Vine Magazine | January 2012 | Issue 55

n e w y e a r , n e w yo u 1 8 - pa g e s p e c i a l | a f f o r d a b l e l u x u ry | c o m m u n i t y & n e w s | i n d u l g e yo u r s e l f

Don’t move, improveVine’s guide to making your house a home in 2012

w w w . v i n e d i g i ta l . c o . u k • j a n u a ry 2 0 12 • i s s u e 55

YOUR FAVOURITE SEVENOAKS MAGAZINE

4 vine January 2012 vinedigital.co.uk

How refreshing.A wealth manager that keeps things clear, simple and...

To register for your free newsletter visit www.fullcircleasset.co.uk

Full Circle Asset Management is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.Please be aware that any references to past performance are not necessarily a guide to future performance and values may go down as well as up.

At Full Circle we firmly believe our clientsshould always know exactly where they stand.

It’s why we work on a fee basis, charging an annual percentage of fundsunder management. That way it’s in our interests to focus on the growthof our clients wealth, and our clients can be sure that the only reasonwe move their investments is for the good of their portfolio.

Our wealth managers invest their own personal wealth alongside thoseof our clients, so you can be assured that they will always be actingwith your very best interests at heart.

It’s also important to us that clients understand the thinking behindevery investment decision we make. All our clients have direct access to a personal wealth manager, our secure online valuation system and receive our fortnightly newsletter ‘Three Sixty’.

‘Three Sixty’ and the supplementary ‘Post Script’ updates, are specifically designed to keep our clients up to date with our thinking and investment performance. It’s just one of the ways we aim to ensure that our clients not only understand how we’re investing their money but also why.

Both are available free to anyone who shares our passion for investing.Simply register at www.fullcircleasset.co.uk

or call Donna Selsby on: 01732 746700

vinedigital.co.uk January 2012 vine 5

How refreshing.A wealth manager that keeps things clear, simple and...

To register for your free newsletter visit www.fullcircleasset.co.uk

Full Circle Asset Management is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.Please be aware that any references to past performance are not necessarily a guide to future performance and values may go down as well as up.

At Full Circle we firmly believe our clientsshould always know exactly where they stand.

It’s why we work on a fee basis, charging an annual percentage of fundsunder management. That way it’s in our interests to focus on the growthof our clients wealth, and our clients can be sure that the only reasonwe move their investments is for the good of their portfolio.

Our wealth managers invest their own personal wealth alongside thoseof our clients, so you can be assured that they will always be actingwith your very best interests at heart.

It’s also important to us that clients understand the thinking behindevery investment decision we make. All our clients have direct access to a personal wealth manager, our secure online valuation system and receive our fortnightly newsletter ‘Three Sixty’.

‘Three Sixty’ and the supplementary ‘Post Script’ updates, are specifically designed to keep our clients up to date with our thinking and investment performance. It’s just one of the ways we aim to ensure that our clients not only understand how we’re investing their money but also why.

Both are available free to anyone who shares our passion for investing.Simply register at www.fullcircleasset.co.uk

or call Donna Selsby on: 01732 746700


FIND THE PERFECT PERSIAN RUG FOR YOUR AREA

Sevenoaks Rug Gallery

[email protected]

Call 01732 455 385

137/D High StreetSevenoaks, Kent, TN13 1UX

Open 7 days a week 9am – 7.30pm

Adding a Persian Rug to a room is a great way to give that room a new look, provide warmth and add colour. Find a rug that you love and use it as inspiration to decorate the space around it. Hand made rugs are easy to move from room to room. You can put rugs in different rooms of your home to create fresh looks.

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Dementia Cafe at The StagThe Dementia Cafe, an initiative run by the Alzheimer’s Society, will run at the Stag Theatre from January 10 on alternate Tuesdays in a bid to help those with dementia. The cafe, running from 1pm to 3pm, offers people with dementia and their carers a chance to socialise with others and get support. Call 01732 370330

HEADLINES

Volunteers neededKnow all the best local hotspots? Like helping people? Sevenoaks Tourist Office is looking for volunteers who are computer literate with retail experience, an interest in travel and good local knowledge. Got a few hours to spare? Call Bob Carpenter on 01732 450305 or email [email protected] for more information

Footballer visits West Heath England footballer Bobby Zamora attended The New School at West Heath last month. The children were presented their GCSE certificates by the Fulham player. He said: “It’s a pleasure to spend some time with the young people at West Heath School and to support their achievements.” Visit www.westheathschool.com

Rehab raises money in style

Win the best available Family Four Ticket for Aladdin on either the Sevenoaks Entertainers’ Friday 27 or Saturday 28 evening performance! Just answer the following piece of panto trivia and submit it to [email protected]

When the genie of the lamp appears, what are usually his first words?

A. I’m behind you!

B. So what do you want?

C. Your wish is my command!

n Visit www.sevenoaksentertainers.co.uk

For local business Rehab Hair Salon, it is all about giving back to the community in style. The man behind the cutting edge salon in Sevenoaks, Elliott Harlin-Bethell, proves it is possible to fuse together fashion and fabulous hair for the greater good, with 2011 proving to be an incredible success.

This February, Elliott and his team of stylists will be in charge of

the hair at a Dorton House charity fashion show, which will showcase brilliant outfits from the ladies at The Full Monte. However, this is one of many charitable events to date where Elliott and his team have offered their skills, including a recent dinner-dance and charity fashion show at the Fosse Bank School in November, a recent Sevenoaks Prep School fundraiser, an event for Hospice in the Weald and another

for Faithworks Church fundraiser at Mountains Hildenborough. Last year Elliott also organised and hosted Rehab’s very own charity fashion show at St Michael’s Prep School in Otford in aid of the Ellenor Lions Hospice, a charity that went to great efforts to help Elliott’s sister after she was diagnosed with leukaemia. The event welcomed 280 attendees and featured clothing

Reader offer

from a group of local retailers including The Full Monte, The Find, Blush, Gas Station and Greens. In between the big show guests got to enjoy delicious food from House on the Hill and drinks by El Matador’s Lounge 49. All in all, the event raised a whopping £6,000 for the hospice, a great success for Rehab on behalf of the hospice. Elliott says he loves giving back to the community and has fun doing it, especially in the form of a charity fashion show. After all, Rehab Hair Salon’s mission statement is to “bridge the gap between high fashion and high street hairdressing”, and in these events it seems they’ve found their do-gooder niche.

n Visit www.rehabilitateyourhair.com

(left) Rehab’s own charity fashion show (below left) Elliott Harlin-Bethell giving a speech, (below right) the team at Rehab

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EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING

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01732 760823www.vinedigital.co.uk

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Vine Publishing Ltd 3A Lakeview Stables,

St Clere, Heaverham, SevenoaksKent TN15 6NL

EDITOR Charlotte Luxford

[email protected]: 01732 764508

HEAD CREATIVEJustin Kemp

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PUBLISHING DIRECTOROwen Hunnam


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

Vine is published monthly in the UK by Vine Publishing Ltd. (Company reg no: 7195338) with a total circulation of 15,000. 8,500 land on the doormats of selected Sevenoaks households. An additional 6,500 are available through our extensive distribution network of over 150 pick-up points across the district. Printed in the UK. Please recycle Vine.

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£8k community fund unveiledSevenoaks District Council has announced the five local communities that are to receive cash benefits from the Big Community Fund. A total of £8,271 is to be divided among Sevenoaks Town and St John’s, Edenbridge South and West, Riverhead, Seal and Weald and Halstead, Knockholt and Badger’s Mount and their community projects. Visit www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/bcf

HEADLINES

Storytelling in Sevenoaks Sennockian and local writer Joanna Norland is offering an introductory course on how to write storybooks for your children. The folklore and fairy tale-based classes will be held at Sevenoaks Library on March 16 from 9.45am – 11.15am and at Kemsing Library on March 23 from 9.45am – 11.15am for £2 a session. Email [email protected] or call 07817 621 886

Dame Kelly helps hospiceDouble Olympic gold medal winner Dame Kelly Holmes is to be the guest of honour at Hospice in the Weald’s 2012 black-tie corporate dinner. The “Torchlight Dinner” will be held on February 24 at Hever Castle and will raise money for the hospice which provides care and support to people with life-limiting illnesses. For more information contact Rachel Holweger at 01892 820536

Local venison producer Chart Farm really knows how to throw a taster day. The festive period saw a flurry of activity in the farm shop, with over 200 customers coming in to see chef Chris Reeves cooking up local, ethically produced venison dishes for sampling. His venison tagine, casserole, chilli and shanks were a hit as was his specialty of the day, a slow-roasted venison joint; the perfect meat alternative for those big family dinners of the season.

n Visit www.chartfarm.com

On a the very misty November morning, the women of Sevenoaks Ladies Joggers trekked down to Brighton to take part in the Brooks Brighton 10K race. SLJ, a local running group with members of varying ability and interests, took down their largest group to date to the race that took place on November 20. Each of the Sevenoaks Ladies Joggers in participation finished the flat, looping course around

the seafront, many beating personal times and some completing their first 10K ever.

Sam Goode of Sevenoaks has started a new monthly networking event for local businesses which will also raise funds for SERV Kent, a volunteer initiative of motorcyclists who provide urgent blood supplies at any hour. The event, Breakfast Friends, is held monthly at Hotel Diner 7 from 7.30am-9.15am and includes breakfast, a surprise guest speaker and a goodie bag for each guest. There are no fees or contracts, Sam just asks each guest to put whatever amount they deem appropriate in an envelope at the end of the morning, which is then split with SERV Kent.

n Visit www.breakfastfriends.co.uk or follow them on Twitter @breakfastfriend

Chart Farm taster day

SLJ Brighton 10K Race

New networking event

Students thrive in bank challengeA team of money-savvy economics students from Walthamstow Hall took second place at the prestigious Target 2.0 Challenge organised by the Bank of England and The Times last month. Over 300 schools from across the country enter the competition every year with each team of four assuming the role of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee. The four upper sixth students, Alice Somerset (team captain), Georgina Sharp, Holly McIntyre and Aisling Efthimiou were the only all-girl team in a field which included Skinners and Hurstpierpoint schools. Walthamstow Hall’s Head of Economics and Business Studies, Ms Libby Ancrum said: “This is the first time that Walthamstow Hall has competed in this prestigious event and I am thrilled that the girls have been rewarded for their dedicated hard work and team effort.”

n Visit www.walthamstow-hall.co.uk

Expedition fundraiser Kentish financial advisor Matthew Forbes plans to take on Mount Everest next spring in an effort to raise £500,000 for his company’s charity, the St James Place Foundation. Matthew and 25 colleagues hope to improve the quality of life for disadvantaged and disabled people in their challenging expedition. Visit www.justgiving.com/Matt-Forbes-Everest to donate

n Visit www.sevenoaksladiesjoggers.org

Send us your stories Email your interesting and exciting stories, snippets and pictures to [email protected] or call the news desk directly on 01732 760823 and you could see your story in print


01732 [email protected] www.warners-solicitors.co.uk

It’s all about... modern thinkingtraditional values

Divorce – You don’t have to go to court!Many people don’t realise that there are several options available to them when they decide to separate. The main options available to divorcing couples are:

As members of Resolution we follow Resolution’s Code of Practice which encourages solutions rather than confrontation. We can talk to you about your own individual circumstance and discuss the right option for you.

Direct Agreement

Collaborative Law

MediationTraditional

Negotiation

Two specialist lawyers

are appointed to work with the separating couple as a team and during a series of meetings will work together to find a suitable solution

for the family as a whole.

This process involves appointment of a

solicitor who focuses on your interests and negotiates

with your spouse/their solicitor on your

behalf.

A mediator will meet a couple together, will

identify those issues which are not agreed and will assist the parties in trying to reach an

agreement. Mediators are neutral and do not take sides. They are

not advisors and will not give advice.

This is when couples

negotiate their own agreement, it is often

the cheapest and easiest way to reach

a settlement.

To find out how we

can help you please telephone us to arrange a free no obligation initial

consultation**Offer only applicable to

appointments made with the Family Law Department

MONTHLYMUSTS

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

your local area

January

MUST-LISTEN ‘Given to the Wild’, the much-anticipated third album from indie-rock band The Maccabees, is released on January 9 and is, according to critics, their best to date by a long stretch. With a whole three years separating their newest release from their last, ‘Wall of Arms’, The Maccabees have certainly had to time to grow as musicians: “We’ve learned for the first time what we really wanted The Maccabees to sound like on record.” And boy does it sound good!

n Call the Compact Disc on 01732 740889

MUST-VISIT Kent-based artist and illustrator Rudi Vizi invites you to step into his world of Kentish country splendour in his exhibition at the Trinity Town and Country Foundation Gallery in Tunbridge Wells, showing now until January 7. His oil and acrylic paintings, watercolours and illustrations are all thoughtful narratives of the local landscape that no real Weald-lover should miss.

n Visit www.rudivizi.com

Sevenoaks’ own Lucy Dyer has joined forces with Chinese designer Lily Yang to create Liliyang, a new luxury lifestyle brand specialising in exclusive leather goods and accessories. Launching on January 23

to coincide with the Chinese New Year, the new line boasts a unique fusion of sartorial British elegance and all the

opulence of the Orient. Think to-die-for totes, travel bags and purses with plenty of crocodile-effect and colour choices to boot.

n Visit www.liliyang.co.uk

MUST-HAVE

MUST-SEE February 2012 marks the Diamond Jubilee of

the Queen’s accession to the throne. To celebrate, Sevenoaks Community Theatre will bring to life the

dramatic events which shaped the country from her birth in 1926 to her coronation in 1953 in Journey To The Throne, a medley of drama, dance, music and

photography. The performance tells the story of Princess Elizabeth of York, the elder daughter of the shy,

stammering, second son of George V, who had never expected to become Queen – that is until her uncle,

King Edward VIII, met a certain American divorcee – a Mrs Wallis Simpson... Journey To The Throne will be performed from February

8 to 11.

n Tickets cost £12. Visit www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk

MUST-READ

MUST-TASTE It’s detox time! Make it a bit tastier this January with this

Rooibos Blood Orange Tea from The Kent & Sussex Tea & Coffee Company for £4.20 a packet. Mostly grown in

Mediterranean countries, the very in-season blood oranges have a distinctively sharp citrus taste to them which, combined

with the cleansing power of Redbush tea, makes for the perfect brew to kick-start a healthier, zestier 2012.

n Visit www.tea-and-coffee.com

Described by author Mark Forsyth as “a circular stroll through the hidden connections of the English language”, The Etymologicon is the dream book for those fascinated, frustrated or mildly interested in the way in which we wield our words. Snappy, witty and well researched, you’ll wonder how on earth you got through life without knowing that Britney Spears can be etymologically traced back to a tattooed spear-man and that the phrase “eating humble pie” refers to ‘umbles’, the innards of deer, given to the servants to eat. Described as “addictive” by The Times’ Matthew Paris, it’s definitely one for the shelf.

n Visit www.iconbooks.co.uk to purchase for £12.99

© T

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OPEN MORNING

Music is one of the exceptional features of life at Russell House. From our choir to our orchestras, children take part, gain confidence and excel.

Join us on Friday 27th January 10am-11am

•10am Wrens music for the under 3s •10.15am Tour of our school •10.45am Form 7 Choristers

No need to book, we look forward to seeing you.

MUSICAL

Station Road, Otford, Kent TN14 5QU

Vinead:Layout 1 09/12/2011 13:51 Page 149 London Road • Sevenoaks • Kent • TN13 1AR

January 7th Dragonfly

January 14th The Charlie Rivers Band (tbc)

January 21st Mike Wilton & Paul Dunton

January 28th The Sweet & The Lowdown

February 4th The Violet Jive

February 11th Soul Alchemy

February 18th Andy Vickery & Max Pepe

01732 460284 www.elmatador.co

LUNCH OFFERANY PIZZA OR PASTA FOR

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Elegant, modern restaurant Freshly-made Spanish & Argentinian

produce • Unique wines NEW YEAR LISTINGSin association with www.paulduntonanguests.com

LOUNGE49 will play host to live bands every Saturday night performing a vibrant mix of standards from the 60’s to present day.

The music will be vibrant, upbeat and people will be dancing along in no time! We look forward to seeing you at LOUNGE49

DJ Matt Naeve plays every Thursday, starts at 7.30pm

Doors open at 7pm Entry £5 Music from 8pm (Entry charge is not applicable to downstairs diners)


A. The first duty of any Prime Minister is to defend the British national interest. Before the council, David Cameron had made clear that, if the Eurozone countries wanted a new treaty including all 27 Members of the European Union, he would insist on some modest safeguards to protect our financial services industry from new taxes and regulations. France, in particular, would not accept this, so there will be no new treaty. But Britain does want to see the problems in the Eurozone resolved, as they are slowing down growth here too. Countries using the Euro will now have to submit their budgets for approval by Brussels, and will be subject to fines if they exceed spending and debt limits. We would not accept such a surrender of sovereignty for the UK but we have no objection to Euro countries doing so.The argument was whether they

should be allowed to do so with a new EU treaty. That would have given them power to impose new taxes and regulations on non-Euro countries like the UK. Even though we blocked the proposed new treaty, we remain full members of the EU, attending all council meetings, including those dealing with the single market on which so many British businesses and jobs depend. Why financial services? London is one of the two great global financial centres. It is the financial centre of Europe as well as for the UK. Hundreds of people in Sevenoaks work in financial services, and we cannot leave their industry vulnerable to new taxes and regulations which we would be powerless to prevent.

n Have a question for the MP? Please send to [email protected]

Q. Why did the Prime Minister veto the proposed European Union treaty at December’s European Council?

QUIZ THE MPwith Michael Fallon MP

Top tweetsOur pick of the best local tweets this month

Catch Vine on Twitter@VineMagazine

READER REVIEW

The page that’s all about you

OMG. Parked at #Sevenoaks Bligh's

Meadow. The Sergeant Major of a ticket

inspector informed me that I couldn't accept someone else's ticket

If the driver of the train I’m on (Sevenoaks

bound) is reading this, could you announce to your passengers why we’ve stopped for 11

minutes? Ta

@iancollinsuk

I’m in Sevenoaks wearing sportswear

and sunglasses, driving my mother’s car. This is a scary

insight to a life I don’t want! Coffee darling?

@eleanorhoppe @KimBlairwitch

t h e r e a l d a d ’ s a r m y | f e s t i v e f a s h i o n | p r i n t s c h a r m i n g | t h e t o w n j e w e l s

VINew w w .v ined ig i tal . c o . u k • d e c e m b e r 2 0 11 • i s s u e 54

YOUR FAVOURITE SEVENOAKS MAGAZINE

CHRISTMASspecialVine’s 8-page Christmas guide to the best gifts

in town

We’d love to know what you thought of this month’s Vine

Visit www.vinedigital.co.uk or follow us on Facebook and Twitter

Send your 250-word review to: [email protected]

You may recall our last visit to London Road back in May with our ‘Break the Chain’ feature, when Vine

showcased the shops of Sevenoaks that are sometimes overshadowed by larger chain stores. Now,

with Christmas coming, London Road is thriving as smart shoppers are learning that they really can get

the best buys and unique gifts so close to home – Christmas shopping has never been easier!

Run by Tina Fenner and Sarah Salisbury,

The Chocolate Shop is your

one-stop-shop for everything chocolate-rela

ted. With over 300 different

varieties of English and Belgian chocolate

s, as well as traditional

sweet shop treats, there’s something for every swee

t tooth. Does your

neighbour like salted caramels but

detest Turkish delight? No problem!

Create personalised Christmas gifts by

hand-picking your own chocolate range

and beautiful gift box. Gluten-free,

diabetic and dairy-free chocolates are

also available and all chocolates can be

delivered locally through the mail-

order service so no one has to miss out

this Christmas.

■ 59 London Road 01732 742350

Lisa Reynolds’ brightly stocked (and beautifully scented!) fl ower shop is a

must-visit for all of your fl oral musings. Handmade posies, bouquets and

arrangements are available year-round and for any o

ccasion; especially

for weddings they offer bridal consultation

s, bespoke wedding stationery

and an extensive range of chair covers. Th

is Christmas the experts at

Flowers and Sparkle are offering Christmas tree

and home decorating services,

as well as homemade wreaths,

garlands and centrepieces

available in classic tartans, reds

and golds or any combination

you come up with.

■ 30 London Road

01732 741927

www.fl owersandsparkle.co.uk

Formerly Sargeant gifts, Jamia, which is run

by brother and sister partnership Ann and

David Sargeant, is a funky little gift shop sel

ling

everything from phrase-embroidered cushions to

tissues that look like £20 notes. With a selection

for every occasion, Jamia, named after David’s

four-year-old son Jamie and two-year-old d

aughter

Mia, is the go-to present place for that specia

l wedding,

christening, birthday and everything in bet

ween. So,

naturally, Christmas is covered without question; come

in for lovely festive plush toys, decorations

and trinkets

galore.

■ 26 London Road 01732 457304

With the slogan “the only thing old-fashioned

about us is our service”,

the Sevenoaks Haberdashery has everything the modern sewer, knitter

or crocheter could ever need. However, if you’ve never even held a

needle or simply wish to improve your skill owner Elizabeth Jebson an

d

her expert team of staff hold

group and individual classes at

around £20 per session for ages

11 upwards. Looking for a present

for a budding seamstress? The

haberdashery can compile the

perfect tailored gift set chock-full

of essentials; just name your price!

■ 5 London Road 01732 459708

Whether you’re looking for a track

in the top 40 or an obscure DVD

you can’t fi nd anywhere else,

Martin Salisbury and Phil Drown

at the Compact Disc will have it in

store or will source it for you. The

only specialty blues and classical

shop in the area for miles, they

have an immense selection of

DVDs, including a new box-set from legendary mime artist Jacques

Tati for £42. For soulful stocking fi llers snag Caro Emerald’s new

album, Deleted Scenes From The Cutting Room Floor fo

r £14.99 and

imported from Brooklyn, New York, signed copies of Ap

ril Smith’s

album, Songs For A Sinking Ship, for £17.99.

■ 57 London Road 01732 740 889

www.bluesandjazz.co.uk

Sevenoaks Computers is your convenient local source for c

omputer

advice, the latest laptop and PC models, accessories and

a range

of software services. With an in-store worksh

op and a new remote

support service with savvy experts on call f

or £40 a year, Sevenoaks

Computers is dedicated to catering to all of

your computer-based needs. Just in time

for Christmas, they are now selling the

Lenovo Z370, a lightweight 13.3”

laptop available in hot pink or

electric blue for £449, as well as

their standard stock of iPods,

iPads and other Apple products.

■ 11 London Road 01732 466666

www.sevenoakscomputers.co.uk

THE CHOCOLATE SHOP

FLOWERS AND SPARKLE

THE COMPACT DISC

SEVENOAKS COMPUTERS

SEVENOAKS HABERDASHERY JAMIA

townTHE

CHRISTMAS

December_11_PRESS_64pp.indd 32

25/11/2011 00:31

ISSUE 54 - love your feature about London Road on page 32. Bagel Shop is the best; my wife likes their soup, my daughter likes their bagels and I get my paper there every day (apart from Sunday). Williamsons does the best sausages anywhere, I use (and play music in) The Anchor where Barry and Co. are the best bar staff I've ever come across and if you include the great bike shop and cheese shop further up you almost don't need a high street!

I'm also a regular at Cabbages & Kings having devised a superb seven to eight-mile Knockholt walk which involves a tea stop there (and their mouth-watering cakes). So for me your best issue ever.

Jon Copping

HAVE YOUR SAYOVER-EGGING THE ISSUE?

“We at Romshed Farm in Underriver are delighted to supply local, organic eggs to the Deli on the Lane (Vine, October 2011), and think it would be marvellous if owner Dale Bentley could fill his shop with produce from small, genuinely local producers. However, this lovely idea may be halted by overbearing local law.

“The Sevenoaks District Council Environmental Health Department require us to carry out a risk assessment on the process of collecting our eggs: which entails putting them into a bucket, taking them out on the kitchen table and placing them into boxes. We have to record every single egg we collect and where it is sold. Recently, I received a letter from the department stating that because we are a “commercial” premises and have a private water supply, we must have our water tested each year which could cost up to £200 and have a risk assessment carried out on the water supply which could cost up to £500. I ask: how are we ever going to have a thriving local economy of enterprising and innovative food producers with such bureaucratic procedures in place?”

Fidelity Weston, Romshed Farm

“We would stress that these national and European laws apply to all food business and as Romshed Farm has a private water supply, which is used for commercial use, it has to be tested. We are working with Romshed Farm and doing everything we can to ensure the burden on the business is as minimal as possible, whilst complying with the laws.”

Charlie Shacklock, Sevenoaks District Council


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I f you’re looking to make your family’s lifestyle a little healthier in 2012, then don’t

ignore easy alterations you can make to your diet. These changes don’t have to be drastic or dull; they can be as simple and delicious as substituting fattier meats for far leaner and tastier ones. You can still have your family’s favourite bolognese or lasagne, just substitute store-bought minced beef for locally and ethically produced minced venison from family-owned Chart Farm in Sevenoaks. Venison is naturally high in iron, Omega 3s and protein, low in cholesterol and so low in fat that there’s no need to drain your meat after cooking it. What’s more, venison is full of flavour and incredibly versatile, so experiment away with burgers, curries, slow-cooked joints and gamekeeper’s pies. As well as the satisfaction that comes from feeding your family healthily, get peace of mind from knowing that Chart

Farm’s venison is sourced according to the highest ethical standards. All the deer roam free on the farm’s 400 acres of field and woodlands, so you can be positive the venison you’re getting is all natural, local and well-looked after. In addition, being more reasonable than your standard beef, you can be sure you’re doing your family a world of good in more ways than one. So for an easy, delicious and very affordable way to kick-start a healthier 2012, Chart Farm has all you need.

n Visit www.chartfarm.com or call 01732 761672. Open from 10am – 4pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday and 9am – 3pm on Saturday

A HEALTHY NEW YEAR

CHOOSE THE HEALTHIER OPTION THIS NEW YEAR

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

reared venison

Open Tue through to 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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Selling Our Own Home-Reared Venison and Other Locally Sourced, Fine Meats

S H O P


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I t is a New Year and we need to lift our spirits; become more positive, grasp opportunities and use the entrepreneurial skills that are such a notable part of the British psyche. The current government has set store by

its apprenticeship programmes; a form of training that has succeeded for hundreds of years. But an apprenticeship can only succeed if the programme fulfils the needs of the industry for which it was designed, is delivered professionally and in full, has an in-built flexibility to allow for changing needs and is fully accredited by a recognised body. In other words – it stands up to all forms of scrutiny. The other essential factor is that all apprenticeships should result in jobs – proper jobs that are sustainable and afford career progression. Are young people being fully informed about the enormous width of career opportunities? Are some areas dismissed out-of-hand simply because those providing the advice have little or no knowledge of the industries involved? The entire agricultural and horticultural sectors certainly fall into the latter category and yet hold opportunities for all academic abilities. With world population predicted to rise by a staggering 50 per cent by 2041, food production, in all its many forms, is set to become the most important industry of all. Three years ago the government predicted 60,000 skill shortages in the horticulture industry over the following 10 years, yet graduate courses in production horticulture in the UK have actually reduced in number

(Hadlow College is one of the few to offer this increasingly vital and desirable option). Related research and development are going to become more important than ever but only a few months ago one of the most respected research bodies in the world, East Malling Research, struggled to find a young graduate to fill a vacancy for a plant pathologist! Although Kent is the country’s largest producer of top fruit, the UK fruit industry is currently dependent on outsourcing from Romania and Bulgaria, and not just for

seasonal labour! Supervisory, middle and even senior management roles are being filled by graduates and highly-skilled individuals from these former eastern bloc countries.

NEW CAREERNew Year

Motivated and career-driven, they are an asset to the industry that just isn’t seen in the UK. However, we must future-proof the skill needs of a vital industry by training UK nationals. Following lengthy consultation with the industry, Hadlow College is setting up three-year apprenticeships specifically for the top and soft fruit industries. The structure enables apprentices to spend periods of an average of six months with different growers. Periods in the retail sector, pack house and other relevant areas are also offered and Hadlow will be assessing work-based learning and providing in-college training. Apprentices will be paid but Hadlow is seeking money from the private sector to fund training. Giving the private sector the opportunity to invest in the future of the industry means apprenticeship opportunities can be expanded to a wider age group to include applicants with undergraduate degrees or other qualifications; academic details which currently render them ineligible for government apprenticeships.

Perhaps the worst effect of our dire economic situation is unemployment. As the downward spiral deepens, 16-25 year olds are bearing the brunt, with the worst case scenario suggesting that some may never see employment. Luckily, Hadlow College is creating practical solutions, as Pat Crawford reports

n For more information about this exciting initiative please attend the meeting at Hadlow College in the Rural Regeneration Centre on January 19 at 6.30pm Blackmans Lane, Hadlow TN11 OAX or call Pat Crawford: 07771 635684

all apprenticeships should result in

jobs – proper jobs that are sustainable

and afford career progression

FEATURE


New Year,2012 is the year. As long as the world doesn’t come to an end, there’s going to be some pretty huge events. What with the London Olympics and Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee, there’s already a palpable buzz about this year. So don’t be surprised if you feel a stronger urge than ever to improve yourself: whether you’re looking to strengthen your career, get fit, work on your relationships or pick up a fun hobby, Vine’s got you covered

Beauty & Wellbeing

FITNESSCareerThe hardest part is getting started. After months of basically

hibernating, the thought of hitting the gym can be more than a little scary. Get yourself a gym buddy with similar goals and schedule and promise each other at least three sessions a week; if you’ve got someone expecting you, you’re less likely to sack it off last minute. Alternatively, personal trainers can create you a personalised fitness schedule to help you efficiently reach your targets. Or if the gym’s just not your thing, there are plenty of alternative and sometimes saucy fitness classes you can take up like Zumba, burlesque and pole-fitness.

Ask yourself: is this what I really want to be doing? If yes, brilliant – see how you can expand on your strengths and make yourself more profitable. If not, make a good old-fashioned pros and cons list about your current situation and look at your results. Don’t make any rash decisions just yet but look at what you can feasibly improve. Talk to your family and friends, network, perhaps consult a careers counsellor; they can really help you choose your path whether you want to start fresh or fine-tune your existing skills.

A lot of parents feel like they’re not spending enough time with their kids; between school, work, hobbies and homework, making time gets tough. Maybe plan something to do every week as a family, maybe it’s going out to your favourite restaurant, going for a walk or hitting the high street; as long as you’re all together, it’s time well spent. Or perhaps you’re single in Sevenoaks and looking for a bit of love. There are plenty of brilliant singletons in the area, so get out there! Or perhaps try a local dating agency; there’s really nothing to lose but loneliness.

Are you bored of your look? Create a new you! Get a bold new haircut, embrace current fashion trends and take time to take care of yourself every day. Investing that little bit more in what you look like can really pay off and there’s no better time than the New Year to do so. The same goes for hobbies; have you always wanted to make brilliant pastry, dance the salsa or write a novel but never found the time for such eclectic tasks? Well 2012 screams exploration, so play out your desires and live life to the full.

For more articles covering these subject, why not check the past issues of Vine online at www.vinedigital.co.uk

Relationships

WELLNESS

NEW YOU

The DateHave you given up hope looking for love or feel you’ve tried everything but nothing works? Well do not despair, local dating agency Peagreen Introductions will help you secure that all-important date for 2012, says Charlotte Luxford

SAVE

PEAGREEN’S TOP DATING TIPS

Do tell someone directly if you’re not interested in seeing them again: lying and stringing people along simply because you’re too scared to tell them the truth is selfish and hurtful. Be polite and thoughtful, but clear in your message.

BE HONEST

SURROUNDINGS

Surround yourself with people who will support your dating: a new hair cut and some new clothes will make you feel great but don’t sabotage this by sitting around with friends who are negative about love and relationships.

H ow many of us have been on ‘blind’ dates, set up by a friend of a friend who means well, but has instead created an awkward evening of bemused

conversation? Or those nights when you hoped that online dating site would produce your dream partner, only to be disappointed? Dating can seem an ironically lonely endeavour and hard work, but fortunately that New Year ‘optimism’ doesn’t have to be squandered with new Sevenoaks dating agency Peagreen Introductions on the scene. I can hear you muttering, “Well I’ve done all that before,” but Peagreen really is different. Firstly, it is NOT an online dating site. Steering well clear of virtual relationships fashioned by the ‘Facebook’ age, there are no online profiles; it’s a sophisticated business for sophisticated types, where discretion and quality are key factors when looking for a potential partner. Company owner Rebecca Sell knew exactly what she wanted when she set up Peagreen. She aims to deliver a superior service that is much more personal than some of the dubious and costly online agencies, due in part to its focus on matching couples in the Kent area: “I have experienced what numerous other singles are going through. I have been unattached and I have wondered

just where the framework is for attractive adults to meet each other in a safe, fun and dignified way.” The company’s intention is to achieve a complete understanding of each individual through an interview process which is carried out in the client’s own home for discretion and comfort. Offering as much advice and support as is possible for that important first

date, the team at Peagreen personally matches up pairs who they believe will make well-suited couples, sending a detailed profile to the prospective partners to see whether they would like to meet. Peagreen can help arrange the first date and hold a client’s hand through the process until they feel comfortable meeting of their own accord. Even if those first initial dates don’t work out, the membership lasts for 24 months and includes an unlimited number of one-to-one introductions so you never have to give up hope. Rebecca says, “Online dating and ‘blind’ dating is not what people want and I passionately believe that men and women deserve the most comfortable journey when they set out to

meet interesting and intelligent people. I am a romantic and I sincerely hope that those who come along to Peagreen meet the love of their life. We will be working very hard to help it come true...”

n Visit www.peagreenintroductions.com or call 01892 886121 for more information

FIRST DATES

Keep it simple and aim for an hour for the first date, coffee or a drink. Treat a first date as a chance to get to know a new friend rather

than a future partner. It will help you stay relaxed and to get the most out of the date.

DRESS CODE

Dress appropriately for the venue: men, have a haircut, wear a jacket and no trainers please. Ladies, feel comfortable in what you wear and if you have time, have your nails or hair done to make you feel great. Confidence is attractive!

SEE THE SIGNS

Hands can send a very powerful message... Unclenched shows openness, balled in a fist or fidgeting is bad news.

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Looking for a way to invest your money wisely this year? Harlequin Property’s luxury five-star hotels and resorts are ripe for savvy investors who want more from our stale economy. Charlotte Luxford meets Sevenoaks resident Kay Worth to find out why Harlequin provides a refreshing alternative when it comes to making money for the future

luxuryAFFORDABLE

W ith the recession in Europe, the government wanting us to pay more towards our pension schemes and retire later, the grass really could be greener on the other side. And with this

dreary winter weather, you can’t blame us for dreaming of exotic places, perhaps a white, sandy beach, warm sun, a place to be pampered...the Caribbean perhaps? And what if someone told you that you could own a little piece of paradise and make some money out of it too? The Caribbean seems to have been virtually untouched by the recession and has one of the highest standards of living in the world. Barbados for example, has experienced a 3.8 per cent increase in the property market between January and October 2010 and, in St Lucia, the 2010 tourist figures show a 15.4 per cent increase over the previous year. With a stable economy, a sturdy legal framework, low tax regime, a well-managed infrastructure, a host of top-end bars and restaurants, not to mention its unspoilt beaches and sunshine, it really is a good place to invest. Harlequin specialises in creating first-class hotels and resorts in the finest locations of the Caribbean, offering an unprecedented level of supreme luxury and a world-class destination experience that has something for everyone. So, what’s in it for you? Harlequin provides the opportunity to invest in their resort properties at an affordable level. A popular option (and perhaps wise considering the dwindling pension opportunities in this country) is the SIPP (Self Invested Personal Pension) investment, allowing for the investor to decide what their pension fund is invested in. Investors are advised by specialist independent financial advisors who will carry out an initial review free of charge to assess whether your existing pension plan is suitable for transferring into a SIPP. There is also the option to obtain 100 per cent finance (subject to status) and, with properties starting at around £120,000, it really is affordable. Of course, if you have the funds, you can easily invest with your own capital. Investors will benefit in two ways: until completion, properties may be purchased at a price below market value so investors will benefit from capital appreciation. In addition, ongoing returns from rental income are generated by the property as it is used as luxury holiday accommodation and non-SIPP investors will also benefit from being able to occupy their property for 30 days each year. Harlequin’s flagship property, Buccament Bay, is on the south-west coast of St Vincent and opened in August 2010 as a brand new, all-inclusive five star destination hotel. A backdrop of rainforest-covered mountains and a stunning white sandy beach set the scene for this luxury hotel, which boasts everything from espresso machines, iPod docking stations and free high-speed wireless internet to 40-inch LCD TVs and

sumptuous furnishings in every room. With exceptional customer care and attention to detail, you can expect a high level of occupancy throughout the year, hence a greater return on your investment. For example, in Barbados, annual hotel occupancy is 70 per cent and there is a huge demand for hotel accommodation across the Caribbean islands. Investors and entrepreneurs have already cottoned on to Harlequin’s unique investment opportunity: Buccament Bay has virtually sold out, as well as the new boutique hotel concept in St Lucia and Barbados. The boutique hotels are renovated and refurbished ‘distressed’ hotels, brought up to the resorts’ luxury standards. The Marquis Estate in St Lucia is the next big project, due to be one of the Caribbean’s finest luxury destinations situated in 530 acres of lush tropical valley on a private estate dating back to 1723. The Merricks Resort in Barbados and Las Canas in the Dominican Republic also have suites, apartments and villas still available for investment. The Merricks resort will be situated on a cliff top in 70 acres with spectacular panoramic views of the beautifully rugged Atlantic coast and Las Canas will be set amongst 50 acres of white sandy beach, tropical forest and wild olive and muskwood trees. The Hideaway, a smaller boutique hotel located on the site of Las Canas, will be situated on the beachfront with guests enjoying the amenities of the resort. In the future, there are plans to even have a resort in Brazil, and with the property market booming there and as hosts of the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games, it would make a great investment.

Harlequin has always kept its word; the new

Buccament Bay Resort bears testament to

that – it’s open and doing really well

Above: Buccament Bay Resort; top right: Hotel interior; middle right: Stunning sunset from the bay; bottom right: sunloungers


Sevenoaks resident Kay Worth explains her experience with Harlequin, investing in The Marquis Estate in St Lucia

“My husband and I are both self-employed and we’d always wanted to build up a property portfolio so we went to an investor’s show recently and a company there recommended we speak to Harlequin. I was absolutely amazed that it was possible to achieve five-star luxury in the Caribbean on 100 per cent finance (subject to status)! We were so impressed that we agreed to become agents for Harlequin, recommending their services to others. It may sound too good to be true, but Harlequin has always kept its word; the new Buccament Bay Resort bears testament to that – it’s open and doing really well. We feel this is the best choice we ever made; you can visit their UK offices in Basildon and take a look around their extensive showroom. Harlequin also runs trips for potential investors; you do pay to go, but if you invest they refund your trip, so it’s a win-win! If you decide to sell early and cash in before the project is complete, Harlequin will help you resell, but once the property is up and running, there is a fixed rental guarantee to cover the mortgage for the first few years and the projection for profits is into the tens of thousands, so it’s worth looking at it as a long-term investment. As agents, of course we’d be more than happy to talk to anyone who is interested in investing and share our experiences with them – it really is an exciting opportunity!”

• Alaia Spa with top of the range ESPA treatments• 24-hour reception and concierge service, plus printed daily newspapers, DVDs, video games, board games and reading books all available• Kids’ and Teen Club with closely supervised day care for the little ones and a lounge and games room for young adults• Diving and watersports PADI licensed SCUBA tuition courses and dive trips as well as kayaking, glass-bottom boat tours, dolphin and whale watching and deep-sea fishing• State-of-the-art conference facilities and business centre services• Harlequin Fitness Centre, equipped with a range of cardiovascular and physical training equipment• Harlequin Sports Academy, expert football and tennis coaching for all ages with the Pat Cash Tennis Academy and Liverpool Football Club Soccer School• Harlequin Performing Arts Academy, master classes based on popular hit musicals led by West End and Broadway performers

• Resort Boutiques a selection of gifts, jewellery, swimwear and branded clothing• Golf – The Marquis Estate in St Lucia will include a signature golf course designed by the legendary Gary Player• Weddings – Hold your wedding reception on the replica ship from Pirates Of The Caribbean, where it was filmed, or enjoy the romantic setting of the beach

KAY’S STORY: WHAT MAKES HARLEQUIN RESORTS LUXURY:

n To book a holiday to the Buccament Bay Resort or to find out more information about Harlequin, call Kay on 07808 586307 or email [email protected]


LEGAL MATTERSThe team at Warners Solicitors offer regular expert advice on topics relevant to our everyday lives. This month Rebecca Massam of the Family Law team uncovers the myth of the “Quickie Divorce”

T he press often report about various celebrities getting a “quickie divorce”

when in fact, there is no such thing in the English legal system. The divorce process is the same whether you are Madonna of Stardom or Mrs Moor of Sevenoaks. More than 95 per cent of divorces in England and Wales occur under what is known as the “special procedure”. This is the process that all divorces follow where both parties agree their marriage has broken down permanently. Essentially, this means that the divorce can be concluded without the need for either spouse to ever attend court. If you can follow the rules, and your spouse co-operates with the divorce, then you will be able to get yourself a “quickie divorce” within three to six months. The use of this term has been spurred on by various web companies offering said “quickie divorce” at a rock-bottom price while promising to generate their customers divorce papers in just three minutes and finalising the divorce in a matter of weeks; claims which the Court process will simply not allow to happen.

This misleading marketing trick plays on the customers’ lack of knowledge of what a divorce actually entails, promising a quick end to what can be a distressing process. At Warners we offer an online service with a difference. We have developed a solution which is entirely bespoke to each client’s needs. We do not pretend to offer a “quickie divorce” because we know how the process works, but what we do offer is an online service with documents being completed by you, and then checked by a qualified solicitor to ensure they comply with the numerous procedural rules required by the Court. If at any point a client feels that they need some extra help, they can pick up the phone or drop us an email and one of our qualified solicitors will be familiar with their papers and on hand to assist.

n If you would like some more information about our Online Divorce Service visit www.warners-solicitors.co.uk or call 01732 747913 and ask to speak to a member of the family team

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ASK JASONFitness professional Jason Crow answers your exercise dilemmas

Q: Help me, I have just eaten the equivalent of my body weight over Christmas?Jeremy, Badgers Mount

A: Thankfully I have a solution. Make sure that you have got some privacy, a set of stairs, close-fitting gym clothes and a good full length mirror. Now this is what I want you to do:

1. Get into the gym clothes that allow you to clearly see your physique

2. Go up and down the set of stairs as briskly as you can at least three times

3. Immediately get yourself in front of the mirror and take a good look

4. Now with all the facts in front of you make a decision to do something about what you see and how you feel

This may seem comical, but after 25 years I find the stronger and more visual your reason is for staying in shape, the better

you will do. Yes you are going to need all the obvious things that all the January gym adverts and articles will tell you: low fat foods, regular exercise and a reliable training partner, but these are not going to last unless you are truly motivated to change. So don’t waste any time, get the relatives out of the house, get into your running shoes and tight-fitting clothing and burn the image you are about to see in that mirror into the back of your brain, better still take a picture and save it somewhere safe. Then once you have got the scary part out of the way, pop down to see me and I will help you make the most out of your new-found motivation. PS Don’t try this if you have a heart condition, any lower limb injuries or the curtains open to your neighbour’s house.

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

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A new salon and spa has just opened its doors in the thriving location of Riverhead. The Square, set up by former Toni & Guy manager Ben Hards, aims to offer an all-

encompassing pampering experience like you’ve never had before. Charlotte Luxford meets the couple behind this new family-run business

indulgeYOURSELF


W e all deserve some ‘me-time’ and a chance to escape from reality, especially after a hectic Christmas and

New Year. A hair salon seems like a good place to do this, or perhaps a spa. But what if you can have both, right on your doorstep? The Square Salon and Spa in Riverhead promises a serene environment in which you can forget all your cares and acts as a sanctuary where you can be well and truly pampered. Run by Ben Hards and his fiancée Lucy Bulbrook, this place is set to stand out from the crowd; not just because of its unique salon and spa concept, but more importantly because this is a family-run business and therefore passion is in abundance. The hand-picked, skilled team of hair stylists and colourists are made up of Toni & Guy and Vidal Sassoon-trained professionals, including Ben’s sister, Georgia, and Lucy, who heads the team of expertly trained beauty specialists. Ben himself has an incredible background which clearly displays his passion and drive; he began at Vidal Sassoon and then went on to Toni & Guy, moving up from a trainee stylist to style director by the age of 21 – quicker than anyone else in the UK. The Sevenoaks branch of Toni & Guy was entrusted to Ben by his former boss and he ran the salon before embarking on his own venture, building up a loyal following of clients who are in full support of the new salon. One client, Christina Heath, said: “I moved to Sevenoaks from London and finding someone I could trust to cut my hair here was difficult. However, Ben was really lovely and more importantly, he gave me a great haircut. Ben is so honest and professional; many stylists appear to listen but ultimately

they do what they like or a ‘cut of the moment’, whereas Ben will tell me if what I want is possible and we are both on the same page. Now he does the whole family’s hair; my husband used to get a cheap barber haircut, now he’s always asking when our next appointment with Ben is! Ben offers a very personal service and he is totally personable.” Lucy is completely in charge of the beauty side of the business and loves looking after her clients and her specialist team. She has over 10 years of experience in the beauty industry and has worked hard to ensure that she uses the very best products available to her. Lucy treats clients with the exclusive brand Carita, used by the likes of award-winning salon and spa owner Richard Ward who has worked with celebrity clients such as Kate Middleton, Elizabeth Hurley and Sevenoaks’ own Cheryl Baker. Carita is free from chemicals and is scientifically proven to prevent premature ageing, and Lucy insists it gets results; she plans to hold an open evening at The Square in early February so you can see for yourself. Even Vogue magazine loves it, saying: “There is no greater luxury than Carita’s Pro-Lift Treatment”. Lucy offers every beauty treatment you can think of, from lifting facials and hot stone massages to 21-day chip-proof manicures using top brand Artistic Nails, so you’re sure to get the best, whatever you need. Ben and Lucy agree that The Square’s philosophy is to offer a truly personal service, where people can even spend the whole day there if they want to, with the emphasis on indulgence and offering the very best treatments available. For the hair salon,

that means working with one of the top hair stylists during a consultation, flicking through an on-site iPad for inspiration and sipping a proper coffee, before enjoying an indulgent hair wash with top products from Kérastase or Label M in a massaging chair. You’ll never feel rushed, with an hour to an hour and a half spent on each cut and blow-dry client on average – a far cry from the production line service you may receive in some chain salons. Lucy is equally thoughtful, with discretion and pampering as her core focus. “Ladies who have facials don’t want to come to the desk in public afterwards so there’s the option to pay and rebook in the comfort of the treatment room. The beauty rooms are designed to be tranquil spaces where our clients can truly relax and we want them to enjoy being with us, which is why we offer the most luxurious,” says Lucy. It’s not just the service, but also the surroundings in which you receive your treatments that make you feel pampered. With a boutique hotel feel, you immediately feel welcome, with lavish leather and velvet French armchairs where clients can sit back and relax while their colour evolves – you can even have your nails done at the same time. The key is in the detail, with finishing touches such as glistening crystal light fittings, Italian

salon furniture and glass beaded wallpaper adding a touch of serious glamour.

Whatever your style, there’s no doubt that you’ll leave The Square feeling amazing.

n Call 01732 456212 or visit www.thesquaresalon.com for more information.

n 1 The Square, Riverhead, Sevenoaks, TN13 2AA

10% OFFyour first hair or beauty treatment.

Quote ‘Vine’ when booking.

Offer ends 31/01/12

Reader offer


It’s all about you this year! Make the freshest of starts and look younger, happier and healthier while you’re at it

Pump some hope into your beauty regime! Start with the essentials and make sure you work some thorough moisturising into your daily life with a healthy dose of Hope in a Jar Moisturiser for £35 from Philosophy. And make sure you save yourself from the daily grind with some much-needed ‘me time’ in 2012 by combining the healing power of organic green tea and white lotus in this Wu Wei calming cream bath from Rituals for £12.90.www.philosophy.comwww.rituals.com

Get yourself back to the healthy glow of the summer days gone by brightening and quenching thirsty winter skin. Start with Rose Otto Ecorganic Eye Cream from Estelle & Thild for £46; the essential fatty acids in the oil act as a powerful, plumping anti-ager. And, for that extra radiance-boost, pick up Topshop’s Skin Glow for £10 to apply under foundation

for a sought-after, light-enhancing and youthful finish. www.estellethild.comwww.topshop.com

It’s time to think less chemically and more ethically about how we’re treating our bodies this year. Use the uber-powerful and all-natural antioxidant power of pomegranate

and white amino soy acids in this sulphate-free Burt’s Bees Volumising Shampoo at £9.99 for some good old-fashioned cleanliness. Pick up one of the Body Shop’s 100 per cent Natural Lip Roll-Ons (we recommend the coconut!) for £4, with 50p going to the charity Children on the Edge, which helps vulnerable children worldwide. www.burtsbees.comwww.thebodyshop.co.uk

2012 BEAUTY BUYS

A BOLD NEW YOUMatthew Cross takes on two of the most challenging hairdos at Vine to create a couple of totally new looks for 2012

If you’re looking to take a bit more care of yourself in the New Year, then there’s no better place to start than with your hair. Whether you want to go back to your natural hair colour after years of stressing out your poor locks, have always fancied a pixie cut, or just want a look you can be proud of, at Matthew Cross you’ll discover that change really is good.

CUT:

Ashleigh had never actually been to a salon in her life (yes, really) and had dreadful split ends and an even worse do-it-yourself dye job. After a cleansing shampoo and conditioning, Matthew started snipping away, cutting her hair just below bob length with a subtle side fringe.

Matthew took Nic’s drab do and trimmed the back, sides and fringe to reveal the undamaged, healthy-looking hair that was hiding underneath all along.

When it came time for styling, Matthew gave Ashleigh what he calls the ‘Reverse Marilyn.’ Very much a look-of-the-moment, Matthew created curls that he spun with his finger and then pinned back for more random, natural-looking waves. All done, of course, with a Matthew Cross twist; subbing Miss Monroe’s signature platinum locks for this gorgeous winter shade.

Nic’s ‘scruffy’ style was totally cleaned up with a simple straight blow dry and a manageable, gentlemanly sweep for a look that says preened and professional from dawn till dusk.

COLOURS:

STYLE:

n To book your New Year makeover, call 01732 461988 or visit www.matthewcross.uk.com

Similar, but not the same; Harriet gave Nic more of a chocolate brown shade on his whole head to even out his currently confused hair colour.

Tired of her highly untrendy tie-dye effect hair hue, Ashleigh went with colourist Harriet’s recommendation of a rich dark brown with a warm, reddish tint to suit the winter months ahead.

AWARD WINNING

HAIRDRESSING

www.thechapel.co.uk

tunbridge wells 01892 549 900islington 0207 5200 460 sevenoaks 01732 759 839

Every day we are bombarded by toxins from many sources.

• Food and drink: processed convenience foods, caffeinated drinks, sugary snacks

• Air pollution: car exhaust, smog, cigarette smoke

• Radiation: computers, televisions and mobile phones

Our body does its best to remove or store toxins away from our vital organs, but as levels increase, our health suffers and these toxins interfere with digestion and energy production, compromise our immune system and contribute to many degenerative diseases.

Detoxification demands a lot from our body and the more we can support it, the easier it will be.

• A nutritious diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables

• Drinking plenty of pure water

helps kidneys flush excess acids

• Deeper breathing and increased circulation during exercise boosts oxygen

• Sweating opens and cleans pores

• Moving our muscles helps the lymphatic system remove impurities

• Colonic hydrotherapy cleans the colon and supports the liver

A master cleanse detoxification programme once or twice a year will provide the environment and tools for building a healthy life.

n Call 07899 957888 or visit www.solarhealth.co.uk

Vine asks Jackie Reader of Solar Health how we can detoxify our bodies ready for the New Year

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU?

Offer ends 31/01/2012

20% OFFMaster cleanse

detoxification programme

Reader offerVINeThe Skin Clinic Sevenoaks

2 The Square, Riverhead, Sevenoaks, TN13 2AA www.theskinclinic.org.uk

01732 462844

Treatments include:• Wrinkle relaxation with Botulinum •

Dermal fillers (cheeks/lips/face) • Chemical peels and skin rejuvenation • Dermaroller™ treatments • Mole checks • Mole/skin tag/

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eg OBAGI

Dr Johanna WardBA Hons MBBS DRCOG MRCGP Member of the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors. Hamilton Fraser Certified trainer in Facial Aesthetics

Private, bespoke clinic specialising in advanced facial aesthetics, dermatology and minor skin surgery.

www.rehabilitateyourhair.com

We’re on the lookout for a senior stylist

01732 455531

69 London RoadSevenoaks TN13 1AX

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JANUARY

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WELLNESS


Really start fresh in 2012 with a whole new smile! If you’ve ever yearned for straight, white and healthy teeth then there’s no time like the present to realise your dreams with the friendly professionals at Dental Elegance, says Ashleigh Togher

W e all have those niggling hang-ups about our appearance, but when it comes to something as

blatant as our teeth, that unhappiness can become a real hindrance. Imagine feeling completely comfortable, proud even, every time you opened your mouth to speak or smile. This is what the experts at Dental Elegance strive to achieve in each case they see. Whether your reasons are entirely aesthetic or are clinically required, Dental Elegance ensures its patients receive exactly the results they’re looking for by following only the most ethical treatments and solutions available. But Dental Elegance doesn’t just offer tailor-made cosmetic dentistry services; they are also an established general dentistry practice that can make sure your teeth not only look great, but are also as healthy as possible. So in addition to the top-of-the-line aligning, whitening and bonding offered, you can also have, for example, root treatments, implants, cleaning and prevention seen to all under one roof. And with their customer service-focused and fully trained team of staff, not to mention results you could have once only dreamed of, Dental Elegance is the all-encompassing dental practice that you can’t wait to visit again. Here are a few case studies to demonstrate some of the services Dental Elegance can do for you.

This patient had a habit of grinding her teeth and was quite conscious of the way her teeth were changing shape and wearing down as a result. The patient desired to improve the appearance of her smile in a gentle way which would not involve any further damage to her teeth. So resident dentist Chris Ibbott recommended she use a home tooth-whitening kit to lighten her stained teeth to a colour she was happy with, and then he restored the lower teeth with directly placed composite resin. Lastly, Chris restored the edges of the upper six front teeth to achieve the end result.

This case took 20 weeks to complete and began with an Inman aligner with combined expander which was used to straighten the upper front teeth. Four clear aligners were then used to bring in the prominent upper canine teeth and in the later stages the patient whitened her teeth with a home whitening kit. To finish off, the edges of the front six teeth were restored with direct composite resin bonding. Case by Chris Ibbott

This patient’s teeth had been affected by Fluorosis which caused the white patches in the enamel of her two front teeth and some of her lower teeth. Her teeth were initially whitened with a combination of Zoom in-surgery and home tooth whit-ening. The dark tooth on the right was additionally treated with an inside/outside whitening procedure. The two front teeth and the dark tooth were then prepared for minimal porcelain veneers and the other front tooth was built up free hand by composite resin bonding. Case by Chris Ibbott

CASE STUDY 1:

CASE STUDY 2:

CASE STUDY 3:

n Visit www.dentalelegance.co.uk or call 0208 850 8820 for more information.

n Dental Elegance,178 Blackfen Road,Sidcup, Kent. DA15 8PT

onlinevine.co.uk November 2009 vine 13

Redesigned, elegant surroundings to reflect a holistic and welcoming approach to patient care. We have the latest technology and use pioneering techniques. We welcome

to Dental Elegance experienced cosmetic dentist Dr Majid Shahab. Dr Shahab is a family-friendly dentist who offers a wide range of treatments, from the most basic

to complex cosmetic dentistry accomplished to an exceptionally high level of professionalism. He believes

conservative, minimally invasive dentistry can have a positive impact on a person’s overall appearance and self-

confidence, whether a child or a pensioner.

Don’t just take our word for it...

“When people say I have great teeth, I have to tell them the truth!” Peter

“The smile lift has restored the natural proportion of my face and made me look years younger. It is like a face-lift without the surgery; I can’t stop smiling, thank you.” Debra.

Call us today to arrange your FREE consultation...

0208 8508820www.dentalelegance.co.ukwww.inmanaligner.com

Dental Elegance, 178 Blackfen Road, SidcupKent DA15 8PT

• Beautiful mercury-free white fillings• Comprehensive hygiene• Tooth whitening from £45 – we are the only supplier of Smilestrips in Kent• Implants, crowns, onlays and veneers• Inman Aligners – straight teeth in as little as 6-16 weeks with a removable orthodontic appliance. We are the UK’s pioneer of the Innman Aligner• Comfortable flexible dentures

“ “

Dental Elegance is an established practice with a trusted reputation of over 18 years

Have you considered dental implants?

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

dreamsDENTISTRYWELLNESS

OPPOSITE BAT & BALL STATION, SEVENOAKS

Call for a free taster session:

Personal Training

01732 451 979 WWW.BETTERBODYSHOP.CO.UK

The ideal enviroment to exercise whatever your age, weight or goal

as it should be• Multi-award Winning

• Postgraduate Team

• 25 Years Experience


H ave you ever thought how much we use

our facial muscles every day? We frown, smile, laugh, cry, eat, yawn... over time our skin loses its elasticity and, due to its constant use, tension builds up which restricts lymphatic circulation and the removal of waste products. Why am I telling you this? Because pretty much everyone wants smoother, firmer-looking skin, without having to use expensive lotions and take drastic measures. Now, there’s a place near you where this can come true. At Unwind Massage Therapy you can achieve a fresh, more youthful appearance, not to

FEEL YOUNG THIS YEAR

mention relieve stress, by enlisting the services of Amanda Clipsham, who can provide a Natural Lift Facial Massage. The massage will improve circulation, boost lymphatic drainage, reduce expression lines and wrinkles, stimulate collagen and tone the underlying muscle. One client said: “This massage was just what I was looking for; it was such a relief to find a treatment that didn’t consist of the slapping on and off of creams. It was a proper facial massage which I found very relaxing and I was very impressed with the results.” However, the facial massage is just

a small part of what Amanda does. Trained in Holistic Swedish Massage, with an impressive Level Three ITEC Diploma, she is also qualified in anatomy and physiology, therefore having a true understanding of how massages can help every system in the body, from lung function (good for asthmatics) to detoxification. Amanda can perform full body massages, combining both Swedish and ‘hands free’ (using forearms and elbows to get to those deeper, more stubborn problem areas) massage techniques, seated acupressure

Want to look more youthful without taking drastic measures? Have muscle problems, or simply want to relax but see massages as a luxury? Unwind Massage Therapy offers treatments to suit you at an affordable price, says Charlotte Luxford

massages (this can be conveniently done on-site) and Reiki, all in the comfort of her candle-lit treatment room in the quiet location of Seal, with plenty of free parking, so you can take your time. So take some time for yourself this New Year; massages don’t have to be a luxury, with Amanda’s genuinely affordable

prices the benefits are endless!

n Visit www.unwind-therapy.com or contact Amanda on 07531 755153

or [email protected]

Natural Lift Facial Massage course of three for just £60 (RRP £90) or try one of Amanda’s taster days on January 11 and 17 from 9.30-3pm, with any one treatment half price.

Offer ends 31/01/12

Reader offer

New Paediatric Dental Clinic run by Professor GrahamRoberts, Children’s Specialist and Dr Makbule Sipahi Ogretme, Paediatric Dentist, is now open.

New adult patients welcome� Family dental care� Advanced cosmetic dentistry� Dental implants� Sedation available for nervous children and

adult patients� Evening and Saturday appointments

available

Call us now, and see howwe can help you

National runner up 2009“Private Dentistry” Awards –Most Innovative Practice –for our fun filled Aquabubblechildren’s “submarine”. Runnerup 2009 “Dentistry” Awards –Best Practice in the South East

TAKING CHILDREN’S DENTALCARE TO A NEW LEVEL

Tel 01732 459222 or visit our website atwww.atkinsonbrignall.co.uk

1st Floor, Lady Boswell House, 42-44 London Road, Sevenoaks TN13 1AS

Atkinson Brignall Advert 15/09/2011 10:26 Page 1

Whether it’s a complete smile makeover or a few cosmetic improvements, Atkinson Brignall can help you obtain that beautiful, healthy smile you’ve always wanted. Our aim is to provide you with the highest quality cosmetic and implant dentistry treatment and care. We also realise that tooth structure is precious; when enamel is gone, it is gone for good. For this reason we believe in being as conservative as possible with any treatment provided.

Cosmetic dentistry treatments are designed to improve your dental health, function and the aesthetic appearance of your teeth, to give you the perfect smile to match your face. You are always in control. Many proposed improvements can be simulated with computer imagery or tried in as a “mock-up” in the mouth for your approval.

Ian Brignall is a full member of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and is currently undertaking the first UK dedicated MSc in Aesthetic Dentistry.

incoporating Sevenoaks Smile Studio

Inman aligner orthodontics (from £1,100), Invisalign, tooth whitening, composite veneers, porcelain veneers, all ceramic crowns and onlays, dental implants to hold crowns, bridges or dentures

“I have recently spent a great deal of time in the chair. You name it; I’ve had it, root canal

treatment, replacement fillings, tooth whitening

and several crowns replaced. Dr Brignall has

done a wonderful job and I am thrilled. He is a true perfectionist and I feel lucky to have such

confidence in my dentist.”

Mrs J, SevenoaksGive us a call or visit our website:

01732 459222 www.atkinsonbrignall.co.uk

1st Floor, Lady Boswel l House, 42-44 London Rd, Sevenoaks, TN13 1AS

Are you fed up with not having the confidence to smile? Make a change this New Year with Atkinson Brignall Caring Dentistry

Inman Aligner treatment after 12 weeks

Layered composite veneers with no tooth preparation

Porcelain veneers, crowns and implant

WELLNESS

vinedigital.co.uk January 2012 vine 33OPPOSITE BAT & BALL STATION, SEVENOAKS

Call for a free taster session:

Personal Training

01732 451 979 WWW.BETTERBODYSHOP.CO.UK

The ideal enviroment to exercise whatever your age, weight or goal

as it should be• Multi-award Winning

• Postgraduate Team

• 25 Years Experience



www.sencio.org.uk@senciocommunity

Good things come in Pairs...

Joint gym membership for under £1* per day (Includes Gym, Swimming & Exercise Classes)

*Each, based on committed joint membership. Subject to availability terms and conditions apply.

Sevenoaks Leisure Centre01732 470700

W hether you’re completely new to

running, want to dust off your trainers at long last or already run but are bored with your own company, then Sevenoaks Ladies Joggers may be the fitness group that’s right for you. Unlike those lonely gym sessions, SLJ members say they love the motivation and camaraderie that comes with joining the Joggers. It’s also a perfect way of meeting like-minded people if you’re new to the area. Take in stunning Kentish scenery on daytime runs which take place in the beautiful

Do you want to get fit and maybe make some friends along the way? Hundreds of local ladies already have with Sevenoaks Ladies Joggers, a friendly jogging club that has something for everyone

FITNESS WITH FRIENDS

parkland surrounding the Knole estate and other local countryside locations, perfect if you find yourself getting tired of the treadmill. And for those of you who prefer to be indoors, their other exercise classes are equally beneficial and fun to be a part of. If you already run but are looking for a challenge in 2012 then ask about their 10K and long-distance running courses. Not to leave out the boys, Sevenoaks

Ladies Joggers’ brother group, Oaks Blokes, meet regularly and are just as sociable and accommodating as their female equivalent. So if the festive season has left you feeling sluggish then come and enjoy some running in the fresh air and lose those winter pounds too!

n Visit www.ladiesjoggers.org or www.oaksblokes.co.uk or email [email protected]

NOW OFFERING:

• 10-week Beginner courses

• Six-week Back to Running courses for the lapsed runner

• Weekday, evening and Saturday group runs

• Fabulous Fitball Core Stability classes, near Hollybush Recreation Ground

• Total Body Circuits workout, Monday evenings at Knole Academy

ladiesjoggers.org

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

For more information and 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 rejuvenation 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, a member of The British Association of Cosmetic Doctors,

and his team are based in Sevenoaks and hold regular practices at

locations across West Kent and Sussex.

WELLNESS

All those roasties, brandy butters and mince pies left you feeling a little out of shape? Get rid of those wobbly bits by becoming one of Sevenoaks’ biggest losers

Have you been enjoying the festive season a bit too much? Then step away from those leftover Christmas chocolates and look towards a new, super-slim you with Evolution Fitness and Nutrition. We are all familiar with that burst of motivation a new year brings, but also, unfortunately, with how quickly that fresh enthusiasm vanishes within the first few weeks of January. Sam Winkworth, known as the south-east’s leading fat-loss expert, is well aware of our human tendency to slack off and has therefore created a fitness programme that is certain to keep us moving and losing. So you can forget about your run-of-the-mill get-fit-quick schemes with ineffective slimming clubs, boring workouts and tedious diets and get on

board the Sevenoaks’ Biggest Loser programme. If you’re prepared to drastically change the way you look and live your life then Sam is your man. Sam, who runs regular fitness and weight-loss bootcamps at Evolution Fitness and Nutrition, is leading this highly effective nine-week programme from February 6. Email [email protected] and you could be one of five women chosen to complete the challenge free of charge and perhaps be the lucky winner who will receive a place plus an additional boot camp membership for a full year and a lovely weekend getaway in the UK.

n Visit www.evolutionbootcamp.com or call 07817 403398

TRIMIN 2012&SLIM

M aking that first step towards the gym can

be a daunting prospect, especially if it is big and impersonal, but there’s a hidden gem among them all – a truly personal place to get fit without being on display. It must be discreet, with celebrities such as Girls Aloud, Katie Price and Jacqueline Gold gracing MoorEnergy in Westerham with their presence. That’s not to say it’s expensive or pretentious; in fact, everyone in Westerham knows owner Nigel Moore and you’ll often spot the gang from MoorEnergy in town enjoying a coffee and a chat after a hard workout

BOUTIQUE FITNESS

– after all, fitness is supposed to be fun. Nigel is incredibly personable and it’s his natural ability to gel with everyone that is the secret to his success. “Our members can feel comfortable, whatever their size or ability; there’s no need to feel intimidated and I have trained everyone from an Iron Man to those with disabilities and my clients range from the ages of 10 to 82.” As a former international boxer for England, Nigel has a wealth of experience behind him and also knows how to build clients’ confidence and self-esteem through his one-to-one

boxing sessions, kids’ classes and adult circuit sessions. If boxing isn’t for you, the expert team at MoorEnergy, including Mark, Divine and Denise, can offer personal training and there are classes including Pilates, Yoga, Body Conditioning and Pump & Flex. There’s also an affordable running club for beginners and intermediates and the very successful Thompson Diet Club; a tailored training and weight-loss programme which runs over three or six months. Unlike many gyms, MoorEnergy is never too crowded and its top-of-the-

Scared of looking out of place at the gym but desperate to get fit? MoorEnergy in Westerham provides a discreet and truly personal service which is so good that celebrities have flocked there

range 32-piece station gym makes for the perfect place to work out, stress-free. If you’re not sure about joining the gym, you can pop along for a free trial session with any of the trainers. It’s not exclusive to members either – for £8 a session, regular non-members can enjoy the facilities if committing to a membership isn’t right for them. In essence, if you want to get fit in 2012, MoorEnergy is a personal

and welcoming gym that’s right on your

doorstep.

Get 12 personal training sessions for the

price of 10

Reader offer n Visit www.moorenergyfitnessclub.co.uk or call 01959

561622 for more information

W e’ve all made it before, the classic ‘get fit’

New Year’s resolution. But the number of us whocan bear to brave the cold and handle the stress of sorting out where the kids will go, all for a dismal workout, is unfortunately limited. So despite our best intentions, we’re left with a gut full of minced pies and guilt. Or are we? As it turns out, this doesn’t have to be the case. Hire Fitness provides top-of-the-line fitness equipment for homes, offices and anywhere in between for you and your colleagues or family to use however and whenever you want.

SIMPLE SHAPE-UP SOLUTIONS

Hire Fitness lets you rent their treadmills, elliptical cross trainers, exercise bikes, rowers or vibration plates for a minimum of four weeks. So forget about paying for a babysitter and petrol and make it easy for yourself by getting fit on your own terms and in your own time. Hire Fitness director Michael Wall takes pride in the customer-focused service that his company provides: “I love a happy customer, so I’m prepared to tailor our services to people’s budgets.” If

after a couple of weeks you find you can’t bear the thought of living without the convenience of an elliptical cross trainer

or any of Michael’s other machines in your home, he can sell you a model at a discounted rate. And he assures us the entire process will be

seamless, from the point of call to delivery and set-up onwards.

So if the gym isn’t your scene, or you simply don’t have the time or means

to go, then give one of the machines at Hire Fitness

a whirl and make 2012 your healthiest year yet.

n Visit www.hirefitness.co.uk or call 0845 094 2292 or email

[email protected]

Getting fit for 2012; it’s a nice thought, isn’t it? Make it a reality this time around with Hire Fitness and their exceptional fitness equipment and service, says Ashleigh Togher

de Sta�ord Sports Centre 01883 344 355

www.tandridgetrust.co.ukTandridge Leisure Centre 01883 716 717

*All Gym users must complete an induction at an additional cost, terms & conditions apply.

Take out a Premier, Gym, Group Exercise or Swim membership* between14 November 2011 - 8 January 2012 and receive 3 months’ membership for the price of 2!

WELLNESS

Cardio tennis combines fast paced tennis drills and games with a heart raising cardio workout. No tennis experience? No problem! The main aim of this session is to raise your heart rate into the optimum zone, doesn't matter if you miss balls all session as long as you keep moving! Strong tennis player? Great! You'll be able to practice your shots whilst getting fit at the same time!

This really is for everyone!

SESSIONSVenue

Days

Cost

Sessions start for January the week beginning the 16th of January

To book your place call us on 01959 523377 or 07968 980 844

Hollybush Tennis Centre, Hollybush Close Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 3UXTuesdays 9am til 10amThursdays 10am til 11am£6 per session

Lodge!Coffee shop!

After a hard session of Cardio Tennisrelax in The Lodge Coffee Shop at Hollybush.

01732 [email protected]


The recession: it doesn’t have to mean the end of all enjoyment. It does, however, call for smarter spending. In 2012 invest in the hub of your family life, your home, and reap the benefits every single day

W e all know it; we’re living in some of the toughest eco-nomic times the country has ever

seen. And it’s likely going to get worse. Apparently, we’re to expect seven more years of economic turmoil before we can go back to our free-spending selves of the 90s. You’d think, given the numbers, we’d be all doom and gloom, eagerly pulling tight on those purse strings. However, in a recent study held by the Office of Na-tional Statistics the average Briton would rate their level of happiness as 7.4 out of 10. Not bad, eh? If you look around, you’ll find the truth is we aren’t all money-greedy grouches. In fact, quite a convivial air is coming to light, particularly in terms of our home lives where quite an inspiring “make do and mend” attitude is gaining momentum. Gone are the days of lavish cruises and mega-expensive days out as more and more of us discover the joys of staying in. Home-cooked meals, nights on the sofa, board games and telly for the whole family are fast replacing the standard din-ner out and a movie on a Saturday night. That said, there really has never been a better time to upgrade your home and make it a space you seriously can’t wait to spend time in. Our Don’t Move, Improve feature highlights the local services that can do this for you. The time has come to use the experts you trust to meet your home’s full potential; with exceptional workmanship, attention to detail and personal tailoring for your time and budget at the heart of their service. It’s not all over, but it is time to think wisely about how you spend your money. Don’t spend on fleeting fancies; invest in your family’s comfort and the joy that comes with loving your home in 2012 and for the many years to follow.

TOP TEN TIPS FOR ADDING VALUE TO YOUR HOME

1CONVERT YOUR LOFT

A loft conversion can increase a property’s value by as much as 20 per cent and, in some cases, the work can be carried out without planning permission.

2BASEMENT OR CELLAR

CONVERSION

Converting cellars into living space, and even digging out new basements, is fast becoming popular owing to pressure on space. Older properties are usually the most suitable candidates for this.

3ADD AN EXTENSION

Provided it is well built and in-keeping with the rest of your property, an extension can add significant value. It will almost certainly be easier and less expensive than a basement.

4BUILD A GARAGE

A garage, particularly a double, almost always adds value – as much as 15 per cent in a busy urban area.

5ADD A BATHROOM

Think about converting a bedroom into a bathroom, rather than building a new bathroom as part of a loft conversion or extension.

6UPDATE YOUR KITCHEN

While a new kitchen may not add greatly to value, it will certainly add hugely to appeal, provided it is well-fitted, of good quality and as timeless as possible.

7IMPROVE YOUR BATHROOM

Gone are the coloured suites of yesteryear; today, the only colour

is white. Avoid lurid tiles and anything gold-plated.

8INSTALL CENTRAL HEATING

Many older homes still lack central heating. Install an energy-efficient system and you’ll make your property more saleable.

9FIT DOUBLE GLAZING

Double glazing is a must for many potential purchasers. If you have a period property, secondary glazing may be a better bet.

10OBTAIN PLANNING

PERMISSION

Obtaining planning permission, even if you do not intend to use it yourself, can be a great way of maximising your property’s value for minimum outlay.

HOME & GARDEN


www.sofasandstuff.com phone 0808 1597477 instore KENT SHOWROOMTHE ESTATE YARD ERIDGE, KENT TN3 9JR

...beautiful British sofas, 30% cheaper than the high street...

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Developments • Design & Build • Interior Design

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

St Marksof London

B U I L D E R S & D E V E L O P E R S O F H I G H L U X U RY I N T E R I O R D E S I G N E D H O M E S

St Marks of LondonB U I L D E R S A N D D E V E L O P E R S O F H I G H L U X U RY I N T E R I O R D E S I G N E D H O M E S

St Marks of LondonB U I L D E R S A N D D E V E L O P E R S O F H I G H L U X U RY I N T E R I O R D E S I G N E D H O M E S

2


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

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E ven after 30 years of experience, Maggie Smith, director of Vine House Interiors

in Wrotham, is just as enthusiastic and up to date in her interior designs as ever. Forever collecting the latest and greatest fabrics, blinds, rugs, carpets, furniture, lighting and wall decor finds on the market, Maggie boasts a collection of over 800 look books to date, giving her clients plenty of inspiration when it comes to developing their very own home visions. An extremely personalised service is what Maggie and her team deliver every time, as she says: “We listen to your requirements with your budget and personality in mind.” Vine House Interior’s soft furnishings are made on the premises by qualified staff under the supervision of Maggie and her trusted fitter. Have your blinds, curtains, cushions and more handmade

by the experts at Vine House Interiors and experience what a truly bespoke interior design experience is all about. If you’re thinking of revamping your home in 2012, then call up the team to book a free consultation and take advantage of the complimentary measuring and advice service, as well as the best prices you’ll find for top-of-the-line fabrics, wallpapers and everything in between. There’s a reason why 95 per cent of Vine House Interiors’ clients return for repeat business; Maggie provides a straightforward, sensational service with a smile that caters to your family’s particular lifestyle and taste, no matter what your budget.

n Visit www.vinehouseinteriors.co.uk or call 01732 882904 for more information

SUPERIOR SOFT FURNISHINGSAre your dated interiors getting you down but you don’t have the time to shop around? With an in-house soft furnishings service and the expertise of director Maggie Smith, Vine House Interiors has everything you need under one roof

HOME & GARDEN


W hen it comes to renovating your home, you’re bound to be rather particular; everyone is. Especially if your home happens

to be the earliest property with a recorded residency in England. Eastry Court near Sandwich, Kent was built in 664 AD, a full 400 years before William the Conqueror arrived on our shores, and is thought to be the birthplace of English Christianity. So when the family in residence sought to update their somewhat outdated kitchen, they couldn’t trust just anyone. With Great British Interiors’ meticulous planning, advanced technical knowledge, and 27 years of industry experience, they were the obvious team to choose. As one would expect, a house of this age and historic value presents a multitude of practical and logistical restraints on potential design and construction. With their eye for design and ergonomic and spatial understanding, Great British Interiors have managed to produce their client’s ideal kitchen without compromising style, while still retaining the celebrated grandeur of the property. A blend of modern and traditional style was eventually decided upon, which involved a classic oak framing, natural granite work surfaces and top-of-the-range built-in appliances from Miele, for a kitchen which looks more like an architectural marvel than a renovation. Jumping a good 1,300 years into the future, a state-of-the-art residential dwelling in Keston, Kent glistens in all its ultra-modern glory. Channel 4’s Grand Designs has recently featured the residence, which showcases another breathtaking design and instalment project from Great British Interiors. A booming interior now exists in the centre

The experts at Great British Interiors are truly that – specialists in their field. Whether it’s the country’s oldest property or an ultra-modern residence gaining national attention, the GBI team creates stunning kitchens that are catered to your tastes exactly

Marvels

n Visit www.handmadekitchens.co.uk or call 01959 532233 for more information

of this family home, created on a base of sweeping curves, contrasting tones, and grand proportions using hi-gloss black and white polished acrylic. TV-worthy details include curtain-ended Corian surfaces, integrated Corian sinks, and high-spec integrated Miele appliances. Always conscious of their working space, Great British Interiors reflected the architect’s extensive use of glass throughout the house in the kitchen’s design with mirrored ‘infinity’ panels integrated between the kitchen cabinets and ceiling, recalling this sense of utter spaciousness throughout.

These properties may have had very different visions and demands for achieving their design dreams, but both needed a trusted company with an exceptionally flexible

approach, bespoke planning and great attention-to-detail to create an unparalleled kitchen. So whether your home shares a spot with Eastry Court as one of the country’s earliest properties, is grouped with the super contemporary art-deco homes of the now, or falls somewhere in between those 13 centuries of development, then trust Great British Interiors to do the job properly.

Great British Interiors have managed to

produce their client’s ideal

kitchen without compromising style and while retaining

the celebrated grandeur of the

property

GREAT BRITISH

n Visit www.handmadekitchens.co.uk or call 01959 532233 for more information

words: Ashleigh Togher


Tunbridge WellsGoods Station Road, TN1 2DE01892 557744

SevenoaksLondon Road, Riverhead, TN13 2DN01732 454112

Kiln Barn Road, East Malling, Maidstone ME19 6BQ

www.pot ts . l td .uk01732 848444Bespoke Kitchens & Bathrooms

designed in our award winning showroom from the highest quality products available.

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Potts01732 848444www.potts.ltd.ukKiln Barn Road, East Malling, Maidstone, ME19 6BQ

Bespoke Kitchens & Bathrooms designed in our award-winning showroom from the highest quality products available

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

www.gardenhousecollections.co.uk

A fter causing quite a stir in the interior design

world for Garden House Collections’ tailor-made kitchen, dining room and bedroom creations, director James Buck is now turning his sights to the final frontier of interiors: the bathroom. James attributes the company’s popularity to the combination of flexible configuration, unique accessories, including door handles and sought-after colour schemes. All of the Neptune bathroom designs come in the classic house colour, ‘Old Chalk’, a light and clean hue that works with almost any

FRESH COLLECTIONS

interior style. However, Neptune prides itself on its diverse range of colours available, so your family can choose a hue that fits it down to the ground. Far from your run-of-the-mill furniture store, Neptune can create a bespoke piece of furniture to comply with your individual space and needs. Combine the bespoke basin and drawer bases with open curved cabinets, or have a solid and open wall cabinet built with reversible mirror panels to completely customise your bathroom’s look and function. And don’t be afraid of jarring your home’s particular theme or style; Neptune has something for everyone. To name just a few of their style-sensitive products, they are currently offering Chichester Countertop Washstands with dazzling ceramic bowls if you’re seeking something cool and contemporary and Undermount Washstands with Italian Carrara Marble Tops for a more traditional feel. For a bit of Garden House Collections

On the scene since April last year, Garden House Collections has established itself as a quality furniture retailer for most areas of the home. Now, at the start of 2012, the company is expanding to include Neptune’s collection of exciting new bathroom interiors

in every room, they offer an extensive range of the best quality Neptune accessories including finely crafted mirrors, armchairs, lamps and silk and linen lampshades. So if you’re seeking a fresh, inspirational look for your home in 2012, then Garden House Collections has got it covered.

n Visit www.gardenhousecollections.co.uk or call 01732 351866

140140 PROJECTS A YEAR

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

DESIGNERS =

A RECENT PROJECT:

THE OWNER: Jacqui Cain LOCATION: Sevenoaks town HOUSE: Mock Tudor with a modern interior BRIEF: To create a big family kitchen at the heart of the home for Jacqui, her husband and four children

Your kitchen is at the heart of the home, so it’s important to work with a company who knows your family and your dream. Rencraft spends hours crafting exceptional bespoke kitchens and the experienced team builds strong relationships with its customers that last a lifetime. If you don’t believe us, look at the figures...

“Initially I thought I knew where I wanted the kitchen but John and Rob said they had an alternative, so I went to look at the plans and they pointed out that if we lived in the kitchen, it wasn’t going to work where we planned to have it; under their guidance we re-jigged the entire ground floor layout and it was totally spot on. I found Rencraft through friends’ recommendations and although I went to two other kitchen companies previously, they didn’t know us as a family like John and his team did and while their kitchen designs were beautiful, they were very expensive and didn’t seem to understand that we wanted a family kitchen to use, not just to look at, whereas Rencraft really appreciated that the kitchen is the hub of the house for us. We decided to go for a mix of walnut and painted units; we changed our

minds a fair few times but they were totally accommodating and we went to see them a lot to talk things through. It’s obvious that they enjoy what they do and really care about their customers. The actual installation didn’t take long at all and it was incredibly stress-free – we really trusted them to get on with it so we left them to it. I can truly say hand on heart that I’d recommend them to anyone and every time someone comes to the house they always comment on how much they love the kitchen. Now Rencraft are building desks, bookcases and other furniture for some of the rooms upstairs, so we are pleased to continue working with such a great local company.”

WHAT MAKES A

kitchenRENCRAFT

7115115

Rencraft truly believes that when you buy a product, you buy from a person, which is why their team of designers is so dedicated to offering a relaxed, personal service. Rencraft prides itself on building strong relationships with its customers and unlike many kitchen companies, they don’t believe in the “hard sell”, letting the quality of their products and their expertise speak for themselves. The designers are very happy to offer advice, inspiration and solutions when it comes to making those all-important decisions about your home, so whether you need help choosing appliances or even someone to help with the building of larger projects, Rencraft will be on hand to help.

Because Rencraft knows that your bespoke kitchen and furniture should be as unique as you are, the team works hard to meet your personal requirements in both detail and overall effect, spending quality time with you to make sure they get it right. All of Rencraft’s furniture can be specified from an extensive range of materials, finishes, styles, trims and fittings and is not defined by a ‘range’, but drawn from the very best of traditional, contemporary, charming and sophisticated styles to produce an exceptional effect that is individual to your home.

Whether it’s for the kitchen, family bathroom, living room or the bedroom, Rencraft can offer handmade fitted and freestanding furniture for the home. There are hundreds of solid wood furniture solutions for your home, whether it’s cinema rooms, bookcases, office furniture, dressers, tables or wardrobes you’re after. Rencraft can create something entirely unique to suit your personal style with a timeless finish.

All of Rencraft’s furniture is produced at Chart Farm, near Sevenoaks, where Rencraft has 12,000sq ft of workshop space attached to a fully-equipped kitchen showroom. The team appreciate that you should be as involved with your project as you wish and invites clients to come into the workshop space to see exactly how every item is crafted. Director John Stephens says: “We feel it is important to provide a local service, as crafting a kitchen can be a long process and whether you realise it at the time or not, having the company you’re working with close to your home offers not only convenience, but peace of mind. We would rather deal with people face-to-face and if you want to talk over plans or there’s a problem, we’re only a few miles down the road and that counts for a lot.” Rencraft also has its recently refurbished Tunbridge Wells showroom, which expands over three floors, less than half an hour from Sevenoaks, conveniently situated in the heart of Tunbridge Wells town centre.

MILES FROM3.83.8

44MAIN ROOMS:ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES

n Visit one of Rencraft’s spectacular showrooms at Chart Farm, Seal Chart, Sevenoaks or 81 Calverley Road, Tunbridge Wells. Call the Sevenoaks showroom on 01732 762682 or the Tunbridge Wells showroom on 01892 520730. Visit www.rencraft.co.uk for more information

“It can be difficult to provide quality craftsmanship, a good design team, efficiency and fantastic customer service and, of course, good value for money within one company and I think Rencraft manage to achieve all the above. I congratulate you on that.” Mr & Mrs P, Sevenoaks

“Rencraft were fantastic and it was obvious that the suppliers were happy to work with them – everything was so coherent and smooth; the people who fitted the worktop said they were pleased to work with Rencraft because they knew the dimensions they had given were exactly right so it would fit perfectly without fuss. I have been using my kitchen for around a month now and the service I received certainly sets Rencraft apart from other companies I have dealt with before – I’m really, really happy!” Mr & Mrs W, Sevenoaks

6565% REPEAT OR RECOMMENDED BUSINESS

A fter the hustle and bustle of a Christmas at

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

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

BRANCH OUT THIS YEAR

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

What’s more, until January 15, all Owen Pine and Oak stock is being sold at reduced prices. Additionally, they will still be offering a full bespoke service to suit your house’s size and desired taste, as well as painted ranges and a number of wax finishes. So whether your home’s preferred style is shabby chic, contemporary or rustic, or you’re looking for something brand new, antique or reproduced, there’s bound to be something you’ll love at Owen Pine and Oak.

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

Beautiful furniture for the bedroom

OWEN PINE & OAKfurniture experts

01959 534645www.owenpine.co.uk

@owenpine

A huge selection of contemporary,

reproduction and antique pine and oak, and many

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UNTIL SUNDAY 15TH JANUARY

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OPEN MON-FRI & SAT10AM-5PM

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01732 [email protected]/9 Tubs Hill Parade, London Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 1DH

POTENTIAL REALISEDRenovations are a toughie. How do you ensure that the project managers, architects and builders are working efficiently and with your unique vision in mind? With Design

Realised it’s easy, because it’s all done from one reliable, experienced source

The search is over! A project management, consultancy and building company, Design Realised uses its vast product knowledge and dedicated and diligent staff to realise your home’s full potential. So there’s no need to look tediously for the perfect man for each job, as it’s all within Design Realised’s extensive network of industry professionals.

So whether it’s one section of your house that needs improving, an extension built or a complete renovation, having your hand held through the process by the best in the business really does pay off. Here are some examples of how Design Realised can help you realise your home’s potential in 2012:

GARAGES

EXTENSIONS

RENOVATIONS

What do you have in your garage? It’s likely that your garage is currently a whole plot of space that’s just being ignored. In these tough economic times homeowners have to utilise their space wisely, so why not make it a draft-free, clean area and make it a feature of your home instead of a mere storage spot. Keep your family’s beloved cars, bicycles and toys in a garage that is installed with professional lighting and power-heating systems by Design Realised. In addition, have it match your home completely; Design Realised specialise in product sourcing and can get your garage looking exactly like the rest of your home, regardless of its age and style.

It’s natural that sometimes we outgrow our homes. On the idea of working with what you’ve got, it’s more financially sensible and convenient to extend your home instead of jumping ship and moving. So whether it’s an extra bathroom or kitchen, if you’re feeling the urge to increase your home’s capacity, Design Realised can extend on the existing building using the most up-to-date technology and insulation. And if you’re worried about consistency of style, don’t be; Design Realised can procure the right products to make sure your new extension perfectly complements your home’s overall aesthetic.

If you have a charming old house that’s not quite cutting it in terms of heating and contemporary needs, then Design Realised is the trusted source to completely modernise your home. Create a tailor-made scheme to fit your individual taste and budget and bring your home into the new millennia with a modern heating system, kitchens and bathrooms while retaining the building’s classic beauty. Meet with one of Design Realised’s consultants and utilise their detail-orientated team of architects, engineers and craftsmen with minimum disruption to realise your design dreams.

n Visit www.designrealised.com or call 01732 760712 for more information

To hear about Design Realised’s latest projects, follow them on Twitter @DesignRealised

For galleries of past and current projects search Facebook for ‘Design Realised Ltd’

HOME & GARDEN


Vine visits one homeowner who completely transformed a dated house into their dream home, thanks to Offset Architects who helped them realise their vision

CASE STUDY: HOMELANDS, SEVENOAKS

OWNER: NIGEL ROBSON

BRIEF: TO TURN A DATED 1940S HOUSE INTO A CONTEMPORARY, ENERGY-EFFICIENT FIVE-BEDROOM FAMILY HOME

In August 2010 we were approached by Mr Robson who was looking to purchase the property which had been on the market and left vacant for a number of years. The property was ideally situated within walking distance of the town centre and Sevenoaks School, but was left in a poor state with very small rooms that didn’t meet new family requirements. We worked closely with Mr Robson to produce a clean, modern design with better living accommodation on all floors, while keeping the size increase acceptable to the character of the area. A planning application was then submitted in October 2010 and approved in December 2010. Following this we proceeded to detailing the property, gaining conditional building control approval in February 2011 and assisted on the tendering process which led to a contractor starting on site in June 2011, who completed the project just before Christmas.

Nigel says: “Offset has been fantastic and while I met with quite a few architects I felt the team really understood my vision and were just as enthusiastic about the project as I was. They understood I wanted to create a light, contemporary, environmentally friendly house my kids would love within a tight budget and short time schedule. They bridged the gap between the old and the new perfectly; while we still kept features like the exposed timber, I wanted this house to feel totally new – the galleried landing for example was their solution to making sure the house felt connected. The technicians looked at every minute detail and I spent hours at the Offset office talking through plans. The team is easy to work with and understood what I wanted to achieve. Six months on, it’s been built – it’s incredible really.”

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

Clever design features include surround-sound speakers installed in the living room

ceiling; a cloakroom disguised behind beautiful oak sliding doors and a stunning

feature staircase leading onto an airy, central landing with views to the ground

floor, adding to the sense of space and light.

Offset included a ‘snug’ with tall, south-facing windows and stunning exposed oak frames on the ground floor as Nigel wanted a family room for his daughters. The architects also suggested that a downstairs bathroom was installed opposite so the room could also double up as a guestroom.

A HOUSEFROM A

TO A homeThe old house was a draughty, 1940s red brick building with no insulation; the rooms were small, there were drainage problems, wood rot and asbestos in the ceiling. Every internal wall was moved to maximise the potential space, increasing the square footage from 165m2 to 300m2. Being energy conscious, Offset included thick polystyrene insulation to the external walls, triple glazing, energy-saving lighting and under-floor heating.

Before Design concept

After


Customer care, quality service and keen pricing fuel the continued success of local business On Call Carpets, according to the company’s founder Andy Walter

A first-class service has always been at the heart of On Call Carpets and the secret to its success, especially during the recession. With 25 years of experience in the flooring trade behind him, Andy Walter fulfilled his ambition to found his

own company, On Call Carpets, in 1999 and has never looked back. “I’m always conscious that being invited into people’s homes and work spaces is a privilege. Customers want to deal with a company they can trust to do a good job, without charging extortionate prices. I’ve developed On Call Carpets with a commitment to providing quality and care – I want our customers to be happy with our service and products. We pride ourselves on receiving a very high number of recommendations, which suggests that we are getting this right.” Twelve years on from starting his own business, Andy is going from strength to strength specialising in supplying and fitting carpets and vinyl in Kent and south-east London. On Call Carpets provides flooring services for various clients, from traditional domestic consumers to industrial businesses. The company has many regular commercial clients, including a customer with 20 nursing homes, three with blocks of offices and two diversified farms with offices and industrial units. The company also works with local medical centres, including Borough Green Medical Centre, local letting and estate agents and a large housing association. Lettings manager for Pipers Business Centre Fayi Reynolds commented: “Andy has completed work for us for over five years in our Maidstone, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks offices. The company is very reliable, tidy and also very competitive on price. We have never had cause to complain and would recommend On Call Carpets to anyone.” On Call Carpets aim to ensure that customers are

always satisfied and the company has established a successful aftercare service, where clients are encouraged to call if they have any questions or uncertainties. As Andy says:“All our services and products are guaranteed; therefore all works completed are worry-free. Customers value this degree of reassurance and we like to know that they are satisfied with their new flooring.”Recently, the company completed the flooring for Sevenoaks Rugby Club’s new extension and refurbishment to its premises at Knole Paddock. Peter Hunt, who managed the project on behalf of the rugby club, said: “I’ve been very impressed with the ease and quality of service provided, which was all fitted and completed on time.” Andy has even worked with large-scale clients such as the National Trust, recently completing work on Knole in Sevenoaks. Pauline Wall of The National Trust said:“We were very pleased with the efficient and timely service from On Call Carpets. We were also impressed with Andy’s knowledge of the specific health and safety issues relating to our special environment. We would definitely recommend the company and will be inviting them back for the next project.” Over the years, many customers have appreciated the personal style of service provided. On Call Carpets’ service is a little different; the team will come to your office or home where they will advise, measure and supply you with a non- obligatory quote. Andy says this is an integral part of their personalised service: “We don’t mind if we visit several times, if needs be. We work hard to find the best carpet or vinyl for your situation and at the best price. We keep our prices as low as possible – especially in the hard times we are all experiencing at the moment.” It is this combination of professionalism and dedication to customer service that the company hopes will ensure their continued success, even in tough economic times.

n For more information, or to arrange a free no-obligation quote, call Andy on 01732 886672. Follow Andy on Twitter and LinkedIn and visit www.oncallcarpets.co.uk to view examples of work

AFFORDABLEin tough times

QUALITY

I’ve developed On Call

Carpets with a commitment to providing

quality and care – I want our customers to

be happy with our service and

products

HOME & GARDEN


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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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www.kemsingmotorco.co.uk

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

DO YOU OWN A RENAULT?

IF SO, YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT US

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

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Courtesy vehicles available (subject to status & availability)

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WINTER CHECK

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


W hether you’re hitting the golf course or

not, be sure to take time for some drinks or a sumptuous meal at Hever Castle Golf Course’s brand new Astor Lounge and refurbished restaurant or The 19th Bar. Named after the previous owners of the Hever Castle Estate, the Astor Lounge and Restaurant makes the Estate’s history its main feature with previously undiscovered artefacts on display from when the golf course was first established in the roaring 1920s. “Historic, picturesque and inspiring,” as Club Manager Jon Wittenberg

REFURBISHED AND ROARING

puts it, is the overall ambience achieved throughout the club. Jon continues, “Now we can offer a much improved experience in the clubhouse, which can match the experience of playing our courses. I couldn’t be happier with the results and the feedback we have received has been tremendous.” And it’s not just the interiors that have changed; the new club features brand new menus served all day with only the

best seasonal and local produce, freshly roasted Italian coffee and Larkins local ale if you fancy a tipple. Officially no longer a spot just for golfers, Hever Castle Golf Club is introducing a new Social Membership which includes such perks as a full annual Hever Castle & Gardens pass for the whole family and membership discounts on the delicious food and drinks at the Golf Club. This includes discounts on

A touch of 1920s glamour comes to Hever Castle Golf Club with the opening of its elegant, vintage-inspired Astor Lounge and refurbished restaurant

upcoming special events such as Sunday Lunch in the newly refurbished Astor Lounge and Restaurant. Two Courses are £15.50 or three courses are £19.50 on a range of tempting dishes. This year at Hever Castle Golf Club there’s simply something for everyone.

n For more information visit www.hever.co.uk or call 01732 700771


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

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With an exceptionally

high standard of quality and tough

competition, Linden Landscapes’

status as a multi-BALI-award-winner firmly

marks its place in the landscaping

world

W hether you want space for your children to roam free, love throwing alfresco dinner parties or simply want to look out your window

onto a beautifully landscaped garden, Linden Landscapes can fulfil your dreams and now is the perfect time to start planning. Mick Callahan, the company’s managing director, is your first point of contact. With degrees in Environmental Science and Landscape Architecture, as well as years of practical experience under his belt, he’s not one to make a slapdash effort. In fact, all of the staff at Linden have at least 25 years of garden-building experience behind them, and have undergone extensive practical and theoretical training to reach their positions. Not to mention the award-winning team of Linden designers, who have received gold medals at Chelsea and Hampton Court flower shows. With a track record like that, it’s no surprise they take such pride in their work. Linden Landscapes only use the best quality materials they can source and never cut corners, as Mick

says: “Our gardens are our reputation.” Linden’s gardens please not just their clients but also Europe’s premier professional landscaping body, the British Association of Landscape Industries. With an exceptionally high standard of quality and tough competition, Linden Landscapes’ status as a multi-BALI-award-winner firmly marks its place in the landscaping world. Although the team considers it an honour to receive such high recognition for their skills, with Linden Landscapes the focus is with each client individually. Mick and his team create tailor-made landscaping packages for their clients to adapt to their unique tastes and budget. This process starts with Mick

assessing the client’s short and long-term needs and developing a vision with them. Inspiration is provided from Linden’s extensive back catalogue of work as well as from recent interesting finds and a palette of potential features. Customers are often taken to the homes of past clients to get a better idea of what their garden might look like in reality. One of these homes may be the Grade II-listed Georgian property that required Linden to have its plans approved by the local authority, as well as the tree

words: Ashleigh Togher

In these hectic times it’s essential to have your own space. The garden is one of these havens that you can make your own with help from Linden Landscapes and it’s team of experts

LANDSCAPESfor life

officer, in order to begin work. Fully designed and built by Linden, the stunning garden features a full irrigation system with pop-up sprinklers, a lighting system, an appropriately themed Chilstone water feature, a brand new swimming pool and a lavender walk lined with pergolas. So whether your budget is £5,000 or £500,000, Linden Landscapes can design and build you a garden that will last you a lifetime.

n Visit www.lindenlandscapes.co.uk or call 01322 863025 for more information

FEATURE

Bradbourne Rd, Sevenoaks. £220 for 15 weeks. 0845 606 5606. www.kentadulteducation.co.uk.

n 21 Jan. SAGE Basics course. 10:00-14:30. Swanley Library. £40. 0845 606 5606. www.kentadulteducation.co.uk.

DANCEn 09 Jan. Burlesque for beginners course. Community Centre. 19:00-20:00. 8 weeks. Community Centre, Cramptons Rd, Bat & Ball. 07711 142642. www.foxyburlesque.co.uk.

n 21 Jan. Chance to Dance performance. 17:15. Stag Community Arts Centre, London Rd, Sevenoaks. £9 (concessions £8). 01732 450175. www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk.

DISCOSn 06 Jan. Late Late 1970s Party Night. 19:00-01:00. Salomons, Broomhill Rd, Southborough near Tunbridge Wells. £30 including buffet. 01892 515152 www.salomons.org.uk

n 15, 27 Jan. Dinner Disco. Hadlow Manor Hotel, Goose Green near Hadlow. £30. 01732 851442. www.hadlowmanorhotel.co.uk

FARMERS’ MARKETSn 01, 15 Jan. Farmers’ Market. 09:30-12:30. Westerham. www.kentfarmersmarkets.org.uk.

n 03, 10, 17, 24, 31 Jan. Farmers’ Market. 09:00-11:00. St Johns Church Centre, Hildenborough. www.hildenboroughfarmersmarket.co.uk. www.kentfarmersmarkets.org.uk.

n 05 Jan. Farmers’ Market. Village Hall, Stansted. www.kentfarmersmarkets.org.uk.

n 07, 21 Jan. Farmers’ Market. 09:00-14:00. Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells. www.kentfarmersmarkets.org.uk.

n 14, 28 Jan. Farmers’ Market. 09:00-14:00. Town Hall forecourt, Tunbridge Wells. www.kentfarmersmarkets.org.uk.

FILMSn 03 Jan. Dr Zhivago. Stag Community Arts Centre, London Rd, Sevenoaks. 01732 450175 www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk

n 14 Jan. Big Blue Box (Dr Who Day). Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells. 01892 678678 www.trinitytheatre.net

FOOD AND DRINKn 01 Jan. New Year’s Day Lunch. Montrose restaurant, Southborough Common near Tunbridge Wells. 01892 513161. www.montroserestaurant.co.uk.

n 05 Jan then weekly until 26 Jan. Friday Lunch. 12:00-14:00.

Chartwell near Westerham. Adults £15, children £8. 01732 861161 www.nationaltrust.org.uk.

n 08 Jan then every Sunday. Sunday lunch. 12:00-14:00. Chartwell near Westerham. Adults £15, children £8. 01732 861161. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

n 11 Jan. Bella’s Cupcakes decorating masterclass. Stag Community Arts Centre, London Rd, Sevenoaks. £35. 01732 450175 www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk

GARDENSn 04 Jan then every Wed/Thu. Guided garden tours. 14:00. Chartwell, near Westerham. 01732 861161. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

n 19 Jan. History of Gardens from Romans to 18th Century course. 14:00-16:00. Unitarian Church, Westerham Rd, Bessels Green. £79. WEA 0800 328 1060, 01959 523455, 01732 454222, 01959 522936. www.wea.org.uk.

HEALTH & WELLBEINGn 07 Jan. Jogging for beginners. Dates & times vary. Knole Park, Sevenoaks. £60 for 10 weeks. Sevenoaks Ladies Joggers

n 09, 10 Jan. Yoga for All course. 10:00-11:30. Adult Education Centre, Hatton House, Bradbourne Rd, Sevenoaks. £68 for 10 weeks. 0845 606 5606. www.kentadulteducation.co.uk

n 16 Jan. Pilates for All course. 17:45-19:00. Adult Education Centre, Hatton House, Bradbourne Rd, Sevenoaks. £75 for 10 weeks. 0845 606 5606. www.kentadulteducation.co.uk

n 18 Jan. Tai Chi for All course. 19:30-21:00. Orchard Academy, Swanley. £72 for 10 weeks. 0845 606 5606. www.kentadulteducation.co.uk.

HISTORYn 10 Jan. Cathedrals & Great Parish Churches of England course. 14:00-16:00. Unitarian Church, Westerham Rd, Bessels Green. £79. WEA 0800 328 1060, 01959 523455, 01732 454222, 01959 522936. www.wea.org.uk.

n 19 Jan. Living & Dying in Tudor England course. 13:00-15:00. Adult Education Centre, Hatton House, Bradbourne Rd, Sevenoaks. £90 for 10 weeks. 0845 606 5606. www.kentadulteducation.co.uk.

n 26 Jan. Talk on Role of Education in Human Evolution. 20:00. Undercroft, St Nicholas Church, High St, Sevenoaks. £3. Sevenoaks Historical Society.

ARTn 11 Jan. Intermediate Drawing & Painting course. 13:00-15:00. Adult Education Centre, Hatton House, Bradbourne Rd, Sevenoaks. £92 for 10 weeks. 0845 606 5606. www.kentadulteducation.co.uk.

n 12 Jan. Intermediate Drawing & Painting course. 19:30-21:30. Adult Education Centre, Hatton House, Bradbourne Rd, Sevenoaks. £126 for 15 weeks. 0845 606 5606. www.kentadulteducation.co.uk.

n 28 Jan. Portrait Day. 10:00-16:00. Adult Education Centre, Hatton House, Bradbourne Rd, Sevenoaks. £40. 0845 606 5606. www.kentadulteducation.co.uk.

ART EXHIBITIONSn 01-08 Jan. Colour exhibition. Cafe-bar, Stag Community Arts Centre, London Rd, Sevenoaks. Free. 01732 450175 www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk

n 02-07 Jan. Art exhibition. Kaleidoscope Gallery, Sevenoaks Library, Buckhurst Lane, Sevenoaks. 01732 453118. www.kent.gov.uk/libs.

n 03-05 Jan. Art of Colour exhibition. 10:00-17:00. Portico Art Gallery, 25 London Rd, Riverhead.

ART TALKSn 03 Jan. Sevenoaks Visual Arts Forum. 19:00-21:00 Stag Community Arts Centre, London Rd, Sevenoaks. 01732 450175. www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk.

n 12 Jan. Talk on Art Deco Style. 20:15. Ship Theatre, Walthamstow Hall School, Hollybush Lane, Sevenoaks. Sevenoaks Decorative & Fine Arts Society 01883 625877, 01732 463859. www.nadfaskentarea.org.uk

n 19 Jan. Talk on Greek Sculpture – the Classicism of the Human Figure. 13:45-15:00. Community Centre, Cramptons Rd, Bat & Ball. Knole Decorative & Fine Arts Society 01732 780453.

BUSINESSn 04 Jan. 1st Wednesdays business networking event. 10:30-12:00. Plaza Suite, Stag Community Arts Centre, London Road, Sevenoaks. 01732 455188.

n 04 Jan. One-Day Conference with Bill Rogers. 09:30-15:30. New School at West Heath, Ashgrove Rd, Sevenoaks. £150 including lunch. 01732 460553

CHILDREN

n 01, 02 Jan. Ice Rink. 09:30-21:30. Calverley Grounds park, Tunbridge Wells. 01892 530613, 532072. www.tunbridgewellsatchristmas.com.

n 01 Jan. Mother Goose pantomime. Times vary. Stag Community Arts Centre, London Rd, Sevenoaks. Adults £15.50, OAPs/children £13.50. 01732 450175. www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk. Magic Beans www.sevenoakspanto.com

COMEDYn 02 Jan. Stand-Up Comedy. 20:30. Black Horse pub, Borough Green. £3. 07976 637804 www.outofboundscomedy.co.uk

n 05 Jan. 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 13 Jan. Stand-Up Comedy. 20:30. Sevenoaks Town Golf Club, Seal Hollow Rd, Sevenoaks. £15. 07976 637804 www.outofboundscomedy.co.uk

n 27 Jan. Stand-Up Comedy. 20:30. Wheatsheaf pub, West Malling. £10. 07976 637804 www.outofboundscomedy.co.uk

COMMUNITY EVENTSn 04, 18 Jan. Age UK (Age Concern) Lunch Club. 11:25-13:30. Social Club, London Road, Dunton Green. 01959 523157.

n 12 Jan. Social Meeting. 14:00. Red Cross Centre, Town Council Offices, Bradbourne Vale Rd, Sevenoaks. Sevenoaks Active Retirement Association 01732 455564.

COMP- UTINGn 12 Jan. Computing for Absolute Beginners course. 13:00-15:00. Adult Education Centre, Hatton House, Bradbourne Rd, Sevenoaks. £35 for 2 weeks. 0845 606 5606. www.kentadult education.co.uk.

n 19 Jan. ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence) course. 10:00-12:00. Adult Education Centre, Hatton House,

WHAT’S ON? THE UNRIVALLED SEVENOAKS LISTINGS GUIDE.

LITERATUREn 11 Jan. Talk on Beatrix Potter. 14:00. Memorial Hall, Badgers Mount. WI 01959 534353. www.bmra.info/wi.

n 16 Jan. Creative Writing course. 10:00-12:00. Unitarian Church, Westerham Rd, Bessels Green. £79. WEA 0800 328 1060, 01959 523455, 01732 454222, 01959 522936. www.wea.org.uk.

MUSIC – GENERALn 20 Jan. African Drumming for over-50s. 8 weeks. 15:30-16:30. St Lukes Church Hall, Eardley Rd, Sevenoaks. Free. Age UK 07979 886335

n 22 Jan. Glazunov, Schumann, Hummel & Brahms viola concert by Rosalind Ventris. 15:00. Ship Theatre, Walthamstow Hall School, Hollybush Lane, Sevenoaks. £15. Sevenoaks Music Club 01732 451581. www.sevenoaksmusicclub.org.uk

n 25 Jan. Dinner Jazz and Blues. The Padwell Stone Street TN15 0LQ. Free. www.thepadwell.com. 01732 761532.

PHOTOGRAPHYn 09 Jan. Team Challenge Competition. 20:00-22:00. Mencap Hall, 71 Hitchen Hatch Lane, Sevenoaks. Camera Club. www.sevenoakscameraclub.org.uk.

n 23 Jan. Projected Image Competition. 20:00-22:00 . Mencap Hall, 71 Hitchen Hatch Lane, Sevenoaks. Camera Club www.sevenoakscameraclub.org.uk

n 30 Jan. Image Manipulation Competition. 20:00-22:00. Mencap Hall, 71 Hitchen Hatch Lane, Sevenoaks. Camera Club www.sevenoakscameraclub.org.uk.

SOCIAL EVENTSn 18 Jan. Brasted Women’s Institute. 14:00-16:30. Brasted Village Hall. 01959 562355.

By Jack Shaw

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]

JANUARY EVENTS AT THE ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE

RUMOURS OF FLEETWOOD MACSun 22 Jan 8pm, £22.50

In one sensational evening of outstanding musicianship, Rumours of Fleetwood Mac chart the songs of arguably the world’s first supergroup, from their inception in 1967 with Peter Green, Mick Fleetwood and John McVie through to the critically acclaimed Rumours in the Seventies with Stevie Nicks and Lindsay Buckingham, and then onto their more recent works in the 80s and 90s. Their meticulously crafted instrumentals and tight harmonies bring back to the masses some of the finest music produced in the last century including timeless classics such as Black Magic Woman, Albatross, Go Your Own Way, Dreams, Gypsy, Say You Love Me, Sara, Oh Diane, Little Lies, Everywhere and many more.

HORRIBLE HISTORIES:TERRIBLE TUDORS AND VILE VICTORIANSTue 31 Jan – 4 Feb 10.30am/1.30pm/2.30pm/7pm £14, £12, £10, £6.50

Birmingham Stage Company’s two Horrible Histories productions – Terrible Tudors and Vile Victorians are stomping through Britain during 2012 helping the audience to feel what it was like to live in the 16th century ruled by all those hideous Henries and the evil Elizabeth I or in the 19th century struggling to survive the misery of the mines and those really rotten railways! In Terrible Tudors you will hear the legends (and the lies!) about the torturing Tudors. Find out the fate of Henry’s headless wives and his punch up with the Pope. Survive the Spanish Armada as it sails right into the audience!In Vile Victorians you will find out what exactly a baby farmer did. Can you survive the filth of the factories, the slums and the sewers – and prepare for the Charge of the Light Brigade?

FAIRPORT CONVENTION Fri 10 Feb 7.30pm, £20

Hailed as the originators of British folk-rock music, Fairport Convention remains one of the most entertaining bands on today’s concert circuit. Their sell-out gigs always attract critical acclaim and delight audiences.

OMID DJALILI Thurs 16 Feb 8pm £19

Multi-award-winning stand-up television and movie star, Omid Djalili is back on tour with his brand new comedy show. A firm favourite at the Edinburgh Festival with his legendary performances, Omid’s stand-up awards include: Time Out Award for Best Stand Up, and the EMMA Award. He has also been nominated for the South Bank Award and the Perrier Award. Omid was the winner of the Best Actor Award for his lead performance in The Infidel at the Turin Film Festival (won the previous year by Bill Murray). The Infidel also picked up a Loaded LAFTA award for Funniest Film and Omid was short-listed for the Peter Sellers Award at the London Evening Standard British Film Awards.

THE DOLLY PARTON STORY Wed 22 Feb 7.30pm, £16.50

A fantastic show featuring faithful versions of Dolly’s classic songs. Nine To Five, Jolene, Here You Come Again, Islands In The Stream, I Will Always Love You, Coat Of Many Colours, Two Doors Down and Love Is Like A Butterfly.

PAUL CARRACKTues 28 Feb 7.30pm £28.50

The legendary Sheffield-born singer, songwriter and former frontman of Ace, Squeeze and Mike & The Mechanics returns to the Assembly Hall Theatre. With a

back catalogue of hits including How Long, Tempted and The Living Years, Paul’s marvellously soulful

voice is known to millions around the world; he is undoubtedly a key figure in British

pop history. And as his devoted fans know all too well, a Paul Carrack show is always something very special.

JETHROWed 29 Feb 7.30pm, £19

It’s laughter all the way. Cornwall’s ambassador of comedy will once again take you on a fun and wild journey, in a way that only he can! Be sure to hold onto your seats, hats and horses as you are entertained by one of the funniest Story Teller’s to date

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

The Dolly Parton Story


sevenoaks showcase Please mention Vine when responding to advertisements

Advertise here from just £40 a month. Call 01732 760823 sevenoaks showcase


Every five year old loves to paint, sings without restraint and dances around to any music that takes their fancy, regardless of who is

watching. Why then, does it seem to take either serious illness, or retirement, to generate – no, not to generate, to reignite – a love of creativity in many adults? What happens during that time in between youth and retirement then..? I’m not talking about those children who were brought up in dire circumstances; I’m talking about the majority of children from happy families. Why do they suddenly turn from creative children into passive adults? And why does every small child absolutely love getting a bedtime story, with 73 per cent of parents and carers* saying their child often reads themselves, but at least seven million UK adults** are functionally illiterate? UK adults manage to spend an average of seven hours a day using technology, with 212 minutes of that watching video (including TV), according to Ofcom. Make no mistake, this is a not a boo-hiss column calling for a funeral pyre of circuit boards; in fact, modern technology gives adults who may not want to get elbow deep in clay or paint opportunities for creativity that they can do while commuting. It’s possible to write, sketch, take and edit photographs on a smartphone these days, but do we? No, we play Angry Birds and check our Facebook

newsfeed for details of what the morons from your past are blathering about... Here’s a fairly crass stat to boot your bum out of the easy chair: according to researchers at the University of Queensland in Oz, every hour of TV you watch shortens your life by 22 minutes. Holy guacamole, Batman! Burn the TV! Of course, there’s far more nuanced science behind this, namely that those who watch loads of TV instead of engaging in more active pursuits risk dying about five years earlier than their

fit friends. Obviously being a couch potato hints at other lifestyle choices that all have an impact, but we could all do with stretching our legs and balancing things out a bit. Is it a tragedy of education, that by the time we leave school most of us have stopped creating just for the love of creating? Perhaps it’s our focus on money, that something’s only worth doing if you get paid for it? Whatever the reason, we could all take a leaf out of Key Stage 1 children’s books and spend a little bit of our time tapping into that little bit of our brain that lights up when we turn

the TV off. Write a little poem, take a sketchpad and doodle on a country walk or have a little dance when no one’s looking. Try it, I just did, I drew a chicken (I know...) and it was like a little taste of childhood and it felt really, really nice.

*National Literacy Trust**United Nations

Catch Holly on Twitter @hollyseddon

Holly Seddon has the last word

© JA

MES

BEN

N

Obviously being a couch potato hints at other lifestyle choices that all have an impact, but we could all do with stretching our legs and balancing things out a bit

vinedigital.co.uk January 2012 vine 63arrivabus.co.uk/402

Take 402 tol Historic Royal Tunbridge Wells l Bromley for shoppingl Tonbridge.

Arriva buses. Here to take you there.

the

The BromleyShopper ticket£6 returnBuy it on any Arriva bus in the Sevenoaks ticket zone

and change onto the 402

Hourly buses to Bromley, half-hourly to Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells, Monday to Saturday daytime.

Look out for our brand-new buses on the Bromley journeys - an investment by Arriva of £750,000!

For times call 0844 800 4411or visit arrivabus.co.uk/402


MOBALPA K I T CHENS

by RUACH DESIGNS

A

WAR

D

WI

N N I N

G

CREATED FOR LIVING, DESIGNED FOR LIFE

What's Your Colour Full Page Ad.indd 7 09/12/2011 12:19

Vine Magazine | January 2012 | Issue 55

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Transcript of Vine Magazine | January 2012 | Issue 55