager, reveals how you can make your own cheese with her quick and easy recipe

T

his year is proving to be extremely busy

that, when left out at room

already, with food festivals to attend all

temperature, is wonderfully creamy.

around the country. There are no less

We have the Winterdale

the church where they were baptised, now it’s more a celebration of motherhood.

than four Cake and Bake Shows this year, in

cheesemakers high up on the

I think it’s a great excuse to

Edinburgh, Harrogate, Manchester and

North Downs, who also use

spoil them.

London. I will be appearing at all four!

their own Friesian dairy cows to

The schools will be hard at it

make their wares. They’ve been

in art classes, making those

We must not forget The Pantiles’ Markets in

lovely cards. It’s always the

Tunbridge Wells, though; they happen every

winning awards for the hard

first and third weekend of the month. It’s great

cheese and also their Kentish

to meet local producers; I particularly love it

Camembert. I feel that if we have a

when the asparagus stall starts.

great product on our doorstep, let’s use it!

Exhibition at London Olympia on March 20

Why don’t you start making your own

and March 28. Do come along and say ‘hello’!

I do find the French cheese stall incredibly expensive, but it is a chance to see some

cheese? The best place to start is to make

unusual cheeses. I am a cheese lover and I

your own mozzarella and I’m going to tell you

believe we should be embracing our local

how easy it is to make.

cheeses. We have the delicious Kentish Blue

thought that counts.

Finally, I will be at the Ideal Home

Don’t forget that it’s Mother’s Day on

and Kentish Bluebell cheeses made by

March 15. It’s always on the fourth Sunday in

Kingcott Cheese, who use milk from their own

Lent, exactly three weeks before Easter. The

dairy cows. The Kentish Blue is a mild blue

reasoning behind it was people used to visit

www.rosemaryshrager.com

Add the salt to the whey, mix well, add the curd with the strainer into the whey and bring up the heat to 57C. Remove and drain – if it’s not quite

MOZZARELLA RECIPE MAKES 2 X 250G BALLS APPROXIMATELY

4.5L fat milk

stretchy enough then place it back into the First, pour the milk into a large, wide saucepan

whey with the strainer for five minutes at

– a jam saucepan would be great – on a low

the same heat.

heat, about 13C. Add the citric acid and gently stir, bringing the heat up to 32C. Add the liquid rennet mix gently, this will

Draining will make it stretchy, so stretch the mozzarella into a long piece, stretch and stretch again, continuing for about five

coagulate the proteins. Now leave for about five

minutes. Now form it into two balls and put

minutes (it might need a bit longer if just too soft).

it into some iced water for 30 minutes.

Then gently cut the curds into parable lines

Now you have your own mozzarella. I love

1 ½ teaspoons citric acid

one way, now do the other way. You will see

to eat it with just tomatoes, coarse sea salt

¼ teaspoon liquid rennet

the whey is yellowish in colour.

and black pepper.

2 teaspoons salt (A digital thermometer is a must)

Heat the saucepan again gently to 40C,

As long as you have all the ingredients you

as this will separate the curd from the whey. Very

can make mozzarella in 45 minutes. At my

carefully, take a spoon of curd and press it

school up in North Yorkshire, we used to

against the side, getting rid of any excess whey,

have Wensleydale cheese made in 30

then put it into a strainer. Repeat until finished.

minutes, it was great to see.

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EDUCATION NEWS WE TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE WORLD OF EDUCATION

n BACK TO SCHOOL A former pupil of St Leonards Mayfield School has been appointed Chairman of Governors.

Having been a Governor since June 2012, and as an ‘Old Cornelian’, Chantal Davies is very well acquainted with the school and has acted as Chair of the Governors’ Finance Committee for the past year. Married to former Government minister, Quentin Davies, who is now a peer in the House of Lords, Lady Davies enjoyed a 15-year career in

n BUCKING THE TREND

international banking; she then

Schools in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge have continued to excel, despite Kent seeing the first drop

as an MP, working in the House of

in GCSE results for nine years.

Commons for over 20 years. She

assisted her husband in his duties

Last year 58% of the county’s students achieved five GCSEs at grade A* to C – a drop from 62% in 2013.

Nationally, there was a decrease of about 10%, with just 53% of pupils across England reaching that target.

In West Kent, The Skinners’ School in Tunbridge Wells headed up the league table with 100% of students

is also Treasurer of the Lord Kitchener National Memorial Fund.

Speaking of her delight at her

achieving the required grades. Also in the top 10 were The Judd School and Weald of Kent Grammar School,

appointment, Lady Davies says

both with 99%, Tonbridge Grammar School and Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School at 97%, Tunbridge

she looks forward to working

Wells Grammar School for Boys with 93% and Combe Bank School in Sundridge with 84%.

with the Headmistress, Antonia Beary and her team in the future.

“I remain very grateful for my own education at Mayfield all those years ago and am keen to see future generations of girls continue to go out into the world with a truly rounded education, the confidence to succeed in the field of their choice and the desire to make a positive contribution to society.”

n SCHOOL SMARTIES

deeds and for every one they collected 20p in an

Good deeds abounded at the Skippers School in

empty Smarties tube. “We are delighted with the

Mayfield, when they challenged their students

efforts of our pupils in raising these funds for such

to be charitable for charity. Over £300 was raised

a worthy cause,” says Headmaster, Tim Lewis.

for Hambaree for Kenya, a charity providing

“It has been great to hear about the wide range of

safe houses for children in the African country.

good deeds that the children have been carrying

Between them the students undertook 1,800 good

out as part of this challenge.”

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THE

EDUCATION GUIDE

SPRING 2015 IN ASSOCIATION WITH

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THE EDUCATION GUIDE SPRING 2015

As your child embarks on their exciting journey into the world of education, or moves on to the next stage, there is much to look forward to for both pupils and parents. But ensuring you choose the right school for your child is a huge responsibility, as there are so many diverse factors to consider. In our indispensable guide, you’ll meet leading local schools and find out how they could provide the perfect foundation for your child’s bright future We all want our children to do well academically

broadened in all areas of life. The very best

and craft the building blocks for a fulfilling career

schools will have the facilities and commitment

when they are adults. However, league tables

to uncover their sporting, musical or creative

are not the only important element to weigh up

talents, while offering the pastoral care that

when choosing the best school for your son or

helps your child to develop into a confident,

daughter. Personal and social development is a

responsible young person who enjoys

vital part of school life and selecting the

rewarding friendships.

establishment whose ethos perfectly fits with

In the following pages, head teachers from

yours as parents can be a demanding task.

across the area talk about the ways in which

You’ll want to know that not only is your

they’re helping to shape the next generation.

child receiving the highest quality of education

With our help, you’ll have the chance to gain

and making the most of their academic

valuable insights into school life, both in and

potential, but also that their horizons are being

out of the classroom.

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

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

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

The Weald is home to some of the country’s most prestigious schools, but you’ll need to live in a relevant catchment area if you wish your child to attend one of these top quality institutions. If you’re looking to buy a property, where can you make your money go furthest while giving your child the best educational opportunities? We spoke to esteemed local estate agents and gave them three challenging scenarios: Family One have a budget of £1million to spend on a house with at least four bedrooms, three reception rooms and some ancillary accommodation, while Family Two are looking for three bedrooms and a large garden for up to £750,000. Finally, Family Three need three bedrooms, plus off-road parking is a must, all for no more than £500,000. Where should each family be looking for best value for money? Read on to find out...

GEORGE BERRY PARTNER/OFFICE HEAD KNIGHT FRANK SEVENOAKS

FAMILY ONE Given the demand for properties like this, it’s unlikely that all of the

01732 774 447 www.knightfrank.co.uk/sevenoaks

distance of Tonbridge mainline station and the renowned grammar and state secondary

criteria will be fulfilled within the budget. However, our advice would be to look to the good quality villages that surround Tonbridge, such as Ightham, Shipbourne, Hadlow, Hildenborough, Leigh and Tudeley, as these are all great places to live with good primary schools in or nearby and engaging village communities, and are within striking schools in the town.

FAMILY TWO Again, this is likely to be a tough ask in many parts, however, we would suggest looking to Chipstead, Bessels Green and Riverhead in Sevenoaks as excellent solutions. Chipstead Park is one such example – having been built in the 1960s, the houses are attractive with well-proportioned rooms and good gardens for children to play in, and are still accessible to Sevenoaks train station and close to Riverhead and Amherst schools, which both enjoy superb reputations.

FAMILY THREE Our tip would be to look east, as there are some excellent areas that to date have been under-valued for what they offer. Borough Green may not initially be in some buyers’ thoughts, but is worth closer inspection given its range of amenities, station with services to London and a new Sainsbury’s Local reported to be about to arrive. There is a selection of good primary schools, with Platt Primary close by and Ightham Primary slightly further afield; both enjoy excellent reputations, however, competition for places is fierce! Wrotham School is a well renowned secondary, with a vision for high achievers and it consistently ranks well nationally.

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FAMILY ONE The requirement for ancillary accommodation is

NATASHA SELBIE ASSOCIATE SAVILLS TUNBRIDGE WELLS

becoming more and more popular, although even a budget of £1million may not guarantee this requisite is readily available. By encouraging buyers to look further afield on the outskirts of pretty villages, such as Wadhurst, Mayfield and Lamberhurst, where popular secondary and primary schools can be found and the village amenities are of great

01892 507 000 www.savills.co.uk

appeal, one would hope that the immediate requirements could be satisfied with an opportunity to convert any outbuildings or create ancillary accommodation in due course.

FAMILY TWO If a large garden is required, it may well be worth a buyer considering the villages that surround Tunbridge Wells – such as Speldhurst, Langton Green, Brenchley, Matfield and Frant, where village life is still thriving, with active communities and where well thought of primary schools can be found. The wider facilities of Tunbridge Wells can still be easily accessed and mainline stations for the City are within convenient reach.

FAMILY THREE If off-road parking is an absolute must, it may take a little more doing to find it in Tunbridge Wells and the nearby villages, which can often share a scarcity for immediate parking facilities within these budget parameters. But there are plenty of locations to choose from, particularly if the need for off-road parking is a priority over age and style of a house; a more modern/new build may offer this attribute more readily than a period townhouse.

HERE ARE SOME MORE EXPERT THOUGHTS ON HOW TO BUY IN THOSE COVETED CATCHMENT AREAS...

RUPERT CONNELL PARTNER/OFFICE HEAD KNIGHT FRANK TUNBRIDGE WELLS 01892 515 035 www.knightfrank.co.uk/tunbridgewells

CRANBROOK SCHOOL is highly sought after and has a catchment area that is set at a six-mile circumference of the school. Property within the Cranbrook catchment area (CSCA) tends to attract premium prices of up to 10% above the market value simply because of the demand for the school. Most of the villages in the CSCA are in high demand and, as a result, it would be difficult to achieve the best value for money.

If the buyers are prepared to compromise on certain aspects of the property they buy, then they are likely to achieve more for a lower price. Busier villages such as Hawkhurst, Staplehurst and Cranbrook itself may offer slightly more reasonably priced properties, but the more sought after villages like Benenden, Rolvenden, Biddenden and Goudhurst tend to hold their value and prices will inevitable be higher in these addresses.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS is renowned for its excellent schools, both within the state and private sectors. Catchments for grammar schools vary year on year, with popular schools such as Tunbridge Wells Girls Grammar reducing its catchment to around one mile for the next academic year. Claremont Primary School remains highly popular and in recent years, the catchment has reduced considerably.

THE ‘VILLAGE’ AREA continues to be extremely popular for this reason, which is reflected in house prices. For grammar schools, the St John’s area of the town can often provide best value for money, with a wealth of attractive period properties close to a number of popular schools and still only a short walk from the town centre and station.

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BEDE’S SENIOR SCHOOL

UPPER DICKER, EAST SUSSEX BN27 3QH

TYPE: Co-educational, independent day, weekly and full boarding school FOUNDED: 1978 NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 750 NUMBER OF STAFF: 328 COST PER TERM (DAY): £6,640 COST PER TERM (BOARDING): Weekly boarding - £9,460; full boarding - £10,055 TEL: 01323 843 252 WEB: www.bedes.org EMAIL: admissions@bedes.org HEAD: Dr Richard Maloney

Bede’s is an independent, co-educational day and boarding school for 13 to 19-year-olds located in the rural village of Upper Dicker. Set in 140 beautiful acres of the Sussex Downs, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Special Scientific Interest, day pupils come to Bede’s from a range of feeder schools across the South of England and the Home Counties. students volunteering with local hospices,

national titles in all five ‘core’ sports since

at one of five stunning boarding houses, which

schools, care homes and historical societies to

2009, with over 20 additional sports clubs

were recognised by the Institute of Chartered

give back to the local area.

enabling pupils to compete in everything from

Over 300 of the school’s 750 students board

Surveyors in 2013 for their outstanding design

With some of the finest facilities in the

riding to rugby and from table tennis to target rifle shooting.

and innovation and which form part of a

South East, including a multi-award winning

campus that includes a practice golf course,

art school, and a reputation for excellence in

competition-sized swimming pool and

performing arts, the school hosts over 200

Emerging Talent Programme (ETP) at Bede’s

eight-court sports complex with superlative

events each year, including a diverse range of

prepares athletes for careers in sport and is

fitness suite.

concerts, plays and variety performances.

overseen by IOC delegate and Director of Sport,

The Legat School of Dance, the UK’s oldest

Andy Hibbert, ex-England International and

Richard Maloney in 2009, who was recognised

residential dance school, is based on site and

Director of Cricket, Alan Wells, and ex-Great

by The Daily Telegraph in June 2014 as one of

works with the Bede’s music and drama

British Number One, Bede’s Alumnus and

the UK’s ‘Top 10 Heads to Watch’, bolstered

departments to send dancers, actors and

Director of Tennis, Julie Salmon.

by a partnership with Kings College London,

musicians annually to the likes of Laines

Bede’s has enjoyed five successive years of

Theatre Arts School, East 15 and directly

as an individual, Bede’s prides itself on

record-breaking GCSE and A Level results, yet

into the industry.

educating not only for success in the material

Since the appointment of Headmaster Dr

For elite sportspeople, meanwhile, the singular

A school where every pupil is truly treated

sense, but in ways that empower young

remains determined to not top-slice its intake.

Nationally renowned sports academies in

As the number one school for value added in

cricket, football, tennis, hockey and netball

people to flourish meaningfully as rounded

have seen Bede’s claim county, regional and

human beings.

the Southern region, including East and West Sussex, Hampshire and the South West, the unique educational philosophy at Bede’s promotes the enrichment of the whole person, preparing pupils for life, as well as exams.

Choosing from over 140 afterschool activities and sports clubs each week, including computer programming, spray sailing, the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme and a hands-on zoological society, Bede’s pupils enjoy peerless extracurricular opportunities, including via a community links programme, which sees

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BEECHWOOD SACRED HEART SCHOOL PEMBURY ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT TN2 3QD

TYPE: Independent co-educational day and boarding school (age three to 18) YEAR FOUNDED: 1915 NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 420 NUMBER OF STAFF: 80 COST PER TERM (DAY): £3,020 to £5,312 COST PER TERM (BOARDING): £7,820 to £8,820 TEL: 01892 532 747 WEB: www.beechwood.org.uk EMAIL: registrar@beechwood.org.uk HEAD: Mr Aaron Lennon

TELL US ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL AND APPROACH AS HEAD The school was founded 100 years ago by the Sisters of the Sacred Heart, for girls only; in 1973 it became a lay school and, in 2008, boys joined the girls in the Senior School for the first time. Today, Beechwood

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

honesty, respect for every individual, working

is a thriving co-educational school serving the

My aim is to provide an excellent educational

hard and doing your best.

local area, with boarding pupils from across

experience for our pupils in a happy school

the world.

environment. Beechwood has a strong sense

As Head, I believe that, as well as being prepared for examinations, pupils should be taught to think for themselves, think creatively and learn to work

of community – we all pull together, which gives the school a wonderful, friendly atmosphere. The high standards of personal conduct and achievement

HOW DO YOU ENSURE STUDENTS RECEIVE A WELL-ROUNDED EXPERIENCE? We provide a broad education with a wide range of subjects, including the arts, technology, drama and music, as well as a full

in teams – this prepares them

of Beechwood pupils and the

extracurricular programme including around

for life at university and in the

hard work and dedication of the

50 clubs, which run at lunchtimes and after

workplace. At Beechwood, we

staff make the school what it is.

school. There are overseas trips to Belgium,

strive for excellence in teaching and learning. In our small classes, our teachers support and inspire pupils to achieve their best, exceeding

Spain, France and Germany, including a ski

HAVE THERE BEEN SPECIFIC CHALLENGES YOU’VE FACED? I joined Beechwood two years ago from

trip and an annual sports and cultural exchange with the Liceo Galileo Galilei in Verona. Students also have the opportunity

their academic targets. We prepare our

a local grammar school, knowing very little

to exchange with pupils in Sacred Heart

pupils for the future, but encourage them to

about international marketing. Opening the

schools around the world. These, along with

enjoy the present, so that all our pupils leave

school’s first boys’ boarding house was

opportunities for lectures, visits and

school with self-confidence and a sense

therefore a big challenge for me, involving

charitable work, all ensure a well-rounded

of ambition.

many air miles and talking to parents from

experience for our pupils.

different countries. It has been rewarding to see the increased uptake of boarding places for both girls and boys at Beechwood.

AND YOUR APPROACH TO PASTORAL CARE? Beechwood has an outstanding reputation for the pastoral care of its pupils – the happiness of every child is important to us.

We make sure that concerns are quickly dealt with and we celebrate success, recognising good in every pupil. We encourage all pupils to embrace the ethos and values of the school – values such as

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BETHANY SCHOOL

CURTISDEN GREEN, GOUDHURST, CRANBROOK, KENT TN17 1LB

TYPE: Independent co-educational day and boarding school FOUNDED: 1866 NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 352 NUMBER OF STAFF: Teaching – 48 COST PER TERM (DAY): £5,161 for Year 7, £5,311 for Year 8 and £5,457 for Years 9 to 13 COST PER TERM (BOARDING): £8,614 for Year 7, £8,764 for Year 8 and £9,246 for Years 9 to 13 TEL: 01580 211 273 WEB: www.bethanyschool.org.uk EMAIL: schooloffice@bethanyschool.org.uk HEAD: Mr Francie Healy

TELL US ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL Having been founded in 1866, Bethany is proud and excited to be approaching its 150th anniversary. Celebrations of various kinds are currently being planned and will begin with the unveiling of a commemorative tree, which has been designed and superbly crafted by one of our pupils. Over the

encourage them individually, challenging and supporting them as needed so that they can fulfil

WHAT ABOUT EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND SCHOOL TRIPS? Our busy activities programme is wide ranging

years, the school has maintained a

their potential. We are

and takes account of all manner of interests. For

rolling programme of development

continually looking at our

example, this term pupils can choose to play

and today we are able to offer our

teaching and learning to see

football, badminton, tennis, hockey or netball;

pupils a first-class education in

how we can improve the

they can be active in other ways by enjoying our

quality of how we teach, and

High Ropes course, horse riding or trampolining;

first-class facilities.

My approach to education is that school should be enjoyed rather than

therefore improve the way our pupils learn.

endured. Bethany has a strong reputation as a

they can try street dance, clay pigeon shooting, bush craft, quilting – and the list goes on.

The school trips programme is equally full;

particularly friendly and happy community and

ANYTHING YOU’RE PARTICULARLY PROUD OF?

during half term many of our Sixth Form pupils

it is this atmosphere of positive nurturing and

Our pupils fill me with immense pride. Pupils

went to New York and Rome on various subject

encouragement that makes our school

are at the heart of everything we do at

related visits. Our sports teams also have

‘refreshingly different’.

Bethany and our aim is to equip them for life

regular overseas visits to play with other teams.

The common thread running through

in an ever changing world. Watching them do

everything we do here at Bethany is to ensure

their utmost in the school production,

HAS THE CLASSROOM CHANGED IN RECENT YEARS?

the constant progression and development of

marvelling at their music prowess in our

In some ways the classroom has changed

each pupil. We understand that children learn in

concerts, admiring their sporting excellence

hugely, and in some ways it is the same as it

different ways and we spend time getting to

on the playing fields, hearing reports of their

ever was. We are extremely grateful that for the

know each pupil so we can guide and

exemplary conduct on school trips and, of

last two years, Bethany’s alumni, The

course, helping them celebrate their

Bethanians’ Society, have donated iPads to the

examination results reminds me every day of

new Year 7 pupils as they begin their educational

why I became a teacher in the first place.

journey with us. Using iPads gives us the opportunity to explore new avenues of

HOW DO YOU MANAGE PARENTS’ EXPECTATIONS?

education that have never previously been

At Bethany we exceed expectations. Pupils

possible, enhancing the way pupils interact with

who are predicted to achieve C grades

materials and broadening the scope of activities

achieve Bs and pupils who are predicted Bs

within the classroom. Teachers engage, inspire

achieve As, and we are immensely proud of

and educate. Technology probably doesn’t bring

our high ‘value-added’ score. Parents want the

about revolutions in education, but it helps

very best for their children and so do we.

education to evolve into something even better.

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BRICKLEHURST MANOR SCHOOL BARDOWN ROAD, STONEGATE, WADHURST, EAST SUSSEX TN5 7EL

TYPE: Independent, co-educational prep school

The warm, family atmosphere at Bricklehurst

drama, dance, a dedicated special needs

FOUNDED: 1959

Manor is probably the first of many

teacher, plus a dyslexia specialist.

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 125

positive feelings that you will have as you

NUMBER OF STAFF: 30

enter the school. Family owned and

chance to thrive and find success, whether it

COST PER TERM (DAY): £2,700 to £3,600;

established for 55 to 56 years, this Grade II

be an academic, musical, sporting or artistic

Kindergarten from £327

listed building provides a wonderful

talent. The extended day provides the

TEL: 01580 200 448

environment in beautiful surroundings where

opportunity for children to enjoy a range of

WEB: www.bricklehurst.co.uk

children can grow.

clubs and activities, including LAMDA, choir,

EMAIL: office@bricklehurst.co.uk HEAD: Mrs Christine Flowers

Now with its third owner, Christine Flowers – who has worked for the past 12 years to provide a modern, all-inclusive school – here,

Our broad curriculum offers every child the

orchestra, Spanish, gymnastics, art and seasonal sports.

The school enjoys an excellent academic

children of all abilities have a unique and

record, with our children regularly gaining

refreshing opportunity to experience a

places in the Kent Grammar Schools or being

stimulating and thorough education, with

awarded scholarships to local independent

the attention on the basics – including

schools.

good manners.

Children come to us from the age of three

At Bricklehurst, we work hard, but have fun so that childhood can be enjoyed. I believe that

to join our Early Years, which was rated in our

we fully achieve our aim to produce happy,

last inspection as ‘Outstanding’ in all areas.

confident and well-rounded pupils, who are

We have small classes, specialist teachers for

known to thrive in the secondary school of

languages (French and Mandarin), games,

their choice.

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BRIGHT YOUNG THINGS TUITION CENTRE 3 CALVERLEY STREET, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT TN1 2BZ

TYPE: Tuition Centre FOUNDED: 2014 NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 75 NUMBER OF STAFF: 5 COSTS: 11+ classes – £26 or £24 a class when making a block booking of six classes; GCSE and A level classes – £30 a class or £28 a class when making a block booking of six classes TEL: 01892 800 492 WEB: www.brightyoungthings.co.uk/tunbridge-wells EMAIL: tunbridgewells@brightyoungthings.co.uk FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/bytTunbridgeWells TWITTER: @BYTTunbridgeW CENTRE DIRECTOR: Arthur Ponsonby

TELL US ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL We were established in April 2014 and are linked to the immensely successful Rochester Tuition Centre, which was founded in 1988. Our ethos is traditional learning coupled with the

second, that children derive immense

nurtures children right across the academic

teaching of very strong skills and knowledge.

satisfaction through their experience at the

spectrum, from early years through to university

We encourage children to become curious

centre. We make learning fun and exciting and

preparation. While we take a hefty proportion of

learners who want to seize the initiative in their

the vast majority of our new pupil intake

our pupils from the local Tonbridge/Tunbridge

quest to learn and go beyond the textbook. Our

comes via referrals, which demonstrates that

Wells area, we also have pupils travel to us

teaching philosophy is to foster a propensity for

we are doing what we do extremely well.

from East Sussex, South East London (e.g.

logical thinking, problem solving and the

Bromley), Sevenoaks and Maidstone.

development of a passion for language. We

IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU MANAGE

want children to be able to think for themselves

PARENTS’ EXPECTATIONS?

HOW DO YOU ENSURE STUDENTS RECEIVE

and apply their knowledge in their future school

A key part of what we do well is relaying to

A WELL-ROUNDED EXPERIENCE?

years. These aims encompass my approach as

parents after each lesson what topic has been

The structure of our classes means that we

Head of the tuition centre.

covered, including areas of relative strength

offer children 15 minutes of instruction, where

and weakness, and highlighting a systematic

the teacher outlines two or three different

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

approach towards achieving future progress

methodologies and ways of approaching a

Two key things: first, that we achieved a

and improvement. An important product of

particular task. Within that time, children are

100% pass rate for our first Year 5 cohort,

this model of education is constantly

encouraged to ask questions, exchange points

who took their 11+ in September 2014;

monitoring progress and working within the

of view and motivate one another to be an

vital tripartite setup of communication

active participant in the learning process.

between parent, pupil and teacher. Alongside

Children will then work independently for the

our offering of a free assessment to all new

following 45 minutes, using our exclusive

Year 4 & 5 pupils, we also conduct end of term

learning materials. This allows the pupil to

mock assessments. These are an effective

accelerate learning at their own pace while the

learning tool in gauging relative levels of

teacher circulates (no class is larger than eight

progress, providing essential exam practice

as a policy of the centre), sets individual

and serve as both a useful and accurate

targets, cites gaps in knowledge and amends

forecast for understanding whether a pupil is

accordingly. This blend of collective and

on-track to secure an 11+ pass.

independent learning means that pupils of varying abilities can challenge themselves and

Arthur Ponsonby

FROM WHICH CATCHMENT AREAS DO YOU

become stimulated within the learning

ATTRACT STUDENTS?

environment. Our well-rounded approach is

We want to become a cornerstone of

centred on the aim that every child maximises

educational support within the local area that

their potential.

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COBHAM HALL

BREWERS ROAD, COBHAM, KENT DA12 3BL

TYPE: Round Square, International Baccalaureate World school for girls aged 11 to 18 years, boarding and day FOUNDED: 1962 NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 180 NUMBER OF STAFF: 108 (38 teaching staff, including part-time) COST PER TERM (DAY): £5,156 to £6,526 COST PER TERM (BOARDING): £7,789 to £9,817 TEL: 01474 823 371 WEB: www.cobhamhall.com EMAIL: enquiries@cobhamhall.com HEAD: Mr Paul Mitchell BSc TELL US ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL Opened in 1962, Cobham Hall is an all-girls independent school offering boarding and day places. It was the first all-girls school to be invited to join the Round Square movement about 40 years ago. The Round Square ethos and its accompanying philosophy are now very much at the centre of the school.

I became involved in Cobham Hall in 2008 when I was appointed Headmaster. I was attracted by the school’s membership of Round Square and its associated ethos, the school’s independence and the intention to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB). social and spiritual. In keeping with the

of introducing the qualification and

HOW ABOUT THE ETHOS BEHIND YOUR APPROACH

philosophies of Kurt Hahn, the man who

promoting the benefits of the IB.

AS HEAD?

inspired the Round Square movement, I

I am very committed to providing an all-round

believe that the best education is based on

HAVE YOU NOTICED MANY CHANGES IN THE

education that develops all aspects of the

experience and challenge.

CLASSROOM OVER THE YEARS?

pupil; intellectual, creative, physical, moral,

The introduction and increased use of

WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF THE BIGGEST

technology to aid teaching and learning.

CHALLENGES YOU’VE FACED?

However, it is important to remember that

I took over as Headmaster in 2008, at the

what has not changed is the prime importance

start of the recession. This brought great

of good teachers. Cobham Hall has

economic challenges to the school and an

considerably increased its use of technology

imperative to ensure that it fully developed,

inside and outside the classroom, but its most

articulated and broadcast its unique selling

effective, versatile and forward thinking asset

point – the only all-girls Round Square school

remains its staff.

in the UK that takes boarders. Part of that drive involved completing the transition from A levels to IB, a qualification closely linked to the Round Square ethos and the school’s all-round approach to education. Introducing a new qualification is never straightforward and was particularly challenging as the IB was still relatively unknown in the UK.

Mr Paul Mitchell BSc

Fortunately, the school has an experienced and versatile staff that took up the challenge

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DULWICH PREP SCHOOL, CRANBROOK

COURSEHORN, CRANBROOK, KENT TN17 3NP

TYPE: Independent day and

Dulwich Prep has developed hugely since its

Years section, has recently been completely

flexible boarding school for boys

humble beginnings in the orchards of Cranbrook

redeveloped and now comprises four brand

and girls aged three to 13

at the outbreak of World War Two, when Dulwich

new classrooms, all facing south and each

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 540

College Preparatory School evacuated to the

with their own outdoor learning area under

COST PER TERM (DAY): £1,748

countryside in September 1939. Since then, the

a retractable roof. Children are outside come

to £5,165

site has grown to 50 acres in the heart of the

rain or shine, digging in their gardens and

TEL: 01580 712 179

beautiful Weald of Kent.

enjoying the playground.

WEB: www.dcpskent.org

Sports facilities are unrivalled and the school is

In Little Stream, forest school activities

EMAIL: registrar@dcpskent.org

justly proud of its ability to encourage and nurture

encourage the children to work together to

HEAD: Mr P.A. David, BEd (Hons)

new interests – with opportunities for all abilities

solve problems, become more independent

and extracurricular clubs ranging from triathlon to

and try new challenges where there is no

sewing. Dulwich Prep offers state-of-the-art

right or wrong answer! The children have the

technology, including interactive whiteboards

chance to learn specific skills such as shelter

linked to Apple TV in every classroom and an iPad

building, knot tying and cooking on an open fire.

for learning programme in Years 7 and 8,

A progressive programme of activities

providing a great tool for both independent and

culminates in a residential trip to Snowdonia

group study.

in Year 8, led by a specialist mountain

There is also a great emphasis on outdoor learning throughout the school. Starting in

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expedition team.

The Headmaster hosts tours of the school on

Nursery, the outdoor environment is used to learn

Monday, Tuesday and Friday mornings. Contact

from, not just learn in. Nash House, our Early

Sally Ahlers, Registrar, to arrange a visit.

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KENT COLLEGE PEMBURY

OLD CHURCH ROAD, PEMBURY, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT TN2 4AX

TYPE: Boarding school for

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF ABOUT

valued greatly by the girls. Our play therapist

girls aged 3-11 (Nursery/Prep/

YOUR SCHOOL?

is supported by Olive, her wire haired

Day and Boarding)

One of the key aspects that I take pride

dachshund, whose presence complements

FOUNDED: 1886

in is the atmosphere we create within

the therapist’s skills to ensure the girls feel

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 210

Kent College, which is created through

confident to share their concerns and put

NUMBER OF STAFF: 75

a combination of super facilities, the

into place the strategies they are given.

COST PER TERM (DAY): £2,720 to £4,098

commitment of the staff and the enjoyment

COST PER TERM (BOARDING): £7,408

and happiness of the girls. As soon as you

HOW DO YOU ENSURE STUDENTS RECEIVE

TEL: 01892 822 006

walk through the door, you are enveloped

A WELL-ROUNDED EDUCATION?

WEB: www.kent-college.co.uk

by a warm, supportive family community.

In addition to their academic studies,

EMAIL: admissions@kentcollege.kent.sch.uk HEAD: Ann Lawson

our girls participate in sport, music,

TELL US ABOUT YOUR APPROACH TO

drama and art, with a wide range of

PASTORAL CARE

extracurricular activities, from ballet

Our main focus is on preparing the girls

to cookery and chess to hockey.

academically for the next stage of their

Developing a child’s character is also

education, but in conjunction with this,

essential. We provide opportunities

it is also vital that they are equipped with the

for them to develop their resilience,

necessary social skills to deal with the range

self-confidence, ability to face challenges

of situations life throws at them. We operate

and persistence, all of which are important

a Buddy system and benefit from having

qualities if they are to be happy and

access to a play therapist/counsellor, who is

successful in their adult life.

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THE MEAD SCHOOL 16 FRANT ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT TN2 5SN TYPE: Co-educational day school for ages three to 11

Every child deserves an education they can

FOUNDED: 1987

look back on with joy; an education that gives

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 189

them core values upon which to build their

NUMBER OF STAFF: 34

lives, confidence to become the person they

COST PER TERM (DAY): £3,315 (Years 3 to 6),

are meant to be and the open-mindedness and

£2,990 (Reception, Years 1 and 2) and £975 to

resilience to grow into the independent, lifelong

£1,625 (Kindergarten and Pre-Reception)

learners and global citizens of the future. Life is

TEL: 01892 525 837

a journey full of adventures and challenges.

WEB: www.meadschool.info

School life is the springboard.

EMAIL: office@themeadschool.co.uk HEAD: Mrs Angela Culley

Each day at The Mead is an adventure. The

and a broad range of scholarships and entrance

academic standards, instilling a passion for

exams to independent secondary schools.

learning through a creative, ever evolving and

The curriculum is enhanced by specialist

pertinent curriculum within a caring, happy

teaching in French, Mandarin, sport, music,

environment. Housed in the centre of

drama and dance.

Tunbridge Wells close to the historic Pantiles,

The Mead is one large family where

we are a community school enjoying all that

communication is key and school and families

Tunbridge Wells has to offer through myriad

work very closely together. What am I most

educational trips and use of local facilities.

proud of? Every child, past and present, who

Children are prepared for a wide selection of secondary schools, including all six grammar

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schools through the Kent Selection 11+ test

school enjoys an enviable reputation of high

is entrusted to our care and call themselves a Meadite.

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ROSE HILL SCHOOL

CONISTON AVENUE, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT TN4 9SY

TYPE: Independent co-educational prep school FOUNDED: 1832 NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 303 NUMBER OF STAFF: Teaching – 44 COST PER TERM (DAY): £3,355 in pre-prep and £4,489 in the prep school TEL: 01892 525 591 WEB: www.rosehillschool.co.uk EMAIL: admissions@rosehillschool.co.uk HEAD: David Westcombe

TELL US ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL AND APPROACH AS HEAD Founded in Tunbridge Wells in 1832, Rose Hill is one of the oldest prep schools in the country. It moved to its present 17-acre site in Culverden Down in 1966. Our motto, ‘Nisi Dominus Frustra’ (Nothing is worthwhile without Jesus), reflects our strong Christian ethos, which underpins all aspects of school life. I am proud of the kindness shown among the

IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU MANAGE PARENTS’ EXPECTATIONS?

children towards each other and

Parents expect and deserve a

the strong pastoral care. The

high quality, rounded education

school is genuinely a happy

and regular feedback from

place to learn and the children

teachers about their child. We

thrive in this environment. I particularly love seeing the enthusiastic, happy, friendly faces of the

have an open door policy and communication between parents and staff is key. Our approach to education is to

children – from the tiny three-year-olds in

look at the whole child, not just their exam

Kindergarten, all the way up to the confident

results. The school is small enough for us to

13-year-olds in Year 8.

know each child and to discover what makes each of them tick.

We also have a go karting club, which competes in national events. Lego,

HOW MUCH OPPORTUNITY IS THERE FOR PARENTS

storytelling, origami, knitting, ball skills and

TO GET INVOLVED IN SCHOOL LIFE?

triathlon club are all firm favourites among the

Lots. The school’s Parents Association

children. School trips take place for every year

organises events for parents and children

group – from local places of interest, such as

throughout the year and parents are often

Herstmonceux Science Centre, to international

invited to attend assemblies. Each class has a

geography trips to Rome/Sorrento and our

parent representative who meets with me

hugely popular residential trip to France.

each term to share ideas and suggestions.

Parents with expertise in a specific field, such

AND YOUR APPROACH TO PASTORAL CARE?

as dentists, policemen etc. enrich the teaching

Individual attention and care is at the heart of

and learning through visits.

the school. Well-trained staff and friendly and open pupil-teacher relationships ensure each

WHAT ABOUT EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND

child is known. Children are encouraged to be

SCHOOL TRIPS?

open and to let anyone know if they are

I believe this is a real strength of the school.

worried about anything. A full-time school

Activities are many and varied. We have our

nurse is invaluable and provides another

own Cubs, Rainbows and Brownies packs.

all-important listening ear.

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SACKVILLE SCHOOL, TONBRIDGE TONBRIDGE ROAD, HILDENBOROUGH, KENT TN11 9HN

TYPE: Independent co-educational school

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF ABOUT

with our dedicated staff. The school has a vertical

for ages 11 to 18 years

YOUR SCHOOL?

tutor group structure in KS3, with pupils from

FOUNDED: 1987

When I first arrived at Sackville, I was immediately

Years 7, 8 and 9 split into groups with a Teacher

COST PER TERM (DAY): ÂŁ4,540

struck by its distinctive, community atmosphere.

Tutor, who supports them in all aspects of school

TEL: 01732 838 888

This was reinforced at one of my first school

life. Thereafter, tutor groups are based on the

WEB: www.sackvilleschool.co.uk

events, which was attended by large numbers

year cohort.

EMAIL: office@sackvilleschool.com

of alumni, making me realise that strong bonds

HEAD: John Hewitt

are forged here. Being a small school, it is easy

DO YOU OFFER EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND

to know all the children, their parents and staff

SCHOOL TRIPS?

very well. Uniquely, our small class sizes and

Our extracurricular programme has always been an

individualised teaching methods mean that

important feature of life at Sackville. Participation in

we are particularly adept at ensuring each

enrichment activities can bring huge benefits for

student flourishes.

young people; self-esteem and confidence grow when a new skill is learned or talent developed. I

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TELL US ABOUT YOUR APPROACH TO PASTORAL CARE

have extended our provision by offering more

This is a vital part of the ethos of Sackville School;

activities after school and students can choose

happy, contented children make successful

from a diverse and stimulating selection of clubs.

learners. We introduce pupils to the Sackville

School trips are also an important part of the

family via taster sessions, when they become

curriculum and forthcoming trips include skiing in

familiar with the school and bond with each other.

Austria, an art trip to Paris, a geography field trip to

Once here, they benefit from close relationships

Iceland and an activity holiday to the Alps.

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SEVENOAKS PREP SCHOOL

GODDEN GREEN, SEVENOAKS, KENT TN15 0JU

TYPE: Independent day school for boys and girls

The atmosphere of Sevenoaks Prep makes it a

aged 2 to 13

very special school. We place great importance

strengths of Sevenoaks Prep. Our older pupils

FOUNDED: 1919

on individuality, but our pupils also understand

play a crucial role in school life, as they are our

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 385

that they are part of a wider community.

leaders and role models, and they are given

NUMBER OF STAFF: 63 teaching staff

Pastoral care is at the core of what we do; we

responsibilities accordingly. We prepare pupils

COST PER TERM (DAY): £2,850 to £4,130

are here to make sure pupils learn, but also that

for exams at 11+ and 13+, working closely

TEL: 01732 762 336

they are confident to talk to us, to their parents,

with parents to ensure that we choose the

WEB: www.theprep.org.uk

to their peers and to new audiences. We work

right senior school for each child. These

EMAIL: admissions@theprep.org.uk

together to make sure they receive the very

decisions are based on our understanding

HEAD: Mr Luke Harrison

best start in life. Pupils and teachers here trust

of them as individuals and as members of

each other. Fundamentally, our caring and

our community.

dedicated teachers enjoy spending time with the children.

Life in Years 7 and 8 is one of the great

Education is about more than what happens in a classroom; it is about social responsibility

Every child has a chance to make a difference

and how a pupil engages with the world

in school and to contribute to school life. Drama,

around them. We give them experiences

music, art and sport all play a very important

beyond the classroom environment, with

part in a pupil’s development. Everyone has the

structure and guidance, so that they are

opportunity to represent the school at sport, in

challenged and learn through experience.

music concerts and in school productions. We

We want our pupils to enjoy their childhood,

have a broad curriculum and an extensive range

be challenged and be prepared for the test

of extracurricular clubs, activities and trips.

of life rather than a life of tests.

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SKIPPERS HILL MANOR PREPARATORY SCHOOL

FIVE ASHES, MAYFIELD, EAST SUSSEX, TN20 6HR

TYPE: Preparatory school

HEADTEACHER MR LEWIS TO RETIRE AFTER 25

for the future of Skippers. The time has definitely

FOUNDED: 1945

YEARS AT SKIPPERS HILL SCHOOL

come for me to pass on command to a younger

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 136

Following a successful 25 years at the helm,

man whom I greatly respect.”

NUMBER OF STAFF: 35

Headteacher Mr Tim Lewis will be retiring at the end

COST PER TERM (DAY): From £1,437 (fulltime

of the academic year. In 1990, Tim, his wife Fiona

become the next headmaster when Tim retires at the

kindergarten including EYEE) to £4,000 (Years 7 and 8)

and their two children arrived at Skippers to start a

end of the summer term. Prior to joining Skippers,

TEL: 01825 830 234

three-year contract, which ended up stretching into a

Mark was a member of the Senior Leadership Team

WEB: www.skippershill.com

quarter of a century. During that time, both Tim and

at Geneva English School, with responsibility for

EMAIL: info@skippershill.com

his wife have successfully maintained the ethos of

pastoral care across the school. Prior to that, he was a

HEAD: Mr Tim Lewis

Skippers Hill, as established by Ray and Maureen

Head of House and Boarding Housemaster at The

Ward, who founded the school in 1945.

Junior King’s School, Canterbury.

“We have had many adventures as the school has Tim Lewis (right) and Mark Hammond

“The Hammond family are delighted to be at

flourished, but have nevertheless maintained its

Skippers and very much looking forward to being

warmth and individuality,” comments Tim. “To have

at the heart of the school community for many

played a part in its success has been a privilege.

years to come,” says Mark. “Skippers has a

“It has been exhilarating to have helped steer so

214

Mark Hammond, currently Deputy Head, will

special atmosphere that stretches back many

many vital capital projects through to completion,

decades. I am thrilled by the opportunity to take

including the IT suite, new Early Years block,

the school forward with a strong team, ensuring

performing arts room and the fantastic Astro –

that we fully prepare our children for life in the 21st

while not forgetting the curriculum innovation,

century, while retaining a child-centred, family

incorporated into our ambitious development plan

atmosphere where individuals are nurtured.”

MARCH 2015

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ST EDMUND’S SCHOOL CANTERBURY

ST THOMAS HILL, CANTERBURY, KENT CT2 8HU

TYPE: Co-educational day & boarding for ages 3 to 18

A FORWARD THINKING SCHOOL WITH

FOUNDED: 1749

TRADITIONAL ROOTS

are equally sure that important benefits

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 540

The school’s core values stay constant

of a St Edmund’s education are the

COST PER TERM (DAY): Junior – from £4,655;

in that at the heart of all we do remains

intangibles, the values and inner

Senior – £6,217

a tradition of academic excellence, a respect

strengths, that underpin adult life.

COST PER TERM (BOARDING): Junior – from

for the individual, a belief in meritocracy

In many ways, St Edmund’s, although

£6,323; Senior – from £9,254

and a commitment to ensuring that our

true to its traditional roots, is a forward

TEL: 01227 475 601

young men and women leave St Edmund’s

thinking school that believes in

WEB: www.stedmunds.org.uk

not only with the exam grades they will

challenging every pupil to work towards

EMAIL: admissions@stedmunds.org.uk

require for university and employment, but

achieving their potential within an

HEAD: Louise Moelwyn-Hughes

with the interpersonal skills and qualities

encouraging, supportive and aspirational

they will need to lead happy, fulfilling and

setting; with the right considered

record-breaking exam results – but we

successful lives. Government statisticians

approach, every pupil can progress and

increasingly know the price – or at least

fully enjoy the process and rewards

the UCAS tariff score – of every

of education.

conceivable qualification, but they do

St Edmund’s welcomes new pupils and

not always recognise the value of

their families to come along and experience

a high quality, all-round education.

our excellent classroom teaching, our

At St Edmund’s, we are confident

outstanding extracurricular provision and

that pupils have been well taught to excel

our lively and vibrant charitable and

in GCSE and A level – 2014 saw

service programmes.

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MAYFIELD

THE OLD PALACE, MAYFIELD, EAST SUSSEX TN20 6PH

TYPE: Catholic independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11 to 18 FOUNDED: 1872 COST PER TERM (DAY): £6,250 COST PER TERM (BOARDING): £10,000 WEB: www.mayfieldgirls.org EMAIL: enquiry@mayfieldgirls.org TEL: 01435 874 600 HEAD: Miss Antonia Beary

TELL US ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL Mayfield is a Catholic independent boarding and day school in Sussex for girls aged 11 to 18. We have a proud reputation for high academic achievement, exceptional pastoral care and high quality extracurricular activities.

Mayfield gives its girls the chance to discover and fulfil their full potential.

Above all else, it’s a happy school.

and other people outside the

them the tools to cope with this stress; be it

classroom. Mayfield offers a

exam pressure, peer pressure or the force of

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

wide variety of activities and

social media. Staff work closely with girls to

There is no such thing as a typical

trips; girls are encouraged to

build confidence and resilience, helping them to

Mayfield girl; we accept each individual for who she is and encourage her to find her

explore their potential in the performing and creative arts, sport

be aspirational; there is nothing you can’t do if you try and Mayfield girls prove it!

strengths and build on them. While we stretch her

and other physical and intellectual

academically to achieve the best exam results, we

pursuits, as well as there being an expectation of

HOW DO YOU MANAGE PARENTS’ EXPECTATIONS?

also give her the time, space, spiritual and

service to the community. Overseas trips and

We are not an academic hothouse. Mayfield

emotional support she needs to flourish as a

activities range from tennis in Florida and skiing in

achieves outstanding exam results by placing

person. We nurture creativity in every subject she

Switzerland, to geography field trips to Morocco

great emphasis on nurturing well-rounded

studies and want to inspire a love of learning for

and Iceland and cultural and historical visits to

young women who can handle pressure and

itself. We challenge girls to set themselves

Italy and the Battlefields of Flanders. We have

form a balanced and robust philosophy of life,

demanding targets and to find strategies for

exchanges to France and sister schools in the

rather than teaching them to jump through

achieving them. It works, as I have yet to meet an

USA, while Sixth Formers volunteer with disabled

hoops. We are conscious that parents want the

Old Cornelian who isn’t interesting!

children in Thailand, on pilgrimage in Lourdes or

best teaching facilities and resources for their

with our new project in Tanzania.

daughters and we pride ourselves on our ability

ARE THERE MANY EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

to provide them. One of our particular strengths

AND SCHOOL TRIPS?

IN WHAT WAYS HAS THE CLASSROOM CHANGED

is our Value Added scores – helping girls who

While academic study and the pursuit of

IN RECENT YEARS?

have traditionally underperformed to fulfil their

excellent examination results are important, in

The pressure on teenage girls today is

potential and surpass their expectations.

practice, the girls learn more about themselves

immense. Part of our role as teachers is to give

AND YOUR APPROACH TO PASTORAL CARE? It is fundamental, but shouldn’t be mistaken for ‘wrapping girls in cotton wool’! Each girl needs personal support, which will vary in nature as she grows. While we aim to nurture and celebrate each individual, we also engender in our girls an awareness and appreciation of the needs and gifts of others; it’s not only about the care they receive, but what they can go on to share with the wider community.

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SUTTON VALENCE SCHOOL

SENIOR – NORTH STREET, SUTTON VALENCE, KENT ME17 3HL; PREP – CHURCH ROAD, CHART SUTTON, KENT ME17 3RF

TYPE: Independent, co-educational three to 18, day and boarding FOUNDED: 1576 NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 820 NUMBER OF STAFF: 150 COST PER TERM (DAY): (Three to 18) £2,670 to £6,435 COST PER TERM (BOARDING): (11 – 18) Three to five nights flexi up to full, £6,555 to £9,885 TEL: Senior – 01622 845 200; Prep – 01622 842 117 WEB: www.svs.org.uk EMAIL: enquiries@svs.org.uk; enquiries@svprep.svs.org.uk HEADMASTER: Mr Bruce Grindlay

TELL US ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL Sutton Valence School has been in the heart of the Kent countryside since 1576. A community where

the key. It is vital that our parents understand

AND YOUR APPROACH TO PASTORAL CARE?

each cares for all and individuality is cherished, in

and recognise the actual profile (academic and

The whole-school community is supportive but

1995 the school expanded to include a Prep,

otherwise) of their child so that they can see

large, so we break it down into smaller family

Pre-Prep and Nursery and now educates over 820

and celebrate the length of the journey each

units. Our day and boarding houses comprise

pupils aged from three to 18. With an ethos that

takes while in our school.

approximately 50 pupils each. Within these,

recognises that we are all individuals, we are one

the pupils are put into vertical tutor groups of

school with many different journeys to suit and

ARE THERE MANY EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

around 15 pupils, where the old can mentor

properly educate our pupils.

AND SCHOOL TRIPS?

the young and develop leadership skills, while

Our co-curricular and leadership journeys are

the young can feel supported and part of a

ANY PARTICULAR HIGHLIGHTS FOR YOU?

vital components of what we call our Total

school family spanning the years. Family units

I am very proud of the community at SV.

Curriculum. Somewhere in every child’s

also exist in sport, music, drama – in fact, in all

There is no standard Suttonian, but I hope that

education they need to learn the vital skills of

of the things we provide outside of the

all demonstrate confidence, kindness and

self-discipline, focus, commitment and effort

classroom. All are predicated on mutual

commitment in all they do. As a result of the high

and not everyone learns these sitting in a

respect and recognising and celebrating our

expectations and standards we expect and instil, I

classroom. Our sport, music, drama, charity

differences.

am delighted that our examination results have

work, Duke of Edinburgh scheme and the

improved year on year for the last six years and

Combined Cadet Force all help with the

that we have been recognised for adding value to

acquisition of these skills, allowing the pupils to

WELL-ROUNDED EXPERIENCE?

the academic and all-round education we provide.

build self-esteem and confidence through really

While the children are younger (three to 13

IN WHAT WAYS DO STUDENTS RECEIVE A

achieving and being recognised for their obvious

years old), we do not have Saturday school, but

WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF THE BIGGEST

talents. We also like to strengthen the vertical

we pack the working week with academic and

CHALLENGES YOU’VE FACED?

bonds of our community by having our younger

co-curricular opportunities and insist that pupils

Getting the community to understand that a

pupils learn from and work with our older pupils.

do not cherry pick or choose where they invest

selective intake does not improve academic

their effort. All need to try hard in all they do, as

results for the individual. What improves results

only then do they start to see their true

is a bespoke approach and a real care for the

potential emerging. At Year 9 we add Saturday

needs of the individuals. It is also important for all

morning lessons and afternoon sports matches,

to understand that a truly excellent and

so we can further enhance our education by

well-rounded education is not just about

assigning a whole afternoon to

examination results. Results will only get you the

non-classroom-based education: the Duke of

interview; personality and skills land you the job.

Edinburgh scheme, the Combined Cadet Force, community service, Model United Nations,

HOW DO YOU MANAGE PARENTS’ EXPECTATIONS?

Young Enterprise and the kit car club, to name

Open, frequent and honest communication is

but a few.

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ADVERTORIAL

SO

GETTING YOU MOVING

Property Turner is a independent Property Search Agency in Kent that can help you find your dream Kent home. Combining professional experience with in-depth local knowledge, they are passionate about the area and can help you with all your property search needs and requirements by living in an area for some time. I qualified as a

market closely. We are experts at negotiating,

Chartered Surveyor and was previously a Partner

we do it regularly and we have a feel for how far

with Knight Frank in London on the commercial

we can go; we can help you save money.

side. I grew up in Kent and moved seven years ago from Horsmonden to near Cranbrook.

My colleague Catherine Daniell qualified as a

Although our main business is finding homes for our clients to buy, we also find rental properties. The rental market is much more

Chartered Accountant and grew up just outside

immediate and it is extremely important to be on

Sevenoaks, where she has recently renovated

the ground so that we can go and see houses

MY NAME IS HELEN TURNER and I set up

two properties and now lives in Sevenoaks town

the same day they are listed. We have advised

Property Turner five years ago after I had helped

centre. Sally Bennie was a Property Developer in

several clients from abroad and they have

several friends and other contacts move down to

South London before moving down to Kent. She

happily taken properties unseen. Pictures and

Kent. I grew up in Kent, qualified as a Chartered

divides her time between her house on the

descriptions are often misleading, but we only

Surveyor and, after several years working and

Romney Marsh, which she has had for 12 years,

advise taking a property that we ourselves

living in London, I moved back to Kent, attracted

and Benenden, where her husband is a

would be happy to live in.

by the commute for my husband, the choice of

housemaster at the school.

We follow the Sevenoaks to Ashford train line,

schools for my children, the reasonable house

We know our areas and we all have extensive

but also go into East Sussex and recently have

prices and the pretty countryside and towns.

networks, which results in us often hearing about

advised a couple of clients on purchases on the

I now have an excellent team with a passion

properties before they hit the open market, either

Kent Coast; St Margaret’s Bay to Broadstairs is

for property, which means we are able to

by word of mouth or by simply being in close

now very accessible with the fast train stopping

successfully listen to and fulfil our clients’ briefs.

contact with the agents. We know the agents

every hour, very good value and works either as

Property Turner is run by professionals with

well and we know the market. We can provide

a second home location or if there is no need to

the back story on most houses and follow the

commute to London daily.

in-depth local knowledge that can only be gained

Property Turner • Dene House, Friezley Lane, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 2LL • 01580 714 214 • www.propertyturner.co.uk MARCH 2015

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MOTORING MATTERS

OUR ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM THE MOTORING SCENE RAPIDE RESPONSE Aston Martin has once again confirmed its position as the most popular luxury car brand in Switzerland. The British sports car maker is celebrating a key class win, as well as podium places, for a number of its models in the influential Best Cars of 2015 awards, run by respected automotive magazine Auto Illustrierte. In the 2015 awards, presented at a Zurich ceremony and decided entirely via magazine readers’ votes, the Aston Martin Rapide S was recognised for the sixth year running as the clear winner in the Luxury Class category.

EXTRA VALUE

MAKING HISTORY

TURBO BOOST

BIKE BEST

The Jaguar XF range now

Buys in the UK can now order the

The early success of Lexus’s NX

Ducati Motor Holdings recently

offers better value for money

new Ford Mustang – more than

crossover range is set to gain

announced record sales for 2014

than ever, thanks to a host of

50 years after the iconic car

extra, turbo-powered momentum

with Ducati UK and its dealer

enhanced trim packages and

first went into production.

with the introduction of the new

network contributing significantly

the addition of a brand new

Equipped with a 314PS 2.3-litre

NX 200t, the first model to benefit

to this overall result. For Ducati UK

derivative: the R-Sport Black.

EcoBoost engine or a 418PS

from Lexus’s new 2.0-litre

it was a record breaking year, with

Featuring a comprehensive list

5.0-litre V8 engine, the new

turbocharged engine. Order books

the UK subsidiary achieving 2,742

of specification enhancements,

fastback and convertible

are open now for the NX 200t,

registrations – a 17% increase

including 20” Black Kalimnos

models are available to order from

which will be available exclusively

on the previous year with a

alloy wheels and 770w Meridian

Ford Stores, priced from £28,995.

in F Sport trim with all-wheel

small increase in market share.

Surround Sound system, the

An online configurator will enable

drive, emphasising its more

This result was accomplished with

R-Sport Black offers an

customers to specify their

performance-oriented character.

consistently high sales throughout

additional £8,770 worth of value

Mustang and review pricing. In

It joins the full hybrid NX 300h,

the year, registering 10-year highs

over standard R-Sport models for

addition, smartphone and tablet

which has already amassed more

in every quarter with March being

just a £2,100 increase to its OTR

users can see and share exactly

than 1,000 sales since being

Ducati UK’s biggest single sales

price. All models in the XF saloon

how their chosen Mustang could

introduced late last year. The NX

month on record. Among the

and Sportbrake range now come

look, using a new augmented

200t costs £38,095 on the road;

32-strong dealer network there was

with Winter Comfort Pack and

reality app that places the car in

first customer deliveries will be

also the highest ever proportion

Parking Pack as standard.

the setting of their choice.

from mid-March.

achieving more than 100 units.

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SUAVE SOPHISTICATION Has a minor makeover on the surface led to big changes under the bonnet?

Matt Kimberley investigates the new Audi S6

A

udi has pressed

the RS development teams to

passenger zone. With such

the refresh button

deal with. Side skirts that jut out

shapely seats and high quality

on the full A6

more prominently, 19-inch

leathers cocooning you like a

range, so the

twin-spoke alloy wheels and

Persian prince, the S6 is better

muscle-bound S6

those flashy headlights give it

for luxuriating than it is for

saloon and Avant

the kind of window shopping

folding the seats down and

estate get the

appeal that half of Amsterdam

throwing a load of planks into.

could scarcely dream of.

It’s just too well-appointed

same (tiny) makeover. The grille now has twin bars running

for that.

across it instead of single,

deep down inside its bag of

thicker ones and the headlights,

tricks and there’s no getting rid

lots of things, power and speed

bumper and air inlets have been

of it. At first glance this could

being two. The S6 is as rapid as

slightly reshaped.

just be an S-line spec A6 and

the people who take used plates

its relative understatement is

away at all-you-can-eat buffets

you’ll see adaptive air

one of the qualities that help

and it doesn’t feel particularly like

suspension set to 20mm lower

it sell so well.

a turbo-charged engine. It pulls

Don some X-ray specs and

than the standard A6, while the

In finest fast Audi tradition you

Turbo-charging a V8 gets you

harder and harder with a barrel-

brake callipers are now matt

can choose an estate model as

chested bellow as the revs rise,

black, the rear diffuser has an

well as the saloon. The wagon is

a lot like the engines of S-car

aluminium-look blade and the full

a bit heavier, not that you’ll

generations past.

LED headlights are ever so

notice unless you take it on a

slightly slimmer.

track day, but it’s prettier and as

what you’d ever be able to

roomy as an empty shed.

exploit on the road. The way it

The wider changes to the base car have made it a better-looking platform for the S and, in 2015,

228

But the S6’s civility is stuffed

The question marks have to come further forward, in the

Grip and traction are beyond

drags itself so violently but so steadily out of tight corners is

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SO

uncanny. G-force has never been

quickly totting up beyond £60,000 is a

so unthreatening.

given. It’s big, hugely capable and

Most roads simply aren’t big

prestigious, but smaller premium

enough for the S6 to stretch its legs,

brand cars that will do the job just as

but at normal speeds it’s as stable as

well could offer a much better

Ayers Rock. Sure, it’s firm over

value alternative.

bumps on its huge (optional) 21-inch

The S6 is a gentleman’s express;

wheels, but if history has taught us

a large, powerful and long-legged

anything it’s that Audi buyers don’t

car with the ability to cross

tend to mind sacrificing ride quality

continents at speed without breaking

for aesthetics.

a sweat. It’s not particularly

At £56,000, the saloon is not a

affordable or cheap to run, but it is

cheap car. And at that price

very lovely. If money is no problem

Audi kindly leaves a lot of the

and the new looks light your fire

technology and luxury that you’re

more than ever, this is a solid choice

likely to want on the options list, so

that won’t leave you disappointed.

FACTS AT A GLANCE AUDI S6 SALOON, FROM £56,000 Engine: 4.0-litre turbocharged petrol V8 producing 444bhp and 406lb/ft of torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic driving all four wheels Performance: Top speed 155mph, 0-62mph in 4.4 seconds Economy: 30.7mpg combined Emissions: 216g/km of CO2

If this car was a suit... It would be from Marks & Spencer.

It’s smart, well put together and stylish, but eminently sensible MARCH 2015

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BUSINESS

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BUSINESS NEWS

OUR MONTHLY LOOK AT WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE LOCAL BUSINESS WORLD

n INNOVATIVE CARE

n MEDICAL MARVELS

n STEVIE SUCCESS

A local homecare company is breaking

World-class facilities and consultants will

A Kent based business

new ground in the delivery of its

soon be available at Sevenoaks Medical

telecommunications provider has been

services. Expertise Homecare, which

Centre. Following a £1.4million

named as a finalist in prestigious

launched last month in Tunbridge Wells

investment, the centre’s expansion

business awards, the Stevies. Active

and Tonbridge, has developed its own

and refurbishment will include

Digital, which has offices in Paddock

software and systems to streamline

state-of-the-art equipment, such as

Wood, is up for Front-Line Customer

the delivery of care and ensure the

new diagnostic devices and an imaging

Service Team of the Year – Technology

highest standards are maintained.

service, allowing patients to be assessed

Industries – Telecommunications. More

Examples include a bespoke real-time

with results on the same day. Part of the

than 1,900 nominations were evaluated

notification system, which enables

HCA group, the centre has been based

for the ninth annual ceremony, which

carers to record each completed task

at Beadle House in Sevenoaks since

was held at the Bellagio Hotel in Las

on a handheld device during each visit.

2010; the redevelopment is due to be

Vegas last month (winners were yet to

Natalie Richards, care specialist and

completed this summer. Centre Manager

be announced at the time of going to

owner of Expertise Homecare, says:

Mikaela Saunders says: “HCA is

print). An Active Digital spokesperson

“We are committed to bringing

committed to providing the highest

says: “This award confirms our place

homecare into the 21st century

quality care and the investment into the

as one of the leading communication

through the use of innovative care

redevelopment of Sevenoaks Medical

companies providing a ‘world class’

processes, systems and software.”

Centre reflects this.”

customer experience.”

www.expertisehomecare.com

www.sevenoaksmedicalcentre.com

www.activedigital.co.uk

WORTHY CAUSE Local businesses are invited to sponsor a table at this year’s summer lunch in aid of Cancer Research UK. Organised by the charity’s Crowborough committee, the annual networking event will be held at the East Sussex National Golf Resort and Spa in Uckfield on Wednesday June 17. More than 200 guests attend each year, with 2014’s event raising almost £9,000 in support of CRUK. Bernard Smith, Head of Professional Services at Oldfield DAVID BARTHOLOMEW

Smith & Co, comments: “We are proud to stand and fight with the countless volunteers in their quest to defeat cancer in all its forms.” www.facebook.com/CRUKCrowborough

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ADVERTORIAL

MARCH 2015

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ADVERTORIAL

HOW YOU CAN SAFEGUARD YOUR DATA If you’re looking to preserve or dispose of your business records, Information Protection Solutions Ltd in Marden can help with a variety of services. We hear from Managing Director Derek Taylor about why the security of your files will be in safe hands

TELL US ABOUT THE HISTORY OF IPS

•Sack & Shred – for confidential

I started the business approximately 10 years

paper destruction

ago, initially offering just archive storage

•Computer Data Destruction – for the

services to business customers in the Kent

destruction of hard media

area. From the outset it was important to be

•Plan and protect consultancy (see below)

different from the rest of the competition, as

•Electronic Information Management – for the

generally archive companies make a lot of

movement and storage of information

additional charges for things like handling and deliveries. I decided to operate a transparent

WHAT KIND OF PEOPLE DO YOU

pricing structure, whereby clients just paid for

WORK WITH AND HOW DO YOUR

the number of boxes they stored on a monthly

SERVICES BENEFIT THEM?

basis. This cost would also include any weekly

Our client base covers insurance companies,

collections/deliveries they needed, which

accountancy firms, solicitors… any business

enabled clients to budget efficiently and to really

that has a legal requirement to store their

see the benefit of outsourcing their storage

records and information in a complaint manner,

requirements. The business has since expanded

which is just about every business! We now

can use all or some of these services; the

to offer a ‘cradle to grave’ solution in respect of

offer a complete range of services, all of which

range covers everything from the physical

corporate information management, with each

are designed to ensure that clients meet their

storage of information – either in archive boxes

solution being branded in its own right:

corporate governance requirements in relation

or in the cloud – through to the actual

•Store-a-Box – for document archiving

to the information they store and use. A client

destruction of information, either paper based or hard media i.e. computers, laptops, tablets, hard drives etc. Our biggest growth area this year will probably be our Plan & Protect consultative service, whereby we help companies to write internal policies and information audit procedures in respect of how they handle assorted information, and ensure their compliance to the Data Protection Act. Although, not surprisingly, we would obviously encourage every client to look towards using all of our services.

CAN YOU EXPLAIN MORE ABOUT PLAN & PROTECT? This is a consultancy service we provide to companies to help them formulate internal policies in respect of all their data handling, collection and usage when dealing with their clients, suppliers and staff. It covers all aspects of current legislation under the DP Act and will ensure that a company is not exposed to a procedural breech of the DPA, which could

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ADVERTORIAL

leave the company exposed to claims by third

TELL US ABOUT YOUR STORE-A-BOX

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WHY WOULD CLIENTS LOOK TO

HAS THERE BEEN AN INCREASE IN

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MARCH 2015

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SOCIAL NETWORKING IN THE FAST LANE Some 100 businesses attended the first Sevenoaks and District Chamber of Commerce networking event of the year at Bentley Kent. The Chamber has seen a surge in new members since the start of the year and new companies were presented with their membership certificates.

Chamber member Bentley Kent kindly opened their doors to the local business community, who enjoyed a morning of networking among the cars.

Chamber networking events take place around the town on the first Wednesday of every month.

For the location of the next event, check www.sevenoakschamber.com Chamber members can attend these events free of charge, while non-members are welcome for ÂŁ10.

Photos: Russell Harper Photography

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ADVERTORIAL

Throughout March, the Fairfax Gallery will be running a mixed exhibition featuring original paintings and sculpture from established, award winning and emerging artists.The contemporary paintings and sculpture will include landscape, figurative and abstract works.

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

ON THIS PAGE Janine Shute ‘150cm’ pastel on paper 55 x 70cm Janine Shute ‘5cm’ pastel on paper 55 x 70cm David Eichenberg ‘VeniceII’ 16cm x 18cm oil on panel (prize winner at the BP Portrait Awards) Janine Shute ‘Classic Brogue’ pastel on paper 70 x 55cm

Open seven days a week • 23 The Pantiles (Lower Walk), Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5TD

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ADVERTORIAL

The Fairfax Gallery was founded in 1995 on the elegant Lower Walk of the Pantiles. While now having two other permanent galleries - one in Burnham Market and Holt and exhibiting in London, New York, Singapore and Hong Kong the original Pantiles gallery, always ensures it has the latest and strongest examples on display in its spacious gallery set over two floors with a large stock behind the scenes...

ON THIS PAGE Allison Pullen ‘Osterley Park House’ mixed media 2 x 86cm Louise Balaam ‘Mountain of Angels, bright cloud’ oil on canvas 50 x 50cm Helen Sinclair ‘Sky Turned Upside Down’ stone resin height 175cm

Tel: 01892 525 525

www.fairfaxgallery.com

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C U LT U R E

CULTUREVULTURE OUR MONTHLY LOOK AT WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE AREA

LA FILLE MAL GARDÉE Love and ambition collide in Frederick Ashton’s

A RIGHT SONG AND DANCE

joyful ballet about a young woman who longs to

Living where we do, we’re lucky to have London’s West End within easy reach. However, if you’d like to enjoy an evening of high culture without leaving the Weald, that’s no problem – some of the capital’s biggest opera and ballet productions are heading for our local silver screens

WHERE TO SEE IT

marry a young farmer. But Lise’s social climbing mother has greater aspirations for her daughter.

Tuesday May 5 Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells Odeon, Tunbridge Wells Kino Digital, Hawkhurst The Picture House, Uckfield Sunday May 10 Odeon, Tunbridge Wells

ROH ALICE PENNEFATHER

LA BOHÈME The struggles of life in 19th century Paris are vividly explored in Puccini’s moving and heartbreaking opera. A penniless poet falls in love with a seamstress, but their romance is threatened by the hazards of poverty.

WHERE TO SEE IT Wednesday June 10 Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells

F

Odeon, Tunbridge Wells ollowing the popularity of the NT Live theatre

across a flock of swans and is astounded when

Kino Digital, Hawkhurst

broadcasts, the Royal Opera House is now

one of them turns into a beautiful woman. He

The Picture House, Uckfield

beaming live performances of some of its

vows to be with the mysterious Odette, but the

Sunday June 14

most spectacular shows direct to cinemas in Kent

evil spirit Van Rothbart has other plans for the

Odeon, Tunbridge Wells

and East Sussex. Looking ahead to the upcoming

prince.

season of live broadcasts, we check out some of

WHERE TO SEE IT

GUILLAUME TELL

the hottest tickets out of town...

Tuesday March 17

Rossini’s final opera tells the story of Swiss folk hero

Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells

William Tell and the revolutionary struggle that

DER FLIEGENDE HOLLÄNDER

Odeon, Tunbridge Wells

culminates in his having to shoot an apple from his

In Tim Albery’s dark and insightful

Sunday March 22

own son’s head. Despite living for nearly 40 years

production of Wagner’s masterpiece, Bryn Terfel

Odeon Tunbridge Wells

after the opera’s 1829 premiere, Rossini considered this his majestic swansong.

plays the cursed Flying Dutchman, who must sail the treacherous seas for all eternity. He may only

RISE AND FALL OF THE CITY

WHERE TO SEE IT

come ashore once every seven years, to seek

OF MAHAGONNY

Sunday July 5

redemption in the true love of

When three fleeing criminals decide to found their

Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells

a woman. But when lonely Senta appears to offer

own city of gold, Mahagonny is soon populated by

Odeon, Tunbridge Wells

him hope of a new life at last, will he be able to trust

the destitute and disenchanted. One of the

Kino Digital, Hawkhurst

her?

founders longs to escape but is arrested on the

The Picture House, Uckfield

WHERE TO SEE IT

charge of having no money, in Brecht and Weill’s

Sunday March 1

passionate operatic satire of consumerism.

Box office details

Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells

WHERE TO SEE IT

Odeon, Tunbridge Wells – 0871 224 4007

Odeon, Tunbridge Wells

Wednesday April 1

www.odeon.co.uk

Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells

Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells – 01892 678 678

SWAN LAKE

Odeon, Tunbridge Wells

www.trinitytheatre.net

Reviving the classical choreography from the 1895

Kino Digital, Hawkhurst

Kino Digital, Hawkhurst – 01580 754 321

version, Anthony Dowell’s production captures the

The Picture House, Uckfield

www.kinodigital.co.uk

true essence of Tchaikovsky’s heartbreaking

Sunday April 5

Picture House, Uckfield – 01825 764 909

romance. While out hunting, Prince Siegfried comes

Odeon, Tunbridge Wells

www.picturehouseuckfield.com

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C U LT U R E

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LAUGH IT UP Scottish comic Paul Pirie heads an evening of laughter at Sinden Theatre in Tenterden on Friday March 6. Paul gave up acting to pursue a stand-up career and has since appeared on TV, radio and film. Also on the bill at the Lone Star Comedy Club is American-born Erich McElroy, whose hilarious view of acclaimed comedy. Compére Russell Hicks will be keeping

MONEY FOR MUSIC

things in order during the show, which starts at 8pm. Tickets

Bands, choirs, orchestras or music groups that make an outstanding contribution

cost £10, or £15 to include supper. To book call 01580 763 826

to the community can apply for funding from John Lewis at Home. The

or visit www.sindentheatre.com

company’s Music Matters programme offers donations of between £500 and

life as a British citizen has formed the basis for much of his

£3,000 to specific events or projects – these can include schemes to start groups or to teach music to young children, but should not include routine events like school concerts or activities that need ongoing funding. The deadline for applications is Monday March 19. To find out more and apply, contact Community Liaison Co-ordinator, Tina Arnold, on tina.arnold@johnlewis.co.uk

CLOSE INSPECTION

WEDDED BLISS? Three couples’ silver wedding anniversary celebrations take a shock turn in JB Priestley’s

A bumbling Russian mayor

comedy, When We Are Married. Having wed at

fears that an impending visit

the same place at the same time, the couples all

from The Government

share a common bond, but an unexpected revelation forces them to

Inspector will spell doom

re-evaluate their marriages. Set in Yorkshire in 1908, the play sees the

for his band of buffoons, in

characters struggling to come to terms with their new situation, to

Flintock Theatre’s new production. Four actors swap characters

hilarious effect. You can see the

at lightning speed in this hilarious show that features music,

show at the Oast Theatre in

dance, physical storytelling and live interval entertainment.

Tonbridge from Saturday March 21

The show, which is suitable for over 10s, can be seen at the

to Saturday March 28. Performances

Queen’s Hall Theatre in Cranbrook at 7.45pm on Friday March

start at 8pm with a 3pm matinee on

20. Priced at £10/£6, tickets can be booked at

Sunday. Tickets cost £10/£9/£7.50.

www.queenshalltheatre.co.uk or by calling 01580 711 856.

To book call 01732 363 849 or visit www.oasttheatre.com

GOING COCO Step back in time for a lively evening of period music and dance at The Coco Club on Saturday March 28. Hosted by the Art Deco style Stag Plaza at the Stag in Sevenoaks, the 1930s club night

ART OF THE PEOPLE

will feature classic tunes from Empire Radio and live performances by the Benoit Viellefon Hot Club, so dancers of all abilities should shimmy down at 7.30pm for some timeless fun.

Celebrations of the human form, expression and behaviour provide the

Tickets cost £15. Book online at

inspiration for the spring exhibition at Portico Art Gallery in Riverhead. Six

www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk or call

great British artists are featured in The Art of People, which runs throughout

01732 450 175

March and April. You can admire the humour of printmaker Graham Clarke and the vibrant acrylic paintings by Jane Denman, along with beautiful pieces

by Jason Keeley, Jan Bowman, Pat Savage and Debra Barr-Smith. All the works are for sale. The gallery in London Road is open from 10am to 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday and admission is free. www.porticogallery.com MARCH 2015

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INSIDEVIEW

This month our music columnist Paul Dunton sings the praises of the humble busker and tells us why we should dig deep for the street performers

T

unbridge Wells is, in my view, a town full of culture. Some may disagree, of course, but in my estimation the combination of the historical architecture and the

beautiful parks, coupled with a flourishing music and arts scene, certainly bolsters this notion to a strong degree.

As the town has blossomed in this aspect, I have noticed over the last few years a swelling in the number of buskers that are regularly performing here. You can often find buskers plying their trade from The Pantiles to the pedestrian shopping area, near Royal Victoria Place.

In some quarters, there is still a stigma attached to buskers; some people look down

affects so many of us, it is sometimes hard for

troubadours honing their craft and providing a

on them as not having a ‘real job’ or believe

people to part with any sort of donation.

bit of light musical entertainment are not going

The greater the vocal and musicianship skills

to harm anyone. It can be really inspiring to

good, honest, working people, as if they are

the busker possesses, the more likely he or she

watch a good busker in full flow, especially

second class citizens in some way. In my

will be to catch the attention of passersby.

young budding musicians.

opinion, nothing could be further from the truth!

However, opera singers aside, without a mini

them to be lazy or don’t really regard them as

While Tunbridge Wells may not be Covent

In my experience, the busking life is hard

PA system or some sort of amplification it can

Garden just yet, it certainly has some great

graft; it takes a lot of courage, patience and

be mighty difficult to even get yourself heard!

homegrown buskers and some that come from

determination. I have many friends who

You can also find yourself moved along by the

further afield. So, next time you’re strolling

regularly busk and it’s certainly not as easy

police, as some towns are stricter than others.

about town and you see a busker, pop a

as some may think. For many, it’s a very

A decent guitar and mini PA system are not

donation in their hat or if you can’t, just give

unpredictable working lifestyle, with buskers

cheap at the best of times, so, as with most

them a nod or a smile, because any performer

toiling away for hours on end to watch only a

jobs, there are sizable outgoings to absorb

will tell you that if somebody acknowledges

handful of coins fall in the hat. Other days may

before the profits come in and often no

your effort even in the smallest way, it can give

prove to be very fruitful, of course – a few

guarantee that the profit will be made at all.

you the heart and the belief to keep doing what

hours’ work can lead to decent earnings, but so

Imagine standing out in freezing temperatures,

you love.

many variables come into the equation. The

strumming and singing for several hours at a

busker’s success can depend on the weather,

time – I’m not sure I could do it!

the choice of location or pitch, the quality and

What I’m trying to say is that I believe busking

Paul Dunton runs thrice-weekly acoustic music showcases at the Grey

accessibility of the performance and of course,

is to be respected and can surely only be a

Lady in Tunbridge Wells. For details visit

the economy! With an enduring recession that

good thing for any town. The modern day

www.paulduntonandguests.com

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C O N TA C T S

M A G A Z I N E

SO

Longford House, 19 Mount Ephraim Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1EN Tel: 01892 779 650 www.somagazine.co.uk Editor Jane Connolly jconnolly@onemediauk.co.uk Head of Design Rowena Cremer-Price rcremer-price@onemediauk.co.uk Senior Journalist Charlie Bond cbond@onemediauk.co.uk Publishing Design Manager Xela Ruy xruy@onemediauk.co.uk Junior Designer Ameila Giddings agiddings@onemediauk.co.uk Production Co-ordinators Lauren Howe lhowe2@onemediauk.co.uk Becky Wells bwells@onemediauk.co.uk Writer Frederick Latty flatty@onemediauk.co.uk Commercial & Digital Marketing Manager Laura Plane lplane@onemediauk.co.uk Head of Sales Joe De Kwant Stoner jstoner@onemediauk.co.uk COMMERCIAL TEAM Team Leader Gemma Hak ghak@onemediauk.co.uk Team Leader Patsy Kelly pkelly@onemediauk.co.uk Jake Short jshort@onemediauk.co.uk Clara Higgs-Prosser chprosser@onemediauk.co.uk Laura Welstead lwelstead@onemediauk.co.uk Distribution Co-ordinator Harry Lamb Contributors Valerie Thacker Catherine de Crèvecoeur Daniel Gee David Bartholomew Paul Dunton Publishing Director Nick Moore nmoore@onemediauk.co.uk Editorial Director Richard Moore rmoore@onemediauk.co.uk Like us on Facebook facebook.com/SoMagazines Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/SoMagazines

one media Published by:

and creative uk ltd

SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE ONLINE All rights reserved. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions relating to advertising or editorial. The publisher reserves the right to change or amend any competitions or prizes offered. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from the publisher. No responsibility is taken for unsolicited materials or the return of these materials whilst in transit.

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T H E AT R E

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ENCORE

MAKE ‘EM LAUGH

largest tour to date, Showtime, included 71 arena shows and played to over 700,000 people, including a record-breaking 10 nights at

Having recently hosted one of the country’s biggest stars, Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge Wells reveals why small venues are so popular with huge comedians

the O2 Arena in London.

Trinity Theatre released 140 tickets the Monday before January’s show and the remainder the following day. Unsurprisingly, the tickets sold out in less than 15 minutes, with thousands of people struggling to get their hands on the 291 available.

So, what exactly is the appeal of theatres like

J

anuary marked the second

Trinity when you can sell out the O2 Arena In 2010, Michael became the youngest ever

within minutes? Well...

Comedian Josie Long met veteran performer

performance at Trinity within a six-

host of The Royal Variety Performance at the

month period by the UK’s biggest

age of 34 and released his bestselling

Jimmy Tarbuck backstage at a show in the early

comic, when Michael McIntyre

autobiography, Life and Laughing. The following

1990s, explaining that she was a struggling

appeared to warm-up for his 2015 tour, Happy

year Michael was a judge on the hit ITV1 show

comic. “Good luck!” he said to her. “Comedy

and Glorious. You may be wondering why

Britain’s Got Talent. He also hosted Michael

is the hardest job in the world!”

such a superstar would wish to perform in

Mcintyre’s Christmas Comedy Roadshow on

Even when you’ve reached the super-stardom of

a 291-seat theatre in Tunbridge Wells,

BBC1 on Christmas Day, which was watched

Michael McIntyre, a show still needs to be written,

considering his background.

by over 8million viewers. In 2012, Michael’s

produced and – most importantly of all – be funny.

Comedians who know what they are doing do previews. Whether your show is for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival or a massive national tour, material needs to be tested, analysed and improved where needed.

Is an arena full of 30,000 expectant audience members the best place to test raw material, with the possibly of having to refer to notes?

It is rare for a joke to emerge fully formed and it is worth grafting away until it is absolutely right. If you are a stand-up you can hone your material over successive performances, based on the audience response. Changing a single word or altering the pace or emphasis can make a previously failed witticism work. The best comedians, even McIntyre, will learn the most through trial and error.

Creativestandup.com encourages the idea that the more time you spend on stage the more success you’ll have. Performing frequently allows you to test out the ideas you had while writing much faster. If you’re going to rewrite a joke 50 times before settling on the perfect version, you might want to perform more than once a week. Not only does it help you revise your material, but it aids in developing stage comfort as well.

Trinity Theatre itself provides a platform for new comics from across the stratosphere. Its monthly Comedy Café is one of the bestselling shows in Trinity’s arsenal, featuring both established and fresh new talent. Even Michael McIntyre once trod the boards of Comedy Café back before super-stardom beckoned.

To find out more about upcoming comedy events, contact the box office on 01892 678 678 or go to www.trinitytheatre.net/Whats-On MARCH 2015

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FROM THE ARCHIVES

IAN CAPPER

SO

Donald Maclean

Tatsfield

SECRET

THE SPY WHO LOVED WESTERHAM Sir Winston Churchill, widely considered to be one of Britain’s greatest patriots, was a long-time resident of Westerham.

Yet during the time that the former Prime Minister was residing at his beloved Chartwell, the town was also a favourite haunt of an infamous traitor...

N

otorious spy ring the Cambridge

Department at the Foreign Office. He and

Five was a group of British men

Melinda took a house called Beacon Shaw in

who reported to the former Soviet

Tatsfield, about three miles from Westerham.

Union during the Second World

During this time, Maclean used a flat above

War and early 1950s. Donald Maclean was a

White’s Chemists in Westerham’s High Street

‘straight penetration agent’; a civil servant who

to secretly develop his document photographs.

provided intelligence direct to Moscow. For

At one point he failed to clean up properly and

years he evaded the suspicions of the British

the chemist, Ernest White, found a document

Secret Service, but his home near Westerham

on which the Foreign Office seal was faintly

became his last refuge in the UK and the place

visible. However, he didn’t report the incident

from which he would finally flee the spy

until after Maclean had defected.

catchers in 1951.

As the son of a prominent politician, Maclean grew up surrounded by talk of world affairs.

spy suspect from decoded Soviet messages.

Shortly after going up to Cambridge in 1931, he

Tipped off, the Soviets became seriously afraid

decided to join the Communist Party. During his

that Maclean would crack under interrogation,

final year, he was recruited into Soviet

so another of the Cambridge Five, Guy Burgess,

intelligence by an Eastern European academic,

was tasked with returning to London from

Dr Arnold Deutsch.

Washington to warn him – a feat he achieved by

After passing the exams to join the Civil

earning three speeding tickets and an assault

Service, he worked at the Foreign Office and

charge in one day and subsequently being sent

later, at the British Embassy in Paris. During this

back to the UK in disgrace.

time Maclean reported to the Soviets on

On May 25, 1951 – Maclean’s 38th birthday

Britain’s relationships with Germany and France,

– Burgess joined the Macleans for dinner at

photographing many boxes of documents over

their Tatsfield home. After the meal, Maclean

the years. While in Paris, Maclean met and

bid his wife and children farewell and the pair

married Melinda Marling, the daughter of a

drove to Southampton, from where a ferry and

wealthy American oil executive. She was

then trains took them to Moscow.

sympathetic to his liberal tendencies and when

Melinda and their three children joined him in

he eventually told her that he was a spy, she

Moscow about a year later. Although Maclean

responded encouragingly.

settled happily into Russian life, working as a

Maclean was posted back to London during

journalist and specialist on foreign policy for

the war, then went to Washington in 1944,

various agencies – he was even awarded the

where he acted as Secretary of the Combined

Order of the Red Banner of Labour in

Policy Committee on atomic energy matters

recognition of his services to the Soviet Union

– this meant he could feed Moscow important

– the marriage continued to struggle. Maclean’s

information about the Allies’ atomic capabilities.

drinking increased and in the mid-1960s and,

Next he was posted to Cairo, but here the strain of his double life began to surface.

after at least one long-term absence Melinda left Moscow – and Maclean – for good in 1979.

Maclean drank too much and got involved in

Maclean remained in the city until his death

petty brawls, while Melinda embarked on an

from throat cancer in 1983, at the age of 69. Did

affair with an Egyptian diplomat.

he ever long to return to the familiar comforts of

Having returned to England due to ‘illness’, Maclean was appointed Head of the American

250

In 1951, American cryptanalysts working on the VENONA investigation identified a possible

the Weald? We’re not sure Sir Winston would have approved...

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