Read SO Magazine January 2020 by One Media

CULTURE

More than words

Inspiring TED Talks return to Tunbridge Wells

BUSINESS

Just the job

Top tips on getting your CV noticed

LIFESTYLE

New year, new home

Expert advice on how to transform your living space

2020 VISION MEET TOM BURGESS, A LOCAL PERSONAL TRAINER WHO’LL GET YOU FIT – FOR LIFE

January 2020

WELCOME

Editor’s LETTER

elcome to your January edition of SO magazine. As we start a new year – and also a new decade – it’s a perfect time to reflect on what we already have and perhaps what we might want to change or switch up a little. This might include things like adopting a healthier diet, following a more rigorous fitness regime, or looking for a new job. Well the good news is we have all these areas covered for you in this issue of the magazine. We start with our cover star Tom Burgess, who runs his own personal training company SweatIt in Crowborough. His approach to fitness is a passionate one and fairly unique in that he doesn’t offer one-on-one or large group sessions. His approach is far more interactive in that he works with groups of four individuals – all of whom are at different levels of physical fitness – in order to get them working together to achieve their goals. He’s also got some great exercise and healthy eating tips you can follow. Turn to page 12 to find out more. When it comes to inspiring you to find a new job or do something different for 2020 we have plenty of features for you to get stuck into. We speak to this year’s Chair of TEDxRTW Lizzie Bentley-Bowers about what’s in store for this year’s TED talks at the Assembly Hall (p6) on February 1. We also chat to the CEO of AXA PPP Tracy Garrad (p17)

4 6 12 17

contents January 2020

Culture vulture: our round-up of where to go and what to see this month

Read our education special to ensure you find the right school

Word up: TED Talks return to Tunbridge Wells to inspire you

Seeds of success: Victoria Truman sows a few ideas for your 2020 garden

Gym ’n’ tonic: We meet Sweat-It’s Tom Burgess, a personal trainer with a difference

about her involvement with Make It Your Business, a brilliant female networking group focused on helping women to be empowered in the professional realm. Healthy eating ideas are brought to you by Riverford’s Sally Beare (p24), the local rep for the organic fruit and veg box scheme which helps its customers to eat greener and cleaner. And finally we also have the whole new year, new home angle covered courtesy of our interview with Claire Bromley, a talented interiors expert who can help you transform your humble abode into a really special space thanks to her clever home hacks which won’t cost you the earth. Turn to page 41 to be inspired...

We meet Tracy Garrad, CEO of AXA PPP and champion of the Make It Your Business initiative

CV SOS: Our expert tells you how to promote yourself and land your dream job in the new decade

Polished performance: local nail technician Nickie Rhodes-Hill on working with the stars

SO discovers Abergavenny Arms’ recipe for success

Our resident hypnotherapist Karen Martin gives us tips on doing dry January

Home comforts We meet the founder of Claire Alexandra Designs p41 Veg with edge: we serve up some healthy recipe ideas p24

Happy New Year to you all.

Editor Eileen Leahy

Issue 142 SALOMONS ESTATE Tunbridge Wells Kent TN3 0TG Tel: 01892 779650 www.timeslocalnews.co.uk

EDITOR Eileen Leahy info@somagazines.co.uk

HEAD OF DESIGN Lee Smith lsmith8@markerstudy.com

SALES DIRECTOR Gemma Hak ghak@markerstudy.com

EDITORIAL Victoria Truman Andy Tong Jerome Bowman

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Richard Moore rmoore@markerstudy.com

DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY Rowena Crema-Price Xela Stirling Craig Matthews

Wine lovers take a trip to Brazil via Oastbrook vineyard p8

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Miami’s nice: journey to one of America’s most colourful states p50 SO Magazine | January 2020 | 3

CALENDAR

CULTURE HUB Our edit of the most entertaining events this month, by Holly Stafford

KING OF THE WALTZ Musical maestro André Rieu is turning ‘70 Years Young’ with a lavish party and the good news is everyone’s invited! On January 5, Trinity Theatre will be screening a special concert held in Rieu’s magnificent castle in Maastricht, where he will also be talking to concert host, Classic FM’s Charlotte Hawkins about his life and music. Tickets cost £20 and can be booked at www.trinitytheatre.net

WEDDING BELLE

STEP BACK IN TIME

If you’re planning your wedding and searching for a perfect venue, then why not opt for Salomons Estate, which has 36 acres of woodland and exquisite gardens and a number of beautiful period reception areas? On January 19, it will be hosting an open day showcasing its beautifully dressed rooms with menu options to sample and a guided tour around the estate. Entry is free and more information can be found at www.salomons-estate.com

This month is the start of a new tour at Ightham Mote which gives visitors a chance to uncover the hidden stories of the servants who once worked there. There will also be a chance to look around the Grade 1 listed medieval manor house. With a range of tour dates on offer from January 8-31, this is one not to miss for history lovers. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk

A LITTLE BIT COUNTRY There is a new show in town! Honky Tonk Angels will be making a stop at the Assembly Hall Theatre to celebrate the greats who have shaped country music such as Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette, Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn on January 9. Award-winning singers backed by a five-piece world-class band will entertain you in the Southern way that you’ll never forget. Tickets start from £29 and can be booked at www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

DID YOU KNOW? Ightham Mote dates from around 1320, and was described by architect and writer Nicholas Pevsner as ‘the most complete small medieval manor house in the country’

4 | January 2020 | SO Magazine

FOLK NOTES Described by the Guardian as ‘one of the UK’s best live bands’, Ezio will be live at The Forum in Tunbridge Wells, on January 24. The five-piece folk band is named after lead singer and composer Ezio Lunedei and began their career in Cambridge 28 years ago. One of their songs, Cancel Today, was chosen by Tony Blair for his Desert Island Discs selection. Tickets cost £15 and are available from www.twforum.co.uk

DARE TO DISCO Step back to the seventies by taking a trip to the Assembly Hall on January 30 where you can see the Lost in Music live show. Boasting a brilliant band and a talented all singing and dancing cast you’ll be dancing in the aisles in no time to hits by Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor, Earth, Wind & Fire, Sister Sledge and Chic. Tickets cost from £27.75 and are available at www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

CALENDAR

ALL THAT JAZZ Celebrating 60 years of Ronnie Scott’s welcoming some of the world’s finest jazz and blues musicians, its eponymous house band The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars will be bringing the club’s world famous atmosphere to the EM Forster Theatre on January 25. With live music and a rare archive of photos and video footage of the music institution being screened while the band play, there’s no better way to swing into the new year. Tickets cost £25 from www.emftheatre.com

DID YOU KNOW?

GET FIRED UP THIS BURNS NIGHT Hever Castle is hosting a Burns Night celebration honoring the historic Scottish poet, Robert Burns, on January 25. Visitors will enjoy a sumptuous dinner in the historic castle and then get to stay the night at the exquisite five-star bed and breakfast located just next door. Prices start at £195 per person. For more information visit www.hevercastle.co.uk

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Whether you are on the ‘new year, new me’ bandwagon or simply want to spend more time connecting with nature, Chiddingstone Castle has got you covered with its new one-day event to ‘Awaken your Zen’. Home to a magnificent collection of rare Japanese antiques, this is the perfect place to experience this event which is a collaboration of four different approaches to mindfulness consisting of Shinrin Yoku (Forest Bathing), Kanga Yoga, Toyohari (Japanese Acupuncture) and meditation. There will also be food and drink wellness advice and a locally sourced lunch with a Japanese twist. Tickets cost £75 per person and the event is on Saturday February 1 between 9.45am-5pm

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A young saxophonist named Ronnie Scott opened his eponymous club on October 30, 1959? He launched it as a place where local musicians could jam. Little did Ronnie know it would go on to become one of the world’s most famous jazz clubs

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M TI E

DID YOU KNOW? One of Robert Burns’ most famous poems was ‘Auld Lang Syne’, which means ‘times long past’. His body rests in a mausoleum in St Michael’s Churchyard, Dumfries

WILD AT HEART Looking for something to shake up a lazy Sunday? Then why not head along to one of Penshurst Place’s Roast & Rambles events this winter? This month there’s one on January 19 and it boasts a special bird display featuring hawks, eagles and owls from Wild at Heart. Visitors can also enjoy a carvery in the Garden Restaurant. To book visit www.eventbrite.com

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SO Magazine | January 2020 | 5

FEATURE

It’s good to talk . . . On Saturday February 1 the Assembly Hall hosts another day of inspirational TEDxRTW talks. Here its Chair for 2020, Lizzie Bentley-Bowers, explains what the ‘sharing ideas’ event is all about

ED began in 1984 as a conference designed to share ideas around ‘Technology Entertainment and Design’. Since then it has grown to cover all kinds of topics, with the mission of every TED talk being to share an ‘idea worth spreading’. The talks, which can last a maximum of 18 minutes, are all online so anyone can view any talk, anywhere. Topics range from tying shoe laces, to creativity in education, to skateboarding in Afghanistan – the variety is endless. Growing the original TED conferences led to TEDx (TED to the power of x) – an opportunity for towns, villages, cities, universities, anywhere really – to apply for a TEDx licence and host a TED conference to bring ‘ideas worth spreading’ to their community. TEDx, like TED, are not-for-profit events. Any ‘profit’ from our event goes back into running more – and they are put on entirely by volunteers. DID YOU KNOW? At our previous events we have had 75 speakers and over 3.5million views

As a TED talk fan I was delighted to be in the audience for the first TEDxRTW, held at Skinners’ Kent Academy in 2015 when Nick Adams and Dan Foreman brought the concept to our town. Having been impressed and inspired, I immediately emailed to volunteer! Everyone involved in putting on these events believes that it is a good thing for our town to come together, and bring people here, to think, and maybe to 6 | January 2020 | SO Magazine

change the way we think, to talk, laugh, cry and be inspired. My role as Chair of TEDxRTW, alongside our licence-holder Mike Marshall, is to lead the team to grow brilliant TEDx events throughout the town and throughout the year. In addition to the main TEDx event (February 1) which I’m co-chairing with Kate Sims at the Assembly Hall, we’re holding TEDxWomen and TEDxYouth events and also for the first time this year a TEDxSalon event in association with Cripps Pemberton Greenish. Salon events are smaller with an audience of up to 100 people and the opportunity to be more flexible with the format, for example Q&A panels and audience participation. As well as curating a programme of speakers and filming talks in order to create an audience experience beyond the venue, I also continue to be a part of the TEDxRTW coaching team. Our work with this involves supporting our speakers through the process of writing, rehearsing and delivering their talks. Some have never set foot on a stage before, and some have done it many times so the coaches support them whatever their experience is. I love being part of a team that give their time, creativity and energy to do something so positive. I am proud by how these events raise awareness of all the many brilliant people we walk past in the street every day, having no idea what their story is and their achievements, their ideas. It can be life-changing when thousands of people around the world go on to watch TED talks via the internet. Mainly, though, these are great people to be around that I wouldn’t otherwise have met, and I’m very grateful for that. My first TED experience was, like most of us, watching talks

online – as a former teacher, someone sent me a link to Ken Robinson’s talk on creativity in education. I remember feeling so inspired and started clicking on more and more talks. I was curious, empowered, and above all, wanted to talk to others about what I had heard. In my job as a leadership coach I often share talks as food for thought and leadership inspiration, or use them as the basis for a conversation with a team about how they could think or do something differently. DID YOU KNOW? TEDxRTW last year was the first self-promoted event to sell out the Assembly Hall

As a committee member I am prohibited from giving a talk at our events but you can apply to other events. I am a very proud governor of Oakley School, located on Pembury Road, and if I were to give a talk it would be about how to employ or give work experience to a young person with special needs, and in doing so light up your workplace in ways you couldn’t imagine, and to give that young person their rightful opportunity to embed and build their skills, to earn, to socialise, to teach, and to contribute in the full way they want and are able to. We believe our TEDx events should start conversations, support a sense of community, inspire, intrigue and excite – so our number one criterion in choosing our speakers is whether this will be a talk that gets our town talking. This year will be no different! For more information or to book tickets visit www. tedxroyaltunbridgewells.com

WHO’S WHO AT TEDXRTW 2020 Georgina Ellison Hughes – a worldleading biomedical scientist from King’s College London who lives in Tunbridge Wells with her young family. Georgina’s talk is about how we all need a little more heart. She will talk through her research that led to the discovery that the adult heart is a selfrenewing organ and can grow new heart cells. Then she will explain how readily available drugs and agents (i.e. flavonoids, present in fruit and vegetables) can be used to rejuvenate heart repair and regeneration, enabling people to live longer, fuller lives. Luke Alexander Grose – a London based poet with a distinctly political and historical message. He uses poetry and rhyme to navigate through a narrative of his own life, and the people around him. Originally from Hastings, his poetry and ideas provide a narrative of his journey from a small town to the big city, with a couple of pit stops along the way. Using a mixture of poetry and storytelling, Luke is going to challenge the creative industry to embrace an increasingly diverse society. Vybarr Cregan-Reid – an author, academic (from University of Kent) and broadcaster who has written widely on the subjects of literature, health, nature and the environment. His most recent book is Primate Change: How the World We Made is Remaking Us. He has also made two series of ‘Changing World, Changing Bodies’ for the BBC World Service which looks at how different parts of the body are changing in different parts of the world.

Social Scene

WINE LOVERS TAKE A TRIP TO BRAZIL America Brewer (pictured in the gold dress) recently welcomed wine fans and friends to Oastbrook, the Bodiambased winery she co-runs with her husband Nick, for a special launch party. The occasion was the unveiling of the vineyard’s latest vintage: Oastbrook Sparkling Rosé 2015. Guests were treated to platters of local cheese, cured meats and fresh fruit in Oastbrook’s wine barn, which was prettily decorated in lots of sparkles for the evening by Mulberry Events. Originally from Brazil, America entertained her guests with plenty of enjoyable entertainment which included dancers performing capoeira martial art sequences to musical beats. The Latin American hostess also served her guests glasses of Oastbrook’s still Pinot Gris 2018 wine and a sparkling rosé from 2014. For more details on Oastbrook visit www.oastbrook.com or follow @oastbrook on Instagram

8 | January 2020 | SO Magazine

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EXPERT OPINION New Year, Fresh Eyes! We asked the team at Purity Bridge, how to freshen those bleary eyes ready to start the year afresh…

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Cover Feature

Let’s get physical

Art Direction: Lee Smith | Photography: Craig Matthews

Tom Burgess runs Sweat-It Training, which offers a unique approach to getting – and keeping – fit. Here he tells Eileen Leahy why he decided to dedicate his life to helping others get healthy

‘As a team we help people – all at different abilities and ages in life – to better themselves one session at a time’

12 | January 2020 | SO Magazine

Cover Feature

f you’re one of the millions of people who make a resolution every January to get fit and healthy only to see your shortlived exercise regime and diet fall by the wayside barely a week or two into the new year then you may want to read on. The reason? Tom Burgess, who runs Sweat-It Training based in Crowborough, could possibly just make you change your life forever given his infectious enthusiasm for being as body confident – in a healthy and achievable way – as possible. “I’ve always had a passion for health and fitness after playing plenty of sport when I was growing up,” explains Tom. “Golf and rugby are my main favourites but now I’m really into keeping everyone else active.” But he says this has to be done in a ‘fun and energetic’ way. Tom decided to open his own personal training (PT) and fitness enterprise after he’d come to what he describes as a ‘crossroads’ in his career having worked previously in the hospitality trade. “I wanted to do something that I was passionate about, rather than just getting by each day making a living. Originally I had looked into becoming an online fitness coach where I would help people from afar and drive my business through physique shows – something that I was passionate about at that time. But that didn’t last very long and I grew more and more towards the idea of helping more people as opposed to working in a specialist market where the focus was about losing an extra 1 per cent body fat. This is really how Sweat-It began and now we as a team help everyday people – all at different abilities and ages

running his own business? “Providing a high quality fitness to people who wouldn’t normally be found doing what we do. Your normal gym fails 95 per cent of normal people because they are mostly soulless and uninspiring. We’re different because we ensure everyone is greeted personally and made welcome from the outset. “This means we watch people grow from being shy to welcoming the next newcomer like they’ve been training with us for years – not months! We feel like one big happy family here and everyone is very welcome.”

GROWING INTEREST

in life – but with one goal in common, which is the desire to better themselves one session at a time.” Tom credits his previous career in hospitality with helping him to develop a solid understanding for standards, service and dealing with the general public. He also adds that Sweat-It Training’s USP is that he and his team provide the majority of their sessions within a small group format. “This allows us to keep it a personalised experience to the individual and their specific goals, but without the one-to-one PT price tag. Working out in a group also adds motivation for other people who are on similar journeys. There’s always something for everyone to be part of at Sweat-It. We can be very flexible for all our clients’ needs.” What does Tom enjoy most about

I grew more and more towards the idea of helping more people as opposed to working in a specialist market

How does employing a PT enhance people’s lives? “It provides that direction and support that so many crave. We all have so much on so why add another thing to the list. We can take all the thinking away, all you have to do is turn up and put in the hard work.” But as is the case with any business there will always be challenges along the way too. So what would Tom cite as those he’s encountered so far in his journey as a fitness guru? “I’d say getting people to believe in what’s possible. We follow a weights based approach which could be daunting to a newcomer. But really what this comes down to is us educating everyone to believe in our unique methods. “We test all our members every 12 weeks on strength, power and endurance, among other things. Some people aren’t at all competitive the first time they get tested, which is fine as we don’t force this upon people. But seeing people grow into taking a huge interest in their fitness and improving it the second time round is very cool.”

What key things should we be doing daily to ensure optimum health and weight loss? Stay hydrated: drinking plenty of water, 2+ litres as a minimum

Keep active: this may be as simple as hitting a steps target but it’s too easy these days to just not walk anywhere

Get outside: not only will you have the chance to enjoy the great outdoors, you’ll increase your steps while you do it n

Your five a day fruit and vegetable intake: this should be achievable for all. We just have to remember to plan meal and snack times well and avoid sugary options

Increase protein intake: this doesn’t have to come from supplements you can also build meals around this resource to aid recovery and help you make good choices around food

Control portion sizes: this can be done with smaller plates, measuring out food or using your hand as a guide. Controlling your portions will in turn control calorie consumption n

Tom Burgess puts a client through her paces at Sweat-It

SO Magazine | January 2020 | 13

Cover Feature

HOW TO STOP INDULGENT CRAVINGS Plan ahead: we’re all human so when energy levels are low temptations rise. Fight off that 4pm afternoon slump by reaching for a healthy/ low calorie snack or piece of fruit in order to avoid tempting biscuit tin raids

MY 2020 VISION:

We want to continue to grow our Crowborough site with all of our wonderful members. We want to change the way PT and gyms in general are seen in order to ensure health and fitness is accessible to all – and not just a few. We are also planning a grand Sweat-it Games event which will allow us to reach more people and have some fun while doing that as well, in collaboration with the team who put on the Crazy Jeans Soap Box challenge. www.sweat-it.co He also operates a TEAM membership scheme. “We start everyone off with 30 days so you can test us and yourself. This gives you the opportunity to meet your coaches and all the other TEAM members already enjoying what we do. “Within this we learn more about you and then map out how we can help and how this would look with which session would be best. Over the course of the 30 days we’re always on hand to support and guide to make sure you get the most from your time with us.” Instead of having huge sprawling classes where some can get left behind or offering pricey one-on-one sessions Sweat-It’s USP is that if offers small PT groups. “We can individualise these

Here are Tom’s top tips for achieving and sustaining a healthy, balanced diet and lifestyle

14 | January 2020 | SO Magazine

sessions for absolutely anyone and everyone,” continues Tom. “Even if you’re a complete novice or an experienced athlete we can tailor these sessions to four completely different people if we need to. That means we can coach and improve everyone’s fitness as well as adding a huge amount of value to everyone who comes to us.” Although Tom and his team are operating solely out of Crowborough it sounds like there may well be plans for offering a Sweat-It outpost in Tunbridge Wells. “We have some extremely exciting things in the pipeline for 2020 to widen our reach into Tunbridge Wells as we know this is a seriously under-serviced market with what we offer. So watch this space!”

We can individualise these sessions for absolutely anyone and everyone, even if you’re a complete novice

STAYING ON TRACK FITNESS-WISE 1. Get started with whatever method you decide 2. Be consistent: one or two classes, sessions or walks may not be enough but make it three to four and you will soon be on the right track

3. Enjoy it! Without enjoyment, exercise of any kind is always going to be hard to continue so find something you enjoy. That way you can remain consistent to it

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BUSINESS

“BY SHARING OUR OWN EXPERIENCES AND INSIGHTS WE CAN ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO PURSUE THEIR AMBITIONS”

THE SOCIAL NETWORK Make It Your Business is a networking event held on January 17 at the Hotel du Vin, where four successful Tunbridge Wells entrepreneurs will share their business stories. The event will be chaired by Make It Your Business Tunbridge Wells local champion, Siobhan Stirling, director of marketing and PR agency Sharp Minds Communications. The inaugural event in Tunbridge Wells happened in June 2019 and was a great success. This year’s event sponsors, along with Sharp Minds and Hotel du Vin, are Office Tribe and Emily Brown Photography. Make It Your Business runs seminars across the country, providing opportunities for women to meet established local female entrepreneurs, learn from their experiences and network with other local aspiring female entrepreneurs in a relaxed environment. It is designed to help women considering setting up their own businesses and start-ups and those who have an established business but need inspiration to move forward. It was founded by successful entrepreneur, writer and broadcaster Alison Cork, who in 2018 was appointed the Government Champion for Women Entrepreneurs.

WHO’S TALKING AT THIS MONTH’S MAKE IT YOUR BUSINESS: Claire Burroughs, managing director of Ansacom, which manages incoming phone answering and live chat services for more than 300 businesses across the UK and employs 26 people. Debbie Harris is managing director of Autumna, a national website which supports self-funding families to understand and find care.

Tracy Garrad is celebrating her first year as the head of AXA PPP, Tunbridge Wells’ biggest employer, so her role as keynote speaker at this month’s Make It Your Business is timely. Here she explains why she decided to get involved You have been the CEO of AXA PPP for a year now. How has 2019 been? It’s been an exciting learning curve! I came to AXA PPP healthcare from a financial services background but was new to health and well-being. Therefore I had an incredibly busy start meeting colleagues from around our business and hearing from those who support our members day in, day out. Getting around locations across the UK was certainly a challenge but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it! What have you enjoyed most about your role so far? I’m passionate about empowering people to live better and healthier lives. We operate in a fastmoving environment. It never stands still! Health and digital developments mean there are fantastic transformational opportunities. Tell us how you became involved with the Make It Your Business initiative . . . I’m driven by a belief in social mobility. For me, learning never stops and we can strive every day to be the best version of ourselves. By sharing our own experiences and insights through initiatives like Make It Your Business we can light that spark in those who are starting out or searching for that next step and encourage them to pursue their ambitions.

You’re the keynote speaker at the event in January, can you give us a steer on what you will be talking about? I’ll be sharing my career experiences as well as talking about the working landscape for women as I see it. Why do you think it’s so important for women to have organisations such as Make It Your Business running seminars and providing opportunities for communication and connection? I think there are huge benefits to be gained from events such as Make It Your Business. So often it’s the support of those who share your experiences – or equally, have a different journey or perspective – that can be motivating and inspire you to push on. Who are the women you have found to be the most inspiring throughout your career? My mum was a working mum, and even though she had a big family she instilled a strong work-hard ethic from an early age. I was also fortunate to work for someone in my first real job who spotted something in me and supported me to develop and grow a career. I’d urge that we embrace and engage those role models and mentors that give us a real sense that, with determination, measured steps and hard work, anything might be possible.

Amanda Redman held a number of key marketing roles at Kimberly Clark for 22 years before retraining completely to run her own business, Amanda Redman Financial, as a financial planner.

Debbie Harris

Julia Olden, whose background is in sales and marketing, launched Office Tribe, a co-working space initiative based in Tunbridge Wells with her husband last May. Amanda Redman

Claire Burroughs

Julia Olden

Make It Your Business runs from 9.30-11.30am on January 17 at Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells. Tickets cost £10 and they guarantee lifetime membership to Make It Your Business. This includes a monthly newsletter full of business advice and tips, mentoring opportunities and networking socials. Tickets are available on Eventbrite at www.eventbrite.com/e/ make-it-your-business-tunbridge-wells-networking-for-femaleentrepreneurs-tickets-84244584821

SO Magazine | January 2020 | 17

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18 | January 2020 | SO Magazine

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ADVERTORIAL

New

YEAR,

New

YOU!

With 2020 upon us we all start to think about how to make our resolutions happen – most commonly the aim is to get fit and lose some weight. It can be hard to know where to start sometimes, so we’ve put together a guide to some of the local places that can help you reach your goals...

LOOKING TO KICK-START YOUR 2020 With every new year comes resolutions – one of the most common being to lose weight. So if you’re looking to kick-start your 2020 with a lasting change the Tunbridge Wells Slimming World experts are sharing their top tips to make your New Year weight-loss resolutions a reality – all without giving up your favourite foods! Our members lose weight by making small changes to the way they shop, cook and eat and by filling up on Free Food. Free Foods are low in calories but satisfying like pasta, lean meat, fruit, veg, potatoes and more – so you don’t have to go hungry or give up your favourite meals, as well as gradually becoming more active and getting bucketloads of support along the way. You can develop healthy habits to keep up for life, so you can not only reach their target weight but stay there forever. Introducing Lucy, who joined in January 2019, and who’s transformed her life by losing 3 stone 2lb and is now one of our Target members. She feels incredible: “I joined my Slimming World group not for anyone else or to get slim for a wedding, holiday or for the summer. I did it for myself and my family. When I joined I felt sluggish,

overweight and was still wearing maternity clothes a year after my daughter was born. I made excuses for not eating healthily because I had three young children – I was busy after all. My skin was terrible, my clothes were tight and I had no confidence. Just walking through those Slimming World doors, they made it so easy for me to create simple, healthy and yummy foods. My whole family enjoys the recipes – my kids reach for the fruit bowl instead of the biscuit tin now! Our favourite family dinner is mummy’s noodles, a trusty favourite, based on Slimming World’s sticky chicken with noodles. No more reaching into the freezer for dinner or surviving on crisps for lunch! Even once I had reached target I was so proud of how far I came and I found slimming world so easy to do that I have continued to follow the plan. I can now keep up with the kids during activities, wear whatever I like and feel good and yet still enjoy my food! I have met some fantastic people at my group and I truly enjoy my Wednesday evening catch-up with other members. And the support is incredible as we share recipes and ideas and everyone is there for each other.” Lucy Davies Attends the Slimming World Group at St Luke’s Church Every Wednesday

TRACKING YOUR EVERY STEP AND CALORIE HAS NEVER BEEN EASEIR Awareness of health and what we eat has never been higher. With some of the new technology available, it has never been easier

to track every step and calorie. We’re now so spoilt for choice with different approaches to losing weight and being

GET FIT & ACTIVE YOUR WAY IN 2020 tmactive’s Gym & Spa Membership offers a wide choice of workout options, so that you can get fit and active your way. By providing marketleading facilities, motivating coaches on hand at all times and great tech to ‘gamify’ your experience, we aim to make fitness fun and to get you results. tmactive’s fitness facilities are world-class. Our gyms offer the very latest equipment, including Technogym cardio and resistance equipment. We've got a programme of over 200 instructor-led exercise classes for all levels and abilities, running seven days a week. Combine this with fitness and leisure swimming, relaxing spa sessions and great tech to ‘gamify’ your exercise and you're guaranteed to keep your workouts fun, fresh and challenging.

healthy, it can be hard to know where to start. Eating less and moving more is perhaps the most basic principle to getting into shape and a great place to begin with. Consistency is key, and it’s essential to find a way of exercising that you enjoy, and a way of managing your diet that you can stick to. You can eat carbs and lose weight, and you don’t have to spend ages on the treadmill to get fit! It’s just a case of figuring out what works best for you.

Your fitness journey starts with a Personal Assessment with TANITA Body Composition Analysis. To help your track and monitor your workouts, you also get a free mywellness account and use of SWIMTAG in the pool. To help you achieve your goals, we'll send you regular reminders to make sure you get the most out of your Membership, offer Focus On sessions to maximise your use of the equipment and provide training advice through ongoing coaching. Membership starts from £33 a month! To get your journey started today give us a call on 01732 772690 or visit www.tmactive.co.uk

Having the support of a personal trainer will help get you started. A trainer will help you find an approach to exercise and nutrition that you will find both enjoyable and easy to stay on track with. TWPT is a private personal training gym, located next to the train station in Tunbridge Wells. No memberships. Just PT. It’s a friendly nonintimidating environment. So if you need some help, give us a call on 01892 545400 or visit us at www.twpt.co.uk SO Magazine | January 2020 | 19

Advertorial

What makes PERSONAL TRAINING better?

e’re a dedicated personal training gym, which means you have the full attention and guidance of a personal trainer.We know gyms can be intimidating, so we’ve created a friendly, motivational environment to be in every time you work out. It’s the most effective way to train and great fun too.

What services do you offer at TWPT? We’ve got a great team of trainers, and each one offers their unique approach to training. Our trainers offer weight loss, nutrition, muscle toning and strength training. We also help people back into exercise after an injury. Some of our trainers offer boxing as a fun addition to their sessions. It’s a great way to let off some steam. Also, there’s no membership! What if I’m not very fit? You’ll be fine here! We know gyms can be intimidating, so we’ve created a friendly, private and motivational environment. If you’re not that fit, we start you off gently, and within four to six weeks, you’ll feel a massive difference. I need help with my diet! We all do at some point! There’s so much information on nutrition and different types of diets available nowadays that it is easy to get confused. At TWPT our trainers are well qualified and experienced with up to date nutritional advice. We offer knowledge, but also the support needed to succeed. If your goals are to lose weight, gain a bit of muscle or to improve your health, we can help. What’s the best diet for me? No two people are the same. Neither should everyone’s diet and way of eating be the same. Rather than a one size fits all approach. A diet that’s bespoke to your lifestyle and food preferences, that also takes into account your habits and goals will always be more successful in the long run. Our trainers will work with you to find the best strategy to help you lose weight and keep it off. What can I expect from my first personal training session? The expectations are that the first session with a new personal trainer is a hard hour of exercise, one that will leave you exhausted for the rest of the day and sore for an entire week after. At TWPT, we don’t like to go straight into exercise without a decent understanding of the person we are training. We like to have a plan and some goals to aim for before we get started. Your trainer will do a comprehensive initial consultation; this includes a health questionnaire, blood pressure readings, measurements and nutritional programming, amongst other things. From there, we can do some goal setting and come up with a plan to get you results.

20 | January 2020 | SO Magazine

So what happens when the exercise starts? Don’t worry; the first session is never a super hard one. We need to understand a bit about the way your body moves and your general level of fitness and strength. We complete movement and fitness assessments relevant to your needs and goals. We will ease you into training and only up the intensity when we think you are ready. We want you to enjoy your experience and will tailor our sessions to your needs and ability. How do I get started? Just give us a call or email, and we’ll arrange a time for you to pop in and have a look around. Once we’ve had a chat about what you want to get out of your training, we can put together a plan and get you started! Website - www.twpt.co.uk Phone number - 01892 545400 Email - enquiries@twpt.co.uk

BEAUTY

SHE’S GOT

it nailed

n IT’S SHOW TIME:

Tunbridge Wells has another beauty triumph to celebrate this month thanks to award-winning manicurist to the stars, Nickie Rhodes-Hill

general direction but often it ends To start with, tell us a little up being completely different to bit about yourself. When, and what was initially discussed! why, did you get into nails? Ultimately, it’s the challenge that I My mother was a huge influence as love. And the team work involved she was a manicurist for Revlon in the 1950s at the Cumberland Hotel to create the overall images for an editorial or ad campaign. in London. I started working in the industry in 2003 when, after having Tell us about the Scratch my nails done regularly, I found I Stars Awards – can you was going home and changing what explain what the awards had been done in the nail salon! I involve? thought, ‘I want to do this’ and Scratch Magazine is a dedicated decided to do a proper training magazine to the nail industry and its course firstly with CND nails, then Scratch Stars Awards has the only an NVQ3 at West Kent College. category in the country which In 2004 I opened a little salon in recognises the work of session nail The Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells. stylists. 2017 was Nailmania was the first year I open for about entered, as a eight years but 'Winning a Scratch challenge to eventually I went Stars Award was myself, and I mobile in 2012 was chosen as as I started such a career one of the getting a lot of highlight for me as it finalists. That in session work in itself was such a London. was real recognition career highlight In early 2014, I of my work as a for me as it was was asked to recognition of assist on a few manicurist' my work as a photoshoots session with some manicurist/nail well-established technician. The awards involve manicurists in the industry, and also answering a series of questions did a few shows at London Fashion based on your experiences in the Week. After receiving good session world and a mini portfolio feedback, I started being of work done in the 12 months up recommended for photoshoots to entering the awards. The independently, one of which was winners are announced at the for Vogue Scratch Summer Party, which Germany. It happens in July each year. was with a famous You’ve now won the Session superStylist award twice in a row model – how does that feel? which got I was heavily encouraged me my first to enter again in 2018 front cover by various colleagues. and major So I thought ‘ok let’s do piece of editorial. After this’. I still felt the that I was hooked! challenge of putting myself out there What do you enjoy again. When it most about your job? was I love the variety of whatever is announced at needed for a photoshoot or a the evening of the fashion show so I always ask as awards that I had many questions as won, I could hardly possible, as any good believe it. I was artist needs to make sure completely speechless the brief is completely and humbled. understood. You have to Then this year, the think on your feet a lot of the time and I love working with creative people. It’s so satisfying seeing all the different directions that creativity can take. Sometimes you are given a moodboard for

award itself became a nominated 5am in the morning till 10pm at award as well. It appears that I was night, especially when everyone is nominated by other nail techs in tired, is a major aspect of getting the industry. So when I got the job done and being part of the notification that I was a finalist again creative world. Working as a team for 2019 through is another major key nomination I honestly – you are a ‘Working as a point creative family for didn’t think I would win again for a second time team is a key the day and you your paths will as there were so many point – you know cross again. It’s a other great manicurists/ nail technicians who are a creative fantastic opportunity to network and were finalists. It was an family’ catch up with amazing feeling to win industry colleagues. for a second time – I’m only the second nail tech to win the award back to back. Is there anyone whose nails you would love to do that you haven’t done yet? Rylan Clark-Neal presented I was asked to do the nails for one you with your award on both of my bucket list icons last year. occasions, what was he like? When I was at college way back He is just lovely and so charismatic! when, I did a project on Zandra He was amazing at controlling over Rhodes, I have one of her dresses 350 excitable nail techs so well and and last year was asked to do her is such a professional host. We nails for an article in Hunger were entertained by Damage, the R&B boy band, and then partied for Magazine. She is just amazing and we have become friends. the rest of the evening. Is there anyone you work with regularly? The photographer Rankin at his studio in London and I would say that it has been this connection that has been the major reason for why I am where I am in the industry. I have a good number of editorials that I have done with him in two of his books now. I also work regularly with Vicky Lawton, an up and coming film director. We have done a number of global TV commercials together for John Frieda, Aussie Haircare and Batiste Dry Shampoo, which is actually on the TV at the moment and featured on billboards, on buses in London and in magazines and also music videos. What do you personally achieve from being exposed to all the fashion shows and showbusiness events? Being part of fashion shows and events with celebrities enhances your position within the industry. It’s such a tiny one with a big persona that it’s important to be seen as professional, organised and calm. And not to flap under pressure – despite the fact that can be immense at times! The hours are very long so being able to get along with your team from

The fashion designers I have worked with are Zandra Rhodes, Pam Hogg,Vin & Omi, Julien Macdonald, Tom Ford, Ted Baker. I love leading a team of nail techs at a show. It’s mayhem and madness most of the time but ultimately we have such fun but it’s always a relief when all the nails are done and the models walk the catwalk. A show is done and dusted in less than 10-15 minutes max and then everyone is running off to their next show. I have been leading a team of nail techs at Paris Haute Couture in January and July for the past three to four years now for Ralph & Russo where there are regular visits from the likes of Kylie Minogue, Rita Ora, Olivia Palermo, Lil Kim, Jourdan Dunn. We are just planning our trip to Paris for January 2020 for Ralph & Russo. We take the first Eurostar to Paris and return on the last train back to the UK. In all it’s a 20-hour day from start to finish. We always have dinner at a lovely French restaurant next to the Gare du Nord, the owner always says “you are back again” which we think is lovely that he remembers us.

n NICKIE’S CELEBRITY CLIENTS:

I have done and still do nails for Naomi Campbell, Emma Bunton, Rita Ora,Vanessa White when asked. Other celebrities include Lily James, Maisie Williams, Kaya Scoderlario, Winnie Harlow, Billy Piper, Amanda Holden, Frankie Bridge,Victoria Beckham, Elle Fanning, Debbie Harry, Marc Almond, Jack Whitehall, Josh Whitehouse and of course many supermodels. I don’t get starstruck as it’s just about getting on with what we are there to do so there’s really very little time to think about who you’re working with!

Naomi Campbell, Elle Fanning, Victoria Beckham and Lily James

SO Magazine | January 2020 | 21

Advertising

EXPERT OPINION Coolsculpting at Bella Vou, Pantiles Clinic, Tunbridge Wells. Featured in BBC 3 Series Plastic Surgery Undressed and only cosmetic surgery clinic in the South East to be awarded Outstanding rating by Care Quality Commission (CQC).

What are the benefits of the treatment? If you have tried everything to shift stubborn fat and yet still haven’t achieved your desired results. CoolSculpting is a noninvasive fat reduction procedure that involves no anesthesia, needles, or incisions. This is a non-surgical alternative to liposuction. The CoolSculpting(R) fat-reduction procedure is specially designed for those who have unwanted fat in targeted areas. Good candidates for the procedure have noticeable bulges in the submental area (under the chin), thigh, abdomen and flank (love handles), along with bra fat, back fat, underneath the buttocks (also known as banana roll), and upper arm. At your initial consultation, our doctors will create a customised treatment plan that’s tailored to your body and your individual goals. CoolSculpting(R) is not a weight loss procedure and should not replace a healthy diet and active lifestyle. How is the treatment carried out? CoolSculpting(R) cools fat cells to the precise temperature at which they crystalise and die (a process known as apoptosis). The skin and surrounding tissue is unaffected. Your body then naturally metabolises these cells, before removing them through an inflammatory clearing process. During treatment your practitioner will place an applicator on the desired area. Controlled cooling then targets these fat cells, while preserving the skin and surrounding tissues. It’s common to experience some feelings of pulling and pinching during the process, but overall the procedure involves minimal pain. The provider typically will massage the treated

areas immediately after treatment to breakup any frozen deep tissue. This will help your body begin to absorb the destroyed fat cells. Some people complain that this massage is slightly uncomfortable. After treatment, the body naturally processes and removes the fat cells. Once the treated fat cells are gone, they’re gone for good.

How long does the treatment take? The length of your CoolSculpting(R) treatment will vary depending on the number of areas being treated during one visit. The latest technology of CoolSculpting(R), at Bella Vou can treat a patient within 35 minutes per area. Our doctors and practitioners will explain the process and establish if this is a suitable option for you. What is the recovery time? There is little to no recovery time after a CoolSculpting procedure. Most people are approved to resume normal day-to-day activity immediately after. In some cases, some minor redness or soreness may occur in the area treated, but all minor side effects typically subside within a few weeks. How many sessions are needed? It depends. Some people need several treatments before they get the results they are after. Others might see the results they wanted with just a single treatment. For your free consultation call 01892 257357 or email hello@bellavou.co.uk www.bellavou.co.uk

22 | January 2020 | SO Magazine

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It’s time

TO VEG OUT As a new year starts, it’s the perfect time to reassess your diet and aim to eat more of the stuff that does you good. Sally Beare, who runs deliveries for Riverford Organic Farmers in Tunbridge Wells, tells SO how its organic fruit and veg box scheme works and why it’s a great way of getting your five a day and doing your bit for the environment

iverford started over 30 years ago, when its founder, Guy SinghWatson, went back to his family farm in Devon and began to grow organic veg. After a few clashes with supermarket buyers, Guy was determined to find a way to supply his customers directly. He began delivering veg boxes out of the back of his car to his friends and neighbours. Since then, Riverford has grown slowly but surely and now delivers to customers throughout England and Wales. They still grow much of the produce themselves, but as the business has grown, they have built long-term relationships with other organic farms too, in order to keep the veg boxes interesting and varied. Everything they sell is organic. Last year Guy sold Riverford to its employees and now the local delivery businesses are franchises, which is where Sally, who runs Riverford Tunbridge Wells, comes in. Sally had been a Riverford customer for a long time and knew that she loved both the Riverford produce and the company’s ethics and values. She had taken time out from her working life to raise a family, but was ready to take on a new challenge. So in 2017, when she heard that the local Riverford business was for sale, she seized the opportunity. Sally says that as well as helping you to eat cleaner and greener Riverford boasts something for everyone. “There are so many options to choose from. We have around 20 different veg and fruit boxes, so there’s one to suit everyone. Many people love

24 | January 2020 | SO Magazine

to see what seasonal veg will arrive on their doorstep every week, but others prefer to choose what’s going into their box. Either way is fine.” She goes on to say that unlike a lot of other schemes there’s no contract or commitment. “You can have a regular weekly or fortnightly order, or you can just order as and when. You can change your order up to two days before delivery and you can pause it if you are going to be away. You don’t have to be in when we deliver – just tell us where to leave the box. And the delivery is always free.” Sally and her team currently deliver in Tunbridge Wells on a Thursday, but they are so busy that they are opening a second delivery day for the town to meet the demand. Customers can now choose a Monday or a Thursday to have their box brought to them. Sally says there are a range of reasons why customers are choosing a Riverford veg box. Many of them are concerned about climate change and so are trying to eat more plant-based food and to choose organic where possible. Others want to improve their diet and that of their family. “Getting a veg box is a great way to help you get to your five a day,” explains Sally. “Many of my customers are concerned about excess packaging too and so are looking to a veg box to reduce the amount of plastic coming into their kitchen. “Whatever the reason and whether you are a household of one person or a large family, we will have a veg box to suit you.” Autumn and Winter Cooking with a Veg Box by Guy SinghWatson is one of several publications from Riverford packed full of recipes and ideas

Photography: Craig Matthews

Food & Drink

• 3 red onions sliced into1cm-thick discs • 6–7 tbsp olive oil • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled & cut into chunks • a few thyme sprigs (optional) • 30g pumpkin seeds • pinch of hot smoked paprika • 1 tbsp red or white wine vinegar (or use more balsamic) • 1 tsp Dijon mustard, or to taste • ¼ tsp crushed garlic, or to taste • 1 bag of mixed salad leaves (100–150g) • salt & black pepper

Heat the oven to 190°C/Gas 5. Keeping the onion discs whole, place them in a roasting tin and drizzle with a tablespoon or two of olive oil, the balsamic vinegar and a splash of water. Season with salt and pepper. Cover the tin with foil and roast for 30–40 minutes on a low shelf in the oven, until the onions are soft and sweet. Meanwhile, place the squash chunks in another roasting tin, toss with a further tablespoon or so of oil to coat and a good sprinkling of salt and roast for around 30 minutes, until tender and lightly caramelised, throwing in the sprigs of thyme halfway through the cooking

LEMONY CHICKEN AND SPINACH CURRY serves 4 • 1 tsp cumin seeds • 1 tsp coriander seeds • 1 tbsp sunflower, light olive or coconut oil, plus a little extra if necessary • 600g diced chicken (leg, thigh or breast) • 1 large or 2 small onions, finely sliced • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped, crushed or grated • 5cm piece of fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped or grated • 1–2 fresh chillies, finely chopped (add the seeds too if you like it hot) • 1 tsp turmeric • 10 cardamom pods • juice of 2–3 lemons, depending on size • 400ml vegetable or chicken stock • 300g spinach, tough stalks removed and leaves roughly chopped if large • large handful of coriander, roughly chopped • salt and black pepper

www.riverford.co.uk/recipes

BUTTERNUT, RED ONION & PUMPKIN SEED SALAD serves 4 as a side

www.riverford.co.uk/recipes

RIVERFORD RECIPES TO INSPIRE YOU INTO A LIFE LIVED ON THE VEG

time (if using). While the vegetables are roasting, put the pumpkin seeds in a small pan with a teaspoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt and a pinch of paprika. Toast over a medium heat, stirring or tossing frequently until lightly browned, then transfer to a plate to stop them toasting further. Make a simple vinaigrette: whisk together the vinegar, around three tablespoons of olive oil, the mustard and garlic to taste. Season with salt and pepper. Put the salad leaves in a large salad bowl, pour over the dressing and toss to combine. Scatter over the butternut, onions and seeds.

CARROT & CORIANDER SOUP Serves 4 as a main or 6 as a starter • 2 tbsp vegetable oil • 2 onions, chopped • 1kg carrots, peeled & chopped • 1 potato, peeled & chopped • large bunch of fresh coriander (leaves and stems), roughly chopped • salt & black pepper Heat the oil in a large pan then add the onion and carrots and sweat them gently over a low heat for 20–30 minutes, being careful that they don’t catch. They should be no more than lightly browned. This is the most important stage as it is when the vegetables release most of their flavour. Add the potato, season with salt and pepper and cook for

Lightly toast the cumin and coriander seeds in a dry frying pan until you just start to smell their aroma, then grind them with a pestle and mortar. Heat the oil in a large, heavy-based pan. Add the chicken pieces and fry over a high heat, turning once, until golden brown. (Don’t overcrowd the pan – cook in batches if you need to.) Transfer the chicken to a plate. Add the onion to the pan with a splash more oil if needed. Fry

another three minutes, stirring frequently. Cover the ingredients with water and simmer until the potato is fully cooked, about 15–20 minutes. Finally, add the chopped coriander and whizz with a hand blender until the soup is really smooth. Garnish ideas • a dollop of crème fraîche or cream • toasted almonds • toasted and lightly crushed cumin seeds • a couple of drops of orange flower water • walnut, hazelnut or sesame oil • 1 heaped teaspoon of ground mixed Moroccan spices, such as caraway and cumin, with a little hot chilli • chopped parsley or chervil

gently for 10 minutes, stirring now and then, until soft. Add the garlic, ginger, chillies and all the ground spices and fry, stirring, for another two minutes. Return the chicken to the pan with the lemon juice and stock. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes or so, until the chicken is cooked through. Stir in the spinach and let it wilt for just a minute or two before seasoning and stirring in the chopped coriander.

www.riverford.co.uk

SO Magazine | January 2020 | 25

Food & Drink

SERVING UP

tradition with a twist a few elegant twists. And we also want to serve up some interesting chef specials. We are very focused on keeping our offering as an affordable dining experience – not charging silly gastro pub prices. “Everything is going to be freshly made with an emphasis on using as much local produce as possible and keeping consistency. In short, we ultimately want to deliver a great experience!” And given that Guy’s fatherin-law is a cattle farmer and his sister is in the wine trade it’s clear he has a great contacts book to thumb through in order to secure excellent produce. When I visited the Abergavenny Arms one quiet Tuesday evening recently the bar was surprisingly busy and one glance at the menu confirmed that Guy and Phil’s vision of offering a The Abergavenny Arms has new owners and a new chef slew of seasonal pub grub alongside who are looking to further enhance its excellent food a few more exotic dishes is now in full swing. Co-owner offering and charming ambience. Eileen Leahy finds out Sitting at a table in the 15th century Guy Woods what their recipe for ongoing success will be . . . pub’s charming dining room, which boasts wooden floorboards and wonky walls all painted in a pleasing palette of Farrow recruitment and not food and drink, and Ball style shades, I’m greeted by a super he Abergavenny Arms in Frant is one of he and his business partner Phil are friendly waitress and immediately feel relaxed those classic country pubs – cosy and relishing the challenge of this new eyeing up the menu. charming with a warm welcome and venture. “We’re not adverse to Nestled alongside classics such as sausage and great food and drink on offer. It’s perfect new projects. We once bought a mash (£12.95) and beer battered cod and hand in the summer when you can dine Chef five-acre development on the cut chips (£13.95) I spy a number of less alfresco and drink in the idyllic bucolic views of the Craig Wales Caribbean island of Nevis!” he explains. traditional pub dishes such as chargrilled hipsi surrounding countryside; and then come wintertime it’s Guy, who also runs a cabbage with a cucumber, coriander, yoghurt and garlic the ideal spot for sinking into a sofa small farm and race horse training crumb (£11.95) and coronation chicken croquettes around its huge inglenook fireplace to Everything is going business with his wife, says he and served with pickled apricot, curried mayo and coconut take some respite from the chilly Phil aim to provide customers, old (£6.95). I opted for the latter dish followed by roast weather outside. to be made with an and new, with a memorable dining fillet of Cornish hake served with mussels and saffron The pub’s convivial character is emphasis on using as experience. They are hoping to do creamed leeks (£15.95) and can confirm that both something its new owners, business with the help of the pub’s new were utterly delicious. The croquette was golden in partners Guy Woods and Phil much local produce as this head chef, Craig Wales, whose last colour and boasted perfect crunch with tender chicken Clifford, are determined to maintain possible and keeping post was at the Michelin starred bites perfectly partnered with the hits of sweet and and even enhance further. West House in Biddenden. But that savoury sauces. The hake meanwhile was generous in The pair bought the former consistency. In short, doesn’t mean they are throwing a size and cooked to perfection with just the right amount coaching inn from jeweller-turnedwe ultimately want to load of white linen cloths of seasoning and flavour. publican Richard Burrell in July this on to tables and Another tell-tale sign that the year. But according to Guy, Richard deliver a great hiking up prices. Abergavenny Arms is determined to didn’t want to sell his beloved “Our aim is to elevate its dining status just that little hostelry onto a big faceless pub chain. experience! provide bit further is the fact that the wine Keen to sustain its friendly feel with a customers with a fine ‘pub’ of the week when I visited wasn’t firm focus on quality food, Richard wanted it to stay in dining experience,” says Guy. some run of the mill chardonnay good hands so who better to take over than Guy, who or merlot but instead a bottle of as well as being a resident of Frant for the past 20 years “We’ll be giving customers all the usual classics such as fish premier cru 2016 Gautheron just happens to be Richard’s step-nephew. and chips or burgers – but with Chablis (£30). And although Guy’s background may be in “We’ve just launched a new wine list and hope to run specialist wine society themed supper clubs in the future too,” confirms Guy. “We will be hosting our wine evenings on a monthly basis as of January. There will be tasting menus with dishes sourced from different parts of the world, which will then be paired with wines from the same region.” It looks like 2020 will be a busy year for Guy, Phil and their team as they embark on the exciting adventure of further improving the fortunes of this establishment, ensuring it stays relevant for future generations of discerning diners and drinkers for years to come. www.abergavennyarms.co.uk

26 | January 2020 | SO Magazine

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SO Magazine | January 2020 | 27

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Open Mornings FRIDAY 20TH MARCH 2020 TUESDAY 21 ST APRIL 2020

A MAYFIELD EDUCATION COMBINES ACADEMIC RIGOUR, BREADTH OF OPPORTUNITY AND A STRONG SENSE OF COMMUNITY. The School has an excellent academic record, exceptional pastoral care and an extensive co-curricular programme. Every girl is encouraged and supported to find her strengths and develop them in an inspiring learning environment, which encourages independent critical thinking, determination and resilience. Mayfield girls develop a lifelong love of learning, a range of transferable skills that will prepare them for their futures and friendships that will last a lifetime. Mayfield’s ethos reflects its Catholic foundation and encourages integrity, initiative, respect and a desire to be the best you can be within a vibrant and inclusive community. For the past 150 years, Mayfield has nurtured generations of enterprising, purposeful young women with the skills and confidence to make a positive difference in the world. To experience all that is special about Mayfield, visit us on an Open Morning. To reserve a place or to book an individual visit, please email registrar@mayfieldgirls.org. We look forward to welcoming you.

FACILITIES INCLUDE • Equestrian Centre on-site with facilities for up to 28 horses • Olympic sized indoor and outdoor sand schools • Heated indoor swimming pool • Tennis Academy • Fitness Suite and Dance Studio • Concert Hall • State-of-the-art Sixth Form Centre • Weekly bus service to and from Central London • Close proximity to London airports

TO ARRANGE A VISIT PLEASE CONTACT OUR REGISTRAR, MRS SHIRLEY COPPARD, REGISTRAR@MAYFIELDGIRLS.ORG

WWW.MAYFIELDGIRLS.ORG

Education

Section EDUCATION

NEW YEAR SCHOOLS SPECIAL Our guide to choosing for your children With the start of the New Year many parents will be making plans centred around finding the best school for their children, whether they are just starting or making the transition from primary to secondary education...

30 | January 2020 | SO Magazine

‘What should a prospective parent be considering when looking for the right school for their child?’

hoosing the right school for your child is one of the biggest decisions parents make and it can seem like an extremely daunting prospect at the outset. It needn’t be. We are fortunate to have so many excellent schools here in Tunbridge Wells, both state and independent, and all our schools achieve very good academic results. However, I think the starting point for parents is to think about the school that will provide the best journey to those final GCSE and A-Level results for their child, as well as how their child’s gifts and talents can be developed. Here at Kent College, we provide a nurturing environment alongside a personalised approach to education for the girls. We take a forward thinking, creative and adventurous approach to life and learning, and recognise the unique talents of each girl in a vibrant community. As a result our value added is outstanding and at GCSE, girls typically

achieve one grade higher than predicted for every subject that they take. In addition, our extensive facilities mean that we can provide an unrivalled range of sporting, artistic, musical and dramatic activities. When visiting a school it is just as important to get a sense of ‘fit’ as, after all, it is individual teachers we remember long after we leave, and very often subjects are chosen because pupils are inspired by those teachers. Ultimately, a school visit should communicate a sense of what it feels like to be immersed in that particular school community and that learning is engaging, supportive and fun. Julie Lodrick Headmistress, Kent College Pembury www.kent-college.co.uk Open Morning Tuesday March 3, 2020 9.30am-12pm.

EDUCATION

‘What is the most important thing to consider when choosing a school?’

he most important factor when choosing a school is to make sure that you are matching the school to the needs of your child, rather than the other way round. First and foremost your child needs to be happy, nurtured and challenged – all future success flows from this. Good results are a by-product of an excellent all-round education and time and again we see children thrive when their wider talents are spotted and encouraged, and where the opportunity to be involved in all aspects of school life is promoted. Choose a school that values sport, the performing arts and creative arts equally and gives all children the chance to develop in these areas. Academic results are vitally important but delve under the surface of published ‘results’ – choose a school that values and promotes academic progress for all, whatever the children’s starting points. These schools are likely to have the best classroom practice and engage children effectively in their learning. Look for a school that has high expectations but doesn’t place young children under too much pressure. A school should listen to your children, keep them safe and allow them space to get bored and be creative. Citizens of the 21st century need a broad range of skills and habits including

collaboration, problem solving and digital literacy. What does the school do to develop these qualities? Finally, look for a school that will show what life is like on a normal school day and watch the children at work and in the playground. If you meet happy, engaged children and open, welcoming teachers then you are probably on the right path! Mark Hammond is the Headteacher at Skippers Hill Manor Preparatory School, a co-educational school for children aged 2-13 years in Five Ashes, East Sussex. Skippers Hill were recently rated EXCELLENT in all areas in their September 2019 ISI inspection.

The school’s state-of-the-art Barton Science Centre

‘Best in UK’: Tonbridge School teams win international physics contest

pper and Lower Sixth students from Tonbridge School emerged as the ‘Best in the UK’ after taking part in a prestigious international physics competition. More than 400 teams from across the world competed in the International Physics Brawl, a three-hour online contest which tests knowledge and problem-solving skills. Teams were awarded points for successfully solving problems, which became increasingly challenging as the contest progressed. In the Upper Sixth contest, a team made up of Kevin, Justin, Godwyn, Peter and Ricci was awarded first place in the UK, and 21st in the world. The other Upper Sixth teams finished fifth in the UK (28th in the world) and 11th in the UK (70th in the world) respectively.

In the Lower Sixth competition, a Tonbridge team featuring Thomas, Sherman, Ben, Michael and Kiefer achieved ninth place in the world, an achievement which made them the highest placed UK team at that level. The school’s other Lower Sixth teams also put in exceptional performances, achieving UK positions of second, fifth, and sixth (20th, 42nd and 58th in the world) respectively. Phil Deakin, the school’s Head of Science, said: “Our Sixth Formers can be proud of their excellent showing on the international stage, and for two of our teams to finish in top spot for the UK is a hugely impressive achievement.” Tonbridge School www.tonbridge-school.co.uk 01732 365555 High Street, Tonbridge, TN9 1JP

Open Morning

For boys and girls aged 2 to 13

Monday 27th January 9:30am-11:30am

For full details and to book your place, visit: www.skippershill.com/visit

01825 830 234

www.skippershill.com

Five Ashes, Mayﬁeld, East Sussex, TN20 6HR

SO Magazine | January 2020 | 31

New directions, challenges and experiences Start the new decade as you mean to go on with our 2020 courses. Learn how to paint or sew… Become a jewellery maker or sculptor… Develop those language or computing skills… Get fit and keep well… The choice is yours with everything from Accounting to Yoga. Courses from £10.

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SO Magazine | January 2020 | 33

Gardening

Outside Edge

A FEW IDEAS ON HOW TO GET STARTED WITH A VARIETY OF SEEDS: 1. Ammi majus Bishop's Flower: This easily grown, very sophisticated cow parsley style plant has large, flat heads of lacy white flowers, which are ideal for cutting. I also like umbellifers, which are ever popular at Chelsea, and brilliant fillers for both the border and for cutting 2. Ammi visnaga: This is also known as Green Mist Queen Anne's Lace and has lovely feathery foliage and tightly packed, large flowers that start limey-green and gradually open to greenish-white. The heads become more domed as the flowers open. This beautiful variety is superb for cutting 3. Anagallis arvensis: Also dubbed True Wild Form Scarlet Pimpernel and Poor Man's

SOW some seeds

with love

January is a perfect time to start planning how your outside space is going to look. Victoria Truman offers some gardening guidance on how to achieve heavenly horticultural perfection courtesy of seeds Victoria Truman Garden Designer

hen deciding on which plants and flowers you want to see in your garden in the spring and summer most people focus on colour. However, all the details need to be considered. What’s important is that a plant is beautiful in one way or another, whether it's the foliage, flowers, shape, colour, architecture or scent. Seeds are a very cost-effective way of getting lots of floral colour into your garden. They help to create beautiful borders and pot-fulls of aesthetic interest. But remember that sowing times vary from one plant to another. Therefore make sure that you choose seeds that produce flowers in different months so you have a seasonal splash of colour for seven to eight months rather than all in one hit. The types of seeds available range from perennials, annuals and biennials to monocarpic: Perennials are those that continue to grow year

38 | January 2020 | SO Magazine

after year after remaining dormant throughout the winter months Annuals are typically planted in the spring and summer months and bloom for a season, then die. Gardeners often supplement perennial gardens with lively, colourful annuals Biennials live for two years, producing seeds and flowers in their second year Monocarpic plants flower, set seed and then die Seeds are great for adding longevity to your herbaceous borders or to create yearly splashes of colour in pots. Gather the seed from the plants and reuse the following year or indeed allow them to set seed within the border for repeat flowering the following year and thereafter... Buy seeds as fresh as you can or harvest from your garden and do seed swaps with like-minded friends. Most hardy perennials will germinate better sown fresh and left outside to get on with it.

JANUARY’S JOBS: • Order seeds: use the wet winter weather to sit back at home with a few of your favourite catalogues and choose the seeds with the colours, textures and timings that will work best for your garden • Do a clean sweep: clear any remaining leaves from lawns but leave some piles around the wilder parts of your garden as they make the perfect nests where animals can hide, rest and hibernate • Feed the birds: if there’s a very cold and frosty spell ensure you put out plenty of fresh water and bird food • Have a tidy up: clean pots and greenhouses ready for spring and dig over any vacant plots that have not been dug already. Tidy up perennials. Cut down the old stems of perennial plants like sedum, be careful of any new growth. Remove old hellebore leaves, this will make new blooms more visible as they emerge this spring • Prune to perfection: now’s the time to cut back apple and pear trees and also rose bushes which are still dormant. Cut back to just above a bud and remove any crossing or dead branches. Cut back ornamental grasses by clipping the old foliage before new growth begins, within a few centimetres of the ground

Outside Edge

Weather Glass, this variety boasts pretty, slender-stemmed, scarlet (or more rarely blue or lilac) flowers. 4. Verbena bonariensis: a very useful plant for the border, flowering from June until October. Sown early, it will flower the same year. Particularly effective if grown in a mass. It has tall, narrow, sparsely leafed stems on top of which flattened heads of bright lavender-purple flowers appear in late summer. It's perfect for bringing height to an ornamental border and also works well in prairie-style planting schemes with ornamental grasses 5. Achillea millefolium: also known as Cerise Queen Common Yarrow. This is a particularly colourful yarrow, bearing cerise pink flower heads with dark margins and paler colouring towards the centre. It's perfect for growing towards the middle of an ornamental border or in an wildlife

garden, and is also ideal for growing in gravel gardens 6. Stipa tenuissima: or also called Pony Tails Silky Thread Grass or Angel Hair. This is a very graceful and beautiful ornamental grass. Forming dense clumps of arching, filament-thin, bright green leaves, it bears a profusion of long, narrow, softly feathery plumes – greenish-white to start with then changing to buff all summer long. ‘Pony Tails' describes the whole perfectly, particularly when the whole plant billows in the slightest breeze. Flowers the first year from seed and is excellent for the border, pot or patio 7. Digitalis purpurea annua: Sutton's Apricot Foxglove. Beautiful, awardwinning variety with a lovely soft pink-apricot colour. Excellent for cutting – indeed, this will

stimulate further flowering. Foxglove is the towering giant in a flower bed, with some varieties growing up to five feet. They are a biennial plant, which means they bloom in their second year with beautiful, bell-shaped flowers, and then die. They reseed easily, so if you want flowering plants every year, plant foxgloves two years in a row. There are many types of foxglove to pick from, just chose your favourite colour 8. Sweet Fennel Bronze: fine clouds of feathery, bronze-purple leaves are followed by flat-topped, sulphur-yellow flowerheads in mid to late summer and then by aromatic seeds. This giant fennel looks fantastic as a centrepiece for a sunny herb garden. The foliage acts as a delicate veil through which the flower heads of herbaceous plants and bulbs can be seen. Watch for self-seeding as can be prolific during a hot summer

foliage and large, colourful flowers which come in various shades of crimson, pink and white. Excellent for cutting, flowering from late June well into autumn. Every garden should have some cosmos bipinnatus – it is so easy to grow, colourful and with a very long flowering season

9. Cosmos: these seeds are one of the best and easiest to grow. I have chosen this variety as it is probably the best known and reminds me of summer as I see swathes planted in people’s gardens. Cosmos bipinnatus 'Sensation' is a very fine and well known plant with fern-like

SO Magazine | January 2020 | 39

Advertorial

BRITISH BRANDS ARE the future of furniture With the fast moving world of online shopping and buyer behaviour, what makes Caston’s Furniture stand out from all of the other furniture stores?

ell not many can say that they have been an independent retailer servicing London and Kent for over 124 years. And to take it right back, this company has been run by five generations of family. Like every great brand, there’s the story: In 1895 William Caston, the great-great grandfather of current owner Michael, opened his first retail furniture shop: London Road Furnishers, in Elephant and Castle, selling British made furniture and household accessories. The rest is history – literally! Fast forward to 2019, Caston’s furniture is now the proud owner of 4 shops in Kent, with the latest store opening in Angel Walk, Tonbridge. Although locations have changed, the

40 | January 2020 | SO Magazine

products have not. Keeping to their roots by offering a high quality selection of British made products and services. With consumer behaviour changing towards quality over quantity, Caston’s Furniture have carved themselves into keeping up with the latest trends - 90% of shoppers say they would prefer to buy Britishmade goods, with 77% of people saying if they knew a product was made in Britain, they would believe it to be of good quality. With the new store showcasing Great British Brands that have been 100% made in Britain – plus being delivered to consumers for free, it’s like William Caston knew where the future was heading… www.castonsfurniture.co.uk

INTERIORS

Art Direction: Lee Smith | Photography: Craig Matthews

A new year often heralds a rethinking of key things in life such as your career or your home. We meet Claire Bromley, from Tunbridge Wells, who changed both those things in order to pursue her passion for interiors

When it comes to creating a stylish home it’s definitely all in the detail… NEW BEGINNINGS

Everyone dreams about switching careers and six months into my maternity leave last year I felt like I needed to think about something other than changing nappies and baby massage classes! I’d been wanting to do an interior design course for years and I realised I had a chance to do so online. It was great as it meant I could fit it around my baby daughter. Three months into the diploma, I was hooked and realised how much I wanted to create the dream career for myself, and a business and brand I could call my own. I chose to give up my career in PR and the London commute in order to set up Claire Alexandra Designs. It’s all in the detail. I think people tend to assume interior design is only accessible to the very wealthy, and so my business is all about overturning that perception. My services range dramatically in budget

(starting at just £60) and I work with many high street suppliers in order to offer an affordable, accessible approach to design. I am also very conscious of reflecting my clients’ style and personality in my designs. My own personal design style doesn’t necessarily come into it!

the business in these early days, the more I will get out, and so it’s hard to switch off. The other key challenge is not having that steady income every month; not knowing how much I’ll be bringing in each month takes a bit of getting used to. And having to do my own tax returns!

Flexibility is the key thing I enjoy most about running my own business. It means I can work from home, but also from absolutely anywhere. I have the freedom to be there for my daughter now, and I will do in the long term when she’s at school. It’s great not having to answer to anyone and I love the feeling that I am in charge of my own destiny.

I love being able to advise clients. Seeing and hearing their reaction when the design concept becomes a reality is such a fantastic reward for all the hard work that goes into a project. I love it when clients push themselves to choose a scheme they would never have dreamt of themselves and perhaps wouldn’t have the confidence to choose on their own. So far I’ve stuck to private commissions but I would absolutely love the opportunity to tackle a corporate project as I know it would bring its own challenges and new learnings that come with that.

There are challenges, of course, like working constantly but because I enjoy what I do so much, it’s not really a problem. I know that the more I put into

SO Magazine | January 2020 | 41

INTERIORS

Social media has been absolutely vital. Facebook has been the one platform that has landed me almost all of my work to date. It’s the perfect way to reach my target audience, especially in the local area, and as such it has been invaluable to me.

VISUAL APPEAL

Online is my main area of inspiration – Instagram and Pinterest in particular. I follow hundreds of stylists, bloggers, suppliers and designers who all inspire me daily. I love Elle Deco magazine and browsing my favourite stores. It’s not just about interiors either, I gain inspiration from fashion and beauty – I find all three industries are interlinked.

When it comes to the key elements that make a stylish home, it’s definitely all in the detail. Little things such as cupboard handles, the trim around tiling or an additional cushion or two all work together to create that special, unique finish that ties a scheme together. Lighting is key too, it affects the colour tones in a room and makes all the difference to the overall feeling. When used cleverly, lighting can make or break the whole ambience of a space. I’m working on a Victorian property currently and I love enhancing the beautiful details in the woodwork, the high ceilings and the shape of the windows and then mixing in contemporary pieces to give a scheme a modern twist.

CLAIRE’S HOME HACKS

1. Adding a rug can really lift a room. Even if it’s already carpeted, don’t be afraid to throw a rug down! It adds texture and warmth whilst being a great way to bring a touch of pattern and colour into a space. 2. Don’t be afraid to experiment with wallpaper. It’s another great way to bring pattern and colour into a plain, dull space. If you don’t want to paper an entire wall, see if there are any items of furniture you could paper, such as cupboard doors, or you could pop a piece in frames on the wall. 3. Plants always bring a room to life. If you don’t think you can keep them alive, it’s worth investing in a few fake ones, there are so many gorgeous ones out there that look like the real thing, no one will ever know.

CLAIRE’S LITTLE BLACK BOOK I absolutely love Homesense. I like how you walk in there, never knowing what you’re going to discover and the fact that if you don’t buy something there and then, you’re unlikely to see it again. It’s such a fantastically eclectic mix of beautiful items, in all different styles; there’s something to suit everyone’s taste. And it’s incredible value! I am a huge fan of the Victorian properties of which there are an abundance in Tunbridge Wells. Having grown up in one, I love the detailing in

Where’s your favourite place to shop?

WHY I LOVE TUNBRIDGE WELLS Claire Bromley

Probably Fenwick as it’s got a bit of everything. I spend loads of time in the café meeting friends with the kids, it’s just so convenient. The White Company is a close second, they do the most beautiful, classic homeware, as well as gorgeous clothing and beauty products. It’s great for shopping for my clients and when you’re looking for a gift.

And to eat out?

I’m a real fan of Thai food so it’s got to be the Giggling Squid. The Massaman curry is out of this world!

the architraves and windows, the mouldings in the doors. The fireplaces and alcoves are always a fantastic natural focal point – all these details bring so much character to a space and is a great source of inspiration when designing a scheme.

MY 2020 VISION:

More and more of the same I hope! I want to keep working hard to spread the word of my services and to continue to create beautiful spaces for the lovely people who are my clients.

And for coffee or cocktails?

Hotel du Vin is perfect for a cocktail or two. I love the bar in there, particularly in winter months, it’s so cosy, plus it’s full of great memories for me.

Finally, where’s the best place to go locally in order to get away from it all?

There is so much beautiful countryside close by, we are spoilt for choice really. I’d say a lovely long walk in Ashdown Forest or a weekend away at the Pig Hotel with its cosy fireplaces and incredible restaurant would be my top choices.

I worked on the DFS furniture account for three and a half years and much of that time was spent working with interiors stylists in order to create beautiful lookbook photography in order to showcase the brand’s sofas and other furniture. I realised I had an eye for design and fell in love with interiors

TOP TWO TRENDS FOR 2020 • I adore Pantone’s colour of the year, Classic Blue. It’s a versatile, calming shade yet more lively than the navy blues that have been so popular of late. I’m definitely going to be using plenty of it in my upcoming projects. • I am a huge fan of the luxury, contemporary art deco look which is hugely popular at the moment. I love the opulent, decadent feeling it exudes with plenty of metallics, plush velvet textures and deep rich colours. I like how it gives the nod to the past but with a fresh, updated, modern twist. www.clairealexandradesigns.co.uk @clairealexdesigns

SO Magazine | January 2020 | 43

CAREER

HOW TO MAKE YOUR CAREER WORK FOR YOU... The New Year is a good time to start your search for a change in your profession but with lots of competition what does it take to get noticed? Kayode Damali, who starred in the BBC’s 2018 series of The Apprentice and is ranked in the top 10 of the Most Powerful Young Entrepreneurs in the World, offers tips on what you can do to get ahead see yourself working there in My career journey from working at Charlton Athletic Football Club years to come. The grass is not always greener, and a hasty in merchandising to featuring on decision could mean that you end the 2018 series of the BBC show up having to look for another role The Apprentice to launching the soon afterwards. educational and professional The job search: before podcast The Right Route, means I making contact, really read the can now say I know what works company website. Make sure you effectively when it comes to know what the business ethos is, securing a dream job. what their company values are, After Christmas, many people feel a negative weight of returning who their clients are, and ask yourself ‘would you be a to a monotonous cycle that leaves them feeling uninspired and good fit, would it suit you?’ Social media lacking in enthusiasm in their Make sure also means you can workplace. But faking it can only you know what the sneakily check out last so long! It’s important to business ethos is, the people, their remember that though it can be what their company employers and make an exciting time in terms of values are, who their ■ Have examples of your imperative, it shows contact on LinkedIn. looking for a new career clients are you have done your challenge, a considered approach work that you can talk them research and are taking is key to making sure you take the MY TOP through because this is the chance the time to get to know CV TIPS: right route. Here are my top tips: to showcase your knowledge and them and their brand. ■ Your CV is what will get Where to start? Don’t accept experience. you that interview. It’s the a job because it looks like a ■ Don’t lie! Always be honest chance to showcase your glossy escape from the ■ Some interviewers like to There is a high risk you will get experience, skillset and doom and gloom of your throw a ‘weird’ question out Be proud of found out and sometimes your show a business how current situation. You there. For example ‘what would who you are time out of work is what makes they can benefit from really need to think you do if you were trapped inside and what you interesting. Were you hiring you. Your about whether you can a giant’s pocket?’ They do so travelling? Or maybe you’re summary paragraph is because they want to see how you have the opportunity to hook volunteering? You are who you react and are keen to to offer you are and that is what them in, let them know know what your escape makes you a one-off. what you have to offer, Personalisation strategy would be. what it is that makes you and relevance ■ Include personal stand out. And remember, are imperative information. What do though predominantly you love? I don’t mean work focused, they will your pet or favourite food! want to know about you Potential employers are always and how you will fit in. keen to hear about what you do outside of work. Do you have a ■ Make it relevant. sports team you play for regularly? Employers’ needs will all Are you a champion of chess? be different so ensuring Where is your top travelling your CV is topical to them location and why? Tell them will help encourage their interest in you. There is no something attention-grabbing. point sending one general THE INTERVIEW email to all potential ■ Being prepared will come employers, this could get off positively, knowing the job you discounted quickly spec, the people interviewing you before they even know and having questions ready for what kind of professional them will show you have made you are. Personalisation the effort. and relevance are

■ Finally, be proud of who you are and what you have to offer. It’s important to show courage and confidence in your abilities and these, in turn, will result in both professional and personal success. The educational and professional podcast The Right Route is carried out in collaboration with the national training provider Qube Learning. You can download The Right Route podcast series from Apple and Spotify

SO Magazine | January 2020 | 45

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HYPNOTHERAPY

GET INTO THE SPIRIT OF

DRY JANUARY

Hypnotherapist Karen Martin runs a busy practice at Salomons helping adults, children and teens change their lives for the better. In her regular column for SO she addresses topical issues affecting all of us in day to day family life and the workplace. This month’s focuses on the demon drink and how to control it . . .

hilst it’s true that most of us are a long way off needing to take the 12 Steps programme, a goodly proportion of the adult population of this country like to unwind at the end of the day with a glass of something and end up drinking too much alcohol. And that’s not just the occasional day but most days – if not every day. So what’s a bottle of wine between two? Nothing to worry about surely? But it’s surprising how easily that can become a bottle of wine each. Or more. Every day. If you’re feeling a sense of sheepish recognition as you read, bear in mind you’re not the only one. We’re not talking about the insidious binge drinking culture which defiles our town centres every weekend but a quiet revolution in drinking habits behind closed doors throughout the land. These are the ordinary drinking habits of ordinary people with jobs and kids and mortgages and responsibilities they take very

seriously. This revolution is measured in the media by occasional articles about our wine consumption overtaking other European countries, booming off-sales and declining pubs. Clearly, we’re enjoying drinking far more at home than we could legally if one of us was driving to the pub. And at a much lower cost too. But the cost to the health of the nation is not quite clear. The biggest generation of boozers since the 18th century gin riots has not aged sufficiently to succumb to alcohol-related diseases in epidemic numbers. In the wake of Christmas excess, many of us are embarking on a dry January to offset the effect on waistline, bank balance and future well-being. Maybe it’s time in the post festive lull to examine what’s going on here. Drinking too much is an integral part of our social life. It’s how we have fun, chill out, celebrate and occasionally fall over. It reminds us of our youth when we didn’t have a care and could put away 15 pints of snakebite on a Friday night and still want more on Saturday. It’s a reward, a treat, an

HERE ARE MY TEN TOP TIPS FOR CUTTING BACK: 1. Alternate a glass of alcohol with a glass of water 2. Only drink on alternate days 3. Pour half measures or use s maller glasses 4. Take smaller sips and put your glass down between times 5. Don’t drink at all on one, two three or more weekdays 6. Don’t drink at home or on your own 7. Only drink on social occasions 8. Just have one glass of wine with an evening meal 9. Don’t bulk buy or stockpile 10. Just stop

I’ve got my mojo back. There’s joie in my vivre. I’m nice to children, dumb animals and call centre employees. And it didn’t take 12 steps to do it. Being a hypnotherapist and NLP practitioner is helpful as I can give my subconscious mind a good talking to or use any number of creative visualisation techniques to change patterns of behaviour if ever my drinking should get out of hand. I have helped numerous clients turn down the desire to tipple any time any place anywhere. And some of that good advice must rub off on me too.

uncomfortable reading, here’s the antidote for all life’s woes. No good news. Drinking too much wonder we don’t want to stop. every day is an easy habit to At the risk of sounding like a change. If you need any incentive, complete party-pooper, now might be the time to take individual stock just a week or two unlashed is enough to experience the benefits. I of the flipside of all these speak from experience as a lifelong wonderful benefits. Hands up if party animal who could take on a you’re too fat even though you eat touring rugby team pint for pint. healthily. Tick that box if you’re always knackered in the morning. Ask Let’s face it, savouring a glass of fine wine, refreshing beer, mellowing Scotch, yourself how much summery Pimm’s, sublime gin and tonic with ice and a slice, or whatever quicker you could your poison is, is one of life’s great pleasures. And it’s possible to enjoy this pay off the credit great tradition without becoming a lush, lager lout or mean drunk in your card bills if you cut own living room and ruining your future health and happiness in the process. out weekday If you’re giving dry January a go, here are some guidelines to make it easy: drinking. And here are a few more ■ Do not try not to think about drinking awkward questions: ■ Don’t doubt your ability to choose not to drink alcohol. It’s not as if you’re How’s your sex life giving anything up, you’re gaining more in health and energy benefits lately? Do you ■ Be aware that you control your decisions sometimes forget ■ Don’t change your lifestyle. You can do what you enjoy without alcohol how you spent the latter part of the ■ It takes about 21 days to prove to yourself that you can change your habits. evening? Are you ■ Each and every day you forget to remember to pour a drink is a personal victory often irritable and ■ Celebrate the benefits of being slimmer, richer and healthier unproductive at ■ Enjoy breaking the ‘wine o’clock’ or Friday night triggers with other more work? Do you lack interesting ways to spend your time energy to get off the ■ Never envy people who drink alcohol sofa at the weekend? ■ And finally, enjoy life! If any or all the above makes

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48 | January 2020 | SO Magazine

Travel

TRAVEL

Miami IN A TRICE Havana: South Beach: The art deco New low-cost flights Little The Fifties fiesta masterpiece South Beach is perhaps the bestmake it possible Once nothing more than a thoroughfare, Calle Ocho (158 SW 8th known destination at the base of to explore this iconic Street) – the heart of Little Havana – is sunshine state Florida, with nearly three miles of golden sands bordering American city now a popular tourist destination. Here the locals, who are largely of Ocean. in a few days, Latin American descent thanks to the theItsAtlantic fine grains, warm waters and says Ryan Hooper arrival of tens of thousands of Cubans Instagram-ready lifeguard towers

ew flights from low-cost airline Norwegian make a long weekend break to Miami financially feasible (from £159.90 one way or £275 return), and convenient flight times mean tourists can leave London on Friday midmorning and enjoy two full days and nights in Miami, before arriving back at Gatwick at dawn on Monday. So, I’m on a mission to see if it’s possible to pack multiple decades into just a few days.

50 | January 2020 | SO Magazine

during the revolution years of the Fifties and Sixties, mix with visitors eager to take a step back in time. There is an evergreen feeling to Little Havana.The octogenarian plodding opportunistically along the streets selling cones full of peanuts for a dollar has been doing so for decades, despite an apparent turf war with an entrepreneurial rival. In El Exquisito (elexquisitomiami. com), we stop for a classic Cuban sandwich – slow-cooked pork which has been marinated in citrus juices, garlic, bell peppers and onion for two days, served with Swiss cheese, mustard and pickles and wedged between two slices of Cuban bread. “A few years ago, this used to just be somewhere people passed through to get to Downtown,” Miami Culinary Tour guide Marie says. “But there is a lot more here. It’s more vibrant now.”

make it a haven for beach bums, fitness fanatics and artists, many eager to spot a famous face. There are more than 800 art deco buildings around Miami Beach, including our hotel The Lennox. Originally opened in 1936 as the opulent Peter Miller Hotel, it lost its way and by 2010 it was abandoned. A three-year, £53million renovation was completed in summer 2019, retaining many of its original art deco features, such as marble archways, with 119 stylishly decorated rooms and an outdoor pool. Perhaps its greatest drawcard remains its two-minute walk to South Beach. Further inland, the cultural district of Wynwood is regarded as Miami’s next big development opportunity. A sprawling network of murals, breweries and multi-purpose tower blocks make it the city’s equivalent of London’s Shoreditch.

Key Biscayne: A timeless beauty

Back at ground level, naturalists with Miami EcoAdventures (miamiecoadventures.com) offer a different perspective of the area’s

stunning cityscape, a 30-minute cab ride down from South Beach. A two-and-a-half-hour kayak adventure along the stunning Key Biscayne costs $30/£23 and offers unrivalled views of Miami. The tour doesn’t venture too far out into the North Atlantic, and it is still possible to make out the odd egret perching on wooden posts near the shore. Wildlife is thriving in Key Biscayne, an environment protected from new industrial development. The tour, on tandem kayaks, represents a relatively tranquil paddle – depending on the energy levels of your co-pilot.

How to get there Rooms at EAST, Miami (eastmiami.com) start from £230 ($299) per night. Rooms at The Lennox Hotel (lennoxmiamibeach.com) start from £175 ($225) per night. Norwegian (norwegian.com/uk; 0330 828 0854) operates a nonstop flight from London Gatwick to Miami, operated by a fleet of brand new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. Fares start from £159.90 one way and £275 return in LowFare economy, and from £499 one way and £940 return in Premium.

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