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BODY SIX SIMPLE STEPS TO LOOKING YOUR BEST
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Gerard Butler HOW HE BEATS THE CRITICS TO DELIVER BOX OFFICE GOLD
JUNE 2010 £1.50
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Hello... The start of the year saw us publish our 2010 Power List of local people most likely to influence our lives. Among them was a Wadhurst farmer called Will Whitehorn. But it wasn’t his talents in the lambing shed that drew our attention. As President of Virgin Galactic he’s a man shooting for the stars; someone who next year will be blasting into space with an invitation for us all to join him. We just had to call at his thatched cottage to find out a bit more about this extraordinary quest. What it means for the rest of us earthlings makes a fascinating read. Equally interesting is our cover celebrity Gerard Butler (once tipped as the next James Bond) who has been panned by the film critics and yet is considered box office gold by the movie bosses. Find out why, aside from the fact he’s famous for screaming: “This is Sparta”. With the sun attempting to once again become part of our daily lives, the thoughts of many turn to Summer weddings. Which is why we offer a 26 page wedding guide setting out all you need to know to make the big day memorable for all the right reasons. There’s something for everyone; be you bride, groom, parent or guest. Should you be feeling particularly generous you might want to treat the couple to something a bit different, like the Aston Martin Rapide which at £140,000 is guaranteed to put a smile on their faces. It’s just arrived in the showrooms and we’ve been out for a spin. Summer also means holidays and in this issue we outline six simple steps that will have you looking your best when you hit the beaches. And that’s not all. To make sure you have the right wardrobe we’re offering free shopping sprees at fashion shop Phase Eight, worth £1,000. Add to those details of 88 properties for sale, the word on the street about Piers Morgan’s mum, the exclusive preview of paintings by Rolf Harris and you have every reason for pouring the coffee and putting your feet up for five minutes. Go on, you deserve it!
SoTW
info@sotunbridgewells.co.uk For full contact details see Page 10
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CHAPTER ONE A HIDDEN GEM…… BY ROSIE BIRKETT “Despite the many Michelin-starred gourmet bolt holes scattered throughout this country, and the notable advancement of the British food scene over the past decade, there is still much talk of not being able to find a decent restaurant outside of London and our other major cities. Of course there are exceptions big name chefs who have gone for it in the sticks, and gentrified culinary clusters like Ludlow and Bray but a common complaint among foodies is the lack of good, affordable local restaurants which pull off what they’re doing with precision, flair and zeal. Chapter One in Locksbottom, Kent is one such hidden gem. When I arrive on a Saturday lunchtime the dining room is full, lacking the stuffiness that so often comes with Michelin-standard food, which I suspect has much to do with the incredibly affordable menu that McLeish is offering here. At £4.50 per starter, £14 per main course and £4.50 desserts, or a three course menu du jour for £18.50, its a steal. McLeish’s cooking style is modern European, with its roots very much in the classical, but he’s a chef who really cares about provenance, and is clearly passionate about communicating that. He’s proud of his restaurant’s location in the garden of England, and he shows it using as much produce as possible from the surrounding area of Kent. McLeish cooks with care - not just in his attention to detail, but in terms of his ingredients. My delightfully piquant mackeral escabeshe - which is fast becoming a signature dish, and a favourite among regular diner Gary Rhodes - is made with the abundant oliy fish rather than the usual red mullet because of the latter’s increasingly scarcity. Considering the fair-pricing, it’s good to see that the portions are so generous, and my main course of sea bass is a vast hunk of fresh, fleshy fish, accompanied by a wonderful, almost-floral celeriac remoulade, flecked with lobster and given a pleasing crunch by some toasted hazelnuts. It’s a gorgeous combination. My partners steak is a hefty, bloody ribeye with a deep, charred flavour and sumptuous flesh, served with a copper pot of indulgent black truffle potato puree. An assiette of desserts gives us a delicious insight into the restaurants sweet offering. Stand-outs are the poached plum with honey and lemon icecream, and Valrhona hot chocolate fondant. But it’s not just the food that makes our meal thoroughly enjoyable. Our delightful waitress brims with enthusiasm and is positively lit-up when it’s time for cheese, guiding us through all the different sorts with eloquence. A triple cream Brillat Savarin with a layer of truffle in the center is the highlight for me. Chapter One is both an outstanding local restaurant and a culinary experience worth travelling for. If you’re looking for affordable, consistent and lovingly well-executed food in relaxed but smart surroundings, you could do a lot worse than making the visit to Locksbottom.” Rosie Birkett is a freelance food writer and regularly writes for The Guardian On Line Chapter One Farnborough Common Locksbottom Kent BR6 8NF Tel: 01689 854848 www.chaptersrestaurants.com
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splash out on one of the new shockproof, underwater cameras, take a walk for Hospice in the weald and grab some tickets to see the Hairy bikers.
the derelict cinema site in the middle of town should be turned into a lap dancing club. well, that’s one point of view.
Pizzas cause problems for police officers caught on camera and a tw music man makes britain a happier place to live.
the chef who’s just missed out on a Michelin star, what’s gone wrong at the nevill Crest & gun and why Piers Morgan’s mum is a favourite with local hairdressers.
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FAsHIon InsIder – WoMen
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FAsHIon InsIder – Men
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His films have hardly received rave reviews and yet scotsman gerard butler is loved by Hollywood moviemakers (and women). Find out why.
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Issue…
Food For THouGHT Villages that survived the rwandan genocide will benefit from a fundraising lunch at the Montrose restaurant in southborough.
BeInG InduLGenT Clive Christian tunbridge wells were hosts for an exclusive indulge the senses event at their furniture showroom. we have the pictures.
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Feminine florals, ice cream shades and nautical stripes all featured at the royal Victoria Place FAsHiOnFest’10.
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From the shirt dress for the workplace to the maxi dress for the evenings, the summer season’s must haves.
Mid-length swim shorts in a vibrant pattern are ideal for the hols if you don’t think you can carry off the daniel Craig swim trunk look.
TWIn PAssIons self-confessed fashion junkie Jenny brough from Heathfield brings together her love of clothes and photography.
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CHILd’s PLAy
some simple steps to help you look your best when you hit the beaches or lounge by the pool this summer.
to kick-start your summer wardrobe we’re giving away two £500 vouchers to spend at Phase eight in tunbridge wells.
we look at what your little ones should be wearing, seeing and doing this month as clothing inspired by previous eras joins their wardrobes.
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Cover image: Gerard Butler PA Photos
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We’re looking for more than just a smooth ride when we take the new Aston Martin Rapide for a test spin.
115LAUGHING MATTER
Meet the man from Liverpool who’s helped turn the Stag Theatre in Sevenoaks into one of the most successful comedy club venues in the country.
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SPACED OUT Wadhurst farmer Will Whitehorn tells us about his plans to blast into space next year and why he wants the rest of us to join him. He’s also, by the way, President of Virgin Galactic.
THE GALLERY This month we feature Rolf Harris, the painter whose work is on display at TW’s Artique Gallery.
105EDUCATING INDIVIDUALS
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SO WEDDINGS 4 MATERIAL GIRL
What your gown should be made of.
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DOWN THE GARDEN PATH
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BEST LAID PLANS
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LITTLE BLACK BOOK
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INSIDER...
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BRIDAL STYLE
THE ELITE RESTAURANT Our man heads for the countryside and a taste of the good life at Ashdown Park Hotel where there’s a dream kitchen garden.
Skippers Hill is a mixed ability independent school known for fostering individual talent; it even has its own ghost.
MOTORING MAD How the events centre that is Salomons owes so much to an eccentric inventor who fought to raise the speed limit for cars from 2mph.
Planning the ultimate outdoor reception.
A TW bride proves preparation makes perfect.
Your guide to essential wedding suppliers.
How to relive your day, plus guests dressing to impress.
Photographers share their favourite shots.
JUNE 2010
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SALE NOW ON
Studio Six, Sussex Mews The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5QJ Tel: 01892 616103 sotunbridgewells.co.uk info@magazinepeople.co.uk Publishing Director Nick Moore nick@magazinepeople.co.uk Sales Director Sharon Lacey sharon@magazinepeople.co.uk Editorial Director Richard Moore FRSA richard@magazinepeople.co.uk Senior Writer Melissa Woodland melissa@magazinepeople.co.uk Writer Dan Smith dan@magazinepeople.co.uk Head of Design Jodie Arundell jodie@magazinepeople.co.uk Designer Erica Morris erica@magazinepeople.co.uk Production Assistant Phil Glover phil@magazinepeople.co.uk Sales Team Leader Amy Lawson amy@magazinepeople.co.uk Account Manager Vikki Hyder vikki@magazinepeople.co.uk Classified Sales Executive Jordanne Reville jordanne@magazinepeople.co.uk Contributors Valerie Thacker Mark Turnbull Mirror Image David Thacker Damian Cotton Lydia Thompson Denny Gaskell Published and designed by The Magazine People Ltd. Printed by Headley Brothers Ltd.
Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/SoTWMag All rights reserved. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions relating to advertising or editorial. The publisher reserves the right to change or amend any competitions or prizes offered. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from the publisher. No responsibility is taken for unsolicited materials or the return of these materials whilst in transit.
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Cycle… Here’s an exercise bike that you won’t be using to hang your clothes on. In fact, it’s one that you’ll probably be tempted to make into the centerpiece of your living room. This stunning piece of equipment is The Ciclotte, an Italianbuilt (of course) machine crafted from carbon fibre, steel and fiberglass. This four-foot masterpiece was ergonomically designed so that your posture aids a ‘biomechically correct workout’ - something that you’d hope for when shelling out £7,500 for a bit of gym kit. Visit ciclotte.com
This month Read…
Jodi Picoult is the biggest-selling female author in the UK, so her new novel House Rules is certainly worth a read. Picoult is able to construct delicate moral dilemmas within her narratives, forcing the reader to question their own values. In House Rules Jacob Hunt, an Asperger’s-suffering teenager, becomes a murder suspect when his carer is found dead. Emma, his single mother is stretched to her limits when helping her son becomes her key priority. Meanwhile, Theo, Jacob’s younger brother, begins to rebel as all focus in on the troubled teen. A poignant, powerful and often amusing novel. £16.99 Waterstone’s, TW.
Listen…
Band of Horses new album Infinite Arms sees the American five-piece further hone their country-meets-indie-pop sound on this, their third studio release. The 13-track album was recorded over the course of a year and a half of cross-country travelling and has produced what is arguably the ’Horses best album yet. Indulge yourself in this unique band’s lazy melodies, subtle harmonising and thoroughly enjoyable modern take on country music. £10 from Ape, TW. 01892 535 732
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Strut…
Camouflage print is back in use on the style battlefield. Utility wear can be a tricky trend to pull off and look feminine, so steer clear of big areas of print. Instead, introduce the utilitarian look through accessories, such as a camo clutch. Or try these Giuseppe Zanotti sandals on for size and team them with a pair of black silk harem pants. It’s elegant but with an edge. Giuseppe Zanotti Camouflage sandals, £405, cruisefashion.co.uk
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Snap… We’ve all been there; you’re on holiday having a great time when your camera gets full of sand… or someone spills bubbly on it… or you drop it off the hotel balcony. Now, you can forget all that thanks to Olympus Mju TOUGH series of cameras; all of which are shockproof, waterproof and freezeproof. The top-of-the-range 12 Megapixel 8010 (£399) features a built-in 2GB of memory and 28mm wide angle lens, perfect for underwater landscapes and distant shots. And if you think this ‘tough’ label is just a gimmick, one of these was recently found near a shipwreck off the coast of Estonia. The camera, which had been submerged for over a year, simply required a new battery and by studying the photos divers found the owner, who had lost the camera while swimming at the site the previous year. Jessops TW, 01892 617 008
you should… Cook…
The Hairy Bikers are coming to Tunbridge Wells Assembly Hall on Thursday June 10. Si King and Dave Myers will be bringing their brilliant mix of humour, culinary prowess and friendly banter to town, all wrapped up in a stage show directed by Kent-based comic Bob Mortimer. The Hairy Bikers’ Big Night Out will feature the bearded twosome cooking for you, cracking jokes and recounting some classic stories. Perhaps an apt Father’s day present for the Dad who thinks he’s a dab hand in the kitchen. Tickets £21.50 from 01892 530 613
Blend… Kenwood just can’t help adding to its range of food processors and with this behemoth of a machine, now claim to have created their best yet. The Multipro Excel features all the usual Kenwood staples like high-quality build, a powerful motor and simplistic, stylish design, but with the Multipro they’ve also added a built-in set of scales. This addition makes even complicated recipes seem simple and with three mixing bowls to boot, this is the ultimate accompaniment to creating delicious delights. £299.99 from John Lewis
Sip… Those who see Cognac as a drink for seasoned connoisseurs only - think again. The new bottle from Rémy Martin, Coeur de Cognac (which translates as Heart of Cognac), is blended to appeal to even brandy newcomers. Our friends at Rémy suggest trying it with a few cubes of ice, just to enhance the fruity notes of apricots and pears. We’ve a few bottles to give away, so email us on: info@sotunbridgewells.co.uk or send us a postcard (see p.10), with your name, address and phone number marked “Coeur de Cognac”. Winners will be drawn at random on June 30th. Otherwise it’s available from selected Tesco stores, Selfridges and Harrod’s, £37.99.
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Walk…
If you’re looking for a fun way to raise funds for a fantastic cause, then look no further than the Hospice in the Weald Moonlight Walks on Eight mile sponsored walk Friday 18 and Saturday 19 Family Girls of June. The first of the On TheTown Party two eight-mile sponsored walks, called Girls on the Town, isNight just Saturday 19th June Friday 18thbeats June to walk for the ladies and features hot Latin to, cooling It’s fiesta night! of chocolate It’s partyfortime! sangria to relax with afterwards and plenty a Free T shirt & goodies, hot Free T shirtand & partyis goodies, helpful sugar kick. The Saturday is Family Party Night Latin sounds with cooling live band, surprise children’s Sangria & oodles chocolate! fun pack & chocolate open for all, with live music setting theof tone of the walk andtreats! £15 per adult, 16’s free free funpacks for kids or t-shirts for the parents.www.hospiceintheweald.org.uk Entry isunder £15, 01892 820508 to download the entry form visit hospiceintheweald.org.uk/ Sponsored by Moonlight+Walk+2010 Registered Charity No. 280276
Rent…
You may well remember us waxing lyrical about Colin Firth’s Oscar nominated film A Single Man in April’s SoTW. Now, this stylish film which is set in 60’s California, is available on DVD and Blu-ray. If you missed it at the cinema, here’s the chance to catch the film that reinvigorated Colin’s career and marked the directorial debut of fashion designer Tom Ford. Far from easy watching, this film engages the viewer from the opening scenes, so reserve an evening, pour a Cognac and enjoy. £3.50 from The Foyer, 01892 548 700
Buy… Here is one TV that looks almost as good turned off, as it does on. The Sony Bravia Network range features simplistic but ever-so-cool design that has been dubbed ’the monolith’ which looks particularly swanky settled on its sleek optional stand. With screen sizes ranging from 32” to 52” and full 1080 HD capability, it’ll be compatible with all your Blu-ray disks and HD channels. The extra bonus with this range is that it contains Sony’s internet TV. This innovation means you can stream video, download podcasts, download films and install ‘widgets’ (aka applications or programs) from your favourite websites like FlickR, Twitter or Facebook. The range starts at £799.99 from The Sony Centre, TW.
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Wear…
Every woman should have at least one white shirt in her wardrobe. Whether it’s functional and collared for work or oversized, cotton and best worn on a lazy Saturday, the plain white shirt is a style staple. Ladies boutique Sahara has recently unveiled the brand new Whiteworks collection at the TW High Street shop. Designed by Suzy Coppersmith-Heaven and fashioned in natural fibres, the range of white shirts encapsulates striped cotton, linen pintuck and crepe. Classic crepe shirt, £110, Whiteworks @ Sahara, High Street, Tunbridge Wells.
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T U N B R I D G LE EW T TE EL R LS
SO tell us... YOUR LETTERS PAGE
SOTW WINNING LETTER OF THE MONTH:
Sarah & Steve Fraser (Tunbridge Wells)
Ed: Always nice to know our prizes go to a good home.
If your letter is chosen by the Editor as the Letter of the Month, you’ll win a Bespoke Aromatherapy Massage at THE CHAPEL worth £75
the south-east. That might prompt the council to pull its finger out and purchase the site itself!
Sir, The cinema site in Tunbridge Wells, we are told, is back up for sale which means it will be another few years before anything happens to rid us of this derelict eyesore. Perhaps we should campaign to have it turned into the biggest lap dancing club in Sir, My husband was thrilled to receive a call from your magazine advising him he was the competition winner of a £2,000 diamond ring from Toulson Jones jewellers; you never really expect to win! I of course, was even more excited knowing that he would be giving the ring to me. Thank you Soooo much Toulson Jones for such a fabulous prize and the personal and friendly service we received from Paul and his team.
SO
Charles Gray
(via email)
Ed: This is a win-win situation that definitely gets our vote.
Sir, After reading in your magazine (March) about Tunbridge Wells taking a beating in national newspapers I noticed the town was even criticised in a Guardian article about St Patrick’s Day. It seems Shane MacGowan of The Pogues was born in your town and therefore the author of the article suggested this detracted from his ‘Irishness’ (presumably because he imagines Tunbridge Wells to be at odds with the Celtic nation). I agree with a comment below the article which says, if that were true would George Orwell or Kipling not be considered British having been born in India? Daniel McGovern (via email)
Ed: Precisely! Mr MacGowan, by the way, was given a fine start in life being born here. Sir, What a wonderful magazine, almost makes me want to move! Sue Eyles
(Thames Valley)
Ed: We’re pretty full down here, you know.
Sir, I lived in Tunbridge Wells throughout the 80s and have recently returned to the area following a period in the Midlands. I just wanted to air my view that the town has retained the majority of its charm and pleasantness and I’m looking forward to settling in once more. My single complaint is the site of the derelict cinema - but I understand that’s already a topic of hot contention. Rosie Woolly
(Tunbridge Wells)
Ed: Why did you have to go and spoil a nice letter? We accept Letters to the Editor by e-mail (info@magazinepeople.co.uk) or post to SoTW, Studio Six, Sussex Mews, The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5QJ. Letters must carry full names and contact details. Letters may be edited for publication. O C T OJBUENRE 220001 0 9
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NEWS
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the newsÉ
OUR MONTHLY LOOK AT SOME OF THE STORIES, MAKING THE HEADLINES CLAMPING DOWN
HAPPY TUNES
The founder of The Forum music venue in Tunbridge Wells has been named as one of the top 100 people making Britain a happier place to live. Jason Dormon (40) features in the Happy List 2010 produced by the Independent on Sunday as an antidote to the more famous Sunday Times Rich List. Others on the list, which recognises “people who make Britain a better balanced happier country”, include Eddie Izzard and the Archbishop of York. Says Jason Dormon: “It’s quite surreal. I’m really chuffed although it’s not just about me. So many people have been involved making The Forum a success.”
The Borough Council is at loggerheads with clampers over who owns a lay-by in Coronation Parade where motorists are being forced to pay up to £500 to have their vehicles released. Land Registry deeds indicate that two private citizens own the road. The Town Hall says it can prove the council actually owns the lay-by in the road and has asked National Parking Management to stop clamping cars until the dispute is resolved. Motorists, however, continue to be targeted with one man who left his vehicle for two minutes being hit with a bill for £390.
ON TRACK
HONEYMOON DISASTER
Newlyweds Peter and Marrion Titlow had to scrap plans for a honeymoon in Mauritius when all flights were ground because of the volcanic ash. Instead they toured the UK only to return home and find their car had been seized by bailiffs who were demanding nearly £1,000 for its return. The Mini Cooper had been left outside their Tunbridge Wells home and impounded by Sevenoaks Council for an unpaid parking fine. The council said Mr Titlow (45) had ignored all demands to pay the fine. Mr Titlow said he knew nothing about any fine. “We’d planned to make a romantic meal but were left devastated,” he says. The council has now agreed he need only pay the initial £50 fine.
Moves are afoot to bring back the direct rail service between Tunbridge Wells and Gatwick that was axed by Southern in 2008. The borough council is pressing the Department for Transport to reinstate “this important business and tourism link.” The idea has the support of commuters, travel agents and politicians. In a separate move rail campaigner Brian Hart, author of the Brighton Mainline 2 report, wants the old Tunbridge Wells West station reopened for a new service to Brighton. He believes any link could be completed by 2020.
DRESSING UP
Tough new dress codes are causing ripples at Hillview School for Girls in Tonbridge where students have been sent home for wearing dresses considered “too short”. Head teacher Stephen Bovey introduced the clampdown to ensure “that the girls look smart in their Summer uniform.” He says many parents have responded positively to the move. However, others have not been quite so receptive and at one point police were called when a row broke out between a parent and teachers after a girl was advised her skirt was of an inappropriate length.
ARRESTING SITE
Stopping off to pick up a pizza has landed two Kent police officers in hot water. They parked their patrol car on double yellow lines and also obstructed an entrance near Domino’s Pizza in Tunbridge Wells. Unfortunately for them they were photographed and reported – to the police. A police spokesman explains: ”Officers are not above the law. If they are attending an emergency it might be permissible to park contrary to road markings, otherwise they are expected to park legally.” Investigations are ongoing. No trace of the pizza has been found.
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WHY are the cleaning staff at a
larly Crowborough pub feeling particu rs dine nervous? Because among their is Kim Woodburn, presenter of the n popular TV programme How Clea an wom the is Your House. However, st who sorts out the nation’s filthie her houses is obviously impressed by ; she’s ant aur rest pub surroundings at the odburn is Wo Ms e. onc eaten there more than Channel 4 on ter the highest paid female presen so the old tips should be good! JUNE 2010
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M AY 2 0 1 0
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HOLLYWOOD LOVES A SUCCESS STORY AND GERARD BUTLER IS EXACTLY THAT. WITH A COMBINATION OF GOOD LOOKS, BRITISH CHARM AND UBIQUITOUS MEDIA COVERAGE, HE’S ONE OF THE BIGGEST ACTORS AROUND RIGHT NOW
Butler
delivers
words dan smith
Most people got to know Gerard, who prefers to be called Gerry, in the historical epic 300 (2007) which has since become a genre-defining classic. He then cemented his growing fame in Guy Ritchie’s RocknRolla (2008) and found he was the perfect face for easy-to-watch rom coms in P.S I Love You (2007). His most recent offerings, The Ugly Truth (2009), Law Abiding Citizen (2009) and Bounty Hunter (2009), didn’t
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exactly receive rave reviews by high-brow film critics, but frankly, no-one in the Hollywood Hills grumbled as the cash rolled in from sold-out cinemas across the globe. Gerard, on the other hand, seems to be looking for a balance between critical success and public acceptance: “At the end of the day,” he says, “what matters is that you do your best in every job you do. But of course you would rather your movie does well. You want it to be as critically well-received as possible, and you want it to do as well with the public as possible.” He’s certainly been a hit with the public, especially across the pond where he’s a tabloid favourite. For months the American press speculated whether he and Bounty Hunter co-star Jennifer Aniston were a couple; the pair were photographed
▼
Today, 40-year-old Gerard Butler is an incredibly bankable actor. His last few films may have been slammed by critics, but at the box office they have collectively grossed almost £1billion. This Midas touch, coupled with intriguing rumours surrounding his private life, has seen him emerge from nowhere to become one of the most successful actors of recent years.
GERARD BUTLER
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off-set enjoying each other’s company on more than one occasion. For a long time neither denied the claims, fuelling media coverage of their private lives and subsequently promoting the film. Clever stuff. When asked if there was any truth to the rumours, the ever truthful Gerard caddishly remarked: “While they’re accusing me of being with Jennifer, I’ve probably been off somewhere else doing some damage with someone else.” The Scot, who’s clearly enjoying the fruits of his labour, had an unconventional route to the big screen. While at Glasgow University, Gerard, who didn’t meet his bookie father until he was sixteen, studied to be a lawyer. Despite dabbling in acting in America, once he’d graduated, he decided against the riskier career option and returned to Scotland to train at a leading law firm. But it didn’t take long for the energetic graduate to become bored and then depressed: “After spending so many years in law, I was becoming really disillusioned and I feel as a person I was becoming more and more unhappy. And I think a big part of that was not even necessarily the law, but just doing something that I knew wasn’t for me.”
“BEInG An ACToR, BEInG SCoTTISH, BEInG SUCCESSFUL, MAkES yoU pERFECT BonD FoDDER, I THInk.” He yearned for a more exciting life and was drinking heavily. After seeing a stage performance of Trainspotting at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival he knew that he’d made the wrong career move and with this frustrating revelation, his legal work began to suffer. “I was a week from finishing [the course] when I was called into the boss’ office and was fired.” With nothing to hold him back, our man was finally free to pursue his dream and set his sights on the bright lights of London. Gerard quickly established himself on stage and built up a good reputation in the theatrical scene. In 1996 he even bagged the role that had inspired it all, playing Renton (Ewan Macgregor’s character) in a stage version of Trainspotting. He has no formal acting training and Gerard claims to draw on his rollercoaster life when preparing for a role.
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Any success that I have had is because of me, Gerry Butler, who has loved – right up to this day – every good and bad thing he’s ever done. And that’s what informs me as an actor.” While things were going well it seemed obvious that Gerard should make the move to the big screen and he made the transition in 1997 alongside Judi Dench and fellow Scot Billy Connolly in Mrs Brown (1997). While on the up, he also took the lead in an American made-for-TV film entitled Attila (2001) and was cast as Count Dracula in a modern take on the classic vampire story, called Dracula 2000 (2000). Around that time people started murmuring about how the well-built Scotsman would make a fine James Bond once Pierce Brosnan had left the scene. Of the rumours he says: “Being an actor, being Scottish, being successful makes you perfect Bond fodder, I think.” Unfortunately perhaps, it wasn’t to be and throughout much of the early 2000’s Gerard struggled to receive quality parts. He seemed doomed to play the lead in forgettable, lowbudget films and it was a period of great difficulty for him. “…I went into a bit of a depression. It was almost a bit of an anti-climax after Dracula 2000 and Attila.” However a few years later things began to look up again. In 2004, Gerard was critically acclaimed as the protagonist in film version of The Phantom of the Opera. Andrew Lloyd Webber noted that he possessed the rock ‘n’ roll voice he’d always intended the character to have and, in general, the film was well received. Returning to his native Scotland, he starred in Dear Frankie (2005), an honest, stripped down drama based on family and relationships. The film was what all low-budget films should be and focused on story, characters and human interaction,
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subsequently it became a modest success. His big break really came in 2007, when the 37-year-old starred as the Spartan King Leonidas in 300. This film saw Gerard deliver the now legendary line, “This is Sparta!” and benefited from not taking itself too seriously. With its overthe-top action and testosterone-fuelled battle scenes, 300 was easily one of the best action films of the year grossing £300 million worldwide. Following 300, Gerard had possibly his best spell of work to date. Keen not to get labeled as just action movie muscle, he starred alongside Hilary Swank in P.S I Love You and subsequently found himself Hollywood’s favourite pin-up; a position he’s since retained. Then in 2008, he appeared in Guy Ritchie’s RocknRolla as the protagonist, One-Two – a classic Ritchie gangster. Gerard is now playing the man about town rather well and having the time of his life stateside. Each week new rumours of relationships with beautiful women circulate in the press, like his recent fling with a Parisian TV presenter and a date on a beach with Nicole Scherzinger, Lewis Hamilton’s ex. His career is in pretty good shape too and there are a number of big movie projects on the horizon. Having recently given his voice to Dreamworks’ quite brilliant animation How to Train Your Dragon (2010), in the pipeline for 2011 are two more vastly different films. One is a modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s tragedy Coriolanus, directed by and starring Ralph Fiennes. The other is Machine Gun Preacher, the true story of Sam Childers; a drug dealing biker who’s come to dedicate his life to rescuing children of war torn Sudan. Whether these films will be celebrated or berated by the critics is now of little concern to Gerard. As long as those cinemas keep filling up, Gerry can keep living the dream. SO
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Food for thought
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The Msaada charity, which works with Rwandan widows to help villages that survived the 1994 genocide, is today £4,000 better off thanks to a fund raising lunch held by Graeme Moore at his Montrose Restaurant in Southborough. He tells us: “ The money will help build a hospitality project on a popular tourist route and will create a business that raises even more money for the region. The lunch was a great success and we’re already planning the next one.” msaada.org Photography: Lydia Thompson
Upper Level, Royal Victoria Place, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2SS
Young fashionistas
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Two evenings of fashion showcased the work of students at Kent College Pembury and helped raise funds for a new Young Fashion Designer competition currently being run as a pilot at schools throughout the south- east. The competition, in which finalists will present their design ideas to a panel of judges from the world of fashion, has been instigated by the collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Head of Textiles Karen Wintle. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hoping the event will be opened up to the whole of the UK in 2011.
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Being indulgent Clive Christian Tunbridge Wells were the hosts for an exclusive Indulge The Senses tasting event held in collaboration with The Balvenie Whisky and Charbonnel Et Walker Chocolates in the luxurious surroundings of its furniture showroom. The evening was created as an auction lot at the prestigious Duke of Essex Polo event to raise money for the Rhys Daniels Trust and was won by VIP guest Sue Wardle from Tonbridge. Sue and her guests arrived at the showroom by limousine and had a â&#x20AC;&#x153;fabulous eveningâ&#x20AC;?. She tells us the enthusiasm and knowledge shown from the hosts of the three companies was amazing. clive.com Photography: Lydia Thompson
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ANYONE WITH AN INTEREST IN LOOKING GOOD MADE SURE THEY STOPPED BY ROYAL VICTORIA PLACE WHEN THE LATEST TRENDS WENT ON DISPLAY AT FASHIONFEST’10. THE LIVE CATWALK SHOWS, SPONSORED BY SOTW AND TUNBRIDGE WELLS ON SATURDAY/SUNDAY, MARRIED MUSIC, DANCE AND SPECIAL EFFECTS WITH UP-TO-THE-MINUTE STYLING FROM HIGH STREET FAVOURITES INCLUDING HOBBS, FENWICK, MARKS AND SPENCER, SUNGLASS HUT AND PANDORA. THOUSANDS OF SHOPPERS AND FASHION FANS TOOK IN THE SHOWS DURING THE WEEKLONG CELEBRATION OF STYLE, WHICH SHOWCASED SUMMER’S MUST-WEAR TRENDS INCLUDING FEMININE FLORALS, ICE CREAM SHADES AND NAUTICAL STRIPES. Photography: Lydia Thompson
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your local audio and visual specialists
Are youor 3d reAdy f 3d TV in full Hd is the next big breakthrough in home entertainment technology and Progressive AV is your source for the absolute latest in 3d and Hd technology Contact us today for a demonstration and free site-visit:
01892 860801 www.progressive-av.com
Whatever your style, Boutique, Contemporary Furniture or French Furniture, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll love our online store for modern furnishings at reasonable prices. Our ethos is supplying gorgeous home furnishings at reasonable prices. From mirrors and bar stools, to dining sets and gifts, all our products are available on www.limemodernliving.co.uk, the user friendly store. With Lime, the product range goes way beyond what you see in store. We source products from British, Danish, German and Italian designers and if you want something specific, our team will search tenaciously to find you exactly what you want.
Lime. Making your home look fabulous. Open 7 days a week - Monday - Saturday 9am - 5:30pm, Sunday 10am - 4pm Tel: 01892 512 611 Email: shop@limemodernliving.co.uk Visit our store at 40A Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2PT
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The Ananda Clinic Now open in Tonbridge Specialising in: • Chiropractic the McTimoney Way • NO HANDS Massage • Aditi Health & Beauty • Holistic Life Coaching • Reflexology • Sports Massage R
10% o treat ff all m with ents th adve is rt
therapy for modern living 231 Hadlow Road Tonbridge Kent TN10 4LR
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01732 850695
admin@anandaclinic.co.uk
FA S H I O N
Fashion Insider: THIS H T N O M WOMEN
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FASHION EDITOR MELISSA WOODLAND ON WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS MONTH
Stacking up
Bags of Style
If you’re looking for the perfect handbag to accompany you through the warmer months, look no further than this beautiful sandy-tone bag from Balenciaga. The perfect hue to complement the season’s neutral palette, the punched out leather detailing and self-pcolour studs add a little texture and ensure this tote is anything but ordinary. Sahara Giant Day Bag £850, cruisefashion.co.uk
With the current trend in individualised jewellery not going away, Glitterati have introduced a new take on the look to Tunbridge Wells. There are over 200 different pieces to choose from in the Daisy stacking rings collection, allowing you to pick a few favourites or you can opt for a ready made set like the Halcyon group (pictured). Made in English Sterling Silver and gold plate, just keep adding individual rings to your collection so you’ll always have the perfect accessory. Rings start at £22, Halcyon set £214, Glitterati, The Pantiles, TW.
A Whiter Shade of Pale Lovers of 400 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets and classic linen clothing will be delighted to hear favoured supplier The White Company has arrived in Tunbridge Wells. The recently unveiled shop at 28-30 High Street promises to offer their signature range of muted linens, home accents and accessible fashions. Their Veneer maxi dress is on our musthave list for Summer. Maxi dress £65, The White Company, High Street, TW.
Get Shirty
New Faces Champneys Town Spa in TW is unveiling a new series of treatments and products this month. Dr Sebagh’s facial and product range are designed to make people look and feel younger and are only available at a handful of UK spas. Comprising a deep exfoliating mask, essential oil lymphatic drainage massage and a state of the art Aloe Vera and Green Tea mask, the treatment can increase hydration by up to 60 per cent, while evening out skin tone and increasing cellular turnover. The Advanced Anti-Ageing facial will be available for £85 (normally £120) for a limited time. Call Champneys on 01892 530 111 to book.
Summer work wear can be tricky, particularly if you’re based in a more formal office environment; after all, there’s a fine line between keeping cool and baring too much skin. Step forward the shirt dress. Sufficiently smart for work, they’re usually in temperature friendly fabrics. Find one in khaki or navy and you’ll also be ticking the utility trend box. And don’t be afraid to swap a fabric waist tie for a statement leather belt to change your look. Navy buttoned shirt dress £189, elegance. co.uk
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Before Pigmentation & Tattoo Removal Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Hyper Pigmentation Treatments Clears Sun Damage, & Age Spots - Hormone Related Pigmentation. (Price per treatment.)
WE ALSO OFFER:
After Cobden House 25 London Road Tunbridge Wells Kent TN1 1DA
• Anti-Ageing Injections • IPL and Laser Hair Removal • Rosacea and Thread Vein Removal • Stretch Marks reduction • Chemical Peels • Waxing • Colon Hydrotherapy & Holistic Beauty Treatments • Semi Permanent Make Up
01892 535577
www.skinlc.co.uk Email: enquiries@skinlc.co.uk
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Fashion Insider: THIS MONTMH EN Swim time Fresh Scent
The latest version of Chanel’s Allure Homme has hit the shelves and it’s the perfect scent for Summer. Allure Homme Blanche was created by the renowned perfumer Jacques Polge and layers spicy pepper aromas, the scent of softened leather, Sicilian lemon, bergamot and sandal wood to produce a luxurious fragrance. If you’re a fan of the original, you’ll love the woodsy masculinity of this lighter edition. Allure Homme Blanche £45 for 50ml, Fenwick, Tunbridge Wells.
On Deck
Summer footwear can be tricky for you chaps. Socks with sandals are absolutely unacceptable and unless you indulge in regular pedicure, sandals on their own aren’t really an option. Deck shoes offer the perfect compromise. Wear them with socks if you’re donning a pair of chinos and without if you’ve opted for shorts. This season they come in a full range of colours, so pick up a couple of pairs to complement your wardrobe. Boat shoes, £65, Ben Sherman @ John Lewis, Bluewater.
The beginning of June signals that it’s time to consider what you’ll be wearing on the beach. If you don’t think you’ll look as good as Daniel Craig did in his swim trunks, opt for something a little more forgiving. Bermuda shorts are a no-no unless you’re a surfer, but mid-length swim shorts in a vibrant pattern are fun and fashionable. Pink and blue stripe swim shorts, £75 Paul Smith @ Hoopers, Tunbridge Wells.
In Sty-le
Father’s Day is just around the corner (June 20), which means we have to find that perfect gift to show our Dads how much they’re appreciated. If you’ve bought yours all the socks, ties and mugs he could ever need in previous years, splash out on something really special this year. We love these 18ct gold and enamel cufflinks, which have been hand-painted with a quartet of charming black pigs. They’re an instant family heirloom. Pair of 18ct gold cufflinks, £1,595, G Collins and Sons, Tunbridge Wells.
Sun’s Up
Every man needs a pair of shades to create an air of mystery. They’re also pretty handy for keeping the sun out of your eyes! Treat yourself to a classic pair that will work well with a suit and with shorts and a tee. Sunglasses, £99, Polo Ralph Lauren, Sunglass Hut, Tunbridge Wells. JUNE 2010
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We offer: • Tooth coloured, toxin-free, mercury free fillings • Safe removal of mercury amalgams using appropriate clinical precautions • Bio compatible crowns and bridges • Oral surgery/gum/periodontal treatments • Implantology • Hygiene • Extraction free full-face orthopaedic orthodontics • Holistic dentistry • Same day emergency appointments • Cosmetic dental makeovers • Tooth whitening • Sedation We could have the answer to those persistent head, neck, and back pain problems that no amount of therapy can permanently cure. If you feel that previous experiences of dentistry leave many questions unanswered please call to make an appointment. We can extend our opening times to fit your schedule. Evenings and Saturdays can be arranged.
Treat yourself to some relaxation time at Esporta Health Clubs Tranquillity ESPA
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Tooth Fairy Holistic Cenrte 8 Chilston Road Tunbridge Wells Kent TN4 9LT
Reader offer 25% off your first treatment quoting 'SO Magazine'
Telephone: 01892 518860 Fax: 01892 543167
Call 01892 774000 or visit www.esporta.com
www.toothfairyholistic.co.uk
JUNE 2010
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elf-confessed fashion junkie, Jenny Brough from Heathfield is always looking to see what’s in style and how people are wearing the latest looks.
“I love how clothes can make people look completely different. Simple clothes can be just as effective as eccentric clothes; it all depends on how you wear them.” It was during an internship at a London studio that Jenny (25) brought her passion for clothes and photography together. After graduating with a degree in photography, she embarked upon a series of placements with celebrity and portrait photographers, including the world famous Rankin, in order to gain experience. While working as an assistant on one shoot, she was offered the chance to take a few pictures of her own. On seeing one of
the resulting photos, ‘Red Shoes’ (above), Jenny was instantly hooked on the genre. She now hopes to one day rank alongside photography legends Testino and Leibovitz. “Everyone is involved in fashion one way or another and for me it’s something that I find totally interesting and inspiring. “I love how no two fashion photographs are ever the same, you can come across the same outfit in different magazines and find there’s no comparison simply because of how they have been photographed. “Everyday I come up with new ideas to try and am constantly building up my portfolio. There’s no end to fashion and that’s why I love it. You never get bored of it and fashion will never go ‘out of fashion’!” jennybrough.co.uk
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The one with Re d Shoes “This w : as the ve ry first fa done. It shion te was arr st shoo anged b London t I’d eve y a cele while I w r brity ph as work style th otograp ing as a e shoot her in n assista myself w then. Re nt. I had hich wa d Shoes to s quite a was a o perfect challeng ne off sh ly. It is d e ot and ju efinitely and has st work one of m pride of ed y favou place in rite pictu my port res folio.”
JENNY BROUGH HAS TWO PASSIONS IN LIFE; CLOTHES AND PHOTOGRAPHY. SHE’S MANAGED TO COMBINE THE TWO AND IS NOW WINNING AWARDS AND FORGING A CAREER IN THE TOUGH WORLD OF HIGH FASHION. WE FIND OUT HOW SHE’S MAKING HER MARK
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A passion for healthy living, exercise and well being. Ubefit is based in Tunbridge Wells. We offer bespoke Personal Training sessions, Indoor group classes, Outdoor sessions and Fitness Pilates. So whether you love to be outside or prefer an indoor environment Uberfit has the class for you.
What we offer: • Flexible Personal Service • One on One Training • Group Sessions • Friendly • Relaxed atmosphere • Indoor & Outdoor Training • Fitness classes for all levels We have a varied client base from complete beginners to marathon runners and pride ourselves on the personal service, which we offer to all our clients.
Personal Training and Fitness www.uberfit.co.uk Überfit, 3 Mayfield Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent. TN4 8ES
Award-Winning Beauty Salon
Special Summer Offer Book a luxurious 60 minute pedicure and receive a free manicure! Terms and conditions apply.
www.beautetherapy.co.uk
www.saltcave.co.uk Tel: 01892 512 818 Email: tw@saltcave.co.uk 10 Vale Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1BP
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11 Nevill Street, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5RU (At the bottom of The Frant Road)
Tel: 01892 536600 • info@beautetherapy.co.uk
Feel lovely. Feel alive. Feel fabulous
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The one outdoo rs: “I’ve alw ays wan ted to tr to push y doing myself o a shoot ut of my is my firs on locati comfort t attem on zone. Th pt and it imagine is picture ca d. It’s op me out ju e ned my st how I instead ey of just u es to wh sing pla at is aro shoots.” in walls und us when d oing fash ion
The one with th e vibran This pic t backg ture is o round: ne of m I love ph y most otograp recent p hing be be crea hotogra auty as tive. I’ve phs. it allows yo taken th matche u to e bright d a colo b ackgrou ur in the for crea n d and make u tive ma p. I have ke up an (make u a passio d with th p artist) n e help o I’m able photogra f R osie Lee to create phs. Be some st auty ph like to g u o n tograph ning et more y is som involved ething I’d in.
The one with th e tear: “I wante d to cre ate an im emotion age tha but was t showe still bea to use b d utiful an lack and d chose w hite as th makes yo e forma u look m t, ore inte as it inspired ntly at it by this p . I’m still icture.”
The one from th e 1920 “This w s: as a sho t that I st to do a yled mys fun fash elf beca io n picture would o use I wa to show riginally nted the dress have ap the 1920 p e as it a ’s. What red back I capture in its hey the dress d d was a p ay in do icture th looked ca ing what it’s be at show st at, wh lm and s ile the m collecte the ligh d. I thin o ting wo d e l still k the m rk really ovemen nicely to t and gether.”
e i e som mad from Vik and d o r ts’ e: li a n e fo o Ih g ort rmen , p in a ld n g n e n in fi io s ard w d my fash d beauty ive fashio e picture w a t e th a an The velop fashion e ‘cre is one of etrical it e m d o I s e “As in th who had hed. This ow symm wonder acts ner ve h grap . You win a cont desig ed photo hoot. I lo e heads to a , o th Py at s nt on 009, ant in h e w t e w e g n re sh om s2 that reated fr slight cha his pictu e Award r T . e Ic tu that t from th or image nal Aper r r ir a io .” is, ap r it’s a m Internat UK entry a he he whet ward in t given to a d r r silve hest awa ig the h
The one in the w ate “I studie d underw r: ater pho Falmou tograph th and lo y at Univ ved it. T comple he unde e tely diffe rwater w rsity College rent atm in a diffe orld has osphere rent ligh a and ma t. Water can’t co ke s you se is also ve ntro e things ry unpre that invo l it. I wanted to d ictable, create a lved wa you ter but series o beauty st f ill kept th photogra in the p ictures. amazes I have to e elements of st phs me eve udio sh say the ry time ot intensity I see it.” of the g old
ake up: es and m d coming an up an with ruffl e ting ith on w e n h T ratio loves crea bo a lla m co ee a ld er S “This was l. Her sist t that wou ba ha Iq a y te ub ,R bold to crea designer e up to be ded her ak ua m rs e pe th e Lee ted ie an os R w I hats so w t. tfi er with ith the ou t. Togeth e up ou m d ca I an ) go well w ly st k with ng to real larly wor and stro who I regu unning.” up artist is st k in th (a make I ch look whi with this
Picture credits: Make Up Artists: Rosie Lee, Krystle G, Zoe Walters, Nina Selby Models: Chloe, Amy Johnson, Micky Sasse, Jacqui Adofo, Peace Oseyenum, Georgia HB, Zane @ First Model Management
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Gently W be takin orn will g Evenin part in an g of Vin tage Glamou r Vin on at Hotel Du June 3rd 2010
Occasion and evening dresses, holiday and casual wear, designer clothes, shoes and accessories NOW STOCKING
Offering quality vintage pieces, from couture gowns to premium day dresses, tailoring and outerwear. Perfect for that special occasion or themed vintage event. Visit our online boutique or make a personal appointment at our studio. For something truly unique delve into our treasure trove of beautiful vintage clothing and accessories
www.gentlywornvintage.co.uk 07879 005276
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40 Mount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1RB Tel: 01892 519519 1 High Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1UL Tel: 01892 513613 www.kitchclothing.co.uk
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FOR MOST OF US LADIES, THE CLOCK HAS STARTED TICKING. THAT’S RIGHT, OUR SUMMER HOLIDAY IS JUST A FEW WEEKS AWAY AND THE DREADED COUNTDOWN TO BEACH-DAY HAS BEGUN
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s e m o c Here WORDS: MELISSA WOODLAND
: o g o t s h Two mont
gh than enou s you more lthyeating e iv g y a d pre-holi withhea ine weeks rencetoyourbody will help Eight or n fe if h exercise bikini. d g l u a re ro a th e k p a u kin in a Toning timetom re some s a ym visits. b g r to la d u re g and re re prepa nd feel mo you look a action: with a s Take rcise clas e x e n a ely to Sign up to an; you’re more lik e c u o encourag friend if y meone to o f s o e v a e h g n a ra go if you e a offer h T rt . o s p s ie E it il you. ng ab suit differi good classes to ss is particularly ) la c 2 774 000 Spinning ries. (0189 drinking lo a c g in for burn y, start n’t alread day. It’ll help If you do a r of wate drated. two litres r and hy a le c in k s r u keep yo
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Every year, we book the holiday and think we’ve got plenty of time to get ourselves body beautiful. Every year, we leave it until the last minute and there’s a mad dash a week before the holiday to find miracle treatments that will make us look model-esque in a swim suit.
This year is going to be different. SoTW has trawled the town’s beauty specialists to put together a countdown that will help you avoid the panic and be body confident in time for your holiday.
Six w eeks to go:
Even th It’s th e slimmes t of pe e scou o r diet c an he ge of wom ple can en d up w en ev lp, bu consid ery t ith if er a li ttle in you have d where. Exe cellulite. terve if r fi c u ntion lt to s cise and Take . hift pa actio tches n : If you , r cellu lite isn to you ’t r proble shower ro too bad, in utine t m are to imp roduce bo a Altern dy rove t atively s. he cir brushing visits , culatio to Mir take the h n in ard w ror Be Clear ork au C and p ellulite The ty on Nevil out of it w uls ra l it treatm e to smoo py uses a Street, TW h a few . Their comb th and ent. £ in C (0189 5 2 517 0 per 45 firm from ation of va rystal minut the ve cuum 444) e trea r tmen y first t.
go: o t h t n o One m
One w eek to go: Time to can e get down ven th to the in e to defuzz. k about ge ssentials. B tting a ef tan, y ore you ou ne Take ed ac If you tion: ’d rath er sha and a ve d silky s ecent shav , stock up o moot ing ge h l to le n new blad A salo . ave y n wax our p es holida w ins y main ill prevent t Road t use th enance. Sc he need fo r mid e prem ott & which Co r ie leg an emoves ha r rolling m in Calverle ir quic d Bikin ethod y k i wax o £39.5 ly and prec f waxing 0. (01 is 892 5 ely. Full 36 46 4)
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COMPETITION
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US L P S N I K N E J E N I R E H T A K E E S O T L E S T T O E H K R A P VIP TICK N W O D H S A T A Y A T S T H IG N AN OVER SHOPPING N IO H S A F 0 0 A £10 E EIGHT IN S A H P T A E E R SP ELLS TUNBRIDGE W ur time to bring yo
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Cosmetic approach
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Consultant PlastiC and ReConstRuCtive suRgeon MaRC PaCifiCo disPelled soMe of the Myths suRRounding CosMetiC suRgeRy when he staged an infoRMal PResentation at the hotel du vin in tunbRidge wells. MoRe than 60 woMen went along to have theiR own questions answeRed and to Meet MaRC PaCifiCo who PRaCtiCes at sPiRe tunbRidge wells hosPital.
New garden opening Ă? Ju ne 8th Units 2&3, Bayham Road, Bells Yew Green, Frant, Tunbridge Wells TN3 9BJ 01892 752042
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WHAT YOUR LITTLE ONES SHOULD BE WEARING, SEEING AND DOING THIS MONTH WORDS: MELISSA WOODLAND
Tin Man Most kids love robots at some point in their childhood. From remote control versions to build-yourown kits, robots are the ultimate boy’s toy. We love this 50’s-style tin version made by the Japanese company that created them originally. This Space Evil Robot is the perfect addition to the playroom. Tin robot, £90, rume.co.uk
Miniature Vintage The trend for clothing from, or inspired by, previous eras has reached your children’s wardrobes. The ditsy and floral print of these dresses from British label I Love Gorgeous induce thoughts of Enid Blyton-esque picnics and japes with George, Anne, Dick, Julian and Timmy the dog. Gladys dress in pink or blue, £60.95, Pinny dress, £59.50, all I Love Gorgeous at Ubertogs, Cranbrook.
Snug as a Bug TW-based entrepreneurs Phillipa Branson and Nathalie Dorset (littledarlingstextiles. co.uk) are creating beautifully embroidered bed linen just for children. From fishing boats to butterflies, their gorgeous range of motifs are scattered across pure white 100 per cent cotton duvets and pillowcases. We really like the English Guard set, available as a bean bag and duvet set. £44, available at Hever Castle, Edenbridge and Smart Mama Clever Papa, Sevenoaks.
Just Your Type It’s never too early to begin learning to read and what better place to start than with the alphabet. Whether it’s gorgeous circus font initials on baby-grows (100 per cent organic of course) or soft, 3D letter-shaped cushions, a few well-placed letters will have your little one on the fast-track to knowledge in no time. Babygrows from £14, petraboaseshop.co.uk JUNE 2010
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DonÕ t miss the ThorinsÕ wine and cheese night on 8th June. At just £10 a head, local wine and cheese experts will teach you how to pair your wine with the perfect cheeses. With a selection of ten locally produced cheeses and ten wines. Spaces are limited so BOOK NOW
01892 531480
Also at Thorins on the last Thursday of every month, itÕ s Moules Night. All you can eat Moules frites and bread for just £11.95. Served four ways: Mariniere, a la crème, Thai and Masala
On the second Thursday on every month, itÕ s Ribs Night. All you can eat ribs, chips and coleslaw just £11.95
9 Nevill Street Tunbridge Wells Kent TN2 5RU • 01892 531480 • www.thorins.co.uk
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WILL WHITEHORN IS FAR FROM YOUR AVERAGE FARMER. WHEN HE’S NOT WALKING THE FIELDS AROUND HIS KENT HOME HE’S WORKING AS PRESIDENT OF VIRGIN GALACTIC – AND PLANNING TO TAKE US ALL TO THE FINAL FRONTIER WORDS DAN SMITH
Local Farmer
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In a little under six years, a relatively short period in aeronautical terms, the fledgling company has taken the idea of putting non-professional astronauts into space and flown with it. Virgin Galactic is now tantalisingly close to completing tests in the Californian Mojave Desert and should be ready for fare-paying customers in the next 18 months to two years. Will, who featured at number nine in our 2010 power list, greets me on the driveway of his home, a traditional thatched cottage nestled in a modest plot of Sussex farmland. He welcomes me into the kitchen and makes coffee while explaining he’s been in the top field helping Roy, an old friend, with the birthing of some lambs. It’s a homely and traditional kitchen with an AGA keeping the place at a cosy temperature. “We’ve lived in Wadhurst for around 15 years,” says Will. “I’m from Scotland originally but ironically the first Whitehorns ever to be recorded in England, in the 1200s, were in Sussex as well. They came from the Scottish village of Whithorn, which is where the name comes from. There was a trade route round to the Sussex ports even in the 12th Century.” Will mentions the etymology of the family name, which in Gaelic probably meant “he of the great horn or drinking cup”.
At this, he laughs and says the name still rings true today. With all this talk of history, I begin to wonder if we’ve come to the wrong house, although glancing around the kitchen I notice a number of clues about Will’s involvement with Virgin’s space programme. There’s a scale model of one of the early Virgin Galactic spaceship prototypes hanging from a low beam, a waterproof jacket slung over a nearby chair carries the distinctive graphics of the project and when Will passes me his business card for future correspondence it carries the slogan SPACE IS VIRGIN TERRITORY – very clever. The model is similar in concept to the most recent prototypes (see pictures). VMS Eve, the mothership, carries under its wing the smaller space-bound craft named VSS Enterprise. Together they carry 16 people on each 2.5 hour trip. Will explains: “Two pilots here,” he says pointing to one of the fuselages of VMS Eve. “Two pilots here,” he continues, this time tapping the nose of the VSS Enterprise. “Then there are six people in Enterprise who will actually fly to space and six fledgling astronauts in Eve, who’ll go all the way up the next day. “At 52,000 feet, the secondary ship drops away from Eve, fires the rocket motor and blasts into space. Once that’s flown up, Eve flies fast parabolas and becomes a zero-G training craft for the next day’s passengers. “Also, by flying in circles at high speed it turns into the world’s first flying centrifuge, creating high and sustained levels of G-force.” The 50-year-old, who should be going to space himself next year, is clearly a man who’s both highly enthused about, and very proud of, what Virgin has achieved. He’s been working for and alongside Virgin for almost a quarter of a century, seeing the company grow from a minnow in the international arena to one of the big hitters. After graduating from the University of Aberdeen, Will flew helicopters for the then state-owned British Airways out to oil rigs in the North Sea. He became the youngest Trade Union representative for BA and ended up on a Thomas Cook graduate training course for up-and-coming young businessmen. From there he worked for the TSB banking group on investor relations, then took the leap to the PR world with, amongst others, the record company Chrysalis. It was from Chrysalis that he was head hunted by Virgin in 1986.
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or a number of years we’ve been keeping an eye on the amazing progress of Virgin Galactic, the space tourism division of Sir Richard Branson’s empire. It’s a bonus when we discover that the president of the company, Will Whitehorn, lives just down the road in Wadhurst. Naturally, we pay him a visit to talk space, the future of mankind and, rather surprisingly, lambing.
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“I eventually started working full time for them during the famous october ’87 stock market crash. the first thing I actually did was work on taking the company private from the stock market. “then I got more involved in the airline and because sir richard had seen I’d been involved in search and rescue in the north sea, I ended up doing the same thing for his balloon trips... I was always the one hanging out of a helicopter on a winch picking him up from somewhere.” will’s description of his career downplays his influence as a key figure in Virgin’s development. remember, this is someone who (against his liking) has been referred to as ‘Branson’s right hand man’. for a while he was the spokesman for Branson, helping guide the company through the infamous ’93 Ba dirty tricks affair, and was also on their investment committee. surely he feels partially responsible for the success of Virgin. “It really is a very collegiate organisation and I just played my part. the dirty tricks affair and winning the court case against Ba was a seminal moment for Virgin, there’s no doubt about that… sir richard had found it very difficult to buy new aircraft before that happened because Virgin atlantic wasn’t taken that seriously. But after that, people took it very seriously. “to say that I feel responsible would actually be to not understand the way Virgin works. the person who is ultimately responsible is the one with the beard; who’s been pretty dedicated to his business since he was 16 years old.” Being dedicated to his business has led Branson to make some risky moves in his career and the current venture is no different. will claims that galactic is one of the biggest and toughest investment projects Virgin has ever done, but if successful the program could have a momentous impact on man’s access to space. the possibilities which stem from that, both commercial and industrial, are almost endless.
“I was always the one hangIng out of a helIcopter on a wInch pIckIng sIr rIchard up from somewhere”
Virgin now has over 340 passengers booked for their flights into sub-orbital space, which has generated around £35million of deposits. these deposits have given Virgin the confidence to continue with the venture and by using investments of its own and from associated organisations, Branson has created what is essentially the first autonomous non-governmental space agency. It’s all exciting stuff and means that Virgin galactic civilian astronauts will pave the way for relatively cheap, more environmentally friendly and, above all, safe space flight.
once space tourism proves itself, Virgin hopes that big business will quickly follow suit.
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this type of business model is incredibly clever. It takes the public’s passion and excitement for space flight and, using the capital from ticket sales, is able to bypass the board rooms and economists of industry, which are often wary of big leaps of faith.
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“If this project works,” says Will, again animated about the venture. “It’ll bring in a wall of private sector money.” And those claims are echoed around the world. The American magazine Business Week described Virgin’s success in raising second round finance as the ’Netscape moment’ of the space industry. Netscape was the first company on the internet in the earlymid 1990s to raise extensive finances; the result was the e-commerce boom. That’s how important this could be. With the termination of NASA’s space shuttle program we need a more cost effective, reliable and modern system to get people and equipment into space. It’s intended that the Virgin Galactic flights will act as the forefather to such a system.
“We know enough about this planet’s history to know that this is the case; there are things that will happen that we just can’t control. Therefore to not go to space is criminal… I put it as strongly as that.” Coming to see Will today I’d expected interesting debate, but discussing the future of humanity just seems bizarre in this most traditional of settings. But as it turns out rural Kent and Sussex is the spiritual home of Virgin Galactic, and the UK itself is a stronghold for the space industry. “Ironically, the three original employees of Virgin Galactic all live within eight miles of here. Steven Attenborough, who’s now Commercial Director lives in Sussex. And Susan Newsam who’s Head of Marketing Promotion lives just up the road in Flimwell.
But should we be focusing on space and what some might call ‘wasteful’ tourism when we’re told so much is wrong with the environment of our own planet? Surely such commercial folly will further damage our fragile atmosphere?
“Here in the UK we manufacture huge numbers of high tech, high value added items. The UK is actually the sixth biggest exporter of goods and services in the world and we do this with the same population as California. For some reason we do ourselves down, the media seems to educate us that way, but we’ve got to get out of that mindset.
“We’ve actually only discovered what’s wrong with our planet by being in space and having the ability to look at our planet from a distance,” Will counters. “It’s also been estimated that a further 1 billion people would be starving in the world if we hadn’t been able to use satellite technology to aid modern agriculture.”
“I’m a great believer that industrialism is Britain’s future. I think more and more people are getting in tune to that. And even if we’re organising the design of these things and building them somewhere else, that’s still our industrial skill at the heart of a new economy for the future.”
In addition, the Galactic project isn’t taking green concerns lightly. When VMS Eve is cruising at 52,000 feet it uses about the same amount of fuel as a Range Rover, thanks to its carbon fibre construction.
At this point Lou, Will’s wife, walks into the kitchen and it seems an apt opportunity to find out a bit more about the Whitehorns. How did the family of the man who’ll become the first Scotsman in space end up in Wadhurst?
But creating a less environmentally damaging and more economical way of taking man to sub-orbital space is just the beginning for Virgin. They want to see humans in the depths of space looking for a new home.
“We were living in London about 15 years ago. The kids (Rose, 20, and Angus, 17) had been born and because I was brought up on a little farm house in Scotland I didn’t want to carry on with the thing in London.
“Yes, we’ve got to avoid using fossil fuels and yes, we’ve got to protect this planet. But to not take our civilisation and culture into space will ultimately lead to its destruction in other ways.
“But I hated the idea of commuting. I hated the idea of this suburban countryside around London, I mean, when you come from somewhere like Scotland you don’t really think of places like Surrey as outside of the city.
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“We had some very good friends who phoned us up and said, ‘there’s a cottage for sale down here’. That was Stream Cottage on the other side of Wadhurst. “Then I got the urge to do a little bit of hobby farming and that’s why we bought this place, as it has a bit of land. Almost all my relations are farmers in Scotland.” We decide to take a walk around the farm on which the Whitehorn’s have a number of pig litters, a chicken run, a herd of Pedigree Sussex cattle and sheep. As we walk up the field Lou, who walked ahead, is calling out to tell us that a pair of lambs have just been born. Simultaneously the heavens open and a glorious late-spring morning turns into a grey washout. It’s cold and the new-borns need to be sheltered out of the rain. What ensues is a rather frantic episode during which Lou and Will ferry the lambs to a shelter in the next field, while I stand in the rain feeling a bit helpless. The lambs, not three minutes old look naked and alien, reminding me of a question my Editor wants me to ask.
Advert_advert 11/03/2010 12:23 Page 1 Advert_advert 11/03/2010 12:23 Page 1 Advert_advert 11/03/2010 12:23 Page 1
“Will,” I say. “Do you think we’re alone in the universe?” Clearly he’s been asked this before and he’s quick to answer: “Given that our own galaxy has billions of planets and there are billions of galaxies out there it would be utterly amazing if we are the only planet with life. Despite this, given the vast distances between any possible intelligent extra terrestrial life it will also be utterly amazing if we ever actually find each other. “And, as Prof Stephen Hawking who’s booked to fly with us points out, we may not want to attract their attention even if they are there!”
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■ VSS Enterprise and VMS Eve - The first commercial aircraft to be manufactured entirely from carbon fibre, devoid of metal in their structures ■ VMS Eve - The first passenger aircraft with the ability to become a high speed centrifuge.
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■ The first commercial space agency ■ Spaceship One prototype – Holds the record for the highest recorded aeroplane flight into space JUNE 2010
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SMARDEN VILLAGE
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Tunbridge Wells £1,595 pcm Available Now
Haxted £3,500 pcm Available Now
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A delightful three bedroom cottage set within the sought after Kingswood Place development. This property benefits from a fully fitted contemporary kitchen, en-suite to the Master Bedroom, garden and parking.
Subject to an extensive refurbishment programme this 5 bedroom property is presented to the market in excellent condition with a refitted kitchen, bathrooms and cloakrooms.
A v a h
Hall | Sitting Room | Dining Room | Family Room | Study | Kitchen | Utility Room | 2 Cloakrooms | Principal Bedroom Suite | 4 Further Bedrooms | Family Bathroom
5 D
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A fine example of a traditional Kent Oast built circa 1870. This four bedroom end of terrace family home has a bespoke Stoneham designer roundel kitchen and off street parking.
A charming Grade II Listed townhouse very conveniently situated within the popular Village area of Tunbridge Wells. The house enjoys many of the characteristics associated with the Georgian period, including high ceilings and sash windows.
A t m o t
Kitchen | 2 Reception Rooms | 4 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | Garden | Allocated Parking
3 Bedrooms | 1 Bathroom | Gas Central Heating | Dishwasher | Range Cooker | Terrace | Village location | Permit parking
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Tunbridge Wells 01892 516611 tunbridgewells@hamptons-int.com www.hamptons.co.uk
Tunbridge Wells £2,750 pcm Available 1st July
Mark Beech £1,800 pcm Available Now
A spacious five bedroom executive home in the sought after village area of Royal Tunbridge Wells, close to main line station and within extremely close proximity of the much sought after, highly regarded Claremont primary school.
A professionally renovated three bedroom stone barn conversion set down a leafy country lane.
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5 Bedrooms | En Suite | Family Room | Lounge | Dining Room | Rear Garden
3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | Oil Central Heating | Dishwasher | Electric Hob | Fridge/Freezer & Oven | Cloakroom | Garden | Patio | Off Street Parking
Tunbridge Wells £1,600 pcm
Bidborough £1,250 pcm Available Now
A substantial three storey three bedroom family home located in the ‘village area’ of Tunbridge Wells within easy walk of the mainline railway station and the town centre. The property consists of lounge, refitted kitchen, downstairs w.c., basement playroom, three good sized bedrooms and white family bathroom suite.
A two double bedroom duplex set within the charismatic Bidborough Court development. The property has two bathrooms, large reception room and garage.
3 Bedrooms | Bathroom | Gas Central Heating | Dishwasher | Electric Hob | Oven | Washing Machine | Cloakroom | Patio | Permit Parking
2 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | Dishwasher | Electric Hob & Oven | Washing Machine | Communal Garden | Garage | Off Street Parking
One address. Thousands of properties. www.hamptons.co.uk
Tunbridge Wells 01892 516611 tunbridgewells@hamptons-int.com www.hamptons.co.uk
Wadhurst £1,350,000
Mark Cross £890,000
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An imposing and substantial detached Edwardian house situated on high ground and enjoying superb far reaching panoramic views.
A fine 1920’s detached 5 bedroom character house, providing excellent family accommodation in beautiful setting.
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Reception Hallway | Drawing Room | Dining Room | Family Room | Kitchen/Breakfast Room | Pantry | Utility Room | Study/Workshop | Galleried Landing | 5 Bedrooms | En Suite Bathroom to Master Bedroom | Family Bathroom | Double Garage | Stable Block
Hall | Sitting Room | Family Room | Garden Room | Large L-shaped Kitchen/Dining Room with Living Area | Shower/ Cloakroom | Principal Bedroom and En-suite Bathroom | 4 Further Bedrooms | Family Bathroom | Double Garage | Gardens and Woodland About 1 Acre
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Herons Ghyll £2,250,000
Lamberhurst £1,195,000
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A sensational Conran & Partners designed contemporary detached house with exceptional interior and setting.
Exceptional detached house situated within a vineyard with about 5.4 acres, enjoying fantastic views towards Bayham Abbey.
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Galleried Reception Hall | Drawing Room | Study | Television Room | Family Room | Kitchen/Breakfast Room | Principal Bedroom Suite with Dressing Area & Bathroom | 5 Further Bedrooms | 2 En-Suite Shower Rooms | Family Bathroom | 2 Roof Terraces | Ground Source Under Floor Heating | Detached Double Garage | Gardens & Grounds About 7 Acres
Entrance Hall | Sitting Room | Conservatory | Dining Room | Family Room | Kitchen/Breakfast Room | Utility Room | 5/6 Bedrooms | 4 Bath/Shower Rooms | Double Open Garage | Atcost Barn with Planning Consent to Convert to 2 Bedroom Ancillary Accommodation to the Main House
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One address. Thousands of properties. www.hamptons.co.uk
Tunbridge Wells 01892 516611 tunbridgewells@hamptons-int.com www.hamptons.co.uk
Langton Green £1,895,000
Blackham £1,225,000
Substantial detached house situated along a regarded private road within close proximity of Holmewood House School.
A superb detached oast house immaculately presented throughout with a blend of old and new surrounded by open countryside.
Impressive Hallway | Drawing Room | Dining Room | Family Room | Kitchen/Breakfast Room | Study | Galleried Landing | Six Bedrooms | 5 Bath/Shower Rooms | Games Room & Cinema Room | Garage | Carriage Driveway with Electric Gates | Mature Level Gardens
Vaulted Entrance Hall | Schofield & Crafter Kitchen/Breakfast Room | Utility Room | Sun Room | Dining Room | Roundel Drawing Room | Superb Master Bedroom Suite | 4 Further Bedrooms | Excellent Modern Shower Room | En-Suite Bathroom to Guest Bedroom
High Hurstwood £1,125,000
Penshurst £725,000
Secluded Victorian house with very well presented accommodation and 3 bedroom former granary situated just across a courtyard.
A delightful detached house, situated in a small close of similar properties near to the heart of this picturesque village.
Reception Hallway | Drawing Room | Dining Room | Kitchen | Impressive Master Bedroom Suite with Dressing Area & Bathroom | Utility Room | 3 Further Bedrooms | Family Bathroom | Two Large Garages | Double Car Port | Secluded Courtyard | Gardens of About 1.6 Acres | 3 Bedroom Cottage
Entrance Hallway | Cloakroom | Sitting Room | Dining Room | Kitchen/Breakfast Room | 4 Bedrooms | En Suite to Master Bedroom | Family Bathroom | Detached Double Garage | Beautiful Gardens | Rural Outlook
One address. Thousands of properties. www.hamptons.co.uk
CHAPEL PLACE LIMITED
LAND AGENTS
YOUR WINDOW TO THE LARGEST DATABASE OF DEVELOPERS, SELF BUILDERS & INVESTORS IN THE SOUTH EAST
Aldington Frith, nr Canterbury Timber barn with potential Guide Price £75,000
Hawkhurst Site on Highgate Hill with planning permission for 2 x 3 bed detached properties Guide Price £250,000
Paddock Wood Two newly refitted 1 bedroom apartments with private parking spaces and within walking distance of station Guide Price £129,950
DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES REQUIRED
Sandhurst, nr Cranbrook Barn with planning permission to convert into 4 bedroom dwelling approximately 2,700 sq ft (250 sq m) Guide Price £400,000
Seaford Large detached property in Marine Parade with previous planning for 19 apartments Guide Price in excess of £800,000
• Land with or without planning • Large back gardens with potential • Barns, oasts and other rural buildings • Commercial buildings • Farms and agricultural land • Office blocks • Pubs • Hotels • Nursing homes • Amenity land • Garages • Properties requiring refurbishment or conversion
Wateringbury Approximately 6.26 acres of land with river frontage and fishing rights available as a whole or in two lots Guide Price £75,000
Hawkhurst Site with planning to convert commercial unit into residential property and construct further 3 bed property in grounds Guide Price £250,000
Sandhurst, nr Cranbrook Two building plots available individually or as a whole with planning for 5 bed detached houses approx. 2,400 sq ft (223 sq m) Guide Price £400,000 each
Contact Steve Donnelly or Andrea Hawkes on 01892 619289 or email info@chapelplacelimited.com. A selection of our sites currently available can be found on our website www.chapelplacelimited.com
Vernacular Homes
Contact: Trevor Weeks or Nicola Hem on 01233 861177 email: enquiries@vernacularhomes.com www.vernacularhomes.com
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MUST HAVE BUyS FoR yoUR HoME
aPPle of my eye It was only going to take so long until HD hit our computers and with new iMac, Apple has done it with style. For years the iMac has been the perfect high performance machine for the home and office, now it has the screen to match, with a 27-inch LED backlit widescreen display. Speedy performance comes as standard, thanks to duel-core Intel processors which start with a powerful 3.06Ghz RAM. Advanced graphics also mean that every pixel is as colourful and bright as it should be on that giant display – which also houses all the computers’ workings. Add to the package a wireless keyboard, the new Magic Mouse (the world’s first multi-touch mouse) and you’ve got an impressive setup. The 21.5-inch starts at £969, while the 27-inch can be picked up for £1,378. Experts are on hand at iStore, Royal Victoria Place, TW to show you all the reasons why a Mac is great at the things you do every day. 0845 521 2140
StyliSh Seating It’s hard to believe that this contemporary-looking piece of furniture was first designed for the King and Queen of Spain over 80 years ago. The Barcelona chair has since become a design classic and is now available in a range of colours and sizes from the Gallery 136 showroom in East Peckham, near Tonbridge. Constructed from top grade stainless steel and upholstered with high quality leather, the Barcelona can be bought with a matching ottoman. With a large choice of leather colours, it can be a subtle and stylish addition to your home, or a stand-out statement piece. Prices for the leather chairs start at just £279, see gallery136.com or call 01622 870 100 for full details.
Sonic Performance QUAD is one of the most famous names in the audio industry and this, the QUAD II-Classic Integrated Amplifier, is a perfect example of why. Being a valve amplifier the Classic succeeds in creating warm, smooth bass but whereas some valve amps fail to deliver punchy, sharp sounds, the QUAD is an aural chameleon, delivering all genres with equal capability. This £4,500 amplifier is the perfect companion for the music lover with eclectic tastes and with 25 watts per channel, has more than enough power to drive even the most demanding speaker. If you love music then you owe it to yourself to hear a QUAD Hi-Fi system. A selection of QUAD products are permanently on demonstration at Sounds of Music, Cross in Hand, TN21 0QL. Visit sounds-of-music.co.uk or call 01435 865 212
mirror mirror… This beautiful handmade mirror, finished in silver leaf has a handmade frame carved from solid wood. ornate and elegant, the Louis Leaner would make a stunning addition to both traditional and contemporary homes. The mirror can also be finished in black or gold leaf and is just one product available at Lime Modern Living, stockists of boutique, contemporary and French furniture. Whether you prefer a traditional look or a more chic, modern style, Lime have a wide range of interior products to suit your home. The Carved Louis Leaner Mirror is £239 and available with free delivery from their showroom at 40A Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells or online at limemodernliving.co.uk
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THE GALLERY – ROLF HARRIS
on this page: Heading Home – paper edition 17”x26” £995, canvas edition 26”x17” £1,250 The Waitress – paper edition 16”x21” £655, canvas edition 18”x24” £780 Uluru Sunset – paper edition 22”x18” £695, canvas edition 28”x23” £825 Windswept Lion – paper edition 24”x16” £1,250
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on this page: Into The Sun – paper edition 24”x16” £695, canvas edition 30”x20” £825 Autumn Sunlight, Westminster – paper edition 18”x21” £995, canvas edition 22”x26” £1,550 Hamersley Red Rocks – paper edition 24”x16” £715, canvas edition 30”x20” £1,250 All works featured can be viewed at the Artique Gallery, 43 High Street, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN1 1XL 01892 520571 artiquegalleries.com
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THE SPOTTED DOG Smarts Hill
The Spotted Dog in Penshurst. Under new business ownership. A great place to relax and enjoy the fantastic views. New Head Chef making the most of fresh food. Good selection of draught ales and well priced wines. Excellent and friendly service. Cheryl, Nick, Jacqui and Arthur welcome you at The Spotted Dog.
Smarts Hill, Penshurst TN11 8EP 01892 870253 www.spotteddogpub.co.uk
Granite Transformations manufacture and install Granite, Stone, Quartz and Glass worktops
R E O VIC DO ER E N S BL HE NG ILA TC YI A KI RA AV SP W RE NO
I thought I needed a new kitchen until I discovered... the worktop that fits on top!
At Granite Transformations we offer a complete package for updating your work surface and appliances. Fitting a new worktop is fast and effective. There is no need to remove old surfaces, we fit directly over your existing surface. We guarantee complete peace of mind from start to finish.
Book a FREE home consultation with our interior designer and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll show you how easy it is to transform your kitchen worktops. Call now 01892 517385
Showroom open: Mon-Fri 9.00-4.30pm Sat 9.00-4.00pm Unit 5, Tunbridge Wells Trade Park, Longfield Road, (next to Build Centre), Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 3QF www.granitetransformations.co.uk/tunwells
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We offer more than fresh fish, try our exclusive range of beers
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Not just for WE SENT OUR FOOD CRITIC DAMIAN COTTON FOR A DAY OUT IN THE COUNTRYSIDE AND A TASTE OF THE GOOD LIFE. HE ENDED UP NEAR FOREST ROW
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he country house hotel is a bit of a British dream – the idyllic night away, with a luxurious room in a fabulous setting; a stroll in the grounds before a glass of bubbly or a cocktail in the woodpanelled bar, and then dinner.
A dinner that is so often a grave disappointment with oldfashioned menus that are poorly delivered, with remnants of the worst flourishes of nouvelle cuisine, and demotivated staff who can’t wait for you to leave. Historically, country house hotels have lagged behind mainstream restaurants (except perhaps in pricing). I have unfond memories of a weekend away with my dear wife many years ago when we found ourselves the only diners in the restaurant of a rather fine hotel in Hampshire. The only diners, that is, except for a wedding party and their exuberant disco. Nobody cared that we might be slightly
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inconvenienced on our romantic evening, and the food was dire, so we ended up driving home and getting a takeaway. Elite Hotels are a different proposition and Ashdown Park Hotel in Wych Cross is the jewel in their crown. Once a 19th Century manor house, then a convalescent hospital after the Great War, a convent seminary and an international college, the grand building has now matured into its appropriate role as a luxurious getaway. The grounds are absolutely stunning – 186 acres of land (probably the largest garden of any hotel in England) with spectacular views of both landscaping and nature. There are walks for all levels of stamina, from a brief stroll around the ponds and flowerbeds to a lengthy amble through the fields and woodlands with the deer. It is a professional operation, where the guest is paramount. General Manager Ben Booker has done a lot of work with his team to ensure that the hotel is welcoming and friendly,
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the expected serious selection of champagnes and ancient brown spirits, and a refreshingly fun cocktail list – it is a very relaxing place to sit, but lunch beckons. The head chef has a focus on traditionally based but lighter food, with a strong emphasis on local and seasonal produce. Yes, that is the fashionable mantra nowadays, but here they mean it. There is a walled garden adjacent to the main building that has been converted into a herb garden to supply the kitchens (and is now a popular visitor attraction). Game from the estate is a regular feature on the menu, and that drives the choice for me. It’s an elegant space to eat in – the dining room is formal, accessible and uncluttered. So many country house hotels are full of junk (usually described as “antiques”) that has accumulated through the decades but has no other relevance to the core activities of a hotel and just gather dust and distract the eye. Here, the simpler décor, with just a selected few artworks, and some displayed silverware that is all wine service related, allows one to focus on the food and one’s companions and conversation. And the views – the restaurant has very high ceilings and huge picture windows that look out over the manicured lawns of the hotel. Just sitting here brings a feeling of contentment, leaning back in the rather comfortable carver chairs and listening to the tinkle of the pianola.
To begin, some warm tarragon bread with a sweet retro touch of butter curls. The starter is a game terrine (£9.50), and after discussion with Gianmarco, the amiable maitre, we agree on a bottle of Chilean Casa Lapostolle Classic Merlot (£36), whose plummy smooth fruit, balanced spiciness and herby finish should be an ideal match for game.
0n arrival, the greeting is sincere and efficient, and it is noticeable that all the staff are smiling and relaxed – that does lift ones mood as a guest. The hotel as a whole has a traditional feel of comfort and luxury, but isn’t fusty or old-fashioned. And not just for people staying in the hotel – one may dine as a non-resident, and in clement weather, a picnic hamper can be pre-ordered and collected from Reception to take and eat anywhere in the hotel grounds that takes your fancy. So, to the Anderida restaurant. First though, a sprawl on the plush sofas in the bar while menus are examined, and some canapés served: crab and asparagus toasts, and chicken liver parfait. Light, fresh and full of flavour, and served with another smile. The bar is at the crux of the public areas of the hotel, with
It’s an interesting variation on a terrine – duck, pigeon and foie gras of the highest quality, but instead of being packed with pork forcemeat and surrounded by bacon, the meat is wrapped in proscuitto and bound by a tiny amount of a jellied reduction of game stock. This is much less heavy than usual terrines, and the flavours of the various meats stand out the better for it. Presentation is artistic to say the least, with three sauces – raspberry, cherry and mustard, and a toasted brioche brushed with truffle oil and served with Maitre D’Hotel butter. The dish is a fine meeting of traditional concepts and modern technique. More bread is offered, and water replenished, (you will be very well looked after by the restaurant team – on my visit, Gianmarco, Holly, Margarete and Anya were constantly attentive, solicitous and charming, without ever being intrusive). ▼
with none of the offhand, snooty nature of so many other country house establishments.
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The only incongruity in the décor is the lonely aspidistra in the middle of the restaurant – the rest of the plant arrangements are flower based and sleek – this poor fellow just seems out of place.
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Abergavenny Arms at Frant 15th Century Coaching Inn Serving good food, fine wines and real ales seven days a week.
summer at
the beacon
Wine tasting dinner Friday 4th June 2010 A 3-Course Wine Tasting Dinner with Francois van Zyl from the Laibach Winery in Stellenbosch which is one of the foremost boutique vineyards in South Africa. £27.50 per head, including tasting wines.
Our kitchens are open throughout the day, every day. Enjoy a bite to eat on our new terraced garden or inside by the log fire. www.abergavennyarms.co.uk - 01892 750233
In conjunction with Ellis of Richmond For more details call John Cullen 01892
524252
Tea Garden Lane, Tunbridge Wells
www.the-beacon.co.uk
MONTROSE The award-winning Boutique Restaurant
Southborough Common, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 ORX
With awards ranging from AA Rosette to Top Table – Top Diner Rated and Kent Restaurant Awards Winner, Montrose is the ideal venue for that social or business lunch or dinner. Now also open on Mondays. Book now
01892 513161 or on our website Set lunch menu: One course £9.95 Two courses £15.95 Three courses £18.95 Kent Restaurant Awards .co.uk 2009
Winner
Best Wine Cellar Kent Restaurant Awards .co.uk 2009
2009 Finalist Best Gourmet Restaurant Open: Mon-Sat for lunch and dinner. Sun: Special Sunday lunches all day from 12.00 to 17.30 (last orders).
www.montroserestaurant.co.uk e-mail: bookings@montroserestaurant.co.uk
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Then follows a refreshing lime and lemon sorbet before we get on to the main work. Venison, wild and locally hunted, offered two ways – a classic fillet and a “Wellington” (£28). Regular readers will remember my dislike of inappropriate menu punctuation, but this time it is correct as the “Wellington” is deconstructed – a new take on the dish. What arrives is a sort of burger – finely minced, and powerfully flavoured venison mixed with the thinnest slivers of vegetables, and topped with a shard of fine puff pastry – sauced with both damson and plum (picked in season on the estate and preserved for the kitchen to use), and a very rich venison jus which contains port and blackberries. It is a tasty and satisfying version. The fillet comes on a square block of roasted root vegetable dice seasoned with thyme and parsley, including a particularly pleasant celeriac, and is seared, well- rested and very tender. Surrounded by blackberries and confit garlic, it is a suitable homage to a fine piece of meat. Again, the presentation is a work of art, and I am amused and entertained by the old tradition of bringing out the dishes under silver cloches – so rare to see nowadays. Dutifully, dessert is chosen – a macadamia nut tart (£9). A pleasant surprise indeed – a good manly pudding, not over sweet, with excellent pastry, rich (and, importantly, fresh) nut filling, good crème anglais, and a superb, refreshing bitter orange cream. I would eat that again, very happily. Back in the bar, over a proper espresso and some good petits fours (ask for the apricot fondant and the honey ganache), I manage to waylay Ben Davidson, one of the senior members of the kitchen team. An energetic and driven young man, with a wide knowledge of food and culinary techniques from around the world, he describes the enthusiasm in the kitchens at the Anderida restaurant, and the pleasure involved in using the best ingredients to create special dishes. It is evident that the kitchen team here does not sit still and just go through the motions – they are learning and growing. A happy brigade is not that common in hotels and is worthy of mention – it makes your dinner a better product when the people preparing it care about what they do, and are respected by their employers. So, a most pleasant experience, with food and service of a high standard in a fabulous setting. And at just £23.95 for a three course lunch of this quality, there is no reason why this shouldn’t be a regular event, as well as a special treat. Perhaps I’ll also see you on the lawns in a few weeks with a picnic basket... SO
SAMPLE PRICES Set lunch £23.95 Eight course tasting menu £79.95 Wine by the bottle from £26 Wine by the glass from £6.50 Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club 01342 824 988 JUNE 2010
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All manor of things... NATHALIE ASSAYAG IS A FORMER PUPIL AT SKIPPERS HILL MANOR PREP SCHOOL NEAR MAYFIELD IN EAST SUSSEX. HERE SHE TELLS US ABOUT THIS MIXED ABILITY INDEPENDENT SCHOOL, ITS ETHOS AND WHAT SHE BELIEVES SETS IT APART FROM OTHERS
Fry (1872-1956) spent much of his childhood at the Manor and is said to have been inspired by its unique location set above the stunning woodlands of the Sussex Weald. Surrounded by 32 acres, Skippers Hill oozes history, from its thatched roof down to the underground tunnels once used by smugglers to transport their illicit cargos from the coast to the headwaters of the Rivers Ouse and Rother. The place even has a resident ghost, Lady Braithwaite, who has always been a source of fascination to pupils – an inspiration for many literacy lessons too! Indeed, when speaking to parents and teachers, one word comes up again and again; individuality. As well as offering consistent high academic achievement, Skippers Hill Manor Prep School has created an environment in which children flourish, where their talents and needs are recognised, and where they can develop creatively, intellectually, morally, physically and socially. As the Headmaster Tim Lewis puts it: “Happy, self-disciplined,
busy children make confident, poised and successful members of modern society.” Known as Skippers, the school ethos is very much based on treating children as individuals and, from the Headmaster right down to the youngest pupil, everybody in the school knows everyone else. Former pupil Simon Ellis, whose son is currently in his last year at Skippers, explains: “It was very apparent when we were looking around the school that each and every pupil is highly respected and Skippers certainly promotes individuality, which is very important to us. “I felt Skippers provided a stable learning platform, which sets the scene for secondary school. Our faith has been borne out by Robbie’s success in achieving a place to start at Cranbrook in September. “The person I became whilst a pupil at Skippers has helped me over the years to achieve my career path; the school gave me strong foundations and we wanted to give our son the same opportunities.” This stable learning platform leads not only to a sense of security within the school, but also to the children being totally at ease when speaking to adults, as well as with their JUNE 2010
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kippers Hill Manor, known today for fostering individual talent, was once home to the illustrious character CB Fry, the famous English polymath who represented his country at both football and cricket.
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peers and younger children. Parents believe that self-confidence is something that you don’t get everywhere. The small class sizes ensure a high teacher/pupil ratio and introducing subject specialists in Year 3 also speeds up the Programme of Study, “ensuring that the children leave Skippers well-equipped to continue their studies enthusiastically when they leave us.” His highly qualified and experienced staff share Tim Lewis’ enthusiasm and commitment to the school and its pupils, and together they strive to get the best out of each individual. In 1945, JR and Maureen Ward (my grandparents) founded Skippers as a Preparatory School for boys, which has since evolved into an institution that boasts a prestigious reputation for high academic excellence. Over the years it has seen a number of changes; it was originally run as a boarding school for pupils who came from all over the Commonwealth and started admitting girls from the mid 1960s onwards. Today it’s a successful coeducational day school serving an area within a 15-mile radius of its idyllic location in Five Ashes. Mr and Mrs Ward’s eldest daughter Maxine Assayag and her husband Sydney (my parents) bought the school in January 1990. My father Sydney sadly passed away in November of last year. Their first appointment was a new Headmaster, Tim Lewis, who celebrates 20 years at Skippers this term. Tim came (pictured below) to Skippers after five years as Head of the Junior School at a London prep school. He and his young family immediately settled into their new home with the intention of staying for three years; two decades on, and his three children have all been educated at Skippers while Tim and his wife Fiona continue at the helm of a school that has gone from strength to strength, consistently achieving a 100% success rate at Common Entrance, with many pupils gaining scholarships each year to various public schools.
to Skippers – by the time Jimmy, their youngest, moves on to secondary school they will have notched up 20 years of being Skippers parents! Obviously satisfied by their experience, they explain that although Skippers does not have the state of the art facilities that some prep schools in the area provide, “what we look for is for the school to have a major influence on our boys, and deliver a well-rounded person at the end of their time there”. With their children’s talents lying in several different areas, they cite the small class numbers as being particularly beneficial as far as sports are concerned: “All the children get to participate, not just the naturally talented ones. They get used to the idea that taking part is as important as winning.” Jane Orman, whose children Bella and Oliver are both at Skippers, is the Chairman of the Friends of Skippers Hill Association (FOSHA). Together with her Committee of volunteer parents she organises fund raising events to provide extra-curricular fun for the children. Money raised is spent on annual events such as Easter Egg Hunts, the School Fun Day and the School Disco. Years 7 and 8 go on a Sports Tour to Jersey every March, and FOSHA donates a percentage of the costs. There is also an annual night out for parents, a hog roast for Sports Day and, of course, the main fund raising event of the year, the Skippers Hill Christmas Fayre. This parental involvement is very much a part of why the school is felt to be such a friendly community, a large, happy family, rather than just an educational institution. Jane Orman sums up her feelings about Skippers in a sentence that speaks for itself: “My children can’t wait to get back to school after the holidays; I couldn’t ask for any better validation that our decision to choose Skippers Hill was right.”
“One of the achievements we are most proud of is that every pupil gains a place to their secondary school of choice, whether that be in the public school or state system,” says Tim Lewis.
From September 2010 onwards, Skippers will be offering a Travel Service, with several routes in Kent and Sussex under consideration. The school is also currently promoting its Non-Academic Scholarships for children who are particularly gifted in Art, Music, Sport and Drama. SO
Mark and Melanie Quittenton have sent all four of their sons
For more information visit skippershill.com
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The Castle Inn, Chiddingstone John McManus, previously of Le Gavroche & The Ashdown Park Hotel, has taken over the beautiful & historic Castle Inn, situated in the National Trust village of Chiddingstone. “Having 30 years experience of working in some of the best restaurants & hotels in the UK & abroad, I felt it was time to fulfil a lifetime ambition & work for myself. My mission for The Castle Inn is to create the very best drinking & dining experience a traditional English Country pub can offer. With a venue & setting that is simply outstanding, my aim, together with Head Chef Andrew Wilson, Front of House Bill Nichol & Chris King, is to build a team that will deliver the highest levels of food & service, in an informal & friendly manner.”
Our menus & daily specials boast a vast range of local produce & change on a regular basis. The cellar offers carefully chosen wines from around the world & includes a fine wine selection that is truly exceptional value for money.
Families, walkers, cyclists & dogs... all will find a warm & friendly welcome at The Castle Inn. We have a special offer for the month of June, available Monday-Friday only, when you pre-book (phone/online) : A main course from our June Promotion Menu, served with a Glass of Sparkling Wine or House Red, for £10.50 per person. A few of examples of which are: House Cured Citrus Salmon, Jersey Royal & Local Asparagus Salad Sussex Brie, Pea & Watercress Risotto Oven-Roasted Cumberland Sausages, Creamed Potato & Onion Gravy
High Street, Chiddingstone, Kent, TN8 7AH
01892 870247 www.castleinn-kent.co.uk
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We’re invited to test drive Aston Martin’s elegant new sports car, although we’re actually looking for more than just a smooth ride. We want to experience what they call the ‘buying pleasure’ of acquiring such a prestige marque words David Thacker
Bonding
Experience
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t all started when we looked at what’s currently on offer in the showrooms and had to decide whether to try something Latin, Germanic, or British. Well, the most exciting four-door sports car around at the moment just happens to be British, the Aston Martin Rapide.
My actual appointment is with the dealer principal in Sevenoaks, who greets me and ushers me passed rows of DB9s (I feel like we’re inspecting the Guard) to our own chosen vehicle at the end of the line. He walks me around the Rapide explaining technical features and with my appetite whetted we go into the dealership itself, soon relaxing with a cup of Colombian on the comfy sofa. I begin to understand the essence of Aston Martin and their owners who, although you can’t generalise, are not usually flashy types but people searching for the quintessentially British quality sports car. Thankfully, Aston Martin will never be high volume, which means to own one gets you membership of a rather exclusive club. The purchase of an Aston Martin is all about choice which is where you start to realise your car will be unique. To help you assemble all the bits and pieces that will make up your pride and joy, there is what is euphemistically called ‘fast track’; suggested paint colours and interior trim that are not overstated and complement each other, but if you choose to go off piste you’re into the black runs. There is an impressive range to choose from including body colour, interior leather trim, interior fittings, seatbelts, carpets, facia and head-lining; and if it says it’s walnut, then it is walnut. Should you have a hankering after the shade of blue that matches the Stones LP cover and the leather of a favourite handbag, that can also be arranged. The resulting colour will even be named after you. I ask what happens if the buyer is right off track when it comes to taste? The principal pauses and says: “You have to be tactful and maybe ask whether they intend keeping it for life”. You might think this decision-making process would be stressful but, in point of fact, you soon start to feel very ‘Aston Martinish’; the easy-going tempo makes it a pleasing process although I fear the final colour decision might not be made today. Outside once more then, for our test drive. The concept of the £140,000 Rapide takes a bit of understanding; how can what is essentially an exotic sports car have so many doors and still look such a beautiful, balanced vehicle?
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Look at the ergonomically designed space in the back seats, for example. I’m six foot and peering inside my first thoughts are that sitting in there is going to hurt. But with some ease I find myself sitting in the back and puzzled as to how I suddenly have so much room.
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envelope you; it feels as if they are moulded around your torso creating a cosy environment, complete with TV and video games. There is a problem. As nice as it is in the back, I’ve found that the front seat is a better place from which to steer. We start our test drive, though, with me in the passenger seat so that I can be shown the myriad of cabin features. All Aston Martin staff are trained to Advanced Driving Instructor skill levels. This means when it comes to demonstrating the chassis and how this model has advanced and improved mechanical grip (which is breathtaking) it can be understood and enjoyed with the confidence that it is all under control.
“THE WHEELS ARE PULLING THE ROAD BENEATH ME AND CATAPULTING US TO AN AREA THAT ONLY RAPIDE OWNERS CAN CLAIM TO TRULY UNDERSTAND” Then it comes to my turn to be in the driving seat; like most people who are used to their own cars I find it takes time to get the seating position spot on. You adjust the seat up and down and it just doesn’t feel right before the time comes when you just have to go. I needn’t have worried – it just feels so natural. I am in control of nearly 500bhp (more power than Jim Clarke had when he won the F1 championship). The difference is where this power is coming in, much lower and from a large torque curve. There’s all this power to call upon; it’s not at all neurotic at the top end of the rev range but at 3,500 rpm it’s a pace that will flatter my driving skills. Even so I feel very warm and start to understand this Aston feel. It has the level of pleasure for me that I dare say some people get from chocolate and you start to understand why owners have two cars; there is a limit to how much chocolate can be enjoyed at once. I now start be at one with the Rapide which feels smaller and more nimble. Is this over-confidence on my part or has this design concept become a reality? Never mind - this is great! The wheels are pulling the road beneath me and catapulting us to an area that only Rapide owners can claim to truly understand. The test drive is coming to an end and I suggest we go around again but know something this good can’t last forever, although I’m sure if it is left to the principal we would still be eating up the miles and experiencing the pleasures of chocolate. Back in the dealership I learn how a few chosen owners have enjoyed a run down to Reims to sample the gastronomic delights of Northern France and check out the exclusive Jacquesson Champagne. Now that’s the sort of test drive I need! SO
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What a laugh! T H E AT R E
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THE STAG COMMUNITY ARTS CENTRE IN SEVENOAKS IS TODAY THE VENUE FOR ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL COMEDY CLUBS IN THE UK: OUTSIDE THE BOX. WE CATCH UP WITH MAFF BROWN THE MAN BEHIND IT ALL
ach month Outside the Box showcases new and established talent in the world of stand-up comedy. Compere Maff Brown is an ex-Liverpool football coach turned comic and is responsible for bringing this brilliant live comedy to Kent.
How did you end up at the Stag? We started off doing Outside the Box in Kingston, London, and we’d been doing that for about five years when Linda Larter who runs the Stag contacted us. Kingston became famous for getting very big names down to try out new material, and Linda wanted to create the same thing in Sevenoaks. All the acts were getting treated exactly the same in Kingston and it just created a fantastic vibe which I thought would be quite difficult to repeat in Sevenoaks, but it’s turned out to be absolutely wonderful. What makes the night so special? It’s been going since March last year and it’s just great how the audience come to see everyone, not just the big names. We try not to tell people if we’re getting a special guest, so for instance we had Stephen Merchant turn up as a surprise… Russell Howard came along another time and Lee Mack as well. There’re some cracking nights lined up. On June 10 we’ve got a night with Bob Mills, Phil Nichol, Andi Osho and Philberto. And then in July myself and Mark Watson are doing our Edinburgh preview shows, with the stuff we’ll be taking to the festival, which should be great. You’ve mentioned a few famous names, is there a bit of a community on the circuit? Absolutely, the famous ones, like Russell Howard and Michael McIntyre obviously started where everyone else did, so everyone knows each other. Seann Walsh, who was on the May bill, is pretty much tipped to be the next Russell or Michael. I’m not trying to do the PR stuff because he’s a friend of mine and quite frankly I hate him for being so successful! But I think that in two or three years he’ll be doing exactly the same thing as those guys – national tours and playing the London Apollo. You career didn’t start in comedy did it? No, for about 12-13 years I was in football. I left school and
was a player for a bit although my playing career wasn’t massively successful and was cut short by a broken ankle anyway. I decided, though, that I wanted to stay in football and did all my coaching badges. I was coaching at the Liverpool academy when Gerard Houllier [then Liverpool manager] needed someone with a coaching background and I became their technical analyst between 2001 and 2003. After all that I worked as head coach in Singapore for a team called Woodlands Wellington. When did you switch to comedy? I got the sack in Singapore basically - as you do when the team don’t perform – and came home. Comedy was always my first love and something I always wanted to do but I never thought I had anything to say. Then I got to about 30 and thought, ‘well if I don’t give it a go now, I’m never going to know.’ So, I went on a comedy course and at the end of that I started Outside the Box in Kingston. Did you always think you were funny? Yeah, as a kid I thought I was funny. Football was always the mainstay of my young life, but as I got older I realised I got more enjoyment out of making my friends laugh than scoring a goal. That didn’t really come home to me though until I started doing it as a living. Who makes you laugh? I’ve always been a massive, massive fan of Laurel and Hardy. On the circuit at the moment there’s a guy called Steve Williams who was on Michael McIntyre’s comedy road show last series and he’s just phenomenal, absolutely hilarious. Another one who makes me laugh is Edward Aczel, I don’t know if you will have heard of him yet; he’s a bit of a big player at the Edinburgh Festival… very, very unique. And of course, I’ve got to say, myself.
OUTSIDE THE BOX IS AT THE STAG COMMUNITY ARTS CENTRE IN SEVENOAKS EVERY SECOND THURSDAY OF THE MONTH – SEE OUTSIDETHEBOXCOMEDY.CO.UK JUNE 2010
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so GARDEN PARTY SPECTACULAR SUMMER RECEPTIONS
HARRIET’S BIG DAY ONE TW BRIDE’S DREAM
FOCUS ON... WHO WEARS WHAT
Dressing up Gowns with added wow
Hello...
THe THud oF inviTaTionS landinG on THe doorMaT SiGnalS THaT ‘WeddinG SeaSon’ iS uPon uS and ProMPTS THe PinninG THe variouS Save THe daTe cardS To My calendar. iT alSo leadS Me To Give SoMe THouGHT To THe PerFecT SuMMer WeddinG
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he period between May and September is, year after year, the most popular time for couples to get married, so we’re taking a look at the elements needed to create your dream Summer nuptials. Why choose to marry in the Summer? Well, the sun shines more (and for longer), the weather is warmer (we hope) and there’s a scattering of Bank Holiday weekends enabling you to prolong your celebrations. But with so many couples thinking along the same lines, competition for the perfect venue, the must-have caterer and the sought-after photographer might just be tougher than usual. Whether you’re getting wed this Summer, or starting to plan for a ceremony in 2011 or beyond, we’ve got 25 pages of wedding details to inspire you. From planning a seasonal garden party (one the Great Gatsby would be proud of), to choosing the gown that will make you feel like a princess, to harnessing the heady scents of Summer blooms, we’re ready to walk you through your wedding plans. Plus we take a peek at the wedding album of a recently married TW couple to get a taste of a truly Tunbridge Wellian celebration. So, pour yourself a glass of Pimms, sit back and savour the following pages…and enjoy your planning!
Cover dress by Maggie sottero at Go Bridal, Tunbridge Wells
Melissa Woodland SO Weddings Editor
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WORDS: MELISSA WOODLAND
THIS YEAR, WHEN IT COMES TO FINDING THE PERFECT SUMMER WEDDING DRESS, IT’S THE FABRIC THAT COUNTS
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ayered chiffon vs. tissue-weight taffeta; crinkled georgette vs. textured crêpe; shimmering organza vs. elegant silk. Making sure you choose the right fabric for your wedding dress is essential.
Why? Well, the British weather may be unpredictable, but those of you getting married during the Summer months will be wishing for the sun to shine. It’s essential, therefore, that you factor in warmer temperatures and outdoor celebrations when you’re perusing the rails of gorgeous gowns. But Summer brides are lucky. When it comes to seasonally appropriate gowns, you really do have the widest range of choice.
eld.com Leonora, bruceoldfi
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Secondly, choose a dress that suits you. Might sound
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Well the two key rules of wedding dress shopping apply, regardless of the time of year. Firstly, think about where you are having your ceremony and the type of reception you are aiming for. Getting married in an imposing stately home or traditional church? There’s nothing to stop you waltzing down the aisle in your dream fairytale ball gown. But if you’re trying to create an elegant and simple feel for the day, why not pick that timeless, form-fitting column dress you’ve been coveting?
Bardot, stephanieallin.net
So, where do you start?
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obvious, but you shouldn’t feel the need to choose a specific style or designer because they are currently popular, especially if the dress doesn’t really suit you. Your wedding photos will be around for much longer than any trend, so be sure to opt for a gown that is reflective of your style and shape; you’ll be much happier looking back at your album in 20 years time!
Pantiles Bride, Fada by Pronovias @ The ls Wel Tunbridge
Once you’ve found the basic style of gown that is befitting of you and your nuptials, you need to give some thought to what it’s made of.
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Summer brides have to consider climbing temperatures when they look for the dream dress. However, unless you opt for a non-traditional linen number, no wedding dress is going to keep you really cool.
Gown by Judy Mott, Tun bridge
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Fiori, stephanieallin.net
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Your best bet is to steer clear of heavy drapes of duchess satin, jacquard silk or damask and opt for multiple layers of light, diaphanous materials. Dresses with silk georgette, organza and chiffon laid over taffeta or satin are perfect for a Summer wedding. If you want something with more volume, layers of tulle give shape to a gown without adding weight. The Bardot dress by Stephanie Allin (page 5) is a perfect example of using a delicate fabric to create a full skirt. The ballet-length keeps the dress light and guarantees the perfect ’swish’ as you move. Floor-length, A-line dresses need a firmer fabric to maintain their shape, so look for skirts with multiple layers of taffeta and chiffon, such as the strapless gown from Sincerity Bridal (see right). Delicate fabric doesn’t have to mean plain, though. All of these fabrics can be embellished with embroidery, lace details or beading. Bruce Oldfield’s Leonora (page 4) alternates satin, organza and silk fabrics in horizontal stripes to create a structural, modern gown. Lace trimming on the bodice of the gown by Judy Mott (page 7) echoes the intricate embroidery on the veil and adds a timeless elegance.
‘SILk geOrgeTTe IS PerFecT FOr A SuMMer WeDDIng’ The chiffon ‘cape’ of Fada by Pronovias (page 7) further illustrates the versatility of these fine fabrics. The sleek train lifts a traditional column dress, creating a veil effect without breaking up the line of the gown and the gathering under the bust gives the gown texture. While the formal lines of Stephanie Allin’s Fiori (page 7) are softened by a chiffon overlay. The addition of pretty blossom-like embellishments around the base of the skirt provide a hint of the season without being too overt. Summer is the only time of year that these delicate and intricate fabrics are practical, so take the opportunity to incorporate some into your wedding gown; once you find your dream dress you’re sure to be a beautiful bride. SO
gown by Sincerity Bridal @ go Bridal, Tunbridge Wells
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Words: MELIssA WoodLANd
garden party G
etting wed in the great outdoors is a relatively new trend, but one that is gaining in popularity with every passing year. As you can’t actually be legally married in the UK in the open air, increasing numbers of venues are building, or adapting structures to allow couples to gain the experience of an outdoor wedding, while complying with the law! (You must get married in a permanent structure, so marquees are also out for ceremonies.) Chiddingstone Castle, for example, is home to a stunning Orangery. Open to the gardens via a series of stone archways, the glass-roofed space can accommodate up to 100 guests for a ceremony during the wedding season (May to September), allowing you to exchange vows almost in the garden.
New for this Summer’s weddings, the Loggia at Hever Castle in Edenbridge can host weddings for up to 120 guests. Overlooking the Castle’s lake, the ceremony takes place under the arched columns of the Italian-inspired stone piazza. Salomons in Southborough offers wedding ceremonies on the terrace overlooking rolling hills. The outside space can JUNE 2010
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photos by rachel Luckhurst photography
IMAgINE CELEbrATINg YOUr wEddINg IN brIghT SUNShINE, UNdEr A CLEAr bLUE SKY ANd SUrrOUNdEd bY ThE hEAdY SCENTS Of fLOwErS IN fULL bLOOM. wE’rE NOT SUggESTINg YOU CATCh A pLANE TO A TrOpICAL LANd, YOU COULd ACTUALLY hAvE YOUr drEAM OUTdOOr NUpTIALS rIghT hErE ON YOUr dOOrSTEp*
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Down the Garden Path If your wedding day is during the warmer months, you can plan to have at least your drinks reception outside. Swap traditional Champagne for Summery glasses of Mimosa and exchange hot canapés for refreshing shots of gazpacho and juicy strawberries. The Marlborough Terrace at Chartwell, for example, is the perfect location for early evening drinks. Ask your venue to set out tables and chairs so your guests can enjoy the sunshine while they’re waiting for the photographs to be taken and think about providing lawn games if there is a big gap between the end of the ceremony and the commencement of the wedding breakfast. Croquet, boules or a game of Frisbee can act as a wonderful ice breaker if many of your friends and family have not met before.
The Orangery at Chiddingstone Castle by Darryl Curcher Photography
hold 100 people, and the adjacent Gold Room is on standby if the weather is changeable.
Feeling particularly optimistic about the weather? Go for it and organise a hog roast or barbeque to cater the reception. This is particularly appropriate if you’ve opted for a more informal reception. Bewl Water, for instance, can host a wedding barbeque on the Terrace overlooking the lake. A buffet style meal with vibrant salads and locally sourced barbequed steaks or vegetable kebabs injects fun into the proceedings and allows you to do away with the restrictions imposed by a table plan.
Good reception
Gold Terrace, Salomons
Incorporating a country wedding or shabby-chic theme? What about organising a classic afternoon tea for your guests. Triangles of cucumber or smoked salmon sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and dainty cakes will look and taste divine served on fine china and enjoyed in formal gardens. Different to the standard fare of a wedding breakfast, it’s sure to be a talking point and something your loved ones will remember about your day.
Traditional white marquees are set up on terraces or lawns and can be configured to provide a seating area where a formal wedding breakfast can be served as well as a separate dance floor for the evening entertainment. Weatherproof, hardwood flooring is the norm, but you can have a classic black and white tiled floor, or even a Saturday Night Fever-style light-up dance floor. The roofs are usually draped with fabric, softening the edges of the space, and the rest of the marquee can be dressed according to your theme, in the same way as any other venue.
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To make a real statement, hire a Bedouin tent instead. From vibrant tents, evocative of a trip to Morocco, to simple and elegant shades of cream, specialist suppliers like The Arabian Tent Company can create a tented village to
The Arabian Tent Company
Most venues hosting outdoor receptions will arrange the use of a marquee or have a reception room set aside in case of cold or wet conditions. And today’s marquees have a lot more to offer than plain fabric walls and uneven floors.
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host your wedding breakfast, evening entertainment and even a honeymoon suite. But if you don’t want to host your whole day outside, you should at least identify a few locations for outdoor photos. It would be a shame not to capture the unique surroundings of a venue like High Rocks, for example. You’ve chosen your venue for a reason, so be sure to make the most of it.
Heaven Scent Flowers are generally available all year round, whether it’s their traditional ‘season’ or not, so you will have an almost unlimited choice of blooms to decorate your reception venue. But to fill your marquee with a delicate aroma, pick flowers with strong scents. The heat of the day will keep the venues perfumed well into the evening. If you are using floral arrangements outside, ask your florist to pick blooms that will not wilt over the day. Waxy or tropical flowers will stand up to warmer weather and make for a striking arrangement.
Dancing the night away
So take a chance, plan for a sunny day and celebrate your wedding in the Garden of England. It won’t take much to have a ‘just in case’ contingency, and if the sun does come out, you’ll be rewarded with a truly memorable wedding. * Please note this does not constitute a guarantee of good weather. There’s only so far the power of the SoTW team extends… SO
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Hever Castle, Photography by Photo Me Gorgeous
Some venues will not be able to accommodate live music late in the evening. If your reception is ending earlier than you’d like, think about rounding the night off with a firework display. It’s a memorable detail that will ensure the reception ends with a bang.
Rachel Luckhurst Photography
Your Event
wEdding spEcial
perfect
Planning makes
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EvEry sEason wE put togEthEr a guidE to hElp you crEatE your pErfEct wEdding; bEcausE it’s thE prEparation, planning and thE littlE dEtails that makE Each cElEbration spEcial. proof that it pays dividEnds is bridE harriEt ‘harri’ murtagh (nEE bibby) of tunbridgE wElls, who sharEs thE dEtails of hEr drEam day with us
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aul and I wanted a traditional ceremony, but a laidback, family and friend-orientated reception. So we got married in a Catholic ceremony at St. Augustine’s Church in Tunbridge Wells, then the wedding party headed to The Beacon to begin the celebrations. It was a gorgeous Autumn day, so our guests were able to take in the beautiful views of Tunbridge Wells from the terrace while quaffing champagne. We had the wedding breakfast in The Verandah Room – it was based on our favourite foods – and we didn’t have conventional speeches – anyone who wanted to make a toast, did! It was an incredible day. Everything was just how we wanted and it was wonderful to be surrounded by all our friends and family. Our wedding was perfect; it really proved all that planning was well worthwhile.
tact Book: Harri and PaulÕ s Con 2 Wells 01892 52425 • The Beacon, Tunbridge the-beacon.co.uk 4073 Crowborough 01892 65 • Beacon Vintage Cars, k beaconvintagecars.co.u graphy 01892 863817 oto Ph w me • David Bartholo davidbartholomew.co.uk ers.net • Emma Pye Bloominflow 612454 mdkmakeup.com • MDK Make Up 07730 s.co.uk lls 07899 973312 mintdj • Mint DJs, Tunbridge We JUNE 2010
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Little Black Book Your must-have list of wedding suppliers Attire abigailâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Brides 01622 892225 elizabeth King designs 01732 833133 exclusively elegant 01892 662046 go Bridal 01892 513333 Judy mott 01892 510107 la Belle femme 01892 614000 pantiles Bride 01892 514515 pantiles groom 01892 548511 peter Jenner 01892 521796 Beauty mcKindoe surgical 01342 330300 sw1 hair and Beauty 01892 618388 Details Chair Cover Chic 01342 824180 Kent fountains 01795 554158 medway school of dance 01732 358 355 the arabian tent Company 01323 887 654 Flowers house of pollen 01892 662621 the style workshop 01892 529636 Photographs darryl Curcher photography 07877 871715 david Burke photography 07973 672912 rachel luckhurst photography 01892 824823 steven Brooks photographer 01233 334030 Julian austin photography 01795 554158 Venues the Beacon 01892 524252 Bewl water 01892 893923 the Brew house hotel 01892 520587 Buxted park hotel 0845 0727412 Chartwell 01732 868381 hever Castle golf Club 01892 547781 hever Castle 01732 861800 high rocks 01892 515 532 leeds Castle 01622 765400 newick park 01825 723633 penshurst place 01892 870307 woods restaurant 01892 614 411 Honeymoon the travel Concept 01435 866555
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Just Fascinating
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Hats might be experiencing a resurgence in popularity, but fascinators remain a wedding guest essential. Expressive, colour coordinating and easy-to-wear, they are the key to lifting your outfit from so-so to stunning (without upstaging the bride of course). Fabulous Fascinators create beautiful confections of fabric, tulle and beads and are exclusively stocked by La Belle Femme. Balm fascinator £159.99, La Belle Femme, High Street, Tunbridge Wells.
Gifted If you’re struggling to find the ideal gift for the couple who has everything, pick a present that can become a family heirloom. This beautiful leather-handled, silver-plated Champagne bath might not be practical to use on a daily basis, but it is sure to be brought out for a lifetime of christening, birthday party and graduation celebrations. Available in small (£116.95) and large (189.95), the Champagne is available to buy from handpickedcollection.com or 0845 602 3578.
Wedding Insider:
this Season
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
Pressing issue The invitation, or save the date card, is the first detail of your wedding that your guests will see, so it’s important that you choose your stationery carefully. The good news is there is no end to your options. Heavy card, embossed fonts, ribbon, bead and feather embellishments and lined envelopes can be mixed and matched to perfectly complement your particular theme, ensuring the first impression you give is a good one. Fly Away with Me invitations, Price on Application. francis-dee.co.uk
Ringing the changes Trends in engagement rings are changing, according to experts at G Collins and Sons. Though solitaire diamonds remain popular, there is increasing interest in fine coloured stones, such as yellow sapphires, as well as antique pieces.
Cutting Edge
mal, posed tography evolved from for As traditional wedding pho eography. vid has too so reportage style, shots to a less invasive, camera work; aking tripods and shaky Gone are the days of cre Groombridgeediting techniques allow discrete filming and digital lm that tells fi n isa tions to create an art based Cut Above Produc ers getting duc pro eo vid without their the story of your wedding, le moments so ey’ll capture all those litt in the way on the day. Th can re-live your de and Groom so that you easily missed by the Bri come. wedding day for years to
When choosing the perfect ring, they recommend considering the design (what appeals today, might not in 20 years), the cut of the stone (this determines the ‘sparkliness’) and the durability of any setting to ensure you get a piece that lasts a lifetime. Platinum engagement rings start at £1,000. G Collins and Sons, High Street, Tunbridge Wells.
l 07956 914 305 For more information cal ions.co.uk or visit cutaboveproduct JUNE 2010
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Keeping
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nb rid ge M en tio n So Tu
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Creative, beautiful and candid photography that captures your day, exactly as you would like it.
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SPECIAL WEDDING PACKAGE 3 X 1 HOUR LESSONS Learn the steps to your first dance To music of your choice Call 01732 358355 MEDWAY SCHOOL OF DANCING 145 High Street Tonbridge TN9 1DH
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impress
Dresses to
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One Of the mOst impOrtant elements Of the wedding day is what the bride, and her bridesmaids, wear. we ask phOtOgraphers tO share their favOurite picture Of bridal party attire
“leeds castle was the setting for this gorgeous picture of becky. i love how the different tones of light work together to make the detail of the dress sparkle. she looks so serene.” – rachel luckhurst photography
“captured during bridal preparations, this is a classic shot that every bride wants of her dress. most bridesmaids aren’t that experienced at lacing a dress so it’s usually a fun moment!” – david burke photography
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“Deborah’s wedding dress is by Rina Di Montella. It has a classic boned corset and a beautiful layer of lace flowing over the top of a thick satin fabric. The lace really gave it that vintage look that complemented their Tudor venue at Leez Priory”. – Sarah Murphy Photography
“This image reminds me of that phrase, ‘That Dress’, stunning, the bridesmaid radiates beauty, loves her dress to bits and is harmonious in the surroundings of the gorgeous Chiddingstone Castle Orangery.” – Darryl Curcher Photography
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“Tania’s dress not only perfectly complimented her figure but also fitted in very well with the beautiful setting of her wedding at Edenbridge Castle.” – Julian Austin Photography
LIFE & STYLE BANG & OLUFSEN:FLOWER POWER
LIFE &
Style
Danish company Bang & Olufsen has reinvented flower power with the blossoming of a fantastic fusion of sound and style at their Tunbridge Wells showroom. The BeoLab 11 is a compact, cutting-edge subwoofer that’s been christened the ‘Tulip’, for pretty obvious reasons. With a graceful design which echoes that of the flower itself, the BeoLab 11 features two petal-like shells, each housing a ‘driver’ loudspeaker powered by an ICEpower amplifier. Adding to the BeoLab 11’s unique style is the option to specify its aluminium shells in a variety of colours and finishes, all contrasting perfectly with
THE ANANDA CLINIC: HOLISTIC APPROACH In today’s stressful and toxin-filled world everyone has the right to feel as good and
the black, soft-touch material between the shells. What’s more, the modest dimensions and advanced technology of the BeoLab 11 mean that its impressive sound and looks can be enjoyed in any living environment. Indeed, its unique design and minimal vibration characteristics mean that as well as being at home on the floor or in a corner, it’s one of the very few subwoofers in the world that can be mounted on a wall. And, because it’s omni-directional, it’ll sound wonderful wherever it’s positioned. VISIT THE BANG OLUFSEN SHOWROOM AT 66 MOUNT PLEASANT ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS. CALL 01892 527 525 OR VISIT BANG-OLUFSEN.COM/TUNBRIDGEWELLS
healthy as they possibly can. The Ananda Clinic in Tonbridge is actually helping to make this a reality; taking the time to ensure that everyone from newly-borns to senior citizens, are as happy and healthy as they can be. Offering a unique package of holistic treatments all under one roof, The Ananda Clinic is run by Janet Adams, a McTimoney Chiropractor. With 11 other highly qualified health therapists, Janet tells us she’s looking to, “educate everyone that investing in their health is investing in their future”. Having practiced in Tonbridge for over 10 years, Janet’s new clinic now boasts a huge range of treatments. As well
CHIPSAWAY: PAINT REPAIRS Every minute, someone somewhere becomes another potential customer for Paul Seavers, Tunbridge Wells based operator for ChipsAway International - the leading ‘on-the-spot’ automotive paint repair specialists. Whether it’s a stone thrown up from the road, a key scraping against your car door, or an out of control shopping trolley in the car park… chips, bumps and minor scruffs are all part of owning a car. This is where Paul can help. Using a unique
BROLLEY: HOME SERVICES Wouldn’t it be great to have just one contact for all of your home services, whatever your requirements? Well, thanks to Brolley.co.uk, now you can.
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waterborne system developed in the USA, ChipsAway offer a faster, more convenient way of repairing minor damage to automotive paintwork, and at a radically reduced cost.
as Chiropractic treatment, they offer Ayurveda healing and beauty treatments, which draw on traditional Hindi methods. Additionally they can cater for anyone in need of a massage – NO HANDS®, Sports, Remedial and Holistic Massages are all available, along with Nutritional Therapy and Reflexology. Everyone can benefit from visiting the clinic, from competitive athletes to over-enthusiastic gardeners. And it’s not just about the body; the mind and soul can be healed as well with life coaching, personal performance coaching and Psychodynamic Counselling. DROP IN TO 231 HADLOW ROAD, TONBRIDGE, OR CALL 01732 866555
on repairs to alloy wheels, textured bumpers, glass, dashboards, leather, velour and vinyl. FOR A FREE ESTIMATE WITH NO OBLIGATION CONTACT PAUL ON 07818 592 467
Car owners no longer need to book vehicles into a body shop for days at a time to have whole panels treated simply to remove a small scratch or chip to their paintwork. Paul operates from a fully equipped vehicle – essentially, his mobile workshop – and takes his services directly to the customer. To provide a ‘one stop shop’ Paul has the Trim Fix System, which enables him to take
Whether you need help with cleaning, building, emergency plumbing or electrical work, Brolley can help. If you want a house sitter, someone to do your laundry or even clean your wheelie bin, there’s just one number to call.
owners to experience the same level of service and quality that most of us have come to expect in the workplace. When your IT system at work goes down, you get it back up in minutes or hours, not ‘Next week, Friday at 7pm’.
Tonbridge-based Brolley brings together ‘under one umbrella’ innovative products and services for homes and businesses, meaning that you have just one company to deal with. The buck stops with them every time, for every service.
Brolley tell us that they’re about making life simpler for you. We agree – you know how precious your time is…
With over 40 years combined experiences in the set up and delivery of multi-million pound service contracts, to some of the biggest high street names, the people behind Brolley felt it was time for home
TO FIND OUT THEIR FULL RANGE OF SERVICES CALL 01732 366 317, OR VISIT BROLLEY.CO.UK
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Spanish, French & German Experienced Qualified Teacher Beginners to A-Level
Tonbridge 01732 255242
embarrassingly dirty oven? we can give you a hand!
Ovenaid can restore your oven to near showroom condition. With our specialist equipment we will professionally clean your oven, using non–toxic, fume–free and environmentally friendly products in your home, to remove the burnt on grease & grime. + MeMber of T.A.A.o.C + loCAl Ind. Co. + GIfT VoUCHerS + d.CArdS welCoMe
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PLEASE CALL 01825 890156/01323 763216 FOR ALL YOUR UPHOLSTERY NEEDS FREE ESTIMATE AND FRIENDLY ADVICE BROWNING FARM LEWES ROAD BLACKBOYS, UCKFIELD EAST SUSSEX TN22 5HG
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EVERY WEEK FREE at all good newsagents, supermarkets & petrol stations The newspaper that’s just ‘So’ Tunbridge Wells
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01892 832107 / 07904260800
Full beauty treatment also available as well as evening appointments.
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Whatever the size of your garden, Good Earth Gardens can create an imaginative and practical solution to all your design requirements. For innovative garden design, interesting planting schemes and beautiful planters and containers, please call or go online for more details.
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phone: 01580 201 440
t u n b r i d g mobile: e w e07828 l l s574 935 website: www.good-earth.co.uk email: annabel@good-earth.co.uk
Well established Farm Shop stocking a wide variety of local produce including: Fruit & Veg, Jams, Pickles, Honey, Biscuits, Cakes, Eggs, Cheese and Frozen Foods.
Polhill Farm Shop Close to Junction 4 off M25, Situated within Polhill Garden Centre, London Road, Badgers Mount, Sevenoaks, Kent TN14 7BD Tel: 01959 533089
Marriage & Relationship Issues • Anger Management Communication Problems • Anxiety, Panic & Stress Self-Confidence & Positive Psychology Coaching Belinda Freeman, Counselling & Psychotherapy t: 01892 548688 e: belinda@relaxation-centre.co.uk relaxation-centre.co.uk
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Motoring Mad THESE DAYS SALOMONS IS A WEDDING VENUE, THE BACKDROP FOR SUMMER EVENTS AND A CONFERENCE CENTRE. FEW REALISE ITS PATRON WAS AN ECCENTRIC INVENTOR AND ONE OF THE FIRST TO OWN A CAR
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ir David Lionel Salomons was a quite incredible man. Born in 1851, by the time he was 14 he already knew how to repair and build watches from scratch. As a young man he attended Cambridge University studying Natural Sciences and as a middle-aged inventor he developed a wide range of labour-saving devices and modern conveniences. The Broomhill estate near Southborough (as Salomons was then known) was something of a technical wonderland and one of the first houses in the country to be lit with electricity. Being a pipe smoker Sir David rather ingeniously installed small wall-mounted gas burners around the living quarters of Broomhill, so that he could relight his tobacco without the bother of matches. It was at the estate where Sir David’s workshop was housed. Here, he patented several inventions such as light switches, a railway signalling system and, rather bizarrely, a buoyant bar of soap. As a Renaissance man of sorts, David Salomon’s subjects of interest were massively varied. Almost unbelievably, he was a member of the societies of astronomy, chemistry, engineering, geology, geography, meteorology, physics, inventors, archaeology, politics, law, statistics, zoology, botany, agriculture, electrical engineering, photography, microscopy and, finally, ‘self-propelled traffic’. It was this last hobby that he particularly indulged for many years in the late 1800s during which he built his own electric tricycle, powered by a huge battery. The 1874 tricycle made getting from A to B that bit faster but was of limited success as it was apparently a tad dangerous. Sir David admitted that ‘damage to clothes necessitated it being given up’. Some 20 years later he visited France, where automotive manufacturing was more advanced than Britain, and
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purchased a motorcar from Monsieur Peugeot himself. The car cost £270 (equivalent to £118,000 today) and on its return to Blighty became just the second in the British Isles. The very same year he was asked to accept the position of Mayor of Tunbridge Wells. Despite having never been an elected council member he was deemed the best man for the job and had always been popular with locals due to his numerous exciting scientific lectures in the town since his graduation from Cambridge. Sir David had spent time as a magistrate and, as the High Sheriff of Kent, he was familiar with the ins and outs of politics. Once Mayor he began to lobby for change regarding the rules of the road. At the time motor vehicles were limited to 4mph in the country and 2mph in towns. Drivers were also warranted to employ both flag wavers to walk in front of the vehicle and trumpet players to warn other road users of their approach. Sir David felt this was too constricting for the future of travel. In 1895 he held what has tentatively been called the world’s first motor show. At the time it was known as the ‘Horseless Carriage’ exhibition and was designed to both raise the profile of cars and help persuade politicians to change the laws. There were just a handful of vehicles in the country, of which almost all were featured. In addition French models were shipped in to add to the line-up. The publicity certainly worked and across the nation the rules regarding the red flag wavers were repealed and the speed limit was raised above 4mph. All essentially thanks to the quite incredible Sir David Salomon. An unkind person might even liken the man to a latter day Jeremy Clarkson. SO Warners Solicitors, ‘discretion assured whatever the secret’ warners-solicitors.co.uk
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