vine magazine | october 2011 | issue 52

VINew w w . v i n e d i g i t a l . c o . u k • o c t o b e r 2 0 11 • i s s u e 5 2

YOUR FAVOURITE SEVENOAKS MAGAZINE

f o o d & d r i n k | h o m e s & i n t e r i o r s | p e n n y v i n c e n z i i n t e r v i e w | n e w s & e v e n t s

Vine meets the local author behind a fascinating new book charting the history of life on Earth

2 vine October 2011 vinedigital.co.uk

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Designers and makers of handmade solid wood kitchens

and furniture for every room

Unit 9, Chart Farm, Seal ChartSevenoaks, Kent TN15 0ES Tel: 01732 762682

81 Calverley RoadTunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2UY Tel: 01892 520730

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Handmade kitchens, bedrooms and studies


Lovely muck spreading smell

in Sevenoaks! I’m sure Lidl will get

the blame!

Lady on mobile phone in #sevenoaks this morning: “I’m at

the market, standing by the tapenade

man.”

Just found out @raffertys_cafe have twitter! If you’ve not yet been to Raffertys

in Sevenoaks, go! Atmosphere and

food fabulous.

Steam train for Sevenoaks All aboard! An old-fashioned steam train from The Cathedrals Express will roll into Sevenoaks Station on October 15. Passengers can choose whether they wish to explore Warwick or Stratford-upon-Avon, with five different travel options to choose from. Tickets are £79 – £215. Visit www.cathedralsexpress.co.uk

Free Zumba for over-50s Exercise for over-50s has never been so fun – or free! Starting October 13, participants in this age group will be able to attend Zumba classes completely free due to recent Lottery Funding. Classes will be on Thursday mornings at 10.30am in Farningham and on Friday mornings at 10.30am in Sevenoaks. Visit www.sevenoakszumba.co.uk.

HEADLINES

RTWSO starts 90th season In its 90th season on October 2, the Royal Tunbridge Wells Symphony Orchestra is planning numbers from Harry Potter and a concert for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee next year. Expect everything from Beethoven to Brahms. Tickets from £10. Visit www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

@OtfordPond @BishopsgateCopy @OrchidWeddings

New hotel-style hospitalCosting £230 million, the new state-of-the-art Tunbridge Wells Hospital in Pembury has opened its doors. It is the first large acute hospital to provide hotel-style, single en-suite rooms for all patients. Other new features include 10 colour-coded wards and an efficiently-designed natural ventilation system. Visit www.mtw.nhs.uk

Sporty sweethearts Lizzy Yarnold and Lawrence Wooldridge have ambitions: recently engaged, they will have the usual chaos of organising the perfect wedding, but their main ambition is to reach the Olympic Games. Both Lawrence and Lizzy are seeking much-needed sponsorship to realise their dreams, Lawrence as a 200m and 400m runner for London 2012 and Lizzy as a bob skeleton competitor in the 2014 Winter Olympics.Lawrence has the once-in-a-lifetime chance to train in Jamaica alongside international star sprinter Usain Bolt, but he needs around £5,000 sponsorship to cover fundamental costs like coaching fees and physiotherapy. Lizzy meanwhile is looking to train full-time, as she still works and trains like Lawrence. Basic needs like her helmet and sledge runners are essential items as she hopes to compete in the forthcoming Intercontinental Cup. Prior to this Lizzy has two competitions in November: one in Winterberg and the other in Altenberg, Germany. Lizzy said: “We’d both love go to the Olympics, but we really need to be training full-time. Obviously we don’t get paid to compete, so funding is essential if we’re going to reach our full potential.”

n To find out more about sponsoring the pair, call Lawrence on 07917 503158 or visit www.lawrencewooldridge.com and Lizzy on 07807 040406 or visit www.lizzygbskeleton.com

Funding needed for Olympic couple

Top tweetsOur pick of the best local tweets this month

Catch Vine on Twitter@VineMagazine

Lizzy Yarnold and Lawrence Wooldridge need your sponsership

RANT&RAVE

Leanne Rice goes out onto the high street to ask readers their views on

budget stores in Sevenoaks

There are five supermarkets here – you don’t need any more! I can’t think of any reason why people need to spend money in Lidl as well. We’re provided for. Although, you can pick up funky bargains in the pound shop I guess, but Sevenoaks isn’t really the place for a 99p Store. It’s quite a well-off area.

- David

I do not see the need for a cheap supermarket in Sevenoaks as it’s an expensive area. Not at all. And there’s no need for this 99p Store either - it lowers the class of the area.- Daniel

The 99p Store has really good bargains! I will be visiting often. I went to Waitrose this morning to try and get some items, then came here and found the prices to be much reduced.

- Michele

The new Tonbridge Wells Hospital has opened its doors


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Somali hostage gives interviewChief foreign affairs correspondent, The Sunday Telegraph’s Colin Freeman, will speak about his experience of being kidnapped and held hostage by Somali pirates in 2008. The event will be held at the Sevenoaks Library at 7pm on November 7. Tickets £3. Visit www.kent.gov.uk/sevenoakslibrary

HEADLINES

Transantarctic solo expedition This month, Felicity Aston will embark on an expedition to become the first woman to ski solo across Antarctica. The 33-year-old from Hildenborough is currently seeking much-needed sponsorship for her mission. Visit www.felicityaston.com or email [email protected]

Kent chef hits TV screens Celebrity chef Gino D’Acampo will appear alongside founder of Cookie’s Kitchen, Maxine Pancaldi, in ITV’s There’s No Taste Like Home. Hitting screens on October 13, Maxine will compete to have her own dish appear on a restaurant’s menu for a month.

Colin Freeman will be speaking on November 7

Fabulous fundraiser with Martina ColeIt’s time to think pink! Sevenoaks will be turning pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month from October 8 – 15. The main event, however, will be an evening with author Martina Cole on October 15 at The Space Theatre, Sevenoaks School from 6pm. Show your support in style with a book signing from Martina, entertainment from Amy Coulshaw and demonstrations by Rush hairstylists. Refreshments and luxury goodie bags from Rush will be provided complete with a hardback of Martina’s latest book, The Faithless.

n Tickets £20. Call Stephanie on 07961042917 to book and visit www.breastcancer

care.org.uk for more information

Vine has five copies of The Faithless to give away! Simply email [email protected]

with your details. Deadline 31/10/11

Reader Giveaway

For Downton Abbey enthusiasts, there is now an opportunity to meet the cast at a unique charity event at Highclere Castle in Berkshire, where the latest series was filmed. The Kent Spitfire will be featuring at the ‘Heroes at Highclere’ event on October 16, which is to be hosted by Lord and Lady Carnarvon to raise money for various British defense charities such as The Army Benevolent Fund, The Royal British Legion, Help for Heroes and The Florence Nightingale Foundation. Highlights of the day include a rare behind-the-scenes look at the costumes and filming of Downton Abbey, set during WWI; assault and climbing courses and music from the Royal Army Medical Corp Band.

n Tickets £5 – £70. Visit www.thecornexchangenew.com and www.kentspitfire.co.uk

Meet the cast of Downton Abbey

This year’s Sevenoaks Literary Celebration (SLC) kicked off with an insightful talk on Shoreham artist Samuel Palmer by The Times’ art critic Rachel Campbell-Johnston at St Nicholas’ Church in Sevenoaks on September 19. The event, organised by SLC in association with Vine, was well received by an audience of 200 and Rachel signed books provided by Sevenoaks Bookshop. Valerie Glencross of the bookshop said: “I thought the evening was a terrific success, she was an excellent speaker; everyone is delighted!”

Literary launch is a success

The Dowton Abbey cast

▼

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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. © 2011. 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 by Acorn Web Ltd. Please recycle Vine.

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Dreams that take shapeAt Kitchen Design of Sevenoaks we have over 30 years of

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Email: [email protected]

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Showroom Opening Hours:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9.00-5.00

Saturday 9.00-3.00

Closed Wednesday and Sunday

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Coldplay’s lead singer Chris Martin recently said “bands should not keep going past the age of 33”, yet here he is at the ripe old age of 34 releasing the much-anticipated Mylo Xyloto on October 24. Maybe the progressive rockband have broken their own barriers. If not, veteran goth rocker Alice Cooper has released a new album just in time for Halloween for fans of theatrical horror.

n Call The Compact Disc on 01732 740889

Chartwell’s annual murder mystery event is returning this year with a new theme and new surprises in store. Once memorably attended by Dame Vera Lynn, this four-course dinner and adventure is a yearly highlight that you can experience for £42.95 per person, beginning on October 22 and running up until Christmas.

n Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk

MONTHLYMUSTSA round up of trends, what’s new

and must-have buys from your local area

October 2011

Underground Restaurants: Lovers of fine dining with an eye for the unusual can put our good Kentish eateries on the back burner for a second. Hari Covert and Annie’s Underground Supperclub are the new-age restaurants with a twist: like a paying dinner party, food services are run from people’s houses. It’s catching on in the city, and now underground restaurants have come to Kent.

n Visit www.anniesupperclub.blogspot.com, www.haricovert undergroundrestaurant.wordpress.com

On October 6 celebrate National Poetry Day with Tyger Tyger Burning Bright: Much-Loved Poems You Half-Remember, by Tonbridge local, Ana Sampson. Get the whole family rediscovering forgotten favourites from poets such as Lewis Carroll and AA Milne, and learn little-known facts like which attention-seeking poet ate tulip-bulbs in a pub and who it was DH Lawrence referred to as a “loathsome reptile”.

n Visit www.sevenoaksbookshop.co.uk

MUST-LISTEN

MUST-READ

MUST-SEE

MUST-VISIT

TV and radio personality Tom O’Connor is bringing a 60s- and 70s-inspired evening of music and entertainment to The Stag on October 22 for all the family to enjoy. With live music from nine-piece band The Vintage Corporation, it’s bound to be a sing-, clap- and dance-along extravaganza; the perfect combination for a night out in Sevenoaks.

n Visit www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk

MUST-HAVE Flaunted on the runway and by famous attending fashionistas, London Fashion Week has confirmed the trench coat trend for this autumn/winter. Macs were donned in every variety; fire-engine red, leather and with faux-fur lining, but the ultimate modern take on the classic this season is the two-toned trench. Practical and bang on trend, grab your version of the look premiered by Burberry with this sleek beige and black number from Topshop for £85.

n Visit www.topshop.com

MUST-TASTE


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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

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


Natural HISTORY UNFOLDED

T aking the kids to visit a museum, gallery or art exhibition sounds all very worthy, perhaps even good fun, but let’s be honest, it can sometimes turn out to be a bit of a nightmare… Supersaturated brains, overwalked feet and distracting

mobile phones are just a few of the hazards that can stretch even the best-laid parental intentions past their

elastic limit. But the biggest problem is something parents are mostly powerless to do much

about – it’s called ‘information overload’.

Take somewhere like London’s

Natural History Museum; surely one

of the most illustrious, fabulous, museums in

the world. Built in the early 19th century as a

‘cathedral to nature’, this giant palace-like park for

retired Jurassic giants must surely top any youngster’s idea

of a good day out. But beware – not just of dinosaurs – but of the dreaded

information overload. There is so much to see, so many exhibits, such a vast collection of extraordinary

minerals, artefacts and relics

laid out in countless cabinets and displays with video screens and captions vying for your attention, that the actual story of life on Earth, which the museum aims to reveal, all too often gets lost in a fuzz of noise, stuff and confusion. That’s why putting the story of life on Earth into a ‘wallbook’ is such a powerful addition to any visit to the Natural History Museum. The idea is that, regardless of which rooms or exhibits you and your child visits (you can’t possibly see them all in one visit, by the way) there is still a way of seeing, in graphical context, how the extraordinary story of life on Earth has unfolded over the last four billion years. The What on Earth? Wallbook of Natural History, launched this month, is a collaborative venture between the Natural History Museum and my own Sevenoaks-based publishing company, What on Earth Publishing Ltd. Our aim to is to provide parents and children alike with an easy, exciting and informative guide to all the major events of evolution and natural history from the dawn of life until the present day. Taking the spine off the book means it can be read in an armchair, laid out flat on the floor, stood up on a table or mounted on a wall; places where several people can engage with it at once, unlocking discussion and debate.

Teaching your kids about life on Earth since the beginning sounds like a monumental task, but local author Christopher Lloyd and

the Natural History Museum have collaborated to create an innovative solution to your half-term entertainment dilemma

with The What on Earth? Wallbook of Natural History

Words: Christoper Lloyd

FEATURE


3. Which creature is thought to have been the first to see clearly underwater?• Jellyfish• Ammonite• Octopus• Trilobite

Get The What on Earth? Wallbook of Natural History for just £15 (RRP £17.50) from Sevenoaks

Bookshop or online at www.whatonearth books.com/shop

Reader Offer

Putting the pictures and captions on a timeline also means you can dip in and out of the story wherever you like, from the first microscopic blue-green algae that gave birth to our oxygenated atmosphere to the reign of the giant Diplodocus or the rise of hairy two-legged apes called humans. Unlike in the museum, with the wallbook you will always have the timeline to keep the orientation and context of the overall story intact. On the back of the new wallbook is a simpler timeline telling the incredible story of how scientists from Aristotle to the present day have uncovered the amazing story of natural history – a story that explains everything from the origins of mountains, the emptiness of deserts, the vastness of oceans, mass extinctions, earthquakes, volcanoes and giant meteorite strikes. If you plan to visit the Natural History Museum anytime soon, then I hope the new The What on Earth? Wallbook of Natural History will be an essential additional guide to make the value of your visit last a whole lot longer and, hopefully, make everything you see make a lot more sense. And if you’re not planning a visit, then why not emblazon your staircase, living room or bedroom wall with what is undeniably the most amazing true story ever told – the complete history of life on Earth!

n Christopher Lloyd will be unveiling a giant edition of his new The What on Earth? Wallbook of Natural History on Monday October 31 at St Michael’s School, Otford during Grapevine, Vine’s monthly networking evening. For details on the event, email [email protected] or call 01732 760823 and for more information on the wallbook, email [email protected]

The What on Earth? Wallbook of Natural History QUIZ

1. Roughly how old is the Earth?• 45 million years• 450 million years• 4.5 billion years• 45 billion years

2. Most of the Earth’s water is originally thought to have come from: • Volcanoes• Cracks under the Earth’s crust• The Moon• A bombardment of comets

4. Which of the following sea creatures did NOT have a land-based ancestor?• Whale• Shark• Ichthyosaur• Plesiosaur

5. The first creatures to take to the skies were the ancestors of…• Dragonflies• Birds• Pterodactyls• Bumblebees

6. Roughly when did the first flowering plants appear on land?• 500 million years ago• 140 million years ago• 50 million years ago• 10,000 years ago

7. What is so remarkable about the now extinct species of ape called Australopithecus?• Exceptionally large head size• Use of opposable thumbs• The ability to walk on two feet• Hairlessness

8. Which of the following human species evolved first?• Homo erectus • Homo sapiens• Homo habilis• Homo neanderthalensis

9. Where on Earth did the giant meteorite land that is thought to have killed off the dinosaurs?• Gulf of Mexico• English Channel• Outer Mongolia• Red Sea

10. Which of the following creatures is NOT native to Australia?• Kangaroo• Rabbit• Wallaby• Koala

For a copy of the correct answers please email [email protected]

Why not try your luck at the mega 100-question What on Earth? world history quiz which is featured on the back of the new What on Earth? Wallbook – Pocket Edition (includes magnifier) – an ideal stocking filler at just £5 for Vine readers (RRP £7.99) – available from

www.whatonearthbooks.com/shop

FEATURE


RUSSELL HOUSE SCHOOLWhere the remarkable happens

01959 522352 www.russellhouseschool.co.uk

Station Road, Otford, Near Sevenoaks, Kent TN14 5QU

Arrangea visit to find outmore

Vinead(March):Layout 1 09/03/2011 09:14 Page 1

SHORTLY ARRIVING

IN NOVEMBER

[email protected] - www.gcornell.co.uk

35 Burgate,CanterburyCT1 2HA - Tel: 01227 464 789

12-14 Gabriels Hill, MaidstoneME15 6JG - Tel: 01622 753 150

In the heart of Sevenoaks town centre

Freshly cooked food available lunchtimes and evenings

Pre Christmas party bookings now being taken

Generous wine list

Shepherd Neame Ales

S E V E N O A K S

B A N K S T R E E T • S E V E N O A K S • T N 1 3 1 U W

O P E N M O N D AY – S AT U R D AY

T E L : 0 1 7 3 2 4 5 2 1 9 2

A. Despite its close proximity to the capital, Sevenoaks is blessed by a real sense of space. Sevenoaks lies almost entirely within the greenbelt protection area: Sevenoaks District Council is responsible for 34,400 hectares of designated greenbelt land, one of the biggest in England. Let me reassure constituents that the proposed changes will not weaken the greenbelt. First, all the existing protections that cover greenbelt land, including the Kent Downs and High Weald areas are guaranteed under the new National Planning Policy Framework. Second, long-standing problems within the planning system are being corrected, such as the pressure to build on gardens. The government has already ended the bizarre classification of gardens as ‘brown-field’ land, which encouraged ‘garden grabbing’, and abolished the minimum housing density requirements.

Third, the government is giving residents more say about developments. It believes that local people are best placed to look after their own surroundings. Sevenoaks is ahead of the government here. In Otford, well known for its strong community spirit and natural beauty, residents have already created a superb 10-year parish plan covering a very wide range of issues. Many people also support local charities and conservation groups that play a critical role in managing differing environments, urban and rural. Kent Willdlife Trust, for example, has six nature reserves in my constituency and over 2,300 local members. The government is scrapping the undemocratic Regional Spatial Strategy and, through the Localism Bill, giving control back to local people. From now on, residents will be able define exactly what kind of developments they would like to see in their area.

QUIZ THE MP WITH MICHAEL FALLONQ. How do you think the latest planning policy will affect Sevenoaks’ greenbelt land?


October is always a month that seems to creep up from nowhere; a moment ago we were enjoying the late summer sun in the garden at the George & Dragon, Chipstead and now the fire is being stocked ready for those bracingly cold autumn mornings. Fortunately the best of Kent’s produce brings some much-needed warmth to our seasonal dishes...

The arrival of the first frosts and cold mornings has its benefits for those foragers and food lovers among us. Wild mushrooms are abundant and a short walk over the fields or into the woodlands can unearth some special discoveries, but beware, mushroom picking is not for the amateur or foolish: I will only ever go looking with an expert, my expert being a very well illustrated book. Many books on the delight of mushroom picking are available, but for beginners I would recommend the River Cottage Handbook no.1, Mushrooms, by John Wright.

Back at the George & Dragon, Chipstead we find the wild mushroom dishes to be particularly popular sellers. One of our favourite dishes is sautéed wild mushroom, new potatoes and a fried duck egg

For two people:

180g wild mushrooms

120g new potatoes (boiled and sliced)

5ml truffle oil

2 duck eggs

Salt and pepper

Sauté the new potatoes in a shallow pan with a little vegetable oil until golden brown; add the mushrooms and toss gently until the size of the mushrooms has wilted and halved in volume. Drizzle over the truffle oil, transfer to a plate, place a fried egg on top and add a touch of salt and pepper to finish.

food for thoughtwith Benjamin James

On the forager’s trail

Apple and pear martini

75ml pear and apple juice

25ml gold rum (Havana Club, five years ideal)

25ml apple liqueur

12.5ml Amaretto

1 squeeze of lime

Shake all the ingredients with cubed ice and strain into a

chilled martini glass.

You can also pick up wild mushrooms from nearby farm shops, along with some new season pears. At the George & Dragon, Chipstead our pear and blue cheese salad is always popular when we feature it on our lunch classics menu. Kent has some great pear orchards so it is also worth trying the pear juice as a refreshing alternative to orange or regular apple juice. Many producers in Kent even make an apple and pear juice which is great for creating cocktails. The George & Dragon, Chipstead’s cocktail of the month for October is a pear and apple martini, which is deliciously smooth and refreshing.

With October upon us few can think about the passing of the year without their thoughts turning to Christmas. The George & Dragon, Chipstead is already gearing up for a month of celebrations. The heavy oak beams, solid furnishings, real fires and original features create a perfect venue for a variety of events from a casual Christmas lunch to a romantic dinner for two. The two floors allow customers to enjoy food and drink in the bar downstairs with its open fire, or under the beamed splendour of the upstairs dining room. There’s even a tree-filled private dining room for more intimate parties. Whatever your requirements why not let us put the sparkle into your Christmas gatherings this December.

Pear necessities

(fresh pressed)

Christmas cheer in Chipstead

Wild mushrooms are abundant in October: try this wonderful sautéed wild mushroom, new potato and fried duck egg dish

VINE DINING


D ust off your dancing shoes in preparation for a series of up-tempo events to come from the Chartwell restaurant in Westerham, overlooking the picturesque Weald of Kent. Starting from November 4, the Chartwell

restaurant, which borders Winston Churchill’s stunning former home, is becoming host to Funky Jazz Dinners and a Sunday Lunchtime Jazz Club, featuring live music and a sumptuous three-course dinner set in the awe-inspiring venue. Each evening begins with a 7pm drinks reception for some light-hearted cheer in the ground floor Lady Soames Room with music kicking off at 7.30pm. After the drinks start flowing, a delectable meal awaits in the impressive high-ceilinged Mulberry Room, proudly named after Churchill’s Mulberry Harbour. The Cool Jazz Trio will be providing much-loved jazz classics for the Sunday Lunchtime Jazz Club with a traditional lunch, and the Funky Jazz Dinners will feature tunes from Over the Edge and Sax & Honey that are guaranteed to keep your feet moving. Not in danger of being upstaged by featured jazz bands, the Chartwell restaurant’s chefs are planning on whipping up something extra special for the crowd. The exciting three-course menu offers dishes made from the best seasonal ingredients which are all sourced as locally as possible: you couldn’t get more local than the pumpkins and butternut squashes picked straight from Chartwell’s kitchen garden. Start perhaps with the smoked salmon pâté with soft-boiled quail egg, roasted beetroot chutney and locally-made tomato bread, followed by a main course of peppered duck breast with confit of duck leg from Telmara Farm in Essex, with celeriac purée and a rosemary and blackberry sauce, finished with an apple and ginger sponge with real vanilla sauce. Running most Fridays and Saturdays in November, this series of jazz events is the cure for the common weekend. So whether you’re looking for a relaxing Sunday lunch or to let loose and enjoy an elaborate evening meal, let the Chartwell Restaurant entertain you.

n Tickets for Sunday Lunchtime Jazz Club are £20 and Funky Jazz Dinner are £39.95. To book call 01732 861161 or email [email protected]

Keep the dreary winter months at bay with the Chartwell Restaurant’s upcoming jazz events that will definitely keep the party going

CHARTWELL GETS

funky

The multi-talented percussionist and drummer Lionel Shell talks to Vine about the two bands he plays in, Over the Edge and The Cool Jazz Trio, and what they will bring to Chartwell’s jazz events

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE OVER THE EDGE’S SOUND?

I’d say it’s jazzy, funky – souly! We cover everything from Santana to Car Wash and from Miles Davis to James Brown. When we play, whatever the tune, everybody gets up to dance.

TELL US ABOUT OVER THE EDGE’S BAND MEMBERS:

There are about seven or eight of us and we’ve been together for around 16 years. We’ve played at the O2 arena and twice at Ronnie Scott’s jazz club in Soho. Except for our vocalist who’s from South London, all of us are from Tunbridge Wells. We come from all walks of life: computer geeks, teachers, etc., but we’ve all come together because we love jazz.

SO WHO ARE THE MEMBERS OF THE COOL JAZZ TRIO?

Well there’s pianist, Iain Rea, who’s a much-respected musician and has been in the jazz industry for many years, bassist, Paul Beeching, also a very talented musician, and me, the drummer.

WHAT KIND OF MUSIC WILL YOU BE PLAYING?

(Laughs) we don’t know what we’re playing until we go up there! We play jazz standards from the 1950s to today so it could be anything, maybe we’ll start with ‘Makin’ Whoopee’!

The talented Over the Edge

The beautiful Chartwell House

FEATURE


G avin Gregg’s restaurant is somewhat of an institution in Sevenoaks town and quite rightly so. Coming up to its 12th anniversary, Gavin Gregg has survived

the hardships of the past few years because of one simple fact: it delivers the best. If you don’t believe me, or them, Gavin and his team has received two AA Rosettes through independent judgment for the past eight years, and the future is only looking brighter for these talented chefs. The difference with Gavin Gregg is that you don’t see the prices escalate by ridiculous proportions just because the food is technically perfect and much more imaginative than most. For example, on the midweek set menu you can enjoy grilled mackerel fillet with oven-dried beef tomato and pesto purée; braised shoulder of lamb, boulangere potato, creamed cabbage and baby onions, followed by chocolate and honey cheesecake with caramelised hazelnuts, honey and yoghurt ice cream for just £14 for two courses and £17.50 for three on the lunch menu and £17.50 for two courses on the dinner menu and £20 for three. Quite frankly, for food this good, it’s a bit of a bargain. Head chef Gavin, along with sous chef Gareth Evans, pastry chef Megan Cockroft and chef Mike Arnold, creates dishes that have international panache that is perhaps somewhat unexpected in this cosy restaurant at the top of Sevenoaks town – I doubt many other towns in England have anything quite like it. In fact, the restaurant is voted number one on Trip Advisor for the area and if the public don’t tell the truth, noone will! One recent reviewer said: “This place is a gem. We have eaten at some of the ‘best’ restaurants in the area, e.g. in Tunbridge Wells, etc. Not one of them matches Greggs. The quality of the food is superb. The presentation will

match fine dining restaurants in London.” Take his Chateaubriand for example. People come from miles around to experience it. The meat is delicately poached in a water bath at a very precise temperature for absolute tenderness and perfection, and then roasted. While I am there, I watch Gavin bring out the 48-hour braised pork belly, 24-hour poached pig’s cheek and roast pork fillet with buttered bok choy, baby spinach, celeriac purée and fondant potato. It looks absolutely amazing. How much heaven can you fit onto one plate? Everything is done with the meticulousness expected from a Michelin-starred restaurant in the city, but Gavin doesn’t necessarily want to be labelled in this way – he doesn’t need to be. He claims that while a lot of restaurants aim to give themselves this title, he’d rather people came and tasted it for themselves – “let the food do the talking,” he says.

Gavin’s Christmas menu is nothing short of a culinary feast and for a four-course party lunch menu at £20 a head (£27.50 for dinner), who could resist? From December 1, you can expect delicacies like the traditional ballotine of turkey with apricot and thyme

farce and all the trimmings, or something a little different like braised shoulder of local venison or slow-poached halibut fillet. The menu for Christmas Day is incredible and will be the ultimate way to celebrate this special day – for foodies, it’s a must. This seven-course menu is an event in itself and more beautifully presented than any Christmas present you’ll probably get this year. Essentially, it’s a win-win for all: you’re guaranteed fantastic food at genuinely good value

prices at a restaurant that truly offers the fine dining experience.

words: Charlotte Luxford

The quality of the food is superb. The presentation will match fine dining

restaurants in London

01732 456373 | gavingreggrestaurant.com

Weekly set lunch

Tues-Sat £14 for two courses; £17.50 for three courses

Weekly set dinner

Tues-Thurs £17.50 for two courses; £20 for

three courses

RESTAURANTIN SEVENOAKS

GAVIN GREGG

An award-winning restaurant that settles for nothing less than perfection

The cosy interior of the restaurantGavin Gregg and

Gareth Evans

Braised pork belly, poached pig’s cheek and roast pork fillet


New season venison now available

Come in and try our prime cuts of beef, local free range sausages and our

home-reared venison

Open Tue, Wed & Fri 9am - 4pm & Sat 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

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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

F or every Christmas dinner, turkey seems to be the standard staple; but how

many of us are actually fans? For those desiring something a little different this season, The Bull in Wrotham has an extensive festive menu to tickle your tastebuds. The imaginative chefs at the AA Rosette restaurant have injected some real personality into the traditional ‘meat and veg’ combination, offering a meal well beyond the ordinary. Their three-course à la carte menu consists of delectable extras that you’d expect to see in a top-notch London restaurant, such as celeriac dauphinoise, sweet garlic, oxtail ragu and red chard with a sumptuous fillet of beef, or enjoy the wild sea bream with confit potatoes, spinach in a curried lentil and a remarkable pine nut sultana sauce. While the mains introduce new and unexpected flavours, you can’t

beat a traditional pud: their ginger parkin with hot spiced treacle and vanilla ice cream is hugely popular. So The Bull is a must for those who wish to add some sophistication to their dreary winter diet and leave those tired turkey days behind (turkey is still available upon request!).

REVOLUTIONISING CHRISTMAS DINNER

If you are organising a party and haven’t been to The Bull before please visit for a complimentary two course lunch for two people and try the food, have a look at the spaces available and discuss your needs and budget.

n To book call Nicola on 01732 789 800 or visit www.thebullhotel.com

N ot only can you get the best seasonal produce on offer this October,

you can also raise money for a good cause at Tonbridge Farmers’ Market. An array of pink outfits will stand out between the fruit and veg, as stallholders dress up to raise awareness for Breast Cancer Care. You can also help the cause by dressing up in pink yourself, thereby donating 10 per cent of your purchase to the charity. Organiser Steve Wood said: “This is a cause dear to most people’s hearts – it now affects so many families and I feel it is one that is worth supporting.” The market is on October 9 from 9.30am – 1.30pm and there will be fantastic food and drink from local suppliers: cheese from Winterdale Farm; delicious hot food from Roundwood Orchard Pig Farm; fresh fish from Arcade Fisheries in Hastings; That’s Nice

chutneys and preserves and many other delicious treats – with over 60 stalls to choose from, you could be there for hours! You can also enjoy the market kitchen, offering lovely tasters from resident chef Neil: a fun ‘Ready Steady Cook’ style demonstration is set up using ingredients from the stalls to show customers what they can do with their fresh produce. It’s a wonderful way to spend a Sunday morning and a great way to help a deserving charity, so please head down to the market, at Sovereign Way car park in pink this month!

n Tonbridge Farmers’ Market, October 9, and then the second Sunday of every month. Visit www.tonbridgefarmersmarket.co.uk

FARMERS’ MARKET PINK SUNDAY

T he Padwell at Stone Street has now opened the doors to its elegantly

refurbished restaurant, with the new head chef Sam Coleman at the helm. Sam, who has almost a decade of experience cooking for West Kent’s dining cognoscenti, says he simply couldn’t refuse The Padwell’s offer: “I’ve got the support of a great team behind me, but with the license to express myself when it comes to how the kitchen is run and the type of dishes that we create.” Though innovative, the chef ’s focus will be on classic English country cuisine presented in a simple way, letting the flavours do the talking. The ingredients will be as fresh as you can get; with all game, meat, and fish being hand-picked from

organically-certified sources within a few miles of the pub.Except that is for Friday nights, when the pub transforms into a destination for Goan curry evenings at £10 per person for two courses. The new Padwell is the place to go for honest-to-goodness, traditional and hearty pub food without the fuss. n For more on The Padwell’s new menu and restaurant, visit www.thepadwell.com or call 01732 761532

PINT PATTERfrom The Padwell words by local Rob Merrills

The Padwell, Sevenoaks’ only pub owned by its punters, tells Vine the latest news from this much-loved community pub

Two courses for £11, three courses for £13, Tues to Thurs. Quote Vine004 when booking.

Offer expires 27/10/11

Reader Offer


he power of a pub that stays true to its roots should never be underrated. The Kings Head in Bessels Green of Sevenoaks has obviously taken note with its fresh seafood offer. The pub itself dates all the way back to the 18th century when it was originally

an inn, frequented by fishermen making their way back from Rye with their prized catches. Today fresh fish is still brought to the pub from the Kent and Sussex coastlines. There’s an emphasis on fresh, locally-sourced seafood such as scallops and mussels, which feature on the pub’s regular menu and also on its daily specials. Despite the pub’s very British history, the food at The Kings Head has an unashamedly French flavour due to landlady Anne Peeks’ upbringing, taking the best from the charming and culturally-diverse region of her home ground, Aquitaine. In a celebration of the pub’s distinctly French flair, husband and wife team Anne and Allen will be hosting a French-themed evening on November 11 to mark the arrival of their new French chef, Stéphane. For £30, guests can pre-order from an extensive three-course menu. Prior to the meal, guests will be able to enjoy a wine-tasting, followed by coffee and chocolates, and a quiz with prizes. In addition, The Kings Head will be introducing their festive menu on November 21 – surely something to note on the calendar. The new winter menu also includes a ‘fast lunchtime’ fixed price menu and new à la carte menu. Their

elegant yet rustic interior provides the perfect setting for a cosy three-course meal to celebrate

the season; it costs a reasonable £19.95 each for lunch and £21.95 for dinner, with a tempting menu that includes a delicious roast parsnip, apple and honey soup with fresh crusty French bread; The Kings Head confit of duck with potatoes sautéed in duck fat and French petit pois; and a winter fruits and mascarpone cheesecake to finish.

With such a variety of menu options, there really is something to suit every taste;

at the moment on their daily menu you can enjoy an oven-baked, thyme-infused whole

The Kings Head

Ashleigh Togher

Normandy Camembert with cranberry jelly and toasts, followed by Kentish beer-battered cod with French fries and garden peas, and a selection of ice creams and sorbets, crème brûlée and Eton Mess. Wash it down with a pint of Young’s from their selection of real ales or a of Viognier from their impressive wine list and you will be converted! With such a selection of great food and a warm welcoming atmosphere, The Kings Head is not just the perfect location for a hearty meal, but also for special occasions. There is a restaurant which doubles as a function room, capable of accomodating up to 50 people for a variety of purposes including breakfast, private luncheons, dinner, buffets, meetings and training. There

is also a spacious outdoor terrace that leads onto a wonderfully lush and large garden for a laid-back barbecue. So whether you’re just looking for a freshly baked baguette, a traditional Sunday Carvery or a romantic dinner for two, The Kings Head has got it covered.

n www.kingsheadsevenoaks.co.uk

of the month

PUB

words:

A pub that maintains its English charm but has added Gallic sophistication

Address:Cheapest Pint:

Tel:Opening times:

Food:

In a sentence:

Bessels Green, Sevenoaks TN13 2QA£3

01732 452 081Mon to Fri 12pm-3pm and 5:30pm-late, Sat 12pm-late, Sun 12pm-5pmA wide selection of fresh and locally-sourced dishes with a palpable French influence

Bessels Green

The Kings Head is not just

the perfect location

for a hearty meal, but also for special occasions,

with a function room

capable of holding up to 50 people for a variety of purposes

10 per cent off all festive bookings between

21-30 November and 2-7 January 2012

Reader Offer

T

The welcoming bar of The Kings’ Head

VINE DINING


groups may want to indulge freely in the full menu of delicious cuisine, your group can tuck into tapas for a set minimum spend of £25.50 (and, it’s worth noting, your minimum spend can be inclusive of alcohol). We can suggest chorizo in red wine, pear and Serrano ham salad and Andalucian beef tapas, washed down with exceptional Argentinian wine or an apple martini, topped off with an Argentinian crêpe filled with dulce de leche...a fantastic alternative to the usual festive menu choices. It’s the lounge area, however, which is easily the gem in El Matador’s crown this season. Already a popular place for leisurely get-togethers, family affairs and mothers’ meetings, the cocktail menu has had a gorgeously vintage makeover, and you can enjoy happy hour every day between 5.30-7pm in the comfort of El Matador’s exceptionally trendy Lounge49. If you’re hosting your own event, the cocktail bar can travel to you, or the lounge can be hired out for private functions; El Matador has already earned its place in the heart of the community by catering for countless events in and around Sevenoaks. Whatever you need from your evening out on the town, El Matador invites you to be tantalised by taste and style. The crowds are already flocking in, so book your table quickly and experience this local favourite.

n Book online www.elmatador.co or call on 01732 460284

Fabulous festive food all the way from Spain and Argentina can be found right on your doorstep this Christmas – a world away from the traditional turkey dinner. They know how to party too at El Matador, as Leanne Rice discovers

t’s been a mere six months since El Matador took over the old auction house on London Road and turned it into the contemporary hub serving the best steaks around and traditional Spanish/ Argentinian cuisine. In this short time, they have served over 20,000 satisfied customers, hosting everything from Bible readings to salsa classes in their fashionable upstairs cocktail lounge. They have utterly integrated themselves into the Sevenoaks community, establishing themselves as a firm favourite and the ultimate go-to place in town. Now that autumn is here and Christmas is fast approaching, El Matador is offering a truly authentic Spanish experience that goes against the tired old choices one might find at other well-known tapas restaurants, offering a unique Christmas celebration that, for once, doesn’t revolve around a British roast. El Matador proudly insists that there is “not one terracotta pot” in the restaurant, preferring to keep El Matador modern, funky and sophisticated. Even Spanish visitors exclaim that they have never tasted steak and tapas like this. As Spanish Christmas Eve tradition dictates, the real focus for the El Matador team is supplying an amazing setting for bringing people together over a real feast. It really is a restaurant for everybody, with a delicious Latino twist added to the bargain. This festive season El Matador is offering a sumptuous fixed three-course Christmas menu for £25.50; however, understanding that Christmas parties or large

I

The beautiful contemporary interior

fiestaA FESTIVE

VINE DINING

El Matador’s steak is cooked on a 440˚ C stone slab


What was the inspiration behind your latest book, The Decision?

An item on the radio, a tragic report of a man in San Francisco who was so appalled at the thought of losing custody of his small daughter that he threatened to jump off the Golden Gate Bridge with her. There is no love greater or more desperate than that of a parent for a child. It’s a marvellous thing to write about.

Your own married life was very different from the relationship scenario in The Decision

Yes, I had a very long and happy marriage, until my husband died almost two years ago, and we managed to co-exist supportively (not always harmoniously!) throughout our lives. That was our philosophy; he was always behind me, whatever I did, and I tried to do the same for him. It was not a rivalry, it was a partnership; that was our philosophy and I can only tell you it worked.

When you’ve written the final sentence to the book you’re working on, how does it feel?

When I’ve written the final sentence to the book I’ve been working on it feels amazing. I actually type ‘The End’ and always have a glass of champagne, whatever time of day it is. I feel I could fly, walk on water. Then about three days later, I get post-natal depression and start missing all the characters and mope about waiting to hear from my editor so I can at least talk about them.

How does your experience of working as a journalist compare to that of a novelist?

Working as a journalist is a lot more fun and sociable than working as a novelist. I miss the chat and the gossip and being able to discuss whatever I’m writing on a day-by-day basis. On the other hand, it is rather wonderful to produce something completely on your own, spun out of your own head, so to speak.

Describe a typical day for you

A typical day starts at 6.30am when I hit Wimbledon Common with my dogs. Then I go home, do stuff and I am at my desk without fail by 9am. I work all day through till about 3pm, when I suddenly can’t write any more, so I have lunch and then proceed to do research and other admin things. I don’t actually leave my study until about 7pm when I listen to The Archers and make supper! It’s not an exactly wild life!

What’s your idea of the perfect weekend?

My perfect weekend would be having friends to stay at the cottage in Wales which we bought 22 years ago. It’s the most beautiful place in the world: I can see the sea from my study window. Walking on the beaches and cliffs; pub-lunching and eating dinner (cooked on the Aga!) with friends is my idea of heaven. Sunday is much the same, only there’s a lot of lolling about over the papers and less activity; a very late lunch, hopefully in the garden, and then an evening watching some Sunday night indulgence like Poirot or Downton Abbey.

What is your biggest extravagance?

My biggest extravagance is flying club class.

What are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of somehow managing to run my working life in tandem with my large family (four daughters, six grandchildren to date) and that the aforementioned family all seem to love each other.

n The Decision published by Headline Review (£19.99, hardback). Visit www.pennyvincenzi.com. Enjoy afternoon tea with Penny at Wadhurst Castle on October 13, where she will be talking about The Decision. Tickets cost £12.50. Visit www.priceless-people.co.uk for more information.

thoughtsPENNY FOR YOUR

Hailed the ‘doyenne of the modern blockbuster’ by Glamour magazine, Penny Vincenzi is one of Britain’s best-loved authors. Since her first published novel in 1989, Penny has written 14 bestselling novels; her most recent triumph is The Decision – a tale of extravagance, passion, love affairs, a doomed marriage and a battle between parents

InterviewCharlotte Luxford

WIN your own hardback copy of The Decision; simply email your details to [email protected].

Deadline 31/10/11

Reader giveaway

INTERVIEW


What? A 20-minute, age-appropriate toddler service

of story, action songs & instruments followed by drinks,

biscuits, chat & play. Open to babies, toddlers, pre-

schoolers and adult companions... come and join us!

When? First Friday of every month, we meet at 1.45pm

for a 2pm start; and on the third Friday (starting in

October), we meet at 11am for a 11.15am start.

More... Our “service” is usually held in church, with tea

and play in our wonderful Centre next door. We have

ample parking, baby-changing facilities and disabled

access. You can find us at the parish church of St Mary,

on Kippington Road, Sevenoaks.

And... There is also a weekly pre-school group, St Mary’s

Monkeys, every Wednesday from 10.00 ‘til 11.30am in

The Centre... a chance to relax while your children play.

Please contact us at [email protected]

with any questions, and the team will get back to you.

Rev’d Lynette Leithead 01732 74 29 42

Ms. Lisa Cornell on 01732 46 20 79

Tots’Praise

at St Mary, Kippington:

a fun introduction to

Christian worship!

Family & Kids pinboard

All The Right Ingredients For Cookery Fun!

Call Catherine on

07748 715644 or email

[email protected]

Clubs ⋅ PartiesHoliday Workshops

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LESSONS AVAILABLE FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS OF ALL AGES STARTING FROM 4 MONTHS


Vine gets your skin ready for the chilly months ahead with these weather-proofing beauty musts

BACK TO BASICSSTYLE

MOISTURISE

It’s been proven that the best way to tackle dry skin is to use a plant-based oil, like this award-winning macadamia nut and coconut-infused This Works Deep Dry Leg Oil for £38. Massage into skin after bathing for a silky, rejuvenating glow. Although the sun may be out of sight experts still warn of its harsh affects, so for face care we recommend Lancôme Primordiale Skin Recharge Visible Smoothing Renewing Moisturiser with SPF 15 with a built-in wrinkle fighting formula for £49.50

CONCEAL

Achieve an airbrushed look taken straight from the runway with Too Faced Amazing Face Foundation for £24.50. The foundation’s weightless consistency glides over skin, erasing imperfections and relaxing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. For quick coverage on the go, Yves Saint Laurent’s much-acclaimed Touche Éclat Complexion Highlighter is the tried and tested must-have for £24.50

FINISH

For the perfect natural-looking finish this triple-milled Immaculate Complexion Loose Powder from Nars is the ideal purchase for £26.50. The powder comes complete with

its own powder brush and plastic mesh filters, making for super easy and flawless application. To top it all off, for a final splash of sheen and fruity moisture grab Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1 in a variety of yummy flavours for £9.50.

If there’s a hairdresser in town that can prepare your locks for the vicious winter weather, Matthew Cross is the one to visit. Leanne Rice meets Margaret Turner, who was lucky enough to win a spot in the stylist’s chair

A s the winter months are fast approaching, we’ll no doubt be treated to all

of the delightful English weather that comes with it. It’s not a bad thing; there are thick socks, open fires and snuggly winter coats to look forward to, but no one likes dealing with crazy humidity explosions or annoying hat hair all season. Fear not – Matthew Cross can save tress-stress armed only with scissors and a pot of wax. This month’s competition winner Margaret is well aware that drizzle (as is falling out of the sky today) isn’t ideal for keeping her hairstyle intact. The first thing she says to us is “Days like today are no good for my hair. Especially when it’s damp and a little bit humid.” Matthew Cross stylist Nicole, who has been a hairdresser since the age of 18 and worked in Paris, is clearly wise to the ways of the unruly bouffant. She immediately picks up the best

way to avoid that sinful, puffy texture offset by wet weather and plans a cut to work around it: “We’re going to take the hair short on top, and although the sides will also be short it will be styled to make sure there’s still a streak of femininity. It’s going to be much more defined and I’ll come up with a style that will frame Margaret’s face. We’re definitely going shorter though!” Nicole sets to work with deft fingers and exceptional scissor skills and no sooner then we’ve covered Sevenoaks life and the escapades of Margaret’s daughter, who works in Libya for news channel AlJazeera, it’s time for a blow-dry, a spot of wax and the final verdict. “It really is lovely,” says Margaret. “Very smart and sophisticated!” It seems we have another convert on our hands...

n To book your makeover with Nicole Vola call 01732 461988, or visit www.matthewcross.uk.com

Before

After

TOP TIP: To prevent flyaway hair, use a heat-protector product on damp hair before blow-drying to smooth the cuticle down

MATTHEW CROSSMAKEOVER

WELLNESS


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ASK JASONFitness professional Jason Crow answers your exercise dilemmas

Q: I feel too fat and unfit to start exercising. How do I break this vicious cycle?Abigail, Sevenoaks

A: This is the point where I could go into a conversation about setting your goals and joining a gym but, in reality, it isn’t about this. It’s about you; you have be comfortable enough to make that change. Here are a few tips on how to make those initial steps:

Overcome the fear of taking the first step. Stop listening to that little voice in your head that makes you fearful of change. You are in full control, all you need to do is get up and take the first step.

Come to the realisation that you are not alone. Family and friends can be very supportive; you wouldn’t believe how many daughters actually exercise with

their mums to give them support and wives with their husbands. If you don’t feel you have someone to support you, just walk through my door and from that point on you won’t be alone; this I promise.

Don’t be defeated by aches, pains and medications. I have a lady who arrives three days a week in all weather on her mobility scooter to use our arm bike. Between your GP and the Better Body Shop team we will find a starting point for you.

Be comfortable and be yourself. If you can’t be comfortable in your exercise environment you are in the wrong place. n If you would like help with losing weight, you can call one of our professional trainers at the Better Body Shop in confidence on 01732 451979 or see our website at: www.betterbodyshop.co.uk

2X WINNER BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE & BEST LEISURE COMPANY

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BBS Vine 90 x 121 Rapid advert:Vine 90 x 121mm Rapid Ad 25/08/2011 13:32 Page 1

S E V E N O A K S A E S T H E T I C S

For more information or to book your free, personalised, no-obligation consultation,

please contact the team on:

01732 644 744 • 07504 401 [email protected]

www.sevenoaksaesthetics.com

Sevenoaks Aesthetics offers a wide range of cosmetic skin rejuvination

treatments to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, improve

complexion and add volume and contour, without the need for invasive

and costly surgical procedures.

Dr Richard Warwick MBChB and his team are based in Sevenoaks, holding regular practices at locations across

West Kent and Sussex.

WELLNESS


E veryone knows the hub of the home is the kitchen. That central room of your house is the hosting ground for work, play, entertaining, dining and, of course, cooking. Naturally, you want the space itself to be as much of a visual feast as

the fruits of your culinary labours. As such, allow Vine to present Gary Bullen and Kitchen Design of Sevenoaks (KD of Sevenoaks) for all of your new kitchen needs. With a business that spans 31 years, KD of Sevenoaks has established its reputation locally through word-of-mouth recommendations; thus the team’s skill for cutting-edge contemporary design or classic shapes in the kitchen world has become well known throughout the district. Equipped with deep-rooted knowledge firmly set on the foundations of qualifications in quantity surveying, Gary’s approach to your new kitchen begins with the basics. He will sit down and explore with you the mechanics of a smoothly functioning kitchen which he combines with the latest technologies and state-of-the-art furnishings. Further armed with local experts, such as the professional stonemason and tile suppliers based in the locality, KD of Sevenoaks project manage your kitchen makeover to bring the vision of your perfect kitchen to life with professional know-how and excellent results. Rest assured that satisfaction is what the team work

to achieve, obtained through top-notch customer service that begins with detailed drawings and cost estimates to meet your budget. This leads to quick and efficient building stages (designed to limit the amount of washing up in the bath and nights of takeaway meals) and then through to completion, with everyone on hand for kitchen-related questions and maintenance advice. “A new client needs to have total confidence that we can provide a truly outstanding end result without hassle and this is where recommendations by existing clients prove to be so strong and valuable,” explains Gary. “It doesn’t end when the project has been completed: customer service should continue. We look to support our customers and do our best to ensure that any future issues are dealt with quickly and efficiently.” For truly outstanding results, contact KD of Sevenoaks for all your refurbishment needs.

n Visit www.kdofsevenoaks.com or call 01732 741100 for more information

Any work on your home needs to be of the highest standard with foolproof results. If you’re looking to refurbish your kitchen, Leanne Rice tells you why Kitchen Design of Sevenoaks on the bustling London Road is the local choice to install kitchens fit for kings

kingkitchensOF

(Above) Examples of Stonehams kitchens available from Kitchen Design of Sevenoaks

▲

HOME & GARDEN


Garden House Collections

Official premier partners and sole stockists of Neptune’s stunning handmade kitchens, bathrooms and interiors

01732 351866 187 High Street, Tonbridge

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If it’s H2O,You know where to go!

Tel. 01959 [email protected]

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Renewable Services

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Steve: 07748 835554 Workshop: 01233 822186Coles Yard, Ashford Rd, Bethersden, Kent www.kentoakframes.co.uk

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W ant a kitchen like this in three and a half weeks? It can be done. Brian Head wanted the best, ultra-modern kitchen that Potts Kitchens and

Bathrooms had to offer and they certainly delivered. Each detail has been meticulously considered and executed with painstaking precision, leaving Brian with a kitchen he can truly be proud of. He has been using Potts for a number of years due to the company’s

efficiency and design excellence; his beautiful white-clad beach house in Pevensey has also had four bathrooms and a kitchen fitted by Potts previously. However, Brian’s latest project is closer to home in Wateringbury, with Brian and his wife deciding to settle there to enjoy the countryside and for the benefit of Ann’s horses. Brian said: “I use Potts because they are totally reliable and give you a realistic estimate upfront. They have designers that actually listen and we’ve approached others in the past and they don’t recognise your needs; Potts

gave us exactly what we wanted and although they made alternative suggestions, that was it – it was a good way of working and everyone was happy with the result. “Their showrooms are spectacular and a great way to draw inspiration for a new project, which I think is important. I’m so happy with my kitchen – the Potts team make life so easy and knowing the builders are going to get the job done in a small amount of time makes a big difference. It was worth every penny!”

Vine visits Kent resident Brian Head’s home to find out why he is so ecstatic about his latest projects carried out by Potts Kitchens and Bathrooms

simply the best

HOME & GARDEN


DESIGN FEATURES

HIGH SPEC APPLIANCES

MINI-PROJECT: THE BATHROOM

The monochromatic look that Brian and his wife have gone for is immediately striking, emphasised by Brian’s request for exceptional lighting. Granite window boards were designed to match the sparkling black granite worktops which work in contrast with the bright, white lacquer units and tiled floor. LED uplighting underneath the units and controllable wall lights mean that the room can be lit according to the mood, whether it’s having cocktails at Brian’s custom-made ‘shattered glass’ bar, soft lighting for an evening meal, or bright lights while the chef is preparing his latest culinary triumph.

Potts paid for Brian and his wife to go to Miele’s ‘Let’s do lunch’ demonstration at the Miele School in Abingdon, where he got to test out all the appliances as if he were in his own home. Brian has a conventional oven which will do everything from intensive baking to rapid heat-up. Brian also has a combi-microwave oven for when time is of the essence and additional extras such as the warming drawers are great for when he’s cooking for a large party. Brian’s pride and joy however is his steam oven, a revolutionary home appliance which cooks gently with injections of steam. Brian’s in-built fridge, also Miele, has ‘stay fresh’ drawers which keep fresh produce at their best for up to two weeks. To keep the minimal look and for the ultimate convenience, Brian has had a ‘zip tap’ installed that has the ability to run either filtered, pure cold water or boiling water instantly, meaning no kettles or water filters to clutter up the kitchen.

Originally Brian’s toilet and bathroom were separate and due to space he needed Potts to create an effective solution; a waste pipe needed to be hidden, so Potts created a column between the bath and a separate shower to resolve the problem. The Italian glass doors to the shower were custom-built and fitted perfectly first time right to the last millimetre. Brian said: “The project was managed very smoothly and with minimum fuss: Potts came out regularly to check on the progress or as soon as I needed their advice, which I found reassuring.” Finishing details include metallic floor tiles, waterfall taps and a space-saving sink unit designed as a feature as well as a practical solution.

SPACE-SAVING

In a minimalist kitchen with a desire for clean lines, space-saving is key. Potts have introduced fold-out draws for all of Brian’s saucepans and cooking equipment and also installed spacious cutlery and utility draws. For when Brian does need to use electric gadgets, pop-up plugs have been installed in the worktops which can be hidden from view when out of use. Rather than having a large gas cooker, Brian went for Miele’s sleek induction hob which is extremely easy and quick to control with precision.

n Visit www.potts.ltd.uk or call 01732 848444 for more information

Brian’s in-built fridge and assortment of ovens

The shattered glass bar

The handy fold-out drawers are a great space saver

A stunning sink is a main feature in the bathroom

HOME & GARDEN


GRANITE WORKTOPS

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T here’s a lot to be said for using a local company for your project and the family-run Design Realised project management, consultancy and

building firm are perfect for those who seek reassurance, trust and quality workmanship, whether it be for a major scheme or a small bespoke joinery project. If you’re a lover of ‘chocolate-box’ heritage properties, Design Realised is recognised for its outstanding work in this field and has gained an award from Bromley Borough Council for its redevelopment of a heritage site in Hayes and is known for its listed building renovations. However, it’s not just the traditional properties that are the focus of Design Realised’s specialist knowledge. With the latest computer-based costing system (meaning no hidden costs), a wealth of industry contacts and as an NHBC-registered house builder, Design Realised can help bring your ambitious Grand Designs-style building project to fruition.

It doesn’t just stop at building the exterior shell; Design Realised can provide a full interior design service, sourcing new designs and products from across the world to bring you a truly unique home, calling upon a whole host of established and experienced craftsmen to assist you with your project. While dreaming of the finished product is exciting, the often frustrating task to act upon first is the initial planning stages, but the Design Realised project managers work with the architects to come up with effective solutions and possibilities to meet your needs. Design Realised can take the headache out of this part of the project by attending design meetings on your behalf; overseeing contractors and suppliers; ordering bespoke items and arranging local authority planning. The company’s excellent customer liaison and dedicated team ensures that you will enjoy seeing your project realised; the team will see it through until the absolute end to produce something that both you and Design Realised can be proud of.

Despite the tough economic climate, you shouldn’t be put off investing in your property; in fact, now is as good a time as any and established building firm Design Realised can help you find a cost-effective solution to add value to your home, says Charlotte Luxford

▼ Homeowner Katya Batchelor has a beautiful 500-year-old listed farmhouse and challenged Design Realised with renovating the house to exacting and authentic standards. The work involved fitting a new heating system using heritage cast iron radiators with a modern heat recovery boiler. Rewiring also had to be carefully completed, working around the fabric of the listed building. Replastering involved using traditional lath and plaster to create lime horse hair plaster and new bathrooms were installed using marble tiles and classic heritage suites. A new kitchen was also installed with alterations and roofing along with a full redecoration and new damp coursing works. Architect services were undertaken by Andrew Boakes Associates of Tonbridge. Katya said: “We picked Design Realised initially, as they came recommended by the architect and were good value for money. Nearing the end of completion, we’re really pleased with the work they’ve done – they’re nice guys, very considerate as we decided to live in the house while the project was going on, so they would always give advanced warning of which rooms they were working on, which I was very grateful for. It’s been a smooth, quick and efficient process and I wouldn’t hesitate in using them again for further work.”

CASE STUDY

n For more information visit www.designrealised.com or call 01732 760712

dream homeREALISE YOUR

Design Realised can do anything from small joinery projects to full-scale building projects like this new build

Katya’s farmhouse

HOME & GARDEN


London House77 High StreetSevenoaksKent TN13 1LD

t. 01732 452111

www.offsetarchitects.co.uk [email protected]

architecture • project management • interior design

N ot one to follow fads, interior designer Karen Jackson is known for her stylish and imaginative use

of colour and texture. Karen takes a very personal approach and likes to collaborate closely with her clients to achieve a look that suits their lifestyle, tastes, and personality. With her many years of professional experience and contacts, Karen is able to source from a large range of suppliers for an extensive range of often unusual materials and one-of-a-kind pieces. Her talented team cover everything from full-scale structural commissions to the finishing touches so you don’t have to worry about finding contractors or project managing. Initial meetings with Karen are free, during which you can get to know one another and discuss the project, whereupon itemised estimates will follow, so you can see precisely what is involved. As an award-winning designer working previously in the most desirable postcodes of London, Karen can offer the quality of renowned city designers but with the benefit of being local, thereby offering a truly personal service.

Trends come and go, but Karen Jackson Interiors’ classic yet contemporary look is bound to stand the test of time

TIMELESS INTERIORS

n Visit www.karenjacksoninteri ors.co.uk or call 01892 618619 for more information

For an elegant yet functional home, giving your interior a modern look will create an easy to live with, light and unfussy living space – a timeless classic of the future. Transform your living room into a refreshing contemporary space for the whole family with innovatively-designed furniture and carefully chosen graphic pieces, using a neutral palette base with touches of colour. In the living room below, Karen has included a stunning silk and wool rug, wood floor, linen curtains, limestone fire-surround, leather armchair, velvet cushions and sculptural glass and metal lamps...who says modern interiors are bland!

For those with more traditional taste, a Victorian take on interiors is the way to go. Karen has created a cosy and interesting room here with a wonderful mix of richly coloured fabrics in subtley complementary textures and patterns for the upholstery and curtaining fabrics (inspired by archive designs), together with carefully chosen pieces of period furniture and a soft wool carpet and rugs to pad about on. A truly comfortable yet sophisticated space to enjoy living in. Great fun can be had with the detailing in such schemes, with trimmings on curtains or cushions for example!

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ALSO AT PETTS WOOD, CRAYFORD, SIDCUP and ELTHAM

OPEN SUNDAYS 10-4 • FREE FORECOURT PARKING


Art & ContemporaryDesigner CraftFair

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SEVENOAKS21-23 October

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Admission £3.50 • Under 14’s free

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Purchase direct from the very best craftmakers and artists in the UK

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WEALDEN

For 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.playfootgardendesign.co.uk

Garden Management and Design


W hen it comes to looking for new wood furniture, it seems there are only two options available

for today’s shopper. Either shop locally and settle for generic-looking, forgettable furniture or break a sweat searching for bespoke pieces at a pretty penny. However, there is hope; at Gallery136 you can find a look you will love for a reasonable price. Gallery136 does the hard work for you by offering a wide variety of handcrafted products from the UK and abroad using sustainably-sourced, responsible vendors. No need to spend weeks scouring the market and forking out excessive amounts on shipping imports, Gallery136 has an extremely diverse range of artisan products all under one roof. Open for three years, this relatively new, independently-run showroom takes pride in offering something very different from your run-of-the-mill furniture store. Instead of settling for a standard style from the high street, explore your home’s potential with some truly imaginative solid-wood furniture, original artwork and a great range of ceramics.

Searching for good wooden furniture? Gallery136 is your one-stop-shop for unique items at affordable prices

A QUEST FOR QUALITY

n Visit the Gallery136 showroom at 4 Archers Park, Branbridges Road, Tonbridge TH12 5HP. For more information, visit www.gallery136.com or call 01622 870100

The gallery’s Provence range is all handcrafted in Java using solid fruitwood throughout. The range has a signature, classic look with panelling; each piece flaunting an individual character through interesting grain patterns. So whether you’re looking for a stunning sideboard to put in a hallway or a practical DVD unit to clear the clutter, this extensive range has got you covered.

PROVENCE RANGE

For something a little quirkier, the gallery’s Quercus Oak range may have just what you’re looking for. Sourced and manufactured entirely in the UK, this range of clean contemporary designs offer the finest quality oak pieces available in an infinite number of styles. Tweak the size, finish, and fittings of each piece to suit your home and lifestyle.

QUERCUS OAK

HOME & GARDEN


One of the UK’s remaining racquet specialists staffed entirely by a team of

Professional Tennis Coaches.

CHECK OUT OUR 24 HOUR ON SITE RACQUET RE-STRINGING AND

RE-GRIPPING SERVICE

RACQUET ACADEMY

4 Sevenoaks Road, Otford, TN14 5PB

01959 525441

Hollybush • The Stag Theatre

OCTOBER HALF TERM TENNIS CAMPSat Hollybush Tennis Centre, Sevenoaks

Monday 24th - Thursday 27th October

9am - 9.45am Ages 3-410am - 12pm Ages 5-912pm - 2pm Ages 10-16

For full details of costs and to book a place call us on 01959 523377

FANTASTIC COFFEE SHOPSSERVING HOT AND COLD FOOD ALL DAY,

GREAT COFFEE AND FRIENDLY SERVICE!

free WiFi, • children’s toys & menu • homemade cakes • freshly made food

children’s cinema/panto parties • coffee mornings • breakfast meetings

HOLLYBUSH PARK: 01732 458158

THE STAG THEATRE: 01732 462428

[email protected]


INVESTMENT MATTERS

Written by Andrew Selsby, Full Circle Asset Management

S ince July, global equity markets have slumped with the UK benchmark FTSE100

index falling by 15 per cent into mid-August. Uncertainty continues and the concerns identified in our previous articles continue to manifest themselves: the Greek debt crisis, systemic risk and the weakening economic outlook. Imminent developments in the Greek debacle and further US stimulus in the form of ‘operation twist’ will lead short-term sentiment one way or the other. However, the key economic problems of an over-indebted world with a feeble banking system three years past the initial credit crisis remain. Central banks and governments in the developed world continue to kick the can down the road; a further bail-out here, another crisis avoided there. In the meantime, the bill is increasing and the markets are slowly starting to realise that this is good money chasing after bad. Business Secretary Vince Cable recently said that we now face a crisis that is the economic equivalent of war. The IMF has slashed its expectations for growth in 2012; for the Eurozone IMF now expects 1.1 per cent from 1.7 per cent, for the US it expects weak growth “for years to come”. To deal with these fundamental problems we need strong leaders. As Cable says, this is the equivalent of war, but where are the modern day Churchills? There is not a current political leader that

has either the experience or the fortitude to deal with such a situation. For decades global politicians have ‘promised more’ for the sake of winning votes and then faltered in policy. This may have worked in the past, but what happens when the country has maxed out its credit card, remortgaged the property for the umpteenth time and sold off the family jewels? You need tough politicians willing and able to make tough decisions. Unpopular decisions that need to be made for the good of the population in the medium and long term. The ‘austerity versus stimulate’ debate, which splits leaders across the Atlantic, is a case in point. Austerity is highly unpopular as it results in hardship for many,

often the poorest parts of the population, and ultimately leads to a debilitating recession which increases debt burden relative to income, as Greece and Ireland can attest to. In a globally over-indebted world, the debt default of one country causes systemic ripples which lead straight back to the still-on-life-support banks. This is a largely unknown phenomenon; lessons of history don’t help as we have never faced such a widespread issue at a time of such globalisation of trade and entwined financial markets. We certainly don’t envy the politicians tasked with finding the solutions to these problems but it is evident that decisive action is needed to tackle the crisis. As far as today’s grim world

of investment goes, one of the only things still glittering is gold. As mentioned in our January article, gold started the year at $1,400/oz and hit an all time high of $1,925/oz on September 6, leaving those investors who turned to the ultimate store of wealth well rewarded. We are often asked by investors to explain the difference between active and passive wealth management, particularly as the latter has largely delivered consistent disappointment to investors over the last decade. Rather than dissect all the differences in limited space here we will leave you with our view. The key to sensible investing is to be neither. Instead, adopt a pro-active approach and be selective in asset allocation based on risk, but also according to economic conditions, and spot and ride long-term trends. Put faith in independent analysis and have patience for the opportunities.

n If you would like to receive free updates from the Full Circle investment team please visit www.fullcircle asset.co.uk where you can register to receive their regular newsletter ‘Three Sixty’. Feedback can be sent to [email protected]. Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

Finance

Andrew Selsby: “Central banks and governments in the developed world continue to kick the can down the road”

AS ECONOMIC INSTABILITY PERSISTS, UNDERSTANDING RISK HAS NEVER BEEN MORE IMPORTANT FOR INVESTORS


ARTn 02 Oct. Oil Painting Workshop. 10:00-16:30. Sevenoaks. £47 www.paintwithrose.co.uk

n 13 Oct. Talk on Titian to Van Dyke – the art of portraiture. 20:15. Ship Theatre, Walthamstow Hall School, Hollybush Lane, Sevenoaks. Sevenoaks Decorative & Fine Arts Society 01883 625877, 01732 463859 www.nadfaskentarea.org.uk

BUSINESSn 05 Oct. 1st Wednesdays Business Networking. 10:30-12:00. Plaza Suite, Stag Community Arts Centre, London Rd, Sevenoaks. Free. Chamber of Commerce 01732 455188

n 07 Oct. Business 4Networking. Fortnightly. 08:00-10:00. Old Eden, Edenbridge. £10. 0845 123 4444 www.4networking.biz

n 11 Oct. Supplier & Customer Management seminar. 17:30-20:00. Hotel du Vin, Tunbridge Wells. Free. Kent Business School www.thisiskent.co.uk/ksbn

n 12 Oct. Business 4Networking. Fortnightly. 08:00-10:00. George & Dragon pub, Chipstead. £10 www.4networking.biz

n 19 Oct. Sevenoaks Chamber of Commerce AGM/Lunch.12:15

CHILDREN – HALLOWEENn 22-30 Oct. Spooks & Splashes. 13:00-16:15. Closed Thu & Fri. Emmetts Garden near Ide Hill. Free. 01732 868381 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/emmetts

n 24-28 Oct. Halloween Cookie Workshop for over-5s. 11:00. Green & Pleasant Garden Centre, Main Rd, Knockholt. £8.50 including lunch. 01959 534386 www.coolings.co.uk

n 29 Oct. Fright Night for 11-16 year-olds. 19:00-22:00. Plaza Suite, Stag Community Arts Centre, London Rd, Sevenoaks. £4. 01732 450175 www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk

n 30 Oct. Spooky Halloween fancy dress competition. 16:00.Penshurst Place & Gardens, Penshurst near Tonbridge. 01892 870307 www.penshurstplace.com

CHILDREN – MUSICn 07 Oct. Soundwaves Youth Bands Night for under-18s. 20:00-22:30. Plaza Suite, Stag Community Arts Centre, London Rd, Sevenoaks. £4. 01732 450175, 451548 www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk

n 16 Oct. That’s Magic family concert (Sorcerers Apprentice & Harry Potter). 16:00. Stag Community Arts Centre, London

Rd, Sevenoaks. Adults £6, OAPs £5, children £4. Sevenoaks Symphony Orchestra 01732 465294, 01732 450175 www.sevenoakssymphonyorchestra.org.uk /www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk

n 30 Oct. High School Rocks. Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells. 01892 530613, 532072 www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

CHILDREN – SPORTn 02 Oct. Elite Football Trials for children. 14:00-16:30. Sevenoaks School, Tonbridge Rd, Sevenoaks. 01483 274051 www.elitefootball.co.uk

n 04 Oct. MEND after-school healthy weight programme. Weekly. Sevenoaks. Free. Sevenoaks District Council 01732 227000

COMEDYn 06 Oct. Stand-Up Comedy. 20:00. Stag Community Arts Centre, London Rd, Sevenoaks. £14. 01732 450175 www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk Outside the Box Comedy Club www.outsidetheboxcomedy.co.uk

n 09 Oct. Milton Jones comedian. Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells. 01892 530613, 532072 www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

n 22 Oct. Vintage Night (Tom O’Connor & the Vintage Corporation). 19:45. Doors open 19:00. Stag Community Arts Centre, London Rd, Sevenoaks. £19.50 (concessions £10-18). 01732 450175 www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk

COMMUNITYn 05 Oct. Talk on New Developments in Sevenoaks & AGM. 19:15-22:00. Town Council Offices, Bradbourne Vale Rd, Sevenoaks. Sevenoaks Society 01732 458898

n 08 Oct. Twinning Charter signing. Otford. Otford-Hardelot Twinning Committee 01959 524808

n 15 Oct. Women’s Breakfast. Methodist Church, Otford. £4. 01959 522046

n 18 Oct. Sevenoaks Rail Travellers Asso-ciation AGM. 20:00. Christ-church Hall, Littlecourt Rd, Sevenoaks. www.srta.org.uk

n 28-29 Oct (check date). Make a Difference Day. 11:0-16:00. Shoreham Churchyard. Community Service Volunteers & Friends of Shoreham Church

DANCEn 01 Oct. 1940s Swing Dance. 19:30. Memorial Hall, Otford

n 08-09 Oct. Dance Crazy. Sat 19:30, Sun 14:30. Stag Community Arts Centre, London Rd, Sevenoaks. £10-12. 01732 450175 www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk Sevenoaks School of Dance

n 15 Oct. Stragglers ballroom & sequence dance social club. Monthly. Westerham Hall, Quebec Avenue, Westerham. 01959 700788

FARMERS’ MARKETSn 01 Oct. Farmers’ Market. Fortnightly. 09:30-12:00. Penshurst Place car park, Penshurst. 01892 870666 www.edenvalleykent.org/markets.asp www.kentfarmersmarkets.org.uk

n 02 Oct. Farmers’ Market. Fortnightly. 09:30-12:30. Westerham. www.kentfarmersmarkets.org.uk

n 04 Oct. Farmers’ Market. Weekly. 09:00-11:00. St Johns Church Centre, Hildenborough. www.hildenboroughfarmersmarket.co.uk www.kentfarmersmarkets.org.uk

n 23 Oct. Farmers’ Market. 09:30-13:30. High St, West Malling. www.kentfarmersmarkets.org.uk

FILMSn 16 Oct. Stag Youth Theatre film. 19:30. Stag Community Arts Centre, London Rd, Sevenoaks. £1. 01732 450175 www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk

FOOD & DRINKn 07 Oct. Indulgent Desserts. 12:00-15:30. Chartwell near Westerham. £20. 01732 868381 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell

n 13 Oct. Curry Night. 18:30-21:00. Green & Pleasant Garden Centre, Main Rd, Knockholt. £19.99. 01959 534386 www.cooings.co.uk

GARDENINGn 06 Oct.

Westerham Horti- cultural Society AGM. 19:30-21:30.

Westerham Hall (to be

confirmed), Quebec Avenue,

Westerham

n 19 Oct. Putting the Garden to Bed. 09:30-14:00. Penshurst Place & Gardens. £55. 01892 870307. Organised by Hadlow College

n 28 Oct. Gardeners’ Question Time. Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells. 01892 530613, 532072 www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

HEALTHn 02, 09 Oct. Reiki beginners’ course. 11:00-17:00. Kikodo Centre, St Johns Hill car park, Bat & Ball. £150. 01959 522337 www.kikodo.co.uk

n 03, 10, 17 Oct. Drop-in. 14:00. St Lukes Hall, Eardley Rd, Sevenoaks. Parkinsons UK

n 12 Oct. Talk on Acupuncture. 13:45. St Lukes Hall, Eardley Rd, Sevenoaks. Parkinsons UK

HISTORYn 04 Oct. Talk by Alastair Hazell on the Last Slave Market. 19:30. Kaleidoscope Gallery, Sevenoaks

Library, Buckhurst Lane, Sevenoaks. Tickets £8 from Sevenoaks Bookshop, 147 High St, Sevenoaks 01732 452055 www.sevenoaksliterarycelebration.com

n 12 Oct. Talk on Warships to Olympics. 19:30. Community Centre, Cramptons Rd, Bat & Ball. Sevenoaks Area National Trust Association

n 20 Oct. Talk on Roman Britain. 13:45-15:00. Community Centre, Cramptons Rd, Bat & Ball. Knole Decorative & Fine Arts Society 01732 780453

n 28 Oct. Talk on the King’s Supporters (Tudor Ladies). 14:30. Community Centre, Cramptons Rd, Bat & Ball. Sevenoaks Area National Trust Association

LITERATUREn 01 Oct. Book Lovers’ Tea - fact to fiction. 14:30. Knole Academy, Bradbourne Vale Rd, Sevenoaks. Tickets £8 from Sevenoaks Bookshop, 147 High St, Sevenoaks 01732 452055 www.sevenoaksliterarycelebration.com

n 04 Oct. Romance Revival in Literature course. Weekly. 19:00-21:00. University Centre, Avebury Avenue, Tonbridge. £100. 01732 352316 www.kent.ac.uk/tonbridge

n 05 Oct. Talk by Hilary Spurling on Burying the Bones – biography & the creative power of memory. 19:30. Ship Theatre,

Walthamstow Hall School, Hollybush Lane, Sevenoaks. Tickets £8 from Sevenoaks Bookshop, 147 High St, Sevenoaks 01732 452055 www.sevenoaksliterarycelebration.com

n 15 Oct. Talk by Martina Cole, writer. SPACE Performing Arts Centre, Sevenoaks School, Tonbridge Rd, Sevenoaks. Tickets £20 in aid of Breast Cancer Care from Rush hairdressers, High St, Sevenoaks. 07961 042917

MUSIC – GENERALn 14 Oct. Doodlebug gig. 19:00-22:00. Grasshopper Inn, Moorhouse near Westerham. 01959 563136 www.grasshopperinn.co.uk

n 20 Oct. Zion Train gig. Forum, Tunbridge

Wells. £12. Moles Music 01892 557333 www.molesmusic.com

MUSIC – TRIBUTE BANDSn 01 Oct. Elvis tribute night. Banana Leaf Indian restaurant, 47 Bethel Rd, Sevenoaks. 01732 465846 www.bananaleafcuisine.com

n 07 Oct. Michael Buble tribute act. Horse & Groom Restaurant, 1 London Rd, Wrotham. £30 including dinner. 01474 852310 www.horseandgroomrestaurant.co.uk

n 14 Oct. Robbie Williams tribute. Maza Indian restaurant, 72 London Rd, Southborough near Tunbridge Wells. 01892 520600 www.mazaindian.co.uk

n 28 Oct. Neil Diamond & Frank Sinatra tribute gig. 19:30. Plaza Suite, Stag Community Arts Centre, London Rd, Sevenoaks. £10. 01732 450175 www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk

NATURE & WILDLIFEn 06 Oct. Wildlife Artist breakfast with the experts. 09:00. Green & Pleasant Garden Centre, Main Rd, Knockholt. £10 including breakfast. 01959 534386 www.coolings.co.uk

n 19 Oct. Talk on Hazards of Beekeeping. 14:00-16:30. Village Hall, Brasted. WI 01959 562355

n 26 Oct. Talk on Fascination of Fungi. 10:30. Coolings

WHAT’S ON? THE UNRIVALLED SEVENOAKS LISTINGS GUIDE.

DON’T MISS! A Competitive Exhibitionof Flower Arrangements by Sevenoaks Flower Club entitled “Moments In Time”. Saturday 29 October, 10am - 4pm. A wonderful opportunity to enjoy the beauty of flowers and foliage in a wide variety of styles both classic and contemporary. Refreshments available, also Sales Table and Tombola. Admission £2.50 (children free).The Cornwall Hall, The Drive, Sevenoaks • 01732 469277

Visit one of the wedding shows this October


Garden Centre, Rushmore Hill, Knockholt. £3.50. 01959 532269 www.coolings.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHYn 03 Oct. Talk on Field Techniques in Nature Photography. 20:00-22:00. Mencap Hall, 71 Hitchen Hatch Lane, Sevenoaks. Camera Club www.sevenoakscameraclub.org.uk

n 10 Oct. Print Competition. 20:00-22:00. Mencap Hall, 71 Hitchen Hatch Lane, Sevenoaks. Camera Club www.sevenoakscameraclub.org.uk

n 24 Oct. Audio-Visual Training Evening. 20:00-22:00. Mencap Hall, 71 Hitchen Hatch Lane, Sevenoaks. Camera Club www.sevenoakscameraclub.org.uk

WALKSn 13 Oct. 5 mile country walk. 10:00. Meet Village Hall, Kemsing. Sevenoaks Society 01732 461536, 459001 www.sevenoakssociety.org.uk

n 15 Oct. 1st Principles of Map reading course. 10:00-16:00. Tonbridge Adult Education Centre. £37. 0845 606 5606 www.kent.gov.uk/adulted

WEDDING SHOWSn 02 Oct. Wedding Show. Grasshopper Inn, Moorhouse near Westerham. Free. 01245 850949 www.weddingshows.uk.com

n 09 Oct. Wedding Experience. 10:30-15:30. Salomons, Broomhill Rd, Southborough near Tunbridge Wells. Free. 01795 844449 www.wedding-experience.co.uk

To see your event here, email full details to [email protected]. Edited by Bob Carpenter. Guaranteed insertions cost just £35 + VAT. Call us today on 01732 760823.

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

Email: [email protected]

OCTOBER EVENTS AT THE STAGWhat’s on at your local theatre and cinema?

OUTSIDE THE BOX COMEDY CLUB6 Oct, 8pm, £14

With resident host Maff Brown...Over-16s Some of the best comedy acts in the UK have played at The Stag Theatre: Lee Mack, Stephen Merchant, Andy Parsons, Rufus Hound, Omid Djalili, Russell Howard, Sarah Millican. Voted 4th best comedy venue in the UK (The Guardian)

KEITH JAMES - THE SONGS OF LEONARD COHEN6 Oct, 8pm, £14

The most enigmatic, mysterious and sub-textural songwriter the English speaking world has ever known. Keith James performs in this exact way and an undying love of the pure song gives you a concert of this amazing material in the most intimate and sensitive way imaginable. Also included are poems by Federico Garcia Lorca and Leonard Cohen that Keith has set to music. www.keith-james.com‘Certainly the UK’s most celebrated and evocative interpreter of golden music’ The Guardian

SOUNDWAVES7 Oct, 7-10pm, £2 or £4 on the door

Soundwaves is a monthly night of live music for under-18s, showcasing up and coming local talent. To register for our under-18s Soundwaves nights which includes updates, offers and info please text “STAG1” to 60777

DANCE CRAZY 8 Oct, 9 Oct, 7.30pm, 2.30pm, £12, £10.80, £10

Presented by Sevenoaks School of Dance Sevenoaks school of dance presents ‘Dance Crazy’, a variety show containing different dance genres including ballet, tap, jazz, street dance and many more. It is a show that the whole family can enjoy and will have you dancing in your seat! www.sevenoaksdance.co.uk

CUPCAKE DECORATING MASTERCLASS12 Oct, 7pm, £35, £30 conc.

Hosted by Bella’s Cupcakes Learn how to make and decorate the perfect cupcakes from the experts at Bella’s Cupcakes! During the two-hour session you will learn: How to make five-minute cupcakes, how to make the perfect fondant and buttercream icing, how to pipe icing like a pro and how to create your own eye-catching designs for any occasion.More information available at www.bellascupcakes.co.uk/classes.html

G2 - DEFINITIVE GENESIS 15 Oct, 8pm, £17, FOS price £15.50

Presented by Brandywine Music The early Genesis were arguably the most layered and complex definers of the progressive rock genre, so recreating their sound as accurately as possible is a big challenge, but one that G2 fulfil admirably. They capture the sound, energy and atmosphere of early Genesis with passion and sincere feeling - and with a spectacular light show to back up the music, as with the original band.

THAT’S MAGIC - FAMILY CONCERT16 Oct, 4pm, £6, £5, £4

Presented by Sevenoaks Symphony Orchestra Come and hear a Master Magician conjure some wonderful wizardry from Sevenoaks Symphony Orchestra as they play

FOR MORE UPCOMING EVENTS & FILMS, VISIT WWW.STAGSEVENOAKS.CO.UK OR CALL 01732 450175 YOU CAN NOW BOOK AND PAY ONLINE! TEXT STAG123 TO 60777 TO RECEIVE CINEMA AND EVENT LISTINGS, NEWS AND OFFERS.

a scintillating selection of kids’ favourite pieces, including the Sorcerer’s Apprentice and themes from Harry Potter.A short concert of popular pieces aimed at 5-12 year olds and their families. Sold out last year!

THE SONG THAT IS FOREVER SUNG16 Oct, 7.30pm, £12, £10 (with book) £6, £5 (no book)

Presented by Pigs Ear Sue Rule created the fantasy series “Shaihen Heritage” from a lifelong passion for the history and folk music of the British Isles. This unique celebration of storytelling interweaves dramatised readings from the books with songs from the British folk tradition. Ticket prices include a complimentary book (optional).

HEIDI TALBOT WITH JOHN MCCUSKER * BOO HEWERDINE21 Oct, 8pm, £15, FOS price £13.50

Presented by Brandywine Music Ireland has long been a fount of great female singers but Heidi’s achingly bittersweet, spun-gold voice has won glowing reviews across three continents, a US Indie Acoustic Award and a Best Female Vocalist nomination in the Irish Music Awards. Featuring her multi-instrumentalist partner John McCusker and Boo Hewerdine on guitar playing alongside to showcase her exquisite talent.www.brandywinemusic.co.uk

VINTAGE NIGHTS22 Oct, 7.45pm, £19.50, £18, £10, FOS price £16

Presented by The Vintage Corporation Re-live the comedy and music of the 60s and 70s. Legendary comedian Tom O’Connor, supported by the fabulous Vintage Corporation Band, provides a night of comedy and music for all the family. The band will set the mood and Tom O’Connor will have you rolling in the aisles.

JULIET 4 ROOMEO PARTS 1,2 AND 327 Oct, 28 Oct, 7.30pm, £5

Adapted and Directed by Jamie Alexander Wilson After the huge success of SYT’s first production, a premiere of new play Limit To Your Love, this autumn The Stag’s own youth theatre company will be tackling the Bard. Audiences will be taken on a multimedia journey through one of Shakespeare’s best loved plays, in a production using various performance spaces at The Stag, and a blend of music, theatre and film. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Heidi Talbot

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an I come?” “Oh... um... no, no I’m sorry, I have to do this really important

thing and... I DON’T HAVE TIME TO EXPLAIN THE REALLY IMPORTANT THING! BE GOOD FOR DADDY! BYE!” (Suspend your disbelief to imagine the cartoon puffs of smoke in the shape of fast rolling wheels in place of my legs...) As a parent in a house bursting with the metaphorical and actual noise of children (not to mention the fluff and feathers of a suburban barnyard), there isn’t very much in the way of ‘me time’ up for grabs. Sure, there are those brief and glorious hours between their bedtimes and ours – otherwise known as The Gin Hours – but when the day is in full swing, and the noise is at giga-decibel level, there is very seldom the opportunity to carve out a little moment of peace and stillness. Until, that is, the gift of necessity falls into your lap. It’s form: the humble errand. Every parent recognises the allure of the spurious task. The chore that demands an instant trip somewhere – alone. The 20-minute round-trip to the post office with windows-down music (i.e. tragic early 1990s music from the era pre-kids); the 15-minute stroll in the sun to post a (fairly non-urgent, actually) thank you card; the 30-minute drive to a DIY shop to buy a bag of nails, and the glorious extra 45 minutes carved out by a potter around the garden bit followed by the

excuse of “really slow traffic” that the parent left holding the babies (quite rightly) never believes. Of course, the tricky bit comes when one of the brood chippers up and offers to ‘help’. Now, there is almost nothing less helpful than a child’s help. And I say that gazing doe-eyed at those children I love so much and take so much pride in. They are wonderful little companions, hilarious jokers, super-sweet, cuddly, sleepy bedtimers... but they are atrocious errand runners.

Number one: they talk throughout the errand-running. That’s not part of the deal. Number two: they ask for “Katy Perry” or “Bruno Mars” or “The Saturdays” on the stereo. In other words, not “Here Come the Hotstepper by Ini Kamoze” or “On a Ragga Tip by SL2” or “Sweat (A La La Long) by one-hit wonders, Inner Circle” – the least-cool reaches of my music collection. And even worse, they act affronted when I wind the windows down and kindly share these 1992 – 1994 classics with the world. No, the secret

to a really successful, really fulfilling, zen errand, is in the sloping off. The aim is to blurt out the need (“we need nails!”), kiss the various foreheads, get your shoes on and get in the car before anyone has time to question the errand. As soon as you’re engaged in conversation around the errand, the jig is up. And my three will learn this in their own sweet time, as they slope off in 25 years’ time to listen to Katy Perry really loud. On. Their. Own.

You can find Holly on Twitter @hollyseddon

Holly Seddon has the last word

© JA

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As a parent in a house bursting with the metaphorical and actual noise of children (not to mention the fluff and feathers of a suburban barnyard), there isn’t very much in the way of ‘me time’ up for grabs


visit www.kentadulteducation.co.uk

PLACES STILL AVAILABLE CALL NOW !

BE INSPIRED EXPERIENCE SOMETHING NEW WITH USWith 3500 new courses starting this year, there is something for everyone at Kent Adult Education.

Enrol now visit our website or call 0845 606 5606!

vine magazine | october 2011 | issue 52

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