vine magazine | may 2012

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50Welcome to VineI joined Vine two years ago and, I have to admit, I didn’t really know Sevenoaks at all. Now, two years have flown by and I feel like I know the town and many of the people in it so well. Sevenoaks is unlike many places that I have known; it has an amazing sense of community which is sadly becoming increasingly rare these days. As Editor of the town’s local magazine I have always felt a huge responsibility to produce a publication that people want to pick up every month. It might have been easy for people to not take such a young writer so seriously (the whole team at Vine being under 30), but myself and the rest of the staff have been embraced by readers and local businesses alike – something we are proud of. Why am I saying all this? Because after two great years at Vine I am leaving. It’s never easy to say goodbye, but due to making friends, not just contacts, I’m sure I’ll be back in Sevenoaks often. I’d like to thank everyone involved in the magazine for their support and to all those loyal readers who have stuck with us since Owen set up the magazine from his bedroom. I’d like to announce that we have the very talented Emily Louise Overy taking the position of Editor and she will continue to bring readers the engaging Sevenoaks-based features our readers love and I’m sure she’ll have a wealth of new ideas to bring to the magazine too. Why not meet her at Vine’s Reader Focus Group? If you’re interested in telling Emily your thoughts, email her at [email protected]

Charlotte Luxford Editor

V I N E • I S S u E 5 9 • W W W . V I N E d I G I T A L . c O . u k • Y O u R F A V O u R I T E S E V E N O A k S M A G A Z I N E

What’s inside?May 2012

EVERY MONTH

08 Headlines

12 MontHly Musts

28 faMily and kids

74 WHat’s on?

76 sevenoaks sHoWcase

78 MuMblings

VINE dINING

24 food foR tHougHt Our resident foodie Benjamin James of the George & Dragon in Chipstead reveals what’s been keeping the pub busy this month and shares his favourite recipes

26 buZZ of tHe bull With a fantastic pub menu, friendly staff and an unrivalled history, the newly refurbished Bull Hotel in Wrotham is the new place to be

FEATuRE

14 diaMond jubilee special Vine takes a nostalgic look back to 1952-1953 with recollections and photos of the Coronation and we bring you the ultimate guide to the Diamond Jubilee weekend

30 education special Vine visits the best local independent schools to see what they've been up to this term

50 kitcHen inspiRation From stylish storage solutions by Rencraft to nostalgic kitchenalia, Vine brings you the pick of this season's hottest kitchens

WELLNESS

42 vine style Use Vine’s essential guide to this season's summer essentials PLUS we get advice from The Better Body Shop, Terrablu and The Skin Clinic

HOME & GARdEN

60 suMMeR gaRdens Vine asks gardening experts and landscapers for their advice on how to transform your garden this summer PLUS Jubilee-inspired interiors

PROFESSIONAL

21 legal MatteRs Regular legal advice from the team at Warners Solicitors PLUS over 100 businesses turn up to our monthly networking event, Grapevine. See the pictures on page 22

cover shot: Celebratory Jubilee cover designed by Vine's Head Creative Justin Kemp

8 vine May 2012 vinedigital.co.uk

Godinton House is celebrating its second annual May Day on May 7. The celebrations begin at 11am and visitors can enjoy a day of traditional family fun in the springtime gardens. There will be guided tours of the Jacobean House, a decorated Maypole with dancing and there will also be live music provided by the Whirling Skirmish band. For children there will be games, the chance to create their own seasonal crafts, and also a May Day trail to follow. Fabulous food and drink will be served throughout the day and you can expect to see a barbecue with delicious venison served by Godersham Game.

n For more information visit www.godinton-house-gardens.co.uk or call 01233 643854

With Formula 1 racing hitting the headlines, it’s hard not to get caught up in the F1 fever. To experience the thrill of real outdoor karting, why not head to Chatham’s award-winning Buckmore Park 1000m international floodlit outdoor kart circuit? It was here that British World Champions Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button learnt their trade and makes for a great location for aspiring young drivers. The circuit, just off junction 3 of the M2, offers exclusive kids' karting parties from ages four up to 16 (either 30 minutes or one hour) and are available for up to 12 drivers. The parties can incorporate a celebration meal, and can also be combined with laser warfare games in the woodlands for ages eight to 16.

n For more information call 01634 201562, visit www.buckmore4kids.co.uk or email [email protected]

sevenoaks wildlife project Kent Wildlife Trust has set up the Sevenoaks Living Landscape Project in order to encourage more people to get involved in helping wildlife in the area. The trust believes that conservation efforts should not be restricted to wildlife reserves and we all should do our bit to help. For more information call 01732 740659

HEAdLINES

new season vegetablesMay signals the start of the new season’s produce at Shipbourne Farmer’s market. Keep an eye out for the local asparagus, the wonderful new potatoes, fresh spinach and watercress, divine rhubarb, wild sea trout and spring lamb. Customers will be delighted when they feast their eyes on the produce. For more information visit www.kfma.org.uk

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editor Charlotte Luxford

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head CreativeJustin Kemp

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sUb editorAmanda Hayden

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The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions relating to advertising or editorial in Vine. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of the publisher. © 2012. All rights reserved.

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.

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May Day at Godinton

Get the F1 Fever at Buckmore Park

Medieval weekendLullingstone Castle and the World Garden are hosting their second medieval weekend this year on May 6 and May 7 from 11am to 5pm. You can expect fantastic living displays with authentic dress, campfires, tents and medieval weapons. The Battle

of St Alban's will be re-enacted and each day there will be longbow and crossbow displays as well as live firing of black powder weapons. In true spirit, those participating in the event will actually camp out overnight at the castle, sleeping in medieval tents and cooking their food over campfires.

n For more details call 07971 820945 or email Anya at [email protected]

With the support of MP Michael Fallon, the Kent and South East Disabled Anglers Association is seeking a lake or lakes to provide wheelchair access for anglers. There are over 60,000 anglers with disabilities nationwide and the association believes it is important that venues start to address this problem. Sevenoaks MP Michael Fallon has supported its cause since the very start and has been appointed as the association’s patron. He said: “I am delighted to have been appointed a patron of the Kent and South East Disabled Anglers Association. Fishing is an activity which should be accessible to everybody. I look forward to supporting the association over the coming years.” As well as seeking to promote angling for disabled people, Kent and South East Anglers Association is working to encourage young people to step away from their computer screens and TVs and participate in the sport. The association is urging landowners with unused lakes to step forward.

n For more information visit www.kentdaa.co.uk or call 01732 460074

Disabled anglers seek lake

beads-knees Beads Amore, Sevenoaks, are working on a fantastic piece of beadwork in celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Fifty local ladies will be working on the giant piece and it is expected to fill the entire shop window. It is so big that Sevenoaks Library is displaying the work for the rest of the year. For more information visit www.beadsamore.co.uk

01732 [email protected]

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Protection through planningMake your journey through life easier with the right legal team beside you

Success on your journey through life requires the right legal team beside you all the way. Warners are delighted to provide just that for our private and commercial clients. If you would like to find out more call us on 01732 747900 and we will help you get started.

Pre-nuptial Agreements Buying Your Home

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olympic banners Sevenoaks District Council is applying to place Olympic-themed banners around the town. Lampposts from St John’s Hill to Hitchen Hatch Lane will be decorated and the centre of the town will be dressed up in Olympic paraphernalia if the application is successful. For more information visit www.sevenoaks.gov.uk

dial 2 drive service Dial 2 Drive is a community transport service for people living in Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding areas. The service is for people unable to access public transport due to older age, illness or disability. For more information or to volunteer visit www.vawk.og.uk or call 01732 357978

HEAdLINES

Quilt extravaganzaThe Hope Quilters held their second Quilt and Textile Extravaganza on April 20 and 21. At the exhibition there were collections of quilts, bags, cushions and wall hangings as well as a special feature of 23 bed quilts made for injured soldiers returning from Afghanistan. For more information visit www.hopequilters.blogspot.co.uk

A fun and charitable event based on the hit TV series Dragons' Den, was held at The Spa Hotel, Tunbridge Wells on March 22. Kent charities were given six minutes each to explain their projects in front of a panel of generous donors and walked away with £16,000 between them.

n For more information visit www.kentcf.org.uk or call 01303 814500

The paintings of Roland Collins have gone on show at Mascalls Gallery, Paddock Wood. Roland, labelled as an unknown master of modern British art, is 93 years old and his work centres on landscapes which are very much in the romantic tradition. The exhibition runs until June 30.

n For more information visit www.mascallsgallery.org or call 01892 839 039

The Bedgebury Florilegium Society is marking its first anniversary with an exhibition of paintings at Marle Place Gardens and Gallery, Brenchley, Kent. The group consists of eight highly talented botanical artists known for their intricate and vivid paintings. The exhibition runs from May 11 to May 27.

n For more information visit www.forestry.gov.uk or call 01580 213049

friendly dragons' den

master of art

bedgebury birthday

Fruit and veg masterpiece “Create a Fruit and Veg Masterpiece” is an exciting art competition being launched in the run up to the 2012 Olympics. Primary school children from across Kent are being invited to participate in the competition in which they have to depict London 2012 using real fruit and veg. Julie Monkman, manager of Produced in Kent, (the company behind the competition) said: “Create a Fruit and Veg Masterpiece really does introduce young people to the Garden of England in an enjoyable and creative way and I would encourage all competition entrants to join the race and go for gold!” Competitors need to take a picture of their work and send it to the judges before Monday June 11. Finalists will be awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze medals and a bumper selection of prizes.

n Email your masterpiece to [email protected] and for more information visit www.producedinkent.co.uk

The Pantiles Food and Drink festival will take place on Saturday May 19 and Sunday May 20. Last year the successful inaugural event attracted over 15,000 people. There will be around 40 stalls selling both hot and cold food, fresh produce, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and many other tasty treats. The festival, which focuses on fresh Kent and Sussex produce, has a number of objectives: the importance of buying local and attracting people to the lower end of town among them. Celebrity chef Richard Phillips is patron of the event for the second year.

n For more information visit www.pantilestraders.co.uk

Pantiles food festival

Kemsing car boot sale Kemsing School is hosting a car boot sale on May 27 from 9am to 1pm. The aim of the sale is to raise funds for the school. Entrance is 50p and free for children. Sellers should arrive at 8am and it is £8 for cars and £10 for vans. For more information call 01732 761236

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conditions Subject to terms and conditions. certain events at Lounge49 may be affected due to private parties. See restaurant or website for details.Programmes start 7.30pm onwards

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May 2012

Hugely talented members from the Guild of Railway Artists are showcasing a collection of original heritage and modern railway art at The Historic chatham dockyard. The exhibition, which will run until May 13, predominantly features oils, acrylics and watercolours but the members are also known to produce works in pen and ink, pencil and even digital. The price is included in the normal admission price.

n Visit www.thedockyard.co.uk or call 01634 823807

Astonishing dancing, a smooth-talking lawyer, a cell-block of sin – Chicago is coming to town! With more than 15,000 performances and a hit-movie adaptation, the musical is taking place at the Tunbridge Wells Assembly Hall Theatre from Monday May 7 to Saturday May 12. Ali Basten (Hollyoaks and The Bill) plays nightclub singer Roxie Hart while Stefan Booth (Eastenders) takes on the role of the ever-charming lawyer Billy Flynn. Tickets range from £18-£35.

n Visit www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

Having won the kent Seafood Retailer of the year for the second year running, it is safe to say that you will be in for a treat if you pay a visit to Sankey’s Fishmongers in Royal Tunbridge Wells. It is the perfect season to enjoy the delights of the ocean and Sankey’s fish experts will ensure you get exactly what you want. You wouldn’t be able to find fresher fish unless you were to catch it yourself.

n Visit www.sankeys.co.uk

MuST-LiSten If you are a fan of country music then

carrie underwood’s new album Blown Away will be a great addition to your

collection. The five-time Grammy Award-winner has sold more than 14 million albums and has had 14 number one

singles. carrie co-writes her songs which are a mixture of country and pop. Blown

Away (£8.99) is released on May 1.

n call the compact disc on 01732 740889

With spring here and summer soon upon us, picnics, barbecues and outside dining are something to look forward too. But with sunshine comes wasps...which

can be a real nuisance. With the new Sagaform Wasp catcher (£12.50) you no longer have to run away with a burger in hand. There’s no need to spray nasty chemicals

all over the table either : simply fill the trap with sugary liquid. Plus it looks stylish on your table

too.

n Visit www.forages.co.uk

MuST-Have

MuST-reaD Man Booker Prize-winner Hilary Mantel releases her highly anticipated Bring Up The Bodies on May 10. A sequel to Wolf Hall, Bring Up The Bodies focuses on the destruction of Anne Boleyn as seen through the eyes of Thomas cromwell. Expect drama, romance, conspiracy and ruthless executions: Hilary Mantel succeeds in depicting one of the most frightening episodes in English history.

n Visit www.sevenoaksbookshop.co.uk

12 Union Square Eridge Road The Pantiles Tunbridge Wells TN4 8HE Tel 01892 617462 Brighton 01273 841228 Reigate 01737 226450


T he Queen has completed 60 years as our monarch, the only other to reign as long was Queen Victoria. During her reign the Queen has moved with the times and modernised the way she rules over us as our head of state.

The Queen still takes an active part in affairs of state in this country and nations of the commonwealth. Constitutional monarchy suits this country and still remains relevant in the 21st century. During the Jubilee celebrations this summer the Queen has expressed a wish that no great expense is made on her behalf, rather that communities should get together on Sunday, June 3, for a ‘Big Lunch’, be that a street party, or an event on the village green. The nation is exceptionally lucky to have a monarchy

that costs them less, annually, than £1 per head of population, gives great pleasure to thousands of people, as we all saw demonstrated during the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh’s visit to Margate last November. During her visit the Queen met veterans, talked to shopkeepers in the old town, who are seeing a revival in their fortunes and toured the new Turner Contemporary Gallery, before visiting the lifeboat station, taking great interest in all the people she met and things she saw. Apart from the Big Lunch I am keen we should all embrace the Diamond Jubilee Beacons. We have a proud history of firing warning beacons across Kent, dating from the 16th century, when the Spanish Armada sailed up the English Channel. To date for this Jubilee 85 beacons across Kent have been registered, with the Queen’s Pageant master.

DIAMONDS P E C I A L

In our six-page Diamond Jubilee Special, Vine looks back to 1952, when Princess Elizabeth took to the throne and to her coronation in 1953. We also find out how Sevenoaks will be celebrating the monarchy 60 years on. Enjoy nostalgic photos, a word from Viscount de L’Isle, stories and recollections from Sevenoaks residents and a detailed round-up of events for the Jubilee weekend

A MODERNMONARCHY

The newly appointed Lord-Lieutenant of kent, Viscount De L’Isle of Penshurst Place, shares his views on the importance of the monarchy in the 21st century and why we should embrace the diamond Jubilee

“”

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REMEMBERING THECORONATION

T his picture (above left) was taken at Squerryes Lodge at Christmas in 1953. We children all knew each other very well and continued to do so for many years afterwards. Some of us lived in or near Westerham while others had

come down from London. And a group of us were also at school together at Laverock PNEU School in nearby Limpsfield, though the main link was that our parents were all friends. The principal excitement for us children in 1953 had been the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth ll. Several fathers had taken leading parts in the Coronation parade and we had seen them on newly launched BBC television. They were former army or navy officers who had returned from service in WWll only six years earlier. Among these were Maj. Ion Calvocoressi, Capt. Robert Evans, Captain Johnny Leworthy RN, and Capt. Christopher Soames (who was also a member of his father-in-law’s Cabinet). Presiding over the Coronation ceremony had been the prime minister of the day, Sir Winston Churchill, who lived nearby, was familiar to many of us and three of whose grandchildren, Nicolas, Emma and Jeremy, appear in this picture. My uncle, The Rev’d John S. Long, as chaplain to Archbishop Fisher of Canterbury, had stood at the Queen’s side in Westminster Abbey, holding the large cross and again we had seen him on television and in the coronation press photographs. Later he was to become Archdeacon of Ely. Some of the children in this picture had mothers who were Ladies-in-Waiting to the Queen (e.g. the Countess

of Cromer) and several had fathers who were members of the House of Lords who, in time-honoured fashion, had clustered around the Queen as she was crowned. As children, of course, we were largely unimpressed by all the pomp and ceremony of the Coronation. What obsessed many of us were planes, tanks, guns, battleships...and steam locomotives. Our parents had all served in the forces during WWll and we were a generation steeped in the tales and atmosphere of the war. We knew a Hurricane from a Spitfire with unerring accuracy and would scream round the garden with arms outstretched in aerial dog-fights. We could tell which Guards regiment was which from the order of their buttons and knew the names of most of the great battleships and cruisers that were then patrolling the British Empire. Looking at us in this picture, taken when strict rationing was still in force and Britain was still a weary and almost bankrupt nation, it seems bizarre that we were dressed in silks and satins and patent leather shoes with silver buckles. The fact is that we had been born in the reign of King George Vl and that for the first few years after WWll our parents had no idea what sort of world would emerge. Until about 1955 the best they could do was to bring us up as they themselves had been in the 1920s and 1930s. And by the time they recognised the spirit of the new Elizabethan age – and were beginning to adapt to it – we had been sent off to conventional and very conservative schools where we continued to live in the past.

Journalist Christopher Long reflects on a time when there was much excitement about the Queen’s coronation, yet the shadow of the war just past still lingered. Here, he recalls 1953 in Westerham and his links with Squerryes Lodge© GEO. P. kING

“

”BAck ROW: Mrs Anthony Winder, Richard calvocoressi in the arms of nanny calvocoressi, Jeremy Soames in the arms of nanny Soames, nanny cromer, an unknown baby in the arms of a mother (perhaps Mrs Enid Paget or Lady Russell), david Long in the arms of nurse Long and an unidentified nanny (extreme right). ON THE SOFA: John Evans with his sister camilla on nanny Evans’ lap. Standing: The Hon. Vivian Baring, Mary Sebag-Montefiore, probably

Abridged version of an article by christopher Long © 2008 www.christopherlong.co.uk

A FAMILY AFFAIRthe Hon. david Russell, Nicholas Soames, Evelyn Baring (Viscount Errington), James calvocoressi, Emma Soames, probably the Hon. Charles Russell and an unidentified half-hidden child. SEATEd IN THE FOREGROuNd: Rosemary Long, an unidentified child who may be Sam Winder, christopher Long, the Hon. Michael Vaughan (with locomotive), an unidentified child behind him and, far right, probably Belinda Paget.

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10714-13414 The Vine 23/4/12 14:22 Page 1


THE CORONATION

CORONATIONCELEBRATIONS

REVISITED

After the hardship of the war, the coronation gave the people of Britain something to celebrate – now was the time to be proud to be British. Vine looks back at photos from the period

chris Bennett speaks to Sevenoaks residents, Ronnie and Michael Barnard, Edward and Janet Oatley and George and Sylvia Eastlake, about the Queen’s coronation

How did you celebrate the coronation?

RB: “I remember I walked from Bradbourne Vale road through the lakes under the railway bridge to the house of my friend. They had a brand new television which they bought especially for the coronation.” MB: “I was enjoying a headache! One of my friends had a pad in knightsbridge and the evening before the coronation we all went there. The party started at eight in the evening and it didn’t finish! The sun came up on the morning of the coronation and we walked from knightsbridge to The Mall where we waited for the coronation procession. It was just a wonderful day.” JO: “I was very lucky because I was chosen to represent our school year group at the procession. All the schoolchildren were lined up against the embankment and we were all so excited; waving our flags and cheering. The most impressive figure was the Queen of Tonga. She was a big lady, very colourful and she stole the show. The other thing I remember was that there was hardly any security. Not as much as you would see today anyway.”

Why do you think that was? Was the royal family more respected back then?

MB: “Well there was no terrorism back then. There were wars but no terrorist wars. And also the media was not

as heavily involved. They used to protect the royals not attack them like they do today.”EO: “Yes, the commonwealth and the royal family was something to be proud of. It was part of our fabric.”JO: “I think it was also due to the fact that the Queen was very much a public figure back then and everyone

loved her. The royal family had played its part during the war and Princess Elizabeth had become one of the ‘people’.”SE: “It made the coronation even more special. People could relate to her. She stayed in London during the Blitz and she was a princess in the true sense.”

do you remember there being a sense of excitement in the days leading up to the coronation?

JO: “Everyone was so happy. It was such a joyful occasion because everyone had been used to wartime austerity and it was something that lifted the gloom.”SE: “It was good for our nation. But it was also a joyous time because we had just climbed Everest. It was a time to be extremely proud of our country.”

GE: “After the war it seemed as though we were living in constant smog. The coronation just seemed to brighten the country up.”

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FEATuRE


SEvENOAkS’ CORONATION RApuNzELA grandmother from Sevenoaks, Jean Burgess, hasn’t cut her hair since the Queen’s coronation in 1953 – her hair is 5ft 6in long, takes 45 minutes to wash and 24 hours to drip-dry. Her father was the gardener in the royal nursery and had her picture taken with the flowers for the Queen’s bouquet. She hated her short hair in the picture and vowed to grow it ever since.

RECORD-BREAkING BuNTINGThe WI at Halsted’s Jubilee celebrations will be showcasing their handiwork so far on their royal ‘bunting challenge’. They are attempting to break the Guinness Book of Records’ record for the longest bunting in the world by as much as a quarter of a mile – aiming for two miles’ worth of continuous bunting!

JuBILATION ALEWesterham Brewery will be creating a ‘Jubilation Ale’, consisting of nine carefully selected hops bred and grown in kent to produce a crisp and sparkling golden ale.

CORONATION CROSS AT SuNDRIDGEIn coronation Gardens in Sundridge there’s the coronation cross, which was recovered from the Houses of Parliament after a bombing raid in 1941 and erected to commemorate the Queen’s coronation in 1953.

1. St Bartholomew's Fair at Castle House, 1953 2. Children in fancy dress at Otford Coronation Carnival, 1953 3. British Legion float at a village fête 4. A Coronation street party in Sheerness 5. Britannia leads the 1952 procession 6. The Queen of Tonga attending the Coronation, 1953

© The Ed Thompson Collection

QuIRkYJUBILEE FACTS

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JuBILEE WEEkENDROUND-UP

Vine brings you the best of the diamond Jubilee celebrations in Sevenoaks town and the surrounding villages over the bank holiday weekend

SEvENOAkS TOWN25 MAY Enjoy an exclusive diamond Jubilee reception from 6–8pm at the Orangery at knole House. Numbers are limited to 70 people; tickets cost £15 per person to be paid in advance. Apply to david Gamble by post at Little Brittains, Brittains Lane, Sevenoaks TN13 2JW and make the cheque payable to the Sevenoaks Society. In addition, why not take a look at the Royal Visit exhibition in the Orangery between from 2-10? Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knole for more information

JUNE 2 Enjoy various street entertainment in the town centre and watch vintage films about Sevenoaks (Broughton House and Look, Love & Preserve), presented by Sevenoaks Society from 10:30 - 11:20am at the Stag community Arts centre. Tickets cost £1. call 01732 450175 or visit www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk to book

JUNE 3 Have a proper family day out for free with the Fete on the Vine, including a puppet show and tea from 2-5pm organised by St Nicholas church, and listen to a special Jubilee performance by Sevenoaks and

OTFORDThe Otford ‘Solar System’ model, originally built to mark the millennium, will be celebrated once more for the Jubilee weekend. Children will be encouraged to visit the model and the Historical Society will also be hosting an exhibition in the memorial hall covering the last 60 years of Otford’s history. On June 2, the Sackville Singers will be performing a proms-style show at St Bartholomew’s Church from 7.30pm and a choir will perform on the village green on June 3 during a big tea. The Crown pub will host a comic musical based on the Canterbury Tales and a concert programmed by Brandywine Music. The annual Otford Fete will go ahead on June 4 and that evening the beacon will be lit on the recreation ground.

Visit www.otford.info

HALSTEADFor a feast fit for a Queen dress in your finery for the ‘Tiaras and Tuxedos’ picnic on Saturday afternoon and on

Sunday morning, join a special service at St Margaret’s church, followed by ‘The Big Lunch’; sit back in front of the big screen and watch the Thames pageant. On Monday there’s a traditional day of family fun on the recreational ground, including a torchlight procession, lighting of the beacon, a village memorial, a royal scarecrow competition and an attempt to get a place in the Guinness World Records for ‘The Longest Bunting in the World’!

Visit www.bmra.info

uNDERRIvERKick off the Jubilee weekend on Saturday June 2 with the Olympic-style ‘Underriver Games’ with everything from hammer throwing (welly throwing) to shooting (laser clays). Complete the day with a hog roast and live local music at The White Rock Inn. Sunday will begin with a commemorative service at the church and there will be a Music Festival held in the evening. On Monday 4 June, jugglers and magicians will entertain

you at the traditional street party lunch which will take place on the road in between

the pub and the old vicarage. This will be followed by an aeroplane

acrobatic display and a group photo taken on the village

green. The finale will be the lighting of the Underriver Beacon in the evening which will take place at St Julian’s together with a fireworks display.

Visit www.underriver-village.org.uk

WESTERHAMEveryone’s getting involved

in the Jubilee celebrations in Westerham, including the traders

– they’ll be displaying items fit for a Queen in their Traders’ Treasure Hunt from

May 27 to June 4, with prizes to be won. As part of the ‘Big Lunch’, Westerham restaurateurs will be selling meals inspired from around the world on the decorated village green and there will be entertainment and sports for children on June 3. On June 4, Abba tribute band AbbaMagic will be taking to the stage in King George’s field, with a barbecue and refreshments. Why not make a night of it and stay to watch the lighting of the beacon and firework display afterwards!

Visit www.visitwesterham.org.uk

FEATuRE


LegaL MATTERSThe team at Warners Solicitors offer regular expert advice on topics relevant to our everyday lives. This month Jane Bohill advises on leasehold properties

Leasehold Properties - Service Charges When you purchase a leasehold flat it is important to take into account the service charges and ground rent which will need to be paid in addition to the purchase costs. ‘Service charges’ is the phrase used for the money paid to cover expenditure on the building as a whole. Before completing the purchase the buyer should see previous service charge statements and check how much has been paid in the past and whether there is in place any sinking fund to pay for large items of expenditure in the future. Although service charges are subject to change each year depending on what works are required, it will give the buyer an indication as to the average service charges levied. The buyer’s legal adviser should ensure that on completion all service charges and ground rent have been paid up to date. If they have been paid up to a date beyond completion then

the buyer will need to reimburse the seller for any such advance payments. This is referred to as ‘making apportionments of ground rent/service charges’. It is common for service charges to be paid on a preliminary estimate of the annual cost, and a final account to be provided some time after the year end, based on the actual costs incurred. Occasionally the buyer’s legal adviser may suggest holding a retention so that once the year end accounts have been finalised, should there be an additional payment due from the seller, monies can be taken from the retention held and any balance returned to the seller. It can be concerning and frustrating if the landlord fails in its obligation to produce service charge accounts. Applying to the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal to require the landlord to provide them may be a good strategy, although normally just the threat of doing so will prod the landlord into action.

n For advice on all aspects of the law relating to buying or selling property, contact Jane Bohill on 01732 747905 or email [email protected]. Follow Warners on Twitter @KentSolicitors

Jane BohillAssociate Solicitor & Team Leader Committee member of the Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge District Law SocietyTel: 01732 747905 Email: [email protected]

Areas of Expertise

• Purchase and Sale (Freehold & Leasehold) • Remortgage • Transfers of Equity • Lease Extension • Tenancy Agreements • Right to First Refusal • Joint Ownership Agreement

Likes: Board games, log fires, cooking and entertaining family and friends

Dislikes: Cleaning up after messy children!

Tonbridge concert Band (as a series of summer festival events). In the evening head over to The Stag for the Mayor’s Jubilee Gala from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £12. call 01732 450175 or visit www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk to book

JUNE 4 Round off the celebrations with evening entertainment on the Vine, including music from 7.30-11pm and watch out for the lighting of the beacon at 10pm.

n For updates and more details on the Jubilee celebrations in the town, call 01732 459953 or visit www.sevenoakstown.gov.uk

JUNE 2 Ightham coxcombe Fair with art exhibition and flower festival at St Peter’s Church, Morris dancers, big band, raffle, children’s workshop and numerous stalls. Free entry. Visit www.ighthamcoxcombefair.com

JUNE 2 Rockdale Jubilee dinner with cabaret at Wildernesse Golf club. Tickets cost £55. Visit www.rockdale.org.uk

JUNE 2-4 Penshurst Jubilee Weekend with farmers’ market, ‘From Bach to Beatles’ concert, ‘The Big Lunch’, village fete, Great Penshurst Duck Race and beacon lighting and fireworks display. Free entry. Visit www.friendsofpenshurstchurch.co.uk

JUNE 2-4 Tudor Jubilee celebrations at Hever castle, revisiting Anne Boleyn’s coronation, with Tudor music, have-a-go archery, demonstrations, crafts and copies of the coronation crown jewels. check website for admission fees. Visit www.hevercastle.co.uk

JUNE 2-5 Royal Jubilee Photo Shoot at Riverhill Himalayan Gardens. check website for admission fees. Visit www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

JUNE 3 Seal’s ‘Party in the Park’ celebrations, with bring-and-share lunch, bar, tea and cakes from the Pavilion, bouncy castle, fun and games. Free entry. Visit www.knowyourneighbours.blogspot.com

JUNE 4-5 The Queen’s Pantiles Garden Party at The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells. Free entry. Visit www.pantilestraders.co.uk

JUNE 5 High tea on the Wealden Pullman at the kent & East Sussex Railway. Tickets cost £27.50. Visit www.kesr.org.uk

JUNE 8-10 Jubilee Flower display Weekend at Lullingstone castle. Tickets cost £7 (children £4). Visit www.lullingstonecastle.co.uk

JUNE 10 Black-tie dinner and ballet in aid of St Mary’s Heritage Trust, held at the beautiful Squerryes Garden, with a ballet performed by dancers of

the National Youth Ballet. Tickets from £85. call John Rawlinson at Quebec House on 01959 562206

OTHERHIGHLIGHTS

PROFESSIONAL

PROFESSIONAL

Over 120 businesses flocked to Vine’s biggest ever networking event last month, enjoying live music and fast cars with Aston Martin at the most popular and talked about business event in town

Vine celebrated a memorable networking event at the Aston Martin showroom in Riverhead where over 120 Sevenoaks and Kent businesses turned out for the hottest networking event in the south-east. Guests were treated to delicious cupcakes by Charlotte Harris from Charlie’s Corporate Cupcakes and a delicious selection of Kentish cheeses were on offer from The Cheese Harp’s Bobbie and Simon Akhurst. Renowned Sevenoaks musician Dan Clews, who has featured on BBC Radio 2 and had his album referred to as "A debut of sweetness and promise" by The Guardian, played a set to round off speeches from Vine’s director Owen Hunnam and Aston Martin’s Alistair Sommerville. Russell Harper snapped guests as they sipped on wine and admired Aston Martin’s latest collection of cars.

Had a fantastic time surrounded by Aston Martins last night@vinemagazine at #grapvine networking event in Sevenoaks

Forages @Forages_Shop

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

Had a great time with #grapevine @VineMagazine networking event tonight great to see the regulars and newbies, quality! Thank you

Andy Walter @Oncallcarpets

Memorable networking this week #grapevine at the fantastic #AstonMartingarage in #Sevenoaks, thanks @VineMagazine. How u gonna follow that?!

Kirsteen Allen @ten2twokentK

@VineMagazine cheers for great evening tonight, very insightful to see what creative and enterprising folk get up to in kent. X

Dan Clews @DanClews

Just back from photographing a very busy @VineMagazine #grapevineevent, with a box of delicious @corporatecupcak cupcakes under my arm!

Russell Harper @harperphoto


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VINE dINING

Our resident foodie Benjamin James of the George & Dragon in chipstead reveals what’s been keeping the pub busy this month and shares his favourite recipes

food for thoughtwith Benjamin James

The Sapphire Rose is a perfect seasonal cocktail. crisp and refreshing, it perfectly mirrors a spring morning walk. As the cocktail for the month here at the George & dragon, chipstead why not give one a try when picking up your loyalty card?

½ Pink grapefruit squeezed

1 x wedge of lime

35ml Bombay sapphire gin

15ml maraschino cherry liqueur

10ml sugar syrup

1 x tsp white sugar

Place all ingredients into a cocktail shaker and cover with cubed ice. Place the lid on top and shake vigorously, double strain (straining both the ice and any sediment) into a chilled martini glass and serve immediately.

Cocktail of the month: Sapphire Rose

Wild garlic and spinach-stuffed mushroom

Wild garlic and spinach-stuffed mushroom

Regular readers will recall that last month I mentioned the imminent arrival of the much-loved foraging favourite, wild garlic. Since my last article many of my regulars from the George & dragon, chipstead have commented on how much they enjoy picking and using this wonderful little plant. One particular regular was quick to tell me how much enjoyment she got out of picking wild garlic at Riverhill Himalayan gardens in Sevenoaks and mixing it with another George & dragon favourite, Winterdale Shaw cheese. This combination makes a fantastic wild garlic and cheese quiche which is on offer to visitors of the gardens.

March saw the launch of our new website and loyalty card scheme, and I have been thrilled with how well they have both been received. Both regulars of the George & Dragon, Chipstead and first timers alike are pleased about the future benefits they can get by collecting card points each time they enjoy dinner or drinks at our pub and dining room. If you don’t already have a card, fear not – pop along in the next couple of weeks and I can make sure we have one ready for you. For new readers of Food for Thought who want to find out more about what our loyalty card has to offer, visit our website for more information and to see an archive of previous articles and a copy of today’s menu.

At the George & dragon, chipstead we use wild garlic generously throughout April and May when it is in abundance and at its best. From side orders, to hearty soups and even raw in salads, this plant is a winner. My favourite way to eat wild garlic is with cheese, a perfect combination. For a satisfying yet light lunch choice (which also makes a great starter), why not make this delicious wild garlic and spinach-stuffed field mushroom with Kentish blue cheese?

125g wild garlic leaves

125g spinach leaves

80g kentish blue cheese

2 x large field mushrooms

6 x sprigs of fresh thyme

Salt & pepper

Wipe the mushrooms with a damp cloth and place on a baking tray, sprinkle with salt and pepper, a drizzle of olive oil and chopped thyme. Place in a pre-heated oven at 180˚C for around 15 minutes. Meanwhile, place a handful of spinach leaves and wild garlic into a pan with a small knob of butter, place on the heat and stir until the heat wilts the leaves down to a tenth of the original size, season and remove from the heat. To serve, place a dessert-spoon amount of the wilted garlic on to a mushroom, stack one mushroom on top of another and place a slice of kentish blue cheese on top. Grill or place in a pre-heated oven until the cheese melts. Serve with a drizzle of olive or rapeseed oil and a sprinkling of pine nuts for extra crunch.

n Visit the pub at 39 High Street, chipstead, TN13 2RW and for more information or to book, call 01732 779019 or visit www.georgeanddragonchipstead.com

For the latest news, visit our new website at www.georgeanddragonchipstead.com and follow us @GeorgeChipstead on Twitter


Haxted Mill Restaurant

01732 862914www.haxtedmill.co.uk

ALFRESCO DINING AT ITS BEST

In the heart of Sevenoaks town centre

Freshly cooked food available lunchtimes and evenings

Generous wine list

Shepherd Neame Ales

S e v e N o A k S

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Open Tues, Wed, Thurs & Fri 9am-4pm & Saturday 9am-3pm

5 mins from Sevenoaks town/just off A25

Free Farmyard Parking

Chart Farm, Seal Chart, Sevenoaks,

Kent TN15 0ESt: 01732 761672

m: 07976 726 469

www.chartfarm.comBOROUGH GREEN

CH

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Open Tue, Wed & Fri 9am - 4pm & Sat 9am - 3pm5 mins from Sevenoaks town/just off A25Chart Farm, Seal Chart,Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0EST: 01732 761672 / 07976 726 469www.chartfarm.com

Selling Our Own Home-Reared Venison and Other Locally Sourced, Fine Meats

S H O P

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F rom the outside, this beautifully refurbished country retreat looks exactly as it would have when The Bull was first opened for business back in 1395. Step through the door and you’re welcomed by 14th-century oak beams, a warm inviting decor and an

Inglenook fireplace. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of main roads in the quaint and picturesque village of Wrotham, you feel instantly at ease. Aromas of good, hearty, traditional food seep through the kitchen, laughter and chat fills the air from satisfied customers and The Bull's ever-friendly staff greet with you with a smile. The atmosphere is everything you’d want from a great traditional pub.

Independently owned, The Bull offers its customers a more personal service – something that comes naturally to owner Martin Deadman. While a trip to chain pubs can seem lacklustre and rushed, a visit to The Bull is like stepping into a wonderful intimate story. A fascinating history is perfectly accompanied by good local ales, a fantastic selection of wine and most importantly a menu of truly delicious locally sourced food. Head Chef James Hawkes has excelled in transferring the quality of the AA rosette-winning restaurant food to the pub menu.

Wartime memorabilia pays homage to the RAF fighter pilots who used the pub as a local during World War II and their victory stamps remain evident on the restaurant ceiling. As a child, owner Martin grew up listening to wartime stories. His grandfather Henry fought during the Battle of Dunkirk, landing on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. His other grandfather was a tank engineer applying his services during the war in Italy and North Africa. The stories are fascinating and Martin is more than happy to re-tell them to his customers.

The best way to describe a visit to The Bull is to call it an experience: an experience not to be missed.

VINE dINING

The Bull in Wrotham has everyone talking. Already an established hotel and AA rosette restaurant, its new refurbishment and branding has taken it even further. With a fantastic pub menu, friendly staff and an unrivalled history, The Bull is the new place to be

BUzz OF THE BuLL

local & tastyChart Farm Venison Cottage Pie

KentDown Mushrooms on Toast

Hartley Bottom Rump Steak Burger

Harvel House Bacon Chop

In October 1940, Peter Brown shot down an enemy plane and the pilot bailed out. Peter saw where the pilot was landing and decided to land himself to try and meet him. The German pilot was taken to The Bull in Wrotham to be held under guard. Peter

arrived at The Bull where they shook hands, with Peter learning that the German’s name was Belemeir. During Belemeir’s stay at The Bull, he formed an unlikely friendship with Peter, honouring him by giving him a flying jacket. When Belemeir left The Bull, they both said that they were sorry to be fighting one another.

n For more information visit www.thebullhotel.com or call 01732 789800

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The Funky ChicksA new fever is sweeping the country. It’s loud, crazy and cool; the energy is contagious...it’s the funky fever! chris Bennett meets the gang

Superhero chick, Wild chick, Princess chick and Hip Hop chick form the funky group who are famous for their fantastic parties, their unique Funky chick dance classes and their performances at corporate events. The group truly do put the WOW factor into everything they do and they have already worked for many prestigious companies such as MTV, coca cola and Hamleys. From companies to playgrounds, the Funky chicks tornado is sweeping the nation. Even kate Moss and kelly Osborne want to be part of the gang! The Funky chicks originated when, as schoolchildren, sisters Annie and Evie Moran became bored of going to all the usual kids' parties. The parties needed something...they needed to be more fun, they needed to be more energetic...they needed some funkiness! The two sisters started to host their own dance parties and the word soon spread: the Funky chicks were born. Now the Funky chicks Empire includes their own music, dance academies and parties, they have their own clothing and they also have a dance dVd. They are even appearing at The Broadway Theatre in catford on May 12 in an interactive show called “The Jungle Funk”. So get your tickets fast!

The Funky chicks' parties are action-packed, full of dancing, crazy games and competitions. Everyone has the chance to win a great selection of prizes and have their hair sprayed different colours.

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, contact your local Instructor for a Free Assessment:Sevenoaks Study Centre Mandy Yarnold 01342 851221

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There are special effects which include flashing disco lights, snow and bubbles. The parties involve following the chicks’ dance moves and include a rock star competition and funky fashion show. The parties are high-tempo, energetic and most importantly fun, fun, fun! The Funky chicks Sevenoaks Academy takes place every Saturday at Sevenoaks Primary School and has unique classes for different age groups. Not only are the classes a bundle of fun, they are a great form of exercise and you are taught professional dance moves. They boost confidence and bring out the best of your personality. So go ahead...what are you waiting for? Join the Funky chicks revolution and book a party today! In the meantime...keep it funky!

n For more information visit www.funky-chicks.co.uk, email [email protected] or call 0208 3026992

n www.facebook.com/thefunkychicks

n www.twitter.com/thefunkychicks(above) Kate Moss being Funky with Kelly Osbourne at her daughter’s Funky Chicks Party


German in SevenoaksExperienced language teacher (German native speaker) is offering private tuition in the Sevenoaks area.

[email protected] visit:

german-in-sevenoaks.co.uk

Courses are individually tailored to client needs and can accommodate any level and purpose, including exam preparation (GSCE, A-level) and business communication. Individual as well as small group lessons can be arranged. Anything from 2-5 people is feasible to suit study with friends, fellow students or colleagues.Learning a language should be fun and rewarding! Empathy, motivation and constructive feedback are therefore always central to my approach.

For further information, or to arrange a free consultation or trial lesson please contact:

Small group and private lessons for all ages and

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Karting Parties


Five talented King’s Rochester Music Scholars have won a place in the final of the Medway Young Musician of the Year Awards organised by The Rotary Clubs of the Medway Towns this term. As this issue goes to press the King’s soloists will be battling it

out against 17 contestants at the Brook Theatre in Chatham. The successful competitors

are Laurence Long (piano), Sam Hall (saxophone), Kate Lambert (voice), Isabella Chambers (violin) and Sarah Crawford (clarinet). Director of Music, Douglas McIlwraith, said: “I am delighted that all the King’s musicians who entered have been recognised in this estimable competition which has been running since 1994.”

AT KING’Srising stars

King’s Rochester has had an incredibly successful term with many musical and academic achievements. The school is now looking forward to getting involved with the 2012 Olympic Games

2010 Medway Young Musician of the Year, Tabitha Reynolds, was recently awarded a scholarship to study voice at the Royal Academy of Music. She claims the award “was pivotal to other opportunities – singing before an audience of 4,000 in the Rochester Castle Gardens and numerous invitations to sing and tour as a soloist with orchestras.” At King’s she has had the opportunity to sing solos, including excerpts from Schubert’s “Mass in G” and Handel’s “Messiah”. Tabitha belongs to a successful string trio and various orchestras and enjoys playing violin and viola, in which she has achieved Grade 8 distinction, a level that she has also achieved in voice. Tabby is also a keen sportswoman and the morning after her performance as Dido she set a new record for the King’s house cross-country competition!

SOLOISTS SUCCEED AT MUSIC AWARDS

ROYAL ACADEMY OF MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP FOR TALENTED SINGER

Head girl, Kathryn Galliers, has been offered a place by Trinity College, Oxford to study Biochemistry and Alastair Thomas has been offered a place at Churchill College Cambridge to study Medicine.

Celebrating World Book Day, the Preparatory School’s costumed ‘motivators’ brought the joy of reading to the classrooms and beyond. Staff and pupils read favourite passages from books of their choice in an extended assembly and it was agreed that this year’s Fourth Form had some of the best costumes ever for this celebratory day. A ‘fashion parade’ by the costumed characters was arranged for the Pre-Preparatory School children during lunch and a book fair continued the celebrations.

Saturday morning lessons will be a thing of the past at King’s from September 2012. The school year has been reconfigured to contain all academic lessons within a five-day teaching week whilst also allowing for an increase in the amount of teaching time. The new format will ensure that the broad range of extracurricular and sporting activities, which are a vital part of King’s extended curriculum, can not only continue but be built upon in the future. Sports fixtures will continue to be scheduled on Saturdays.

OXBRIDGE SUCCESS

WORLD BOOK DAY

END OF AN ERA FOR SATURDAY MORNING SCHOOL

Dubbed “an extraordinary production” by Head Master Ian Walker, King’s senior pupils performed Henry Purcell’s opera Dido and Aeneas in the sublime setting of Rochester Cathedral this term. The Director of Music, Douglas McIlwraith, said of the students: “They have been enthusiastic throughout, have learnt quickly and have discovered just how entertaining an opera can be and what a powerful impact it can have on an audience.” The students also benefited from the support of Wayne Morris, Director of Productions for Diva Opera – Britain’s leading touring chamber opera company.

EXTRAORDINARY PRODUCTION OF DIDO AND AENEAS

EducATION

For more information visit www.kings-rochester.co.uk or call 01634 888590

Lesley Covington will be playing a character role in the Olympics Opening Ceremony

What made you want to be part of the 2012 Olympics?

I originally applied as a London Ambassador because I love London and was born there, but then I received an email last August saying: ‘Be a part of Danny Boyle’s cast for the Olympic Ceremonies’ and I applied. I was absolutely shocked that I actually got an audition, certain I wouldn’t get any further. A recall followed, then a cast offer!

You have a daughter at king’s – is she keen on sport?

My daughter, Lily, is 16 and has always played competitive sport; at King’s she is in the first team for hockey and netball.

do you think sport should play an important role in education?

Sport is a vital component in a broad and balanced education as it teaches valuable lessons in teamwork and perseverance, builds self-esteem and promotes physical fitness. King’s has always been supportive of young talent and encourages all abilities to take part.

Kathy Batts will be a torch bearer on July 19 carrying the torch from Deal

How did you become a torch bearer?

I was actually nominated by the treasurer of the Royal Life Saving Society and my former boss Terry Hall who I’ve known for 35 years – I didn’t know he’d done it. I got an email saying I’d got through to the final 50,000 in August and didn’t think I had much of a chance, but I recevied an email at Christmas to say I was one of the 8,000 selected!

Tell us more about your life saving

I’m currently the National Champion for Life Saving – it started as a hobby, swimming and lifeguarding – now I train and assess lifeguards myself.

What’s your involvement with king’s?

I have a daughter, Dana, who is at King’s and I’m also an officer for the school’s CCF (Combined Cadet Force). I think it’s a shame other schools don’t have CCF as the students learn how to present and conduct themselves – they’re a real credit to King’s as they are so polite and disciplined.

king’s Rochester provides a daily Sevenoaks minibus service on which children may travel from age eight. Many children join the school at 11+, attracted by the school's top exam results from a broad-ability intake, small classes, award-winning music and wide-ranging sports and extra-curricular activities. Why not see for yourself what king’s Rochester could do for your child at the next Open Morning?

The next Open Morning will be held on Saturday May 12 from 9.30am to 12 noon. There is no need to book but for any queries please contact Registrar, Lynne davies, on 01634 888590 or [email protected].

Principal Elect, Mr Jeremy Walker, will be at the Open Morning and is looking forward to meeting parents and prospective pupils. Mr Walker will take over from dr Ian Walker when he retires in July after 26 years of distinguished service.

PARENT HOLDING THE TORCH FOR KENT

Vine talks to king’s parents who will be fully embracing the 2012 Olympics

James started sailing from the tender age of six and has represented Great Britain at both the British Nationals (400

competitors) and the Irish Nationals (50 competitors). In his competing squad, Youth 12, he was ninth in the country last year and James is aiming for the Olympics in 2020. He represents three sailing clubs, works hard in the gym and is a member of the king’s Rochester rowing team. He travels all around the country for squad weekends and is trained by a national coach. James was made a king’s Rochester Sports Scholar this year and presented with a school velvet cap – the high accolade. Velvet caps are awarded for international honours, when a king’s boy or girl represents their country in any sport at international level while still at school.

katie White has shown a promising start to the 2012 season, competing incredibly well

in her indoor races, with the fastest time for a girl born in 1997 out of the 38 athletes competing. She is currently ranking fourth in the uk for 400m, 12th in the uk for 300m and 24th for 200m and she is in the top 10 for all events in the competitive south-east region for her birth year. She was the fastest female athlete at Tonbridge Ac out of all the age groups, including senior ladies, over this distance last year, so she shows great promise for the future. Her long-term goal is to gain an international vest and the Olympics is her dream. With many athletes reaching their full potential in their mid-to-late 20s, katie is looking good for the Olympics in 2016 and is set to gain a place on the World Indoor team this year.

King’s Rochester’s very own Fencing Master, Peter Huggins, will be playing the important role of Chief Armourer at this year’s Olympic Games. After being recognised for his services to sport in 2009 by receiving the Kent Unsung Hero award, and as the school’s fencing coach for 11 years, Peter has been entrusted with weapon control at the games, heading up a team of 22 armourers. Fencing is one of the original modern

SPORTS STARS OF THE FUTURE

FENCING MASTER IS CHIEF ARMOURER AT GAMES

King’s Rochester encourages its own sporting stars and some have future Olympic successes in their sights

THINKING OF JOINING KING’S? OPEN MORNING

NAME: JAMES SkuLcZuk

EVENT: SAILING

NAME: kATIE WHITE

EVENT: 400M, 300M, 200M

Olympic events (since the games began in 1896). It is part of the core

curriculum at King’s and the pupils take the British Fencing Association proficiency awards. This isn’t the first event in which Peter has played a major role. He has had other positions in key fencing competitions including the 2011 European Championship, the Modern

Pentathlon World Cup 2010 and the World Championships in 2010.


The New Beacon � Brittains Lane

Sevenoaks � Kent TN13 2PB

Telephone: 01732 452131

Fax: 01732 459509

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.newbeacon.org.uk

Boys’ Prep School 4 to 13

Registered Charity No: 307925

A T T E N T I O N

New Beacon Alumni. If you wish to register

and are an Old Boy, Parent or Staff Member

please go to www.newbeacon.org.uk for Prospectus and further information, please e-mail:Tiffany Spurling-Harrold at [email protected]

A leading prepschool offering:

� Outstanding record atCE and Scholarship ~academic, sport, music& art

� Academic Bursaries/Scholarships availablefrom Year 3

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� After school care

ONE MEDIA ADVERT:129 X 165mm 8/9/11 17:32 Page 1

for Prospectus and further information, please e-mail: Tiffany Spurling-Harrold [email protected]

A leading prep school offering:• Outstanding record at cE and Scholarship - academic, sport, music & art• Academic Bursaries/ Scholarships available from Year 3• Strong sporting tradition• After school care


A leading prep school offering:

l Outstanding record at CE and Scholarship ~ academic, sport, music & art

l Academic Bursaries/Scholarships available from Year 3

l Strong sporting tradition

l After school care

for Prospectus and further information, please e-mail: Tiffany Spurling-Harrold at [email protected]

Boys’ PreP school 4 to 13

the New Beacon l Brittains lane l sevenoaks l Kent tN13 2PBtelephone: 01732 452131 l Fax: 01732 459509email: [email protected] l Web: www.newbeacon.org.ukRegistered Charity No: 307925

AtteNtioN New Beacon Alumni. if you wish to register and are an old Boy, Parent or staff Member please go to www.newbeacon.org.uk

SEVENOAKS.indd 115/03/2012 14:44





l After school care



the New Beacon l Brittains lane l sevenoaks l Kent tN13 2PBtelephone: 01732 452131 l Fax: 01732 459509email: [email protected] l Web: www.newbeacon.org.uk Registered Charity No: 307925

A t t e N t i o NNew Beacon Alumni. if you wish to register and are an old Boy, Parent or staff Member please go to www.newbeacon.org.uk

SEVENOAKS.indd 1 15/03/2012 14:44





l After school care



the New Beacon l Brittains lane l sevenoaks l Kent tN13 2PBtelephone: 01732 452131 l Fax: 01732 459509email: [email protected] l Web: www.newbeacon.org.uk Registered Charity No: 307925

A t t e N t i o NNew Beacon Alumni. if you wish to register and are an old Boy, Parent or staff Member please go to www.newbeacon.org.uk

SEVENOAKS.indd 1 15/03/2012 14:44A leading prep school offering:

l Outstanding record at CE and

Scholarship ~ academic, sp

ort,

music & art

l Academic Bursaries/Scholarships

available from Year 3

l Strong sporting tra

dition

l After school care

for Prospectus and further information, please e-mail:

Tiffany Spurlin

g-Harrold at [email protected]’ PreP school 4 to 13

the New Beacon l Brittains lane l sevenoaks l Kent tN13 2PB

telephone: 01732 452131 l Fax: 01732 459509

email: [email protected] l Web: www.newbeacon.org.uk


A t t e N t i o N

New Beacon Alumni. if you wish

to register and are an old Boy,

Parent or staff Member please go

to www.newbeacon.org.uk

SEVENOAKS.indd 1

15/03/2012 14:44

A leading prep school offering:l Outstanding record at CE and

Scholarship ~ academic, sport,

music & art


available from Year 3l Strong sporting traditionl After school care


Tiffany Spurling-Harrold at [email protected]



telephone: 01732 452131 l Fax: 01732 459509



A t t e N t i o N





SEVENOAKS.indd 1

15/03/2012 14:44

A leading prep school offering:l Outstanding record at CE and

Scholarship ~ academic, sport,

music & art


available from Year 3l Strong sporting tradition

l After school care


Tiffany Spurling-Harrold at [email protected]



telephone: 01732 452131 l Fax: 01732 459509



A t t e N t i o N





SEVENOAKS.indd 1

15/03/2012 14:44

AT T E N T I O NNew Beacon Alumni. If you wish to register and are an Old Boy,

Parent or Staff Member please go to www.newbeacon.org.uk

GROWING UP AT THE PREPWe have three main points of entry: nursery, year 3 and Year 7

Outstanding academic success at 11+,13+ and scholarship level Strong pastoral care in a family-orientated environment Bursaries available

w. WWW.THEPREP.ORG.UKT. 01732 762336 e. [email protected]

“The teaching at Rochester is rigorous and tailored to

the best possible exam results. It offers a broad education,

combining its original focus on getting students into

competitive university courses such as medicine,

dentistry and veterinary science with an emphasis on

the creative arts.” THE INDEPENDENT

•Two year courses •Year 12 transfers •A level retakes

get on top form

www.rochester-college.org 01634 828115

SPECIALIST SIXTH FORM STUDY

Not all independent schools are the same. At Rochester we have an average class size of

eight, an inspiring team of teachers,

no uniform, no entrance exams, a warm & friendly

environment, an outstanding ofsted rating,

27 years’ experience preparing students for top universities,

great food, first class en suite boarding facilities,

minibus services from Sevenoaks and we focus

on academic achievement while still encouraging

independent thought and creativity.

www.rochester-college.orgSTAR HILL ROCHESTER ME1 1XF 01634 828115

YEAR 7 TO SIXTH FORM ISC ACCREDITED


EducATION

dRAMATIc TERM FOR YEARS 3 ANd 4

ScIENcE WEEk AT SEVENOAkS ScHOOL

It’s been an exciting term for The Granville School; not only has the school achieved some outstanding academic results, they’ve had plenty of fun too! Vine takes a look at what the girls have been up to

Granville GirlsHappy, enquiring, well educated

Year 4 put on their very first class play with the guidance of Drama Teacher Mrs Brown; they entertained a very appreciative audience

of family and friends with a production of the children’s classic Dick Whittington. Every girl was included and there was an array of brilliant

costumes. In addition, Years 3 and 4 were treated to a production of Charlotte’s Web at the Polka Theatre in Wimbledon

after enjoying the book in class. Isobel, Lucy and Madeline of Year 3 reported: “It was very sad when Charlotte died and the actress was

really good and her costume was amazing.”

SPORT RELIEF MILE

There was great excitement on the last day of term for The Granville pupils as they celebrated by walking for Sport Relief 2012. Each class had been given a Commonwealth country to research. Flags were made to represent their given country and Year 5 made Olympic torches in their art lesson. Dressed in their sports attire, both staff and children alike cheered and waved their flags and Olympic torches as they walked for Sport Relief 2012. Everyone completed the mile including the very youngest entrants ( 3 years of age).

Years 5 and 6 attended some very exciting educational events at Sevenoaks School. Year 5 took part in a team engineering challenge to design and build a spring-loaded buggy, with two of The Granville teams achieving second and third place (out of 16). Year 6 attended two shows – ‘It Takes Guts’, all about digestion, and ‘The Bubble Show’ where they witnessed some of the biggest bubbles they had ever seen!

WORLd BOOk dAYThis March was an inspiring month for the Granville pupils as they donned their most imaginative costumes in support of World Book Day. The day is held to encourage children to explore the pleasures of reading and each child comes to school dressed as a character from one of their favourite books. There were some very inspirational and innovative costumes.

The Granville celebrated the success of 23 students who made 45 entries to independent schools, with all 45 places offered. The girls

were also awarded 13 scholarships or exhibitions to schools including Caterham School, Combe Bank, Kent College Pembury, Sevenoaks Prep, Walthamstow Hall and Woldingham. In addition, 14 girls sat the Kent 11+ exam and all of them were offered grammar school

places, with an average score of 410.

Maths has been great fun at The Granville this term. The lure of a pack of Smarties worked wonders! The girls tackled a variety of

maths topics, including graphs, problem solving and probability. The Smarties investigation was a huge incentive to learning and very popular. All pupils, without exception, agreed it was a great way

to aid their learning, especially as they will each receive a tube of Smarties to enjoy at home.

100% 11+ AND SCHOLARSHIP SUCCESS

WE LOVE MATHS!

n For more information about The Granville, or to arrange a visit, call 01732 453039 or visit www.granvilleschool.org

The Granville School is a highly achieving independent day school in Sevenoaks for girls 3-11 and boys 3-4. The school’s aim is to develop the full potential and natural talents of each individual child in order to prepare them for a fulfilled, happy and productive life. Granville has a caring family atmosphere which thrives at all levels of the school. At Year 5, the class divides into two classes of a maximum of 15 pupils in preparation for 11+ examinations for entry into state and independent schools. We have a few available spaces for September 2012 and especially welcome applications for this year group.

We have a few available spaces for September 2012 and especially welcome applications for this year group.


For information on Admissions please call our Registrar on 01732 451 334 or go to

www.walthamstow-hall.co.uk

OPEN MORNING

Thursday 10th May 2012, 10.00am – 12.00pm

The Headmistress and students will talk at 11.30am

• Independent senior school for girls aged 11- 18• Outstanding ISI Inspection Report

• Long established record of academic excellence• Extensive extra-curricular programme

• Exceptional facilities, new entrance and gallery opening Spring 2012

• Scholarships (up to 50%) and bursaries available at 11+, 13+ and 16+

• Within walking distance of Sevenoaks station. School mini buses from Tunbridge Wells,

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Horticulture PT courses advert (Vine April 2012).indd 1 13/04/2012 16:26:50


F or Sackville School, it has always been about individualised learning, extremely small class sizes, quality teaching and traditional values. Now, it is all paying off with the school’s recent ISI inspection classifying it as ‘Excellent’ and Year 13

students holding offers to some of the best universities in the country.

In its recent full ISI inspection Sackville School rated in the top category of ‘Excellent’ in five of seven areas and the second highest category of ‘Good’ in the other two. With the pupils' learning and achievements rated as ‘Excellent’, as well as the teaching, pupil personal development and pastoral care, it is no wonder that some of the current offers to Year 13 students include Materials Science at Oxford and Imperial College London, Media Production at Bournemouth, English at Aberystwyth and Economics at Edinburgh.

Headmaster Peter Lane, who is in his third year at Sackville, was thrilled with the report. He said: “All of us here believe Sackville is very special and it is wonderful to have the inspection team uphold this conviction. While it is always pleasing to be recognised for excellent teaching and learning, it meant more to me that our pupils were praised so highly for their behaviour, manners and respect for each other. I really am so very proud of them.”

According to the Headmaster, quality teaching and devoted teachers are at the heart of the school’s recent success. The inspectors agreed, describing the teaching at Sackville as excellent: “Teachers regularly enthuse and motivate their pupils to enjoy and engage with their learning; they encourage them to achieve at their highest possible level.”

It is this dedication to excellent teaching, as well as the pupils’ enthusiasm, that is largely responsible for Sackville’s excellent academic results of last year. Sackville’s Year 13 students achieved a 100 per cent pass

rate, with almost half achieving an A or B grade and all students achieving places at one of their top two university choices – an important consideration when so many universities are becoming oversubscribed. In addition, last year the local press identified Sackville as the highest performing mixed ability school in the area. This year 93 per cent of pupils achieved five or more A* to C grades at GCSE level.

The secret to Sackville’s success is its extremely small class sizes, deliberately structured in order to allow teachers to treat each child as an individual. The school believes that small class sizes can only be fully effective if teachers are trained to teach to them properly, so the team place a great emphasis on ‘differentiation’, ensuring the adjustment of the teaching process to accommodate the needs of the individual pupils.

This is backed by the inspection team, who came to the conclusion that “the small community of Sackville enables pupils to thrive and to achieve very well in relation to their abilities. Pupils are known as individuals; their talents are fostered and they receive the appropriate challenge and support to make the maximum progress in their academic subjects.”

Treating your students as individuals is paying off for the co-educational Sackville School in Hildenborough after recent academic success and a rating of ‘Excellent’ by the ISI inspection team

individuality sparks success at SAcKvIlle

n Take a tour of the school on May 10 from 11.15 am; to book a place or for more information about the school, contact christina cox on 01732 836401Visit us at www.sackvilleschool.com

Quality teaching and devoted

teachers are at the heart of the school’s recent

success

EducATION


1986: 100 years on

1986 saw a change in Kent College as it geared up towards the 21st century, 100 years after its founding in Folkestone. Rapidly expanding and developing, the school was moving towards many of the changes that we now see today as well-established factors of school life. Reverend Barrett joined Kent College in 1983 and led the school through further new development over the following seven years, along with his wife Sally. Joining as the school reached its first Centenary, he wrote in SAGA in 1986: “This is an exciting time in Kent College’s history. There are a number of plans for its development – new buildings, an

extended curriculum, an enlarged Sixth Form, additional facilities – we dare to believe that the future looks bright.”

the move of aultmore prep school

To continue the school’s development, in 1989 the plans for the new Aultmore building were approved and thus started a new era in the Junior School’s life. The Junior School benefited greatly from this move from Kingswood Road to the Pembury site, not just with the new school and up-to-date facilities, but also with the use of the Senior School facilities and extra outdoor space for recreation. The move helped both the Junior and Senior schools to work more closely together and for the youngest pupils to mix with the oldest. Indeed, this link still exists strongly today. Norma Perry Headmistress of Aultmore at the time commented: “I never again want to move a whole school, lock stock and a hundred desks, the girls arrived on their first day of term with their classrooms (almost) fully equipped and the teachers anxious to make a start after so much preparation. Incredibly, everything went smoothly right away and within a week it felt as if we had been here always…”

the 1990s and barbara Crompton

Miss Barbara Crompton joined Kent College from St Anne’s School in Windermere in 1990 and with a bright look to the 21st century, set about enhancing areas such as the facilities, extracurricular programme and activities. Barbara Crompton was very aware

21st-century girls

that what girls remembered about school wasn’t necessarily their lessons but the extracurricular activities and events and set about adding roller skating, rock climbing, fencing, archery and self-defence to the extracurricular programme. “When Barbara came to Kent College as Headmistress in 1989 it was following John Barrett’s headship which had seen many changes: Centenary Celebrations, the moving of Aultmore as well as many building works. It was now a time for consolidation, to get KC known in the area and as league tables had started, the school needed to improve its position,” said June Darbyshire, Governor and former pupil. During this time, and heading towards the new millennium, there were some very significant changes to the school and in particular to the school facilities which became larger and more ambitious. Realising the need to provide improved resources for the PE department, a state-of-the-art Sports Hall was built in 1999 and opened by Roger Black in time for the millennium celebrations, which created a great furore among pupils and staff. To commemorate the start of the building work, staff fondly remember Miss Crompton donning a yellow helmet and boarding a digger with pupils affectionately singing ‘Babs the Builder’. In 2002 the Judi Dench Theatre was

In the third instalment of our series celebrating Kent College Pembury’s 125th anniversary, Vine looks at the dramatic developments that took place in the lead up to the millennium and how the current staff and pupils have supported the school for the future

Building of Kent College Prep (Aultmore) on the Pembury site

Barbara Crompton Headmistress

Ex-Headmistress Margaret James opening the new boarding houses James & Osborn


built, creating a superb performance space with professional lighting and technical box and enough room to seat 360 people. This ambitious project, the jewel in Kent College’s crown, and ahead of its time in many ways, promoted the excellence in Performing Arts. The first production was Camelot and the school was thrilled to welcome back Old Girl HRH The Countess of Wessex, Sophie Rhys-Jones, who had attended KC during Miss James’ Headship. Another initiative that Miss Crompton introduced was the Birthday Lecture which started as part of the school’s 110th Birthday Celebrations in 1996 amid much secrecy and security with Sir Patrick Mayhew, who was then Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. Subsequent lectures have been given by Helen Sharman, Roger Black, Kate Adie, Bear Grylls, George Alagiah, Germaine Greer, Sandi Toksvig, John Sergeant, and in 2011 Dan Snow, to name but a few. In 2002, Anne Upton joined Kent College from Burgess Hill School for Girls and continued Barbara Crompton’s enthusiasm at encouraging girls to appreciate an all-round education and to take advantage of the range of activities and opportunities on offer. In addition, Ann Lawson joined what was known then as Kent College Junior School and has successfully developed the Prep School, preparing girls for the 11+ and for the Senior School entrance exams whilst focusing on achievement in other areas.

2008: the arrival of sally-anne huang

In 2008, Anne Upton was succeeded by Sally-Anne Huang, who joined Kent College from Roedean where she had previously been Deputy Head. Mrs Huang moved into Pepenbury with her young family and menagerie of pets to build on the foundations that her predecessors had carefully laid, with ambitious goals focusing on improving academic standards and to continue raising the school’s profile so as to “sing from the roof tops” all the achievements and successes of each and every girl. Experienced in many areas of school life, including working as a Housemistress at Sevenoaks School and as a teacher of English and Classics, Mrs Huang has been influential in encouraging pupils to succeed, to surpass

their expectations and to find the passion and potential that is individual to them. As an Oxbridge graduate, she has been keen to inspire pupils, to encourage ambition and to believe that anything is possible, whether that is gaining a First Class Honours degree at Oxford, abseiling down a hospital for charity or winning a debate with a rival school. “Under Mrs Huang’s leadership every facet of the school goes from strength to strength, and KC is entering another exciting phase of its life with the forthcoming development of a new Library and Arts facility planned to open in late 2012. In all my years as parent and governor it has been a pleasure to see KC develop outstanding academic achievement and state of the art facilities to rival any in the field of education.” John Ingram, Governor and ex-parent of KC said. Academic standards continue to rise with a constant cycle of development and progression and this was noted and rewarded when the Independent Schools Inspectorate visited at the end of 2009, before awarding Kent College ‘outstanding’ status. At the same time, the boarding community were inspected by Ofsted and were delighted to receive an overall judgement of ‘outstanding’ in recognition of the exceptional provision at Kent College. The ISI said: “Pupils’ development is outstanding. Christian values are embedded in the daily life of the school, and this enables the school to achieve its aim of fostering a tolerant and supportive ethos.”

2010 – 2012: raising the bar

As Kent College celebrates its 125th Anniversary, the school continues to grow and

develop with fierce ambition, belief and an unwillingness to never settle for second best. As Head girls Rebecca Lee, Millie Simpson and Becky Reynolds reiterated countless times in their 2011 Speech Day presentation: “We are KC girls, and we can do anything”. This ambition is seen in all areas of Kent College. In the top university applications received, in the scale of whole school theatre productions, in the quest for new and exciting extracurricular activities and in the range of spell-binding overseas trips. All of these are strived for with hard work and determination, and as Mrs Huang stated in her Speech Day

presentation: “We don’t achieve things here by sitting around and thinking pretty thoughts – we do something about them.” Kent College continues to raise its game with its stunning performing arts, talented sports teams and with the provision of exciting and unusual activities and opportunities. In recent years girls have enjoyed trips to Indonesia, Geography trip to Iceland, Sports tour to Gibraltar, outdoor adventure trips to the Ardeche, Language trips to Le Touquet, Munich and Malaga, and an educational cruise around Turkey, Egypt and Lebanon. Activities now include clay pigeon shooting, Glazy Daisy ceramics, yoga, judo and ‘zumba’ dance classes and the breadth of A level subjects now

includes 26, of which girls can choose Politics, Dance and Economics. Other developments during Mrs Huang’s leadership to date include the opening of the Kent College Gymnastics Academy in 2010 with girls competing at national standard and Kent College proudly hosting the Girls Independent Schools Gymnastic Association National tournament in March 2012. In addition, girls can now enjoy learning new skills with the outside activity Confidence

L-R Prep School Headmistress Ann Lawson and Senior School Headmistress Sally-Anne Huang

A Midsummer Night’s Dream March 2012 and re-opening of the Countess of Wessex Theatre

Mrs Huang has been influential in encouraging

pupils to succeed, to surpass their

expectations and to find the passion and potential that

is individual to them

EducATION


dates for the diary

THE KENT COLLEGE FILM FESTIVAL JUNE 15–17 2012

As part of the school’s 125th anniversary celebrations, the festival celebrates ‘childhood’ in film and the event promises to be a spectacular family event with day time viewings on an outside screen and evening viewings in the school’s recently-refurbished state-of-the-art professional theatre. Highlights include the Big Shorts Finals, an awards ceremony for students in year groups 6 to 13, a Finding Nemo family fancy dress picnic on the kent college lawn, Spielberg classic The Goonies, children’s corner Music Recital and a Fantasia ballet based on disney’s Fantasia performed by students at kent college as part of the evening gala event on June 16.

n Tickets cost £3 for children per film/event and £6 for adults. For full details and events listings, visit www.kent-college.co.uk, call the box office on 01892 822006 or email [email protected]

SENIOR SCHOOL OPEN MORNINGS 2012

Wednesday May 9 9.30am – 1pm

Saturday October 13 9.30am – 1pm

Tuesday October 16 9.30am – 1pm

n To book places, please contact Admissions on 01892 820218

n Visit www.kent-college.co.uk or call 01892 820204 for the Prep School or call 01892 822006 for the Senior School. Follow kent college Pembury on Twitter @KentCollegePemb

Course which was generously funded by the Parents’ Association in 2008. Here girls enjoy leadership weekends, inductions, activity and fun days. In 2010 a Dance Studio was also established to cater for the growing number of girls interested in this subject both within the curriculum and as an extracurricular activity.

september 22, 2011: Celebrating 125 years

On September 22, 2011 Kent College proudly celebrated its 125th Anniversary with 450 Senior School pupils, 200 Prep School pupils and 200 members of staff. A vast number in comparison to those early days 125 years ago, when Miss De La Mere opened the door to just nine enrolled pupils. The day was spent paying tribute to Kent College’s origins of 1886 with a Victorian-themed day. In the afternoon Mrs Huang attended a celebratory Old Girls Reunion in Folkestone, accompanied by the Senior School Chamber Choir, School Officers and Year 7 pupils where they chatted and entertained Kent College’s oldest former pupils. Mrs Huang said: “It was really special to have the opportunity to bring the youngest and oldest of the KC community together. Having KC in common definitely closed any potential generation gaps and I’m sure it was an afternoon everyone present will remember with great affection.”

Current Head Girl Harri McKenzie-Dono-van cutting the Kent College Birthday Cake

Architect image of the new Art & Library Centre

In this celebratory year the school has planned other events bringing together all parts of the KC community. These include the whole school production of ‘A Midsummer Nights’ Dream’ and the opening of the newly refurbished theatre by former pupil HRH The Countess of Wessex. During the summer of 2012 Kent College looks forward to its second Film Festival weekend with outdoor screenings of childhood themed films, as well as a Friends of Kent College summer reunion. One of the most hotly anticipated events of the year, however, will be the 125th Anniversary Grand Summer Ball with its oppulent Victorian theme, held at the end of this celebratory year after Speech Day on the last day of term. Throughout 2012 the school looks forward to a new phase of development with building work to begin on an iconic Art and Library centre which will offer a stylish open-plan library and café, art classrooms, studio and exhibition space and kiln rooms. Who knows what the next 125 years will bring, but one thing is for sure, whatever direction Kent College takes in the next 100 years, it will continue to provide an outstanding all-round education that nurtures young girls into successful, confident and happy young women. Bianca Von Oppell, current Year 13 pupil said: “KC has been such a huge part of my life. I have matured and developed so much in the four years I have been here and couldn’t possibly think of doing the things I do without the support and enrichment KC provides. This birthday celebrates the excellent education, opportunities and successes it has provided for these many years and will continue to do so in the future. I feel blessed to be a part of it, thank you KC!”


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What attracted you to Russell House?

I began my teaching career at an outstanding co-educational preparatory school in Scotland. Russell House clearly has the same feel; a school which offers an excellent education and myriad opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities. Russell House is also the right size to allow staff to genuinely get to know the children as individuals and their respective families. As a result, each child is offered the opportunity to achieve their best according to their gifts. What also struck me, as I got to know Russell House better, is the sense of family. A popular word used by schools is ‘community’ but I believe Russell House is more about ‘family’ – a safe, happy, welcoming environment.

What excites you most about your appointment?

Every new Head wants to make a difference and I am no exception. Parents are entrusting me and my staff with what they value above all else – their children; the responsibility of educating these boys and girls is not taken lightly. It is, however, incredibly exciting.

do you have any immediate plans for the school?

Russell House is a thriving school, highly successful academically, and in demand. I will spend time listening to pupils, parents and staff over the coming year and then begin a process of evolutionary change. Music is a key strength and maintaining the standard is high on my list of priorities. Sports have developed a great deal over recent years and I wish to further that. There will certainly be a chess club. I have always run chess clubs at my schools and believe chess serves as an excellent tool for developing concentration, critical thinking, lateral thinking and problem-solving skills. It is also terrific fun!

What drew you into a career in education?

I wasn’t always a teacher. My first career was as a solicitor. However, my

wife, who is an English teacher, would talk about her varied working day and the challenges and successes of her pupils with a level of satisfaction that led me to the conclusion that I needed to change paths. I have never looked back.

What are the vital ingredients for a successful primary education?

Above all, children need to feel safe and happy, free from fear of making mistakes and confident in the knowledge that they can always do better next time. Each boy and girl has different strengths and weaknesses which need to be identified and supported. They should be encouraged to think for themselves and learn to challenge accepted wisdom. Not only should the school provide the best quality teaching and learning, but also foster a strong partnership with parents, enabling children to transfer to secondary school full of confidence and with the best possible foundation.

What do you do in your spare time?

I am very lucky in that most of my hobbies can be incorporated into school life. I enjoy chess and astronomy. I coach cricket, rugby and hockey and I am a keen skier. I play the violin and I am currently trying to make sense of the clarinet. When I do get spare time I like going to the gym, I love cinema and spending time with my wife and our two boys.

a word with the newHeADMAster

Vine caught up with Craig McCarthy, the new head at Russell House from September, who explains why it is the perfect

school for him and what he will be bringing to the role

Russell House welcomes boys and girls aged from 2-11. For more information, please call 01959 522352 or visit www.russellhouseschool.co.uk.


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At dental Elegance you can rest assured that you are in the most qualified, skilled and capable hands. As well as cosmetic or aesthetic dentistry and implants, dental Elegance provides all forms of general dentistry. Vine takes a look at five of Dental Elegance’s most popular treatments:

dental elegance

Fed up with those food and coffee stains? Bring that smile to life with Dental Elegance’s Tooth Whitening Treatment. Professional bleaching is the most common process and the experts at Dental Elegance can use laser whitening to speed up the process. The laser will enhance the chemical reaction and will lighten the teeth up to six times lighter.

A crown is a way to cover chipped, broken or weakened teeth, strengthening your teeth and restoring your smile. A crown can also be used to protect the space left from a root filling or to help hold a denture or bridge in place.

A dental implant is the closest you can come to regaining a natural tooth. An implant is

used to secure one or more false teeth, or dentures, into place. It consists of a titanium rod set into the jawbone, which the false teeth are then fixed to. This is a well-established method which lasts many years.

After a while old fillings can become discoloured and defective. Gaps may start to appear between the filling and the tooth which means that bacteria can get under the filling and cause decay and discolouration. By using up to date filling materials it is possible to replace any old fillings with new stronger more cosmetic ones – without the need for more invasive treatment. Replacing the old fillings in this way means that the tooth is ‘sealed’ and protected again against further decay.

An inlay is a small setting within the biting surface of the tooth. An onlay is a facing which restores and replaces the whole biting surface of the tooth. Inlays or onlays can be made of either porcelain or gold and both have their advantages. Porcelain can perfectly match the shade of the remaining tooth and it can be chemically bonded to the tooth, making it extremely strong. Gold can be made very thin and retain its strength, so it can be useful in back teeth where there is little room to restore the tooth.

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Have you considered dental implants?

Do you have missing teeth and are unhappy with loose, uncomfortable, unsightly dentures? Do you have gaps in your smile? At Dental Elegance we have vast experience in providing state of the art dental implants supporting beautiful, comfortable teeth giving you confidence when eating and smiling.This patient complained of loose teeth and dentures that were ill-fitting. He had implants placed in his mouth by our consultant oral surgeon and subsequently we made him fixes bridges that enable him to eat anything he wants and has restored his overall confidence.Contact us for a consultation appointment to evaluate if we can restore your dentition with modern day implants. We will give you all the options for your treatment and can discuss favourable finance/payment options.

Whether your reasons for a new smile are entirely aesthetic or are clinically required, dental Elegance ensures its patients receive exactly the results they’re looking for by following only the most ethical treatments and solutions available. But dental Elegance doesn’t just offer tailor-made cosmetic dentistry services; it is also an established general dentistry practice that can make sure your teeth not only look great, but

are also as healthy as possible. So in addition to the top-of-the-line bridges, you can also have, for example, your root treatments, implants, and cleaning and prevention seen to all under one roof. And with its customer-service-focused and fully trained team of staff, not to mention results you could have once only dreamed of, dental Elegance is the all-encompassing dental practice that you can’t wait to visit again.

n For more information on any of the treatments, visit www.dentalelegance.co.uk or call 0208 850 8820

WELLNESS


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SKin SOLuTIONSdr Johanna Ward, Medical director of The Skin Clinic Sevenoaks, provides the answers to all your cosmetic queries. This month she looks at treatments for acne

Q: My son has bad acne on his face. He took antibiotics but they didn’t help. What can we try next?

Jane, Sundridge

A: Acne affects 80 per cent of young people at some point in their lives and is the most common skin condition that people consult their doctor about. Approximately 20 per cent of people will have acne so severe that they need aggressive treatment to prevent secondary scarring. Although the diagnosis of acne is straightforward and effective treatments are available, acne remains a challenging dermatological problem. Acne is a chronic skin condition with no quick fixes or overnight cures. Treatments often take six to eight weeks or longer to work, with many people failing to stick to them or giving up, thinking they haven’t worked. The cause of acne is not fully understood but we know it is due to a combination of follicle plugging, excess sebum or oil production, colonisation of the follicles by a bacteria (Propionibacterium Acnes) and subsequent inflammation. Any effective treatment regime needs to target all of these processes. Treatment options include topical skin creams (topical antibotics, benzoyl peroxide

retinoids), oral antibiotics, hormonal preparations (females only), oral Roaccutane (a type of Vitamin A) or any combination of these. Optimising skincare such as switching to mineral make-up can help reduce acne. Other effective non-NHS treatments for acne are Intense Pulsed Light treatment (IPL) and radiofrequency. Both treatments help reduce sebum production and IPL helps to eliminate the causative bacteria Propionibacterium Acnes. In your son’s case, where antibiotics have not worked, it might be worth considering another antibiotic or treatments such as IPL or oral Roaccutane. Both treatments can be effective for treating stubborn or severe acne causing scarring. Fortunately, IPL is a light-based treatment which has no side effects, whereas antibiotics and Roaccutane can have some unpleasant side effects.

Acne must always be treated promptly and

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n Dr Johanna Ward, BA Hons MBBS dRcOG MRcGP, dip clinical dermatology (distinction)

n For more information, call 01732 462844, visit www.theskinclinic.org.uk or email [email protected]

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aSK JASONFitness professional Jason Crow answers your exercise dilemmas

Q: I commute every day and work long hours. I just haven’t got enough time to get fit! What can I do? Mike C, Sevenoaks

A: Mike, this is a scenario we see on a daily basis: busy day in the office, lunch with clients, late finish, straight home and repeat until the weekend. Let me guess, your job is leaving you suffering from one or more of the following: low energy levels, increased body fat, lack of sleep, poor fitness levels, constant stress, poor memory and concentration at work, regular (and often constant) knee, back, hip or neck pain. While I am by no means suggesting that you should pack up work and move to the coast, you should certainly be spending some more time investing in your own health. After all, what’s the point in being the most successful businessman in hospital? Here are some points to help you get started:

Exercise

1. keep it short. Seek professional advice on how to train anaerobically (i.e. lifting weights and interval training). This is the most efficient technique used to increase resting metabolic rate and muscle mass while reducing stress levels and body fat. 2. Avoid extended periods of aerobic exercise. Lengthy aerobic exercise (i.e. jogging) may be doing your joints more harm than good and is certainly not the best way to increase fitness levels or lose body fat.

Nutrition

1. Eat a high protein breakfast. Instead of cereals and toast, try scrambled eggs and a handful of nuts.2. Prepare your weekly lunches in advance; spend an hour on a Sunday preparing some vegetables and lean meats for the week. 3. drink more water. dehydration is a key contributor to increased stress levels.

Supplements

1. The vast majority of office workers are nutrient deficient. Seek professional advice to get your zinc, magnesium and vitamin d3 levels tested. 2. Start taking a quality fish oil and multivitamin on a daily basis.

Managing pain

1. Back, knee, hip and neck pains can often become extremely troubling for sedentary workers. If this is the case, seek professional advice immediately. 2. A good personal trainer / physiotherapist will help to prescribe you with a course of corrective exercises to help you get back on the right track. I appreciate that time is money Mike, but you must also remember that in the long term your health is your wealth.

n If you have any questions on this or any other health and fitness areas please send them to [email protected]

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L ast year 10.8 million work days were lost to stress-related

illness and it has become the most common cause of long-term sickness in the work place. Luckily help is at hand. Tony Woodhams, a holistic therapist, is a member of The Association of Reflexologists and The UK Reiki Federation and studied Shiatsu Chair Massage with London firm Walk In Back Rub. He has been applying his therapies to heal and relieve stress since 1997 and after speaking to Tony you can tell he is a laid back, caring person who genuinely enjoys helping people to

RELAX UNWIND AND DE-STRESS

feel better. And how does a relaxation therapist relax himself ? Tony likes nothing better than taking a walk with husband Matt and their puppy Persephone around Knole Park. Many of us don’t find the time to pamper ourselves or to book into a spa but Tony brings his therapies to you. Ease the aches of the day with a Seated Chair Massage, indulge in a Reiki session, a Reflexology treatment or find inner peace with Crystal Healing Therapy. Tony also visits workplaces and performs on-site massage.

Stress is a heavy burden that weighs many of us down in our work lives and even in the comfort of our own homes. Relaxation therapist Tony Woodhams can provide the antidote you’re looking for

There are a number of benefits to tackling employee stress. It boosts staff morale, makes them feel valued and more alert and it can also lead to fewer days lost to sickness. The massage is fully clothed and free from oils: employees enjoy a 10, 20 or 30-minute massage and return to work fresh in mind and body. Every client is treated with respect and dignity.

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So whatever your requirement, if you want to ease stress or get a group of friends together and make a day of it, or if you are an employer and want to reward your staff, then look no further than Tony Woodhams.

n For more information call Tony on

07729 749087 or visit www.tonywoodhams.com

Caring For OuR cOmmuniTyThis is the first of my monthly columns in which I am going to be discussing 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.

Q: What care is available to help me care for my elderly relative? A: The first level of support available is home care, which will provide support with tasks in a person’s own home. This is called domiciliary care, and is available from a number of locally based companies, acting on behalf of social services or the NHS. This support can help with shopping and cleaning through to bathing, cooking and medication support. Financial support for this service is means tested and you may be eligible for free or part-funded support. The next level of support would be a live-in carer. This is someone who would live in the house with the person who needs support to assist with a range of activities and be available at night should the situation arise. It may not be appropriate for all situations such as advanced dementia, but is an option to enable someone with substantial support needs to stay at home. This support will be paid for by the client or their family, but is often cheaper than a move into residential care. Residential care or a care home provides a 24-hour supervised setting. This can be ideal for someone who is finding being on their own after a bereavement hard to cope with. A care home provides a routine, companionship and a safe environment. But it can

be disorientating for some, and a frightening prospect. care home fees can be paid for by the local authority subject to a means test, or families may wish to top up payments to get a place at the care home of their choice. A nursing home is a setting for more acute care needs, that a residential home is not equipped to deal with. The most common example is advanced dementia. Support for nursing home fees is means tested and may be paid in their entirety by the Local Authority. For older people who are terminally ill, they may be eligible to receive support under the NHS continuing care scheme which provides non-means-tested support in a variety of care settings from home care support to a hospice bed, should this be necessary. Whatever the care needs of your family there will likely be a choice of support available to you locally.

n Send me your views, questions or topics for future comment at [email protected]

www.terrablu.co.uk Managing homecare for you and yours.

richard gould is managing director at terraBlu homecare


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Dr Richard Warwick, a member of The British Association of Cosmetic Doctors,

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L ast year 10.8 million work days were lost to stress-related

illness and it has become the most common cause of long-term sickness in the work place. Luckily help is at hand. Tony Woodhams, a holistic therapist, is a member of The Association of Reflexologists and The UK Reiki Federation and studied Shiatsu Chair Massage with London firm Walk In Back Rub. He has been applying his therapies to heal and relieve stress since 1997 and after speaking to Tony you can tell he is a laid back, caring person who genuinely enjoys helping people to

RELAX UNWIND AND DE-STRESS

feel better. And how does a relaxation therapist relax himself ? Tony likes nothing better than taking a walk with husband Matt and their puppy Persephone around Knole Park. Many of us don’t find the time to pamper ourselves or to book into a spa but Tony brings his therapies to you. Ease the aches of the day with a Seated Chair Massage, indulge in a Reiki session, a Reflexology treatment or find inner peace with Crystal Healing Therapy. Tony also visits workplaces and performs on-site massage.

Stress is a heavy burden that weighs many of us down in our work lives and even in the comfort of our own homes. Relaxation therapist Tony Woodhams can provide the antidote you’re looking for

There are a number of benefits to tackling employee stress. It boosts staff morale, makes them feel valued and more alert and it can also lead to fewer days lost to sickness. The massage is fully clothed and free from oils: employees enjoy a 10, 20 or 30-minute massage and return to work fresh in mind and body. Every client is treated with respect and dignity.

Get £10 off 30 and 60 minute sessions.

Offer expires May 31 2012

Reader offer

So whatever your requirement, if you want to ease stress or get a group of friends together and make a day of it, or if you are an employer and want to reward your staff, then look no further than Tony Woodhams.

n For more information call Tony on

07729 749087 or visit www.tonywoodhams.com

WELLNESS


do you dream of improving your smile, but worry about how it’s done? Vine talks to dr Ian Brignall BdS, dPdS of Atkinson Brignall Caring Dentistry, who recently set up Sevenoaks Smile Studio, a dedicated cosmetic arm of the practice, to discuss the benefits of cosmetic dentistry

W e all know that a beautiful, healthy smile is one of the best investments you can make in yourself. As a self-confessed perfectionist, Dr Ian Brignall is dedicated to high quality aesthetic,

functional dentistry. Ian is is currently nearing the end of the first dedicated UK Masters degree in Aesthetic Dentistry and has recently had a scientific paper published on one of his treated cases in a national dental journal. He says: “At Atkinson Brignall, our aim is to provide you with the highest quality cosmetic and implant dentistry treatment and care. We also realise that tooth structure is precious; when enamel is gone, it is gone for good. For this reason we believe in being as conservative as possible with any treatment provided. Crowns, which necessitate significant tooth structure removal, and risk of damage to the nerve tissue in about 19 per cent of cases are nowadays rarely necessary, unless as replacements, as newer advanced techniques and materials have become available." Cosmetic dentistry treatments are designed to improve your dental health, function, and the aesthetic appearance of your teeth, using a combination of science, mathematical proportions, artistic creativity and excellent technicians, to give you the perfect smile to match your face. “You are always in control,” explains Ian. “Many proposed veneer-type improvements can be simulated with computer imagery, or a personalised ‘wax-up’ created which can be used to make a ‘mock-up’in the mouth for your approval. Even Invisalign orthodontics, which uses clear plastic aligners, can show you the projected final result on the computer and get your approval before you even start.” One client from Sevenoaks said: “For the last 15 years I have had two top front crowns that were slightly chunky and not aligned with my other teeth. Dr Ian Brignall moved the gum line up and replaced the crowns. The quality of the work was such that even the temporary crowns made on site were a vast improvement and the permanent crowns with the changed gum line are a perfect fit. Dr Ian is clearly a perfectionist who cares about his profession and his practice is a delight to visit.” Inman aligner orthodontics is a great way of aligning front teeth quickly (usually two to four months) and can often be combined with tooth whitening for a great result or even as a precursor to minimally invasive veneers, or bonded composite to ultra-conservatively alter the shape of the teeth.

two smilesA TALE OF

n Visit 1st Floor, Lady Boswell House, 42-44 London Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 1AS. call 01732 459222 or visit www.atkinsonbrignall.co.uk

and www.sevenoakssmile.co.uk

n dr Ian Brignal (Gdc no: 59322)

Whether you desire a complete smile makeover, have missing teeth, worn teeth, want a whiter smile, crowns replacing, shapes tweaking or just white fillings, Atkinson Brignall can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.

This young lady was concerned about her crooked, discoloured teeth. An Inman aligner, tooth whitening and addition of tooth coloured composite filling material provided a very pleasing outcome in a rapid, cost effective way.

A more complex case, this treatment involved an initial wax-up and patient’s approval. This was then replicated using a combination of dental implants to replace missing teeth, replacement crowns and a combination of porcelain and hand built composite veneers. The chosen shade produced a natural age-related appearance.

n Treatments available from Atkinson Brignall include: Inman aligner orthodontics (from £1,100), Invisalign,

tooth whitening, composite veneers, porcelain veneers, all ceramic crowns and onlays, adhesive bridges, dental implants to hold crowns, bridges or dentures.

Before:

After :

For a FREE Inman Aligner or Invisalign consultation,

call the practice and quote Vine. Offer ends

30/06/12

reader offer

Before:

After :

WELLNESS


STACK IT UP:

IN THE CLOSET:

Rencraft was recently voted Sevenoaks’ winning showroom in a mystery shopper review by the prestigious Kbb Magazine. Vine

discovers why Rencraft’s bespoke practical solutions and its vast range of stylish designs put it at the top

If you’re thinking of renovating or redecorating your home, take the time to plan in plenty of practical storage space to create a clutter-free area. For all your crockery, take a streamlined approach and hide it in these stylish walnut drawers with soft runners. Or, for your cooking essentials, try this clever pull-out bottle rack in an island unit, part of a European Oak Kitchen with African brown granite worktops.

This bespoke oak larder design can be tailored to suit your storage needs; you can practically fit everything in but the kitchen sink – great for large and compact kitchens alike; there’s no need to hunt through all your cupboards as it’s conveniently stored in one place. There’s also the option to create larders with integrated wine racks and a cold shelf, but the possibilities are pretty much endless, just tell Rencraft what you want and the expert team will come up with a solution.

n Visit Rencraft’s spectacular showrooms at chart Farm, Seal chart, Sevenoaks or 81 calverley Road, Tunbridge Wells. call the Sevenoaks showroom on 01732 762682 or the Tunbridge Wells showroom on 01892 520730. Visit www.rencraft.co.uk to see images of these kitchens and more

Islands provide a useful extra surface when serving food and drinks

at parties. If you entertain a lot, it might be worth investing in a built-in wine cooler to free up space in your main fridge. In addition, an island can double up as a handy worktop for prep (try Rencraft’s curved island with integrated prep basin) and as a family-friendly breakfast bar for breakfast on the go or for a place to seat friends so they can sip on a drink and socialise while you cook.

style&storageFROM RENCRAFT

ISLAND LIVING:

HOME & GARdEN


WASTED SPACE

Use all those little nooks and crannies and create opportunistic storage space; Rencraft’s walnut drawers, slim-line storage cupboards and integrated contrast wooden wine rack are just a few examples of how you can maximise space. For any awkward spaces, talk with one of Rencraft’s expert designers to see how they can stylishly maximise any potential storage space.

kitchenTRENdSRencraft has a kitchen to suit every home; take a look at some of the ranges on offer

HAND-PAINTED CLASSICS

TIMELESS TIMBER

CONTEMPORARY CHIC

For the period home, nothing beats a classic-style hand-painted kitchen. Rencraft has created this timeless design with a classic pattern door, flat-fronted top drawers, a panelled chimney and ornate mantle shelf. Dark granite has been used for the main worktops with a contrasting travertine worktop on the island. If you don’t want a country kitchen but like the painted look, why not try a more contemporary shade with wide bevel frame doors, contrasting wood feature drawers and a coloured splashback, adding your own signature style.

The slim-lined contemporary kitchen is fast becoming a popular choice. Rencraft has produced this sleek modern lineal kitchen with concealed soft-closing hinges. The chunky slate-effect worktops and splashback complement the sleek stainless steel handles and soft grey tones of the units. If you still want the ‘wooden look’ with a contemporary edge, walnut is a very popular choice, usually with white units or a white Corian worktop for a seamless and clean look.

A solid wooden kitchen will never date and oak is a great wood to choose if you’re making the investment. For a timeless look, choose a kitchen like this one with European oak units and slim chrome bar handles. The hand-painted central island with hob and downdraft extractor with curved prep sink offers a stylish storage solution and great workspace. For something slightly edgier, Rencraft has created this oiled oak kitchen with stainless steel handles and crisp Corian worktop which seamlessly forms the end of the peninsula and has a splashback above the range cooker. The white tops, European oak and stainless steel appliances offer a fresh, modern take on the traditional wooden kitchen.

John Lewis has put together an entire collection of British-themed cushions to celebrate the Jubilee and Olympic Games. This designers Guild collection Jubilee crown cushion in cream (£75, John Lewis) and velvet crown cushion in grey (£25, John Lewis) offer a stylish take on the royal theme.

Feeling nostalgic? Get into the British flag-waving spirit for the Queen’s diamond Jubilee and try some of these stylish royalty-inspired pieces for your home

If you like the idea of union Jack-inspired homeware there are plenty of options out there at the moment. For those who don’t want anything too garish, go for a vintage, faded feel with this iconic Vivienne Westwood wool rug designed exclusively for The Rug company (£2,495, The Rug Company) or try this Jonah chair by designer James Harrison for a subtle nod to British culture (£499, Made.com).

Who said that souvenirs had to be tacky? Buy stylish items that you will want to keep and that could be an investment for the future. Emma Bridgewater’s diamond Jubilee collection is a fail-safe example – we love her diamond Jubilee half-pint mug; great for a British cuppa (£19.95, Emma Bridgewater) or why not raise a glass to the Queen in these Royal Scot Queen’s diamond champagne Flutes (£79.50, The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Online Store).

Cool Britannia

Souvenir Styling

Crowning glory

www.2012queensdiamondjubilee.com • www.made.com www.therugcompany.info • www.emmabridgewater.co.ukwww.johnlewis.com • www.made.com

StoCKiStS:

The hottest free networking event in Sevenoaks.

Held at a different stunning location each month, Grapevine gives you the

chance to share contacts and ideas with other like-minded local businesses, in a

relaxed and friendly environment.

To find out more about forthcoming events and to watch the video, visit:www.vinedigital.co.uk

or call 01732 760823

BESPOKE • HANDPAINTED • SOLID OAK • UNCOMPROMISED QUALITY

Another luxury project by

Kensington Scott a NEW kitchen experience A quality product installed and certi fi ed by qualifi ed craft smen, from start to fi nish Kensington Scott willcarefully project manage the installati on of your new lux-ury kitchen. Each of our Mereway kitchens has a ten yearguarantee and they merge the traditi onal and modern with a style for today. We will deliver an excepti onal quality of service with an eye for detail, which can be verifi ed by any of our previous installati ons.

tel: 01732 369129 web: www.kensingtonscott.co.uk email: [email protected] open: Mon – Sat 9.00 – 5.30, Unit 4, Tannery Road, Tonbridge TN9 1RF – (opposite Waitrose car park)

Our latest bespoke installati on completed December 2011.(Mr & Mrs P – Hadlow)

Mr & Mrs H. Installati on completed November 2011


It can be difficult to build a kitchen that is both sympathetic to its period roots and includes all the modern-day gadgets required for 21st-century living, but Potts Kitchens and Bathrooms has produced a beautiful kitchen that combines both

n See how Potts can transform your home by visiting the largest kitchen and bathroom showroom in the south-east; take a look at the website www.potts.ltd.uk or call 01732 848444

Designed to reflect and

complement the classical features of the

building

F or this impressive neo-Georgian mansion, handmade natural walnut furniture was chosen for the kitchen which was undergoing a complete refurbishment. Designed to reflect and complement the classical features of the building, the

kitchen also needed to allow for the extensive high-tech equipment that was being installed throughout the house. A feature-dropped ceiling section echoed the shape of the island, allowed for a flush mounted extractor to be fitted and also concealed the miles of cables required for the home entertainment and security systems.

It was designed so that the cooking and chilling equipment could cater for both quick and easy meals to

FOR EVERY HOMEkitchens

suit a busy working life, and for entertaining on a large scale. A combination microwave oven, a steamer and a large 90cm oven were installed to give such flexibility, along with a five-zone induction hob and built-in coffee maker. A built-under fridge/freezer with ice maker and wine chiller were also added to back up the American-style fridge/freezer in the adjoining utility room.

Finally, the choice of worktop and floor materials consisted of an unusual and stunning mix of black granite and natural onyx. Granite was used for the worktops with onyx for the walls and for the table, which was underlit to enhance the natural beauty of the stone. Both materials were used for the floor, echoing the shape of the dropped ceiling.

HOME & GARdEN


cha r twe l lk i t c h e n scha r twe l lk i t c h e n s

text conver ted to Cur ves fon t i s G i l l Sans L i gh t we l l spaced

char twell kitchensChar tside House, High Street, Brasted,

Westerham, Kent TN16 1HUW: www.char twellkitchens.co.uk E: info@char twellkitchens.co.uk

BespokeHandmadeUniqueContemporaryTraditional

Visit our showroom or call 01959 561018

Call Sally or Kathyfor your FREE quoteon 01892 440004www.dreamdoors.co.uk

For a beautiful new kitchen...

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HOME & GARdEN

Nostaligic kitchenaliaThese kitchen classics hark back to the times of ‘proper’ British cooking; get nostalgic with retro-inspired pieces that won’t date

Since the 1920s falcon Enamelware has been an icon of British home life. Ice white with a distinctive blue rim, it is instantly recognisable as a design classic. As well as its timeless elegance it’s pretty much everything-proof – it won’t burn, it won’t break if you drop it, it’s dishwasher and oven safe and can be used on gas and electric hobs. For a new take on the classic, try their new enamel tumblers in four colours (£4.99 each).

Visit www.falconenamelware.com

Getting up in the morning can be an unpleasant business, but you can make it easier with this retro-inspired toaster with in-built FM/AM radio that means you can start your day with the music you enjoy and a slice of toast (£49.99).

Visit www.breville.co.uk

We couldn’t do retro-inspired kitchen-ware without thinking of orla Kiely’s

inspiring range exclusively for John Lewis. Reminiscent of mid-century pottery such as Hornsea, you can’t fail to fall in love with this future design classic

(From £17).

Visit www.johnlewis.com

Inspired by the kitchens of the 1930s, 40s and 50s, typhoon has designed and

developed a fabulous range of quality enamelled kitchenware in an on-trend

mix and match colour palette. Available in red, cream or black, we especially

love the brilliant set of red scales, which carries that comforting vintage charm

into the 21st century (RRP £38.49)

Visit www.hardwarecentre.co.uk


www.raftfurniture.co.uk

100% reclaimed teak furniture

52 High Street, Bromley020 8208 7175

RAFT half page 210x148.5mm.indd 5 17/01/2012 12:15


Owen Pine & Oakfurniture experts

01959 534645www.owenpine.co.uk

@owenpine

A huge selection of contemporary, reproduction and antique pine and oak,

and many exciting gifts and paintings

25% OFF THE MILANO OAK BEDROOM RANGE

Owen Farm, well Hill,

Chelsfield, Orpington,

kent, BR6 7Pw

w ith spring here and summer approaching,

now is the time to give your house a makeover. Do you like what you see? If your home is feeling a bit tired and worse for wear, there’s probably no need (or the time and money) for a time-consuming and expensive renovation. Why not just update your wood furnishings for an instant, uplifting upgrade? Owen Pine and Oak, situated in the picturesque village of Chelsfield near Orpington, is a family-run business that has been selling the finest pine and oak furniture for 25 years. Initially starting out as a traditional pine shop, Owen Pine and Oak has evolved into an

There’s nothing better than loving where you’re living, so achieve this the professional and affordable way with fabulous finds from Owen Pine and Oak

A PINE ANd OAk maKeover

all-encompassing home wood furniture retailer, with something for every kitchen, bedroom and dining room. Not just about fine wood furniture, Owen Pine and Oak also sell beautiful garden items, mirrors and oil paintings, making the perfect gifts or finishing features to complete your own home’s particular look. If you are looking for that little

something extra why not opt for your furniture to have a beautiful paint finish. Owen Pine and Oak offer Farrow and Ball colours on all pine kitchens, dining and bedroom ranges. Additionally, Owen Pine and Oak offer a full bespoke service to suit your house’s size and desired taste as well as a number of wax finishes. So whether your home’s preferred style is shabby chic, contemporary or rustic, or you’re looking for something brand new, antique or reproduced, there’s bound to be something you’ll love at Owen Pine and Oak.

n Visit www.owenpine.co.uk or call 01959 534645 for more information

Pine barley twist dresser finished in Farrow and Ball paint


Offset Architects transform a badly designed and dark late 60s house into a bright five-bedroom house, doubling the amount of space for a growing family. Vine pays a visit

Ross and Anne Tappin wanted to transform their tired, late-1960s three-bedroom house into a long-term family home for the future. They entrusted the design to Offset architects, who more than doubled the square footage from 100m² to 225m² – the ground floor alone is the size of what the whole house was originally. The Tappins wanted to cater for their young family, with another on the way, and found that family-orientated partners at Offset Rob Colley and Paul Grattan had similar visions and completely understood their brief.

FUTUREdESIGNEdFOR THE

After

Before

The house has been totally transformed into a light and airy five-bedroom home, with a huge open-plan kitchen, dining area and play space for their four-year-old son. With floor-to-ceiling sliding doors overlooking the garden, it provides somewhere for their son to play safely under supervision and a great space for entertaining. “When I have my coffee mornings or friends and family over for dinner we wanted a social kitchen area; the view out into the garden with the skylight above provides so much light and the underfloor heating ensures it stays really warm – it’s proven very cost-effective too.”

n call 01732 452111 or visit www.offsetarchitects.com for more information

All the bedrooms have in-built storage solutions along with sizeable en-suites in the master bedroom and the guest bedroom, as well as a new family bathroom. There’s also the option to extend into the loft at a later date due to the careful positioning of the new oak staircase if they so wish, but they’re happy with the space and see themselves here for the foreseeable future.

The family bought the house in 2007 with the intention of extending and decided to start the process in 2010. “We worried about the recession, but then decided just to go for it – it was now or never really.” The couple did approach various architects, but no one had the same insight or vision as Offset. “Only a few of the original walls still remain – we moved the main staircase, the kitchen was moved to the back and we extended out to one side, the rear and over the garage. Many of the other architects wanted to keep it structurally the same and didn’t have as many ideas as Offset. We just had a really good feeling about them and feel the design works so well for us.” It was built by local builder Dan Barden in only six months, with the back of the house taking on a contemporary, clean look while the front has maintained its traditional roots to remain in-keeping with the rest of the street.

HOME & GARdEN

Some 82.5 per cent of Kent’s green and pleasant land is designated ‘rural’. That is an amazing percentage bearing in mind the county’s proximity to London and the fact that, for centuries, it has been the gateway to the continent. Squeezed by

two burgeoning needs, today Kent rightly remains the Garden of England. Now massive new threats are emerging; possibly the biggest challenges we have ever faced. Global population is predicted to reach over nine billion by 2041 (currently it is a little in excess of seven billion). Kent will not be immune to this growth and we know that large numbers of new homes are planned for the county. Coinciding with population growth, we shall be dealing with the effects of climate change. The Environment Agency has already warned that it will be impossible to protect all the areas threatened by rising sea levels. Homes and businesses affected by flooding will have to be relocated, thus putting additional pressure on land usage in other areas. Thus we shall need more homes on less land. At the same time, the UK must become more self-sufficient in regard to food security. At the current time we are importing a very substantial proportion of our food but this is unlikely to be sustainable in the future. Firstly, fuel price increases have triggered new price waves in road, sea and air transport costs and many forecasters predict even further rises could be on the horizon. Secondly, developing countries are unlikely to be able to maintain exports at their current rate as they struggle to deal with the effects of climate change while providing food security for vastly increased populations. Thirdly, we also need to factor in the impact of carbon emissions created by transporting goods over vast distances. Thus we shall need more homes on less land while at the same time producing more food.

n Hadlow college offers a bSc (Hons) in Landscape Management – the only landscape management course accredited by the Landscape Institute. richard tilley, who heads up the programme, can be contacted direct on 07905 275413

‘Land’ and ‘the countryside’ play a very important part in relation to recreation and human health and wellbeing. Our landscape – the scenery of which we are so proud – is largely ‘managed’ by our farmers and growers. They increasingly develop practices that take account of conservation and biodiversity and we are fortunate to benefit, in so many different ways, from their work. But farmers and growers are facing the challenges posed by the impact of climate change. While we can expect some advantages such as the ability to grow more exotic crops and extend growing seasons, other consequences such as water shortages and Extreme Weather Events may mean that our farmers are forced to develop radically different practices in order to produce the food we need. ‘Land’ – and the way we use it – being the crucial factor, means we shall need more Landscape Managers. They will be tasked to use their technical and management skills to find sustainable solutions that take account of all the demands on land usage. The discipline of ‘landscape management’ is relatively new – it has existed for less than 20 years – but year on year it has become more vital. In the very near future, management of the landscape will become increasingly challenging and crucially significant.

We shall need more

homes on less land while at the same time

producing more food

mAnAging our landscapePreserving and protecting the Kent landscape is more vital than ever as we approach huge challenges with regards to growth, says Pat Crawford


St Marks of London Hanover Square House

16 Hanover Square Mayfair London W1S 1HT

Tel +44 (0) 207 877 1075

Fax +44 (0) 207 408 9456

www.stmarksoflondon.co.uk [email protected]

For Tenders on New Build and

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ST MARKS of LONDONB U I L D E R S A N D D E V E L O P E R S O F H I G H L U X U RY I N T E R I O R D E S I G N E D H O M E S

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W orld of Pots is a family-run business which

was established nearly 20 years ago. Not only are the pots beautifully crafted but they are unique in the fact that they are completely frost proof. While you may see similar styles and shapes at other places, you can guarantee that they won’t have the durability of the pots on offer at World of Pots. Made from dense heavy clay and fired at extremely high temperatures, the pots can resist all weathers. Some of the pots are up to a metre high and a metre wide and the friendly staff can offer their customers valuable experience in sourcing

tHe big pot SPEcIALISTS

the pots you require. World of Pots can also offer you a large saving in price by cutting out the middle man or garden centre. The beautiful pots, which would bring any garden to life, are directly imported from Asia and you really have to see the collection to believe it. World of Pots’ retail site is open seven days a week and you will find it at the bottom of Shipbourne Road on the junction where it joins the High Street next to the George and Dragon pub.

n For more information visit www.worldofpots.com or call 01732 368133

How many pots have you lost to winter freeze? World of Pots in Tonbridge specialises in providing unique, stylish and frost-proof pots, giving you quality and durability all in one

nEW WEBSitE LAunCh

world of Pots has just gone live with its fabulous new website. Browse the site, see photos of the stunning pots and learn more about their unique design process. You can even order online. What are you waiting for?

www.worldofpots.com

T&J White and SonsCCTV inspections and reports Multi-fuel stoves • Traditional fire-places • Hole in the wall gas firesCeramic lining in-situ • Woodburners Bird Guards • Pots • Cowls • Liners

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w ith the current hosepipe ban threatening

our gardens, now is the time to act as the south-east becomes drier and drier. The Environment Agency has concluded that we’re already past sustainable levels and that London is actually drier than Istanbul and Madrid. As a result, the water companies in the south-east are not allowing the domestic use of hosepipes or sprinkler systems but there is one exception – drip or trickle irrigation from a tap or ideally, a Rainwater Harvesting system. Local company Linden

beat tHe DroUgHt WITH LINdEN

Landscapes specialises in the supply and fitting of rainwater harvesting systems, which utilise water from your roof, and they can provide a suitable tank based on the available roof area on your house. It’s very straightforward to install the tank, which can be buried directly in a lawn or flower border so as not to impose on your garden. The tank has an overflow to store excess rainfall and comes with an inbuilt pump which

is activated when a hose is attached to the inspection

cover (you can actually use a hose when taking

With the threat of drought this summer and the average cost of water bills set to rise by as much as 8.8 per cent next year, the need to harvest rainwater is more important than ever. Luckily, Linden Landscapes has a rain-harvesting solution to keep your garden surviving come rain or shine

water from a rainwater harvesting system). Drip or trickle irrigation systems can be fitted by Linden to the tank, or garden taps, and are perfectly legal to use during a hosepipe ban as long as they are used in conjunction with a timer and are pressure regulated. A series of ‘drip lines’ across a border or ‘leaky pipe’ around the bed ensures that newly planted shrubs or herbaceous plants are effectively watered. The drip lines are pressure-compensating (important for drip lines in sloping gardens) and continuously self-cleaning, (great for those who want something low-maintenance),

with drippers built into the pipe every 30cm, providing even coverage for your garden. The clever system even has battery-operated timers that water the plants automatically at night to reduce evaporation and rain sensors that ensure water can be saved by overriding the usual timer programmes. If you want to cover a larger surface area, Linden Landscapes can supply double (or triple tap packs) which are used to split a garden tap into two outlets, one for irrigation, the other to fill a watering can.

n For more information visit www.lindenlandscapes.co.uk or call 01322 863025

TOP TIP: cover the beds in 3-4” of bark to reduce evaporation and to improve the aesthetics of the planted area

HOME & GARdEN


w hen the late Michael Dibben founded Chilstone Garden Ornaments in 1953, little did he know that Chilstone would become a world wide brand, crafting historic ornaments that

can be seen in renowned gardens such as Kensington Palace and are displayed as far away as the Barakura Gardens in Tokyo, the first authentic English garden in Japan. Chilstone was born out of the need for a garden ornament that would closely resemble natural antique stone and it was this field of garden decoration that was meticulously researched by Dibben, producing quality ornaments made by craftsmen with over 140 years of combined experience. Now, Chilstone has one of the largest collections of ornamental and architectural moulds in the UK. These can be seen at Chilstone’s extensive show gardens, which are set in 35 acres of stunning woodland at Langton Green near Tunbridge Wells in Kent. The formal show gardens were designed by landscape architect Anthony Du Gard Pasley and opened by Alan Titchmarsh in 1996, but Chilstone began its extensive history at Great Linford Manor in Buckinghamshire before moving in 1976 to Sprivers, a beautiful National Trust property in Kent. Many of the historic ornaments can be seen in numerous existing gardens, including Hever Castle and Kew Gardens to name a few. The legendary Chilstone Vine Urn originates from Holker Hall, the 17th century Lancashire home of the Cavendish family and Chilstone pieces have been sold at Sotheby’s for many times their retail value, clearly making it a practical and excellent investment. Due to Chilstone’s quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, it has earned itself a prestigious clientele, with its ornaments extensively displayed in many famous locations around the world including The Laskett Gardens in Herefordshire, The Longleat Estate in Bath, Hammenhog in Sweden and Simonstown in Eire. As a recognised member of the Royal Horticultural Society, Chilstone often exhibits at The Chelsea and Hampton Court Flower Shows, where the company

has worked with some of the country’s leading Gold-medal-winning designers. The show gardens situated within Chilstone’s own grounds are free to browse and feature many examples of stonework that can be viewed in their natural surroundings, including a large display of working fountains, temples, antiqued urns, jardinières, sculpture and benches, providing the perfect inspiration. Enjoy sculpture walks in an area of outstanding natural beauty and have a picnic by the lake in the summer months before heading off to one of the nearby leading attractions such as Penshurst Place or Chiddingstone Castle.

Chilstone’s products have remained so popular worldwide due to the fact

that each one is painstakingly handmade in reconstituted

stone that is virtually indistinguishable from natural stone; it takes on an antique

patina that tends to increase

in value and blends in harmoniously with its

setting. Chilstone specialises in copying and originating ornaments and architectural components, welcoming commissions and bespoke projects; Chilstone is such a versatile material that can be moulded into virtually any shape, making it perfect for creating that special statement piece. Chilstone products make popular gifts: a stone bench, sundial, birdbath or an urn can be engraved to mark a special occasion and commemorative inscriptions or plaques can also be set into the stone. Whether it’s a bespoke gift, a statement ornament or simply a great day out, Chilstone offers exceptional quality and service, which has guaranteed its success over the past 60 years.

n For more information visit www.chilstone.com or call 01892 740866

QualitySET IN STONE Vine discovers why Chilstone, set in 35 acres

of glorious woodland near Tunbridge Wells, has maintained such a good reputation and prestigious client list during its 60-year history

(top) Pope’s Urn Anglesey Abbey near Cambridge (middle right) Linford Urn & pedestal (middle left) A work in progress (bottom) Featured garden at The Chelsea Flower Show


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

Garden Managementand Design


A REciPE FOR SuccESS: Container-grown vegetablesSales of vegetable seeds have recently outstripped those of flower seeds and available of allotment plots are being snapped up fast. If space is an issue, why not grow vegetables in containers? Coolings' experts say now is the perfect time of year to buy your seeds or young vegetable plants in order to grow healthy fresh produce right on your doorstep

ingREdiEnTS

Many vegetables are grown not only for their culinary uses but are also very decorative too and a huge selection of vegetable seeds and plants are available at Coolings. Choose from runner beans, purple pod climbing peas, Swiss chard, mixed salad leaves, red onions, gourds and squashes for more decorative containers. Remember, some seeds and plants will need to be brought on indoors in seed trays or a propagator on the windowsill or heated greenhouse and transplanted into containers once the risk of frost has passed, while others can be sown directly outside. Full instructions on how to do this can be found on the reverse of seed packets and instructions vary depending on the variety. Grow tasty vegetables in all sorts of containers which are best filled with John Innes multi-purpose compost.

mETHOd

Choose from conventional or rather quirky containers, the possibilities are endless, and just think you’ll be avoiding all that back-breaking work! Here are a few suggestions for containers with attitude. Firstly for the conventional methods:• choose from a wide range of long tom-style terracotta, glazed or plastic pots suitable for many root vegetables such as carrots, onions and garlic.• Think about building wooden raised beds made out of old pallets, perfect for growing all manner of vegetables. Alternatively, we sell a range of raised beds in kit form.

• How about planting up an oak half barrel with climbing legumes such as runner beans and peas which will need to be grown up a wigwam, pea sticks or canes.• Finally, don’t forget about the reliable Levington gro-bags, Tomorite giant Planters or new Horizon Peat-Free gro-bags, which are suitable for many glasshouse crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers, chilli’s, peppers, aubergines and melons. Miracle-gro Fruit and Vegetable Planters are also available, suitable for courgettes and marrows. Don’t forget to feed your plants with Tomorite to ensure a good yield.

n

Members of Coolings’ trained team are on hand at the centre seven days a week. If you need advice just call 01959 532269, send an email to [email protected] or visit Coolings, the gardener’s garden Centre, rushmore hill, Knockholt, tn14 7nn

nOw FOR THE uncOnVEnTiOnAL mETHOdS

cOOking TimE

Place all containers in a sunny site and water well during dry spells. Feed every two weeks with liquid fertilizers such as Phostrogen or Tomorite in order to achieve the best possible results then... savour and enjoy!

• Think about growing your potatoes in old compost bags. Roll down the sides of the bag, ensure that you make drainage holes in the bottom of the bag, fill the bottom with a layer of compost and once chitted plant your potatoes 2” deep. When the shoots appear, unroll the bag and earth up with more compost, layer upon layer, until you are within an 1” of the top of the bag to allow for watering. Did you know that we have pot-grown potatoes available for planting right now?

• window boxes or an old butler sink are suitable for growing salad crops such as cut-and-come again lettuce, radishes, spring onions and beetroot.• For something completely different, why not dig out that old pair of holey wellies or some waste drainpipe and think about growing root vegetables which like a deep root run; even old car tyres make the perfect container when stacked one on top of the other and painted. Just a thought!


Goddard Construction is a family run business and provides a personal yet professional service. Our clients range from local authorities, churches, private customers and development companies.

GODDARD Construction Design & Build LTDOffice 2, Godfreys Yard, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3DH

01892 459910 or 07538 182833www.goddardconstruction.co.uk [email protected]

NeW builDs • exTeNTiONs • CONservaTOries • OraNGeries • GarDeN rOOms

Goddard FULL.indd 1 19/04/2012 13:07


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a garden to Brittain-Millar is a blank canvas. From hard landscaping to planting

schemes, Brittain-Millar can transform any outdoor space into a living work of art, helping you achieve your masterpiece. Owner Lwin, the creative genius behind the business, has always loved the outdoors and his passion for garden design ignited from a very early age when he planted the seeds of his first plant. His passion and business have since blossomed and now Brittain-Millar is a well-established garden design business offering its clients a first-class service. A free initial consultation enables Lwin to listen to your ideas and capture your vision. Lwin will then apply his artistic flair to sketch you a full design plan. Work will begin when the design is finalised and, being the perfectionist that Lwin is, all the work is kept within the company, trusting only his well experienced

A LiVing

worK oF art

n For more information visit www.brittainmillar.co.uk or call 01892 871 179

and highly creative team. From start to finish, Brittain-Millar offers its clients the ultimate design and build package. It’s your garden, Lwin’s passion: Brittain-Millar is the artist of garden design.







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For the 10th successful year Tess Allen and Jill Corrigan are running their Gardening

Workshops in Jill’s beautiful walled garden near Shipbourne. Here people learn the right way to master a skill, whether it is growing from seeds and cuttings, growing vegetables in a small space or an allotment, garden design or one of the many other practical workshops. The popular hands-on courses teach skills you can’t learn from books, and help save money, so no more expensive mistakes as you are taught the right way to garden by patient RHS tutor Tessa.

dEcAdE OFgarDening worKSHop

n For more information visit www.gardeningworkshops.co.uk or call 01732 360453 or 07711 607 054

If you would love to have beautiful flowers around your house try one of the Flower Arranging Workshops with tutor Sue Eldridge, doyenne of Chelsea. new this year are the wedding Flowers and Language of Flowers courses; learn the techniques and then make a gorgeous flower arrangement to take home. All workshops are suitable for experienced gardeners and complete beginners alike. numbers are limited to 10, so that in a small friendly group everybody gets enough attention and can ask questions. Teas, homemade biscuits and scones included; the Vintage Flowers workshops have an authentic tea of that period to add to the experience. In addition, why not consider a gift voucher? It makes a fabulous present for yourself or a gardening friend.


David Stead Landscapes Ltd

High quality traditional & contemporary landscaped gardens with attention to

detail at every stage

01959 524267 | www.davidsteadlandscapesltd.co.uk

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HOME & GARdEN


Owners of Saint De La Mare Deborah and Lesley boast

all the ingredients needed for a successful garden design business. With a BA degree in Garden Design, Deborah has a wide range of design skills for all projects. Lesley has worked at and managed an independent nursery, giving her a fabulous understanding of how plants grow. With their essential backgrounds and skill base, Lesley and Deborah truly make the perfect partnership. Their passion for garden design was ignited from a very early age. Lesley’s earliest memories are of painting as a child. Her artistic and creative

THE PERFEcT partnerSHip

abilities were recognised and she was selected to attend the renowned Harrow School of Art. Deborah first realised her passion for horticulture after working in an office for many years. She yearned to work outside, so she followed her dreams and embarked on a degree in Garden Design. Deborah and Lesley met 10 years ago while studying for the RHS exam. Now with an extensive portfolio and a trail of satisfied customers, Deborah and Lesley listen intently to

Saint De La mare has a wealth of experience in garden and design. Combine this with the passion of owners Deborah Saint and Lesley De La Mare and it is safe to say that your garden is in the most capable of hands

their clients and offer qualified advice helping people avoid costly mistakes. Quite often their insights will prove to be eye-opening, offering creative ideas which their customers may not have previously thought of. Customer satisfaction is extremely important to Lesley and Deborah; conscious of budget restraints they work closely with their clients and offer a wide range of services. As well as a complete design service, Saint De La Mare can

redesign borders or freshen up your garden with some beautiful new plants. Many people don’t find the time to search for the right plants for their gardens so why not leave it to Deborah and Lesley? They will source the plants and plant them if required. So whatever your requirements, Saint De La Mare offers a top-class service, which will breathe life and class into your garden.

n For more information call 01959 563 401, send an email to [email protected] or visit www.saintdelamare.comShow garden at French Street

Nurseries planted by Lesley

s tephan Roussounis creates gardens with a naturalistic approach, having trained

on gardens of stature, including the renowned Italian garden at Hever castle.

Botanic Gardens is his local garden design and landscaping company, with Stephan and his experienced team ensuring the success of your personal garden project.

As well as Botanic Gardens providing a full landscaping service, Stephan is also an expert plantsman with a real interest in extending the flowering season right through summer and into an autumn peak. With an eye for detail, Stephan applies his artistic interpretation to create gardens of outstanding beauty.

Stephan attributes the success of Botanic Gardens to listening carefully to his clients’ aspirations and practical requirements, and his team approaching every project with characteristic passion, creative flair and professionalism.

With an extensive portfolio of

successful gardens from over the past 25 years, Stephan welcomes the challenge of each new garden with relish.

"Thank you so very much ...your work is both inspirational and therapeutic! Your talents and artistic skills are so refreshing,for which we all thank you!" – (Tim dickenson, Plaxtol).

‘The results speak for themselves’ –- (Mike Hill, Eynsford).

garDenS OF OuTSTANdING BEAuTY

n For more information visit www.botanic-gardens.co.uk or call 01322 860295

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HOME & GARdEN


Our lawns are an important part of our gardens yet many of us neglect them. GreenThumb the lawn treatment specialist can save you time and money while giving you that beautiful lawn you deserveLAWN

the perfect

greenThumb has been the pioneer lawn expert across the British Isles since 1986. The first of its kind, it has become the largest and most recommended lawn care company in the UK. There are now over 200 branches nationwide

with lawn operatives carrying out over two million lawn treatments a year. Its Sevenoaks branch has currently 2,500 customers receiving regular treatments. Offering a truly personal service to cater for each individual lawn, thousands of homeowners are turning to GreenThumb after hearing recommendations from truly satisfied customers. Its traditional treatment programme can cost as little as £5 a month which you can easily pay by Direct Debit, making it easier for you to spread your lawn-care costs over the year.

GreenThumb’s Basic Programme offers you four traditional treatments a year, including spring, early and late summer and autumn/winter treatments. The treatments are essential in providing your lawn with correct and timely nutrients while controlling the appearance of unsightly weeds.

As well as applying the four treatments from the Basic Programme, the Enhanced Programme includes Hollow-Tine Aeration, Scarification and Post-Scarification Treatment. GreenThumb offers the most revolutionary treatments such as the sought-after Oasis Water Conserver Programme, designed to reduce the volume of water the lawn needs to stay healthy. With dry seasons and hosepipe bans, your lawn will be in danger of turning brown and showing signs of distress. This innovative treatment allows water to enter the root zone, even in areas affected by Dry Patch.

The Complete Programme incorporates all benefits from the Enhanced Programme, including three of the most innovative available lawn care treatments: SlowMow Treatment Programme, Disease Management and Lawn Pest Control. The SlowMow Programme is a high-tech treatment which creates a thick, lush lawn to improve the grass’s tolerance to drought stress.

don’t mow your lawn too short! Leave the grass at an inch or so to help it stay greener for longer. cut it once a week and make sure your lawnmower is in good condition. keep your blades sharp and replace them when blunt.

The last two springs have been extremely dry and this has resulted in an influx of chafer Grubs. These adult beetles lay their eggs in turf from late May and will feed on grass roots. Significant damage starts to appear in autumn and brown patches can start to appear. However, GreenThumb has a

newly approved treatment providing a long-term cure and preventing future

attacks.

BASIC PROGRAMME

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n For more information visit www.greenthumb.co.uk or call 01732 760862

Receive £10 OFF your first treatment, quote Vine when booking (offer

ends 31/05/12)

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• 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

9 West End, Kemsing, Sevenoaks, Kent

www.kemsingmotorco.co.uk

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

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FLOWERS■ 05-07 May. Flower Festival. Sat & Mon 10:00-17:00, Sun 14:00-18:00. Methodist Church, The Drive, Sevenoaks. Free. 01732 462379 www.thedrivemethodistchurch.org.uk

■ 09 May. Talk on Later Please. 13:45. Cornwall Hall, Methodist Church, The Drive, Sevenoaks. Sevenoaks Flower Club 01732 353125

■ 18 May. Structured with Style flower arranging class. 09:30. Coolings Garden Centre, Rushmore Hill, Knockholt. £25 including lunch. 01959 532269 www.coolings.co.uk

GARDENING & GARDENS

■ 06 May. Plant Doctor Service. 11:00-15:00. Broadview Gardens, Hadlow College, Hadlow. 01732 850551, 853211 www.hadlow.ac.uk

■ 12 May. Farmers’ Market & Plant Fair. Hospice in the Weald, Pembury. 01892 820508 www.hospiceintheweald.org.uk

HISTORIC HOUSES■ 03-31 May. Inspiration of Ightham exhibition. Ightham Mote near Ivy Hatch. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

■ 08 May. Talk on Plaxtol House + AGM. 20:00. Memorial Hall, Plaxtol. Plaxtol Local History Group 01732 810553

www.plaxtolhistory.org.uk

■ 12 May. Knole House Gallery study day. 10:00-15:30. Adult Education Centre, Hatton House, Bradbourne Rd, Sevenoaks. £35. 0845 606 5606 www.kentadulteducation.co.uk

LOCAL HISTORY■ 01-31 May. Photos of Marsh

kentfarmersmarkets.org.uk

■ 03, 10, 17, 24, 31 May. Farmers’ Market. 09:00-11:00. St Giles Church, Shipbourne. www.kentfarmersmarkets.org.uk

■ 05 May. Farmers’ Market. 09:30-12:00. Penshurst Place car park, Penshurst. 01892 870666 www.edenvalleykent.org/markets.asp www.kentfarmersmarkets.org.uk

■ 05, 19 May. Farmers’ Market. 09:00-14:00. Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells. www.kentfarmersmarkets.org.uk

■ 13 May. Farmers’ Market. 09:30-13:30. Sovereign Way car park, Tonbridge. www.tonbridgefarmersmarket.co.uk

■ 19 May. Farmers’ Market. 09:00-13:00. Market Yard Car Park, Edenbridge www.


■ 27 May. Farmers’ Market. 09:30-13:30. High St, West Malling. www.kentfarmersmarkets.org.uk

FITNESS & HEALTH■ 03 May. Flexi-Bar course. 12:00-12:45. Kikodo Centre, St Johns Hill car park, Bat & Ball. £48 for 6 weeks. 07971 703440 www.kikodo.co.uk www.flexi-bar.co.uk

■ 04 May. Chi Ball class. Weekly. 10:30-11:30. Kikodo Centre, St Johns Hill car park, Bat & Ball. 07968 002590 www.chiball.com www.kikodo.co.uk

■ 13 May. Reiki for beginners course. 09:00-16:30. Kikodo Centre, St Johns Hill car park, Bat & Ball. £160. 01732 451839 www.kikodo.co.uk

■ 23 May. Friends of Borough Green Surgery AGM. 19:00. Borough Green Surgery, Quarry Hill, Borough Green www.boroughgreenmedicalpractice.

ART■ 03 May. Art in Siena course. Weekly. 10:00-12:00. Memorial Hall, Long Barn Rd, Weald. £79. WEA 0800 328 1060, 01959 523455, 01732 454222, 01959 522936 www.wea.org.uk

■ 03 May. Introduction to Botanical Illustration course. 10:00-13:00. Riverhill Himalayan Gardens. £120 for 4 weeks. 01732 459777 www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

■ 04 May. Introduction to Calligraphy course. 10:00-13:00. Riverhill Himalayan Gardens. £110 for 4 weeks. 01732 459777 www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

CHILDREN■ 05-07 May. Riverhill Challenge quiz & stamp hunt for families. 10:30-16:30. Riverhill Himalayan Gardens. 01732 459777 www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

■ 14-15 May. Science Museum Live. Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells. 01892 530613

■ 20-21 May. Tiger who came to Tea show. Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells. 01892 530613

■ 29 May. Family walk. Meet 14:30 Knole House for 1-hour walk. £1. Booking required. 01732 462100 www.

nationaltrust.org.uk/knole

COMEDY■ 04 May. WildBoyz show. Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells. 01892 530613 www.assembly halltheatre.co.uk

■ 07 May. Stand-Up Comedy. 20:30. Black Horse pub, Borough Green. £3. 07976 637804 www.outofbounds comedy.co.uk

■ 11 May. Stand-Up Comedy. 20:30. Sevenoaks Town Golf Club, Seal Hollow Rd, Sevenoaks. £15. 07976 637804 www.outofbounds comedy.co.uk

■ 15 May. Jim Eoin. Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells. 01892 530613

■ 21 May. Simon Amstell stand-up comedy. Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells. 01892 530613

■ 25 May. Stand-Up Comedy. 20:30. Wheatsheaf pub, West Malling. £10. 07976 637804 www.outofbounds comedy.co.uk

COUNTRYSIDE■ 09 May. Talk on Exmoor & surrounding villages. 19:30. Community Centre, Cramptons Rd, Bat & Ball. Sevenoaks Area National Trust Association

■ 13 May. Woodland in Spring

walk & course. 11:00-15:00. Tonbridge Adult Education Centre. £25. 0845 606 5606 www.kent.gov.uk/adulted

■ 13 May. Country Bus Rally. Bus Station, Sevenoaks

EXHIBITIONS■ 01-31 May. Vivat Regina - the dawn of our Elizabethan Age exhibition. Wed & Fri 14:00-16:30, Thu & Sat 10:00-16:30. Eden Valley Museum, Church House, 72 High St, Edenbridge. Free. 01732 868102 www.evmt.org.uk

■ 29-31 May. Royal Visit exhibition. Wed-Sun. Knole House, Sevenoaks. 01732 462100 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

FAIRS, FESTIVALS, FETES & SHOWS■ 05-07 May. Weald of Kent Craft Show. Penshurst Place. ICHF 01425 272711, 277988 www.ichf.co.uk

■ 05-07 May. Dancing round the Maypole. Hever Castle near Edenbridge

■ 19-20 May. Food & Drink Festival. Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells

■ 26 May. Best Of British fair. Primary School, Zambra Way, Seal. 01732 762801

■ 26 May. Village Fete & Maypole Dancing. Shoreham

■ 27 May. Swanley Community Festival. 12:00-17:00. Sport & skatejam at St Marys Recreation Ground. Music, arts & crafts at Alexandra Suite & Clocktower Pavilion. Swanley Town Council & Churches Together. 01322 665855 www.swanleytown council.gov.uk

FARMERS’ MARKETS■ 01, 08, 15, 22, 29 May. Farmers’ Market. 09:00-11:00. St Johns Church Centre, Hildenborough. www.hildenborough farmersmarket.co.uk www.kentfarmers markets.org.uk

■ 03 May. Farmers’ Market. Village Hall, Stansted. www.

WHAT’S ON? THE UNRIVALLED SEVENOAKS LISTINGS GUIDE.

Green exhibition. Wed & Fri 14:00-16:30, Thu & Sat 10:00-16:30. Eden Valley Museum, Church House, 72 High St, Edenbridge. www.evmt.org.uk

■ 24 May. Talk on Doodlebugs & Rockets by Bob Ogley. 14:00. Red X Centre, Town Council Offices, Bradbourne Vale Rd, Sevenoaks. Sevenoaks Active Retirement Association 01732 455564

■ 24 May. Talk on West Kent villages between the Wars by Ed Thompson. 20:00. Undercroft, St Nicholas Church, High St, Sevenoaks. £3. Sevenoaks Historical Society

THEATRE■ 04 May. I’m an Aristocrat; get me out of here! 20:00. Memorial Hall, Platt. 01732 882518

■ 09-12 May. Government Inspector play by Gogol. 19:30. Sackville Theatre, Space Performing ArtsCentre, Sevenoaks School, Tonbridge Rd, Sevenoaks. £9 (concessions £7). 01732 455133 www.sevenoaksschool.org/thespacePerforming Arts Centre, Sevenoaks School, Tonbridge Rd, Sevenoaks. Tickets £10 (concessions £8). So & So Circus 01732 467765 www.sevenoaksschool.org/thespace

WALKS■ 02-31 May. Deer Park walk. Check days & times. Knole. Free. 01732 462100 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knole

■ 04, 11, 18, 25 May. Welly Fitness Walks. 09:30-10:30, 14:30-15:30. Meet Riverhill Himalayan Gardens car park. Free. 01732 459777 www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

■ 12 May. North Downs Challenge Walk. Adults £12, children £5 including refreshments. St Marys Church, Kemsing 01959 524725

■ 12, 19 May. Photography Trek. 10:00-13:00. Riverhill Himalayan Gardens. £40. 01732 459777 www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

SEVENOAKS TOURISTINFORMATION

CENTRE

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

Stag Theatre, Plaza Suite Tel: 01732 450305


DON’T MISS! Inspirational musician and original filmmaker Duncan Bridgeman of 1 Giant Leap introduces a screening of his film “What About Me?” and performs with his band. Fund-raiser for Room to Read, Sunday 6 May 6.30pm, Knole Academy, Sevenoaks, TN13 3LE Tickets £10 from 07885 211489 www.1giantleap.tv www.roomtoread.org

MAY EVENTS AT THE ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE

PUCCINI LA BOHÈMETue 1 May, 7.30pm, £35 / £30 / £24 RV

One of the most romantic operas ever written, this Puccini masterpiece tells the tragic tale of the doomed, consumptive Mimi and her love for a penniless writer. This classic tale of Parisian love and loss features many famous arias including Your Tiny Hand Is Frozen, They Call Me Mimi and Muzetta’s Waltz.

PUCCINI MADAMA BUTTERFLYWed 2 May, 7.30pm, £35 / £30 / £24 RV

One of the world’s most popular Operas, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly tells the heart-breaking story of the beautiful young Japanese girl who falls in love with an American naval lieutenant – with dramatic results. Highlights include the melodic Humming Chorus, the moving aria One Fine Day and the unforgettable Love Duet. This production will be sung in Italian with English subtitles

WILDBOYZFri 4 May, 7.30pm, £21.50 / £19.50 RV, Age +16

The Assembly Hall Theatre presents hunks Alex Reid (reality TV star) Marcus Patrick (Hollyoaks) Danny Young (Coronation Street/ Dancing on Ice) and Dale Howard (Big Brother) in Wildboyz! Billed as ‘Benidorm meets The Full Monty’, the four boyz will get your hearts racing ladies.

SCIENCE MUSEUM LIVE TOUR Mon 14 – Tue 15 May, Mon 7pm Tue 10.30am Adult £12.50 / Child £10

Back by popular demand, the Science Museum returns with more spectacular science, dangerous demonstrations and extraordinary experiments in this live show designed to blow your mind and challenge your brain.

LET THERE BE DRUMSSun 27 May, 8pm, £22.50 / £20 RV

This high-energy percussion extravaganza features three bands with drummers from hit groups. Bobby Harrison, the original drummer with Procol Harum, and his band Journey 2 Freedom. Paul Fenton, who toured as drummer with Marc Bolan & T. Rex. He is the only person who has links with the original group and continues to work under the name T. Rex. and John Coghlan, an original drummer with Status Quo with his band John Coghlan’s Quo.

THE GOOD OLD DAYS OF MUSIC HALL AND VARIETYWed 16 May, 2pm, £12.50 / Senior Citizens £11.50

A fabulous brand new show for 2012, for all ages, taking you back to the great days of entertainment. Starring star of Stage, TV, and ITV’s The Comedians Duggie Brown. Backed by a full supporting company of singers, hilarious comedy, specialty acts, a chairman, live band, and lots of wonderful songs you will know to sing along with!

SALLY MORGANFri 18 May, 7.30pm, £23.50

Fresh from her new TV Series - Psychic Sally On The Road on SKY LIVING, Britain’s best-loved celebrity psychic, Sally Morgan returns by overwhelming public demand.

THAT’LL BE THE DAY Sat 26 May, 7.30pm, £23.50 / £21.50 RV

This hugely entertaining rock ‘n’ roll spectacular features an all new line-up of knock-out hits from the 1950s, 60s and 70’, mixed with loads of new zany comedy routines to produce a show with a real feel-good party atmosphere.

ONE NIGHT OF QUEENThu 24 May, 7.30pm, £18.50

One Night of Queen is a spectacular live concert, recreating the look, sound, pomp and showmanship of arguably the greatest rock band of all time.

BRIT FLOYDFri 25 May, 8pm, £27.50

A brand new show celebrating the amazing musical legacy of Pink Floyd.

JIMEOIN – LOVELYTue 15 May, 7.30pm, £14.50

Jimeoin is loved by audiences throughout the world for his brilliant wit and his razor-sharp take on the absurdities

of everyday life, and has even beaten the world’s scientists to the finish line by introducing the

concept of the Speed of Cheese – the more useful and alternative measurement to the Speed of Light – into modern day vocabulary.

Assembly Hall Theatre • Crescent Road • Tunbridge Wells • Kent TN1 2LUTicket office: 01892 530613/532072www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

SIMON AMSTELL – NUMBMon 21 May, 8pm, £21

The award-winning comedian, actor/screenwriter (Grandma’s House) and presenter (Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Popworld) returns with a brand new stand-up tour for 2012.

DON’T MISS! – FREE NORDIC WALKING Starting at the end of May are 8 free Nordic Walking sessions for over 50’s in and around Sevenoaks. Free tuition and poles provided. For dates, times and further information contact Becky on 01732 747304 or [email protected]


co.uk

FLOWERS■ 05-07 May. Flower Festival. Sat & Mon 10:00-17:00, Sun 14:00-18:00. Methodist Church, The Drive, Sevenoaks. Free. 01732 462379 www.thedrivemethodistchurch.org.uk

■ 09 May. Talk on Later Please. 13:45. Cornwall Hall, Methodist Church, The Drive, Sevenoaks. Sevenoaks Flower Club 01732 353125

■ 18 May. Structured with Style flower arranging class. 09:30. Coolings Garden Centre, Rushmore Hill, Knockholt. £25 including lunch. 01959 532269 www.coolings.co.uk

GARDENING & GARDENS

■ 06 May. Plant Doctor Service. 11:00-15:00. Broadview Gardens, Hadlow College, Hadlow. 01732 850551, 853211 www.hadlow.ac.uk

■ 12 May. Farmers’ Market & Plant Fair. Hospice in the Weald, Pembury. 01892 820508 www.hospiceintheweald.org.uk

HISTORIC HOUSES■ 03-31 May. Inspiration of Ightham exhibition. Ightham Mote near Ivy Hatch. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

■ 08 May. Talk on Plaxtol House + AGM. 20:00. Memorial Hall, Plaxtol. Plaxtol Local History Group 01732 810553

www.plaxtolhistory.org.uk

■ 12 May. Knole House Gallery study day. 10:00-15:30. Adult Education Centre, Hatton House, Bradbourne Rd, Sevenoaks. £35. 0845 606 5606 www.kentadulteducation.co.uk

LOCAL HISTORY■ 01-31 May. Photos of Marsh


■ 03, 10, 17, 24, 31 May. Farmers’ Market. 09:00-11:00. St Giles Church, Shipbourne. www.kentfarmersmarkets.org.uk

■ 05 May. Farmers’ Market. 09:30-12:00. Penshurst Place car park, Penshurst. 01892 870666 www.edenvalleykent.org/markets.asp www.kentfarmersmarkets.org.uk

■ 05, 19 May. Farmers’ Market. 09:00-14:00. Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells. www.kentfarmersmarkets.org.uk

■ 13 May. Farmers’ Market. 09:30-13:30. Sovereign Way car park, Tonbridge. www.tonbridgefarmersmarket.co.uk

■ 19 May. Farmers’ Market. 09:00-13:00. Market Yard Car Park, Edenbridge www.


■ 27 May. Farmers’ Market. 09:30-13:30. High St, West Malling. www.kentfarmersmarkets.org.uk

FITNESS & HEALTH■ 03 May. Flexi-Bar course. 12:00-12:45. Kikodo Centre, St Johns Hill car park, Bat & Ball. £48 for 6 weeks. 07971 703440 www.kikodo.co.uk www.flexi-bar.co.uk

■ 04 May. Chi Ball class. Weekly. 10:30-11:30. Kikodo Centre, St Johns Hill car park, Bat & Ball. 07968 002590 www.chiball.com www.kikodo.co.uk

■ 13 May. Reiki for beginners course. 09:00-16:30. Kikodo Centre, St Johns Hill car park, Bat & Ball. £160. 01732 451839 www.kikodo.co.uk

■ 23 May. Friends of Borough Green Surgery AGM. 19:00. Borough Green Surgery, Quarry Hill, Borough Green www.boroughgreenmedicalpractice.

ART■ 03 May. Art in Siena course. Weekly. 10:00-12:00. Memorial Hall, Long Barn Rd, Weald. £79. WEA 0800 328 1060, 01959 523455, 01732 454222, 01959 522936 www.wea.org.uk

■ 03 May. Introduction to Botanical Illustration course. 10:00-13:00. Riverhill Himalayan Gardens. £120 for 4 weeks. 01732 459777 www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

■ 04 May. Introduction to Calligraphy course. 10:00-13:00. Riverhill Himalayan Gardens. £110 for 4 weeks. 01732 459777 www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

CHILDREN■ 05-07 May. Riverhill Challenge quiz & stamp hunt for families. 10:30-16:30. Riverhill Himalayan Gardens. 01732 459777 www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

■ 14-15 May. Science Museum Live. Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells. 01892 530613

■ 20-21 May. Tiger who came to Tea show. Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells. 01892 530613

■ 29 May. Family walk. Meet 14:30 Knole House for 1-hour walk. £1. Booking required. 01732 462100 www.

nationaltrust.org.uk/knole

COMEDY■ 04 May. WildBoyz show. Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells. 01892 530613 www.assembly halltheatre.co.uk

■ 07 May. Stand-Up Comedy. 20:30. Black Horse pub, Borough Green. £3. 07976 637804 www.outofbounds comedy.co.uk

■ 11 May. Stand-Up Comedy. 20:30. Sevenoaks Town Golf Club, Seal Hollow Rd, Sevenoaks. £15. 07976 637804 www.outofbounds comedy.co.uk

■ 15 May. Jim Eoin. Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells. 01892 530613

■ 21 May. Simon Amstell stand-up comedy. Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells. 01892 530613

■ 25 May. Stand-Up Comedy. 20:30. Wheatsheaf pub, West Malling. £10. 07976 637804 www.outofbounds comedy.co.uk

COUNTRYSIDE■ 09 May. Talk on Exmoor & surrounding villages. 19:30. Community Centre, Cramptons Rd, Bat & Ball. Sevenoaks Area National Trust Association

■ 13 May. Woodland in Spring

walk & course. 11:00-15:00. Tonbridge Adult Education Centre. £25. 0845 606 5606 www.kent.gov.uk/adulted

■ 13 May. Country Bus Rally. Bus Station, Sevenoaks

EXHIBITIONS■ 01-31 May. Vivat Regina - the dawn of our Elizabethan Age exhibition. Wed & Fri 14:00-16:30, Thu & Sat 10:00-16:30. Eden Valley Museum, Church House, 72 High St, Edenbridge. Free. 01732 868102 www.evmt.org.uk

■ 29-31 May. Royal Visit exhibition. Wed-Sun. Knole House, Sevenoaks. 01732 462100 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

FAIRS, FESTIVALS, FETES & SHOWS■ 05-07 May. Weald of Kent Craft Show. Penshurst Place. ICHF 01425 272711, 277988 www.ichf.co.uk

■ 05-07 May. Dancing round the Maypole. Hever Castle near Edenbridge

■ 19-20 May. Food & Drink Festival. Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells

■ 26 May. Best Of British fair. Primary School, Zambra Way, Seal. 01732 762801

■ 26 May. Village Fete & Maypole Dancing. Shoreham

■ 27 May. Swanley Community Festival. 12:00-17:00. Sport & skatejam at St Marys Recreation Ground. Music, arts & crafts at Alexandra Suite & Clocktower Pavilion. Swanley Town Council & Churches Together. 01322 665855 www.swanleytown council.gov.uk

FARMERS’ MARKETS■ 01, 08, 15, 22, 29 May. Farmers’ Market. 09:00-11:00. St Johns Church Centre, Hildenborough. www.hildenborough farmersmarket.co.uk www.kentfarmers markets.org.uk

■ 03 May. Farmers’ Market. Village Hall, Stansted. www.

WHAT’S ON? THE UNRIVALLED SEVENOAKS LISTINGS GUIDE.

Green exhibition. Wed & Fri 14:00-16:30, Thu & Sat 10:00-16:30. Eden Valley Museum, Church House, 72 High St, Edenbridge. www.evmt.org.uk

■ 24 May. Talk on Doodlebugs & Rockets by Bob Ogley. 14:00. Red X Centre, Town Council Offices, Bradbourne Vale Rd, Sevenoaks. Sevenoaks Active Retirement Association 01732 455564

■ 24 May. Talk on West Kent villages between the Wars by Ed Thompson. 20:00. Undercroft, St Nicholas Church, High St, Sevenoaks. £3. Sevenoaks Historical Society

THEATRE■ 04 May. I’m an Aristocrat; get me out of here! 20:00. Memorial Hall, Platt. 01732 882518

■ 09-12 May. Government Inspector play by Gogol. 19:30. Sackville Theatre, Space Performing ArtsCentre, Sevenoaks School, Tonbridge Rd, Sevenoaks. £9 (concessions £7). 01732 455133 www.sevenoaksschool.org/thespacePerforming Arts Centre, Sevenoaks School, Tonbridge Rd, Sevenoaks. Tickets £10 (concessions £8). So & So Circus 01732 467765 www.sevenoaksschool.org/thespace

WALKS■ 02-31 May. Deer Park walk. Check days & times. Knole. Free. 01732 462100 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knole

■ 04, 11, 18, 25 May. Welly Fitness Walks. 09:30-10:30, 14:30-15:30. Meet Riverhill Himalayan Gardens car park. Free. 01732 459777 www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

■ 12 May. North Downs Challenge Walk. Adults £12, children £5 including refreshments. St Marys Church, Kemsing 01959 524725

■ 12, 19 May. Photography Trek. 10:00-13:00. Riverhill Himalayan Gardens. £40. 01732 459777 www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

SEVENOAKS TOURISTINFORMATION

CENTRE

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

Stag Theatre, Plaza Suite Tel: 01732 450305


DON’T MISS! Inspirational musician and original filmmaker Duncan Bridgeman of 1 Giant Leap introduces a screening of his film “What About Me?” and performs with his band. Fund-raiser for Room to Read, Sunday 6 May 6.30pm, Knole Academy, Sevenoaks, TN13 3LE Tickets £10 from 07885 211489 www.1giantleap.tv www.roomtoread.org

MAY EVENTS AT THE ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE

PUCCINI LA BOHÈMETue 1 May, 7.30pm, £35 / £30 / £24 RV

One of the most romantic operas ever written, this Puccini masterpiece tells the tragic tale of the doomed, consumptive Mimi and her love for a penniless writer. This classic tale of Parisian love and loss features many famous arias including Your Tiny Hand Is Frozen, They Call Me Mimi and Muzetta’s Waltz.

PUCCINI MADAMA BUTTERFLYWed 2 May, 7.30pm, £35 / £30 / £24 RV

One of the world’s most popular Operas, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly tells the heart-breaking story of the beautiful young Japanese girl who falls in love with an American naval lieutenant – with dramatic results. Highlights include the melodic Humming Chorus, the moving aria One Fine Day and the unforgettable Love Duet. This production will be sung in Italian with English subtitles

WILDBOYZFri 4 May, 7.30pm, £21.50 / £19.50 RV, Age +16

The Assembly Hall Theatre presents hunks Alex Reid (reality TV star) Marcus Patrick (Hollyoaks) Danny Young (Coronation Street/ Dancing on Ice) and Dale Howard (Big Brother) in Wildboyz! Billed as ‘Benidorm meets The Full Monty’, the four boyz will get your hearts racing ladies.

SCIENCE MUSEUM LIVE TOUR Mon 14 – Tue 15 May, Mon 7pm Tue 10.30am Adult £12.50 / Child £10

Back by popular demand, the Science Museum returns with more spectacular science, dangerous demonstrations and extraordinary experiments in this live show designed to blow your mind and challenge your brain.

LET THERE BE DRUMSSun 27 May, 8pm, £22.50 / £20 RV

This high-energy percussion extravaganza features three bands with drummers from hit groups. Bobby Harrison, the original drummer with Procol Harum, and his band Journey 2 Freedom. Paul Fenton, who toured as drummer with Marc Bolan & T. Rex. He is the only person who has links with the original group and continues to work under the name T. Rex. and John Coghlan, an original drummer with Status Quo with his band John Coghlan’s Quo.

THE GOOD OLD DAYS OF MUSIC HALL AND VARIETYWed 16 May, 2pm, £12.50 / Senior Citizens £11.50

A fabulous brand new show for 2012, for all ages, taking you back to the great days of entertainment. Starring star of Stage, TV, and ITV’s The Comedians Duggie Brown. Backed by a full supporting company of singers, hilarious comedy, specialty acts, a chairman, live band, and lots of wonderful songs you will know to sing along with!

SALLY MORGANFri 18 May, 7.30pm, £23.50

Fresh from her new TV Series - Psychic Sally On The Road on SKY LIVING, Britain’s best-loved celebrity psychic, Sally Morgan returns by overwhelming public demand.

THAT’LL BE THE DAY Sat 26 May, 7.30pm, £23.50 / £21.50 RV

This hugely entertaining rock ‘n’ roll spectacular features an all new line-up of knock-out hits from the 1950s, 60s and 70’, mixed with loads of new zany comedy routines to produce a show with a real feel-good party atmosphere.

ONE NIGHT OF QUEENThu 24 May, 7.30pm, £18.50

One Night of Queen is a spectacular live concert, recreating the look, sound, pomp and showmanship of arguably the greatest rock band of all time.

BRIT FLOYDFri 25 May, 8pm, £27.50

A brand new show celebrating the amazing musical legacy of Pink Floyd.

JIMEOIN – LOVELYTue 15 May, 7.30pm, £14.50

Jimeoin is loved by audiences throughout the world for his brilliant wit and his razor-sharp take on the absurdities

of everyday life, and has even beaten the world’s scientists to the finish line by introducing the

concept of the Speed of Cheese – the more useful and alternative measurement to the Speed of Light – into modern day vocabulary.

Assembly Hall Theatre • Crescent Road • Tunbridge Wells • Kent TN1 2LUTicket office: 01892 530613/532072www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

SIMON AMSTELL – NUMBMon 21 May, 8pm, £21

The award-winning comedian, actor/screenwriter (Grandma’s House) and presenter (Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Popworld) returns with a brand new stand-up tour for 2012.

DON’T MISS! – FREE NORDIC WALKING Starting at the end of May are 8 free Nordic Walking sessions for over 50’s in and around Sevenoaks. Free tuition and poles provided. For dates, times and further information contact Becky on 01732 747304 or [email protected]


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FUN CLASSES FOR EVERYONE – 2 YEARS TO 102!

Holly Seddon has the last word

in America (I understand from my intensive research conducted over 32 years of absorbing American sitcoms and shows) it is perfectly accepted, encouraged even, to brag about your success and that of your

children. To stand proud and say: “look what they/we/I/the cat did, isn’t it brilliant?!” In Britain, I understand from intensive research conducted over 32 years of just knocking about in Britain, being British, it is quite the opposite. And so, after a school career peppered by pretending to get lower scores in maths than I did, or showing off about the number of detentions rather than As (idiot), followed by a career of underselling myself on my CV for risk of seeming “obnoxious”, it’s a tough habit to break. We all do it though, don’t we? If we’re talking to a friend who's having money troubles, we don’t mention a payrise or a windfall (not unless it's the Alexis Colby of the group – or, for younger readers, Simon Cowell). When we’re talking to a friend whose child didn’t get into the school of their choice (highly likely at the moment) we don’t demand a chest bump and yell about how great it is that our kid thundered through the 11+ and had the pick of the places. If you’re anything like me, what you actually do is what I call the ‘reverse brag’. You make everything you do/own/believe/love sound worse than it actually is. It’s particularly unfair to the kids. We’re raising Beethoven the Maestro (in my eyes) and I act like we’re raising Beethoven the dog. And then there’s the domestic arrangements... I’ll come out with something very

few people know (and fewer yet care about) but that eats me up continuously. We, like a great sweep of Sennockians, have a cleaner. Actually, we have two. Not because our house is so MASSIVE (it isn’t), but because they get it done quicker and I only have to wring my hands and look guiltily at them for half the time from over the top of my laptop. But whereas I’ll happily tweet, or update my Facebook status with any anecdote I think is half-amusing, I’ve

deleted things immediately after realising it gives away this deep secret: that a busy family of five, with two parents working full time, long commutes and a huge school run needs a bit of help with the domestic stuff. Partly, there’s still a sense of shame that I should be able to bleach my own bog, mostly because it sounds decadent and pretentious. I actually stumbled recently, and after

receiving a very nice offer for something career-related, told several people the story of how it came about. Without exception, the nights following me telling people about that, I barely slept. As my husband snored contentedly next to me, I rolled to and fro worrying. Did it sound like showing off ? Did I make them feel I was being critical of their career decisions by making different ones? On and on in paranoid, twilight delirium. Answer: They didn’t care. Because that’s it in a nutshell – no one cares as much about your life as you do, and I hope this is borne out by no one reading this giving a jot about any of the above. Not for the usual self-deprecating reasons, just because that’s a far more sensible way to live.

Catch Holly on twitter @hollyseddon

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vine magazine | may 2012

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