Your Wadhurst - March 2016 by Treacle Marketing

March 2016

WADHURST Sports Relief: Jo Brand steps out for Sport Relief

PUT A

Spring IN YOUR STEP We show you how to be fit in mind and body

VISIT

Italy

Living the Dolce Vita – your dream Italian break

Recipes: Cooking up a meaty feast with the Hairy Bikers

GOING FOR THE BURN WITH CHARCOAL –

plus other health and beauty insights

JOGGING ON – with the Wadhurst Runners/Waddies

Honouring a music legend with our David Bowie quiz Round-up of the best entertainment Hello, Sir: Meet headteacher Liam Collins

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Contents 62

60 34 Latest Reviews

Your Wadhurst

Books, DVDs, Cinema, TV

10 The Village People

Health & wellbeing

"Hello Sir," Meet Mr Collins

36 Sport Relief

Food & Drink 13 The Hairy Bikers' Recipes from our favourite bikers Si King and Dave Myers

Jo Brand braves one Hell of a Walk

13 28 Easter Breaks Away

20 Food News

An Easter break is the ideal

for Sport Relief. It’s Sport Relief month, and one celebrity already did her bit some weeks ago.

38 Speed Golf

Top gadgets and seasonal

solution, especially if you

Now golf is setting the sporting

fruit and veg

need to work around school

pace. Welcome to British Speedgolf.

23 National Butchers' Week March 23 - 29 is time to celebrate the skills behind your local butchers' front door

Travel 28 Italy Living the Dolce Vita – your dream Italian break 6 MARCH 2016

It’s faster, more athletic and a lot

32 Gap Year

more fun than the regular gam

Traditionally, gap year means students taking time out after leaving school

Entertainment

40 Fit in Mind and Body Here are some tips to help achieve it

42 Commit to a ﬁtness challenge You take the challenge

33 David Bowie Quiz We honour the great music legend

43 Hot Pod Yoga A new type of Yoga – the intensive physical workout’,

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54 Kent College 46 Wadhurst Runners

Kent College Pembury achieves

Club Chairman of Wadhurst

“excellent” in all areas for 2016 ISI

Runners Albert Kemp puts us

Inspection

Gardening 64 Growing Beans What’s the best way of growing runner beans in your garden?

through our paces

57 Top Tips for School Leavers 49 Going for the burn

Leaving school can be a scary

62 Spring into action in the

Charcoal is being widely touted as a

time for many school leavers.

garden!

health and beauty sensation, and

You have to make some

We've put together a checklist of

it’s being used in an incredible array

important decisions at this time

handy tips

of products

50 How much time do you invest in yourself? How do you value yourself? How do you invest in yourself and in your dreams? Do you think of yourself as a precious commodity? A profitable investment?

Education

Finance 51 Teaching our children money management Kids who learn financial skills from an early age will build confidence and develop smart spending habits

60 Have you got enough money to live on? At any point in your life have you asked yourself this question?

53 Vinehall Character Education and Thinking Skills

61 Starting to think about life after work?

How much is enough? 7 MARCH 2016

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Commit to fitness challenge

Welcome to you all Hopefully, by the time this March issue hits the doormats, we will be enjoying some me warm spring weather. This winter, although not particularly harsh, has been long, grey, damp and at times, miserable, which is why we have toiled, night and day since the last issue, to o bring you a sunshine packed magazine, full of something for everyone ! Jo Brand (p36) has done her bit for Comic Relief and in doing so has earned the honour of front page exposure. As it is National Butchers Week on March 23-29, we are featuring some mouth-watering recipes from those household favourites – The Hairy Bikers – and you are re fortunate enough to be able to buy all the ingredients locally, WJ Crouch for some fine meat and Crittles for your veg …keeping it local. We have some great tips within our Beauty & Wellbeing section and some useful financial guidance for the older one’s amongst us. Our regular features on travel include some beautiful Italian holiday spots and some useful tips for the students ‘Gap Year’ and with gardening, the ever popular ‘The Village People’ and education, it’s a bumper issue for all. Finally, we have lost some iconic people this year and pay tribute to one in particular .. David Bowie, so on page 33 you will find a quiz about one of the greatest musicians of our generation. We hope you all enjoy this issue and always welcome feedback or nominations for a ‘Village Person’. Thank you to all our advertisers both old and new and hope the Easter Bunny is good to you all. See you soon The YWM Team

If you have a story or wish to nominate somebody to be part of ‘The Village People’ or would like to advertise within the magazine please contact us:

info@treaclemarketing.com or 01892 78 33 89

Tree Tops | Wadhurst | Lower Church Street Wadhurst | East Sussex | TN5 6AS

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data and prices in this publication is accurate at the time of going to press, neither Treacle Marketing not its editorial contributors can accept liability to any party loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. We are unable to check claims made by advertisers are legal and truthful and that all products and services are safe. Treacle Marketing does not accept any liability in relation to advertisements placed.

8IFO ZPV IBWF mOJTIFE with this magazine please pass it on to a friend or recycle it – thank you

MARCH 2016 9

Village People

Headmaster

The

Village People

Liam Collins

Each issue, we like to have a chat to someone who makes a significant contribution to local life.

his time around, Juliet England talks to Liam Collins, now in his fourth year as head of Wadhurst’s Uplands Community College, a co-ed secondary school with some 900 pupils. Married to Carrie and the father of two children, Liam first moved to Burwash with his family in 2013, having spent a number of years in London. “It means I’m near enough to play an active role in the school’s community, yet with enough distance to ensure some privacy,” he explains. The job is his first as head, and he joined Uplands having completed deputy headships at Roding Valley High School, Loughton, and the Business Academy, Thamesmead. Of his current role, Liam says: “The main challenges are the constant changes to the education system and the reductions in funding. But what I love about the job is working with teenagers. Although they get a bad press, it’s always brilliant to spend the day with optimists. Equally, I enjoy developing and working with the staff. “And because I don’t want to lose touch with the most important part of the school, I teach about four hours every week, although I’d always like to do more. I feel strongly that my role is to lead teachers, so I try not to be office-bound. But, inevitably, there are times when I am a finance, marketing and HR director – and these are the parts of the role you learn on the job. “I’m lucky to be supported by brilliant people in the organisation and by the governing body. “We pride ourselves on knowing

10 MARCH 2016

“The main challenges are the constant changes to the education system and the reductions in funding. But what I love about the job is working with teenagers.” every child and ensuring that each one pushes themselves beyond their potential, whether that is taking up an Oxbridge place or completing a successful apprenticeship.” The last three years have seen the most successful exam results in the college’s history, with A level results topping the East Sussex League table. There are also successful sporting teams, drama, music and art departments, along with a strong community presence in everything from church services to the Wadhurst Fair. Duke of Edinburgh students ran a project on smart devices for a member of the University of the Third Age, and Uplands provided waiters for the Rotary Club’s tea party at Wadhurst Commemoration Hall.

And local history is firmly on the curriculum, including the loss of life from the area at the battle of Aubers Ridge during the First World War. When school’s out, family is Liam’s main priority, and free time is often spent cycling or playing games. But he’s also a season ticket holder at Brighton and Hove Albion, and regularly comes across one of his predecessors, David James, at games. Music and theatre are also important to Liam, as are podcasts such as the BBC’s Science Hour. So, (thankfully) it’s not all work and no play, and, in that spirit, we asked Liam a few nosy but light-hearted questions:

Q Football or rugby? Playing both. Watching football.

Chuck D (Public Enemy)

Village People

Q Favourite holiday

The Fine Arts Palace/Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City.

destination? Thailand, Mexico or Spain

Q Mastermind or University Challenge? To appear on, Mastermind. To watch, University Challenge. Q Strictly or X Factor? Neither! I am not a fan. Q Nice cold beer or rich warm glass of red? Beer without question. Luckily I have Craig at the Eggs to Apples farm shop in Hurst Green to help me choose. Q How many times did it take to pass your driving test? Just the one. Q What was the last CD you bought or downloaded? I subscribe to Spotify so I have been listening to a wide range of music. Two that have stuck out are Lorde’s Pure Heroine and Uplands’ own Will Joseph Cook’s Proof Enough EP.

Q One wish has been granted to you – how would you ‘spend’ it? Increase funding for education. It is an investment in all. Q Hero? Educationally, Pasi Sahlberg. In general, I am in awe of many whom have tough lives, who I meet through work and who retain an optimistic outlook…oh, and Bobby Zamora!

Richard Osm

Q Name four people (dead or alive) you would like to invite round for Sunday lunch. Richard Osman (producer and director, but most famous for being the co-creator of Pointless), Victoria Coren Mitchell (writer, presenter and professional poker player), Professor Mary Beard (Professor of Classics at Cambridge) and Chuck D (MC from Public Enemy). MARCH 2016 11

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Recipes

MARCH 2016 13

Recipes

BEEF & OYSTER PIE Once upon a time oysters were cheap – not the posh food they are today. They were used as fillers to eke out the filling in meat pies like this one – the original surf and turf! We think the combination works so well and after all, generations of cooks can’t be wrong.

SERVES 4–6 900g stewing beef, trimmed and cut into 3cm cubes 2–3 tbsp vegetable oil 3 long shallots, quartered 125g smoked streaky bacon rashers, cut into 1cm strips 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 tbsp roughly chopped thyme leaves 2 bay leaves 330ml stout 400ml beef stock 2 tbsp cornflour, blended with 2 tbsp water to make a smooth paste 8 oysters, freshly shucked flaked sea salt freshly ground black pepper Pastry 400g plain flour, plus extra for dusting ¼ tsp sea salt 250g butter, frozen for at least 2 hours 1 egg, beaten, to glaze

Season the beef cubes with salt and black pepper. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a frying pan and fry the meat over a high heat. Do this in several batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan, transferring each batch of meat to a large flameproof casserole dish as it is browned. Add extra oil to the pan if you need it. Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan and cook the shallots for 4–5 minutes, then add the bacon and fry until it’s slightly browned. Add the garlic and fry for another 30 seconds, then tip everything into the casserole dish and add the herbs. Preheat the oven to 180°C/Fan 160°C/Gas 4. Pour the stout into the frying pan and bring it to the boil, stirring to lift any sticky bits from the bottom of the pan. Tip the stout over the beef and add the stock. Put a lid on the casserole dish and place it in the oven for 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the sauce has reduced. Remove the casserole dish from the oven and skim off any surface fat. Taste the sauce and add seasoning if necessary, then stir in the cornflour paste. Put the casserole dish on the hob and simmer the mixture for 1–2 minutes, stirring, until thickened. Leave to cool. Turn the oven up to 200°C/Fan 180°C/Gas 6. While the filling is cooling, make the pastry. Put the flour and salt in a large bowl. Grate the butter and stir it into the flour in 3 batches. Gradually add about 200ml cold water and stir it in with a round-bladed knife until the mixture comes together. Knead the pastry briefly into a ball. Roll out the pastry on a floured surface, making sure it is larger than your pie dish, and cut off a 1cm strip. You might have slightly more pastry than you need, but you can freeze any leftovers. Pile the beef into the pie dish and tuck in the oysters. Wet the rim of the pie dish and line it all the way round with the strip of pastry. Brush the pastry strip with beaten egg, then top it with the rest of the pastry. Press the edges together and trim them, crimping decoratively if you like. Brush the pastry with beaten egg. Put the dish on a baking tray and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the pie is piping hot and golden-brown on top.

14 MARCH 2016

Beef & Oyster pie MARCH 2016 15

Recipes

Corned Beef Hash 16 MARCH 2016

Recipes

CORNED BEEF HASH Corned beef hash is always good, but with home-made corned beef it is the bees’ knees. If you happen to have any leftover gravy you could add some with the ketchup. It takes a little longer to cook this way, as you need to reduce the liquid, but it tastes really good. You could also use this recipe with a can of corned beef.

SERVES 4 600g floury potatoes, diced 1 tbsp oil or 15g dripping or butter 1 large onion, chopped 400g corned beef, chopped 1 tbsp tomato ketchup 1 tsp Dijon mustard a dash of Worcestershire sauce 2 tbsp finely chopped parsley fried eggs, for serving (optional) flaked sea salt freshly ground black pepper Put the potatoes in a saucepan and add water to cover them. Bring the water to the boil, then add salt and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Drain the potatoes and set them aside. Heat the oil, dripping or butter in a large frying pan. Add the onion and fry gently until it has until softened and is turning a golden-brown. Add the potatoes and the corned beef, then press the mixture down in the pan with a spatula and leave it to cook for 5 minutes. Add enough water to the ketchup and mustard to make a pourable mixture, then add this to the corned beef and potato. Add the parsley and season with pepper – be careful with salt as the corned beef will already be salty – then stir. The underside should have started to turn a deep golden-brown. Continue to cook, stirring and pressing down the mixture, until it is all completely heated through, the potatoes are tender, and a lot of the mixture has taken on some colour. Good served with fried eggs.

MARCH 2016 17

Recipes

ROAST HAUNCH OF VENISON WITH QUINCE Venison is healthy and delicious, and it goes really well with quinces. But you can’t always get quinces so we use quince cheese (membrillo), which is available in delis and supermarkets. If you can get fresh quinces as well, even better. Your butcher will bone and roll the meat for you, so it’s nice and easy to carve, and just incase you were wondering, haunch just means the back leg. SERVES AT LEAST 8 2 quinces, peeled and sliced into wedges (optional) juice of ½ lemon 1 tbsp honey 1 tsp juniper berries 1 tsp black peppercorns 2kg venison haunch, boned and rolled 6 thick slices of streaky unsmoked bacon, stretched 1 tbsp flour 100ml white wine 200ml beef or chicken stock 15g quince cheese (membrillo) 15g butter a few sage leaves flaked sea salt freshly ground black pepper

If you’re using quinces, put the wedges in a small saucepan withnthe lemon juice and honey. Cover them with water, then simmer for 25–30 minutes, until they’re tender. Strain, reserving the liquid, and set both the quinces and liquid aside. Preheat the oven to 220°C/Fan 200°C/Gas 7. Crush the juniper berries and black peppercorns and mix them with ½ teaspoon of salt. Rub this mixture over the venison. Cover the top of the venison with the bacon slices, then put the meat in a roasting tin and roast it in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Lower the heat to 160°C/Fan 140°C/Gas 3, then cook according to how you like your meat. For rare meat, roast for another 10 minutes per 500g; for medium rare, 12 minutes per 500g; for medium, 15 minutes per 500g. When the venison is cooked to your liking, take it out of the oven. Remove the meat from the tin, cover it with foil and leave it to rest while you make the gravy and fry the quinces. Pour off any juices from the roasting tin and set them aside. Place the tin over a medium heat, sprinkle in the flour and stir, scraping up any brown bits on the bottom of the tin. Pour in the wine, allow it to bubble until it has reduced by half, then pour everything into a small saucepan. Add any reserved juices from the roasting tin, together with any juices from the resting venison, then pour in the stock and a ladle of the reserved quince syrup. Simmer until the gravy is well reduced and starting to turn syrupy, then stir in the quince cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Melt the butter in a frying pan. Add the quince wedges, season them with pepper and sprinkle with the sage. Fry until both sides are goldenbrown and the edges have crisped up a little. Carve the venison and serve with the wedges of quince and the sweet gravy.

18 MARCH 2016

Roast Haunch Of Venison with Quince MARCH 2016 19

Food Drink NEWS

What’s in season this month? There are all sorts of benefits to eating seasonally, from the better quality and flavours of produce to the more attractive prices. In March, you can go seasonal on an array of gorgeous foods – here are some ideas to get you started.

Blood oranges Incredibly flavour some in a tart, or a crumble with rhubarb. Or how about in a salad with chorizo and mackerel? You could also try with razor clams or in a sorbet.

Radishes It’s a great time of year to tuck into these vegetables, either in a new potato and dill salad or with tomatoes in a salad. Alternatively, serve buttered with black olive crumbs or with a cream cheese and herb dip.

Leeks These go very well in a risotto or in a ham hock gratin, or cook up in a stew with white beans. For a creamier risotto, think about making the dish with gorgonzola. Staying cheesy, you could make a tart with leeks and feta. Alternatively, cook with mushrooms and dish up with tagliatelle.

Mussels Make with cider, tarragon and crème fraiche, or in a hearty soup with spiced saffron. For something more substantial, mussels go very nicely in a stew with chorizo and chickpeas.

20 MARCH 2016

Food and Drink News

De’Longhi Distinta Digital Copper Jug Kettle (£99.95, John Lewis) The copper kettle is a comforting kitchen staple, but this is a version that brings the idea bang up to date. The chic matt metallic has chromed accents, and there’s a digital base with five possible water temperature options, and a ‘keep warm’ function to keep the chosen temperature for 20 minutes.

Range Smart iPhone/iPad Thermometer (£41-£54, Foods 52) This hooks up to your iPhone or IPad with a hardwearing 4.5” silicone cable, and is a handwashable, food safe thermometer able to withstand temperatures of up to 450⁰F. Do spot checks on food, or leave in a dish until you get the temperature you want.

Handpresso Pump Pop (£58, Handpresso) This mobile espresso maker fits handily into a bag and has a simple three-step process to creating the ideal caffeine fix. Add warm water to a pod or ground coffee in the pump and you’re good to go.

Gadgets Looking for inspiration to pep up your kitchen and cooking routines? Look no further: Heated Ice Cream Scoop (£24, ScoopTHAT) This is a heated ice-cream scoop which takes the edge off your frozen pudding treat without reducing it to liquid. Heat-transfer principles are used to take heat from the handle’s non-electric reservoir to warm up the edges of the scoop’s bowl, which in turn softens the ice cream.

Butter Mill (£13.50, Cooks Innovations) This one is like a cheese grater – but for butter! Get a soft spread in seconds, and, once you’ve finished, just replace the top and pop into the refrigerator.

Meat Mincer (£24.99, Lakeland) This nifty little device from Lakeland has coarse and fine mincing blades and also a tray. While you are using it, the gadget can be locked firmly to your kitchen worktop.

MARCH 2016 21

THE RIVERSIDE @ LAMBERHURST

OUR MENUS

A LA CARTE

LUNCHTIME

WINES

Our menu is crafted around the ďŹ nest local produce, freshly procured and prepared.

Our two course set menu available any lunchtime for your enjoyment.

From delightful Sauvignon Blancs and delicate Roses to intense ruby reds, our wine list is sure to please.

THE RIVERSIDE @ LAMBERHURST School Hill, Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells TN3 8DQ 01892 890277 The Riverside Restaurant @ Lamberhurst

National Butchers' Week

why your local butcher

is a cut

above With National Butchersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Week coming up at the end of the month (March 23â&#x20AC;&#x201C;29), we offer reasons to celebrate the skills behind your local meat shop. The number of independent butchers UK-wide is relatively small these days, at around 6,000, but modern meat-sellers have had to up their game. (Pun intended.)

MARCH 2016 23

National Butchers' Week

There are no longer any High Street butchery chains because they couldn’t compete with the supermarkets, and weren’t differentiating themselves enough from them. But a local independent butcher can offer advice on the various cuts and how to cook and serve them, down to the best wine to have with a particular dish. Quite aside from the personal service you recieve from an independent butcher, you’ll be able to buy from them knowing the meat will have been hung properly, that it’s come from a traceable source, and that it can be cut to order. If you have any specific requests for how you like to buy your pork, chicken, lamb or beef, the local butcher is where you should be heading. While supermarkets create high volumes of products thanks to mass food production techniques, these can reduce the quality of an animal’s life, which in turn will have an impact on the quality and flavour of the meat bought there.

W. J. Crouch have served the people of Kent and Sussex for nearly 40 years. Situated in the heart of Wadhurst High Street is a busy family run butchers selling...

St James Square, High Street Wadhurst TN5 6AP

Chipolatas & Sausages Gammon Joints 28 day Aged Sirloin Of Beef On the Bone Pheasants, Partridge & Ducks Diced Venison & Venison Joints Handmade Pork Pies Homecooked Ham Joints Local & Continental Cheeses

01892 782131

We look forward to meeting you soon

24 MARCH 2016

National Butchers' Week

So local butchers offer reliability, quality and honesty – what’s more you will find that, averaged out over the year, the difference in prices between buying from an independent trader and the supermarket is negligible. Now more than ever, we’re keen to try new things and shop outside the major retailers. What’s more, it’s becoming increasingly popular to spend less on eating out and recreate the restaurant experience at home. To capitalise on this, National Butchers’ Week takes place from March 14 to 20. As part of it, a trade journal is asking butchers UK-wide to nominate their favourite staff member, because of their skills, business ideas, recipes or customer service. Could the week also not be the ideal chance for you to give the supermarket meat counter a miss and support your local butcher?

MARCH 2016 25

THE BROWN TROUT BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND THIS SPRING

TRADITIONAL HAZELNUT

SUNDAY CARVERY (BOOKING ESSENTIAL)

BRIE AND MUSHROOM WELLINGTON

M O T H E R S FRESHLY MADE SANDWICHES DAY... LET US MAKE IT SPECIAL

CLASSIC HOMEMADE

AND BAGUETTES

CLASSIC

MACARONI CHEESE

FARMERS

WITH CHIPS

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LOCALLY CAUGHT STUFFED TROUT WITH SALAD

STEAK & KIDNEY PUDDING, NEW POTATOES AND FRESH VEGETABLES

SPRING SPECIALS

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Your holiday

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www.baldwinstravel.co.uk ‘National Travel Agent of the Year’

Travel

here is no other country in the world which can match the exceptional variety of scenery, culture, and wonderful food and wine as Italy can. With over two thousand years of fascinating art, architecture and history, the Italian peninsula has given birth to some of Europe’s most famous artists and greatest masterpieces – from Leonardo and Michelangelo to Vivaldi, Verdi and Puccini. The elegant Italian landscape comprises beautiful coastlines, rolling countryside strewn with cypress trees and vineyards, dramatic mountains and serene alpine lakes. Today the fertile land produces fine wines, delicious cheeses and a host of wonderful ingredients which influence the vibrant, fresh and diverse cuisine. It is the great cities of Italy however, which offer the most fascinating rewards for visitors today. Whether it is Ancient Rome, from which the world’s greatest empire sprang forth,

Italy

Renaissance Florence where the great flourishing of art and music began, or the unique floating city of Venice – there is a wealth of history around every corner. Not only will visitors to modern Rome enjoy the impressive sights of the ancient city such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, but the Eternal City is also a bustling capital, full of vibrant bars and restaurants. The Vatican and St Peter’s Basilica offer a unique city within a city, where Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel is merely one of a vast treasure trove of paintings, frescoes, sculpture and artefacts dating back over two millennia. There are also wonderful museums and galleries, and the streets themselves are art galleries adorned with statues, fountains and columns on every corner. Florence is a compact city compared to Rome, and a pleasure to explore on foot. From the River Arno to the Piazza della Republica is a gentle stroll through the cobbled streets and Medici palaces. The bankers of the Medici and other wealthy families created an environment which attracted the era’s best and brightest during the 15th and 16th centuries. Artists, architects and artisans from

A fabulous holiday destination & now great value for British travellers 28 JANUARY 2016

Travel

“Not only will visitors to modern Rome enjoy the impressive sights of the ancient city such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, but the Eternal City is also a bustling capital”

throughout Italy and Europe came to Florence, where their legacies include the spectacular Duomo crowned by Brunneleschi’s great dome, the elegant churches of Santa Croce and Santa Maria Novella, adorned with frescoes and paintings, and the collection of world-class paintings and sculptures displayed in the city’s great museums. The Uffizi is one of the finest art museums anywhere, and has an unmatched collection of Renaissance painting includes masterpieces such as Botticelli’s ‘The Birth of Venus’. One of Italy’s most famous statues, Michelangelo’s David, is in the Galleria del’Accademia nearby, whilst the Bargello has a regular programme of excellent exhibitions.

At the top of the Adriatic, the Venetian lagoon provided a perfect protected environment to nurture one of the Mediterranean’s most powerful city states, growing wealthy from trade between East and West. The grand palazzos and elegant churches linked by an intricate network of bridges and canals are perfectly preserved and make Venice one of the most romantic destinations in the world. The sound of gondolas gliding through the water, the sight of the magnificent Doge’s Palace hovering above St Mark’s Square, and the taste of fresh seafood in a local trattoria are among the unique Venetian experiences which make this a city everyone must see more than once in a lifetime.

For anyone interested in Rome, Florence and Venice, Kirker’s new Italian Trilogy is the perfect tailor-made solution, including accommodation in luxurious 5* hotels in each city, along with private transfers and pre-booked 1st class rail between each city. To help make the most of your stay, Kirker also includes Guide Notes to the best restaurants and sights in each city, priority entrance tickets to the Vatican Museums, the Uffizi Gallery and the Doge’s Palace (bypassing the long queues), and a delicious complimentary lunch or dinner at each of the hotels. ● Prices start from £1,948 per person for a nine night holiday from 1 November - 2 0 March Prices start from £2,268 per person for a six night holiday from 21 March - 9 July

Further Info For a first hand account of the sights and sounds of Rome, Florence and Venice call Baldwins Travel – Tunbridge Wells on 01892 511 999 and ask for Yvonne who recently travelled to Italy with Kirker or visit your local Baldwins Travel Group Branch. www.baldwinstravel.co.uk #HolidayInspirations

JANUARY 2016

Easter Breaks

A cracking Easter break! s, ular break taking reg t a y th ll a n ic w log as sho st psycho h esearch h , is the mo s e more, wit n s o t’ a rt h o W . g in y even sh a s s d li g le of way of ho e sacrificin b l ’l u e o beneficial y , s r grab er from th days up fo better way to recov li o H k n a two B o what al leave. S a ther? your annu r. But with me of yea nd icy wea a ti s y e y s b a u d b to a rt ls ea sho o be of great d y , it can als still plenty ur chances, you ma Of course re a re e th o , y g e in k n ta n little pla e happy to bargain. lly, if you’r r weather, st-minute had. Equa la a g a b , the Easte g to in le e e b a ts e h sig active well b alking and t for being w h g e ri v t lo s u ju o If y is often ity is low. overseas, nd humid a t, especially o h o etting to spire you. without g ideas to in w fe a re Here a

If Christmas and the New Year seem light years in the past, and the summer holidays similarly far off, an Easter break is the ideal solution, especially if you need to work around school term dates.

UK Breaks

For somethin ga Fawr Farm, m bit unusual, try a farm st ay on Nanner id-Wales (w ww.nannerth th spectacular .co.uk), with views over th its e Elan Valley River Wye. T and bordered he area is also by the a haven for w Or how abou ildlife and bir t a trip off th ds. e Northumber beaten track land in a gyp sy caravan? W in Cumbria and wanderlusts. anderlusts (w co.uk) offer th ww. e country’s o gypsy carava nly horse-dra n holidays. wn Perhaps you ’d rather wal k through an woods alive cient bluebel with birdson l g? A spring w a lot to banis alking break h memories ca n o do f th foottrails.co. e winter. Foo uk) offers bre t Trails (www aks with acco . option to hav mmodation, e dinner incl an uded, maps walking direc and itinerarie tions, and sp s and ecialises in th e south west. Staying in th e south, Emb ers Camping (ww w.emberscam ping. co.uk) offers a unique cam ping experience in the New Fore st by offering pitch es with cam p fi res. With so man y options, th ere’s no reason to stay at home this Easter! st

The New Fore

Elan Vall

Cumbria 30 MARCH 2016

Easter Breaks

Europe Around the Mediterranean you can of course, expect more consistent warmth and sunshine. The countryside is also very lush and green at this time of year.

Ski breaks

d of well before the en lls in late March, fa come er st to Ea nd , te 16 s 20 ice In ing. And pr th ur yo is ng i-i sk the season if . the season it gets s down the later in t snow condition ea gr d an ne hi ns su g s rin on sp no ne Combi er after with longer, bright k, ea br i sk er st er on an Ea ink, and warm st-ski al fresco dr layers for enjoying a po ore comfortable m , er n ski in loos ca u re Yo ca s. ild on ch no r er aft s and othe ar, and kids’ club . on g in at this time of ye es go ve special activiti facilities often ha as Tignes or ch su s rt so re e of seasons. The extra altitud ry akes for ve long m ce an Fr in s en ton in Austria, Val Thor Obergurgl or St An er id ns co ly, ive at Altern rmatt. ch as Verbier or Ze a or Swiss resorts su e if possible, and ud tit la rly a northe e. ad -m an m or l Look for altitude, ra hether natu w , ow sn r fo n od tio good reputa hers, offer a go son Ski, among ot Crystal and Thom s. selection of deal

Tignes

Cape of Trafalgar, Costa de la Luz, Andalusia, Spain

Spain

Away from th e popular Sp anish resort can explore s, you Catalonia’s b ewitching co with its exqu astline, isite coves an d pretty villag stretches of es. If it’s unspoilt san d you’re after de la Luz has , the Costa some of Spai n’s best beach Fancy rentin es. g a villa? Hea d for the Bal Islands like M earic allorca and Ib iza companie as Baldwins s such Travel (www .baldwinstra If you’re after vel.co.uk). a city break, S beguiling, an d if you can co eville is truly incide with th April feria, o e city’s r festival, so much the bet Greece also ter. offers plenty of choice, fro Crete with it m s great weath er to gentlyPaxos to the paced resort hotels of Sani, Halki Italy is also su diki. perb at this ti me of year, w walking on id ith yllic Sicily an d trips to or holidays on th whole e Sicilian isla nds, not to m the glorious ention Amalfi Coas t or the super and historic b beaches towns of Pugl ia. With yet mo re options av ailable across France, Port ugal and Cro atia’s sparklin Dalmatian C g oast, holiday makers really spoilt for cho are ice.

MARCH 2016 31

Travel

Taking a Gap Year Written by Ania Jefferies

raditionally, gap year means students taking time out after leaving school and before starting university. Nowadays, it is more common to take a gap year at any age, not just before going to university, but also post university before starting your first job or taking a career break, to reenergise and return to the work environment with new motivation and confidence. A gap Year is not for everyone and for those who choose to take one, for whatever reason, the reality is that it will change you as a person and for the better. Some parents fear that if their child takes a gap year they will never return to formal education, so one solution would be to apply for a university course and try to secure a place for deferred entry so that they have something to aim for and fall back on. You can always withdraw or reapply if your circumstances change. Gap years are a journey of real adventure, an opportunity for you to enjoy a once in a lifetime experience, so they need to be planned carefully – not spent simply lying on a beach. Be very clear about what you want to achieve from your gap year: create a plan with clear ideas, with purpose and focus on building skills and experience that will appeal to future universities and prospective employers. If you want to work and explore new countries and cultures too, you may have to spend six months working in order to fund your travelling so you need to work out how you will be able to fund this. Other factors will also need to be considered such as travel insurance,

32 MARCH 2016

health and safety (travelling on your own or with a friend) and, visa applications, So in order to make this a successful experience, plan carefully, think about the industry you would like to work in, the skills you will need and search out opportunities where you can achieve these.

• •

•

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TAKING A GAP YEAR? Opportunity for you to develop skills that will appeal to future universities and employers • Gain valuable experience and even make you change course in terms of the university course or career direction you have chosen to pursue • Build up your CV – gain work experience through paid employment, internships or voluntary work • Learn transferable skills that you won’t necessarily learn at school or university such as decision making, leadership, time management, team building, relationship

•

building, responsibility, maturity Learn a foreign language Reflect on what you really want from life, the industry you would really like to work in, what you are truly passionate about Increase your confidence and independence by pushing yourselfout of your comfort zone – it's a time to personally grow and matureOpportunity to save funds to help with living/university costs, e.g. accommodation Work within new cultures

Here are some useful links to help you plan your gap year. So get planning! www.gapyear.com www.projects.abroad.co.uk https://www.gap360.com/internships

Ania Jeffries www.nextstepmentor.com

Quiz

Quiz: David Bowie Think you know your Bowie? Think again … As New York prepares to honour the music legend at a memorial tribute in Carnegie Hall at the end of March, two and a half months after his death, we put your knowledge of the Ziggy Stardust creator to the test. 9.) What hit him in the eye during a 2004 gig in Oslo? 10.) In what year did Bowie marry supermodel Iman? 11.) What is the name of the mime troupe Bowie formed in 1969? 12.) David Bowie has one O Level, but what’s the subject? 13.) In which Ricky Gervais comedy show did Bowie appear in 2006? 14.) On which two album covers does his image NOT appear? 15.) About whom was the Ziggy Stardust hit written?

Answers 1. Elvis Presley 2. He was hit by a friend (the artist George Underwood) in a schoolboy fight over a girl. 3. Davy Jones 4. Space Oddity 5. Three 6.Fame 7. Twiggy 8.140 million 9.A lollipop 10.1992 11. Feathers 12. Art 13. Extras 14. The Buddha of Suburbia (soundtrack) & Blackstar 15.Vince Taylor

1.) With which other music legend does Bowie share his birthday? 2.) Why is one of his pupils permanently dilated? 3.) He changed his name to Bowie to avoid confusion with which other well-known singer? 4.) Which of Bowie’s songs was used by the BBC when it reported on the moon landings? 5.) The fictional character of Major Tom was used in how many Bowie hits? 6.) Can you name Bowie’s first US number one? 7.) Which well-known model features on the cover Pin Ups, his 1973 album? 8.) How many albums is David Bowie thought to have sold during the course of his career?

MARCH 2016 33

Entertainment

Reviews

Books

Going out

NON-FICTION

MOVIES

Broken Vows: Tony Blair, the Tragedy of Power by Tom Bower (Faber) Tom Bower, who has previously written the biographies of Conrad Black, Robert Maxwell and Richard Branson, turns his hand to Blair the Prime Minister as well as Blair the global businessman.

Eddie the Eagle (April 1) Starring Hugh Jackman and Christopher Walken, this movie is about everyone’s favourite ski jumping underdog, who was never going to let a lack of ability stand in his way, Eddie ‘the Eagle’ Edwards. Taron (‘Kingsman’) Egerton takes on the role of Eddie, Jackman his long-suffering coach. Expect to have your cockles duly warmed.

FICTION Hot Milk by Deborah Levy (Hamish Hamilton) The story of a mother and daughter who look for salvation in a Spanish village, this book is an intriguing study of family bonds from a writer who made her comeback in 2012, with her Booker shortlisted Swimming Home.

Albums Red Hot Chilli Peppers (Spring) The funk-rock legends from LA release their as yet unnamed 11th album, the follow-up to I’m With You, on which Danger Mouse (real name Brian Joseph Burton) is acting as producer rather than long-term collaborator Rick Rubin. So change could be afoot for this band after 22 years together… Bon Jovi This House is Not for Sale (March) The classic rockers release their fourteenth album, the first without guitarist Richie Sambora, who left the band in 2013. Jon Bon Jovi has described the records as a ‘going back to the beginning’, and it was recorded in the Manhattan studio where he first cut Runway in 1982. 34 MARCH 2016

Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice (March 25) Two superhero juggernauts are united in this picture for an epic showdown. Unfortunately, they can’t quite agree on the best way to tackle crime. Expect an appearance from Wonder Woman as well – ahead of her solo movie in 2017. Ben Affleck, Jesse Eisenberg and Henry Cavill star in this one.

Staying in DVDs Legend (March 1) Tom Hardy plays both Ronnie and Reggie Kray in this biopic of the London gangsters, while Christopher Eccleston is copper ‘Nipper’ Read in a convincing, if violent, account of the days when the twins ruled the East End. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 (March 22) Now symbolised as the Mockingjay, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) has survived the destruction of her home district. Her strength is put to the test as she becomes the face of the Capitol in this latest instalment of the Hunger Games franchise.

Entertainment

TV Game of Thrones (Sky Atlantic, April) The Emmy-winning HBO fantasy epic trundles on, with 10 fresh episodes to watch for its sixth series. Expect to meet new clans, and an exploration of the pasts of Ned Stark and Robert Baratheon, as well as the potential resolution of the matter of Jon Snow’s parentage.

Maigret (ITV, Spring) He starred as Blackadder, Mr Bean and Johnny English, and starred in the West End as Fagin in Oliver! Now he’s back on our TV screens, as pipe-smoking, Paris-based police inspector Jules Maigret, star of 75 novels from the pen of Belgian author Georges Simenon, in a double bill of two-hour dramas.

Shows

Games Hitman (March 11) Offers the player various ways of carrying out a string of global killings, and pledges to provide maps up to seven times bigger than previously, giving assassins potentially plenty more hiding places. Unchartered 4: A Thief’s End (March 18) A final outing for action-adventure hero Nathan Drake as his long-lost brother lures him on a hunt for alleged pirate treasure, this has to be one of 2016’s most eagerly awaited games

Sunset Boulevard London Coliseum (opens 04 April, previews from 01 April) Glenn Close makes her West End debut in the role of Norma Desmond that earned her a Tony Award in the US in this brilliant Lloyd-Webber musical. Expect classics like As If We Never Said Goodbye in one of London’s classiest venues.

War Horse New London Theatre (closes March 12) This is the last chance to catch this hugely acclaimed show, based on the Michael Morpurgo novel of the same name. Life-sized puppets take the audience on a gripping journey through World War One as Albert, owner of his beloved horse Joey, travels to France to recover the animal.

MARCH 2016 35

Sport Relief

Jo Brand braves one Hell of a Walk! Jo Brand braves one Hell of a Walk for Sport Relief. It’s Sport Relief month, and one celebrity already did her bit some weeks ago.

very year, a famous person takes on a seemingly impossible challenge, and this year it was the turn of comedian Jo Brand, 58, who walked 150 miles coast-to-coast across the UK for the charity. Her epic seven-day trek took her from the banks of the Humber and the city of Hull in the east to Liverpool in the west. Just as Your Wadhurst Magazine was going to press, Brand had already done what would probably be the toughest day of the challenge, hiking across the Pennines in winds of 70mph and lashing horizontal rain. The comic was nearly forced to cancel this stage of the trip, as a route was closed to traffic because of the gale force winds, after Storm Jonas left a string of overturned lorries in its wake. But, having set off from the Sheffield side of the Woodhead Pass, she was determined to continue, and so she did. The day’s walk took her into the eastern side of Manchester. By the time she got there, she was able to tell Steve Wright’s afternoon BBC programme that, despite it being potentially the most dramatic and difficult day of her Hell of a Walk project, she was feeling fine. It can’t have been easy though, what with the weather to battle with and, of course, the

36 MARCH 2016

midwinter dates of the walk meaning still relatively early sunset times and some evening time spent walking in the dark. Brand, who also voiced the BT talking clock to raise money for Sport Relief, was joined on various stages of her route by fellow comedian Lee Mack and by presenter Davina McCall, who completed her own BT Sport Relief Challenge in 2014. As she reached the halfway point, Brand remarked: “I’m quite surprised it’s the halfway mark; I thought by this point I’d be lying at the bottom of a gully semi-conscious.” But far from that, by the time she set out, Brand had already raised well over quarter of a million pounds for Sport Relief, and she described the support she got as 'astonishing'. She then went on to complete the rest of her challenge successfully. By the time she finished, she had raised over £655,481 but the final total will be announced during Sport Relief weekend. Sport Relief is, of course, all about getting active to raise money, and this year it takes place from March 18 to 20. Half of funds raised are used here in the UK, the rest towards changing lives in some of the world’s poorest communities. There’s still time to get involved this month yourself, and you don’t have to walk 150 miles to make a difference!

Sport Relief

Jo ● f lie e tr R

Brand Sp ort Re li

●J o

ort Relief ● J o d Sp B r an a n Br

● f e

d Sport Rel n a r ief Jo B

MARCH 2016 37

Relief ● Jo Brand ort S p Sp o

Speedgolf

“It’s Golf, Jim, but not as we know it!” Cricket led the way with T20. Now golf is setting the sporting pace. Welcome to British Speedgolf. It’s faster, more athletic and a lot more fun than the regular game!

he rules: you play a round in the lowest sum of shots as usual, but combine it with the time taken to run the course. In an Olympic year that features golf, what better time to combine running and golf! So can runners beat golfers at their own game in this faster format? The British Open Speedgolf Championships will take place on 38 MARCH 2016

August 14 2016 at Dale Hill Golf Club, in East Sussex, for a second year. Dale Hill Hotel and Golf Club general manager Carl Rundgren said: “Speedgolf is an exciting version of the great game and one which gets the heart racing, blood pumping and takes the sport to new limits and away from its traditionally staid image.” Speedgolf addresses ‘pace of play’ head on, with this more athletic

format; it attracts both golfers and runners or those who seek a fresh fitness challenge. Whilst it is more physically demanding than the traditional golf game, providing a good workout, it is also a lot of fun. Pam Painter, Co-Founder of British Speedgolf, explains: “The challenge in Speedgolf is balancing your running pace with your capacity to swiftly and accurately play your shots to get the

Speedgolf

To find out more, email pam@ britishspeedgolf.co.uk OR visit www.britishspeedgolf.co.uk

lowest combined score possible.” Golf’s return to Rio’s Olympic programme after a 112-year absence makes it the perfect time to combine golf and running, but competitors will need to be quick to challenge the current British Open Speedgolf Champion Rob Hogan who at the 2014 Championship shot a round of 77 in just 34 minutes and 4 seconds, giving him a Speedgolf Score of 111:04.

Last year saw the introduction of a dedicated women’s category and the 2016 event will also offer a team competition for the first time, based on a simple alternate shot format. Competitor Registration is now open but places will be limited, so those interested are advised to register early to secure their place.

MARCH 2016 39

Health and Well-being

Fit in mind and body Written by Ania Jefferies

hen you're sitting on the sofa, stuffing popcorn or those delicious crisps... and boy do they taste gooooood, or knocking back that wine at the end of a stressful day… and munching on that mouth-watering chocolate... whilst watching all those keep-fit videos or cookery progammes such as 'Come Dine With Me', remember that you are not doing yourself any favours. Deep down you may know that you need to change some habits. You may push these to the back of your mind. But you are simply kidding yourself because not only are you setting yourself up for disappointment, a future filled with potential health problems, but you are also doing yourself a huge disservice. Don’t get me wrong– I love my wine and my food, especially chocolate, but I have slowly come to the realisation... sadly!... that there is much to be said about looking after yourself and your mind as you grow older. If you want peak mental and physical performance, you cannot neglect fitness. Your body is your temple, your mind is the key to how you think and, behave and ultimately,

Ania Jeffries www.nextstepmentor.com

40 MARCH 2016

a reflection of who you are. Start by looking back at periods of your life when you were the most successful and ask yourself one question: ‘what was I doing differently then from what I'm doing today?” Were you at your fittest or did you have a different mindset? Whatever the reason, the reality is, and this applies to any age, you may need to reprogramme your way of thinking and consider that perhaps there is a real connection between mind and body? So let me ask you. How much time do you invest in yourself? Your health and your well-being? Spend some time thinking about this over the next few days and you may be surprised it’s not as much as you think. Physically write down how much time you allocate to your most important resource ‘YOU’ and then decide what you need to do to change life around. Get a Life Mentor to help you if you can’t work this out on your own.

Here are some tips to help you: Look at ways of reducing stress in your life. Get active and join a club or get a personal trainer. Even share a

personal trainer with a friend to split the cost if you feel that you need someone to motivate you. If you cant afford either, incorporate more exercise into your daily routine. Get active and start walking. Stop driving to the shops. Walk around the block, take the longer journey to work, make that dog walk further. Treat yourself to some new gym gear. Don’t wear those old trainers or bleached out gym kit. It won’t make you feel good and motivate you to get fit. Don’t feel shy about walking or running on your own. Learn to relax. Try yoga or pilates. Focus on the end result. And your friends will start to notice, too. Feed your body with the fuel it needs. Switch to wholegrain foods, cut out unhealthy snacks. Drink at least 1 litre of water a day, and if need be, seek out a nutritionist. Google if there are any free workshops running in your area on healthy eating, reducing sugar in your diet, reducing the risk of diabetes, etc. Involve the family and get plenty of sleep in the process. Lastly, take small steps and reward yourself in this journey.

Health

Commit to a fitness challenge in 2016 H

aving a demanding exercise challenge on the horizon is one certain way of ensuring that you have something to aim for – and that you stick to your training schedule. If you’ve made a fitness resolution for 2016, an ambitious goal means you are far likelier to stick to it. What’s more, you may even find you enjoy your training more as a result, because it has a greater sense of purpose, and you’ll be able to set yourself a series of smaller goals before going for the big target at the end. One idea could be to set yourself a challenge that seems out of reach now, and then get training so it isn’t. For example, if you can run five kilometres comfortably, sign up for a 10km challenge. 42 MARCH 2016

And, of course, you can raise cash for charity at the same time, creating even more motivation. Equally, the fundraising aspect will make it far harder to pull out, if only because you’d feel too guilty if you did! This year, for example, sees the twentieth anniversary of the Caledonian Challenge, which takes place in mid-June, and gives participants two options: hike 54 miles in 24 hours, or if your'e a slacker complete 24 miles in 12 hours. Described as ‘tough but achievable’, the event kicks off from Glen Nevis, Scotland, and goes over the appropriately named Devil’s Staircase before it finishes in Glencoe, where you can always celebrate your achievement with a well-earned dram or two of whisky. But it’s not the only challenge on

offer. If swimming is more your thing, this July’s Great Newham Swim in London gives a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘going for a dip. You’ll be swimming in a clean part of the Thames from the 02 to Canary Wharf’, completing any distance from half a mile to two. Perhaps you prefer life on two wheels? One very manageable challenge, which charities like Marie Curie, the British Heart Foundation and Action Medical Research all offer, is cycling from London to Paris. After all, there are no major mountains to cross. And, with training, it should be achievable by most with a reasonable level of fitness. You certainly don’t have to be Bradley Wiggins. With so many ideas to choose from, what’s stopping you?

Health

Images courtesy of hotpodyoga.com

Want a new well-being regime?

Try Hotpod Yoga! As the initial enthusiasm of those New Year’s resolutions wanes, it’s worth remembering that not all fitness drills involve solitary treadmill pounding or yet another session on the cross-trainer.

nterest in yoga has grown steadily over the last year or so, and one thing you may not have considered is a branch of yoga called Hotpod Yoga. Billed as an ‘intensive physical workout’, its key selling point is that I feel this option reads more smoothly: it aims to be accessible to all, regardless of past experience or ability. That includes those who’ve never seen a yoga mat in their lives before, much less used one. The idea is that active and passive postures are balanced with a physical workout, and that ‘yogis’ also have the space to calm their minds. Movements are more fluid than with

Bikram yoga. The roots of the discipline are in the Vinyasa Flow, or (roughly speaking) the connection between breathing and a particular sequence of body movements, as you switch naturally from one sustained posture to another. Essentially, Hotpod Yoga pares down thousands of years of traditions of yoga to some of its most important aspects. Because temperatures are maintained at a toasty 37°C, the muscles are kept very warm to enable a higher degree of flexibility. At the same time, the heart has to work a little bit harder.

The classes are held in portable ‘pods’ or movable, heated studios. Each one typically holds up to 20 people. And they create a cocooned effect, so that students feel a distance between themselves and the outside world, to help focus and concentration. ● Sessions are affordable, challenging without being ridiculously demanding, and tend to last around an hour. Hotpod Yoga could be ideal if you fancy trying something different from your normal routine, held at sites around the UK and overseas, full locations listed on the web at: hotpodyoga.com. MARCH 2016 43

Around a third of the UK population are likely to develop varicose veins

lthough often considered to be an old-fashioned condition, the truth is that varicose veins are still prevalent and are not confined to a particular age group - it is not uncommon for people in their 20s to develop them. Around a third of the UK population are likely to develop some form of varicose veins and contrary to popular belief they are not confined to women – they can occur in men and women of any age with family history being a key contributor. Lifestyle factors also play a significant role.

So what are varicose veins? Varicose veins are caused by faulty valves in the return veins that are meant to keep the blood ﬂowing towards the heart. When the valve has lost function, the blood remains and starts to pool – which causes the vein to stretch and bulge. For every person who has visible varicose veins there is another person who has no warning before getting the symptoms.

Mr Sweeney and Mr Chaloner

These symptoms can include swelling, throbbing and aching within the leg as well as dry and itchy skin around the ankles, with more severe symptoms including ulcers and blood clots. Varicose veins never get better naturally, and for most people they get steadily worse as every week goes by. Like any chronic medical condition, varicose veins will progress without treatment and can cause acute and difﬁcult to treat venous ulcers. Medical grade compression stockings and changes in lifestyle can improve the symptoms but will not address the underlying cause. In the past, varicose veins were treated only when they became severe with treatments being provided under general anaesthetic, using the so-called ‘high tie and strip’ method. With limited budgets, funding under the NHS is no longer a given as varicose veins are not commonly seen as life threatening. “Younger people are unlikely to have veins severe enough to qualify for NHS treatment, so would have to seek private treatment and fund it themselves”, says Mr Chaloner, one of Benenden Hospital’s leading venous surgery specialists.

“Under guidance issued last year by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), anyone with symptoms should be considered for treatment. However, most NHS hospitals won’t invest in training and equipment to provide the newer treatments such as EVLT”, says Mr Chaloner.

Younger people are unlikely “ to have veins severe enough to qualify for NHS treatment ” Walk in and walk out with the EVLT procedure EVLT (Endovenous Laser Treatment), is a minimally invasive technology, offering quick, painless, safe and highly effective treatment with no scarring which can be carried out under local anaesthetic in as little as 15 minutes. This cutting-edge laser procedure

Benenden Hospital is the largest single centre provider of EVLT in the UK Our consultants have performed over

9,000 EVLT procedures

involves inserting a small laser ﬁbre through the skin into the varicose vein. Laser energy is delivered inside the vein, which causes the vein to collapse and seal shut. Once that vein is closed, the blood reroutes to other healthy veins. Not only is there less bruising with this non-invasive technique, as a day-case you can simply, and literally, walk in and walk out within a few hours. With the risk of the condition recurring being reduced from 30% to just 5% EVLT is the most efﬁcient and clinically effective solution.

Benenden Hospital – a centre of excellence Opened over 100 years ago Benenden is a ﬁrstclass award winning independent trust hospital with charitable status. State-of-the-art laser equipment combined with leading specialist consultants, in the less invasive EVLT technique, Eddie Chaloner and Aaron Sweeney ensure that Benenden is a ‘centre of excellence’ for the treatment of varicose veins within the UK. In fact Benenden is the largest single centre provider of EVLT treatment in the UK with both Mr Chaloner and Mr Sweeney being pioneers in the use of lasers in venous surgery.

We are extremely proud of the patient care we give and we constantly work to improve it. Quality care is the key to a positive patient experience, but it’s also important for patients to feel they are able to communicate with their consultant and hospital staff.

• Free parking • Excellent transport links • Free wiﬁ • On-site shop, restaurant and pharmacy 3 easy ways to access treatment This simple and effective treatment can be Self-paying accessed as: patients do • a self-paying patient not need a which does not GP referral require a referral from your GP • as an insured patient through private medical insurance by following their usual referral process or as • a Benenden member by contacting 0800 414 8100 following a GP referral.*

Approx one third of the UK are likely to develop varicose veins

Risk of the condition reoccurring is reduced from 30% to just 5% using EVLT

Costs from just £2,250 for one leg, or from £3,375 for both legs Walk in - walk out Treatment performed in as little as 20 mins quick recovery time no surgical scars

Book your consultation now on 01580 242 521 or visit us online at www.benendenhospital.org.uk *Benenden members, once they have a GP referral will need to contact Benenden member services on 0800 414 8100 and follow the ethos of Benenden which asks them to explore the care available through the NHS ﬁrst. ^Benenden members can only access this service if there is a medical requirement, it is not covered if the condition is purely cosmetic. The Benenden Hospital Trust is a company limited by guarantee. Registered in England, number 3454120. Registered charity number 1065995. Registered ofﬁce, The Benenden Hospital Trust, Goddard’s Green Road, Benenden, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 4AX

minimal bruising immediate relief from symptoms inexpensive compared to surgical treatment

Wadhurst Runners

JOIN THE CLUB…

Running with the Waddies Club chairman of Wadhurst Runners Albert Kemp puts us through our paces…

ffectionately known as ‘The Waddies’, Wadhurst Runners was formed in 1999 to encourage local running. Loosely, we’re made up of competitive, non-competitive and social members, so newcomers are not frightened off by competitive runners’ speed, and everyone is welcome, whatever their ability.

for a recommendation. So we have members who run races wearing our club vest colours (blue, red and white) as far away as Reading, Crawley and Epsom.

We have 76 competitive members, a squad of 25 to 30 regulars, and 69 non-competitive and social members. The group is one of the smallest in East and West Sussex, but prides itself on being a friendly one. Membership is divided between Wadhurst and surrounding villages, including Ticehurst, as well as more distant communities. While we never poach runners from other clubs, we will enrol those who come to us unsolicited except 46 MARCH 2016

assesses their ability to run with a small group. Our competitive side is important, and we regularly punch above our weight. Our history includes the Kent and Sussex Courier Team of the Year award in 2008. I won a Lifetime Achievement from the same paper in 2012 for services to running. We won the Sussex Grand Prix Championship in 2012 as only the fourth club since 1984 to retain the title. There are 23 clubs across East and West Sussex who compete in this league of up to 20 races annually, and most clubs’ membership is up to six times bigger than ours.

We meet regularly all year, on Tuesdays at 7:15pm and Sundays at 9am, as well as Monday mornings at 09:15 and Wednesday mornings at 09:30. A pre-run chat sets out the route for the day, shares club news, introduces new members and

We mostly run on the road, but during good weather we get off-road around Wadhurst. In the winter, a small contingent competes in the East Sussex Sunday Cross Country League. Scott Richardson is the first, and only,

Wadhurst Runners

WR SGP C

hampion

s 2012

e Year

Team of th

Waddie to win one of the races this year, and came second twice. We use Uplands Community College’s grass track in late spring and summer.

Top tips We teach all new members running tips, including: Holding your fingers without gripping. Keeping the angle of your arms as close to 90 degrees as possible and directing them forward. Lowering your shoulders to avoid stress.

Christm

as 201

with others, and feel the benefit of the coaching and tips provided. Any club affiliated with UK Athletics, as we are, saves £2 per race entered. Our yearly membership fee is only £15 (£5 concessions), and many local business suppliers offer discounts on kit for members.

Marathon effort Breathing tips Cadence checks (160 to 180 steps per minute). Hill work technique (leaning forward from the hip, keeping on the balls of each foot but not your toes, moving your arms slightly faster than your legs then, once on the brow, keeping up the momentum before dropping down to normal. The benefits of membership include the camaraderie and friendship, and the motivation to get out, even in bad weather. You will tend to work harder

The Virgin Money London marathon is a huge draw for us. With David Jones (66) and Nell Neary (64), I’ll be running successive marathons this year in Paris, London and the Three Forts. I have run 50 marathons, one Ultra (never again!) and 430 shorter races and got through countless pairs of running shoes. The London race offers one coveted club place offered annually to the Waddies, allowing a single member previously rejected in the ballot to run. Equally, several members qualify

by right for a “Good for Age” place. Training for a marathon can seem daunting, so start slow, without big increases in weekly miles run. Schedules are available in Runners’ World magazine, which advocates a 16-week schedule. Various schedules apply varying from walk/runs, 5 ½ hour estimated finish time and stages down to completion within three hours. I’d suggest breaking down each stage rather than looking at a marathon as a whole, and joining a club for support. Dr. Mike Stroud (author and specialist in extreme sport medicine) says, perhaps surprisingly, that most of us are actually capable of extreme running. Why not consider taking it up yourself? MARCH 2016 47

f we had a pound for every patient who tells us that a dentist in their childhood put them off dentistry for life we would be so wealthy! Teeth and our children are very precious. We spend time building relationships so that a visit with us is fun and a pleasure. Good dental habits need to start young and we ask you to bring your child to see us from the age of 3 years. Every Dental Health Check is 15 minutes long looking for decay, x-rays when necessary, checking how well cleaned the teeth are, looking at the position of teeth in the bite and chatting about teeth friendly food and drink. We always polish their teeth and apply teeth strengthening fluoride gel to help build protection against dental decay. We also routinely fissure seal adult back teeth where the deep fissures are too narrow to clean well to eliminate bacteria hiding in these crevices, trying to cause decay. Our children at Field House Dental Practice in Wadhurst join Denplan for Children from the age of 5 years. A monthly fee of ÂŁ10.85 (with family discounts) gives our parents peace of mind, knowing their children are receiving the best care.

MARCH 2016

Health

Going for the burn – the beauty benefits of charcoal It may sound decidedly odd, but charcoal is being widely touted as a health and beauty sensation, and it’s being used in an incredible array of products, from toothpaste to shower gels and face masks.

he idea is that it can absorb pollutants and toxins, and can become a highly effective cleanser when added to beauty products. It almost becomes like a magnet, attracting grime and excess oil, as well as bacteria. This ‘new beauty secret’ is actually ancient, and was used in the first ever eyeliner, but now it seems to be making a major comeback. And while charcoal-containing products have been used around the world for hundreds of years to draw dirt and oil from greasy skin, the more recent products contain active charcoal. That means the charcoal has been treated with oxygen so that it is better at drawing out impurities, acting like a sponge to soak up grime and grease from skin. Charcoal has even been used in A&E to treat patients who’ve been over-exposed to toxins, while juice companies have launched charcoalbased drinks, and you could try

putting charcoal sticks in your water to purify it. As for your teeth, it seems that charcoal can absorb plaque and other microscopically small particles that stain. Just dip your wet toothbrush into some powdery, activated charcoal for a naturally white smile. Alternatively, capsules of the stuff are said to help digestive problems including cramps. Among the many products on offer, Clinique offers a charcoal-based face mask, Beverly Hills Formula a toothpaste and Origins a body wash. Alternatively, pore strips from Boscia are one way of banishing pesky blackheads. Finally, if you’re a regular spa-goer, you could request a treatment that uses the black stuff on your next visit.

MARCH 2016 49

Health and Well-being

How Much Time Do You Invest In Yourself ?

IN YOUR DREAMS? Written by Ania Jefferies

ow do you value yourself? How do you invest in yourself and in your dreams? Do you think of yourself as a precious commodity? A profitable investment? The amount of time you spend on ‘you’, and on chasing your dreams, will determine the quality of life you lead now and in the future. It will impact not only on your daily life but also on all the lives of those around you, i.e. your family, your friends, your colleagues, your world... We all have the same amount of time in a day – the difference is how we choose to spend it. How do you fill your evenings? Weekends? Do you think that because you are busy you are being effective? Are you filling your life with chaos, with stuff that stops you from maximising your potential? We all have the power in ourselves to achieve whatever we put our mind to. When I talk about investment, I am not talking about investing in assets, in money investments. I am talking about the day-to-day running of your life. If you don’t value yourself and your time, others won’t either. How you choose to spend your time tells you who you are, what you are committed to and the path you choose to take. If you value yourself and invest in yourself and in your dreams, you will be worth a great deal more throughout your lifetime – not only for yourself but also for your community. Do not live a life of regret, as life is too short (think of consequences... if I don’t do this…what will be the effect in 5/10 years time), and remember, at any point of your life, at any age, you can turn your life round… That is, if you choose to. So what steps can you take to invest in your most precious resource, ‘YOU’? Invest in what you need. Invest in

50 MARCH 2016

the best people who can support you achieve your dream. And ask for help. It’s not a sign of weakness to ask for help. It’s actually a sign of strength. It shows you want to achieve the best results. Invest in a Mentor. Sometimes you can’t go it alone. You can read all the self help books, and watch all the videos but at the end of the day, we all need accountability, someone who can advise you, support you achieve your goals and dreams and give you that edge. Connect with great people. Think about a win win situation. An exchange. How you can help them and in turn how they can help you. And don’t think you have nothing to offer. Have self belief. We all have something to offer to someone.

Invest in your personal and professional development. Attend seminars and online training programmes; sign up for distance learning; listen to podcasts and audiobooks; read a great book; watch educational programmes.Feed your mind. Invest in new technology. Find your passion. Make your life more interesting and fulfilled. Be a magnet to others. Let people want to engage with you. The more you invest in yourself, the greater the benefit in the long term. Think of this journey like planting a tree. It takes many years to see the tree in full bloom/the beautiful fruits, but roots are growing daily underground. Eventually the tree will flower and will bear fruit, so the more you invest in yourself early on, the greater the rewards in the future. Get creative and don’t be afraid. Age is of no consequence. When I set up my business I didn’t appreciate how creative I would need to be and now I looove it. I blog regularly, post daily threads on my FB page https://www. facebook.com/NextStepMentor123 and each day I learn something new. More importantly, I hope that I show our children and everyone who shares our life that life is about embracing new exciting challenges. Don’t be afraid. Step out of your comfort zone.

Eat healthy food – don’t snack. How you feed your body impacts on your mind and your well being. Don’t sit on the sofa and watch mindless programmes. We all need to relax, but change the channel and watch something that you can engage with. Relax. You can still enjoy a glass of wine but think about joining a gym; start to exercise.

Find your purpose. Discover your strengths, ignite your passion, action your dreams – whatever you want to achieve – and make plans. And importantly, be thankful for all that you have in your life. Acknowledge this daily. It keeps your life positive and gives you perspective.

Ania Jeffries www.nextstepmentor.com

Health and Well-being

Teaching our children money management Written by Ania Jefferies

ids who learn financial skills from an early age not only build confidence but also develop smart spending habits which will have a profound impact throughout their adult life. If you teach your children about money, they will build an understanding of the value of money and master the basics of earning, spending and saving, which will enable them to make informed financial decisions throughout their life. This important practical life skill should be taught in schools, yet children are often expected to work it out for themselves once they get a job or start university and many end up learning careful money management the hard way.

So how do you teach these skills? 1. Children learn about money by watching and listening to their parents and peers talk about it. They watch our facial expressions, listen to the tone of our voices and learn whether money is a cause of concern and struggle, a motivator, or a factor for happiness. So the first thing to remember is to be mindful of your language when discussing money around children.

2. Get your children doing paid chores around the home. This plays an important role in your child’s development (builds confidence and self belief). It also teaches children invaluable lessons such as the importance of completing an assigned task, gives them a sense of purpose, establishes the

rules of teamwork in a family and allows them to earn pocket money to spend on themselves (reward).

3. Fill up the piggy bank and let them open up a savings account. Get them to pay money into it each month even if it’s only a couple of pounds. It will make them more financially aware and teach them the value of saving. It will also show them that by saving money, they can accumulate a significant amount of money over the years (if they haven’t spent it by then!). Research has shown that savings change the way that children think about their future. Those who open savings accounts from an early age are more likely to accrue assets. Having a savings account puts a structure in place which has a positive impact not only on the parents’ but also the children’s expectations. It also encourages them to set goals, e.g. I am going to save up for that bike.

4. Help your children open/run a small business. Start with selling lemonade or cupcakes on the drive. It will teach your children to brainstorm ideas, to figure out what works and what doesn’t, and through this process, they begin to learn the important business and marketing lessons from a young age. It also shows them the value of hard work and teaches them how hard it is to earn money. With this in mind, they are more likely to save their money rather than spend it.

5. Introduce 'fun' to money management with board games such as Monopoly, Game of Life or Allowance. These games teach children how to use money – whether you are starting up your own business, doing chores around the house, paying a mortgage, earning interest on bank deposits or simply spending money. The games can cover many aspects of finance including all the expenses you will incur from college to retirement. The purchase of such games can be bought on Amazon or downloaded for free. 6. Encourage your children to get a part-time job. A great way to start getting used to managing your own money is to get a part-time job. This will introduce your children to pay slips, national insurance contributions and budget allocation.

Ania Jeffries www.nextstepmentor.com MARCH 2016 51

NURSERY, KINDERGARTEN AND PRE-PREP FROM 2 YEARS OLD

Teaching at Vinehall is founded on adventurous learning and stimulating themes For more information please contact Karen Cooper on 01580 880413 or at admissions@vinehallschool.com

www.vinehallschool.com

Education

The Importance of Character Education and Thinking Skills in Schools by Richard Follett, Headmaster of Vinehall School

ll schools highlight the range of activities they can provide outside the curriculum, in addition to the strength of academic provision, which sets children up for life with the required examination and resulting successes in university entrance. These extra or co-curricular experiences further enrich education in its fullest sense. It is widely understood that variety is a very good thing for children, especially if it sees them involved in a range of activities across differing areas such as music, drama, art and sport. As a child matures through senior school, interests will become more refined and specialisms chosen, which occupy a greater proportion of time in pursuit of a higher level. In many ways this pattern outside the classroom mirrors that inside, with the majority of children taking multiple GCSE exams, which then get narrowed down to three or four A Levels in the 6th Form or the International Baccalaureate. Whilst this article is not intending to knock the ongoing uncertainty in the national examination system, there are sufficient concerns about the quality and variability of external exam marking, as well as the question of whether such exams really prepare children for the life ahead of them. The importance of ‘the everything else’ at school therefore becomes even greater. Business leaders are frequently commenting in the national press that school and university leavers lack the ‘soft skills’ which are so easily and so often overlooked and yet are so

important for success in business and life in general. Many schools have taken a proactive approach to this, and in addition to the breadth of extra-curricular activities have sought to develop the character education and thinking skills within the school, because of the long-term benefits of these for the children. At Vinehall, included in this has been the introduction of specific weekly themes through each term. These are linked in various aspects of school life such as assemblies, PSHE lessons and form time discussion. Just this term the whole school has been considering elements such as motivation and the importance of perseverance, topics which are further embedded through the academic lessons as each week progresses. Character education has gained widespread support across all national political parties, and the Department for Education has identified an extensive list of positive traits from this, all of which would be desirable in prep and primary age schoolchildren. These include curiosity, grit, focus, drive, community spirit, respect, honesty, integrity, tolerance and dignity, to name but a few. Perhaps more importantly, having the time for greater breadth of opportunities both in and outside the curriculum presents a greater chance for character to be developed more deliberately. Finally, the conscious development

of character education at schools has given the opportunity for increased focus on charitable activities. We have been linked for nearly ten years with the small charity Rwanda Aid, set up by a former Vinehall headmaster. The children organise and lead a number of fundraising events during the course of each year, many of which directly go to supporting Rwanda Aid, and last summer we had our first pupils visit Rwanda to spend time supporting the various projects out there. There is no doubt those involved in fundraising and charitable activities gain hugely from their experiences, in what might otherwise be considered quite sheltered childhoods. Baroness Claire Tyler from the All Party Group on Social Mobility, made a strong case for the benefits of character education throughout a child’s school life when she said ‘The evidence makes clear that people are not just born with or without character and resilience traits. Rather, a person learns to develop and use these abilities throughout their life. They can be taught and learned at all stages of life.’ This further reinforces the clear strengths of the freedoms provided to prep schools in their curriculum design. An important point to take from this is that schools should utilise their time for this before the children move on to their next schools, rather than just expecting the senior schools to start the process. We all have much to gain as a result.

MARCH 2016 53

Education

Kent College Pembury achieves “excellent” in all areas for 2016 ISI Inspection Happiness + Confidence = Success - Our recipe at Kent College Pre-Prep & Preparatory School

or Kent College Preparatory School and the Early Years department, 2016 has already been very busy and successful following the recent ‘excellent’ rating we received from the Independent Schools Inspectorate. This top rating has captured the charm and brilliance of our thriving school which exists on a day –to day basis with various lessons, play based work, and extracurricular activities and trips. All girls have the opportunity to stretch themselves with specialist teaching in subjects such as French, mandarin, music, dance, sport and technology, and some of the lessons already have included a French puppet show, modern dance classes, making Paddington’s suitcase and marmalade sandwiches, problem solving, practicing languages on the computers and building continents on a map. “Throughout the school, lessons are characterised by lively and

54 MARCH 2016

enthusiastic teaching and skilled questioning techniques, which maintain pupils’ interest, reinforce their knowledge base and extend their learning whilst promoting discussion and co-operative learning.” ISI Inspection 2016 Outdoor play is very important to us at Kent College and pupils benefit from beautiful rural surroundings and specialist play areas which enhance their learning, confidence and well-being. It is here where girls learn about the world around them and grow to have awareness and appreciation, learning to interact with others, share ideas, make decisions and get organised which all helps to build a happy and confident child. Fun is an essential ingredient as our pupils are learning. Whilst having fun they are learning to extend their communication skills and vocabulary through modifying, inventing and enforcing rules. They develop their

number relationships as they keep score and count, and their social customs as they learn to play with each other and take turns. “Pupils of all ages demonstrate a lively curiosity and a thirst for learning, and there is frequently a tangible air of enthusiasm in the classroom.” ISI Inspection 2016 At the heart of it Kent College strives to ensure our pupils are happy, having fun, building confidence and learning all at the same time. We are honoured to care for and teach such delightfully courteous, caring and inquisitive girls and warmly invite you to visit us and experience our warm welcome. To make an appointment to visit Kent College Pre-Prep & Prep School, please contact our friendly Admissions team on 01892 820218 or book at www.kent-college.co.uk.

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I wanted to go to a School where I knew I would have individual attention from my teachers. At Bethany, class sizes are small and I feel the teachers know me really well and understand how to get the best out of me.

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Leila Davison, Year 8. Bethany pupil since 2014. Christopher Jackson Scholar.

Scholarships and bursaries available

Education for life At Bethany we inspire, encourage and challenge our pupils to achieve more than they ever thought possible. Open Mornings: Tuesday 26th April and Saturday 24th September Come and see what Bethany can do for your child. We run a dedicated school bus from Wadhurst to Bethany: The Greyhound and Wadhurst Station Contact Us: 01580 211273 or registrar@bethanyschool.org.uk www.bethanyschool.org.uk | Goudhurst, Kent TN17 1LB

Co-educational day and boarding school for ages 11-18

Health and Well-being

Top Tips For School Leavers/ Graduates Seeking Employment Written by Ania Jefferies

Ania Jeffries www.nextstepmentor.com

eaving school can be a scary time for many young people. You have to make some important decisions at this time when really you may have no idea what excites you or fills you with passion. It may all feel very overwhelming having to decide what you going to do for the rest of your life, so seek as much advice as possible and take time to reflect on what is really important to you before you take this step.

Here are a few tips: 1.The first big question you need to ask yourself is what you actually want to do at this stage of your life. Do you want to go to university? Go straight to work? Take a gap year? Travel? Or would you prefer to work in internships to gain an insight into other industries before you decide what appeals to you? University is not for everyone, so if the prospect of continuing in further education does not excite you, ok. You have many options open to you. 2.Choose the industry.Sit down with a piece of paper and write down all the pros and cons of each option. Ask for help. Speak with your school career

advisors, peers, family and friends or find a Mentor. Research courses, industries, universities, colleges. The more questions you ask, the easier it will be for you to make a decision re what’s right for you and, above all, do not be pressured to take a direction you feel unsure about or which is not suited to you. Reflect on what you love doing What are your passions/interests/ aspirations? Would you like to pursue a career in this industry? Assess your natural talents, skills and unique selling proposition. What makes you unique? Different from other people? How do your friends perceive you? How do you effectively communicate? What do you want to be known for? 3. Make a lasting impression with your CV. Be creative. Use coloured paper (you want it to stand out from everyone else’s). Add a photo to your headed paper but above all make sure it is updated and looks professional. Look for opportunities to broaden your skill sets: voluntary work/ part-time work/internships/club memberships.

4. Look at your personal branding – online and offline. (We all have a personal branding. The question is how we manage it). Make sure that the photo you have on all your social media, i.e. LinkedIn/ Twitter/Instagram, etc. is not one of a night out with your mates but a professional headshot. Have a photo taken professionally or get a friend to take one of you against a white wall. Think about what you like and share on social media. Once you have put your name to it, it is impossible to take it back. Start a blog. Raise your profile. Watch Youtube videos. Check out business facebook pages such as https://www.facebook.com/ NextStepMentor123 for inspiration and motivation. 5. Practise your interview technique. Role play with a colleague. Research the industry, the company/university or college who invites you for interview. Be prepared to answer all questions. Powerdress so you leave them with a lasting impression.

MARCH 2016 57

Finance

A VERY PERSONAL TAX S

ome years ago inheritance tax was described by a politician as a tax of choice, but as property values have rocketed, particularly in the South East, understandably many feel there is no choice involved. In practice this is an emotive tax; rather than one of choice. Some take the view their beneficiaries will inherit well, and ultimately it is a tax that will be borne by the beneficiaries, out of the estate. However, others are keen to save as much of this tax as possible. Increasingly, there is a desire to keep flexibility to meet care costs, as people want choice. The cap on selffunded fees has been pushed back to 2020 at the earliest - the common phrase is ‘kicked into the long-grass’, and in reality, with life expectancy as it is, the ball is unlikely to be found anytime soon! There needs to be a balancing

act; your needs first, with a view to protecting your estate. Don’t get it the wrong way round! Far too often we see people who have over-gifted in a bid to minimise inheritance tax, but at what cost to their personal situation? You need to live, and your loved ones will understand and endorse this. The headlines have been grabbed by the new increase in the Nil Rate Band (the amount you can leave tax free) but, there is fine detail that needs to be understood - the new allowance is not all that it appears; ’Smoke & Mirrors’ is a good description. However, there are now options for those seeking liquidity, or reluctant to undertake any inheritance tax planning, recent rule changes make inheritance tax savings possible and entirely in-keeping with an individual’s own objectives.

A further thought is longevity, the 7 year rule is so often referred to, but what if this is unrealistic? There are options, with flexibility, so it is a subject worth reviewing. AV Trinity have been offering independent financial advice for over 20 years and have a wealth of experience in all areas of financial planning. Please contact us on 01892 612500 or email info@avtrinity.com if you would like further information. Karen Vidler, Managing Director Tax treatment is dependent on the individual circumstances of each client and maybe subject to change in future

RICHARDS FENCING www.richards-fencing.co.uk

Fencing, Gates, Hedge planting and general Estate maintenance. www.richards-fencing.co.uk ian@richards-fencing.co.uk

07811 956 744 01892 770 186 58 MARCH 2016

“Understanding your priorities and financial position is our passion!”

Inheritance Tax

Care Fees Update

Do you believe that you now have a lower Inheritance Tax liability? For many, this will not be the case!

Will the proposed “cap” on Care Fees be applied in 2016?Alas not - it has been deferred yet again, until 2020 at the earliest!

Inheritance Tax When is a tax-break not all that it seems to be? When it relates to Inheritance Tax changes in the 2015 Budget!

For over 25 years we have been applying clarity, uncommon wisdom and pure common sense to help our clients achieve their goals. An initial meeting with AV Trinity will be at our cost. Call us on 01892 612500 or 0800 668 1898 (Freephone). Finn, our PAT (Pets as Therapy) dog is a regular visitor to local care homes. Contact Finn at finn@avtrinity.com and he will reply! We, (and Finn), look forward to meeting you soon.

Intelligent Independent Financial Advice

77 Mount Ephraim, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 8BS Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England No 2012267

www.avtrinity.com

Finance

Have you got enough money to live off for the rest of your life? At any point in your life have you askedyourself this question? If you haven’t, do not panic, you are not alone.

oday, far too many individuals, families, business owners, and busy entrepreneurs tend to be working so hard in their business that they are not making the time to plan for their financial future or do not want to think about planning financially for the rest of their lives. But remember life is not a rehearsal; so do not say to yourself or to someone else “maybe one day…” as that day may never come! You absolutely should live life today and to its max. A huge number of people don’t know or would rather not know the key fundamental facts about their finances. Do you know what your monthly/annual expenditure is? Have you got an accurate picture of all your income and outgoings? What is your Net Worth? Do you know what your “number” is? (the

amount you need monthly/annually to support the lifestyle you have)? What if you wanted to plan out your finances until you reached 100 years old…? Your Lifestyle and Financial plans need a structure, a process, a methodology… What do you need to do so that you don’t run out of money? This information is all readily available with a Lifestyle Financial Mentor, a trusted partner who helps, guides and keeps you informed, to help you live the life you want to live. It’s not about financial products or financial advice. How can anyone offer you financial advice if they have no understanding of your life, of who you are? A Lifestyle Financial Mentor will want to know about your lifestyle, as a Life Planner in the first instance, and then using smart cashflow modelling which uses the latest UK tax changes, as a

●Simon Jeffries, Founder/MD Asset Wealth Creation Limited Lifestyle Financial Mentoring 60 MARCH 2016

Financial Planner. What is the truth about money? It’s not about which fund manager is better than another, or which company’s share price is likely to outperform a competitor, it’s about what needs to happen for you to maintain and live the life you have been accustomed to. Working with a Lifestyle Financial Mentor through “What if…” scenarios, will demonstrate that you could work until 62, rather than say 65, and still have a Lifestyle change (retirement) and afford to do what you wanted to, i.e. 3 years earlier than you thought possible. You can of course see from the charts at what age you may run out of money if you haven’t planned it right. Or the fact that you can give extra money away to children/grand-children without having an impact on your lifestyle. So how do you go about trying to find a Lifestyle Financial Mentor right for you? Someone you can build trust with. Someone who exhibits honesty and integrity and who you feel is doing the right thing for you by adding real value? Start by having a power conversation with a Lifestyle Financial Mentor to understand how they can help you, what added value they can offer you and your family? Your life? And importantly, if they are the right person for you to work with? If you want to take responsibility for your financial future and would like to know more, lets have a powerful conversation, in confidence. It could change you life. Contact us on 07944 999217 and check out our website www.asssetwealthcreation.com for further information.

Finance

Are you over 45 and starting to think about life after work or an exit strategy from your business? How much is enough? What do you mean? … I hear you shout.

ou have worked really hard over the last 25+ years, built a nice savings pot and a very respectable pension, what does this all mean to you now, today and what will it mean in 1, 5 or 7 plus year/s time? You probably would want to know what it could look like now, looking into the future (all things being equal)? Should I carry on working until I am too old to do all the travelling and exploring I have dreamt about for years? Do I consider a different career (so many people have 2 or 3 careers)? But wait, I hear the business owner say… I am ambitious and focussed, nothing will happen to me until I have made £5 million. That’s the number I want before selling my business. But, what if… I showed you a plan that made perfect sense, which meant that, you could help your children/ grand-children financially and travel/ explore all the places you and your partner have dreamt about. And have enough money to live out the rest of your lives. A lifestyle financial mentor will offer you support, guidance and information, to create the life that you want to live without fear of every running out of money… whatever

happens. At Asset Wealth Creation we have a five stage process that empowers you to make your lifestyle and financial decisions. •

•

• • •

Develop a clear understanding of your lifestyle, financial goals and objectives via a comprehensive fact find. Perform a detailed analysis of the information using a bespoke methodology in lifestyle financial planning. Create your financial plan. Empower you to create financial security. Provide a regular monitoring and forward planning of your financial objectives.

Everyone is different, with different expectations and ideas. Smart cashflow modelling using the latest UK tax changes will help you identify at what age you can have a major lifestyle change (retirement). You can explore many combinations of different scenarios. The journey is about discovering how your life and financial plans meet your desires. It’s important to remember that life is not a rehearsal;

you need to be getting out there and living it. Too many people put things off and say “one day…”. The reality is, it may simply never happen unless you make plans and take action. Everyone deserves to know the truth about money. It’s not about which fund manager is better than another. It’s about what needs to happen for you to maintain and live the lifestyle that you have become accustomed to. Nowadays, it is as important as ever to create plans and set objectives. We are in an aging population and have the desire to travel/explore more in our 50’s, 60’s and beyond than ever before. At Asset Wealth Creation we set plans to 100 years old, as we see that more and more people are living longer. If you want to take responsibility for your financial future and would like to know more, lets have a powerful conversation, it could change your life. Contact us on 07944 999217 and check out our website www. asssetwealthcreation.com for further information. ● Simon Jeffries, Founder/MD Asset Wealth Creation Limited Lifestyle Financial Mentoring MARCH 2016 61

Gardening

Spring into action in the garden! With so much to do outside at this time of year, we've put together a checklist of handy tips for you – as well as our separate piece on what to do in March specifically. With any new planting you’re doing, decide on the feel you’re after – modern, traditional, cottage garden or natural.

●

er dark ne rath fluid o g s a h r paving dd some Jeyes ● If you r, a e winte over th ten it up. h to it brig in gaps te to fill o take a g a p o to pr ime t ● Want ? Now is the t . s s r e in d cutt g in bor s plant u o e c a herb ew ed by n g inspir to buy one n li e e f ’re , try not of ● If you f plants our selection o s ie t ie y it ee var s im n type. L n’t ofte of each ght, as you do ou types b e plants. n a stand lo ry, hot lude a d ring, give c in s g te sprin es to wa ast ● Many n it com ng soak at le e h W . lo d o spell o rden a g your ga ly. quarter

62 MARCH 2016

● Be fo sure re startin you h g weed ave k any plan illed t s. off al ing, mak e l per enni al ● De n weed sely plan te s soil q because d border s uickl the c y. anop help stop ies co ver t he ● For veg w effor i th be t, bean stick to s st return s, cou taple s for le such s r as as gettes an like Fren ast para c d p e gus. renn h ial on es ● Mix ed pl struc antin t g looki ural ever , with up gree ng ga to 50 ns rden % of all ye , ensures ar ro a goo und. ● Ra dm annu p up you r als, b ulbs levels of co and h erba lour with ceou s pla nts.

MARCH 2016

Gardening

Growing

Beans

They’re the most British of vegetables – and have a fine flavour raw or cooked. But what’s the best way of growing runner beans in your garden?

s ever, getting your chosen variety right is the first step. While Scarlet Emperor is popular, Polestar is another option, and people like it because it doesn’t get stringy or fibrous. White Lady is another good choice. Unlike other types of bean and indeed plants, French or runner beans still produce vegetables in cooler weather, so they’re a pretty safe bet even for our summers. Equally, they produce their crop over a long time frame.

GET GROWING Either start under cover away from pests and predators like slugs and mice, or sow directly into the soil. If the latter, push down five centimetres underneath the surface, making sure you water regularly. Sow from April onwards. You can use pots, but bear in mind the long root systems these plants have. Keep newly germinated seeds just-moist instead of over watering – don’t let them dry out. And when the roots start to appear at the base of the container, plant out. Look for a sunny, well-drained spot with moist, fertile soil. It also needs to be sheltered, away from wind. Keep compost level with the surface of the soil when planting, and space plants around 30cm apart in rows with around 50cm gaps between them.

LET THEM CLIMB Part of the reason for this gap is that runner beans are very keen climbing plants, so require support in the form of bamboo or hazel canes, of around two and a half centimetres or 8ft in length. Lean them from one row towards the other. Lean the canes from one row across to the other, and tie in an inverted V or X shape. Some say the X-shaped version is better and keeps beans hanging down in the air and light. 64 MARCH 2016

Each plant should be tied loosely to the cane, and then it can grip it by itself as it grows. Water regularly and mist flowers and leaves if the weather is hot and dry. If you are having problems with flower set, make the soil more alkaline with lime if it is acidic. And, here again, keeping the soil damp will help, so water around twice a week in dry weather. Look out for common pests like slugs, snails and aphids. Use the various remedies available on the market, including biological control methods. Aphid colonies can actually just be squashed between your finger and thumb.

HARVESTING You can start to harvest when pods are up to 20cm in length or, say, six to eight inches in. Be sure to do it before the beans inside start to look swollen. Pick your beans regularly so that no pods become mature, otherwise plants will stop flowering and no more pods will be set. At the same time, regular picking will give you a longer cropping period. (This could be eight weeks or longer.) Then, of course, you can look forward to enjoy your delicious runner beans! Serve up with lemon and garlic for a glorious fish accompaniment.

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