SO Tunbridge Wells July 09

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so Meet the Nobles of

Tunbridge Wells

WEDDING MAGAZINE FREE INSIDE

WILD BARBIES

COOKING THE ULTIMATE OUTDOOR FEAST

140

INSPIRING PAGES

MORE LOCAL CONTENT THAN ANY OTHER MAGAZINE

STYLE IN THE CITY

FLAIR FROM FASHION CAPITALS OF THE WORLD

£37 MILLION OF PRESTIGIOUS PROPERTY

JACK NICHOLSON £1.50

WHY HE LOVES WOMEN AND HATES INTERVIEWS

July 2OO9

FASHION PROPERTY ART & ANTIQUES MOTORING BEAUTY DINING INTERIORS

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Inside...

19 SO TELL US… What you think about events and happenings in your town.

26 LESSONS IN NOSTALGIA Why King Charles Old Boys wear bits of an oak tree.

28 GREAT PICK ME UP Pickering pals make it a a truly magical night.

31 GOOD LORD

53 PROPERTY PORTFOLIO £37 million of the very best that’s on the market.

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This Month you Should…

Take advantage of the season of free open air jazz events on The Pantiles.

We set out on the trail of the nobles who grace our town.

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July 2OO9

WE DELIVER MORE LOCAL CONTENT THAN ANY OTHER MAGAZINE TO KEEP YOU AMUSED, ENTERTAINED AND INFORMED DURING THE MONTH OF JULY. IT DOESN’T GET MUCH BETTER.

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62 MED LIVING LOCAL STYLE This converted farm house has that classic Mediterranean touch.

67 COUNTRY LIFE Harriet Louvelle is called in to help restore an 18th century local cottage.

75 THE CRAFTY COMEBACK TV’s ‘antique face’ James Braxton tells us what’s going on in the art world.

77 SO LOCAL CAMPAIGN New figures show why your town really does need your support.

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The day they made a sucker out of Bond star Daniel Craig.

From fine

Now the News

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CONTENTS

Cover image: Jack Nicholson courtesy of Celebrity Pictures

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Cover Story: Here’s Jack!

Why Jack Nicholson hates interviews and loves women: “There were days when I used to go to bed with four or more.”

79 WILD BARBIE Resident foodie Julian adopts an unusual approach to cooking a family feast.

85 MY FAVOURITE BOTTLE

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Fast Women The Ferrari girls help unveil the £140,000 Califonia dream

John Cullen takes us down his Beacon cellar – and introduces us to a couple of small producers.

87 TO THE MANOR BORN JK Bentley revisits one of the finest restaurants in the land and finds it’s still marvellous value.

91 LUNCHEON MEET PJ Fjord finds the ideal place for lunch when he pops in to the pub that serves tapas.

92 WORTH THE WEIGHT Italians show there’s more to their talents than pasta, pizza and wine.

97 MEET THE SMITHS The rise and rise of the interior design family dynasty.

138 PRINCE OF DARKNESS The day the Devil himself descended on our town.

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SO WEDDING SUPPLEMENT

THE SECOND IN OUR SERIES OF SO WEDDINGS SPECIALS – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PLANNING THE PERFECT BIG DAY.

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FROCK TILL YOU DROP How to choose your dream dress.

13 HAIR STYLE Unveiling the latest looks for wedding hair.

17 WHITER THAN WHITE One bride’s journey to a perfect smile.

21 WEDDING INSIDER The latest tips for unique nuptials.

25 DREAM THEMES Details to make yours a wedding to remember.

32 TIME TO FOCUS The experts share their picture perfect venues.

35 CUT OUT AND KEEP Ensure you have your contacts at the tip of your fingers.

The Gallery

From £600 to £12,000, a choice of fine art from local galleries.

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CLIVE CHRISTIAN

C L I V E C H R I S T I A N TUNBRIDGE WELLS, 7 LONDON ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT, TN1 1DG TELEPHONE: 01892 619 550

CLIVE.COM

Hello...

Over the last few decades the importance and perception of nobility appears to have diminished somewhat. Not surprising really when one can purchase a title over the internet for little more than the price of a first class train ticket to London.

However, there are still a handful of credible and authentic nobles who, through birth or otherwise, rightly deserve the titles they are given.

So, in this our biggest issue to date, we reveal with surprising and interesting results, the Lords, Ladies and aristocrats who grace TW and the surrounding countryside. It would seem our town’s Royal connections are not just limited to the Windsors.

Also in this issue, we publish the second of our essential guides to being a wedding Belle and discover why the illustrious career of Oscar winner and playboy actor Jack Nicholson is still shining.

In an effort to serve up a diverse, mouth-watering selection of food and wine, we check out the newest tapas bar in town, take a seat in the manor house restaurant awarded three rosettes by the AA, find out what’s in the cellar at The Beacon and have a good old fashioned family barbeque with a difference. That really is something to go wild about.

But just like a reliable bookmaker, we’ve not forgotten your firm favourites. The very best in fashion, interiors, property and cars are all runners within these 140 entertaining pages where the going is good.

Until next month then, please enjoy.

SoTW

info@sotunbridgewells.co.uk For full contact details see Page 12 J U LY 2 0 0 9

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3 Cumberland Walk, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1UJ Tel: 01892 616103 Fax: 01892 515495 www.sotunbridgewells.co.uk info@sotunbridgewells.co.uk Publishing Director Nick Moore nick.moore@sotunbridgewells.co.uk

Sales Director Sharon Lacey sharon.lacey@sotunbridgewells.co.uk

Editorial Director Richard Moore FRSA richard.moore@sotunbridgewells.co.uk

Art Director Lee Smith Designer Claire Hawkes Senior Writer Melissa Woodland melissa.woodland@sotunbridgewells.co.uk

Publishing Assistant Dan Smith dan.smith@sotunbridgewells.co.uk

Account Executive Felicity Evans felicity.evans@sotunbridgewells.co.uk

Contributors Valerie Thacker John Cullen Lisa De Garston Harriet Louvelle Jan Comley Julian Leefe-GrifďŹ ths JK Bentley Michelle Walton Fiona Fraser Published by The Magazine People Ltd. Designed by SCW Design & Publishing Ltd. www.scw.uk.com Printed by Headley Brothers Ltd. 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.

Subscribe to SoTW for just ÂŁ1 per issue!

For details visit www.sotunbridgewells.co.uk or call 01892 616103 www.magazinepeople.co.uk

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TUNBRIDGE WELLS

This Month you should…

Read…

Get away from it all and settle down with Kazuo Ishiguro’s new book Nocturnes: Five Stories of Music and Nightfall. The book explores themes of romance, music and the passing of time.

Comprising of a quintet of stories, the differing narratives whisk you from the sun-drenched piazzas of Italy, to the stunning Malvern Hills of the UK and Hollywood hotels.

The book is highly contemplative and warns of the loss of love and romance as the years progress.

Hardback available in bookshops from £25.

Book...

Last month in SoTW we saw that the people of Canterbury had voted to publish MPs expenses in the local media. Now it’s the turn of TW residents to vote as comedian and political activist Mark Thomas brings his show to Trinity Theatre on June 30th. It’s The Economy, Stupid features stand up and interviews with guests including journalists, academics and a few people who ‘do something in the City’. The show aims to explain the current financial situation and what we can do about it. Tickets £15 from 01892 678678.

Visit….

This July, Hever Castle celebrates the 500 year anniversary of Henry VIII accession to the throne. Join in the festivities with a weekend of royal revelry from the 18th to the 29th as the ‘Knights of Royal England’ descend upon Hever for the annual jousting tournament. Other attractions include archery and hog roasts, there’s also a costume competition for the best-dressed knight and princess and the odd mug of ale knocking about for grown ups.. Adults £12.00, Children £6.50, Family £30.50.

Tel: 01732 865224: www.hevercastle.co.uk

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THIS MONTH

SO

Rent...

See the performance that earned SoTW cover star, Kate Winslet, an Oscar as Hanna Schmitz in the sexually charged and heartbreaking drama The Reader. The complex and often uncomfortable tale seeks to understand human actions and emotions, set against the backdrop of post-holocaust Germany.

It’s a difficult but rewarding film based on an award-winning novel and shows Winslet giving the performance of a lifetime – a must see. Available from The Foyer: £3.50 a night, call 01892 548700.

Imbibe...

Introducing Westerham Beers – a brewery who pride themselves on producing good old fashioned beer, the good old fashioned way. They use hops grown in three locations around Kent to produce tens of speciality and seasonal ales. Particularly tasty is the Little Scotney Pale Ale, brewed using the National Trust’s hops grown locally at Scotney Castle. If that’s not in keeping with our So Local campaign (see p77), we don’t know what is! To buy online or find a stockist, visit westerhambrewery.co.uk.

Garden…

Make the most of the glorious weather and get your garden into shape. Before you pull on your tired and worn gardening gloves and pick up that battered old trug, pop down to Merriments Gardens in Hurst Green and get kitted out with the latest in gardening couture. We love the Burgon and Ball powder blue range. Prices start at £6.99 www.merriments.co.uk

Enjoy...

Take advantage of the season of free open air jazz events on The Pantiles.

Each show will see the very best jazz performers, playing an eclectic range of music, from classic jazz standards to Latin fusion. Wander along for a glass of wine after work or book a table at Woods and indulge in some alfresco dining. Concerts take place on Thursday nights until September 3.

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Treat...

Before you go out into the sun this month pop along to the ‘Prevention and Treatment of Sun Damage’ event at No6 Clinic on Chilston Road, TW on July 14. You’ll receive a pampering treatment, skin scanning and a goody bag. Tickets £15. Places are limited: 01892 506930

Listen...

The self-titled debut album from Gary Go is set to be the classic Summer album for 2009. It’s an unashamedly honest record, with outrageous pop hooks and a laid back appeal, perfect for lazy days on the beach or chilled-out BBQ accompaniment. Open Arms and Wonderful are stand-out tracks on this bitter-sweet instant classic. £8.99 from music shops.

Keep…

Imagine stepping outside your back door to collect fresh eggs for breakfast. Chickens that are easy to keep are becoming increasingly popular backyard companions (even the So team have pet hens). The starter pack from Broadfeed in Tunbridge Wells provides everything you need to begin keeping your own – a Chicken Lodge, food, feeder, drinker bedding and three little hens – for just £295. www.broadfeed.co.uk

Buy… 16

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The Victorinox Swiss Army Knife has been the staple outdoor tool for over 50 years, yet having constantly been incredibly functional (it is Swiss after all) it has always been a little dull… not anymore! This Bonfort incarnation of the Classic is coated in 18-carat gold and is studded with 72 diamonds. Oh, and it’s got the usual scissors, screwdrivertipped file and engraved blade. Handy, or what? From around £1,700. www.bonfort.com

1 WARWICK PARK, ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT TN2 5TA www.brewhousehotel.com 01892 520587

info@brewhousehotel.com

A new look and a new menu.

Come and try us at the new

LETTERS

SO

SO tell us...

YOUR LETTERS PAGE

SOTW WINNING LETTER OF THE MONTH:

Sir, We were told back in January that demolition would begin on the old Ritz/ABC Cinema site in the town centre early in the New Year. We’re now halfway through 2009 and I’ve seen no movement whatsoever. That part of town, from the council offices down the hill, is thoroughly depressing and with the recent train station

Sir, We couldn’t resist jumping on the bandwagon and sending a picture in of us on holiday in Cuba. We thought you might find it amusing that a magazine like yours (fashion, fast cars and good food) should find its way to one of the last standing Communist countries!

Ms P Crowborough Ed: Our comrades deserve nothing but the very best.

Sir, I am really enjoying your magazine. A sort of ‘Vogue’ version for Tunbridge Wells – and not a minute too soon.

Rosemary Judd (Tunbridge Wells)

If your letter is chosen by the Editor as the Letter of the Month, you’ll win £25 of M&S vouchers.

closure, old Tunbridge Wells looks to be in a bit of a sorry state and hardly likely to lift our spirits. What’s going on?

Jason Streeter (Via email) Ed: Wait ‘til they give us the date for completing all the work.

Sir, It was really nice to read your story about Kate Middleton and Prince William (June issue) possibly getting married in the not too distant future. What a lovely tonic that would be for all of us, a Royal wedding.

Just what we need.

Mrs Sylvia Penrose (Goudhurst) Ed: Here at SoTW we’ve already got the bunting out of the loft.

Sir, I have been following your recent letters about parking problems and thought Tunbridge Wells Council might follow the example set by Billericay in Essex. In February they made parking free at weekends and saw trade in local businesses increase by 10 per cent. How does Tunbridge Wells help traders during the recession? It goes the opposite way and gets rid of free parking on Sundays and Bank Holidays!

On which planet are they living?

Michael Roderick (Via email) Ed: The one with reserved parking spaces outside the town hall where they have recession proof jobs.

We accept Letters to the Editor by e-mail (info@sotunbridgewells.co.uk) or post (SoTW 3 Cumberland Walk, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1UJ). Letters must carry full names and contact details.

Letters may be edited for publication.

Ed: We do have such perceptive readers.

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Fashion Carpets 42 High Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1XF tel: 01892 528676

web: www.fashioncarpets.co.uk

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

SO

And now for

the news…

OUR MONTHLY ROUND UP OF STORIES, BOTH SERIOUS AND LIGHTHEARTED, MAKING THE LOCAL HEADLINES. Good News For:

TWIN TOWNS

Celebrations are underway to mark the 20th anniversay of the twinning charter signed between TW and the German town of Wiesbaden (above).

The friendship between our two towns reaches back to 1960 when paratroopers who fought each other during WWll arranged to meet. Representatives from Wiesbaden, including their Symphonic Brass Ensemble, attended the TW Mayor Making ceremony.

HOSPITAL PATIENTS

The overall standard of care at Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust has vastly improved, according to a patient survey. The Care Quality Commission’s annual inpatient survey for 2008 shows the trust has improved in virtually every category compared to 2007. More than 90% of patients questioned said the overall standard of care they received in hospital was either “good”, “very good” or “excellent”.

bad News For: THEATRE WORLD

NETWORK NEIGHBOURS

Residents in Warwick Park were left stunned and angry when hundreds of trees directly behind their homes were hacked away without warning. The thick screening of trees, which blocked the sight and noise of the railway line below, have been cleared by Network Rail. However, because of a rail company blunder, some people living nearby did not receive warning letters which should have invited them to a public meeting in March.

Network Rail says the clearance of the area is part of work to build a 300m siding between Grove Hill and Strawberry Hill tunnels near Farmcombe Road, which will allow trains to turn around. The £10.4m project will increase the capacity of trains from Tunbridge Wells.

This issue of SoTW pays respect to one of the town’s most colourfull characters and one of the UK’s best loved entertainers, Danny La Rue, who passed away as his home in Tunbridge Wells. Famous for his female impersonations and flamboyant costumes he appeared in countless pantos, on the West End stage and on television.

In 2002 he was awarded an OBE for raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for AIDS charities. He lived with his close friend and former costumier Annie Galbraith in Upper Grosvenor Road and died with her at his side following a short illness involving prostate cancer. As recently as November Danny La Rue was making appearances at local charity events.

A very fond farewell then to the ‘comic in a frock’, as he liked to be known.

BOND FANS

Daniel Craig , the James Bond star who featured on the cover of our Novembner issue, is ‘Britain’s Coolest Smoothie’, according to research commissioned

by Del Monte Superfruit Smoothies . The company has now produced a limited run of Daniel Craig replica lollies.

A team of artists worked tirelessly to recreate Daniel Craig’s iconic Bond scene in which he emerges from the sea. Del Monte spokesman Matt O’Connor said : “Daniel topped our poll of Britain’s coolest celebrities and thanks to our lolly replica he is officially immortalised as super smooth and licensed to chill.”

LOCAL UNEMPLOYMENT

Around 1,500 jobs could be created if a massive transformation of a Tunbridge Wells mansion into a luxury hotel goes ahead. The town would become the first in the south east to have an international five star hotel - a huge boost to local tourism. The mansion’s owner Hari Saraff believes it would “bring Tunbridge Wells into reckoning amongst the major tourist destinations of the world.” Mabledon - a Tudor revival country mansion off the A26 and pictured above - would undergo a vast extension to create a minimum of 250 rooms.

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SO SO

NGB ER IW DE G LE LW T U N BTRUI D SELLS

California Dreaming

Photos: Mark Turnbull

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little piece of America’s Golden state recently arrived in Kent in the form of the fantastic new Ferrari California which has a price tag of just over £140,000. The car was officially launched by local prestige motor brand Lancaster Sevenoaks, at The London Golf Club, during a summer’s evening of Champagne and canapés. The General Manager at Lancaster Ian Barrow, tells us: “It was wonderful to be able to offer our customers and guests the opportunity to be amongst the very first people to view the new Ferrari California.

The reaction to the car when the cover was taken off was certainly memorable and firm proof that Ferrari’s craftsmen, stylists and engineers have excelled themselves.” SO

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LESSONS IN NOSTALGIA FORMER PUPILS OF KING CHARLES’ SCHOOL IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS RETURNED TO THEIR OLD CLASSROOMS A FEW WEEKS AGO… ALMOST 50 YEARS AFTER THE SCHOOL CLOSED ITS DOORS FOR THE LAST TIME. SOTW WAS ON HAND TO CAPTURE THE MEMORIES.

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Pictures by Zoe Storey

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he desks and blackboards disappeared from the Old School House near The Pantiles in 1960. Since then the building has been home to a number of ventures including Gracelands Chinese restaurant.

Following major restoration work it’s now been reopened, by the adjacent Brew House Hotel, as an events venue.

Members of the King Charles’ School Old Boys’ Association, together with partners and friends, went along to their annual meeting and lunch at the Old School House as guests of the hotel.

Much of the conversation centred on the history of the school, the role it’s played in the life of the local community and the standards and values it instilled in pupils.

The school was established in 1698 with the intention of educating “…fifty or more poor children, who are there instructed in the useful, not to say necessary articles of reading, writing and common arithmetic…”

They were taught in the ante gallery of the Chapel of Ease, the first permanent building in Tunbridge Wells, that later became the Church of King Charles the Martyr.

The Rev. W.L. Pope and others, aided by voluntary contributions and a £40 grant, purchased the present site and in 1848 built what is now the Old School House for boys “residing in Tunbridge Wells in the Protestant religion…”

On the occasion of the boys’ annual dinner in 1879 the “school room was tastefully decorated and presented the appearance of an arranged banqueting hall.

The supply of beef and plum pudding was ample for the 190 boys who partook of it.”

This time round the old boys enjoyed roast beef with all the trimmings.

Most of them wore sprigs of leaves from the old oak tree that today still dominates what was the schoolyard in Cumberland Walk.

Apparently the tree was grown from an acorn from the Royal Oak in Boscobel Wood in which King Charles ll hid from the Roundheads after the Battle of Worcester in 1651.

Each May the old boys commemorate the restoration of the English monarchy on Oak Apple Day, by wearing the sprig of leaves; another little bit of history that they’re keeping alive.SO

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What a great PICK ME UP

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Mirror Image Photography

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ach year volunteers at the Pickering Cancer Dropin Centre in Tunbridge Wells have to raise at least £40,000 to keep the doors open. And each year some 1,000 people from across Kent and Sussex, whose lives have been touched by cancer, come through those doors looking for help, advice and support. That’s why the centre’s annual fund-raising ball at the Spa Hotel the other day was so important. They got off to a great start raising £4,500 on the night – but need a lot more if they’re to reach this year’s target. Co-founders Polly Taylor and Jackie Fogg tell us: “It was a truly magical night and we’re so grateful to all our wonderful sponsors from the local business community and all our supporters. Thank you!” To find out more visit www.pickeringcancercentre.org.uk SO

tunbridge wells

Informed Lighting Solutions

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Lighting Stone Street, Cranbrook Kent TN17 3HE 01580 714480 or visit our website: www.iqlighting.co.uk lighting projects | fitting service | energy survey | classic and contemporary

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Good

GOOD LORD

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WORDS MELISSA WOODLAND

LORD

ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND THE SURROUNDING COUNTRYSIDE HAS, OVER THE YEARS, ACQUIRED THE IMAGE OF BEING THE NATURAL HOME FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARISTOCRACY. BUT JUST WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE? WHERE DO THEY RESIDE? DO THEY EVEN EXIST? WE DECIDED TO DIG A LITTLE DEEPER.

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irst of all we thought we’d better find out if there’s a pecking order when it comes to titles and Peers of the Realm (titles dished out by the monarch of the day). And, of course, there is.

Top of the pile, so to speak, is a Duke, followed by a Marquess, Earl, Viscount and then Baron. Which all seems pretty straight forward. But how do you track them down when there are no likely listings in the Yellow Pages? We’re beginning to feel a little like detectives.

Much thought later, we come up with a cunning plan to start the hunt for the great and the good the old fashioned way, by knocking on a few doors. Now, we’re not talking regular front doors as you and I might know. We’re talking big impressive front doors, occasionally approached via a bridge over a moat.

Obvious first place to look is Hever Castle, so we hop in the car and drive out to Edenbridge to visit the former home of Anne Boleyn. However, when we arrive and

battle our way through the crowds of tourists, we discover that the SIR THATCHER family seat of the Astors was actually sold in 1984. So where are they now? Well, the third and present Baron Astor, who got the title from his Dad in 1984, is The Right Honorable Lord Astor of Hever. He sits in the House of Lords and is the Shadow Minister for Defence for the Conservatives. He and his wife, The Honourable Elizabeth Mackintosh, live just a few miles away in Westerham. Nice to know they haven’t gone far.

Down the road in Leigh, is Hall Place, once the home of the Hollendens. The first Baron Hollenden (created in 1912) lived at Hall Place, which was built by his Father, until it was mostly destroyed by fire in 1940. Succeeding Barons lived in the remaining portion and we’re able to wander through the ruins which were turned into a walled garden by the 3rd Baron. The present (4th) Baron is Ian Hampden HopeMorley, The Right Honourable The Lord Hollenden.

While we’re in the area, we decide to pop into Penshurst Place to see if the Sidneys are home. This is a stunning stately pile and regularly appears on the big screen. ➢

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Sussex Construction Ltd

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

New Build Extensions Period Renovation Garaging Garden Rooms Barn Conversions

Gibbs Reed Farm, Pashley Road, Ticehurst, East Sussex TN5 7HE T.

01580 200660

www.sussexconstruction.co.uk

T U N B R IGDO GO E DWLEOL R LD S

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“NOT ALL THE FAMILIES LINKED TO THESE GRAND HOMES ACTUALLY GET THE RUN OF THE PLACE.” Phillip Sidney, otherwise known as the Viscount De L’Isle, still lives here with his family. The Sidneys have been at Penshurst for 450 years; well, would you want to move if you had a place like that? Anyway, Viscount De L’isle is only the second to hold that title – his Dad (once GovernorGeneral of Australia) was a Baron until 1956, when he was ‘promoted’ to Viscount. The first Baronet of Penshurst was created in 1818, but it’s still one of the newer peerages in Kent and East Sussex.

Driving through Groombridge, we are reminded of Sir John Charles Rodgers, who was made a Baron of Groombridge in 1964 and still lives in the village. And of course there’s the de la Bere Baronetcy – residents of nearby Crowborough, the title was first created in 1893 and is now held by Sir Cameron de la Bere, the 2nd Baronet.

A little further away, in Goudhurst, there’s the 3rd Baron Cornwallis of Linton, The Right Honourable The Lord Corwallis. The Cornwallis family were first enobled in the 16th Century, but the present Baron’s Grandfather was made the first Baron of Linton in 1927. The present Baron raised prize-winning cattle on his working farm near Tonbridge.

Next stop is Scotney Castle, now owned by the National Trust. Not all the families linked to these grand homes actually get the run of the place and Sir Dennis Thatcher of Scotney (he who was married to the first female Prime Minister) is a prime example. He and Margaret actually only owned a flat in Scotney Castle, not the whole thing. And his hereditary Baronetcy raises an interesting point: After Sir Dennis’s death in 2003, the title passed to his son, the ‘Sir Mark’ best known for Viscount COWDRAY attempting to stage a military coup in Equatorial Guinea. As we all know having a title does not guarantee you know how to behave. What a scandal!

All this title hunting is thirsty work, so we pull into the Abergavenny Arms on Frant Road. A quick run down of the history tells us that this place is named for the Marquess of Abergavenny, who seemed to own a huge portion of TW a while back. In fact, my own house was, historically, part of the Abergavenny Estate. So, does this title still exist? Yes. ➢

Lord Astor of Hever

LORD CORNWALLIS

COWDRAY PARK

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“IT’S IMMEDIATELY CLEAR NO-ONE COULD BE LIVING HERE - COWDRAY PARK WAS DESTROYED BY FIRE IN 1793.”

The sixth Marquess of Abergavenny is Christopher George fame, the 10th Earl played with the real Christopher Robin Charles Nevill, who lives at Eridge Park. as a child. Buckhurst remains a working estate, with the present And his pad has seen its share of history – it was the Earl breeding Sussex Cattle, Black Pigs and Jacobs Sheep, home of Odo, brother of William the Conqueror and while Lady De La Warr breeds pedigree Shetland Ponies. is mentioned in the Doomsday Book! It’s now used for Our final visit in Sussex is to Cowdray Park, near everything from weddings to Midhurst; the family seat of military exercises. There is Viscount Cowdray. When we currently no male heir to the arrive though, it’s immediately Marquessate of Abergavneny and clear that no-one could be the Earldom of Lewes, so those living here – the castle like titles will become extinct upon building was partly destroyed the current Marquess’s death. The by fire in 1793. So, where is the Earldom of Abergavenny and the family? Well, they moved into Viscountcy of Nevill are likely to the Keeper’s Lodge in 1840. It pass to the great-grandnephew was rebuilt in 1878 and became of the first Marquess of Cowdray Park. The current Earl De La Warr Abergavenny. I’m glad we stopped Viscount is Sir Michael Orlando at the pub now!

Weetman Pearson, but it was Back on the road, we journey first created for the industrialist through East Sussex to Withyham and Buckhurst Estate.

Weetman Dickinson Pearson in 1917. Before the title upgrade, After tripping over a Black Pig (see picture above), we the Viscount held the Baronetcies of Cowdray and Midhurst. approach the imposing stately house to enquire if William Well, we’ve roamed the countryside, explored stately Herbrand Sackville, the 11th Earl De La Warr is at home. piles and climbed through castle ruins searching for our The Sackvilles came to Withyham in the 11th Century and local Lords and Ladies. And our detective work has paid have lived there for over 900 years. The family split in off, revealing an interesting mix of old and new peerages, the 19th Century, between Buckhurst and Knole Park in international scandal and tourist destinations. But we Sevenoaks (which is now in the hands of the National Trust). get the feeling we’ve only scratched the surface of local Home to the Hundred Acre Wood of Winnie the Pooh nobility… where can the others be? SO

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Jack!

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tunbridge wells

words Dan Smith

here’s WE’RE TOLD THAT “ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL BOY”, WHICH IS PERHAPS THE REASON WE HAVEN’T SEEN THIS HOLLYWOOD ICON AROUND FOR A WHILE… BUT THEN AGAIN, 50 YEARS IS A LONG TIME AT THE TOP.

H

ere’s a man who needs little introduction.

At 72 and with three Oscars under his belt, he’s still a true original, from his unmistakably disconcerting shark-like grin, to his trademark angular eyebrows – they broke the mould when it comes to Jack Nicholson.

As one of the last Hollywood greats, here we reflect on his career and find out about the man behind some of the largest fictional personalities ever to appear on film.

Looking back, Jack’s been convincingly neurotic and chilling in countless roles. To name but a few, there was Randle McMurphy in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975), the ever-terrifying Jack Torrance in The Shining (1980) and the unforgettable Colonel Jessep in A Few Good Men (1992).

But are these characters elaborate and fantastic constructions, or chilling reflections of Jack’s true and rather dark personality?

Onscreen he shouts, screams and laughs like few others, but even when appearing as himself, Jack is as enigmatic and alluring as some of his best creations, almost putting on an act. So the question prevails, who is the real Jack Nicholson?

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He’s keeping his cards close to his chest: “I don’t want people to know what I’m actually like. It’s not good for an actor.”

But we can take some things for granted. We know he’s not always a particularly agreeable chap; he’s often outspoken and frequently controversial, but it’s this demeanour and charisma that helps Jack as an actor.

His presence has kept him at the fore of film-making for half a century and seen him make hundreds of millions of dollars along the way, not to mention being linked with literally hundreds of women.

Jack was married to Sandra Knight for six years in the 1960s but since then has been unable to resist playing away from home. Even during a 16-year relationship with Anjelica Huston, he admitted to cheating and as recently as his late 60s he was dating women more than three decades younger than him, like the actress Lara Flynn Boyle.

The problem for Jack, it seems, is that one woman never satisfies: “Women are never enough for me. There were days when I used to go to bed with four or more. But none of them can take away my freedom. Until the end of

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my days I’ll remain a bachelor!”

For these antics he’s earned the soubriquet “The Great Seducer” by Rolling Stone magazine, a nickname he hardly plays down: “I only take Viagra when I’m with more than one woman,” he said along with, “You only lie to two people in your life: your girlfriend and the police.”

Such outright bigotry would usually cause public outcry and a significant drop in popularity. Yet there’s something about Jack which makes him ooze esteem and admiration.

It’s a rarely found talent attributed to the greats, like De Niro, Pacino and Brando. The latter of whom Jack personally puts on a pedestal: “There’s no-one before or since like Marlon Brando. The gift was enormous and flawless, like [Pablo] Picasso. Brando was a genius who was the beginning and end of his own revolution.”

In a similar way to his muse, Jack had an arduous journey from birth to international stardom. Born out of wed-lock on April 22nd 1937, his mother, June Frances Nicholson was a showgirl who gave Jack to her mother and father, Ethel and John Nicholson, to raise as their own.

Subsequently, Jack grew up in New Jersey in unorthodox conditions, believing that his grandparents were actually his parents and his mother, June, was his sister. Jack was surrounded by women throughout his youth and quickly learned that his smooth-talking made him popular with the opposite sex.

“I love women!” he says, “I grew up in a beauty parlour, so I’m used to getting along with ladies.”

But Jack was to remain in the dark about his true background until 1974 when a Time Magazine journalist uncovered the truth while writing an article on him. By that time he was 37 years old and both his maternal mother ➢ J u ly 2 0 0 9

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and grandmother were dead. Since then, despite not knowing who his father is Jack has chosen not to have DNA tests to find out.

Perhaps the ambiguity surrounding his past has contributed to Jack’s life of polygamy, decadence and partying. Never one to open up about what goes on behind those signature dark shades, Jack plays up to the mystery surrounding him: “The less people know about me, the easier my job is,” he says, and admits that his motto is “always try to avoid interviews.”

Predictably, our energetic subject was far from a star pupil back at school and was named the “class clown” by the Class of ’54.

At the age of 17 he moved down to California and worked as a “go-fer” for animation greats, Hanna-Barbera.

Meanwhile Jack chased acting parts doggedly but made little impact and eventually conceded to working behind the camera, writing and directing. Ironically, it was stepping away from acting which helped him land his first major role.

Jack wrote the screenplay of the LSD-fuelled The Trip (1967) starring Henry Fonda and Dennis Hopper. Working closely with the pair, the three found that they shared many ideological opinions as well as a fondness for powerful narcotics. This connection would ultimately lead to Jack’s inclusion in the generation-defining Easy Rider (1969).

As the whisky-drenched lawyer, George Hanson, Jack gave us a sign of what was to come in terms of larger-than-life performances. The film shot him to stardom and earned him the first of many Oscar nominations. A year later we saw further hints of Jack’s trademark psychoses-riddled roles in Five Easy Pieces (1970), for which he was nominated for another Oscar.

Throughout the 70s Jack’s portfolio of work expanded, showcasing his proficient skills for not only portraying highly likeable comic and dramatic characters, but also that everpresent dark side.

The movie adaptation of Ken Kesey’s novel, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, was a milestone in his career. Set in Oregon State, Jack plays the protagonist Randle P. McMurphy, a seemingly sane individual who gets himself committed on purpose to avoid a hard labour punishment for battery and gambling.

The film deals with major issues involved in the 20th Century treatment of the mentally ill such as authority, institutionalism and oppression. In the lead role, Jack won his first Oscar, having already been nominated a number of times.

He made a brief return to directing and filmed Goin’ South (1978), in which he also starred. It’s noted to be a poor attempt at a comedy and is largely forgettable though rumour has it that the film’s screwball nature and wacky characters are born from Jack and John Belushi’s penchant for cocaine in the late 70s. ➢

“IN RECENT YEARS THE MAN HAS MELLOWED BUT STILL SHOWS GLIMMERS OF THE ENERGY AND ENTHUSIASM WHICH SHOT HIM TO THE TOP.” J u ly 2 0 0 9

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In 1980 Jack would get right back on track with possibly the best performance of his career in The Shining.

The film had two profound effects on modern cinema.

Firstly, it changed the way we think about horror films, constructing a more intelligent and subtle category within the genre and secondly, it confirmed our suspicions that Jack can play the psychopath perfectly… almost too perfectly.

Directed by Stanley Kubrick, the movie took meticulous filmmaking to a new level. It’s rumoured that some scenes took over 100 takes to get “right” and Jack was force-fed cheese sandwiches (which he absolutely despises) to create the necessary inner-feelings of self-disgust which the lead, Jack Torrance, needed to feel.

Jack’s performance is stunning and terrifying in its own right and Kubrick’s perfectionism as a director backs it up brilliantly. Though the collaboration works on screen as a finished article, Jack found working with Kubrick difficult at the best of times: “Just because you’re a perfectionist, doesn’t mean you’re perfect”, he snarls as he recalls the multiple takes, gruelling film schedules and pedantic directing. Though the famous line “Here’s Johnny!” was ad lib, the rest of that scene took three days to shoot and meant Jack eventually axed his way through 60 different doors.

But despite the rigorous filming, which left co-star Shelley Duvall in (genuine) tears on a number of occasions, Jack remains in awe of Kubrick: “Everyone pretty much acknowledges him as The Man, and I still think that underestimates him.”

Throughout the 80s Jack continued to work at a high level, taking the lead in The Postman Always Rings Twice (1981), Reds (1981), Terms of Endearment (1984), Prizzi’s Honor (1985), The Witches of Eastwick (1987) and Ironweed (1987). For three of these performances he was nominated for an Oscar and for Terms of Endearment he won his second (see picture above).

By now, Jack was in his fifties, but still far from slowing his pace. As The Joker in the first movie adaptation of the comic Batman (1989), he was sickly and perverse, exactly what the character needs and though Heath Ledger’s more recent performance may have put a darker spin on the part, Jack’s incarnation is still commendable.

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“I was particularly proud of my performance as The Joker,” he ever-so-modestly states, “I consider it to be a piece of pop art.”

Another character that Jack really made his own was Col. Jessep in A Few Good Men which spawned the now wellknown quote: “You can’t handle the truth!” – A true classic.

In recent years Jack has clearly mellowed. He’s the father of five children and resides quietly in Mulholland “Bad Boy” Drive, in the first house he ever bought. In turn, his roles have become more mature and, perhaps, more introspective.

Focusing more on dramas, he played the OCD-riddled Melvin Udall in the highly enjoyable As Good as it Gets (1997) and the contemplative Warren Schmidt in About Schmidt (2002).

But just as we were starting to think Jack had gone soft, out came The Departed (2006). In the Scorsese thriller, with Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon, Jack was back among old friends, notably cigars, cocaine and younger women. As one commentator put it: “One year from his seventieth birthday, Nicholson’s deep well of anger and creativity was still far from dry.”

Jack’s most recent and (so far) final onscreen performace was The Bucket List (2007). The film showed again a retrospective and reflective man alongside Morgan Freeman. The pair starred as two aged cancer patients reflecting upon their lives and living out their dreams before they ‘kick the bucket’.

At present it’s unknown if this is the last we’ll see of this acting genius. Rumours are beginning to circulate about a role alongside Reese Witherspoon in the next James L. Brooks film, so we might see more of the old dog yet.

Whatever happens, Jack Nicholson has entertained and stayed at the top of his game for over 50 years, after exploding onto the big screen in the late 50s. In recent years the man has mellowed but still shows glimmers of the energy and enthusiasm which shot him to fame.

So, which of his creations is closest to the real Jack Nicholson? The never-ceasing playboy? The short-tempered neurotic? The reflective old fella?

Well, as it turns out, all of the above: “The camera photographs what’s there…” he hints darkly.

Enough said I reckon. SO

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CAREFULLY SOURCED COLLECTIONS OF BESPOKE JEWELLERY, LEATHER HANDBAGS, ACCESSORIES AND TRINKET GIFTS EXCLUSIVE IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Occasion, Prom and evening dresses Holiday and casual wear Designer clothes, shoes and accessories 40 Mount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1RB Tel: 01892 519519

ELY COURT, ROYAL VICTORIA PLACE, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

01892 534036

1 High Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1UL Tel: 01892 513613

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never goes out of fashion For a free consultation with our experienced and fully registered aesthetic practitioner, Cindy ring: 01732 832 004 174 Tonbridge Road, Hildenborough, Tonbridge, Kent TN11 9HP www.cindyknightclinic.com

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FASHION EDITOR FIONA FRASER HUNTS DOWN THE BEST OF THE SUMMER BUYS.

this month...

Daisy bikini, £118 and Daisy one-piece, £139 both by Myla

Chic Swimwear

Glamour, seduction and refined elegance are a few words to describe the Myla Summer swimwear collection. Inspired by the feminine glamour of the 1970s, the range offers a striking backless swimsuit and two-piece string bikini. The Daisy collection is just one of the gorgeous swimwear and beachwear ranges for 2009. Crafted in a luxury micro fibre – the range comes in a metallic navy or platinum. This flirtatious string bikini top with flower appliqué detail is perfect for glamour lovers.

Shorts, £39.98 by Per Una available from Marks and Spencer

Short-ed

An alternative to the mini skirt, shorts are meant for going places where flat khakis or hot pants never go, like a cocktail party or a dinner date. Soft pleated, tailored and high waisted cuts reject voluminous peasant tops to make way for tailored or belted jackets and tucked-in shirts. Step out in smart open sandals or heels to add an edge to a night-time look. For summer 2009 most of the designer collections presented more than one shorts’ model and were successfully combined with short coats, jackets, shirts, vests and blouses.

Visit the Myla store at Bluewater Shopping Centre, Greenhithe, Kent.

Call 01322 624 275 for more information.

Visit the local Marks & Spencer store at 33 Calverley Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2TX.

LOOK OUT FOR…

Jigsaw Organics

Brogues, £139

by Hobbs

In Brogue

The ladies are investing in boys’ shoes presumably encouraged by the array of stars sporting classic brogue styles like Agyness Deyn and Alexa Chung amongst others. There can be no argument that the high street has everything you need to cultivate any look and nail any trend. But with so

many brogue inspired shoes out there this season it’s hard to find a pair that actually catches ones attention. These bold striped brogues are bound to receive a few second glances. Team with rolled up jeans and baggy T for maximum impact.

Swanky fashion retailer Jigsaw has broken into the beauty world with a new and organic beauty range. The nine-piece bath and body collection uses over 70% Soil Hobbs, Unit 139, Royal Victoria Place, Tunbridge Wells 01892 515865.

Association Certified ingredients in every product. It comes in refined recyclable packaging and is scented with the essential oils of bergamot, lemon, sweet orange, mandarin and lime. Rather scrummy! Available from One of the joys of Summer is to shop for new sandals!

Jigsaw stores nationwide.

This season, styles explode with prints, hues and Visit the Jigsaw store in Mount Pleasant textures, so start your collection in style Road, Tunbridge Wells or call 01892 with these chic gladiator sandals.

541242 for more information.

Gladiator Glory

Bath Milk, prices start from £8

Sandals, £50 from Aldo.

Visit the Kent store at Bluewater. Call 01322 423451 for availability.

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Corsage, £9 from Accessorize

Skirt, £35 from ASOS

Luella

Bow Bag, £59

by Suzy Smith

London

INTS FOR R P L A R O L F D N A MIX BRIGLHOTOSK THAT’S BLIGHTY CHIC. A GIRLY

Floral Dress, £51, from ASOS

e h t n i r e m Sum Cardigan, £48 from Monsoon

Ballet Pumps, £70 from Faith

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Bangle, £9 from Accessorize

Shoes, £60 from Aldo

NewYork

Bag, £150 by Mat & Nat available from neon collective

OF THE FORM IN S E M O C S S A L S P E STATESSID. KEEP THEM BOLD AND SIM E. STRIPE Cardigan, £35 from Next Body con dress, £65 from Rare

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Belt, £20 from French Connection

Milan

Print bangle, £15 from Dorothy Perkins

URS MAKES O L O C D N A S T IN R MIX OF P O ENSEMBLE. A BOLD E FOR A B LLISSIM Sunglasses, £185 by Dolce & Gabbana

Marni

Tulip skirt, £38 by People Tree

Sandals, £85 from Faith

y t i C e h

Dot top, £70 by People Tree

ADDRESS BOOK Accessorize Tel: 01892 616051

WORDS FIONA FRASER

BE INSPIRED BY THE FASHION CAPITALS OF THE WORLD THIS SUMMER.

Chanel

Aldo www.aldoshoes.com Anya Hindmarch – www.anyahindmarch.com Tel: 020 7501 0177 Chanel www.chanel.com

Jacket, £99 from Phase 8

Dolce & Gabbana – www.dolcegabbana.com Dorothy Perkins Tel: 01892 543351 Faith Tunbridge Wells.

Tel: 01892 539219

Court shoe, £85 from Faith

French Connection Tel: 01892 519 585 Luella – www.luella.com Marc Jacobs – www.marcjacobs.com Marni – www.marni.com

Top, £25 from French Connection

Paris

Bag, £495 by Anya Hindmarch

Mat & Nat at Neon Collective – www.neoncollective.com Tel: 01273 231 619 Monsoon Tel: 01892 510775 Next Tel: 0844 8445303

CUTS TO CLASTSTIC !

A L A L H O O .

Y E A S WE ME PALE AND A MONOCHRO Bow Belt, £35 from French Connection

People Tree – www.peopletree.co.uk Phase Tel: 01892 542434 Suzy Smith – www.suzysmith.com J U LY 2 0 0 9

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holiday

SUITCASE STAPLES Planning your holiday wardrobe can be a headache. The secret to dressing well whilst you’re away is to choose items that are appropriate for your destination, while being faithful to your style. Fiona Fraser presents eight stylish suitcase staples.

LINEN TROUSERS

Again, great for wearing sightseeing and can be paired with vest tops, t-shirts and kaftans. The comfy, lightweight trousers are ideal for rolling up and popping into your beach bag. Wide leg styles were seen on the catwalks of Marc Jacobs and nautical influenced styles have dominated the high street.

GLADIATOR SANDALS

Gladiator sandals are still very much on trend and are a great alternative to flip-flops, ideal for strolling around local markets or relaxing in a bar with a few cocktails. For a casual day look team with a pair of shorts and vest, for a laidback evening look plump for a metallic or embellished pair and add a printed dress. Opt for styles that can be dressed up or down and stick with neutral colours so you can mix and match different ensembles with ease.

Sandals, £65 by Steve Madden available from www.asos.com

Sunglasses, £233 by Tiffany available from www.uk.tiffany.com

Kaftan, £79 by Rene Derhy available from www.derhy.com

kaftan

When it comes to holiday wear forget skinny jeans and body con dresses its all about free flowing easy-to-wear separates. A great all rounder is the kaftan. Choose longer styles for sightseeing trips, shorter styles for perfect beach wear and embellished kaftans with a belt and heels for an effortless chic evening look. The kaftan is versatile enough to be worn on its own or over a bikini, shorts or trousers making it an essential holiday wardrobe staple.

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Belt, £129 by Nogoy available from www.brownsfashion.com

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VESTS

Cuff, £230 by Fenton Kit Deluca available from www.kabiri.co.uk

BIKINI

Earrings, £200 by Ben Amun available from www.kabiri.co.uk

The bikini is essential for any summer holiday and this year the focus is on horizontal stripes. Curvy women usually run screaming from horizontal stripes, as they tend to make the hips look bigger. The trick is to choose a wider stripe in the cut of a bandeau bikini to create the illusion of a slimmer silhouette.

Buy separate bikini tops and bottoms to accommodate your specific body shape for instance if you are pear shaped wear a brighter, patterned or detailed top to draw the eye upwards and wear a darker colour on your bottom half.

Bikini, £47 available from Marks and Spencer - 01892 511466

bold ACCESSORIES

Don’t forget your stash of jewellery!

Pack statement necklaces, chunky bracelets and outrageously large earrings that will look good with both your bikini and evening wear.

Ethnic stones, beaten metal and beads are a must. Floppy sunhats are undergoing a revival, and they’re practical for keeping the dreaded UV rays off your face. To complete the look opt for a chic pair of sunnies.

Whether you choose aviators or oversized retro styles you are sure to be the height of poolside cool.

MAXI DRESS

Pick a selection of vest tops that will mix and match well with your trousers, shorts and skirts. With a wide variety of cuts available like the v-neck, slash, halter or square neck there is a style to fit any smart or casual occasion.

If you’re going for neutral bottoms then splash out with colour and patterns on top.

shorts SHORTS If you can get away with wearing shorts go for it!

Today shorts are no longer associated only with sports clothing or casual style. Safari styles a la Gucci, nautical stripes and 40’s inspired high waisted styles are the pick of the season and work well with casual and formal separates.

Maxi dress, £75 from Long Tall Sally - 01892 534131

Although shorter styles are available the printed maxi dress holds the top spot as the most desirable dress this season, which was evident at the Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana Summer shows. The ultra long, uber feminine, floaty dress is perfect for hot summer nights and effortlessly oozes glamour.

Wear with statement jewellery and a slick of lip-gloss for a sophisticated night time look.

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FA S H I O N

Inside leg WORDS FIONA FRASER

MODERN ON TREND PIECES FUSED WITH A CLASSIC APPROACH.

INVESTMENTS AND AQUISITIONS With the gloomy economy scenario, men are looking for investment fashion clothing and are adopting the classics. There is a fusion between classic tailoring, classic looks and the modern masculine silhouette, giving the blazer broad shoulders and slim waist, paired with slim trousers. Look out for fine knit v-neck jumpers, double cuff shirts and Oxford Bags – the loose, pleated trousers will be back but with variation.

Although loose, these trousers will not be as baggy as they were in the 1920s and 1930s.

BEST BUY… GET SHORTY Yes! You are right we’re talking shorts! The best casual apparel to hang around in on hot summer afternoons. As some of you blokes out there are becoming more aware of your body shape, be reassured that smarter cuts of shorts will look great on athletic thighs, front pleats will slim the belly and cuffed styles will flatter heavy thighs.

Opt for cotton mixes in checks, pinstripes and khaki tones. Wear with a floral shirt, trilby and boat shoes to complete the casual look.

Navy Oxford taped blazer £175, Eton v-neck jumper £60, blue Henley stripe shirt £65, green silk tie with pink frog print £35, navy Epsom trousers £100.

New & Lingwood available from The House of Fraser – www.houseoffraser.co.uk

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TIME, PLEASE! Innovative watch brand LIP adopts a fresh and avant-garde approach to recreate unique and highly desirable watch collections. Original works

by French design legends, including Roger Tallon and Francois de Baschmakoff, have been revised and enhanced for today’s discerning style aficionado. Minutely detailed research and daring neo-retro design bring this collection to the pinnacle of contemporary design and style.

Baschmakoff 1971, £258 available from www.vavawatch.com

WELL TRAVELLED This bold and foldable garment bag packs formal clothes flat on hangers making an ideal choice for the travelling businessman.

Suits are ready to wear straight from the bag, minimising the need for a hotel room trouser press. Constructed of lightweight materials, this rugged bag features multiple interior storage pockets, providing plenty of space for everything from wash bag to shoes.

Lite Altitude travel suit bag, £300 by Kenneth Cole available from www.houseoffraser.co.uk

Farah Vintage Davies Stripe Shorts, £44 available from www.stand-out.net.

Call 0207 084 6303 for more information.

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tunbridge wells

90 High Street, Tenterden, Kent, TN30 6JB

01580 761117

bourbonrose@btinternet.com

Opening hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10.00am – 5.00pm

New Summer Collection now in store

PROPERTY

SO

THE PORTFOLIO

AN EXQUISITE COLLECTION OF PROPERTY, HOMES AND INTERIORS.

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tunbridge wells

Quality tiles at competitive prices.

We are very selective with our choice of tiles, always looking for different materials and designs.

Come to us for ceramic, porcelain and natural products, for the biggest selection and best price.

Our friendly staff offer a free, advice and professional planning service - if they cannot answer a technical question there and then, they will find out the answer for you.

The Warehouse,Tunnel Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent,TN1 2BT

01892 514 004

www.tilemates.co.uk

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LONDON

KENT

SUSSEX

MAYFIELD REGION £2.25 MILLION A HANDSOME AND BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED GRADE II LISTED HOUSE IN A SEMI-RURAL POSITION ON THE EDGE OF THIS MUCH FAVOURED VILLAGE. SET AMIDST DELIGHTFUL MATURE GARDENS AND GROUNDS, ADJACENT TO ITS OWN FARMLAND OVER WHICH BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY VIEWS ARE ENJOYED. THERE IS ALSO ANCILLARY ACCOMMODATION PROVIDED BY A PARTIALLY CONVERTED SUSSEX BARN. Entrance Hall. 4 Reception Rooms. Small Library. Excellent Kitchen/Breakfast Room. Rear Hall. Cellarage. Master Bedroom with Dressing Room and En Suite Shower Room. 4 Further Bedrooms (one with En Suite Bathroom). 2 Further Bathrooms. Barn with Reception Room, Kitchen, Bedroom, Wet Room, Storerooms. Mature Gardens with Heated Swimming Pool, Paddocks with Woodland.

APPLY TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Battle

Tunbridge Wells

Haywards Heath

London

battle@batchellerthacker.co.uk

twells@batchellerthacker.co.uk

hh@batchellerthacker.co.uk

info@mayfairoffice.co.uk

01424 775577

01892 512020

01444 453181

www.batchellerthacker.co.uk

Mayfair Office

KnightFrank.co.uk

Tunbridge Wells

Impressive family house of character situated within a favoured residential location Impressive entrance hall, feature staircase, drawing room, kitchen/ breakfast room, feature landing, master bedroom suite, four further bedrooms (two on the second floor), potential au pair’s suite with sitting room/kitchenette with external staircase as well as door to first floor landing; bedroom suite, luxurious secondary bathroom with built in sauna, office / bedroom 6. Integral double garage, extensive parking, pretty and secluded gardens.

Price on application

Tunbridge Wells tunwells@knightfrank.co.uk 01892 515035

LE T

Tunbridge Wells 01892 516611 tunbridgewells@hamptons-int.com www.hamptons.co.uk

Penshurst

A unique six bedroom, three reception room country property located on the outskirts of Swanley Village.

This property is now let – similar family homes urgently required for waiting tenants.

Maresfield £2,995pcm

Stonegate £2,500pcm

A very high specification five bedroom detached family house with self-contained annexe.

A four bedroom detached executive family home set in within an exclusive development in Stonegate, Wadhurst.

LE T

Swanley £3,995 pcm

Hever

Tunbridge Wells £2,250pcm

This property is now let - similar family homes urgently required for waiting tenants.

A fantastic five bedroom, three reception room attached family home with double garage located within 10 mins drive of Tunbridge Wells town centre.

One address. Thousands of properties. www.hamptons.co.uk

LE T

Tunbridge Wells 01892 516611 tunbridgewells@hamptons-int.com www.hamptons.co.uk

Groombridge £1,750pcm

This property is now let - similar family homes urgently required for waiting tenants.

A modern four bedroom, two bathroom detached family home located in the village setting of Groombridge with downstairs w.c. and garage.

LE T

Langton Green

Nr Hartfield

A substantial three storey three bedroom family home located in the ‘village area’ of Tunbridge Wells within easy walk of the mainline railway station.

This property is now let - similar family homes urgently required for waiting tenants.

LE T

Tunbridge Wells £1,695pcm

Groombridge

Tunbridge Wells £1,295pcm

This property is now let - similar family homes urgently required for waiting tenants.

A unique two bedroom detached lodge house set in the prestigious setting of Broadwater Lane located within half mile of Tunbridge Wells town centre.

One address. Thousands of properties. www.hamptons.co.uk

Ag Sa re le ed

Tunbridge Wells 01892 516611 tunbridgewells@hamptons-int.com www.hamptons.co.uk

Speldhurst Guide Price £1,190,000

A fine Grade II Listed 16th century detached family house with outstanding period features in a delightful rural location on the village edge.

An enchanting Grade II Listed detached period house in a wonderful rural setting with beautiful views only 4 miles from Tunbridge Wells.

Ag Sa re le ed

Matfield Guide Price £1,350,000

Tunbridge Wells Guide Price £1,000,000

Tunbridge Wells Guide Price £1,250,000

A fine 5 bedroom town house built to an attractive design and high specification situated behind electric gates within walking distance of the town centre.

A beautifully renovated and refurbished 19th Century stone and brick built attached family house enjoying views to Hungershall Park and beyond.

Wadhurst Guide Price £850,000

Tunbridge Wells Guide Price £795,000

A very attractive 1930’s detached 4 bedroom house located within this quiet tree lined avenue with village amenities yet close to the open countryside.

A beautifully presented classic Victorian town house retaining many period features situated less than half a mile from the station and within Claremont School catchment area.

One address. Thousands of properties. www.hamptons.co.uk

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MED LIVING LOCAL STYLE WORDS DAN SMITH

H

op in the car, head south towards the sea and you’ll soon be happily moseying down some of the finest coastal country lanes in East Sussex. Nestled within this idyllic setting is Dog Kennel Barn, in sleepy Bishopstone.

On arrival it doesn’t take long to realise that this is not only a highly attractive property but it could also be the perfect match for the large family looking for enough space to lead an active life.

The picturesque hamlet of Bishopstone sits at the base of the South Downs, so the views are stunning. Unlike other country retreats though, this isn’t in the middle of nowhere. Dog Kennel Barn is only ten miles from the buzz of Brighton and even closer to laid back Lewes, so the occupiers won’t feel like they’re cut off from civilisation.

It’s got sprawling open-plan rooms plus a rustic charm that would see it completely at home on the coast of the Med. The classic farm conversion has loads of extra room because it’s evolved and been added to over the years. Looking around, the different sections clearly show how and where the original house has been converted and extended. Since its original construction, the house has grown from a modest detached into a huge, L-shaped luxury pad.

The generous amount of land in which the house sits has been a gift that has allowed the developers to spread out, rather than just up. The result is a low and long abode that merges into the rural landscape, rather than imposing itself upon it.

At the entrance to the property, there’s a large gravel drive lined with local flint and brick walls. This driveway leads up to the front door, outside of which there’s enough room for a couple of cars.

It’s here the family run-around would probably spend its days and, of course, where the kids’ first motor would be abandoned at an awkward angle after every outing. But that matters little when there’s the six-bay garage in the nearby converted barn for the weekend classic or a couple of thoroughbred horses. ➢

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PICTURE A CONVERTED FARM HOUSE WITH ORNATE WOODEN FLOORING, RUSTIC DESIGN TOUCHES AND BEAUTIFUL SEA VIEWS. IT SOUNDS LIKE CLASSIC MEDITERRANEAN LIVING… BUT HANG ON, THIS IS IN EAST SUSSEX.

PROPERTY

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“…IT COULD BE THE PERFECT MATCH FOR THE LARGE FAMILY LOOKING FOR ENOUGH SPACE TO LEAD AN ACTIVE LIFESTYLE.” J U LY 2 0 0 9

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AT A GLANCE

“…THIS SPACE PROVIDES A BIT OF A HAVEN AWAY FROM THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE OF THE REST OF THE FAMILY.” Once through the front door you’ll find two spacious and welcoming rooms. Firstly there’s an impressive entrence to the home - the ample-sized dining room - then, through two archways, you can reach the large living room which is over ten metres long by almost five metres wide (35x16ft).

This light living area enjoys floor to ceiling windows and sliding doors which look out over the courtyard area sandwiched between the house and the annex opposite.

The annex, incidentally, comprises of two good sized rooms (each approximately 5x3meters or 15x10ft) which could be used for literally anything.

For the younger family members there’s the possibility of converting one of the rooms into a play area, for the teenagers it could be a music studio, or a pool room complete with mini-bar for the gent of the house… the options are limitless (as long as your wallet is!).

Back in the main building, the spacious kitchen is set aside from the entertaining rooms and, as essentially the hub of the house, it’s fully kitted out to meet the needs of the modern family with a large centre block dedicated to cooking and eating.

Around the corner lies a more modest sitting room that, for the well read among us, could easily be converted into a library as currently there are built-in bookcases on the two large walls. With a pair of French doors that open southwards, it’s the perfect place to while away the hours with a good book and take in some of that sea air. Oh, and in the winter there’s a traditional log-burning stove in the corner. Cosy.

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Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 6 Outhouses: 2 Floor Area: 550m2 or 5,920ft2 Price: £1,875,000

Further down this leg of the property is a utility and laundry room before the rear entrance hall, which leads back out to the main gravel drive. This secondary entrance could become very useful to the adults of the home as it leads straight into the most secluded section of the property which houses the master bedroom.

Within this area is a stunning en suite bathroom with a stand-alone bath and a walk-in shower area. Then there’s the private dressing room, a study and then a further bedroom and bathroom. It’s this space that can provide a bit of a haven away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the family because they’ll all be billeted upstairs, above the main block.

Up there on the first floor there are three further bedrooms for the kids or guests. These are all large enough for double beds which will of course avert at least one argument when the family comes to move in.

Accompanying them on this floor are two bathrooms, both with showers and baths.

Currently the property is styled with a contemporary take on traditional farmhouse themes. There are pastel colours galore and large wood and stone-flagged floors throughout which is handy as they’re hardy enough to put up with the thrashing it’ll get from kids and general wear and tear.

Along the south side of the house, running the length of the grounds, are purpose-built low maintenance gardens. It’s an ideal place for lounging in the sun and taking in those sea views also. If you’ve got to cook for the kids, it’s not a bad spot for a BBQ either. Cheers! SO

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n KAREN JACKSON INTERIORS n

We offer a complete and personal Interior Design Service Please visit the website to view our portfolio Tel/Fax: 0208 650 1655

n

Mobile: 0772 912 1594

info@karenjacksoninteriors.co.uk

n

www.karenjacksoninteriors.co.uk

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tunbridge wells

Specialising in Property improvements, refurbishments, design and hard landscaping.

We have over 20 years experience are fully insured and can offer references on request.

Free, No obligation estimates supplied.

before

during

after

tel: 01342 314959 mob: 07771346687 & 07771 346688 christhompson959@btinternet.com

www.christhompsonlandscape.co.uk

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INTERIORS

Country LIFE T

he phrase ‘country cottage’ summons up many idyllic thoughts; thatched roofs, rose covered porches and imperfect stone paths to name a few. But our property for July has none of these typically characteristic features. Instead our cottage stands bold and proud on the horizon commanding magnificent far reaching views across the Garden of England.

Built in the early 18th Century, from granite and sandstone, externally and internally our detached home

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AFTER OUR GEORGIAN SPLENDOUR LAST MONTH, WE TAKE A SHORT DRIVE WEST OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS TO ONE OF THE MANY PICTURESQUE VILLAGES SURROUNDING THE TOWN.

WORDS HARRIET LOUVELLE

retains many of the original features. From the expertly restored lead windows and the original solid oak front door to the hand made staircase and imposing fireplaces, this is a truly fine example of English craftsmanship, architecture and elegance.

The owners of only a few months have enlisted our help with the careful and sympathetic renovation of the guest bedroom, main bathroom and kitchen. They would also like us to get involved with the garden. So, here are our thoughts. ➢

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CARPETS CLEANING

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UPHOLSTERY

T E R I O R S

CURTAINS

Ballards

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Ballards Group 01892 890033

www.ballardsgroup.com www.curtainmakersonline.com Unit 1, Bayham Farm Buildings, Little Bayham, Lamberhurst TN3 8BD

Established 75 years’

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INTERIORS

Kitchen

History, colour and design are all important in creating an elegant country-house kitchen, elements which Smallbone of Devizes in Tunbridge Wells have been successfully taking into consideration for many years.

The iconic Smallbone design, the Original Hand Painted kitchen, still looks as fresh and stylish as when it was launched 30 years ago. It owes its enduring good looks to its heritage – derived from Irish Georgian dressers and inspired by traditional country kitchens. It has an understated, informal charm which makes it the perfect space in which to cook and live and creates the quintessential classic country kitchen. A timeless balance between modern and traditional is created with the Smallbone cabinetry being hand painted in antique white, with an Aga set into a faux chimney breast and then teamed with state of the art appliances. Price on individual application.

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Bathroom

The bathroom often presents the biggest challenge in any period renovation and the fact our current homeowners have their heart set on an Art Deco style bathroom makes this makeover even more challenging.

Finding vintage fixtures means scouring the salvage yard and retrofitting them into a new plan. The problem is the fact vintage pieces often don’t meet today’s new building-code requirements. Luckily I’ve enlisted the help of Badger Bathrooms in Sevenoaks. As an official retailer for Imperial Bathrooms, we have installed this stunning hand crafted suite from their Astoria range. With the use of dark colours, straight lines, damask wallpaper and the fireplace as the main focal point we’ve achieved the desired look of Art Deco and modernism with notions of glamour, elegance and sophistication. The Astoria range is priced according to plan but allow £8,000-£10,000 for an average sized bathroom. ➢

“WE’VE ACHIEVED THE DESIRED LOOK OF ART DECO AND MODERNISM WITH NOTIONS OF GLAMOUR, ELEGANCE AND SOPHISTICATION.”

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RECOMMENDED PROFESSIONALS:

Bedroom

Our brief for this room is to create a low-maintenance but appealing guest room that provides comfort and ample storage. For this project we’ve teamed up with Woodwork Traditional Handmade Furniture in Tunbridge Wells and installed bespoke fitted and free standing wardrobes.

These particular ones are hand painted in F&B Blackened with colour matched ceramic crackle knobs and they work sympathetically with the style and age of the property. Starting price for a wooden wardrobe £395.00.

Garden

The challenge out here in the garden is to evoke that ‘escape from the world’ atmosphere. Making sure that happens is Oak Park Landscapes from Goudhurst who are helping us utilise reclaimed materials and retain existing elements such as an old brick wall and an aged timber structure. Working with existing planting we retain the most mature specimens – especially the trees which give that established feel. Our aim is to create a romantic atmosphere redolent of the past yet full of vitality with a new flower to catch your eye each time you walk through the garden. Price on application. SO

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Smallbone of Devizes smallbone.co.uk 01892 545918 Woodwork Traditional Handmade Furniture thf.co.uk 01892 533273 Badger Bathrooms badgerbathrooms.com 01732 464450 Oak Park Landscapes oakparklandscapes.co.uk 01580 211630 Clive Christian clive.com 01892 619550 Transformations trans4orm.co.uk 01892 520763 Wells Interiors wellsinteriors.co.uk 01892 535555 Made in Wood madeinwood.co.uk 01892 522800 HKS hks-uk.com 01435 865599 Bathrooms and Kitchens bathroomsandkitchensltd.co.uk 01622 844060

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

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garden & landscape design · construction · garden maintenance estate management · tree surgery · pond & lake construction · grass & lawn care

Established in 1998, Oak Park is a dynamic company providing a

01580 211630

01580 211790

comprehensive range of landscape and garden services, working throughout Kent, Sussex, Surrey and London. Guaranteed construction work carried out by trained professionals.

4 Crown Yard, Bedgebury Estate Goudhurst, Kent TN17 2QZ

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THE GALLERY

on this page: Reader by Shaun Ferguson (oil on canvas) Fairfax Gallery £5,200 Flutteries by Gemma Harwood (oil on canvas) Fairfax Gallery £880 Catch by Phil Siegal (acrylic on canvas) Bluemoon Gallery £1,400

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on this page: Pink Couture by Sherree Valentine Daines (oil on board) Artique Gallery £11,995 Toscana Mattina VI by Bruno Tinucci (oil on canvas) Artique Gallery £1,495 Aimee by Martyn Wells (oil on canvas) www.mwportraits.co.uk Commissions from £1,000 Life at a Distance by Helen Sinclair (stone resin) Fairfax Gallery £650

JJUULY NE 2009

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Gallery

Langton Green Gallery Showcasing Designer Makers

Bespoke Guild Mark Pieces

Langton Green Gallery

tunbridge wells

Exclusive Hardwood Contemporary Furniture Commissions Undertaken Open Sundays Langton Green Gallery, Langton Road, Tunbridge Wells Tel: 01892 860575 www.langtongreengallery.com

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art & A n ti q u e s

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CRAFTY COMEBACK

work with us.

Now into our second successful year, The Magazine People, publishers of So Tunbridge Wells magazine, are beginning a very exciting stage of launch and acquisition.

As part of this development we are currently looking for experienced, successful and passionate media sales professionals to join our team.

Working from our offices in the centre of Tunbridge Wells you will be managing an existing client base whilst focusing on growing our advertising revenues through creative and structured selling.

If you’re looking for more than just a job, in an exciting and fast paced environment and you fit the bill then this could be for you.

In the first instance please send your CV to sharon.lacey@sotunbridgewells.co.uk or 3 Cumberland Walk, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1UJ.

www.sotunbridgewells.co.uk

James Braxton is one of the best known ‘antique faces’ on TV with appearances on BBC’s Bargain Hunt and Flog It. He’s also a founder Director of The Fine Auction Group which includes Dreweatts in TW. We asked him what’s happening in his world.

A

rt is currently at a crossroads with buyers confusedly looking left for contemporary and right for traditional art. Then left and right again.

But while considering which way to turn, they know that if there is a small shift in the market, fashion may quickly enlarge the price and quicken it’s upward pace.

For example, will the sensation of motorised world leaders in the Saatchi Gallery retain the public’s interest or will the excitement fade?

Much like a car, its newness will retain its owner’s excitement but after six months it will be the quality of its hand stitched interior and purr of its engine that’s the attraction, and not the novelty start button. It will be the craft of the car that retains a buyer’s interest.

Could this same analogy be used with art? Can the humour of Banksy’s graffiti sustain its buyer’s enthusiasm? I believe it would wane if it didn’t have the other magic, the virtue of recognisability.

Guests to a collector’s home will recognise the Banksy without examining the signature, and it will be the question “is that an original Banksy” that will nourish the buyer’s enthusiasm for his purchase.

This is no new phenomenon. Rich men have always hung readily recognised artists, who could fail to acknowledge the work of Van Gogh or Monet. I know I would rather own a picture that is not only recognised but also hedged with craft.

The sale this month of Arab Warriors by 19th Century oriental school artist Talbot Kelly for £2,280 (almost ten times the estimate) indicates that craft is indeed back. SO j u ly 2 0 0 9

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LOCAL

so

SO LOCAL

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LOCAL HERO: Matt Sankey THE BUSINESS: Sankey’s Pub, Seafood Brasserie & Oyster Bar on Mount Ephraim, Tunbridge Wells. Sankey’s Fishmongers in Chapel Place opens in August WHAT DOES IT DO? The Pub specialises in original and rare beers from around the world.

We have two Real Ales and a lager created especially for us by local breweries. The Brasserie offers fresh fish bought daily and also currently a fishmonger’s service.

YOUR TOWN

Really Does

NEED YOU! THE NUMBER OF EMPTY SHOPS IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS HAS HIGHLIGHTED YET AGAIN THE NEED FOR INITIATIVES SUCH AS OUR SO LOCAL CAMPAIGN. WORDS MELISSA WOODLAND

WHERE DO YOU SOURCE YOUR PRODUCE? As locally as possible, but specialising in seafood poses a small problem in Tunbridge Wells. However, we’ve selected companies on the coast who only deal with local people themselves which means our fish comes from boats in places like Eastbourne, Brighton, Newhaven and Broadstairs. For our meat we use Peter Speaight in Chapel Place, while all our vegetables come from a greengrocer in Pembury and Taywell Farm supplies us with asparagus and ice cream.

DOES THIS MAKE YOUR PRODUCE MORE EXPENSIVE? I have found that local produce is cheaper than the produce from the big London Markets. Don’t let people fool you on this!

HOW IMPORTANT IS IT FOR LOCAL PEOPLE TO SUPPORT LOCALLY OWNED BUSINESSES? Hugely! Without support from “locals” we would not be able to survive. The locals like a pub/restaurant to go to and the pub/ restaurants need the customers. The local pub is for local people, isn’t it?

See www.sotunbridgewells.co.uk for the full list of participants.

F

igures show that six per cent of the town centre retail premises were vacant in April compared to just over four percent in the same month last year.

On the upside it was a slight drop from the March figure which stood at close to seven per cent.

In an effort to support the local community the borough council has published a guide Standing up to the Downturn which has a range of useful contacts and information for businesses and residents. It can be found at: www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/downturn We’re asking readers to choose to support independent outlets when they shop and eat in and around Tunbridge Wells. Research shows that every £10 spent this way is worth a staggering £25 to the local economy. Simply put, it helps keep our town going.

And any outlet can take part if they source as much of their produce or ingredients as close to home as they can.

Drop us a line if you know of a business that fits the bill: melissa.woodland@sotunbridgewells.co.uk SO J U LY 2 0 0 9

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ENJOY THE Wild Thymes RESIDENT FOODIE JULIAN LEEFE-GRIFFITHS GIVES FREE REIN TO HIS WILD STREAK THIS MONTH WITH A SOMEWHAT DIFFERENT APPROACH TO BARBEQUES.

T

here’s nothing men enjoy more than setting fire to stuff in the garden. And Summer gives us an excuse to do exactly that with a great barbeque lunch.

But just because it’s a barbeque, don’t go down the usual steak and chicken route. Raid the country larder!

Forget Kerry Katona, let her go to Iceland for her 25 reclaimed meat burgers for £1. This month I’m sticking with the George & Dragon motto of Food from a Farm, Not a Factory.

DIFFERENT DISHES So, this time round we’ll look at lots of different wild dishes from Pigeon Pittas to Venison Chops and Bunny Burgers. Plus, there’s a modern twist with rosemary skewered sausages and we finish up with Kentish Strawberries with Marshmallows and a dustbin full of popcorn. Life doesn’t get much better.

The Italians like a barbeque but not your Aussie style gas burner. They cook what they refer to as ‘alla brace’, which basically means cooking over wood embers.

To start, get a load of seasoned oak logs and split them. Make a tepee shaped fire and light; leave for about 20 minutes until it’s really going. Then knock the fire flat to reveal half burnt wood with lots of glowing charcoal and embers. Think barbeque on a beach or scouts’ camp.

It might seem like a lot of work, but it is so worth it, as a wood fire gives all the meat a fantastic smoked flavour. It imparts so much more character to the food than your standard gas burn up or supermarket charcoal.

Why not make your Summer barbeque party a family affair? Get the kids away from the telly and involved in stuffing sausages with rosemary, skewering strawberries, and then setting fire to the whole lot in the back garden. They’ll love it. ➢

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Wild food Pigeon pittas Super easy stuff - just barbeque one pigeon breast per person for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes per side, then rest on the edge of the barbeque for a few minutes, liberally season with salt and pepper (s&p), then cut into four.

Slice a warm pitta and fill with salad, pigeon and serve with a cucumber, yogurt and mint dip.

To make the dip, take a tub of Greek yogurt, a quarter of a diced or julienned cucumber and 4 to 6 mint leaves ripped up, add lots of s&p and mix.

bunny burgers It sounds cruel but trust me, it’s delicious. First, catch your two rabbits or alternatively buy them from the butcher.

Take the loins off the saddle and strip the meat off the back

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legs, chop finely or stick through a mincer if you have one. Add the equivalent amount of minced venison and pork.

Mix in a large bowl with 2 egg yolks, s&p, a handful of finely diced red onion, two chopped cloves of garlic and a teaspoon of fresh thyme. Form into patties and grill for 4 minutes each side. Stick in a bun with salad, mandatory pickled gherkin and a slug of garlic mayonnaise.

venison chops Buy some Venison Chops from the butcher and ask him to leave the rib bone long. Marinate for 3 hours in olive oil, garlic, rosemary and a whole lemon roughly chopped and squeezed. Cook alla brace for 4 minutes a side then rest and serve with Salsa Verde.

Rosemary Sausages Get a handful of good, fat, meaty sausages and find an old bush of woody rosemary. Cut several long sprigs (the woodier the better) and skewer the sausage lengthways. Toss on barbeque, turning frequently. Delicious!

Tin foil tomatoes On a big sheet of tin foil, place a large handful of halved new season Kentish vine tomatoes, some sliced red onions, basil, a small splash of balsamic vinegar, s&p. Add a dash of Pernod and a few chillies if feeling a bit spicy. Wrap up and bake on the top of barbeque for half an hour or so. Serve with some freshly torn basil over the top.

tomato salsa Roughly chop fresh Kentish tomatoes, 1 clove of garlic finely chopped, sprinkle with Malden Salt, liberal black

FIELD TO FORK

WINE SUGGESTIONS

BY THE SECRET CELLAR The nice thing about the great British barbeque is that literally anything goes when it comes to quenching your thirst whilst slaving over the hot coals or embers. But these three little lovelies are ideal for any occasion and match a variety of dishes.

Gran Sasso Montepulciano D’Abruzzo 2008 - £6.99 – The complete opposite to the majority of Montepulcianos on offer.

Forget the thin rather weedy usual offerings out there.

This dry red is rich and velvety and packed full of ripe blackberry, cherry fruit with soft, fine tannins and juicy, balanced acidity. Also shows notes of dark chocolate and some savoury, sweet herbal notes.

Langlois Chateau Cabernet de Saumur Rosé 2007 - £9.99 – This dry, complex rosé hails from France’s Loire Valley and is made from the more

pepper and a large dose of finely chopped young, fresh rosemary. Dress with good Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

KID’S PUD Let the kids burn themselves on the fire (no, not really but do let them have some fun). So, take some water soaked wooden skewers and make up a few strawberry and marshmallow brochettes. With a pair of tongs let them roast over the last embers of the barbeque. Serve with some warm chocolate sauce for dipping.

DUSTBIN POPCORN For the more adventurous out there, try Dustbin Popcorn.

Take one small, new metal dustbin (check out Bob’s DIY in Camden Road for this), place on barbeque with a light covering of sunflower oil in the bottom, let the bin heat up for about

5 minutes, then add a whole bag of corn kernels, pop the lid on, shake the bin vigorously and return to the heat. Let the kids tell you when it’s ready from the sound of the popping!

DRINKS Sup whatever you like. To help you decide the Secret Cellar have recommended some great wines (above) to go with summer barbeque food so check them out.

We also make a Prosecco and Summer Fruit Cocktail – simply whiz up some raspberries to a pulp with a table spoon of sugar and a good squeeze of fresh lime juice. Pour half an inch into a champagne flute with a dash of Cointreau and top with Prosecco.

Alternatively, mix the raspberry puree with lemonade for the kids.

Now you’ve done all the hard work, bring on the best the British summer has to offer – and enjoy! SO

SO

unusual Cabernet Franc grape. This salmon coloured wine includes the usual flavours of wild strawberry and raspberry alongside subtle peach and apricot notes. Perfect with summer salads and grilled fish.

Plantagenet Chardonnay 2007 - £13.99 – From the relatively cool climate region of Great Southern this wine is extremely elegant with a refreshing, long clean finish. Loads of lemon fruit flavours, melon, quince with a creamy subtle vanilla flavour. Ideal with salads, grilled fish and barbequed chicken.

WATCH OUT NEXT MONTH...

When we set out on the Great Fishing Expedition in an effort to catch our lunch.

The George and Dragon Speldhurst 018921 863125 The Black Pig and Dining Room TW 01892 523030

RECOMMENDED SUPPLIERS: S Fuller Butchers 01892 526563 Peter Speaight Butchers 01892 616668 St.Michael’s Butchery 01580 762579 The Butchers Shop & Wadhurst Game Dealers 01892 783130 Quarringtons Butchers 01892 521259 The Secret Cellar 01892 537981

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beer festival at

the beacon

MONTROSE Fine dine Burgundy Fine Wine Banquet with fine wine in great style Thursday 2 July - 7.00pm for 7.30pm start A must for all true lovers of fine wine and dine. A rare opportunity to experience five fine wines with each course of a splendid five course banquet. Full details on our website.

All That Jazz

The first Tuesday of every month Come and dine to the warm sound of our guest live jazz group. Full details on our website.

Wednesday is Steak and Fish Night

beer festival

Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th July with live music Saturday 4th from 3.30pm with live music from the “Varlies” Sunday 5th from 12 noon with live music and a Laser Pigeon Shoot n BBQ available both days n Free entry n All draught beer £3 per pint

Tea Garden Lane, Tunbridge Wells

01892 524252 www.the-beacon.co.uk

Chef’s Amuse Bouche, a choice of starters and an entrecote steak or seasonal fish of the day, served with hand cut chips – a bargain at £18.95. À la carte also available.

BOOK NOW 01892 513161 MONTROSE

MONTROSE The New Independent Boutique Restaurant

The New Independent Boutique Restaurant Southborough Common, Tunbridge Wells, Southborough Common, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 Kent, TN40RX 0RX

Open: Tues-Sat Open: Tues-Sat for for lunch lunch and and dinner dinner

Sun: Special Sunday lunches all day from

Sun: Special Sunday lunches all day 12.00-17.30 (last orders) from 12.00 – 17.30 (last orders)

www.montroserestaurant.co.uk www.montroserestaurant.co.uk e-mail: bookings@montroserestaurant.co.uk e-mail: bookings@montroserestaurant.co.uk

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

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Carr Taylor Vineyard, near Hastings, is your local award-winning vineyard.

Fantastic English Bubbly Free Wine Tasting Gift Shop Tea, Coffee & Light Refreshments Picinc Area & Vineyard Walks Hampers (made to order)

Come and visit us for a real taste of Sussex wine and produce.

The

Kings Arms Real ales & ďŹ ne wines Contemporary British Food using fresh local produce Large car park Open all day Warm, friendly atmosphere Outside catering available in our patio and garden with stunning views of Sussex

Carr Taylor Vineyards, Westfield, Nr Hastings, TN35 4SG Tel: 01424 752501 Email: sales@carr-taylor.co.uk

www.carr-taylor.co.uk

High Street, Rotherfield TN6 3LJ

Tel: 01892 853441 Of 39 Mount Ephraim, Royal Tunbridge Wells. Since 1961

locally sourced meats and wild game

SEAFOOD BRASSERIE, & OYSTER BAR

Early Bird Discount Get 20% off your bill in the Seafood Brasserie when you book a table before 6.30pm For full terms please call or visit our website

WWW.SANKEYS.CO.UK 15, chapel place, tunbridge wells, kent TN1 1YQ

tel: 01892

616668

01892 511 422 Also visit our chosen charity www.nationallobsterhatchery.co.uk

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hands on ceramics H A N D M A D E

S C U L P T U R E S

The Way of the Future. ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗

Central heating specialists Emergency call out (no charge) Gas & oil systems Boiler breakdowns Power flushing Plumbing Ground source heat pumps Solar panels Unvented systems

Renewable sustainable products are now becoming widely accepted as a way to not only save money as gas and oil prices continually seem to rise, but also as one of the major ways in which we can assist in reducing our carbon footprint.

NORTH HOUSE, EASTLEA ROAD, SEAHAM SR7 8ED

01915 815357 www.handsonceramics.com

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Northdown, Chatham Road, Sandling, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 3AY. tel: 01622 672743, 01622 692668. web: www.greenheatingsolutionsltd.co.uk

Favourit e BOTTLE IS...

AND MY

WINE

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THIS MONTH WE’RE IN THE CELLAR OF THE BEACON BAR AND RESTAURANT IN TW TO FIND OUT WHICH WINE THE OWNER JOHN CULLEN WOULD CHOOSE ABOVE ALL OTHERS.

I

t’s great to be able to write about something so close to my heart. I have been very lucky to have travelled pretty extensively, meeting various wine growers and producers. These travels have led me to a couple of wines in particular.

I have selected two small producers whose knowledge, enthusiasm and committment have yielded medium priced wines that are fine examples of their type, while boxing way above their weight.

The first is a Mâcon Fuissé 2007 by Domaine Auvigue (£25). This small French vineyard is run by two brothers, who inherited the plot from their parents and over the last 20 years have improved their wines to be some of the best in the area. Full, buttery Chardonnay balanced by lemon citrus flavours make this an ideal white wine to accompany fish or other light flavoured dishes. Be very careful as this is a very morish wine!

The second is a full Pinotage from the Laibach Estate near Stellenbosch, South Africa (£22.50). Another small producer whose wine-maker Francois, as well as being one of the nicest men you are likely to meet, is internationally

respected as being amongst the best in his field. His 06/07 wines are bursting with fruit, tempered and given extra character with light oak ageing.

I have lasting memories with him of drinking his beautifully made Pinotage Rosé on his verandah at sunset, overlooking the vineyards when two Bateleur Eagles came in, landed down the valley with the sun glinting on their wings. This wine complements any full flavoured dish.

I would easily suggest much higher priced wines but in terms of value for money, and showcasing the wine making skills of small producers, these two wines are unbeatable.

A Votre Santé! SO

MY OTHER FAVOURITES FROM THE BEACON WINE LIST INCLUDE: UNDER £30 White – Chablis Domaine N & G Fevre 07 £27.00 Red – Savigny les Beaune Les Gollardes 06 £29.80

UNDER £60 White – Meursault-Genevrieres 1er Cru Michel Bouzereau et Fils 2001 £42.50 Red – Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru 2001 Le Poissenot £58.50

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MAXIMISE SPORTS THERAPY S P O R T S

T H E R A P I S T

Alan Murray Bsc(Hons) DipST MSST TUNBRIDGE WELLS SPORTS CENTRE Sports Injury Clinic ■ Injury Diagnosis and Specific Injury Rehabilitation ■ Ultrasound and Longwave Therapy ■ Joint Mobilisation Techniques, PNF Stretching ■ Myofascial Release Techniques ■ Pre/Post Sports Massage ■ Sports Specific Exercises, Proprioceptive Exercises ■ Core Stability Exercises, Muscle

Conditioning Exercises

tel: 01892 546683 mobile: 07749189272 email: amurray.msst@yahoo.co.uk

www.maximisesportstherapy.com

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to the

words JK Bentley

Driving to Gatwick the other day (her relatives were arriving!) The Wife spotted the sign just outside Sharpthorne in West Sussex drawing attention to Gravetye Manor. She reminded me it had been some years since we’d crossed its threshold (pace of life and all that). So…

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ew things in life are more guaranteed to pep you up than the prospect of an evening at one of the finest restaurants in the land.

And so it is with much anticipation that we pull up the gravel drive of the Elizabethan stone mansion (1598) that is Gravetye Manor. Nothing appears, from the outside, to have changed over the last decade.

Before entering we stroll through the gardens created by that great Irish horticulturalist William Robinson who, at the beginning of the 20th Century, invented the notion of the “wild garden”.

The grounds today still reflect his philosophy which gives wild flowers their heads and lets them grow naturally; this sets the timless, enchanting tone of the manse itself which has 18 bedrooms for those reluctant to return to the outside world.

The intimate oak panelled rooms surrounding the lobby still impress as we walk through to the bar for our usual pre-dinner drinks. Within minutes a well presented tray of hors d’ouvres appears; quail scotch eggs, smoked salmon, guacamole and olives with a most delightful butternut squash soup in a small cup.

Menus are placed before us. There’s the daily three course dinner Table d’Hote (£37) and a seasonal three course menu at £52. The Wife and I opt for the TdH. Starter for her is seared fillet of west coast skate, buttered spinach, cockle, caper and mussel butter. Yours truly goes for delicate essence of tomato, confit cherry tomatoes, poached quails eggs and asparagus. ➢ J u ly 2 0 0 9

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Main course for The Wife is assiette of new season lamb (shoulder, cutlet and rump) rosemary crushed potatoes, English broad beans and light basil jus. For me it’s fresh Summer truffle linguine with baby garden vegetables and creamy cep sauce.

Aperitifs finished, we’re escorted through to the restaurant which holds three rosettes from the AA and 5/10 in the Good Food Guide.

Oh yes, Zagat’s Guide rates them 28/30 and places Gravetye “Top” for décor, food and service amongst restaurants outside London. Not bad, eh!

Difficult not to be impressed with the formal, yet relaxed ambience of the room that seats 45. Our still water comes in a carafe bearing the words: “Gravetye Manor Spring Water – from the spring since 1598”. The wild flowers on the table come from just outside the window.

Wine is a glass of rosé Les Fiefs de La Vielle Julienne 2007, Vin de Pays de pa Principaute d’Orange for The Wife at £7.00 (175ml). My choice of white is a Sancerre 2007, Domaine Vacheron at £8.50 (175ml). Both are what one would expect from a restaurant with one of the finest cellars in the UK. Bottle

Menu at a Glance: Table d’Hote Dinner £37.00 (three course) Seasonal three course menu £52.00 Wine by the glass from £7.50 Bottles: £16.00 to £1,000 Reservations: 01342 810567 www.graveytyemanor.co.uk

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prices range from £16.00 to £1,000.

A basket with a choice of four breads settles on the white table cloth, bridging the short gap before two waiters glide across the patterned carpet with the starters.

We savour the tastes and textures – skate on her plate, essence of tomato in my bowl – almost in silence. Glances are exchanged and we nod; faultless.

Surely it cannot get much better. But it does.

The Wife’s father was closely connected to the meat trade which means she was reared on the very best cuts and dishes. The superlatives flow as she speaks of the Gravetye lamb. They could equally apply to my truffle linguine.

We partake of delicate milk chocolate mousse, roasted apricots, grue de cocoa tuille before sinking in to a sofa in the lounge with our coffee and petits fours (£4.00 per person).

The Wife draws my attention to the fact the china is Villeroy & Boch. (I look impressed, as I’m supposed to.)

Over coffee we reflect on the evening and agree that since General Manager Andrew Russell and Chef de Cuisine Mark Raffan purchased Gravetye from the Herbert Family five years ago little has changed. And why should it? The pair worked with the family for 17 years.

If anything Gravetye’s got even better and continues with the philosophy of great country house hospitality by providing guests with an all round dining experience that, for all the right reasons, is memorable.

From the gardens and the manse, to the kitchens and front of house, all are exceptional and a credit not just to the owners but also Maitre de Maison Amy Gleadow and Head Sommelier Cressida Barnes.

Equally impressive is the fact that it really is not that expensive, particularly for what you receive. With aperitifs, three glasses of wine, the meal and coffees we were required to part with less than £140 and that included VAT and 12.5% gratuity.

We’ve certainly paid far more for an evening’s dining with the food nowhere near as exceptional.

There’s no question; next time we head for Gatwick we’ll leave time for a detour down this little gravel drive we know…SO

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Bright sunshine, ice cold Mojitos, pitchers of Sangria and delicious Tapas to graze on.

Put yourself in this picture, the TN4 garden, now open for a long hot summer!

Tapas served Mon – Thursday evenings Mon – Sunday lunchtimes Drinks served all the time!

TN4 Bar and Kitchen, 29 Mount Ephraim, Tunbridge Wells, Kent.

TN4 8AA

01892 515949 tangonovember4@aol.com Facebook: TN4 bar and kitchen, for updates on all events through the summer

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uge blue skies and long warm days don’t fill the soul with a yearning to stay cooped up in the office, so when lunch beckons, take the opportunity to try something different.

This is the plan on a hot afternoon when I intend to entertain a well-heeled old friend, down from London, who might just become a future business partner. With a smart venue in mind and the thought of a light lunch with a few drinks, we head for tapas at TN4 which is at the top end of town, just past The Common.

Recently refurbished, the bar area feels a lot tidier than in years gone by and it fits the bill in terms of a slick setting to impress my potential investor. We grab a few refreshing bottles of Peroni and set ourselves down to discuss how we might mutually benefit one another.

Thankfully the jazz soundtrack makes sure any ambitious eaves-droppers are unsuccessful, though in my opinion it can at times get a little bit frantic and intrusive. Undeterred, I begin my side of the pitch, pausing only to give our order to the very polite waitress.

The tapas menu is pretty extensive and offers a good selection of bites and nibbles. We go for a variety of dishes and would order more if we thought we could fit it in!

Our order includes Calamares Fritos (the classic fried squid rings with garlic mayonnaise), Albondigas (spicy Moorish meatballs), Croquettes (Serrano ham, Tetilla cheese, peppers and basil fried in breadcrumbs), Tortilla (traditional Spanish omelette with layers of potato and onion) and an olive, tomato and onion salad.

The food finds its way to the table promptly – always good when you’re a bit short on time – and it seems a bit of a shame to ruin the excellent presentation by tucking in. Nonetheless, we do.

The meatballs are enjoyably spicy, but not too hot for a day-time snack. I was pleased with the Calamares as well; there’s always that concern that the squid will be tough and chewy, thankfully these felt fresh and soft.

A refreshing choice is the Tortilla, which off-sets the spicy and rich flavours of some of the other dishes, but the treat of the day is the Croquettes – wonderfully rich, cheesy and herby.

We wash it all down with a bottle of Baron Phillipe de Rothschild Merlot which is highly enjoyable with its light bouquet of berry fruits.

By the time the two us lean back into the comfy leather chairs, we’re content and making good progress on the project. Resisting the temptation of the lengthy cocktail list (dangerous in the afternoon!) and the desert menu, we part company and vow to follow up our discussion shortly.

The next meeting, funnily enough, is booked for the same venue. Next time though, I’ll be sure to take a pack of mints as on my return my SoTW colleagues detect a slight garlicky aroma… a small price to pay.

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MEET

WORDS PJ FJORD

EATING OUT AT LUNCHTIME CAN BE A CHALLENGE, PARTICULARLY IF IT INVOLVES A BIT OF BUSINESS. BUT IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A DECENT PLACE TO DINE, OR A RELAXED BUT FORMAL LOCATION, YOU MIGHT JUST BE IN LUCK.

MENU AT A GLANCE: Tapas: £3.50 - £8.95 Desserts: £3.85 - £4.50 Cocktails: from £5.95 Wine: glasses from £3.95, bottles from £14.25

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WELL WORTH THE WEIGHT ONCE AGAIN THE ITALIANS HAVE SHOWN THERE’S MORE TO THEIR TALENTS THAN JUST PASTA, PIZZA, WINE AND ROMANCE.

WORDS NICK MOORE

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MOTORS

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t was early February when I first received the call from Ferrari UK asking if we’d like to borrow the new 430 Scuderia for the weekend. However due to the unpredictable British weather and such high demand for the car our dream didn’t finally come true until very recently, although as the saying goes, good things come to those who wait.

So, imagine if you had to develop one of the world’s fastest and most powerful road cars. Who would you want on your team? Of course you’d like the usual bunch of highly skilled leading engineers, mechanics and designers but who else? Who could give you that extra edge?

How about seven times World F1 Champion Michael Schumacher?

That’s how Ferrari managed to create the frighteningly quick new 430 Scuderia, the closest the likes of you and I will probably ever get to driving a Formula 1 race car.

Now, it’s not often we review a vehicle that everyone in the SoTW office approves of, but the sexy new Scuderia wins this accolade hands down. This car certainly attracts interest, raises smiles and brings tears to your eyes. (At the official press launch members of the media emerged from the car with watery eyes as a result of G-forces during acceleration.)

But the great thing about the 430 Scuderia – a faster, lighter and even more compelling version of the F430 – is that Ferrari didn’t have to make it.

Car manufacturers often create new versions of their existing models to stimulate sales, although with healthy waiting lists already for the legendry F430, Ferrari didn’t need to drum up showroom traffic. All praise then to the prancing horse marque for not taking the easy route.

So, what has changed, how have the geniuses improved what was already a fantastic machine?

Well, by supercar standards the regular F430 is not, at 1,450kg (3,190lbs), a heavy car. Yet Ferrari has still managed to shed the pounds from the 430 Scuderia to a slim 1,350 kg (2,970lbs). They took an holistic approach to enhancing the F430, whittling away at anything that slows a car down and applying the latest tricks learned in Formula 1 racing.

Power, weight, tyres and suspension were the low-hanging fruit. Using carbon fibre extensively throughout the interior and engine compartment, ditching sound-deadening materials and fitting a Lexan rear window and titanium springs helped shave 100kg (220lbs) off the F430.

In terms of performance this car is truly in a league of its own, not surprising really given that the 4.3-litre V8 has been tuned to produce 503bhp and that the Scuderia weighs pretty much the same as a typical family hatchback. With a maximum speed just shy of 200 mph, 0-60 can be achieved in just 3.5 seconds; hang on to your hats and anything else you can get hold of for that matter!

The superb steering keeps your palms fully abreast of what’s going on beneath the front tyres, while figurehugging sports seats stop you flopping around as the G-forces ramp up round your favourite corners. ➢

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“…YOU SEE, NO MATTER WHAT ADJECTIVES I USE TO DESCRIBE THE 430 SCUDERIA, IT SIMPLY WON’T DO IT JUSTICE.” Happily, the Scuderia stops as well as it goes, thanks to carbon-ceramic brakes that were again developed by the Formula 1 team. Just make sure they’re warmed up before attempting a 100-0 mph stop.

Further F1 technology includes a super-fast paddleshift gearbox delivering changes in an unfathomable 60 milliseconds and a stability and traction control system that you can tailor via a switch on the steering wheel, called the Manettino.

The style of the interior is typical of a racing car; the central tunnel has been purposely designed and manufactured in carbon fibre, as have the interior door panels. The floor is made of anti-slip aluminum while the new ‘Super Racing’ seats have been created entirely from carbon fibre and are designed for extra support in extreme driving.

There’s a stereo thrown in, but to be honest, if you can hear music you’re listening to the wrong soundtrack.

The rest of the improvements are, as you would expect, pretty much all Formula 1-inspired including the aerodynamics, which are optimised to increase front and rear downforce without resorting to large wings by creating suction underneath the body.

And at what cost does this road legal race car come in at? A staggering ‘value for money’ £172,000.

But enough of all this mechanical, technical and design jargon. When writing this type of car review it’s often all too easy to become obsessed with the detail and blinded by the science in an effort to try and convey the sheer velocity of the subject matter. And that is the very problem with this review.

You see, no matter what adjectives I use to describe the 430 Scuderia, it simply won’t do it justice.

The only way to really understand and appreciate this fantastic achievement by Ferrari is to get behind the wheel, prod the start button, hang on and redline it (on a track, of course). Only then will you truly comprehend and begin to understand that this is quite possibly the best car on the planet! SO

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tel: 01892 531727 mob: 07736 842954 info@moliorhomes.com

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meet the smiths WORDS RICHARD MOORE

FORTYSIX YEARS AGO FREDDIE SMITH OPENED THE DOORS TO ONE OF THE FIRST SHOPS IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS SELLING FULLY FITTED CARPETS… AND A DYNASTY WAS BORN.

M

ention the word “interiors” in and around town and there’s always one family name that springs to mind: The Smiths.

Hardly surprising when you consider that getting on for half a century they’ve been involved in catering to the needs of generations of locals wanting to improve their homes.

Whether you’re looking for a £2,000 mirror to cover a whole wall or a £300 light fitting to show of a room, the Smiths specialise in full interior design and can deliver the lot.

It was in Grove Hill Road TW in 1963 that Freddie Smith launched the business under the banner of Mister Smith Carpets.

Four years later they moved into the High Street, introduced a soft furnishing department specialising in curtain and blind making and changed the name to Mister Smith Interiors. Son Patrick Smith joined the business.

Demand grew, the business took off and by the early 1980’s new larger premises were needed which resulted in a move to the present shop in Croft Road, Crowborough.

Today its become a real family affair operating out of four different locations:

■ Lightingweb in Chapel Place TW (2007) offers

designer lighting together with contemporary furniture and mirrors ■ And The Olive Tree in Crowborough (2007) is a gift shop and painted furniture specialist.

Making sure it all happens are Financial Director Patrick Smith (59)… son Ben Smith (33) is Managing Director… younger son Anthony Smith (30) is Sales Director… and Laura Smith (29) is a graphic designer, manager of The Olive Tree and wife of Anthony. (Freddie Smith himself died in 1968.)

Oh yes, and there’s the oldest of the brothers Simon Smith (36) who runs a country house hotel in Virginia USA. But is it an advantage or disadvantage working with family members?

“Definitley a big plus,” says Anthony Smith who is pictured above with Patrick and Laura. “Although we can and do supply very large projects, we’re not a huge company which gives us tight control over all aspects of the business.

“This is very important, especially during the recession, as the overall business is closely monitored by family members and adjustments can be made instantly if required.”

So, what makes it all so successful?

“We have exclusive product ranges, many of which you don’t normally see outside of London and we have unusual items sourced from all over the world – like mirrors from the Far East that have a real ‘wow’ factor.

“We also have long term relationships with our suppliers and manufacturers that assures us competitive prices.”

Target audience for the Smiths is middle and top end clients through both commercial projects and residential work. A measure of their success is the fact they have high repeat orders from a loyal customer base… and are already looking ahead to 2012 when the dynasty will celebrate its 50th anniversary. And deservedly so.

■ There are two Mister Smith Interiors,

the one in Crowborough and another in Brighton that opened in 2004.

www.mistersmith.co.uk SO J U LY 2 0 0 9

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WEDDINGS

so WEDDED BLISS

PLANNING YOUR PERFECT DAY

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY FOCUS ON THE VENUE

WHITER THAN WHITE A NEW SMILE FOR A BRIDE-TO-BE

Dress to Impress… the Gown

Details that Count ISSUE

O2

VENUES CATERING FASHION FLOWERS TRANSPORT PHOTOGRAPHY BEAUTY

We’d like to give you £500 towards it RECENTLY RENOVATED, THE OLD SCHOOL HOUSE IN THE HEART OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS IS THE AREA’S NEWEST AND MOST STYLISH WEDDING VENUE. BOOK FOR ANYTIME DURING JULY, AUGUST OR SEPTEMBER 2009 AND YOU’LL SAVE £500 ON THE ROOM HIRE CHARGE.

Let us make your day sparkle

1 WARWICK PARK, ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT TN2 5TA www.brewhousehotel.com 01892 520587

info@brewhousehotel.com

WEDDING SPECIAL

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Hello...

S

o, you’re planning a wedding.

Congratulations! The weeks and months ahead of you will be a whirlwind of decision-making.

From tastings to tiaras, you’re going to have to make a whole gamut of decisions to ensure your special day is all that you’ve dreamed of.

Happily, SoTW is on hand to help guide you through a few of the essentials. We’ve consulted local experts and hand picked a few key elements to start you on your way to wedding day bliss.

We’ve got the most glamorous gowns, venues with that special something, entertainment ideas to ensure your reception is the party of the year and the finishing touches that will make the wedding really yours. Plus, we follow one bride’s journey on the road to a picture perfect smile and get the inside track on a few ‘must haves’.

Grab a glass of bubbly (or a cup of coffee), make yourself comfortable and get reading.

We’ll have your wedding planned in no time.

MELISSA WOODLAND SO Weddings Editor

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FROCK TILL YOU DROP WORDS JAN COMLEY

A GOLDEN TICKET FOR A FAIRYTALE FROCK AND ENOUGH TIME TO SELECT AND NIP-TUCK IT TO PERFECTION. SOUND LIKE SHOPPING HEAVEN? THINK ON.

B

e under no illusions. Choosing that drop-dead gorgeous wedding ensemble is no walk in the park.

For if a bride is to make the jawdropping entrance she dreams of – that she deserves, no less – it’s essential that what she wears reflects her style and emotions and brings her personality to life. Whether she’s a schoolteacher or a socialite, a city highflier or an artist; whether her taste is more minimalist than modern, more bang on-trend than traditional; her wedding gown must always embody the personality underneath the grand presentation. Ladies, if you are about to embark on the quest for your wedding dress, be warned – you are on a mission.

Before she ventures forth on the shopping experience of a lifetime, a bride-to-be should consider her own personal style and scour the glossy magazines for ideas that match. True romantics, for example, shouldn’t try to contain their burning desire for that frothy, fantasy gown – for this is their one chance to make it become reality. Individualists should make the most of this opportunity for self-expression by looking at gowns in an unusual choice of colour or an unexpected silhouette. And, dressed in a deceptively simple design (though they are frequently anything but), a minimalist Mademoiselle will exude confidence in a gown she knows is, for her, utter, understated perfection.

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Consider too, that your wedding dress needn’t be one single garment. These days most outfits that brides wear are made from ingenious combinations of cleverly blended separates that can be mixed and matched and perfectly tailored to individual style and size. A big advantage of separates is, that with a little imagination, they can be altered, adapted and worn again and again after the wedding – individual pieces can be dyed and matched with other clothes to create stunning new party outfits.

So, whether you are looking for the timeless elegance of a Jenny Packham, the beauty of a Bruce Oldfield, the froth and femininity of Suzanne Neville or the sheer ritziness of an Alan Hannah, there are still a number of style elements that need to be considered. And they are the most important ones – the ones that suit you.

SENSATIONAL SILHOUETTES The first thing to ponder is how you see the overall silhouette of your wedding gown – a surefire reflection of the personality that lies within.

Every silhouette (or outline) can be created by combining different bodices, necklines, waistlines, hemlines and trains, but the end result (and total look) needs to be a drop-dead gorgeous gown that will make an entrance to die for. Think about the physical attributes you would like to emphasise then familiarise yourself with the elements that will enhance your figure.

WEDDING SPECIAL

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Gown from The Pantiles Bride 01892 514515

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tunbridge wells

dressing with style

for every event

High Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent 01892 614000 Royal Parade, Chislehurst, Kent 0208 4676661

www.labellefemme.co.uk

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Right: Bellesabloom 01892 670100 by Below:Gown The Pantiles Bride 01892 514515 Stephanie Allin www.stephanieallin.net

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

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Wedding dress design begins with the fabric. For more conventional wedding gowns, certain fabrics have practically become generic. Preferred fabrics for structured gowns include stiff, opaque and shimmering Duchess satin and silk taffeta, which are elegant and enduring and rustle tantalising with movement.

Tulle, originally used for petticoat underpinnings, possesses a charm and beauty all of its own. For a look that’s fresh but a little bit wild, consider dressing up organza, chiffon or tulle with delicate details. Or, for a soft, constructed gown that allows sheer comfort and body articulation, there’s silk crepe, sensual silk charmeuse, sheer georgette or even sheerer chiffon.

Whereas each component of a wedding gown deserves equal attention, the drape and detail of the skirt defines the final outcome – its volume, surface interest and movement always affects the overall style.

Among the most popular wedding dress profiles is the A-Line, which reflects a classic sense of refinement. A full A-line can be extravagant without sacrificing slimness, while a narrow A-line can be either dressy or informal. It can either be cut close to the leg or fall a good distance from the bride’s feet – creating all the sweep and swish a girl could desire.

Taking the skirt to another level, if it’s a full-on entrance you daydream about, the ball gown profile might just be for you. Typically floor length (although ankle or ballerina length works with this outline too), it’s about as big, bold and traditional as you can get, and an enormous skirt guarantees a grand and glorious impression.

If you are pear-shaped and proud of it, to emphasise the natural contours of a bride, a bias cut can be either relatively fitted or quite floaty. Conversely, a column profile fits mainly around the bust, with the skirt of the dress following the line of the leg straight down from the hip – not dissimilar from a pencil skirt.

Circular shapes offer frivolity and fullness – if the fabric is soft they can also be quite graceful – but they are best on tall, slim brides as, on more petite ladies, they can be overwhelming. Deep, parallel box pleats of fabric that cascade down a skirt can be very flattering for brides who want to play down their hips and thighs, especially in a heavy fabric like satin.

To achieve an illusion of height or a slimmer silhouette, consider a pick-up hem where pieces of fabric are gathered and draped in a curve at several points. Flirty tulip skirts, which are slim and hugging until they reach mid-thigh level, then flare out to the knee or just below, are great for balancing out wide hips; and bustles, which are often black-balled by brides who assume they will make their derriers look dumpy, can actually be very flattering for all shapes and sizes.

BODYLICIOUS Overall to the integral design are the neckline and bodice – a bodice delineates the torso, whereas a neckline emphasises the bosom. So it goes without saying that the appropriate neckline, coupled with a perfectly constructed bodice, will complement the bride’s proportions.

Like a foundation garment, a bodice is defined by its construction and fit. For a woman with a full bosom and a short waist, the bodice should extend onto the lower torso to create the illusion of length. For a small bosom, a deep V-neck can be flattering, while a high neckline always looks elegant.

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A relatively new trend in the wedding dress industry is the asymmetric neckline, which is cut differently on one side of the bride’s neck to the other – ideal for style icons looking for something a little bit different. On-the-shoulder necklines, in their various guises, offer necessary coverage of lingerie while allowing for freedom of arm movement.

Necklines that fall off (or away from) the shoulder flatter most brides, focussing attention on the face and shoulders.

And strapless necklines are enjoying an enormous resurgence. Evocative of the 1950s, they are bare yet refined, romantic but dignified – striking the perfect balance between propriety and flirtation.

While a neckline and bodice frame a bride’s face, neck and shoulders, the shape and positioning of the waistline will determine the whole silhouette. For many brides, the waist is an appealing focal point of her dress and deserves great emphasis. By rule of thumb, empire and high waistlines are almost always flattering (cannily creating the illusion of long legs), basque and kidney-shaped waistlines enhance the effect of a long torso and narrow the waist, a dropped waist can lengthen the illusion of the torso and a princess waistline (two vertical seams that taper to the hem, without any seams at the waist), elongates the body and flatters a variety of shapes.

BACK OFF As the back of a gown commands its own share of visual importance, it needs to be charming and artfully designed.

For a morning ceremony, the back should never fit below the level of the bra fastening. Traditional wedding adornments such as tailored bows, fabric-covered buttons or hand-rolled flowers lend a touch of subtle femininity and grace to the back of a bodice.

For late or evening weddings, a glimpse of bare skin or the soft drape of a cowl back can be incredibly alluring, while sequins, beads and crystals reflect the light and offer a touch of glamour. In fact decoration need not be restricted to the front of a gown. A delicate stitch, gathers, twists or folds can add great drama or importance and beaded or jewelled straps provide sensual dimension.

CROWNING GLORIES Nothing says bride more than a veil, and as it’s the only time you’ll ever get to wear one, you might as well go all-out to make it the crowning glory of your outfit – just remember to keep every aspect of your appearance in mind when making your choice.

Worn with a veil or on its own, the impact of the bride’s headpiece should never be underestimated. It may be a magical tiara (perfect for accommodating veils and intricate hairstyles), a jewelled headband or fresh flowers woven into combs or crowns.

From Top: Gown from Pantiles Bride 01892 514515 Bespoke Gown by Exclusively Elegant 01892 662046 Tiara from All that Glitters 01892 525352

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Dorton House Set in idyllic private grounds in Sevenoaks, Dorton House’s sumptuously appointed Georgian rooms offer the perfect location for Civil Ceremonies, Wedding Breakfasts and Receptions for up to 120 guests. For further detail, please call Annette Hughes on 01732 592511,

Specialist in Fine Hand Made Jewellery

or email annette.hughes@rlsb.org.uk

Over 40 years creating individual, beautifully designed and expertly made engagement, wedding and eternity rings.

Certificated diamonds.

www.dortonhouse.co.uk

- come direct to the craftsman 43 The Pantiles Tunbridge Wells 01892 521796 www.peterjenner.com

Dorton House is the headquarters of the Royal London Society for the Blind and all profits pass to the Charity

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elizabethdesigns king

A collection of affordable, classic, contemporary or individually created bridal gowns. Also featuring new designer labels. Making you feel special in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

tel: 01732 833133 138 Tonbridge Road Hildenborough TN11 9HJ

WEDDINGS

Beauty by nature, sophistication by design

Only the finest, personally selected blooms make it into a Karen Woolven design and Karen’s promise of nature’s freshest flowers coupled with the assurance of custom tailored service, originality, elegance and style, means that you won’t want to settle for working with anyone else.

Experience working with top venues throughout Kent and London means that the team at Karen Woolven Floral Design provide perfection as standard.

For your special day the possibilities are endless. Elegant bouquets, combined with striking floral designs, will be designed specifically for you and your requirements.

Our flowers create the perfect ambience for all styles of wedding ceremony, designed to complement the most prestigious or intimate of surroundings. Whether you would like us to realise your dream image of how your day will look or to first help you to design your dream, we thrive on creating floral designs that add the romance and sophistication to make yours a day to remember.

To find out more please contact us: Tel 0791 944 1752 Email karen @ kwfloraldesign.co.uk Web www.kwfloraldesign.co.uk

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Traditional

barbers for the

modern groom Our wedding packages include: Hairstyling Hot towel shave ■ Head massage ■ Facial ■ Manicure ■ ■

105 London Road, Sevenoaks

01732 460 019

www.alanjonesmensgrooming.com

Lucy’s

BEAUTY STUDIO HEALTH AND BEAUTY

b Facial Treatments b Body Treatments b Massage

& Feet with Nailtiques

b Hands

b Make-up b Beauty Treatments b FREE Parking LA BEAUTE MARINE

b 10% OFF Your First Treatment When You Mention This Advert

specialised marine face and body treatments, hydrotherapy and underwater massage

the make-up trendsetters

therapeutic nail care treatment

Please give me a call on -

01892 820444

Lucy Pilfold B.A.B.T.A.C qualified therapist Ramada Jarvis Hotel 8, Tonbridge Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent. TN2 4QL

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www.lucysbeautystudio.co.uk

WEDDING SPECIAL

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WORDS LISA DE GARSTON, GARBOS

HAIR STYLE THE FASHIONISTAS HAVE SPOKEN AND THE TREND FOR THIS YEAR’S BRIDE IS A SOFT, ROMANTIC LOOK, WITH PLENTY OF CURLS AND RINGLETS. BUT DOES THAT SUIT YOUR STYLE?

W

hether it is a sleek, polished up-do or loose tousled waves, your hair should make you feel gorgeous and complement your whole look.

The classic, chic up-do could look out of place if you are getting married bare-foot in the sand in some tropical paradise, but by keeping the up-do more relaxed and slightly messy with loose tendrils and perhaps a tropical flower as an accessory, the look becomes more boho and certainly will be cooler in the tropical heat.

This more relaxed boho look with hair down, given plenty of texture and tumbling curls, also works well with this year’s favourite theme, the country wedding. Loose hair woven into plaits, with wild flowers as an accessory, perfectly complement the bucolic setting of a country wedding.

For more formal weddings, up-dos are still a girl’s favourite; complement detailed necklines with sleek but simple styles, or take a lead from the Spanish catwalks with glamorous high buns. These classic styles never date and will still look fabulous in your photographs in ten years time.

Short, sassy styles, by the clever use of accessories, will look glitzy and glamorous. Search out sparkly, jewelled hairpins, feather clips and fabric flowers from well-known High Street names such as Accessorize.

If all these styles sound too fussy or elaborate don’t forget that just by having your hair blow dried professionally on the day will help give your hair shine, volume and movement.

To ensure your hair is in tip-top condition work with your stylist in the months before your wedding to get their advice on shampoos, conditioners and treatments. If your hairdresser is styling your hair on the day, book practice appointments, taking along pictures and accessories so you can experiment with different styles. Take a camera along so you check out how you look from different angles; remember many of your guests will spend some time staring at the back of your head during the ceremony.

On the day whatever style you have chosen, it should make you look and feel fabulous and if you did have your hair professionally styled, your stylist would love to receive a photograph of your complete look, highlighting, of course, their talented handiwork!

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tunbridge wells

weddings at

the beacon

The Beacon is the ideal venue for your wedding with three flexible function rooms of various sizes which are perfect for parties from 10 to 100. Superb views, a private terrace and only one mile from the centre of Tunbridge Wells the Beacon is very special.

For more details please contact Di Cullen on 01892 524252 email beaconhotel@btopenworld.com web www.the-beacon.co.uk Tea Garden Lane, Tunbridge Wells Kent TN3 9JH.

Tea Garden Lane, Tunbridge Wells

01892 524252 www.the-beacon.co.uk

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WEDDING SPECIAL

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

WHITER THAN WHITE

WORDS MICHELLE WALTON

SO

after

“SMILE”. JUST THAT ONE SIMPLE WORD USED TO TERRIFY ME.

I

f I was being asked to ‘smile’, there was probably a camera ready to take a picture. And once a picture had been taken everyone would be able to see the image!

Have to admit I’m quite a proud girl when it comes to my appearance. I try all the latest creams and cosmetics, hair is styled regularly and I keep up with the latest fashions.

My biggest problem with my appearance is that smile.

It’s almost like I don’t have one. When a camera nears, I pull a strange face – one that probably belongs in a picture of someone about to do a bungee jump off a very, very high bridge.

As a child I endured all the normal dentist routines, with regular check ups (receiving a lolly and a brave girl sticker each time). But when it came to braces I missed the boat and growing up was painfully aware of my far from perfect teeth. So, about five years ago I took the plunge and had all my teeth veneered hoping this would help me find my smile.

From what I remember the procedure was pretty painful and a long process. The results were okay, although it didn’t seem to do much to my confidence… or my smile. Felt a bit like I had wasted money.

Then came the shock. My partner proposed! I was, of course, delighted, but came back to earth with a bump when I realised that wedding means pictures. Pictures that will be kept and cherished forever. Unless I want to look like I’m being forced into marriage I really need to get my smile sorted out!

After browsing the internet, I discover Oliver Harman (of Extreme Makeover UK fame), who runs The Harman Clinic, on Dudley Road, TW with his partner Fiona. I book a consultation.

Fiona instantly recognises my nerves and puts me at ease straight away. I discuss with Dr Harman my concerns

before and he finds out exactly what I want to see when I smile. He recommends we go right back to basics, taking off the old veneers. Must admit, the thought terrifies me. Really did not plan on going through that pain or stress again. I ask if I can give it some thought. Forty-eight hours later I receive an email from The Harman Clinic with a picture attached. It’s my current smile followed by an enhanced version – what it would look like after the work is done. My mind is made up right away. The ‘after’ picture is amazing. I want those teeth!

I book in for the treatment and am eager to get started.

I carry around the before and after pictures everywhere.

I shouldn’t really admit it, but I’m more excited about new teeth than the wedding!

THE TREATMENT The nerves arrive when I hear that a gum lift is needed to even out my smile. A gum lift? Sounds painful to me but another look at my after pictures is all I need to leave myself in Dr Harman’s capable hands.

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Dr Harman has a new laser that will remove some of the excess gum at the top of the teeth so that the teeth appear even. This should mean that my recovery should be quick, and pain during and after will be minimal. Hmmm… is that like when the nurse says to you that you will feel a ‘little scratch’ when you have a jab and it actually really hurts!

The laser is very quiet apart from the slight clicking sound, and Dr Harman gets to work. I can’t believe it, he was right - no pain! No pulling, no scraping, it is amazing!

The next step is the veneers which will create a natural even smile. A fairly popular form of cosmetic dentistry, this should only be taken forward with a dentist that has great experience as once the veneers are on, your only option if you don’t like them is to pay again. Dr Harman makes sure he shows me the progress every step of the way and even fits temporary veneers so I can get a feel for them. If I’m not happy, he can make changes, but I’m delighted.

THE RESULTS The whole process takes a couple of months. I thought it would be painful; it isn’t. I thought I’d need to live on cocodamol; I don’t!

Dr Harman even calls me up regularly to see how I’m feeling.

He’s is a perfectionist and it really shows in his work. Although they provide modern dentistry, the Harman Clinic has that old fashioned feel - warm, welcoming and understanding. Everyone is commenting on my smile and how much I have changed. I’ve gone from camera shy to paparazzi happy! I apologise in advance for everyone that I will force to look at all my pictures. The camera is today my friend. Now, I need to start planning the wedding…

DENTIST DR. OLIVER HARMAN SAYS: “Disappointing makeovers like Michelle’s first are not uncommon and are an expensive lesson.

People must research their chosen dentist to ensure he has the necessary skills and experience.

“Her case had many challenges including almost no space for one of her front teeth. However, by following the unique Harman smile design protocol I was able to achieve a fantastic result. Starting with a photo simulation of Michelle’s new look and working with Steve Rea one of the UK’s top technicians we made a full 3D model of her new teeth. These were used to make Michelle’s provisional teeth which are replicas of the final veneers and crowns. They give the patient the opportunity to get used to the new teeth and fine tune them to exactly what they want. Only when Michelle was completely happy did we finalise her makeover knowing she would be delighted. Her treatment included a “waterlase” gum lift, porcelain veneers and crowns, a bridge and home whitening.”

Dr Oliver Harman is the only Dentist in Kent and Sussex to have full British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accreditation. He was chosen to do more cases for Living TV’s Extreme Makeover UK than any other dentist.

Veneers start at £745. The Harman Clinic in Tunbridge Wells 01892 539899 www.theharmanclinic.com

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WE’VE SIFTED THROUGH THE MYRIAD OF WEDDING PARAPHERNALIA TO BRING YOU A SELECTION OF WHAT’S HOT WHEN IT COMES TO TYING THE KNOT THIS SUMMER.

this season...

WORDS MELISSA WOODLAND

Tailor made

Classy Venue

The Old School House, the recently opened function room at The Brew House Hotel in TW offers a stylish town centre reception venue that can accommodate 120 guests for a sit down meal or 160 for a buffet or an evening reception.

With a sleek, contemporary interior, the space is a perfect marriage of original brickwork and clean lines – so whether you’re going for timeless elegance or country chic, your wedding theme will be right at home. And as the top notch catering usually found on the à la carte menu of the One Restaurant is now available for wedding breakfasts, yours will be the wedding that guests are queuing up to attend.

Call 01892 520587 to arrange your tour.

Covering up

It’s not just the gents who can enjoy the luxury of having a wedding suit made especially for them. An exclusive new service offered by La Belle Femme in TW High Street gives all those Mothers of the Bride/Groom the peace of mind that no-one else will be wearing the same as them at the wedding.

The “on demand” range by Jaego allows you to choose a style of outfit to suit your shape and the colours you’d like it to be made up in using luxurious silk fabrics.

Prices start at around £300. La Belle Femme: 01892 614000.

Arabian Nights

If you are lucky enough to know someone with a field or large garden, why not set up camp for your reception in a decadent Arabian tent.

With waterproof exteriors and raised carpeted floors, there’s no need to worry about the weather. Choose from a range of themes such as Moulin Rouge, Raj and Cornish Cream for a reception venue with a twist.

From www.arabiantents.com

Be ready for your close up with the specially formulated Front Cover Touch Up Concealer from the diffusion range by expert make up artist Jemma Kidd. An illuminating and perfecting concealer provides a ‘camera ready’ finish. Jemma says: “Use sparingly – touch-up where concealer is needed and only on top of foundation.”

If you’re looking for something that little bit different to keep your guests entertained during the photos or before the meal, think about hiring a caricaturist. Humorous and witty, these drawings will prove a real talking point at your reception and give your guests a memento to take home. The drawings of Soozi Harrison, who’s been in the business for more than ten years, capture the personality of your friends and family perfectly.

£9.50 from www.asos.com

www.susanharrison.biz

Strike a pose

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N

ts en em ng ra Ar ift G

ew

t!

is 9! a tw 00 with r 2 gift fo the

doing things a bit differently Traditional and contemporary floral designs for any occasion, from creative designs and wedding flowers to sympathy tributes.

The Broadway, Crowborough, East Sussex, TN6 1DA

01892 662621 www.houseofpollen.co.uk

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Purple Pumpkin

imaginative

wedding

design s

innovative catering

tailor-made catering for any event

…the “ flowers were

absolutely amazing and just what we wanted June 09

”

www.purplepumpkin.org.uk sean@purplepumpkin.org.uk Tel: 01892 618525 67/69 The High Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1XX

07740 721883 www.darlingandwild.co.uk

Weddings at

ROYAL WELLS HOTEL The Hotel Pledge.

Supplying a personal dedicated wedding planner, from start to finish.

Only one wedding on the day, to ensure your wedding is exclusive.

Civil weddings welcomed.

Capacity of up to 90.

Two licensed areas, which include a garden.

See our website for details and special offers.

www.royalwells.co.uk

59 Mount Ephraim, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 8BE

01892 511188

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Dream WEDDING SPECIAL

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

SO Hever Castle

Themes

YOU’RE PLANNING THE BIGGEST DAY OF YOUR LIFE. THERE ARE SO MANY CHOICES TO MAKE. BUT WHERE DO YOU START? WORDS MELISSA WOODLAND

W

ell, the first step in organising any big event is deciding on the theme. From the ceremony style to the canapés and cake, your theme is the thread that will run throughout the day ensuring your celebration has real wow factor.

So, what kind of statement do you want to make? Are you aiming for timeless elegance? A sleek and modern feel? Perhaps a laid back, bohemian vibe? Any of those themes can be created by picking out key details, from the invitations, the bridal party’s attire, finishing with the reception venue flowers and table decorations. Your theme can be as simple as an accent colour seen in the bridesmaids flowers and ribbons on the chair covers.

Or it can be an idea that encapsulates every element of your day. The sky is the limit!

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION Time to think venues. TW brides-to-be have a wealth of stunning reception settings to choose from, regardless of style. A quick tour of the town and surrounding countryside reveals imposing castles, lavish stately homes and modern and elegant spaces: Perfect locations for all wedding festivities from grand, formal receptions to simple, country chic celebrations.

And if you’re looking for something a little more low-key, don’t dismiss the time-honoured garden party.

Borrow someone’s manicured lawn for the day and put up a marquee or two. Feed your guests with a rustic barbeque or traditional hog roast and organise games of croquet and boules to keep them amused. With boarded floors, these tents can cope with the British weather. Just remember to have a standby plan (and wellies) in case the rain clouds really blow in.

BLOOMING LOVELY Even the most simply decorated wedding venue can be lifted and tailored to suit just by choosing the right flowers. Caroline from House of Pollen in Crowborough says that while traditional arrangements incorporating staples such as roses remain popular, she has seen an increase in dramatic table centres that make a real statement.

“More couples are opting for tall, imposing displays of colour. Their flower choices are almost always based on a specific theme that is highlighted in the bride’s bouquet, buttonholes and reception arrangements.”

Your floral accents can be as simple or striking as you like. For shabby-chic style, you just can’t beat classic garden flowers in a simple enamel jug. If black tie elegance is your thing, a line of statuesque vases playing host to a single calla lily is a perfect fit.

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handmade wedding stationery by

all my love creations

We know that your Wedding Day is one of the most important days of your life and therefore we at All My Love Creations want to help in celebrating in style.

www.allmylovecreations.co.uk CONTACT US:

Kent Fountains

mail@kentfountains.com

DISCOVER KENT’S HIDDEN JEWEL OF A VENUE

Office 01795 554158 Mobile 07725 083413

Belgian Chocolate can be provided as plain, milk or white.

We have two 44 inch high chocolate fountains for hire.

They both can have glow tables added to enhance their great look once the lights go out.

Fountain hire includes: uniformed staff, belgian chocolate & dips, Bamboo skewers & serviettes.

Why not have a chocolate fountain as a dessert at your wedding, or treat yourselves and your guests in the evening?

We have small and large fountains available to cater from 40 to 500 guests.

Bradbourne House

are opening their doors to Brides and Grooms for an evening of style & luxury on Thursday 25th June 2009 from 6pm to 9pm.

The evening will climax with one lucky couple being drawn to receive our Bradbourne Canapé Menu for up to 75 guests absolutely free, when booking their Wedding during the evening (valued over £1,000).

If you are looking for somewhere romantic & truly special for your Wedding Day then a visit Bradbourne House will meet those desires.

Bradbourne House

www.kentfountains.com 26

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East Malling, Kent ME19 6DZ www.bradbournehouseweddings.co.uk Tel: Sharon Page Wedding Consultant on 01732 897436 Photography by www.photogenicimages.com

W E D D I N G S P E C I AL

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RAISE YOUR GLASSES Regardless of your theme, there are a number of things that that you can use to help your day go perfectly. No longer the reserve of the gentry, a toastmaster can be hired to assist you with all facets of wedding planning and etiquette as well as taking care of the smooth running of the day.

Even if you’re going for a strikingly modern wedding, the right style of toastmaster, can be an invaluable resource.

English Toastmaster Association member James Lark says ”a toastmaster can act as a ‘super usher’ if necessary, co-ordinating everything from who sits where at the church to announcing the first dance. Nothing should be too much trouble – our role is to make sure the wedding day is a wonderful celebration for the bride and groom, the families and all the guests - from planning to the day itself.”

HAVE YOUR CAKE The type of food you pick will be entirely dependent on the style of your day. A formal sit down meal lends itself to most wedding receptions, but is not the only option. Cocktail receptions are increasingly commonplace, with miniature meals served as canapés generating a real wow. Just make sure you choose a meal you’ll enjoy. There’s nothing wrong with serving fish and chips if that’s what you’d like!

Plan your cake design early, and take the advice of your decorator. They’ll be able to create a dream confection that fits the bill. And if the budget starts to tighten, don’t scrimp on the cake. It’s a focal point, so make the most of it – just serve it as dessert.

Newick Park

FINISHING LINE So, you have the venue, the flowers, the toastmaster, the cake and the food… what about the little touches that tie your theme together and set your wedding apart from the rest?

■ Wedding favours lend additional decoration to the tables, so consider the colours you’re using. Gone are the days where you were limited to sugared almonds. Today, anything goes, allowing you to ensure the little gift you choose for your guests reflects the newlyweds’ personalities (we gave our guests bespoke tea towels printed with “I went to Jason and Melissa’s Wedding and all I got was a lousy tea towel” – that caused a few smiles!).

■ Do you have children attending your nuptials? It’s worth investing in colouring books and jigsaw puzzles to amuse the little ones. Their parents will appreciate the thought and the kids are kept entertained.

■ Once you’ve sorted out transport for the bridal party, give a thought to the groom and best man. Ensure they travel in style too and hire a luxury sports car for the day. Just make sure there’s someone responsible to return it the next day!

■ Wedding Lists – Gone are the days of feeling awkward about asking for gifts. Include details of where you’re Penshurst Place

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JULIAN AUSTIN PHOTOGRAPHY

ZOE STOREY PHOTOGRAPHY

Est. for over 10 years

Traditional Photography

Contemporary reportage style

Tel: 01795 554158 07725 083413

mail@weddingsbyjulian.com

www.weddingsbyjulian.com

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Weddings, Functions, Corporate Events, Product Advertising and Portraits BA(Hons) Degree in Photography and a member of SWPP Society of wedding portrait photography

www.zoestorey.net 07795 067191 info@zoestorey.net

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“COCKTAIL RECEPTIONS ARE INCREASINGLY COMMONPLACE, WITH MINIATURE MEALS AS CANAPÉS GENERATING A REAL WOW.” registered with your essential info sheet (hotels, directions etc) and remember that some guests will want to choose you something “off list”. Try House of Fraser for a truly individual gift list. Bluewater - 0844 800 6402

DON’T FORGET… ■ Plan your honeymoon in plenty of time. It’s a once in a lifetime holiday, so push the boat out. And do consider the traditional chilled out beach holiday – after all the wedding planning, you’ll really deserve the rest! Ask The Travel Concept to tailor a trip just for two of you. 01435 866555.

Chart Hills Golf Club

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STEVEN BROOKS PHOTOGRAPHER A people photographer, documenting what I see, working unobtrusively and capturing the magic of your day as it happens, from when you want and until as late as you wish.

C O N T E M P O R A RY W E D D I N G P H OTO G R A P H Y

Capturing images as the day unfolds and in a style that is far removed from the old traditional styling. The result? The story of your day told in images!

Your photographs presented in custom designed albums in either digital or matted formats and using only the finest albums which will perfectly enhance and reflect each moment of your special day.

Tel: 01233 33 40 30 www.stevenbrooksphotographer.co.uk

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w: www.davidburkephotography.co.uk e: info@davidburkephotography.co.uk t: 01892 518803 / 07973672912

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TIME TO

Focus

ns. d ings aso s an re edd r all se arden ay the w hing nue fo aped gWEDDING et d eum, opeSPECIAL rap aw tog t’s a ve landsc If it’s e mus ide sc o h .

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WEDDING PICTURES PROVIDE US WITH MEMORIES FOR LIFE WHICH IS WHY IT’S SO IMPORTANT TO GET THE VENUE AND THE BACKGROUND RIGHT. WE ASKED SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE PHOTOGRAPHERS TO TELL US ABOUT THE LOCATIONS THEY LOVE TO USE.

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WEDDING SPECIAL

PHOTOGRAPHY

SO

“I j du ust lo len Vin i ve t and gth w n Tun he lig the airy indo brid ht in we gard and ws k ge W side in ddin ens ens eep ells. the H beawinte gs th . Hav ure a the v The fl otel He utifu r, I kn ere b ing p grea enue oor len l n ow oth hot t v b of o m th in ogr iew right He att ey sum ap of hed len er alw m En wha ays er a gla t s tu nd nd eas rn o Ph on ut oto it i gra s.” ph y

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“Wi gar th view pict dens, W s acro hold uresqu adhur ss the an i ing a s e surr st Cast Downs for mposin ense ooundin le is se and b bravwinter g stair f gran gs. Inti t in th eautifu Zoë e all w weddin case a deur, t mate, e most l of Z eath gs w nd li he C yet s oë S ers.” hen brar astle till tore fe you y wh yP may ich a atures hot not re id ogr wan eal aph t to y

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WEDDING SPECIAL

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James Lark PROFESSIONAL

TOASTMASTER

SO

Cut out and keep guide...

ALL THE NUMBERS YOU’LL NEED TO PLAN YOUR PERFECT DAY.

Bringing imaginative and modern ideas whilst maintaining traditional values.

Let me assist you in making your special day truly SPECIAL A member of the English Toastmasters Association Please contact me without obligation

Tel 01732 354581 Mob 07812 596194 E Mail James@kentishtoastmaster.com

www.kentishtoastmaster.com

Attire All that Glitters 01892 525352 Bride and Groom Ltd 020 8464 8788 Elizabeth King Designs 01732 833133 Exclusively Elegant 01892 662046 Go Bridal 01892 513333 La Belle Femme 01892 614000 Pantiles Bride 01892 514515 Pantiles Groom 01892 548511 Peter Jenner 01892 521796

Beauty Alan Jones Men’s Grooming 01732 460019 Garbos 01892 534344 McKindoe Surgical 01342 330300 Simply Beautiful Wedding Hair 01892 611931 Details All My Love Creations 07887 695292 Ambience Venue Styling West Kent 0800 0439126 Chair Cover Chic 01342 824180 Kent Fountains 01795 554158 Phantom World 01634 890831 Susan Harrison Caricatures 07545 487242 Flowers Darling and Wild 07740 721883 House of Pollen 01892 662621 The Style Workshop 01892 529636 Photographs David Burke Photography 07973 672912 Helen England Photography 01892 547781 Mirror Image Photography 01892 614990 Rachel Luckhurst Photography 01892 824823 Zoe Storey Photography 07795 067191 Steven Brooks Photographer 01233 334030 Julian Austin Photography 01795 554158 Venues The Beacon 01892 524252 Bradbourne House 01732 897436 The Brew House Hotel 01892 520587 Buxted Park Hotel 0845 0727412 Chart Hills Golf Club 01580 292222 Chartwell 01732 868381 East Sussex National 01825 880088 Hever Castle Golf Club 01732 700771 Hever Castle 01732 861800 Leeds Castle 01622 765400 Newick Park 01825 723633 Penshurst Place 01892 870307 Royal Wells Hotel 01892 511188 Honeymoon The Travel Concept 01435 866555

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T UB N I TB RAITD G TH E EWBEAL C LK S

is a treasure trove selling everything from Hand Made Greetings Cards to gifts for all occasions and the home.

We have just launched our new Boutique area selling Designer Clothes including Bellaju, Bohemia, Nancy Mac, Uttam and Palace, and Designer Jewellery including Hulquist, One Button, Chamilia Beads, Talma Kashet and Michel Negrin.

A visit is a must!

Tel 01892 669517 FERNBANK CENTRE, CROWBOROUGH

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LIFE &

Style

B I T AT T H E B A C K

SO

CHAMPNEYS This popular High Street spa is giving busy mums the chance to sit back and relax. They’re invited to attend a special event being held at the spa on Wednesday August 5 (6.30pm) in conjunction with The Children’s Salon. Mothers will be treated to wine and strawberries, followed by a mini facial or eyebrow shape. There’ll be an opportunity to buy from the gorgeous designer range from the kids clothing specialists and all future Champneys treatments booked on the night will be 50 per cent off.

Tickets £12.50.

CHAMPNEYS 01892 530111

SPORTS INJURIES If you’re carrying a sport related injury, whether you’re a jogger, footballer, golfer or world class athlete, then help is at hand.

Alan Murray has, over the last eight years, been working with sportsmen and women at all levels. He’s a Member of the Society of Sports Therapists and points out that not all therapists are accredited to a professional body.

“Having played professional football I understand the desire to get back to maximum capacity after injury,” explains Alan whose passion for the subject earned him a degree in Sports Therapy. “My understanding of the injured athlete and empathy is an invaluable part of the treatment” Alan uses Long Wave Therapy and the latest Myofascial Release Techniques to help clients return to optimum health and fitness.

SPORTS INJURIES www.maximisesportstherapy.com

CHAPEL PLACE LTD Ever thought about building your own home, or wondered if your garden has development potential? Well, now you can benefit from the services of Chapel Place Limited who will advise you on these and other land and property related issues.

Between them, owners Steve Donnelly and Andrea Hawkes have over 35 years relevant experience.

Steve says:“We provide a bespoke service advising clients on both sales and acquisitions ranging from single plots to major development schemes.”

The pair have helped find plots for dream homes, paddocks for their horses, barns for conversion and land with and without planning permission.

Based in Tunbridge Wells, Chapel Place Limited covers the south east.

CHAPEL PLACE LTD 01892 619289 info@chapelplacelimited.com

DERMATOLOGY CONSULTING This is one of only a handful of clinics in the UK to be run by a fully accredited Constlant Dematologist – Dr Anne Farrell.

The Oxford University Medical School Graduate has worked in New York, Washington and Miami and has specialised in dermatology full time since 1992. She’s trained to recognise and deal with all skin problems.

Dr Farrell’s goal was to bring the best of both UK and US dermatology practices together in one accessible clinic. She’s achieved that with her clinic in Frant Road, Tunbridge Wells.

The clinic has some of the most advanced and effective lasers available to deal with conditions ranging from thread veins to hair reduction plus tattoo and pigment removal. There’s also the latest Fraxel Repair laser for skin tightening and the removal of wrinkles and scars.

DERMATOLOGY CONSULTING 01892 517620 www.dermatologyconsulting.co.uk

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TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Secret TunbridgeWells

Prince of Darkness WORDS DAN SMITH

WHO’S THE MOST FAMOUS FIGURE TO VISIT TUNBRIDGE WELLS? A WELL KNOWN PERFORMER PERHAPS, AN ENTREPRENEUR OR MAYBE ROYALTY? NO. IT’S THE DEVIL HIMSELF, WHO ACCORDING TO FOLKLORE CHANGED THE WATERS OF TW FOREVER.

T

he story begins way back in the 10th Century with a chap called St Dunstan, a holy man who was a monk and at one point held the office of Archbishop of Canterbury. During his lifetime Dunstan served many kings and after his death became a highly popular saint in England due to various stories attached to him.

During his life Dunstan lived in Somerset, Canterbury and just up the road in Mayfield, East Sussex. He spent time as a Minister of State and also as a skilled metal worker.

It was at his blacksmith’s forge in Mayfield village where this particular tale begins. St Dunstan was working away smiting metal and keeping his tongs red-hot when, sensing a presence, he looked up to see a buxom maid smiling at him.

The beautiful young wench began speaking to him about religious matters and aroused his interest. A little later she starting flirting heavily and danced about him in an attempt to seduce the pious saint.

At one point the girl’s long skirt billowed out to reveal (horror of horrors) a cloven hoof; Dunstan’s suspicions were confirmed. This was no fair maiden… this was The Devil himself, tempting Dunstan to sin.

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Warners Solicitors, ‘discretion assured whatever the secret’ www.warners-solicitors.co.uk

Our protagonist leapt into action, pulled his iron tongs from the red-hot embers and, diving forward, thrust them upon The Devil’s nose. Satan shrieked and squirmed, cursed and wriggled, and transmogrified from the girl into various forms of hideous creature before turning back to its true identity.

At this point Dunstan released Lucifer, who instantly ran from Mayfield screeching through the countryside, over the county border and to the future site of Tunbridge Wells. Here, The Devil plunged his sizzling nose into the cool waters of the spring before vanishing, presumably back to the underworld.

Local folklore says that it was this act that gave the spring waters of the town its rich taste and characteristically red colour. It’s also been noted that water emanating from the Kentish spring is slightly warmer than one would expect from a natural spa in the UK. Legend has it that even now there are dents in the ground between East Sussex and the western border of Kent, visible from the air.

These marks or ‘tracks’ have been attributed to huge footprints that The Devil made when striding the ten miles or so between the site of branding and the cooling of his burnt nose.

For his deed, St Dunstan became a folk hero and was for a long time the most famous saint in England. A rhyme was written about him which appeared in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol:

St Dunstan, as the story goes, Once pull’d the devil by the nose With red-hot tongs, which made him roar, That he was heard three miles or more.

And we always thought the spa water was coloured by the high levels of iron in local rock formations… so much for science! SO