tunbridge wells
edition
stayingin MArCH 2011
nto Stenpgi! For Sprit ideas on
grea e to go wher at to do, h and w ck out k che aygo.co.u t www.s
Go to a movie première...
It’s not every day that you get the chance to go to a movie première – but now you can! A consortium from Tunbridge Wells has come together to create a short film Venus and the Sun, starring Keeley Hazell and Ukweli Roach. As a homage to their home town, they are premièring the film at The Assembly Hall on March 11th at a black tie event. See page 10 in Going Out for details!
W
elcome to Staying In & Going Out magazine. Now is the time to brush off those winter blues and spring clean your social life! Here’s what we’ve got in store:
stAying in
Gifts for Mother’s Day, plus a
simple idea to make a cute card just for mum Top advice from expert cycle retailer on how to get your family cycling Fun puzzles to keep you busy while you wait for the sun to come out!
going out
Focus on Bedgebury Forest and where to go cycling
Springtime for the kids: how to get them outdoors and active
Mother’s Day outings: where to go and what to do!
win tiCkets!
Contact Lisa: editor@stay go.co.uk
This month, we have two amazing prizes lined up. We have a pair of tickets to spine-chilling drama, The Haunted, coming soon to The Assembly Hall. And if music is your thing, enter our prize draw to win two tickets for Ken Stringfellow’s new band The Disciplines, at the Forum!
Lisa Miles editor
rusthall
tunbridge wells Paddock wood brenchley & Matfield Pembury
Y SPORTS BAR Taste of Kent menu
e atabl Unbes! home priceked food y onl coo oast
£4.95 Y SPORTS BAR ay r Sund
BRENCHLEY SPORTS BAR
PORK & BEALE’S
6oz Loin of Pork served with Beale’s Apple Juice Sauce & Plaxtol Shards | £5.50
STEAK & SCOTNEY
Beef marinated & braised in Scotney Farm bitter served with Horseradish Dumplings| £5.00
LAMB & BIDDENDEN
BRENCHLEY SPORTS BAR
PORK & KENT HOP SAUSAGES
Brenchley made Sausages served with a Caramelised Onion & Red Wine Gravy | £4.00
located between brenchley & Matfield on the brenchley road TN12 7NX • 01892 723303
Y SPORTS BAR
B SK A Y R S S W A W N PO E A AC R LC R K T O M S S, M & E
Y SPORTS BAR
6oz Rump of Lamb pan fried & served in a Biddenden Red Wine & Wild Thyme Jus & Plaxtol Shards| £6.00
BRENCHLEY SPORTS BAR
Monday - Thursday 11:30am - 2pm & 4:30pm - 10pm Friday - Saturday 11:30am - 2:30pm & 4:30pm - 10pm Closed Sunday
Y SPORTS BAR 0 from £2.4
, excellent for that children’s birthday party, afternoon supper or just bring some friends and enjoy our freshly cooked meals.
BRENCHLEY SPORTS BAR
We accept telephone orders, ideal for when you’re in a hurry.
High Street Pembury Kent • OCEAN a Traditional Fish & Chips Bar
&
E
M
A Few oF our...
favourite things
you will need • 2 x A5 sheets of coloured card in ‘flower’ colours of your choice – pink, purple, yellow etc. • 1 x A5 sheet of green card or a green pipe cleaner • Family photos that are OK to cut out • Scissors (kids – take care and get an adult to help!) • PVA glue • Silver or gold glitter • A6 coloured envelope (if required) All materials are available from good craft shops or stationers.
now do tHis... For MotHer’s dAy...
Get crafty!
M
other’s Day is on April 3rd this year, which is rather later than usual, so we have a fair amount of warning! Mums like nothing better than stuff their kids have made for them, so here’s an easy-to-make extra special Mother’s Day card just for her. So dads and kids, get out the glue – here’s how to go about pleasing that special person…
1. Take one A5 sheet and fold it in half. This is the base for your card. 2. Take the other A5 sheet and cut it in half. Cut a simple flower shape, as big as possible, from one half. Glue it in the centre on the front of the card. 3. Find a photo of the child who the card is from. Cut out the face in a circle shape to fit in the middle of your flower. Glue it in place. 4. Glue a strip of green card or pipe cleaner to make a stalk.…A 5. When the pieces are dry, use glitter pens or glitter glue to delineate the outer edge of the flower shape for some extra Mother’s Day sparkle!
our FAvourite
Designer changing bags! For the fashion conscious new mum, what about a Koochu changing bag for an amazing Mother’s Day gift? Koochu changing bags incorporate fashion with practicality and are designed in intricate detail. Each bag comes with its own signature in a range of classic colours and features that will meet all the requirements that a parent needs in a holdall. It can also double as a stylish work bag with a removable laptop holder! Now that’s juggling.
www.koochu.com
tunbridge wells edition
Bags from around £65 Available from: Childrensalon, 9 High Street, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1UL 01892 779110 www.childrensalon.com Catalina: from the stylish koochu range
Mum’s the word
new MuM: A baby’s fingerprints embedded in a gorgeous piece of silver jewellery makes a beautiful keepsake for new mums – or indeed any mum! Birds and Beads, based in Ticehurst, makes a range of bespoke, handcrafted jewellery, including the fingerprint designs shown above. It takes a few weeks to create fingerprint jewellery, so hurry and you’ll be just in time for Mother’s Day! Birds and Beads www.birdsandbeads.com
not-so-new MuM: All mums, regardless of the age of their children, look forward to a little bit of time off, even if it’s only an hour or so. The perfect Mother’s Day gift for any not-so-new mum has to be a treatment voucher – massage, facial, pedicure – you name it! Check out Tranquility at Esporta for a wonderful de-stressing experience, just for mum! Esporta 01892 774000 www.esporta.com
March 2011 / stayingin
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ASK THE EXPERT!
Get on your bike! A guide to buying tHe rigHt bike For you
C
ycling is an enjoyable, healthy and cheap activity for all the family – once you’ve made your initial purchases. But if you’re a novice, what kind of bikes should you choose? Staying In & Going Out magazine spoke to Tony Evernden of Evernden Cycles in Paddock Wood about how to get started – and how to get your kids on bikes.
tony’s FAQs What’s the first thing to think about before buying a bike? People should first think where the bicycle is to be used and for what purpose. With so much choice on styles and suitability, this is very important. For example, if a customer wants to commute on a bicycle during the week and use it for leisure at the weekends, it would be no good buying a road (racing) bike. A hybrid would be more suitable. A good independent retailer will ask all the right questions. Our advice is to never buy a bicycle in a box. This is a road going vehicle and needs professional set-up using the correct tools. Most quality independent retailers only sell fully-assembled bicycles and offer a free 8-10 week service. The independent retailer then has the knowledge and the experience to look after the bike for years to come.
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/ March 2011
Plenty of choice at evernden Cycles
How do you choose the right model? You need to decide how much you are willing to spend and whether this includes any kit or add-ons. Once a budget has been set, then we can guide you to a range of suitable products. We would get the sizing correct and then once we have narrowed the choice to a few models, we would always suggest a test ride. In our opinion, a test ride is essential. A good retailer can always change parts on a bicycle to obtain a more comfortable fit. There’s a huge range of saddles available. How do you decide what to go for? Saddles, the age-old question. It’s a personal thing because what is comfortable for one is not always for the other. Often you need to ride for a few miles on a saddle to know how it suits. A lot of problems in this area are caused by clothing and not by the saddle. Heavy seams in garments like jeans can be a major cause of discomfort. Best advice is to get some cycling shorts!
Should bike owners consider regular servicing? Maintaining a bicycle is very important for safety and also ride quality. A well maintained bicycle, regularly cleaned and lubricated, will last longer too. We would recommend an annual service on a bicycle getting regular use. Can you recommend any great local rides? We are very lucky in the South East. We have some really good family rides at Bedgebury, the Cuckoo Trail, the Crab and Winkle Trail, and Tonbridge to Penshurst to name but a few. We also have the Downs, Bedgebury and Bewl Water for the mountain biker. There are some good clubs for the serious cyclist: San Fairy Ann, Southborough Wheelers and the
you’re never too young...
tunbridge wells edition
recently formed Kent Velo Girls, which now also has a fledgling Kent Velo Boys section. What if you’ve got very small children? Introducing kids to cycling has never been easier. From 10 months old children can be carried in child seats on the back of bikes, and there are also trailers and trailer bikes. We have noticed an increase in sales of these products and many parents are using them to carry the kids to nursery school, shopping and to friends rather than using the car. Would you recommend trying a child on a balance bike? Balance bikes have been in Europe for years, but have taken some time to catch on in the UK. These are bicycles without pedals and a small child scoots them along to achieve the balance aspect of cycling. Children who are started on balance bikes seldom have to rely on stabilisers. What if parents don’t want a ‘basket and tassels’ bike for their child? Many manufacturers are going away from the ‘basket with tassels’ style. But remember that we should not always be put off by this kind of
tunbridge wells edition
G N I TH ER Y ER E ND EVR THT U FOCLISOOF cyclersom CY E R stylescohfoose’sfbikes ONtypes &cles tochildren
bike – the aim above all is to get the kids cycling. However, quality brands with slightly higher price points do offer alloy frames, with better brakes and components in unisex colours. And how do you go about making sure the bike fits the kid? The child really needs to come into the shop and sit on a few bikes. The cycle needs to fit now but also have some growing room. Usually you can expect 2-3 years growth out of a correctly fitting bike. If it is a surprise present, the inside leg measurement is a guide and a good retailer will always exchange or check the size once the present has been received.
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tHAnks tony For tHe AdviCe!
March 2011 / stayingin
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£40
£38 £40
£95 als New arriv e! or now in st
£39 Shoes for kids, mums and school
48 St. Johns Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4 9NY
•
01892 511651
PuZZled
DS?! I K win! £10 toys r us vouCHer
The pirate can’t remember where he buried his gold coins! Take the pirate to his spade and then find your way to the treasure. Get an adult to help you cut out your answer and send it to the address below with your name, address and age. The first correct entry pulled out of the bag after the closing date wins a £10 Toys R Us voucher! StayGo Kids Stuff, 2nd Floor, Lee House, 109 Hammersmith Road, London W14 0QH The first correct entry out of the bag wins! You must be 12 or under to enter. Closing date: 28th March 2011
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Work out the words of this pirate song. Replace each letter with the one that comes before it in the alphabet!
CrACk tHe PirAte Code…
ZP
IP
IP
C PUUMF
BOE B
P G SV N !
it’s A Joke... Q: What would Captain Hook like for breakfast? A: Peter Pancake! Q: Why are pirates no good at spelling? A: Because they get stuck at ‘C’! Q: Why are pirates pirates? A: Because they arrrrrrrre!
Match up!Which two of these Jolly Rogers are exactly the same?
a. tunbridge wells edition
b.
c.
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Closing date: 28th March 2011. See website for answers after closing date. ACross
down
7. Umbelliferous herb. You could make a glove out of it. (6) 8. Where you will find 9 across. (6) 9. They live in 8 across’s, and love to buzz about between 20 across and 10 across etc. (4) 10.Cherry, or Apple perhaps? Beautiful in the springtime. (8) 11. People in charge of newspapers. (7) 13.Breast. (5) 15. Fasten or stick. (5) 17. They are 16 downs and they sound like a group. (7) 20.Wild spring flowers found in pastures. (8) 21. Young woolly animal. (4) 23. Chopped small, or walked a certain way. (6) 24. Garden flowers. Favourites of Monty Python. (6)
1. Its fragrant, and maybe standard or a climber. (4) 2. A short legged dog. (6) 3. As young as you can get. A baby. (7) 4. Cabbage, hotel or part of France. (5) 5. A complete failure or collapse. (6) 6. A demure 1 down? Pale yellow and related to the 20 across. (8) 12.One of Wordsworth’s ‘host’. (8) 14.Small long thin carnivores, related to the stoat. (7) 16.Six-legged crawler. (6) 18.Bulbs, from Amsterdam perhaps. (6) 19. They fly and may be linked with 9 across at this time of year! (5) 21. Chinese dynasty. (4)
A QuiCk Joke… Two pieces of tarmac walk into a bar. They have a drink and swap stories about how hard they are. suddenly, a red piece of tarmac walks in. scared out of their wits, they run to the loo and hide. when the red piece of tarmac leaves, they come out again. the barman asks “what was all that about? i thought you guys were really hard?” they reply, “yeah, we’re hard, but he’s a pscyclepath!”
tunbridge & wells Are disgusted!
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win!
£10 M&s vouCHer Complete our crossword, cut it out and send it in to: StayGo Competition, 2nd Floor, Lee House, 109 Hammersmith Road, London W14 0QH The first correct entry out of the bag wins!
quoteunquote “The bicycle is the most civilized conveyance known to man. Other forms of transport grow daily more nightmarish. iris Murdoch
“Life is like riding a bicycle – in order to keep your balance, you must keep moving.” Albert einstein
As A MAtter oF FACt... on a bicycle you can travel three times faster than you can walk, for the same amount of energy.
22,000 cyclists ride in and out of Oxford city centre every single day.
Join in the exploits of our curmudgeonly residents to find out what they’re ‘disgusted’ about this month!
What about all these shop closures, eh, Tunbridge?
It’s a rum do, Wells...
11
10
by: dAvid HArrison
PuZZled?!
1
Inspired idea, Wells! Let’s do it...
by MArk sMitH
Six weeks later...
I say, why don’t WE open our own shop!
tunbridge wells edition
by: David Harrison
www.staygo.co.uk
directory ARTS, MUSIC & THEATRE
eating out
ASSEMBLY HALL
BLACK HORSE
Theatre and entertainment, including music and dance, for all the family address: Crescent Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2LU telephone: 01892 530613 website: www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
Cosy, traditional pub with range of beers, extensive menu and pretty garden address: 12 High Street, Pembury, Kent, TN2 4NY. telephone: Pub 01892 822141 Restaurant 01892 824033 website: www. blackhorsepembury.co.uk
TRINITY THEATRE
Theatre and arts centre with a wide range of events and great café address: Church Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1JP telephone: 01892 678678 website: www.trinitytheatre.net
business services van rouge EXPRESS couriers Friendly, efficient and reliable courier service, delivery in the UK and Europe address: 9 High Street, Frant, Kent, TN3 9DT. telephone: 07860 597107
cycling evernden cycles Large, family-run bike store with full range of accessories & clothing and on-site workshop address: 62-62a Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood, Kent, TN12 6AF telephone: 01892 832823 website: www.everndencycles@ btconnect.com
BRENCHLEY SPORTS BAR Sky Sports, bar snacks and a warm welcome with a local Kent menu address: Brenchley Road, TN12 7NX telephone: 01892 723303 website: www.brenchleybar.com High Street, Brenchley, Kent, TN12 7NQ telephone: 01892 722 701 website: www.bullofbrenchley.co.uk
SMITH & WESTERN Wild West themed bar, diner and grill, serving American favourites for all the family address: Linden Park Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5QL telephone: 01892 550750 website: www.smith-western.co.uk
Food & Drink ARRAY OF CAKES
Scrumptious cupcakes and cookies delivered to your door. Order online or by phone telephone: 07768 098072 website: www.arrayofcakes.com
© 2011 The Exclusive Edge Ltd. All rights reserved. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily the views 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 prizes offered. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, phtocopying or otherwise without the prior permission of the publisher. See website for Compeition Entry Terms and Conditions. CREDITS: STAY p1 Chris Braham; pp3, 5, 6 Shutterstock; p5-6, GO: p15 The National Trust.
tunbridge wells edition
CONTACT US... EDITOR: Lisa Miles editor@staygo.co.uk Arts editor: Zac Thraves arts@staygo.co.uk Design & production: Claire Hawkes & Ian Flynn production@staygo.co.uk Sales & production manager: Lee Smith sales@staygo.co.uk Publisher: Exclusive Edge Ltd 2nd Floor, 109 Hammersmith Road, London, W14 0QH Phone: 020 8834 1654 Ocean fish & chips
24-seater restaurant, ideal for kids’ parties, family get-togethers or just a great take-away 4NY telephone: 01892 823561
Kids’ fashion stampede Specialist children’s shoe shop, stocking a wide range of modern styles address: 48 St Johns Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 9NY telephone: 01892 511651
MOTORING AUTO BavArIA LTD Fully trained technicians are ready to solve any motoring problems for all major brands address: 1 North Farm Road, Tunbridge Wells ,TN2 3DH telephone: 01892 522242 website: www.auto-bavaria.com
PARTIES TEMPER TEMPER Chocolate-making parties for all ages! address: 15b Church Road, Southborough, Kent, TN4 0RX telephone: 01892 538758 website: www.tempertemperchocolate.co.uk
March 2011 / stayingin
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www.staygo.co.uk
see you on the flipside Wooosh! That is the sound you flipping over. If it wasn’t a digital version, of course.
tunbridge wells
edition
goingout march 2011
A journey to the very edge of terror…
I
n an ancient, crumbling mansion, sheltering from the howling winds that tear across the surrounding desolate moorland, two men stumble across a dark and terrifying secret that will go on to change their lives forever…
strange events When a young book dealer, David Filde, is employed by a former associate of his uncle to catalogue an impressive library, he finds an incredible array of rare and antiquated books. But as a series of strange and unexplained events
conspire to keep Filde from his work, he realises that if he is to convince his sceptical employer that the mysterious phenomena he is experiencing are real, they must journey together to the very edge of terror, and beyond, to discover the source of the ghostly night-time visitations…
stars of the show The Haunting stars Paul Nicholas, who is fondly remembered for his BAFTA nominated role of Vince Pinner in the classic 1980s sitcom Just Good Friends. However, his theatre credits are also astounding. He created the title role in Jesus Christ Superstar in
k .u e .conlin goeat o RS ay gr FE st for OF
Hawkenbury
Continued on page 5…
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Southborough
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St Johns
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Tunbridge Wells
1 2 H I G H S T R E E T, P E M B U R Y
A Great Way to Celebrate...
A WHOLE ROAST LOCAL PIG! by Tim Lear of Pembury Porkers
Tim rears the pig locally, choosing the right one for your party and delivering on the day to be roasted, whole, in our hog roast machine. Served to you with bacon and onion stuffing, honey and pepper chipolatas and roast potatoes. PERFECT FOR FAMILY CELEBRATIONS AND WEDDING RECEPTIONS
Parties of 50-130 people From as little as ÂŁ9.50 a head!
12 HIGH STREET, PEMBURY, KENT TN2 4NY PUB (01892) 822141 / RESTAURANT (01892) 824033
www.blackhorsepembury.co.uk
THe Paul dunTon
Gig guide
A
s we move into spring, there are some fantastic live music offerings throughout March at all your favourite local music venues, including the superb ‘Local & Live Sessions’ at the Trinity Theatre.
TriniTy THeaTre Saturday 19th March Paul Dunton Presents…. The Local & Live Sessions, feat. Intraverse, Origami Dinosaur & The Paul Dunton Orchestra £10/£8 Friday 25th March Todd Gordon: Songs From The Movies £14/£12 Saturday 26th March Amor Flamenco: Sol Y Sombra £15/£13
THe aSSembly Hall
Paul dunton Presents… intraverse
Tuesday 22 March The Bootleg Beatles £22.50 Friday 25 March Bjorn Again £18.50 Sunday 27 March Joe Brown £23.50 £21.50RV
Paul dunTon & gueSTS aT THe grey lady muSic lounge Wednesday 2nd March David Migden & Joe Gibson, Leandri , Tom McHugh, Sevenscore Sunday 6th March Nick Wilson, Lindsay Field & Mick Rose, Ben Richards, The Violet Jive Wednesday 9th March Ant & Fie, Night Without Sleep, Over by Dawn Sunday 13th March Sean de Burca, Tyn, Bella McKendree, Virgin Soldiers Wednesday 16th March Mechanical Sunrise, Luke Bacon, Logan Wilson Band
Sunday 6th March Chas & Dave £22.50 Wednesday 9 March Ben E. King & Gary U.S. Bonds – the Great American Songbook – £22, £20RV Thursday 10 March 10cc £25, £23RV Saturday 12 March The Bon Jovi Experience £16.50 Tuesday 15 March Mary Wilson of the Supremes £27.50 All up-coming Friday 18 March shows detailed at The Dubliners £20, www.pauldunton £18.50RV andguests.com Saturday 19 March
Sunday 20th Also don't forget March to check-out some Alice Rose, great live acts at... Arcelia, Goldie The Forum! Reed, The www.twforum.co.uk Worry Dolls feat. 0870 264 3333 Zoe Nicol Wednesday 23rd March Paul Dunton & Crew, Big Fish Little Fish, Lo and The Beholds, Alex Beharrell Band Sunday 27th March These Abruzzo Wolves, Kyla Stroud, Lauren Bransby, Barney Jameson & The Hollow Men Wednesday 30th March SW3, Jenny Worthley Band, Cyrano Doors 7.15pm • Entry £5 • Music from 8pm • www.paulduntonandguests.com
Check out... THe cHeQuerS inn, lamberHurST Thursday 3th March On the first Thursday of each month, catch live folk music with The Stings – great music and hugely enjoyable fun!
THe red rooSTer blueS & rooTS club Friday 4th March The Violet Jive Friday 25th March The Big Blue All free entry
Charlie Landsborough £17.50, £15.50RV Tunbridge WellS edition
March 2011 / going out
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Win!
... continued from cover
the West End and he played Danny alongside Elaine Page’s Sandy – the first British couple to take the lead roles in Grease. He went on to rule the roost in the West End across the 90s taking the lead in a number of classic productions including Barnum, The Mysterious Mr Love and Catch Me If You Can, in addition to producing and starring in the all time hit musical Singin’ In The Rain. In this production of The Haunting, he is joined by one of TV’s hottest young stars, Charlie Clements. Charlie is best known for playing the role of Bradley Branning in Eastenders. Joining the show in 2006, he won numerous awards for his performance. His character’s dramatic death was the finale of the 25th anniversary live episode in February 2010, drawing audience viewing figures of nearly 17 million people. So if you want to see two great stars in action, this gripping new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ spine-
Dickens' gHoST STorieS
E
verybody loves a good ghost story – and Charles Dickens was certainly a lover of spooky tales, both as a reader and a writer. One of the most famous ghost stories ever, A Christmas Carol, came from his pen but he was also the author of many short ghost stories, such as The Signal Man, The Chimes and The Haunted House. Dickens also included ghostly episodes in many of his well-known novels, for instance there are five in Pickwick Papers alone.
Tunbridge WellS edition
TicKeTS To THe HaunTing
To get a chance to win a pair of tickets to The Haunting, just answer this question: Charles Dickens was working on a murder mystery when he died. What was it called? b) THe Woman in WHiTe b) rebecca c) THe mySTery of edWin drood The West end's Paul nicholas
tingling tales of the unexpected will have you on the edge of your seat… don’t dare see it alone!
Email your answer to editor@staygo.co.uk The first correct entry out of the bag after the closing date of March 21st 2011 wins this spine-chilling prize!
Catch The Haunting at The Assembly Hall, Presented by Bill Kenwright 4th-9th April 2011 www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk 01892 530613 / 532072
One could argue that nowadays we are out of the habit of reading long, Victorian novels, because one has to commit time and patience to reading them, which is something we are often short of. However, the richness and complexity of Dickens’ plots and characters are well worth the effort. To get you in the spooky mood, we leave you with a quote from The Chimes: “For the night-wind has a dismal trick of wandering round and round a building of that sort, and moaning as it goes; and of trying, with its unseen hand, the windows and the doors; and seeking out some crevices by which to enter. And when it has got in; as one
not finding what it seeks, whatever that may be, it wails and howls to issue forth again: and not content with stalking through the aisles, and gliding round and round the pillars, and tempting the deep organ, soars up to the roof, and strives to rend the rafters: then flings itself despairingly upon the stones below, and passes, muttering, into the vaults.” charles dickens, 1812-1870
March 2011 / going out
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come and enJoy THe ride!
more local TrailS... The Kent and Sussex border country has an abundance of great cycle trails. For easy family riding, try out the Cuckoo Trail. This old railway line stretches from Healthfield to Polegate along 11 miles of surfaced track. For a more strenuous ride, try the Bewl Water cycle track. This 13-mile circuit is mostly off-road so get pedalling...
B
edgebury Forest near Goudhurst is GOUDHURST an amazing destination for families, walkers and cyclists alike. The forest covers 2,000 acres of land, which also includes the National Pinetum. For cyclists, there are 12km of full-on singletrack mountain bike trails, plus 10km of more gentle, surfaced trails, suitable for all the family. And if you just want a stroll and then hang around in the kids' playground, you'll still feel the benefit of being out in the fresh air in this beautifully pleasant part of the world.
THe naTional PineTum
Play Area
Radio Mast Freeride and Dirt Jump Area START
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March 2011
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Visitors Centre
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If you're a cycling enthusiast, joining a club is a good way to meet fellow cyclists and make sure you get out as much as possible. The Bedgebury Forest Cycle Club, self-styled 'Boars
Car Park
1L
Join the club...
National Pinetum
A2
While you're there, don't forget to take a look at the National Pinetum. It has the most complete collection of temperate conifers in the world, with over 10,000 shrubs and trees, and is an important conservation site. The Friends of Bedgebury Pinetum support the Forestry Commission in their work of looking after this important site of natural heritage and new members are being encouraged in the light of the government's propsed sell-off of some of the nation's forests. For visitor information: www.forestry.gov.uk To join Friends call: 01580 879842
Quarr
on Bikes', is a great way to get all the FLIMWELL benefits of Bedgebury. The focus is on mountain biking but there are other things going on in partnership with the Forestry Commission and British Cycling. Amongst these are trail development, new dirt-jump
areas, working parties and a training and skills programme. As a member, you get benefits such as car parking pass, discounts, social events and access to the forest outside visitor hours. www.boarsonbikes.co.uk
Tunbridge WellS edition
cHecK ouT your local biKe SHoP... The huge range of bikes and accessories availabe can be bewildering - even for a seasoned cyclist. Here are some top places to go for good advice: Quarry
• Evernden Cycles, Paddock
Wood - Large independent bike retailer and family business, stockist of all major brands and full, on-site workshop www.everndencycles.co.uk
• Quench, Bedgebury Forest -
Mountain bike hire, servicing, cycles, parts and guided rides, right in the middle of the action!
• Wildside, Tunbridge Wells -
The Stonehole
Based in Camden Road, right in the centre of town, with a great selection of all cycle equipment for all levels of rider www.wildside-online.co.uk
ASHFORD
Family Cycle Trail Singletrack Mountain Bike Trail National Cycle Network
Bedgebury
Trail
TD UITS L PURS HURST, ARENAWELL , WAXDTN5 7PT SSE , FLIM L ANE EAST SU OM MARY E S O UITS.C R PURS 879614 A N E .AR 01580 WWW
Tunbridge WellS edition
March 2011 / going out
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temper temper
at ma If yo kin u lo gy
s much as we late a d o c o delicious confectio o and w h c ns th o en t uld like to have a go ve r own his i ou s the place for you!
olate choc e t ora ry. dec e facto d n t ays, st d h ld a ocola t u o ch bir ies or ju m s l ' a r n d an a re ildre versa r i h u in me! r c , ann Po e ho k o f a m ct ies you rfe art you ng i e h P p se ryt n cau eve e e k h be ta d An
to et g u yo
u!
We all love...
Chocolate parties!
H
ave you ever been to a chocolate- making party? If not, you are surely missing out! Jackie Windels at Temper Temper tells us how she got the great idea of entertaining people with chocolatemaking, and what to expect if you want to go along.
JacKie SayS... "I run the business by myself (with a few additional staff) and the idea sprang from when I had my own shop in Tunbridge Wells and customers would ask me how to make chocolate and fudge at home. I decided to run expert classes which then led into birthday parties, hen parties etc. I eventually sold the retail business
five years ago to concentrate on the chocolate parties. The parties are designed for both adults and children aged 8 and over. Each party lasts for two hours, during which time guests will make loads of chocolate, including moulded shapes, lollipops, chocolate truffles and florentines, all of which are taken home in a hand-made chocolate bowl. What the guests choose to make is largely up to them: kids will be happier making chocolate dinosaurs, while adults may choose something more
Spring for kids!
A
t last the evenings are getting lighter and after being cooped up all winter, your kids are probably clamouring to get outside. Here's a round-up of activities through March to keep your kids busy and happy in the great outdoors.
naTional TruST: ScoTney caSTle From 2nd to 31st March, Scotney Castle near Lamberhurst is holding Wild Child - Seeds: fun crafts and trails for families, taking place whatever the weather! Free event plus normal admission prices, 01892 893868
Tunbridge WellS edition
sophisticated. Even the youngest children are capable of producing amazing masterpieces, and each and every person who comes to the parties leaves with a giant bag full of treasure.
eaSTer iS coming... We run normal parties, with prebooked groups of 8-16 people, all the way through the year. At Easter we offer a special workshop for individuals and small groups. Anyone can come as long as they book in advance, the guests learn different choclate decorating techniques among other things. They also take home everything they have made and are great fun! 01892 538758 www.tempertemper chocloate.co.uk
geT ouTdoorS and geT involved!
WilderneSS Wood: Junior rangerS club This family-run sustainable wood in Hadlow Down, East Sussex, runs a range of events throughout the year, plus woodland activities for kids. A Junior Rangers club has recently begun, which takes place on Saturday mornings. It's free to join and you pay for activities as you go along. March 5th Challenge Trail An adventure through the woods, working to develop nature awareness and bushcraft skills. March 12th Plant a Christmas Tree Give something back! Plant your own baby tree and mark it with a personal
marker post, so you can see how it's growing. Learn about how to care for the wood as you go along. Booking essential, children £8, 01825 830509
geT gardening! Kent Wildlife Trust is holding the 2011 Kent Wildlife Gardening Awards. If your garden, however small, is a wonderful haven for wildlife, enter this great competition from March 21st onwards. www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/ our-work/wild-about-gardens Please phone to check availability, times and details for all events!
March 2011 / going out
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arT'S for arTS SaKe...
Movie première comeS To ToWn
T
unbridge Wells is soon to be treated to it’s very own movie première! Starring glamour model Keeley Hazell, Venus and the Sun is a short comedy re-telling of the Venus and Adonis myth. It also stars Will Smith from The Thick of It and Ukweli Roach, from Streetdance 3D. The event will have the full cast in attendance, who will then take part in a post-screening Q&A session. The evening also includes the première of Billy: Thoughts of a Substitute, starring Tunbridge Well’s own Stephen 'Billy' Harvey. The producer of Venus and the Sun, local boy Andy Brunskill, spoke to Zac: “Having met Keeley and discovering she wanted to move into acting, I had the idea to build a film around her. I knew with her star appeal we would be able to raise money and get a far bigger audience than short films usually get. So I got on the phone to Reuben Grove, who was establishing himself as a great theatre writer and poet, and asked him to dream up an idea for it. Reuben went to the Boys Grammar and was a friend
10going out /
March 2011
of mine so he was willing to get stuck in. He wrote the treatment and we were able to start building the film. So, to use an Americanism, I “reached out” to other friends such as Patrick Cooke (ex-Skinners) for the website, James Brocklebank (ex-Skinners) for design and animation, Holly Godden (ex-TWGGS) for publicity, and Matt McCooey and Matt Webb (both exSkinners) to help raise the finance. Obviously some of the crew were not from Tunbridge Wells, including Adam Randall, the director, as we were always choosing the best people for the roles and the TW talent pool couldn't give us everything! As youngsters, we used to go to MASSIVE under 18’s night at The Assembly Hall, so it was only right that we should be bringing the first film we made together back there!"
an inTervieW WiTH Keeley... To mark the release of her first major acting role, Staying In & Going Out spoke to star Keeley Hazell about her life and acting career.
Sg: Did you always intend to move into films? Keeley: I've always wanted to be an actor since I can remember; self expression has always been a huge part of who I am as a person. Moving into films was definitely my intention when I became a model; that’s when I had a small non-speaking role in the movie Cashback. But after that things changed. I was still a teenager and a lot of bad stuff happened to me that knocked my confidence. Then about two years ago I decided I can't let that hold me back, so I enrolled in drama school and after being there a month or so I shot Venus and the Sun, then I shot Like Crazy a couple months after. It has been an incredible experience. Sg: Like Crazy won an award at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival a few weeks ago. Did you go to the event? Keeley: Unfortunately I didn't get to go. I inattentively kept track of the film's progress online and I was extremely happy with the outcome. Drake Doremus (the director) is overly passionate and talented and I am ecstatic to have been a part of this film.
Venus and the Sun www.venusandthesun.com
Première showing at The Assembly Hall on March 11th, 2011 www.theassemblyhalltheatre.co.uk 01892 530613/532072 Online release on 14th March, first ever film released as part of an App
Sg: Moving on to Venus and the Sun, are you pleased with it? Keeley: I am more then grateful that Andy (the producer) and Reuben (the writer) wanted to write a film and let me star in it. Someone with my background usually doesn't get this opportunity. I've only seen parts of
Tunbridge WellS edition
Ken Stringfellow on HiS neW band THe diSciPlineS
After a successful tour with The Posies, Ken Stringfellow re-animates his scuzz rock alter ego for the release of The Virgins Of Menace, with his Norwegianbased project The Disciplines.
the film as it has been put together. It would be hard to say that I am 100% pleased with my performance, because as an artist, it is only natural to strive for perfection and there is always room for improvement. Making a short film is more complex than you would imagine, trying to get everything you want to say in 20 minutes without boring or isolating the audience is a complicated thing. We tried to make a film that was thought provoking, compelling but also interesting and I think we have achieved this. I hope people enjoy it.
Sg: Can you tell us a little bit about the character you play? Keeley: I play a fictionalised version of myself: a celebrity who is trying to escape the burdens of her glamorous life and solve her problems by taking up Latin! Sg: It’s great that the première is in Tunbridge Wells. Are you looking forward to getting together with the cast and crew? Keeley: I can't wait. It took so long to get this project off its feet and now we can all get together and celebrate!
Tunbridge WellS edition
Zac: How and why did The Disciplines come together? Ken: I worked with my bandmates' former band, Briskeby – a very successful pop band, one of the biggest bands in Norway. I did a duet with their singer, Lise, so we knew we worked well together... we all wanted to do something different from the very well constructed, elaborate music of The Posies and Briskeby. It's good to have a raw band with experience and maturity. Zac: There is raw emotion and energy when you perform on stage. Where does it come from? Ken: It feels good to be that open, and give that much energy. I like shows with little or no separation between artist and audience. The flow of emotion is not theoretical or intellectual at that point... it's unstoppable. I love to be in that energy field, it's invigorating. Zac: What three words would you use to contact Zac at arts@staygo.co.uk
describe this second album, Virgins of Menace? Ken: Aerodynamic! Furious! Sushi!
Zac: Powerpop, a word that has been used to describe your music (mainly on Amazon!), do you agree? Ken: No! [Bleep]! Way!
Zac: You're touring soon, including a gig at The Forum, what do you hope to bring to the gigs? Ken: I think more than what we bring, it's what we will create. And that's a collaboration between us and who comes to see us... so it's different every time. I look forward to finding out what it's like. The Disciplines at The Forum in on 1st April 2011, tickets available online or via 0870 264 3333.
TicKeT giveaWay! We have two tickets to The Disciplines gig at The Forum, plus their CD to give away. Send your contact details to editor@ staygo.co.uk before March 21st to be in with a chance...!
March 2011 / going out
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monday
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WedneSday
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THurSday
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SaTurday
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ed byrne – croWd PleaSer!
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until 6th march call 01892 543 484 for details
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venuS and THe Sun
at The assembly Hall www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
SHROVE TUESDAY
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25% off Hair STraigHTeninng!
at The assembly Hall www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
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Sunday
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eXTravaganZa!
at the black Horse www.blackhorsepembury.co.uk
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PEMBURY AUTO CENTRE
10% off all Servicing and air con
Happy 78th Birthday Michael Caine!
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pop in or give us a call to book your discounted service www.pemburyautocentre.co.uk
SuPerb candleliT SHoWcaSeS
Wednesdays & Sundays at The grey lady www.paulduntonandguests.com / www.thegreylady.co.uk
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'TranQuiliTy' TaSTer evening 24th – a selection of 15 minute beauty Happy 31st treatments for just £10 Birthday laura.shead@esporta.com Russell Howard!
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ben Kidd’s production is a tidy package all round, featuring a moody electro soundscape www.trinitytheatre.net
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MARCH 2011 a SPring in your STeP... It's getting warmer and lighter – and spring is just around the corner! We can't wait...
monday
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friday
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APRIL 2011
Sunday
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THe diSciPlineS
HigH dayS and HolidayS! The Easter holidays are coming – and there's also a little thing called a Royal Wedding...
performing at The forum in Tunbridge Wells www.twforum.co.uk
APRIL FOOLS
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Happy 72 Birthday Sir David Frost!
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SWan laKe on ice
at The assembly Hall Theatre, 12th - 16th www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
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Happy 58th Birthday Ruby Wax!
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£10 off moTs THrougHouT 2011!
at auto bavaria, see page 14 for details www.auto-bavaria.com
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complimentary trial of esporta Health club + a free costa coffee! call 01892 774040 / www.esporta.com
nd
at The assembly Hall Theatre, 4th - 9th www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
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eSPorTa oPen day!Kb HvH
a Journey To THe very edge of Terror!
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THe big blue
live music at red rooster blues club - The chequers inn www.thechequersinnlamberhurst.co.uk
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GOOD FRIDAY
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CONGRATS TO WILLIAM & KATE!
Have a complimentary day at Esporta if you fancy going out this month' terms and conditions online at www.esporta.com
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EASTER SUNDAY
30 PUL AND L OUT KEE P! cale ndar add you ro Wn daT eS!
FREE
Sprin g Che Ask ck in st d ore f etail s
or
We have a team of expertly qualified technicians trained for Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Ford, Jaguar, Mercedes, Rover, Suzuki, Vauxhall, Volkswagen, Volvo
AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIANS
Less than a minute’s walk from High Brooms railway station. Drop off your car and we’ll do it while you’re at work.
REPAIRS & BODY WORK
7 days a week MOT service
SERVICING & MOT
Servicing from £99 + VAT www.auto-bavaria.com 01892 522 242 1 North Farm Road Tunbridge Wells TN2 3DH
£10 OFF MOT’S with this voucher
AIR CONDITIONING
Valid from 1st March 2011 - 1st March 2012 No photocopies accepted StayGo | AutoBavaria | 11/10
k
moTHer'S day TreaTS...
for all the family!
While cards, flowers and chocolates are all wonderful in themselves, your mum would probably love to spend the day with her kids and the grandchildren! So on April 3rd, why don't you take her out somewhere special?
THE HOP FARM The Hop Farm at Paddock Wood is hosting a special two course Mother's Day cavery. The price includes entry to the park. Prices are £27.25 for adults, £17.50 for children (aged 3–12) and under 3s at £6 per head (if food is required). Call 01622 870826 or email corporate@thehopfarm.co.uk
THE NATIONAL TRUST'S SCOTNEY CASTLE The National Trust's Scotney Castle at Lamberhurst has a special Mother's Day treat in store. All mums will get free entry to the house and gardens, plus a freshly baked cupcake, made by the pastry chef in Scotney's tea room. There's also a craft event, where anyone (no matter how old they are) can have a go at making a Mother's Day card! Call 01892 893868 for details
fiTneSS firST... and THen coffee!
E
sporta health club in Knights Park, Tunbridge Wells, has all the facilities you need to get fit, stay healthy and relax. Members can enjoy a stateof-the-art gym, exercise classes, yoga and pilates, plus a beautiful swimming pool and spa.
a liTTle biT of TranQuiliTy The spa, called Tranquility, is a haven of peace and relaxation. There's a 20m pool, plus two spa pools, a Nordic sauna and a steam room. And health and beauy treatments are in abundance: from nail treatments to hot stones, and from reflexology to aromatherapy, there's no excuse not to spoil yourself. There's also a hair studio where Esporta's stylists can create cuts and colour for the ladies, plus hairdressing for men and children, too.
facilities and lunch in the café, so if you want to celebrate a special occasion or just want a day completely to yourself, Esporta is the place to go. Packages include Relax, Detox, Special Occasions, Fitness & Men and Pre/Post-natal, so whatever your needs, there will be something that fits you.
eSPorTa'S very oWn coSTa... It's also worth noting that there's a Costa Coffee based at Esporta. This facility is also open to nonmembers, so if you're at Knights Park and looking for a pick-meup, head to Esporta for coffee and a panini, and maybe even a cake. And if that's a bit of a guilty pleasure, then you can always join the club!
day SPa PacKageS But the great thing is that it's not all just for members. The spa is open for 'day spa' visitors, too. A number of packages are available that include treatments, use of the spa
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March 2011 / going out
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www.staygo.co.uk
contact us... sales@staygo.co.uk or call 01892 509 273