So Tunbridge Wells_May 10 by Magazine people

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

sot w

Tunbridge Wells SOCIETY AT PLAY PICTURE EXCLUSIVE

25WAYS

INSPIRING

t He MAgA Z i ne to iM ProVe Yo ur li Fe

TO IMPROVE YOUR LIFE

RED

DEVIL

FERRARI 458 BEST YET

THACKERAY’S WHY RESTAURANT IS SO NOVEL

Naomi Campbell WHAT MAKES BIRTHDAY GIRL BELIEVE SHE CAN BE A ROLE MODEL

MAY 2010 £1.50

iss ue 26

www.sotunbridgewells.co.uk

WIN VIP CONCERT BREAK

Hello... It’s a question that has intrigued humankind since time began; how do you get the most out of life? Well, we might not have all the answers but in this issue we do bring you a thought-provoking six page special feature setting out some of the ways you can improve your life. Following weeks of heated office debate (cooled by the odd glass of wine) we’ve come up with 25 inspirational ideas ranging from climbing a mountain to simply being nice to people you work with. If all it does is make you pause and think, then mission accomplished. One proven way to improve matters is with a bit of retail therapy and we have plenty of thoughts on how you might spend the money. How about splashing out £170,000 on the new Ferrari 458 which is supposed to be even better than its predecessor the Scuderia. Is that possible? And if you’re getting ready to bare those toes in this season’s must-have sandals we have two pages of the very best along with some suggestions on how to make floral prints as pretty or as edgy as you like. Creating your dream home is certainly another approach to improving your life and this month we look through the keyhole at the half-timbered Cowden house of a leading interior design consultant. We want to see if she actually practises what she preaches. Even our cover celebrity Naomi Campbell is attempting to clean up her image and improve her own life. But can the birthday girl (40 this month) really become a role model? Add to that our exclusive chat with comedian Ruby Wax about how she’s losing it, the chance to win VIP tickets to see Katherine Jenkins in concert, plus the lowdown on Plastic Surgeon Marc Pacifico and you have another great package from your favourite local magazine... the reading of which is guaranteed to improve your life. Honest!

SoTW

info@sotunbridgewells.co.uk For full contact details see Page 10 M AY 2 0 1 0

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

INSIDE YOUR

May

ISSUE…

THIS MONTH YOU SHOULD…

SO TELL US…

NOW FOR THE NEWS

CONFIDENTIAL

How some women are signing up for lessons in burlesque dancing to help spice up their love lives while frustrated gardeners are looking to share the plot.

Which well known businessman ended up flat on his back on the High Street after an altercation with a gentleman seeking payment of an overdue bill?

BLOOMING MARVELLOUS

FASHION INSIDER – MEN

CELEBRATIONS Our six social pages capture the spirit of things as the good people of TW let their hair down. How many of them do you recognise?

34 COVER FEATURE

Naomi Campbell reaches the ripe old age of 40 this month and declares that she’s turned over a new leaf and toned down her often outrageous behaviour. But can she really become a role model?

FASHION INSIDER – WOMEN

WALK THIS WAY

What you think of life in our beloved town – do we really have the best trained Traffic Wardens in the Country?

Skin takes a battering on a daily basis so why not invest in a moisturiser created exclusively for you and available through Hoopers.

Time to put your best foot forward and expose those toes in this season’s must-have sandals.

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Ways to make those Summertime floral prints look as pretty or as edgy as you like.

Dark tan Oxfords are the answer to the perennial question of what to wear with the linen suit.

CAMDEN ROAD

THROUGH THE KEYHOLE

YOUR GARDEN

CHILD’S PLAY Encourage your little ones to develop their own style as the range of pint sized clothing on offer gets more interesting.

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Once considered something of a backwater, Camden Road is today a thriving, vibrant part of the town with more than 120 specialist shops and businesses.

We call at the Cowden home of a leading interior design consultant to see if she practises what she preaches when it comes to her own place.

Some neat ideas to help you make the most of your garden as we forget the Winter months and embrace the new season.

Cover image: Naomi Campbell Courtesy of Getty Images

Turn old silverware into jewellery; treat yourself to a £5,000 Apollo watch; listen to Paul Weller and support the Race for Life in Dunorlan Park.

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WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR LIFE How do you get the most out of life? The question has been around since time began. We offer 25 thoughtprovoking ideas from climbing a mountain to simply being nice.

103 WIN

VIP tickets to see our favourite celebrity Katherine Jenkins in concert with an overnight stay at the luxurious Ashdown Park Hotel.

107RUBY WAXES LYRICAL

The off-beat comedian talks about losing it as she heads for town with her new show.

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THE GALLERY An original oil on canvas by Maya Eventov and titled Wildflower V (£4,395) is just one of eight delightful works on show this month.

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ALFRESCO DELIGHTS Some of the great local places to eat and drink outside as we start to enjoy the warmer weather and lighter evenings. It’s been a long time coming.

NOVEL CUISINE

SEASONED APPROACH

Why we wanted to burst into the kitchen and shake Head Chef Chris Bower by the hand when we dined at Thackeray’s.

Along to The Beacon restaurant to find out how we should be taking advantage of the arrival of English asparagus.

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THE WAY FORWARD... James Marjoribanks takes over as Head of Holmewood House School in September. He tells us about his plans and his vision for this top Independent.

THE FERRARI 458 We’re told this car is even better than its predecessor the Scuderia, but surely that’s not possible? THE ABARTH 500 When we tested this car last year we thought it was a winner and that’s certainly turned out to be the case. THE PROFILE Plastic Surgeon Marc Pacifico explains how work experience in an operating theatre led him into the job of his dreams.

BEYOND BELIEF The strange tale of the owner of Chiddingstone Castle jailed for shooting his lover, the daughter of a Peckham bus driver posing as a Countess.

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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.moore@sotunbridgewells.co.uk

sales director Sharon Lacey sharon.lacey@sotunbridgewells.co.uk

editorial director Richard Moore FRSA richard.moore@sotunbridgewells.co.uk

Head of design Jodie Arundell

runners for halls & stairs

jodie@magazinepeople.co.uk

designer Erica Morris erica@magazinepeople.co.uk

senior writer Melissa Woodland melissa.woodland@sotunbridgewells.co.uk

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

Account Managers Amy Lawson amy@magazinepeople.co.uk

Vikki Hyder vikki@magazinepeople.co.uk

Contributors Valerie Thacker Mark Turnbull Mirror Image David Thacker Damian Cotton Harriet Louvelle Lydia Thompson

Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/SoTWMag Published and designed by the Magazine People ltd. Printed by Headley brothers ltd.

Croft Road, Crowborough 01892 664152 23 New Road, Brighton 01273 605574 www.mistersmith.co.uk

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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.

magazinepeople.co.uk

RELAX...

MEET...

SLEEP...

DINE...

Dale Hill more than just a golf club Dale Hill Hotel and Golf Club, Ticehurst, Wadhurst, East Sussex, TN5 7DQ Tel: 01580 200 112 | Fax: 01580 201 249 email: Kelly.louw@dalehill.co.uk

www.dalehill.co.uk

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Battle…

Relive the gruesome period of the English Civil War at Chiddingstone Castle on Monday May 3. The Beastly Battles activity day will transport you back to 1642 where you’ll watch and learn about the fighting methods of the time and even have the opportunity to try out minijousting and pike training. The full 35-acre grounds will be open for exploration and, as well as the activity day, visitors will also be able to enjoy the ancient antiques of Chiddingstone Castle, with pieces from ancient Japan and Egypt, as well as those with Jacobean and Stuart heritage. Adults £7, children £4. See chiddingstonecastle.org.uk for details. 01892 870 347

This month Listen…

It’s true, Paul Weller has been round the block a few times since The Jam first hit the airwaves in 1976. But with Wake Up The Nation ‘The Modfather’ proves he’s still got it with an eclectic album that crosses numerous genre boundaries. The 16 tracks have everything we’ve come to expect of Weller (from hard, driving rock to self-deprecating ballads) plus much more. There are stabs of funk, disco, pop and rock ‘n’ roll, but fear not, this is far from a ‘70s throwback album. We’re expecting a number of lifetime achievement awards to shortly head in the direction of the man who still puts on a fantastic live show. £10 from Ape, TW. 01892 535 732

View…

“Every day I start out Mary Poppins but I end up Cruella De Vil,” and “I find it much easier to be a good mum in public”, are just two of the memorable lines uttered in Mum’s the Word, the award-winning theatre production starring Bernie Nolan. This hilarious and intimate look at motherhood, showing at the Assembly Halls, features five women, each with their own stories of what it means to be a mother. As the Mail on Sunday put it, Mum’s the Word “should be sponsored by the NHS”. The production runs for two nights only on May 18-19, tickets from assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk or 01892 530 613.

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Treat…

To commemorate the anniversary of the final Apollo space mission of 1975, Omega is releasing the Speedmaster Professional Apollo-Soyuz 35th Anniversary watch. The flight, which was also the first USA/USSR space collaboration, saw an Apollo spacecraft dock with the Soviet Soyuz craft in a momentous leap of space technology. This special edition Speedmaster features a watch face plus subsidiary dials made from two-tone meteorite and continuing the space theme, the watch back has an etching of the historic docking. Production is limited to 1975 and each one costs £5,010. See omegawatches.com

35th

Try…

THIS MONTH

Apple’s iPad is perhaps the most highly anticipated piece of technology of recent years and even those who claim it’s nothing but an oversized iPhone will be clamouring to have a go. The iPad, Apple says, will reinvent the way in which we absorb media, browse the internet, use email and play games. With a body just five inches thick housing a 9.7 inch screen it’s certainly a sleek piece of kit (just as we’ve come to expect from the California-based giants), but will it live up to the hype? There’s only one way to find out – check out the iStore in Royal Victoria Place. 0845 521 2140

you should… Sit…

What do you get when you cross a supercar with a piece of everyday office furniture? We’ll give you a clue, check out the picture. The Authentic Ferrari F360 Challenge Carbon Fiber Office Chair is exactly what it says on the tin – the seat from an F360 turned into a desk chair. Say goodbye to lower back pain and a lack of lumbar support as this posterior-hugging mould was designed specifically to keep you comfortable, even when pulling a few Gs when going sideways round a corner. Keep a lookout for forthcoming seatbelt neck ties and modified exhausts posing as tobacco pipes… £5,300 from carbonfibergear.com

Support… On Sunday May 23 Race For Life is once again returning to Dunorlan Park in aid of Cancer Research UK. The TW 5km walk, jog or run is just one of 230 events across the UK that, through sponsorship, should raise more than £180,000 for the charity. It’s hoped that more than 2,000 girls and women will turn out, but every little helps so pull on those trainers and visit the website to set up your online sponsor form. Although the event is for women only, the gents among us can also get involved by volunteering to support on the day or making a donation online. See raceforlife.org for details.

Peruse…

Between May 22 and 31 Pashley Manor Gardens will be hosting Sculpture in Particular, an event celebrating some of the best local and national talents in sculpture. Dotted around the immaculate 11-acre wonderland will be works from Philip Jackson, Kate Denton and Helen Sinclair – all respected artists in their particular fields. Inside the manor there will be a display and sale of maquettes and smaller sculptures. The award winning site in Ticehurst typifies the traditional manor gardens with lawns, patios, tended flowerbeds and a remarkable kitchen garden. Call 01580 200 888 or visit Pashleymanorgardens.com

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TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Buy… Jewellery doesn’t come much more unique than the work of Twisted Silver Studio, based in Tunbridge Wells. Michelle Carpenter takes pieces of old, unwanted solid silver cutlery and turns them into stunning works of oneoff jewellery. Always keen to keep the original hallmarks, the pieces are modified, rather than melted down and re-moulded. “When I create each piece,” says Michelle, “I wonder who stirred their afternoon tea with this spoon 100 years ago, or who ate cake with this fork in London in 1895?” The resulting accessories create a staggering range with rings, necklaces, bangles and even cufflinks. Twisted Silver also take on commissions, so if you’ve got more knives than necklaces you know where to go. Prices from £33, see twistedsilverstudio.co.uk for details.

Wear…

High Street boutique Little London has unveiled their second collection under their own label. Spring/Summer 10 ushers in beautifully cut wardrobe staples, such as the fitted silk/linen pencil skirt (£155) and a safari-inspired shirt-dress in a seasonally-appropriate denim chambre (£275). The capsule collection features Liberty silk lined tailoring and easy to wear cashmere cardigans. The stand-out piece, however, is the Audrey dress. With it’s shell top and exquisitely draped skirt, it’s demure yet sexy; perfect for a day out at the races or that Summer wedding you’ve been invited to. We love it in the Black Dancer print. £325, Little London. 01892 619 292

Rent…

Where the Wild Things Are, the film adaptation of the much-loved children’s story by Maurice Sendak, is a surprisingly complicated film. The book’s simple narrative has been stretched, altered and deepened, making this film appropriate for adults as well as children. When Max, the 9-year-old protagonist, runs away from home he sets out on an adventure crossing the ocean in a tiny sail boat and eventually landing on an island of monsters. Max is made king and is expected to be able to create harmony among the troubled group, yet struggles to do so due to the self-absorbed nature of the majority of the island’s inhabitants. Enjoyable viewing for the whole family and available from The Foyer, £3.50 a night. 01892 548 700

Read…

Mr. Rosenblum’s List: Or Friendly Guidance for the Aspiring Englishman isn’t a particularly snappy title for a novel, however this book is a real gem of British sensibility and society. The narrative follows Jack Rosenblum, a Jewish German who moves to England before the outbreak of WW2, wanting nothing more than to fit in with the aristocracy. His studious attempts to blend in baffle his wife who feels they shouldn’t forget their roots, although Jack won’t be put off and takes the family to the countryside for one last chance at assimilation. Often whimsical, this astutely written book is a joyful little read. RRP £12.99 from Waterstones, TW.

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hearing is believing

vitus audio

ayon audio

lumley

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bladelius

usher audio

ypsilon

boulder

coda

audio research

hansen audio

quad

Down in the heartland of the beautiful, peaceful, Sussex countryside, there is a very special place reserved for the true music lover. Sounds of Music is one of the only true Stereo music businesses in the UK covering just about everything that is supreme in presenting the original artist right in front of you, right in the comfort of your own living home. The name ‘Sounds of Music’, certainly signiﬁes a desire to offer real music to the true music lover and dedicated enthusiast. Run by John Jeffries - SOM has over 100 years (combined) experience and there is only

s SOM-STW May10 v1.indd 1

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a handful of specialist companies like it left in the UK (or come to that, the world). Visit SOM and you will discover 8 dedicated listening rooms displaying and demonstrating some of the world’s ﬁnest Hi-Fi equipment, in a relaxed atmosphere. There really is no better place to experience what your favourite music artist really sounds like.

www.sounds-of-music.co.uk | tel. 01435 865 212

Sounds of Music, Firgrove Business Park, Firgrove Road, Cross in Hand, Nr Heathfield, E. Sussex, TN21 0QL Demonstrations by appointment only please.

12/04/2010 14:15

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: Sir, On a recent visit to the United States to see relatives we spotted Tunbridge Wells Lane in Orlando, Florida which got me thinking; how many other streets are named after our town? Well, it seems that in America there are quite a few. There’s

Marian Littlejohn (Tunbridge Wells) Ed: Bet they have a lot less potholes than our roads. If we experience the best of wardens in the way they interact with the public it makes you wonder what happens to motorists in other parts of the country.

Rita Barnes

(Cape Cod, Mass, USA)

Julie Barnes (via email)

Ed: Maybe we should launch So America.

Bonjour from Canada! Living in Montreal it is amazing that we hear of magazines in the UK. Luckily I was just made aware of your April issue featuring Colin Firth. I’m a big fan. Sylvia Neddy (Canada)

Sir, You challenged readers (April) to name the town buildings in silhouettes on your Confidential gossip page. We think they are:Royal Wells Hotel, Brew House Hotel, Dunorlan Grecian Temple, West Station, Corn Exchange, Opera House, War Memorial, Town Hall, Millenium Clock and Trinity Theatre.

Hello, I would love to purchase the Janette Hopkirk (Tunbridge Wells) current issue of So Tunbridge Wells (with article about Colin Firth). Thanks. Ed: To you goes the champagne for being first correct answer out of Michele V. Acerra the hat. Thanks to all who entered. (Staten Island, New York) Shame on those who got it wrong. Sir, I am writing to discover if it would be possible to purchase a copy of your Sir, I just have to write after reading current issue which contains Colin that Tunbridge Wells Council has Firth. I live in the United States. won a top honour at the British (Baltimore, Maryland)

Parking Awards for “best practice” in the way it trains traffic wardens.

▼

Alice Brainerd

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

one in Oregon, one in Florida, another in Georgia, one in Kentucky and another in Alabama. Wonder what they are like?

Hi, Just seen your online version featuring Colin Firth and would like to buy a couple of hard copies. Great magazine, by the way!

Colin Firth proved a real winner with readers – particularly in North America.

Ed: For the record, our Traffic Wardens are all warm , friendly, cuddly people.

Sir, Just where in the borough is that £33 million Fantasy Island exactly (April)? Steve Merton

(Langton Green)

Ed: Have you never been out on the lake at Dunorlan Park? 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 O BMEARY 220001 0 9

16th June 2010 Hotel Du Vin, Tunbridge Wells For other dates visit our website: www.mcindoesurgical.co.uk

NEWS

AND NOW FOR

THE NEWSÉ

OUR MONTHLY LOOK AT SOME OF THE STORIES, BOTH LIGHT HEARTED AND SERIOUS, MAKING THE HEADLINES Good News for: ALE LOVERS

BURLESQUE FANS

Paddock Wood resident Laura Lawton (34) has launched what she claims is the only course in the county for burlesque dancing. Despite its risqué reputation she insists the routines are not sleazy and that course members will only strip down to their vest tops and shorts. “There will be no nudity in class although the women can do what they like at home,” explains the software saleswoman who believes burlesque can boost romance. Classes are held at The Beacon in Tunbridge Wells and The Grey Lady on The Pantiles. Burlesque began in the 1840s as music hall satire and developed into an erotic form of teasing made famous by the likes of Gypsy Rose Lee.

The Royal Tunbridge Wells Brewing Company is back in business. The Rusthallbased brewer is producing cask conditioned and bottled Kentish ale for the first time in a quarter of a century. Behind the scheme are Simon Lewis, who has worked in the industry for more than 20 years, and Ian Dormon who was owner of the original brewery in the ,80s. “This is the culmination of a year’s hard work to bring the brewing tradition back to this area,” Simon Lewis tells us. “These will be beers the town can be proud of.” He says they’ll use local produce wherever possible including Kentish hops.

Bad News for:

MICK WILARY

ASHDOWN DEER

Each year more than 300 deer are hit by vehicles crossing Ashdown Forest, making it one of the worst accident black spots for the animals in the country. Dr Jochen Langbein of the National Deer Collision Project tells us: “Deer numbers have gone out of control and over the last 10 years traffic has increased. Accidents are occurring more and more frequently, almost on a daily basis.” Worst months are April and May as young deer leave their mothers to find their own territory. There are now about 2,000 fallow deer on the forest. Most of those hit by vehicles are killed.

FRUSTRATED GARDENERS

The environmental organisation Transition Tunbridge Wells is plotting to help those with green fingers but nowhere to grow their fruit, veg and flowers. They want to match them up with people who have too much garden to manage. “It’s a bit like dating for gardeners,” explains Kate Sergeant of Transition which is running the scheme in partnership with the Town and Country Foundation. There’s a two year waiting list locally for allotments which makes the project ideal for those who don’t want to miss another season of gardening. Those who own the land will benefit from a more attractive garden and a possible share in the produce.

AGEING CRIMINALS

The number of pensioners arrested for criminal offences in Kent is on the increase, according to official figures. In 2007 there were 344 arrests... with 351 in 2008 ... and 362 in 2009. The oldest was an 88-year-old man taken into custody for violence. Other offences for which arrests were made included theft (an 87-year-old), drugs (76), drunkenness (77) and breach of the peace (84). Det Inspector Richard Pringle says:“Older members of the community account for a very small number of arrests but we do not discriminate and if we have to arrest someone over the age of 65 we will.”

One of Britain’s most accident-prone men, farm worker Mick Wilary, is back in hospital after his legs were crushed under a JCB. Over the years he’s racked up more than 30 injuries, including 15 broken bones. The luckless grandfather broke both ankles when he slipped on a potato, cracked his head open when he tripped over a cat and broke a collar bone when his horse was spooked by a plastic bag. He’s broken fingers countless times after hitting them with a hammer and he’s also been kicked numerous times by cattle. The latest accident happened while he was shovelling cattle feed into a JCB with the engine running. “I guess it’s lucky I don’t drive,” says Mick Wilary (58) from Co. Durham. “ I only have a tractor licence.”

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tunbridge wells

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T W CONFIDENTIAL

T.W. CONFIDENT IAL NOTHING OUR ATT ESCAPES ENTION

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TUNBRIDGE WELLS

SOCIAL

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Shamrock Celebrations T

he town took on a distinctive Irish flavour for St Patrick’s Day with much merriment and supping of Guinness. Biggest celebration (this page) was organised by the Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre at the Spa Hotel, attended by 200 people. Through an auction and raffle almost £5,000 was raised for the charity which each year must find at least £40,000 to keep its doors open. Co-founder Polly Taylor tells us: “We’re absolutely over the moon with the support.” Meanwhile…. Photography Mirror Image

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

APRIL 2010

SOCIAL

… JUST UP THE ROAD AT SANKEYS BRASSERIE, GUESTS OF CLYDESDALE BANK ENJOYED OYSTERS KILPATRICK AND IRISH STEW. PLUS, OF COURSE, THE ODD GUINNESS! AND ACROSS TOWN… Photography: Lydia Thompson

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TUNBRIDGE WELLS

… FINANCIAL ADVISERS AV TRINITY PLAYED HOSTS AT THE HOTEL DU VIN WHERE CLIENTS AND CONTACTS JOINED MD KAREN VIDLER AND HER TEAM TO CELEBRATE ST PATRICK’S DAY PLUS “THE START OF THE END OF THE GREATEST RECESSION WE’VE EVER KNOWN.” Photography: Lydia Thompson

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EXPERTISE CAN HARVEST SOME SWEET REWARDS So, who are AV Trinity? We are a wholly independent wealth management firm with particular expertise in financial planning for individuals, companies, trusts and small charities – particularly where less straightforward/complex solutions are necessary. There are however, some things that stand us out from the crowd. How does AV Trinity operate? We don’t do ‘off the shelf’ solutions. We don’t have’standard reports’ and our clients continue to have names rather than numbers. We are large enough to offer the depth of expertise necessary to provide uninterrupted advice and service, but small enough to maintain that very human contact with our clients. Whilst all of our male and female advisers are trained across the financial advice spectrum, they are encouraged to speciaise which gives us additional depth in the more complex areas of trust & estate planning and pensions. In fact, one of the main reasons why I joined AV Trinity 2 years ago was that the senior team of advisers and directors have worked together for more than 10 years. Added to that we are fortunate to have a highly qualified Compliance Director which helps to ensure very high standards of client care at AV Trinity. What makes us different? We have long recognised that more women today actively participate in the financial decisions made by married couples than say, 10 years ago. There is also a large number of single independent women, divorcees and sadly widows, who require specialised, individual financial planning. Whilst less than 10% of the qualified financial advisers in the UK are women, at AV Trinity we are fortunate to have a very strong female representation amongst our team of advisers. Interestingly, a recent survey* predicts that by 2020 there will be more female than male millionaires in the UK! *Source – Barclays Wealth

Contact Richard Randall on 01892 612554 or richard.randall@avtrinity.com AV Trinity Ltd 77 Mount Ephraim Tunbridge Wells Kent TN4 BS www.avtrinity.com

So, is there a specific need for female advisers? There is no clear evidence that female advisers are any better than their male counterparts, but there is compelling evidence to suggest that an increasing number of clients, both female and male, are more comfortable with a female adviser. Whereas 60% of our existing clients are males or married couples, the real growth area appears to be females seeking advice from a female adviser. We are increasingly encountering this specific enquiry from our new clients and we can certainly help with this request. Indeed, we have also been employed by male clients involved in divorce situations who have been referred to us because we are known to be able to provide an adviser who has a high degree of empathy and listening skills during what is, after all, a very traumatic experience. In practice, whether male or female, it doesn’t matter to us – but what is important is that we have clients who trust us and whose trust we in turn deserve. Is there a ‘typical’ AV Trinity client? In reality the answer is ‘no’. Whist we are happy to accept direct approaches from prospective clients, we also recognise the importance of working together with other professional advisers.We have always worked with a number of legal and accountancy firms with whom we have long standing relationships and this will always be a key area of development for us. This form of co-operation can, and often does, provide our individual clients with the very best solutions in what are continually challenging economic conditions. Finding a financial adviser is easy, but finding the right, independent adviser for your specific needs is not so simple. There are sources such as www.unbiased.co.uk which will help greatly, but in the end it is important to start your quest by bearing in mind that not all financial advisers are the same shade of grey and that you DO have a choice!

A toast!

SOCIAL

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Glasses were raised when some 450 people went alonG to the preview niGht of the renovated white hart at Brasted. the new look puB restaurant has Been taken over By “a Group of entrepreneurs with a passion for tasty home-cooked food.” General manaGer Jamie wilkes says they’ve created “somewhere really special”. photography: mirror image

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tunbridge wells

There wAs onlY one Topic of conversATion during This geT TogeTher AT The Brew house hoTel in TunBridge wells The oTher dAY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; hAir. sTYlisTs And oTher sTAff froM sAlons Across The Town gAThered To leT Their hAir down And exchAnge news And views on The lATesT Trends And producTs. photography: Mirror image

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SHE’S AS CONTROVERSIAL AS SHE IS BEAUTIFUL AND THIS MONTH REACHES THE RIPE OLD AGE OF 40. WHICH PROMPTS NAOMI CAMPBELL TO DECLARE THAT SHE’S CAPPED HER TEMPER, TONED DOWN HER DIVA-ESQUE BEHAVIOUR AND TURNED OVER A NEW LEAF. BUT CAN SHE REALLY CHANGE? 34

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Model Behaviour words dAN sMITH

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his year marks Naomi Campbell’s quarter of a century in the modelling business, in which time she’s truly left her mark on the world of fashion. Having spent longer in the limelight than Britain’s other leading supermodel, Kate Moss, she’s become one of the most recognisable faces on the planet. But her antics off the catwalk have always earned her as many column inches as her prestigious modelling career. From 2000 to 2010 there were six separate lawsuits filed against her following various allegations of assault on chauffeurs, policemen and members of her personal staff. In recent years the British-born model has also admitted to having serious drink and drug problems throughout the ´90s which, she declares, exacerbated her temper issues. However, now hitting a milestone birthday it seems Naomi has mellowed and intends starting afresh, saying she regrets her over-the-top behaviour of days past. “I’ve had times when it was hard for me to look at myself in the mirror, because I didn’t really like who I was. The period from 1998 until 2005 was very difficult.” Certainly, in those years Naomi came close to falling victim to the all too familiar pitfalls attributed to modelling. Now, though, she’s in a long-term relationship with Russian billionaire Vladimir Doronin and insists she’s grown up. “I’ve matured. I stop myself from getting tired and burnt out. I want a quieter life today. I’ve been through the party scene. You get older and your life changes. Things that matter when you’re 20 don’t matter so much when you’re 40.” Even today, decades after her looks catapulted her to fame, Naomi is still a stunning looking woman. She barely seems to have aged at all on the surface ( thanks in part to not having children) but mentally she claims to be a new woman. Naomi got her first taste of fame at the age

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Your Event Celebrate your special day at a special place! Chartwell, the much-loved family home of Sir Winston Churchill, sits on the edge of the Weald and its beautiful grounds and spectacular views will set your day off to a tee. Have your ceremony in the delightful Marlborough Pavilion, photographs in Sir Winston’s stunning garden

and your reception in the restaurant’s elegant Mulberry Room. Our philosophy of local and seasonal food is incorporated into our menus and we are fully licensed… and our team is on hand to help you put together your perfect day. Chartwell is a wonderful setting for a wonderful wedding!

NAOMI C AMPBELL

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of seven when she was chosen to appear in the 1978 music video for Bob Marley’s Is This Love. Three years later, following somewhat precariously in the footsteps of her travelling showgirl mother, she enrolled at the Italia Conti Academy in London, where she studied ballet. While window shopping in Covent Garden, the 15-year-old student was spotted by talent scouts and within months was modelling full-time. In a single year Naomi signed to Elite Model Management and fronted several high profile advertising campaigns for Lee Jeans, Olympus and Ralph Lauren, eventually appearing on the cover of Elle magazine. Not bad for a rookie. By her late teens Naomi was hot property and in December ’87 made history by becoming the first black model on the cover of Vogue Paris. The story goes that her then friend and mentor, Yves Saint Laurent, threatened to pull all advertising from Vogue because the magazine had refused to place Naomi, or any other black model, on the cover. Despite having seemingly broken down some racial barriers, Naomi’s always been outspoken about the inherent racism of the fashion industry, saying: “Fashion needs to go back to the way it used to be when wonderful designers like Yves Saint Laurent, Gianni Versace and Azzedine Alaia just had a great line-up of beautiful women - white, black, Chinese, Hispanic.” Naomi’s career boomed in the ´90s; the decade that heralded the rise of the international supermodel. She and fellow ‘Big Six’ models ruled the world of fashion. Between them Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer, Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista, Kate Moss and, of course, Naomi dominated fashion weeks, magazine covers and top-end advertising campaigns. In 2008 Naomi was asked about the term ‘supermodel’ and responded that it was too often used in today’s press: “Models need to earn their stripes. I just think the term is used a little too loosely. Kate Moss is obviously a supermodel but, after Gisele [Bündchen], I don’t think there’s been one.” By the mid-90s, with her fame escalating to a near deity-like status, reports of Naomi’s behind-the-scenes behavior began making headlines around the world. Drug allegations (particularly those involving large amounts of cocaine) were rife and reports of physical abuse also began to surface. At one point it seemed that a year wouldn’t pass without Naomi using some form of telecommunications device to batter a member of her entourage. In 2000 she pleaded guilty to assaulting her assistant with a phone in a hotel room. Then, in 2005, it was alleged she’d slapped another assistant around the head before beating her with a Blackberry organiser. When a housekeeper was attacked in 2006, her weapon of choice was once again a mobile, this one jewel-encrusted and aimed at her victim’s head. Naomi’s notoriety reached a pinnacle in 2008, when she was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer after one of her bags went missing at the newly opened Heathrow Terminal 5. Now, though, she’d like us to see her in a different light. “I’ve grown up a lot. I’ve made my M AY 2 0 1 0

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mistakes, as the whole world knows, but today I feel good about myself.” And it does appear that in recent years Naomi has attempted to turn things around. She’s been actively involved, for instance, with Fashion for Relief which was first held in 2005 to raise money for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. More recently she joined forces with Sarah Brown (wife of Gordon) helping to raise millions with Fashion for Relief 2010, an event held at London Fashion Week and designed to help rebuild the healthcare system of Haiti. Her friendship with Sarah has also led Naomi to become a global ambassador for the White Ribbon Alliance, an organisation that’s heavily linked with Haiti and aims to reduce the number of mothers dying when giving birth. On the back of this philanthropic turnaround, Sarah (an astute public relations professional) recently nominated Naomi as a 21st Century heroine in Harper’s Bazaar. “The Naomi Campbell I heard about was beautiful, successful, always late, a bit frightening, even a bit out of control. The Naomi Campbell I met was certainly beautiful, but also sincere, direct – and impatient in a good way.” Apparently Naomi’s charitable side was born out of a close relationship with Nelson Mandela, who she sees as her ‘honourary grandfather’. The pair first met in 1992, before Mandela was President of South Africa. The enigmatic leader immediately had an effect on the international star, prompting her to get involved with a children’s charity in Africa. If we’re to believe the recent positive PR then Naomi’s both upped her charity involvement and cleaned up her act. She’s kicked the 24-hour partying, the drink and the drugs, she’s curtailed her notorious temper and is now seemingly intent on ridding the world of poverty and child illness. But do we believe the hype? After all, other high profile tabloid favourites have tried image make-overs only to fail i.e. Katie Price aka Jordan. Well, recent activity suggests Naomi is not quite Mother Teresa. For instance, in early April it was reported she cancelled an aid visit to Haiti after a Malaria outbreak on the earthquake-stricken island. Unkind observers declared that she’d rather plan for her imminent 40th birthday party in the South of France than brave the ravaged country. Insiders, by the way, say “Naomi’s birthday is going to be as lavish as other recent big celebrity birthdays, such as Sean Combs, Jay-Z and Simon Cowell.” The aid trip will probably be rescheduled although the move is unlikely to convince those who doubt her desire to reform. But are we asking too much from Naomi? Should we expect a bad-tempered fashion icon to transform into the perfect humanitarian at the drop of a dress? Probably not. But at least she’s trying and has done something. Using one’s global fame as a role model to raise money for those in need is certainly quite a gesture. Moreover, if she continues to promote worthy causes who are we to gripe – even if it is publicity-driven? Should Naomi Campbell prove she can continue her role as a style icon while being an ambassador for international charity, then hats off to her. If she can do all that and keep her mobile phone from embedding itself in an assistant’s head, then even better. Maybe life really does begin again at 40! SO

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COMPETITION

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Family Fun Day - Sunday 9th May • The Children’s Trust Mascot Champion Hurdle • 7 Action packed races • South East Point to Point pony race finals • Children’s funfair • Trampolines

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• Face Painting • Fruit giveaway by Sainsbury’s • Live music in the Paddock Bar • Magician

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FA S H I O N

Fashion Insider: THIS MOWNOTMH EN

FASHION EDITOR MELISSA WOODLAND ON WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS MONTH

A Bird in the Hand Delicate and beautiful, the latest pieces from Susie Warner’s Spring/Summer Objet Trouvé feature vintage elements, such as charms, precious and semiprecious stones and beads from around the world. Inspired by flora, fauna and whimsy, her handmade limited edition jewellery is for you if you like things that are a little bit different. We love these statement chandelier earrings. Night Scented Stock earrings featuring Turquoise, Coral and Freshwater Pearls, 14k Gold Filled Chain and Vintage Brass Lovebirds £80, susiewarner.com

Vintage-inspiration

Scarves remain the ideal way to update your look. From the softest pashminas to Hermès silks, a simply draped scarf can be used to add colour, texture and style to an ordinary outfit. Wear longer versions loosely looped around the neck or knot smaller neck scarves around the handle of your favourite handbag to take you through the seasons. 10 Corso Como Limited Edition silk scarf £195, liberty.co.uk

In the shade

As the sun is coming out a little more often, it’s worth updating your sunglass collection with a new pair of shades. Big frames continue their reign at the top of the style charts, but colour is playing a bigger role than in previous years. Opt for tinted lenses if you dare, but if not, coloured rims are the way forward. Tiffany sunglasses £189, Sunglass Hut, Tunbridge Wells.

Facing Up

Chapped by the Winter winds and dried by the Summer sun, your skin takes a battering on a daily basis. But before you slather on your usual moisturiser for a quick hydrating fix, think about investing in a cream made just for you. Mimoson has launched a service that creates the ideal moisturiser for your skin. Simply visit them at Hoopers and fill in a detailed questionnaire to identify what your skin needs. Using your questionnaire and a special ‘Dermal Matrix’ programme, Mimoson combine different ingredients to create a unique moisturising formula. In about four weeks you’ll receive a luxurious face cream designed just for you. Custom moisturiser £89, Hoopers, TW.

Add a splash

Had enough of the season’s delicate colour palette? It’s time to rebel. Inject a little spice into your wardrobe with a vibrant quilted bag from Dolce and Gabbana. With its nod towards the fringing trend and striking hot pink hue, this diminutive purse is guaranteed to make you stand out from the crowd. Quilted bag £410, D & G at Hoopers, TW.

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s i h t k l Wa y a W Pique Cire platform sandals £685, Christian Louboutin @ cruisefashion.co.uk

Krista sandals £75, Carvela @ Hoopers, Tunbridge Wells

Limited Edition Suffolk Buckle Sandals £249 Hobbs, Tunbridge Wells

NW3 Wyldes Studded Wedge £199, Hobbs, Tunbridge Wells

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Nixon suede sandals £450, Jimmy Choo @ cruise-fashion.co.uk

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5, dals £9 Koo san ers, p o o @H Carvela ge Wells Tunbrid

Smyles fringed sandal £129 Reiss @ Fenwick, Tunbridge Wells

Kola sandals £130, Carvela @ Hoopers, Tunbridge Wells

SUNSHINE? CHECK. PEDICURE? CHECK. ALL CORRECT? THEN IT’S TIME TO BARE THOSE TOES IN THIS SEASON’S BEST-FOOT-FORWARD SANDALS. FROM SKYHIGH STRAPPY STILETTOS TO EVERY-DAY FRINGED FLATS, SANDALS ARE MORE THAN A LITTLE INSPIRING THIS TIME ROUND. TRY THE NATIVE AMERICAN LOOK WITH FRINGING, BEADS AND WOVEN FABRIC OR GO ON SAFARI WITH BROWN LEATHER AND STUDS. WEDGES ARE BACK AND OH-SO PRACTICAL AND PLATFORM SOLES MAKE EVEN THE MOST STRATOSPHERIC HEELS WEARABLE. YOU’LL WANT TO WEAR THEM, RAIN OR SHINE.

Sadie nude sandal £169 Reiss @ Fenwick, Tunbridge Wells

Leather espadrilles £255, Miu Miu @ cruisefashion.co.uk APR MAY IL 2010

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Occasion and evening dresses, holiday and casual wear, designer clothes, shoes and accessories NOW STOCKING

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

HUGEÊ STOCKÊ CLEARANCEÊ SALE MONDAYÊ 10THSATURDAYÊ 15THÊ MAY www.labellefemme.co.ukÊ Ê TunbridgeÊ WellsÊ 01892Ê 614Ê 000

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T U NFB AR S IHDI G O EN W E L L S

g n i m o o l BMarvellous

AS TRENDS GO, FLORAL PRINTS ARE ONE OF THE EASIEST TO CARRY OFF. THE SHEER RANGE OF PATTERNS, COLOURWAYS AND INTERPRETATIONS AVAILABLE MEANS THIS LOOK CAN BE AS PRETTY OR AS EDGY AS YOU LIKE

NW3 dress £169, @ Hobbs, TW

APRIL 2010

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tart off gently if you’re new to blossom prints. Choose a simple monochrome number with a strong pattern. Wear with leggings for a great everyday outfit. Want something a little more vibrant? Opt for a piece that takes an abstract look at the flower theme. A conceptual print allows you to be adventurous with your colour palette without going too tropical. Block colours are your friend if you’re playing with flowers. Layer a fine knit cardigan over your print of choice to break up the expanse of pattern. Alternatively, choose a print top or bottom – not both. Pair a floral skirt with an unfussy top to keep the look chic, not clashing. If you’re nervous about going all out with florals, simply pick up a few appropriate accessories. A delicate chiffon corsage, for example, can be pinned at the waist or onto a handbag to inject a little flowery glamour. Or make a statement with a knock-out bag. Floral prints are at their best in Spring and Summer. So, invest now and you’ll be blooming through ‘til Autumn, whatever the weather. M AY 2 0 1 0

rsage ono co Mini M t @ as £18 Co TW k, Fenwic

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FA S H I O N

Flower bangle £70 Van Peterson @ debenhams.com

Print dress by Matthew Williamson £945, cruisefashion.com

Lily Div a by Damse l in a Dress £ 149, John L ewis, Bluewa ter

Naranja Corsage £25, Coast @ Fenwick, TW

Flower Mac £249, Hobbs, TW

Sevit ta Dr es £95, Coas s t@ Fenw ick, T W

Florist shop bag by Lulu Guinness £225, Hoopers, TW

Collybrooke dress £299, Hobbs, TW

Drew one shoulder dress £145, Reiss @ Fenwick, TW

Flutter tunic £99, T ed @ Fenw Baker ick, TW

Iris dress £85, Coast @ Fenwick, TW

Print dress by Diane von Furstenberg £295, cruisefashion.com

APRIL 2010

Pink Blossom Dress £180, Monsoon, TW

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FA S H I O N

Fashion Insider: THIS MONTMH EN

WE TELL YOU WHAT’S NEW… Tennis anyone?

A favourite of those who like a game of doubles, Fred Perry’s collection of polo shirts is an essential ingredient in any gent’s wardrobe. If you’ve always resorted to buying your favourite tees online, you now need go no further than Fenwick in Royal Victoria Place. Selected pieces from the Spring/Summer range are now available instore. Classic black polo, £50, Fenwick, TW.

A new tan

Dust off your linen suit, it’s time to lighten up. Shades of cream, beige and taupe are the Summer’s must-have colours in suiting. But with linen comes the perennial shoe problem. Black is too harsh, sandals aren’t appropriate for more formal occasions. The answer lies in these dark tan Oxfords. A classic shape and a versatile colour, they’ll take you right though to the Autumn. Oxfords £295, gievesandhawkes.com

Stow away

Whether you’ve booked your fortnight in the sun yet, or not, it’s worth checking out this striped holdall from Paul Smith. In a twist on the usual signature stripe, a tangled pattern of multi-coloured lines adorn this cotton bag. It’s the ideal size for hand luggage or a weekend city break. Holdall £240, Paul Smith at House of Fraser, Bluewater.

Hats off

Keep the sun out of your eyes while you supervise the barbeque with a classic hat. Slightly reminiscent of Brideshead Revisited, this straw Trilby is the perfect accessory to finish off your Summer look. It goes with both more formal suiting for a trip to the river, and the casual day spent in the back garden. Even if you’re not a hat man, this one’s worth trying on. Straw Trilby £30, French Connection, TW.

Short story

The transition from Spring to Summer is a tricky one, trouserwise. It’s not quite warm enough for regular shorts, but you want to get into the spirit of the season. We might just have found the perfect smart/casual short solution. These cotton pinstripes by Camoshita United Arrows feature four pockets with button detailing and a subtle pattern that goes with most shades. If you’re open to the idea of wearing shorts to work, these could be the pair to try it in. Camoshita United Arrows - Pinstripe Shorts £405, Designers at asos.com M AY 2 0 1 0

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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

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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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Animatedman Tunbridge Wells is today attracting some of the most creative media minds outside of London; we meet one man who is really catching the eye So, who are you? My name is Ves Veselinov, I’m 22 and originally from Bulgaria. What brings you to the UK? I came to England four years ago to study. Since I was very young, I have loved drawing and animating characters. My family encouraged me to nurture my skills and so I made the tough decision to study in a foreign country. At the age of 18, I arrived in the UK with no job or place to live and just £200 in my pocket. That must have been tough? Yes it was, but nevertheless I continued to work hard and was subsequently given a place at the University of West London to study Digital Animation. I then went on to do a placement in Reading after graduating. How did you end up in Tunbridge Wells? I came to the town to work for Gingermonkeys the marketing agency having met Trevor Smith-Foreman, their Creative Director, in early 2009. He recognised my talent and hunger to succeed and be the best. Working with Trevor, I have picked up an enthusiasm for Typography and Layout; continually trying to break boundaries and produce fresh and innovative ideas. What’s it like working for Gingermonkeys? I love it. The company is very forward thinking and continually embraces new ideas and

technology. Having recently been promoted to Head of Animation and Multimedia at Gingermonkeys, I think that often people don’t pay attention to posters and still image marketing because they are more than used to them. Both sectors; Multimedia and 3D Animation offer our clients exciting, new opportunities. Creating moving images naturally attracts the eye. With so many marketing companies around is it hard to stand out? I believe, if you do what other people do, you will have exactly what other people have. At Gingermonkeys we continually aim to surprise and delight clients with top quality concepts, although looking for inspiration can be the most gruelling part of the design process it can also be the most rewarding. What does the future hold for you? I will carry on doing what I’m doing as part of the Animation and Multimedia department at Gingermonkeys. We now have the ability and technology to create a diverse range of marketing products. These include email viral and campaigns, animation and motion graphics solutions for websites and mobile devices, visual special effects, outside advertising, video production and editing and most signiﬁcantly 3D Animation. So, as you can see it’s a very exciting time for us and our clients! gingermonkeys.com

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C H I L D ’ S P L AY

Junior Style The number of design houses that now offer a children’s line is ever expanding. From miniaturised adult versions, as seen at Hackett, to kids clothing with a twist (Little Paul and Joe), pint-sized clothing is getting more interesting. So, encourage your little ones to find their own style. Hackett Three Colour Stripe Rugby Top £50; Boating shorts £52, Hawaii polo shirt £35, Scotch and Soda; Chambre playsuit £50, Little Paul and Joe; Ralph Lauren polo shirt £39. All available at asos.com. Selected pieces from Polo Ralph Lauren and Scotch and Soda available at Hoopers, Tunbridge Wells.

WHAT STYLE ICONS-IN-TRAINING WILL BE UP TO THIS MONTH All aboard!

Thomas is back this month for his biannual visit to Tunbridge Wells. Joined by some of his friends from the famous Thomas the Tank Engine stories, including Percy, Daisy and of course, The Fat Controller, Thomas will spend the day at the Spa Valley Railway on May 15, 16, 22 and 23. His engine friends will take it in turns to pull special hourly trains on a seven mile round trip (approx 45 mins) through the local countryside. The fully inclusive tickets are £10 for adults and £8 for children. Call 01892 537 715 to book.

Best Foot Forward

Head to Russell and Bromley this month if you’re looking for new shoes for the kids. Kickers have recently unveiled their latest children’s footwear, complete with Lego bricks and characters. For the girls, a pastel palette, flowers and whimsical stitching. For the boys, primary colours and a nod towards the upcoming World Cup. Aimed at children aged from four to ten, the shoes and boots are colourful and cute. Plus you’ll get a free ticket to Legoland for your child with every pair purchased. From £50, Russell and Bromley, Tunbridge Wells.

Going Wild We love toys that encourage imaginative play and the Wildlife Park Collection from John Crane really fits the bill. Made using sustainable wood, this collection of animals, trees and buildings allows your child to establish their very own safari park, creating exhibits and looking after their creatures. It’s the type of toy we had when we were young. Prices start at £20, Wildlife Park by John Crane at The Children Salon, Tunbridge Wells. M AY 2 0 1 0

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SPRING WATCH At Helios we are busy preparing our homeopathic remedies for spring and summer covering hayfever, travel complaints, bites and stings etc. Alongside our remedies you will find the best vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements and for the real feel good factor, organic and natural skin care from Dr Hauschka, Lavera and Weleda. In May we are launching our new range of products for pets with a special introductory offer and all our products are backed by expert advice from our team of Homeopaths.

Helios Homeopathy Ltd, 97 Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2QR

Tel 01892 537254 Web: www.helios.co.uk

Interiors design ideas youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll feel at home with.

In conjunction with: Style My Home If you want to refresh your home for selling, or restyle to live in and enjoy, call Style My Home for creative and experienced advice on interior design. Caroline Pickering, Style My Home Tel: 01892 510070 www.stylemyhome.com

Residential and Commercial Refurbishment

A complete and reliable service offering refurbishment work, decorating, electrics, bathrooms, kitchens, carpentry, security & design

01892 530440

info@scrsltd | www.scrsltd.com Our Showroom: 80 Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2QP

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Discover Camden Road SO

SOC A tMudne bnrri dOgAed w eSO lls

tunbridge wells

it wAs OnCe COnsidered tO be A sOMewhAt negleCted bACkwAter Of the tOwn. nOt AnYMOre! CAMden rOAd tOdAY is A thriving, vibrAnt PArt Of tunbridge wells bOAsting MOre thAn 120 sPeCiAlist shOPs, beAutY sAlOns, hAirdressers And Other businesses. JOin us As we PAY A visit

orchid A delightfully modern and fresh look boutique salon, perfectly situated at the hub of Camden road. Orchid are exclusive stockists for bumble & bumble products and have a team of highly experienced and friendly stylists to suit every individual requirement.

Bluemoon GAllery

Azur

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this is a modern independent hairdressing salon, with a relaxed friendly atmosphere, specialising in cutting and styling plus colouring using l’Oreal. the professional team also offer perming and styling for weddings with the use of redken and l’Oreal.

bluemoon offers an extensive range of modern contemporary art. its wonderful eclectic mix of paintings, sculpture ceramic and jewellery make it a worthwhile visit. whether you’re just browsing, looking for an ideal gift or something for your home, you can enjoy a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

APril 2010

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vaniTy fair discover Vanity Fair, one of the town’s newest but most luxurious beauty salons offering professional treatments in a relaxing environment. Choose between a whole range of treatments from Jessica manicures to hot stone massage.

SC refurbiShmenT ServiCeS this business has relied solely on client recommendations to grow into the successful professional operation it is today. this success is testament to the quality of work provided by their 20 strong, fully qualified professional team, covering all areas of residential and commercial refurbishment.

illuminaTionS illuminations is the new brand name of Classic lighting who have been in Camden road for the past 15 years. it has the same team dedicated to improving the lives of customers from Kent, sussex and surrey and will continue to provide top quality british and Continental lighting for the discerning.

SkinnerS of TW skinners of tunbridge wells (est 1886) is among the oldest shops in town and one of Camden road’s best kept secrets; tucked away behind no. 20 it sits at the head of spencer Mews. skinners holds one of the biggest libraries of fabric and wallpaper books in the area outside of Chelsea Harbour.

helioS Helios is one of the world’s leading homeopathic pharmacies. Founded 20 years ago to serve practitioners, students and the public it has never lost touch with its founding principles – “to create a new source of potent, accurate and effective homeopathic remedies to bring about profound healing and relief of suffering”.

mirror image Mirror image pride themselves on a friendly and flexible approach to a wide range of photographic services. their professional but relaxed studio offers portraiture, wedding photography and a range of gift ideas. Also, their photography parties are proving very popular with both young and old.

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Professional beauty treatments, within luxury surroundings.

vouchers, packages and loyalty schemes are available. TUNBRIDGE WELLS

SO144 Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells TN12 QZ telephone: 01892 616096 email: vanityfairbeauty@yahoo.co.uk

Opening hours SOSOMonday and Sunday are available by appointment only

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Tue 10am-6pm, Wed 10am-6pm, Thur 10am-8pm Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10-4pm

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

SO Master Graphics Exhibition 1st-22nd May

Vanessa Arbuthnott

Barbara Rae CBE RA, John Hoyland Bruce McLean & Brad Faine

fabrics

Vanessa available Arbuthnott

fabrics available Quarry Edge – Barbara Rae

Vanessa Arbuthnott

fabrics available

18 Camden Road • Tunbridge Wells • Kent Tel: 01892 540100 www.bluemoongallery.co.uk SkinnersWT99.indd 1

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tunbridge wells

Taking care of television....

We offer a one stop solution for all your home entertainment needs. We can survey your home to assess your requirements and provide a detailed quotation. Our service is prompt and reliable and we use our own teams of engineers to carry out professional installations. We now give a 2 year parts and labour warranty with all installations for total peace of mind... Please feel free to contact our sales team to discuss your needs. Aerials for Digital TV

Dishes for Sky,Freesat & Foreign

All in one remotes

Flat screen installation Panasonic main dealer Sonos

Stands & Cabinets

In ceiling & In wall Speakers

Home Cinema

AV Amplifiers

Architects,Interior designers,Builders ! We now offer a high end custom installation service for projects over ÂŁ10k. Our consultant has over 10 years experience in design & project management of integrated systems.

We explain stall We deliver We in 56a London Rd, Southborough TN4 0PT, opposite Tesco express

Sky Television

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Freesat

Foreign TV

0800 999 0080 www.satshop.co.uk/local

Flat Screen

Aerials

Home Cinema

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Through the

keyhole… WORDS HARRIET LOUVELLE

DENNY GASKELL IS AN INTERIOR DESIGN CONSULTANT TRAINED BY TV’S ORIGINAL ‘HOUSE DOCTOR’ ANN MAURICE. BUT DOES SHE PRACTISE WHAT SHE PREACHES? WHAT’S HER OWN KENT HOME LIKE? WE TAKE A LOOK THROUGH THE KEYHOLE Photography by: Bridget Peirson

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HOMES

“Oh no,” she explains, “if I was going to use any method to welcome a potential buyer, that old chestnut of brewing coffee is too ‘old-hat.’ A few minutes with a couple of tumble drier sheets whizzing around prior to viewings, is far more subtle.” We’re immediately taken by the peace and tranquillity of the property. Denny’s kitchen has been completely refurbished and bi-folding doors have replaced a rather small window, so natural light comes flooding in. As her kitchen is the first room a visitor encounters, Denny points out that the all-important colour scheme for the rest of the house is set in here. The cupboards, sideboard, mirror and

▼

e arrive at Denny Gaskell’s home in Cowden and are immediately struck by its idyllic woodland setting, backing onto a golf course. It is, in fact, a chocolate box halftimbered house that started its life back in the 17th century as an apple store. You could store an awful lot of apples in here! The old oak door is already open and we’re greeted by the clichéd smell of coffee. However, in Denny’s defence, this is not a ruse, it’s part of a genuinely warm welcome.

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bookshelves are painted in Farrow & Ball’s String and the light green/grey walls are Farrow & Ball’s Vert de Terre. The table, chairs, settee and plant stand are cream (table and chairs in Farrow & Ball’s ‘Lime White’). There are hints of pale peach in the roses around the mirror and in the pictures on the wall. Old terracotta plant pots also add a new dimension to the peach. But has she followed the rules of continuing the colour scheme throughout the house, to ensure ‘flow and harmony’? This kitchen is such a welcoming room that we’re quite reluctant to leave its cosiness. Our attention is drawn to the four oven electric AGA which certainly helps the atmosphere and Denny informs us that taking an induction course in how to make the most of her cooker was certainly worthwhile. Into the sitting room and we’re looking for the cream, green/grey and peach tones. However, Denny is at pains to point out that because you’re using the same colour scheme throughout, it doesn’t mean that all rooms have to be identical. A kitchen could have terracotta tiles on the floor and the sitting room then has a picture or cushions or a rug, etc, with a pale peach theme. Just think of the paint shade cards that you get in DIY stores and you are halfway there. Colours don’t need to be the same – just in the same ‘family’. Denny then takes us into the sitting room and there’s a short intake of breath; it’s stunning and prompts the question: “When can we move in?” The sitting room is everything that you might wish for; so calm, restful, tranquil, light, and spacious. We could wax lyrical for hours. This restful theme flows throughout the entire house and

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that’s without setting foot in the magnificent garden where there’s a most impressive gazebo courtesy of the Vintage Homes Company in Westerham. It sets off the garden beautifully. Upstairs there are four bedrooms, two of which, along with the family bathroom, form part of the original 17th century building. We’re particularly taken with the bathroom, where the old, original beams have been whitewashed in a very diluted form of emulsion.

“USING THE SAME COLOUR SCHEME THROUGHOUT DOESN’T MEAN THE ROOMS HAVE TO BE IDENTICAL”

MaisonHomeInteriors.com

HOMES

Maison French and SwediSh St yle Furniture

h o me ac c e S S o r i e S interior deSign wedding liStS

Tunbridge Wells 01892 547755 Richmond 020 8332 2337

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The effect is stunning and ties in beautifully with the grey and white scheme of the room although Denny tells us she was extremely nervous when she did this because the beams are so old and were beautiful in their natural state. There’s a further bedroom with en-suite shower facilities, currently being used as Denny’s office, above the garage. The view of the garden and the pool from the top of the steps stops us in our tracks, it’s so peaceful. Although the property appears to be very old, the majority of this beautiful home is actually less than 25 years old but has been renovated so sympathetically that you would never guess. One huge benefit of a new extension is that the ceilings are higher than you would expect in a true property of this age. All the benefits, then, without the spiders. Denny Gaskell has worked hard to create her very own dream home, something we all aspire to, and in answer to the question we posed at the beginning: Yes she does practise what she preaches. SO Denny has impressive credentials. Her own company is Metamorphosis Interior Style Consultancy; she’s the resident property stylist for the National Federation of Independent Estate Agents and is the interior style consultant for a house currently being filmed for TV’s Grand Designs. Her own home has been featured in the leading national magazine 25 Beautiful Homes. You can find her at denny@metamorphosisstyle.co.uk or on 07710 29 23 49.

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TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Flexible affordable office space... TheÊ newÊ SitSmartÊ RHÊ chairÊ Ð Ê nowÊ availableÊ inÊ Furnished serviced offices from £250 pcm including business rates.

www.southboroughcentre.co.uk info@southboroughcentre.co.uk 07801 657196

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TUNBRIDGE WELLS

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F r a n t Ê o F F i c eÊ Ê 018 9 2 Ê 7 5 0 9 9 9 Gou d hu r s t Ê o F F i c eÊ Ê 015 8 0 Ê 2118 8 8 h o r sm o n d en Ê o F F i ceÊ Ê 018 9 2 Ê 7 24 4 8 8

D OP AY E N 18 D T AY H A PR

IN A H C O N

m atF i eld Ê o F F i c eÊ Ê 018 9 2 Ê 7 24 94 9

HORSMONDEN VILLAGE

GOUDHURST VILLAGE

HURST GREEN VILLAGE

£365,000 FREEHOLD

£485,000 FREEHOLD

£295,000 FREEHOLD

OUTSKIRTS OF HORSMONDEN

ARGOS HILL

DENE PARK

OIEO £575,000 FREEHOLD

£645,000 FREEHOLD

RURAL WADHURST

PLAYDEN VILLAGE

RURAL SUTTON VALENCE

HAWKHURST VILLAGE

OUTSKIRTS OF NORTHIAM VILLAGE

£549,950 FREEHOLD

£845,000 FREEHOLD

OIEO £850,000 FREEHOLD

A VA D IL O AB F M LE A Y

OIEO £785,000 FREEHOLD

£695 PCM UNFURNISHED

£1400 PCM UNFURNISHED

PADDOCK WOOD

£1800 PCM UNFURNISHED

oPenÊ 7Ê daysÊ aÊ weekÊ monday-FridayÊ 9.00am-5.30pmÊ saturday,Ê sundayÊ &Ê BankÊ holidaysÊ 9.30am-5.30pm allÊ ViewinGsÊ conductedÊ Ê Ê Ê Ê www.countrypropertygroup.com

IN N

IN A H C O N

FRITTENDEN VILLAGE

RURAL GOUDHURST

FLISHINGHURST HAMLET

RURAL GILLS GREEN

RURAL COUSLEY WOOD

RURAL BROAD OAK BREDE

RURAL FRITTENDEN

£495,000 FREEHOLD

£695,000 FREEHOLD

A H C O N

£695,000 FREEHOLD

£650,000 FREEHOLD

£495,000 FREEHOLD

CRANBROOK TOWN CENTRE

£1,250,000 FREEHOLD

£1,900,000 FREEHOLD

A G

R E E D

£900,000 FREEHOLD

R E N

F LE

AB AIL AV ARGOS HILL, ROTHERFIELD £2600 PCM UNFURNISHED

RURAL HAWKHURST £3000 PCM UNFURNISHED

LS TA N E RR

RURAL ETCHINGHAM £POA UNFURNISHED

OPENÊ 7Ê daysÊ aÊ wEEkÊ Monday-FridayÊ 9.00am-5.30pmÊ saturday,Ê sundayÊ &Ê BankÊ HolidaysÊ 9.30am-5.30pm allÊ ViEwiNgsÊ CONduCtEdÊ Ê Ê Ê Ê www.countrypropertygroup.com

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

Crowborough £3,000 pcm Available Now An exceptional six bedroom, four bathroom family home located on the outskirts of Crowborough. Located in the highly sought after Warren district, this property’s unique design covers 3,500 sq ft of living accommodation and situated in a peaceful semi rural setting yet with all amenities nearby. • Kitchen/Breakfast Room

• Gas Central Heating

• Dining Room

• Under Floor Heating

• Utility Room

• Garden

• 6 Bedrooms

• Garage

• 4 Bathrooms

• Off Street Parking

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

LE T

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

Haxted £3,500 pcm Available Now

Tunbridge Wells £3,300 pcm Similar Urgently Required

A spectacular three/four bedroom penthouse apartment in the heart of central Tunbridge Wells. The property has the added bonus of multiple gated secure parking spaces.

LE T

Lamberhurst £2,000 pcm Available Now 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.

LE T

Speldhurst £1,650 pcm Similar Urgently Required

Wadhurst £2,500pcm Available 1st June

Brenchley £900 pcm Available Now

A beautiful four bedroom family house located on the outskirts of Wadhurst village.

A wonderful two bedroom period semi detached cottage with attractive lawned gardens built circa 1840 within a stones throw of the beautiful village of Brenchley.

Kitchen/Breakfast Room | Dual Aspect Lounge | 2 Bedrooms | Family Bathroom | Gardens

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

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

ÂŁ1,100,000

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

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

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

GRE

A LET

BLATCHINGTON ROAD £3,350 PCM Six bedroom detached house located in the centre of Tunbridge Wells, close to the station, with off road parking and a lovely garden. Available May 2010.

E SAL

EED

AGR

MOUNT EPHRAIM £1,500,000 Three bedroom penthouse apartment including a private roof terrace with Jacuzzi bath with views across Tunbridge Wells. Two reception, cinema room. Four parking spaces.

MOUNT EPHRAIM £789,950 Five bedroom townhouse located close to the town centre and main line station. Spacious kitchen / breakfast, two reception, cellar, three bathrooms.

In the first quarter of 2010 Alexandre Boyes let over one third of all the properties on the rental market between £1000 and £5000 pcm in the TN1, TN2, TN3 & TN4 postcodes*. 2009 saw a huge increase in the number of people entering rented accommodation in anticipation of buying once the market picked up. In 2010 we are experiencing high pent up demand from these tenants who feel now is the right time to buy. As our statistics illustrate, we have a large database of tenants looking to buy in Tunbridge Wells and surrounding villages, waiting in rented property to proceed quickly. If you are thinking of selling please telephone Dan Boyes on 01892 525522. If you are thinking of renting please telephone Kate Boyes on 01892 525522 to discuss how we can help. *Vizzihomes.co.uk, 19.04.10.

MOLYNEUX PARK ROAD £575,000 Three bedroom ground floor apartment with three bathrooms, two reception & access to large communal grounds. Private terrace and underground parking.

BYNG ROAD £2,500 pcm Six bedroom detached house within walking distance of the main line station. Two reception. Lovely garden. Parking. Available May 2010.

LANGTON GREEN £1,800 pcm Four bedroom detached house with secure garden and parking. Rural location with country views. Stunning kitchen / breakfast. Three reception. Available Summer 2010.

KnightFrank.co.uk

Cowden

A charming Grade II listed country house set in beautiful secluded gardens and grounds The property boasts a wealth of period features and has well proportioned accommodation. Drawing room, sitting room, dining room, study, kitchen/breakfast room, playroom. Master bedroom suite, 4 further bedrooms, 2 further bath/shower rooms. 2 bedroom guest flat. Stable block, barn, swimming pool with pool house, vegetable garden and woodland, gardens and grounds. In all about 9 acres. Guide ÂŁ2,400,000 APH/290407

Tunbridge Wells tunwells@knightfrank.co.uk 01892 515035

tunbridge wells

Makers of Fine English Garden Ornaments

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

Do you need extra space Do Do youyou need extra need extraspace space to Work, Rest or Play to Work, Rest or Play to Work, Rest or Play??? These innovative

CHILSTONE www.chilstone.com

Victoria Park, Fordcombe Road, nr Tunbridge Wells, TN3 0RD 01892 740866

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From a child’s playroom, home office, or recording studio

From a to child’s playroom, home office, or studio These innovative an indoor pool, the possibilities arerecording almost endless. contemporary From a child’s homeare office, or recording studio These innovativeto an indoor pool, theplayroom, possibilities almost endless. contemporary Made from high quality to keep you garden rooms to an indoor pool, the eco-friendly possibilitiesmaterials are almost endless. contemporary warm in winter and comfortable in summer, these unique Made from high quality eco-friendly materials to keep you garden rooms providerooms the flexibility Made from high quality eco-friendly materials to keep you garden come in a range of standard sizes, these or can unique be built to warm inrooms winter comfortable in summer, warm in and winter and comfortable in summer, thesebespoke unique to create versatile provide the flexibility provide the flexibility individual specifications. Nine sizes, standard or twelve rooms come a range standard or can be built to to roomsinfinishes come inare a of range of standard sizes, or personal can be built additional to createto versatile colour also available to add that touch. create versatile individual specifications. Nine standard or twelve bespoke individual specifications. Nine standard or twelve bespoke accommodationcolour finishes additional additional are also available to please add personal touch. colour are also available to that addcontact that personal touch. For a finishes free consultation to compliment accommodation accommodation The Home Office Company, 01233 712710 For aconsultation free consultation please contact For a free please contact your home to compliment to compliment The Home Company, 01233 712710 The Home OfficeOffice Company, 01233 712710 your home your home

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Ideas

NEAT

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homE Work

Ever found yourself in need of some more space in your house? Well, why not turn your garden into an extra room? With the growing trend of people working from home there’s no need to sacrifice the spare room; just build your new office outside. The Home Office Company is a Kent-based business which creates unique garden buildings. These contemporary structures are flexible enough for an almost endless variety of uses. While the obvious purpose for one of their garden rooms is as a home office, previous clients have used them to house personal gyms, swimming pools, children’s crèches, recording studios and a music practice room. They can be adapted to almost any purpose – the only limit is your imagination and in most cases there’s no need to obtain planning permission. Each garden room has a fully insulated roof, floor and walls made from eco-friendly materials to keep you warm in the winter and comfortable in the summer; it will even reduce your carbon footprint. You can then relax and enjoy your garden room safe in the knowledge that it’s not damaging the environment. And to ensure you make the right choice, before undertaking any project their surveyors will pay a visit to discuss the right garden room for you. Prices start from £12,490. thehomeofficecompany.co.uk

WEAThErproof Let’s face it; we’re not always blessed with the finest weather in this country. So make the most of your patio, terrace, court yard or walkway all year round by enjoying a new veranda. SBI Ltd offer stand-alone patio roofs which can be designed as ‘lean to’ structures or completely free standing roofs to make your patio an enjoyable location in all seasons. Verandas enable you to continue with your party whatever the weather. Unlike a conventional awning that can be blown around when windy, the verandas have a fixed rigid roof, allowing you to use them in any weather conditions. A veranda covering means that you’re protecting your expensive garden furniture and keeping your patio free from frost, snow and ice. It creates a safe place for you and your children to relax or play as the glazing in the roof helps to stop harmful UV rays. Additionally, it creates more space to entertain your friends and family and there’s no need to come indoors when the rain clouds gather. The options for the veranda are massively varied meaning that there’s a size or style to suit most homes. If you want the advantage of having the veranda roof open or closed, then go for the top of the range Sliding Retractable Patio Roofs with the options to have 50%, 66% or 75% of the roof open when you don’t need any cover. When the rain clouds gather, simply press a button and your roof will close above you. sbiproducts.co.uk

fINIShING ToUCh If you’re looking for that extra touch to really finish off your garden, then look no further than Chilstone. The Company is a well known supplier of artisan stonework and has been operating since just after WW2, when Buckinghamshire antiques dealer Michael Dibben began trading in garden ornaments. Now the show gardens can be found somewhat closer to Tunbridge Wells in leafy Fordcombe. The Company manufactures a wide range of stone items such as urns, statuary, animals and every type of garden ornament which are still made entirely by hand and shipped to all corners of the world. Chilstone’s selection is quite incredible, with everything on offer from small maquettes to a life-sized lion, making the walk around the 35 acres of gardens as much of an enjoyable day out as it is a shopping expedition. With many famous customers including stars of stage and screen, royalty and national organisations, the Company is keen to stress that the stoneware is very affordable and well within the reach of anyone of taste. Stone ornaments may not be cheap but they do represent excellent value for money. They’re rugged and actually improve in appearance with age. Properly sited, a piece can improve the look of a garden during the long winter months when foliage can be scarce. chilstone.com M AY 2 0 1 0

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

THE GALLERY

on this page: Early Birds by Rebecca Lardner (canvas edition 10x24 - £335) (paper edition 8x20 - £225) Wildflower V by Maya Eventov original oil on canvas 48x24 - £4,395 A Scent of a Woman IV by Anna Razumovskaya canvas edition 30x30 - £895

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on this page: Summer Holiday by Doug Hyde paper edition 14x21 - £395 Safe Harbour by Rebecca Lardner (canvas edition 30x10 - £395) (paper edition 24x8 - £260) Watching You byJonathan Truss 26x26 - £525 The Lookouts by Rebecca Lardner (canvas edition 16x16 - £305) (paper edition 11x11 - £200) Puffin Point by Rebecca Lardner Bronze sculpture 9x15 - £295 All works featured can be viewed at the Artique Gallery 43 High Street, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1XL, 01892 520571, www.artiquegalleries.com.

JM UA NYE 220001 0 9

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Going WORDS HARRIET LOUVELLE

ALFRESCO

alfresco C

GEORGE GERSHWIN WAS AT PAINS TO TELL US THAT SUMMER TIME IS WHEN THE ‘LIVIN’ IS EASY’. HOW RIGHT HE WAS! EVEN THE SONG IS A SOOTHING, LAZY DRAWL.

an’t you just picture it? A jug of Pimms on the patio of the pub, restaurant or hotel, the sun beating down on your face and you being at peace with the world. Life takes on a different hue – both literally and metaphorically – when the sun is shining. People start smiling, instead of putting their heads down and scurrying past to get home as quickly as possible. All of a sudden, the world appears to be a much better place. Mother Nature has a way of making us forget the drearier times that we come through and now the icy, snow-covered weeks are happily a distant memory. We could have been forgiven for thinking that the winter was never going to end, but I can safely inform you that not only has winter ended but summer has begun. How can I be so sure? Because I have spotted my first swallow. Oh, I know Aristotle told us that ‘one swallow does not a summer make’, but it’s enough for me and, besides, there were two of them. When I think of long, warm summer evenings, my mind automatically goes to eating and drinking outdoors. How I envy our Mediterranean cousins with their wonderful climate and their blue skies but… we do have one thing that they don’t have, and never will have. The unique choice between English pubs, restaurants and hotels. We’re blessed to live in such a beautiful part of the world and doubly blessed with our plethora of places to choose from when we want to eat and drink alfresco. There are, for instance, the beautiful views from the garden of The Spotted Dog at Penshurst and the impressive surroundings of places like Newick Park Hotel and High Rocks, just outside TW. Back in Tunbridge Wells itself, at the top end of town you can enjoy the roadside patio of Palio’s Italian restaurant along with the decked garden of the Beau Nash and, across the road, the delights of Sankeys. At the other end of town, experience The Pantiles outside the Ragged Trousers and nearby the joys of the Chapel Bar plus Tunbridge Wells Bar and Grill. And if you’re looking for amazing picnic hampers for the park or Ascot try Max’s Italian Deli. Even if you’re supermarket shopping there’s no reason to miss out, take a seat at the Smith and Western at the old station. In our rather inclement, unpredictable climate, there is something so satisfying about eating and drinking alfresco. We simply are not used to it and the re-awakening novelty is superb. The warmth of the sun is such a wonderful feeling and we can kid ourselves that we are on holiday. For a short time, fantasy becomes reality and what better than being outdoors and letting someone else do the preparation and washing up? So, bring out the Pimms. Not only has it got a massive feel-good factor, it’s also guilt-free. After all, it contains your 5-a-day fruit and vegetables, doesn’t it? SO M AY 2 0 1 0

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Book early for Father’s day – 20th June www.palio-restaurant.com

15% OFF FOR ALL AL FRESCO DINERS EATING FROM THE A LA CARTE MENU THROUGHOUT MAY

For a special day in the sunshine treat yourself to one of Max and Molly’s delicious Italian picnic boxes. Prices start at £18 per person. Our boxes include a selection of cold meat and homemade vegetarian antipasti olives, Molly’s homemade cakes or yummy Italian pastries, bread and soft drinks.

EatÊ inÊ &Ê takeawayÊ –Ê LunchesÊ –Ê EveningÊ mealsÊ DelicatessenÊ –Ê OutsideÊ cateringÊ PicnicÊ &Ê giftÊ hampersÊ –Ê ItalianÊ eveningsÊ –Ê WineÊ tasting

01892 615665 max@genuineitalianfood.co.uk 3b Monson Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1LS

EXCLUSIVE TO ‘SO’ MAGAZINE READERS We would love to welcome you to Newick Park for lunch in our award-winning restaurant – at a very special price.

£17.50 for 2 courses Available from April to 30th June 2010 – Monday to Saturday

NEWICK PARK, NEWICK, EAST SUSSEX BN8 4SB

+44 (0)1825 723633 bookings@newickpark.co.uk www.newickpark.co.uk

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SERENITY THERAPIES Beauty & Holistic Treatments for Men & Women Serenity will Delight & Awaken your Senses in the name of Relaxation.

Leave our High Street Retreat, Nr Pantiles Feeling Pampered & Beautiful. Facials • Fake Bake Spray Tanning • Manicures/Pedicures • Waxing • Massage inc. Hot Stones • Reflexology • Indian Head Massage • Non Surgical Face Lift & Microdermabrasion NEW AMAZING LASHES

Home of Lash Couture Semi Permanent Lash Extensions £68.00 Tel No: 01892 535252 Address: 63a High Street Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1XU Email: enquiries@serenitytherapies.com Web address: www.serenitytherapies.com

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

tunbridge wells

APril 2010

Novelcuisine SO

T H A C K E R AY S

WORDS DAMIAN COTTON

“SIR, RESPECT YOUR DINNER: IDOLIZE IT, ENJOY IT PROPERLY. YOU WILL BE MANY HOURS IN THE WEEK, MANY WEEKS IN THE YEAR, AND MANY YEARS IN YOUR LIFE HAPPIER IF YOU DO.” THUS SAID NOVELIST WILLIAM MAKEPEACE THACKERAY

▲

ith the words of Mr Thackeray’s excellent maxim as my guide, I take myself off to his former dwelling in Tunbridge Wells, now the location of one of the South of England’s most noted restaurants. Thackeray’s Executive Chef and co-proprietor is Richard Phillips; by all accounts a celebrity chef. Having successfully avoided television for over 10 years, I am not au fait with the current crop of famous ingredient molesters, but Mr Phillip’s credentials indicate that he is a real chef and restaurateur, rather than a gurning individual trying to promote his latest range of bottled sauces. We will, however, reserve judgement and let the food do the talking. The restaurant itself is a masterpiece of design. As a former domestic residence, it is broken up into several dining rooms which gives a more intimate ambience and makes the service seem more personal than in a larger space. The décor is striking without being intrusive – I’m particularly enamoured of the monkey design wallpaper and the sturdy tripod lamps. My lunch companion, sister-in-law Caroline, likes the fact that the chairs are comfortable (if a little low for smaller diners). Greatest of all the features is the lighting – the rooms have superb natural light and just enough lamps added – something so few restaurants get right, leaving you either fumbling in the dark, or dazzled by a glare more appropriate to an operating-theatre. Something else that truly impresses me is the service. Led by Gary Beach, a man at the very top of his game, the front of house team are impeccable. We’re made to feel completely at home and thoroughly looked after. We begin with an unstinting serving of three types of bread (walnut; red pepper and sage; caramelised white onion), all delicious and with a sculpted dome of the best butter. I do (as regular readers will know) like good bread, and all the more so when the waiter notices my enjoyment and brings extra without prompting. Caroline, as often happens with relatives with similar tastes, selects the courses I was about to order from the carte. Being a gentleman (and a dedicated reviewer) I amend my selection and opt for the Menu du Jour (a mere £17.50 for three courses with supplements totalling £10.90 for a glass of wine with each course). First, we’re served an amuse bouche of roasted pepper and vine tomato veloute; a shot glass of soup that has an intense flavour and excites the palate for the main work. So, to the starters. My ballotine of guinea fowl is a visual M AY 2 0 1 0

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treat, a generous disc of meat and vegetables;its delicate flavour, at first taste seeming slightly under seasoned, is revealed in its full glory when tasted with the accompanying plum chutney. this is a perfectly balanced dish, made with terrific knowledge of flavours – the lightly pickled wild mushrooms are so subtle and memorable. it is complemented by a glass of ribeauville gewurztraminer from Alsace, as recommended by gary, who, i notice, has a gift for judging the knowledge level of his customers and discussing wines accordingly. Caroline has the rye bay scallops with Jerusalem artichoke puree, crispy chicken wing, and a hazelnut emulsion and jus (£13.50). the scallops are apparently perfect. though i can vouch only for the chicken wing, having managed to steal a scrap. but i have to mention a niggle here. the menu lists the dish as Pan Fried “rye bay” scallops. what does this mean? Are they not really rye bay scallops, but an inferior product masquerading as the real thing? Are they ironic, post-modern scallops? i don’t think so, but the menu and the restaurant blurb are, like in some other places, littered with superfluous quotation marks. My old english master, “Fingers” Fletcher, a grammarian of the first water, would have delivered a board eraser to the

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2010

back of the head for such inappropriate punctuation, and for me it does the restaurant a disservice. this incredible quality food and service deserves a clear and uncluttered description. i might be being somewhat pedantic, but would it be appropriate to finish a review with something along the lines of “thackeray’s; it’s a “very good” restaurant”? enough about punctuation – the mains arrive. Caroline has the Assiette of “romney Marsh” lamb (see what i mean about quotation marks?) – a baby shepherds pie, roast saddle on lentils and choucroute, slow cooked shoulder with a herb crust, and glazed sweetbreads (£26.75). Picture perfect, and served with an astoundingly full-flavoured jus, with the bonus that i get to eat the delicate sweetbreads, my sister-in-law not being an offal aficionado. Food that looks this good is rarely so full of flavour or as satisfying – the portions are generous; no nouvelle cuisine nonsense here. each cut is precisely cooked to the exact degree, and all the parts of the dish work together to show off the best of Kentish lamb. but i win on meat. the veal osso bucco from the menu du jour is fabulous – unctuous rich meat, with the marrow still in the bone, on succulent creamed cabbage, surrounded by fondant potatoes, roast baby onions, baby turnips and turnip puree, and another remarkable jus. this is a peasant dish – veal shin stew with spuds and veg taken to the heights of fine dining without losing any of the gutsy flavours inherent in the ingredients. i could happily eat it twice. were it not a breach of etiquette, i would burst into the kitchen and shake Head Chef Chris bower by the hand. the recommended wine is a fine match – a dinastia Vivanco rioja that is punchy with flavours of berries and oak, like good rioja used to be. desserts are not my priority, but i dutifully try the terrine of mascarpone and blueberries and am won over. not too sweet, the layered fruit compote and set mascarpone (like an improved panna cotta) terrine is a fine end to a meal, and the blueberry eton mess is light and delicate. Caroline’s banana soufflé with caramel sauce and peanut ice cream (£9.95) comes with a tiny shot glass of banoffee and is adjudged to be of “died and gone to heaven” quality, and when she discovers the surprise chocolate at the base of the soufflé, she barely holds back on a Meg ryan moment. Manager gary chooses a Quady’s elysium black Muscat for my dessert wine – once more, a perfect match, and a long time favourite. Coffees are excellent, and come with some superb petit fours – honey filled dark chocolate, mandarin jellies, marshmallow with freeze dried strawberry and white chocolate with figs – a lot of detailed and thoughtful work for a finishing flourish. reviewing restaurants has led me to eat in some very special places in the last few years, but i have no hesitation in stating that the experience at thackeray’s is superior to anywhere else of its ilk when all the facets of the restaurant are considered – the relaxing ambience, the magnificent food, and the exceptional service are all top class. And superb value for money, too. Mr thackeray would be delighted to see what has been made of his childhood home. SO thackerays-restaurant.co.uk

tunbridge wells

BeaconÊ BeerÊ Festival

Fresh, local and seasonal. Visit Tunbridge WellsÕ newest restaurant to sample the freshest of dishes and the best homemade cakes in town! To accompany our food we have great wines, local ales and the best Italian coffee all served in a welcoming, comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. So come and join us to see and taste what weÕ re talking about.

SaturdayÊ 22ndÊ MayÊ & SundayÊ 23rdÊ MayÊ 2010 FromÊ 2pmÊ onÊ Saturday, fromÊ 11amÊ toÊ 5pmÊ onÊ Sunday ManyÊ interestingÊ draughtÊ beersÊ availableÊ onÊ bothÊ days LiveÊ musicÊ BBQÊ availableÊ bothÊ days FreeÊ entry

TeaÊ GardenÊ Lane,Ê Ê TunbridgeÊ Wells

01892Ê 524252 www.the-beacon.co.uk

NOW OPEN ON MONDAYS

MONTROSE The Independent Boutique Restaurant

An ideal venue for that business or social lunch in stylish surroundings Set lunch menu One course £9.95 Two courses £15.95 Three courses £18.95 BOOK NOW

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01892 522 931 www.julietstunbridgewells.co.uk

01892 513161 or on our website Kent Restaurant Awards .co.uk 2009

Winner

Best Wine Cellar Kent Restaurant Awards .co.uk 2009

2009 Finalist Best Gourmet Restaurant Southborough Common, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 ORX 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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d e n o s a A seapproach CHEF

WHAT BETTER WAY OF ENJOYING FOOD THAN TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SEASONS; AS THEY CHANGE SO DOES OUR CHOICE OF INGREDIENTS AND PRODUCE

o help you make the most of what’s on offer in shops and on market stalls we tease out the tips from top local chefs. This month we pop into The Beacon in Tea Garden Lane where we find Head Chef Scott McKenzie.

What should we be on the lookout for this month? “May is in the peak of Spring and marks the arrival of English asparagus, traditionally one of the first available fresh vegetables of the new season. Also available are the first crops of peas, broad beans and peppery radishes. In addition, rocket and young beetroot are ready too. “With asparagus, as soon as it’s in season it feels almost as if it’s out of season. The asparagus season starts on May 1, weather dependent, and finishes Mid-Summer’s day on June 24. With its delicate subtle taste and tender texture, it is definitely one of this month’s greats.” How would you cook it? “When cooking asparagus, the key is to get it as fresh as possible. We use New Park Farm, in Groombridge. The way to cook it is to break off the woody end and peel the spears, but only if they are really thick. There is no need to peel if they are thin and tender. Place them in a pan of salted boiling water for 3-5 minutes, and then serve with melted butter. My favourite way to eat asparagus is with a soft boiled egg and seasoned in bacon fat.“

opaque, stirring continuously, giving the rice enough time to soak up all the butter. This should take a couple minutes. Gradually add hot stock, a ladle at a time. This should take about 15 minutes or until the rice is al dente, but doesn’t taste chalky. “Next, fold in fresh blanched broad beans, diced feta cheese and picked fresh mint. Also add a dash of white wine, a dash of double cream plus a pinch of parmesan. At the last minute, add the blanched asparagus tips. Check the seasoning and adjust accordingly, then serve immediately on warm plates. “This is a very good dish on its own or with salmon or white fish; whatever takes your fancy!” What wine would go with it? “A good wine to drink with this is either a white - Mâcon Fuissé, or a light red – Chiroubles (Beaujolais Villages). Both available, of course, on our wine list.”

Enjoy! the-beacon.co.uk

How will you personally be using asparagus? “A nice Spring dish that we will be using on our Beacon Classic Menu will be broad bean, feta cheese and mint risotto with asparagus tips.” And the recipe? “It’s an easy to follow recipe. Dice the onion and peeled celery and sweat off in a knob of butter. When tender add the risotto rice and season well. Cook until the rice begins to become

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tunbridge wells

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tunbridge wells

ways to improve your life

will the huMAn rAce ever find the Key to hAPPiness? PerhAPs not, but these 25 ideAs Are designed to reMind you of the good things in life – things thAt cAn MAKe All the difference. froM doing soMething scAry to siMPly being nice to other PeoPle, there’s soMething for everyone.

Climb a mountain

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let’s start with the idea of achieving goals, like climbing a mountain. this is possibly one of the most rewarding things you can do as an individual and the physical and emotional satisfaction of reaching the summit of a mountain is one you’ll never forget. sure, we can’t all conquer everest but there are some incredible peaks that can be climbed on the back of relative fitness rather than mountaineering expertise.

RealistiC mountain Challenges For the weekend jaunt: ben nevis, scotland 1,344 m/4,409ft For the kudos: Kilimanjaro, tanzania 5,893m/19,340ft For the smoking volcano: el Misti, bolivia 5,822m/19,101ft For best views of peaks: Annapurna Pass, nepal 5,416m/17,769ft For the shopping: Mount Pleasant, tunbridge wells

I M P ROV E YO U R L I F E

learn To cook your favouriTe dish Why is it that we often wait to see our most adored culinary treats on a menu to enjoy them rather than simply cooking them ourselves? Even if your chosen dish is particularly exotic, or a difficult recipe, there’s

nothing stopping you learning how to create it so long as you have the right ingredients and enough practice. With the aid of local produce markets, the internet and (when necessary) large shopping chains, even sparse or rare ingredients can be acquired and there have never been so many good recipes available. Making a meal an occasion is also a great way to spend time with friends and family.

Buy that dream watch

Remember that watch you always wanted? The one with the reassuringly heavy metal bracelet and that quality of design that made you feel as if you’d arrived? Go on, buy it. Sure, it might weigh a little heavy on the credit card bill for a while but a good watch’s mechanism should last longer than a lifetime and its timeless design should see it as much in vogue when it’s passed on to the next generation, as when it was first worn by you. Timeless Timepieces for men Best for Traditional Style: IWC Spitfire Chronograph Automatic – Swiss est. 1868 (£3,550) Best for Talking Point: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Day-Date – Swiss est. 1875 (£23,000) Best for Art Deco Cool: Cartier Roadster – French est. 1847 (£2,000) Distinctive Looks: Zenith Grande Chronomaster XXT Open – Swiss est. 1865 (£8,000) Style & Substance: Breitling Navitimer (any version) – Swiss est. 1884

Go back To school Those who claim to know all they need to from ‘the school of life’ couldn’t be more wrong. It’s true that some of us may have benefited from spending time in a foreign country and picked up a second (or third) language, or we may have vast knowledge of a particular area of business, but most of us are limited by our educational experiences from school, university and the workplace. Learning something new as an adult can be an incredibly exciting experience and almost anything will do. A hobby like origami or a new sport are relatively simple, however, hitting the books and immersing yourself in a new field of knowledge is perhaps the most rewarding.

make someone else’s day This is a simple way to make both you and someone else feel great even for a few moments. You might go out of your way to be particularly nice to those you work with, offer a random act of kindness for a neighbour or complete stranger, or even leave a favourite book in a public place for someone to discover. The possibilities are endless.

GeT up earlier You know the drill. From the moment your alarm clock goes off, your morning is spent in a rush and feeling late, stressed and groggy until you arrive at work wishing you weren’t there. Of course, it doesn’t have to be like this. You could give yourself more than enough time to get ready just by going to bed a bit earlier and getting up in plenty of time. Do you really need two hours of trash television before bed? You’ll be shocked at the difference it has on your day – especially with a good breakfast.

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I M P ROV E YO U R L I F E

MAKE TIME FOR FAMILY We often take our family members for granted and they unfortunately take the brunt of our bad days without really deserving it. Make sure you remind them of how much they mean to you by sending them a special card, texting them a special message or spending some quality time together. And if it’s a family member living away from home make sure you’re the one to get in touch.

GET A MAKE-OVER From a drastic change to subtle updates, changing the way you look can have a massive impact on the way you feel. If you’re a scrooge when it comes to hairdressing go the extra mile and invest in a decent stylist, you’ll feel all the better for it. If your work get-up is a bit out of date then splash out on a slick new suit, it might even result in a promotion. Personal shoppers are on hand at both Fenwick and Hoopers in Tunbridge Wells to help you step out if you’re stuck in a rut.

SUPPORT A CHARITY The debate about whether there is such a thing as a selfless act may never be resolved, but one thing is for sure; the results of charity are positive for both the recipient and philanthropist. Today, with all the economic turbulence, charities need supporting more than ever as many donations have dried up. Some lesser known local charities who require both monetary and volunteer support include Compaid Trust, Build Africa, Rescued Animals in Need and St Georges Community Children’s Project.

HIT THE BEACH

Few places are as cheri shed as beaches. They’ re the perfect backdrop walk, the ideal location to a romantic evening for the family holiday and the best venue for stop until the sun rises. those parties that don’t So, get back to the be ach! It could be Camb or Birling Gap…by the er Sands, Cuckmere Ha same token you could ven treat yourself to a few rather special choices.

THE BEST BEACHES

Best for celeb spottin g: Pampelonne, St Trope z – Hang out with David Bowie, Madonna and Jack Nicholson; all regulars at this star-s tudded location. Best for romantics: Patara Beach, Turkey – With 12 miles of virtua lly undeveloped sands and its own 2,000 yea r old ruins, Patara’s sun set is something else. Best for stylish partie s: Playa de Ses Salines, Ibiza – Far from the sor did revelry of mainstre Ses Salines is lined wit am Ibiza h fashionable cocktail bars and chilled out clu bs. Best for watersports: Famara beach, Lanzarot e – Paradise for anyone who likes going fast in, on, or above wa ter. Best for wildlife: Porto Pim, the Azores – Slap bang in the midd le of the Atlantic this volcanic settleme nt is paradise for whale watchers.

TAKE A WALK

KEEP MORE PLANTS

Pull on some comfy boots or shoes and hit the public footpath, you’ll be amazed at the good it does you. A lazy summer stroll or blustery spring walk will relax, reinvigorate and reintroduce you to some of the stunning scenery which surrounds the Borough. See bbc.co.uk/kent/discover_kent/walks/tunbridge_wells for some great routes.

There are almost no downsides to keeping houseplants but plenty of benefits. A classic NASA study showed that in 24 hours a few houseplants can remove 87% of air toxins, meaning you breathe cleaner air and feel more alive. Through taking in carbon monoxide and releasing clean oxygen, plants also combat illness and allergies. It’s also true that the presence of houseplants at home and at work makes people more relaxed, more contented and more productive. The Dragon Tree plant is widely regarded as the most beneficial houseplant to own.

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TUNBRIDGE WELLS

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get an i‘ t’ bag

I M P ROV E YO U R L I F E

In a similar way to how a fine suit is nothing without some suave shoes, a girl’s look is never complete without a classy handbag. Choose from one of these and it’ll be in vogue for time eternity. THE ‘IT’ BAGS The Classic: Chanel 2.55 – Designed in 1955 by Coco Chanel this quilted classic will never go out of fashion The Regal Treat: Lady Dior – Initially a gift from Lady Chirac to Princess Diana. Need we say more? The Day Bag: Louis Vuitton Speedy – Roomy, classy and timeless with that unmistakable Louis Vuitton monogram canvas

The Luxury Buy: Hermes Birkin – Each exquisite handmade bag takes two days to produce, probably why the range starts at around £1,500 The ‘Different’ Approach: Fendi Spy – Clever detailing and countless colourways has seen the Spy stand the test of time

ENJOY YOUR GUILTY PLEASURES We all know the phrase ‘everything in moderation’ and although this might be a slight oversimplification, there are too many guides to life and health which ban those small things that make us happy. So, go ahead, we give you permission to enjoy the most expensive chocolates you can find and to sip that incredible 18-year-old single malt… because you deserve it!

READ YOUR BOOK LIST

LEARN TO COMPLAIN

Make a list of those books you’ve been meaning to read for years and actually do it. You don’t need to finish them all this month, week, or even year, but turning the pages of those literary works will be enlightening, enjoyable and rewarding.

This is one thing that most Brits should learn to do more. If you’ve paid for food, drink, a product or even gym membership and you’re not happy then let the vendor know. Most good patrons would rather you gave constructive criticism so they can provide a better service next time than have unhappy customers who’ll never come back. Be sincere, sensible and respectful and you’ll almost always be refunded or rewarded in some way. Not drawing attention to bad service or faults means you’ll bottle up your feelings which is never a good thing.

Soak in the tub

Much like many of the ideas on this list, taking time to relax in the bath is about getting back some of that ‘me time’. It might also help tick off a few of the other suggestions here, such as getting stuck into a good book, relaxing you for an early night and subsequent early rise or maybe easing your blistered feet having climbed a mountain. M AY 2 0 1 0

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

TAKE TO THE WATER You may or may not have noticed that we humans are obsessed with large bodies of water. If people are on the beach, they must to go to the water’s edge, if kids are by the river one of them has to fall in – it’s simply natural. So, take it to the next level. Ever been white water rafting? Jetskiing? Canoeing? No? Then go!

BUY A PET Animals are an excellent way to keep both happy and healthy. To start with, they’re simple mood enhancers - just think of a cute puppy or the purr of a cat. Secondly, it’s been proven that owning a pet can help lower blood pressure better than drugs in some cases, by minimizing spikes in tension and stress. Furthermore, if you’ve got a pet like a dog you’re more likely to get out and exercise with it…especially if it’s a greyhound.

DO SOMETHING SCARY If you’ve ever had a brush with your own mortality you’ll understand how much it affirms your belief that, for the most part, life is pretty good. But it doesn’t take surviving a plane crash to help release these feelings – a healthy dose of adrenaline can dramatically boost endorphin levels. Why do you think that surfers and bungee jumpers are always so happy… dude. THE BEST THRILLS TO SEEK For the vertigo sufferer: Bungee jump the Verzasca Dam, Switzerland. At 220 metres this is the highest commercial bungee in the world For the travel sick: Zorb 750m in Kilkenny, Ireland. The two-minute course is the longest of its kind in the world For the fearless: Wingwalk in the Cotswolds. Aka be strapped to the outside of a moving aeroplane. See aerosuperbatics.com For the animal lover: Swim with Great Whites, South Africa. The stars of Jaws won’t quite fit between the bars of your submerged cage, or will they? For the fool: Run with the bulls, Pamplona Spain. As popularised by Ernest Hemmingway and, er…Richard Hammond

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Fall in love ...again This one’s a little harder to attain than many on the list – as love isn’t exactly a tangible product or activity. However, rekindling a lost love, kick-starting a new relationship, or reaffirming an existing love is certainly one way to get those endorphins flowing. If you’re pining after the one that got away, then pick up the phone and give them a call. Forget Facebook, email or text messages, you’ll get things going a lot faster by chatting and eventually meeting up to share a coffee or a bottle of wine. If you’re searching for new love try getting out of your usual social routines. A famous networking phrase is ”the strength of weak ties”, meaning the best results come from the outer edges of your social circle. And if your happily in love already take a few moments to let each other know how you still feel.

I M P ROV E YO U R L I F E

VISIT OUTDOOR MARKETS

One of the finest ways to experien ce the foods and cultures of new places is to make your way to thei markets and get involved. Sample r local traditional those flavoursome olives stuffed with who-knows-what, taste that one village in the world and drin cheese made only in k the wine produced using the sam e method as the vendor’s forefath ideology works at home as well. ers. But this kind of All too often we overlook the fant astic variety of food on our doorste enjoy all that Kent and Sussex offe p, so make sure you r. THE WORLD’S BEST MARKETS Best for luxury: Yeliseyevsky Gastronom Market, St. Petersburg, Russia – Champagne, Caviar, fine vodka and chocolates galore. Best for culture shock: Kreta Ayer Wet Market, Singapore – Unrecognisable fruit and vegetables, raw seafood and mystery meats. Not for the faint-hearted. Best for Mediterranean delicacies: Mercat de la Boqueria, Barcelona, Spain – Shellfish, epic cured meats and stunning arch itecture. Best for traditional experience: Khan El-Khalili Bazaar, Cairo, Egy pt – Spices, teas, trinkets and a labyrinth of alleyways, for the adventurer in you. Best nearby: The Pantiles Farmers’ Market (pic tured) – On the 1st & 3rd Saturday of every month in our belo ved town. You could travel to the other side of the wor ld and not discover a finer selection of ingredients for that perfect meal.

START EVERY DAY IN THE SPA

SEE MORE LIVE MUSIC

Nobody likes it when that luxurious, pampered weekend away has to come to an end and it’s time to leave the health club. So, why not come back the next day? Let’s face it; we’re all better people when we can walk into the office freshly massaged…

’ PARTY T A H T ‘ W O THR We’ve all been to them; those parties that people talk about for years or even decades to come. The masked ball that was held on the summer solstice of 2000, or the cider festival of 2006 with that great local band – you know the sort. Well, those parties don’t just come out of nowhere and now’s the time for you to throw one. Invite the friends you haven’t seen for years, bring the kids, the booze, the hog roast, the tents, the hot air balloons…whatever. Just get as many loved ones together as possible for a night that none of you will forget.

No matter what your tastes, you’ll be able to find live performances of your favourite music locally as well as nationally. You’re probably more catered for in the area than you think with The Grey Lady on The Pantiles offering regular blues and jazz sessions, Salomons and Glyndebourne ticking the classical and opera box, while folk festivals will be springing up all over the South East come summer. And that’s not to mention performances at Trinity Theatre and the Assembly Halls. Remember to watch online gig guides for London performances as well.

Extra...

you can do to There’s one more thing t a subscription ou e tak ; life improve your magazine to to your favourite local single issue of a ensure you don’t miss aranteed to gu It’s lls. So Tunbridge We nest! Details can brighten your day. Ho ewells.co.uk be found at sotunbridg

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entry to and gives you ts is worth £60 ke anket on tic bl of ur ir yo pa Each ce to spread an ch e r th along. d be m an e s in Dece e that you take Wakehurst Plac therine Jenkin picnic and win Ka e te in ed th ta w u y ie es jo Yo rv g. en en te in d rd in hen we erwhelm untry ga the ground an eeds readers was ov w’s 180 acre co oc Ke om Pr is fr . e . ck nk ac ee ba Pl Ba fr ed r st ed the fe Wakehur illennium Se e her live – fo M se e n th ca to u e e s yo nc m te ie d ho plant sc loved her! Now ace opens its ga West Sussex, an to Kew’s global e Wakehurst Pl will contribute e t un en (J ev ts For the first tim is er th nc from -air picnic co your programmes. ingly. e nights of open postcard with d conservation rdens near Ard an ga l ta to present thre en simply send a m in na d w or te to ed uc ce at nd br an co le , ch ce stra : For your 17th-19th) in its mphony Orche act number to e Pantiles, the National Sy dress and cont aven’. Hailed ad he e, ssex Mews, Th e m ur Su na ‘p x, Si of Katherine and t io gh ud ni St a t e, en ac Pl es st l, will pr artist SoTW Wakehur sical crossover by Steve Sidwel k ready ls, TN2 5QJ. successful clas s t el e’ os W sh m ge ’s ys ridgewells.co.u rid ld sa or e nb w sh Tu as the on info@sotunb itish Diva, te Br us l da ai de g -fi in em os na y, Cl el bo t iv e.’ rs Alternat ehurst Plac ak W and now the fi W oT be ‘S ill t w bjec me classics a’. and mark the su ch a winning na contemporary to go ‘Supanov 2010 after whi mance 24 or ias of opera to ay rf ar M t pe t ea al gh ic gr ni e ag id th is m From dience with a m . enthral the au favourites. drawn at random s om Katherine will pr of le gazine na th fi 17 g in ne us Ju ro a on itions of The Ma to be there trants Terms and Cond ce culminating in En . an ion old tit ch pe eh e m us th co ho u ring yo All standard : per person per es ud try cl en be in e n ca on And we’re offe at ly ts th , ke le . On val tic People Ltd apply ize, for two peop ion is final. Festi 0871 230 3446 . Editor’s decis with a £500 pr icfestival or on us m must be over 18 rst hu ke wa g/ or w. ke ith e: w lin rk Hotel booked on at Ashdown Pa • Overnight stay kfast full English brea into concert y tr en k ac • Fast tr ket • Gold Circle tic ttle of wine dinner with bo se ur co e re Th • parking • Reserved car mme ra og pr t er • Conc and wn Park Hotel Four Star Ashdo us n rio oo xu rn lu te e af th ng Check in at d enjoy a relaxi t. Wych Cross an e VIP treatmen or m d an e Country Club at ac Pl st t, ur en eh ev ak e W for e Katherin before heading t the hat for th ou t rs ve fi t gi no to is ts ticke If your name t pairs of picnic own also have eigh e Magic of Mot th n he w worry not. We 18 ne Ju ay g id in Fr honour ght of g tribute show away for the ni st with a dazzlin ur t the party eh ge ak rs W he to ot comes icago Blues Br Ch e with Th s. nd n show packed the Tamla lege l-dancing actio al ng gi in l-s al started in an numbers. the best blues

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R U B Y WA X

COMEDIAN RUBY WAX IS COMING TO TOWN WITH HER NEW SHOW, WHICH SHE HOPES WILL MAKE YOU LAUGH AS WELL AS SET YOU THINKING. IT ALL CAME ABOUT AFTER SHE SUFFERED A BREAKDOWN

s e x a w y Rub

lyrical H

er name alone brings to mind an era of comedy that was loud, outrageous and even bordering on the aggressive. She had it all; a great career and dream house complete with husband and kids. But it was when she painted the house beige for the 47th time people thought she might be losing it. The solution was to send her to The Priory, the private rehab clinic, where the seeds of her new show were sewn. She talks exclusively to SoTW about her appearance this month at the Assembly Halls alongside songwriter Judith Owen.

▼

Tell us a bit about the show which just happens to be called ‘Losing It’: “It started out as Live from The Priory (performed exclusively for patients at the clinics) but now it’s evolved into a show for the public and isn’t really about mental illness in any way. People are usually a bit dubious about what mental illness is, because there are things that drive everybody up the wall. In the show the M AY 2 0 1 0

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idea is that a lot of us don’t really know how to run our lives because there isn’t an instruction manual. So I try to explain what’s missing in the manual, what I missed in the manual and what the manual actually is. It’s a very dark comedy. But it’s funny; the comedy is definitely in there”. How did you come to work with Judith Owen? “I used to go out with a guy that was in Spinal Tap (Harry Shearer) who also does a lot of the voices in The Simpsons. He married Judith and that’s how we came to know each other. She’s a well-known musician in America and has a very eclectic style. Judith has suffered from depression but the show isn’t really about depression and we never use that word. It’s more about the state of the nation and about everything that you were wondering about that makes you feel a little quirky about life – we discuss it. We end up bringing up taboos which people don’t normally discuss.” What inspired the initial Priory shows? “The audacity of it. You know, nobody’s ever done that before. It was a really interesting mix of in-patients and people who might be celebrities and it was incredibly audacious.” With the show, do you reveal the real Ruby, rather than the stage persona? “I think on stage I’m playing the persona. But I’m not playing someone who’s not real. I mean, what’s real? This show might be one of the most honest comedies you’ll ever see, and honest means real. But I also know I have to be funny, because that’s what people are paying for. It’s a new type of comedy and I haven’t really done it before.” You’ve recently been involved with Sport Relief and 50p of every ticket sold for the show is going to Comic Relief, how did that come about? “They asked me to do a mental illness campaign last year so I said, well we’ll give some of the money – even when we’re in the West End – to Comic Relief, and then everyone will know what wonderful human beings we are. And also with them you know it’s going to the right place. I’ve been working with Comic Relief on and off for the last 20 years and so as long as the show goes on, we’ll be feeding into that.” We obviously have to ask if you’ve performed in TW before? “Well of course we played The Priory (Ticehurst) that’s near you. And we stayed at the Hotel du Vin (Tunbridge Wells) which we loved. That’s actually one of the reasons we want to come back, because we loved the hotel. We’re only coming back because of the hotel! But really, the town of Tunbridge Wells is just fantastic and I’m not kidding. I could lie, but this time I’m not. You’re lucky to live here.”

dith Owen Ruby Wax and Ju “Probably Obama. I mean, why wouldn’t you want to interview President Obama? But you know I don’t really act the same with every person. I never really try to push the boundaries; I wouldn’t want to push him, I’m just curious. Anyone in power would be interesting, but interviewing politicians is usually a bit of a waste of time as they’re so astute and they rarely give you what they’re actually thinking.” One of the standout episodes was where you interviewed Goldie Hawn and you ended up in her hot tub together… “And we’re still friends after all these years. It usually works in my favour, as an interviewer, if I like someone. Tom Hanks was the most fun, or perhaps Jim Carey. Jim tried pulling the tablecloth out from under the tea and all the food fell off. It didn’t work at all. I was expecting him to have something up his sleeve and for it to work, but it didn’t.”

Do you consider yourself to be a Brit now, or still an American abroad? “I never really consider myself to be one way or the other. And that might be liberating or insane. I just am. I’ve paid enough in British taxes so I think I deserve to be an honorary citizen.”

Who else makes you laugh? “Who makes me laugh? Um, Jennifer Saunders always will. That movie The Hangover was funny. I don’t find that many individuals particularly funny, because they often just repeat old jokes or scenarios you’ve already noticed. So I’ve tried to make a show where what I’m talking about is something you didn’t think of before, rather than just a twist on something you’ve thought of and me making it a little bit more bizarre. I’m trying to push the limits out a little bit more, or maybe a lot more.”

One of the things your famous for is the Ruby Wax Meets interviews, with your ‘outrageous style’, but who would you still most like to interview?

Losing it is at the Assembly Halls in Tunbridge Wells on Thursday May 13. Box office: 01892 530613. assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

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The way forward... E D U C AT I O N

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HOLMEWOOD HOUSE SCHOOL IN LANGTON GREEN WELCOMES A NEW HEADMASTER IN SEPTEMBER WHEN JAMES MARJORIBANKS TAKES OVER THE REINS. WE FIND OUT ABOUT HIS PLANS AND HIS VISIONS FOR THIS LEADING CO – EDUCATIONAL INDEPENDENT “

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t feels a long time since September 2009 when I received notification that Andrew Corbett (he’s the one on the right of the picture) was stepping down from the headship of Holmewood House. I had known for a while that I was not intending to remain at Chesham Preparatory School (CPS) until my own retirement, whenever this might be! There was another job in me and (forgive me, anyone reading this with a child at CPS!) it had to be bigger and better to warrant a move. Holmewood House fitted the bill perfectly; it has an enviable national reputation, is coeducational, has a strong tradition at 13+ and is set in a fabulous location. I was immediately excited by the prospect of putting in my application. I spent an anxious few days awaiting the deadline for invitations to the first round of interviews and was hugely excited to be invited onto a Long List and then subsequently to the final interview. The rest, as they say, is history. Over six months later, here I am, sat in front of my computer, writing an article for SO Tunbridge Wells about my imminent arrival. My son, Angus, is on the PS3 playing his latest game and my daughter, Sophie, is doing her Spanish homework. Stereotypes apply, even in our household! I do not have experience of City life and associated recruitment timelines but I doubt whether any other job or sector has such a long run-in period ahead of the first day’s work. The Holmewood job was advertised in mid September 2009, with day one at work a mere 350 days later! This has not, however, been my longest wait. Once I was appointed in May for a job starting 16 months later. The limbo can be hard to bear unless the existing job continues to be sufficiently rewarding so that time passes easily, which has been the case for me in this situation, but soon I will be itching to move. Looking back over the past nine years, I feel extremely proud of what I have achieved at Chesham Prep School because the school has developed considerably during this time. We have achieved great things and the school has improved in all areas. This does not mean to say that CPS was not a good school when I arrived, it was, but now it is an excellent school.

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So, what will the next few years bring? How will Holmewood develop as a school? Whenever there is a change of Headmaster, there is always the opportunity to bring a new energy, a new vision, a new thrust. What will mine be? In everything that I will do, I will have only one aim: to make Holmewood the automatic first choice school for parents who want the very best for their children. By best, I mean the excellence of provision at every level; from top quality teaching across a broad, balanced, relevant and exciting modern curriculum; to unsurpassed levels of pastoral care; from exceptional opportunities in the areas of sport, music, art, drama and extra-curricular activities; to unparalleled opportunities for children’s personal, social and moral development; all promised and delivered within the best possible educational setting, where the atmosphere, facilities, people and buildings allow and indeed encourage outstanding achievement in every arena. I am excited by this new challenge in my life. I am looking forward to getting to know all the children, the Staff and in due course, the parents as well. Holmewood is a great place to be and the opportunities on offer for everyone involved with the school are truly sensational. Holmewood House already has excellent facilities and has been one of the best equipped schools in the country for a number of years. If development does not continue at regular intervals, momentum can slow and the competition can catch up. I am delighted, therefore, that the Governors of Holmewood House have committed to the first stage of a very ambitious Master Plan, which will see the school acquire a stunning new building designed to house a magnificent set of teaching rooms. This will replace existing single storey classrooms adjacent to the Mansion. Later phases of the Master Plan will follow, all of which will do nothing other than help to place Holmewood House at the pinnacle of the Prep School world not simply within the Kent/ East Sussex area but nationally. This is where the school belongs and this is where I am taking it. Meaningful preparation for adult life and the sometimes challenging teenage years is within the gift of Prep Schools. The sector is called “preparatory” for exactly this reason; this is what we do. At Holmewood, I undertake to ensure that this is what happens and to the highest achievable standards across the board. Holmewood pupils have an outstanding pedigree in many areas including academic performance at 13+, which is set to continue. A Prep School education, however, is all about balance and has so much more to offer over and above passing Common Entrance or gaining a scholarship. This success will clearly reflect a child’s academic abilities but should not hijack progress and development through some of the most formative years of a young life. At the end of a child’s time at Prep School, I hope that satisfied parents, who understandably will be looking forward to the next pivotal stage of education, probably at one of the excellent senior schools in the area, will spend a moment reflecting on the period of time spent as part of the Holmewood family and consider the choice of Holmewood House all those years ago as a decision very well made. You can take a child out of the Holmewood experience but you can never take the Holmewood experience out of a child. “ SO holmewood.kent.sch.uk

Red DEVIL SO

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

WORDS DAVID THACKER

THE FERRARI 458 IS THE REPLACEMENT OF THE EPIC 430 WE DROVE IN ITS SCUDERIA GUISE LAST YEAR. WE’RE TOLD THE NEW CAR IS EVEN BETTER THAN ITS PREDECESSOR. SURELY THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE? 116

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look at them to understand that it’s something innate that goes right to core of all their design. Just as a functional item like a scarf worn with self-confidence conveys that extra flair, so the air duct on the 458 just adds that little something; that indefinable touch that makes you want to clean it to feel the soul of the design. It’s built for the joy of speed – it really does look like it’s moving when stationary. The aerodynamics are uncompromising in their design approach although this only adds to the overall beauty of the 458. This model sports the latest innovations straight from F1 development, such as the front grille side air intakes with aerodynamic profiles designed to direct air to the radiator with winglets generating downforce. As the speed rises the winglets deform to reduce the section of the radiator intake and minimize drag through the air. Sitting in the driving seat with the exclusive smell of the leather, the exquisite attention to detail is obvious; the craftsmanship of the luxurious, snug environment is at odds with the ruthless precision of the engineering. None more so than the ergonomics; the main controls are now located directly on the steering wheel, while secondary functions are set in two satellite pods either side of the dash panel ahead of the driver. ▼

he prancing horse of Ferrari was initially the symbol of Italy’s leading WWI ace Francesco Baracca and was emblazoned on the fuselage of his fighter plane to bring him luck. Later the symbol was presented to Enzo Ferarri by the Baracca family and went on to inspire huge F1 success, starting in the fifties with champions like Fangio (1956) and Mike Hawthorn (1958). It was sports car racing in which Enzo cut his teeth; in particular specialising in the Italian Mille Miglia after WWII. And since those glory days Maranello’s sports cars have always been at the leading edge of automotive technology, and never more so than with their latest offering - the 458 Italia two-seater berlinetta. The 458 Italia is a fusion of creative flair, technological innovation and style, in a sleek Pininfarina design. Ferrari’s Chairman, Luca di Montezemolo, chose to pay homage to this fact by adding the name of the car’s homeland to the traditional figure representing the displacement and number of cylinders (in this case a 4.5-litre engine with 8 cylinders). Ferrari is more than a motor manufacturer. Those red cars are part of Italian life. Just watch the Tifosi at Monza when the F1 circus rolls into town. But most of all, Italians worship style; you only have to

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It has required much thought in development, with the ever increasing adjustments that the driver can make on the move; the steering wheel has become a reincarnation of Michael Schumacher’s F1 cockpit. This is one of the areas benefiting from Schumacher’s contribution, creating the synergy between driver and car, which improves the driving experience. You don’t so much ‘sit in’ as become ‘part of’ the 458; ‘man and machine in perfect harmony’. Push the big red button and the typically beautifully built engine fires with an urgency which is pure Ferrari. Press the throttle and the instant response will raise the heartbeat. To an Italian, though, it’s that classic unmistakable well-engineered staccato rasp that is like no other engine sound. What creates the extra crispness of the 458 is the reduction of internal friction with very clever use of expertise gained from the challenges of F1. We’ve seen incredible power increases with faultless reliability. When Enzo was alive he was, above all, an engine man and if one of his beloved F1 cars dropped out of a race it was never through engine trouble; even if it had blown up like a grenade, the problem, he would claim, was electrical!

“EVERY CONTOUR, EVERY CURVE, HAS A FUNCTION TO USE THE AIR THAT FLOWS OVER THIS VOLUPTUOUS FORM” This engine, and here’s the technical bit, is built with the precision of a Swiss watch. The 570 hp at 9,000 rpm (a first on a road car) from 4499cc displacement with generous torque of 540 Nm at 6000 rpm with 80% accessible from a low 3250 rpm, gives you readily available grunt coming out of the corners. This, coupled with an F1 dual-clutch gearbox, gives the gearshift no interruption of engine torque to the rear wheels. With only 1,380 kg dry weight making a staggering power-ratio of 413 hp/ton it’s the recipe for the drive of your life – catapulting you to 62mph in under 3.4 seconds, with a maximum 202 mph. This exquisite engine and drive train sits in an all new modular chassis. It’s a concept designed to reduce weight and has succeeded in improving structural rigidity. Since the beginning of 2008 Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes have been standard on all Ferraris. These, together with the aerodynamic down force and mechanical grip of the suspension, give the precision with which the car responds to driver’s input, making for outstanding surefootedness which will boost your confidence. Put simply it’s an out and out two-seater racing sports car that I believe will be a classic, as is the 246 Dino. The 458 Italia, priced at around £170,000, is indeed a car to be seen in, although you’ll need a big personality otherwise this Italian stallion will, much like the outgoing 430 and the 256 before it, steal the limelight. And yes, it is better than its predecessor. SO

FACTS AT A GLANCE: COST: Circa £170,000 ENGINE: 4.5-LITRE 8 CYLINDER BERLINETTA 0-62: 3.3 second TOP SPEED: 202mph

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M OTO R S

WHEN WE TESTED THE ABARTH 500 LAST YEAR, WE WERE MUCH IMPRESSED AS WERE A FEW OTHERS, WHICH IS WHY FIAT HAS SET UP A ONE-MAKE RACE SERIES. WE TALK TO THE CURRENT CHAMPIONSHIP LEADER GARETH HOWELL ABOUT THE CHEEKY SUPER-MINI

Circuit Breakers T

he Zing Trofeo Abarth 500 series has kicked off with Kent driver Gareth Howell taking the chequered flag at the opening two races for the Lipscomb team of Aylesford. The 500 is close to our hearts, being stylish and great fun to drive, so we thought we’d bring Gareth (29) into the pits for a chat. You must be getting on well with the car? “ Yeah, we are doing well, though we actually had a bit of a preseason problem. We had a young guy join the team fresh out of karts and he proceeded to roll our car, turning it into a sort of ball. We didn’t have much time to test before the races, so to go on and reward the Lipscomb dealership with two wins is great.” Where did the Trofeo Abarth 500 series come from? “Lipscomb have never been involved in motorsport before so when Fiat and Abarth approached all the dealers and said they wanted to create a manufacturer backed series, they really liked the idea. Lipscomb bought the car and approached me, being a Kent-based driver, and we took it from there.” How different is your race car from the road car? “Ours has a race-tuned engine, plus the chassis has been

worked on and the suspension stiffened. It’s also got a lovely little gearbox… I really like it. There’s a certain knack to finding the power band with the turbo, but I’m feeling very at home in it. Our 500s are a bit like mini touring cars - quite simple really which makes for even better racing.” What are your chances of winning the series? “Every driver has a chance because of how equal the cars are. The parts are controlled and monitored by Fiat, so it really just leaves it up to driver skill. Essentially it’s about staying consistent but there are some great drivers out there. Some people are still finding their feet and they’ll definitely get stronger, plus there are rumours of ex-British Touring Car drivers looking to get involved. If as many drivers come along as we’re expecting, we could see a 20-car grid, so we’re clearly turning a lot of heads.” How did you get into racing? “I started karting in ‘89, when I was around eight years old; my dad pioneered indoor kart tracks so I was involved from a young age. I moved up through the British and then World Championships, moving onto Fiestas and going into touring cars in 2000.” What’s on the cards for the future? “We’ll see what Fiat does. It’d be great to see them get back into British Touring Cars and I’d really like to race for them. A lot of manufacturers dropped out when times got tough and the rules meant that racing was very expensive, but next year the rules about engines are changing, making it cheaper to get involved.”

Zing Trofeo Abarth 500s will be at Cadwell Park, Lincs, on May 22-23 supporting the British Superbikes. trofeoabarth500gb.com

APRIL 2010

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The Profile:

PEOPLE

MARC PACIFICO PLASTIC SURGEON

PEOPLE MAKE A TOWN AND IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS THERE ARE PLENTY OF MEN AND WOMEN WHO REFLECT THE NATURE AND CULTURE OF THE PLACE. WE SET OUT TO MEET A CROSSSECTION OF THEM AND THIS MONTH VENTURE INTO THE MEDICAL WORLD

Marc and his German born wife Sandra (“she works for a gap year company and likes to be called Sandy”) moved to Tunbridge Wells three years ago. The pair had visited the town a couple of times “and both of us knew this is where we wanted to live.” The location also fits in with his work as a Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with impressive credentials, BSc(Hons) MB BS MRCS MD FRCS(Plast). He practices at Spire Tunbridge Wells Hospital, Queen Victoria (East Grinstead), Kent and Canterbury (Canterbury) and William Harvey (Ashford). Do you like being referred to as a ‘plastic’ surgeon? “I’d rather be called a plastic surgeon than a cosmetic surgeon. That in fact is the correct term although people think it’s about putting plastic into people. It’s not, it’s derived from the Greek word ‘plastos’ meaning to form or to mould

a shape. It’s nothing to do with plastic materials, that’s an image celebrities have given it. I don’t like the term cosmetic surgeon, it sounds a bit short lived, transient and superficial.” How did you end up in the job? “I’d always wanted to be a doctor and for me that meant being a surgeon, although it doesn’t run in my family. While I was at school I had some great opportunities to do relevant work experience.” Like what? “Shadowing surgeons at a London hospital which was fantastic, I was 16. It was a brilliant opportunity and confirmed for me what I wanted to do.” Most people might have been too queasy? “I did feel a bit wobbly for a while in the first operation I saw but that was it. I was fine after that and eventually went on to St Bartholomew’s Hospital Medical College making sure I had plenty of exposure to plastic surgery. It takes several years after qualifying as a doctor to become a surgeon and a further six years to qualify as a plastic surgeon.” What appeals about plastic surgery in particular? “I think the satisfaction you can get. It’s very rewarding the way that patients themselves can actually see what you’ve done. If someone has to have their gall bladder taken out it

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he first thing we clear up is his background. Marc Pacifico is not Italian. Two centuries ago his family had Italian links but Marc himself (“it’s not Mark”) was born and bred in London. “My problem is everyone expects me to speak Italian, especially in restaurants,” he tells me. “I can speak a bit but not a lot.”

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same consultation for both sides. There’s no difference.”

will make them feel better and they’ll be appreciative but they won’t be able to see what you’ve done. Everything I do is very visible. Being able to transform patients’ lives in such a physical way is incredibly rewarding.”

How does breast reconstruction work? “In layman’s terms, you take skin and fat with blood vessels from the stomach, as you might with a tummy tuck, put it on the chest and bring it back to life. Typically it can take about seven hours for one side.”

And your biggest ever buzz? “Probably a cancer patient in her early 30’s who had obviously been through an ordeal and having had both breasts removed. I reconstructed both of them during an eight hour operation and not only did she write me a ‘thank you’ letter, her four children did as well. They were aged between 9 and 13 and told me how much their mother’s life had changed because of the operation. That will stay with me forever.”

How do you keep focused for seven hours? “You can’t, so we take a lunch break of about 20 minutes although not all at the same time. There’s always a team in the theatre. We don’t just walk out and leave the patient. Even so, three or four hours at a time is long enough. You can’t do them day-in-day-out. I average about two every three weeks.”

Do you only do private work? “Not at all. Up to four and a half days of my week is spent working for the NHS. Private work is done in the evenings and sometimes at weekends. The majority of work for surgeons is NHS work.” Would you give up the NHS? “No!” Why not? “Many reasons. The NHS side is again, incredibly rewarding with patients from every walk of life and this country is unique in that it’s not a financially based healthcare system. People can have surgery with the decision based on what’s best for them, not what they can afford. That’s not always the same in other countries where the level of surgeon you get can often depend on the level of insurance you pay.” How important is it to have a good rapport with your patient? “It’s most important because it’s a two-way thing. The patient has got to have confidence and trust in me as a surgeon and I’ve got to feel I’m on the same wave-length as them and that what I’m offering can meet their expectations. If I have to, I’ll spend several consultations making sure we see eye-to-eye.” Is there a difference between NHS and Private patients? “No I treat them exactly the same, I go through exactly the

What makes a good plastic surgeon? “Having the technical ability is implicit. You also have to have a degree of artistic ability because you’re changing from one form to another so you have to have some three dimensional awareness, probably similar to an architect or graphic designer. Someone who can see what something could look like if you make certain changes to it. You’ve also got to be able to improvise and you have to have good decision making abilities, choosing the right type of operation for the right patient is crucial.” What’s on the horizon? “The current hot topic in breast surgery is body fat transfer; if someone has big thighs and small breasts, you’ll take fat from the thighs and put it on the chest instead of using silicone implants. If you can show that it doesn’t cause or stimulate breast cancer through transferring something with very strong stem cells, it will transform how we do a lot of things in the next few years. My concern is there’s not been enough research yet and I’m very wary. I would not use it at the moment.” If you’d like to ask Marc Pacifico your own questions about cosmetic surgery then you can meet him face to face when he holds an informal presentation at the Hotel du Vin In Tunbridge Wells at 7.30pm on May 5. For full details call Sharon Lacey: 01892 616103.

Fact File: Marc Pacifico (36) Status: Children: Favourite food: Favourite music: Favourite Group: Last Holiday: Current Reading: Educated: Drives: Hobbies:

Married to Sandy Edward (16 months) Italian 80s music! The All-Stars Collective (his brother’s band) Switzerland skiing (off-piste) A History of the English-Speaking Peoples by Winston Churchill Harrow BMW 325 (10-years-old) “I have a 16 month old son!”

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Katy Brand Sunday 30 May

The Hairy Bikers Cook Thursday 10 June

The Importance of Being Oscar Sunday 13 June

Rockin’ on Heaven’s Door Thursday 24 June

An Evening With Blowers Tuesday 29 June

Ken Dodd Sunday 4 July

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LIFE & STYLE

LIFE &

Style

Orchid Hair Three years ago Justine Roberts and Tina Jones set out to open a hair salon in Tunbridge Wells that was chic, stylish and, above all, fun. The result is Orchid on Camden Road. Providing an excellent service for men and women, Orchid’s salon is a chilled out environment with ambient music and an enjoyable atmosphere. The team, comprised of five stylists, boasts a wealth of knowledge of hairdressing meaning that it’s way more than just a venue in which to relax. Orchid specialises in individually catering for every client’s needs; making sure that each person who walks through their door leaves feeling confident, pampered and satisfied. This is where the business partnership draws on its 17 years of collective experience in the trade. Now that the warmer weather is just around the corner, what sort of styles should we be looking out for? Tina tells us: “With the coming of Summer you always see softer, more feminine shapes with lots of texture and movement. The amazing Curl-Conscious range from Bumble & Bumble helps you love your natural curls and means not reaching for the irons so often.” The last few years have been an exciting time at Orchid, with onsite photoshoots, national hairdressing competitions and an ever growing client base. “We’re both very proud of what we’ve achieved in the last three years,” says Tina. “Our Orchid location has been fantastic for both us and our clients. Being on the edge of the town centre we’ve got easy access for parking and with Camden Road and its unique vibe, it’s reminiscent of the Brighton Lanes.” As with any stylist worth their salt, Tina’s got a few more tricks up her sleeves and says her favourite product is currently the Bumble & Bumble Hair Powder. This handy little invention covers grown-out roots between salon visits a must for any style-conscious girl. POP IN TO ORCHID AT 40 CAMDEN ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS OR CALL 01892 548 848

Newick Park Newick Park Hotel and Country Estate is a lovely Georgian Grade II listed house surrounded by its own private park of 255 acres which means it enjoys complete peace and privacy. This, coupled with the most fabulous views over the lake and nearby South Downs, makes it just perfect for alfresco dining over the coming months of Summer. The hotel was awarded 3 AA Rosettes in 2008 for its food, keeping it in the top 10% of eating establishments in the country and making it the only restaurant in East Sussex with this accolade. The restaurant itself is led by Head Chef Chris Moore who searches out only the best local food, including many ingredients sourced directly from the estate and its organically run kitchen garden. Dishes vary throughout the season with delights such as scallop and crab tortellini with shellfish bisque for starter, breast of black leg chicken, Boulanger potatoes, cauliflower, Lomo and thyme reduction for main course and to finish, a delicious rhubarb and custard tart clotted cream for dessert. Special events are held throughout the year, from wine tasting to Jazz evenings; there’s something for everyone’s taste! FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT NEWICKPARK.CO.UK OR CALL 01825 723 633

Rowhill Grange Rowhill Grange near Dartford boasts an award-winning restaurant, the 3 AA Rosette Truffles, where you can enjoy fine alfresco dining overlooking pretty terraces and gardens. The hotel itself is situated in 15 acres of private grounds complete with rolling lawns and stunning views over the Kent countryside. Using the hottest modern cooking techniques and the freshest local ingredients from boutique suppliers the restaurant team has created award-winning combinations. Expect a delicious daily changing menu featuring a handsome choice of classic favourites sitting alongside imaginative and unusual modern dishes – a truly grown up foodie experience. And to celebrate all this and introduce you to an exciting experience, you can try a delicious two course lunch at Truffles for £15 until August 2010. TO BOOK YOUR TABLE SIMPLY CALL 01322 615 136 ALEXANDERHOTELS.CO.UK

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