SO Tunbridge Wells

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TUNBRIDGE WELLS

SO TW

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WIN £1,000 BOUDOIR PHOTO SHOOT

WEALDEN HOMES

WHAT YOU CAN BUY FOR A MILLION

BECAUSE TW, YOU’RE WO RTH IT

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FOR CHRISTMAS PRESENCE

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LAP DANCER FERRARI’S SUPERCAR SETS PULSES RACING

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NOVEMBER 2010 £1.50

ISSUE 32

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SOTUNBRIDGEWELLS.CO.UK

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EXCLUSIVE REPORT

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+HOOR The common denominator in this month’s issue is – looks. How to look great in one of the stunning pieces unveiled at TW Fashion Week, how to win a glamorous boudoir photo shoot, how to be cool in the new Ferrari supercar and how to look good in the eyes of your loved one when you buy them the perfect Christmas gift (yes, it’s that time of year again). There was not a seat to be had at the sell-out shows of TW Fashion Week which once again took place at the Old School House where models strutted the catwalk showing off 130 outfits worth a total of £75,000. Enjoy our six pages of exclusive pictures. You might not need too many clothes, though, if you’re lucky enough to win a private studio session with our friends at Mirror Image photography. They’ll create a set of romantic pictures that you might want to give as a gift. And if you’re not the lucky winner, worry not about finding that ideal gift. We have four pages of unusual ideas for Christmas presents, from buying a share of a race horse to presenting your loved one with an island paradise. By the way, if you were thinking of buying your partner the new Ferrari 599 GT0, our featured car of the month, we have some bad news. It’s a limited edition and all 599 cars have already been sold, at £285,000 each. Still available, however, are the nine stunning properties we feature in our Beautiful Wealden Homes supplement which is proving to be a real wow with buyers and sellers alike. Average price of the homes is more than £1million. Check out the one on Crowborough golf course; you’ll never be late for a tee time. On top of all that we chat to our cover celebrity Ewan McGregor who is about to hit the road on another epic motorbike ride, talk to our former cover celebrity Gordon Ramsay about being back on our TV screens and hear a bit of gossip about the high profile TW personality caught in a compromising position. Who could it be? All in all it’s looking pretty good...

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5(*8/$56

THE SECRET

We uncover a story about the local man who was awarded the very first Victoria Cross.

THIS MONTH‌

Take time to laugh, dine and ‘ooh!’ - that’s watch ďŹ reworks, by the way.

THE LETTERS

Should parents have reserved parking spaces outside supermarkets?

THE NEWS

What lies behind the Great Penshurst Duck Race, plus how to teach babies Spanish.

THE GOSSIP

Who is the high profile TW personality caught in a compromising position in a public house?

WIN!

Together with Mirror Image we’re giving away a romantic boudoir photo shoot worth £1,000. What a gift.

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WINNER BY A HEAD We’re at the ďŹ nish line as 170 entrants compete for the title of Best Dressed Lady at Plumpton Racecourse.

VANITY IS FAIR The bubbly owed when a Camden Road beauty salon celebrated its ďŹ rst anniversary.

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EWAN ME Perhaps most loved for his motorbike tours with Charlie Boorman – apparently another trip is being planned.

CHRISTMAS PRESENCE

Inspiring ideas for Christmas gifts... and not a pair of socks in sight.

)$6+,21 FASHION INSIDER

Find out what’s enough to make you grateful for grey days and rain. Really!

FASHION FRENZY

If you didn’t get to TW Fashion Week don’t worry, we have six pages of exclusive pictures.

MAKE-UP MAKEOVER

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ISSUE‌

A new season means a new look, so turn out your make-up bag.

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Local experts give us the low down on some of the best bathrooms to buy.

NOVEMBER 2010

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SPECIALISTS IN DIVERSITY

HE’S REALLY COOKING

It’s been a while since we caught up with Gordon Ramsay, but we’re back in touch now with one of his favourite recipes.

We find out why a TW home improvements company is changing its image.

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A REAL TWEET

SO MONEY

We use the town’s first Twitter interview to chat with Anke, the prolific TW blogger.

ALL THAT JAZZ

John Harriman was a high flying corporate lawyer before he threw it all in to pursue life as a jazz musician. It’s going rather well...

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THE DELIGHTFUL DELI Normally we wouldn’t rave about a new restaurant/deli but this one in TW is just a bit different.

We talk hedge funds with Nicholas Edwards, CEO of Alternative Asset Management in Tunbridge Wells.

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THE GALLERY Eight offerings from Artique that are perfect for Christmas presents.

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The incredible Ferrari 599 GTO proves why it sold out almost immediately.

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Broad Oak: 17th Century farmhouse ÂŁ1.1m

Horsmonden: Really poplar choice ÂŁ1.275m

Newchurch: Wind in the Willows ÂŁ1.15m

Tunbridge Wells: Sought after address POA

Hawkhurst: Eight bed with style ÂŁ2.5m

Eastbourne: Mother

Superior’s Home £1.5m

HeathďŹ eld: Cosy Corner Cottage ÂŁ499,950

Crowborough: On the golf course ÂŁ2.25m

NOVEMBER 2010

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TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Studio Six, Sussex Mews, The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5QJ Tel: 01892 616103 sotunbridgewells.co.uk info@magazinepeople.co.uk Publishing Director Nick Moore nick@magazinepeople.co.uk Editorial Director Richard Moore FRSA richard@magazinepeople.co.uk Head of Design Jodie Hulse jodie@magazinepeople.co.uk Designer Erica Price erica@magazinepeople.co.uk Production Assistant Phil Glover phil@magazinepeople.co.uk Senior Writer Melissa Woodland melissa@magazinepeople.co.uk Writer Dan Smith dan@magazinepeople.co.uk Deputy Advertisement Manager Amy Lawson amy@magazinepeople.co.uk Account Manager Vikki Hyder vikki@magazinepeople.co.uk Account Manager Charley Petersen charley@magazinepeople.co.uk Sales Executive Jordanne Reville jordanne@magazinepeople.co.uk Contributors Mark Turnbull Katie Eleanor Valerie Thacker Damian Cotton Nick Woodroof Georgina Stevens Lisa Haynes Will Lawrence Matt Joy

Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/SoTWMag Find us on Facebook: SO Tunbridge Wells magazine 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.

NOVEMBER 2010

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6QDS« We’re suckers for tasty design and you should be too when products look this good. Introducing the Leica M9 Titanium, the rangefinder camera that’s got a limited production run of 500 and a price-tag of £20,000. This version of the legendary M9 has been created by chief designer of the Audi Design Team, Walter de’Silva, who’s subtly tweaked the design in a number of ways. Now, the camera handles even better, looks even better with an up-rated technical spec, should shoot even better pictures. Visit Leica Store, Mayfair or see leica-storemayfair.co.uk

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Santa’s Magical Kingdom at The Hop Farm launches on November 13 and will last until Christmas Eve. 2010 is set to be an even bigger spectacle with 11 separate areas undercover hosting a range of festive activities. These include the new multi-sensory 4D cinema and interactive ice walkway, plus Santa will be on hand to listen to all your Christmas wishes. Tickets cost £27.50 per head until December 5 (£35 after) and SoTW have two family tickets to give away for the weekend of December 4 and 5. To win, email us on info@magazinepeople.co.uk or send us a postcard (see p.12) with your name, address and phone number marked ‘Santa’s Magical Kingdom’. Competition closes on November 19 after which point the winners will be drawn at random. Standard Magazine People terms and conditions apply.

/LJKW /DXJK Anyone who loves film, or stylish interior features, will enjoy this Steel Studio Spotlight from Artisanti. At 95cm tall, it’s a great feature light, but isn’t so imposing on the room as to grab all the attention. After all, it’s what’s in the spotlight that should be centre of attention. At £279 it’s an absolute bargain and is sure to draw enquiries from anyone who catches a glimpse. See artisanti.com

In deepest, darkest Winter, we need something to lighten the spirits, so get down to The Old School House, near The Pantiles, for the Therapy Room Comedy Club. On Thursday November 25, MC Lloyd Griffith (pictured) will be joined by Carey Marx, Julian Deane and Erich McElroy for an evening of adult humour, all for £10 a head. Then, on Wednesday December 8 and Tuesday 14, Griffith will be joined by Stephen Grant, Seann Walsh and Paul McCaffery. These special Christmas events also include a two course meal. Tickets are £35 a head, see therapyroomcomedy.com

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2RK« There are plenty of places to catch fireworks this year on bonfire night. Despite the fact that Groombridge Place is bowing out, an evening display will be held at Dunorlan Park on Saturday November 6. The Hop Farm (pictured) will also be hosting a Fireworks Spectacular with ‘bonfire, burgers, fireworks and fun’ over the weekend of November 6 and 7. ‘Oohs’ and ‘aahs’ guaranteed. Leeds Castle once again be holding their acclaimed annual fireworks event, also on the Friday and Saturday, tickets from £10.

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There are books out there that are easier reading than Hand Me Down World by Lloyd Jones, but few are as rewarding. This beautiful, tender and multi-layered novel follows the story of an African woman, whose child is taken from her. She sets out on a journey to Germany to find him and meets a vast array of characters along the way. This is a book that will stay with you long after the final page has been turned. Hardback RRP £14.99 from Waterstones, TW.

We’re strong proponents of eating locally sourced food and now there’s an even easier way of doing it. TW mum and businesswoman, Ingrid Murray, has launched a website that offers an array of locally produced, grown, or caught foods; from every day basics to some rather special hampers (and plenty in between). You just log-in, add to the online basket and head to the check-out. You’ll be eating healthier, and more ethically, in no time. See webuynearby.co.uk

/LVWHQ Multi-Grammy award winner Norah Jones is back with a new album, but this one is a little different. Not content with offering her usual mix of laid-back jazz and soul, on Featuring Norah Jones we’re given a collection of 18 collaborations recorded throughout the past decade. Artists as diverse as Ray Charles, Foo Fighters and Dolly Parton feature alongside Jones on an album that highlights her incredible musical versatility, from jazz to country, hip-hop to rock. Around £10 from Ape, TW. NOVEMBER 2010

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Now available to rent and buy on DVD is The PaciďŹ c, the epic story of three marines as they ďŹ ght their way across the PaciďŹ c theatre of World War Two. From the creators of the critically acclaimed Band of Brothers, this mini-series is intense, terrifying and thought-provoking. With excellent production values, talented acting and a strong focus on the psychological affects of war on the young men who fought, this is compulsive viewing. Blu-ray available to buy from HMV, TW for ÂŁ36.

5RFN Ok, so rocking chairs don’t have the coolest of images. When mentioned, one tends to imagine either a whisky-drenched cowboy staring into the sunset, or a frail older lady quietly doing her knitting. Not so with this rather smart looking walnut-stained beech chair, designed by Brazilian Reno Bonzon. The shape of the Giavota was born after Bonzon analysed the imprint he left when he sat in deep snow during a stay in the French Alps. It’s sure to be a future classic, so put in your order now. £1,020 from notonthehighstreet.com

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Following an extensive refurbishment, Rowhill Grange in Wilmington has recently opened its doors to the new RG Restaurant. With Executive Chef Luke Davies on the scene, the restaurant is looking to step away from ‘fancy for fancy’s sake’ and will showcase ‘good honest seasonally inspired dishes’. Within a magniďŹ cent glass atrium, the restaurant is stylish and modern, while being mindful of Rowhill’s regal history. For menu and details see alexanderhotels.co.uk/rowhill

6XSSRUW The Royal Marines Band is coming to the Assembly Hall Theatre on Friday November 19 to perform in aid of Seafarers UK – among the leading charities of our maritime community. As one of the longest established military bands, whether you’re of military background or not, this event is quite a spectacle and the band’s precision will no doubt astound the audience. Tickets are £18, concessions £16, and are available from assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk or by calling 01892 530 613.

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7+( 1(:6« OUR MONTHLY LOOK AT SOME OF THE STORIES MAKING THE HEADLINES BABY TALK

CHURCH ASPIRES St John the Baptist, a church that is almost 900 years old and is at the centre of village life in Penshurst, is in danger of falling into disrepair. That’s why the Friends of Penshurst Church (FoPC) has been created to help raise £700,000 for essential work to save the building. Almost £300,000 has already been raised with the hope of collecting the remainder in the next 15 months through various fund raising events – including The Great Penshurst Duck Race. For more information visit savingpenshurstchurch.co.uk

A new nursery school has been launched in Tunbridge Wells to help babies learn Spanish. It’s the brain child of Arancha Bueno who was born in the Canary Islands, taught English to adults for ten years and now lives in TW. “Babies and young children are very receptive to sounds and studies show that they retain that knowledge, even if they have only been exposed to it for a year or so,” explains the mother of a two year old daughter. She believes the youngsters will absorb her native language through playing, singing and easy learning. BABLE (Babies Learning Espanol) classes will be held on Fridays at Vale Road Methodist Church. Visit bable.org.uk

ROYAL REJECTION The town’s new £240million hospital will not be allowed to use the ‘Royal’ prefix in its title and will simply be known as the Tunbridge Wells Hospital at Pembury. NHS bosses applied to the Government’s Cabinet Office for permission to use the prefix. The request was turned down. A Cabinet Office spokesperson points out that nowadays permission to use the ‘Royal’ prefix is “very sparingly granted” and that strict standards are applied. Tunbridge Wells was granted the ‘Royal’ prefix in 1909 to commemorate its association with Royalty.

PENSION PANNED The Borough Council has paid out more than £114,000 to boost the pension pot of a director who took early retirement for “personal reasons” and then immediately landed another top job with the Government’s Improvement Development Agency. Richard Powell worked at the Town Hall as Director of Services to the Community for two and a half years. The post was abolished on his departure. According to accounts the £114,000 was paid to “compensate for allowing the officer to retire before the normal retirement age.” Chief Executive William Benson (below) says no payments were made direct to Mr Powell. Lib Dem Councillor David Neve has reportedly branded the pay out as “excessive”.

FLAG WAVING

FESTIVAL UNVEILED Tunbridge Wells is to get a new arts festival. It’ll take place next September and will be known as the Electric Lantern Film and Arts Festival. Details of the event have been unveiled by Meedjahub, a networking group for media and creative professionals. Organisers hope it will cross the generations and ideas for the festival are welcome. Current thoughts include open studios, art markets, comedy nights, al fresco films, poetry readings and photography workshops. More information can be found at electriclanternfestival.co.uk Lovat Insurance Brokers 'Hold the front page – we've got it covered.' Lovatins.co.uk

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This month sees the opening of the last of the new flagship stores on the outskirts of Tunbridge Wells when John Lewis welcomes shoppers to its ‘at home’ store on the Kingstanding Business Park. It follows the opening on the nearby Fountains Retail Park of the Marks & Spencer home store and the arrival on the same park of Pets at Home. The 40,000 sq ft John Lewis store alone, which has Gabby Armstrong as branch manager, cost £9million to build and created almost 200 jobs.

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fashionista with a taste for the high life? She was attending a charity auction when the chance to bid for a few days on a luxury yacht came up for grabs. “But has it got a chef aboard?� she asked the auctioneer. On being assured her every wish would be catered for she promptly beat off all other bids paying several hundred pounds for the privilege.

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player is anxious to keep his team mates in the dark about losing his driving license after a few too many at his local hostelry? Watch out for the player asking for loads of lifts in the coming months. Make him walk. That’ll get him match ďŹ t. NOVEMBER 2010

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THE MOST ANTICIPATED EVENT ON THE SOCIAL CALENDAR AT PLUMPTON RACECOURSE ATTRACTED 170 ENTRANTS. IT WAS, OF COURSE, THE BEST DRESSED COMPETITION ON LADIES DAY. FIRST PRIZE OF A £4,000 CARIBBEAN HOLIDAY WENT TO DAWN HARRELL OF HIGH HURSTWOOD PICTURED CENTRE BETWEEN RUNNER UP SHARON LACEY* (LEFT) OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND DAWN ELLMAN-BAKER OF LANCING. BEST DRESSED CHILD WAS SOPHIE MANZI (LEFT). THERE WAS A CROWD OF 5,000 AT PLUMPTON TO ENJOY THE RACING PLUS A SHOPPING VILLAGE AND HEART PAMPER ZONE. LIVE MUSIC CAME COURTESY OF KELLI-LEIGH AND IT WAS ALL HOSTED BY HEART’S LYNSEY BARTLETT.

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IT WAS A CASE OF ‘HAPPY BIRTHDAY’ WHEN CLIENTS AND FRIENDS GATHERED TO MARK THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE OPENING OF THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS BEAUTY SALON VANITY FAIR. GLASSES OF BUBBLY AND CANAPÉS WERE ENJOYED AS THEY WATCHED DEMONSTRATIONS OF TREATMENTS AVAILABLE AT THE CAMDEN ROAD SALON INCLUDING HOTSTONES MASSAGE, INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE AND MINI FACIALS. OWNER JESSICA BUTLER TELLS US: “IT WAS OUR WAY OF SAYING ‘THANK YOU’ TO ALL THOSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE HELPED MAKE IT SUCH A FANTASTIC YEAR FOR THE BUSINESS.” PHOTOGRAPHY PHIL GLOVER

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TUNBRIDGE WELLS

WORDS WILL LAWRENCE

FROM THE HEROIN DENS OF EDINBURGH TO A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY, EWAN MCGREGOR HAS PLAYED NUMEROUS CHARACTERS. BUT IT’S HIS DOCUMENTARY MOTORBIKE TRIPS WITH CHARLIE BOORMAN, WHERE HE’S JUST HIMSELF, THAT MANY REMEMBER HIM FOR. NEXT YEAR IT LOOKS LIKE THEY’LL BE HITTING THE SADDLE ONCE MORE

The 39-year-old broke through with the drug-propelled Trainspotting back in 1996, and has since gone on to croon for Nicole Kidman in the Oscar-bothering Moulin Rouge, to tackle full-scale action films, like Sir Ridley Scott’s Black Hawk Down, and to secure the coveted role of Obi-Wan

Kenobi in the Star Wars prequels, which rank among the most successful films of all time. But while he’s continued to be successful in recent years, appearing in the films I Love You Phillip Morris, The Men Who Stare at Goats and The Ghost, some of his most popular works entail him being simply himself, rather than acting.

The Long Way Round and Long Way Down series (BBC 2 and SKY TV) introduced us to Ewan’s true character, documenting his journeys with fellow actor and friend, Charlie Boorman, as

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wan McGregor stands as Scotland’s biggest movie star since Sean Connery and is a man who’s proved himself in everything from cool British indies to sprawling Hollywood franchises.

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they rode BMW motorbikes firstly from the UK to New York via Europe, Asia and Alaska, then from John o’Groats in Scotland to Cape Town, South Africa. According to Charlie Boorman a further trip is in the planning stages – this time from Cape Horn, Chile, through South America to California – evidence perhaps that Ewan’s shying away from blockbusters at this stage in his career. A point we put to him when we met: “I haven’t done the all-singing all-dancing American blockbuster since The Island [in 2005]. It was quite a hard film to make. Michael [Bay, the director who went on to make the Transformers movies] can be a bit explosive to work with, but at least I had Scarlett Johansson with me to nudge and say, ‘Oh God, Here we go again!’” The film, that was universally panned by critics, was certainly a low point in his career, but Ewan’s never taken it to heart, preferring a relaxed approach to the criticism: “I don’t know what people were expecting from that film but I think that it was Michael’s time to get a kicking and we just happened to be the cast… Actually, I don’t take any of The Island experience personally. I know the producers, who, very nicely, said some bloody terrible things about us, used Scarlett and me as an excuse. But I’ve never made a conscious decision not to make big films anymore. I just go for stories that appeal to me, and, actually, it’s always nice to go back in to making a big film.” Big films may not have been on the cards in recent years, but big names certainly have featured in his life. In 2007 he had the pleasure of working with Woody Allen for the first time and experienced his notoriously brief meetings with his actors: “I had no idea,” admits Ewan. “I went out to New York for our first meeting. I got to his little editing suite, just outside Central Park, and waited and waited. Then, finally, Woody came in and said, ‘We’re making the film in the Summer. Thanks for coming in.’ And that was it; then he was gone!” So what was the inspiration that got Ewan into films and rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest names in Hollywood? Could it be something to do with the fact that Bleak House and Star Wars actor Denis Lawson is his uncle?

“ It’s a unique relationship I have with him. He was always in London and then when I moved to London he was always here if I needed anybody. We have an honest relationship with one another and we have a good laugh.”

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Denis Lawson played Wedge Antilles, part of Rogue Squadron, in the first Star Wars trilogy. Surely, it was exciting for a child to be related to someone in the original George Lucas films?

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“For sure,” he agrees. ”I also always had this love for old black and white movies and I don’t know which came first. I’m sure the fact that he was an actor made me look at acting in a different way and then when I wanted to become one, of course, I was looking at in a very different way.

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“To go to see Star Wars for the first time when you are seven at the cinema is quite a big deal anyway. The fact that he was in it made it especially cool. He survived all three movies but I can remember asking him about it. I always got the sense from him it was like two weeks work at Shepperton Studios, and I understood it wasn’t that big a deal to him compared to some of his other work. Now I can understand that!” Ewan’s current success may have something to do with the fact that his mother allowed him to drop out of school at 16. Was it a case of just getting out, or was acting the impetus to leave?

“I wouldn’t want to talk about that. I would never want to talk about my marriage and the tabloids at the same time, in the same breath, to tell you the truth. There’s always been media interest and therefore public interest in the lives of actors and stars, though. “I’m sure there wouldn’t have been all those stories in Hollywood in the 1940s and ’50s of gay actors being in fake marriages and stuff if that hadn’t been the case. So there’s always been this idea of a public interest in what stars’ lives are like but I don’t know if it’s ever been to the extent it is now.”

“I couldn’t see that I was learning anything that was of any relevance to me,” he admits. “Now I see I was wrong. There’s a lot I could have got from school that I didn’t. At the time, though, I didn’t really get the point, didn’t get the basic idea about education that this might be of any use to me later on.

But isn’t he relatively well removed from that world now?

“Now whether that’s because my teachers didn’t instil that into me or whether I just completely focussed on becoming an actor or that I didn’t bother, I don’t know but certainly when I got the chance to leave it was like an opportunity. Getting out of school was a huge relief to me.”

“Think of Britney Spears in America who is a victim of it, for example. I was so sickened by those pictures a few years back of hundreds and hundreds of photographers outside her house, and an ambulance trying to get through, trying to get through the paparazzi, trying to get to her home. I felt so ashamed of the human race; people can be so irresponsible.”

The Scottish actor is notoriously protective of his family and the documentary Long Way Round was one of the first times that the McGregor family has been shown off to the world media. Perhaps it’s because Ewan and his wife, Eve, don’t go looking for attention that the tabloids now generally leave them alone. Ewan is cagey on the subject:

“Yeah,” he agrees. “I mean what can you do about sections of the media that base stories on ‘actors without make up: see how s**t they look in real life!’? That’s just appalling.

Whether he stays out of the tabloids in the future remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure; with reports of Long Way Down circling the internet, and a handful of films in the production stage, Ewan certainly won’t be dropping off our radar any time soon. 62

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

Brace Yourself It would seem that gentlemanly dressing is the trend of the season for you chaps. Think monocles, folded silk handkerchiefs, trilbies and of course, a classic pair of braces. Gents’ outfitters Peter Christian have put together a collection of limited edition braces featuring Shakespearean quotes, flyfishing and St. George, that are sure to be a talking point whenever you wear them. Henry V braces (limited edition of 500) £99, peter.christian.co.uk

Hands Up Leather gloves are a fashion staple this time of year, and offer the perfect opportunity to try out one of the biggest looks of A/W. Camel gloves are effortlessly chic against a black or navy wool coat. Keep an eye out for a jacket with three-quarter length sleeves, because you’re guaranteed to want to show these buttoned gloves off. Dallas leather gloves £45, riomoda.com

Put the boot in Forget the standard stiletto or the strappy sandal. This party season, it’s all about the peeptoe boot. Add a rock influence to your favourite evening outfit by pairing your dress with a pair of ankle boots with cutaway toes. Embellished versions introduce a little sparkle and you can get away with whatever heel height suits. Just remember to keep the hemlines well above the knee to avoid shortening your legs. Peeptoe boots £580, Lara Bohnic @cruisefashion.co.uk

Touchy-feely The latest collection from By Malene Birger is enough to make us grateful for grey days and rain. A sumptuous marriage of textures creates a comfortable yet luxurious range of mix and match pieces – an A/W capsule wardrobe in itself. Team her masculine blazers with delicate silk blouses; tweed separates with fur accessories; and knitted cardigans with edgy leather trousers for an easy-to-wear, yet entirely on trend look. Selected pieces from By Malene Birger available at Bod & Ted, High Street, TW.

Going underground If the knitwear we suggested for you last month wasn’t to your taste, we might just have a wearable alternative for you this time around. For those who like the jeans and blazer look, consider swapping your lightweight jacket for a warmer moleskin one. Dress it up with a shirt, tie and grey windowpane trousers or keep it casual wearing it over a fine knit jumper. Moleskin jacket £240, wool tartan trouser £100, white shirt £60, navy tie £45, all Viyella @ Austin Reed, High Street, TW.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY: MARK TURNBULL KATIE ELEANOR

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he Autumn/Winter catwalk shows of Tunbridge Wells Fashion Week have been the talk of the town. The latest looks from Paris, New York, Milan and London were brought together in a style extravaganza that dazzled the packed audiences.

Held over two nights, the event was a feast of music and fashion, beginning with a fantastic display from the Elite Street Dance Troupe and featuring a cheeky burlesque performance from Miss Glory Pearl. The sold out audience got the chance to view over 130 fashion-forward outďŹ ts, worth in excess of ÂŁ75,000.

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Once again, a mixture of 18 professional and aspiring models walked side by side to showcase the pick of local boutiques and designers. Those retailers that took part in the inaugural event returned to show new collections, while new designers and outlets queued up for their space on the catwalk at The Old School House.

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IT’S ONE OF THE HOTTEST DATES IN THE FASHION CALENDAR AND TO PROVE IT SECOND TUNBRIDGE WELLS FASHION WEEK WAS A COMPLETE SELL OUT. WE WERE THERE TO TAKE IN EVERY STITCH AND SEQUIN

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Organiser Louise Clark of the Brew House Hotel says: “TWFW is about bringing all the best fashion outlets in Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding area together. The shows this Autumn demonstrated what an amazing array there is in our town. We were proud to be working with such a talented group of boutiques and designers.” First time exhibitor Jackie Dedman, owner of outerwear specialists Jackie D was glad she’d taken part.

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“TWFW has been fun, hard work and rewarding, I’ve already had some sales and a lot of enquires. The show is especially good for me as I don’t have a shop. “Would I do the show again? Without a doubt yes!” One of the boutiques to return for the second TWFW was Carole Riggs of Gently Worn Vintage. She says the event was magnificent.

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“We have had great feedback; the Hartnell Gown and Miss V peacock hat by Cath Povey seem to have stolen the show. “For us, we wanted to showcase our signature style which is couture and hand made premium pieces from the 1920s to 1960s. We really aimed to recreate the glamour and elegance of those decades and spread the word that our boutique is coming to town and I do think we were able to offer something uniquely different to the show. Plus we have sold two pieces already the gorgeous 1920s Velvet Flapper coat which I was really sad to see go! So for us a very successful fashion week!”

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The deluge of rain that arrived on the opening day of TWFW did little to dampen the spirits of the show’s fashion-hungry audience. Umbrellas were exchanged for champagne flutes as guests, including yours truly, took their seats alongside the catwalk at the Old School House on Chapel Place. And the catwalk show was certainly worth braving the elements for. Fifteen

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collections from twelve different boutiques and retailers had been put together to reignite our passion for fashion and inspire our Autumn/Winter wardrobes. First up was the minimaya range. A mixture of outerwear, accessories and hero pieces, their collection brought together lambskin, leather and shearling to offer a coat or jacket for every occasion. From cosy belted wrap coats in buttery lambskin to bejewelled black leather jackets to jazz up evening wear, we wanted to buy them all. A cream leather dress, accessorised with black driving gloves and sparkling crystal cuffs got an appropriately appreciative reaction from the crowd and showed there really are other ways to wear what is often seen as a tough material. From edgy to quaint; the next collection was a complete contrast to the first. Danish clothing chain Noa Noa brought a folksy, laid back range of dresses, skirts and knitwear, in a rainbow of soft shades and textures, while Bod & Ted offered up a selection of By Malene Birger, Almost Famous and Pyrus pieces, beautifully accessorised with statement belts, sequin gloves and silk scarves. The latter’s floor-length Pyrus silk georgette gown stood out from the crowd, while their American Vintage tapered trousers are sure to be on many of the audience’s shopping lists.

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We took a stroll down vintage lane for the next set. Gently Worn Vintage, who will

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shortly open a boutique in town, brought together an anthology of dresses and gowns predominantly from the 1940s, 50s and 60s. From voluminous black velvet to beaded apper style, each look was distinctive and unexpectedly of the moment. I fell for a pair of elbow length Dior gloves, but could also have been tempted by the fox fur stole and classic framed bag in tan. Loved what GWV put together. First-time participant Jackie D showed a stunning array of leather and fur outerwear. The key shapes of the season were recreated in natural materials, with the Aviator in leather and shearling standing out as a must-have. Something for the boys followed courtesy of Jaeger’s formal menswear. Immaculately cut suits in navy, grey and a daring dark turquoise showed work wear is anything but staid. Time then, for something completely different. The boudoir ready selection of BooBoo Burlesque raised a few heart rates as well as offering up a number of surprisingly wearable pieces. The Swarovski handled riding crop, however, might not be for everyone.

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Anyone with a wedding to attend in the near future sat up a little straighter when the collection from Any Occasion was presented: in particular, the Chanel-esque shimmering tweed dress with cropped jacket was timelessly stylish.

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One of the most popular collections of the night came next. Little London wowed at the first TWFW, bringing covetable brands to the town. This season was no different, with pieces from See by Chloé, Halston Heritage and Alice by Temperley wowing the crowd. Country Stile covered all eventualities with their range of rural clothing. From après ski to hiking, their jackets, boots and bags were practical yet chic. Jaeger’s smart/casual collections for both men and women also highlighted a few essential pieces. The bouclé ribbed top and leather trim cape have both gone on my wish list.

Yet another evening then, where I have been enticed into parting with serious cash in the name of style. Still, with all these brands available on my doorstep, at least I’ve saved my train fare to London. 62

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On then to High Street boutiques Kitch and La Belle Femme. From Kitch, an eclectic mix of edgy daywear and knock-out evening gowns (we loved the versatile Butter dress and the stunning sequinned Antik Batik dress) and from La Belle Femme, a capsule collection to dress even those with the busiest of events calendars (the Orna Farho pink jumpsuit teamed with a grey fur waistcoat was just fabulous).

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n a world of mass production, it is rare to find a true craftsman. Marco Bicego, however, is one such man. The Italian jeweller prides himself on combining the traditional methods passed down to him by his father with imaginative design and the finest precious stones, creating stunning pieces for the modern woman.

Behind every Marco Bicego design lies a passion for goldsmith work, the diversity of different cuts of stones, the shape and texture of freshwater pearls, and the purity of the finest diamonds. Bicego is inspired by nature and fascinated by the ‘perfection of its imperfections’. Intertwining twigs and the silhouettes of leaves and stones are reflected in the jewellery he creates.

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RENOWNED ITALIAN JEWELLERY DESIGNER MARCO BICEGO WILL BE AT PADANI JEWELLERS, TUNBRIDGE WELLS THIS MONTH TO CELEBRATE THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS COMPANY

Each of his pieces displays the tell-tale signs of his signature techniques: the exclusive ‘coil design’ and expert engraving. The first sees the finest strands of gold wrapped around a gold core and can only be created by combining high-tech machinery with master craftsmanship. The second is a centuries old technique of hand etching a satin texture onto the gold to ensure it will remain unaltered, even over time. Bicego’s passion for beauty, for products of nature and for quality workmanship is reflected in the concept of everyday luxury, a new interpretation of jewellery, combining the inherent simplicity of a precious accessory with everyday wear. Named ‘Jewellery Designer of the Year’ by the UK Jewellery Awards in 2007, Bicego has received many accolades for his work. With his company now in its tenth year, Bicego is marking the anniversary with a specially created bracelet. Paying homage to one of his best-selling collections Goa, the exclusive bracelet features 30 strands of white gold adorned with 100 classically embedded rose-cut diamonds of 0.10carats each, forming a total of 10 carats to commemorate the business’s birthday. Worth £37,125 each, only three examples of this special piece are to be created. On November 18 Marco Bicego will be flying in from Italy to celebrate the anniversary at local stockists Padani Jewellers on the High Street, Tunbridge Wells. On display at the Padani gallery will be the spectacular tenth anniversary bracelet and other pieces of Bicego’s work.

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For more information on Marco Bicego and the Padani event, visit padani.co.uk or call 01892 537533. NOVEMBER 2010

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THESE ARE THE FIRST IMAGES TO BE RELEASED SHOWING BURRELLS THE JEWELLERS EXCITING NEW STORE THAT IS ABOUT TO OPEN IN THE HEART OF THE TOWN’S ROYAL VICTORIA PLACE SHOPPING CENTRE

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t will have a luxurious ultra modern look that ‘brings Bond Street to Tunbridge Wells’ and will carry on the tradition of owner Richard Burrell in offering the finest new jewellery ranges from such exciting designers as Theo Fennel, Stephen Webster, Christopher Wharton and their own designers and workshop able to create and make the piece of jewellery your heart desires. Watches which will include IWC, Jaeger LeCoultre, Breitling, Omega, Baume & Mercier, Mont Blanc and Bremont among others for customers with sophisticated international tastes. Richard Burrell’s existing store in Royal Victoria Place will remain open. Burrells have been designing and selling fine jewellery for more than 35 years after the original store, Burrell London, was opened in Hatton Garden. The new Tunbridge Wells store will further enhance the reputation of Burrells for serving clients in an inviting and comfortable atmosphere. See burrellsjewellers.co.uk NOVEMBER 2010

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nightnannies.com Encourage your baby to sleep through the night with maternity experts. We can also provide 24 hour maternity care.

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tĞ Žī Ğƌ͗ dŽŽƚŚ ĐŽůŽƵƌĞĚ͕ ƚŽdžŝŶͲĨƌĞĞ͕ ŵĞƌĐƵƌLJ ĨƌĞĞ Į ůůŝŶŐƐ ͻ ^ĂĨĞ ƌĞŵŽǀĂů ŽĨ ŵĞƌĐƵƌLJ ĂŵĂůŐĂŵƐ ƵƐŝŶŐ ĂƉƉƌŽƉƌŝĂƚĞ ĐůŝŶŝĐĂů ƉƌĞĐĂƵƟ ŽŶƐ ͻ ŝŽ ĐŽŵƉĂƟ ďůĞ ĐƌŽǁŶƐ ĂŶĚ ďƌŝĚŐĞƐ ͻ KƌĂů ƐƵƌŐĞƌLJͬŐƵŵͬƉĞƌŝŽĚŽŶƚĂů ƚƌĞĂƚŵĞŶƚƐ ͻ /ŵƉůĂŶƚŽůŽŐLJ ͻ ,LJŐŝĞŶĞ ͻ džƚƌĂĐƟ ŽŶ ĨƌĞĞ ĨƵůůͲĨĂĐĞ ŽƌƚŚŽƉĂĞĚŝĐ ŽƌƚŚŽĚŽŶƟ ĐƐ ͻ ,ŽůŝƐƟ Đ ĚĞŶƟ ƐƚƌLJ ͻ ^ĂŵĞ ĚĂLJ ĞŵĞƌŐĞŶĐLJ ĂƉƉŽŝŶƚŵĞŶƚƐ ͻ ŽƐŵĞƟ Đ ĚĞŶƚĂů ŵĂŬĞŽǀĞƌƐ ͻ dŽŽƚŚ ǁŚŝƚĞŶŝŶŐ ͻ ^ĞĚĂƟ ŽŶ tĞ ĐŽƵůĚ ŚĂǀĞ ƚŚĞ ĂŶƐǁĞƌ ƚŽ ƚŚŽƐĞ ƉĞƌƐŝƐƚĞŶƚ ŚĞĂĚ͕ ŶĞĐŬ͕ ĂŶĚ ďĂĐŬ ƉĂŝŶ ƉƌŽďůĞŵƐ ƚŚĂƚ ŶŽ ĂŵŽƵŶƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞƌĂƉLJ ĐĂŶ ƉĞƌŵĂŶĞŶƚůLJ ĐƵƌĞ͘ /Ĩ LJŽƵ ĨĞĞů ƚŚĂƚ ƉƌĞǀŝŽƵƐ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞƐ ŽĨ ĚĞŶƟ ƐƚƌLJ ůĞĂǀĞ ŵĂŶLJ ƋƵĞƐƟ ŽŶƐ ƵŶĂŶƐǁĞƌĞĚ ƉůĞĂƐĞ ĐĂůů ƚŽ ŵĂŬĞ ĂŶ ĂƉƉŽŝŶƚŵĞŶƚ͘ tĞ ĐĂŶ ĞdžƚĞŶĚ ŽƵƌ ŽƉĞŶŝŶŐ Ɵ ŵĞƐ ƚŽ Į ƚ LJŽƵƌ ƐĐŚĞĚƵůĞ͘ ǀĞŶŝŶŐƐ ĂŶĚ ^ĂƚƵƌĚĂLJƐ ĐĂŶ ďĞ ĂƌƌĂŶŐĞĚ͘

dŽŽƚŚ &ĂŝƌLJ ,ŽůŝƐƟ Đ ĞŶƚƌĞ͕ ϴ ŚŝůƐƚŽŶ ZŽĂĚ͕ dƵŶďƌŝĚŐĞ tĞůůƐ͕ <ĞŶƚ dEϰ ϵ>d dĞůĞƉŚŽŶĞ͗ ϬϭϴϵϮ ϱϭϴϴϲϬ &Ădž͗ ϬϭϴϵϮ ϱϰϯϭϲϳ ǁǁǁ͘ƚŽŽƚŚĨĂŝƌLJŚŽůŝƐƟ Đ͘ĐŽ͘ƵŬ

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BEAUTY

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A NEW SEASON MEANS A NEW LOOK. TOP UP YOUR MAKE-UP BAG WITH THE AUTUMN/WINTER COLOURS YOU SIMPLY MUST BE SEEN IN

ESTÉE LAUDER/PA PHOTO

WORDS LISA HAYNES

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f you’ve already packed away the SPF creams and beach towels, it’s time to do the same with your sun-kissed bronzers and sorbet-hued eyeshadows.

Now is the ideal time to be brave and give your makeup bag a trend edit. Dispense with the light and bright and go dark and dramatic. See the Autumn/Winter season as your cue to go experimental using the designer catwalks as your beauty inspiration. From look-at-me blood red lips to subtle bare lashes, this winter is a season of contrasts. Welcome to your winter-ready guide to looking good.

no-lash look. Mascara wands were made redundant to allow eyeliner and shadow to do all the talking. If you can’t bare to go completely lash au naturel, try a clear mascara or use a brown mascara at the roots for a subtle lift.

<Za" Boots 17 Clear Definition Mascara, £4.49; (Boots, Calverley Road, TW); Lancome Hypnose Precious Cells Mascara in Densifying Brown, £22 (Hoopers, Mount Pleasant, TW).

5I\\M MNNMK\ Farewell to high shine and goodbye to gloss; this season is all about matte, matte and more matte. Whether it’s face, eyes, lips or nails - whatever the shade - the texture of choice is velvety matte for an instant Autumn/ Winter update.

<Za" L’Oreal Matte Morphose Foundation, £9.99 (Boots, Calverley Road, TW); bareMinerals Matte SPF 15 Foundation, £24 (Fenwick, Royal Victoria Place, TW); Mavala Color-Matt Top Coat, £9.75 (local chemists).

4I[P ^IVQ[P Cheryl Cole, avert your eyes. If there was one surprising trend causing a buzz backstage at the fashion shows, it was the

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<Z]M *T]M Bored of black, brown and grey neutrals? Time to get the blues. This season’s indigo shades will inject some grown-up colour into your make-up bag. Go all out with ‘colour blocking’ the eye by topping off with an intense blue mascara. If you’re undecided about taking the plunge with steely blue peepers, dip into the trend with an indigo polish on your nails.

<Za" Estee Lauder Pure Color Five Color EyeShadow Palette in Blue Dahlia, ÂŁ34 (Hoopers, Mount Pleasant, TW); The Body Shop Super Volume Mascara in Cobalt Blue, ÂŁ10 (The Body Shop, Calverley Road, TW); Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Muse blue, ÂŁ12.50 asos.com).

+WV\W]Z Y]MMV 3D effects aren’t only transforming TV and ďŹ lms, but faces too. Skin is your ultimate accessory this autumn and contouring is your key to a must-have complexion. Use darker shades on temples, medium shades on cheek contours and lighter shades to highlight. Invest in a hard-working face brush. MAC artist Neil Young says: “You can see where these shadows started, but not where they stop... it’s about blending into nothingness.â€? OS N/PA PHOT

ZAK HUSSEI

<Za" MAC Limited Edition Mineralize Blush Duo, ÂŁ17.50 (Fenwick, Royal Victoria Place, TW); Jemma Kidd Pro Blush Brush, ÂŁ25 (Space.NK, High Street, TW).

.WZM[\ .Z]Q\[ Red lips are never going to go out of fashion but if you want a fashion-led twist for your pout, go crimson. Intensity has deepened with decadent shades like raspberry and blackcurrant in a matte ďŹ nish.

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Darker shades can also work as a stain for those with pale complexions. Use less product and press down on the lips with a ďŹ nger to blot.

<Za" Nars Pure Matte Lipstick, available in six shades, ÂŁ18 (Space.NK, High Street, TW); YSL Haute Pur Couture Lipstick in Noir Laque, ÂŁ22 (Fenwick, Royal Victoria Place, TW).

3WPT 8TIa Intense eyes ruled the runways at Gucci and Zac Posen. Black-edged eyes were created by lining the entire eye with kohl pencil, tear duct included. Boost the dramatics by smudging into a smokey, morning-after-the-nightbefore effect. Make-up artist Bobbi Brown says: “For that subtle, messy, cool line, apply kohl eye pencil on the inside rim on the top of the eye and blink. It will bleed onto the lower lash line.�

<Za" Bobbi Brown Black Velvet Collection Kohl Eyeliner, ÂŁ14.50 (Fenwick, Royal Victoria Place, TW); GOSH Kohl Eyeliner in Black, ÂŁ4.50 (Superdrug, Calverley Road, TW); RMK Ingenious Pencil Eyeliner, ÂŁ15 (asos.com).

5QVS 5IOQK Not all Winter shades pack a punch. The pared-down minimalist fashion trend from the catwalks has translated to cosmetic bags. Nails and lips blended into skin tones at Dior, Vivienne Westwood and Marc Jacobs, making mink colours the new way to do ‘bare’. Skin-like nude shades offer a attering alternative to nothingness and still give an effortless preened ďŹ nish.

<Za" Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Mink, ÂŁ7.29 (Boots, Calverley Road, TW); Topshop Lips in Mink, ÂŁ8 (Topshop, Royal Victoria Place, TW); Nails Inc Basil Street Nail Polish, ÂŁ10.50 (Fenwick, Royal Victoria Place, TW).

Hair feeling at? Give your locks a super-charged boost with a volumising conditioner after shampooing. We tested out three potentials for thicker tresses. James Brown London Thickening Conditioner, ÂŁ5.99 (Boots, Claverley Road, TW) It was difďŹ cult to achieve a luxurious lather with the consistency of this conditioner. My ďŹ ne hair didn’t feel as limp, but I’m unconvinced there was a dramatic difference in volume. Score: 2/5

Shan Rahimkhan True Volume Double Phase Leave-in Treatment, £26.15 (harissalon.com) It’s almost criminal to use these ornamental bottles but thankfully the product lives up to the packaging. No waiting around to condition, simply shampoo and spray on when hair is damp for locks that feel full but not weighed down. Score: 4/5

NARS/PA PHOTO

Big Sexy Hair Big Volume Conditioner, ÂŁ10.25 (0845 230 9660) Used alongside the Big Sexy Hair Shampoo, this conditioner left my ďŹ ne hair feeling bigger and bouncier but best of all, the va-va-voom effects lasted throughout the day. Score: 4/5

NOVEMBER 2010

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TUNBRIDGE WELLS

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Beauty Salon of Distinction 2008 – 2010 + + + + +

11 Nevill Street, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5RU (At the bottom of The Frant Road)

Tel: 01892 536600 • info$beautetherapy.co.uk

Feel lovely. Feel alive. Feel fabulous

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NOVEMBER 2010

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WIN

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WIN

A ROMANTIC BOUDOIR PHOTO SHOOT WORTH £1,000

THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO CREATE A DAZZLING, ROMANTIC PHOTO GIFT FOR YOUR PARTNER COURTESY OF OUR FRIENDS AT MIRROR IMAGE PHOTOGRAPHY IN CAMDEN ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS.

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hey’re part of the UK’s most popular boudoir photography service For Your Eyes Only (FYEO) which has been making a name for itself since 2002 through its dedication to providing flattering makeovers that celebrate your body whatever size or shape you are. If you’re looking for an unusual, romantic gift for a loved one then the all-female team at Mirror Image will help you create stunning artistic pictures using bodysculpting techniques in their boutique studio which offers clients a secure, female only environment with a reputation second to none.

To celebrate the launch of FYEO at Mirror Image we’re giving away an incredible package that includes: • Full make-up makeover • Private black out studio • Full body sculpting direction by your own personal female photographer into lots of poses to flatter • FYEO airbrushing and skin smoothing • Private online viewing gallery • 50 High quality digital files (jpegs) • 10 page album of pictures • Gallery prints of all 50 shots • Framed 5x7 print of your choice Entering this fantastic competition couldn’t be easier. Simply email your name, address and phone number to info@magazinepeople.co.uk and mark it ‘SoTW Photo Shoot Competition’. Or send your name, address, phone number (and email address if you have one) on a postcard to: SoTW Photo Shoot Competition, Studio Six, Sussex Mews, The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells TN2 5QJ Closing date is midnight November 30 2010, after which the winning name will be drawn at random. The competition is open to women, men and couples. The prize is non transferable and must be taken by February 28 2011. All standard competition Terms and Conditions of The Magazine People Ltd apply. One entry per person per household. Entrants must be 18 or over. No cash or alternative prize can be selected. The Editor’s decision is final.

fyeoportraits.com

NOVEMBER 2010

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HERE IT IS. OUR MUCH ANTICIPATED CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE THAT SETS US APART FROM ALL THOSE OTHER TIRED LOOKING LISTS. FROM BUYING A RACE HORSE (OR AT LEAST ONE LEG) TO PRESENTING YOUR PARTNER WITH THEIR VERY OWN ISLAND PARADISE, IT’S ALL ON OFFER… AND NOT A PAIR OF SOCKS IN SIGHT

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Apple is constantly updating and improving on their products, and the new iPod Nano (below) is no different. At around 4cm2, it’s about half the size of the previous Nano and with 16GB of storage has the capacity to hold almost 250 albums. The new multi-touch display is similar to the iPhone and iPad, and with cover album features plus FM radio it’s the best Nano yet. The popularity of the iPad (left) is now really taking off, and with new apps launched every day, it’s beginning to show its true potential. The iPad’s success stems from offering so much; from ebook reader to internet browser, gaming device to teaching tool and so much in between. To play with either of these products check out iStore in Royal Victoria Place.

NOVEMBER 2010

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GIFT GUIDE

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IF YOU GO DOWN TO WOODS Of course, the tingle of taste buds is something that neither jewellery, adrenaline, nor art can replicate. So, for some comforting winter treats, head down to Woods Produce Store on The Pantiles and check out their range of gift boxes and baskets. For £8.50 choose from an array of Woods’ jam, marmalade and chutneys or opt for the £15 themed gift boxes – with those called Breakfast, Tea, Christmas, Chocolate, Beauty or Pamper to choose from. Alternatively mix it up with personalised gift boxes or pick up some gift vouchers. Pop into the store, or call 01892 546 263.

A THING OF BEAUTY If you’re looking to give something with a real wow factor, visit Burrells at Royal Victoria Place inTunbridge Wells and pick out a piece as special as this. Set in 18 carat white gold, this stunning ring features a 7.7 carat Tansanite centre – a rare gem mostly found in the foothills of Kilimanjaro. The feature stone is surrounded by 0.43ct diamonds to really add a touch of sparkle. This piece is £11,950, however Burrells have their own bespoke jewellery making service and can design and manufacture jewellery to your specification. See burrellsjewellers.co.uk

BAGS OF STYLE Nothing says ‘I’ve arrived’, when you’ve just arrived quite like Louis Vuitton luggage; the monogram fabric seems to look even better the more years that pass. Bags, if you can simply call them that, such as the Keepall (pictured, from £600) and Alzer (from £3,500) ranges will suit the travelling gent as much as the transatlantic lady and make whoever bears them look cool, calm and collected, no matter how jet lagged they are. See louisvuitton.com

NOVEMBER 2010

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GIFT GUIDE

NEED FOR SPEED Give the gift of adrenaline this Christmas with MotorSport Vision (MSV). As the UK’s largest motorsport operator, they boast some of the best driving packages on offer, whether it’s piloting the excellent BMW M3 on some of the world’s most famous racetracks, tackling outrageous obstacles in a Land Rover Defender or taking a sideways look at nature in a Peugeot 206 rally car. From Brands Hatch to Oulton Park, if you’re spoiling a loved one, or treating yourself, make Christmas unforgettable by taking advantage of MSV’s range of driving experiences – all from just £79. Call 0870 950 9000 or visit msvdrivinggifts.com

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DÉCOR-UM UK manufactured in hallmarked Sterling Silver, these tree decorations are an ideal gift for the person who’s invited you over for Christmas. Better to give these during the festive season than wine or chocolates; they will provide pleasure this year and for generations to come. The 25 piece set includes snow flakes, stars, the 12 Days of Christmas, little photo frames, and ‘Baby’s First Christmas’, each comes complete with a red silk ribbon and presentation gift box. £42.75 each from Peter Jenner on The Pantiles, 01892 521 796.

RACY LITTLE NUMBER Buying a racehorse for someone is a pretty big gamble. For starters, thoroughbred horses tend to cost in the region of £30,000 and what if it doesn’t even get close to winning? A more cost effective way of doing things (and perhaps less risky as far as presents go) is horse leasing and part ownership. Packages cost from as little as £95, but of course, the bigger your share, the more thrilling it’ll be and the more race money the owner might receive if it wins. Shares of up to £2,000 can be bought from ownaracehorse.co.uk

BATH WITH A BOOK When giving someone ‘smellies’ at Christmas, you want them to stand out from the rest and truly be appreciated. That’ll certainly be the case if your recipient un-wraps Molton Brown’s 2010 festive gift boxes. Inspired by a library of classic novels, they create a colourful collection of beautiful ‘books’ with something for everyone. The charming literary-themed gift sets include The Three Musketeers, Around the World in 80 Days and a Brave New World. Fenwick have an extensive selection of luxury Molton Brown toiletries on display at the Tunbridge Wells branch. Call 01892 516 716 for details.

NOVEMBER 2010

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TOP GUN This one’s for the adrenaline junkie you know. The story goes that when a very wealthy American businessman was recruiting in Russia in the early 90s, he was offered the chance to y a MiG-29 ďŹ ghter jet. He apparently enjoyed it so much that on the spot he decided to market the ‘red letter day’ worldwide. Now, under the name of Incredible Adventures, the company offer this experience and many like it for between ÂŁ4,000 and ÂŁ32,000. Check out incredibleadventures.com

ART ACHE The passionate and seductive style of Fabien Perez has seen his popularity sky-rocket in recent years and makes his work the ideal present for your other half. This signed limited edition of Linda in Red on canvas is typical of the Argentinian’s work, with dark, smouldering tones evoking questions as to who the subject is and what’s her background. This piece is £415, though a range of work by Perez and many other artists can be seen at Artique Gallery on the TW High Street, see p.96 for more details.

MUSIC HUB You’ll be amazed that something as small as the Meridian M80 can play your music with such quality. This beautiful high performance compact entertainment system, which has a hand-tooled leather ďŹ nish, combines incredible audio quality with supreme versatility. With CD/DVD player, AM/FM/ DAB radio and alarm functions, plus an i80 Dock for iPod, it’s equally at home as a subtle source of music in the bedroom or ďŹ lling a large room with incredibly detailed, powerful sound. Including the i80 dock, ÂŁ1,495, see progressive-av.com

REALLY RELAXING There’s nothing like helping someone to relax through a Christmas present – especially if that person has been slaving over the turkey all morning. The stunning Utopia Spa at the Alexander House Hotel in East Grinstead offers the ultimate in relaxation for a full rejuvenating day. Amenities include jacuzzi, swimming pool, underwater massage streams, hot tubs, sauna and steam rooms, and that’s all before enjoying two hours of blissful treatments and a delicious two course lunch. The Stress Away Spa Day costs from £175, see alexanderhouse.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2010

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GIFT GUIDE

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MILKING IT It might seem like a comical suggestion, but in recent years companies such as Practical Presents have turned farm animals as Christmas presents into an incredible opportunity for charity. Rather than buying the animal for a loved one, your money goes towards supplying a needy family in poorer areas of the world with food or resources. Ducks, which lay eggs almost daily, cost just £12 to buy for a Bangladeshi family, while cows to produce milk for a Bolivian community are £97. Does Mum really need more scented candles anyway? See practicalpresents.org

GRAPES OF CASH Aged for over 100 years, the Henri IV Dudognon Heritage has earned the title of the most expensive Cognac in the world, and at over £2million a bottle, we’re not really surprised. The tipple’s rather over-the-top message of ‘The DNA of Cognac, the essence of the water of life…’ might not explain why this particular drink is so expensive, but its bottle (which is made of yellow gold, sterling platinum and is encrusted with 6,500 brilliant cut diamonds) certainly does. See most-expensive-cognac.com, of course.

WIRELESS WONDER Many of us these days rely on smart phones, MP3 players or laptops for playback of our music collections. For a simple way of wirelessly connecting these devices through your main stereo, have a look at the QED uPlay. Simply plug the uPlay into your hi-fi, pair it with the mobile phone, laptop or iPod via wireless bluetooth and you’re away. Quality music playback, no messy wires and just £64.99. standanddeliver.com

SLICE OF PARADISE Can you imagine anything more spectacular as a present than a desert island with palm trees made up as Christmas trees? This one might take a few years to save up for, but the range of islands and places available is incredible. Check out privateislandsonline.com to see islands for as little as £19,000… though they do go up to a whopping £210million. Alternatively, check out Knight Frank International because Buck Island (SoTW issue 25) is still looking for an owner. NOVEMBER 2010

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Property: Little Chitcombe, Detached 17th Century Farmhouse Location: Broad Oak, East Sussex Price: ÂŁ1.1million Bedrooms: 6 Bathrooms: 4 Land: 14 acres

Extras: Stables Paddocks External garage block

Best bit: Little Chitcombe enjoys classic East Sussex countryside. Not only are the gardens directly surrounding the traditional farmhouse idyllic, but the paddock and views are spectacular.

THE FARMHOUSE IS THE PERFECT TEMPLATE FOR A BEAUTIFUL WEALDEN HOME AND LITTLE CHITCOMBE IN BROAD OAK IS A FINE EXAMPLE. IT’S EVEN GOT AMAZING VIEWS AND PLENTY OF LAND TO EXPLORE

Summary: If traditional farmhouse aesthetics and equestrian activities are your cup of tea, then Little Chitcombe should suit you down to the ground. To match its sprawling 14 acres, the farmhouse is also of large proportions. More often than not the kitchen will act as the entrance to the home. Here you’ll ďŹ nd an AGA, central work surface and a spacious adjoining breakfast room that leads onto the utility. There are multiple reception rooms with a sitting room, large drawing room and, on the other side of the house, a games room and dining room. The entire interior is much as you’d expect from a 17th Century rural abode. Ceilings are adorned with exposed beams, and there’s an inglenook ďŹ replace and wood burning stove among the other period features. Above is a delightful area, with plenty of storage nestled around the six bedrooms. Doors lead from bedroom to bathroom, to walk-in wardrobes and built-in cupboards – it’s really quite a joy to explore‌ Externally, you’re treated to some quaint gardens by the house, while further out there’s a triple stable block, tack and feed rooms, plus 14 acres of paddock at your disposal. Contact: Harpers and Hurlingham 01580 715 400 harpersandhurlingham.com

NOVEMBER 2010

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Do you need extra space to Work, Rest or Play ? These innovative contemporary garden rooms provide the flexibility to create versatile additional accommodation to compliment your home

From a child’s playroom, home office, or recording studio to an indoor pool, the possibilities are almost endless. Made from high quality eco-friendly materials to keep you warm in winter and comfortable in summer, these unique rooms come in a range of standard sizes, or can be built to individual specifications. Nine standard or twelve bespoke colour finishes are also available to add that personal touch.

For a free consultation please contact The Home Office Company, 01233 712710

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PROPERTY

SITUATED IN THE HEART OF THE KENTISH WEALD AND AN AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY, THE POPLARS IS A PARTICULARLY WELL–FINISHED PROPERTY AND THE IDEAL HOME FOR A LARGE FAMILY

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$ 3RSODU &KRLFH Property: The Poplars, 18th Century detached home Location: Horsmonden, near Tonbridge Price: £1.275million Bedrooms: 6 Bathrooms: 3

Extras: Large conservatory

Outside features, as you would expect, a lovely country garden, with mature trees and herbaceous beds. There’s also the heated swimming pool, summer house and wide lawns.

Spacious cellars, Summer house, Swimming pool

Best bit: Perhaps the nicest thing about The Poplars is the entire package it offers. Browsing the property, you hope to find a pleasant conservatory, it’s there. You wish for a swimming pool to while away Summer afternoons, it’s got one of those. Viewing the property from the outside and you imagine luxurious Georgian décor. Guess what? It’s got that too. Summary: The front door opens into an impressive entrance hall flanked by drawing and dining rooms – both beautifully finished. A staircase leads down to the cellar of the house; a fine space, perfect for a pool table, wine storage or games room, while back on the ground floor, continue through the house and you’ll find a very large sitting room. Double doors lead through into the conservatory and there’s also access to the kitchen/breakfast room. The recently redecorated kitchen hints at both the traditional elements of the home – with an AGA and chunky oak cupboards – but also nods at modern style, with chic granite work surfaces and a clean, ergonomic finish. From here you can wander through the utility room and out to the garage, or to the family room, possibly with uses as a home office. Upstairs seems even larger than the ground floor with five bedrooms. The master is an impressive double aspect job with ample built-in wardrobes, while bedroom two also deserves a particular mention with its en suite. A short jaunt up a small flight of stairs will reveal one further bedroom.

Contact: Hamptons International 01892 516 611 hamptons.co.uk NOVEMBER 2010

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THIS QUEEN ANNE-INSPIRED PROPERTY IS A GLORIOUS COUNTRY HOME WITH EXTENSIVE GARDENS AND GROUNDS JUST ON THE DOORSTEP OF THE KENTISH WEALD

:LQG LQ WKH :LOORZV Property: Willow Farmhouse, 7-bedroom family home Location: Newchurch, Kent Price: £1.15million Bedrooms: 7 Bathrooms: 3 Land: 5 Acres (approx)

Extras: Paddocks Tennis court

Automated entrance gates

Best bit: Willow Farmhouse’s best feature is perhaps its size. An epic stately country house, it oozes charm and is an impressive building with spectacular views over the East Kent landscape. Summary: The building’s floorplan is essentially a large rectangle and there’s plenty within the towering walls. As well as spacious dining, drawing and sitting rooms, the lower floor also offers a South-facing sun room and study. The kitchen, with its quail egg blue AGA, is a tribute to the English countryside style, with oak-framed cabinets and granite surfacing. A loggia leads from the kitchen to the games room (currently housing a snooker table) and also back out onto the gardens. Above seems even more roomy, with seven (that’s right, seven!) bedrooms, the master with en suite and changing area. Here, even the more modest rooms are far from cramped. The centre of the floor is occupied by the stairwell, into which natural light pours from the large skylight. The land itself features a tennis court, rolling paddocks and a variety of shrub borders. There’s also a very pleasant summer house and quaint fruit trees dotted about the land. All in all, a beautiful secluded property.

Contact: Country Property Group 01580 211 888 countrypropertygroup.com NOVEMBER 2010

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LOFT

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Live it up in your loft

Need space?

Perhaps an additional playroom for the kids or that luxury bedroom with en-suite or even a ‘home office?’ Why not convert your loft space? Whatever your need may be ‘LOFT’ can help.

0845 601 1729

Please contact us on: Loft Design Service, PO BOX, 523 Tonbridge TN9 9HT. We also welcome any enquiries via email, contact us at: info@loftdesignservice.com

www.loftdesignservice.com

NOVEMBER 2010

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6KHHU (OHJDQFH Property: Warneford House, 3-storey villa Location: Tunbridge Wells Price: POA Bedrooms: 6 Bathrooms: 7 Land: Half acre

Extras: First floor balcony Victorian lodge glasshouse Double garage

Best bit: Despite appearing to be a Decimus Burton classic, Warneford House is in fact a neo-classical representation of the great local architect’s work. This means that you not only get a house that looks the part, but one that also benefits from all the advantages of a modern property. Summary: The entire home has been generously designed with high ceilings, underfloor heating and cat-5 wiring throughout. The ground floor is fitted with all natural stone flooring and is an incredibly light and airy space. With dining and family rooms at the front of the house, and drawing room and Mark Wilkinson kitchen/breakfast room to the rear, it’s all tied together by a regal reception hall.

CAMDEN PARK IS ONE OF THE MOST SOUGHT AFTER ADDRESSES IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS, WHICH MAKES WARNEFORD HOUSE A MOST DISTINGUISHED PROPERTY Externally, Warneford House is just as impressive. Via three sets of French doors a patio can be reached, while below that are impressive parterres and an intriguing circular lawn. At the far end of the gardens you can find the botanical Victorian glasshouse. In all, this is an incredible property and one that certainly stands apart, even among esteemed neighbours. Contact: Knight Frank 01892 515 035 knightfrank.co.uk

The house won the 2003 Evening Standard Award for ‘Best New Family Home’ and it’s easy to see why. Each of the three bedrooms on the first floor are adjoined by en suite bathrooms, while the master suite not only has a large dressing room, but also a balcony that runs along the length of the back of the house, overlooking the garden. A further staircase leads up to the second floor. Here, three substantial bedrooms (each with en suite) are joined by a good sized study, currently kitted out in classic greens and custom made wooden bookcases and cupboards.

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NOVEMBER 2010

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THERE ARE FEW PROPERTIES THAT CAN BOAST HAVING ALMOST EVERYTHING YOU NEED. HOWEVER, IT SEEMS HATCHAM HOUSE IN HAWKHURST CAN – AND IT DOES IT IN UNPARALLELED STYLE

+DWFKDP D 3ODQ Property: Hatcham House, three-storey detached Edwardian house Location: Hawkhurst, Kent Price: £2.5 million Bedrooms: 8 Bathrooms: 6 Land: 1.5 acres (approx)

Extras: Courtyard Tennis court Heated swimming pool Detached annex studio

Best bit: Hatcham House is one of those quite incredible properties that has to be seen to be believed. Lavishly decorated and huge in proportions, it’s also wonderfully catered for in terms of amenities; with a swimming pool, tennis court, home cinema/pool room and beautiful gardens.

there is also another sitting room, plus an attic space – ideal for use as a kids’ playroom or media area. Outside, and across a well-presented courtyard, you’ll find an annex studio with kitchenette and bathroom. This block also houses a workshop, while other external features include a large south-facing terrace, plenty of lawns, swimming pool, pool house, tennis courts and vegetable patch. Hatcham House is truly a stunning property and one that’s ideal not only to inhabit, but also in which to entertain. Contact: Knight Frank 01892 515 035 knightfrank.co.uk

Summary: Built in 1908, Hatcham House has been renovated and redecorated by the current owners to reinstate a great deal of the original character and charm of the place. That’s not to say, however, that the Edwardian home is old fashioned – far from it; the house benefits from underfloor heating, surround sound system in the cinema room and a Mark Wilkinson kitchen. Downstairs there are four reception rooms, including an incredible sitting room, drawing room, dining room and breakfast room/conservatory. There is also a well-sized study along with an impressive entrance hall. The kitchen and utility room themselves are linked to the conservatory. The lavish décor continues upstairs in the six bedrooms; three of which feature en suite bathrooms. A second floor also houses two further bedrooms and WC. On this floor

NOVEMBER 2010

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0RWKHU RI DOO KRPHV Property: Mother Superior’s Quarters, 3-storey house Location: Meads Village, Eastbourne Price: £1.5million Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3 (plus cloakroom) Land: Private garden and 16 acres (shared)

Extras: Under-oor heating

Balcony Patio

Best bit: Mother Superior’s Quarters enjoys vast proportions and quite beautiful 19th Century architecture. Inside, the quality of the renovation work is excellent and it’s ďŹ nished to the highest level of craftsmanship. Summary: When All Saints Hospital was closed in 2004, the site was purchased by Berkeley who worked in close partnership with English Heritage to renovate the property, keeping as many of the original ďŹ ttings as possible. The three storey home is now immaculately ďŹ nished and is housed in perhaps the most elegant section of the Victorian Gothic Revivalist building. The ground oor contains three very spacious rooms; a vast (30ft by 20ft) drawing room, Edwin Loxby handmade kitchen and a beautiful dining room, currently ďŹ tted out to accommodate a party of ten. The high ceilings and large proportions continue up on the ďŹ rst oor, which is truly a treat for the owner’s pleasure. The entire oor is essentially dedicated to Mother Superior’s Lord and Lady, with double doors leading past a dressing room and into the bedroom, which has divine views of the surrounding land and out to sea. Above, three further double rooms (one with en suite) are available for guests, or anyone you have to actually share the home with. The bathrooms, like the rest of the property, are furnished with top quality products; Villeroy & Boch fittings are complemented by marble-topped vanity units. Outside, the house has its own private gardens, garage and access to the 16 acres of private parkland. Contact: Berkeley 01323 749 521 berkeleygroup.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2010

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ONCE A ‘TEMPLE DEVOTED TO HEALING’, THE FORMER SITE OF ALL SAINTS HOSPITAL IN EASTBOURNE, HAS BEEN CONVERTED INTO A CLUSTER OF LUXURY PROPERTIES WITH ONE THAT STANDS OUT IN PARTICULAR

NOVEMBER 2010

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NOVEMBER 2010

S B62 7:B1RY B$'6 LQGG

PROPERTY

AT THIS TIME OF YEAR A QUAINT COUNTRY HOME IS JUST AS APPEALING AS A LARGE KENTISH MANSION. A POINT PROVEN BY THE 16TH CENTURY OLD CORNER COTTAGE, OUT IN HEATHFIELD

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&RV\ &RUQHU Property: Old Corner Cottage, 3-bedroom detached Location: HeathďŹ eld, East Sussex Price: ÂŁ499,950 Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 4

Extras: Natural well and pond

Conservatory, Detached garage

Best bit: Old Corner Cottage offers all the things a cosy country home should, with inglenook ďŹ replace, exposed beams and a lovely English country garden. However, thanks to an extension, the place isn’t short on space – the usual downfall of older cottage properties. Summary: This charming picture book home in HeathďŹ eld offers an awful lot of bang for the buck. Not only do you get three good-sized bedrooms on the ďŹ rst oor – two with en suite and one with usage of the family bathroom – but there’s also a ground oor bedroom with adjoining shower room. Additionally, a large conservatory was added when the cottage was extended, while the remainder of the ground oor is given over to a well-equipped kitchen, a spacious dining room and a lounge featuring a pleasant open ďŹ re. The property boasts room for eight cars – if the necessity is there – and beautiful gardens surround the cottage. The building itself is clad in hanging baskets and ivy, while the land features a natural well, ornate pond, rhododendrons, bamboo and a number of other native and imported shrubs and plants. Contact: forestersxl.com 01435 865 477

NOVEMBER 2010

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IT DOESN’T GET MUCH MORE PICTURESQUE THAN THE GROUNDS OF THE GHYLL, AN ARTS AND CRAFT STYLE HOUSE OCCUPYING A UNIQUE LOCATION WITHIN CROWBOROUGH BEACON GOLF COURSE

7KH +ROH /RW Property: The Ghyll, 5-bedroom country house Location: Crowborough, East Sussex Price: ÂŁ2.25million Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 5 Land: 6 acres

Extras: Cinema Outbuildings Billiards Room

Best bit: Aesthetics. Without a doubt, The Ghyll is one of the most attractive properties we’ve featured in Beautiful Wealden Homes. From its rolling countryside views, to the immaculate interior, the attention to detail here is something else. Summary: The Ghyll enjoys a rather special setting within the boundaries of the Crowborough Beacon Golf course. This location makes for spectacular views of the course and the nearby Ashdown Forest, but the good views aren’t solely limited to the outside of the property. The interior of the house comes courtesy of renowned architect and designer Charles Francis Voysey and is typical of his style, with steep pitched roofs and rough cast walls. On the ground oor an impressive kitchen with Bosch ďŹ ttings and an AGA will no doubt act as a place for the family to congregate, while the dining room and drawing room certainly offer plenty of space to entertain. A hugely spacious billiards room (or music room, depending on your taste) makes up around a quarter of the ground oor and beneďŹ ts from delightful rounded corner windows with views of the grounds. Below, a converted basement area consists of a library/games room, study and home cinema.

Take a wander up to the second oor and you’ll ďŹ nd three bedrooms with en suites, two further bedrooms and a bathroom. Stepping outside reveals impressive formal gardens, a croquet lawn and a paddock, while the ghyll itself (a small stream) runs along the eastern edge of the land. Contact: Jackson Stops & Staff 01892 521 700 jackson-stops.co.uk NOVEMBER 2010

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ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS OIEO £295,000 FREEHOLD

This totally and lovingly refurbished Weatherboarded and Original Brick Cottage located in prestigious Royal Tunbridge Wells, has been completed to a very high standard. Full of character and now comprising; A Sitting Room with an open fireplace, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Cloakroom, Garden Room, Master Bedroom with an En-Suite, a second Double Bedroom, a Family Bathroom and a Converted Attic Room suitable for a Study or Den. To the rear, there is a Garden laid to Lawn and lined with a newly planted Hedge. Only 1.1 Miles to Royal Tunbridge Wells Town Centre where you can find an eclectic selection of Bars, Restaurants and Shops and a mere 17 Minute Walk to the Railway Station which provides fast Trains into Central London. Early Viewings are advised to avoid disappointment!

RURAL BIDDENDEN £575,000 FREEHOLD

Tucked away along an unadopted leafy lane, this immaculately presented attached Cottage offers the quiet life, yet is within a short driving distance of the pretty Village of Biddenden which offers many local amenities. This welcoming Family Home offers a Sitting Room with a Wood Burning Stove, Dining Room, Garden Room, Kitchen and Breakfast Room, Utility, Cloakroom, a Master Bedroom with fitted wardrobes, a Family Bathroom with a RollTop Bath and a separate Double Shower and 2 further Double Bedrooms. Externally, the Cottage boasts a colourful Garden to the front, a detached Double Garage, Log Store, a Summer House and a spacious Garden to the rear with a Pond, where families of Ducks and Moorhens call home. Within the renowned CRANBROOK SCHOOL CATCHMENT AREA.

RURAL HUNTON £425,000 FREEHOLD

This beautifully presented, attached Country Cottage is really something very special. Situtated in the pretty and peaceful Rural Hamlet of Chainhurst, this quintessential Family Abode backs onto open Countryside and enjoys far reaching views of rolling fields and trees. Internally, the Cottage offers, a Kitchen with AGA and Dining area, Sitting Room with Open Fire, Utility Room, Wet Room, Master Bedroom with an En-Suite including a RollTop Bath and two further Bedrooms. Externally, the deceptive Gardens house many places to sit and enjoy the views or sample foods grown from the Sheds and Kitchen Garden. Without Grade Listing, this Cottage offers the possibility of extending subject to the relevant P.P. Ample Off-Road Parking. Marden Village offers local amenities and a Main Line Station.

RURAL PADDOCK WOOD £585,000 FREEHOLD

Set down a leafy lane, this detached recently built Barn offers the best of both worlds. With country views and away from the hustle and bustle, yet within easy distance of the Town of Paddock Wood which provides Shopping and Banking facilities and a Main Line Station into Central London. Internal Accommodation comprises: Entrance Hall with Dramatic Windows, Kitchen with AGA and Dining Room with Glazed Doors leading out to the rear Garden, Two Bedrooms and a Bathroom on the Ground Floor, the stunning Vaulted Ceilings on the first floor grace the Master Bedroom with En-Suite Shower and Sitting Room with Fireplace. Externally there is ample Parking along with a Double Garage and the pretty landscaped Garden to the rear offers Outbuilding, Terraces and a Stream.

DENE PARK, TONBRIDGE OIEO £540,000 FREEHOLD

Without a doubt Dene Park is one of the most prestigious and sought after addresses in this area and discerning purchasers will be thrilled to find this beautifully sympathetic, new-build property set within this visually imposing exclusive Gated Development, approached via a sweeping gravelled drive. The backdrop here is awesome too, set within stunning landscaped communal Grounds of approx. 4 Acres. The Three Floors and offer impressive, quality accommodation comprising: Entrance Hall, an elegant Sitting Room, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Master Bedroom with an En-Suite Bathroom and far reaching views over surrounding countryside, Bedroom 2, Bedroom 3/Study, a Family Bathroom and a Cloakroom. Private Garden. Allocated Parking. Garage.

ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS £735,000 FREEHOLD

Have you ever dreamt of living in a Period Country Property but not wanted to be away from the hustle and bustle of Town Living? This Unlisted Detached Property could be the answer to your dreams. It is tucked away in a secluded location within One Mile of the much sought-after Pantiles in Royal Tunbridge Wells. The well proportioned accommodation comprises: Sitting Room and Family Room both with Fireplaces, Dining Room, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Utility Room, Ground Floor Bathroom and Shower Room, Master Bedroom with En-Suite Bathroom, Four further Bedrooms and a Family Shower Room. Externally there is Off-Road Parking for several Cars with Lawned Gardens, Flower Beds and delightful Terraces. Tunbridge Wells Mainline Rail Station is approximately 1.2 Miles away.

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SANDHURST VILLAGE OIEO £739,995 FREEHOLD

A beautifully refurbished and renovated Detached Twin Kiln Oast House believed to originally date back to the 1850s. The light and flexible Family accommodation of some 2978sq.ft comprises: Entrance Hall, Drawing Room with Fireplace, Grand Conservatory, Family Room, stunning Kitchen/ Breakfast Room, Roundel Sitting Room and Dining Room, Utility Room, Cloakroom, Master Bedroom with En-Suite Shower Room, Five further Bedrooms and Two Bathrooms. There is a south facing Lawned Garden to the rear of the Oast and ample Parking to the front, with planning permission for a Timber Framed Double Garage with a Room above. Staplehurst provides fast Mainline Rail Services into Central London. The Oast is located within the renowned Cranbrook School Catchment Area.

RURAL BECKLEY £825,000 FREEHOLD

PLAYDEN HAMLET £795,000 FREEHOLD

This immaculately presented, generously proportioned Country Abode is wrapped in approximately 1.8 Acres consisting of a Pond, Terraces, Lawns and a Paddock, making it perfect for the discerning Green Fingered purchaser, or one with Equine Interests. Comprising: Drawing Room with Open Fireplace, Garden Room, Sitting Room, Dining Room, Study, Wet Room and Loo, a wonderful Country Kitchen with an AGA and Breakfast Room, a Utility Room and 2 Boot Rooms. Principle Suite with a Dressing Room and Wet Room, there are 2 further Double Bedrooms and a Bathroom. The Loft has been converted into a further Room which has Bedroom Potential. Nearby Rye Town Centre provides Shopping and Banking facilities and a Main Line Station to London. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Peace and tranquillity within a truly idyllic rural setting, this stunning Barn is immaculately presented within a picture perfect location, situated along a private farm lane. Beautifully beamed, the character accommodation comprises Vaulted Entrance Hall, Drawing Room with Wood Burning Stove and Glazed Doors leading out onto the Terrace, charming Sitting and Dining Room, Shaker Style Oak Kitchen with AGA, Cloak Room, Utility Cupboard, Four Double Bedrooms enjoying views of rolling fields and Two Bathrooms. The Grounds and Gardens stretch to some 1.3 Acres and include an Open-bay Double Garage, Terraces, Plum Trees and a Kitchen Garden with a Potting Shed. Why not enjoy a quiet stroll through the neighbouring Woodland or wander down to the River Rother?

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RURAL NEWCHURCH £990,000 FREEHOLD This beautifully presented Double Fronted Queen Anne style Detached Country Home is set in a Secluded location with Views not to be missed! Set quietly in one of the oldest Villages in Romney Marsh. Local amenities being only 4 miles away to include local Shops, Golf Course, Library and School. This Impressive Stately Home is entered through Bespoke Electric Gates and comprises of: Reception Hall, Drawing Room, Dining Room, Study, Sitting Room, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Games Room, Cloakroom, Principle Suite, 6 further Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms (1 En-Suite), Shower room, Garage, Tennis Court, Extensive Gardens and 5 acres of Paddock. Main Line Rail Services at New Romney providing links to Ashford International for a 40 minute Train Journey to London St. Pancras.

RURAL GOUDHURST £1,050,000 FREEHOLD Step back in time and indulge in the exceptional character and charm of this Grade II Listed Detached Medieval Farmhouse. Boasting an array of exposed Oak Beams, Leaded Light and Mullioned Windows the accommodation comprises: Kitchen, Breakfast Room, Entrance Hall, Inner Hall, Cloakroom, Sitting Room with Inglenook Fireplace, Dining Room, a stunning Principal Bedroom Suite with Dressing/Shower Room, 3 further Double Bedrooms and a Family Bathroom. Set in some 4 Acres of delightful Gardens and Grounds including an Orchard and a Detached Garage complex with Games Room/ Office and a First Floor Annexe. Situated on the rural fringes of sought after Goudhurst Village, 3 Miles from the Mainline Train Station at Marden. Within the Cranbrook School Catchment Area

SEDLESCOMBE GOLF COURSE £1,100,000 FREEHOLD Heaven on earth!! Privately tucked away on the edge of a Golf Course, this fantastic character Equestrian Property of some 3,920 sq.ft has been superbly extended and refurbished to create a most desirable Family Home with an integral Annexe that could be used for a variety of purposes (subject to planning). One could so easily combine Business with pleasure here. Comprising: Six Reception Rooms, Master Suite, Guest Suite plus Three further Bedrooms, Two Bathrooms/Shower Rooms, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Study, Laundry Room, Cellar and Two Cloakrooms. Attached to the Annexe are 4 Loose Boxes and a Tack Room/Feed Store. In addition there is a Three Bay Open Garage, Garden Room, Gardens and Paddocks amounting to 3.5 Acres. Access to Bridlepaths, wonderful Walks and a 27 Hole Golf Club / Hotel.

RURAL EGERTON £1,150,000 FREEHOLD How perfect could this Detached Unlisted Barn and Oast House be? They are located together in a totally secluded yet not isolated location in an idyllic setting surrounded by their own Gardens and Meadows of some Nine Acres with a beautiful Stream flowing through, featuring a Swimming Pool with Pool House and a pretty, mature Kitchen Garden. The Barn comprises: Entrance Hall, Four charming Reception Rooms, Kitchen with AGA, Pantry, Ground Floor Bathroom, Principal Bedroom with an En-Suite Bathroom and a Dressing Room/Bedroom Five, Three further Bedrooms and a Family Bathroom. Two Attic Rooms offer accommodation and Storage space. The Oast House has a Dining Room, Kitchen, Bathroom, a First Floor Sitting Room and a beamy Bedroom. Studio, Car Port and Stable

RURAL BIDDENDEN OIEO £1,500,000 FREEHOLD One of Kent’s Rare Hidden Gems beautifully cocooned within its own picturesque Grounds and wrapped all around by wonderful undulating countryside. This substantial Grade II Listed Country House is full of inspiring period charm. Three Floors of accommodation comprises: Reception Hall, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, a Sitting Room with an Inglenook Fireplace, Dining Room, Drawing Room with an Inglenook Fireplace, Utility, Cellar, Garden Room, Master Bedroom with En-Suite - a Balcony, a further 3/4 Bedrooms. Guest Suite and Parking. This wonderfully situated Country House with a Swimming Pool enjoys stunning views over some 10.55 Acres of Pasture, Woodland and Lakes which are home to a herd of 5 Families of Deer, who would love to remain in-situ. Cranbrook School Catchment.

RURAL CHELSFIELD £1,850,000 FREEHOLD This stunning character Country House boasts the most wonderful elevated setting with panoramic and far reaching views, and fantastic Equestrian facilities set in 15 Acres. Discerning purchasers will thrill at the exquisite quality and superb design of this unique house. The house sits in secluded, immaculately maintained formal Gardens. Arranged over 3 Three Floors comprising: Reception Roundel, Drawing Room, Kitchen/Dining/Family Room, Sitting Room, Utility Room, 2 Cloakrooms, First Floor Sitting Room/ Bedroom, 5 Bedrooms and 3 Bathrooms. Externally: Triple Garage Block, A Stable Block with 3 Stables, Feed Room, Tack Room, Kitchen, Store Room, Cloak Room. 6 further Stables, All Weather Ménage, 5 Field Shelters, 3 Bay Store. Beautiful Formal Gardens, Paddocks and Woodland.

RURAL FRITTENDEN £1,900,000 FREEHOLD

OUTSKIRTS OF BEARSTED VILLAGE OIEO £2,000,000 FREEHOLD Aesthetically pleasing this stunning Grade II Listed Country House also has a Detached 3 Bed Cottage all set in some 6.16 Acres. Approached via an electric gated long private drive and with the benefit of several quality Outbuildings, Games Room, Gymnasium plus Garaging for Ten Cars and a Swimming Pool. Internally well presented and comprising: Entrance Hall, Reception Hall, Study, Drawing Room, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Sitting Room, Dining Room, Music Room, Utility, Cloakroom, Principal Bedroom with En-Suite, Guest Suite with a Sitting Room/Bedroom, 2 Bathrooms and 5 further Bedrooms. There is current Planning Permission granted for an extension. Bearsted Mainline Trains one mile Tudor Park Golf and Country Club are on the boundary of this special property.

RURAL HEATHFIELD £3,500,000 FREEHOLD If it is privacy you seek, this Estate is Second to None. Nestled in some 254 Acres, including 160 or so Acres of Dallington Forest where wild Deer roam freely, with an extended and completely refurbished Main House including a Reception Hall, Cloakroom, Sitting Room, Drawing Room, Garden Room, Study, Wine Cellar, Kitchen with AGA and areas for Dining and Sitting, Laundry Room, Principal Bedroom Suite with Dressing Room and Bathroom, Four further Bedrooms, Two Shower Rooms and a self-contained Guest Suite. A Detached Cottage, Detached Garage Block with a luxury Apartment. Two Helicopter Pads and a new Hangar with potential to become an Indoor Riding Arena. Feed and Tack Room and Three Loose Boxes. One Boundary of the Estate is a River offering full Riparian Rights.

For those who wish to step back in time and live in a truly idyllic rural setting off a leafy country lane we have something very special to tempt you. Visually inspiring throughout, this charismatic Grade II Listed Water Mill will captivate you from the moment you walk through the front door. Provenance abounds, this unique and capacious family home currently comprises: Entrance Hall, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Utility Room, 5/6 Receptions, 6/7 Bedrooms and 4 Bathrooms and has the potential to become 2 dwellings, subject to planning. Professional plans have been drawn up to remodel the property whilst enhancing and retaining its character. A separate Cottage offers 2 Kitchens, 2 Sitting Rooms/Bedrooms and 2 Bathrooms. Set within a Wildlife Haven of approx. 9.7 Acres and blessed with far reaching views, the Grounds are interspersed with natural Water and feature Lakes, Woodland, Fruit Gardens, a mature well planted formal Garden, Swimming Pool with Summer House and Garage/Store. No Neighbours. No footpaths. Mainline Trains to London run from Staplehurst. CRANBROOK SCHOOL CATCHMENT. Highly recommended.

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Tunbridge Wells £975,000 Superbly appointed apartment occupying the majority of the first floor of this impressive Victorian house with views across farmland to Hungershall Park and beyond. 7XQEULGJH :HOOV 2IÀFH

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converted to keep the character of the chapel together with the practical comforts of modern day living.

The Hamptons International team always go further to meet your personal property needs, whatever they may be. Over 97% of our clients say they would use us again or recommend us to others. Let us show you why.

Buxted £645,000 A spacious and very well presented 5/6 bedroom detached house built by Berkeley Homes in a quiet close just off Buxted High Street.

Tunbridge Wells £895,000 An attractive sandstone chapel sympathetically

Tunbridge Wells £565,000 Attractive detached former Victorian lodge, imaginatively renovated and refurbished to an excellent standard and situated in popular southern part of the town.

Mayfield £950,000 A substantial detached house with well proportioned accommodation including 6 bedrooms, 3 reception rooms and 3 bathrooms enjoying some fine westerly views.

Penshurst £699,950 A delightful detached house with four bedrooms, situated in a small close of similar properties near to the heart of the picturesque historic village of Penshurst. 7XQEULGJH :HOOV 2IÀFH

Sales 01892 516611 tunbridgewells@hamptons-int.com Beyond your expectations ZZZ KDPSWRQV FR XN

Here. There. Everywhere. At Hamptons International, we’ve always been at home with technology. We were the first UK estate agency to launch an app for iPad, the first to offer an app for iPhone, and our website has hundreds of thousands of visitors each month. So whether you’re looking to buy, sell, let or rent, with us, it couldn’t be easier.

Hever £595,000 Charming detached house that has been the subject of considerable

Tunbridge Wells OIRO £510,000 A very well presented and deceptively spacious

renovation and now provides excellent and very well presented accommodation with lovely rural views.

detached bungalow situated in a highly regarded close in an excellent area in the much favoured south side of town.

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Etchingham £6,500 pcm Available Now Six bed Manor situated in a prominent and convenient position on the edge of the village of Etchingham with arguably some of the best south-facing views a property can offer. 7XQEULGJH :HOOV 2IÀFH

Lettings 01892 516611 tunbridgewells@hamptons-int.com Beyond your expectations ZZZ KDPSWRQV FR XN

Renting a property is no reason to accept anything less than the perfect home. It’s still your personal oasis. Albeit for a shorter timeframe. That said, nearly all our tenants renew their contracts. Proof that we know how to make people feel right at home.

Crowborough £2,200 pcm Available Now A beautiful example of a 1920’s Connors House set within approximately an acre plot offering extremely spacious four bedroom family accommodation.

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Tunbridge Wells £2,500 pcm Available 13th November A superbly presented detached house situated along a popular road on the Southern side of town.

Speldhurst £1,650 pcm Available End November A delightful three/four bedroom period semi detached family home with off road parking and study in the popular village of Speldhurst.

3, ; Eridge £3,300 pcm Similar Urgently Required This is quite simply a hidden gem!

Lamberhurst £2,200 pcm Available 7th November An attractive Grade II Listed

An immaculate six bedroom, six reception room extended farmhouse sitting in a plot just over an acre located only 5 mins drive to Tunbridge Wells.

village house believed to date from the 16th Century with a wealth of character throughout and rural views to the rear. 7XQEULGJH :HOOV 2IÀFH

Home means something different to us all. That’s why at Hamptons International we take the time to find out exactly what you want from your move and then make sure that is what you get.

Hartfield £2,000 pcm Available Now A rarely available detached cottage set in just over two acres of glorious garden with bluebell wood enjoying a rural setting within a short walk.

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Tunbridge Wells £995 pcm Available Now A modern two double bedroom ground floor apartment with secure parking space.

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Knight Frank

Tunbridge Wells Superbly appointed Neo-classical villa within the highly favoured Camden Park The property is extremely light with very generous proportions and has been ďŹ nished with considerable attention to detail. Drawing room, dining room, tv/ family room, reception hall, kitchen/breakfast room. Master bedroom with dressing room and en-suite, 5 further bedrooms (all with en-suite), large second oor study. Integral double garage, south facing sun terrace and landscaped formal gardens. In all about 0.5 acres.

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on this page: Seaside Stories by Rebecca Lardner (12 x 12 inches) paper £215, box canvas £265 (limited edition) City Visions by Henderson Cis (12 x 12 inches) canvas £250 (limited edition) The Pantiles by Wendy Corbett (7 x 10 inches) original £695 Carried Away by George Somerville (10 x 10 inches) paper £185 (limited edition)

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on this page: A Treasured Gift by Sherree Valentine-Daines (11 x 14 inches) canvas £295 (limited edition) Ville Toscana III by Bruno Tinucci (13 x 9 inches) canvas £195 (limited edition) Vibrant Seas II by Duncan Macgregor (20 x 15 inches) canvas £325 (limited edition) Linda in Red by Fabian Perez (12 x 9 inches) canvas £415 (limited edition) Artique Gallery, 43 High Street, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN1 1XL 01892 520 571 artiquegalleries.com

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6LPSO\ WKH WE’RE SPOILT IN OUR AREA WHEN IT COMES TO COMPANIES OFFERING LUXURIOUS AND STYLISH HOME FITTINGS AND FURNITURE. NO MORE SO THAN WHEN IT COMES TO BATHROOMS. HERE, WE FEATURE A FEW OF OUR FAVOURITES

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BATHSTORE The Trend freestanding bath is available in two sizes and looks stunning alongside the Freeform sanitary ware. Available at Bathstore, along with a full range of lit mirrors and accessories available to ďŹ nish the look, it’s easy to choose your dream bathroom. Husband and wife team, Allan and Karen Curtis, who operate the franchise in TW and Sevenoaks, liaise closely with additional suppliers to ensure they can offer you a one stop solution for all your bathroom redecorating needs. Call the Goods Station Road, Tunbridge Wells showroom on 01892 557 744 or see bathstore.co.uk

C.P. HART Wall is the latest collection available from C.P. Hart. Crafted from high-quality toughened enamelled glass using innovative advanced water jet technology, these distinctive glass fronted units and tops are ideal for bathrooms as they withstand the changes in humidity, are easy to keep clean and are not prone to scratches or staining. Available in a range of vibrant colours including gold, bright red and yellow, as well as pastels like lilac and blue, Wall is offered in a variety of styles and sizes with or without matching basins. Create a unique look using this furniture, with colour and sizing options that can be mixed and matched. Call the High Street, Tunbridge Wells showroom on 01892 570 705 or see cphart.co.uk

RIPPLES This bathroom was designed by Ripples as a luxurious space with relaxation in mind, it features a generously sized Jacuzzi complete with whirlpool jets, Aquavision television, Alape basin and Dornbracht taps. The Bisazza Bonaparte wall module by Carlo Del Bianco makes a striking statement in one corner, with subdued lighting created by using ush-ďŹ tting LED’s which were set into the oor around the bath to create a luxury spa in the home. Warmth is important in bathrooms, so under oor heating is a must in rooms with sash windows or high ceilings. Incorporated with a wet room, this will ensure the oor stays dry. It really adds a touch of luxury. Call the Union Square, Tunbridge Wells showroom on 01892 617 462 or see ripples.ltd.uk NOVEMBER 2010

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INTERVIEW

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THE SUCCESSFUL HOME IMPROVEMENTS COMPANY TRANSFORMATIONS HAS REBRANDED AS STEPHEN MOON OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS. BUT WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?

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ransformations have been trading in the St Johns quarter of TW since 2004, when the company’s MD Stephen Moon decided to add an interior design dimension to his building firm.

Earlier this year the company re-launched itself as Stephen Moon of Tunbridge Wells, an all-encompassing umbrella business that can essentially improve your home in any way you wish. Steve (as he prefers to be known) explains: “Are we a kitchen shop? Yes. Are we a bathroom shop? Yes. Are we builders? Yes. We do an entire scheme. But we’re not just a makeover company, which is why the Stephen Moon re-brand has come about. If you say ‘Transformations’, people think replacement doors, worktops and a lick of paint, we’re happy to do that for a client, but actually we offer the complete service here. ” Steve has been in the industry for 31 years, taking time to master numerous aspects of refurbishment, decorating, building and project management. He spent time in contract carpentry for national house builders before entering residential work, has since made furniture for Harrods, was a partner in a joinery company and now runs his own show. It’s this wealth of skills that has now been brought together. To aid in the creation of this ‘complete service’, Steve hired Christopher Hunt who has been designing kitchens for 25 years. With Chris’s experience in several top London design houses the company offers a design service that is second to none. But that’s not all. “Innovation in products,” says Steve. “That’s another thing that Chris has really brought to the fore, he’s great at finding interesting and different products that you won’t see elsewhere.” As if on cue, a lady comes into the showroom enquiring about a bubbled glass basin in the window. Steve and Chris are currently meeting manufacturers in Italy

and Germany, so that in time for the New Year the company will be offering stylish branded kitchens from the Continent. This will involve a refurbishment of the showroom. “Down here,” says Chris, gesturing around the lower floor of the showroom, “we have our English high quality bespoke handmade kitchens, alongside will be an inspirational Italiandesigned display. Upstairs, we’ll have functional contemporary German-built kitchens along with our ‘competitively priced’ range, to complete our repertoire. We believe that this combination of products makes us unique in the South East.” That’s all very well, but there’s some pretty fierce competition in this part of the world, especially in the branded kitchens market. What more can Stephen Moon offer? “A major complaint clients have with builders and tradesmen is lack of communication and accessibility, we eliminate this problem by giving our clients as many as four telephone numbers that they can ring, including out of hours as well – especially useful for the working professionals. It is our job to manage our client’s expectation. “Also with us you’re talking to people with so much experience that we very rarely have to say ‘no’ to a client. In other places you’ll find people designing kitchens or building schemes, who have no idea of how to fit them. We’ll give you a truly bespoke kitchen in- frame or overlay, we’ll give you German engineering, or, if you want curvy and sexy Italian, we can do that.” The company is starting a kitchen installation next week, one that they’re not commissioned or involved in the building or preparation work. Steve, however, is already a familiar figure on site and has liaised closely with the client’s builders. They’ve marked out positions for the services and outlined where the units are going. Steve, being a builder and carpenter in his own right, can communicate on all levels, helping to ensure the smooth running of the entire project and ensuring superior attention to detail on a kitchen installation that they haven’t even started yet. Sometimes, as they say, actions speak louder than words... www.stevemoon.info

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NEW AUTUMN MENU AVAILABLE NOW Tuesday-Friday two course lunch @ ÂŁ12.50 Wine tasting & gourmet wine dinners Live music 1st & last Friday every month (Blue Roots) Latin Christmas Eve party with live music Gourmet evenings & gastronomic festivals Private function room

Christmas Eve celebration with a Venezuelan menu & live latin Jazz, call The Chequers for info & bookings Don’t miss out on our fantastic Christmas lunches and dinners – BOOK NOW! Members of ‘Produced in Kent’ sourcing 70% of our menu from local farmers & growers.

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R E S TA U R A N T

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pening a restaurant is a dream for many folk. I mean, it’s easy isn’t it – just knock up a few of those dishes that always go down so well at dinner parties, buy some nice furniture, get good old Katie to paint the place, and then add a couple of Polish girls to waitress – how hard can that be? Trouble is it never actually happens because the actual realities of the hospitality business are too daunting. Some people start a food business because they have been successful in another field, and what worked in recruitment/ sales/investment banking/arms dealing etc. is bound to give you transferable skills. Until, that is, you realise you know nothing about food or service, that sourcing ingredients and margin structures and managing minimum wage staff and dealing with the regulations and rules and doing a hundred hour week are more than can be borne.

Plus the fact that fabulous look you designed is worn and scratched after a week, and the layout doesn’t work because two yummy mummies with Chelsea tractor 4WD prams and a cappuccino each completely block the whole place so nobody else can get in. And you’re favourite dishes don’t sell because all they want is frozen scampi and chips in a basket and the only people who actually order the serious food will clear the plate and then demand a full refund and a free drink because they didn’t like it. Sometimes, a few brave and hardy souls make it through the painful learning curve, develop all the necessary skills, secure the finances, recruit a decent team, find the right premises – and then open a pizza and pasta joint, because they’re too tired and jaded to care anymore.

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TUNBRIDGE WELLS HAS A NEW RESTAURANT AND DELI. NOT SOMETHING WE’D NORMALLY GO OVERBOARD ABOUT. THIS ONE, THOUGH, IS JUST A BIT DIFFERENT AS OUR RESIDENT FOODIE DAMIAN COTTON DISCOVERS

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Besides selling what is essentially flour and water to the uncaring masses is a near ironclad guarantee of reasonable income. I’ve seen garlic bread, and it’s the lowest common denominator of boring lazy food. So it is with heartfelt and lasting pleasure that I find that Juliet’s has opened in Tunbridge Wells on the old High Street. Created from scratch by Juliet and Simon (Proctor); owned, run, cooked by and worked in – they have the knowledge plus the techniques, and they still have the vision, the drive and best of all the pleasure in producing the food, drink, service and environment that make a restaurant work. Still (and to be honest, I hope always) a work in progress, Juliet’s is at first glance another TW coffee shop. But there’s a difference, this is inspired. The coffee is superb, a special blend from Milan’s Mokarabia, and the cakes are fantastic. They already have a staunchly loyal and growing following (as well as a lot of passers-by who stop with faces pressed against the window looking at them). The décor is much more fun than the “industrial unit” look prevalent amongst caffeine pit stops. Juliet’s is a place to sit and relax and enjoy. Walls of bare brick and plain magnolia are hung with art and photos; there are lovely fresh flowers and an eclectic mix of furniture (a chair to suit every posterior) along with unobtrusive but toe-tapping music. Nothing I’ve ever heard before, but wouldn’t mind hearing again. The counter display of food is gloriously bright and very colourful, reminiscent of uber-trendy Ottolenghi in London with one crucial difference – I wouldn’t feel comfortable in Yotam Ottolenghi’s gaff because I’m not a Prada clad, MacBook carrying, Hoxton finned trendy. In Juliet’s, I’m made to feel welcome immediately on arrival and throughout the meal. As are all the other customers – a mix of young and old, trendies and normal, locals and visitors, tables of eight, and solo lunchers. Juliet herself has some classy experience in top restaurants, and made her eponymous restaurant as hospitable as possible. And so to lunch. It is a simple concept – for between £7 and £8, depending on the degree of carnivorousness involved, one consumes a main dish that is meat, fish or plant based, and chooses two of a selection of five salads. Or you can have all salads, or extra salads, or a sandwich. Or more cake, did I mention the cakes? As a reviewer, I cheat and have two mains. Simon describes his cooking as “self-taught, with strong flavours from fresh ingredients; daily changes and all made here by us.” Sounds about right to me. The pan fried squid with burnt lemon, chilli and garlic is vibrant with flavour – intense, sweet caramelised lemon and rich garlic, with just enough chilli and tender meaty cephalopod – this is better than the grilled squid at the River Café. And ‘Arancini balls’, the vegetarian main course, are actually ‘Orzocini’ – pearl barley with tiny nuggets of feta cheese, with a myriad of flavours, including garlic again, white pepper and ground coriander seed, formed into a golf-ball sized lump,

breaded with nutty brown crumb, and fried. They are so good that I buy a double portion on my way out – few of which make it home as I ate them en route. The salads today include a jewelled pile of herby ripe multi-coloured tomatoes; mung beans sprouted in the restaurant cellar with lentils, carrots and a creamy tofu dressing – sounds earnest and worthy and is a taste and textural success. Then there’s cucumber, mint and chilli – zingy citrus and chilli dressing and poppy seeds for crunch; and a rigatoni assembly of fat pasta tubes with a subtle green olive tapenade and roasted peppers. Everything is aromatic, vividly coloured and packed with flavour. It is food to lift the spirits, made with care and passion. The wines are Italian, and very keenly priced. The Cantina Cortaccia Cabernet from the Alto Adige is more sophisticated than its price would indicate, with a light violet and strawberry nose and a touch of cedar and blackcurrant. As well as the cakes (you remember the cakes), there is some impressive ice cream – the vanilla is sound, but the cassata is excellent and as good as any gelato in Naples. Simon and Juliet don’t really need a review – they are busy and word of mouth is growing – but I want to write about them anyway because, for me, Juliet’s is inspiring. This kind of quality is rare, and this kind of passion even rarer. One day soon, the plan is to serve food in the evenings as well, perhaps just a few nights a week. It won’t be the same offering as lunchtimes, more likely a short menu of hearty, modern, mostly British dishes. I can’t wait. 62

At a glance Coffees from £1.20 Food from £3.75 to £8 Wine by the glass from £3, by the bottle from £10.50 Juliet’s Restaurant & Deli, 54 High Street, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1XF 01892 522931 julietstunbridgewells.co.uk

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ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR CELEBRITIES TO BE FEATURED ON OUR COVER WAS GORDON RAMSAY IN JULY 2008. WE THOUGHT IT WAS HIGH TIME WE TRACKED HIM DOWN AGAIN FOR A CHAT WORDS SARAH O’MEARA

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While on the hunt for Britain’s ultimate eatery, he stops at nothing to get the best results. And to make sure viewers relish the experience as much as he clearly does, Ramsay has

produced a recipe book containing the dishes he uncovered as he barked orders to top chefs throughout the land. “I discovered that we have some of the best and most diverse restaurants on our doorstep, and this is a celebration of my journey to find the UK’s Best eatery,” he explains of his new book, Ramsay’s Best Menus. “Many of the recipes are adaptations of those dishes served by local heroes.”

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ttacking, cajoling and ranting in his usual caffeineinduced style, Gordon Ramsay is back on our screens demanding our attention with his latest Channel 4 series, Ramsay’s Best Restaurant.

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Rather than sticking to the traditional recipe and picture combination, Ramsay has developed a flick-book approach. Containing 52 menus and 156 recipes covering starters, main courses and desserts, the cuisine is wide-ranging, from British to Middle Eastern – and divided by season. “The rationale behind doing a sliced cookbook was to show people that they can have a lot of fun mixing up menus. If you feel like having a Mexican starter, an Italian main course and a British pudding, just do it. Shake it up a bit, try something different.” As a diner, Ramsay says he’d like nothing more than a gentle mixture of Bruschetta with Cavolo Nero (black-leaf kale) and Parma ham, followed by Quail with Kohlrabi (cabbage) and Butternut Squash, plus Chocolate Fondant to finish. But fans of the show will know that despite his European choice of menu, he’s already been particularly impressed by some Indian spices of late. “Meeting the family behind the food at Prashad restaurant in Bradford was an amazing experience. They’ve worked unbelievably hard to turn it into one of the best local Indian restaurants in the country. “The vegetarian Gujarati food they serve is incredible and shows how you can pack a dish with flavour without going anywhere near meat; I was extremely impressed by them.” After filming the TV series Gordon’s Great Escapes, during which he visited India, the chef says he fell in love with spicy cuisine. “Not only are the colours so vibrant but the tastes pack such a punch. How the various regional cuisines have evolved so differently within the same country, I just found fascinating.” He adds that his latest quest to find Britain’s top restaurant, chosen from nominations made by the public, has indulged his first love; the professional kitchen. “It’s right where the action is. I love working with incredibly dynamic people and seeing many of them develop into outstanding chefs is very exciting. Obviously cooking exceptional food that people enjoy eating is the best thing about the job, but I do just love being in the kitchen.” Ramsay adds that restaurateurs who don’t listen to their customers drive him nuts.

Try one of Ramsay’s bes t restaurant recipes...

6SLFHG SDQ URDVWHG DSSOHV SHDUV 2 firm apples, such as Bra eburn 4 firm pears, such as Co nference 75g caster sugar 2 cinnamon sticks 1tsp cloves 3 star anise 1tsp black peppercorns, lightly crushed 25g slightly salted butter Splash of Calvados 100ml apple juice Crème fraîche, to serve (optional)

• Core the apples and pea rs, then peel off the skins. • Cut the apples into qua rters and halve the pears. • Scatter the sugar over a wide, heavy-based non-stick frying pan and place over a high heat unt il it melts and begins to car amelise at the edges. • Add the spices, followed by the butter. Tip the pan from side to side to mix the caramel and butter together. Take care as the mixture may spit and splutter. • Add the apples and pea rs to the pan, cut side dow n. Cook for 5-7 minutes unt il evenly caramelised, turning them several tim es. Carefully add a splash of Calvados, standing we ll back as the alcohol ma y flambe. • Pour in the apple juice and let bubble until the liquid has reduced and thickened to a syrupy sauce. Take off the heat and leave to cool slightly. • Divide the fruit among warm plates and spoon over the caramel sauce. • Serve with a dollop of crème fraîche, if you like .

“In my experience, far too many people think they know what their customers want and then are shocked when their restaurant isn’t successful, it’s simple common sense.” And despite these difficult times in which the economic viability of his own restaurant empire has been called into question, the chef is still positive that you can make a good living from food. “There’s still plenty of room in the industry - it’s a case of understanding the business, knowing your market and offering a first class experience for all diners.”

Ramsay’s Best Menus is published in hardback by Quadrille, priced £20 while Ramsay’s Best Restaurant airs on Tuesdays on Channel 4. 62

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The Spotted Dog in Penshurst. Winter and Christmas menus available. Book now! 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

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Suchitra’s Thai Restaurant &QOG CPF GPLQ[ QWT PGYN[ FGEQTCVGF TGUVCWTCPV UGTXKPI FGNKEKQWU 7JCK HQQF UKPEG

71 Calverley Road, Tunbridge Wells Tel: 01892 511370

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Tel: 01892 890755

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LAST MONTH WE MET NICHOLAS EDWARDS, THE FOUNDER AND CEO OF A NEW HEDGE FUND MANAGER CALLED ALTERNATIVE ASSET MANAGEMENT, WHO TOLD US ABOUT A POSSIBLE NEW PATH TO PROFITS. IN THIS ISSUE OF SO MONEY WE DELVE A LITTLE DEEPER...

How and why did hedge funds come about in the first place?

Most people will probably associate the expression ‘hedge fund’ with all that is bad about the City and financial sector disasters of the past three years. People believe that the typical attitude of the hedge fund manager is endemic and at the heart of the greed and fear on which the City thrives; and furthermore most probably at the very heart of the financial crisis that is holding back growth in the Western world! However, the reality is different; far from this commonly held view is the fact that hedge funds were originally designed to provide a hedge against portfolio risk; a mechanism to de-risk underlying exposure. Most City professionals would point to the fund created in 1949 by the sociologist, author, and financial journalist Alfred Winslow Jones as the first hedge fund with the specific purpose of de-risking a portfolio. Jones believed that price movements of an individual asset could be seen as having a component due to the overall

market and a component due to the performance of the asset itself. To neutralise the effect of overall market movement, he balanced his portfolio by buying assets whose price he expected to be stronger than the market and selling short assets he expected to be weaker than the market. He saw that price movements due to the overall market would be cancelled out, because, if the overall market rose, the loss on shorted assets would be cancelled by the additional gain on assets bought and vice-versa. Because the effect is to ‘hedge’ that part of the risk due to overall market movements, this became known as a hedge fund.

Technically a hedge fund is an investment fund open to qualifying investors (the regulations are strict here) that undertakes a broader range of investment and trading activities than the more traditional long-only investment funds. Today fees and charges are usually higher predominantly due to the greater concentration of effort required to achieve the higher returns that are expected.

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The most commonly used strategies include short selling and the use of derivatives, however, the term ‘hedge fund’ has also come to be applied to certain funds that, as well as (or instead of) hedging certain risks, use short selling and other ‘hedging’ methods as a trading strategy to generate a return on the capital put at risk. This is a very specialised profession. Many hedge fund managers employ speculative investment opportunities to create profits and some engineer complex mechanisms to wrap around traditional portfolio investments to add value (profits) over and above the performance of the underlying assets. This is known as adding ‘alpha’ (the returns in excess of the underlying asset).

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With these higher returns comes of course a higher level of risk! Every hedge fund has its own unique investment strategy that determines the type of investments and the methods of investment it undertakes and this in turn is a reflection of the risks that are taken. Hedge funds, as an asset class can, and often do, invest in a broad range of investments including shares, market indeces, derivatives, debt and commodities.

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How important are hedge funds to the market place today? The ever growing presence of hedge funds in today’s global financial markets means that we are all exposed in one way or another to the industry. It may be that a portfolio has no direct exposure to a hedge fund but due to the fact that the order flow from hedge funds now makes up a significant percentage of daily total market turnover (considerably in excess of 40% - depending on which funds are classified as ‘hedge funds’!), there is every chance that hedge funds will have a direct or indirect effect on portfolio returns.

Hedge funds have occasionally come in for criticism. Justified or not? Without question, yes. Criticism is justified as there are many, many examples of greedy hedge fund managers who have clearly abused the faith and trust which has been placed in them. The lack of regulation and therefore transparency in the industry has tempted some unscrupulous traders and managers to gamble with investors’ money in the belief that they will make huge profits and thus huge performance fees. The sad reality is that all too often the risks have not been analysed carefully enough and with the use of leverage it doesn’t take very long to build huge book losses. For this reason we have invested huge resources into strategy analysis and quantifying risk. Our business is all about risk. We base every investment decision and take every trading position based upon how we intend to manage the risk once we are in the trade. This is a material difference from the way

in which we traded prior to 2008. The market has changed and so must investors.

How risky is it putting money into hedge funds? There can be no question that most hedge funds should come with a strong health warning! Few hedge funds are able to generate above market returns without taking above market risk. If investors expect to receive a high return they must accept that they must take a greater responsibility towards risk. Usually the hedge fund manager will do his job to the best of his ability and it is down to the investor to do his homework as to how much risk he may wish to take. To be blunt, if people don’t want to take any risk, they should not invest in hedge funds.

Who would be an ideal hedge fund investor? We believe that the ideal investor is one who is looking to achieve above average returns at the fringes of their portfolio. Notwithstanding the legal restrictions on who we can market to (non-qualifying investors should probably avoid hedge funds) there is no question that only those who can reasonably afford to lose a proportion of their investment, should look to hedge funds. (Maybe even a significant proportion at times of maximum stress in financial markets). We court high net worth and family office investors as well as smaller institutions because they typically have a greater understanding of the risks involved. Whilst we consider the analysis of risk to be pre-requisite in what we do, ultimately it is the responsibility of the investor to ensure that they do not take on more risk than they should. Naturally professional investors are well informed and able to make important investment decisions for themselves; but those without sufficient current relevant experience in investing in high risk funds and strategies should either resist the temptation or at the very least seek professional advice.

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The typical net asset value of a hedge fund can run into many billions of pounds but often gross assets of a fund will be substantially higher due to the extensive use of leverage (where the fund is able to borrow against the value of the net assets in order to further increase exposure). The value of all hedge funds is thought to be in excess of $2.5trillion and they dominate certain specialty markets such as trading within derivatives with high-yield ratings and distressed debt, but there are many other strategies employed by a huge variety of highly skilled traders and managers. At Alternative Asset Management we specialise in a number of different strategies including market futures, stock options and global currencies. Each strategy is carefully managed by professionals ‘topdown’ to complement the vital ‘bottom-up’ skill and experience of the traders. Generating pure alpha (absolute returns) with no correlation to any underlying asset class or benchmark, is rare and we guard our know-how jealously. We are not unique but most of our serious competition work discretely within the big global investment banks and hedge funds behind the scenes.

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Preserving your wealth Having worked hard and been prudent throughout your life; the desire to preserve your accumulated wealth to pass on to family, friends or charity, is completely understandable. Meeting the cost of good quality care and support when you need it, through illness or age, can be a challenge for many of us – the dilemma is how to meet these costs, whilst ensuring your capital is preserved as much as possible. Complicated, long term and expensive ďŹ nancial planning might appeal to some people, but for most of us there is an understandable desire to keep things simple, cost effective and exible. Predicting longevity is very difďŹ cult, almost impossible, so exibility and accessibility are key. We have considerable experience in dealing with the elderly and the issues facing them and their loved ones, and what most people seek is clarity. We will happily review your current position and provide an insight as to where we can help – without charge.

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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

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Insurance for Business, Professionals and Private Clients.

Construction Insurance At Lovat we specialise in creating insurance programmes for construction projects that are designed to protect all of the Principal’s interests from conception to completion and beyond. Many developers rely on their professional partners insurance and collateral warranties to protect their interests but this is a dangerous strategy as an architects or engineers professional indemnity insurance is there to protect them, not you, and collateral warranties are worthless if a contractor becomes insolvent as is any insurance that they arranged on your development.

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• Environmental Risks • Contract Works • Third Party Exposures • Financial Loss • Latent Defects • Completed Projects These are all risks that can be included in your insurance programme without adverse effect on your costs. By taking control of the project insurance programme the principal is in a position to know that tenders are submitted on the basis of agreed insurance responsibilities, thereby minimising potential problems and leaving the principal free to concentrate on other aspects of the project.

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Calverley House, 55 Calverley Road Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2TU Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Part of the Bestinvest group.

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The problem for us is that investors are always looking to take that extra step towards achieving profit and with our significant outperformance over the past 20 months or so we see a lot of investors who want to find out more. We can talk to some but not all! When in fund raising mode, we have learned to expect this sort of frustration.

Your own fund manager, Alternative Asset Management or A2ML, was set up in 2004. How has your fund management style developed since this time? We have explored many alternative and different investment strategies over the years. We started out by trading major market indeces using only futures; FTSE, DAX, S&P, Eurostoxx etc. We liked the liquidity offered by the major markets and we found that focusing on only a small number of underlying asset classes helped us to extract alpha on a consistent basis. This yielded returns of several hundred per cent per annum in the early years, however, we were always cognisant that the risks being taken were greater than traditional investors would tolerate and we invested heavily in the development of purely systematic trading systems employing powerful algorithms. Such systems are out there and whilst we enjoyed some success we felt that our core skills were better employed in the development of our traditional discretionary trading strategies but with an increased focus on improving the risk profile. It was after the early tremors that rippled through the global financial markets in mid 2008 that we began to focus on reducing risk whilst seeking to maintain performance. Our research and testing procedures encouraged us to try several different risk control measures, however, most merely reduced our performance in proportion to the lower risk. It was not until early 2009 that we found the right balance of risk control and significant performance; which we have enjoyed over the past 20 months.

What risk measures did you put in place and why? As I have indicated, it is crucial to get the right balance when enforcing risk controls. Too many controls and your traders don’t have any room to manoeuvre, whereas too few risk controls and you allow market exposure to build thus increasing risk. We put four simple but effective core risk controls in place: Q Single market exposure (to be focused and identify pure ‘alpha’)

“IT WAS AFTER THE EARLY TREMORS THAT RIPPLED THROUGH THE GLOBAL FINANCIAL MARKETS IN MID 2008 THAT WE BEGAN TO FOCUS ON REDUCING RISK WHILST SEEKING TO MAINTAIN PERFORMANCE”

Q Balanced exposure (between long and short positions) Q Maximum position sizing (to avoid becoming over-exposed) Q Non compounding of profits (to de-risk our portfolio over time) These risk controls may seem rather elementary when taken individually, but taken together they act as a powerful risk filter and path to significant outperformance. The trick is to give the traders enough room to let their positions ‘breathe’ with the market, without putting too many constraints on their ability to generate profit.

How has A2ML performed? W

We are perhaps fortunate to have enjoyed a period of significant outperformance since early 2009. Our trading strategies have

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enjoyed a range of positive performance but our flagship Megalio Vision Fund strategy has achieve over +270% net over this period. Our proprietary assets under management have been very small and this may have helped us to be nimble and enjoy success where some of the larger fund managers were constrained by size and capacity issues; however, we have carefully analysed the optimum assets that we can manage whilst targeting +100% per annum for our investors. Over the past 20 months we have seen an annualised return of over +165% net of fees and charges. We would like to think that we can continue with this performance and we are operationally geared towards this but the reality is that we do not know in advance. You can’t change the past, but you can influence the future. We are certainly intent on influencing our future!

What might future investors expect from A2ML? Our investors can expect us to continue to take a calculated approach to risk. They can expect us to take enough risk to be able to achieve our returns target. Anything less would be a betrayal of our core principles and investment objectives. Perhaps the right question is what investors might expect us to do when we have reached capacity in our trading strategies? Capacity is an issue that we focus on. We will only accept new assets that we can manage without any capacity constraints. We certainly have the option to de-risk our strategies and scale up capacity but the cost will almost certainly be a diminution of returns. This may prove to be very acceptable

to some investors but in the short term we remain committed to maintain a balance between risk and reward and we will stick to our investment strategies and objectives to achieve significant outperformance or absolute alpha for our investors.

Why pick A2ML over any other hedge fund out there? If ‘to be big is to be beautiful’ then ‘to be small is to be nimble’! Our investors will choose to invest with us because of our ability to be nimble; to move in and out of trades before the market is even aware that we have been active. Our no nonsense approach to dealing with risk up front in order to achieve returns will attract some but for those who have no appetite for risk we also offer strategies with significantly lower risk; they will, however, have to accept the quid pro quo that returns may lower than our flagship strategies. Positive alpha performance will naturally always be our core objective on behalf of all our investors. As for why investors might wish to invest in a hedge fund at all? …If they want superior returns they will have to accept higher risk. If an investment looks too good to be true, with no risk, it probably is! 62 Nicholas Edwards is CEO of the Alternative Asset Management group of companies providing specialist hedge fund management services, based in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. The Company manages PIF products (Professional Investor Funds) and provides services to eligible investors only, it does not provide services to ‘retail’ investors. The Company does not hold client money. A2ML is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority in the United Kingdom. Qualifying investors can access more information by visiting www.altasset.com. The group also provide training and trading services through Alternative Asset Management Limited (“A2ML”).

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THERE’S NOTHING LIKE A LAP RECORD TO GET THE ATTENTION OF THE PERFORMANCE CAR WORLD AND FERRARI’S 599 GTO HAS EXPLODED ON TO THE SCENE WITH A COUPLE OF THEM. AS THE COUNTRY’S LEADING BORES SET ABOUT COMMITTING ITS SPECIFICATIONS TO MEMORY, THE GTO HAD ALREADY SOLD OUT WORDS MATT JOY

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he going rate for ownership of the fastest road-going Ferrari is ÂŁ285,000. It’s the car with the lap record for the Italian ďŹ rm’s Fiorano test track and the model which, in heavily modiďŹ ed 599XX guise and on slick tyres, broke the fabled seven-minute barrier for a lap of the Nurburgring Nordschleife.

If the 599 GTO achieves the legendary status Ferrari appears to have mapped out for it, 599 lucky owners will have got themselves a bargain.

The standard 599 GTB Fiorano provided the basis for the insane 599XX track car and some of that model’s extensive engine, aerodynamic and weight-saving modiďŹ cations appear in road-legal form on the 599 GTO. The 5,999cc V12 engine from which the model takes its name develops 670bhp at 8,250rpm for a speciďŹ c output of 112bhp per litre. Maximum torque of 620Nm is delivered at 6,500rpm and sent to the rear wheels via Ferrari’s F1 automated manual gearbox which is capable of performing gear changes in just 60 milliseconds. Against the clock, the GTO will pass 60mph in 3.4s before surging on to a 208mph maximum. Helping drivers deploy the awesome performance potential of the GTO is an array of electronic systems. The SCM2 suspension control system continuously adjusts the ďŹ rmness of the car’s dampers according to the road surface and the settings chosen through the driver control interface.

Classic examples include the 250 GTO of 1962 and the 288 GTO of the 1980s, the car often credited with inventing the modern supercar concept. It all gives the 599 GTO a lot to live up to.

Ferrari’s F1-Trac stability control technology works to maximise performance in line with the levels of available grip, helping drivers get the power on earlier and harder as the car roars out of a corner.

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The GTO or ‘Gran Turismo Omologata’ badge is not one that Ferrari bestows lightly. It’s reserved for super-focused versions of its standard products, cars produced to comply with the homologation regulations of the motorsport series which demand that road-legal versions of race cars must be available before they can compete.

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Facts at a glance: Price: Initially £285,000 Engine: 6-litre petrol V12 Output: 670bhp Performance: Max speed 208mph, 0-62 3.4 seconds

Drivers can control the parameters of the 599 GTO’s various systems by selecting Low Grip, Sport or Race modes. There’s also a CT-OFF setting that deactivates the traction control functionality but retains stability control, while the CST-OFF function is for talented or foolhardy individuals who want to explore the limits of the 599 GTO without any electronic intervention. There’s a 100kg weight saving made on the 599 GTO compared to the 599 GTB Fiorano. It’s achieved through the use of advanced materials, the redesign of specific parts and some all-new high-tech components. Thinner aluminium and glass, forged aluminium wheel rims, carbon fibre race seats and carbon-ceramic brakes all make their contribution to the low kerb weight and, ultimately, to the car’s superior agility. The vents and spoilers that define the surface of the 599 GTO help give it double the downforce force of the GTB Fiorano and a similar quantity of extra visual aggression. At the same time, the aerodynamic design funnels air through the vehicle, providing the immense cooling power that the engine and brakes need to operate efficiently.

With 670bhp and the Ferrari GTO badge, the 599 GTO was never going to be an affordable option or anything less than highly exclusive. Only 599 cars were scheduled to be built and they were sold within weeks of the car being unveiled and displayed to a select group of Ferrari customers. Almost all of the features are included in the £285,000 asking price including the Virtual Race Engineer which gives real time updates on the status of the car and its performance. One option is a leather and Alcantara covering for the seats and if you’re spending close to £300,000 anyway, well, why not? Running costs are likely to be fairly astronomical by the standards of ordinary motorists but 599 GTO buyers won’t care. A car as special as this one with this potential to appreciate in value makes the cost of fuel and parts almost an irrelevance. Needless to say, kerbing an alloy wheel or dinging the front splitter on a speed hump is not something you’d want to make a habit of. For the record, official fuel economy is 16mpg and emissions are 411g/km.

The classic front/mid-engined layout gives the car a vast bonnet and a cabin drawn back over its powerful rear haunches. It’s the classic shape of the 599 but the GTO version is clearly something altogether more extreme.

When the 599 GTO took the lap record for Ferrari’s Fiorano test track from the Enzo hypercar and borrowed cutting edge technology from the 599XX track model that broke the seven minute barrier at the Nurburgring, it guaranteed its place in automotive folklore.

The cabin is as pared back as expected in a car as intently focused on the job of going as quickly as this one but Ferrari is proud of the quality feel it’s managed to instill. There’s plenty of exposed aluminium and carbon fibre with the seats finished in fabric and Alcantara. The F1 gearbox console was completely redesigned for this car, bringing the controls within even easier reach.

Ferrari has even higher hopes for the car which were highlighted by giving it the evocative GTO moniker seen on some of the finest Ferraris of all time. With 670bhp giving rise to 200mph performance, advanced aerodynamics, weight saving measures and the latest electronic driver aids, the 599 GTO appears to have future classic written all over it. 62

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GALLERY HAIR & BEAUTY

I n d i v i d u a l , c r e at i v e c u t t i n g a n d c o l o u r i n g for women and men F u l l r a n g e o f b e a u t y t r e at m e n t s W e d d i n g pa c k a g e s ava i l a b l e 0 1 8 9 2 5 1 4 9 0 0 / w w w. t h e g a l l e r y. m e 63-67 LONDON ROAD SOUTHBOROUGH ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS KENT

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GE, THIS MONTH SEES ED G IN TT CU AY ST TO EVER KEEN TWITTER – WHERE A VI W IE RV TE IN E YL ST OUR FIRST NEW ACTERS AND CAN AR CH 0 14 ST JU TO ED IT WN ANSWERS ARE LIM LAUNCH, WE TRACK DO TO E. IM YT AN AT E AC TAKE PL Y KNOWN AS ANKE PL M SI ER GG O BL N OW TW’S BEST KN

SoTWMag: Morning, where are you and what are you up to? ankertw: Morning. I’m lying under a duvet watching TV :) Is that usual for a Monday (11.32am)? Yep. Monday is my lazy day. How come you’re not at work? ...like the rest of the world! I do work but just at different times. Would rather not say where or when though. That all sounds very mysterious. Is it something to do with government and secret services? I could tell you but then... ;) Very good! Ok, here’s one you can answer: What was the award you won recently? Hawkshead’s Local Hero, I got to open their new shop. I was voted for by locals because of my blog, which reunited a family after 70yrs.

That must’ve been a great feeling being involved in that. Congratulations. Were you invited to the reunion? Unfortunately I wasn’t invited, no. Still a great feeling though.

Tell us a bit more about the family... Someone saw a comment on a post I wrote about WWII and realised it was the same family name and recognised the memory they left... ...they asked me to send across their details to the original ‘commenter’ to see if they were related. It turns out they were... ...the lady’s grandfather was 14 at the time of the bombing and he was now 84 and hadn’t seen his father’s side of the family since that night... ...they’ve now reunited both sides of the family and had a huge reunion. A very proud moment for my blog!

To take it back – when did you start the blog and why? I started in October 2005 with the aim of telling the world how fabulous Tunbridge Wells was, and to learn more about it myself… blogging was also a great excuse to get out of the house and do something, so I could write about it.

Absolutely. So did the blog’s popularity grow quickly, or did it take a little time? And do you know how many readers/hits you get now? it took ages to even get a few hits, but after about a year with word of mouth and lately help from Twitter we get about 3,000 per week now. checking our weekly hits, with the wife now blogging too, has become a bit of a household war, fighting to get the most :)

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When did you fall in love with the place and was it before or after you moved to TW? The wife and I first visited on a day trip (to stop off at Caffé Nero actually), we instantly fell in love with it, sold up and moved. That was a couple of years before starting the blog. So, lucky we have a Nero I say! :)

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Good stuff. Now so many people follow you and people wait to see your next blog has it turned into ‘work’, or is the pleasure still there? no, it’s still huge fun to do. Each post gets me out and about and learning something new, and meeting new people too. it’s been most fun the past year as I’ve started to be much more recognised by people for the blog.

Best start small, eh? What specifically grabbed you about TW and where were you before? What does TW offer over other towns to you? we were in North Kent, we fell for TW for its history and country feel, one of the first things we noticed was everyone was so polite. the access to the countryside for walking and getting fresh air was another thing. The air is so fresh compared to London.

You’ve said you (to paraphrase) want to tell people how fabulous TW is - do you see yourself as a spokesperson for the town? I’d like to think that I contribute, be it helping locals learn more and showing them some new parts of the town or even bringing tourists.

SoTW like the idea of a new park in the centre of town as well... Now what about your causes to defend? 1.Independent shops 2. The cobbled paths 3. Gardens (no car parking) 4. The street cleaners 5. Local police, we live in such a safe place. that was a hard question for the top of my head! :)

Before we wrap it up. Where did the ‘ Anke’ pseudonym come from? it was chosen as a way of staying anonymous online, I had to choose a username many years ago and chose my fave tennis player, Anke Huber....it’s just sort of stuck after all these years :)

So the pseudonym ‘Anke’ is beginning to open doors? next stop World Domination...oops, perhaps that’s a bit far, maybe just Household Domination instead :)

Couldn’t agree with you more! What with the recent troubles over the town centre architecture and planning, do you still feel the same? absolutely. Hopefully we are turning a corner to change the town centre for the good, change isn’t a bad thing. The cinema going would help.

You certainly contribute. With that in mind, if you had absolute power, what 5 things would you change about the town? good question... 1.. Park instead of Cinema 2. Civic Centre turned into huge museum/art gallery 3. More street art (statues) 4. Less cars. 5. I’d love to see The Pantiles refreshed, crossing is in wrong place, Union House onwards is an eyesore and the road-side needs beautifying.

We don’t want to make it too easy! my biggest wish is for a huge museum/art gallery to bring the tourists from miles around. Maybe in a controversially designed building.

Do you know if she’s aware of the town or blog? probably not. Perhaps I should give her a call and ask if she would come over and open something? ;)

She could open that new park that we want! she could open the new museum whilst she was at it too. You get the museum and park and I’ll get some special ribbon cutting scissors.

Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/SoTWMag and follow Anke at twitter.com/ankertw If you think you know someone we should interview on Twitter, get in touch!

If only our pockets were that deep! Anyway, thanks for Tweeting with us. Thanks for the unique tweeting experience, I really enjoyed it. Have a good day! :)

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Celebrate Christmas

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Why not join us here at Thackeray’s for your Christmas Party and enjoy complimentary Veuve Cliquot Champagne on arrival. Thackeray’s is the ideal venue for either corporate or private dining; with its magical atmosphere, central location and superlative food and wine, there is no better place for entertaining. Thackeray’s two dining rooms are available for lunches, dinners or receptions for groups of up to 20. Unique menus, expertly chosen wines and a friendly, efficient service ensure your experience in our restaurant is both stimulating and memorable. Larger parties can also be catered for in the main restaurant on an exclusive basis. “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.” So TW Reader “Thackeray’s is one of the most charming and stimulating restaurants I have seen outside London. The youth of those involved belies the professionalism with which it is run. The greeting is warm, the atmosphere enchanting whilst the food sparkles with flavour.” Terry Durack, The Independent on Sunday

All parties over 8 persons ordering from our function menu will receive a complimentary glass of Veuve Cliquot Ponsardin Champagne on arrival when quoting ‘SO Magazine Christmas offer’. Bookings must be confirmed by 31/10/10. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion. Usual terms & conditions apply.

85 London Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1EA 01892 511921 www.thackerays-restaurant.co.uk 6R 7: $'B7KDFNHUD\VB)3B1RY LQGG

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FOR FIFTEEN YEARS JOHN HARRIMAN WAS A SUCCESSFUL CORPORATE LAWYER, UNTIL HE DECIDED TO PURSUE HIS FIRST LOVE – MUSIC. NOW HIS JAZZ BAND, HEADS SOUTH, HAVE RELEASED THEIR DEBUT ALBUM RECORD FLIGHT. ROD STEWART IS AMONG THEIR FANS

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And that’s not surprising. These days John plays with the band a number of times a week and also gigs as a solo pianist and even as organist at a local church. Being on stage has become second nature to the man who was born in Tunbridge Wells some five decades ago. “I started as a singer,” he says dressed in a bright shirt and speaking in his laid-back yet assertive way. “I was a choir boy at Westminster Cathedral. At the age of seven I was whisked off to live there and didn’t have a Christmas at home for the next six years because we used to have to sing at Christmas, right through until New Year’s Day. “During different stages of my life I’ve questioned was it a good decision, was it a bad decision? And you know, there’s good and bad in everything; it was very tough obviously for such long periods of time, but on the other hand, it introduced me to music.” John took this introduction and ran with it. From the age of nine he was trained in classical piano and by the time he left

Westminster had earned the position of head chorister, going on to sing at the Royal Opera, making numerous TV appearances and touring all over Europe. However, his singing career came to an abrupt halt. “My voice broke and I came down from all the glory… but then I discovered jazz. I found it in my mid-teens when, as people of my age group know, the BBC used to have a jazz program that showed people like Oscar Peterson. I remember seeing this one day and I was just transfixed, thinking ‘how does this guy do it?” A huge fan of a range of music and disenchanted with the lack of serious venues in the South, John left Kent and headed for the University of Liverpool, but was to be disappointed. “I studied law, rather than music,” he says. “But I quickly found that the music scene in Liverpool was dead. In the 70s, it seemed that the Beatles had left nothing in their wake.” Still hungry to find that elusive ‘scene’, John completed his degree and, in his early twenties even before his graduation ceremony, boarded a plane to Los Angeles and its thriving community of jazz musicians. He quickly became popular on the circuit and as he recounts stories of the era (playing the same club nights as the Righteous Brothers and performing in Puerto Banus,

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e meet John Harriman at The Old School House, in Tunbridge Wells, to chat about his quite incredible life and Heads South, his band. Within seconds of entering the large space he’s commenting on the acoustics and gauging its possible uses as a venue – this is clearly a man who lives and breathes performing.

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Having not played much in the 15 years since he’d become a lawyer, John enlisted the help of one of the country’s finest jazz pianists, John Taylor, who helped him work on his ‘chops’. Slowly, John got back into the jazz scene on this side of the pond and started to assert himself as a serious pianist, playing with his own bands and with other groups that got in touch. Recently he played for the Royal Orchestra at the Royal Opera House, for their end of term party – musically, a discerning crowd, if ever there was one.

Paris and Oslo) a broad smile is emblazoned on his face – his body language relaxed and open. It was clearly a happy time but one that was difficult to sustain. Money was always an issue and despite his popularity, Hollywood landlords weren’t kind to touring musicians. Something had to change. “I was hosting a jam night and one of the guys – who played really well – was coming along every Wednesday and turned out to be a lawyer during the day. I thought ‘Blimey, so he doesn’t have the same problems I have, trying to keep apartments and landlords from the door.’ “So, I applied to law school and got into Berkeley, the top one. Suddenly my life changed and landlords wanted to know me and I could get places. I was still gigging and I carried on gigging during law school with some really good jazz groups in San Francisco.” After gaining his legal spurs, John’s social and musical time was eaten into as he became more involved in his law career. As he recalls events, his relaxed and open body language closes up. Bizarrely, as he begins to talk about a time that was obviously financially lucrative for him, he folds his arms, sits back in his chair and immediately becomes less animated. “For the next decade or two I became a US and UK corporate lawyer and the music got squeezed out because the working hours were horrific. You know, 16 hours a day. I started in San Francisco, then the City of London and New York for a couple of years.

Having spent the last few years getting more interested in Latin and particularly Cuban jazz, John set out to pull together a band to do just a single gig to see how it went. The reception was so good and the guys enjoyed it so much, they just had to do it again and a five piece called Heads South was born. Once more, the spark is back in John’s eyes and he leans forward explaining the make-up of the band. With the country’s top trumpeter, Steve Waterman, John is joined by Buster Birch on drums, Chino Martell Morgan on percussion and Tim Roberston on bass. Since their conception in 2008 Heads South have been popular on the South East jazz circuit and have been showcased on numerous occasions by Pizza Express, the chain that promotes jazz at their restaurants and also owns three major jazz venues in Maidstone and London. The quintet have also played the Folkestone Grand Hotel, sold out at the Canterbury Festival and, during the Summer, played our very own Jazz on The Pantiles. More recently, the guys were at the Grey Lady with tracks from Record Flight, the new album which is on Jazz FM’s main play list. “It’s mainly originals written by me and the music is really about two things; strong Cuban-based rhythm, which is energetic, almost restless, and the melody, which is not so much Cuban, but more western. So, it’s this fusion of the two that makes our sound. It’s what our music is about.” It’s a combination that’s certainly working, after all, Rod Stewart hired them for his after show party at the o2 and enjoyed it so much he asked them to play again. The band’s schedule was too full, so they turned it down. Fair play… you’ve got to play it cool with jazz, haven’t you? 62

“Pretty high flying stuff, very well paid, extremely hard work and the music just got squeezed out. “That went on for many years and then, one day I thought ‘I’m sick of working my socks off for big money-making deals’. And that’s what you’re doing; you’re working extremely hard for a single purpose - to make money, either for yourself or other people.” In 1996, despite significant professional pressure, John decided to stop practicing law and instead practice piano, returning from New York to his native Kent and moving to Wadhurst. Within three months, he’d met his wife, Spanishborn Estrella and the couple now have three children.

Record Flight is on sale from headssouth.com and iTunes Heads South are at Brook Theatre, Chatham on January 11

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s we move forward over the coming months we are faced with another series of events to contemplate, namely public sector cuts, uncertainty regarding interest and exchange rates, talk of a double dip, of a second round of quantitative easing and the impending increase in VAT. In every economic recovery since the double dip of the early 1980s, there has been a ood of stories about a second leg to the recession early on in the rebound. August saw just such a surge as US activity data turned out weaker than the consensus had expected. We believe there is now around a 30 per cent chance of a double dip in the US economy, even allowing for the de-leveraging process holding back credit creation. As a result of double-dip fears, consensus expectations for 2011 US GDP growth fell sharply over the summer, from 3.1 per cent to 2.4 per cent. The most likely outcome for the major developed economies is a sustained but muted recovery as growth is hampered by ďŹ scal tightening, consumer de-leveraging and a lack of lending growth. Anything other than a robust recovery is unlikely to be sufďŹ cient to stop ination - already dangerously close to becoming negative - from falling further. The Federal Reserve and the Bank of England are increasingly concerned about the possibility of outright deation and, as a result, are likely to engage in further quantitative easing (QE) during the coming months. As anticipated, gold is proving to be a key beneďŹ ciary of the increasing likelihood of further QE and the weakening of reserve currencies. Asian and emerging market currencies are also beneďŹ ting from these trends.

The combination of a weak recovery, ample spare capacity and low ination will keep policy rates, and hence returns on cash, low for the foreseeable future. As investors come to realise this, yield will become highly prized in developed markets. Low cash rates will continue to drive up the value of higher-yielding assets, such as corporate bonds, commercial property, high dividend paying equities and even government bonds, where investors should remain long duration. Bond yields have fallen sharply over the past few months, leading some commentators to argue that bonds are now in a ‘bubble’. While government bonds looked overbought on a technical basis in late August, they don’t appear to be in ‘bubble’ territory. Low bond yields are correctly reecting the risks of deation, weak growth and low policy rates for a long time – themes that are likely to persist for the foreseeable future. When looking at the local economy we are bound to be affected by the latest spending cuts, but I have been pleased to see the resilience of the local economy through the last couple of years and this experience will stand it in good stead for whatever the future has in store. For more information about becoming a Coutts client in Tunbridge Wells call John Goss on 01892 701083, email john.goss@coutts.com or visit Coutts.com

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TUNBRIDGE WELLS

LIFE &

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VICTORIA STONE THE PREMIER FIREPLACE RETAILER Victoria Stone in St Johns Road, Tunbridge Wells, started trading in 1972 as one of the first shops in the country retailing fireplaces and wood burners. During the last 40 years the market place has changed beyond recognition. There are now hundreds of fireplace outlets across the South East - yet Victoria Stone has consistently remained the premier retailer in the region. How? Firstly by constantly updating their fireplaces and appliances to keep up with the latest styles and technical innovations. And secondly, the quality and experience of their staff is second to none allowing them to offer customers a full service, from advice, bespoke designs and initial site surveys. Everything you’ll need up to the final installation.

The showroom has over sixty displays from suppliers such as Farmington, Charnwood, Aquisitions and Jetmaster. Victoria Stone will work with you to create a unique fireplace for your home and can design and install fireplaces in rooms where there are no chimneys. Also, they not only work on a one-to-one basis with homeowners, but are happy to liaise with your architects, interior designers or builders, if you wish. SEE VICTORIASTONE.CO.UK OR CALL 01892 541 337

BURRSWOOD HOSPITAL – PROVIDING POST-SURGICAL CARE Burrswood Hospital in Groombridge has been a well kept secret which Chief Executive Dr Gareth Tuckwell now wants to bring to the attention of the wider public. “As a non-surgical hospital, our patients receive care from resident doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, counsellors and chaplains,” he explains. “As a charity, we run a bursary fund for patients of limited financial means and over the long term, our dream is to minimise the charge for all our patients.” Burrswood has 40 hospital beds and offers a wide range of specialist care including: Q Post-Operative Care Q Respite Care Q Rehabilitation Q End of Life Care – for both long term and short term patients Q CFS/ME Care Q In-patient specialist counselling care Q Care for Stress Q Physiotherapy, Hydrotherapy and Counselling are also available on an out-patient basis. Burrswood (just off The Green in Groombridge) incorporates the hospital, a chapel, hydrotherapy pool, guest house, bookshop, gift shop and Bocky’s Tea Room. Surrounding this are over 100 acres of beautiful grounds. Burrswood receives very little Government funding and relies on income from fees, donations, profits from its trading activities and fundraising. VISIT BURRSWOOD.ORG.UK FOR MORE INFORMATION.

SKIN & LASER CLINIC – OFFERING THE TITANIUM DERMAROLLER Treatment for skin ailments such as acne scarring, stretch marks and sun damage can often be expensive and time consuming. However, a new product is on the market that’s more cost effective and quicker in eliminating these problems for thousands of people as part of their daily routine. The Titanium Dermaroller, available at the Skin & Laser Clinic in TW, works by creating multiple puncture marks on the skin, kick-starting the production of collagens – naturally occurring proteins that help keep the skin looking smoother, tighter and younger. Creating dermal damage without removal of the healthy epidermis, as happens with other resurfacing techniques, means the healing time is rapid and does not cause comparable pain. Results are quick and will last. Treatments can be applied as part of a daily routine and the Titanium Dermaroller can be used to enhance the penetration of certain therapeutics – helping the dermal treatments maximise their effectiveness. FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE SKINLC.CO.UK OR CALL 01892 535577

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Well established Farm Shop stocking a wide variety of local produce including: Fruit & Veg, Jams, Pickles, Honey, Biscuits, Cakes, Eggs, Cheese and Frozen Foods.

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INDUSTRIAL & RESIDENTIAL All types of Fencing Security Fencing Automatic Gates & Barriers Landscaping Materials & Decking Supply Only or Supply & Install

Tel: 01892 870882 Station Hill, Chiddingstone Causeway Email: sales@pallethandlingpenshurst.co.uk

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Polhill Farm Shop Close to Junction 4 off M25, Situated within Polhill Garden Centre, London Road, Badgers Mount, Sevenoaks, Kent TN14 7BD Tel: 01959 533089

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Independent Bookseller โ ขBooks on a huge range of subjects for the discerning reader โ ขExtensive Childrenโ s Department โ ขOrder today, collect tomorrow โ ขComputer search facility for any book in print โ ขAudio books & Classical music CDs โ ข DVDs to order โ ขOrder by phone, fax and email โ ขWeโ re friendly, knowledgeable and efficient

โ ขOpen Mon - Sat 9-5pm (Closed 1-2pm) โ ขWednesday 9-1pm only Gordon House, High Street, Wadhurst, East Sussex, TN5 6AA Tel/Fax 01892 783566 Email: enquiries@barnettsbooks.co.uk

www.barnettsbooks.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2010

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Sponsored by

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Secret TunbridgeWells

WORDS NICK WOODROOF

6KHOO VKRFN OUR LOOK THROUGH THE ARCHIVES THIS MONTH REVEALS THE STIRRING STORY OF ONE MAN WHOSE BRAVERY IN ACTION WAS REWARDED WITH THE MOST FAMOUS OF MILITARY HONOURS; THE VICTORIA CROSS

,

f you happen to be walking in Dunorlan Park and you come across Victoria Cross Grove, you may notice that it commemorates ten recipients of the prestigious Victoria Cross, who had connections with Tunbridge Wells. One name on that list is Charles Davis Lucas; the hero of this month’s story. Born in February 1834 in Scarva, County Armagh in Northern Ireland, Charles Davis Lucas joined the British Navy at the tender age of 13. His was to be a distinguished military career, receiving the India Medal for his service in the Burma War of 1852-53, before being posted as a mate on HMS Hecla on the outbreak of the Crimean War. It was aboard this ship in 1854, that he was to perform his heroic act. Although the war was mostly fought in the Crimea, naval operations also took place in the Baltic Sea. This was HMS Hecla’s battleground, working to restrict the movements of the Russian Baltic Fleet and divert Russian resources from the Crimea. On the evening of June 21 1854 the Hecla, along with HMS Odin and HMS Valorous, began bombarding the Bomarsund fortress in Sund on the Aland Islands off Finland. Hecla came under heavy ďŹ re and a shell from one of the fortress’s batteries landed on the upper deck, its fuse still hissing.

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The order was immediate; all hands were to lie at on the deck. Charles Davis Lucas, however, remained standing. With what was noted in the citation for the award as, â€˜â€Śgreat presence of mind‌’, he rushed towards the shell, picked it up and ung it into the sea, where it exploded before it hit the water. Minor damage was inicted upon the ship’s side and two men were slightly wounded by the blast, but if it had not been for Charles Davis Lucas’s actions many would have been killed or injured. It was customary at the time to reward such bravery with promotion; indeed Lucas was instantly promoted to Acting Lieutenant. However, his actions, along with those of other such men, were picked up by national media and widely reported. As a result, that December, Parliament proposed that it should create “an Order of Merit to persons serving in the army or navy for distinguished and prominent personal gallantry to which every grade should be admissible.â€?. This led to the Victoria Cross medal and Lucas was one of the ďŹ rst to be presented with the honour, by Queen Victoria, at a ceremony in Hyde Park on June 26 1857. Charles Davis Lucas went on to serve as commander of several ships, before being promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral. Upon his retirement, he moved to Tunbridge Wells and lived the last years of his life in the town. He died at Great Culverden House in Tunbridge Wells in 1914 at the age of 80. The Grove was dedicated to him and his fellow Victoria Cross recipients on May 8 1995, the 50th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. 62 Warners Solicitors, ‘discretion assured whatever the secret’ warners-solicitors.co.uk

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EXCLUSIVE REPORT

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