SO Tunbridge Wells April 2017

Starring You Real readers

+ = one gorgeous

local boutiques fashion shoot APRIL 2017 WWW.SOMAGAZINE.CO.UK

A TASTE of LÜBECK

Easter

We visit marzipan’s origin

EXTRAVAGANZA Fill the diary with these holiday events

Smokin’ Hot Real American

“KENT IS MY SANCTUARY”

flavours in Wrotham

TOM CHAPLIN COMES HOME

Spring

CLEAN YOUR LIFE Read this and reap the rewards

CELEBRITY

Naomie Harris

THE ACTRESS TALKS BRITISH ROOTS, BOND AND THAT OSCARS BLUNDER

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SUBJECT

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

EDITOR Charlie Bond cbond@onemediauk.co.uk

HEAD OF DESIGN Rowena Cremer-Price rcremer-price@onemediauk.co.uk

COMMERCIAL Anna Hawkins ahawkins@onemediauk.co.uk

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Richard Moore rmoore@onemediauk.co.uk

PUBLISHED BY

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

Editor’s letter W ELCO M E TO YO U R A P RI L I S S U E O F S O

T

his time of year always reminds me how lucky we are to be living in the Garden of England. As the outside world gets greener and blossom and flowers finally make an appearance, everywhere we go, we’re reminded how beautiful Kent is. I grew up here too, and Spring was my favourite time to embrace the great outdoors – because of all the Easter egg hunts taking place! I was a pro at spotting those Crème Eggs stashed in flowerpots and under logs, and each year I’d visit a different castle or garden to take part in their hunt for sweet treats. Sadly I’m probably over the age limit now, but if you’re looking for lots of fun ways to entertain your family over the upcoming Easter break, then check out our calendar of events on page 28 for some inspiration.

Or, if this year you fancy an alternative to chocolate eggs, I can certainly recommend a substitute. I was recently lucky enough to visit

the Niederegger factory in Lübeck, Germany and now I’m hooked on the stuff, as well as the town!

Find out more about my trip on page 118.

Spring is all about change, so we’ve embraced that by doing something exciting with our fashion shoots. This month’s models are all amazing, local women who wanted to push themselves to try something new. From being stuck in a style rut to having a fear of hairdressers, they came to us looking for a change, and I think you’ll agree that they look fabulous. See the results on page 68.

Have a wonderful April and a happy Easter. If you see me searching the ground at a local tourist attraction, I’m not looking for chocolate eggs, I’ve lost my contact lens…

EDITOR cbond@onemediauk.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICKS What I’m coveting this month…

Oliver Bonas

Thomas Kent

Bill Skinner

Gold hexagon wine rack, £45

Mulberry large rose gold clock, £90

Kitten & tassel necklace, £95

Storing your wine has never been more chic – the only problem is saving it long enough to display it… www.oliverbonas.com

I’ve been on the lookout for a new timepiece for a while, and I’m loving this beautiful clock with the stylish rose gold accents. www.thomaskentclocks.com

I’m obsessed with this cute cat-inspired necklace from local jeweller Bill Skinner.The whole kitten range is on my wish list – someone needs to hide my credit card… www.billskinnerstudio.com

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INTRODUCTION

Contents YO U R LU X U RI O U S LO CA L LI F ES T Y LE M AG A Z I N E

12 | Local picture 19 | Love where you live 28 | April calendar 40 | Rent director on his upcoming visit

45 | Interview with Tom Chaplin 55 | Cover star Naomie Harris 68 | Fashion shoot 99 | Spring clean your life

110 | Food review in Wrotham 118 | Lübeck’s sweet treats 146 | Vintage interior inspiration 186 | April gardening tips

110

186146

138

68

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SUBJECT

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TUNBRIDGE WELLS

LIGHT AND SHADE A L L’ S C A L M AT B E W L WAT E R Picture by John Rivers Have you got a local picture you’d like to see printed?

Email info@somagazines.co.uk

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TALKING POINT

WELLS on the WEB T H E S TO RY EV ERYO N E ’ S B EEN D I S C U S S I N G T H I S M O N T H

Star of the Show

C

elebrity chef and our columnist Rosemary Shrager will be at the forefront of a new BBC cooking programme aimed at cementing the broadcaster’s reputation as the home of cuisine after The Great British Bake Off moved to Chanel Four.

The Tunbridge Wells-based chef, who has gained a popular following through her cookery books and other television appearances, will be starring in the Big Family Cooking Showdown which is

scheduled for broadcasting in the autumn.

Mrs Shrager says she is ‘thrilled’ at being selected and has spent the recent weeks filming ‘all over the country’ for the show.

Describing what viewers can expect, she adds: “The exciting thing is it is a blend of home and studio cooking and families are very much at the heart of the programme.

“I’m hoping to be inspired and surprised by the dishes these families cook at home to put a smile on each other’s faces. We’ll be searching for a household where food is at

Lots of you resonated with this Monday feeling

There was plenty of spring in our recent photo shoot

the heart of their family, with kitchen duties and recipes shared between the generations.”

In a move which reinforces the perception of a looming ratings rivalry between BBC and Chanel Four, the local chef will be starring alongside former Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain on the Big Family Cooking Showdown.

Renowned chef Giorgio Locatelli will round off the professional judges, while television personality Zoe Ball will help front the 12-part show.

Don’t let anything get in the way…

Check out more pictures over on our Instagram account – @somagazines SO Magazine / APRIL 2017 / 17

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TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Where’s your favourite place to eat locally?

Kitsu, one of the best-kept secrets in Tunbridge Wells, a little sushi and noodle bar behind Fenwick – the food is amazing – the salmon lover platter is my favourite.

Kai’s Kitchen opposite Tunbridge Wells station is also fantastic. My husband is half Malaysian and loves his chilli, but when Kai’s ask him if he wants ‘hot’ or ‘Thai hot’, even he says just ‘hot’!

♥

LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE

♥

S U E W I L S H ER I S A N AU T H O R , BA S ED I N T U N B R I D G E W ELL S .

H ER E , S H E T ELL S U S W H Y S H E L OV E S W H ER E S H E LI V E S …

Where do you live?

On the South side of town.

How long have you lived there and what made you decide to move there?

We’ve been here for ten years – we were living in London and had our first daughter but wanted to put down roots somewhere that was both interesting and good for families. Work-wise and family-wise this was the right direction to head in. When we came to see Tunbridge Wells we fell in love with the area – lots of parks, shops, restaurants and historical interest – and all enclosed by beautiful countryside.

Where’s the best place to go for a Sunday stroll?

We love going for a stroll at Pepenbury – a residential home for adults with a learning disability that has a beautiful woodland walk in the grounds with a playground in the woods, farm animals, a small animals barn and a coffee shop. They welcome visitors and they have a donations box by the chicken coops. One of the

residents carries a guinea pig around – the kids love it! We also buy our Christmas tree from there every year.

Where do you take people when they come to visit?

Usually The Pantiles – what’s not to love about the pavement cafes and restaurants and the Jazz on summer evenings?

Rosemary Shrager’s lemon meringue tart, dinner beneath the cool vintage lampshades at the Tunbridge Wells Hotel, I could go on...

What’s the night life like where you live?

The Boogie Nights events at The Forum are fabulous for Northern Soul and shameless dancing for all ages! Also The Grey Lady on The Pantiles for live jazz/ funk/soul. We’re very lucky to have The Assembly Hall Theatre and the Trinity Theatre here in town. And, Woods restaurant on The Pantiles makes a great party venue – I had a 1950s themed party there recently to launch the paperback of my debut novel When My Ship Comes In.

Where’s the best place to meet friends and socialise?

There are lots of ‘gin opportunities’ in Tunbridge Wells, I’m happy to say! Chapel Place, Fuggles, Hotel du Vin bar or my local The Compasses. That doesn’t happen as often as I’d like! When we can, I go for a tipple with my writing group – to discuss meaningful literary topics only of course…

What do you do when you spend a weekend or day off in the local area?

We like to go for a traipse around The Common and Wellington Rocks, and the kids love High Rocks and Groombridge Place. The local parks are lovely – Dunorlan Park is great for feeding the ducks and rowing a boat.

We look forward to the new adventure playground in Calverley Grounds – an amazing team of local people have been hard at work fundraising to build it – it’s an inspirational community initiative that’ll be a fantastic new asset to the town.

Why do you love where you live?

For me, Tunbridge Wells is the perfect mix of town and country. Everything you need within an easy distance and beautiful countryside a stone’s throw away. There is a lovely community feel in our area and I have met so many amazing, inspirational people since moving here.

Sue’s debut novel When My Ship Comes In is out now.

www.facebook.com/SueWilsherWriter SO Magazine / APRIL 2017 / 19

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

LIFE & STYLE W E LO O K AT S O M E O F T H E B ES T WAY S TO EN H A N C E YO U R H O M E A N D LI F ES T Y LE T H I S M O N T H

CRANBROOK CHORAL If you enjoyed the magnificent sounds from the brass ensemble at Cranbrook Choral’s Christmas Concert, then you’ll love this performance of music, both ancient and modern, with Cranbrook’s fine 100 voice choir accompanied once again by the brass ensemble and Martyn Williams at the organ.

John Rutter’s Gloria deservedly remains one of his most popular works and has been described as ‘exaltant, devotional and jubilant by turns, with the use of organ,

brass and percussion making for plenty of Waltonian punch’. Yet there is a hauntingly ethereal middle section and Rutter dedicated the work to the memory of his son, Chris, who was tragically killed whilst studying at Cambridge. Works also to be performed are: Rutter’s Te Deum, Vaughan Williams’ O Clap your Hands, Gabrieli’s In Ecclesiis and Bruckner’s Libera Me. Soloists are: Sopranos: Isabella and Amelia Chambers, Alto: Alexis Hutchinson, Tenor:

Richard Pethick and Bass: Ryan Pollock The concert takes place in St. Dunstan’s Church, Cranbrook, on the 29th April at 7.30pm. Tickets: £15 (students £7.50) available from Baldwins Travel, Carriers Road, Cranbrook, 01580 714 411) or by phoning: 01580 819 323 or 714828. They are also available at the door on the night.

For full concert details please go to www.cranbrookchoral.org.uk

VOLANTI IMAGING A husband-and-wife drone company is soaring two years after a business idea while on a night out in the town turned into a flourishing family affair.

Alex and Caroline Ball came up with the idea for their Sussex-based drone business – Volanti Imaging – on the way home from an evening in a Tunbridge Wells pub when they stopped at an estate agents window to look at the houses on offer.

“The idea for a drone business came to us on one of those rare nights outs you have as parents of young kids,” explained Alex, who has six children between him and his wife. “We’d had a few drinks, just left a bar and started browsing an estate agents window and my wife said wouldn’t it be fantastic to have a fly-up on some of those properties – and we started chatting about it. I was in IT at the time, had a passion

for photography and since my mother had recently passed away seemed like the change of direction I was looking for.”

Two years on since that fateful night in 2015, Volanti Imaging boasts an impressive portfolio of clients from

gaming giants to building construction companies and estate agents and has taken off beyond all expectations in a fast-moving and exciting new industry. www.volanti-imaging.co.uk

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

MCKEWS CATERING After a very successful 2016, our diary is now open to take bookings for the 2017 season. Using only local, free-range produce and backed

by Southborough Butchers, McKews Catering can tailor-make your event to suit your personal requirements, specialising in hog roasts and lamb spit roasts. Catering from 50 to 2,000 people, we can guarantee a personal service. We are available for private parties, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, fetes and fairs! Alongside our hog roasts, we can offer a large selection of barbecue meats, marinated in a variety of mouth-watering flavours. For more information, call our events team on: 07791 175 333 or 07972 091 524.

60a London Road, Southborough, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 0PR www.southboroughbutchers.com butcher@southboroughbutchers.co.uk

CASTLE FINE ART Castle Fine Art, the UK’s leading group of retail art galleries, has launched its newest venture in Tunbridge Wells. After two months of renovation works, the gallery has officially opened to the public.

The newest addition to the town’s art scene sees contemporary meet classic in a gallery setting. Housed within an historic building, over 100 years old, traditional features meet with quirky design elements – a nod to the innovative and original offering Castle Fine Art has come to be known for. A specially designed viewing room has been created to make customers feel as at ease as they would in their own home, whilst the rest of the split level gallery will be curated with the very latest Spring 2017 limited edition collection ahead of launches later this year

by a number of headline artists.

Ian Weatherby-Blythe, Group Managing Director of Castle Fine Art, says: “In its 20 year history, Castle Fine Art has been instrumental in making great art accessible – bringing work from today’s finest contemporary artists to the high street. As the business grows, we continue to evolve with our newest gallery in Tunbridge Wells set to redefine the way customers experience, view and buy art. Visitors to the gallery can expect a welcoming environment to enjoy art and an exciting programme of exhibitions and events all year round.” www.castlefineart.com

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HOME TRUTHS

that’s SO...

IT JUST WOULDN’T HAPPEN ANY WHERE ELSE

TUNBRIDGE WELLS



Dining al fresco at the first sight of sun.

It doesn’t matter that you’re wearing three coats, the rosé is calling!

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

WEALDEN





Using a local online group to ask if anyone’s selling an above-ground swimming pool.

Being positively outraged when a new shop arrives with colourful signage. How vulgar.

SEVENOAKS

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

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

Feeling grateful that you’re surrounded by beautiful National Trust properties… but realising that the last time you visited one was on a school trip.

Boasting to friends that you live close to some of the best schools around. The fact that you don’t have children is just a minor insignificance – everyone knows it’s about location.

WEALDEN

SEVENOAKS





Using ‘supporting the village community’ as your excuse to frequent the local pub every Sunday. Every little helps…

Genuinely having a dilemma over whether to do the weekly shop in M&S or Waitrose.

Have you got something that you think is just so? Email your suggestions to cbond@onemediauk.co.uk SO Magazine / APRIL 2017 / 27

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CALENDAR

April

CALENDAR 1st  SWEET TREATS The National Trust are teaming up with Cadbury for Knole’s Easter Extravaganza event from April 1 to 17. Perfect for all the family, follow the map around the Cadbury Bunny’s trail through Knole’s medieval parkland, historic courtyards and atmospheric Orangery to win chocolate prizes. Separate trails will be available for three to five year olds and seven to 12 year olds. The egg hunt is £3 per person, with normal admissions applying to the show rooms. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knole

1st  SCENIC CIRCUS

1st  ON POINTE

1st  ARTISTIC SHOWCASE

Join Groombridge Place for an Easter event with a twist. From April 1 to 16 meet the Mad Hatter, Alice, and the Queen of Hearts in this event centred on Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. A great family day out, it runs from 10am to 5pm with the inclusion of a circus tricks performance high up in the forest, a mad hatters show, hat maker’s craft workshop, and queen’s croquet. There will also be a photo booth with giant and miniature mushrooms. Book online at www.thelittleboxoffice.com/groombridge

Ballet Central return to the E.M Forster Theatre in Tonbridge, giving audiences the chance to see the company’s young and dynamic dancers on the cusp of their professional careers. With an array of short performances, including a scene from Romeo and Juliet and Dracula, the performance from the Central School of Ballet is guaranteed to mesmerise. www.tonbridgearts.com

An exhibition of original artworks by artist Nick Hebditch is being held at Portico Art Gallery, Riverhead. The exhibition will feature landscape pieces in oil and mixed media inspired by the Medway Valley, South coast and Ashdown Forest.

Drawing particular inspiration from the changing qualities of light at different times of day and reflected light in water, this is an opportunity to enjoy an exhibition that is usually on show at leading galleries and Royal Caribbean Liners. The exhibition will be open through April and May, Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm. www.porticogallery.co.uk

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CALENDAR

1st  MODEL RAILWAY New exhibition, Bricks Britannia, is set to open this Easter at the Kent & East Sussex Railway in Tenterden. With over 30 models, created solely from LEGO bricks, the exhibition charts the history of Britain. Visit Tenterden Town Station to take a look and try out one of the workshops for all ages, in which you’ll learn how to make a Steam Locomotive or Pullman Carriage. www.kesr.org.uk/bricks

1st  FAMILY FUN

4th  TRUE STORY

4th  ORCHESTRAL OPERETTA

Get in the Easter spirit this year at Hever Castle & Gardens from April 1 to 17. Running from 10.30am to 5pm each day, gather the whole family to join the free trail of the Lindt gold bunny and earn chocolate treats.

Parents can also take their children to the Easter bonnet decorating class in front of the castle for an extra £1.

Inside, you can discover the history of Easter and learn about Easter traditions in the castle quiz (guests will need to purchase a castle ticket for inside attractions).

Visit www.hevercastle.co.uk for more details.

Delve into the story of soul legend Etta James’ turbulent life at The Assembly Hall Theatre on Tuesday April 4, 7.30pm. Featuring some of her most beloved songs, including Tell Mama, Sugar on the Floor and I’d Rather Go Blind, the show has packed theatres throughout Australia and New Zealand and now arrives in Tunbridge Wells. A heart-rending story of her passion for life and strength of character, it’s not one to miss! Tickets are £22 and available at www.assemblyhalltheatre.com

LAMPS (Local Amateur Musical Players) are performing The Mikado – a play combining love, history and politics.

Celebrating 90 years of musical theatre by returning to their roots in Tonbridge with the E.M Forester Theatre, the show is directed by local director Helen Thorpe. Typical of their unique style, Helen Thorpe described the Japanese influenced comic operetta, originally by Gilbert and Sullivan, as “an operetta packed with anti-establishment silliness that is still so relevant today.” The play will run from April 4 to 8. www.lamps.org.uk SO Magazine / APRIL 2017 / 29

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CALENDAR

9th  SPRING FLING The forthcoming annual Spring Fling at Great Comp Garden promises to be a rare treat this year with the planting of magnolia ‘Kevin Hughes’ raised by the late renowned plantsman John Gallagher. The Magnolia tree is one of only 18 in existence. Great Comp Garden in Platt near Sevenoaks has a thriving collection of 80 magnolias which generally bloom around spring, making the garden a must visit at this time of year. The gardens are open throughout the whole month. www.greatcompgarden.co.uk

16th  EASTER EATERY

21st  STYLE SALE

22nd  FLOWER POWER

Enjoy an exclusively designed Easter carvery menu at Salomons Estate in Tunbridge Wells.

With a choice of three meats and a vegetarian option, the menu comprises a three course meal and includes a variety of delicious dishes.

There is an Easter egg included for every child as well an opportunity to get a picture with the Easter Bunny. Available from 12pm to 2.30pm, with a £10 deposit required per person upon booking. www.salomons-estate.com

Enjoy an evening of fashion at One Warwick Park, as Mum’s The Word host a Fashion: Reboot pre-loved fashion sale. Buy, sell or browse over 25 stalls packed with handpicked, high end clothes as well as hand-made jewellery, interior products, beauty items and braiding. There is also music and a licensed bar, making it the perfect fashionista’s night out. Entrance is £5 and includes a Fashion: Reboot goody bag. For more information visit www.mumstheword.online

Try something new this month with Grosvenor and Hilbert Park’s planter workshop. Learn to plant your own pot with pollinator friendly plants for free. This event will start with a brief talk by a director from Coolings Garden Centre, and will end with you able to take home your own planter home with you. Seats are limited for this free event that starts promptly at 10am. www.fogh.org.uk

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CALENDAR

23rd  WEDDING DAY The Kent Wedding Centre, next to the Hop Farm in Paddock Wood, is holding a one-stop shop open day for brides and grooms to-be. A host of suppliers will be present, from bridal wear through to cake decorators and wedding cars. Running from 11am until 3pm, the event is free but requires registered attendance via email to weddings@thehopfarm.co.uk with ‘open day’ in the subject line and names of the guests in the email body.

29th  EXTREME FUN

29th  RAILWAY RETREAT

30th  LITERARY FESTIVAL

Embrace your wild side at Groombridge Place on April 29 and 30 with the arrival of the world’s largest inflatable course, ‘The Beast’. Extreme Festival, the company behind the famous inflatable course, state that the course is designed for “adults to relive their teenage years again.” Children under the age of 12 may also take part if supervised, and there will be a small inflatable course for children under eight. The event promises live music, great food and beer alongside the 893ft inflatable assault course. Early bird discounted tickets are available at www.extremefestival.co.uk

Come aboard the High Weald Belle for their new Saturday dining experience. The Spa Valley Railway’s heritage train is departing from Tunbridge Wells for its first dining experience this month. Passengers can enjoy evening dinner whilst the train makes three return journeys, commencing at 7pm, through the beautiful Wealden countryside to Groombridge, before returning to Tunbridge Wells. The award winning bar will be open throughout to accompany the three course meal. Advanced booking needed. www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk

Chiddingstone Castle’s Literary Festival kicks off this month with the launch of Anne Boleyn: A King’s Obsession, the latest in Alison Weir’s Six Tudor Queens series. Drawing on the Boleyn family’s local links with Hever Castle and Chiddingstone, Alison Weir isn’t one to miss – as she holds the title of top-selling female historian in the UK and has published 17 history books and five historical novels. www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk/literary-festival SO Magazine / APRIL 2017 / 33

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CULTURE

inside view TH IS MONTH, PAUL DUNTON EXPLAINS WHY SPONSORSH IP AND F UNDING ARE URGENTLY NEEDED FOR LO CAL & LIVE MUSIC FEST IVAL TH IS SUMMER

A

t the time of writing this article, I am delighted to announce that I have provisionally booked Calverley Grounds as the main venue for this year’s Local & Live Music Festival, which, all being well, will take place on August 25, 26, 27 and 28. I have used the expression ‘all being well’ because due to the costs involved, the event requires a significant amount of sponsorship or grant funding if it is to actually happen.

Local & Live is a free to attend community festival providing a fantastic platform to showcase the considerable wealth of local, original music talent that resides in Tunbridge Wells and the nearby area. 2017 will see Local & Live celebrate its 12th year with the main stage situated in Calverley Grounds alongside fringe stages at venues such as The Forum, The Grey Lady and on the Bank Holiday Monday only, an outdoor acoustic stage in the idyllic grounds of The Spa Hotel.

Local & Live depends on the support of sponsors, donations and an army of volunteers; without which, the event cannot take place. Local & Live attracts a wide audience of residents from around the borough and festival-goers visiting the town.

It entices a true cross section of the population from teens, to couples, families with children, regular music lovers, students and senior citizens – it is for everyone in the

community. As the festival has grown in both reputation and size, it also draws visitors from the length and breadth of the UK and Europe. It brings together a collective audience in the region of 20,000 people to enjoy the music and a relaxed family friendly festival atmosphere over the August Bank Holiday weekend. Local resident and frontman of The Bluetones, Mark Morriss recently gave his official take on the festival: “Local & Live has established itself as an essential hub for uniting musicians and fans of all generations and genres in the area of Tunbridge Wells.

We’re lucky to have it.”

So why is funding so vital? As a free event, Local & Live’s intention is solely to cover its costs. I am the organiser of the entire event and I give my time to organise and run the event for free; for me personally it is a labour of love. There are costs though which we cannot avoid. Just some of the major costs include the festival main stage complete with full PA and all the necessary sound equipment, lighting, generators, and sound and lighting engineers, all of which amounts to around £12,000. One of the legal requirements includes having a specific number of professional security staff on duty during the set up day and then for the entire run of the festival including overnight on each day and on site for the clear down day.

This security bill is likely to be close to

£8,000. The insurance bill for the event is around £3,000 and other costs include toilet hire for £2,000, PRS licence £1,000, medical team £1,500, marquee hire £2,000, rubbish bins and collection £750 and there are many other running costs to add on before we even look at marketing and merchandise.

With turn out expected to be in the region of 20,000 across the weekend, Local & Live offers a truly incredible opportunity for a business to significantly raise its profile and expose its brand to a very large audience and an equally broad demographic. We have a range of very attractive sponsorship packages for any local, national or international business to take advantage of. The standard of music at Local & Live is simply brilliant – the talent we have in this area deserves to be heard.  Please don’t hesitate to get in touch by emailing fundraising@localandlive.org if you have any sponsorship enquiries or ideas – we would love to hear from you. Thanks for all your support and interest and roll on Calverley Grounds!

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THEATRE

TIME TO RENT Next month RENT comes to Tunbridge Wells. Charlie Bond talks to director Bruce Guthrie about the musical everyone’s making a song and dance about…

Your version of RENT has been met with rave reviews, is it nice receiving such positive feedback?

It’s been a bit of a relief to be honest, because it’s such an iconic show and it’s so well thought of by so many people and really important to a lot of people as well, so it was a mixture of joy that people like it so much, but relief as well.

The response has been remarkable, we’ve had a standing ovation at the end of every show, which is extraordinary.

Wow. Was there a lot of pressure taking on a project this iconic?

I think there’s pressure with any project but it’s a good thing. With RENT because it’s an awardwinning piece, it has worked incredibly well, it ran for a decade on Broadway… you always want a show like that but when you get it, it’s a bit like “well, you wanted it so you better get on with it!” There’s so much

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What’s been your favourite part of the process?

I love rehearsals because I love to see it all come together. I think my favourite part of any process, particularly this one is when the actors really take ownership of it, so you create this environment in order for them to be able to do their work and create these characters and you help them to do that, but ultimately they’re the ones at the end who are performing.

It’s thrilling when they take ownership of it, and we do have some tremendous young talent in this who I’m sure will be the stars of tomorrow.

Do you still get nervous before the performance?

Terrified, yeah! And I’m not even the one who’s performing! I’m a big fan of football, and I think directing is a little bit like being a football manager – you do the training and the tactics and all the preparation but ultimately you’re the one who picks the team, and when they go out on the pitch there’s very little you can do about it!

How often do you have to watch the performances?

I don’t watch the show every night, because I need a sense of perspective. I need to be able to go away and come back and look at it with fresh eyes. It’s

What have you enjoyed about working on a musical, and how is that different to other projects you’ve done?

I think it’s more collaborative – you have to rely on and work even more closely with your creative team than you do when you’re working on a play. With a play you can have a set and music, but ultimately it’s all about the spoken word, but in a musical you’ve got so many different areas to draw from because people can burst in to song, dance and do all sorts of things. I love musicals; I love that heightened aspect of theatricality to my work, so I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. I’ve wanted to do a musical since I was very young, it was the thing that got me into the business, and this is my first, so it’s been absolute thrill for this to have been so well received.

DAN WOOLLER

history, not just with the show, but with the subject matter which it encompasses as well, that you feel that it’s not just about doing service to the people who created the show originally, or wrote it but it’s doing service to the people and the types of people represented by it.

Bruce Guthrie (Director) and Lee Proud (Choreographer)

not really a director’s job to watch the show every night, I’ve got an assistant for that, to maintain the show.

It’s always amazing to watch it and get swept up in it again.

Tunbridge Wells is the last place you’re visiting with the RENT tour, what can the audience look forward to?

It’s an incredibly entertaining show with an absorbing story. It’s also got a great sense of hope, and of living for and in the moment. They can expect terrific performances across the board, from an incredible cast who are all passionate about the show itself, and that energy and exuberance that comes off that stage is unbelievable because they all love it so much.

They can expect a truly West End standard tour, because that’s what we strive for with every tour, with every week it’s such a privilege to do it.

Ultimately it’s a musical about hope, and it leaves everybody feeling elated.

It’s a fantastic story.

What do you do when you get a day off?

I don’t really get days off! I was due to do a conference call on Christmas Day, but I had to refuse it because I think my wife would have divorced me. She’s phenomenal in so many ways, but I think working on Christmas day would be a stretch too far!

 RENT comes to the Assembly Hall Theatre from Tuesday May 23 to Saturday May 27. For prices, timings and to book, visit www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk or call 01892 530 613.

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INTERVIEW

RIDING

THE WAVE

Next month Tom Chaplin brings his solo tour to Bexhill. Daniella Gavin caught up with him to talk live performances, life lessons and living in the Garden of England…

You’ve been all over the world since you were last here performing at The Forum, Tunbridge Wells. How is everything going with the current tour?

It’s been amazing. I’m a little bit weary from it all to be honest – I seem to have this strange life where I’m trying to balance late night performances in places like Germany and France with the early mornings that come with being a dad. I’m having a great time though!

It’s all going really well with the tour, and it was so nice to finish the short run before Christmas at the Forum in Tunbridge Wells.

How did it feel to return to a local venue compared to the worldwide venues you’ve been visiting?

I’m actually hoping to make that an annual event as it was so fantastic to return to my home town to perform! It was lovely to talk to the crowd in a personal way; I feel like my show has become much more about me telling a story rather than just a rock show. That kind of engagement is always better than just playing AT people. Crowd interaction is key. Europe has been much the same as well, other than a few language barriers, I feel people are just as engaged.

And what is the story behind your latest album, The Wave?

There’s a real theme of dark to light which is evident in the narrative arch of the album. It’s a reflection of how my life has gone in the last few years. I stepped away from Keane and was initially so excited about that, as well as then having my daughter, but actually 2014 ended up being a difficult year. I’d had problems with addiction in the past, but 2014 was the year it came back in its very worst form and the timing couldn’t have been worse. The

album doesn’t linger there though, and it’s about the journey out of the dark place. There’s a real focus on repairing relationships.

There’s a song, Quicksand, for my daughter and the song Solid Gold is written for my wife. Ultimately, it’s about repairing my relationship with myself. Trying to fix me, really.

When you’re away from home, what do you miss the most about local life?

I love Kent. It’s completely decompressing. Life in a tour bus, dressing room, or hotel is great but it has a certain intensity to it at all times. Whilst I love it, I couldn’t spend 365 days a year that way so I love that my life in Kent is the polar opposite. We have an old Kentish cottage with a beautiful garden in the middle of nowhere.

I’ve got my wife and my daughter there so it’s my sanctuary. I love knowing my local area too – which pubs to go to for Sunday lunch and which to go to with friends for a drink. I love living in the Garden of England.

And what does the future hold for you?

I’m always very wary of plotting out too many future plans. I like to be open to whatever comes my way. I do have a great idea lined up for the end of the year, however, and I need to get my skates on and organise that once I’m back in Kent in April and June. It’s a secret at the minute – I want it to be a surprise for everyone! Long term, I’ve still got more distance to run on my solo adventure. One of the advantages of being a solo artist is I can try anything, so with an open mind I can happily say I don’t know where I’m going exactly but I know it’s going to be fun and I’m going to be okay.

I’m excited for the future.

Tom will be performing at the De La Warr Pavillion in Bexhill on May 24 and 25. For details and tickets, visit www.tomchaplinmusic.com

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MY RANT

choc BLOCK L A U R A F R O M P E M B U R Y W O N D E R S W H Y S AY I N G ‘ N O ’ AT E A S T E R S E E M S T O B E A L L T H E R A G E

F

orget bunnies and bonnets – in our house, Easter is celebrated with the shameless guzzling of chocolate. As any half-serious chocoholic will tell you, the heinous act is a richly rewarding one, giving a chemical boost to your sense of wellbeing and flooding your tongue with that gloriously gooey gratification. We are designed to crave and relish these sweet treats, but it is a pleasure that is over all too soon, with only that extra inch on the hips remaining to attest to its joys.

Willpower is sorely tested at Easter, when temptation comes in abundance and is often coated in chocolate. There are points in life when ‘no’ ought to be the answer.

It isn’t that big a word, but sometimes it is the hardest thing to say.

Some people, however, have no problem.

They are so high on the horse they couldn’t reach the Lindt gold bunnies if they were bent double. (Fret not, I am certainly not that person).

Then there are those who hopelessly try to limit their egg intake. They linger over the overwhelming choices in the aisle, debating the pros and cons of empty eggs versus those filled with Smarties, Cadbury’s Fruit and Nut or Oreo stuffed, questioning how naughty they really want to be. If they grab a bag of mini eggs, does that mean they will be encouraged to only nibble on a measly few each day, or will they (more realistically) scoff the whole lot in one sitting? It is a minefield.

Others are closet eaters – you can find these poor souls standing at the end of the till, frantically insisting to the cashier that they are ‘only buying them for the kids’.

They will be racing to bag their stash before someone familiar walks into the local Waitrose and catches them sticky-handed.

I find it bizarre that this time of year simultaneously urges us to buy all the chocolate on the shelves and then applaud those who can muster up the willpower to

refrain from eating it. But I ask you – where is the fun in that? When you go to yoga three times a week, does the odd chocolate bunny really warrant you to be so critical of yourself, and worse, others?

We are so concerned by our position on the willpower rankings that the word ‘no’ has been elevated to celebrity status.

But if you ask me, ‘no’ isn’t that great.

Personified, it would be that horrid relative that nobody wants at their Easter Sunday lunch, but everyone feels obliged to invite.

‘No’ has such a finality about it that no room is left for compromise, (or Crème Eggs).

What is needed is a more subtle approach to the chocolate debate, for those of us who not only want to, but probably will, negotiate our way into a guilt-free gorge.

Albeit one Ferrero Rocher at a time…

Perhaps it shouldn’t be willpower, but won’t power.

Won’t you have another? Don’t mind if I do…

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

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LUXURY

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Taste

The world’s most expensive taco. Sounding like somewhat of an oxymoron – not a dish commonly regarded for its opulence – this dish debuts at the new Grand Velas Los Cabos, in Mexico for around £20,549. Available at the resort’s Frida restaurant, the culinary masterpiece includes such premium ingredients as langoustine, Kobe beef, Almas Beluga caviar (the most expensive caviar in the world) and black truffle brie cheese. An exotic salsa comprised of dried Morita chili peppers, Ley.925 ultra-premium añejo tequila and civet coffee tops the taco which is served on a gold flakeinfused corn tortilla.

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Sip

On some of the world’s most rarefied bottled water. But what sets apart an £80 bottle of water from that which runs out of your tap? More than just the award-winning bottle, brand and packaging design from Svalbarði polar iceberg water – Svalbarði is harvested from icebergs freshly carved off glaciers in the remote polar region of the Svalbard archipelago before they melt away and are lost forever. The pristine ice is thousands of years old and produces water so pure it is almost mineral free. Svalbarði is harvested twice a year and produced as a limited edition for the international luxury market. Due to the difficulty of harvesting, iceberg waters are some of the rarest in the world and Svalbarði is recognized by the Fine Water Society as the world’s best tasting super low mineral water.

www.svalbardi.com

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From 22nd April the Fairfax Gallery will hold a Solo Exhibition of new oil paintings by David Atkins who as well as exhibiting with the gallery since 1995 has had numerous prestigious exhibitions in Mayfair and Internationally..

The Exhibition will feature Oil Paintings depicting the beauty of the Ashdown and City Scenes from Brighton and London, adding a new dimension to the show.

Further images can be viewed on our website www.fairfaxgallery.com

ON THIS PAGE The Carousel on the Southbank Oil on canvas 30x46 cm November Evening on Charing Cross Road Oil on Panel 56x61 cm Evening along the Promanade Brighton Oil on Canvas 100x150cm Night on the Southbank. London Oil on Panel 35x35cm

Open seven days a week • 23 The Pantiles (Lower Walk), Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5TD 52 \ APRIL 2017 \ SO Magazine

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ADVERTORIAL

The Fairfax Gallery was founded in 1995 on the elegant Lower Walk of the Pantiles and is one of the longest established businesses in the historic part of town. Whilst the Fairfax Gallery has another gallery in Burnham Market as well as regularly exhibiting in London, New York, Singapore & Hong Kong, the original Pantiles gallery always ensures it has the latest and strongest examples on display in its spacious gallery set over 2 floors of its listed building..The gallery offers services for private clients, interior designers including a home trail service to view art works in your own home or office to ensure the perfect piece. We welcome visitors to the gallery

ON THIS PAGE Early Morning Rye Oil on Panel 50x66cm Morning Light Ashdown Oil on Panel 40x50cm Morning Snow on Ashdown Oil on Panel 61x76cm Autumn Evening on Ashdown Oil on Panel 66x76cm

Tel: 01892 525 525

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CELEBRITY

THE MOON AND

THE STAR M O O N LI G H T AC T RES S NAO M I E H A RRI S M I G H T B E A H O U S EH O L D NA M E W I T H A N O S C A R N O M I N AT I O N , B U T S H E ’ S D E T E R M I N E D T O S TAY G R O U N D E D …

L

ondon-born actress Naomie Harris breaks the mould for an A-lister.

While her movie star looks, boundless talent and impressive CV conform to type, her conduct – refreshingly – does not, reading more girl-next-door than silver-screen prima donna.

On the day of our interview, Harris turns up early, and after pouring us both a drink and paying a few compliments, she’s keen to talk – as long as it doesn’t encroach on her personal life.

“I have a very separate life,” she notes coyly, when the subject of her private persona is broached.

Just the night before, she proudly took 38 family members and friends to the premiere of David Frankel’s grief-filled drama Collateral Beauty, in which Harris stars alongside Will Smith and Helen Mirren.

“I’ve known my friends since secondary school,” the 40-year-old quips. “[There was] a friend I’ve known since I was a baby, then all my aunts and uncles.”

It’s a circle that keeps her sane: “I’ll go, ‘Oh this movie I did didn’t do well and I am really upset about it’, and my friends go, ‘Oh, didn’t it? Oh well’. They don’t care at all, and I think that’s great – it’s grounding and really important to me.”

That’s a conversation she’s unlikely to revisit with regards to her latest project, however.

Directed by Barry Jenkins, Moonlight is the Oscar-winning film based on the play In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue, by Tarell Alvin McCraney.

It follows the groundbreaking tale of one young man, Chiron’s,

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tumultuous coming of age in South Florida over two decades.

Harris’ tour de force role – for which she garnered her first ever Oscar nod for Best Supporting Actress – takes the form of Chiron’s emotionally abusive mother, Paula, who’s frenzied life is ravaged by drug addiction.

It’s a part Harris – best known as the iconic Miss Moneypenny in James Bond films Skyfall and Spectre – was, at first, hesitant to accept.

“My mum is a very intelligent, capable, strong, independent, amazing woman. Those are the kind of women I grew up around, but I didn’t see them reflected on screen.

“Instead, I saw quite negative portrayals of women, as the seducer or the prostitute or the drug addict or the victim. I want my career to reflect the women that I know, the community of women I am from,” she explains.

On the future of James Bond “I think there’s a very good chance that Daniel Craig will come back. I think it’s way too early to be thinking about other people at this stage. The fact that the last two Bonds have been the highestgrossing Bond movies of all time shows that people love him as Bond, and they desperately want him to return, and I don’t think Daniel is immune to that… I think he’s very aware, so I think that adds an extra level of pressure. But he has to ultimately do what feels right to him. I know that we, as a cast, collectively want him back. I know that Barbara and Michael – our producers – desperately want him back, so I think the only person that needs persuading is Daniel.”

ANGELINA JOLIE

SO WHAT CHANGED HER MIND? “I watched Medicine For Melancholy [ Jenkins’ critically-acclaimed 2008 romance]. It was made with 15,000 dollars, which is nothing, and it’s one of the most beautiful films that I’ve ever seen,” she recalls, smiling.

“So I was like, ‘wow, if this director can make a film as good as this for 15,000 dollars, what’s he going to do with a proper budget?’”

Jenkins’ exploration of race, sexuality, masculinity, identity, family and love has earned a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Drama, and was up for eight Oscars, winning three including the prestigious and much-coveted Best Picture.

Harris’ second – unfounded – quandary was whether she could pull off a convincing portrayal of a crack addict.

The Cambridge-educated actress, who doesn’t drink or smoke, let alone use drugs, prepared by studying the lives and

mannerisms of drug addicts from the era of Jenkins’ childhood, when crack use in the US was at its apex.

“One of the most important things in playing any character is learning to empathise,” Harris observes, referring to “the research” as the most important part of the process.

“You have to find a deep connection and

“That’s where I feel happiest. It’s the heart and soul and the torment of the person that I am really interested in portraying.

I go out shopping as the character, I go out walking as the character, I go everywhere as the character, until I’ve really found them”

understanding for the choices made by someone like Paula, in order to bring her thoroughly and effectively to life.”

For Harris – today looking preened in an all-cream ensemble, minimal makeup revealing her natural beauty – that meant a harrowing physical transformation and, to a point, living as Paula.

“That’s where I feel happiest. It’s the heart and soul and the torment of the person that I am really interested in portraying,” she insists. “I go out shopping as the character, I go out walking as the character, I go everywhere as the character, until I’ve really found them. Because then you’re able to find them and then let them go.”

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“The only character I couldn’t let go was Winnie [Harris played Winnie Mandela in 2013 biopic Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom], but I think that was because we were filming in South Africa and the legacy of apartheid is still so tangible there,” she reasons. “It really affected me.”

On a mission to break down boundaries about diversity, Harris – brought up singlehandedly by her TV scriptwriter mother, Lisselle Kayla – is confident Moonlight is transformative, in that it will make you look at addiction, among all else, in a different way.

“People have wanted to pigeonhole this movie and it’s really frustrating,” she begins, addressing last year’s #Oscarssowhite snub.

“It’s not one of those films you can pigeonhole, because we’ve had a 70-year-old white man who has no experience of addiction who’s come to see the movie, who’s ended up in tears in Barry Jenkin’s arms. Why? Because it touched something in him and deeply resonated with him.

“And so it’s irrespective of colour, irrespective of sexual orientation. This is a movie that speaks to people.”

Harris’ next movie, Andy Serkis’ 2018 live-action adaptation of The Jungle Book, provides a change of pace. But she’s already looking for the next thing – “I would love to now do something lighter, like a comedy or something silly”.

DOES SHE ALLOW TIME TO RECOUP? “I’m very goal-orientated. Too much so,” she recognises. “I know it probably seems like I work all the time, but I don’t actually, I take huge gaps!

“There was a huge gap between doing Moonlight and Collateral Beauty, and that’s generally what I do, but when I am working, I am incredibly focused. And then I like to have my downtime as well.”

But don’t expect her to relocate any time soon.

“I fear living in LA, I might well lose perspective,” she says, confessing her role as an “unmasked” Paula – with no make-up – has left her more vulnerable to fame.

“I think it makes me easier to be recognisable, which is unfortunate,” Harris explains. “So I’ve now lost my mask in some ways.”

On that Oscars blunder “It’s a moment I’m never going to forget. I don’t think it’s ever happened in the history of the Oscars. It was quite extraordinary and I have to say, a little awkward.

More than a little awkward actually.

When they said ‘it’s Moonlight’ I was just stunned and shocked and even shaking in fact, it was a very strange moment.”

ANGELINA JOLIE

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THE LOOK

INVESTMENT

Piece

B E C A U S E R E A L LY I T ’ S M O R E A C A S E O F N E E D T H A N WA N T …

TOPSHOP UNIQUE Add a splash of colour to your spring wardrobe with this blouson jacket, £425 www.topshop.com

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Bags of Style FROM CLU TCHES TO TOTES AND EVERY THING IN BET WEEN, T H E S E B E A U T I F U L B A G S A R E T H E P E R F E C T WAY T O A C C E S S O R I Z E Y O U R S P R I N G WA R D R O B E …

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THE LOOK

BARBOUR

B.Intl rostrum leather clutch, £89.95 www.barbour.com

OLIVER BONAS

Aria leather shopper, £85 www.oliverbonas.com

FOLLI FOLLIE Style code bag, £200 www.follifollie.co.uk

DKNY

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Green chain tote bag, £230 www.houseoffraser.co.uk

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Mini leather saddle bag, £125 www.jaeger.co.uk

Kit drawstring crossbody bag, £135 www.jigsaw-online.com

PHASE EIGHT

Animal print leather tote bag, £120 www.phase-eight.com

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FASHION

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THE LOOK

STARRING YOU Take a woman who’s afraid of hairdressers, one who’s recently shed over seven stone and another who only wears black, and what do you get? Three models for our photoshoot, that’s what. Last month we asked readers to get in touch if they’d like to see themselves in the magazine, and we received an overwhelming response.

We loved the stories of Lauren, Jo and Mary – Lauren

confidence. She wanted to discover what styles suited

works in makeup but lives in black clothes and wanted

her new look, and it also gave her a chance to show off

the confidence to add a splash of colour and some new

her fantastic new figure.

hairstyles to her everyday look. Jo is a former sports

All three women were incredible on the day, and we

coach whose wardrobe is mostly jumpers, jeans and

think you’ll agree, they look amazing. What better way

converse. She also admitted she hated going to the

to showcase the clothes from fabulous local boutiques,

hairdresser and never wore makeup, but applied

than to dress fabulous local women in them? Of course,

because she wanted to push herself to try new things.

Gary from The Chapel was on hand to create some

She didn’t even tell her husband, friends or family she

stunning hairstyles on the day, as well as offering

was taking part, so they’ll all get a surprise now! Then

practical advice to help the ladies manage their locks at

there’s Mary, who’s just become a Slimming World

home. They all picked up some great tips too from

consultant, and in the past year has lost a huge 7.5

makeup artist David, who showed them not to be

stone and had a total transformation, both in looks and

afraid of anything – even silver eyeshadow!

PHOTOGRAPHER: NICK MATTHEWS www.nick-matthews.co.uk HAIR: GARY RUSSELL, THE CHAPEL www.thechapel.co.uk MAKEUP: DAVID HYNES www.bridesbytwoguys.co.uk STYLING: CHARLIE BOND www.somagazines.co.uk With thanks to The Chapel Hairdressing, Tunbridge Wells

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“I applied to take part in the shoot because having recently lost 7.5 stone this was the perfect thing for me to show how far I have come. I loved the whole shoot day. It was fun, supportive and surprising, and I really loved the curly hair, jumpsuit, brogues and lipstick!”

MARY MILITARY KHAKI JUMPSUIT £165 H BRORA METALLIC BROGUES £139 H BRORA

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“I took part because I wanted to do something I have never done before and something that took me out of my comfort zone. I’ve always liked to be behind the camera, never in front of it, but I surprised myself and loved the whole day. The dress was easy to wear and the pockets were an added bonus – it’s been an amazing experience.”

JO NAVY BRODERIE DRESS £85 H CASHARA VAN DAL DALY WEDGES £79.99 H SHOON WISH NECKLACE £59 H KITCH

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THE LOOK

MARY

ONJENU DRESS £99 H KITCH VAN DAL LASSI SHOES £85 H SHOON

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FASHION

LAUREN LONG LINEN SHIRT £110 H ILSE JACOBSEN BEIGE LONG VEST £35 H ILSE JACOBSEN NUDE LEATHER BAG £65 H CASHARA LEATHER TASSEL NECKLACE £35 H ILSE JACOBSEN 74 \ APRIL 2017 \ SO Magazine

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THE LOOK

JO FLORAL KIMONO H£170 BEIGE VEST H£25 MAC WHITE JEANS H£99 BEIGE BOOTS H£155 GOLD HANSANA HAND NECKLACE H£25 ALL ILSE JACOBSEN

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THE LOOK

“I always wear black for work, and on my days off I’m in jeans, so I wanted to try new colours. I liked the clothes, they were very summery and floaty. It was great to feel and look different but comfortable in front of the camera. I’ll now go shopping and try on more bright colours and different shapes!”

LAUREN HALE BOB DRESS £279 H KITCH EMBROIDERED LEATHER GYM SHOES £149 H BRORA GOLD DISC NECKLACE (WORN IN HAIR) £30 H ILSE JACOBSEN

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FASHION

Stockists

HERE’S WHERE YOU CAN BUY THE ITEMS FROM THIS MONTH’S SHOOT BRORA 47 High Street Tunbridge Wells TN1 1XL

CASHARA 23 High Street Tenterden TN30 6BJ

ILSE JACOBSEN 6 High Street Tunbridge Wells TN1 1UX

KITCH 1 High Street Tunbridge Wells TN1 1UL

SHOON 16 High Street Tunbridge Wells TN1 1UX

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THE LOOK

STYLE FILE Here’s how Gary and David created the gorgeous hair and makeup looks for our models

LAUREN

MARY

As a makeup artist for MAC, Lauren is no stranger to wearing a dramatic look but when asked about what she did with her hair on a daily basis, her choices seemed a little limited.

This prompted Gary to give her a full hair transformation with a cascade of gorgeous, glossy curls.

Instantly, Lauren fell in love with how different it made her overall look and prompted her to feel and play with her hair all day...and take lots of selfies! Shouldn’t ladies feel like that every day? We certainly think so!

Lauren said: “I couldn’t believe the hair transformation! So much volume and hundreds of curls.”

Instead of applying a lot of colour to her makeup, David decided to pull back, concentrating on a fresher, glowing complexion. Taking inspiration from current catwalk trends by using pastel highlights and metallics, David used a slick of silver cream shadow across the eyes and gave the skin some luminosity with a lavender highlight. The look was young, fresh and shiny with a dash of 70s retro. Lauren loved it: “The silver eye makeup was amazing. I always go for safer, more neutral golds and browns but will definitely try some metallic silver, especially for a party.”

In eight months with the help of Slimming World, Mary has shed over seven stone and looks fantastic! But when you’re so used to styling yourself in one particular way, what do you do with all this extra fabulousness?

Mary has always dressed her eyes up a little stronger but totally ignored the fact that she has full, pouting lips complimented by fantastic bone structure and cheekbones. On the subject of red lipstick, Mary admitted she could never find one that suited. With an eyebrow lesson from David followed by a very easy way of finding the perfect lip colour, Mary totally rocked a red! “Showing me how to do my eyebrows made my face more balanced and I get now what makes a bold colour work for me. The lipstick looked fabulous!”

For her hair, Mary was pretty on-trend already after having a stylish bob cut at The Chapel she just wasn’t doing anything with it. “I always have straight hair and I thought because it is so fine that styles wouldn’t hold in it.” Gary showed Mary how to shake up her style, opting first for a sexy, textured, tousled finish to her bob. Secondly, inspired by the red lips, Gary dampened her hair and combed it back into place with gel. ‘’The curly look was playful, striking and made me feel instantly more attractive! Gary showed me that I can have statement hair. It made me feel confident, stylish and I now think I’m bold enough to do it myself.”

JO After a bad experience with a stylist way too liberal with layers, Jo was terrified of hairdressers. “I see other women enjoying it but it’s just not me,” she told us. Likewise with her makeup “just a bit of mascara” was her limit. When probed a little more, we found that Jo’s reasoning was very similar to a lot of ladies. They don’t like to be seen enjoying time at the hair salon or experimenting with makeup because it gives the impression to other people that they’re vain and trying too hard.

David applied a little base and concentrated on natural eyebrows. Gary played with some braids and effortless textures giving a stylish but carefree look to the hair. Jo’s confidence immediately increased and she became more comfortable in front of the camera. This allowed us to experiment a little more with some gorgeous smokey eyes. When our shoot ended, we asked if we could take off the makeup and unbraid her hair. Jo’s response was: “No. I look amazing. To hell with what other people think!” Everyone should have this attitude. Look good because it makes you feel good – it’s nobody else’s business! www.thechapel.co.uk H www.bridesbytwoguys.co.uk

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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

A NEW VIEW Charlie Bond visits Bella Vou in Tunbridge Wells to discover how a 3D scanner could be the future of cosmetic surgery…

H

aving cosmetic surgery is a huge decision, so surely, before you went ahead with an appearance-altering procedure, you’d want to have a good idea of how you’d look afterwards? In the past, this may have been tricky but now, thanks to advances in technology it’s never been easier.

Bella Vou clinic in Tunbridge Wells come highly rated for their cosmetic surgery results, in part thanks to one team member – the Crisalix 3D Simulation. This amazing technology allows surgeons to fully understand what a patient is looking to achieve from their surgery – and also what the end result will be before they’ve so much as donned their surgical mask.

As I’m led into a consultation room at the clinic, I’m expecting to see a huge, cumbersome machine. Surely to scan someone’s body you’d need a contraption the size of a person? Apparently not.

There’s no elephant in the room – just an iPad with a tiny 3D sensor attached.

Roger Bigwood, clinic director at Bella Vou talks me through what would happen during a consultation, and explains that a surgeon will scan the patient’s body using a tablet computer with an attached 3D sensor from all angles. A few seconds later the patient will be looking at a 3D full body image of themselves that they can drag and spin around. Then, the surgeon can simulate the patient’s chosen surgical procedure or treatment in just one click, allowing them to preview exactly how their intended look will turn out.

If it sounds too good to be true, I can confirm it isn’t – Roger hands me the iPad and gives me the chance to scan the face of my colleague, so we can see the simulation in practice. Within a few seconds we have a ‘before’ image and an ‘after’. There are then various menu settings we can use to alter different areas, such as reducing lines around the eyes, or changing the shape of the nose. It’s amazing how easy it is to make the subtle

“For a patient considering a procedure this is such an amazing option, as you can really see the end result before you start”

tweaks on screen, and how lifelike the image is.

The Crisalix 3D Simulation can also be used on various other body parts, so as well as showing what would happen after a facelift, those thinking of having a breast augmentation or nose correction surgery can also preview their results.

For a patient considering a procedure this is such an amazing option, as you can really see the end result before you start. Plus, it gives you the chance to voice any concerns and make decisions beforehand and the surgeon can gain a better understanding of what you’re looking to achieve.

Roger also explains that not only can you see your 3D visualisations during the consultation, but you’ll also get to take them home too – they can be emailed directly from the iPad and you can have them printed, which is great if you want to spend some time making the right decision, or getting a second opinion from friends and family.

I leave feeling amazed, and vowing to make better use of my iPad – it turns out you can use them for things other than catching up on trashy TV after all…

To arrange a FREE 3D simulation to help visualise how you might look if you had a particular procedure, visit www.bellavou.co.uk or call 01892 257 357 SO Magazine / APRIL 2017 / 85

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THE LOOK

BEAUTY Bulletin

H E R E A R E S O M E O F O U R FAV O U R I T E N E W H A I R AND BEAU T Y DISCOVERIES THIS MONTH

NARS

narsissist loaded eyeshadow palette, £55 An eyeshadow palette where you love every colour is hard to come by, but enter this limited edition NARS product, featuring 12 new velvety shadows. Offering a full spectrum of neutral-meets-opulent shades, these include metallic, nudes and browns to compliment all eye colours beautifully. Forget asking for an Easter egg this month and put one of these on your wish list instead – we can guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

Available in House of Fraser from April 1 and at NARS counters from May 1. www.narscosmetics.co.uk

MARC JACOBS BEAUTY

nudes sheer gel lipstick, £25 We already loved these lipsticks, but now Marc Jacobs has expanded their shade range to bring us four new colours, perfect for the spring. With tints to suit all skin tones, these buttery soft lipsticks are hydrating and give a beautiful, long-lasting finish. Containing monoi butter, myrrh extract and antioxidant Vitamin E, they’re our new everyday makeup must-have – plus the sleek packaging is gorgeous too. www.harrods.com

PHILIP KINGSLEY sun shield, £22

Ever spent hundreds on highlights before your holiday, only to come back with dull locks? That’s because just like your skin, your hair can burn when unprotected. Make that a thing of the past with this sun shield spray, which will keep your hair and the colour looking gorgeous long after you land back in England. Enriched with sunflower seed extract, Sun Shield guards against colour fade from sun exposure and diminishes damage and dryness caused by UV rays, chlorine and salt water. This lightweight, nourishing mist provides sun protection and frizz control even in humid conditions. www.philipkingsley.co.uk

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THE LOOK

CLINIQUE

CLARINS

fresh pressed booster serum, £58

bi-phase serum, £44

If you get impatient waiting for new beauty products to work their magic on you, then Clinique’s new skincare offering is a must. Just press the button to release the pure Vitamin C, shake to mix with the de-ageing soothing emulsion, and it’s ready to deliver its rejuvenating power. Like a daily supplement, simply mix two drops with your favourite Clinique moisturiser to instantly brighten skin’s look, and in just seven days see remarkably even-toned, retextured skin. www.clinique.co.uk

The past few months with the cold and central heating ramped up high can play havoc with skin, but now that spring is here, it’s time to rehydrate and get that glow back. Thankfully, Clarins have developed a new Hydra-Essentiel range to do just that, and the Bi-Phase Serum is ideal for very dehydrated skin. Containing organic leaf of life which naturally hydrates, this serum leaves the skin soft, plump, radiant and ready for the season ahead. www.clarins.co.uk

SISLEY

deeply purifying mask, £80 Want amazing skin in just 10 minutes? Then we’d recommend giving this mask from Sisley a try. The latest edition to the newly revamped Tropical Resins range, the mask immediately reduces blemishes, leaving behind a fresher complexion. With benzoin and burdock, white clay and extracts of myrrh and frankincense among the powerful ingredients, your face will be left purified and pampered.

Use once or twice a week for 10 minutes to achieve beautifully clear and soft skin, or to beat localised blemishes, leave on overnight. www.sisley-paris.com/en-GB

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EXPERT OPINION

WEDDING WOES

Q

A

I have a mole on my back which I’m very self-

conscious about. I’m getting married this year, and am finding the mole is making dress choices very difficult.

Could you tell me what’s involved in a removal procedure, and will I be left with any scarring?

A

The first thing to consider when thinking about having a mole removed, is to ensure you are being treated by someone who is an expert in moles – their diagnosis as well as their removal. This may be a consultant plastic surgeon or dermatologist, as long as they have experience in this area. The most reliable way of having a mole removed is to have it surgically removed (cut out) and the wound stitched neatly and carefully together. This is carried out under local anaesthetic as an ‘in and out’ procedure, similar to a visit to the dentist. A small scar will be left, which will be red initially, but will gradually fade with time.

Other treatment options (e.g. laser) carry a higher risk that the mole comes back, and in addition, surgical excision will allow the mole to be analysed in the laboratory for further diagnosis if advised. Other techniques can destroy the tissue so will not allow further analysis.

KEEPING IN CHECK

Q

When I was younger I was often out in the sun with no

protection. At the time it didn’t worry me, but now I’ve noticed a slight change in a mole on my shoulder. Is this something I should be worried about?

Question Time

ASK THE

EXPERT C O N S U LTA N T P L A S T I C S U R G E O N M A R C PA C I F I C O F O R P U R I T Y B R I D G E A N S W ERS YO U R Q U ES T I O N S ON MOLES

Anyone who notices a change in their moles should seek urgent specialist advice. This will involve a careful clinical history and examination being carried out in the first instance. If there is any concern that the mole has worrying features, then it would normally be removed and sent off for further analysis in the laboratory.

As described, this is a local anaesthetic procedure and will need a few stitches to close the wound in most cases.

ON YOUR MARKS

Q

I’m running the London Marathon later this

month, and I know that in this age of social media, pictures of me will emerge on the internet.

The trouble is, I have a birthmark that I usually keep hidden, but on the day in my running gear I won’t be able to.

Is it possible to remove the birthmark, and how long is the recovery time? Will I be able to continue my training?

A

Many people have birthmarks they are selfconscious about, and, as plastic surgeons, we frequently see people in such circumstances. Whilst it might well be possible to remove the birthmark, with the London Marathon just around the corner, it is unlikely that the wound will be healed well enough to allow you to take part. The best advice would be to consider some sort of camouflage makeup to reduce the prominence of the mole in the short term, and in the meantime seek the advice of a consultant plastic surgeon about its future removal.

Purity Bridge are hosting a free mole checking evening on the 27th of April at 7pm with Mr Pacifico and Consultant Plastic Surgeon colleague Ms Nora Nugent For more information, phone 01892 536 960 or email info@puritybridge.co.uk SO Magazine / APRIL 2017 / 89

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WELLBEING

ME TIME

Have you forgotten the last time you were selfish?

Never put your own needs before others’?

Then this article is for you…

C

aring for others often comes more naturally than caring for ourselves, doesn’t it? Whether it’s putting far more effort into cooking a meal for two than one, or the great joy of wrapping up a generous gift for a loved one – despite the fact you’d feel bad spending that cash on you.

How many times have you told an unwell friend to take time off work, when you wouldn’t dream of calling in sick yourself?

PushDoctor.co.uk recently quizzed more than 1,000 British parents about what they do when they’re unwell at the same time as their children. Unsurprisingly, half (51%) said they prioritise their kids’ needs over their own, with one in four (23%) admitting they’d sooner try and self-diagnose than make time to see a GP, and a third (31%) confessing they ignore their own health niggles so they have more time to look after their children’s.

Caring for others is something we’re primed – biologically, socially and culturally – to do, and this in itself is no bad thing.

But should we be showing ourselves a little more TLC too?

IT’S CALLED SELF-CARE The term self-care is nothing new - but just as mindfulness was around for aeons before becoming THE wellbeing buzzword of the past few years, self-care is something we can probably expect to hear more of in the near future.

It’s long been knocking around in the medical world, where self-care models have traditionally been rooted in practical purposes, like ensuring patients stick to their medication routines or get the right amount of exercise.

The concept is evolving – not just in social media ‘lifestyle guru’ circles, but in the mainstream – as our understanding of the ‘prevention’s better than cure’ and benefits of taking a more holistic approach to health and wellbeing continues to grow.

Suzy Reading (suzyreading.co.uk), a psychologist, stress management and health and fitness coach – and huge advocate of self-care – explains that it goes far beyond looking after yourself in times of need (though this is important too, of course).

“I think with the advent of positive psychology, which is all about how we can flourish and achieve wellbeing as individuals, you can see how self-care is changing, from not just fixing what’s wrong to really enhancing,” she says. “I see it as the future of preventative medicine.”

EUREKA MOMENTS Reading recalls the first time she heard the term, while going through a “tough time” when the birth of her first child coincided with her father’s terminal illness. “I don’t know whether it was post-natal depression, grief or exhaustion – whatever it was, it was tough. I was lucky enough to do some work with a post-natal depression counsellor, who asked me the question, ‘What’s your self-care routine like?’”

Despite six years studying psychology, this was the first time Reading had heard the phrase – and the first time she’d really thought about whether she was giving enough thought to looking after herself.

It not only transformed her attitude towards her own wellbeing, but became central to her career as a coach, developing a ‘Vitality

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WELLBEING

“It’s not me first; it’s me as well”

on somebody else, and almost resolve your issues through them. It’s a way of deflecting – for some people, not for all.”

TIME FOR A RE-BRAND

Wheel’ self-care framework – which takes in the more obvious elements of exercise, nutrition and sleep, as well as things like our values, positive emotions and coping skills.

“For me, self-care is about all these things being linked into one cohesive whole,” says Reading, who has just written a book on the subject (she’s in the process of securing a publisher).

What self-care looks like for each individual will vary, but Reading says having the framework reminds us it’s ultimately keeping a balance across all areas that’s key – and that we’re in the driver’s seat.

THE SELFISH STIGMA She agrees there’s a “shift” taking place, and we’re gradually accepting the “you snooze you lose” culture we’ve created isn’t sustainable. Take sleep: “If you don’t sleep, it’s like a badge of honour,” says Reading.

“But in actual fact, there’s research now showing the cost of putting sleep at the bottom of the priority list.”

While taking an interest in fitness and healthy eating’s become massively trendy, there’s still a bit of a block around actively

prioritising our mental wellbeing. And part of our reluctance to ‘put ourselves first’ is because we see it as selfish, and therefore feel guilty about it.

“It’s a social thing, a cultural norm, we’re taught we should put other people first,” says Dr Elle Boag, senior lecturer in social psychology at Birmingham City University. “We’re raised with empathic parents and to behave in a way that’s empathic towards others.”

We’re programmed to feel good about caring for others, adds Boag, but it can be “really difficult to get people to feel empathic towards themselves”.

Many of the things we associate with nurturing positive wellbeing – like things we enjoy, pampering or getting a massage – Boag says we tend to see as “indulgent” and “luxurious” too, which further feeds the guilt and tips self-care to the bottom of the priority list.

Putting other people first all the time can be a means of avoiding our own needs too.

“It’s easier to put other people first sometimes,” says Boag. “If you’re feeling a bit anxious or blue, or feeling like the whole world’s against you, often it’s easier to refocus

Boag notes we can struggle with our identity when we consider the notion of putting ourselves first more, as we tend to think it might mean changing our values.

But it doesn’t have to be a choice between being “selfish” or “empathic”, she says. “You can find balance. And it’s about reframing it and not seeing it as selfish.”

In fact, you could say it’s the opposite – because self-care doesn’t just benefit ourselves, but means we’re generally more available to be a good friend/parent/colleague/partner in the long-run.

“If you’re depleted, fatigued, low in energy or mood, there’s no way you have a chance to be the best incarnation of yourself,” says Reading.

We all understand that analogy of the oxygen masks dropping down in an aeroplane, she says, which teaches us we’re meant to put on our own masks first before helping others - but that doesn’t mean we’re going to listen. It still flies against many of our instincts.

So where does that leave us?

Reading sums up with another of her favourite adages...

“It’s not me first; it’s me as well,” she says.

“It gives you a comfortable way in. It’s like the image of the empty cup: you can’t pour from an empty cup.

“You’ve got to replenish yourself, so you can keep on giving.”

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CLEAN LIVING

SPRING CLEAN

Your Life

Spring has finally sprung, and it’s the time of year where we think about making fresh starts in all aspects of life. But, sometimes, starting is the difficult part – we stick everything from cleaning the oven to contacting our accountant on a ‘to-do’ list and promptly put it to the back of our minds.

Fear not list makers, for help is on hand. Whether it’s detoxing an overstuffed wardrobe or ditching sugar in pursuit of a healthier diet, we’ve spoken to the best local experts around to get their tips and advice.

Perhaps you’re surrounded by people who don’t bring out your best, or maybe you’re ready to change your career but don’t know where to start; over the following pages we help you to tackle the big issues in life, simply and effectively. And, you don’t even need oven cleaner to do it…

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CLEAN LIVING

SPRING CLEAN

Your Diet

Food writer and author of The Goodness of Nuts & Seeds, Natalie Seldon has this advice for refreshing your diet this spring…

EAT THE RAINBOW

GO GREEN

Sweep away the dull winter with spring’s colourful fruits and vegetables; a great way to load up on fibre, vitamins and other disease-fighting compounds. The pigments that give fruits and vegetables their colour are vital antioxidants. Include three or more colours in each meal; scramble eggs with spinach and red pepper, add strawberries and apricots to green salads, brighten up sandwiches with shredded carrot and rocket, and blend blueberries, peaches and banana into smoothies.

Using fresh herbs is a great way to add extra flavour to your meals along with getting plenty of health benefits. For example coriander helps remove heavy metals from the body, parsley is rich in immune boosting vitamin C, and rosemary and sage are excellent memory enhancers.

Fill your cupboards with healthy alternatives and buy seasonal produce as they are more likely to be even more nutrient dense, as well as more affordable.

SLOW EATING Make a commitment to regularly preparing fresh food and eating it at the table – cute placemats and all. Firstly, you’re worth it.

Secondly, your body will thank you. Eating in front of the TV significantly increases your calorie intake, plus nutritional research evidence shows that eating out, or relying on ready-meals are almost always more likely to provide higher mounts of salt, unhealthy fats and calories than a meal you prepare yourself. Plus, once you have the store cupboard essentials, you’ll actually save money prepping at home. Bonus!

GET YOUR CRUNCH ON Nourish yourself by including one of the hottest health trends of 2017, nuts and seeds to your diet. These versatile little guys pack a powerful nutritional punch, being high in healthy fats, fibre and calcium, whilst providing an abundance of antioxidants and minerals. And just to help matters, their gratifying versatility and moreish richness lend themselves to a myriad of both

savoury and sweet dishes, allowing us to conjure up all kinds of culinary magic on any given day. My new book The Goodness of Nuts & Seeds is full of simple and delicious recipe ideas. (Available now via Amazon, most book stockists and Chic et Tralala, Hollybush, Sevenoaks).

VEG FOCUS It’s official, the healthiest diets in the world have one very important thing in common – they’re all based on plant foods rather than meat. Overwhelming evidence from studies around the world proves that plant foods are your most powerful allies in protecting against several lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, obesity and heart disease.

Veganism has surged by 35% and is gaining serious momentum. Eating a diet high in veggies, beans, fruits and healthy oils, as well as fish and whole grains – aka the Mediterranean diet – is good for your brain as well as your bod.

Shift towards a plant based diet by swapping legumes, meaty veg and tofu for animal products a few meals per week, or try meat-free Monday.

FRESH START Start your day off right with a glass of water and a freshly squeezed lemon or lime. This is a fantastic way to improve your digestion, alkalize your body, and boost your vitamin C levels to support healthy immune function and radiant skin.

EAT YOUR WORDS To change the way you think about food and bring the joy back into eating, you need to rethink the way you talk about it.

Referring to any food as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ has no place in a healthy, balanced approach to eating. As a food writer, I know many people struggle to make peace with eating certain foods as we are programmed by the world around us to use powerful language to describe a range of food we eat. Indeed, an interesting change happens when you remove these negative connotations – you don’t feel the need to hastily shovel food in, or go back for seconds before your conscience catches up with you. You actually enjoy these foods even more, and therefore require them less. Win win!

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CLEAN LIVING

SPRING CLEAN

Your Wardrobe Catherine de Crèvecoeur is an experienced personal stylist helping men and women discover their style and improve their image. Here, she gives us her top tips on how to successfully get our wardrobes ready for spring…

Y

ou might think you already have a good handle on managing the clutter in your wardrobe… but do you REALLY? Or are you avoiding putting any time into your wardrobe and relying on the same old ‘that will do’ pieces to see you through the week (and thus ignoring everything else that’s cramped in there, gathering dust)?

One of my aims when doing a wardrobe detox with my clients is to create more cohesion, cutting down the wardrobe to a manageable size and getting rid of anything that makes them feel less than amazing. I also help them find new ways to re-use and style old items that are perfectly fine but that they’re unsure about.

If you really want to feel good about what you wear and successfully manage your wardrobe then start by following these 10 essential wardrobe cleansing steps:

1

PLAN AHEAD Choose a time for yourself, put it in the diary, play your favourite music, maybe pour yourself a glass of wine or make a nice warm cup of tea.

Enjoy this moment!

2

GET ORGANISED Before going through all your clothes decide how best you want to organise your wardrobe. I always recommend starting by storing your winter clothes away during the warmer season. Then, depending on your preference, organise your wardrobe by item and by colour.

with before. This process helps give some clothes a completely new lease of life.

7 3

CREATE THREE PILES One ‘get rid’ (charity/resell or bin), one ‘keep’ and one ‘bring back to life’ (for alterations by a seamstress).

GET SNAPPING One of the things I do with my clients is put together a portfolio of photos of all the different new outfit combinations we created during the wardrobe session. It’s easy to do, you can simply start taking pics on your phone and create a catalogue that’s easily accessible so that you get some ideas of what to wear before rushing out the door in the morning.

4

8

5

9

FOLLOW THE 12 MONTHS RULE If you haven’t worn it in over a year then ask yourself if you’ll miss it if you were to part ways with it. Be completely honest to yourself and either hang it back on display or add it to the ‘get rid’ pile.

DON’T KEEP YOUR SUNDAY BEST FOR SUNDAYS if you own special pieces that you’ve been keeping for certain occasions but end up wearing them only very rarely then include these items into your everyday wardrobe. Every day is an opportunity to dress fabulously and you’ll see the cost per wear r educe significantly.

6

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX For items that you love but you’re getting a bit bored of, try looking at mixing and matching them with other pieces you’ve never tried them on

FIGURE OUT YOUR STYLE Going through your clothes will help you determine your personal style and provides a great base to build on when looking at complementing your wardrobe with new items.

DON’T FORGET YOUR ACCESSORIES I’ve lost track of how many jewellery boxes I’ve seen that are overflowing with dated, unworn jewellery. Treat these boxes like your wardrobe and create more space for accessories you will wear.

10

MAKE A LIST At the end of your wardrobe session, make a list of what you need to complement what is left of your spring clean. I do this every single time without fail and it helps save my clients a lot of time and money when it comes to updating their wardrobe.

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CLEAN LIVING

SPRING CLEAN

Your Relationships Life Coach Ania Jeffries has this advice to help you spring clean the relationships in your life – with family, loved ones and yourself…

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negative energy with your behaviour? Ask yourself how do you make others feel when they are with you? What do you think they say about you after they leave you? What would you like them to say about you?

ife is full of choices. We create the thoughts in our head and the life we live. We also choose how we behave towards our external environment and how we respond to the people in it. This month should be an opportunity to declutter your life and that includes looking at your relationships with friends, family, loved ones, colleagues and most importantly with yourself. Here a few tips to grow more meaningful relationships:

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RE-EVALUATE YOUR FRIENDSHIPS You need to work out which friends drain you and which friends grow you, and make you feel good about yourself. Think of your friends like a drawer of socks: a)The ones with holes but you can’t bear to throw them away – those are the friends you need in your life always.

Regardless of what’s going on in your life they are always there for you. b) The ones that look absolutely gorgeous but you will never wear them – those are the friends you don’t need. c)The ones that you wear occasionally – those are the friends that dip in and out of your life. You might not see them very often but they are important to you.

Then ask yourself this question: which of these friends will a) support you when you are wrong, b) pretend to support you but behind your back will not be saying nice things about you, and c) tell you that you are wrong even if they

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LISTEN We all have a voice and need to be heard.

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DROP THE EGO No-one likes to hear someone puffing up their chest. We all face challenges but few people talk about them. So show some humility, and people will love you more. know it might upset you, will still love you and ask how they can help you.

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REFLECT ON THE WAY YOU COMMUNICATE It has a massive impact on your relationships. Reflect on the language you use with others – is it friendly or aggressive?

Do you point your finger at people, shake your head, stare at them, roll your eyes? Do you make eye contact or prefer to text whilst talking to them? Do you use language that makes them feel uncomfortable? Do you show empathy towards them, respect their opinion? Do you judge them before knowing their story?

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BE MINDFUL OF THE LANGUAGE YOU USE WITH YOURSELF Do you sometimes create thoughts and feelings which are not reality? You know that inner chatter that we all have. Stop listening to it. It affects not only your mental wellbeing but everyone around you.

Do you sometimes unknowingly create

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APOLOGISE Admit when you make mistakes – we are all human. Be a role model to those around you, your friends and family.

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SPEND QUALITY TIME WITH THOSE YOU LOVE Whether it’s making time for a coffee, cuddle on the sofa or a walk in the park. If you are too busy, leave a note, flowers in a vase, send a text. Let them know you are thinking of them.

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SHOW LOVE AND GRATITUDE No matter how small a gesture always be appreciative and show it.

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LOVE YOURSELF When you love yourself first others will then love back

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KEEP REFLECTING ON YOUR RELATIONSHIPS It’s a two way process. Not a one way street.

www.nextstepmentor.com Organiser of WomenWork www.womenworkevents.com 102 \ APRIL 2017 \ SO Magazine

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CLEAN LIVING

SPRING CLEAN

Your Wellness Rebecca Hirst is the founder of Glorious Wellness, as well as being a nutrition coach and speaker.

Here she tells us how we can spring clean our wellness…

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love this time of year. It makes me want to throw open the windows, clear out the clutter and embrace the feeling of lightness and brightness that spring brings.

It got me thinking about spring cleaning and how to embrace the idea from a wellness perspective. When I start working with a new client, one of the first things we do is a kitchen clear out. It signals new beginnings, a fresh new start.

If there are jars of things lurking in the cupboard that you bought for a recipe a year ago and haven’t used since, or a treat jar of leftover Halloween sweets (yes, one of my clients had one) then that’s definitely NOT helping you on the path to wellness.

Speaking of wellness, what do I mean by that? For me wellness, and Glorious Wellness in particular, means having three things:  Good energy  Glowing skin  A happy, healthy body If that sounds like something you could use more of (that’s most of us, right?) follow my guidelines below for starting afresh and putting a spring in your step:

KITCHEN CUPBOARD CLEAR OUT This month, set aside time to go through your fridge, cupboards and freezer. Either finish eating, give or throw away the things that aren’t supporting your wellness.

This includes:

We’ve all done it and it’s not a good feeling. It means you’re overloading your digestive system, as there’s literally no room for it to efficiently process what you’ve eaten. Which can lead to gas, bloating and indigestion.

We all have different ‘satisfaction’ points where we feel nicely full but not stuffed.

My Yorkshire roots means I used to feel compelled to finish everything on my plate (waste not, want not and all that).

I’ve had to teach myself that it’s ok to leave something on my plate if I’m full.

 Anything out of date or that’s been lurking at the back of the cupboard untouched since last Christmas or longer.  If you have a ‘treat’ jar (or cupboard or shelf or drawer) don’t refill it over the next few weeks. Use up what you already have in there, so that it gradually becomes less ‘well stocked’ and you get used to not having it around.  Sugary breakfast cereals. If something contains more than 6g of sugar per 100g it’s going to cause a big sugar spike and an energy crash later.  Fizzy drinks and any sugary drinks with, yes you guessed it, more than 6g of sugar per 100ml.  Any pre-packaged food or ready meals that contain artificial ingredients you can’t pronounce. If you can’t pronounce it, it’s not going to be doing you any favours.

TUNE IN TO HOW YOU EAT Ever eaten too much and then felt like you needed to lie on the floor to recover?

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Observe how you eat. Do you rush your meals? Do you eat at your desk or in front of the TV? Do you chew your food fully? Weird question but many people hardly chew before swallowing and it’s a critical part of your digestive process.

Eat without distraction. No computer, TV, reading, radio, tricky conversations, driving or working whilst you eat. I KNOW we all like to multi-task.

However if you’re doing something else whilst you eat, you hardly register that you’ve eaten and then you won’t be paying attention to when you’re starting to feel full. Which tends to lead to overeating, not feeling satisfied and reaching for something else to eat later, like chocolate or a biscuit. No distraction = more satisfaction!

Finish when you’re nearly full. Be curious about what makes you feel nicely full and satisfied. Make your meals a little smaller, then a little bigger and tune into how much food YOU need. Eat until you’re about 80% full. Eat slowly, chew your food well. Enjoy. Every. Delicious. Bite.

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CLEAN LIVING

SPRING CLEAN

Your Career

Business and career coach Belinda Raitt has these tips to help you spring clean your career…

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s a business and career coach, I work with business leaders who are managing and developing teams as much as with individuals who come to me for advice on how to find another job, or wanting to change direction. If they’re a good employer, they’ll be creating an environment where their employees can flourish, have room to grow, feel they contribute, they are listened to, and rewarded, perhaps even offering flexible working. If you’re lucky enough to be working for a company like that, you probably don’t need to read this article! However, for everyone else, here are my top ways to spring clean your career and keep you whistling while you work.

MATCHING VALUES The way we live our lives is usually reflected by our values. They indicate the importance we attach to something.

Sometimes though, we try to follow values we think we 'ought' to have, rather than the ones that truly resonate with us, which can mean we end up in jobs that are not right for us.

Organisations usually have a stated set of values too, that articulate what the company believes in. They work like a cultural glue to ‘connect’ the team and encourage employees to work together towards shared goals. However, if our personal values don’t match that of the organisation we’re working in, we will feel friction, dissatisfaction, and will not be able to perform to our full potential.

Working in a company whose values align with yours makes you happier and more productive.

WORK LIFE BALANCE There’s that familiar mantra, ‘work to live not live to work’. Do you have enough time in your life for the things that are important to you? Or do you seem to spend most of your life on a train or in the office? If so, then it’s time to make some changes! You are more productive at work if you have regular downtime too.

You could consider flexible working or job-sharing, for example, or even selfemployment. An increasing number of women (and at a faster rate than men) are choosing to set up their own business after a maternity break, to allow them a more flexible working life. There are also many more stay-at-home-dads now who fit a home-based role around parenting.

It’s about examining your values, realising what’s important to you, and then finding a way to make it work for you. More employers are open to flexible working now, so ask and you may be pleasantly surprised!

FEELING FULFILLED “What a man can be, he must be”: Maslow published his Hierarchy of Needs in 1943,

and it has held fast ever since. He identified five sets of needs; for a person to feel complete, each must be met and in the right order. After the basic physiological, safety and social needs – which in a business context translate as decent work environment, job security, relationship with colleagues – a person craves esteem. This means status, recognition for achievements, managerial responsibility. The final stage is selfactualisation, i.e. fulfilling your inner talent or creativity.

Are all five sets of needs being met in your career? If not, how can you make it happen? What other things could you be doing that give you a sense of responsibility and achievement?

DELEGATING AND SAYING NO This can be the biggest obstacle holding people back from progressing in their career or growing their business. If you’re the type of person who finds it hard to say no, someone will always take advantage of that. It’s good to be in demand, but not if it’s affecting your performance in other areas.

The ability to delegate effectively benefits everyone. Delegation motivates and empowers your team to perform better, while giving you space to think and plan. Yes, it may require an investment of time that you feel you may not have in the beginning, but it’s exactly that – an investment – that will pay its own rewards.

If you’re the one doing most of the work, either your team is not up to scratch, or your communication and delegation skills could do with some attention. So practice saying no, and letting go!

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23/03/2017 09:19

CLEAN LIVING

SPRING CLEAN

Your Finances Nicola Deverson is the founder of Financially Fit Women. Here’s her advice for spring cleaning your finances…

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quotes. Insurance companies rely on our tardiness and we can end up paying more than we need to by remaining with the same provider.

pring is a time when we feel the urge to get moving, declutter and deal with the jobs that we have been putting off. It is therefore an ideal time to take a look at your finances.

UTILITIES

WHERE TO START Gather together the last three months of bank statements and credit card bills. If you really want to get to grips with how much you are spending and where it’s going, then you should analyse them in detail, but this is a task that would prevent many people from even starting.

If this applies to you then use the highlighter method.

Take three highlighters in different colours and highlight all of the essential items such as your mortgage, insurance, utility bills, food etc. Then take a second colour and highlight all of the items that you bought because you really wanted them and had thought about the purchase in advance. Finally highlight the items that you just spent money on without any real consideration beforehand. It is these last items that often surprise us and where we can cut back if we need to do so.

Take a look at the direct debits and standing orders that you are paying. Are there any that are no longer required and could be cancelled? Are you paying for a magazine subscription that you no longer read or an annual pass for somewhere you no longer visit?

TACKLE CREDIT CARD DEBT Are you paying off your credit card balances in full each month or is there

some debt still hanging around from Christmas or last year’s holiday?

If you have more than one unpaid credit card balance summarise the amounts outstanding and the interest rate applying to it. Consider whether you can transfer any of the balances to a card with a lower interest rate or better still 0%.

There will be a transfer fee but you are likely to pay less interest overall if the debt is not going to be cleared in a few months.

Identify how much you can pay in total each month and set up direct debits so that payments are made automatically.

Pay the minimum balance on the debts with the lowest interest rates and the maximum that you can afford against the balance with the higher rate. This way you will pay less interest overall.

INSURANCE PREMIUMS Identify when your insurance premiums are due for renewal and put the dates in your diary. Then enter another date three weeks before that to obtain alternative

When was the last time you changed your gas, electricity or phone provider? If you haven’t done so in the last five years you are probably missing out on some good deals. Long term customers are rarely rewarded for their loyalty and better deals are often available to new customers.

Dig out your utility bills and see what tariff you are on before visiting a comparison website.

BANK ACCOUNTS AND MORTGAGES Review the rates of interest that you are receiving on your bank accounts, if any.

If you were enticed to open an account because it paid a higher rate is it still doing so, or has that period come to an end? Interest rates continue to be really low but it is still worth taking a look around.

Speak to a mortgage adviser to see if you can get a better deal.

GO PAPERLESS If you have filing cupboards stuffed full of old bank statements, insurance renewals, credit cards etc, consider shredding the old ones and scanning the ones you need to keep. There are a few documents we need to keep in paper form such as birth certificates but the majority can be held digitally. Just make sure that your files are safely backed up.

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DECORATIVE LIVING

LIVING Beautifully Next month, one of our favourite local events, The Decorative Living Fair returns to Eridge Park. Here, we find out more about some of the people who’ll be exhibiting…

“The first time each year I see the view from the lawns at Eridge Park, it never fails to take my breath away,” says co-organiser Caroline Zoob, who started The Decorative Living Fair with Hetty Purbrick 12 years ago.

“I think that is one reason the fair is loved by so many people – the chance to spend the day in such a gorgeous place. Of course you can never guarantee good weather, but we have planned the layout so people can browse the 65 or so stalls without getting wet. Every stall is of the highest quality, and we treat the fair as though we are curating an exhibition, thinking carefully about the mix, and what our customers like.”

TERRY MACEY AND ANGELIKA ELSEBACH

NANCY MEILAND Organiser Caroline Zoob is a devotee of Nancy Meiland’s perfumes. “Nancy did her first fair with us. I wear her Illuminé and people always notice and ask me about it”.

Nancy is a parfumier and trained nose who shaped her career designing signature scents for those coveting something highly individual and special. Her collection of nature-inspired fragrances offers a harmonious, ‘journey of scent’ on the skin from bang out of the bottle to the almost undetectable trace of perfume the next day. Églantier is her latest perfume, which she will be bringing to the Decorative Living Fair next month. Inspired by a summer spent in Skagen, Denmark, where she was captivated by a magical place where two seas meet, it combines flowering sage, rosehip and sandalwood with tuberose. As with all of Meiland’s perfumes, it has an enigmatic depth which makes them wearable by women and men alike. www.nancymeiland.com

Terry Macey and Angelika Elsebach have been designing and making beautiful clothes for women for nearly thirty years. Working in their studio workshop, a converted Methodist Chapel in the ancient town of Glastonbury, Somerset, they share a passion for fabrics and a desire to create clothes with an ethos for craft rather than mass production. Their clothes are casual but stylish with a quality of freedom and individuality not dominated by fashionable trends.

Attention to detail and finish of each garment is a trade mark, but perhaps most important of all they design for women of every age, shape and size.

“It is a real coup to have them exhibit with us,” says Caroline Zoob. “I love the fabrics and shapes, many of which have a vintage-inspired cut which fits so beautifully with the ethos of our fair”. www.terrymacey.com

USEFUL VINTAGE As the daughter of an antiques dealer, Kate Curtis grew up in the world of auction houses and antique fairs. “I grew up surrounded by highly decorative antiques but I was always drawn more to the simple, country style of my grandmother’s home. To this day I use her brass candlesticks, linens and even her mixing bowls. They have a charm and simplicity I love.” The organisers of The Decorative Living Fair love Kate’s styling, so it was no surprise when the judges chose her stand for their annual Best Stand Design prize in 2016’. This year Kate’s stand will include kitchenalia, antique linens and Regency toleware items which Kate plans to display filled with fresh flowers. www.usefulvintage.com The Decorative Living Fair takes place on Friday May 12 and Saturday May 13. Visit www.decorativelivingfair.co.uk for tickets and more details.

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EVENT

â?– RESIDENTIAL REVELRY To celebrate the opening of the new Maddisons Residential office, an exclusive celebratory event was hosted at their new property on The Pantiles. Guests enjoyed canapĂŠs created by local chef Dan Hatton, and sipped on champagne while socialising. Deborah Richards, the founder of Maddisons, also made a speech thanking all those who have helped the business go from a one-person operation in her shed, to where they are now. www.maddisonsresidential.co.uk Pictures by Craig Matthews

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FOOD

CHARLIE BOND HEADS TO WROTHAM TO EXP ERIENCE A R E A L TA S T E O F A M E R I C A , M I N U S T H E J E T L A G …

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n the past few years, smoky, American-style food has become all the rage. Slow cooked, barbecue flavoured meats reminiscent of the USA’s deep south are in demand, and pulled pork appears to have overtaken pie and mash as a menu staple in most eateries.

But, sometimes you find your whole evening heading south (and not in a Texan way) when you discover the food is more ‘frozen box meal’ than ‘slowly barbecued’. Thankfully, you don’t need to fly halfway across the world to experience a genuine American menu though, because there’s now a smokehouse right here in Kent.

The Bull Hotel in Wrotham has branched out from ham egg and chips (although they’re still available – don’t fear), and become the first real smokehouse in the county. Having invested in a wood burning barbecue pit from Texas, their menu is filled with mouth-watering, slow cooked offerings, from the ever-popular pulled pork to steak and even pulled smoked duck for those looking to branch out.

Once seated in the restaurant to the rear of the building, my guest and I set about choosing our meals. This doesn’t prove easy – there’s a lot of choice, and even recommendations from the owner Martin doesn’t ease the situation – once he’s told us the kimchi has been referred to as ‘the best outside of Korea’ we add it to the ever-growing list of dinner must-haves.

Eventually, my guest chooses the seabream fish finger burger served with black garlic aioli and the

infamous carrot kimchi (£12.50) and I opt for the 12 hour slow cooked smoked beef rib (£20) with a side of the kimchi (£3.50). We also order a selection of nibbles, including the bull sausage (£3) which is locally sourced and comes highly recommended.

Although we struggle to make food decisions, thankfully the choice over what to drink is a little easier – our knowledgeable waiter brings over a variety of craft beers to try which pair well with the food we’ve selected. First up is the Crate Brewery American nut brown ale, which is delicious – smooth and rich, followed by the Siren 5-Alarm chilli beer which definitely has a kick. To cool off, we finish with a taste of the Redchurch Bethnal Pale Ale – a light and fruity beer with lots of flavour.

Nibbles and beers demolished, it’s time for the main event – and we’re not disappointed. My beef rib is sweet and smoky and melts in the mouth, and paired with the skin-on fries, carrot kimchi (which is amazing) and a selection of homemade sauces, I don’t want each mouthful to end.

My guest is in agreement – her seabream burger is succulent with lots of different flavours on the palette – all of which she says complement one another.

The Bull boasts an extensive and very comprehensive wine list, and the team select a few for us to try with our food. Rather than house reds and whites, we’re presented with a range of ‘alternatives’, beginning with the Bernabe Navarro – a dry organic rosé with wild yeast fermentation, aged

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FOOD

“Slow cooked, barbecue flavoured meats reminiscent of the USA’s deep south are in demand” in clay pots. It tastes earthy, fruity and on the nose it’s almost reminiscent of a cider.

To follow, our tastebuds are treated to an orange wine – not flavoured by the fruit, but instead lightly orange in colour, due to the skin contact of the red grapes during the maceration process. It’s fragrant, with flavours of soft fruits and pairs very well with both dishes.

Next come the reds, which are both delicious – one is an organic Andalusian wine made with six indigenous Spanish grapes, which is complex in flavour and smoky on the nose – and the other is another organic offering, this time a Greek merlot, barrel aged in French oak.

We attempt to eat slowly, savouring every mouthful and seeing how each bite tastes with the different wines, but it’s hard when the dinner is this good, and before we know it, our plates and glasses are empty, and unsurprisingly, we’re full.

The Bull Hotel

Of course, we could leave it there, but we make the mistake of turning over the menu and spotting the desserts. And, once I register the banana and chocolate chip cake with banana ice cream (£6.95), I can’t stop thinking about it. My guest and I agree to share – but in all honesty, once it arrives I find most of it ends up on my fork. It’s not too sweet, and bursting with flavour. Even the chocolate chips are rich rather than sugary, and the banana ice cream is the stuff dreams are made of – I’ll be craving more for months to come.

We might be in a village pub, but we leave feeling like we’ve experienced so much more – the flavours, techniques and knowledge are exceptional, and we’ve had the barbecue experience without the jetlag. In fact, we’re already planning our return visit – after all, I think I owe my guest a second go with the dessert I didn’t share…

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FOOD

thought for food T H I S M O N T H O U R C ELEB RI T Y C H EF RO S EM A RY S H RAG ER I S A N N O U N C I N G A N E X C I T I N G N E W PA R T N E R S H I P

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efore I begin this month’s article, everybody knows that I have struggled to get apprentices for the last two years but now its official…I would like to announce the partnership of the Rosemary Shrager Cookery School, part of Hadlow Group.

I must say I am very proud and excited about this merger. Hadlow now gives us the door to achieve what I set out to do four years ago, to realise my vision. I would like to take this opportunity to say that Christopher Abergavenny has done nothing but support us through this transition, and we will see the Corn Exchange grow into a thriving educational environment.

The school will deliver a unique opportunity to the young budding chefs; we have incredible facilities and staff. Also from another level my TV work; I have had students doing work on the live TV shows, working with highly skilled chefs, and we have had the makeup and media students working on the new shows. And, I am able

to take students abroad to Dubai. I could go on – this is my passion – enthusing the young.

I can honestly say I wish I had had an opportunity like this; I would have grabbed it with both hands. I had to learn the hard way, putting myself through my own apprenticeship. I did this by seeking out specialists within the trade.

For example, I would go to a butchers and learn to string and butcher. Then I would seek out another butcher to learn to make the best sausages, then a fishmonger and learn to prepare fish…

I even went to learn to make pasties at the Lizard in Cornwall.

Then, if I was cooking something really different and the process went wrong, that’s when I used to phone Coleridge’s or the Dorchester. I worked in kitchens and learned as I went along. So you can understand where my passion comes from.

I enjoy doing the corporate and private teaching and team building within the

school – it’s a lot of fun and I do as much as I can. I have some very skilled chefs working for me who are as passionate as myself. For our chef ’s table it gives the apprentices the opportunity to deliver to the public, and in the Patisserie.

I have just been given the most wonderful old cookery book – it’s a treasure. It inspired me to look at some of my other old books; it’s like reading about the food of today, just a different way of saying it.

Some of my favorite seasonal fruit and vegables are available in April, such as rhubarb and asparagus. I looked up some recipes here are a couple that look fantastic, give them a go and let me know: Speak next month,

RHUBARB JAM

I love Mrs. Beaton’s rhubarb jam, you take 1lb of forced rhubarb, 1lb preserving sugar, ½ teaspoon of ground ginger, and some finely grated rind of ½ lemon.

Cut the rhubarb into short lengths, and weigh it, you must have the full 1lb. Put into a large pan with the sugar, ginger and lemon rind. Bring to the boil slowly, cook until it sets. This will take up to an hour. So easy.

RHUBARB TART

This is a recipe I came across for a rhubarb tart; this is from 1800 from a book called Domestic Cookery. Cut the stalks in lengths of four or five inches, and take off the thin skin. If you have a hot hearth lay them over a dish, and put over a thin syrup of sugar and water, cover with a lid, let it simmer slowly for one hour, when cold make into a tart. (I think you should cut the time to 15 mins). I would make a blind bake pastry case then put a crème patisserie in the base top with the cooked rhubarb, this sounds great for Easter.

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FOOD

A PLATE IN THE SUN There are few pleasures in life better than the feeling of sitting outside, eating fine food, enjoying a cool glass of wine and watching the world go by. As soon as we see a glimmer of sunlight, we make the most of al fresco dining – and why not? After all, we have some stunning eateries with beautiful outside spaces nearby, so this spring, make it your mission to get outside and enjoy eating al fresco at one of these local favourites…

HOTEL DU VIN, TUNBRIDGE WELLS Lovingly converted from a Grade II-listed mansion, Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells is one of the spa town’s architectural landmarks. The beautiful, authentic Georgian period detail has been emphasised, and guests can expect to see the characteristic Hotel du Vin twists throughout.

As spring approaches now is the perfect time to come and take a stroll in our beautiful gardens. Nestled in the heart of the glorious Kent countryside, across lush lawns, on the edge of the ornamental gardens our terrace offers the ideal spot to enjoy the brighter weather.

Spend a lazy afternoon enjoying our delightfully indulgent afternoon tea on the terrace. Our new menu features a creative selection of mini savouries from Severn and Wye smoked salmon and cream cheese bagels, to ham with Gruyere croissants and goat’s cheese and spinach quiches. This is all followed by traditional scones with cream and jam, and topped off with a choice of sweet treats including rhubarb Hotel Du Vin

and custard doughnuts and homemade apple candy floss.

For those that enjoy something a little stronger than tea we’ve partnered with FeverTree to design a suitably quirky gin & tonic menu to accompany the food, perfectly pairing their tonics with some of our favourite craft gins.

Or, while away the evening sampling our new spring fixed price menu, bursting with fresh flavours.

From the start the menu offers something

a little different – be it the creamy butternut squash soup that’s served with ice cream; Caesar salad croquettes or seaweed cured salmon. For mains, tantalise the taste buds with succulent duck and prosciutto ragout rigatoni bake, or the flavourful aubergine and tomato gratin, with mint yoghurt and topped with tangy pomegranate.

And for desserts? How about the delightfully decadent rich chocolate pudding, with a light peanut butter mousse, and candied maple bacon? Or the wonderfully retro Lancashire bomb cheese and Eccles cake.

Combined with the bistro’s impressive wine list, it is the perfect choice for warmer weather and long evenings with friends.

There’s no doubt that when the sun is shining, the best way to see out the day is relaxing on the terrace alongside a wonderful collection of colourful cocktails and pitchers, or to take a stroll in our beautiful gardens while enjoying the clink of ice-cold glasses. But when the evening starts to draw in, it doesn’t mean the night’s over. Take a wander down to Hotel du Vin’s atmospheric cigar bothy and relax with a cold drink and a fine cigar.

3 Crescent Road 3 Tunbridge Wells 3 TN1 2LY 01892 320 749 3 www.hotelduvin.com

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

THE KENTISH HARE, BIDBOROUGH Award-winning gastropub, The Kentish Hare, is the perfect setting for those looking to make the most of the spring sunshine in a picturesque setting. Situated in the postcard-worthy Kent countryside, nestled in the village of Bidborough, The Kentish Hare captures the spirit of a traditional, quaint English pub, while delivering high quality food in a stylish setting.

Visitors can relax in the gastropub’s tasteful surroundings, and for those looking to make the most out of the fresh spring weather, there is no better place to do it than in The Kentish Hare’s garden. Surrounded by Spring plants, the outdoor terrace and landscaped garden is ideal for those looking to soak up the sunshine. Complete with parasols and pergola, visitors can take in the serene Kent countryside over a refreshing cocktail or dine out on seasonal dishes.

With expert chefs and attentive staff, all food is cooked to order, with the team delivering the best in local food, sourced directly from local suppliers, all complimented by an extensive range of wines, beers and spirits.

95 Bidborough Ridge

From traditional favourites, to light bites, visitors to The Kentish Hare can choose from a menu that celebrates seasonal Spring flavours and local ingredients.

Just one of the popular spring dishes on offer is the lemon sole, served with mouth-watering brown shrimp butter, perfectly complimented with a glass of Saint Clair, Bishops Leap Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. For dessert lovers, there is a variety of light sweet treats available, including a tantalising raspberry cheesecake, made with local Kent raspberries.

The Kentish Hare’s bar team will concoct a selection of cocktails, or serve locally brewed beer and cider, as well as over 30 different wines – most sourced directly from local vineyards. Why not try just some of the refreshing gin cocktails on offer, including its Plymouth fruit cup with all the trimmings, a glass of fizz, or a classic mojito? Combining crisp, smooth Spring flavours, these are ideal for those looking to relax with friends in one of the most beautiful parts of the country.

Brewed and made with fruit handpicked on

the Hush Heath estate in Staplehurst and chilled to perfection, you could enjoy a Jake’s Cider with fresh, sparkling apple flavours. Try the house Kentish Hare beer, specially brewed by a local Tonbridge brewery, or choose from a selection of aromatic and crisp lagers and ales – all served in the gastropub’s relaxing bar area.

With celebrity chef brothers, Chris and James Tanner at The Kentish Hare’s helm, visitors are guaranteed to enjoy a culinary experience to remember, with its reputation for quality food and service already earning it national recognition. This includes securing two AA rosettes, a coveted Michelin listing, as well as being named Newcomer of Year in the 2016 Gastropub Awards.

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FOOD

THE SWEET ESCAPE FORGET EASTER EGGS – CHARLIE BOND HEADS TO LÜBECK IN GERMANY TO FIND OU T W H Y M A R Z I PA N I S W H AT Y O U S H O U L D B E A S K I N G T H E B U N N Y F O R T H I S M O N T H …

J

ust a hop, skip and jump (or 40 minute car ride) away from Hamburg lies the German town of Lübeck. Founded in 1143 as the first ‘western city on the Baltic coast’, the medieval centre is a UNESCO world heritage site, boasting a rich history, vibrant culture and is also famed for being the birthplace of marzipan.

We arrive on a sunny spring day, and are informed that we’ve brought the good weather with us. Driving into the town and over one of the 230 bridges that lie within, we arrive at our hotel, the Park Inn by Radisson and head straight to the on-site Italian restaurant to refuel before our adventure truly begins. (Although, for lunch we use iPads to order our food and drink – some could argue the adventure has well and truly begun).

Fresh from the giddy iPad excitement, we head out into the fresh air, and led by our tour guide for the afternoon, cross the road to our first tourist site – Holsten Gate – one of Germany’s most photographed monuments. Gothic in style, its impressive towers and charming structure makes it almost Disney-esque, and it’s no wonder that the gate, which was built in 1464 and marks the entrance of the town has

become such a recognisable landmark.

Travelling through the winding streets of Lübeck, this charming town has so much to discover. We take a walk up to the St.Petri, a 13th century former church, which is now used for exhibitions, Christmas markets and events. 50 metres up, there’s a viewing platform, where for s3 visitors can look out over the town and beyond. Thankfully, there’s a lift, and within seconds we can see for miles – some days, we’re told, you can even see as far as the Baltic Sea. Once safely back on ground level, our tour takes us through the market square to the Town Hall – a large and stunning building dating back to 1230 which is still very much in use, serving as the seat of administration and the Senate, as well as hosting meetings and social events. From the red carpet leading up the stairs, to the crystal chandeliers and the stained glass windows, this building emits a real sense of grandeur.

By now the sun has set and it’s time to eat, so we head to Schiffergesellschaft, a restaurant honouring local maritime history, and formerly used as a meeting place for seafarers and sailmakers.

Considered by some as the ‘oldest pub in the world’, inside it’s as if

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FOOD

you’re dining on a vessel, with long wooden benches, ambient lighting and nautical memorabilia at every turn. Aesthetics aside, the extensive menu offers a range of local drinks, seafood, meat dishes and a selection of north German delicacies.

I veer away from the fish dishes and opt for something altogether different for my meal – the local dish of Labskaus – salted beef mixed with beetroot, potato and onion, topped with a fried egg and accompanied by a herring fillet and gherkins. Labskaus might be a regional speciality but it’s by no means pretty. However, the taste and range of textures are interesting and not at all unpleasant. It might not be a dish I’ll recreate at home, but it’s certainly one I’m glad I tried.

With our hotel only a ten minute walk from the old town, we opt to walk off our meal with a stroll along the river Trave – at night everything looks postcard-picturesque with the lights from the buildings reflecting in the water. In the summer months you could easily extend your walk along the river for miles, taking in the different architecture and stopping for al fresco drinks en route.

As well as its bridge count and impressive architecture, Lübeck is also famed for something else – marzipan. In 1806, Georg Niederegger founded the now world-renowned Niederegger company, opening the factory and headquarters in Lübeck. The company is still owned by the family, and in one day they can produce as much as 30 tonnes of www.niederegger.de

marzipan – much by hand, and all made to a top secret recipe. Unlike the very sweet marzipan we often get in the UK, this is 70% almond and only 30% sugar, making it much more delicious than the sugary paste we often associate with wedding cakes over here.

On our second day in Lübeck we’re given rare access inside the factory to see how these sweet treats are made, so donning our white coats and hairnets, we head from room to room. I’m amazed at how much is made by hand or with very little machinery – at the beginning of the process, almonds are shelled in a machine, and then each checked by hand for traces of contaminants, and the marzipan Easter bunnies, teddy bears and other creatures are individually carefully hand-painted by a team of women.

Naturally my favourite room is where the chocolate meets the marzipan – the room smells incredible, and I could stand for hours and watch the various shapes make their way along conveyor belts to receive a glossy coat of Belgian chocolate. Of course – no touching is allowed, so I have to refrain, for fear of a Willy Wonka-esque punishment occurring.

Our tour takes several hours and is a fascinating insight into how this product is produced. Once safely away from machinery and contamination dangers, we’re given a selection of freshly made confectionary to try – from espresso to pistachio marzipan, and the indulgent traditional nougat they’re impossible not to love, and knowing all the hard work that goes into creating them makes me savour every bite that little bit more.

You might think that with all that indulgence we couldn’t possibly eat more, but apparently that isn’t the case – our final stop before heading home is a visit to Café Niederegger back in the centre of Lübeck, where after visiting the museum upstairs, and admiring a shop filled with marzipan fancies, we sit down and sample a range of decadent cakes, sip coffee flavoured with marzipan and tell ourselves we’ll try to share the Niederegger treats we’ve bought with family when we get home, although we can’t make any promises…

In an ever-growing culture of short city breaks taking precedent over fortnight-long beach holidays, this charming town should definitely be on the list. From romantic riverside strolls to sweet treats, there’s plenty to see, do and eat. Lübeck is a real gem, and one that I’ll be keen to revisit soon (mostly for my marzipan fix!)

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COUNTRYSIDE ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY

YOUR GUIDE TO THE LOCAL COUNTRYSIDE

Goudhurst

EAT

WALK

SEE

For a small village, Goudhurst boasts a wealth of lovely eateries, but one of the best is The Goudhurst Inn, owned by local winery Hush Heath. With a fresh and locally sourced menu, and plenty of drink options including the award-winning Balfour Brut Rosé, a meal here is a real experience. Plus, there are stunning views across the Weald of Kent for you to enjoy come rain or shine. www.thegoudhurstinn.com

Just a stone’s throw from Goudhurst is Bedgebury – a 320 acre Pinetum where you can take a leisurely stroll and take in the beautiful surroundings. Or, if leisurely isn’t your thing, jump on a bike and ride around the paths and lakes. For the real adventure-lovers, there’s also Go Ape, where you can swing from the trees and take part in exhilarating activities. www.forestry.gov.uk/bedgebury

As one of Kent’s highest villages, from the top of Goudhurst on a sunny day you can see for miles around. St Mary’s Church at the top of the hill is well worth a visit, and there’s also a three mile circular walk you can take on which encompasses some of the best views on offer. www.goudhurst.co.uk

THE GOUDHURST INN

BEDGEBURY NATIONAL PINETUM & FOREST

THE VIEWS

VISIT WEEKS BAKERY & TEA ROOMS

SLEEP THREE CHIMNEYS FARM For a real countryside retreat, head to the Three Chimneys – a working farm with a cosy holiday cottage and an en suite B&B on offer. Perfect for a family getaway, you’ll be able to experience the rural Kentish surroundings while being within close proximity to Goudhurst village. Animal lovers will especially enjoy waking up to the sight of horses, sheep and cattle in the farmland. www.threechimneysfarm.co.uk

A traditional village bakery is hard to come by these days, but in the centre of Goudhurst you’ll find Weeks – a charming tea room and bakery where you can while away the hours with a warming tea and a slice of something sweet. Get there early for your daily bread, or pop in for lunch and indulge in a sandwich or jacket potato.

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TRAVEL

CHANGING CHANNEL

You don’t have to travel far to discover the charms of the Channel Islands

Jersey

Lying some 100 miles south of mainland Britain and a mere 14 miles from the coast of France is Jersey, the largest and most southerly of the Channel Islands.

With its population of over 90,000 people and an area of 45 square miles, you would be forgiven for thinking that the island could be little more than buildings.

However as any islander will tell you; there is far more to Jersey than this.

The island is in fact made up of picturesque countryside and unspoiled coastline, with its sheer beauty and fascinating history making it a formidable rival for many larger and better-known holiday destinations.

The idyllic Jersey countryside features open fields bordered by granite walls and hedgerows, woodland teeming with wildlife and the island’s iconic imposing cliffs and headlands.

One feature of Jersey’s landscape which is impossible to ignore is the island’s coastline. The scenery is dominated by

stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, reminding islanders and visitors of its power and compelling presence.

Jersey in fact benefits from one of the biggest tidal ranges in the world, as its position in the Bay of St Malo means that the island grows to double its size twice a day, as the tide ebbs and flows.

The island lays claim to nearly 30 beaches and coves which are all easily accessible by road or foot. Whether you want to relax on the golden sand of St Brelade’s Bay, enjoy a picnic on the pebbled beach at Archirondel or explore the rock pools and sea caves at Plémont, there is something to suit every beach lover.

A holiday to Jersey will present you with more things to do and see than you have days to explore. With so much to experience, every day of a trip to Jersey will present you with never-ending opportunities to try something you’ve never done before, explore somewhere new and discover something beautiful.

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TRAVEL

Guernsey

With an approximate total area of 30 square miles, Guernsey is the second largest of the Channel Islands. However the Bailiwick of Guernsey in fact consists of the islands of Alderney, Sark, Herm, Brecqhou, Jethou and Lihou, all a mere stone’s throw from Guernsey itself.

With frequent links by boat between all of the islands from St Peter Port, it is easy to feel as though you really are part of the southernmost archipelago in the British Isles.

Living in a climate milder than many areas of the UK, islanders enjoy their time outdoors. Be it exploring one of the island’s 27 beaches and bays, rambling along the beautiful cliff top walks or island-hopping among their sister islands, they certainly know how to make the most of the sunshine.

Guernsey’s capital, St Peter Port, is located on the east coast of the island and it is widely considered to be the Channel Islands’ most beautiful town. This idyllic little town

consists of steep, narrow streets and features some of the Channel Islands’ most diverse shops, and an impressive selection of restaurants, hotels and tourist attractions.

St Peter Port is home to several picturesque harbours and marinas, as well as being the Channel Islands’ premier destination for cruise ships throughout the summer months.

Guernsey also boasts a rich and varied history. Les Fouaillages, a burial mound in the north of the island, is considered to be possibly the oldest manmade structure in Europe and was built by Neolithic man around 4500BC. Perhaps better known is that the island became home to Victor Hugo during his exile (1855 - 1870) and is where he wrote some of his best-known works, including Les Misérables.

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DIARY

The Secret Diary OF A (NOT SO) YUMMY MUMMY This month our mum-to-be is trying to make the most of her maternity leave…

O

n the last few days leading up to my maternity leave the fear began to set in. What on earth was I going to do with two weeks off before the baby was due?

That’s if the baby was on time – what was I going to do with four weeks off if he was late?!

Now, I know what people might be thinking – ‘I’d love two weeks off to do whatever I wanted – enjoy it, relax, get yourself ready’ or ‘nest’ as I kept being told to do. That’s all well and good, but we’d already bought everything for the little one, my hospital bag was packed, the baby’s room was ready and to be honest I’m just not very good at ‘relaxing’. I wasn’t ready to stop work; I enjoy my job, I like going to the office and I know what I’m doing there. Work = got it nailed. Maternity leave = no idea.

Given that I wasn’t about to jet off on holiday or drive too far away from the hospital (or drive very far at all, turning in your seat to check if you can pull out at 39 weeks – near impossible), and the majority of my friends would be at work themselves and therefore not available to entertain me (how inconsiderate of them!) – I was perplexed as to how I’d fill my time. Lounging around the house wasn’t really an option even if I wanted it to be. The midwives tell you repeatedly that leading up to the birth you should help get the baby in to the right position by being ‘upright, forward and open’ – which basically translates as: ‘don’t lie on the sofa all day watching the Game of Thrones boxset’.

Two weeks should, in theory, fly by. If I’d been on annual leave on a beach in the Caribbean I know I would have blinked and missed

it. But when it’s two weeks waiting for one of the biggest occasions of your life, it seemed like an eternity.

So, after much apprehension, I was finally off work. I was ‘upright, forward and open’ and day one… I was twiddling my thumbs – actually I was checking my work emails, much to the dismay of my husband.

But, that was the first day. It’s now two days until my due date and I have got this maternity leave malarkey locked down.

Every little thing I need to do goes on ‘the list’ at night. I mean everything: put a wash on, go for walk, research a holiday I’ll never take, paint one chipped nail, call grandmother, text friend to organise coffee date, pick up bread... you get the picture. Then the next day I drag each of these tasks out for as long as possible.

Last week, I had to go to the post office so rather than pop to the one in the village, which is approximately three minutes away, I drove to the post office 15 minutes away – at lunchtime, when it was bound to be busiest, and proceeded to let little old ladies go ahead of me in the queue. I was there the best part of an hour. I have become a master procrastinator and I have to say the past 12 days have gone relatively quickly. I’ve had my moments of boredom and had to stop myself googling ‘ways to induce labour’ for the fifth time that day. But, in general I am ‘relaxed’ and finding ways to fill my time. I’ll enjoy these last days of calm and freedom as inevitably in the next two weeks my life will change forever. I just hope he is on time as I’m not sure I have anything left to post…

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LEARNING

Schools

EDUCATION NEWS A L L T H E L AT E S T S T O R I E S F R O M O U R L O C A L S C H O O L S

NEW BUILD

HIGHEST HONOUR

Two students from The Skinners’ Kent Academy have said they were honoured to be chosen to interview Nobel Prize Winner Malala Yousafzai at the recent Annual Conference of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) in Birmingham.

Emily Raj and Sam Wheeler, both in the Academy’s sixth form, were chosen to introduce the speakers, including Secretary of State for Education, Amanda Spielman, and Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Schools and Baroness Sue Campbell CBE. The event

culminated with a panel interview session with Yousafzai, famous for her work fighting for girls’ rights to education in Pakistan where she was born. She was then later attacked by Taliban gunmen and was flown to the UK for treatment. Matthew Tompkins, Principal of the Skinners’ Kent Academy, says: “To see Sam and Emily presenting with such confidence on such a significant stage filled me with pride… I am excited by the prospect of working alongside our next generation of leaders.”

SPORTING SUCCESS

Benenden School’s lacrosse first team, who last year reached the quarter-final stage of the Rathbones National Schools Lacrosse Championships, have this year won the competition after six back-to-back wins on the first day of the competition. The second day saw them take one draw and two defeats, which left them in the knockout stage. They managed to then beat

In 2015 Kent County Council (KCC) was given the go ahead to build a brand new grammar annexe in Sevenoaks, for both boys and girls. The female provision in the equation, which will be run by the Weald of Kent Girls’ Grammar School, is set to open this September. Its location is on the former site of the Wildernesse School on Seal Hollow Road, which is also occupied by the recently built Trinity School, a co-ed Christian comprehensive, and it will open its doors to three forms of Year 7 entry, 90 pupils in total, in the new academic year. At full capacity The Weald of Kent’s annexe will have space for 450 girls. Its facilities include a new lecture theatre, 31 classrooms with fully fitted science, art and technology labs and a café and sixth form provision.

The annexe students will have use of the shared all-weather pitch and tennis and netball courts together with a large sports hall and dance studio.

The playing fields will be shared with Trinity School.

both St Catherine’s and St Mary’s Calne before the win against Downe House which secured them the title of highest honour in school’s lacrosse. “All of our teams who are competing at the Nationals are making Benenden proud, and the strength in the lower age groups shows that Benenden has an extremely positive future in lacrosse,” says Headmistress Samantha Price.

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

Education

KIDS CORNER M A KE LI F E A S O N G A N D DA N C E F O R YO U R LI T T LE O N ES

We select the area’s best pre-school dance clubs, music sessions and activity classes for any budding ballet dancer or wannabe pop star you may have at home which will give them that all important first step into the magical world of entertainment and hobbies Getting your children into ballet, singing or even some gentle gymnastics from an early age will not only benefit them in terms of learning a new skill and getting some extra exercise,

it’s also a great way of expanding their social circle and boosting their confidence. Participating in an extracurricular class at least once a week will make a big difference to your

little one and also give you the opportunity to meet new people and enjoy seeing your child flourish at doing something they love or thrive at mastering new talent . .

MUSICAL BUMPS

Title of Class: Musical Bumps Age Range: 4 different stages: Babies under a year, 1-2 years, 2-3 years, 3-4 years. Some mixed age classes are also available.

Price: Variable depending upon class (please contact us for details). FREE TRIAL classes are available.

Location: Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Langton Green, Hildenborough, Sevenoaks & Westerham Requires Parental Supervision: Yes Phone Number Tunbridge Wells areas 07812 495 020; Tonbridge & Sevenoaks areas 07736 244 142 Website: www.musicalbumps.com

LITTLE NOTES

Title of Class: Little Notes Age Range: 0 – 5 Price: £7 per session / £5.50 for newborn class Location: Tonbridge School Sports Centre / Bells Yew Green (Frant), nr TW Requires Parental Supervision: Yes Phone Number: 01892 300 103 Website: www.littlenotes.co.uk Little Notes music classes is for babies, toddlers and pre-school children. Classes are run by professional musicians so they are bursting with live music. Blending real instruments, with new and classic children’s songs, as well as exploring a whole variety of musical styles, we have 40 minutes of fun musical activities, with puppets, percussion and other stimuli. With Little Notes, you and your children will love music right from the start!

Music classes, singing and fun for babies, toddlers and pre-school children with their parents and carers every day of the week in and around Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks. The classes focus on the use of music to support development of speech, language and communication – along with social skills – through fun sessions lead by experienced and well-trained teachers and musicians.

Classes are tailored to different stages of development and there are a range of options available, including specially developed, relaxed and calm baby classes.

All sessions also include refreshments and the chance to chat and make friends.

Here are some kind words they’ve received from happy parents: “…So interactive and always so enthusiastically delivered” “…It’s the best class we have been to.” “…The educational value of Musical Bumps is amazing” Free trial classes are available.

THE BAND JAM

Title of Class: The Band Jam Age Range: 7 - 16 Price: £140 per student Location: Underriver, Sevenoaks Day: EASTER HOLIDAY COURSE : Monday 3rd & Tuesday 4th April / MAY HALF TERM COURSE: Tuesday 30th & Wednesday 31st May Time: 10am – 6pm Duration: Two full days Requires Parental Supervision: No Phone Number: 07723 020 365 / 07786 166 009 Website: www.thebandjam.co.uk The Band Jam offers young musicians and singers aged between 7 and 16 the opportunity to form a band with likeminded individuals under the tutelage of DBS checked professional musicians. During the two day course, students will cover a selection of contemporary songs, write new popular music, record their creations and perform live to an audience. Contact us today to book your place!

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EDUCATION

SCHOOL REPORT WE SPEAK TO JOHN WEEDS, HEADMASTER OF CRANBROOK SCHOOL TO F I N D O U T W H AT ’ S O N O F F E R AT T H E I R FA C I L I T Y ‌

Tell us about the history and ethos of the school and your approach as Head Cranbrook is one of the great old schools of England with a fine tradition of grammar school education for children from the town and Wealden surrounds going back half a millennium. We are very proud to be celebrating our fifth centenary next year on the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the founding of the school in 1518 by local yeoman, John Blubery (after whom one of our boarding houses is named). We were awarded a Royal Charter by Queen Elizabeth I in 1574, which can be viewed in our library to this very day and which demonstrates our historic standing as, in origin, a great Tudor grammar school.

Our ethos is summed up by our motto: Respect, Aspire, Achieve. Ultimately our teachers and all the support staff at Cranbrook are here to ensure our students leave the school happy, fulfilled and confident. This is our mission and I seek every

opportunity as Head to share this with our current and prospective staff and students. My approach is centred on the idea that every one of our students has a gift or talent and that it is our role as teachers to seek this out, nurture it and give all our children the opportunity to shine at something. That could be academic, but it could be something quite different too.

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of the tenacity we showed as a school in changing our age range and enabling young people from a wider cross section of local schools to come at Cranbrook at 11 years of age and, more traditionally for us, 13 and 16. I am also extremely proud of the achievements of our sixth form. In the last two years our students have gained a total of 22 offers of places at Oxbridge colleges, an unprecedented level of success. Our our offers from top (Russell Group) universities and medical and veterinary schools are also at an all time high.

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EDUCATION

What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced?

Without doubt the age of austerity has hit schools hard. We along with all other secondary schools have had to make savings and on occasion this has been painful. Morally, I believe it is right that our students understand that finance is finite. We have all learnt lessons about the limits on public sector finance in recent years and for young people I don’t think this is necessarily a bad thing.

How do you manage parents’ expectations?

Communications with parents too is something we constantly review. We are actively talking to ours at the moment about how they can help support activities that our mainstream budget can no longer provide for. We have found the process unifying – everyone, it seems, is on board with the idea of maintaining the best of what we do by coming together around that shared vision of being amongst the best in all that we do.

From what sort of catchment areas do you attract pupils?

Our day pupils come to us from an area 8.5 km around Cranbrook itself, including now a range of primary, prep and secondary school feeders. In addition we admit boarders from some local schools, but also predominantly further afield including the London and the Home Counties and overseas. The blend of local and international backgrounds gives us our character and dynamism.

We are proud to be so cosmopolitan!

How much opportunity is there for parents to get involved in school life?

We have an extremely active Parents Association which is particularly strong on fundraising but which also does excellent things socially for parents including, a superb Burns Night, a regular Summer Ball and Welcome Events for new parents. Most helpfully, they have sponsored events of an academic or pastoral nature - Effective Easter (Revision), Teen Issues, Building Learning Power - which are extremely well received by everyone in the community. Equally pleasing is the strong support from parents for weekend sports fixtures. Whether they simply come along or provide teas, or cheer vociferously - they are a fantastic asset for our home teams.

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What about extracurricular activities and school trips?

An increasingly renowned aspect of what we do is our co-curriculum. This encompasses everything from the vast number involved in CCF army/RAF cadets, a huge Duke of Edinburgh award scheme (Bronze, Silver and Gold) and a unique CARE (creative and artistic pursuits) programme on Wednesday afternoons. Sixth Formers too are expected to do more than simply study for A-levels, important as this is. They are expected to undertake an extended project on a research theme of their choosing. We award our own diploma to sixth formers graduating from the sixth form having fulfilled a 3-4 A-level academic programme and significant enrichment activity.

How do you ensure students receive a wellrounded experience?

Our great strength as a school is that we are expert at providing an arena for growth inside and outside the classroom. Our co-curriculum is the envy of many of our competitors. Within reason, activities like the DoE scheme and the CCF provide opportunities to lead, whilst our extensive Games programme is founded on the principle of inclusion as well as healthy competition. Our fabulous day and boarding houses provide everyone here with an opportunity to be part of a team, to lead, to excel in ways which the traditional classroom cannot.

This is why when it comes to competing on the sports field and in debating especially we compare extremely favourably with the best that other schools have to offer.

SCHOOL NAME: Cranbrook School SCHOOL TYPE: Co-Educational Boarding & Day Secondary School ADDRESS: Waterloo Road, Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 3JD TEL: 01580 711800 WEB: www.cranbrookschool.co.uk YEAR FOUNDED: 1518 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 750 NUMBER OF STAFF: 240 COST PER TERM (DAY): FOC - State Funded COST PER TERM (BOARDING): £4,242-£5,090

22/03/2017 11:45

A JUMP ABOVE W E B O U N C E O U R WAY T O J U M P I N T R A M P O L I N E PA R K I N

I

magine being able to forget all about being an adult for a couple of hours.

Bills, housework, that meeting you’ve got tomorrow…what if you could push them all to the back of your mind, and just focus on having fun instead?

“Sure,” I hear you say with scepticism. “As if I’m going to be able to forget all my troubles without escaping to a beach in the Caribbean.” Well, let me introduce you to somewhere a little closer to home…

Jump In is a 32,000 square foot site, filled with trampolines in Tonbridge. Kitted out with hundreds of interconnected trampolines, foam pits, dodge ball, a launch pad, a trapezium, and a designated kids’ zone, it opened last October and has been providing fun for all the family ever since.

I haven’t been on a trampoline for over 20 years, since I was humiliated on a family holiday when I fell down the gap at the side and sprained my ankle. It was painful for

my pride and my ligament, and I swore not to get back on one…until now.

Now, I’m back to face my fears, and hopefully have some fun in the process.

Our session at Jump In begins with being handed some snazzy socks which are vital for our bouncing experience, and then we’re shown to a room where we watch a safety video. Once we’ve learned how not to sprain our ankles (I wish I’d known this before), or cause peril to ourselves and others, we’re released into the trampolining area to let the fun begin.

At first, I step gingerly from square to

IMAGES BY ROSANAGH BAINBRIDGE

T O N B R I D G E T O S E E J U S T H O W M U C H F U N W E C A N H AV E …

“My fitness tracker confirms that not only have I beaten my step goal for the day, but I’m also in the ‘cardio zone’ – in other words, all this bouncing is giving me a proper workout, and unlike my usual gym classes, I haven’t clock-watched once”

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of all ages having the time of their lives. A frenzied dodgeball tournament is taking place between some enthusiastic boys, while a group of teenage girls are relaxing in the foam pit. The parents who are accompanying their children don’t seem to mind too much either – some are sipping coffee in the café, while others are showing off their seat-dropping skills.

All too soon, it’s time to set my feet back on solid ground…but not before one last attempt on the basketball nets. I think I’ve definitely improved, but the nine year old next to me doesn’t seem so sure…

square, taking care not to knock any children over as I bounce, but within a minute or so I’m fully immersed in the Jump In experience, and am leaping across the room without a care in the world.

Having mastered the trampoline pads, I move on to the back of the room where there are a whole host of other exciting activities to try. First stop is the basketball nets, which I don’t master quite so quickly.

I’m determined to score a shot, but apparently my hand-eye co-ordination hasn’t improved in 20 years either.

Eventually, after 15 minutes of trying, I score and put down the ball to let others have a go.

By this point, I’m nicely warm, and my fitness tracker confirms that not only have I beaten my step goal for the day, but I’m also in the ‘cardio zone’ – in other words, all this bouncing is giving me a proper workout, and unlike my usual gym classes, I haven’t clock-watched once. In fact, I haven’t thought about what to cook, my workload, or the pile of ironing at home whereas I usually spend spin classes dreaming about dinner.

Next, it’s time to try the trapeze. I watch

a line of children each grabbing hold of a rope and swinging through the air before landing neatly on the giant air bag below.

As my turn arrives, I grab the handle, fling myself off the ledge and land in an ungraceful heap. Tarzan, I am not, but this is fun, and I run straight back up the stairs to have another go.

All around there are people

Jump In Unit 2, Morley Road Tonbridge, TN9 1RA 0845 8386 214 www.gojumpin.com

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BUSINESS

Economy

MONEY MATTERS T H E L AT E S T U P D AT E S A N D A D V I C E F R O M T H E F I N A N C E A N D B U S I N E S S M A R K E T S

MARKET VALUE

Home-buyers can expect to pay an £87,000 premium for a property near one of Britain’s farmers’ markets, a website has found.

Zoopla valued properties near popular farmers’ markets at an average of £87,180, or 26%, more than typical prices in the wider county area.

Zoopla spokesman Lawrence Hall says: “Whilst the majority of home-movers do not specifically factor in proximity to a farmers’ market as core to their property search criteria, the data shows the positive impact living near one can have on property prices.”

POUND DOWN

Since the original £1 coin was first minted in 1983, inflation has wiped away two-

thirds of its value in real terms, according to analysis by M&G Investments.

It found that, when the eroding impact of inflation is taken into account, a £1 coin left sitting in a piggy bank since 1983 would be worth just 32p now.

If the quid had instead been put in a cash savings account in 1983, it would be worth around £1.33 today in real terms, according to the calculations.

And if it had been invested in stocks and shares, its real value could now be around £11.66.

NO GAIN

Two-thirds of savings accounts offering an introductory bonus rate pay less than 0.25% when the initial deal ends, according to a website.

Moneyfacts found 68% of the bonus savings accounts on the market will pay less than the Bank of England base rate of 0.25% once the bonus period has expired.

It warned that when the initial bonus rate ends, “the rate could end up paying next to nothing in some cases”.

LOCAL EARNINGS

Rising house prices mean homes have typically ‘earned’ more than their owners in nearly a third of local areas across the UK over the last two years, a report from Halifax has found.

Average house prices have increased by more than average employees’ net earnings in 31% of local authority districts over the two-year period, according to the research.

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CAR OF 2017

S IS FOR SUPER Jack Evans on why the new Lamborghini Aventador S is the superstar super car WHAT’S NEW? The original Aventador was launched in 2011, and so it’s high time that it received some attention to bring it up to date – which brings us to this, the Aventador S. The original car was one of the most successful models ever made by the Italian supercar maker, so the new 730bhp Aventador S has a huge amount of weight upon its shoulders.

However, it’s now armed with four-wheel steering, as well as uprated software, which should make it even sharper to drive than the previous generation. It also gains ‘Ego’ mode, which gives the ability to split the separate driving modes to suit the individual and makes it easier to set up the car just as you’d like it.

LOOKS AND IMAGE Here’s where a Lamborghini really needs to succeed, and thankfully the Aventador S doesn’t disappoint. Its new look,

upgraded for 2017, looks impressive in the flesh. It’s close to the original – there’s no doubt about that – but it’s the subtle differences that really make it stand out.

The front end, for instance, now has additional inlets, or ‘teeth’, as Lamborghini calls them. At the side, the air intakes have been cleaned up and the overall impression is of a simpler, more purposeful vehicle. The iconic scissor doors remain, which means that wherever you pull up, you’re sure to make an entrance.

SPACE AND PRACTICALITY As a two-seater, £270,000 supercar, the Aventador doesn’t offer too much in terms of practicality. You do, however, get a small boot in the front of the car, which is just about large enough for a soft weekend bag. If you’re looking to transport a lot of items, you may have to look elsewhere. There’s a bit of space behind the seats, but

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MOTORS

this is suited to only two jackets or a small bag. The golf clubs will have to stay at home, unfortunately.

BEHIND THE WHEEL Rejoice, as the Aventador S retains that original car’s iconic 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12. It puts out a staggering 730bhp – 40bhp more than before – as well as 690Nm of torque. This is sent to the road through all four wheels via a single-clutch automatic gearbox. It’ll reach 60mph in just 2.7 seconds, and continue ferociously accelerating until it hits a top speed of 217mph.

The biggest change comes in the form of four-wheel steering, which aims to improve handling and stability at high speed, as well as making the car easier to drive at lower speeds. It has the ability to virtually shorten the wheelbase by 500mm for low speed movements, or increase it by 700mm for better stability.

The first Aventador was somewhat of a brute, with very little finesse in terms of handling or dynamics. The same cannot be said for the S, which now demonstrates a delicacy to its handling. In truth, our testing conditions weren’t perfect – the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia being used had been sodden by unseasonably wet Spanish weather, but it still allowed the Aventador S to showcase just how far it had come.

Now able to send up to 90% of its drive to the rear wheels, the Aventador S feels far more adjustable than before. Go too hard into a corner and it will naturally push into understeer, but plant the throttle and it’ll quickly match that with far more oversteer than you might expect. There’s actually a fair amount of feel translated from the road through the steering wheel too, which makes placing the car – and given its size it takes a lot of placing – a little bit easier.

The performance afforded by that incredible V12 is addictive.

In all-out Corsa mode it is truly brutal, with each gearshift intensifying the fury. It revs out insatiably, and continues pulling throughout the range. However, rather than being matched with rather blunt steering as found in the original Aventador, that fury is now applied in a far more composed way. More direct, it’s a car that feels keen and eager to attack corners just as hard as the straights.

The Aventador S’ ride is also something special. It’s firm, there’s no doubt about that, but it remains composed. Out on the road it has a tendency to crash through larger potholes and bumps, but this is to be expected of an out-and-out supercar.

One point of contention is that gearbox. When pushing on, it makes complete sense, with crisp up and downshifts completing the racing package. However, around town it’s simply too jerky – and when compared with modern dual-clutch units it feels a touch outdated.

VALUE FOR MONEY At more than £270,000, the Aventador S is not what you’d call cheap. However, for that money you get a mechanical masterpiece in that V12 engine. You also get a hugely impressive design, which stands out in the presence of almost any other car.

That price tag also brings you a part of history. Flagship Lamborghini cars aren’t released often, and though this is based on the original Aventador, this latest car is just another part of that iconic story.

WHO WOULD BUY ONE? The Aventador S is ideal for someone who wants to stand out from the crowd. Not only that, but it’s for people looking for supreme performance, high levels of craftsmanship and a serious attention to detail.

It’s a truly impressive package, and one that is hard not to fall for.

There are foibles to find - the gearbox, for instance, might become annoying in day-to-day usage – but the overall impression is of a car that has been refined and given a well-needed level of finesse.

FACTS AT A GLANCE MODEL: Lamborghini Aventador S ENGINE: 6.5-litre V12 (730bhp, 690Nm) TRANSMISSION: Seven-speed automatic PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph in 2.7 seconds, 217mph top speed ECONOMY: 16.7mpg EMISSIONS: 394g/km

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A5 ARRIVAL The stunning new Audi A5 is now available in Tunbridge Wells, and it’s ready for you to experience for yourselves…

T

here’s been a real sense of anticipation around Tunbridge Wells Audi in the recent weeks, and it’s all down to the long awaited arrival of the all-new Audi A5. This latest edition has certainly raised excitement levels for local drivers, and indeed the standard for its so called rivals.

Make no mistake when you sit behind the wheel, as the Audi A5 is an altogether very different beast, with an impressive selection of engines that lead the pack with both performance and efficiency. The all-important stats are pretty compelling; on average fuel economy has improved by 22 per cent

with power rising by 17 per cent.

Plus, Audi have even managed to significantly reduce emissions, ensuring that the new A5 is as easy on your pocket as it is on the eye.

The new A5 is available with two petrol engines – a 187hp 2.0-litre unit and a sporty 349hp 3.0-litre V6 in S5 trim.

Audi interiors rarely fail to top their respective classes, and the new A5 is no exception. A blend of leather upholstery, aluminium trim pieces and excellent build-quality, ensures the model’s cabin is a luxurious place to spend time.

The highest levels of equipment are maintained across the evolutions of the Audi A5 and S5. So, whether you choose the sculpted Coupé, open-top Cabriolet or 5-seater Sportback, you’ll benefit from features such as cruise control, Sat Nav and the extremely user friendly Audi Smartphone Interface as standard across all models. And with innovative options like Audi Virtual Cockpit and Matrix LED headlights, the new A5 really does feel that it has been crafted around you.

When it comes to value for money, the Audi A5 S line will take some beating. Designed with the most driving-focused owners in mind, the S line specification includes an upgrade to larger 18” alloy wheels, and visual enhancements courtesy of bespoke S line exterior styling. It further stands

out on the road with LED headlights, incorporating LED daytime-running lights and LED rear lights, with dynamic rear indicators. Front Sport seats upholstered in a combination of Alcantara and leather help to set the tone inside, and Sport suspension does the same for the driving experience.

Additionally, with some alluring finance options currently being offered by Tunbridge Wells Audi, the A5 S line is a choice that appeals to both head and heart.

We know you’d love to test drive an impressive all-new Audi A5 model, but we are also keenly aware of the traffic issues, especially on North Farm due to the roadworks. The solution? We can arrange your test drive at home, work or if you’d prefer, here at our Audi Centre – the choice is yours.

To find out more about the all-new Audi A5 and to book a test drive, contact Tunbridge Wells Audi today on 01892 620 960.

You can also email sales@tunbridgewells-audi.co.uk or visit us online at www.tunbridgewells-audi.co.uk.

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VALUE FOR MONEY

CAR OF 2017

BMW M760LI XDRIVE WHAT’S NEW? Those of you hoping this was BMW’s M7 need to look away now. Although this may be the fastest BMW the German firm has ever made, if you’re after a fire-breathing, full-blooded M car, the M760Li will leave you a little disappointed. You see, it may have that fabled tri-colour badge on its boot, but this isn’t cut from the same cloth as an M2, M3 or M4.

BMW says that’s because this is a car for buyers with a somewhat split personality.

One moment they may be keen on a country road assault so they can enjoy the glorious V12, the next they might want to kick back and relax in the massaging seats and just cruise along.

LOOKS AND IMAGE The 7 Series has long been a luxury choice for the type of buyer who still enjoys driving, though – and the M760Li is the epitome of that. With several driving modes to choose from, sporty drivers are well catered for as throttle response is quickened, gear

changes are swifter and the whole car feels more taut and agile in bends when its sport setting is active. Flick back to the comfort setting and it’s a different story – mellower, more relaxed, it eases over bumps and floats along beautifully.

Inside, it’s a wonderful place to spend time. Buyers in the UK will predominantly drive themselves, but for those that do get chauffeured around, the back seats are arguably more comfortable than up front. There’s multimedia screens to enjoy, cushioned headrests and massaging, reclining backs.

SPACE AND PRACTICALITY The 7 Series does feel a little smaller in the rear than rivals from Mercedes and Audi, though. Up front the driving position is a little cosseting too, with controls wrapped around you, but it’s easy to get settled and comfortable.

BEHIND THE WHEEL The BMW is a true Jekyll and Hyde car with distinct personalities behind the wheel. We tried the M760Li on the track

first. Although the long sweeping bends and snooker-table-smooth surfaces weren’t going to show off the car in anything other than the best light, it was incredibly swift for such a lump.

That V12 makes a pleasing sound, and while there may be some body roll, it’s not too intrusive and, for a car of this size, is actually rather impressive in the way it’s kept under control.

It’s all helped by four-wheel drive that has a rear-wheel-drive bias when it’s needed. The steering is a little light in the comfort setting, though, especially for track work, but flick it into sport and it’s far better.

At £132,310, you’d expect to get some goodies thrown in, and fortunately you do. Lightweight 20-inch alloys, a Bowers & Wilkins sound system and Car Play are included, as is an Advanced Parking system, adaptive LED headlights, a head-up display, and massaging seats.

There’s even rear-seat entertainment and a panoramic glass sunroof thrown in too. How very generous. Naturally, there’s an extensive options list.

Executive lounge seating to make rear passengers even more comfortable, night vision and BMW laser headlights are just a few of those you can tick.

WHO WOULD BUY ONE? With a mighty price tag, and plenty of very capable engine options to choose from in the 7 Series already, the M760Li isn’t going to be the biggest seller in the range. BMW estimates that just 100 a year will find homes in the UK. What do those buyers look like? Well, as you’d expect, they’re successful business people who like to drive themselves, usually over the age of 45.

FACTS AT A GLANCE MODEL: BMW M760Li xDrive ENGINE: 6.6-litre, twin turbo V12 TRANSMISSION: DCT automatic PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph in 3.6 seconds, 155mph top speed ECONOMY: 22.1mpg EMISSIONS: 294g/km

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although there is a fair amount of road noise at higher speeds. With park distance control as standard on all Countryman models, it’s an easy vehicle to manoeuvre too.

CAR OF 2017

VALUE FOR MONEY

MINI COUNTRYMAN 2017 WHAT’S NEW? Despite looking similar to its predecessor, the 2017 Mini Countryman is an all-new vehicle. It’s based on the BMW ‘UKL’ platform underpinning the BMW X1 and 2 Series Active Tourer, which Mini already uses on its newestgeneration Clubman estate.

This does mean that the Countryman is dramatically larger than its predecessor, packing in an extra 20cm of length – 7.5cm of it between the wheels – and 3cm of width. It’s a significant increase, because it moves the Countryman up into the C-segment, which is the broadest and most competitive market sector in the UK.

LOOKS AND IMAGE There are very few badges with as long a history and as broad an appeal as Mini, and if there’s one brand that attracts people from all walks of life evenly, this is it.

A significant part of that appeal is the way the cars drive – which Mini somewhat chintzily refers to as ‘maximum go-kart feel’ – and despite the fact the Countryman is the largest Mini ever, it seems to translate pretty well to the big

crossover. The chunky steering wheel offers a precise and well-controlled action and the size of the car means that some of the fidgety nature of the smaller hatches is removed.

On the Cooper S model we tested, the interior was a pretty high-quality environment, with backlit surfaces, leather upholstery and suede on the door panels. Mini is aiming for a luxury feel to what is ultimately its flagship vehicle.

SPACE AND PRACTICALITY The extra length in the wheelbase liberates a huge amount of interior room and, as such, the Countryman is now no less practical than any other C-segment vehicle, whether hatchback or crossover, making it an ideal family car.

Wherever you look, there’s more space, with significantly more legroom in the rear and more than 100 litres of additional load space in the boot too, which can be improved further by sliding the rear seats forwards. Any middle-seat passengers in the rear will be grateful for the car’s extra width too. The rear doors in particular are much larger for easier access and a hands-free boot opening operation is available.

BEHIND THE WHEEL Our test car was equipped with the 192bhp, 2.0-litre petrol engine. Fitted with the eight-speed Steptronic automatic and All4 four-wheel drive, this propels the Countryman to 60mph in seven seconds.

The Countryman proves a good steer on country roads, whatever the drive mode selected. While undeniably a much larger car than before, it doesn’t feel like a particularly big vehicle when you get it on enjoyable roads.

The steering is well weighted and reasonably communicative, and without the fidgeting of the smaller models, it’s not as tiring to drive either.

It’s also pretty solid on the motorway,

The starting price for the Countryman is a reasonable £22,465.

All cars come with Mini Connected infotainment, satellite navigation as well as Mini Visual Boost Radio with a 6.5-inch colour display and Bluetooth connectivity.

WHO WOULD BUY ONE? The Countryman is very much a car for someone who’s sold on the whole idea of Minis, but needs the space for all the trappings of modern family life.

Mini’s Countryman is bigger than before and that puts it into some hard-fought territory, but it’s a talented car that has enough appeal to pull it off. It’s enough fun to drive to deserve being part of the Mini range, but adds some more genuine family-friendly abilities than its predecessor thanks to the new, larger platform.

FACTS AT A GLANCE MODEL: Mini Countryman Cooper S All4 Auto ENGINE: 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol (192bhp, 280Nm) TRANSMISSION: Eight-speed automatic PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph in 7.0 seconds, 138mph top speed ECONOMY: 44.1mpg

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MIX IT UP Gabrielle Fagan discovers why when it comes to adorning your home, it’s in with the old and the new

H

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ave you ever longed to follow your heart in your home and create a space that truly reflects your taste?

If so, there’s a fresh, new decor cocktail, which allows you to mix individual old and new ingredients, and could be just the ticket for shaking up rooms.

“I love that modern vintage look that doesn’t come from a catalogue. Without a little

vintage, sleek modern interiors can seem soulless. And without a modern context, vintage pieces seem fusty and staid. Yet when they come together for this style, interiors become completely fresh,” enthuses interiors stylist Emily Chalmers.

Her new book, Modern Vintage Style, opens the door to homes where owners have embraced this approach, to create inspiring

fun, quirky and personality-filled settings.

It’s guaranteed to appeal to those bored with the bland, who don’t want to slavishly follow trends and prefer to march to their own decor tune. As Chalmers promises: “There are no style diktats, no ‘this must go with that’ rules. This approach is all about trusting your instincts and taste, and using your imagination to seek out the right items for your own personal blend of contemporary and modern.”

Even better, the style won’t break your budget, as many vintage pieces cost next to nothing and can be found in flea markets, jumble sales, car boot sales, second-hand shops or church fairs. “When you find them, it’s like winning the style lottery,” says Chalmers.

“It also feels so right for now, tapping into the zeitgeist for reusing, recycling and repurposing. More than ever, we’re conscious that instead of constantly buying new things, we must look after and recycle the old. The bonus is those pieces of yesteryear are made with care and craftsmanship.”

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WORK THE LOOK “Nothing has to match because your own taste will bind everything together. Discard all the ‘rules’ except one – contrast,” advises the stylist and author, who has six previous books under her belt.

“When you choose a modern piece, think vintage, and whenever you’re going too traditional, it’s time to inject a touch of the contemporary. That way, you’ll strike a balance and introduce wit, flair and personality into your home.”

Contrast your decorating style with your furniture to promote that old-and-new atmosphere, she says, so distressed ragrolled walls could be the perfect foil for streamlined modern furniture, or juxtapose sixties graphic wallpaper with pieces such as antique wooden chests.

“The homes I visited for the book have been a labour of love. The owners have let their interiors unfold around their passions, embracing the kitsch, the quirky and the eccentric to conjure unique and unforgettable spaces.”

GET THE MODERN VINTAGE LOOK Follow Chalmers’ tips for creating your own old-meets-new interiors: Cabinet clever: Source old-fashioned cabinets from local salvage or junkyards, or give existing modern cabinets a twist by decorating doors with antique tiles or vintage wallpaper and adding glass or china handles.

Alternatively, remove cupboard doors altogether for an open retro look and dress with chintz fabric curtains to conceal contents.

Furniture fixes: Pieces which share a design ethic can help bring visual harmony; mid-century modern connects well with minimalist Japanese, while modern country furniture sits well with antiques. A sixties graphic throw, a piece of old lace, or a crocheted blanket can give a modern high street sofa an injection of vintage.

Sleeping style: Scour second-hand shops for hand-woven linens, hand-stitched quilts or old paisley duvets for a bed dressed vintage style. Use empty barrels, ornate chairs, small drawer units or a collection of

old suitcases as quirky bedside tables.

Ring the changes: If you like a piece but it’s not quite right, consider ‘style surgery’.

Replace a fusty floral seat cover with one in a bold colour or a striking pattern. An item with chipped paint, worn corners or in an outdated finish can be quickly reinvented with a coat of brightly coloured paint.

Let it breathe: If you find a vintage roll-top desk, an old sewing machine or an exquisite Chinese wardrobe or another treasure, let those pieces stand alone and enjoy the limelight, rather than cluttering them with accessories. They’ll be particularly eyecatching placed in formerly redundant corners, like stair landings or hallways.

Fabric-wise: Retro-istas in the know refer to ‘vintage’ as the period between 1920 and 1980, while post-1980 fabrics are deemed modern. Old beads, pom poms, ribbons or sequins sewn onto favourite cushions or curtains will add flair to modern fabrics.

Vintage quilts, particularly old hand-sewn crib quilts, make stunning wall art or curtains.

Paint the past: Reflect an era in wall colour. The fifties were all about soft pastels (such as baby pink, apple green, sky blue); the sixties went psychedelic (hot pink, deep turquoise, dark purple); and the seventies became all warm and neutral (olive green, burnt orange and fresh mustard). A classic pairing, like white and blue, is timeless, while monochrome evokes a mid-century yet modern look.

Pay and display: Indulge a passion for collecting whatever takes your fancy, from kitsch creatures to zany toys and hip art, and make a display of finds.

Modern Vintage Style by Emily Chalmers and Ali Hanan, photography by Debi Treloar, is published by Ryland Peters & Small, priced £19.99 SO Magazine / APRIL 2017 / 147

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ADVERTORIAL 7 INTRODUCTION 7

CRAFTING

Success

Jack Brunsdon & Son celebrate a successful first year in Tunbridge Wells

Jack Brunsdon was a master craftsman with a passion for making things from wood. He turned his hand to many varied forms of joinery, including deck chairs, toboggans and even the rear timber body work of the Morris Traveller estate motor car before finally settling on the crafting of high quality windows and doors. His exacting legacy continues today.

A PROUD REPUTATION Established in 1964, Jack Brunsdon & Son prides itself on its beautiful hand-made, bespoke windows and doors, which have been lovingly designed to enhance the architectural integrity and value of any home. The Jack Brunsdon & Son reputation is founded on three core values – heritage, craftsmanship and quality. It’s a proud reputation which the firm has built on over the past five decades. And it offers a 10-year workmanship guarantee on every installation of handcrafted windows and doors as well as further market-leading guarantees on everything, from paint to hardware and ironmongery.

BESPOKE The company’s remarkable range of artisan-crafted wooden windows, produced using only the finest materials and finishes, caters for every character and

style of property. There are intelligent solutions for just about any configuration and size of door or window.

Innovative hinges that can support significant weight means that large heavy sashes are no longer a problem.

Jack Brunsdon & Son has clever designs that optimise the amount of light that enters the room, along with a high range of styles, patterns and colours to choose from.

Common throughout the range is the attention to detail, with slender rails and slim glazing bars and an extensive range of ironmongery and glazing.

The collection of bespoke wooden doors, crafted in hardwood, softwood or traditional oak, can be finished in virtually any colour possible, including matching paint shades from Farrow & Ball. Options include front doors, French doors, stable doors, bi-fold doors and patio doors.

THE ‘JACK BRUNSDON WAY’

HAVE YOU MET

Denise?

Denise is based in our Tunbridge Wells showroom and has a penchant for style and design and is passionate about preserving the charm of local buildings. Denise loves nothing more than helping customers restore the beauty of their property by updating their windows and doors. Making a change can be a daunting prospect, however Denise is here to talk you through the options and make sure you are complementing the style and character of your property.

“Our first year on The Pantiles has been fabulous, we have met lots of people who appreciate well crafted, quality wooden doors and windows. I spend my days discussing exciting projects from designing new doorways to a complete replacement of doors, windows, French doors and bifolds. The Coffee machine is always on, so you’re welcome to pop in for a chat.

DENISE

The firm is passionate about doing a great job, providing its customers with a personal and bespoke service. The highly skilled installers, many of which have worked for the business for over 10 years, take immense pride in their work, adhering to a consistent set of carefully monitored and controlled procedures. Dubbed the ‘Jack Brunsdon way’, it’s a modus operandi for every part of the process from the moment they arrive to the time they leave a customer’s home.

For further information please visit www.jackbrunsdon.co.uk

★ ★ ★ PROMOTION ★ ★ ★

Spectacular Spring 20% off will be available in the showroom from the 13th April – 31st May Address: Jack Brundson & Son 25 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells TN2 5TD Phone: 01892 280 112 Open Tuesday – Saturday 9am – 5pm SO Magazine / APRIL 2017 / 149

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INTERIORS

It’s a Corker L I K E A L L T H I N G S 7 0 S , C O R K I S M A K I N G A C O M E B A C K . F R O M I T S G R E AT T E X T U R E T O I T S E A R T H Y T O N E S , C O R K H A S S O M A N Y Q UA L I T I E S T H AT T O U C H O N W H AT ’ S H O T R I G H T N O W

NEDGIS

Transparent suspension cork, £131.01 www.nedgis.com

FURNISH

Tripod cork floor lamp, £195 www.furnish.co.uk

CROWDYHOUSE

Flora small low table, £588 www.crowdyhouse.com

LIME LACE

Cosmos wallpaper - Zaniah collection by Today Interiors, £274 www.limelace.co.uk

GO MODERN FURNITURE

Mogg king and queen cork stools, £390 www.gomodern.co.uk

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

Spring STYLES LOCAL BATHROOM SPECIALISTS DISCUSS THE LATEST TRENDS FOR THE SEASON AHEAD The Niederbronn, painted white (taps not included) from £7,200

METALLICS & NATURAL MATERIALS Following the recent trend of transforming your bathroom into a spa-like oasis, we’re seeing natural materials such as wood and stone becoming more popular alongside bath styles such as The Neiderbronn (pictured above). Offering a wider and deeper soak than most free standing baths, the priority in bathroom design is to ensure plenty of space to wallow and relax. Metallics are being favoured, to convey a sense of luxury and spa-like feel. At Catchpole & Rye we’re experiencing a lot of interest in our copper, nickel and brass baths – the sheen looks dramatic and reflects light, making it a luxurious main feature. www.catchpoleandrye.com 156 \ APRIL 2017 \ SO Magazine

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

SLEEK QUARTZ

WASHSTANDS

Long gone are the floor to ceiling tiled walls of bathrooms in the past. Today’s customers are focused on the styling and look of the room with featured wall coverings and stylish contemporary furniture, with either a classic or modern twist. For Granite Transformations the Carrara slabs of quartz provides a sleek grout free solution applied directly over existing wall tiles or featured on shower walls. Light and bright seems the way forward and we have a whole host of quartz and glass based colours for your very own bespoke look.

HEXAGONAL TILES

www.granitetransformations.co.uk

At Neptune in Tonbridge, we are known for our beautiful kitchens and furniture, but we also have bathroom washstands, designed to be the focal feature of the room whilst helping to create an organised and relaxing space. Our handpainted Chichester Washstands look stunning and give an opulent feel to any space, with a choice of oak or marble top and practical storage. The recently launched Edinburgh washstand in vintage oak has rustic character, and is topped with honed marble and an undermounted basin. To help complete your room, and hopefully create a little bit of spa-like luxury, we can also provide a range of wall tiles and flooring options, paint, mirrors, bathroom wall cabinets and accessories.

Tiles are a truly personal style statement, they reflect your own personality and radiate the feel of your home. What could be more eye-catching than these fabulous tiles from Original Style? We just love the way these beautiful on-trend hexagon tiles have been creatively staggered across the wall to create a truly unique tiled wall. So why not pop down to our stunning showroom in Tunbridge Wells and come and enjoy a cup of coffee with us? Our professional approach will ensure that you will leave with your design aspirations realised and a truly stunning tiled home.

The International Tile Store, The Warehouse, Tunnel Rd, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2BT

Neptune Tonbridge, Unit 1-2 Tannery Road,

01892 514 004

Tonbridge, TN9 1RF 01732 351 866

tunbridgewells@tilematesgroup.com

info@neptunetonbridge.com

www.tilematesgroup.com

BATHROOM TECHNOLOGY The home bathroom is experiencing a revolution, and it’s never been more present than in 2017. You can expect to see advanced technology being integrated into sleek and modern designs. This new trend is particularly evident in the new Veil toilet. With balanced curved and ultra-responsive controls, the Veil really does stand out against its competitors – the perfect marriage of technology and art.

As proven by human body engineering experiments, a French curve WC seat can effectively eliminate pressure points to enhance seat comfort. With a powerful flush, hygiene wand and a multitude of built-in features, the Veil is leading the way in bathroom technology.

Towns Bathrooms, Unit 4 Orchard Business Centre, Sanderson Way, Tonbridge, TN9 1QG 01732 350 911 showroom@townsbathrooms.co.uk www.townsmerchant.co.uk

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ADVERTORIAL

BEAUTY IN BESPOKE CONSIDERING A CUSTOM MADE KITCHEN? RENCRAF T HAS THE ANSWER

A

new kitchen is a major investment, so it is important the design you choose appeals to your personality and your space – both practically and visually – and that it also increases the value of your home. A handmade solid wood kitchen will ensure individuality and durability that’s well worth the investment.

Irregularly sized rooms, problematic structural supports or unusually placed doors or windows will often limit your options.

Going bespoke will ensure your kitchen has a flawless fit. John Stephens, Director at Rencraft says: “The care and attention to detail we put in to every design can’t be recreated in a factory production line.

Here every cabinet is built by hand, every solid-wood cutlery insert is made to order and every larder cupboard is kitted out in a way that is personal to you. If you’re having a kitchen made by us you can even come and see it as a work in progress – from the planks of wood arriving, to the doors being sanded by hand. We take care of every single step of the process to ensure you get a kitchen that is absolutely right for you.”

A truly tailored design will also be personalised to your needs. If you like to entertain, you may prefer a design that can

function as a family kitchen in the day, yet transform into the perfect venue for hosting in the evenings. If you are always misplacing a particular pan or dish, customised storage that dictates where each item lives will revolutionise the way you cook.

A custom-made kitchen will give you the chance to create a distinctive, unique and exclusive look.

Many kitchens have pockets of space which are otherwise empty, a bespoke kitchen company can ensure that these areas are fully utilized with neat storage solutions.

When thinking of bespoke always consider if you have any specifically difficult areas that may prove tricky. With this particular client (pictured below) one of the crucial aspects of planning this kitchen was the AGA, which needed to remain where it was. However, being a bright shade of red, it wasn’t in keeping with the look the client wanted to achieve.

Our team managed to change the facial without undertaking any costly repairs or replacements. It was then a case of using the revamped AGA as a focal point and making sure the rest of the design worked around it.

With this in mind, we aligned the island and the pendant lighting with the AGA and then installed traditional cabinetry around it. www.rencraft.co.uk

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PROPERTY

HOME front Even though we are only just beginning to see the benefits of the first few signs of spring, it may be advantageous to keep looking forward to those warmer months, as now has never been better to start thinking about your new home in the summer sun. Our selection of spectacular properties this month incorporate the best of outdoor living with glorious landscaped grounds, areas perfect for open-air dining and entertainment, beautiful balconies and light-filled interiors that bring the outside in. They’re ideal for making the most of the weather with your family, pottering amongst the plants and enjoying your own slice of Eden.

Whether it be taking a stroll over Japanese style bridges, trying out your green thumb amongst the seasonal shrubs, or cooling off by your beautiful decked jetty in the heat, this month’s pick of gorgeous Wealden homes is sure to have you making the most of this summer and many more to come…

CONTEMPORARY EXCELLENCE

A luxuriously-appointed and well-equipped detached house, with gardens and grounds of just over 40 acres.

Price: £5,000,000

COUNTRY CLASS

In an elevated position, a handsome early twentieth century house resides in around 4.87 acres in the marvellous location of Crowborough.

Price: £1,835,000

OPULENT OAST

A substantial, architecturally designed oast house in a wonderful position in Horsmonden, falling within the highly desired Cranbrook School catchment area.

Price: £1,900,000 SO Magazine / APRIL 2017 / 165

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PROPERTY

CONTEMPORARY EXCELLENCE A luxuriously-appointed with gardens and grounds of just over 40 acres in Crowborough

M

oor Court is a most impressive bespoke contemporary property with views to Ashdown Forest. Completed in 2014 in the vernacular style, the house has been designed to a meticulous specification, creating an exceptional family house with outstanding leisure and entertainment facilities.

Off from the triple-height entrance hall, an informal sitting room is situated with access to the terrace and doors through to a dining room, currently arranged as a snooker room, with a delightful outlook to the front. Following through from the sitting room is a stunning kitchen/breakfast room with a vaulted ceiling and incorporating bifold

doors to a Southwest-facing terrace.

Also on the ground floor, a drawing room with a stone fireplace, granite slips and hearth can be found. From this room, bifold doors lead out to the garden terrace, framing wonderful views to the lake and woodland beyond.

To the first floor, a palatial master bedroom suite sits with an uninterrupted view over the garden to the Ashdown Forest. The room includes a fully fitted dressing room, and an en suite bathroom with walk in rainfall shower, freestanding slipper bath and ‘his and hers’ W.C.s, and a private roof terrace which can be accessed via French doors from the bedroom.

Two further en suite double bedrooms occupy the first floor, and completing the

principal accommodation, on the second floor you’ll find a guest bedroom suite with a double bedroom, a dressing room and a shower room and two additional en suite bedrooms, together with a laundry closet.

A staircase leads down from the kitchen to the lower ground floor leisure suite, which includes a swimming pool, spa pool, gym, sauna and steam room, changing facilities, a plant room and a stunning cinema room.

The attractive approach from the road is via a sweeping driveway through an avenue of neatly-clipped hornbeams and the property is set well within its own gardens which extend to about 3.58 acres. Overall there are around 40 acres of land including woodland and pasture.

For more details contact: Savills n 01892 507 000 n www.savills.com 170 \ APRIL 2017 \ SO Magazine

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PROPERTY

“Also on the ground floor, a drawing room with a stone fireplace, granite slips and hearth can be found. From this room, bifold doors lead out to the garden terrace, framing wonderful views to the lake and woodland beyond”

Property: Moor Court Location: Beacon Road, Crowborough Price: £5,000,000 Bedrooms: 6 Bathrooms: 4 Best Bits: The exceptional leisure suite including pool, gym and cinema room. n Just over 40 acres n Dining/snooker room n Galleried landing n Master bedroom suite with roof terrace n Swimming pool and spa pool n Gym n Sauna n Steam room n Cinema room n Plant room n Staff flat n Integral triple garage n 3.58 acres of landscaped gardens with lake n Timber barn SO Magazine / APRIL 2017 / 171

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PROPERTY

COUNTRY CLASS A handsome early twentieth century house set in 4.87 acres in Crowborough

W

ith superb, far-reaching views over the adjoining Sussex countryside and set in a semirural, yet convenient position, Sweethaws Grange is a handsome country house dating from approximately 1926.

There are three gracious reception rooms including an elegant drawing room with a carved wooden fireplace, tall windows and French doors. The sitting room has a dual aspect and fireplace with wood burning stove, whilst the dining room has a builtin china cupboard, fireplace and a second door connecting to the inner hall. The kitchen is comprehensively furnished, with a range of wall and floor cabinetry and a walk-in larder with slate shelving, and also has a four oven Aga.

The first floor is given over to four bedrooms and bedroom five/study which are served by two bathrooms – one of which is en suite to the master bedroom – and a shower room.

The second floor is accessed via a staircase and has two attic bedrooms, and two large walk-in storage rooms, which have the potential to convert to additional accommodation subject to any necessary planning regulations.

Detached from the main house is a delightful cottage which provides excellent ancillary accommodation and is well appointed to provide a reception room, shower room and kitchen on the ground floor with two bedrooms and a bathroom. Offering a private and

sheltered outdoor space is a terrace overlooking a stream and the woodland beyond.

Screened by hedging, the paddock extends to the south and has a kitchen garden, along with a former tennis lawn.

The woodland area is a marvellous natural environment and is separated from the gardens by a series of streams and ponds with small waterfalls and featuring two Japanese style bridges. The landscaped gardens are a feature of the property and have been designed to create year round colour.

Outbuildings include various log stores, a greenhouse, a double bay open barn style garage and a chalet style log cabin.

For more details contact: Hamptons n 01892 516 611 n www.hamptons.co.uk 176 \ APRIL 2017 \ SO Magazine

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PROPERTY

“The woodland area is a marvellous natural environment and is separated from the gardens by a series of streams and ponds with small waterfalls and featuring two Japanese style bridges”

Property: Sweethaws Grange Location: Sweethaws Lane, Crowborough Price: £1,835,000 Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 2 Best Bits: The wonderful elevated position with far reaching southerly views over gorgeous landscaped gardens. n Period property n Attic rooms n Views over the gardens n Period fireplaces n Wood burning stove n Four oven Aga n Study n Games/hobby rooms n Walk-in storage rooms n Detached cottage n Landscaped gardens n Paddock n Japanese style bridges n Outbuildings SO Magazine / APRIL 2017 / 177

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PROPERTY

OPULENT OAST A substantial, architecturally designed oast house in a wonderful position in Horsmonden

C

hurch Farm Oast (North & South) is a Grade II Listed property, converted in 1997-1998.

Designed to incorporate the stunning historical features of this large detached oast house, great care has been taken to marry the period elements with the contemporary, agricultural feel, using exposed steelwork, brickwork, timbers and modern open staircases and open loft ceilings.

The property comprises four large roundels with working cowls and is currently arranged as a main house and an annexe.

Approached from a quiet lane via a gated

entrance over a gravel driveway leading to a parking area and open car port, the property enjoys wonderful views over the gardens and surrounding countryside.

The garden is laid to lawn and surrounded by mature hedging and tree planting. There is a separate gated entrance on the south-west side of the plot giving individual access to Church Farm Oast South. Above the car port is a large timber terrace which wraps around the north / west side of the property.

The ground floor comprises of a kitchen, utility rooms, workshop, sitting room, two bedrooms – one with en suite

and a shower room.

Above this level sits another kitchen, day room, dining room, cloakroom, roundel mezzanine, two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a terrace.

The master bedroom is located on the second floor with the benefit of an en suite dressing room and shower room. Three further bedrooms, a sitting room and a roundel mezzanine complete this floor.

Church Farm Oast is located in a peaceful, small rural hamlet close to St Margaret’s Church. The nearby picturesque village of Horsmonden has a good range of local amenities.

For more details contact: Knight Frank n 01892 515 035 n www.Knightfrank.co.uk 182 \ APRIL 2017 \ SO Magazine

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PROPERTY

“Designed to incorporate the stunning historical features of this large detached oast house, great care has been taken to marry the period elements with the contemporary”

Property: Church Farm Oast Location: Horsmonden Price: £1,900,000 Bedrooms: 8 Bathrooms: 5 Best Bits: The beautifully attained marriage of historical period features with the contemporary elements of the conversion. n Grade II Listed n In the Cranbrook School catchment area n Architecturally designed n Gardens and grounds n Car port n Large timber terrace n Historical features n Open loft ceilings n Annexe n Gated entrance n Mature hedging and tree planting SO Magazine / APRIL 2017 / 183

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GARDENS

THE GREAT

OUTDOORS Our gardening expert Victoria Truman shares her advice for summer planting

N

ow spring is truly underway, the daffodils are over and the tulips are now at their best, thoughts turn to summer and the garden. As you look out upon your garden, does the nagging question of ‘where do I even begin’ sound familiar?

In my opinion, the first and foremost thing to do is to stand back for a moment, and simply enjoy the beauty that Mother Nature has given us.

Listen to the birds as they sing you a

spring melody – dream a little – and then put on the gardening gloves and head out to make your dream garden a reality! As you begin your quest for the perfect garden, don’t overdo it.

It’s probably been a few months since you gave those muscles and bones a good workout, so start out slowly and avoid that Monday morning backache. Going into May and summer beckons, bulbs fade and herbaceous borders grow in leaps and bounds, it is now clear that summer is approaching.

Sowing and planting out bedding can begin, depending on regional weather variations, and you can take softwood cuttings. It’s also time to get back into the lawn mowing regime, as the lawn will be loving the warmer temperatures this month brings.

• Feed bare soil between plants with general-purpose fertiliser and dose acidloving rhododendrons and camellias with sequestered iron. Blackberries, loganberries and blackcurrants need a high-nitrogen feed.

• Prune the flowered shoots of hydrangeas and winter jasmine.

• Sow peas, broad beans, brassicas, leeks, root veg, spinach, chicory, Swiss chard, salad and hardy herbs. Start tender veg and half-hardy annuals – cosmos, nicotiana, snapdragons – under cover.

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GARDENS 7 TIPS 7

Bomb-proof April blues Wild flower plant native bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) in the green now or as bulbs in autumn.

Bulb Grape hyacinth (Muscari armeniacum) thrives on neglect in all but soggy conditions. Can be invasive so choose the less rampant ‘Valerie Finnis’.

Climber Robust Clematis alpina ‘Frances Rivis’ copes with windy spots, blooming through May. Its seed heads are charmingly fluffy.

Ground-cover Vinca minor ‘La Grave’ is covered with larger-than-usual lavenderblue flowers until September. Less invasive than some periwinkles.

Shade-lover Clump-forming Brunnera macrophylla tolerates dry soil once established. Silvery-leaved ‘Jack Frost’ really brightens a dark spot.

• Plant Jerusalem artichokes and asparagus crowns. Container-grown evergreens establish best in the spring. Fill pots with glamorous summer-flowering bulbs.

• Pinch-out fuchsia, sweet peas and pelargoniums to encourage bushiness and heavier flowering.

• April is the month for planting summer flowering bulbs like Dahlias, Gladiolas and Lilies. Mix bulb fertilizer, processed manure and peat moss into the planting soil.

• When they have finished blooming, you should deadhead your spring flowering bulbs. Do not cut off the green foliage yet! These green leaves continue to grow for a few weeks, and provide the bulb with food for flowering next year.

• Mowing and lawn care has started with the warmer weather. Don’t scalp the lawn,

cut slightly higher for the next month.

• Watch out for late frosts. Protect tender plants.

• Earth up potatoes, and promptly plant any still remaining.

• Plant out summer bedding at the end of the month (except in cold areas).

• Water early and late to get the most out of your water, recycle water when possible.

• Regularly hoe off weeds.

• Open greenhouse vents and doors on warm days.

• Mow lawns weekly.

• Check for nesting birds before clipping hedges.

• Lift and divide overcrowded clumps of daffodils and other spring-flowering bulbs. www.victoriatruman.com SO Magazine / APRIL 2017 / 187

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GARDENS

GARDEN HOUSE DESIGN Renson Azore louvered canopy in warm black, £4,995

www.gardenhousedesign.co.uk

Alfresco Accessories GET OU TSIDE TH IS SPRING AND ENJOY THESE ELEGANT OU TDOOR DINING ESSENTIALS

OKA

Acanthus table, £2,585 www.oka.com

OKA

Orseno table set, £3,950 www.oka.com

CHIMNEA SHOP

Gardeco Oslo chimnea (black), £109.97 www.chimneashop.co.uk

GARDEN HOUSE DESIGN

LED product range, £150 www.gardenhousedesign.co.uk

LIGHTS4FUN

Clear Cap Festoon Lights, £25 www.lights4fun.co.uk SO Magazine / APRIL 2017 / 191

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