Vine Magazine | August 2012

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SEVENOAKS

MAGAZINE

What’s inside?

August 2012

24

Welcome to Vine

20

27

14 EVERY MONTH 06 Headlines 10 Monthly musts 28 family and kids 42 What’s on?

44 SEVENOAKS SHOWCASE 46 mumblings

VINE DINING 24 AL FRESCO DINING Make the most of summer with the second part of Vine's al fresco guide to outdoor dining, including a drop-in to the beautiful 16thcentury Chequers Inn in Heaverham

WELLNESS 30 VINE STYLE Freshen up your wardrobe this summer with Vine’s selection of sweeping summer dresses

FEATURE 14 LITERARY CELEBRATION John Morrison previews the works and topics at this year’s festival and interviews Katy Darby 20 GREAT DAYS OUT Vine gives you a round-up of the best family days out in Kent this summer 22 NOT ON THE HIGH STREET Vine uncovers the pioneering London Road parking scheme and highlights the businesses taking part 27 OLYMPIC TORCH RELAY Vine looks at the history of the Flame of Peace coming through west Kent in 1948 and 2012 Cover shot: Stack of books, photographed and retouched for Vine

by Yuri Tamburrini

HOME & GARDEN 35 INTERIOR TRENDS This month, we take a look at the best and most efficient ways to keep a tidy house without compromising style 40 UPCYCLING Into recycling? Get tips and advice on how to go ultra-green this August with this fashionable, eco-friendly way to re-use old, unwanted furniture

PROFESSIONAL 17 legal matters The team at Warners Solicitors offer regular expert advice on topics relevant to our everyday lives. This month Chris Eriksson-Lee gives advice on Inheritance Tax Planning

Welcome to the August edition of Vine.

We would hate to potentially put a jinx on things, but it looks like the skies have cleared and the weather this month might make up for what has been one of the dreariest Julys on record. And just in time for the Olympics, too!

As such, we’re pressing on with our positive summer coverage, providing a host of outdoorsy features, hopefully inspiring you to get out and about to enjoy the fleeting heat.

The second part of our Al fresco Dining feature (page 24) uncovers the best of outdoor eating in pubs and restaurants across west Kent, whilst Great Days Out (page 20) gives you a taste of just some of the great outdoor events happening across the county.

Not forgetting the book worms among you, we also feature a three-page special on the upcoming Sevenoaks Literary Celebration (page 14), which this year hosts a number of exciting literaturerelated events, including a talk with award-winning writer and journalist, Kate Summerscale.

Our Home & Garden section (page 34) this month provides you, as always, with the most up-to-date practical and fashion advice. We take a look at innovative ways to declutter your home and an interesting take on how to re-use old furniture.

Finally, it wouldn’t be possible to publish a lifestyle magazine in August 2012 without mentioning the London Olympics (page 27). Vine covers the passing of the Torch Relay through Sevenoaks and compares the experience to when Britain last hosted the Games, back in 1948.

Enjoy the Sennockian sun!

vinedigital.co.uk August 2012 vine 5

HEADLINES

Gloria Hunniford visits Shipbourne Market Shipbourne Farmers' market was invaded by a BBC TV crew after being chosen as the backdrop for a new programme commencing in October. The show was presented by Gloria Hunniford, a strong advocate of local shopping and champion of local food. Visit the market, which runs every Thursday from 9-11am.

Cram for courses at Coolings Expand your horticultural knowledge while the warm(ish) weather is still upon us by booking yourself into one of Coolings’ gardening courses! n To book, call Lesley on 01959 532269 or see the Coolings website at www.coolings.co.uk

Knole opens exhibition space

n To find out more, call 01732 833976

Local baker aims to raise £100k for Little Heroes A special flapjack is to be created by Seal local Kat Jones in support of the Little Heroes charity. Supported by actress Zoe Wannamaker, its aim is to raise £100,000 in 100 days for blind toddlers.

Kat will also give a cookery lesson at Dorton House School in Seal to teach older pupils and to collect inspiring ideas for future flapjack flavours. n To make a donation, visit www.littleheroesappeal.com or text 70007 to give £3 to the cause

Knole House is opening up its exhibition space in a competition to fill the Orangery during November and December this year.

Proposed exhibition dates are October 31 – December 23.

Entrants to the competition, entitled “Opening the Doors into Knole”, should visit the below website for more info. n Call 01732 462100 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knole

vine

we’d love to hear from you EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES

01732 760823 www.vinedigital.co.uk hello@vinedigital.co.uk Vine Publishing Ltd 3A Lakeview Stables, St Clere, Heaverham, Sevenoaks Kent TN15 6NL

designers

Matt Handley matt@vinedigital.co.uk Yuri Tamburrini yuri@vinedigital.co.uk Maddy Whitty maddy@vinedigital.co.uk Emma Corkill emma@vinedigital.co.uk Joe Garner joe@vinedigital.co.uk MARKETING EXECUTIVE

Win an iPad from El Matador

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Web developerS

Entries for the next El Matador iPad prize draw will end on September 31, 2012. To enter, simply fill in a card when you dine at El Matador, or fill in a form on their website! If your card is picked out from a draw – you win an iPad!

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Get snap happy

Foxjoyce photography

16th circuit of Kent

A weekend in Westerham

This year is the 60th anniversary of the Sevenoaks Camera Club. Many of the 70 current members – all local enthusiasts – feature in the 2012 photo book as well as at an exhibition, which is to be held at The Sevenoaks Library Gallery and opened by the Mayor of Sevenoaks, Cllr Richard Parry on Thursday July 26 at 6.30pm. Entry is free. Visit www. sevenoakscameraclub. org.uk

Foxjoyce photography, a local Sevenoaks studio, is offering a generous deal over the summer period. A 90-minute professional family photoshoot at your home or on location for just £99 includes 20 high quality images. Professionally shot by a team of highly trained experts – you won’t be disappointed with the result! Call Ted 07977 227267 or email via the site www. foxjoycephotography. com.

The Rotary Club of Sevenoaks Amherst is to organise its 16th annual Circuit of Kent bike race on September 9 at Sevenoaks Preparatory School, Godden Green.

Riders will be able to choose an 80 or 130km route, with medals awarded to the fastest riders. Free food and entertainment will be provided at the end of the race. Call 01959 522148 or visit www. kentcyclosportive. co.uk

Westerham’s gala weekend will take place on the 8th and 9th of September, between 11am and 5pm at Squerryes Estate. There will be free parking throughout the weekend, as well as free entry to Quebec House for all National Trust members. Attractions will include a fair, model boats historical re-enactments and a scarecrow trail for the little ones. A great day out for all the family. Visit www.visitwesterham. org.uk

Owen Hunnam owen@vinedigital.co.uk t: 01732 764509 CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Charlie de Rusett charlie@vinedigital.co.uk t: 01732 764501 PA TO DIRECTORS

Siobhan Orr siobhan@vinedigital.co.uk t: 01732 760823 Find us on Facebook and Twitter Vine is published monthly in the UK by Vine Publishing Ltd. (Company reg no: 7195338) with a total circulation of 15,000. 8,500 land on the doormats of selected Sevenoaks households. An additional 6,500 are available through our extensive distribution network of over 150 pick-up points across the district. Printed in the UK. Please recycle Vine. © 2012. All rights reserved.

6 vine August 2012 vinedigital.co.uk

vinedigital.co.uk August 2012 vine 7

PROFESSIONAL @VineMagazine Great networking event at Coolings tonight. Good to see old friends & to meet new people.

Well done Vine!

Gabrielle Izen@GabrielleIzen

Over 80 business owners joined us for Sevenoaks’ most talked about monthly networking event at Coolings Garden Centre, Rushmore Hill, Knockholt

C

ompany Chairman, Paul Cooling, said he was “delighted to host the Vine’s business networking event, which has become a useful place for Coolings to meet prospective customers.”

Held on a lovely summer’s evening in the orangery of Arthur's restaurant, Coolings immediately gained new customers from the Grapevine guests and look forward to greeting more over time.

Thank you to Paul @CoolingsGC & Owen @VineMagazine for organising a great event lots of interesting people and a good time had #grapevine Botanical Florist@BotanicalFloral

Thanks to @VineMagazine for another great #grapevine event last night Melanie Helen@ cranberrybwed

@CoolingsGC @VineMagazine - thanks for great #grapevine a super networking evening in a lovely setting :) #bizikent

To see all the photos from this event visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/vinemagazine and for more information on forthcoming Grapevine events, or to watch the video, visit www.vinedigital.co.uk/grapevine

Debbie Cooper@econokituk

IDEAL LAND

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Vine discovers what’s new in the world of property at Chapel Place Limited – one of the UK’s leading bespoke land and property consultancies

hapel Place was formed in 2008 by partners Steve Donnelly and Andrea Hawkes. As land agents, their company specialises in sites throughout Kent, Sussex and Surrey, offering a wealth of expertise in all development matters – from single building plots and conversion opportunities through to major developments. With probably the largest databases of developers and self-builders looking for a variety of sites over several counties, selling your site has never been easier.

Upper Norwood Site with planning for sub-division into two dwellings and potential for two detached houses or other schemes subject to the usual consents. Guide Price £550,000 East Malling Site with planning permission for a detached house in this sought-after village overlooking countryside and yet within easy reach of the M20. £250,000.

n In order to find out more about Chapel Place and their allencompassing service in all matters of land sale and acquisition (including plot search) call 01892 619289 or email info@ chapelplacelimited.com.Visit www.chapelplacelimited.com East Sutton Existing commercial building with planning permission for a single storey two-bedroom holiday home. Guide Price: £150,000

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Lamberhurst Three-bedroom detached house requiring total renovation in grounds of approximately 0.25 acres. Cash buyers only. Viewing strictly by appointment.

Guide Price: £200,000-£250,000

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August 2012

MONTHLY

MUSTS

A round-up of trends, what’s new and must-have buys from your local area

MUST-VISIT On September 1 it's time for the Eynsford Music Festival! If you’re tired of spending lots of money on large festivals with corporate sponsors, smelly toilets and expensive beer, this is the festival for you. With cold beer and hot food in abundance, a line-up including The Upbeat Beatles, Kings Ov Leon, Silent Descent, The Fecks and Long Way Down and tickets at only £30 (£5 for under-14s) – there will be plenty to keep your ears (and wallet) happy! n Visit www.eynsfordmusicfestival.co.uk

MUST-TASTE

MUST-SEE

Love a taste of the Orient? Make sure you check out the Kent Thai Food and Drink Festival in Danson Park, Bexleyheath on August 13 and 14 – a wonderful outdoor celebration of Thai food, drink, craftsmanship, tradition and culture.

There will be something for everyone – from Thai boxing and martial arts demonstrations, to live music and cooking lessons! Tickets between £3-4.

Due for release on August 17, The Expendables burst back in The Expendables 2, with original action heroes Stallone and Willis welcoming new members Billy the Kid (Liam Hemsworth) and Maggie (Yu Nan). When Mr Church (Bruce Willis) enlists them for a simple mission, things take a turn for the worse when one of the crew is murdered. Their quest for revenge gradually pushes them further into all-out war. Prepare for explosions aplenty in The Expendables 2!

n Visit www.visitthaifestival.com

n Visit www.odeon.co.uk

MUST-HAVE

MUST-READ Sunday Times and New York Times best-selling author Lee Child returns with a new thriller for 2012. A Wanted Man tells the story of four people travelling in a car, hoping to make it to Chicago by morning. One is driving, eyes fixed on the road, another sits next to him, telling stories that do not add up. A nervous and worried woman sits in the back, with a huge man next to her nursing a broken nose, hitching a ride to Virginia. An hour behind them, a man lies stabbed to death in an old pumping station. He was seen going in with two others... but never came out. n Visit www.sevenoaksbookshop.co.uk

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Most cameras only capture a single plane of light, but this camera captures an entire light field, meaning that light is able to travel in every direction in every point of space when you take a photo. This means you can change the point of focus after you have taken a picture – which is great if your photo subject is caught blinking and has their eyes shut, or if things came through a bit fuzzy! You can also switch to a 3D view.

Available in different colours with 8GB and 16GB memory. n Visit www.lytro.com

MUST-DO The Big Sing – an Evening with Chris James.

Join Chris in a fun song and sound experience (in aid of Hospice in the Weald) as you joyfully explore your voice and discover that we are all born with a beautiful voice! These evenings are open to everyone, and are a great place to bring friends and family as a light, fun introduction to their joyful voice. Become part of the harmony!

Chris is renowned for his unique ability to instantly unite audiences in song. No experience required – just turn up at School Hall, RLSB, Dorton House, Wilderness Avenue, Seal on September 3 at 7pm. £10 entry. Musicians and singers will be inspired! n Call 01732 459220 or email marilyn.scott@rlsb.org.uk

12 Union Square Eridge Road The Pantiles Tunbridge Wells TN4 8HE Tel 01892 617462 Brighton 01273 841228

Reigate 01737 226450 vinedigital.co.uk August 2012 vine 11

FACTOIDS The page that’s all about you

Top tweets

Catch Vine on Twitter @VineMagazine

Our pick of the best local tweets this month

My wife was cut up by a 4x4 in Sevenoaks yesterday... driven

by Gloria Hunniford!

Note to self – Stop eating your lunch at 10.30am

Crab sticks do not actually contain crab

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Spent the morning at House In The Basement in Sevenoaks, a youth cafe for 11-18 yearolds. Based at The Stag Theatre. What a great idea!

@peacheydesign

@Cherylbaker

NEWS from

the MP with Michael Fallon MP

“Banker bashing” has become a national sport. Political speeches these days have to include a denunciation of banking culture and a demand for more regulation with stronger criminal sanctions. The latest revelations about the LIBOR-fixing scandal do not make pleasant reading. It is clear that some people in the financial services sector failed to live up to the high standards that are required of them. But to use this latest scandal as a pretext for rubbishing the entire sector would be something of a Pyrrhic victory.

Though smaller than at its peak in 2007, the financial services industry is hugely important to the UK economy.

The services provided by our banking sector make the world go round.

Without them, many of the day-to-day conveniences that we take for granted – internet shopping, for example – simply wouldn’t exist.

The sector accounts for 10 per cent of UK gross domestic product, generates a trade surplus greater than all other net exporting industries combined, and sustains 1.6 million jobs.

In fact, financial services are particularly important for jobs here in Sevenoaks. In 2011, about 2,300 people in my constituency were employed in finance, some commuting to London or working elsewhere. This employment generated £141 million towards our local economy. So financial services make a hugely important contribution to our town and surrounding villages.

Banks must of course be properly regulated. The culture of banking must also change. It is though in all our interests to have a healthy financial sector which will help the UK economy recover from recession. n Have a question for the MP? Please send to editor@vinedigital.co.uk

12 vine August 2012 vinedigital.co.uk

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COMMUNITY STAR Sam Winkworth Local personal trainer and bootcamp coach Sam Winkworth will be testing his endurance to the absolute limit on Saturday August 11 by taking part in the North Downs Way 50 – a 50-mile marathon so notorious for its steep hills and muddy trails that organisers only allow 100 runners to enter. Sam’s efforts are to raise money for Cancer Research UK. The race begins at Farnham, covering Puttenham, Guildford, Ranmore Common, Box Hill, Reigate Hill, Merstham, Oxted and Knockholt Pound before finishing at the outermost edge of Greater London.

Speaking of his forthcoming challenge, Sam said: “As you can imagine, I’m going to be testing my mind and body to the absolute limit and I’d love as much support as possible for this! The goal is to raise £2,000 for Cancer Research, so if you’d like to make a donation then please give generously for this worthy charity. My grandma recently passed away due to a long battle with bowel cancer so it’s a charity close to my heart.”

Please help Sam raise £2,000 for Cancer Research UK by visiting his fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/ samwinkworth to make a donation.

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vinedigital.co.uk August 2012 vine 13

FEATURE

?

A century and a half after her heyday, we are still trying to tease out the truth about that strange creature, the Victorian woman. In this Vine exclusive, John Morrison asks: who was she really? This year’s Sevenoaks Literary Celebration has invited several authors who may provide some clues to the mystery

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blockbuster novel Armadale, "the villainous Lydia Gwilt he 19th century was the heyday of uses the machinery of the modern metropolis with the printed word. But do the classic the expertise of a Victorian James Bond" (she also masterpieces of Victorian fiction get anticipates the secret agent’s 'dead drop' routine).’ But to the reality of women's lives, or do while 21st century novelists can recreate the technology the ‘sensation novels’ which were on of the Victorian age – its detective work and its steam every railway station bookstall get trains – penetrating the psychology of the era is a much closer to the truth? Or should we rely instead on archives more daunting task. Behind the crinolines and the and diaries to understand what life was like for women mutton-chop whiskers, were the Victorians just like us in 150 years ago? their thoughts and feelings, or completely different?

Kate Summerscale’s best-selling The Suspicions of Mr This year’s Literary Celebration opens on September Whicher, a meticulous retelling of a sensational 19th21 with a dialogue between two young century murder, revealed an author who novelists who have managed to recreate knew how to combine forensic research the voices of their Victorian protagonists and pacy storytelling. In her eagerly with extraordinary skill. Kate Williams, awaited follow up, book Mrs Robinson’s royal biographer and historian, who came Disgrace, Summerscale turns her skills Behind the to Sevenoaks to present her biography to the true story of how a Victorian crinolines and of Emma Hamilton at the 2007 festival, middle-class husband sued for divorce in has written The Pleasures of Men, set 1858 after reading his wife’s scandalous mutton-chop in murder-haunted Spitalfields in the private diary. Was the diary a record of whiskers, were the opening years of Queen Victoria’s reign. her adultery, a fantasy or something in and violence are never far away in between? Kathryn Hughes, an expert Victorians just like Sex the macabre world she creates. Williams on Victorian society and the author us in their thoughts will be talking to Katy Darby, a multiof The Short Life and Long Times of Mrs talented writer of plays, short stories, Beeton, will be talking to Summerscale and feelings, or songs and stage musicals. Her debut novel at the Sevenoaks Literary Celebration about how the story of Isabella Robinson completely different? The Whores’ Asylum, set in the back streets of outwardly respectable late Victorian – given sensational treatment by the Oxford, explores the city’s hidden newspapers of the day – reveals the sexual underworld in uncannily accurate period and moral conventions that governed prose. women's lives.

For those readers who believe you can never improve Disgrace and the lengths men and women would go on Dickens, there will be a traditional Victorian tea to avoid it form one of the pillars of the Victorian with readings from his works. "Make 'em laugh, make popular novel, which featured bigamy, poisoning, and 'em cry, make 'em wait!" was the maxim of Victorian the period equivalent of today’s emails and tweets – the public performers, of whom the best known was Dickens penny post letter and the telegram. As Professor John himself. The tradition of presenting Dickens through Sutherland writes in his introduction to Wilkie Collins’

14 vine August 2012 vinedigital.co.uk

Kate Summerscale: a meticulous retelling of a sensational 19th-century murder

his own words continues, and Dr Tony Williams, Associate Editor of The Dickensian and Research Fellow in Humanities at the University of Buckingham, will present a programme of extracts demonstrating the range of moods and styles found in Dickens’ fiction and journalism.

While the early 20th century saw a sharp intellectual reaction against everything Victorian, the struggle of women for emancipation carried many echoes of what had gone before. Frances Osborne, author of The Bolter, has turned her own family history into fiction in Park Lane, the story of two women from different classes who try to break the bonds of duty and convention against the background of World War One and the suffragette movement.

This year’s festival, now a decade old, includes a literary lunch at which the guest will be Virginia ns Nicholson, whose book Millions Charles Dicke Like Us takes the story of women in the 20th century on into World War Two. The author comes from a rich literary and artistic background, as she is granddaughter of Bloomsbury painter Vanessa Bell and a great-niece to her sister Virginia Woolf. Her book, described by the Observer as ‘a triumph’ is a moving tribute to the experiences of women between 1939 and 1945.

The Literary Celebration programme is traditionally strong on history, and this year is no exception.

Thomas Penn’s Winter King paints a portrait of the ‘dark prince’ Henry VII, probably the most chilling and ruthless monarch ever to sit on the English throne.

This biography gives a gripping account of the dawn of Tudor England, ravaged by fear and ruled by a paranoiac king.

Another book which has excited critics this year is Now All Roads Lead to France, Matthew Hollis’s study of the last years of the Edwardian poet Edward Thomas and his friendship with Robert Frost. Hollis has won two major literary prizes with this story of how Thomas changed from a literary critic and a hard-pressed jobbing writer into a startlingly original poet. The book takes the story of Thomas to its tragic finale when he was killed on the first day of the battle of Arras in 1917.

There should be a warm welcome for Professor David Crystal, author of a series of best-selling and accessible works on the English language. Moving with practised ease between high academic scholarship and everyday speech, his latest book Spell It Out: the Story of English Spelling has delighted Henr y VII curious readers across the country.

The closing event in this year’s programme will be special for me. I shall be in conversation with former Moscow correspondent A.D. Miller about his novel Snowdrops, shortlisted for the 2011 Man Booker prize.

Snowdrops is a gripping page-turner about the intense experience of Moscow and its effect on expatriates – the book every foreign resident of the city has dreamed of writing.

vinedigital.co.uk August 2012 vine 15

FEATURE

Victorian secrets Vine meets Katy Darby, author of The Whores’ Asylum, an enthralling tale of death, despair and obsession, set in Victorian Oxford

SEVENOAKS LITERARY CELEBRATION LISTINGS 2012 Friday 21 September, 7.30 pm £8 Kate Williams and Katy Darby: Sex, Murder and Crinolines: Writing Neo-Victorian Fiction

Q. Why are today’s writers so fascinated by Victorian women and why do they seem so remote?

Saturday 22 September, 2.30 pm £8 David Crystal: Spelling Out the Story of English

A. So much of women’s experience of that time was ignored, disavowed or simply never mentioned in polite society, let alone in fiction, which is why Sarah Waters’ lesbian neo-Victoriana is so fascinating for modern readers.

For Victorian writers, women are the keepers of secrets, whether a secret past or a secret love. They are mysterious and remote, to the authors and to us.

This is partly because the majority of the novels of that period still read today are by male writers who very rarely dared to write in a first-person female voice. With some honourable exceptions, female protagonists are unusual in Victorian fiction, especially female protagonists written by women authors. I can think of only one Victorian classic narrated and written by a woman: Jane Eyre. If anyone finds any others I’d love to read them!

The heroine of the novel I’m writing at the moment is a Victorian housemaid, and it’s immensely difficult to find contemporary first-person accounts of what it’s like to be a servant, which is part of the reason why I wanted to write it.

Their female characters are exactly as complex, flawed, credible and human as their male ones are, and their novels infinitely better for not preserving the delicate fiction that all women are ‘ladies’.

I think a lot of what we would now consider ‘highbrow’ classics were in fact the popular fiction of the day – the Joanna Trollopes and Dan Browns – and those books and authors with literary merit have survived. What I love about Victorian fiction is that so many of the classics are so incredibly readable, because the authors were writing, often in instalments, for a vocal and hungry public who would simply not buy the next chapter if the book started to bore them. Some ‘sensation fiction’ has survived, but much is lost, and deservedly so. Having said that, I love the sensational popular stuff: The Moonstone, The Woman in White, Lady Audley’s Secret.

Q. Is the image of women in Victorian novels misleading for the modern reader? Which give the better picture, highbrow or lowbrow novels?

Q. What struck you most about the position of the Victorian woman when you were researching and writing The Whores’ Asylum?

A. The portraits of women that have come down to us are largely of middle-class women, painted by educated middle-class men; though there were many female best-selling authors at the time, only a few are read today. Dickens is a terrible distorter of women, in my opinion; they’re mostly hags like Miss Havisham or fairies like Dora Copperfield, with not very much in between. That’s why I prefer Thackeray and Wilkie Collins, who are no respecters of gender.

A. How vulnerable you were as a woman, both legally and socially, and how narrow the choices you had in life, whatever your class. I’m not surprised that women like Dr ‘James’ Barry chose to live as men because of the freedom it afforded them. I’m only amazed more women didn’t try it. It’s extraordinary (and wonderful) to me how far women’s rights have come since the Victorian and Edwardian period. Less than a hundred years ago we didn’t even have the vote!

Monday 24 September, 7.30 pm £8 The Milton Consort: An Evening with John Donne Tuesday 25 September, 12.00 noon £25 Literary Lunch with Virginia Nicholson Wednesday 26 September, 7.30 pm £8 Frances Osborne: Park Lane Thursday 27 September, 7.30 pm Free Adam Nicolson: The Gentry: Stories of the English In association with Sevenoaks Historical Society, this is the annual Samuel R. Gardiner lecture. It is a non-ticketed event.

Friday 28 September, 7.30 pm £8 Thomas Penn: Winter King Saturday 29 September, 2.30 pm £8 A Victorian tea with readings from Charles Dickens Monday 1 October, 7.30 pm £8 Sophie Hannah: Kind of Cruel Tuesday 2 October, 10.00 am Schools event with Tim Walker Sevenoaks Primary School, Bradbourne Park Road, Sevenoaks TN13 3LB Wednesday 3 October, 7.30 pm £8 Kate Summerscale in conversation with Kathryn Hughes: Mrs Robinson’s Disgrace Thursday 4 October, 7.30 pm £8 Matthew Hollis: Edward Thomas: From the Weald to the War Friday 5 October, 7.30 pm £8 A.D. Miller: Snowdrops Saturday 6 October, 12pm and 2pm. Free Justine De Mierre: Story playtime for the Under-5s Tickets on sale from Sevenoaks Bookshop from July 28 (no credit card sales). Call 01732 452055 or visit www.sevenoaksliterarycelebration.com

16 vine August 2012 vinedigital.co.uk

Vinead(05-03-12):Layout 1 05/03/2012 11:03 Page 1

LEGAL MATTERS The team at Warners Solicitors offer regular expert advice on topics relevant to our everyday lives. This month, Chris ErikssonLee gives advice about Inheritance Tax Planning

100% PASS All 18 pupils at Russell House in Otford who sat the 11-plus exam in September 2011 passed with an average mark of 411, and:

One third of our pupils gained the top score of 420 Three-quarters of pupils gained full marks in the Verbal Reasoning paper One half of our pupils gained full marks in the Non-Verbal Reasoning paper

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B

enjamin Franklin once said “the only things certain in life are death and taxes�, a statement which appears to ring true in relation to Inheritance Tax (IHT).

IHT is one of the most controversial taxes that exists and generates billions of pounds annually for HM Revenue and Customs. The average IHT liability runs into tens of thousands pounds and receipts have increased in the last year by 14 per cent.

IHT is usually paid when someone dies, on the amount of their estate valued at the time of their death over the nil rate band IHT allowance, unless their estate benefits from any possible reliefs or exemptions. IHT is also sometimes payable on gifts made in the seven-year period before death and on trusts.

One of the reasons IHT is so controversial is because people often feel that they have paid taxes throughout their lives, so why should they have to pay tax again on the money they have worked hard for on their death, which could otherwise go to their children or grandchildren.

The current IHT allowance is ÂŁ325,000 and this is set to remain frozen until 2014/15.

Anything over this amount is liable to be taxed at 40 per cent.

Married couples are potentially able to double up allowances but preparation of

Wills is essential to ensure that this is achieved. Even with the availability of two allowances, the estates of many married couples can still incur a large IHT liability on second death.

IHT planning is often overlooked by people for a number of reasons.

Some worry about the complexity of potential solutions, others worry that there is not much that can actually be done and some have concerns that they have left it too late to do anything because they are too old or have existing health problems.

Whilst IHT planning does require a proactive mentality, no one wants to pay too much tax and the good news is that there are legal ways to avoid doing so.

Various planning options are available, involving Wills, gifts, trusts and investments, all of which need not be overly complicated and can be tailored to individual needs and requirements. There are often several options for any given set of circumstances, which may help to reduce an overall liability and still provide financial security later in life.

It is important to seek expert advice but there are always options to help reduce a future liability.

IHT, at least therefore, need not be as certain as death and other taxes! n For more information please contact Chris Eriksson-Lee on 01732 747950, or c.erikssonlee@warners-solicitors. co.uk Follow Warners on Twitter @KentSolicitors

Chris Eriksson-Lee Associate & Solicitor Tel: 01732 747950 Email: c.eriksson-lee@warners-solicitors.co.uk Areas of Expertise

• Wills • Estate Administration • Lasting Powers of Attorney• Inheritance Tax Planning Professional Memberships • Student Membership: Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners• Member of the Law Society Probate Section Likes: Sports generally, trekking, travelling, rock climbing, military fitness and honey Dislikes: Rain, especially on bank holiday weekends!

vinedigital.co.uk August 2012 vine 17

EVENTS

A FLORUM TRIBUTE Be blown away this September by the Florum botanical exhibition which celebrates the life and work of the late Elizabeth Smail

K

ent-based artist Elizabeth Smail, known to many as “Liz”, was well known for her work with the Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve and her role in establishing Florum in 2003 as an annual exhibition. Her vision, enthusiasm and determination has ensured Florum’s smooth operation and success for the past nine years.

With her love of botanical art and many years of teaching experience, Florum was Elizabeth’s favourite project. She introduced new artists within the exhibition every year and chose contributing artists with care, and expertly envisaging each finished exhibition. She encouraged artists to create masterpieces that were “broader than botanical”.

Florum 2012 will again bring a fantastic display of botanically inspired works to Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve from September 8 to 15, open daily from 10am to 5pm.

This year's exhibition showcases the work of 60 artists working in different media, many of whom are internationally recognised for their interpretation of plants and the landscape. There will be work by Susan Christopher-Coulson, Christina Hart-Davies, Alister Mathews, Michael

Chaplin and Richard Tratt, prints by Helen Hanson and Sue Scullard, jewellery by Louisa Crispin and Katherine Lawrie and textiles by Cas Holmes – something for all tastes! Visit www.florum.co.uk for an inspiring preview and a full list of participating artists.

n For more information call 01732 456407 or visit www.florum.co.uk

OPEN AIR OPERA Opera Brava present ‘La Bohème’, an enchanting production of this timeless Italian opera, performed in the classical surroundings of Chartwell this month

S

et in the Latin Quarter of 19th-century Paris, the opera takes place amongst a group of impoverished Bohemians. The main narrative is centred around the tragic love affair between Mimi, a seamstress, and Rodolfo, a writer down on his luck. A combination of Puccini’s soaring orchestral score and a libretto that has stood the test of time, ‘La Bohème’ expresses every facet of human emotion with a rich and colourful soundscape.

Complimented for their “talent, ability, stage presence and understanding”, Opera Brava are a professional, touring theatre company, specialising in setting classical productions in beautiful, historic surroundings. Their take on ‘La Bohème’ is fresh and majestically crafted, perfectly capturing the soul of the piece.

Those of you familiar with the modern rock opera ‘Rent’ by Jonathan Larson might be especially interested in this production, as the 90s Broadway hit is actually an adaptation of ‘La Bohème’. Look out for familiarsounding names like Benoit and Marcello, as well as such memorable scenes as a candlelit flirtation and a love song so beautiful that it defies death.

18 vine August 2012 vinedigital.co.uk

Set in a charming and quintessentially British garden, Chartwell’s exquisite landscape, with its perfect combination of soaring English oaks and elegant rose beds, was the inspiration for much of Churchill’s paintings. Sat amongst these historic surroundings, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a long summer’s evening. Picnics are welcome, so make the most of the event by packing a few special treats.

The production is for one night only on Friday 31 August at 7:30pm. Tickets are £27.50 for adults, £10 for children aged 5-16 and under-5s can come for free. n Book online at www.operabrava.co.uk, or call the box office on 01444 443000

vinedigital.co.uk August 2012 vine 19

A Himalayan ADVENTURE Who says parents can’t join in the fun? Play alongside your kids at Riverhill Himalayan Gardens

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TAKE A WANDER at SQUERRYES The National Gardens Scheme (NGS) invites you to while away a lazy summer’s afternoon amongst the beautiful surroundings of the Squerryes Court gardens, in Westerham

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he Warde family are currently in the process of restoring the gardens to the original 17th century formal style. Featuring mainly spring bulbs, rhododendrons and roses, this is a garden for all seasons, but really comes to life in the summer months, so this is the perfect time of year to open the garden to the public. The present house was first erected in 1681 and today is owned by the Warde family, who have been in possession of the property for over 300 years.

The gardens cover some 10 acres – around 4 hectares – and include a picturesque lake inhabited by ducks and swans, an intriguing dovecote and gazebo, enchanting woodland walks and beautifully kept parterres.

Admission is £5 with children attending for free. The gardens will be open on 22 August between 12pm and 5.30pm with the house itself open between 1.30pm and 5.30pm. n For more information please visit www.squerryes.co.uk

T

ry making dens together in the woods, getting lost in the maze, climbing through the Himalayan Hideout Adventure Playground and exploring Riverhill’s beautiful woodland in search of the elusive Yeti.

At lunchtime, visit the wonderful Riverhill café, serving the most delicious homemade, locally sourced food for all the family.

Or, if you are organised and bring your own, the gardens provide lots of picturesque spots where you can enjoy a family picnic.

Keep the kids entertained over the summer holidays with different themed family

events each week. Bring out the creative in your child at “The Art of Sticks, Leaves and Flowers” or “Clay Fun” events; or for young aspiring authors, learn folding techniques to create mini books for your Yeti tales in “Miniature Bookmaking”.

After admission to the gardens, all family events are FREE. Situated on Riverhill, just south of Sevenoaks, Riverhill Himalayan Gardens is open every week from Wednesday to Sunday (including bank holidays) from 10.30am to 5pm. Entrance is £6.50 for adults and £4.50 for children over 4 years. n Visit www.riverhillgardens. co.uk for more information

Sevenoaks Vine Magazine:Layout 1 15/05/2012 15:49 Page 1 F

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vinedigital.co.uk August 2012 vine 21

The independent shops on Sevenoaks’ London Road refuse to be downtrodden by large high street chain stores and thanks to a new parking scheme, it’s easier than ever to visit them

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Pioneering parking scheme launches he parking problem in Sevenoaks seems to be as old as time itself. The super-steep charges don’t show any sign of going down, but thankfully there is another solution. The shops of London Road have banded together to provide a unique park-refund scheme in a hope to somewhat replenish our empty coin purses. The scheme allows anyone with a Sevenoaks-based parking ticket to get up to £1.20, or face value, off any purchase from participating local businesses, as long as you make a certain value purchase.The best part is that the tickets don’t even need to be in date – even expired tickets are accepted. As long as not used in conjunction, you get a discount for each separate ticket you have, so it’s worth having a rummage around for old ones to get the maximum money off.

Martin Cozens, owner of Beaux Bagels and one of the pioneers behind the scheme said: “At the moment, people are not taking advantage of this great scheme.

We want everyone in Sevenoaks to know about and make use of it!”

London Road offers a diverse and exciting shopping experience. We hope that this scheme will encourage more of you to head into town and discover first-hand what all these great local businesses have to offer.

Have you visited these great London Road shops?

THE FULL MONTE

A bespoke ladies’ clothing store 2-3 Dorset Street 01732 740203

SEVENOAKS COMPUTERS Your one-stop-shop for all your computing needs 11 London Road 01732 466666 www.sevenoakscomputers.co.uk

Williamsons Butchers

P

n Are you a trader who wants to join the scheme?

Contact Martin on 07931340259, martincozens@live.com or pop into Beaux Bagels for more detail

A local butchers for all you foodies 20 London Road 01732 45318

Beaux Bagels Extra local, extra value bagels, salads and more 24A London Road 07931 340259

THE HARDWARE CENTRE

The highest quality kitchenware 43 London Road 01732 450363 www.hardwarecentre.co.uk

An eclectic range of CDs and DVDs 57 London Road 01732 740889 www.bluesandjazz.co.uk

ZIPPY STITCH

Highly skilled, local tailors 29 London Road 01732 742452 www.zippystitch.com

MAISIE K

A stylish, country living boutique 24 London Road 01732 743500 www.maisiek.co.uk

HOADS KIDS' SHOES A highly specialised children’s shoes retailer 53 London Road 01732453816 www.hoadskidsshoes.co.uk

KNOLE HOUSE

FURNISHINGS

THE CHOCOLATE SHOP Heaven on earth for chocoholics 59 London Road 01732 742350

Knole House Furnishings Family-run furniture shop with over 75 years’ experience 14-18 London Road 01732 458150 www.knolehousefurnishings.co.uk

SEVENOAKS

JAMIA

HABERDASHERY

For everything haberdashery 5 London Road 01732 459708

CLAREMONT ANTIQUES & MODERN ART A modern art gallery 9A London Road 01732 456976 www.claremontantiques.com Beaux Bagels

THE COMPACT DISC

For everything haberdashery 26 London Road 01732 457304

Flowers and Sparkle

Experts in bespoke wedding services 30 London Road 01732 741927 www.flowersandsparkle.com

SEVENOAKS ART SHOP Framers, re-glazers, repairs and restoration 45 London Road 01732 452551 www.sevenoaksartshop.co.uk

THE ANCHOR INN Flowers & Sparkle

22 vine August 2012 vinedigital.co.uk

Great food, great drink, served with a healthy dose of character 32 London Road 01732 454898

Martin Cozens, Beaux Bagels

KENT county a better time to ...

There’s never been golf partnership

Get into golf

Get into golf is a national campaign to inspire adults (16+) to take up golf and it supports the plan to make England the world’s leading golf nation by 2020.

The Kent Golf Partnership is backing the campaign and offers taster sessions across the county for mixed groups, women-only and for families. They are all run by PGA professionals and you will receive a basic introduction to the game, together with information about club membership and follow-on coaching opportunities.

These sessions are low-cost or free and equipment is usually provided. So, all you need to do is book and turn up on the day in comfortable clothing..

Come on your own, or bring your friends.

It’s never been easier to get started To find your nearest centre visit getintogolf.org and look at the activity map or call 0800 118 2766 vinedigital.co.uk August 2012 vine 23

FEATURE

AL FRESCO DINING

Make the most of summer with Vine’s Al Fresco guide to outdoor dining

The Chequers Inn: a country pub with a difference

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Vine drops into the Chequers Inn in Heaverham. Recently under new management, this beautiful, 16th-century pub is evolving into a gastronomic force to rival any restaurant in west Kent

estled in an historic hamlet roughly half way between Wrotham and Kemsing, the Chequers Inn has been serving the local community since the days of Shakespeare. Renowned for being the sort of place where locals gather for a hearty Sunday lunch and which amblers stumble across for a refreshing pint, the new owners hope to build on its fantastic reputation.

We spoke to the new landlord, David Billinghurst, who has been a local at the pub for many years. “I’ve enjoyed many a Sunday dinner here at the Chequers,” he commented. “The atmosphere of the old building makes it the perfect venue for a relaxing afternoon or evening out.

We recognise the incredible potential that this little pub has and we want to get people visiting from all over the South East.”

So how does David plan to do this? Well, for a start he’s brought in two talented new chefs from a local Sevenoaks AA rosette restaurant to help renovate the menu. Amongst its many local suppliers, the restaurant will be sourcing dairy from the Cheese Harp in Sevenoaks and meat from Coldbreath butchers in Seal, so diners can rest assured that the food will be as fresh as possible, locally sourced and of the highest quality.

With a focus on showcasing the best that Kentish produce has to offer, the vision behind the new menu is traditional English food, done exceptionally well, with a classical, fine European influence. “We’ll be keeping all the favourites, such as the very popular homemade burger and the beer battered cod & chips,” said Megan, one of the new chefs, “but we’re also introducing an element of finesse with an ever-changing menu, featuring dishes such as an artisan sharing platter, fish specials, the best game and duck and various specially created vegetarian options.

24 vine August 2012 vinedigital.co.uk

The 16th-century building is also set for a makeover. Throughout the pub, the original oak beams and wattled walls will be complemented by contemporary furniture to create a distinctive modern country feel. The original barn will also be transformed into a unique dining area, with potential for the space to be used for live music events.

The Chequers’ beautiful, shady gardens – one of the biggest attractions of the pub – are also being landscaped, with plans to create the perfect al fresco dining experience. Though local residents need not fear, the pub will be continuing to host traditional pub games like bat and trap on the land, with tournaments held throughout the year.

Even with these exciting prospects, the new team is keen to emphasise that the pub will in no way lose its country heart.

The traditional ales will still be on tap and amblers with their dogs will still be very welcome at the bar. Filled with the hustle and bustle of customers from all over Kent enjoying the exceptional food and unique atmosphere, the Chequers is fast set to become one of the hottest destinations in the Sevenoaks area.

The Chequers Inn is open for business as usual between Tuesday and Saturday for lunch (12-2:30pm) and dinner (6-9:30pm) and for Sunday lunch (12-4:30pm). n Chequers Inn, Water Lane, Heaverham, Kemsing, Kent, TN15 6NP 01732 763968

Reader offer

25% off all food Vaild Tuesday – Thursday until 31/08/12

The Beacon: beautiful panoramic views Sip a drink and enjoy dinner on the veranda of the Beacon Bar and Restaurant near Rusthall, Tunbridge Wells. The outside space offers an excellent vantage point for superb, uninterrupted, panoramic views across the lovely Kent countryside.

The Beacon started life as a private house built in 1895 and it has a relaxed, informal atmosphere yet still maintains its original, elegant style. The bar and restaurant is set in 17 acres and is ideal for a friendly Sunday lunch, a party or a wedding reception.

This summer why not enjoy a Charcuterie to share, a classic Caesar Salad and a Seafood Platter plus much more. The family-run team at the Beacon are also able to offer barbecues or a hog roast for a special occasion. Why not visit to enjoy one of their special wild raspberry bellinis on the veranda: how delicious! n For more information, call 01892 524252 or visit the website at www.the-beacon.co.uk

The King’s Arms, Westerham: perfect patio dining Located in Westerham – a town as idyllic as it is historic – The King’s Arms Hotel is a picturesque 18th-century former coaching inn, renowned for its hearty, freshly prepared, traditional British menu.

The King’s Arms is steeped in history. Not only were the current premises once used to house the town’s jail, but tradition says that the restaurant was often frequented in the 20s by the Churchills when the family lived at the nearby Chartwell Estate.

In the summer months, service from the hotel’s charming cellar bar and restaurant extends out to the gardens, onto a beautifully furnished patio area. Relax and enjoy the long British summer evenings with a glass of something sparkling and a fantastic range of seasonal dishes.

The most notable item on the menu has to be the hand-battered haddock and chips. Served with homemade tartare sauce and a choice of traditional

mushy peas, or fresh petit pois, this dish placed first in its category at the National Fish & Chip Awards 2012. For maximum enjoyment, why not accompany this delicious dish with the fresh, clean citrus flavours of the Giotto Pinot Grigio?

If fish isn’t your thing, you might be interested in the 28-day-matured Black Angus steak. With a choice of three different cuts and a range of delicious sauces and accompaniments, it’s by far the best way to enjoy a good bit of beef. To go with your meat, the fruity, crushed berry flavours of the Giotto Merlot is a match made in heaven.

A nice evening out needn’t break the bank at the King’s Arms either. The value menu allows you to choose two main meals for just £10.95, with a selection of such favourite dishes as beef chilli and gammon steak.

Relax and enjoy the long British summer evenings with a glass of something sparkling and a fantastic range of seasonal dishes

n Email 6471@greeneking.co.uk or call 01959 562990

vinedigital.co.uk August 2012 vine 25

Spice up your summer at

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26 vine August 2012 vinedigital.co.uk

www.haxtedmill.co.uk Tel: 01732 862914

OLYMPICS

Blazing through THE YEARS

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On 20 July the Olympic Torch Relay passed through west Kent for the second time in 70 years. Nick Chowdrey looks back at this historic event, comparing the 2012 relay to the first one back in 1948

ondon 2012 is billed as a ‘once in a lifetime’ event. However, for a select few residents of west Kent, memories still stir of whole towns lining the streets at the crack of dawn on the balmy summer morning of Thursday 29 July 1948.

The relay was a bit different that time round. The ‘Flame of Peace’ was, as in 2012, lit in Greece; however, instead of arriving on Britain’s shores in a celebrityescorted Boeing 747, it was ferried across to Italy and relayed all the way to London, day and night, without stopping, by a chain of hundreds of runners.

Sevenoaks and Westerham both featured in the 1948 route, the torch passing through at around six in the morning. Peter Finch, local resident for 85 years, recalls the surreal sight of seeing the entire population of Westerham lining the streets at such an early hour: “I couldn’t believe my eyes. There must have been between one and two hundred people,” he commented. “I’ve never seen anything like it since.”

Peter took an historic photo with his camera that day, which he has since seen used in many places, from the Sevenoaks Chronicle to the BBC News website. “It was over so very quickly,” he recalls, “but an experience I won’t be forgetting any time soon.” Unfortunately, the Olympic committee decided to avoid Westerham for the 2012 relay route, so Peter and the rest of the village had to make do with staging a re-enactment.

Sevenoaks, however, was included in the route for the second time. In a similar show of force as back in the 40s, thousands of locals gathered in town on the 20th last month, for their own chance to be a part of London 2012. But how was the relay different this time round?

One overt addition to the 2012 relay convoy was the host of branded buses that preceded the torch itself, filled with noisy, posing cheerleaders; such conspicuousness surely wouldn’t have been accepted back in 1948.

Furthermore, In terms of security, in the 40s they probably made do with just a couple of police escorts, unlike the highly organised force of officers and volunteers that so expertly handled the crowds this time round.

This being said, by far the biggest difference had to be the time of day at which the relay took place.

Because the torch came through just before lunch, a whole day event had been organised around it.

We visited the Vine, where a host of sports-related attractions had been set up, and spoke to Tanya, a local mum, who commented that, “the amount of effort that’s been put in to today is fantastic. There are tons of things to do and my kids even had minibuses from school arranged to get them into town.”

Just like in 1948, the appearance of the torch itself was brief and, in all honesty, a bit anticlimactic. Even so, the sense of excitement and community spirit in the atmosphere carried the day, hopefully resulting in some lasting memories for kids and adults alike.

(Above left) Peter Finch's original photo of Arthur Galloway with the torch in Westerham; (above) The crowds gather on the relay route; (below) Torchbearer Jamie Johnson enjoys her moment in the spotlight

Thanks to Peter Finch and www.visitwesterham.co.uk for images

vinedigital.co.uk August 2012 vine 27

Karting Fun During the School Holidays

With Formula 1 racing hitting the headlines, it’s hard not to get caught up in the F1 fever. Experience the thrill of real outdoor karting at Buckmore Park – Chatham’s award-winning 1000m international outdoor floodlit kart circuit.

Follow in the footsteps of Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button, who started their care ers on this very track.

During the school summer holiday period, the circuit just off junction 3 of the M2 is offering selected Turn Up ‘n’ Drive days for kids aged 4-11 (silver) and days for 4-16 (gold) plus two special family days on Sunday 5 August and Bank Holiday Mon day 27 August when all ages are welcome from ages 4 to 84! Sepa rate sessions will be available for mums and dads (ages 16+) on the 600m national circuit. n For more information call 01634 201562 or visit www.buckmore4kids.co.uk or email sales@buckmore.co.uk

ILITY TO SWIM DISCOVER YOUR AB IM SCHOOL WITH ANGELA’S SW

MINI JOIN OUR SUMMER E! OLYMPIC CHALLENG

and get e starting 23rd July Book a 5-week cours lessons te iva pr d an Small group your first lesson free. nths mo 4 m fro ng rti ies sta for all ages and abilit

– 6th-9th August 4-day crash course r 4-day Take advantage of ou – £25 se ur Streetdance co ucted at a range Our classes are cond . well-equipped pools of modern Private ion : s are Locat School Otford, Combe Bank St Michael’s School am, bh Co e lud inc s on ati Sevenoaks, other loc rd Gravesend and Dartfo

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28 vine August 2012 vinedigital.co.uk

Your Sevenoaks family pinboard

101 Dalmations to show at Trinity Theatre

Just in time for the schools breaking up, the Trinity Youth Theatre Company is staging its own productio n of the children’s classic 101 Dalmations this August. Pups galore are welcome to battle with Cruella de Vil daily from Monday August 20 until the gala performance on the main stage at Trinity Theatre as part of the Tunbridge Wells Celebration on Saturday August 25.

To take part, children will need to be aged between eight and fifteen and come prepared each day with a bundle of summer holiday energy, a passion to perform and a packed lunch. Tickets are £95 for the week.

Tickets for the final performance will be on sale at the box office for proud parents. n Call 01892 678678 or visit www.trin

itytheatre.net

Develop your child’s independence

Kumon’s maths and English study programmes are tailored to your child’s individual needs, nurturing their independence and enthusiasm for learning.

To unlock your child’s potential, con tact your local Instructor for a Free Assessmen t: Sevenoaks Study Centre Mandy Yarnold 01342 851221 kumon.co.uk

Jousting

& Tudor Falconry A GREAT Day Out

The childhood home of Anne Boley

n

Jousting Tournaments 14 - 15; 21 - 22; 27 - 29 Jul 10 - 12; 17 - 19; 24 - 25 August The Knights of Royal England entertain with their spectacular jousts. Which knights will win the tournament - the Blue Order or their arch rivals, the Red Banner?

Tudor Falconry 4 - 5; 26 - 27 August Breathtaking birds of prey flying displays from costumed historic falconers. The stars of the show include hawks, owls and falcons.

A fun packed summer at Hever Ca

stle...

For more information and open time s call 01732 865224 Hever, Nr. Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7NG

AUTUMN 0871 423 5656 www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk

Visit our Tunbridge Wells store: 208 Royal Victoria Place, TN1 2SS. Tel: 01892 533 347 Visit our Sevenoaks store: 6 Bligh’s Court, Bligh’s Meadow, TN13 1DD. Tel: 01732 455 360

read our blog for all our news and views

Follow us on

Vine Magazine Jul.indd 1

17:01 29 vinedigital.co.uk August 12/07/2012 2012 vine

WELLNESS

THREE OF THE BEST...

WE

ONLY

CONCENTRATE

ON ONE

TYPE

OF HAIR

YOURS Matthew Cross 7 London Road Sevenoaks Kent TN13 1AH www.matthewcross.uk.com

01732 461988

30 vine August 2012 vinedigital.co.uk

summer dresses evening

FOR THE

Corals and peaches are hot this summer.

This gorgeous Nour silk maxi dress from Ted Baker for £229 will be sure to turn heads with its pleated bust and cross detail.

Effortlessly elegant!

FOR THE

beach

This cool, cute Pure Cotton Scoop Neck Ditsy Floral Frill Dress for £25 from Marks and Spencer is perfect for fresh, chic style this summer with its button detail and flared style.

FOR THE

daytime

Glam up your daytime wear with this Paisley Print Strapless Maxi Dress for £30 from AXParis.co.uk. Subtle detailing including its drape front and back tie add that sexy fashion edge while accentuating your curves.

Fragrance of the month Chanel No.5 Eau Première Spray A softer version of the original and timeless No.5 fragrance, Eau Première, courtesy of Chanel’s perfume creator Jacques Polge, is a delicate floral bouquet blended with a light powdery musk that beautifully captures the charm of femininity. £76 for 75ml from House of Fraser.

10779-13553 Vine IVM3:LR

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R O U YO U KY AS EFER R TO GP

100% of our patients would be happy for their friends or relatives to be treated at The Wells Suite*

Located within the £230million state of the art Tunbridge Wells Hospital at Pembury, The Wells Suite provides diagnostic, medical and surgical care to private patients, with all profits generated reinvested into local NHS services. ● Access to leading, internationally recognised consultants

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Ask your GP today for a referral to The Wells Suite for fast access to our expert consultants. *100% of inpatients who completed a patient satisfaction survey (40) in June 2012

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• General surgery • Orthopaedics • Oncology • ENT • Cosmetic Surgery • Colorectal • Weekly Private GP service • A new class of private healthcare in Tunbridge Wells For more information, contact The Wells Suite on 01892 635888 or visit mtwhealthcare.co.uk

vinedigital.co.uk August 2012 vine 31

WELLNESS

CARING FOR

OUR COMMUNITY In this column I discuss topical issues around social care.

Whether you are wrestling with a family dilemma, looking for support for a loved one, or just interested in the debate, I hope you will find something of interest

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AFFORDABLE Personal fitness in the comfort of your home.

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32 vine August 2012 vinedigital.co.uk

Richard Gould is managing director at TerraBlu Homecare

Making the most of summer with an elderly relative?

I thought I would devote this column to making the most of summer when it arrives! If you are at home caring for a partner, then you don’t need any advice on making the best of the summer. These thoughts are however addressed to all those sons and daughters out there who would like to do something special for their father or mother who may be living on their own.

Well...summer is the time to seize the day!

Days out A day trip out to a local garden such as Sissinghurst or Scotney Castle, a favourite pub, the seaside, an old haunt...all are wonderful trips out, great fun for reminiscing and a lovely experience to share!. Plan it like a military campaign, and expect some resistance to the idea. Often we find that people are less a prisoner of their frailty, but more of their mind. It takes a lot of effort to persuade an elderly relative to make the effort to come out, but when they do, the rewards can last well into the following year!

Garden tidy Involving the whole family in tidying the garden can be a fun day, especially if you round off with a barbecue! Getting on top of gardens that have been left to overgrow gives you a real sense of achievement and may encourage a relative to start using their garden again. Think ahead to winter and maybe plant some evergreen bushes so it will be nice to look out on frosty

mornings. Think about getting a ramp sorted so a person in a wheelchair can access the garden on sunny days. We often see older people look out on their garden with a wish to use it but have mobility issues accessing it.

Lunch party for old friends Get old friends or neighbours round for lunch...whether it’s for a special occasion – a birthday or a reunion, or just to enjoy some company. Maybe the relative always says they can’t be bothered. Then you will have to make it a surprise! Yes, it is high risk, and yes it takes a lot of organising...but if it goes well, it will be a wonderful occasion.

Take pictures and make up a little scrap book after the event.

We have held lunches and cream teas where neighbours who went to school together have found one another again, and what fun it is just feeling a part of the community.

If you manage to do something fun, let us know. We are always looking for new ideas for the families we support at home!

n If you need help or advice on any of these ideas, moving someone in a wheelchair or other tricky issues, feel free to email me for advice at richard. gould@terrablu.co.uk www.terrablu.co.uk Managing homecare for you and yours.

OUR SERV ICES

TH E TEA M

EX TRA CARE

Personal Training one to one

Physiotherapy

Personal Training small group

Injury Rehabilitation

Weight Loss

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Nutrition SEVENOA K S A E S T H E T I C STeenage Fitness Tailored Classes

Sevenoaks Aesthetics offers a wide range Rapid Transformations of cosmetic skin rejuvenation treatments to Sports Performance reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, Individual Athletes improve complexion and add volume and Teams & Clubs contour, without the need for invasive and costly surgical procedures.

Schools & Colleges Dr Richard Warwick, a member of The British Association of Cosmetic Doctors, and his team are based in Sevenoaks and hold regular practices at locations across West Kent and Sussex.

For more information and to book your free, personalised, no-obligation consultation, please contact the team on:

01732 644 744 • 07504 401 014 sevenoaksaesthetics@gmail.com

www.sevenoaksaesthetics.com

ASK THE BETTER

We have a friendly and dedicated team of graduate and postgraduate qualified exercise specialists and physiotherapists to cover your every requirement.

BODY SHOP Chris Wharton

Tiffany Cole

Answering your exercise dilemmas

Q: I’m looking to start using a personal trainer in the summer holidays but with so many ‘Fitness experts’ around I’m not sure who to use? Can you help me?

Michelle P, Sevenoaks.

A: Aside from my obvious answer (train with us!) there are a few considerations to take into account when picking a personal trainer/weight-loss expert.

Firstly, personal training is nowhere near as regulated as it should be. In fact, you could pack up work now, buy some dumbbells and business cards and start your own personal training business tomorrow! With that in mind it can be difficult for you to spot the difference between an exercise junkie with good intentions and a fully qualified and experienced expert.

1. Do they have proof of results?

Any decent trainer will have a list of at least 20+ satisfied client testimonials with before and after pictures. Those with even more experience will be able to provide a track record of measurements, progressions and weight-loss statistics to back up the photos.

69 London Road Sevenoaks TN13 1AX

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Here are a few points to help you decide:

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Jason Crow

2. Do they offer an initial assessment?

Before starting any kind of training you should expect an initial assessment during which injury history is discussed, body fat measurements taken and a postural analysis conducted.

3. Are they educated?

Look for at least a bachelor’s degree in sports science or a related subject. After which, the trainer should have examples of continued education on a regular basis. A single out-of-date qualification is simply not good enough.

4. Are they experienced?

Good qualifications alone are not enough. Look for a trainer that has completed at least 1000 hours of personal training or has undergone a recognised internship. Also look to train at a dedicated centre where trainers often undergo in-house training and feed off each other’s expertise.

5. Do they guarantee a quality product?

Your trainer should be confident enough to offer a money-back guarantee if you are unhappy with the session. Make sure you check this before paying.

6. Do they look the part?

As shallow as it sounds, you should never train with someone that doesn’t look after their appearance. If they don’t look after themselves they are unlikely to look after you!

Remember, always ask for the above. Your health is too important to risk in the hands of an amateur. For training that satisfies all of the above points and more come and visit us at the Better Body Shop.

By Chris Wharton.

Director of BBS.

Vine 90 x 40mm base strip Ad:Layout 1 14/05/2012 14:08 Page 2

Book N OW for a F R 30 min EE ut taster s e ession

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vinedigital.co.uk August 2012 vine 33

HOME & GARDEN

NEWLANDS JOINERY HANDMADE WOODEN WINDOWS, DOORS & INTERIORS

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✔ Guaranteed quality ✔ Fast turnaround ✔ Always low prices ✔ Design service ✔ Free delivery

Call 01732 764500 Lines open Mon – Fri 9am – 6pm All prices are exclusive of VAT. Prices are subject to change at any time. Payment is required prior to production – we accept all major credit and debit cards.

ON CALL CARPETS 20% GENUINE DISCOUNT Your local company for reliable service & quality products, at a price you can afford.

Domestic and Commercial Dentists, Nursing Homes, Shops, Let Properties.

www.oncallcarpets.co.uk sales@oncallcarpets.co.uk

01732 886672 call: ANDY to arrange a no obligation quotation at a time to suit you - day or evening

34 vine August 2012 vinedigital.co.uk

OnCallCarpets_r2TheVine.indd 1

12/04/2012 10:03

8/9 Tubs Hill Parade, London Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 1DH

info@badgerbathrooms.com www.badgerbathrooms.com

01732 464450

0 1 5 8 0 7 1 2 1 2 1 - w w w. i d - w c . c o m

id-wc Bathroom Gallery, 5 High Street, Cranbrook, Kent. TN17 3EB

id-wc Bathroom Galler y designers, specifiers & suppliers

STORAGE SOLUTIONS Got too much clutter this summer? Don’t wait for spring to starting thinking about how to stow it! Here are Vine’s favourite stylish stuff stashers

VINE ADVERT 1/4 PAGE PORTRAIT - 90MM X 130MM

This quirky Ethnicraft Azur “M” Display Rack for £1,150 from John Lewis hosts a wonderful variety of different sized shelves so you can fit more onto them! Simply and attractively designed, with clean lines made from solid oak and a prominent grain and texture, this shelving range is an ideal de-cluttering solution for any home. n Visit www.johnlewis.com

With a hook and loop fastener for easy and flexible hanging, this Skubb Storage Tower with five compartments from IKEA for just £7.99 is a total bargain that is perfect for hanging clothing and underwear in a bedroom. Ideal for when, (like most women) you have too many clothes...and not enough drawers! n Visit www.ikea.com

Let’s face it, under the bed is a perfect place for storage.

Hide away your unwanted clutter that may have been taking up valuable room space near the bed by investing in this natural Willow Under-Bed Storage Box for £65 from Laura Ashley. It’s sure to blend in with any bed linen and decor, and holds quite a lot of stuff too! n Visit www.lauraashley.com Part of the M&S authentic White Rattan range, this beautiful handwoven modern basket 2-Tier Storage Unit is perfect for a bathroom or bedroom when those cupboards are piling up! You can even place a vase of flowers on top too for extra decoration and subtlety. n Visit www.marksandspencer.com

Too many products crowding your bathroom cabinet? How about an underthe-sink storage pull out? This Pull Out 2-Tier Chrome Storage Solution at £56 from Wickes is a clever spacesaving storage option in which you can easily hideaway all of your bottles without over-cluttering. n Visit www.wickes.co.uk

vinedigital.co.uk August 2012 vine 35

HOME & GARDEN

summer until

19th

Owen Pine & Oak

sale august

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A huge selection of contemporary, reproduction and antique pine and oak, and many exciting gifts and paintings NEW IN sussex oak bedroom

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Accurately replicate your traditional style windows Available in over 200 RAL colours Installed by our own craftsmen Full consultation service

Uniquely designed to fit into existing timber frames or direct to brick or stone

36 vine August 2012 vinedigital.co.uk

CONSERVATION BY DESIGN 01732 461 919 www.thwc.co.uk

Kemsing Motor Co. Tel: 01732 761372 Fax: 01732 761336

• • • • • • • • • • •

MOT Tests (Cars & Diesels) Servicing & Repairs to all makes of Car Full Diagnostics Air Conditioning servicing Servicing & Repairs to motorcycles Free Collection & Delivery within a 10 mile radius Courtesy Car available by arrangement Friendly Helpful Staff Parts & Labour Guarantee Member of RMIF Quality Control Program Citroen & Peugeot Diagnostics

9 West End, Kemsing, Sevenoaks, Kent

www.kemsingmotorco.co.uk

DO YOU OWN A RENAULT?

IF SO, YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT US

Independent Renault technical experts who specialise in Renault

ALL MAKES AND MODELS CATERED FOR Does not invalidate any Renault warranties General/major servicing Repairs and MOT work Local collection and delivery service Courtesy vehicles available (subject to status & availability)

VERY COMPETITIVE RATES Also serve commercial vehicles

Air Conditioning Service to all makes and models

£49.99 + VAT

UNIT G2, CHAUCER BUS’ PARK, WATERY LANE KEMSING, SEVENOAKS, KENT TN15 6HU

01732 761 200 www.ren7oaks.co.uk

VOTED ONE OF THE TOP 5 GARAGES FOR 2011

Home-grown weed killers You don’t need to spend lots of money on expensive exterminators – just follow our six tips on how to create homemade weed killers to get rid of that unwanted vegetation for good (and at a fraction of the price!)

Bleach

Boiling Water Is still the most effective weed killer. More effective in fact than many store purchased weed killers in wiping out those sneaky seedlings. Pour boiling water on the weeds you wish to kill to effectively “cook” the plant into the ground. Boiling water is particularly effective in getting rid of weeds that grow in pathways or driveways. Be careful of nearby plants though!

Newspaper Smother your weeds by trapping out any available sunlight. Simply place at least four sheets of thick newspaper over them. The more, the better.

salt Did you know that in centuries past it was once a war tactic to salt the fields of enemies to prevent crop growth? Drop a small pinch of table salt at the base of undesirable plants and weeds. Not only will this kill the plant, but it will also last through several rainfalls as the salt becomes more diluted.

Bleach is not only a stain and germ remover...it is a weed killer too! Place some bleach in a spray bottle and spray directly onto the weed. Again, just make sure you avoid healthy plants by clearing the area around the weed before bleaching.

Vinegar Either white or cider vinegar will work effectively as a weed killer. Acetic acid works to kill the leaves on the plant but not the root. This is particularly effective on young plants because they do not have enough energy stored in their roots to re-grow their leaves. If vinegar is applied repeatedly the weed will eventually die.

01732 848444 www.potts.ltd.uk 38 vine August 2012 vinedigital.co.uk

Kiln Barn Road, East Malling, Maidstone, Kent, ME19 6BQ Potts are open Tuesday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm (Closed Monday)

St Marks of London BUILDERS AND DEVELOPERS OF HIGH LUXURY INTERIOR DESIGNED HOMES

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Rain, Rain Don’t Go Away Unless you hadn’t already noticed, it’s been raining a little bit recently. Most of our gardens probably won’t need to be watered for months – and to think of all that fuss people were making about the hosepipe ban!

I Marks of London St

the difference. You could even use the water n the good old English spirit, here at Vine we’ve to wash your pets – just so long as you boil the been trying to look on the positive side of the wet water first to get rid of any germs. weather. Rainwater harvesting is a gloriously green So why not make the change today way to save money and get seriously eco-friendly at the BUILDERS AND DEVELOPERS OF HIGH LUXURY INTERIOR DESIGNED HOMES and see how rain harvesting could same time. Plus you never know, if we ever get a serious work for you? hosepipe ban, you’ll be glad to have the reserves.

It may sound like a practice reserved for farmers and cheapskates but, what with rising water prices, rainwater harvesting is becoming a viable and potentially beneficial option for us all. Why let all that free water landing on your house go down the drain? Collection barrels are easily retrofitted to your guttering system for barely any cost.

What can you use your harvested water for? Well, drinking is out of the question, unless you have a means of filtration and sanitisation.

But, for example, utilising this source over your mains supply for watering your garden and indoor plants is a truly worthwhile alternative. Not only is it free, but chlorinated water can actually be bad for your plants, so your leafy chums could even get healthier in the process.

Furthermore, although most of us would understandably shy away from washing ourselves with rain water, it’s unlikely that your cars will be able to tell

vinedigital.co.uk August 2012 vine 39

HOME & GARDEN

52 High Street, Bromley

020 8208 7175

100% reclaimed teak furniture

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New! Primrose Sofa

RAFT half page 210x148.5mm.indd 4

14/06/2012 14:17

IT'S ALL ABOUT UPCYCLING Upcycling. Sounds like one of those new-fangled, hybrid internet words like vlogging or podcasting, but it’s actually a pretty simple concept

W

hile recycling breaks down unwanted or waste materials to make a new product of decreased value, upcycling takes these products, reuses and improves them to add value. The most basic example would be taking an old pair of jeans you find in the back of your wardrobe, stylishly sheering off the legs and selling them on eBay as ‘vintage shorts’.

But the concept can be applied on a larger scale too, for furniture as well as clothes. So the next time you’re scheduled for a spring clean, instead of simply throwing your old things away, perhaps consider putting some of your own time and effort into refurbishing them.

If your house is spotless and junk free, but you just like the idea of upcycling, the best place to start would be your local antiques or junk shop. The ‘upcycled’ look is certainly in vogue at the moment, so even if you don’t necessarily want to keep what you make, there’s always the chance of selling the finished pieces on. n Visit www.wikihow.com/CreateInvisible-Shelves for full instructions.

40 vine August 2012 vinedigital.co.uk

ble

Ta se a c it u S e g ta in V

One of the most effective upcycling ideas: simple to do, but practical and appealing.

Simply find yourself an old suitcase – the more ancient the better – and an unwanted chair, take the legs off the chair and screw them into the base or the suitcase. Voilà, a unique table with built-in storage.

Invisible book shelf This idea is a bit different, turning an old book that you might have just left lying around in a box into an intriguing illusory bookshelf. This one takes a bit more work, but the jist is that you use the book’s pages to hide the bracket that attaches it to the wall.

2012-DD-A5-Ad-Red-bg-P-OPEN.pdf

1

Thursday09/000002/2012

16:06

01732-760862 freephone: 0800 0111 222

Garden Management and Design

WEALDEN Country Landcraft For all your design, construction and maintenance requirements, contact: Adam Sutton BSc (Hons) Environmental Science | Tim Playfoot BA (Hons) Garden Design Tel:01892 722699 | Adam:07979 362241 | Tim:07990 751353 | www.wealdencountrylandcraft.co.uk

vinedigital.co.uk August 2012 vine 41

what’s On? THE UnRIVALLED SEVEnOAKS LISTInGS GUIDE. art n 01-05 Aug. Altered Art exhibition. 10:30-17:00. Knole, Sevenoaks. Free. 01732 462100 www.nationaltrust.org.uk n 07 Aug. Sevenoaks Visual Arts Forum. 19:00-21:00. Stag Community Arts Centre, London Rd, Sevenoaks. 01732 450175 www.stagsevenoaks.co.ukg

bike rides n 12 Aug. Skyride for Cyclists.

Knole. Sevenoaks District Council 01732 227000 www.goskyride.com n 12, 26 Aug. Skyride for Cyclists from New Ash Green to Stansted. Sevenoaks District Council 01732 227000 www.goskyride.com n 19, 26 Aug. Skyride for Cyclists from Kemsing to Offham. Sevenoaks District Council 01732 227000 www.goskyride.com

blood donation n 08 Aug. Blood Donation Session. 13:30-16:30, 17:3020:00. St Johns Church Hall, Tonbridge Rd, Hildenborough.

0300 123 2323 www.blood.co.uk n 14 Aug. Blood Donation Session. 13:30-16:30, 17:3020:00. St Philips Church, Birken Rd, Tunbridge Wells. 0300 123 2323 www.blood.co.uk n 21 Aug. Blood Donation Session. 14:00-16:30, 17:3020:00. United Reformed Church hall, St Johns Rd, Sevenoaks. 0300 123 2323 www.blood.co.uk n 30 Aug. Blood Donation Session. 14:00-16:30, 17:3020:00. WI Hall, Station Rd, Edenbridge. 0300 123 2323 www.blood.co.uk

Children – art & CraFt n 02 Aug. Klee art activities for 6-13 year-olds. 09:00-15:00.

Art Studio, Camden Centre, Tunbridge Wells. £30.

07952 876730 n 09 Aug. Van Gogh art activities for 6-13 year-olds.

09:00-15:00. Art Studio, Camden Centre, Tunbridge Wells. £30.

07952 876730 n 13-17 Aug. Summer Art School for 4-16 year-olds.

Beechwood Sacred Heart School, Tunbridge Wells. £25 (concessions £12). www.nagcwestkent.btck.co.uk n 21 Aug. John Piper art activities for 6-13 year-olds.

09:00-15:00. Art Studio, Camden Centre, Tunbridge Wells. £30.

07952 876730 n 22-27 Aug. Sticks, Leaves & Flowers art workshop for families. 12:00-16:00. Riverhill Himalayan Gardens. 01732 459777 www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

Children – Countryside & nature

£1. 01892 870307 www. penshurstplace.com www.maize-maze.com

n 01-31 Aug. Summer Holiday Activity Trail. 10:00-15:00.

Lullingstone Country Park near Eynsford. £2.50. 01322 865995

n 17 Aug. Find the Pixie for under-8 year-olds. 11:00-15:00.

Manor Park Country Park, West Malling. £5. 01474 823800

yoGa Garden party in aid oF the hope Foundation Saturday 4 August 12 noon - 6pm Classes, well-being treatments, luxury raffle, fun stuff for kids, delicious food & drink. Commonwork Farm, Chiddingstone Causeway, near Edenbridge, Kent £20.

Tickets must be pre-booked. www.charityyogaday.org.uk

n 13 Aug. Woodland Magic for under-8 year-olds. 10:00-12:30.

Lullingstone Country Park near Eynsford. £6. 01322 865995

Children – drama & Film n 01-04 Aug. Jungle Book workshop for 5-12 year-olds.

10:00-16:00. Stag Community Arts Centre, London Rd, Sevenoaks. 01732 450175 www. stagsevenoaks.co.uk Bullfrog Production 01342 322411 www. bullfrogproductions.co.uk n 13-17 Aug. SYT summer film course. Stag Community Arts Centre, London Rd, Sevenoaks. £100 for 1 week. 01732 450175 www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk

Children – history & sCienCe n 01-31 Aug. Holiday House Trails. 12:00-15:00. Knole, Sevenoaks. Free. 01732 462100 www.nationaltrust.org.uk n 05, 12, 19 Aug. Storytelling.

Penshurst Place & Gardens, Penshurst near Tonbridge. 01892 870307 www.penshurstplace.com n 13-17 Aug. Summer Science School for 4-16 year-olds.

Beechwood Sacred Heart School, Tunbridge Wells. £25 (concessions £12). www. nagcwestkent.btck.co.uk

don’t miss! – last niGht oF the hever proms Sunday 2 September, The Festival Theatre at Hever Castle. The finale to the Hever Festival includes Jerusalem, the March of Pomp and Circumstance and all the last night favourites as well as other popular classics such as Haydn’s Toy Symphony. Bring your flags and singing voices for a must-see show in the Jubilee Year. www.heverfestival.co.uk

Children – First aid n 29 Aug. 1st Aid for 12-16 year-olds. 13:30-17:30. Kikodo Centre, St Johns Hill car park, Bat & Ball. £40. 01732 451839 www.kikodo.co.uk

Children – Fun & Games n 01 Aug. Play Place Road Show for 8-11 year-olds. 14:00-17:00.

Recreation Ground, Knockholt.

Free. Knockholt Parish Council www.knockholtparish.org.uk n 01-31 Aug. Maize Maze.

10:30-18:00. Penshurst Place & Gardens. Adults £2, children

42 vine August 2012 vinedigital.co.uk

Children – musiC n 03 Aug. Soundwaves Youth Band Night. 20:00. Doors open 19:30. Plaza Suite, Stag Community Arts Centre, London Rd, Sevenoaks. £2 01732 450175 www.stagsevenoaks. co.uk n 13 Aug. Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes Summer Workshop for 5-8 year-olds.

10:00-12:30. Sevenoaks. 01732 457100 www.funkymonkey.info

Children – shows n 04 Aug. Jungle Book performance. Stag Community Arts Centre, London Rd,

Sevenoaks. 01732 450175 www. stagsevenoaks.co.uk Bullfrog Production 01342 322411 www. bullfrogproductions.co.uk

Edenbridge. Free. 01732 868102 www.evmt.org.uk

n 10-12, 17-19, 24-25. Jousting Tournaments. Hever Castle near Edenbridge. 01732 865224 www.hevercastle.co.uk

n 06-31 Aug. Rocking the Mote sculpture exhibition. 11:0017:00. Closed Tue. Ightham Mote near Ivy Hatch. Free. 01732 810378 www.nationaltrust.org. uk/ighthammote

Children – sport

Farmers’ markets

n 01-03, 06-10 Aug. Cricket Coaching Weeks for 8-15 year-olds. 10:00-15:00.

Holmesdale Cricket Club, Worships Hill, Riverhead. www. holmesdalecricketclub.co.uk

n 02 Aug. Farmers’ Market.

Village Hall, Stansted. www.kentfarmersmarkets.org.uk

n 06-09 Aug. Swimming & Street Dancing crash courses.

St Michaels School, Otford.

Swimming £35, street dancing £25. 07990 570423 www. angelasswimschool.co.uk n 09-10 Aug. Soccer school holiday course for 5-14 yearolds. Sevenoaks Primary School, Bradbourne Rd, Sevenoaks.

01474 705965 www.playthearsenalway.com

Children – wildliFe n 02 Aug. Claws & Jaws handling Reptiles for over 8 year-olds. 10:00-12:30. Trosley Country Park, Meopham. £6.

01322 865995 n 03 Aug. Wildlife Olympics for over 8 year-olds. 10:00-12:30.

Manor Park Country Park, West Malling. £6. 01474 823800

n 04 Aug. Farmers’ Market.

09:30-12:00. Penshurst Place car park, Penshurst. 01892 870666\nwww.edenvalleykent. org/markets.asp www. kentfarmersmarkets.org.uk n 12 Aug. Farmers’ Market.

09:30-13:30. Sovereign Way, Tonbridge 07876 685853 www. tonbridgefarmersmarket.co.uk n 26 Aug. Farmers’ Market.

09:30-13:30. High St, West Malling. www.kentfarmersmarkets.org.uk

Festivals n 10-12 Aug. One Love Festival.

Hop Farm Family Park, Beltring near Paddock Wood. www. onelovefestival.co.uk n 11-12 Aug. Kite Festival.

11:00-16:00. Teston Country Park near Maidstone. Free.

01322 865995 n 18 Aug. Tatsfield Festival.

12:00. www.tatsfieldfestival.co.uk

Comedy

n 26 Aug. Local & Live Festival.

Tunbridge Wells

n 02 Aug. Outside the Box Comedy Club. 20:00. Stag Community Arts Centre, London Rd, Sevenoaks. £15. 01732 450175 www. stagsevenoaks.co.uk

Fitness & health

n 10 Aug. Cabaret Night. High Rocks near Tunbridge Wells. £9-25. 01892 515532 www. highrocks.co.uk n 31 Aug. Stand-Up Comedy.

20:30. Wheatsheaf pub, West Malling. £10. 07976 637804 www.outofboundscomedy.co.uk

n 04 Aug. Yoga Garden Party.

12:00-18:00. Commonwork Farm, Chiddingstone Causeway near Edenbridge. Adults £20, children free. In aid of Hope Foundation 07956 244177 www.charityyogaday.org.uk www.rmyoga.co.uk n 07, 21 Aug. Dementia support group. 13:00-15:00. Lodge Cafe, Stag Community Arts Centre, London Rd, Sevenoaks. Free.

Alzheimers Society 01892 559410 www.alzheimers.org

Community

GardeninG & Gardens

n 01, 15 Aug. Lunch Club.

11:25-13:30. Dunton Green Social Club. Age UK 01959 523157

n 05 Aug. Plant Doctor Service.

11:00-15:00. Broadview Gardens, Hadlow College, Hadlow (01732 850551, 853211) www.hadlow.ac.uk

n 21 Aug. Community Safety Meeting. 10:30-12:00. Town Council offices, Civic Centre, St Marys Rd, Swanley. Sevenoaks District Council 01732 227000 www.sevenoaks.gov.uk

exhibitions n 01-26 Aug. Vivat Regina the dawn of our Elizabethan Age exhibition. Wed, Fri & Sun 14:00-16:30, Thu & Sat 10:0016:30. Eden Valley Museum, Church House, 72 High St,

n 3 Aug. Guided Tour. 18:0021:00. World Garden of Plants, Lullingstone Castle near Eynsford. £12.50. Ellenor Lions Hospices 01322 221315 www.ellenorlions.org

motor sports n 27 Aug. Stage Rally. Brands Hatch motor racing circuit near West Kingsdown. 0843 453 9000 www.brandshatch.co.uk

AUGUST EVEnTS AT the assembly hall theatre musiC n 1 Sept. Eynsford Music Fesitval at Furlongs Farm with parking at Anthony Roper School High Street Eynsford Adults: £30, 14 and under: £5. 07810495294 www.eynsfordmusicfestival.co.uk n 31 Aug. Elvis tribute night.

Banana Leaf Indian restaurant, 47 Bethel Rd, Sevenoaks.

01732 465846 www.bananaleafcuisine.com

soCial events n 01 Aug. ‘1st Wednesdays’ Business Networking Event.

10:30-12:00. Plaza Suite, Stag Community Arts Centre, London Rd, Sevenoaks. Free. Chamber of Commerce 01732 455188

theatre n 09-11 Aug. Les Miserables performance. Stag Community Arts Centre, London Rd, Sevenoaks. 01732 450175 www. stagsevenoaks.co.uk Bullfrog Production 01342 322411 www.bullfrogproductions.co.uk n 17 Aug. Wonders of the West End. Stag Community Arts Centre, London Rd, Sevenoaks. £10. 01732 450175 www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk

walks n 01-31 Aug. Deer Park walks.

Times vary. Knole. Free. 01732 462100 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knole n 02 Aug. Ranger Ramble. Meet 14:00 Knole for 1-hour walk. £2.50. 01732 462100 www. nationaltrust.org.uk/knole n 24 Aug. Breakfast walk. Meet 07:45 Knole for 90-minute walk. £12 including breakfast. Booking required 01732 462100 www. nationaltrust.org.uk/knole n 26 Aug. 7 mile walk to Knockholt & Halstead. 10:0013:00. Meet Chevening Church.

Sevenoaks Ramblers 01959 524264 www.kentramblers.org.uk To see your event here, email full details to bobcarpenterhome@ yahoo.co.uk. Edited by Bob Carpenter. Guaranteed insertions cost just £35 + VAT. Call us today on 01732 760823.

SEVENOAKS TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE Stag Theatre, Plaza Suite Tel: 01732 450305 Email: tic@sevenoakstown.gov.uk

WE SELL: Souvenirs • Books on local history • Stamps and postcards Maps and guidebooks • Theatre Tokens • National Express tickets WE HAVE INFORMATION ON:

What’s on in the area • Walking and cycling in the local countryside Holiday guides for the UK

WE PROVIDE: Photocopy service Accommodation advice and bookings

Assembly Hall Theatre • Crescent Road • Tunbridge Wells • Kent TN1 2LU Ticket office: 01892 530613/532072 www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk In October, the global phenomenon CALENDAR GIRLS comes to the Assembly Hall Theatre! Vine interviews cast member Ruth Madoc What can we expect from Calendar Girls?

Plenty of laughs and cheer...it really is an extraordinary play and I expect that audiences will be really bowled over. I’ve now been a part of eight different casts and it never fails to astound and entertain.

What character do you play and what is she like?

I’m the antagonist of the play – Marie, which is a real delight because she is so different to everyone else!

What’s her story?

She is a typical WI woman...she’s a real stickler for rules and is obsessed with following them! She doesn’t like the idea of women making money from the ‘nude’ calendar; even though there isn’t really any full frontal nudity as it’s all about strategic object placement! Marie doesn’t like breaking rules and has a big row with Chris – the girl who motivates the group and gets them to support the entire calendar project.

What excited you most about playing her?

Whenever you play the antagonist you have to be a strong individual and actress. I’d consider myself a strong actress because I’ve had so much experience of musical theatre, especially US musicals like Gypsy.

You have to play off the other characters and be the person who is seen as a bit of a baddie...always opposing everything. Marie is the ying to Chris’s yang basically...but without such opposing forces, the play wouldn’t work.

CALENDAR GIRLS Mon 22 – Sat 27 October Tickets from £18.50 - £29.50.

It takes courage to perform scenes with any form of nudity. Were you nervous at all to bare all?

Well I don’t really get nervous at all because I don’t have to take mine off !

All the girls have become used to ‘disrobing’ in front of each other though...especially for things like photo calls when they have to be on a closed set. After a few times you adapt!

Does the successful 2003 film of the same name starring Helen Mirren ever stick in your mind as an actress?

No – I haven’t seen it and have no intention to! That way when you act a character you can go to it with a clean and open mind without any previous adaptations getting in the way.

Do you prefer TV or theatre? What’s the most exciting?

I like them both! They have different positives...on TV you have to be very ‘real’ and have the luxury of being able to re-take. On stage you can make mistakes and weave them into your performance.

What do you do in your spare time to relax?

I spend a lot of time with my grandchildren. It’s very rare for me to be at home... I’ve been on the road for the past two years! But luckily my wonderful husband comes along with me for the ride.

Where’s the most interesting place you’ve ever been as an actress?

Definitely Japan. The culture is so different! I spent six months there when I starred in Phantom of the Opera.

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46 vine August 2012 vinedigital.co.uk

’m late with my column. Again. clumsiness – thanks!)

I was late sitting down at my My little family are generally desk this morning and now running on time until the very last I’m late typing this up and all minute. Often, to be blunt, it’s because the while my phone is pinging the toddler needs an impromptu up reminders of all the things number two. And he’s a very leisurely I was late for yesterday that I toilet user. Or it’s because everything rescheduled for today. Hang on one is going smoothly, we’re all in the car minute while I just reset them to pop – sometimes even with shoes on – the up tomorrow... key is in the ignition, I have my driving If I die tonight, after the days of glasses on... when it’s announced: regional mourning (right?!), the funeral “Mummy, remember I need to take won’t go to plan – I’ll in a [insert something be delivered to the complicated to make So this wrong place – and my and not easy to come by] sounds like headstone will read today!”

“Holly Seddon: She was So this sounds like I’m I’m blaming blaming late”. (And hopefully my kids, I’m not. some stuff about loving I blame my genes. Oh not my kids, I’m wife and mother, I blame myself. not. I blame really, glamorous host, gin The reason it’s expert and suchlike). peaked recently, I think, my genes.

I hate being late. is because I gave up my Oh not really, belly-scratching, tracksuitIt’s one of the things I deplore most in wearing life of a stayI blame others, and am guiltiest at-home writer/window myself of myself. gazer and went back into Lateness is a family the proper world of work. trait so severe that I actually told my God! It’s hard, isn’t it! Having a boss parents I needed to be at my wedding and a set of normal working hours venue an hour earlier than I did. We and, like, stuff you need to do all the still arrived late. At my daughter’s first time. And commuting? Ouch! I know birthday party (two miles away from you guys do this every day – as I used their house at the time), they arrived to – but wow, the trains certainly do three hours after the relatives that had their best to supercharge the genetic travelled a hundred miles. tardiness with which I’ve been gifted.

So lateness is a thing.

Life, at the moment, is a long list I hate – especially – being late for of excuses and a lot of ready meals. the children because it’s not so long It’s getting better, I’m getting into my ago that I was a child to whom lateness groove and (she says forlornly and was ‘done’. And yet I am. A lot. To apologetically) the kids are used to quote (and clean up) the famous Philip the chaos. Now I just need to learn Larkin poem, “they muck you up, your to set my alarm two hours earlier, or, mum and dad. They may not mean perhaps, sleep in my clothes. to, but they do. They fill you with the faults they had. And add some extra, Catch Holly on twitter @hollyseddon just for you.” (NB: I also got

48 vine August 2012 vinedigital.co.uk