NEWS
TOP LOCAL DESIGNERS AND ARTISTS REDESIGN TUNBRIDGE WELLS SALON
WHITSTABLE CONSERVATIONIST “ SHE WHO HELPS ” RECEIVES MBE FROM THE PALACE
A leading hair salon in Tunbridge Wells has celebrated its 14th birthday with a private-members club-style refit using top local designers and artists .
The talented team hired by award-winning colourist Leigh Roberts , whose in-demand salon has won a dedicated following of local and top London clients since opening its doors in 2002 , included interior designer Justine Hodgson- Barker of Tunbridge Wells-based Barkerdesign .
The impressive makeover has transformed the salon ’ s original understated look typical of many hair salons with minimalistic white-washed walls and sleek lines into an emporium of decadence and style reminiscent of the private members ’ clubs in London ’ s Shoreditch and Soho .
With black smoked mirrors , original 1930 ’ s lamps , a bespoke metal-dipped reception desk , bottle-green tiling and the most “ rock and roll toilet you ’ ll ever see ”, the salon also includes especially commissioned paintings by up-and-coming Tunbridge Wells artist Beth Fraser to grace the walls .
Designer Justine explained : “ The salon is not just a place to come and have your hair done but a great place to hang out , somewhere inspiring with a great atmosphere and interesting one-off pieces . When you first walk in you might think it ' s a really cool bar or hotel which just happens to offer you a great salon experience too .”
Wildlife and community expert Dr Cheryl Mvula has received an MBE for her services to responsible tourism , wildlife conservation and community development in Africa at Buckingham Palace in March .
Dr Mvula from Whitstable , known as Naretisho (“ She Who Helps ”) in the Maasai community where she works in Kenya , has helped end over 35 years of exploitation of one of the world ’ s most iconic tribes . Her pioneering work with the Maasai , recognised with global responsible tourism awards for the skill and sensitivity with which she approaches working in very traditional communities , has not been without challenges . Despite death threats , this all round feisty woman doesn ’ t take no for an answer when it comes to facilitating good practice in tourism and speaking out for the poor .
Over the years , Cheryl has worked in partnership with a number of impressive NGOs such as the Born
Free Foundation , the Travel Foundation , the Federation of Tour Operators , the Kenya Association of Tour Operators and the Mara Conservancy . She is also founder of a poverty reduction charity , The High Five Club , through which Cheryl and her Zambian husband Manny tirelessly offer their time and resources to impoverished rural communities living in wildlife areas of Africa , providing an empowering hand up rather than a demeaning handout approach to development .
Cheryl also helped set up and run the world ’ s most successful primate release project , the Born Freesupported Zambia Primate Project , which to date has rescued over 600 primates from the illegal bush meat and pet trades in Zambia , successfully rehabilitating these primates and returning them to the wild in Kafue National Park .
Cheryl received her investiture at Buckingham Palace on 24th March .
LE CREUSET SPRING / SUMMER 2017 COLLECTION REVEALED
Bringing to life the vibrant hues of aromatic spices and herbs , the Colours of Spice range showcases a selection of Le Creuset cookware classics , with a spice-inspired twist , and new additions to the Le Creuset cuisines of the world collection .
Capturing the rich and flavoursome style of Eastern cooking , the Colours of Spice range incorporates a kaleidoscope of colours inspired by some favourite herbs and spices from rosemary green to ginger and tumeric . The collection features Signature Cast Iron , Stoneware and Mills in four main campaign colours – Rosemary , Volcanic , Satin Black and Almond – as well as contemporary 3-ply Stainless Steel and Toughened Non-Stick products to meet all cooking needs . Available at Le Creuset , Bluewater .
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