Wealden Times | WT163 | September 2015 | Education supplement inside

PRICELESS 

SEPTEMBER 2015 

Wealden Times 

The lifestyle magazine for the Weald 

EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT inside 

Shop online with us 365 days a year at Wealdenfairs.com

CHOPARD PROUDLY SUPPORTS PORSCHE MOTORSPORT 

Designers and makers of handmade kitchens 

The difference is in the detail

SUPERFAST 

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To celebrate the opening of our new offices, we are giving away vouchers 

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of vouchers at 

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OAK FRAMED BUILDINGS | HARDWOOD DECKING 

OAK & WALNUT FLOORING | HOME & GARDEN FEATURES 

Tel: 01435 867 072 

Round Wood | Newick Lane | Mayfield | East Sussex | TN20 6RG

MODEL SHOWN P75008 — £41,711* 

KRIEDER SHOWROOM — 3 Chapel Place, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1YQ — 01892 619721 — info@krieder.com — www.krieder.com 

*Price shown includes delivery, cabinet furniture, appliances, worktops and VAT

Weekend art and spa break £195 

Learn to paint watercolours in a weekend 

Great 

as a gift! 

Join us at the beautiful Flackley Ash Hotel, Rye for 

October 24 th & 25 th , February 20 th & 21 st & April 9 th & 10 th 

Includes 

2 days watercolour teaching • All materials • Full use of luxury 

spa, saunas, pool & gym • 1 night B&B • 2 course evening 

meal • Saturday buffet lunch • Sunday roast • ONLY £195pp 

Contact Vicki Griggs from The Little Art Gallery 

Broadstairs 07817 116007 

www.arttogo.co.uk www.flackleyashhotel.co.uk 

ArtToGoWT163.indd 1 19/08/2015 17:53 

YOU DON'T 

HAVE TO 

BE IN MI6 

TO KNOW WHERE TO 

GET A GOOD HAIRCUT 

www.wealdentimes.co.uk 

6 

www.octane-hair.co.uk 

01580 752952 

BellegroveWT163.indd 1 06/08/2015 OctaneWT131.indd 10:24 

1 17/12/2012 11:38

Contents 

September 2015 

18 

52 

FRUITFUL LIVING 

John Graham-Hart finds 

houses with orchards 

105 

128 

GET THE LOOK 

Stock up on style at 

Wealdenfairs.com 

141 

106 

HEDGE YOUR BETS 

Sue Whigham investigates 

the British hedgerow 

31 

40 

52 

79 

80 

84 

IT’S SEPTEMBER 

What’s going on near 

you this month 

FAIREST OF THEM ALL 

We look back at Wealden Times 

Midsummer Fair in pictures 

CURTAIN UP 

A curtain maker’s seaside home 

GET THE LOOK 

Fabulous home accessories 

from Wealdenfairs.com 

KEEPING COSY 

Stylish woodburners 

MELODIC CANVAS 

A family home filled with history 

106 

121 

125 

127 

128 

MINIMAL THREADS 

Helen Barton’s pick of 

black & white fashion 

PURE CALM 

Jo Fairley sings the 

praises of meditation 

WEALDEN HEALTH 

& BEAUTY 

Healthy tips to keep you 

looking and feeling fantastic 

ALL LINED UP 

We take a look at 

musculoskeletal problems 

READY, SET, BAKE! 

Lorna Fleming’s delicious 

teatime treats 

147 

149 

153 

155 

156 

EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT 

34 pages of all things schools 

WHAT’S ON? 

Find out... 

COMPETITION 

Win a beautiful silver wishbone 

necklace from Wealden 

Times Midwinter Fair 

exhibitor Katie Mullally 

FABLES FROM THE FARM 

Jane Howard’s latest instalment 

INTRODUCING... 

Meet the sellers online at 


99 

DECORATING 

WITH PLANTS 

Bring some greenery indoors 

135 

SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS 

Jo Arnell recommends 

ornamental grasses 

Published by JPS Media Ltd, Kettle Chambers, 21 Stone Street, Cranbrook, Kent. TN17 3HF. Tel: 01580 714705 Fax: 01580 715983. 

Email info@wealdentimes.co.uk. www.wealdentimes.co.uk copyright JPS Media Ltd 2015© 

7 www.wealdentimes.co.uk

Christmas 

is Coming ... 

Please see our website for details 

of our exciing and varied 

seasonal events. 

www.eastwellmanor.co.uk

WT60975 

WT56191 

Peasmarsh Guide Price £1,650,000 Beckley Guide Price £1,300,000 

A stunning Grade II listed country house & annexe in a tranquil location with A classic Grade II listed Georgian farmhouse with flexible outbuildings in a 

fine views • No Onward Chain • 4 Receptions • Kitchen/Breakfast room • peaceful situation • 4 Receptions • Kitchen • Cellar • Master Bedroom with 

Cellar • 7 Bedrooms (2 En Suite) • 2 further Bathrooms • Dble Garage with En Suite • 4 further Bedrooms • 2 Bath/Shower Rooms • S. Pool • Stables 

Annexe • T Court • Stables • About 4.7 acres 

• Various Outbuildings • Approx 2 acres • Further Land by Sep Neg 

WT61179 

WT61749 

Sandhurst Excess £825,000 Cranbrook Guide Price £795,000 

A stylish family house with outbuilding in a quiet location • CSCA • No A deceptively spacious country property amid extensive gardens in a semi 

Onward Chain • 2/3 Receptions • Kitchen/Breakfast Room • Master rural setting • CSCA • 2/3 Reception Rooms • Kitchen/Breakfast Room 

Bedroom • 4/5 further Bedrooms • 3 Bathrooms • Outbuilding inc Games • 6 Bedrooms • Dressing Room • 4 Bath/Shower Rooms • Garage & Log 

Room & Bathroom • Garage • Chalet • Hot Tub • About 0.42 acres • EPC: D Store • Pond • Gardens and Grounds about 1 acre • EPC: D 

WT61969 

WT60234 

Boughton Monchelsea Excess £700,000 Marden Excess £700,000 

A delightful former wood-keeper’s cottage with PP to extend in an idyllic A fine example of a Grade II listed attached oast conversion in a rural 

woodland setting • Sitting Room • Conservatory • Kitchen • Master setting with lovely outlook • 2 Reception Rooms • Kitchen • Master 

Bedroom with En Suite • 3 further Bedrooms • Family Bathroom • Home Bedroom Suite with Mezzanine Floor over • 3 further Bedrooms • Family 

Office • Garage • Pond • About 0.6 acres • EPC: E 

Bathroom • Double Garage • About 0.6 acres 

coming 26 January 2015

Residential Sales 

01580 242700 

wealdproperty.net 

Fairlight, 

East Sussex 

Guide 

£2.3million 

A handsome and 

beautifully situated 

seven bedroom, Grade II 

Listed period farmhouse. 

The property sits amid 

delightful gardens and 

land of approximately 

17 acres commanding 

unparalleled views from all 

rooms and includes a 

separate three bedroom 

oast conversion and high 

specification equestrian 

facilities. 

Rural 

Woodchurch, 

Kent 

Guide £1million 

A magnificent and 

historically significant 

five bedroom, Grade II* 

listed Hall House with an 

adjacent 2 bedroom 

annexe and various 

outbuildings, set amid 

idyllic and tranquil 

gardens of approximately 

1 acre, with breath-taking 

views across open 

farmland. 

SOLD IN 

JULY 

UNDER 

OFFER 

Udimore, 

near Rye, 

East Sussex 

£1.5million 

An impressive modern 

seven bedroom country 

house enjoying 

spectacular panoramic 

views over beautiful 

farmland to Winchelsea 

and the Coast. 

In total approximately 

3 acres made up of 

gardens and adjacent 

pasture land with heated 

swimming pool, tennis 

court and extensive high 

specification garaging. 

Goudhurst, 

Kent 

£895,000 

GRAND DESIGN 

OPPORTUNITY 

Incredibly rare building 

plot of approximately 

2.1 acres in North Road, 

Goudhurst, in the heart of 

the village with planning 

consent to build a 

stunning architecturally 

significant, Sir Terry Farrell 

designed six bedroom 

detached home with 

arguably the finest views 

in the County. 

Rural Marden, 

Kent 

OIEO £800,000 

EQUESTRIAN PROPERTY 

A delightful four 

bedroom farmhouse and 

one bedroom annexe set 

amid a charming gardens 

with far reaching rural 

views being only minutes 

from the attractive village 

of Marden and the 

mainline station to 

London. 

SOLD IN 

JULY 

Benenden, 

Kent 

£795,000 

A four bedroom 

detached house on the 

Green. 

Comprising hall, 

cloakroom, large sitting 

room with open fire place 

and access to the garden, 

study, dining room, 

spacious kitchen with 

open plan breakfast room, 

four double bedrooms, 

one with en-suite. Large 

and mature walled 

garden, garage/workshop, 

ample off-street parking. 

Management and Lettings 

Ticehurst £1,250pcm 

TO LET 

Immaculate two bedroom granary in an idyllic rural position. UNFURNISHED 

Tenterden £1,150pcm 

TO LET 

Newly built three bedroom house with two bathrooms, garden and gated parking. 

UNFURNISHED 

Brede £1,100pcm 

Beautifully appointed three bedroom cottage with pretty garden and garage. 

FULLY FURNISHED 

TO LET 

Tenterden £1,050pcm 

TO LET 

Charming three bedroom town house with two reception rooms and private garden. 

UNFURNISHED 

Tenterden £950pcm 

TO LET 

Central and spacious two bedroom apartment with allocated parking. UNFURNISHED 

Tenterden £750pcm 

TO LET 

Spacious two bedroom flat on the high street undergoing refurbishment. UNFURNISHED 

2 Windmill Oast, Windmill Farm, 

Rolvenden, Kent TN17 4PF

Brenchley 

An interesting converted barn on the edge of a popular village with wonderful views 

Entrance hall, kitchen, utility room, cloakroom, dining room, drawing room with mezzanine library, ground 

floor bedroom with en suite bathroom, dressing room, conservatory. 3 first floor bedrooms, family bathroom. 

Detached cottage providing kitchen, sitting room, shower room and bedroom. Detached outbuilding providing 

a gym and 2 store rooms. Detached double garage with studio and games room above. Mature gardens and 

grounds. Paddock. EPC rating D & E. In all about 1.25 acres. 

Guide price £1,350,000 

KnightFrank.co.uk/TNW150191 

KnightFrank.co.uk/tunbridge-wells 

tunwells@knightfrank.com 

01892 310269 

@KnightFrank 

KnightFrank.co.uk

Rye, East Sussex - £525,000 

A substantial four bedroom Edwardian property in the Ancient Town 

of Rye, within walking distance of the town and station. This semidetached 

house has a separate annexe with drainage, previously a 

boat house. The accommodation includes sitting room, family room, 

kitchen/dining room, and four double bedrooms. Garden. EPC F 

Winchelsea, East Sussex - £490,000 

A lovely Grade II listed period house of 17th century origin in the 

Ancient Town and located in a quiet corner position overlooking the 

churchyard. This pretty attached property has a sitting room, dining 

room, kitchen, utility room and three bedrooms. Garage and store. 

Secluded walled garden 

Hastings Old Town, East Sussex - £895,000 

A prestigious Grade II listed Georgian residence occupying a 

prominent position within the historic Old Town. Accommodation 

includes drawing room, sitting room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast 

room,home office/studio and 5 double bedrooms. Separate former 

stable outbuilding. Parking for 2 cars. Southerly landscaped garden. 

Sedlescombe, East Sussex - £269,950 

A well presented cottage forming part of 15th century Grade I 

building, considered one of the finest in Sussex by English Heritage. 

The accommodation includes sitting room, kitchen/breakfast room, 

two double bedrooms. Communal garden. Former outbuilding used 

as utility room and log store. 

Icklesham, East Sussex - £335,000 

A lovely Grade II listed property forming the end section of an oast 

and barn conversion. The accommodation includes living room, 

kitchen/breakfast room and three bedrooms with vaulted ceilings. 

Enclosed garden, shed and off-road parking. A separate detached 

office/studio has power and light. 

RYE OFFICE 01797227338 

MAYFAIR OFFICE 08701127099 

East Guldeford, East Sussex - £695,000 

An attractive Grade II listed 17th century house 1 mile east of the 

Ancient Town of Rye with far reaching views. The accommodation 

includes sitting room, dining room, study, sunroom, kitchen, and 

three bedrooms. A separate 1 bedroom 2 storey oast style annexe. 

Cottage garden and double garage 

phillipsandstubbs.co.uk

‘Our Focus ‘Our Determines Focus Determines Your Reality’ Your Reality’ 

HARPERS AND HURLINGHAM 

SUTTON VALENCE £1,595,000 

Impressive Listed Georgian Rectory • Four receptions • 

Kitchen/breakfast room • Cellar rooms • Seven bedrooms (four 

ensuite) • Stunning gardens with swimming pool • Garaging • 

EPC: n/a 

Sought After Convenient Location 

BIDDENDEN £1,295,000 

Stunning period hall house • Two reception rooms • Vaulted 

dining room • Kitchen/breakfast room • Seven bedrooms (two 

ensuite) • Garage/workshop with pp • Gardens approx. 2.5 

acres wth pool • EPC: n/a 

Cranbrook School Catchment Area 

RURAL MARDEN £1,150,000 

Substantial converted Grade II Listed barn • Five receptions • 

Kitchen/breakfast room • Five bedrooms (two ensuite) • 

Landscaped gardens • Approx 3 acres paddock • Garaging/ 

store • EPC: n/a 

Rural Yet Convenient Location 

HORSMONDEN £995,000 

Farmhouse with many period features • Two receptions • 

Kitchen/breakfast room • Office, study and cellar • Five 

bedrooms (one ensuite) • Delightful gardens and garaging • 

Edge of village location • EPC: E 

Viewing Highly Recommended 

Harpers&Hurlingham 

The Cornerhouse, Stone Street, Cranbrook 

01580 715400 

www.harpersandhurlingham.com 

London offiCe: KenSingTon 020 7938 2311 

Lettings Team 

Sales Team 

Chez Charlie Janey Jane Cathy Jane Sarah Debbie Catherine Caroline Dianne Helen

01580 761650 

www.philberts.co.uk 

BETHERSDEN GUIDE PRICE £1,000,000 

Woodlands is situated on a quiet country lane 

with easy access to transport links to London, the 

property offers extensive open accommodation 

on the ground floor and four Double bedrooms 

two with En-suite and family bathroom. The 

grounds extend to approximately 1.5 acres. 

PhilbertsLettingsWT163.indd 1 17/08/2015 14:30 


14 

SJDprojectsWT161.indd 1 09/06/2015 10:26

savills.co.uk 

1 

BEAUTIFUL LISTED HOUSE WITH DETACHED OAST 

smarden, kent 

4 reception rooms ø 6 bedrooms ø 5 bathrooms ø kitchen/breakfast room ø 2 bedroom 

oast house ø outdoor swimming pool ø recreational barn ø unconverted listed thatched 

barn ø about 9.3 acres 

Guide £1.95 million Freehold 

Savills Cranbrook 

James Lloyd 

jlloyd@savills.com 

01580 720161 

2 

ATTRACTIVE AND PROMINENT LISTED TOWN HOUSE 

winchelsea, east sussex 

2 reception rooms ø kitchen/breakfast room ø 4/5 bedrooms ø 2 bath/shower rooms 

ø utility room ø substantial wine cellar ø attractive walled garden with summerhouse 

ø tandem garage 

Offers in excess of £885,000 Freehold 

Savills Cranbrook 

Patrick Baily 

pbaily@savills.com 

01580 720161

COUNTRY HOUSE 

DEVELOPMENTS 

MAXIMISE THE 

VALUE OF YOUR LAND 

Country House Developments is a Kent based 

company dedicated to working in partnership with 

land owners to maximise the value of their land. 

• We're experts in local planning policy 

• We have a great track record in achieving success 

• Most importantly - we cover all the costs - 

you don’t pay for anything 

Whether you are the owner of a large garden, 

a commercial site or simply have some land you think 

might be of interest, we’d really like to hear from you. 

Call US TODAY: 0843 557 4080 

Email: sales@maximiseMYland.co.uk 

Web: www.maximiseMYland.co.uk 

CountryHouseDevelopmentsWT145.indd 1 13/02/2014 11:55 

THE 

SQUARE 

Demonstration house 

now available 

Put New a England smile on comes your face. home. 

New homes in Rye, East Sussex, from £160,000 to £345,000. 

Only one bedroom apartments and four bedroom houses are now 

available on the current phase - due for completion this Autumn. 

Set in 15 acres of private parkland with 

• Spacious comfortable homes with parking 

• countryside 10 minutes views walk from Rye town centre 

• High specifi cation with relaxed New England style • • 10 High-speed minutes’ walk rail connection from Rye to town London centre 

• Set in 15 acres of private parkland 

• High-speed rail connection to London 

with countryside views 

THE SQUARE 

Freephone: 0800 612 7933 E-mail: sales@ValleyParkRye.com 

www.ValleyParkRye.com 


16 

AroncorpsWT163.indd 1 13/08/2015 16:18

East Peckham Guide price £550,000 

Elegant three double bedroom detached period home • Situated on a large wrap 

around plot and overlooking open countryside • High ceilings and open fireplaces 

• In need of modernising with potential for extension subject to PP • Ample off 

road parking and a detached timber garage • NO FORWARD CHAIN • EPC: E 

PADDOCK WOOD OFFICE 01892 832 325 

Goudhurst Guide price £1,100,000 

Impressive triple kiln detached oast • Substantial family accommodation • 4 

bedrooms • 3 reception rooms • Square kiln studio • Roundel study offering 

further bedroom potential • Two storey 2 bedroom annexe • Gardens total 

plot size approx. 0.87 of an acre • Double & Single Garages • CSCA • EPC:E 

CRANBROOK OFFICE 01580 712 888 

Rural Staplehurst Guide price £895,000 

Classic Detached 1920’s Farmhouse • 4 Bedrooms • Sitting Room & Dining 

Room with fireplaces • Kitchen/Breakfast Room • Attic Room • Two Storey 

3 bedrooms annexe • Pole barn with two loose boxes & garage • Garden & 

Paddock extending to approx 1.5 acres • EPC G & E 

CRANBROOK OFFICE 01580 712 888 

Iden Green Guide price £650,000 

Individual detached family house • Significantly extended & updated • Sitting 

Room with wood burning stove • Open plan kitchen, dining and family room • 

4 bedrooms incorp. master bedroom with en-suite • Total plot size extending 

to 0.25 of an acre • Much favoured rural hamlet • CSCA • EPC: D 

CRANBROOK OFFICE 01580 712 888

HOUSE OF THE MONTH by John Graham-Hart 

1. 

Fruitful Living 

John Graham-Hart locates properties with bountiful orchards... 

Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, 

Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun; 

Conspiring with him how to load and bless 

With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run; 

To bend with apples the moss’d cottage-trees, 

And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core… 

John Keats 

Summer is always a lovely season in the country but, for my money, autumn 

has it beaten hands down. Autumn is the season when the countryside really 

comes into its own, doing what it does best, the land giving up all the fruits 

of its summer labours, providing a life-sustaining bounty for man and beast alike. 

In the Weald, perhaps the most romantic manifestation of this splendid 

season is the orchard and the most common is the apple orchard, first 

introduced into the UK in Roman times. However, a study by Natural 

England and the National Trust estimated England has lost 60 per cent 

of her small traditional orchards since 1950 and now only one in three 

eating apples in your supermarket will have been grown in the UK. 

So how privileged could one be to have one’s very own orchard? Not only 

would you have immediate access to your own wonderful, freshly picked 

produce but you would be a guardian of a key aspect of our rural heritage. 

As a bonus you would also be doing your bit for local wildlife. Orchards 

provide a valuable ecosystem for our flora and fauna. In 2007, they were 

designated a ‘priority habitat’ under the UK’s Biodiversity Action Plan. The 

canopy and the spacing of the trees are particularly important for wildlife like 

butterflies and bees, both under serious pressure. The British bee population 

is down by a third since 2007 and butterfly numbers are down by 80 per 

cent compared with the early 1980s and their rate of decline appears to be 

accelerating. So keeping our orchards alive is now more important than ever. 

So check out these properties – to own any one of them would provide 

you with your own orchard and allow you truly to savour the season. 

1. Headcorn Manor 

Where? Headcorn Manor lies at 

the west end of Headcorn village in 

a conservation area next to the parish 

church. (Google Maps TN27 9NP). 

What? The Grade II manor is an 

outstanding example of a Wealden 

hall house and dates from 1516. The 

property has unusually large mullion 

and leaded light windows for a dwelling 

this age and this, together with generous 

ceiling heights, creates a bright and 

airy interior. Superb timbers abound 

and of particular note is the dramatic 

first floor, vaulted dining/reception 

hall. Other accommodation includes 

a second reception/dining, study/ 

bedroom, snug and kitchen/breakfast 

room. Upstairs are four bedrooms, one 

with en suite bathroom and another 

with a shower room. Outside five 

acres of beautiful grounds encompass 

a former byre, a formal garden divided 

by a canal pond, a large York stone 

terrace bounded by a balustrade, 

two paddocks – one bounded by 

the River Beult – a kitchen garden 

and greenhouse and an orchard. 

How much? Headcorn Manor 

is on the market with Savills in 

Cranbrook and has a guide price 

of £1,200,000. Call 01580 720161 

or visit www.savills.co.uk. 


18

2. 

3. 

4. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

2. Swan Farm 

Where? Swan Farm is set in a 

rural position along a track on the 

outskirts of the lovely hilltop village of 

Goudhurst (Google Maps TN17 1JL). 

What? A Grade II listed farmhouse 

dating from the 16th century, the 

farm is on the market for only the 

second time in 40 years and has been 

completely refurbished by the present 

owners. Accommodation includes 

drawing room with large inglenook, 

dining room, family room, study, 

flagstone-floored kitchen/breakfast 

room, master bedroom with en suite 

bathroom and dressing room and five 

further bedrooms, one with shower 

room. Outside, in four acres of mature 

grounds, are a garage with studio 

annexe and shower room above, paved 

terrace, greenhouse, pond, attractive 

swimming pool and pool house, a 

fenced paddock and an orchard. 

How much? Swan Farm has 

an asking price of £1,650,000 and 

is with Knight Frank in Tunbridge 

Wells. Call 01892 515035 or 

visit www.knightfrank.com. 

3. Wolsey Place 

Where? Wolsey Place is set in 

a rural position on the edge of the 

village of Laddingford, four-and-ahalf 

miles from Paddock Wood and 

its mainline rail service to London. 

(Google Maps ME18 6BD). 

What? Understood once to have 

been Cardinal Wolsey’s hunting lodge, 

Wolsey Place combines both a wealth 

of period features and the light, bright 

spaces of a contemporary family home. 

Accommodation includes a drawing 

room with exposed beams and timbers, 

an inglenook and French doors leading 

out to a terrace, a dining room openplan 

to the kitchen/breakfast room, 

study, master bedroom with dressing 

area and en suite bathroom, and four 

further double bedrooms. Grounds of 

about three acres encompass park-like 

gardens, garage block, a small lake 

and seating area, a walled garden with 

swimming pool, terrace and spacious 

pool house, and an apple orchard. 

How much? Wolsey Place is on 

the market at £1,250,000 and is with 

Knight Frank in Sevenoaks. Call 01732 

744477 or visit www.knightfrank.co.uk. 

4 Hollywell 

Where? Hollywell is set on the 

edge of Mill Corner just to the 

south of the village of Northiam 

(Google Maps TN31 6HU). 

What? Dating back to the 17th 

century, Hollywell is a Grade II listed 

property awash with period features 

including exposed timbers, leaded 

light windows, latched doors and 

a superb drawing room inglenook. 

Ground floor accommodation also 

includes dining room with glazed 

doors leading through to a sun room, 

country-style kitchen/breakfast room, 

bathroom, two bedrooms and a study/ 

family room/bedroom. Upstairs 

are two further bedrooms and a 

bathroom. Outside in lovely cottagestyle 

gardens are a carthouse-style 

double garage, a large paved terrace, 

ancient well, pond, summerhouse 

and an orchard of mixed fruit trees. 

How much? Hollywell is with 

Warner Gray in Tenterden and is priced 

at £735,000. Call 01580 766044 

or visit www.warnergray.co.uk. 


Just add... 


Made in the Weald for the World 

wealdentimes.co.uk/app 

WT App Logo.indd 2 09/01/2015 16:25

76/78 High Street, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1YB 

Tel. 01892 534018 | Fax. 01892 510536 

Email. info@gcollinsandsons.com | www.gcollinsandsons.com 

‘When two halves meet’ 

Designed by Josh Collins

LONDON 

79 Calverley Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2UY t.01892 548 111 

‘At Home Design Service’ available 

Visit us at

BUSS MURTON advertorial 

There’s no place like home 

Melanie den Brinker and Lora Grogan are part of the Family Team at Buss Murton Law 

LLP and members of Resolution. Here they talk about the problems which can arise when, 

on separation, one party wants to relocate to another country with the children. 

The world is getting smaller and 

travelling between countries 

has become so quick and easy 

that there is really nothing now 

to stand in the way of relationships 

developing over significant distances. 

Inevitably, this has seen a rise in the 

number of relationships between 

people of different nationalities. 

But, what happens when those 

relationships break down and one of 

the parties wants to go home with 

the children. Is it as simple as clicking 

your heels together three times and 

saying “There’s no place like home”? 

Melanie den Brinker 

Lora Grogan 

Any move following separation is 

bound to have its issues, but when 

that move is to a different country and 

possibly over a significant distance, 

those issues become even greater and 

require even more consideration. 

Almost certainly, such a move will leave 

the parent who is left behind in fear of 

being excluded from the children’s lives 

and this is where the problems arise. 

Any parent wanting to take the 

children to live abroad must be 

aware that they need either the 

consent of the other parent or 

permission from the Court. 

If agreement cannot be reached and 

the Court’s permission is required, 

then the parent seeking to relocate 

will need a well thought out plan 

covering, at the very least, where 

the children will live, where they 

will go to school, and crucially, how 

they will maintain their relationship 

with the other parent. If these basic 

questions cannot be answered, an 

application will not even get off the 

ground. However, even the best laid 

practical plans will not necessarily be 

enough, as the Court must ultimately 

be satisfied that such a move is in 

the best interests of the children. 

Our advice to separating parents who 

find themselves potentially in this 

situation is to start talking as soon 

as possible. If it is difficult to discuss 

matters directly, then try mediation 

or collaborative law, as arrangements 

reached by agreement, whatever they 

may be, will be easier to live with 

than those imposed by a Judge. 

Buss Murton Law LLP offers a 

free 30 minute initial family 

consultation to allow you to meet 

us and to discuss your options. 

To make an appointment in our 

Tunbridge Wells, Cranbrook, 

East Grinstead or Dartford 

Office please call Louise Huxstep 

on 01892 502338 or email us 

at wtw@bussmurton.co.uk 

(www.bussmurton.co.uk) 

BUSS MURTON 

COMMERCIAL & PERSONAL SOLICITORS

LABEL LOVERS 

FOR THE 

DESIGNER BRANDS FOR UP TO 60% LESS. 

ALL YEAR ROUND. 

AshfordDesignerOutlet.com

Cranbrook’s Hidden Gem 

Did you know that nestling in Waterloo Road, Cranbrook 

within the fabulous grounds of Cranbrook School, lies a 

superb theatre, seating 300 people and offering a wide 

variety of entertainment to suit all ages and tastes? 

However, the Theatre is not just for the exclusive use of students as 

so many people believe, it is there for everyone to enjoy and offers: 

 

Easy booking - choose your seat, pay for and 

print your ticket all at the same time 

Foyer Bar to enjoy a pre-performance drink 

Free parking on site 

Sensibly priced tickets, ranging from £10-£15 

per adult and £6 per child/student 

Coming up this Autumn 

Friday 9 th October: The Falcon’s Malteser by Anthony Horowitz 

Friday 6 th November: The Joliet Blues Band – a high energy 11 

piece band playing all your favourite Blues Brothers numbers 

Sunday 22 nd November: Double Trouble’s Family 

Giggles Show with Guest Illusionist Mark Daniel 

Saturday 28 th November: Christmas Gothic – 3 seasonal 

tales of terror to scintillate the goose-flesh 

A sneak preview of what’s on offer next year 

Thursday 25 th February: Claire Martin OBE & 

Ray Gelato – “It’s a Swinging Affair” 

Thursday 10 th March: The Pantaloons present 

“The Importance of Being Earnest” 

Thursday 21 st April: Shifting Sands Theatre presents Arabian 

Nights & Days! A refreshing & imaginative adaptation of 

the classic tales as you have never seen them before! 

Thursday 19 th May: The Bohemians – a Queen tribute band 

Wednesday 22 nd June: “A Night of Dirty Dancing” 

FREE TICKETS! 

To win a pair of tickets to a show 

of your choice, together with 2 

free drinks at the bar simply visit 

the website, fill in the Newsletter 

Subscription box on the home 

page and submit your details* 

For further information on shows, please visit the website 

www.queenshalltheatre.co.uk or call the Box Offi ce on 01580 711856 

*The winner will be notifi ed by email. Offer valid for one show between October 2015 and July 2016.

Fed Up With Being 

Overweight? 

How many times have you been determined to 

lose weight, promising yourself that you are 

going to stick to a diet, only to find that before 

you know it, you have blown it, yet again! 

Are you struggling with any of the following? 

• Can’t stop eating foods that cause you to put on 

weight. 

• Overeating, secret If the eating, question too is much ‘How alcohol, do I stop or 

constantly thinking being about overweight food. once and for all?’ 

then the answer is Rachel Ricketts. 

If you are having Her difficulty tried and in understanding tested weight why loss you 

cannot by Nicole Tata get in control programme of your is unwanted entirely eating free of habits, spin 

read on. and gadgetry and gets the job done 

quickly, safely and for good. 

Can’t get out of the trap of bad eating habits? 

High As carbohydrate any dieter foods, knows sugar-rich only foods or certain 

too well, losing weight is a 

drinks (alcohol, fruit juices, fizzy drinks etc.) can cause 

serious business. “I don’t 

a high increase run an in open-ended blood sugar diet levels club which is then 

followed where you by a pay crash per in week blood and sugar lose a levels. This can leave 

pound here or there,” says Rachel. “I 

you want feeling at least irritable, 3 months’ hungry, commitment having cravings for sugar, 

carbohydrates, from you, in return fizzy drinks for which and I will alcohol. 

Rachel Ricketts, Weight Loss Consultant 

teach you exactly how to reach and 

No maintain willpower your target weight, using the 

Metabolic Weight Loss programme. I 

with unwanted eating habits. With an expected average 

promise I will be there for you every This is much more weight than just loss a diet. of 7-14 lbs a “All month, the an tools easy you’ll follow 

When blood sugar levels go too low, it’s all too easy for 

step of the way.” 

“It’s as much about understanding 

programme and one-to-one 

Sounds too good to be true? Not WHY you’re overweight as it is ever need support, to hundreds reach and of 

willpower to go flying out of the window, which so often 

really, when you consider that Rachel’s about actually shifting handwritten the pounds.” testimonials maintain show just how a healthy effective the 

leads to eating sugar and carbohydrates all over again! 

highly personalised weight loss 

Rachel helps her clients programme identify the is. 

This consultancy pattern can has repeat helped itself over for 1,500 days, weeks, underlying months causes or that stop them 

weight – for life!” 

even women years, and leading men to to achieve weight their gain, longterm 

dream of a happy, healthy weight. to name a few obvious ones – so that 

bad health, losing despair weight – alcohol, 

Better 

stress, 

health! 

coffee, 

and low self-esteem. 

From housewives to senior execs, they can be addressed and eliminated. diet clubs. Rachel explains: “One 

teenagers to grandparents, Rachel’s The programme also quickly Time after deals time, clients lady report came how to see delighted me; she was they 4 stone are 

Get clients in control are focused of your on one unwanted clear goal: eating with habits feelings of hunger with and their cravings, health improvements overweight. ‘I having can’t afford lost weight it,’ she said with 

permanent weight loss to improve making failure much less likely. but she was so impressed with what a 

the Metabolic Weight Loss Programme. 

One their of the looks key and factors general of wellbeing. Rachel Ricketts’ highly It’s all too easy to be lulled into friend had achieved on the programme 

successful Metabolic Weight Loss Programme 

thinking 

is helping 

that we’re eating healthily. that she asked her husband to pay 

Bowl of cereal for breakfast, “My Doctor sandwich is thrilled for to it bits! as a He combined is very Christmas happy with and my 

for lunch and pasta for blood tea? Wrong! pressure coming birthday down present and I am to her. no longer In just 10 Diabetic 

“There are so many different diets weeks she had actually recouped the 

Type 2. He told me, ‘You are my slimmer of the year!’” 

out there, no wonder people are cost of the programme by not having 

confused. Some of my M.A. clients Sussex need to her nightly bottle of wine and by 

be completely re-educated about the changing her eating habits. It took her 

effects of nutrition on Free their consultation 

bodies, less than four months to slim down 

while others just need finetuning.” from a size 18-20 to a size 10, losing an 

Rachel’s eating plan uses If you normal have foods reached amazing the point 4 stone!” where you want to resolve 

that are easily available – no funny 

Rachel is committed to providing 

shakes, pills or medication. your weight problem the once very and best for weight all, call loss now consultancy for a free 

Judging by Rachel’s consultation long list of – absolutely service, no giving obligation. her clients a clear 

delighted clients, the programme is structure to follow and lots and 

hugely successful. She 

01342 

has also earned 

327396 

lots of one-to-one support. And the 

the respect of local GPs who are very programme works! In essence, she 

impressed by the weight rachel@rachelrickettsweightloss.co.uk 

loss and provides all the tools you’ll ever 

health improvements www.rachelrickettsweightloss.co.uk 

they’ve seen in need to reach and maintain a healthy 

some of their patients as a result of weight – for life! 

working with Rachel. 

As an investment into your health, Rachel Ricketts Weight Loss Consultant 

the Metabolic Weight Loss programme Tel. 01342 327396 / 01825 705020

BE INSPIRED AND 

CHALLENGED / 

SHORT COURSE 

PROGRAMME 

A selection from our inspiring autumn 

programme, which includes some Saturdays 

01732 352316 

www.kent.ac.uk/tonbridge 

tonbridgeadmin@kent.ac.uk 

The magic of the smith; an introduction 

to the archaeology of Bronze Age Kent. 

Study morning Sat 7 November 

10am-1pm £21 

The Pre-Raphaelites and 

Victorian Painting 

6 weeks from Tues 13 October 

1-3pm £78 

Learning Ancient Greek 

4 weeks from Tues 10 November 

10.30am-12.30pm £52 

Reading and Writing Short Stories 

4 weeks from Mon 12 October 

10am-12noon £60 

Keep going with your writing project 

Study day Weds 14 October 

10am-4pm £40 

Finding a voice 

These creative writing workshops are 

offered twice: (A) Sat 10 and 24 Oct 

10am-1pm OR (B) Fri 20 Nov and 4 Dec 

10am-1pm £48 

Make every word count: writing 

for the web 

This workshop is offered twice: (A) Thurs 

8 Oct, 6-9pm OR (B) Sat 24 Oct, 

10am-1pm £24 

Make every word count: clear, effective 

and powerful business writing 

This course is offered twice: 

(A) 4 weeks from Thurs 5 Nov 7-9pm OR 

(B) 4 weeks from Sat 7 Nov 

10am-12noon £60 

Medieval Romance: maids and crones, 

heroes and monsters 


3-5pm £104 

Medieval Chivalry: Virility and 

Violence . . . or Virtue? 


7-9pm £104 

The Birth of Modern Drama: After the War 

6 alternate weeks from Weds 23 September 

10:30am-12:30pm £78 

Despicable women? Controversial 

heroines in Victorian literature 

6 weeks from Thurs 8 October 

10:30am-12:30pm £78 

University Centre Tonbridge, 

Avebury Avenue, TN9 1TG 

Just a few minutes walk from the railway 

station and close to the High Street 

Uni of Kent 1-2 SEPT15 185x130.indd 1 05/08/2015 17:08 

Orlestone Oak 

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OAK DECKING & BEAMS 

www.orlestoneoak.co.uk 01233 732179 

SHOWROOm Open mOnday tO FRiday 9am-5pm, SatuRday 9am-12pm 

29 www.wealdentimes.co.uk 

OrlestoneOakWT162.indd 1 21/07/2015 15:44

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traditional handmade furniture 

Kitchens 

Bedrooms 

Studies 

Showroom: 78 London Road, Southborough 

Tunbridge Wells, Kent. TN4 0PP 

Tel: 01892 533273 

Web: Woodworkkitchens.co.uk 


Woodwork 1-2 i.indd 1 16/06/2015 16:33 

30 

WoodworkWT162.indd 1 14/07/2015 11:54

Homespun Fun... 

Kirstie Allsopp presents The Handmade Fair from 18-20 September at 

Hampton Court Palace! Join Kirstie and her army of craft ambassadors 

for a long weekend of hands-on workshops, live craft-offs, interviews, 

demonstrations, make and takes, and all the shopping and fabulous food you 

can manage! Tickets start from just £15 for adults and £6 for children. To 

find out more and book your tickets today, visit www.thehandmadefair.com 

September 

notebook 

Exhibitions & events 

near you this month... 

Field Day... 

The Big Green Cardigan is a local festival in East 

Sussex being held from 4 to 6 Sept. Set deep in 

the Sussex countryside this small and friendly 

event will be host to a truly eclectic mix of musical 

styles; from blues, flamenco, swing-jazz, American 

folk, to banjo playing, tap dancing and so much 

more. Working alongside are Langham Brewery, 

supplying a range of delicious and award-winning 

artisan ales, with plenty of tasty local food to go 

around. Weekend, day and evening tickets are 

available, along with camping and group discounts. 

So visit www.biggreencardigan.com to get yours now! 

Time for Change... 

A new exhibition at the OBS Gallery, Tonbridge 

School, explores our relationship with our physical 

environment and discusses themes including ecology 

and climate change. The works of established 

artists and emerging talent will be showcased as 

part of Brightfield through the display of epically 

large paintings, photography and installations, 

confronting us with various environmental issues 

and creating a thought provoking environment. 

The exhibition is open to the public 12-4pm 

Saturdays and Sundays from 19 September to 15 

November. Visit www.tonbridge‐school.org.uk/obsg. 

Idyllic Inspiration... 

Celebrate all things handmade and homegrown 

in the heart of the glorious Kent countryside. 

Running from 11-13 September, Hever Castle’s 

Handmade & Homegrown Festival will inspire 

visitors with demonstrations from skilled 

craftspeople and makers setting up stall on 

Half Moon Lawn. Sample food and drink from 

Produced in Kent members and visit stalls selling 

local crafts. Gardens open at 10.30am; Castle 

opens at 12 noon. For tickets and information 

visit www.hevercastle.co.uk or call 01732 865224. 

freeimages.com/eniorodrigo 

Flora & Fauna... 

Florum 2015 has invited 60 artists to create 

a colourful and inspiring exhibition of works 

celebrating plant life and the landscape, hosted at 

Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve. The variety of exhibits 

for sale includes traditional botanical watercolours, 

oil paintings, large freestyle mixed media paintings, 

graphite and coloured pencil pictures, miniatures, 

etchings, original prints and jewellery all of which 

make the Florum Exhibition outstanding and 

innovative. Florum has so far donated £20,000 to 

the Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve which is part of the 

Kent Wildlife Trust. The exhibition is open from 

12-19 September, 10am-5pm and entrance is free. 

Visit www.florum.co.uk for more information. 

Rye Arts Festival... 

This year’s Rye Arts Festival runs from 11 to 

27 September and offers 60 fantastic events 

covering classical, folk, country, Cajun and 

Irish music; literary talks and historical walks, 

theatre & dance, cinema, comedy, fine art, 

ceramic and photographic exhibitions and even 

a fashion show! More information is available by 

telephoning the Box Office on 01797 224442 

or checking out www.ryeartsfestival.co.uk. 

Creative Lineup... 

Making It is a celebration of invention and 

imagination. The Space, an award-winning 

performing arts centre at Sevenoaks School will be 

host to an exhibition showcasing work by some 

of its well known alumni, including Thomas 

Heatherwick and Turner Prize winner Simon 

Starling, along with many others who specialise in 

photography, shoe design and much more. Public 

opening times are Sunday 6, 13 and 20 September, 

11am-4pm, and private viewings are available 

on request. Contact Katy for more information 

klo@sevenoaksschool.org / 01732 467708. 


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Shutters from Blind Design 

For the ultimate in timeless elegance look no further 

than Blind Designs’s shutters range 

Blind Design’s shutters are handcrafted to order from the fi nest materials and made-to-measure for a precise fi t. 

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE 

One of Mary’s raised beds looking very decorative 

Jacksons 

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Time to raise the bar on 

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Last year one of the prize 

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decorative. Thank you Mary! 

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Some plants only do well in 

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Raised beds are not just useful for growing vegetables, here it’s used for ericaceous 

(lime hating/acid loving) plants - the ferns and a maple creating a decorative feature 

Raised beds with a pergola and tensioned 

wires to support plants

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Consultant Neurologist 

Dr Gerry Saldanha 

from the Spire Tunbridge Wells 

Hospital answers some common 

questions with regards to 

headaches and migraines. 

What are the different types of headaches? 

Headaches can broadly be classified as primary or secondary – 

the latter means that they are caused by some other pathology 

for example infection (sinusitis or a cold). Secondary headaches 

due to serious disease such as tumours are thankfully very rare 

and usually not too difficult to identify. 

Primary headaches are by far the most common cause of 

headaches – these are either muscle tension type headache 

or migraine. There are some rarer forms of primary headache, 

cluster headaches being the most common of that group. 

What is the difference between a headache and a 

migraine? 

Migraine is a brain disorder of which headache is part of a 

more general sensitivity of the brain. Patients often develop 

other neurological symptoms as part of the migraine complex 

(commonly visual symptoms). Tingling and numbness in the 

face, limbs and trunk, speech disturbance, feelings of imbalance, 

a sensation of thinking and functioning in a fog may also 

accompany migraines. Typically all such symptoms resolve usually 

within 24 – 48 hrs of the onset of a migraine. 

More common muscle tension type headaches cause pain but 

without other neurological symptoms and the mechanism of this 

is not well understood. However as the name suggests, muscle 

tension may be part of the mechanism. 

What should I do if I get persistent headaches? 

Some individuals are ‘headachy’ but headaches to worry about 

are those that start out of the blue, are unremitting, fixed 

to one side and that have other features such as persistent 

visual problems, limb symptoms, changes in thinking ability 

and features of raised pressure in the brain eg vomiting in the 

morning. In such cases it is worth discussing these headaches 

with your general practitioner in the first instance. 

Is there a recommended diet for controlling 

headaches or migraines? 

There are no particular diets that are recommended, but some 

individuals can identify certain foods / drinks that consistently 

trigger a migraine and these should be avoided. Citrus is a 

common factor, but migraine sufferers also commonly site 

caffeine, red or white wine, chocolate and cheese. 

Avoiding triggers, eating small regular meals and keeping well 

hydrated is the best advice for trying to control troublesome 

migraines. 

Is it normal to experience numbness and tingling 

during, before or after a migraine? 

Neurological symptoms are quite common. They can precede 

the headache, usually up to 30 minutes before the onset of pain, 

may accompany the headache and less commonly persist after 

the headache. However such symptoms that do not settle when 

the headache resolves should be discussed with your doctor, 

especially if there are other features such as limb weakness, 

persistent speech disturbance or other symptoms that may 

suggest a stroke (or other brain pathology). 

If I am diagnosed with migraines, what diagnostics 

are used? Can these be done at the Spire? 

The vast majority of migraines are diagnosed on the history 

presented by the patient and tests are unnecessary. In some 

instances the history and examination is atypical and thus may 

require further diagnostic tests. The Spire Hospital provides 

modern and up to date facilities to undertake such tests with a 

minimum of delay. 

Do I need to see my GP first or can I self-refer to a 

Neurologist? 

Ideally all patients who are troubled by headaches should have 

discussed these with their GP who is highly trained and generally 

knows the patient well. Most general practitioners know how 

to manage muscle tension type headache and migraine and can 

refer a patient when it is appropriate. However many individuals 

feel worried by their headaches and concerned enough to seek a 

specialist consultation. Our neurologist will see patients referred 

by their GPs as well as those who seek to self-refer. 

For more information, please contact us on 01892 741 150 

www.spiretunbridgewells.com 

Spire Tunbridge Wells Hospital 

Fordcombe Road, Fordcombe, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN3 0RD

Fairest of them all... 

Once again this year’s Wealden Times Midsummer Fair was held at the beautiful 

Hole Park in Rolvenden. The largest fair we have ever hosted was a glorious 

success, and we were joined by a plethora of exhibitors; some who have been 

Owith us from the start and lots of new faces, too. Despite a short and brutal downpour 

on Friday, the fair was enjoyed by everyone, the WT teams included! Happy shoppers 

flooded in from all over to browse, buy, admire and soak up lots of sunshine. The 

avenues and tents were filled with the sounds of footsteps and laughter. Tea was sipped, 

delicious food was nibbled and a glass or two of local bubbles was savoured. 

This year’s Midsummer Fair was also host to our first Wellbeing Festival. As well 

as our fabulous event sponsors Harpers and Hurlingham, we proudly welcomed 

Benenden Hospital, who supported the Priceless People Wellbeing Festival, which 

opened its doors to gardening experts, yogis, foodies and even a few celebs! 

The whole WT team would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who was involved in 

the making of another fantastic Midsummer Fair; exhibitors, stewards, crafters, bakers, visitors, 

sponsors, photographers, speakers, caterers and everybody else who made this year extra special. 

The planning has already begun for the Midwinter Fair 2015, which will be at Bedgebury 

Pinetum from 19-21 November. We can’t wait... see you there! www.wealdentimes.co.uk/events

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NPS Whealden Times_1108.qxp_Layout 1 13/08/2015 09:37 Page 1 

NORTHBOURNE PARK SCHOOL 

CO-EDUCATIONAL DAY & BOARDING SCHOOL FOR 3 TO 13 YEAR OLDS 

HamiltonKitchenWT159.indd 1 02/04/2015 14:56 

OPEN MORNING 

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Call 01304 611215 or email admissions@northbournepark.com 

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www.northbournepark.com 


NorthbourneParkSchoolWT163.indd 1 14/08/2015 15:23

19 th , 20 th & 21 st November 2015 

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www.cripps.co.uk @crippslaw This article gives examples and is intended for general guidance only

Editor’s 

Letter 

Welcome to a fabulously jam-packed September issue of 

Wealden Times. We have a real soft spot for the creative zeal 

of Hastings, so were delighted when we were invited to pay 

a visit to Annette Poole’s stylish townhouse (Curtain Up, p. 

52) to photograph her irresistibly quirky and contemporary 

interior. Following an artistic theme, our second house 

outing this month was to Suzanne and Tim Stobbs’s 

beamed cottage nestled in the heart of Goudhurst. Full of 

Suzanne’s vibrant paintings, and with a colourful history 

to match, we loved exploring its maze of cosy rooms. 

To celebrate another series of The Great British Bake 

Off, clever cook Lorna Fleming talks us through three 

heavenly cake recipes, all based on traditional British 

favourites but with her very own special twist. Try them 

out for yourself from p. 128 (we couldn’t get enough of 

the Passion Fruit & Mascarpone Victoria Sponge!). 

If you have children, and schools are at the forefront 

of your mind this month, our Education Supplement 

goes behind the scenes at local schools and nurseries 

to find out a little more about the teaching staff that 

devote their time to creating productive and stimulating 

environments for children around the Weald. 

Enjoy your 

Wealden Times! 

Wealden Times Team 

Editor .............................................................................................Lucy Fleming 

Press, Social Media & Editorial Assistant........................................Helen Barton 

Design ..........................................................................................Powerful Pierre 

Design Team ...............................................................................Anthony Boxall 

Rob Cursons 

Phoebe Gilbert 

Managing Director .........................................................................Julie Simpson 

Sales Manager .....................................................................Lisa Gordon-Hughes 

Sales Team ................................................................................Hayley Biddulph 

Becky Smith 

Lisa Smith 

Chloe Williams 

Distribution ................................................................................ Emma Murphy 

Jude Brown 

Wealden Times Events & Wealdenfairs.com Team 

Sales Director......................................................................................Joy Adams 

Events Organiser .........................................................................Fiona Saunders 

E-Commerce & Marketing Executive............................................James Godfrey 

E-Commerce Assistant............................................................Megan Longworth 

Relationship at 

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WhiteheadMoncktonWT163.indd 1 06/08/2015 10:31

An Invitation For 

Wealden Times Readers 

A Date For Your Diary 

Saturday 19 th September 2015, 10am–2pm 

at Kenward House & Gardens 

Housed in a Georgian mansion and nestling 

in the beautiful Kent countryside close to 

Yalding and Wateringbury is Kenward House, 

one of the county’s best kept secrets. 

For almost fifty years, Kenward Trust has been 

supporting isolated and disadvantaged people 

to find new opportunities and purpose often 

following a life of chaos, confusion and despair. 

With projects across West Kent and East Sussex 

there are many opportunities to become involved. 

Become A Volunteer 

We’d love you to be part of the next chapter in 

the history of Kenward House & Gardens and 

hope you can join us on the 19 th September. 

Further information at www.kenwardtrust.org.uk 

and Find us on Facebook, search KenwardTrust 

Kenward Trust. An Amazing Charity 

with a remarkable heritage. 

We are now RECRUITING VOLUNTEERS and so we 

invite you to join us on Saturday 19 th September 

between 10am–2pm for great coffee, refreshments and 

a chance to browse our garden centre and craft shop, 

tour our 16 acre site and be inspired by our amazing 

residents, dedicated staff and existing volunteers. 

Telephone 01622 814187 

Kenward Road, Yalding, Maidstone, Kent ME18 6AH

where to find your copy... 

call 01580 714705 

to find your nearest distributor of Wealden Times 

or to have your free copy of Wealden Times delivered 

for 12 months for just £22 postage 

Distribution of Wealden Times 

published in Cranbrook for the Weald 

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CaroleRidleyWT163.indd 1 18/08/2015 10:42

Curtain Up 

Words: Jo Arnell Photographs: David Merewether Styling: Lucy Fleming 

When curtain maker Annette Poole decided to move from Battle to Hastings, 

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52


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www.thomashaywoodsolicitors.com 


54 

ThomasHaywoodSolicitorsWT163.indd 1 17/08/2015 10:21

Previous pages: The kitchen has undergone extensive remodelling Above: Inventively displayed plants are a feature of most rooms in 

Annette’s home. On the kitchen table she has planted a selection of old trophies with succulents 

There’s something in the sea air down in 

Hastings, a creativity that crashes out 

of the waves and up into parts of the 

town. Arriving at Annette Poole’s symmetrically 

stylish front garden you can see that the tide of 

inspiration has definitely splashed into this house. 

Annette had looked at lots of properties when 

thinking of moving down from Battle to Hastings 

– but only from the outside. This house was the 

only one she looked at inside, but by the time her 

house in Battle had sold, it had been taken off 

the market. Another person might take this 

 


This page: Annette has chosen a striking print of a woman in sunglasses which serves as a splashback for the cooker. The idea works very well as a 

replacement for tiles, especially as there’s never much wall space in a kitchen. The lockers in the dining part of the kitchen were originally destined for 

one of the bedrooms upstairs 

as a signal to start looking elsewhere, but not Annette. 

She probed deeper and discovered that the owners were 

renting the property out and were still keen to sell. Happily 

Annette and her family moved into the house just over 

three years ago and she began the transformation. 

The previous owners had done work to the house already; 

it had recently featured in Ideal Home magazine. Many of 

us would be happy to move into a house that had just been 

photographed for a magazine and not want to change a 

thing, but, when Annette shows me the pictures, to my 

 


56

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In the sitting room I’m drawn to look at the artwork around the room, much of it 

made by Annette and her children. This is an inspiring house, and a testament to 

the fact that ingenuity and persistence can count for more than a cheque book... 


Top left & right: The hallway has been painted a deep shade of grey with accents of gold and sparkling glass provided by the beautifully shaped chandelier, 

another find from Hastings Antiques Centre Above left: Curtain findings and artworks grouped over the fireplace in Annette’s workroom 

Above right: Annette’s artwork ‘Waste of Money’ 

surprise the rooms are almost unrecognisable – they could 

have been of a different house altogether. “It just wasn’t my 

style,” says Annette. “We lived with it for a while and then 

I just gradually did each room when I could afford to.” 

Most of the transformation has been done with the magic 

of paint. Lesson Number One: Be bold, it’s only paint. “The 

worst that can happen is that you’ll have to paint over it 

again,” says Annette. But there have been a few structural 

alterations too – the addition of an en suite bathroom for 

the master bedroom, a new ceiling for the landing (when 

the old one fell down while they were stripping it ready 

for re-decoration) and the replacement of a long and low 

kitchen window with one that allowed for a sink unit to 

be put back under it. “And I don’t like to look at dirty 

grout,” adds Annette cheerfully, “so all the tiles (in the whole 

house) have been replaced with tongue and groove.” 

Redecoration began in the hall. This was a large project, 

because the landing upstairs is huge. The walls above 


60

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62 

NewWaveWT160.indd 1 19/05/2015 09:22

Redecoration began in the hall. This was a large project, because the 

landing upstairs is huge. The walls above the stairs are very high, which 

also happily means that there’s lots of space to hang pictures on the landing 

and plenty of room for some enormous, and enormously stylish, chandeliers, 

sourced from Robert Amstad at Hastings Antiques Centre... 

 


Above left: Annette’s daughter’s room is beautifully tidy. The treatment in this room is simple, but effective. The original fireplace is set off well in a wall covered 

with ‘Pavilion Birds’ wallpaper by St. Leonards designer Louise Body Above right: A corner of the landing 

the stairs are very high, which also happily means that 

there’s lots of space to hang pictures on the landing and 

plenty of room for some enormous, and enormously stylish, 

chandeliers, sourced from Robert Amstad at Hastings Antiques 

Centre – not far away in Norman Road, St Leonards. 

Next, Annette tackled the kitchen, which, from her point 

of view, was not a practical use of space. “I got fed up with 

walking round the island unit in the middle,” she says, “so that 

was one of the first things we removed.” Then the window 

was changed to allow for the sink to be relocated and new 

kitchen cupboards installed. None of the changes were instant 

though. “We spent one Christmas with no water in the 

kitchen – we had to wash up in the bathroom and use paper 

plates,” Annette laughs, adding, “you soon learn to choose your 

meals with care – some foods go right through paper plates!” 

I notice a striking print that’s being used as a 

 


64

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This page: On the first floor, the family bathroom and loo are painted a mossy green and nautical blue, lined with off-white wood panelling 

splashback for the cooker, which works very well as a 

replacement for tiles, especially as there’s never much 

wall space in a kitchen. The lockers in the dining part 

of the kitchen were originally destined for one of the 

bedrooms upstairs, “but they were so heavy and hard to 

move that they just had to stay there,” Annette says. 

Annette is a curtain maker and ideas for colour schemes 

have often come from bits of fabric – scraps left over from 

jobs. She is very sensitive to colour. “I think I’m OCD 

about it!” she laughs, “I don’t like it if the colour scheme 

doesn’t work.” This extends throughout the house. Grey is 

a predominant backdrop, blending into all the individual 

schemes within each room and seamlessly uniting the whole 

house together. “When you look at the house, and the 

garden, you’ll see that I actually use very few colours. Lesson 

Two: Use one predominant colour in different shades 

 


This page: Complete with a marble fireplace, one of the spare bedrooms is painted a pale, creamy gold which complements the honeyed floorboards and furniture 

Annette is a curtain maker and ideas for colour schemes have often come from bits of 

fabric – scraps left over from jobs. She is very sensitive to colour. “I think I’m OCD 

about it!” she laughs, “I don’t like it if the colour scheme doesn’t work.” 

to unite spaces. “Grey works well because it offsets all 

other colours, so you can use it to mix and match with 

and then use different colours as accents.” This sounds so 

simple, but it takes an experienced eye – and one that people 

would happily pay for. When I suggest to Annette that 

she could be an interior designer she laughs and says she’s 

happy just making curtains. “I’m not bossy enough and 

wouldn’t want to impose my ideas on people.” From where I 

sit, making curtains is a terrifyingly clever thing to do by itself 

anyway. I once made a Roman blind (this isn’t the start of a 

bad taste joke by the way) – a window blind that went wonky 

in many directions. I know that curtain making of all kinds 

(unless it’s just wedging a tea towel up against the window) 

is a huge skill and one to be in awe of. Nevertheless it 


68

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70 

BackfromBlackWT162.indd 1 15/07/2015 12:20

This page: In the master bedroom at the front of the house, the bed 

is tucked into the bay of the window, maximising the space available 

and allowing space for the en suite bathroom. The scheme in this 

room is dominated by a large wardrobe – a cloak cupboard from the 

House of Lords that was given to Annette by an aunt. Annette has 

painted it bright green. “I was going to paint the whole room that 

colour but I chickened out and just kept it to the cupboard.” 

becomes clear as we look around that curtain making is 

just one of Annette’s talents. She has also created many of 

the artworks on the walls too; there are some unnerving 

and quirky dolls’ heads in glass frames, some framed pieces 

using paper sculpture and then there’s the taxidermy. 

The back garden had not been touched when she bought the 

house. Worse, the dividing wall had blown over into the garden 

and it all looked a tricky undertaking. Annette has transformed 

what could easily have been an unusable slope with a series of 

terraces, all meticulously worked out and edged with sleepers. 

At the top there’s a lovely little bespoke shed (‘shed’ seems too 

mundane a word as it looks more like a summerhouse). “The 

shed was once a Victorian greenhouse,” she says, “but it was in 

a bad way. When the wall came down I used some of the bricks 

to build it. And it doesn’t have steps up to it, she says, but a 

practical ramp so that I can put the lawnmower away easily. 

The planting in the garden is as carefully thought out 

as the house and uses a refined and careful palette of 

colours. “I’m just as happy with plain green,” smiles 


This page: The cool grey master bedroom en suite. A grouping of spiky ceramic sculptures, reminiscent of sea anemones, from Myung Nam An are mounted on one wall 

Annette in her understated way. Today the garden is brimming 

with seasonal colour, offset by an effective combination 

of pebbles, wood and Indian sandstone. It looks very 

professional and is packed with an exuberant planting of 

agapanthus, allium sphaerocephalon and campanula. So 

where did the gardening know-how come from? “I slavishly 

watch every episode of Gardener’s World!” she laughs. 

There’s a wonderful view of the garden from the 

bedroom at the back of the house (which has been sparsely 

furnished as a temporary therapy room for one of her 

daughter’s friends to use). I notice that Annette has used 

the fabric from the curtains to make a lampshade and 

that the colour scheme springs from this fabric. Lesson 

Three: Find your object first, then match the scheme to the 

object, rather than searching for the object afterwards. 

Annette’s daughter’s room is beautifully tidy – “but not 

when she’s in it!” laughs Annette. The treatment in this 

room is simple, but effective. The original fireplace is set off 

well in a wall covered with ‘Pavilion Birds’ wallpaper by St. 

Leonards designer Louise Body. When we look in the master 

bedroom at the front of the house, I notice that the bed is in 

an interesting position, tucked into the bay of the window. 

The room is more spacious this way and more importantly 

it makes space for the en suite bathroom. The scheme in 

this room is dominated by a large wardrobe, actually a cloak 

cupboard from the House of Lords that was given to her by an 

aunt. Annette has painted it bright green. “I was going to paint 

the whole room that colour but I chickened out and just 


72

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This page: Putting her love of Gardener’s World to good use Annette 

has created a garden using a refined and careful palette of colours. It’s 

brimming with seasonal colour, offset by an effective combination of 

pebbles, wood and Indian sandstone and packed with an exuberant 

planting of agapanthus, allium sphaerocephalon and campanula 

Annette has transformed what could 

easily have been an unusable slope with 

a series of terraces, all meticulously 

worked out and edged with sleepers... 

kept it to the cupboard.” It makes a magnificent statement. 

Back downstairs, we peek into Annette’s workroom, which 

is just as carefully thought through as the rest of the house 

– and even her files and accounting paraphernalia are colour 

co-ordinated. A pile of beautifully finished curtains are laid 

out carefully in the middle of the floor ready to be packed 

and taken to a client. Next door in the sitting room I’m 

drawn to look at the artwork around the room, much of it 

made by Annette and her children. There are the dolls’ heads 

again, which I find particularly unnerving, but they’ve been 

beautifully done. There’s some witty taxidermy too – a mouse 

secured into an open purse with a hatpin, a duckling and 

various other little birds in quaint setups. They have a macabre 

charm, reminiscent of artist and taxidermist Polly Morgan. 


74

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Colour Dance 

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76 

XLPoolsWT162.indd 1 14/07/2015 10:32

Above left: Rounded pebbles have been cemented into place on the wide steps that ascend to the back garden Above right: Annette has created a symmetrically 

stylish front garden to welcome visitors to her home 

This is an inspiring house, and a testament to the 

fact that ingenuity and persistence can count for more 

than a cheque book. I leave feeling that maybe the 

ability to do interior design and decoration is not out 

of reach after all. Then I come to Final lesson: An eye 

for colour and a talent for putting ideas together doesn’t 

just wash in from living by the sea. It actually takes 

a lot of effort and skill and the sort of understated 

talent that come from working hard at something. 

Annette Poole has it in buckets and spades. 

Address Book: 

To contact Annette about curtain and blind making call 

07711 552207. See some of her creations in situ at Th e 

George in Rye www.thegeorgeinrye.com. Annette sourced 

her paint from Farrow & Ball available at The Shop 

Next Door, Rye. www.thegeorgeinrye.com/TSND.html 

Hastings Antiques Centre St. Leonards-on-Sea 01424 428561. 

Find similar shutters and artwork at Lion Street 

Store Rye 01797 224007 www.lionstreetstore.com. 

Louise Body 07889 465552 www.louisebody.com. 

Find similar glass domes and artwork at McCully & 

Crane Rye 07932 478383 www.mccullyandcrane.com. 

Myung Nam An myungnaman.co.uk 

The kitchen splashback and fabrics are from Wayward 

Vintage Fabrics & Haberdashery in St. Leonardson-Sea 

07815 013337 www.wayward.co. 

Never miss an issue of Wealden Times by 

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78 

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Seaside inspired, nautical interior ideas... 


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Our new Invincible® heater range boasts a unique 

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80 

SunFlowWT163.indd 1 14/08/2015 15:54

The 

Huntingdon 30 

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stove (left) from Victoria Stone of 

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styling with significant heating capacity, 

making it the ideal choice for many homes. Dual 

air levers, allowing you to select the amount of 

flames and heat output to suit your needs, provide 

exacting control of combustion whilst there is also 

an external riddling feature to aid the efficient 

burning of smokeless fuels. It’s also available 

as a gas and an electric stove. Prices 

start from £949. 01892 541337 

www.victoriastone.co.uk 

The 

Contura 556 Style, 

with glass door (right), is one 

of the hottest newcomers of the year. 

Retailing at £1795 inc VAT, the generous 

side lights mean that you can see the fire 

from different angles in the room. With cleaner 

lines and a large glass door it gives a light and 

modern impression. The new handles do not 

get hot and are integrated into the front of 

the stove. See them at Country Warmth’s 

Sandgate showroom. 01303 240300 

www.countrywarmth.com 

Keeping Cosy 

Prepare for autumn and winter with our 

pick of the most stylish stoves... 

‘The 

Little Thurlow’ 

multifuel fireplace from 

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has a 5 kw output, is British made 

and 79.6% efficient. It comes with 

a choice of brass or stainless steel 

fittings for £848 plus VAT. 

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kristelfireplaces.co.uk 

 

There’s nothing quite like the warm glow of 

a wood burning stove to make your home 

feel really welcoming. At our Cranbrook 

showroom you will find on display a 

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84

Melodic Canvas 

Words: Jo Arnell Photographs: David Merewether Styling: Lucy Fleming & Helen Barton 

After coming to Goudhurst as a hop picker at 19, Suzanne Stobbs knew she’d love to 

return one day to live in the village. Now Suzanne and her husband Tim have found 

their perfect family home in an idyllic position in the heart of Goudhurst. ... 


15 

RobinsonWaters 

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Internal area of the Ground Floor 121.4 sq. metres. 

11 

8 

Lintel 

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NewlandsJoineryWT161.indd 1 22/06/2015 RobinsonWatersWT155.indd 12:41 

1 09/12/2014 14:40 

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Tel: 01580 241614 Email: info@lilymatthews.co.uk 

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86 

LilyMatthewsWT159.indd 1 17/04/2015 12:26

Previous pages: The kitchen Above: Suzanne and her family had lived in their previous house for twenty-one years, so moving was quite a wrench 

for some members of the family. “I hadn’t realised quite how much it meant to my son Alexander especially to leave the old house – but he does 

like the fact that there’s room for two pianos here. And we’re so close to the church where Alexander regularly plays the organ,” she says 

St Mary’s church in Goudhurst sits, a solid and 

steadfast beacon, at the top of the Weald, where 

it’s been a reassuring presence for the past nine 

hundred years. Suzanne and Tim Stobbs’s house is 

located very close to the church and benefits from the 

same panoramic views out across the countryside. The 

couple love walking, and from this location the Weald is 

virtually their oyster. “There’s an amazing range of walks 

from here,” says Suzanne, “You can wander down to 

Scotney on one side and to the vineyards on the other.” 

Suzanne and her husband Tim and their four children 

had lived in their previous house for twenty-one years, 

so moving was quite a wrench for some members of the 

family. “I hadn’t realised quite how much it meant to my 

son Alexander especially to leave the old house – but he 

does like the fact that there’s room for two pianos here. 

And we’re so close to the church where Alexander regularly 

plays the organ.” Alexander is their youngest son and a 

very gifted musician. He suffers from the devastating illness 

cystic fibrosis, but despite this has achieved an enormous 

amount. He also starred in the Channel 4 documentary ‘A 

Boy Called Alex’, which showed him winning scholarships 

to both Eton and Cambridge – and being a charming 

and remarkable person throughout. Alexander is full of 

determination and zest for life, but his life-limiting, and 

ultimately incurable illness, and the treatment regime involved 

in managing it, is very gruelling and means that Suzanne 

needs to travel up to hospital in London twice a week, so 

life needs to be organised in a different and flexible way. 

Their last house was much larger than this one and had 

a very large garden needing considerable upkeep too, so the 

move was a practical step. It was the idyllic position that 

drew them to the property. “This was only the second house 

we saw. We hadn’t planned to move into an old house at all. 

But it was the location, being so close to the church – and 

Goudhurst is a place that I’ve always wanted to live in.” 

Suzanne’s family all live further west, Tim’s as far as you can 

get to the southwest – in Cornwall – so it would have made 

sense to move nearer to them, but for Suzanne, the attraction 

to Goudhurst runs deep. “I’ve loved Goudhurst ever since I 

was a student and came hop picking here one summer when 

I was 19,” says Suzanne. “I had such a wonderful time then 

and said that one day I’d love to come back here to live. I 

was amazed to find that all those years later, there are 


Top & above right: A small rug in the sitting room conceals the entrance to the 

cellar that could have been used to store smugglers’ ‘booty’ Left: The hallway 

even some of the original people that I met back then.” 

Built as three small cottages, the house dates from the 

seventeenth century and retains many original features. It 

has been extended, the previous owners building an annexe 

that could be sectioned off and rented out. “So we have 

three separate staircases, which can get rather confusing!” 

says Suzanne. There was a fair amount of work to be done 

when they first moved in. “We spent the first few months 

here making the house warmer – installing cosy wood 

burners and Tim has repaired the windows, repointed the 

walls and re-plastered inside.” This is a very friendly warm 

house now and the nearby church provides a comforting 

presence, but in an old property, if you start peeling 

 


88

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90 

MakingArtWorkWT163.indd 1 11/08/2015 14:31

Above: Suzanne has lined one of two staircases with baskets of succulents, cacti and geraniums 

back the layers, you discover a many sided 

past and this house may hold a secret, darker 

history. There is a cellar under the floor of the 

sitting room that could have been used to store 

smugglers’ ‘booty’. “A cellar in a neighbouring 

property leads to the church,” says Suzanne. 

“Smuggling was known to have gone on there.” 

The ceilings in this house are beamed and 

typically rather low, but thanks to the addition of 

a Velux window above one of the staircases and 

judicious use of white paint, the house doesn’t 

feel especially dark and gloomy. This is helped 

by the addition of a pale Italian marble floor that 

replaces more traditional floorboards in much of 

the ground floor. It’s an unusual touch, but one 

that Suzanne definitely approves of. “The floor 

was put in by the previous owners. It must have 

cost a fortune, but is very much appreciated by us, 

as it’s lovely, and easy to maintain too,” she says. 

Plain white walls and the pale floor could 

have made the house a little stark, but warm, 

dark wood, bright coloured sofas in the 


Top: The master bedroom with its heirloom quilt made by Suzanne for her mother’s 70th birthday Above: Alexander’s room 

sitting room and complementary rugs on the stone floors 

keep a cosy feel. “I love colour,” says Suzanne, which can 

be seen in her extensive collections of china and other 

collectibles. The Sicilian pottery pieces are especially vibrant, 

in orange, blue and white, and there are many other 

colourful finds all over the house. Suzanne’s love of making 

things is as evident as her quest for colour, especially in 

her paintings. Her output at the moment is quite prolific, 

and her uplifting, colourful paintings are everywhere. 

It was while Alexander was in hospital as a child that 

Suzanne, a music teacher by profession, discovered her 

love for painting. “The Royal Brompton isn’t like other 

hospitals – there are no set visiting hours and you can 

sleep in the room if you need to, or in one nearby. They 

held some art classes for the patients culminating in an 

exhibition to which family members were also invited 

 


92

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Above: Suzanne and Tim’s daughter’s room is a sweet, light-filled space 

to submit works.” She was amazed when all her paintings 

sold. “They were kiddie paintings really and very naive – to 

say the least!” she laughs. That first experience has grown 

into a passion and since then she hasn’t stopped, her style 

developing as her confidence has grown. Husband Tim 

is also very supportive, making frames for the artwork. 

Suzanne’s paintings are mainly local views through the 

seasons: “I love this time of the year,” she says. “The fields 

are being harvested – so I sometimes have to be very quick, 

as the composition that I’m in the middle of can completely 

change overnight if the farmer harvests his crop, or moves the 

hay bales – which makes it a challenge sometimes.” A case 

of seizing the moment and making sketches while the sun 

shines. “I try to get up at 6am and am able to go out and do 

an hour or two sketching before I come in for breakfast – or 

before I have to catch the train up to London,” she says. 

This sounds quite exhausting to me, but exhilarating too. 

As well as painting, Suzanne also finds time to craft things 

out of papier mâché and to knit and sew, often making 

items up from scraps. The appliqué tablecloth in the kitchen 

has been made from a plain old linen tablecloth from a 

hotel and upstairs on the beds there are some beautiful 

and intricate patchwork bedspreads. Much of the material 

for the things Suzanne makes is from Bell House Fabrics, 

but she enjoys recycling and creating new things from 

old, and any small leftover pieces are made into outfits 

for rag and peg dolls, and also small decorations for the 

simple birch twig hanging displays around the house. 

Upstairs in her daughter’s room, a sweetly simple, light 

filled room, we pause to look out of the window at the 

church and the view. “I did quite a lot of painting from 

this room, with the easel by the window looking out. You 

get such a good view and can also see people coming and 

going.” She laughs, adding: “I’d be able to solve murder 

mysteries from up here, watching everyone as they go 

about their business – like an episode of Miss Marple!” 

We go through the charming Jack and Jill bathroom and 

out through another bedroom into the adjoining annexe, 

where the light from the extra window floods through. This 

is where Suzanne has her studio. Downstairs there’s a giant 

table containing a large number of Suzanne’s paintings. “I 

have to spread them all out here like this,” she says, “because 

I work on so many at once, and I paint in oils in a very 

textured way, using many layers that I apply quite thickly. It 

takes an age to dry, so laying them out like this works well.” 

The annexe is at right angles to the main house, making the 

small outdoor space into a courtyard garden. It was originally 

all paved, but Tim and Suzanne have removed some of the 

hardstanding and made a flower bed down one side. Suzanne 

also grows lots of plants in pots, and is particularly proud of 

a mimosa, recently bought from Great Dixter and awaiting 

a permanent home. She has managed to give the garden a 

colour injection, but it’s hard to get used to a smaller space, 

and she misses the large garden from their old house, even if 

the upkeep is much less here. We’ve been here five years now 

and I do miss gardening. I would love to grow some veggies.” 

Living in a completely different style of property to the one 

you’ve lived in before is always going to require compromise 

and an adaptable nature. And often within a family, what 

suits one person won’t be ideal for another. “Tim aspires 

to live in a minimalist house with no ‘bric-a-brac’ – as he 

calls my collections!” says Suzanne. But I sense that he 


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96 

SofasAndStuffWT161.indd 1 09/06/2015 10:16

Top left & right: The annexe that houses Suzanne’s studio is at right angles 

to the main house, making the small outdoor space into a courtyard garden 

Above & right: The entrance hall 

can’t mind too much. “Yes, he’s very supportive and puts 

up with a lot,” she laughs. The ability to compromise and 

adapt is something that this family are familiar with, having 

had to face many challenges over the years. It’s testament to 

their strength and faith that they’re continuing to live and 

grow, as steadfast and sure as the church that sits opposite. 

Address Book: 

Bell House Fabrics Cranbrook 01580 

712555 www.bellhousefabrics.co.uk 

Great Dixter Northiam 01797 252878 www.greatdixter.co.uk 

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Decorating with Plants 

Satoshi Kawamoto explains how the power of plants can 

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Stepladder 

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Designing with Stepladders 

ONE: Use a graduation of white, beige and 

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This design concept is perfect for people who love the simple, 

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have to use flowers to give your room some flair. Liven it up 

instead with an assortment of foliage plants with distinctive 

leaf shapes, colours and habits, including trailing plants and 

plants with variegated or dentate leaves. Coordinate them 

with furnishings in shades of white, beige and grey; white 

candles and bath towels, terracotta pots wrapped with strips 

of tin plate and dried flowers all work well. If you’re worried 

the effect is becoming too understated, add a touch of 


vibrancy with something 

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such as mint-green tiles or 

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If a sweet and pretty look is 

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Stepladder 

arrangement 

... 

TWO 

Decorating with Plants - 

The Art of Using Plants 

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102

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illustration by Jessica Durrant 

Join us at the Beauty Hall in 

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Come and enjoy some ‘you time’ and let us help 

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beauty focus 

prize draw 

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cosmetics in the Fenwick Tunbridge Wells Beauty Hall. 

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To win one of these fantastic prizes, simply fill in your details below and hand the voucher in when you come in store during the 

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Title 

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Tick the box if you do not want Fenwick Tunbridge Wells to send you details of forthcoming special events and promotions. Your details will be treated in the strictest confidence and will 

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106

Omega Studio 

presents a selling 

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Featuring the work of 

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44 

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108 

Elizabeth44WT163.indd 1 11/08/2015 15:23

Joseph ‘Christian’ blue shirt, 

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co.uk; Baum und Pferdgarten grid 

trousers, £89.50, Odyl, Cranbrook 

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Eileen Fisher stripe bateau top, £175, 

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9.30am-5.30pm 

And receive 15% off all 

purchases, plus free goody bags, 

cupcakes and a glass of fizz 

Lewes Boutique 

11 Cliffe High Street 

Lewes BN7 2AH 

Tel 01273 474667 

Heathfield Boutique 

Station Rd • Heathfield 

TN21 8LB 

Tel 01435 864962 

shop@darcey.co.uk Lewes Boutique • www.darcey.co.uk 

Cliffe High Steet • Lewes • BN7 2AH • Tel 01273 474667 

Heathfield Boutique 


Station Rd • Heathfield • TN21 8LB • Tel 01435 864962 

shop@darceysussex.com • www.darceysussex.com 

DarceyWT163.indd 1 14/08/2015 10:06

New Season 

Clothing 

Now In 

Swattenden Lane | Cranbrook | TN17 3PS 

01580 713189 

www.charityfarmcountrystore.co.uk 

No 6, The Colonnade, Rye Road, 

Hawkhurst, Kent TN18 4ES - 01580 752118 

12 High Street, Rye, East Sussex TN31 7JF - 01797 224 369 

Mon-Sat 10am-5.30pm www.cordeliajames.com 

CharityFarmWT163.indd 1 12/08/2015 CordeliaJamesWT163.indd 14:28 

1 12/08/2015 16:18 

Linda Pope 

F.B.D.O 

Are you ready for the 

Seasonal change? 

Boutique Lingerie, Nightwear 

and Swimwear 

Fitting service for Bra’s and Swimwear from 

28-44 (band size) and A-J (cup size). 

The Square • Forest Row • East Sussex • RH18 5ES • 01342 822122 

Lily & Grace 

Lingerie 

facebook.com/LindaPopeOpticians 

Rye Road • Hawkhurst 

Telephone. 01580 753744 


112 

LilyGraceLingerieWT163.indd 1 03/08/2015 LindapopeQRTWT160.indd 12:15 

1 11/05/2015 14:23

Oska ‘Leticia’ jacket, £279, Pure 

DKNY black trousers, £206, 

Fenwick, Tunbridge Wells 

01892 516716 www.fenwick. 

co.uk; Second Female white shirt, 

£66, Odyl, Cranbrook 01580 

714907 www.odyl.co.uk

Diane von Furstenberg geo stripe 

printed jumpsuit, £418, The Clever 

Dresser, Sevenoaks 01732 453002 

www.thecleverdresser.com

Hair 

Concept 

salon 

STYLISH SHOES FOR STYLISH FEET 

50 High Street, Tenterden 01580 762 564 

Book online at www.williamcharleshair.co.uk 

or through our facebook page 

Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm 

15 High Street, Westerham, Kent. TN16 1RA 

01959 565644 or order online at: 

www.manukashoes.com 

WilliamCharlesWT163.indd 1 13/08/2015 ManukaShoesWT163.indd 09:52 

1 12/08/2015 13:59 


LeiaLingerieWT163.indd 1 13/08/2015 12:44

Who’s Wearing What 

boutique 

The independent boutique 

in the heart of St Leonards-on-Sea 

Flower&Glory 

Weddings • Events • House & Garden 

Gorgeous flowers for weddings, funerals & events - and everyday. 

Unusual decorative objects for the house & 

garden - for that lovely finishing touch. 

Stockist of Neom Luxury Organics 

Home Fragrancing & Body Products. 

12 Blacks Yard, Blighs Meadow, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1DS 

Tel: 01732 743419 www.flowerandglory.co.uk 

Flower&GloryWT163.indd 1 12/08/2015 13:02 

Understated womenswear 

in natural fabrics 

Ivories 

Italian-made beautiful and timeless classics 

An effortless look with fl attering lines 

InAvati 

Perfect coats for practical elegance 

Offering quality, comfort, great value and style 

Lavgon 

Unique in design using natural textural fabrics 

Structured wear with a distinctive look 

Join us for the New Season Launch 

Saturday 19th September 10-5pm 

Who’s Wearing What boutique 

34 London Road, St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex TN37 6AN 

01424 272 925 Open 7 days a week 

whoswearingwhatboutique 

www.whoswearingwhat-boutique.co.uk 


116 

whoswearingwhatboutiqueWT163.indd 1 12/08/2015 OttewillWT158.indd 16:33 

1 20/03/2015 14:38

Patrizia Pepe white lace shirt, £121, 

Odyl, Cranbrook 01580 714907 

www.odyl.co.uk; Eileen Fisher black 

crop trousers, £140, Fenwick, 

Tunbridge Wells 01892 516716 

www.fenwick.co.uk

AlpacaAnnie 

New Website Coming Soon 

New Autumn / Winter ‘15 stock due in 

store from Mid-September. 

We look forward to seeing you soon. 

Brand 

New 

Alpaca 

Products 

& More 

Visit our current website www.alpacaannie.com 

Tel: 01797 224271 

16 Lion Street, Rye, E.Sussex TN31 7LB 

e: shop@thegoldenfleece.co.uk 

w: www.thegoldenfleece.co.uk 

@goldenfleecerye 

AlpacaAnnieWT163.indd 1 11/08/2015 GoldenFleeceWT163.indd 14:39 

1 13/08/2015 11:24 

Retailer of 

the year 2015 

dressing undeniable beauty 

www.odyl.co.uk 

01580 714907 

Lingerie and Swimwear Boutique - Qualified Fitting Specialists 

96 High Street, Rye, East Sussex TN31 7JN 

info@sirenandpearl.co.uk 01797 224116 

www.sirenandpearl.co.uk Open 7 days a week SirenandPearl 


118 

OdylWT163.indd 1 13/08/2015 SirenAndPearlWT163.indd 14:31 

1 18/08/2015 15:52

Diva black dress, £115, 

Odyl, Cranbrook 01580 714907 

www.odyl.co.uk 

We would like to say a big 

thank you to Darling Buds 

Farm in Bethersden for allowing 

us to photograph in their 

beautiful grounds and stunning 

farm buildings. For more 

information on the venue visit 

www.darlingbudsfarm.co.uk 

or call 01233 822450 

Never miss an issue of Wealden 

Times by visiting the iTunes 

App Store to download our free 

interactive iPad edition 


90mm w x 130mm h Barnetts.pdf 1 05/08/2015 12:49:57 

Stalwart Wellness provides a unique setting nestled in the grounds 

of a private residence in Tenterden offering: 

n Pilates classes 

n Corporate wellness 

n Yoga classes 

n Private lessons 

For more information and details on the classes please go to 

stalwartwellness.co.uk or contact info@stalwartwellness.co.uk 

or 07779 670502 

Stalwart Wellness Tenterden Kent 

stalwartj 

AvanteCare&SupportLtdWT163.indd 1 05/08/2015 StalwartWellnessWT163.indd 16:56 

1 03/08/2015 12:40 

Bespoke non-surgical 

treatment packages for a 

fresher, brighter you in 2015! 

Combining the latest in non-surgical aesthetic 

treatments including thread lifts, mesotherapy, 

laser treatments and more. 

Contact us to book a no obligation 

FREE aesthetic consultation on 01580 762323. 

Woodbury Clinic 

149 High Street 

Tenterden 

Kent TN30 6JS 

www.woodburyclinic.co.uk 

Dr Jaimini Vadgama 

BDS Hons (Lond) PG Cert MFDS RCSEd 


120 

WoodburyDentalAndLaserClinicWT156.indd 1 07/01/2015 17:21

Pure 

Calm 

Josephine Fairley smoothes forehead 

furrows... the natural way... 

Illustrations: Susanne Hayes 

Botox, Faux-Tox, Whatevertox… You won’t catch 

me signing up for any of them. But it’s true: a 

furrowed brow is one of the most ageing features 

on a face. So have you considered a low-tech way to 

banishing forehead furrows – through meditation…? 

Now, I know myself that the very act of meditation can 

be stressful. Seek to empty the mind, and instantly it fills 

with To Do Lists, becomes preoccupied with a dive-bombing 

bluebottle in the next room – or one’s limbs simply develop 

a bad case of Lotus position-ache. As a result, potential 

meditators often abandon a tension-banishing technique 

which, when practised regularly, can keep at bay a wide 

range of complaints including headaches, migraine, asthma, 

eczema, PMS, hypertension and even heart attacks. (One 

London study of meditation and relaxation training for men 

and women at risk of coronaries found that, four years on, 

not only did members of the meditating group have 

lower blood pressure readings, but showed fewer 

symptoms of heart disease, less angina and a lower 

number of deaths from heart attack. Can’t argue 

with that.) More meditative bonuses: zapped 

stress and the ability to cope better with 

forthcoming activities or problems. And 

yes, that brow will be less furrowed. 

Now, I’ve always meditated. Off 

and on. Well, more off than on, 

in truth – but it’s something I’ve 

always turned to, to restore calm in 

troubled times. I’ve done walking 

meditation, washing-up meditation 

(yes, really!), and even for a while 

turned a little corner of a spare room 

into an altar – which just gathered 

dust after the first few days. 

But a few months ago, I decided to 

check out an App that several people 

had recommended to me lately, and 

give it a go: Headspace. I’d actually 

downloaded it months ago but hadn’t got 

round to using the App (which is actually a 

shameful admission). I started with the Take 

10 programme: 10 days of guided meditations, 

interspersed with little films at the start about how 

meditation works on the mind, and tips and tricks. 

And it flipping well worked. Like a treat. All it took was 

10 minutes in the morning, listening to the middle-England 

tones of Andy Puddicombe, the founder of Headspace 

(unlikely-but-true: he briefly trained at Moscow State 

Circus and has a degree in Circus Arts), and I had already 

become a much, much calmer person. By the second set 

of 10 sessions (nudged up to 15 minutes, from the initial 

10 days of 10 minutes), any stresses began to seem like 

small bumps on life’s road. The key seems to be that the 

meditation focuses on breathing: counting the breaths, up 

to 10, and starting over. (No risk of losing count, then.) 

I’m now over five months in and I think I can put my 

hand on my heart and say I’m going to be carving out 

10-20 minutes for Headspace for – oh, the rest of my life… 

I’ve done the ‘Balance’ series, and completed a fantastic 

30-day programme on ‘Sleep’ which worked from Day 

One, almost spookily – because it really made me think 

about my attitude to sleep, and make some real changes 

to my days and evenings. Just by doing a single day of 

the meditation, I felt I’d committed to improving my 

sleep – and had a ‘eureka’ moment in which I realised that 

what was keeping me awake was sitting at my computer 

too late into the evening, which can work on circadian 

rhythms and make it hard to fall asleep. (It also works 

counter to my own natural body clock: I’m way better 

getting up early and being at my desk with the lark, rather 

than struggling to complete tasks far too late at night.) 

Actually, I find it addictive – and on the rare day when 

I can’t start the day with the meditation, I get that old 

feeling of wading through treacle. But I will admit to 

a slight bending of the rules: I do it in bed. Headspace 


Private Care Service 

Our Private Care Service offers 

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rather than going into a care home 

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those who need help due to 

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TownCountryHomecareWT133.indd 5 04/02/2013 16:20 

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122 

VanishingVeinsWT158.indd 1 24/03/2015 18:21 

tells you to sit in a chair with feet on the ground. But in my 

draughty house, in mid-winter, I’m going to find it nighon 

impossible to concentrate on my breathing when it’s 

misting up the windows, my teeth are chattering, and my 

lips are going blue – which they would, in my bedroom, 

if I sat in a chair at 7am, when the heating hasn’t had 

time to kick in. So I simply pile up my pillows so they’re 

supportive and keep my spine upright, tuck my hot water 

bottle beside me for some radiant warmth, place my palms 

upright on my thighs (under the duvet) – and I’m all set. 

And please: don’t be put off if meditation doesn’t work 

for you, first time round. There are different styles and 

techniques, and one for everyone. I’ve road-tested several, 

because I wanted to find my own best path to meditation. I 

‘kissed a few frogs’, meditation technique-wise; in fact, the 

ability evaded me for years after one particular meditation 

guru I encountered told me to imagine thoughts as clouds 

in my mind’s eye, gently drifting out of sight; I ended up 

with visions of increasing numbers of clouds scudding 

across the heavens as unwanted thoughts rushed into my 

consciousness. So I prefer an alternative technique: imagine 

those thoughts settling like dust all around you, gently falling 

to earth as your mind clears. It’s somehow less frenzied, 

and it works for me. It may well work for you, if listening 

to an App isn’t your thing. (If you’re worried about waking 

a partner, though, simply use a pair of headphones.) 

One last tip? If you ever find it really hard to focus, 

even with Headspace, I’ve discovered it’s very helpful 

to take a few drops of Australian Bush Flower Essences 

Meditation Essence before starting any meditation session. 

I’m reminded of the Kipling line: ‘If you can keep your 

head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it 

on you…’ Because that’s been me, these last few months. 

There may be a lot of headless chickens running around 

as we rev up for autumn, but thanks to Headspace I’m 

not one of them. In life (not to mention at work), a 

cool head is one of the greatest assets you can have – but 

it’s hard to stay that way, amidst life’s frenzy. Thanks 

to Headspace, it just got easier. www.headspace.com. 

Do check out Jo Fairley’s www.beautybible.com 

site – recently redesigned and a one-stop info 

destination for all things healthy and beautiful.

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PureniqueWT163.indd 1 07/08/2015 SteveCarmoWT140.indd 10:22 

1 18/09/2013 14:50 

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124 

AtHomeCareWT163.indd 1 19/08/2015 14:58

Wealden Health & Beauty 

Wealden Times talks to Yvonne Samaranayake from 

Avalo Home, a British-made cushion company... 

Do you follow a beauty 

routine? Each morning 

I wash my face with 

Cetaphil facial wash and 

moisturise using Simple 

Kind to Skin+ Protecting 

Moisture Cream SPF30 

UVA/UVB. I think it’s 

important to protect your 

skin from the elements and 

this particular cream has a 

light texture which absorbs 

quickly and easily, and is 

perfect for sensitive skin. 

Do you have a particular 

product you couldn’t live 

without? When I visited 

New York in the spring I 

came across Cetaphil facial 

wash. It’s a great product 

which gently removes 

makeup without irritation 

and is suitable for even the 

most sensitive skin. It can 

be used daily and is great 

for all skins of every age. I 

was pleased on my return 

to find that this product is 

also available in the UK! 

What’s your ultimate 

pampering treat? Once a 

fortnight I try to relax in 

the bath with an Elemis 

Papaya Enzyme Peel facial 

gentle cream exfoliator. The 

steam of the water slowly 

activates the ingredients 

which gently exfoliate 

and leave my skin feeling 

soft and revitalised. 

Who’s your style icon? I 

think Yasmin Le Bon is a 

great style icon who has 

managed to balance raising 

a family alongside her 

successful modelling career. 

She not only looks amazing 

but her sense of style looks 

so effortless and chic. 

Inspired by a rich cultural 

heritage and her children’s 

fun-loving nature, Yvonne 

has developed Avalo Home 

into a totally unique 

company, with a wide range 

of beautiful cushions of all 

shapes and sizes featuring 

various colours, patterns 

and textures. You can find 

some of her collection on 

www.wealdenfairs.com and 

at www.avalohome.com 

Eastern Gold... 

Nashi, Asian Pear or Sand 

Pear, can be dated back to the 

sixth century. During the Edo 

period in Japan (1615-1868), 

pears were believed to ward 

off evil and misfortune, so 

were planted near gates and 

entrances for protection. Native 

to Japan and China they’ve 

been grown there for over 3000 

years, their first Western arrival 

being in New York in 1820. 

Nashi vary in colour from 

a golden yellow to a russet 

green, and are often covered in 

small brown freckles. They’re 

exceptionally juicy, with a 

sweet aromatic flavour, crisp 

texture and creamy white 

flesh. A delicious addition 

to a summer salad, you can 

even try them finely grated 

into coleslaw. They can be 

hollowed out, filled with dried 

fruit and baked, for a simple 

sweet dessert. The skin is 

tender, so there’s no need 

to peel them, but they 

bruise easily, so be careful 

when storing them! 

Frizz Fix... 

We would love the time 

to blow dry our hair 

into fabulousness every 

morning, but it’s just 

never realistically going 

to happen. So rather 

than sulking over images 

of silky locked ladies, 

why not get your hands 

on this One Minute 

Transformation cream 

from Colour Wow? It’s 

a super quick alternative 

to blow drying hair from 

wet, and all that’s needed 

are your hands, a flat hair 

brush and a small amount 

of cream. Work it into 

dry ends, smooth over 

frizz with your hands, or 

for particularly unruly 

sections apply the cream, 

wrap your hair around a 

round brush and hit it 

with the hair dryer for 15 

seconds. WT’s Helen has 

fine hair, and it worked a 

treat, giving it great texture 

and a smooth glossy finish. 

It’s available from their 

website at £9.00 for 30ml 

www.colorwowhair.com 


Advanced laser treatment 

from the UK’s leading 

varicose vein centre 

We offer you a quick painless 

non-surgical procedure 

Ask 

your GP 

or Optician 

to refer 

you 

There’s no need to sit at home waiting 

for treatment a minute longer. 

You can enjoy smooth legs, free of varicose veins, 

as a private patient or as a member of Benenden^. 

The procedure is quick, painless and available without 

delay – in fact, you can walk in and walk out the 

same day. 

Our advanced Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) 

offers highly-effective vein removal in just 20 minutes 

under local anaesthetic. Compared to conventional 

surgical methods there is less bruising, no scarring 

and less than a 5% risk of veins reoccurring. 

We’re specialists in varicose vein removal 

Why Benenden Hospital? We are the UK’s largest 

single site provider of EVLT treatment with our 

consultants performing over 8,000 successful 

varicose vein procedures. Our safety record is second 

to none and our patient satisfaction is over 99%. 

Our facilities are modern and comfortable. Our staff 

friendly and welcoming. And, however you choose 

to travel, we’re easy to find. 

As we’re not-for-profit, we can offer highly 

competitive private rates. Treatment including 

consultation starts at just £2,450 per leg. This service 

is also available on medical grounds to Benenden 

members as part of their membership, for which they 

will need a referral from their GP*. 

For more information or to book a consultation 

call 01580 242 521 (quote WT) or visit us 

online at www.benendenhospital.org.uk 

*Benenden members, once they have a GP referral will need to contact Benenden member services on 0800 414 8100 and follow the ethos of Benenden which asks 

them to explore the care available through the NHS fi rst. ^Benenden members can only access this service if there is a medical requirement, it is not covered if the 

condition is purely cosmetic. The Benenden Hospital Trust is a company limited by guarantee. Registered in England, number 3454120. Registered charity number 

1065995. Registered office, The Benenden Hospital Trust, Goddard’s Green Road, Benenden, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 4AX

All lined up 

freeimages.com/JulienTromeur 

The body is a complex piece of machinery consisting of over 200 bones held 

together and manipulated by 640 skeletal muscles. Where do we go for help 

when the machine needs fixing? We asked three practitioners from different 

therapies how they help patients deal with musculoskeletal problems... 

The Alexander Technique teacher 

Charlotte Rolleston-Smith BA MSTAT 

Who was Alexander? Alexander was an Australian reciter born in 1869. He discovered he could make 

lasting changes to the quality of his voice by stopping restrictive movement patterns coming into play every 

time he began to speak. He realised further that this new awareness of control encompassed all activity 

and influenced the efficiency of everything he did. He also noticed that it could bring about marked 

improvements in health as well as benefitting performance. He established a practice in London in the 

early 1900s and his work was highly acclaimed by leading literary, scientific and political figures of his day. 

Is the Alexander Technique about prevention or can it cure existing problems? The 

Alexander Technique aims to re-educate. Any curative effect is indirect. By applying its 

principles we prevent poor habits of use from dominating our behaviour and develop 

a more aware, balanced approach to action. These changes bring about improved 

carriage and co-ordination, and existing problems often resolve in the process. 

How do I learn the Technique? The Technique is taught on a one-to-one basis. Lessons 

are typically 30 to 40 minutes’ duration and for the most part are undertaken weekly. A 

course of around 20 lessons is recommended. Many people have more over a long period 

of time, others fewer. It is an individual choice and re-learning happens from lesson one. 

Charlotte is a registered member of the Society of Teachers of the Alexander 

Technique (STAT). She has taught the Alexander Technique since qualifying 

in 1986 and currently teaches in Tunbridge Wells and Wadhurst. 

For appointments contact 01892 783707 / charlotte.rs@uwclub.net 

The Osteopath 

Michael Lingard BSc. DO. BBEC 

How does osteopathy work? The body is an amazingly complex bio-mechanical structure. 

Therefore it would seem only common sense to expect it to be subject to the same laws of 

mechanics as a car or a clock. Thus the osteopath claims it matters how we are assembled, that 

all the mechanics are working as they were built to work. There is a fundamental concept that 

“Structure governs function”, so if there is a misalignment anywhere in our structure it will 

impact unfavourably on all the functions linked to that structure. The pain in the upper back 

is what the patient notices most, but remember it may be also causing you heart or stomach 

problems too. Osteopathy was founded as a total medical system, not just for bad backs. 

Is osteopathy a painful process? When the preparatory work is done well with release of muscular 

tension and relaxation of the patient it should be possible to treat most conditions with minimal 

discomfort. There may be 24 hours of mild discomfort as the body re-adjusts to normal again, 

after which there is usually a period of improved mobility and reduced pain. It is not uncommon 

for there to be a return of some of the symptoms after a week or so, indicating that not all the 

mechanical adjustments have held and a further session is needed to stabilize the structure. 

You also practise orthopathy, and how does this differ from traditional osteopathy? 

Osteopathy focuses on the structure of the body but orthopaths add other modalities 

to this work such as nutrition, acupuncture, and breath training. I am a fully trained 

Buteyko Educator as well as having an osteopathic qualification and I routinely check 

every patient’s breathing as part of their examination. This is important as I find almost 

90% of my patients have poor breathing that is adding to their health problems. 

Mr. Michael Lingard is a qualified osteopath in Tunbridge Wells, member of the 

General Osteopathic Council. He offers alternative medical treatments to patients 

with muscle and bone problems. In 2013 he brought together a group of Buteyko 

Practitioners to establish the formal registering body in the UK, the BBEC (Buteyko 

Breathing Educators Council). For appointments call 01580 752852. 

The Physiotherapy Manager 

Shinu Vargese 

What is physiotherapy? At Benenden 

Hospital our physiotherapists are all highly 

skilled at assessing the underlying cause 

of joint, muscle and nerve pain. The 

objective of the physiotherapy is to return 

clients to their maximum independence 

in the shortest possible time by using 

a variety of techniques ranging from 

gentle mobilisations and strengthening 

to therapeutic pain-relieving techniques 

and firmer soft tissue techniques. These 

techniques are combined with exercises 

and education aimed at managing your 

condition and preventing recurrences. 

Does physiotherapy require high 

tech machinery, or is it a manual 

therapy? It can involve either or both. 

Physiotherapy commonly includes advice 

on, and assistance with, specific exercises, 

combined with manual therapy and/ 

or manipulation, often as a result of 

consulting diagnostics results. However, 

in some cases further mechanical or 

electronic devices can be used, such as 

traction, heat or cold treatments, and 

electric or sonic devices, amongst others. 

At Benenden we can also offer sports 

massage, electrotherapy, acupuncture and 

one-to-one Pilates. Each case is considered 

on its own merits and the appropriate 

treatment proposed accordingly. 

Do I need to be referred to a 

physiotherapist by a doctor? Existing 

Benenden members will need a 

referral letter from their GP to request 

physiotherapy treatment before contacting 

the member services team to arrange an 

appointment. As a private patient, you may 

refer yourself directly, with no need for 

a referral letter, by contacting Benenden 

Hospital direct. If you are using a private 

insurance company you will need to 

contact your insurance company for their 

guidelines before contacting our Private 

Patient Co-ordinator based at the hospital. 

Shinu Vargese is Physiotherapy Manager 

at Benenden Hospital. For more details 

of the services offered and membership 

please visit www.benendenhospital. 

org.uk or call 01580 240333. 


Passion Fruit 

and Mascarpone 

Victoria Sponge 

Makes a triple layered 20cm cake 

Prep time: 1 hr. 

Cooking time: 22 mins 

You will need 3 x 20cm round cake tins 

For the sponge: 

• 330g plain flour, sifted 

• 320g caster sugar 

• 1½ tbsp baking powder 

• pinch of salt 

• 175g unsalted butter, at 

For the passion fruit curd: 


• 4 large eggs, beaten 

• 9 passion fruit 

For the mascarpone frosting: 

• 200g cream cheese, at 

room temperature 

• 200g mascarpone cheese, 


To decorate: 

• passion fruit curd / fresh 

passion fruit 


• 3 large eggs, room 

temperature 

• 190ml whole milk 

• 1tsp vanilla extract 

• 30g butter, room 

temperature. 

• ½ lemon, juice 

• 110g unsalted butter, 


• 150g icing sugar 

1. Preheat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. 

2. Grease, flour and line each tin with greaseproof paper. 

3. In a bowl, sift together the flour, caster sugar, baking 

powder and salt. Using an electric hand or stand mixer 

whisk in the butter until it is fully incorporated to fine 

crumb, about 2 minutes on medium to high setting. 

4. Slightly break the eggs down in a bowl then gradually 

add these to the mixture, whisking on medium 

at first, then on high until incorporated. 

5. Add the milk and vanilla in a slow stream, on 

medium and then on high, until the mixture is 

smooth and paler in colour, about 2 minutes. 

6. Divide the mixture evenly between the three prepared 

cake tins, and level out to the edges. Bake in the oven 

for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into 

the centre comes out clean. Remove from the oven and 

leave to cool in the tins for 5 minutes then turn out 

onto a wire rack, face down, to cool completely. 

7. To make the passion fruit curd, scrap out and measure 

150g of the passion fruit seeds, pulp and juice.

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8. In a glass or metal bowl place the caster sugar, passion 

fruit and lemon juice. Whisk to combine. Set over 

a bain-marie on a medium heat. Stir every now 

and again until the sugar has fully dissolved. 

9. Whisk in the eggs and continue to stir over the heat until 

thickened (be patient!). Once thickened remove from the 

heat and add the butter, stir until melted. Finally sieve the 

curd into a clean bowl and place into the fridge until required. 

(This can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.) 

10. To make the frosting, briefly beat together the mascarpone 

and cream cheese. In a stand mixer, or with an electric 

hand mixer cream together the butter and icing sugar. 

11. Fold in the cheese mixture to the butter until just combined. 

12. To assemble the cake, place one sponge cake on a cake stand, 

spread with ⅓ of the mascarpone frosting, then strategically dollop 

on some passion fruit curd and swirl through with the end of a 

spoon. Top with the next layer of sponge cake. Repeat the layers, 

finishing with mascarpone frosting and swirl of curd. Decorate 

with fresh passion fruit. The cake will keep in the fridge for two 

days; however, bring to room temperature before serving. 

Enjoy the finest in 

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BloomsburysBiddendenWT163.indd 1 11/08/2015 12:34

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130 

FrasersWT163.indd 1 17/08/2015 10:22

Mini Kent Cherry ‘Bakewell’ Tarts 

Makes 12 tarts Prep time: 1 hr. Cooking time: 40 mins 

You will need a 12-hole muffin tin 

For the shortcrust pastry 

• 200g plain flour 

• 100g unsalted butter 


• 2g salt 

• 1 large egg 

• 10ml water 

For the Kentish cherry filling 

• 250g Kentish cherries, 

• 

50ml water 

pitted and chopped • 15ml kirsch 

• 50g caster sugar (optional) 

For the almond cream: 


• 115g unsalted 

butter, cubed 

• 2 large eggs, beaten 


• 115g ground almonds 

• 1 lemon, zest 

• 5ml vanilla extract 

• 5ml almond extract 

For the decoration: 

• Sliced almonds, firm whipped cream, fresh cherries 

1. Preheat the oven to 

200C/180C fan/gas 6. 

2. To make the pastry, in a large bowl 

sift together the flour, salt and sugar. 

Add the cubed butter and using 

your hands, rub to a fine crumb. 

3. Add the egg and water to the flour 

mixture and incorporate with 

a palette knife to form a rough 

dough. Tip out onto the work 

surface, knead 2-3 times then shape 

into a flat disc, wrap the pastry in 

cling-film, and chill in the fridge 

for at least 20-30 minutes. 

4. To make the cherry filling, place the 

cherries, sugar and water into a pan 

over a medium heat, bring to a boil. 

Allow to simmer for 15 minutes until 

the cherries have broken down. 

5. Allow the cherries to cool before 

adding the alcohol. At this point 

the filling can be placed into a 

food processer to break down 

any large cherry pieces, if not 

your filling is perfect as it is. 

6. To make the almond cream, cream 

together the butter and sugar. 

Slowly incorporate the eggs in 3 

stages, followed by the vanilla and 

almond extract, and the lemon zest. 

7. Sift together the flour and ground 

almonds, then slowly whisk 

into the butter mixture until 

fully incorporated. Fill a piping 

bag with the almond cream. 

8. Once chilled, roll out the pastry 

onto a floured work surface, to 

roughly 2-3mm thick. Prick all over 

with a fork then using a 10-12cm 

round cutter stamp out 12 discs. 

9. Mould each disc into a cavity of 

the muffin tin. Blind bake the tart 

shells for 15 minutes, remove the 

baking beans and bake for a further 

5 minutes, or until the pastry is 

golden and cooked through. 

10. Fill each tart shell with the cherry 

filling, using up all the mixture, 

then generously pipe the almond 

cream over the filling. Top each 

tart with a few sliced almonds. 

11. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes, 

until golden and springy to 

the touch. Transfer to wire 

rack and allow to cool. 

12. To decorate top each tart with a 

small dollop of whipped cream and 

a fresh cherry. The tarts (without 

the cream) will keep in an airtight 

container for 3-4 days.

Chocolate, Hazelnut and Caramel Swiss Roll 

Makes a 23cm log Prep time: Up to 30 min. Cooking time: 10 mins 

You will need a 23cm x 33cm baking tray, with a rim 

For the sponge: 

• 4 medium eggs 



For the caramel cream filling: 

• 225ml double cream 

• ½ tin Carnation caramel 

For the decoration: 

• caramel / chopped hazelnuts 

• 20g cocoa powder 

• 25g hazelnuts, finely 

chopped and roasted 

• 50g hazelnuts, finely 

chopped and roasted 

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6. 

2. Grease, and line the baking tray with greaseproof paper. 

3. To make the sponge, sift together the flour and 

cocoa powder twice, set aside. Place the eggs and 

sugar in a heatproof bowl; whisk to combine. 

4. Place the bowl over a bain-marie, on a low 

heat, whisk continuously for 5-8 minutes, or 

until the mixture becomes light and doubles in 

volume. Do not allow it to become too hot. 

5. Remove the bowl from the bain-marie and continue to 

whisk by hand, or with an electric whisk on high speed, 

until cool. The batter should fall in a ribbon from the whisk 

and remain on the surface of the mixture for 4-5 seconds. 

6. Gently fold in the sifted flour and cocoa powder, and 

hazelnuts, adding it in 3 stages. Pour the mixture 

onto the lined baking tray and spread evenly with 

a palette knife. Clean the edges of the tray. 

7. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the surface is 

risen and firm but springy to the touch. 

8. Immediately flip the sponge out onto a wire rack, 

lined with greaseproof paper, and cool. Peel back 

the greaseproof paper as soon as possible. 

9. To make the filling, whisk the cream in a 

medium-sized bowl until it holds its shape. 

10. To assemble, spread the cold sponge evenly with the whipped 

cream, leaving a 2cm margin along the two shorter ends. 

Place the caramel in a piping bag and generously drizzle all 

over the cream. Sprinkle liberally with chopped hazelnuts. 

11. Starting from one end with the cream free margin roll up 

the swiss roll to encase the filling using the paper to help. 

Chill in the fridge until ready to serve, then with a sharp 

serrated knife remove the ends, then top with additional 

caramel and chopped hazelnuts.. The swiss roll will keep 

in the fridge for 2 days wrapped well in clingfilm. 

Lorna is currently studying Patisserie at Le Cordon Bleu London. Through her 

company, Yumptious, she is available to supply to local food establishments, attends 

food events and is able to create a selection of cakes and desserts for any special 

occasion. Her cupcake decorating book can be purchased by following this link: 

http://www.searchpress.com/book/9781782210641/mini-cupcakes. 

To find out more about Yumptious, visit www.yumptious.co.uk 

or see www.facebook.com/yumptious

, 

5 546 

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134 

WWLandscapesWT162.indd 1 17/07/2015 12:58

Splendour in the Grass 

Let ornamental grasses carry your border gently into the autumn and beyond, as Jo Arnell explains... 

It won’t have escaped your notice that the quality of 

the light changes at this time of the year – it’s now 

softer, more golden and the sun hangs lower in the 

sky, shining through the plants rather than at them. This 

shift in the position of the sun heralds many changes in the 

garden affecting the way we look at plants and especially 

ornamental grasses. On the other side of the summer 

when the grasses were greener, they brought movement 

and a tactile delicacy to the border. Back then they were 

overshadowed by the other plants, but now they’re tawny, 

tinged with pink or burgundy and touched by the magical 

early autumn light. This is the perfect moment for ornamental 

grasses to step out onto the stage and steal the show. 

Designing with grasses 

For a contemporary look – plant grasses in fairly large groups 

for the classic ‘prairie’ style of planting and then intersperse 

with drifts of late summer perennials like echinacea, aster 

and persicaria. This sort of border needs to be on a big scale 

in order to show the plants off to best effect. The well known 

designer Piet Oudolf has made this style of gardening very 

popular and it is a good way to cover a large space in an 

interesting way. Not many of us own gardens as large as a 

park, but grasses can still look good in smaller quantities, 

and even classic planting schemes can be enhanced by a few 

dancing grasses in among the traditional plants. They bring 

movement and light and can lift the whole border, especially 

when placed in amongst static, chunky plants like phlox, 

sedum or some of the more clumpy geraniums. You can 

even use the taller, more substantial grasses like miscanthus 

in place of shrubs. They take up about as much space, and 

grow more quickly. Grass doesn’t have the stodgy ‘pudding’ 

look that many shrubs are weighed down by either. 

Three seasons of interest – this is where grasses have it over 

many other plants; they can look good for most of the year 

– and their ‘off’ season happens to be just when the rest of 

the plants are looking good. In the spring it’s easy to divert 

attention elsewhere while the grasses grow some new clothes. 

You can avoid the bare stumpy look by growing early season 

plants, such as poppies and bulbs among your grasses. 


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136 

GimblesTreeWorksWT163.indd 1 12/08/2015 17:23

Growth is strong and fast in the spring too, so it won’t 

take long before they shoot up and look less unsightly. 

FreeImages.com/JonathonMonk 

Getting the best from them 

Cultivation – most grasses prefer an open, sunny situation, 

but will tolerate a range of soils. They come from meadow 

environments and situations where competition with 

other plants is strong, so they’re usually tough and will 

grow in among other plants well. Don’t overfeed them 

though, as this encourages more leaf than flower. 

Pruning – grasses are either evergreen or deciduous and 

those that die off in the winter need to be cut back in early 

spring before any new growth starts. Grass grows fast in the 

spring and it’s easy to end up with a tangle of old and new 

growth. Cut back as hard as you can – aim for a ‘balding 

hedgehog’ look, so that the new shoots can come through 

the old growth cleanly. Evergreen plants like stipas can be 

tidied up in the spring with a rake through to dislodge the 

old foliage, then every couple of years you can give them the 

short back and sides treatment and have a good tidy up. 

Propagation – grasses are clump forming and can be lifted 

and divided in the spring if they start getting too large. 

 

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WCLandcraftWT162.indd 1 13/07/2015 16:28

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138 

GoldenHillWT163.indd 1 07/08/2015 15:34

Pretty in pink: Miscanthus sinensis ‘Silberfeder’ 

sits behind elegantly drooping Persicaria 

Tall 

Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’ is my absolute favourite 

medium/tall grass. Like most it starts slowly and goes 

unnoticed for much of the year, then flowers in the quiet 

way that grasses do, demurely unfurling its purple-tinged 

feathery heads. These gradually become tawny and then 

a paler gold, but the great thing about this grass is that 

it stands so upright, tall and slender, never really getting 

above itself and most importantly, not blowing over in the 

wind. It will last right through the winter like this, making 

a straw coloured stand through the worst of the weather. 

Stipa gigantea (Golden Oat grass) is another tall grass, 

this one making a basal clump of growth (that can get 

quite big) and then, earlier than most of the other grasses, 

sending up golden, ‘oaty’ seedheads that look fantastic 

planted somewhere where the light can shine through 

it. It makes a great companion to Verbena bonariensis. 

Miscanthus sinensis can be a bit of a thug, but very 

useful at the back of a border or in place of a shrub. The 

striped M. zebrinus is a striking variety and less bulky. All 

miscanthus have soft maroon plumes that last through the 

autumn and into the winter. Cut back hard in early spring. 

Medium 

Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’, or Purple Fountain 

grass, will grow comfortably in a container and looks 

good as a specimen with its dark leaves and fluffy plumes, 

but it’s not always reliably hardy, so a safer bet would be 

the slightly less spectacular Pennisetum alopecuroides. 

Panicum virgatum ‘Rubrum’ – a clump forming, fairly 

upright grass that comes into its own in autumn and 

winter, providing structure and holding its shape well. 

Low growing 

Stipa tenuissima – I love this irresistibly tactile 

plant. It can be used in almost any planting scheme 

and provides welcome movement and contrast. 

Carex elata (‘Bowles Golden Grass’) – one 

of the few grasses that will grow in a shady 

situation, where its lime green leaves light up 

and provide a good foil for other plants. 

Festuca glauca ‘Elijah Blue’ – this is a useful little grass for 

autumnal container displays; the glaucous blue/green of the 

leaves contrast well with russety tones and dumpy plants 

like chrysanthemums, low growing asters and pansies. 

As the sunshine in the garden softens and turns gold this 

month, let’s try not to mourn the end of summer, but 

welcome in the change of season. The summer days may 

be numbered, but there’s no reason for the garden to 

stop just yet, in fact many of the late summer perennials 

that go so well with grasses are just coming into their 

prime. Let’s go all Piet Oudolf and plant a prairie. 

Contact Jo for gardening advice, border designs and 

planting on 01233 861149 www.hornbrookmanor.co.uk. 


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140 

GardenproudWT162.indd 1 20/07/2015 CheekyMonkeyS08.indd 11:49 

1 26/05/2015 11:37

Hedge bedstraw 

Hedge 

Your Bets 

Sue Whigham explores the importance 

of preserving British hedgerows... 

At the beginning of July we went camping in South 

Devon. All went swimmingly until the Sunday 

morning when the heavens opened as only they 

can do in the West Country. It was impossible to get out 

of our tents without getting absolutely drenched but that 

could have been because we were ill-prepared not having 

had rain here in the Southeast for weeks! Anyway, on the 

way home we had to abandon the A-roads to avoid the mass 

exodus and instead meandered through the most beautiful 

countryside on the edge of Dartmoor in our camper van, 

stopping for a long, long walk. Absolutely heavenly as the 

high Devon hedgerows were awash with wild flowers, and 

with ferns and herbs and all nature of frothy foliage. 

And it was good to get a reply from busy Paul Carter, 

Leader of Kent County Council at the end of June 

when we wrote and asked whether it really was essential 

to have the wild flowers under our hedgerows cut back 

just at their peak. His reply went more than half way to 

answering the question but it was particularly reassuring 

to hear of the KCC’s commitment to the ‘green agenda’ 

and maximising ‘biodiversity’. Yes, it is a bit of a modern 

buzzword but of course it means simply, to quote: 

‘the sheer diversity of life which provides a foundation 

for the continued existence of a healthy planet’. 

So why are hedgerows so important to biodiversity apart 

from being an essential habitat for approximately fifty species 

that are in decline and particularly vital for farmland birds, 

bats, dormice, butterflies and moths as well as myriad other 

invertebrates. I read that there are currently just over the 

equivalent of 300,000 miles of hedgerow left in the UK, 42% 

of which are ‘designated’ ancient. I was speaking to a friend 

this morning who lives in Ticehurst and she has noticed the 

palpable difference between the many hedgerows in East 

Sussex as compared to the larger fields and fewer hedgerows 

in the west of the county. The loss of hedgerows, particularly 

in the Southeast, has been pretty drastic since the end of 

WW2 but there are groups and Trusts (The Hedgerow 

Trust for example) working hard to reduce this decline and 

offering help and support to maintain existing hedgerows. 

The fact that hedges provide wildlife corridors and shelter, 

nesting sites for birds and small mammals such as voles and 

mice is not their only use (Robin Page’s recent article in 

the Daily Telegraph on the plight of the barn owl explained 

that voles are scarce this year and that this in turn has 

caused problems for pairs of barn owls looking for food to 

feed their chicks). Land that has lost its hedgerows is open 

to problems such as erosion of topsoil, reduced rainfall 

retention – rather vital in this dry part of the world – as 

well as leaching of nutrients from the land and of course, 

they are beautiful and provide such simple pleasure. 

After a mild winter, we’ve had the most marvellous 

show of hedgerow flowers this season. Willow catkins 

and the blackthorn flowers were the earliest to flower and 

provided pollen for newly emerging queen bumblebees 

and May’s hawthorn, the crab apple, wild plums and 

cherry blossom came next providing an ongoing 

 


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1 19/08/2015 14:45 

Wild Mushroom Foraging 

with John Wright 

Find Your Style 

Moon Down are pleased to welcome 

John Wright, of River Cottage fame, 

an acknowledged expert and author 

in foraging for wild food as our guest 

in October 2015 when he will be 

leading our 

Wild Mushroom Foraging Days on: 

Tuesday 13 October 2015 

Wednesday 14 October 2015 

at Moon Down, Bells Yew Green 

Nr Tunbridge Wells 

Day includes 3-course lunch 

and afternoon . tea, £90 

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source of food for pollinators. And now, as autumn 

approaches, we’ll have an ample supply of berries 

and fruits and I guess there will be a bumper crop of 

blackberries and sloes, elderberries, rosehips and wild 

plums. Meanwhile meadow brown butterflies are making 

the most of the bramble flowers that are still flowering. 

On a management level, cutting your mixed hedges on 

alternate years or on a three year cycle will give you two 

and a half times more flowers than if you cut each year. 

The alternative, if you feel the need to cut annually, is to 

raise the height by a few inches each time. And the shape 

of your hedge is important. Leaving a deep hedge base 

and cutting each side of the hedge diagonally is preferable. 

And rather like preparing the ground for any plant or tree, 

a new hedgerow will benefit from good preparation. It 

is rare now to see a hedge planted with a ditch on either 

side but in ‘the good old days’ countrymen knew a thing 

or two and that the ditch would benefit the hedge by 

providing a damp microclimate as it retains moisture. 

Two to three year old whips, bought bare rooted, and 

planted when dormant, can be planted diagonally in a 

couple of rows and it’s then possible to plant native trees 

in the gaps between the rows to give the hedgerow added 

height and interest. Give the hedge and the new trees a good 

mulch or use mulch mats. Straw is a good material to use as 

a mulch as long as it doesn’t touch the stem of the plant. 

Wild strawberries in the Devon hedgerows 

There’s such a variety of plant life in a native hedge and 

a quick survey down the lane this morning has produced: 

Ash, Fraxinus excelsior, which is fairly dominant in this area. 

If left to its own devices, it would soon reach tree proportions 

so maybe with the threat of ash-dieback disease it might 

be an idea to let one or two more mature saplings grow up 

through your hedgerows if you’re lucky enough to have any. 

Field maple, Acer campestre, is a good shelter plant 

and colours up beautifully in the autumn. 

Dogwood, Cornus sanguinea, has berries that 

 

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Open seven days a week, from 10:00am to 4:00pm. For details and to order online, visit the website. 

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Meadow Brown on hedgerow brambles 

attract wildlife and great autumn colour. 

Dog Rose, Rosa canina, the hips are important for birds 

and insects such as butterflies enjoy the flowers. 

Hawthorn, Crataegus monogyna, forms the basis of many 

hedgerows and is multipurpose. It is fast growing and knits 

a hedge together. The wood mouse eats the fruit but as 

it flowers and fruits on old growth, hedges that are flail 

trimmed religiously each year will have few flowers and fruit. 

Oak, both Quercus robur and Quercus petraea, 

important hedgerow plants which provide shelter and 

food for birds, insects, mammals and lichens. 

Sweet chestnut, Castanea sativa, again a good 

source of food for small mammals. 

Hazel, Corylus avellana, which supports a 

variety of insects and if not trimmed too 

regularly, produces nuts in the autumn. 

Guelder Rose, Viburnum opulus. This is such a good 

hedgerow plant, with large white flowers followed by red, 

fleshy fruit. Viburnum lantana, or the Wayfaring Tree has 

wonderful clusters of red fruit and is happiest grown on chalk. 

These and the wild honeysuckle, skeins of ivy and 

black bryony binding the hedgerows together are 

enough to lift the heart on a good old dog walk. 

Sue Whigham can be contacted on 07810 

457948 for gardening advice and the sourcing 

and supplying of interesting garden plants. 

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Wealden Times - Back Page May 15 06/05/2015 15:25 Page 1 

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WT Education Supplement Sponsored by 

Contents 

Cover image: istockphoto.com/5second Image right: freeimages.comVickyJohnson 

5 Top of the Profs 

We chat early school memories with head teachers 

9 Developing Speech & Language 

How Wealden nurseries are encouraging 

communication skills 

15 What’s Cooking 

Behind the scenes in school kitchens 

19 History in the Making 

John Graham-Hart delves into the history curriculum 

25 The Importance of Poetry 

Discover the beneficial effects with Linda Hall 

29 Adult Education 

Inspiring courses near you 

32 Directory 

The education a-z 

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tunbridge wells 

PU PPETRY 

festival 

Davy & Kristin McGuire: 

The Icebook 

SATURDAY 10 OCTOBER 2015, 10AM - 9PM 

A NEW FESTIVAL OF WORLD-CLASS PUPPETRY 

A full day of puppetry events 

and theatre for all at venues 

Strangeface Theatre: 

in central Tunbridge FenBoy Wells 

Smart and Sprange 

An Account of the State 

of That Place 

Meet Joey, the life-size theatrical 

horse from the award-winning 

War Horse (10am on The Pantiles) 

Robert Styles: 

Traditional Punch and Judy 

Shows for all ages including 

traditional Punch & Judy 

Part of the Family Arts Festival 

Norwich For more Puppet information Theatre: and Half Moon to book Theatre: visit 

Oddly 

Pop-Up Flashback 

www.twpuppetryfestival.org 

Box Offi ce 01892 678 678 

facebook.com/twpuppetryfestival 

@twpuppetryfest 

West Kent Shooting School 

50 BIRD OPEN ENGLISH SPORTING SHOOT 

10am Start : L/E 1.00pm 

£50 High Gun £20 per entry £16 re-entry 

Three Man Team Event with Lunch and Flush Available please call for details 

Young Shots 

Tuesday 27 October 

2015 10am to 12.30pm 

An introduction to Clay 

Pigeon Shooting or a 

refresher for those more 

experienced youngsters 

Pre-booked Aged 8-16yr 

£55.00 per person 

Supported Blind Summit: byThe Table 


The Matthew Robins Show 

New Hay Farm, Old Hay , Brenchley Kent TN12 7DG 

T: 01892 834306 E: info@westkentshooting.co.uk 

www.westkentshooting.co.uk 

Weald of Kent Art Society 

TunbridgeWellsPuppetryFestivalWT163.indd 1 14/08/2015 WestKentShootingWT163.indd 12:16 

1 11/08/2015 15:13 

Embracing art in all it’s art in in all it’s its it’s forms 

Sculpture, Sculpture, Painting, Textiles, Glass, Metals, Ceramics, Wood, Etching, Printing 

Sculpture, Painting, Painting, Textiles, Textiles, Glass, Glass, Metals, Metals, Ceramics, Ceramics, Wood, Wood, Etching, Etching, Printing Printing 

Weald of of Kent Art Society 

Open Meeting 

Are Are you in art? 

Are you you interested in in art? art? 

If If so then we’d be delighted if you would join 

If If so so then then we’d we’d be be delighted if if if you you would would join join 

us us on 22nd October 7pm at ‘The 

us on on Thursday 22nd 22nd October 7pm 7pm at at at ‘The ‘The 

Barrel Barrel House’ located at at the rear of The 

Barrel House’ located at at the the rear rear of of The The 

Woolpack Woolpack Hotel, Tenterden for the societies 

Hotel, Hotel, Tenterden for for the the societies 

society’s 

re-launch. 

re-launch. 

Nibbles Nibbles provided 

& refreshments provided 

Please RSVP via website: www.wealofkentartsociety.co.uk 

Please RSVP via via via website: www.wealofkentartsociety.co.uk 

www.wealdofkentartsociety.co.uk 

Annual Annual Exhibition at 

at Tenterden Town Hall, Monday 31st August - Saturday September 5th 

5th Open daily 10am - 5pm 

Annual Exhibition Exhibition at at Tenterden Tenterden Town Town Hall, Hall, Monday Monday 31st 31st August August - Saturday - Saturday September September 5th 5th Open Open daily daily 10am 10am - 5pm - 5pm 


150


WT Supplement 

Top of the Profs 

We get the lowdown from Wealden head teachers 

about their earliest school memories... 

Jeremy Walker, Principal, 

King’s Rochester (above) 

What’s your earliest memory from 

the classroom? Playing Joseph in a 

nativity play. I still have a photograph 

of me in costume looking very excited 

to be meeting Father Christmas. 

Which aspects of school life do 

you look back upon fondly? The 

huge range of opportunities alongside 

the classroom such as sport, music 

and the CCF. I boarded for ten years 

so the friendships and camaraderie 

were also very important. 

Did you have a favourite teacher? 

My A Level RS teachers at Sherborne, 

Paul Carling and Chris Huxtable, who 

fostered my love of the subject and led 

to me going to Oxford. Also Andrew 

Yorke, who got me through Maths GCSE, 

was wonderful, patient and kind. 

What was your favourite lesson? 

I loved RS, History and English but 

the lesson that stands out was an A 

Level Art lesson I attended by mistake. 

They were learning about Jackson 

Pollock and it sparked an interest 

in art which I still have today. 

Is there anything you wish you’d 

studied at secondary school? 

I wish I had taken Art at least to 

GCSE. I see the work done by pupils 

at King’s and am always so impressed 

and interested in what they create. 

How has your own experience 

of school sculpted you into the 

head teacher you are today? It 

has had a huge impact. I was fortunate 

to go to two amazing schools and my 

belief in the balance of the academic 

and wider curriculum was shaped by 

that – I always say that exam results get 

you job interviews but it’s the person 

who walks through the door that gets 

the job. I’ve also worked with some 

outstanding people in my career and 

that continues to inspire and influence 

my vision of the changing landscape 

of education and the modern world. 

King’s Rochester is a co-educational 

day and boarding school in Kent for 

pupils aged three to eighteen. 01634 

888590 www.kings-rochester.co.uk. 

Bill Jones, Headmaster, 

Spring Grove School 

What’s your earliest memory 

from the classroom? I remember 

my first teacher in primary school and 

her telling me to sit still. After one term 

my parents moved me to our local prep 

school. It was quite a transformation. Miss 

Jones (no relation) smelt nice and had a 

welcoming smile. I loved school thereafter! 


you look back upon fondly? 

I could not get enough sport and 

music. As a Cathedral choirboy I 

was kept busy and came to love the 

music we sang and enjoyed the sense 

of performance. In South Wales, my 

favourite sport was rugby. I also enjoyed 

the mischief of being a boarder. 


At prep school, Mr Phillips was my 

housemaster. He had a great sense 

of humour and clearly understood 

young children. We trusted him 

knowing that if we were caught for a 

misdemeanour then punishment would 

be fair. He was also a good teacher. 


The lessons taught by my favourite 

teachers! I loved History when it was 

taught by Mr Jones (still no relation!) 

who brought the Middle Ages to life 

through stories and Maths with the 

Headmaster who kept referring to his 

schooldays in Victorian times (I still have 

no idea whether he was exaggerating). 


studied at secondary school? I 

dropped History and Latin early on for 

other subjects but wish now that I had 

carried on with them. Both subjects 

I have come to love since then. 



head teacher you are today? I 

never liked the petty rules of school 

that seemed to exist just to make life 

difficult. C.S. Lewis, referring to the 

Narnia chronicles, once said that he 

wrote the kind of stories he would 

like to have read as a child. Echoing 

his sentiment, I now run the kind of 

school I would like to have attended. 

Spring Grove School is an independent 

prep school in Wye for boys and girls 

aged two to eleven. 01233 812337 

www.springgroveschool.co.uk. 

Mark Hammond, 

Deputy Head Teacher, 

Skippers School (below) 

What’s your earliest memory 

from the classroom? Our earliest 

memories are intricately linked with 

 


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WT Supplement 

our emotional experiences: many of 

mine are grounded in the great stories 

that my teachers brought to life for me. 

I am certain that my lifelong love of 

reading and story-telling grew from these 

memories of Enid Blyton, C.S. Lewis 

and J.R.R. Tolkien. One of the greatest 

privileges as an educator is awakening 

children’s minds with wonderful stories 

and the breadth of children’s literature 

at our disposal has never been better! 

The culture of story-telling and a love of 

literature is clear to see at Skippers Hill. 

Which aspects of school life do you 

look back upon fondly? Holidays, 

of course! On a serious note, my fondest 

classroom memories are of the personal 

projects that I was able to carry out. 

I still recall my work on birds of prey 

and the Norman invasion of 1066 with 

crystal clarity. That sense of independence 

in learning was invaluable to me; its 

importance in modern education is 

paramount and something that I aim 

to provide for the children in my care. 


Absolutely – many! And not surprisingly 

those were the subjects that I went on to 

study at the highest level. I have always 

been drawn to teachers that think outside 

the box, that show energy and passion and 

who inspire a love of learning in children. 


I have two – one farcical and the other 

cerebral. My Latin teacher managed to 

bring to life a particularly dull lesson on 

the ablative absolute by dancing upon 

the desks in the classroom playing air 

guitar on a hockey stick! My English 

teacher blew my mind with her insight 

into Milton’s poetic genius in ‘Paradise 

Lost’ and both inspired me to read 

English and Classics at university. 


studied at secondary school? 

Musical instruments and singing! 

Wherever possible I would encourage 

young children to find an instrument 

that they can get on with and stick at 

it for as long as possible. Not only is it 

fantastic for fusing new neural pathways 

in the brain, it brings breadth to an 

individual and is a lifelong gift – very 

difficult to achieve for those of us 

that don’t pick up a guitar until 40! 



head teacher you are today? I have 

either attended or worked in over twenty 

schools and educational establishments 

across seven countries and it never fails 

to amaze me how organisations that are 

essentially set up to achieve the same 

purpose can vary so wildly. Ultimately 

the purpose of schools is quite simple 

and my philosophy as a head teacher is 

to pass on the gift that the best teachers 

and schools gave me: an independent 

mind, a ‘can do’ attitude, resilience and 

a desire to take every opportunity that 

presents itself. Enabling each child to 

discover what makes them unique, 

nurturing their talents and developing 

well-rounded, happy individuals is the 

best job in the world and Skippers 

Hill is a wonderful place to do it. 

Set in 22 acres, Skippers Hill 

Manor Preparatory School is a nonselective 

co-educational independent 

school in Mayfield, East Sussex, 

for children aged two to thirteen. 

01825 830234 www.skippershill.com. 

Richard Follett, 

Headmaster, Vinehall 

School (right) 

What’s your earliest memory from 

the classroom? My earliest memories 

are probably from primary school in 

London, where there was not much 

space and we had very old teachers. I also 

remember much of the work involved 

rote-learning things, like times tables and 

facts about one thing or another. There 

was certainly not much encouragement 

for exploring ideas, creative thinking and 

risk-taking, something I think makes 

such a difference for children today! 


you look back upon fondly? I 

remember my school years as a time 

when I made some lifelong friends with 

whom I’m still in contact today. We 

spent so much time together in and out 

of school we were really like brothers 

and sisters. I was lucky to have some 

fantastic teachers who made the learning 

fun and also inspired us as pupils to take 

the opportunities we had been given. 


My favourite teacher when I was younger 

was Mr Whybrow who taught me PE 

and was also one of my rowing coaches. 

He called us all ‘men’ which made us feel 

terribly grown up! I think the biggest 

lesson he taught us was to believe in 

ourselves, that anything is possible if you 

work hard enough at it. He is now a prep 

school headmaster in Cheltenham so I see 

him quite regularly, but it is quite strange 

thirty years on not to be calling him ‘Sir’! 


My favourite lesson was Geography, 

which I went on to study at degree level. 


studied at secondary school? I wish 

I had studied critical thinking, which wasn’t 

available at the time but has such potential 

to open up other aspects of school study. 

It also really challenges you to think more 

broadly about topics, which in society today 

is more important than ever, as we tend to 

refer to ‹Google› for answers as a starting 

point rather than thinking for ourselves first. 



head teacher you are today? I think 

it has helped me appreciate that when 

opportunities come along, you should be 

prepared to take them. I was extremely 

busy at school as in addition to my 

normal school day, I rowed internationally 

which took up huge amounts of time 

before and after school as well as at the 

weekends. That has proved to be the 

ideal preparation for headship, as there 

rarely seems to be a spare minute! 

Vinehall School is a co-educational 

independent day and boarding prep 

school in Sussex. 01580 880413 

www.vinehallschool.com. 


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SevenoaksPreparatoryWT163.indd 1 05/08/2015 11:52 

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With small class sizes and exceptional facilities, St Lawrence College provides 

outstanding opportunities for all pupils academically, in sport and in the arts. 

Junior School Open Day: Fri 2 October 2015 

Senior School Open Day: Sat 3 October 2015 

T: 01843 572931 E: admissions@slcuk.com www.slcuk.com 

St Lawrence College, College Road, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 7AE 


8 

StLawrenceCollegeWT163.indd 1 03/08/2015 12:35


WT Supplement 

Pictured: Children at Mr. Noah’s 

Nursery School gardening 

Listening – How do you encourage 

a child to pay attention and absorb 

information they are given verbally? 

The Nursery team at Kent 

College Pembury explain... 

Developing 

Speech & 

Language 

How do our local nurseries strive to develop 

communication skills? We find out... 

Technology – Is too much 

technology a hindrance to learning 

basic speech and language skills? 

Reverend Peter Michell 

from Mr. Noah’s Nursery School 

“At Mr Noah’s Nursery School we 

make some, limited use of digital 

technology. That tells you my decided 

answer to the question. Technology has 

huge potential and sometimes it can 

be useful in the early years classroom, 

but it is not always age appropriate for 

toddlers and very young children. 

Speech and language are learnt in the 

context of real experience and actual 

human interactions. It is clearly illustrated 

in a baby’s learning which depends on 

touch, gesticulation and facial expression, 

mimicking and shared experience. You 

only have to see a mother with her baby: 

the little one is captivated by the mother’s 

face as she makes ‘baby sounds’ and they 

respond to each other in antiphonal 

babble. Continuing into the early years, 

personal relationship, hearing and 

practising are all-important for the effective 

development of speech and language. 

Children’s relationship with their peers 

and attuned adults is needed for speech and 

language development. The occasion can 

be anything that engages children: building 

with blocks, exploring the outdoor world 

of bugs, and, of course, books, stories and 

songs. Music is very important indeed. 

Technology can either replace 

meaningful verbal communication or 

interrupt it. Both at home and at school 

the digital screen can be a substitute for 

talking together. Even when the bedtime 

story is being read, the insistent phone 

ringing, or simply the background sound 

of television, incoming emails or other 

digital bleeps can be a major distraction. 

The computer and the television have 

their place if they are used as stimulants to 

talking together or as sources of information 

that is then discussed. But a child will not 

learn the skills of speech and language 

by only having access to technology. A 

child will thrive in these skills, however, 

if exposed to nursery rhymes and songs, 

and stories being read and recounted. 

Let’s not entirely demonise and 

abandon digital gear, but ‘too much 

technology’ has to be avoided, and we 

have to babble, and chatter, and talk.” 

Mr Noah’s Nursery School is held in 

Iden Green Congregational Church. For 

more info. call 01580 240642 or see 

www.mrnoahsnurseryschool.co.uk. 

“Paying attention is an essential skill 

for a young child to learn. This ability 

develops over time and can be nurtured 

and enhanced by adults. It is important 

for the teacher to model being a listener. 

If a child is able to pay attention then 

they will naturally absorb the information 

that they have received verbally. 

Paying attention involves several 

mental processes (motivation, interest, 

knowledge etc) and is affected by 

environmental factors (atmosphere of 

setting, behaviour of other children). 

A calm and organised setting is a starting 

point and cues such as hand clapping 

or call and response chants are useful 

to inform a child to pay attention. 

Sharing short interactive stories with 

lots of pictures and repetitive refrains 

are popular in Nursery classes. They are 

particularly successful when props are 

added (e.g. story sticks, puppets). 

Some children find carpet time a 

challenge and there should always be a 

balance of movement and listening within 

the activity. ‘Fidget toys’ can be provided 

for very restless children so that they get 

some tactile feedback while listening. 

Above all, activities should 

be short, creative and fun!” 

Kent College is an independent school for 

girls aged three to eighteen. 01892 820204 

www.kent-college.co.uk. 

Speaking – In a typical day 

how are children encouraged to 

expand their vocabulary at nursery 

and are there any techniques 

to aid with their learning? 

Ms Vanessa Coatz, Head 

of Nursery and Pre-Prep at 

Marlborough House School 

“My sister was nearing two years of age 

when my mother took her to the doctor, 

worried and anxious that she wasn’t talking, 

“My other child was speaking by now, what 

is wrong with her?” The doctor looked 

her over and simply said “I would 



VISIT OUR WEBSITE 

WWW.BRICKLEHURST.CO.UK 

TO FIND OUT MORE... 

OPEN 

DAYS 

..................... 

SAT 3TH 

& TUE 6TH 

OCTOBER 

Bricklehurst 

Manor School 

Visit us & see for yourself 

Bardown Road, Stonegate, Wadhurst, East Sussex, TN5 7EL 

Tel: 01580 200 448 E-mail: office@bricklehurst.co.uk 

Visit our website: www.bricklehurst.co.uk 

Follow us on facebook @Bricklehurst 

“ 

BricklehurstManorSchoolWT163.indd 1 10/08/2015 10:44 

I would not be who I am 

today without Bethany. The 

teachers are always prepared 

to go the extra mile; I have 

made lifelong friends and as 

Joint Head of School I was 

delighted to be able to give 

something back to everyone 

who has helped me. 

” 

Luke Shaw, Bethany pupil 2008-2015. 

Joint Head of School 2014-2015. 

suggest, Mrs Coatz, that she doesn’t have anything to say.” 

Talking is one of those milestones that we look forward 

to, like sitting up and the first steps, and when it doesn’t 

come we may well think that it is an indicator of a deeper 

issue. But are we really helping our children to speak? 

Do we encourage them as much as we think we do? 

The doctor was right. My sister didn’t have anything 

to say because my mother was pre-empting her every 

need. Why ask for a drink if it is already there? Why 

speak if Mummy is speaking at me all the time? 

In the early years talk is very important. In fact it is planned 

for and reported on from when a child enters our Nursery 

to when he or she leaves the Pre-Prep department at 7 years 

of age. Speaking has to be built into everything we do in 

Nursery; it is a vehicle through which children share their 

curiosity, through speech they make connections with others, 

articulate their needs and desires and express their feelings. It 

is by asking questions that a child makes sense of the world 

around him or her and extends their cognitive abilities. 

One way in which we actively encourage talk is through 

our conscious efforts to develop independence in all our 

children. If mummy always hangs the coat on the peg the 

child will never need to ask the question, “Where shall I 

put my coat?” or tell us, “I can’t find my hook.” Necessity 

ensures that even the most reluctant talker will soon break 

their silence if their needs are observed but not always rushed 

to be met. This gentle encouragement needs to be delivered 

with the love and security that we provide so that the children 

feel confident enough to take a risk and hear their voice.” 

Marlborough House is an independent Preparatory, Pre- 

Preparatory and Nursery School for boys and girls aged 

three to thirteen in Hawkhurst. 01580 753555 

www.marlboroughhouseschool.co.uk. 

 

Education for life 

At Bethany we inspire, encourage and challenge our pupils 

to achieve more than they ever thought possible. 

Open Mornings: 

Saturday 26th September 2015 and Wednesday 7th October 2015 

Come and see what Bethany can do for your child. 

Entrance Assessments for 2016: 

Year 7 – Saturday 7th November 2015 

Year 9 – Saturday 16th January 2016 

Contact Us: 

01580 211273 or registrar@bethanyschool.org.uk 

www.bethanyschool.org.uk | Goudhurst, Kent TN17 1LB 

Scholarships 

and bursaries 

available 

Co-educational day and boarding school for ages 11-18 

Pictured: Nursery at Marlborough House 


BethanySchoolWT163.indd 1 03/08/2015 15:30 

10

Open 

Morning 


To register interest or for more 

information please contact: 

registrar@junior-kings.co.uk 

+44 (0) 1227 714000 

CO-EDUCATIONAL I DAY & BOARDING I 3-13 YEARS I IAPS 

Junior King’s School, Milner Court, Sturry, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 0AY 

www.junior-kings.co.uk 

Wealden Times_Junior King's_2015.indd 1 14/07/2015 15:16:26 

JuniorKingWT163.indd 1 03/08/2015 12:01 

Our school transport network extends 

across much of Kent and East Sussex 

• Independent school for children aged 1 to 18 

• Over 100 acres of grounds 

• Full academic and co-curricular programme 

• Study centre in France 

• Enlarged two acre Forest School 

• NEW £1.5m Sports Centre and Performing Arts Centre 

• NEW Sixth Form Centre 

• NEW Boarding Facility opening in September 2015 

offering flexi or full boarding options. 

Ofsted Outstanding, day, flexi or full 

boarding school for children aged 1 - 18 

NURSERY PREPARATORY SENIOR SIXTH FORM 

Baldslow, St Leonards-on-Sea 

East Sussex TN37 7PW 

01424 751555 

Bodiam, Robertsbridge 

East Sussex TN32 5UJ 

01580 830396 

FIND OUT MORE 

enquiries@claremontschool.co.uk 

www.claremontschool.co.uk 


12 

ClaremontPrepWT163.indd 1 05/08/2015 11:01


WALTHAMSTOW HALL 

S e v e n o a k s K e n t 

Open Morning 

Saturday 26th September 2015 

10.00am - 12.15pm 

Pictured: Junior’s Day Nursery Tonbridge 

Question – How can parents prepare their children 

to start using pens and pencils in the classroom to 

communicate their thoughts, feelings and ideas before 

they start to learn to write at primary school? 

Debbie Older Manager, Junior’s 

Day Nursery, Tonbridge... 

“Before children begin to write they need to develop good 

language and communication skills. They can’t write anything 

down if they haven’t got anything to say! One of the most 

important things we can do is spend time with our children, 

playing with the toys children choose, sharing books, rhymes 

and singing. Talking to babies from birth will increase their 

understanding. In order for children to develop the skills needed 

for writing Junior’s Day Nursery suggests they will need to: 

• Be Imaginative – making up stories as they play, paint and 

create. We can support this by commenting on our own 

ideas or asking open questions – “tell me about this?” 

• Develop Skills – children need to co-ordinate their 

arms and shoulders. Activities such as climbing, 

sliding, throwing balls, large scale construction – all 

help to build the muscles needed for writing. 

• Develop Hand-Eye Co-ordination – sensory play such as dough, 

sand and water, using simple tools, peeling fruit, pouring drinks, 

manipulating objects, using paint brushes, pencils and pens. 

• Scribble and Draw – making marks and shapes 

will help children begin to write. 

• Play with letters and sounds. 

• Be motivated – children need to see adults, 

writing, making shopping lists, filling in forms and 

encouraging children to make marks alongside. 

Let children be children and ensure learning is fun! 

All of these activities and positive adult role models 

will be found at Junior’s Day Nursery.” 

Junior’s Tonbridge opened in July 2015 with three 

dedicated rooms providing a stimulating, educational 

and caring environment for children aged 3 months to 5 

years. 07462 641 341 www.juniorsdaynursey.co.uk. 

“Thriving girls’ day school in Sevenoaks. Produces quietly 

confident young women with a ‘can do’ attitude and an 

adventurous spirit. The strong academic results are a 

happy by-product of all this.” 

The Good Schools Guide 

“Pupils are eager and committed learners. They evidently 

enjoy learning and are ambitious to succeed.” 

“Opportunities to participate in a rich panoply of 

artistic, musical, dramatic, creative and academic clubs 

and activities abound.” 

“The range of opportunities to participate in sporting 

pursuits, both competitive and recreational, is excellent.” 

“Pupils achieve excellent standards in their 

work and activities.” 

Independent Schools Inspectorate, 2014 

Within walking distance of Sevenoaks station. 

Mini-bus services from Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, 

West Malling and Oxted. 

Now accepting enquiries and applications for 

Year 7, 9 and 12 entry in September 2016 and 2017. 

Book your Open Morning place now at 

www.walthamstow-hall.co.uk 


WalthamstowHallSchoolWT163.indd 1 03/08/2015 12:57

100 Years of Education, 1000 Years of History 

HISTORY IN THE MAKING 

• 98% A-Level pass rate 

• 38% of pupils go on to Russell 

Group Universities/Oxbridge 

• Strong family ethos and focus 

on creative arts 

BATTLE ABBEY SCHOOL 

OPEN DAY 

Saturday September 19th 

10.30am - 12.30pm. 

BATTLE ABBEY PREP & NURSERY 

SCHOOL OPEN DAY 

Saturday November 14th 

10.00am - 12.00 noon. 

Battle Abbey School 1912 - 2012 

battleabbeyschool.com 

Dulwich Prep School 

Cranbrook 

Independent day and flexible boarding school for boys and girls aged 3 to 13. 

BattleAbbeySchoolWT163.indd 1 03/08/2015 16:49 

Space to breathe, time to grow. 

Open 

MOrning 

Thursday 8th october 

For details and to book a tour please contact registrar@dcpskent.org 

01580 712179 www.dcpskent.org 

WT_DUL_130x185_sept_15.indd 1 13/07/2015 11:09 


14 

DulwichPrepWT163.indd 1 03/08/2015 11:35


WT Supplement 

What’s Cooking? 

We go behind the scenes at school catering departments to 

find out what they’re dishing up for Wealden pupils... 

Dee McConkey, the acting Head 

of Pre-Prep, The Junior King’s 

School Canterbury (pictured above) 

Can you talk us through a typical lunchtime 

meal? A typical lunch may be roast beef, 

Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and 

buttered cabbage, carrots and peas with a 

vegetarian option of stuffed peppers. There 

will always be a pasta and homemade sauce 

option with warm garlic bread and salad. 

Pudding may be homemade apricot crumble 

and cream. To finish, children are offered 

a wide selection, often of ten or more, of 

different fruits – everything from mandarin 

to mango and plum to passion fruit. 

Are snacks/drinks offered throughout the 

day? Children are encouraged to drink 

water throughout the day at whatever 

time they so wish. We have ‘Snack Time’ 

just after a play which consists of a glass 

of milk or water and a prepared piece of 

fruit. Again in the afternoon the children 

will enjoy another snack of water and a 

biscuit. Children who engage in after school 

activities and clubs are offered ‘Tea’. This 

will consist of a drink, a platter of assorted 

sandwiches, fruit and homemade cake. 

How do you maintain a healthy balance 

of food? As part of their class learning, 

children are taught ‘how to keep 

themselves healthy’. This includes making 

healthy choices with their food options. 

We believe that what is on offer is well 

balanced and therefore provides a good 

model for the children to follow. 

How do you approach fussy eaters? 

Occasionally, we are presented with a 

suggested ‘fussy eater’. I am delighted 

to say that within the shortest space of 

time this ‘fussy eater’ is returned to the 

parent filled with excitement and zest 

for new tastes and dishes to try out at 

home! It really is virtually impossible 

to not find something that will appeal 

from that huge variety on offer. 

What has proved to be the most popular 

dish amongst the children? Undoubtedly, 

the favourite dish has to be ‘Fish 

and Chip Friday’. In addition to the 

regular fish fingers and chips, scampi or 

salmon there will be additional options 

of risotto or perhaps cannelloni. 

Additionally, I must add that all 

allergy sufferers share in this wide 

selection, as ingredients suitable for 

those with restricted diets are sourced 

with each individual in mind. 

Children can start at Junior King’s 

Nursery and Pre-Prep in Sturry from 

age three. To find out more, call 01227 

714000 or see www.junior-kings.co.uk. 

Stef Parnell, Catering 

Manager, Holmewood 

House School (pictured below) 

Can you talk us through a 

typical lunchtime meal? 

Every day we offer: a healthy, traditional 

main course meal using fresh seasonal 

ingredients; homemade soup and rolls; a 

freshly prepared salad bar with a choice 

of protein; pasta or baked potatoes with 

a choice of fillings; homemade yoghurts, 

fresh fruit and a traditional dessert. 

Are snacks/drinks offered throughout 

the day; if so, what? 

We serve drinks and biscuits during 

morning break. The Pre-Prep are offered 

cheese and biscuits or breadsticks. Lots 

of fresh fruit is always on offer. The 

older children have an afternoon snack 

of homemade biscuits or cakes or a 

savoury snack (cheese on toast, pizza etc.) 

before settling down to do their prep. 

How do you maintain a 

healthy balance of food? 

We always use fresh produce and add extra 

healthy ingredients e.g. we add pulses to 

a Bolognese sauce and wholegrain flour 

might be used in a crumble. There is a 

lot of choice, so with proper training, 

encouragement and adult supervision, 

the children will mostly choose a healthy 

combination of food for themselves. 

Do you still have issues with fussy 

eaters? How is this overcome? 

We can cater for all alternative dietary 

requirements but we ensure these are for 

faith or medical reasons not because, “I 

don’t like that”! There are inevitably some 

 


Sutton Valence 

One School, 

many journeys 

Open 

Mornings 

Senior School (HMC 11–18 day and boarding) 

Saturday 26th September 2015 

T: 01622 845206 | E: websterk@svs.org.uk 

Preparatory School (Nursery to age 11) 

Friday 2nd October 2015 

T: 01622 842117 | E: leckiea@svs.org.uk 

www.svs.org.uk 

An Independent co-educational 

day and boarding school for 

pupils aged 3-18 in the 

heart of Kent 

SuttonValenceWT163.indd 1 03/08/2015 12:45 

Visit the 

Stretch & 

Challenge 

Zone 

www.stedmunds.org.uk 

Saturday 26 September 

Open Day 

Tours 9.30am – 12.00pm 


16 

StEdmundsWT163.indd 1 12/08/2015 10:47


fussy eaters. My staff and I deal with these children on a oneto-one 

basis offering lots of encouragement. It is very rewarding 

when we get a child to eat some salad and cucumber every day! 

What has proved to be the most popular dish amongst the pupils? 

Chinese chicken and noodles is our most popular dish! 

We introduce something new every Tuesday and we have 

themed days – for example we have might have a French 

day with Boeuf Bourguignon, Coq au Vin and frogs’ legs! 

Holmewood House School is an independent, co-educational 

preparatory school for boys and girls aged three to thirteen in 

Langton Green. 01892 860000 www.holmewoodhouse.co.uk. 

Kevin Kearney, Head Chef at 

Cobham Hall (pictured below) 

Do students have access to snacks/drinks throughout the day? Yes. 

Fresh fruit is provided in the Dining Rooms and Boarding Houses. 

They also have access to filtered water and water fountains. As 

the School is home to many of our girls, we run a small tuck 

shop three times a week where the girls can buy their treats. 

How do you maintain a healthy balance of food? Our Catering Team 

produces a termly menu in which we balance healthy eating with 

appeal – it is no good producing a healthy menu if the girls won’t 

eat it. The menu is reviewed termly, in consultation with student 

representatives. In addition to discussing likes and dislikes, the 

girls get to try new dishes and discuss healthy eating options. 

VOICE TRIALS 

for boys aged 7 & 8 

7 th November 

Substantial scholarships are 

awarded and choristers benefit 

from an all-round excellent 

education at St Edmund’s 

School Canterbury. 

The Master of Choristers, 

David Flood, is always 

pleased to meet and advise 

parents and their sons. 

For further details 

please telephone 

01227 865242 

davidf@canterbury-cathedral.org 

Open up a world of possibilities 

@No1Cathedral 

CanterburyCathedralChoirWT163.indd 1 10/08/2015 15:10 

How do you encourage a healthy attitude towards eating? As 

a Boarding School, food is a regular topic of conversation. 

We encourage participation in food committees as a forum 

for discussion. The girls also discuss healthy eating in 

PSHE, Science, PE and in Boarding meetings. Girls are 

also encouraged to cook. Sixth Formers have access to their 

own kitchens where they can prepare food for themselves, 

friends and occasionally staff. The girls also have cooking as 

a Saturday morning activity when they are taught about food 

groups, healthy eating, cooking techniques and hygiene. 

What has proved to be the most popular dish amongst the students? 

That’s tricky. It is hard enough to pick a family favourite but 

with a family of over 200 from around 30 different countries, 

this issue would promote 

healthy debate. 

Generally, if we want empty 

plates, anything with pasta 

or chicken tends to be a hit. 

Cobham Hall is an 

independent day and 

boarding school for girls 

aged eleven to eighteen 

in Cobham, Kent. 01474 

823371 www.cobhamhall.com. 

Wellesley House 

Independent Co-educational Prep School Boarding & Day 7-13 years 

OPEN MORNING 

10th October 2015 10am to 12 noon 

Come and see where a great education begins. 

AFFORDABLE FEES. PRICELESS RESULTS. 

Wellesley House School | Broadstairs | Kent CT10 2DG 

t: 01843 862991 | e: hmsec@wellesleyhouse.net 

www.wellesleyhouse.org 


WellesleyHouseWT163.indd 1 17/08/2015 10:47

You are warmly invited to our 

Senior School Open Morning 

Saturday 19 September 2015 

Saturday 16 April 2016 

9.30am to noon 

(Entry at 13 and 16) 

HMC – Day, weekly and full boarding 

Boys and girls 13 to 18 

To register please contact: 

admissions@bedes.org 

T 01323 843252 

or online at bedes.org 

Nadia 

Lower Sixth 

Physicist 

Bede’s Senior School 

Upper Dicker 

East Sussex BN27 3QH 

St Bede’s is a Charitable Trust which exists to educate young people


freeimages.com/JustineFurmanczyk 

History in the Making 

After quizzing his teenage sons on the relevance of the Magna Carta only to discover they 

knew very little about it, John Graham-Hart analyses history’s place in the classroom... 

My teenage sons are not exactly the bluntest 

pencils in the box but when I tried a little 

experiment and asked them what they knew 

about the Magna Carta, one of them hazarded that it was 

“something to do with that king who died of peaches” while 

the other, with commendable brevity, replied “Wot?” 

Questions of their friends about Julius Caesar, Richard 

the Lionheart, Thomas Becket, Henry V, Elizabeth 

I and Oliver Cromwell produced equally spectacular 

displays of ignorance. Something is clearly amiss 

with our teaching of history and the blame lies not 

with teachers who do their best with limited time and 

resources but squarely with Government who give them 

neither consistent guidance nor the tools for the job. 

It was a surprise, then, that when Michael Gove began his 

crusade to bring greater structure and focus to the teaching 

of the subject, he had considerable support. Our children 

were growing up with only the scantest knowledge of either 

time scales or the history of their own country. However, 

the first draft of his new national curriculum was, by any 

stretch of the imagination, a bridge too far. A jingoistic pub 

quiz of a curriculum, it was described by Simon Schama as 

“1066 And All That without the jokes” and although it 

would have certainly given British children a greater 

understanding of their own country, it would have left 

them with virtually no understanding of anything or 

anybody further away than the Dover ferry car park. 

Apart from its blinkered focus, it was far too 

prescriptive, demanding, for instance, that Key Stage 

1 five-to-seven-year-olds try to wrap their minds 

round the likes of Isaac Newton, Isambard Kingdom 

Brunel and Christina Rossetti and having to develop 

a meaningful understanding of “nation, civilisation, 

monarchy, parliament, democracy, war and peace.” 

Key Stage 2 seven-to-11-year-olds would be saddled 

with Christopher Wren, Adam Smith, Olaudah 

Equiano, William Gladstone, Benjamin Disraeli, 

Winston Churchill, Clement Attlee and Margaret 

Thatcher. In short, just the sort of topics that, in a young 

child, would inspire a life-long love of the subject. 

 


MrNoahs-WealdenTimesept14fin_Layout 1 22/09/2014 14:51 Page 1 

Free to learn! 

What will you 

do with your one, 

wild, precious life? 

Mary Oliver 

Call us to find out what we can offer your child’s future. 

01580 240642 

MR NOAH’S 

NURSERY SCHOOL 

IDEN GREEN, BENENDEN. 2-5 YEARS 

www.mrnoahsnurseryschool.co.uk mnns@idengreen.org.uk 

Have you ever wondered what if? Or had a feeling 

that you could or should be doing something 

different? Imagine doing what you’ve always 

dreamed of and being the person you’d like to be. 

As a certified NLP Master Practitioner and Life Coach, 

Yvonne Fernando supports people in making positive 

change so they can live the life they deserve. 

Yvonne Fernando 

NLP Master Practitioner and Life Coach 

T : 01233 878474 M: 07968 785714 

E : yvonne@yvonnefernandonlp.co.uk 

www.yvonnefernandonlp.co.uk 

MrNoahsNurserySchoolWT163.indd 1 14/08/2015 YvonneFernandoWT163.indd 14:46 

1 04/08/2015 12:16 

Discover Skippers Hill... 

A hidden gem set in 22 acres of idyllic Wealden countryside 

Visit us: Open Morning, Tuesday 6th October, 9.30-11.30am 

www.skippershill.com | Tel: 01825 830234 | Five Ashes, Mayeld, East Sussex, TN20 6HR | For boys and girls aged two to thirteen years 


20 

SkippersHillWT163.indd 1 03/08/2015 12:32


Needless to say, there was a general wailing and 

gnashing of prominent educational teeth. In a letter 

to the Observer signed by the presidents of the Royal 

Historical Society, the Historical Association, the higher 

education group History UK and senior members of the 

British Academy, Gove was condemned for drawing up 

the curriculum without substantive consultation with 

teachers and academics. They said that the curriculum 

as it stood fails to recognise that learning about the 

past of other peoples is “as vital as knowledge of foreign 

languages to enable British citizens to understand 

the full variety and diversity of human life”. 

Mr Gove decided that a rethink was in order and the new 

line-up, although it offers a good grounding in our own 

history, is considerably less date-based, nationalistic and 

prescriptive and, as such, has received a warmer welcome. Even 

shadow education secretary, university history lecturer and TV 

history presenter Tristram Hunt offered a qualified approval. 

Out for Key Stage 1 are Newton, Brunel and co. and 

in are the likes of Christopher Columbus, Neil Armstrong, 

William Caxton, Tim Berners-Lee, LS Lowry, Rosa Parks 

and Emily Davison. Out are the constitutional issues and 

instead pupils will concentrate on general historical events 

and changes, important figures and local history. 

But the greatest changes are to Key Stage 2. Gone is 

the original string of politicians and in their place is a 

HH_WT_185x130_TRO.qxp_Layout 1 08/07/2015 17:12 Page 1 

freeimages.com/dimitri_c 

...the greatest changes are 

to Key Stage 2. Gone is the 

original string of politicians 

and in their place is a 

considerably shorter more 

varied company which 

includes individuals such 

as Charles Darwin... 

parade 

lead the 

HOLMEWOOD HOUSE 

We share the high aspirations you have for 

your child and offer an outstanding education 

to all our pupils, whatever their abilities, 

interests and talents. 

Holmewood pupils are happy, content, 

industrious, enthusiastic, motivated and hugely 

proud of their school, which generates a 

wonderful, almost tangible sense of endeavour 

and adventure. 

INDEPENDENT DAY & BOARDING SCHOOL FOR BOYS & GIRLS AGED 3 TO 13 YEARS 

LANGTON GREEN, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT, TN3 0EB +44 (0)1892 860006 

holmewood.kent.sch.uk registrar@holmewood.kent.sch.uk Reg. charity no. 279267 

Come and share the adventure with 

us at our next Open Morning on: 

Thursday 8th October 9.30 – 11.30am 

For more information about our Open 

Morning or to arrange an individual visit, 

please telephone or email Karen Gwinnett 

registrar@holmewood.kent.sch.uk 

Extraordinary lives begin at Holmewood House 


HolmewoodHouseWT163.indd 1 03/08/2015 11:40


freeimages.com/mailsparky 

Above: The monument to commemorate the sealing of Magna Carta by King 

John at Runnymede 800 years ago on 15 June 1215 

considerably shorter more varied company which includes 

individuals such as Charles Darwin who didn’t even get 

a mention in the original draft. The new programmes of 

study require schools to “ensure all pupils understand the 

methods of historical enquiry, including how evidence 

is used rigorously to make historical claims, and discern 

how and why contrasting arguments and interpretations 

of the past have been constructed”. This ends the idea that 

the study of history should constitute nothing more 

than the rote learning of people, dates and events. 

In fact, the requirements of the new curriculum go 

further than the old in proposing that history should be 

both interesting and open to critical interpretation: “A highquality 

history education… should inspire pupils’ curiosity 

to know more about the past. Teaching should equip pupils 

to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, 

sift arguments, and develop perspective and judgement.” 

All good stuff, then, but the curriculum, important 

though it might be, is not, for many critics, the key 

issue. Hunt sums up the problem echoing the lament 

of so many history teachers. “The real problem is not 

the history curriculum,” he says. “It’s the overall priority 

given to the subject. An average 13-year-old gets an 

hour a week. Let’s make sure that head teachers can give 

enough space to history to begin with and so children can 

learn about the wonders and excitement of the past.” 

Using the ridiculously limited time available to 

cram children full of facts and dates contributes little to their 

overall understanding and appreciation of either their own 

history or anyone else’s. Yes, the basics must be there – a grasp 

of time scales, people and events – but equally important 

is the time to teach the subject creatively in a way that 

will fascinate, inspire and give pupils a lifelong interest in their 

own country and culture, and of the countries and cultures 

of billions of others who are, today, just a mouse-click away. 


A family prep school for children ages 2-11yrs 

A great place to grow 

Open Morning 

Saturday 3rd October 2015, 9.30am - 12.00 noon 

Spring Grove School, Harville Road, Wye, TN25 5EZ 

01233 812337 www.springgroveschool.co.uk office@springgroveschool.co.uk 


22 

SpringGroveSchoolWT163.indd 1 21/07/2015 12:59

Open Day 

Events 

13+ Open Day 

Wednesday 23rd September 6 – 8pm 

Sixth Form Open Day 

Tuesday 10th November 6 – 8pm 

Waterloo Road, 

Cranbrook, Kent 

TN17 3JD 

01580 711800 

admissions@cranbrook.kent.sch.uk 

Please visit our 

website to register 

your interest 

www.cranbrookschool.co.uk

Educating 

mind, body, 

heart & soul 

‘Excellent Academic 

Achievement’ 

‘Excellent Pastoral Care’ 

‘Excellent spiritual, 

moral, social and cultural 

development’ 

Inspectorate Report 2012 

Open Mornings: Wednesday 16 September, Friday 20 November 2015 

To see rst hand how we can help your daughter to ourish academically, 

to develop her talents – wherever they lie – and discover hidden ones, 

join us for an open morning or personal visit. 

• New Sixth Form Centre 

• Oxbridge Success 

• Full & Weekly Boarding 

• Creative Thinking 

01435 874642 

admissions@mayeldgirls.org 

The Old Palace, Mayeld, East Sussex TN20 6PH 

www.mayeldgirls.org 

An independent Catholic boarding 

and day school for girls aged 11 to 18


freeimages.com/NedHorton 

The Importance of Poetry 

Writer and lecturer on Education and Children’s Literature, Linda Hall, explains how 

introducing poetry at an early age can benefit your child’s development... 

Mention the word poetry to a group of adults 

and the response you may evoke is at best cool 

indifference, at worst plain hostility. But in the 

infant and pre-school phases, poetry can and does have 

universal appeal. This is fortunate, because rhymed poetry and 

verse are very important for children’s language development. 

Even more important than this, research suggests that poetry 

plays a vital role in promoting early reading success. If you 

want your child to learn to read quickly and easily and to 

develop early fluency, the way to ensure it is to read and sing 

lots of children’s poetry to him/her in the pre-school years. 

Poetry at this early stage means nothing more difficult 

or pretentious than nursery rhymes. They are wonderfully 

vivid and lively, if a little cryptic to adults with their puzzling 

references to ‘nut trees’ and ‘cockle-shells and silver bells’. But 

such imagery, having lost its original context and meaning, 

has taken on a more imaginative and humorous appeal. 

The lady who sweeps cobwebs from the sky may 

seem bizarre, but she is also great fun, as is the idea of 

the cow jumping over the moon. It is clear that the 

tremendous range of nursery rhymes can satisfy a preschool 

child’s rhythmic appetite for the sheer music 

of sounds as well as nourish his/her imagination. 

It is these sounds that influence children’s success in reading. 

Research into children’s reading difficulties shows that children 

who have experienced nursery rhymes and other examples 

of children’s poetry in the pre-school phase have no trouble 

learning to read when they start school and develop fluency 

sooner than others. This is because the presence of phonological 

patterns like rhyme and alliteration promotes in the child a 

capacity for recognising sounds that are similar or identical. 

Conversely, it has been found that weakness in phonological 

awareness at the age of four is a significant predictor of a 

child’s later difficulties in learning to read, write or spell. Such 

findings are of immense importance for making an early 

diagnosis of dyslexia and for suggesting how to treat it. 

Some schools call work on sound (phoneme) and letter 

(grapheme) correspondences ‘phonics training’ and include 

it in their early work. But not all do, and those that do, do 

not do enough. Many still use alongside phonics the picture 

book method or ‘look-and-say’ method of learning to read 

– a purely visual approach to word recognition. This may be 

adequate for the vast majority of girls, but it is not for boys, 

since it is estimated that while 10% of the population at 

large is dyslexic, 80% of all dyslexics are male. It seems that 

boys need a more wide-ranging approach to reading, one 

that concentrates on phonics. Certainly, what is clear from 

the research findings is that both girls and boys who have 

had poetry read to them in the pre-school period become 

good, fluent readers sooner than those who have not. 

There is, of course, more to poetry than this very important, 

instrumental benefit. Because the language of poetry is more 

compressed and deliberated than that of prose, it makes 

more of an immediate impression. It can therefore help to 

enrich our children’s awareness of their native tongue and 

widen their vocabularies. I recall my own son at barely 


RYE 

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Specialist creative education 14-19yr olds 

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two loved to recite words like ‘fancy’ and ‘certainly’ which 

he had heard in A.A. Milne’s The King’s Breakfast. For all the 

simplicity of nursery rhymes, their use of a precise lexicon 

makes them most beneficial. For example, Jack and Jill 

went to ‘fetch’ (not get) a ‘pail’ (not bucket) of water, while 

Jill did not just fall down too, she ‘came tumbling after’. 

Poetry also makes children want to read more or hear 

more of it read to them for the sheer pleasure it gives them. 

Psychologically, it is very important that the pre-school 

child associates print and reading with pleasure. The great 

hurdle of learning to read will then be joyfully anticipated. 

In the pre-school and infant period, it is a good idea to 

start with well-illustrated books of nursery rhymes and 

traditional verse. The Mother Goose Book is illustrated 

in delicate watercolour by Alice and Martin Provensen 

(Beaver Books). Then there are the traditional songs/ 

poems London Bridge is Falling Down and The Fox 

Went Out on a Chilly Night, both illustrated in minute 

and dramatic detail by Peter Speir (World’s Work). 

Look out for original work by illustrators who also 

write good verse for children. Peepo! and Each, Peach 

Pear Plum, both by Janet and Allan Ahlberg (Puffin) are 

two books with enjoyable “I spy” formats. The Wind 

Blew by Pat Hutchins (Puffin) offers some really precise 

and accurate vocabulary like ‘plucked’ and ‘tossed’. 

There is also the work of poets for children who have 

been illustrated by others. When We Were Very Young by 

A.A. Milne (Methuen) is an invaluable, child friendly 

collection. Edward Lear was an extremely skilful versifier, as 

exemplified by The Owl and the Pussycat (Piccolo). Noah’s 

Ark by Roger McGough (Dinosaur) displays a general 

linguistic playfulness while it recounts a compelling story. 

Finally, Sylvia Plath’s The Bed Book (Faber) is zany and 

bizarre, while The Giant Jam Sandwich (Cape) by John 

Vernon Lord matches it for pat rhymes and dottiness. 

Linda Hall is a writer and lecturer on Education and Children’s 

Literature. Her first book Poetry for Life: A Practical Guide 

to Teaching Poetry in the Primary School was used widely 

at secondary level and a specimen lesson from it featured 

as an example of best practice in an HMI publication for 

secondary teachers entitled Boys and English. It is available 

from her at High Meadows, Curtisden Green, Goudhurst, 

TN17 1LA for £5 including postage and packing. For 

more information email linda@lmh6pp.plus.com. 


RyeStudioSchoolWT163.indd 1 19/08/2015 11:49 

26

Vinehall ROBERTSBRIDGE, 

EAST SUSSEX 

“Thanks to the excellent relationships and 

the warm caring atmosphere, pupils thrive 

and develop confidence in their abilities” ISI Inspection 

Independent Prep School for Girls and Boys aged 2-13. Day, Full & Weekly Boarding. 

Located in the stunning East Sussex countryside close to Tunbridge Wells. 

■ OUTSTANDING ISI Inspection 

■ Academic, Music, Sport & Art scholarship programme 

■ Extensive mini bus service both to and from school throughout Kent and East Sussex 

■ Flexible boarding options from Year 3 

■ Amazing facilities including golf course, theatre and indoor pool set within 47 acres 

of stunning countryside 

■ Nursery from 2 years 

■ 100% success rate in to chosen senior schools, including 10 scholarship places 

Register for our Open Day on 2nd October 2015 

For further information and a prospectus please contact Karen Cooper 

on 01580 883090 or at admissions@vinehallschool.com. 

www.vinehallschool.com

Love Life 

Love Kent College 

At Kent College you can surpass your 

expectations and achieve at your highest 

level whilst having the time of your life. 

Join us this Autumn to fi nd out more: 

Prep & Senior Open Mornings 2015 

Saturday 3rd & Tuesday 6th October 

Book Online Now 

Love Life, Love KC 

www.kent-college.co.uk 

Kent College is a leading independent HMC day & boarding school for girls aged 3-18 

Member of the Methodist Independent Schools Group. Registered charity No 307920 

Extra Year 6 Class 

Opening This September 

Due To Popular Demand 

BEECHWOOD 

Sacred Heart School 

KentCollegeWT163indd 1 13/08/2015 12:39 

An Independent School for Boys and Girls (3-18) 

CO-ED DAY & BOARDING SCHOOL 

Pembury Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3QD 

Nursery, Prep & 

Senior School 

Open 

Day 

SATURDAY 10 OCTOBER 9.30 –1.00PM 

To find out more, please contact 

registrar@beechwood.org.uk 

01892 532747 

www.beechwood.org.uk 


28 

BeechwoodSacredHeartWT163.indd 1 05/08/2015 11:38


freeimages.com/daino_16 

Adult Education 

Sign up to an inspiring new learning 

opportunity near you... 

TEACHING COURSES 

Childcare - Early Years Education 

and Care Introductory 

Certificate CACHE Level 2 

Kent Adult Education at Tunbridge 

Wells Adult Education Centre 

Price: £825 

Dates & times: 32 weeks from 

05/10/2015-04/07/2016 7-9.45pm 

Early Years Education and Care 

Certificate CACHE Level 2 is a 

qualification to prepare learners to 

work with children between birth 

and five years with knowledge 

of children up to seven years. 

Info & booking: 03000 41 2222 

www.kentadulteducation.co.uk 

Understanding Autism Spectrum 

Disorder (ASD) Level 1 

Kent Adult Education at Sittingbourne 

Adult Education Centre 

Price: £40 

Dates & times: 1 day 03/10/2015 

10am-4pm 

This ‘Understanding and Supporting 

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can be used to provide people 

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support which they may require. 

Info & booking: 03000 41 2222 


Supporting Children’s 

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Kent Adult Education at Sevenoaks 

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Price: £185 


03/11/2015-09/02/2016 

9.30am-12pm 

This introductory course is ideal 

for those who care for or work 

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course, you will explore ways in which 

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children than others. You will have the 

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activities and discuss how they help 

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Info & booking: 03000 41 2222 www. 

kentadulteducation.co.uk 

Teaching Assistant - Supporting 

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Certificate OCR Level 2 

Kent Adult Education at St Faiths 

Adult Education Centre, Maidstone 

Price: £695.00 


11/01/2016-20/06/2016 

9.30am-1.30pm 

This Level 2 Teaching Assistant course 

in Maidstone aims to enable students 

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understanding and skills to reflect good 

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On successful completion you will 

gain a national qualification to enable 

you to qualify as a Teaching Assistant. 

Info & booking: 03000 41 2222 

Where there’s a Will 

there’s a way 

Your Will can be a very powerful tool to help your loved 

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• Ensure your assets are left to the people you choose 

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If you don’t have a Will – now is the time to discuss your 

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and in a tax efficient way? 

To review your current Will at no charge contact us today. 

Canterbury 01227 643250 

Maidstone 01622 698000 

Tenterden 01580 765722 


Whitehead Monckton Limited (no. 08366029), registered in 

England & Wales. Registered office 72 King Street, Maidstone, Kent, 

ME14 1BL. Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation 

Authority under no. 608279. 


WT 9/15 


WhiteheadMoncktonWT163i.indd 1 13/08/2015 17:09

The only Round Square boarding and day school 

for girls, aged 11 to 18 in Kent. 

Situated in 150 acres of parkland, 

close to the A2/M2, A21, M20 & M25. 

Daily transport available. 

Lower & Middle School 

Taster Afternoon & Sleepover 

Friday 2nd/Saturday 3rd October 2015 

Open Morning 


Sixth Form (IB) Taster Day 

Wednesday 14th October 2015 

‘There is more in you 

than you think.’ 

Contact Admissions 

T: 01474 823371 

E: enquiries@cobhamhall.com 

W: www.cobhamhall.com



CREATIVE COURSES 

Sussex Guild Workshop: “Design 

and Start a Child’s Memory 

Quilt” with Louise Bell 

Sussex Guild Shop Event Room, 

The North Wing Southover Grange, 

Southover Road, Lewes, East Sussex 

BN7 1TP 

Price: £45 per person 

Dates & times: 15/11/2015 

10.30am-4.30pm 

Bring along those treasured bibs and 

Babygros and together we’ll plan and 

start a Memory Quilt. Book early, 

spaces are limited! 

Booking: Contact the tutor on 

07802 795409 or the Guild 

Shop 01273 479565 

HEALTH COURSES 

Relaxation Mindfulness Meditation 

with NLP Master Practitioner & 

Life Coach, Yvonne Fernando 

Charing Surgery 

Price: 10 week programme £65 

/ Individual Class £8 (Suitable 

for all levels of ability) 


24/9/2015-26/11/2015 

9.30-10.30am 

This inspiring and informative course 

is designed to help you learn to relax, 

manage stress and create a calm mind 

- for improved health and wellbeing. 

Info & booking: 01233 878474 


GENERAL INTEREST COURSES 

Creative Journaling - Ongoing 

Practice with NLP Master 

Practitioner & Life Coach, 

Yvonne Fernando 

The Bakehouse, Biddenden 

Price: £55 each 

Dates & times: 30/9/2015 

6-9.30pm 

These sessions are designed for 

those that have already attended 

one of Yvonne’s Creative Journaling 

workshops (or something similar). 

Great for anyone that would like to 

continue journaling or would simply 

like to journal in company. The group 

dynamics are always supportive, 

energising and fun.You’ll continue to 

express your feelings through creative 

journaling and creative visualisation. 

Yvonne will create specific themes, 

which will allow you to explore 

your feelings about certain topics. If 

you are new to Creative Journaling, 

please call Yvonne before booking, 

to discuss the course content. Please 

note the £55 cost assumes you 

already have a journaling book. If 

you would like a new journaling 

book, please allow an additional £5. 

Info & booking: 01233 878474 


University of Kent, 

Tonbridge, Short Courses 

Avebury Avenue, Tonbridge 

Remaining Autumn 2015 

Study Days are as follows: 

• ARCHAEOLOGICAL STUDIES 

• ART HISTORY 

• CLASSICS LEARNING 

• CREATIVE WRITING 

• WRITING FOR BUSINESS 

• HISTORY 

• LITERATURE 

• MUSIC 

The Spring 2016 programme will 

be available from mid-December 

2015 / early January 2016. 

Info & booking: 01732 352316 

www.kent.ac.uk/tonbridge/coursesand-timetable/shortcourses.html 

General Interest courses at Acres 

Adult College for Rural East Sussex 

Uckfield Community Technical 

College, Uckfield 

New courses for the autumn include: 

‘A Wander Through Italy’ offering 

a mental meander through this 

cultural country; an ‘Archaeology 

Workshop’ helping us to piece 

together our history using clues 

from the past; a development on our 

previous family history courses with 

‘Family History - Delving Deeper’; 

an exploration of different aspects 

of writing with ‘How to Write Your 

Book’ and ‘How to Write Short 

Stories’; plus some new history 

courses with ‘An Introduction to the 

Elizabethan World’ and the spinechilling 

‘Spooky Sussex’ workshop, 

perfect for a dark, late autumn day. 

Info & booking: www.acreslearning. 

org.uk/general_interest.asp 

TONBRIDGE 

Where each child discovers 

and realises their potential 

2014 INSPECTION REPORT RANKED 

THE MEAD SCHOOL EXCELLENT IN ALL AREAS 

THE MEAD SCHOOL 

Co-educational day school for ages 3–11 

A quality education at an affordable 

price where every child feels success 

Online at: office@themeadschool.co.uk www.meadschool.info 

16 Frant Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5SN (01892 525837) 

Fully catered extended provision 7.45am–6pm 

Celebrating another year of fantastic exam success to 

Local Grammar & Independent schools 

Next Open Days: Thursday 8 October 2015 

Personal tours available throughout the year 

MeadSchoolWT163.indd 1 13/08/2015 11:39 

TONBRIDGE 

Opening June 2015 

Adjacent to Tonbridge Train Station 

Full daycare • 3 months to 5 years • Open 51 weeks per yea 

For more information on Child places and Staff vacancies contact: 

Email: tonbridge@juniorsdaynursery.co.uk Mobile: 07462 641 3 

www.juniorsdaynursery.co.uk 

Child Places Available 

Teenies • Toddlers • Pre-School 

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Opening June 2015 

Adjacent to Tonbridge Train Station 

Full daycare • 3 months to 5 years • Open 51 weeks per year 

For more information on Child places and Staff vacancies contact: 

Email: tonbridge@juniorsdaynursery.co.uk Mobile: 07462 641 341 


Dan Goldsmith Photography 


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Staff Outings 

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find us on facebook & twitter 

Would you you like like to to join the Wealden Times team? team? 

Credit Control Accounts Assistant 

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LOVE CURLING IN KENT! 

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32 

FentonsRinkWT163.indd 1 18/08/2015 16:33

An independent school 

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Our individualised approach to academic 

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T: 01732 838 888 W: sackvilleschool.co.uk 

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SackvilleSchoolWT163.indd 1 12/08/2015 11:43 

T h e D y s l e x i a S p e c i a l i s t s 

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Rye Road, Northiam, East Sussex TN31 6NL Phone 01797 252494 

www.frewencollege.co.uk 


FrewenCollegeWT163.indd 1 18/08/2015 09:53

WT Education 

Directory 

Sponsored by 

ACTIVITIES 


01342 810493 

www.blacklandfarm.org.uk 

Fentons Rink Tunbridge 

Wells 01892 826004 

www.curlinginkent.co.uk 

CHOIRS 

Canterbury Cathedral 

Choir 01227 865242 

HEALTH & WELLBEING 

Yvonne Fernando NLP 

Master Practitioner 

& Life Coach 01233 

878474 / 07968 785714 


NURSERIES, SCHOOLS, 

COLLEGES & 

UNIVERSITIES 

Ashford School Ashford 

01233 739030 

www.ashfordschool.co.uk 

Battle Abbey School 

Battle 01424 772385 

www.battleabbeyschool.com 

Bede’s Upper Dicker 01323 

843252 www.bedes.org 

Beechwood Sacred 

Heart Tunbridge Wells 

01892 532747 

www.beechwood.org.uk 

Bethany Goudhurst 

01580 211273 

www.bethanyschool.org.uk 

Bricklehurst Manor School 

Wadhurst 01580 200448 

www.bricklehurst.co.uk 

Claremont 01424 751555 

(Nursery/Prep in Baldslow) 

/ 01580 830369 (Senior/ 

Sixth Form in Bodiam) 

www.claremontschool.co.uk 

Cobham Hall 

Gravesend 01474 823371 

www.cobhamhall.com 

Cranbrook School 

Cranbrook 01580 711800 

www.cranbrook.kent.sch.uk 

Dulwich Prep School 

Cranbrook 01580 712179 

www.dcpskent.org 

Frewen College Northiam 

01797 252494 

www.frewencollege.co.uk 

Holmewood House Langton 

Green 01892 860006 

www.holmewood.kent.sch.uk 

Junior King’s Canterbury 

Sturry 01227 714000 

www.junior-kings.co.uk 

Junior’s Day Nursery 

Tonbridge 07462 641341 


Kent College Canterbury 

01227 763231 (Senior) 

01227 762436 (Junior) 

www.kentcollege.com 

Kent College Pembury 

Tunbridge Wells 01892 

822006 

www.kent-college.co.uk 

King’s Rochester 

Rochester 01634 888590 

www.kings-rochester.co.uk 

Lancing College Lancing 

01273 452213 

www.lancingcollege.co.uk 

Marlborough House School 

Hawkhurst 01580 753555 

www.marlboroughhouseschool.co.uk 

Mayfield Mayfield 01435 

874642 www.mayfieldgirls.org 

The Mead School Tunbridge 

Wells 01892 525837 

www.meadschool.info 

Mr Noah’s Nursery School 

Iden Green 01580 240642 

www.mrnoahsnurseryschool.co.uk 

Northbourne Park School 

Betteshanger 01304 611215 

www.northbournepark.com 

Rye Studio School 

Rye 01797 228434 

www.ryestudioschool.co.uk 

Sackville School 

Hildenborough 

01732 838888 

www.sackvilleschool.co.uk 

Saint Ronan’s School 

Hawkhurst 01580 752271 

www.saintronans.co.uk 

Sevenoaks Preparatory 

School Sevenoaks 01732 

762336 www.theprep.org.uk 

Skippers Hill Manor 

Preparatory School 

Mayfield 01825 830234 

www.skippershill.com 


Wye 01233 812337 

www.springgroveschool.co.uk 

St Edmund’s School 

Canterbury 01227 475600 

www.stedmunds.org.uk 

St Lawrence College 

Ramsgate 01843 572931 

www.slcuk.com 

Sutton Valence School 

Sutton Valence 01622 

845206 (Senior) 

01622 842117 (Prep) 

www.svs.org.uk 

University of Kent 

Tonbridge 01227 764000 

www.kent.ac.uk/tonbridge 

Vinehall School 

Robertsbridge 01580 883090 

www.vinehallschool.com 

Walthamstow Hall 

Sevenoaks 01732 451334 

www.walthamstow-hall.co.uk 

Wellesley House School 

Broadstairs 01843 862991 

www.wellesleyhouse.org 

Woldingham School 

Caterham 01883 654206 

www.woldinghamschool.co.uk 

SOLICITORS 

Whitehead Monckton 

01227 643250 (Canterbury) 

01622 698000 (Maidstone) 

01580 765722 (Tenterden) 



34

Hornbrook Manor Farm 

Garden Advice and Border planting service 

Fabulously 

Vintage Fair 

A fabulous day out 

for all the family 

Saturday 19th September 10am-4pm 

Mad Hatters Fancy Dress 

Staplecross Road, Bodiam, East Sussex,TN32 5RA 

Compèred by Viv the Spiv, the authentic 1940s Spiv 

Furniture, homewares, fashion, haberdashery and 

local produce 

Beautiful vintage and retro items for sale 

Children’s marquee with vintage prices 

Vintage tea room & Vintage vehicles 

Live entertainment 

Transform your garden borders 

Contact Jo Arnell for ideas, border designs and planting 

01233 861149 www.hornbrookmanor.co.uk 

Ibbett Mosely 

AUCTIONEERS & VALUERS 

Limited Liability Partnership 

HornbrookManorWT163.indd 1 12/08/2015 16:39 

The Auctioneer's Next Sale Will Be On 

Wednesday 9th September 2015 

Commencing at 12.30pm | Viewing 10.00am - 12.30pm 

At Ibbett Mosely Auction Rooms, Argyle Rd, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1HJ 

Valuation Day - Wednesday 16th September 2015 11am to 4pm 

At Ibbett Mosely Auction Rooms, Argyle Rd, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1HJ 

Tel: 01732 456731 Web: www.ibbettmosely.co.uk 

125 High St, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1UT 

Registered in England No. 0C341637 Regulated by RICS Registered at the Sevenoaks office as Ibbett Mosely Surveyors LLP 

Best vintage attire competition judged by 

Viv the Spiv 

For further details see 

www.stmichaelshospice.com/ 

fabulouslyvintage 

Tel: 07827 912621 

stmichaelshospice 

stmhospice 

IbbettMoselyWT163.indd 1 04/08/2015 11:09 

11th - 27th 

September 2015 

Celebrating our 44th year with a packed world class 

programme to suit all ages and interests, including: 


£1 entrance 

(children free) 


• Classical Music (including lunchtime concerts) 

• Irish, Blues, Cajun, Folk & Swann & Flanders 

• Literary Talks & Historical Walks 

• Theatre, Dance, Film & Comedy 

• Art Exhibitions & Fashion Show 

• Childrens’ Events 

For info and booking www.ryeartsfestival.co.uk or 

call 01797 224442 or visit the Box Office at Phillips & 

Stubbs, Cinque Ports St, Rye open 9.30am to 

12.30pm (Monday to Saturday). 

Registered charity number 288462 


148 

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1 04/08/2015 10:32

What’s On In September 

CHARITY EVENTS 

Wed 2 Sept 10am-5pm 

Merriments, Hurst Green 

MACMILLAN OPEN DAY 

Merriments will open its 4 acre garden, 

bursting with rich late summer colour, 

with all proceeds going to Macmillan. 

Info: 01580 860666 / www.merriments. 

co.uk / info@merriments.co.uk 

Sun 20 Sept 

Tunbridge Wells 

CHARITY ROAD RUN 

Register now for the 10k Tunbridge Wells Road 

Run, raising money for Hospice in the Weald. 

Info: www.hospiceintheweald.org.uk 

Sat 26 Sept 

Headcorn Aerodrome 

SKY DIVE FOR PILGRIMS 

Pilgrims Hospices is launching a mass 

tandem sky dive! This will be an opportunity 

for 20 people to jump on the same 

day, so if you have ever dreamt about 

experiencing this fabulous thrill, this could 

be your perfect opportunity to do so. 

Info: Richard.foulger@pilgrimshospices. 

org / 01233 504111 

Sun 27 Sept 9am 

Mote Park, Maidstone 

RAINBOW 5K FUN RUN 

This great family event promises lots of fun and 

laughter once the paint starts flying. You will 

be showered with brightly coloured powdered 

paints as you make your way around the 

course, creating a huge explosion of colour, to 

raise money for the Heart of Kent Hospice. 

Booking: www.hokh.org / 01622 790195 

COURSES 

Wed 16 Sept 7.30pm 

Biddenden New Village Hall 

THE WEALD OF KENT 

COMPUTER CLUB 

The subject for this evening will be announced 

on our website when it is known. Nonmembers 

are welcome at £2 a visit. 

Annual membership is £10.00 

Info: www.wealdofkentcomputerclub. 

co.uk / secretarywkcc@yahoo.co.uk 

From Thurs 24 Sept 9.30-10.30am 

Charing Surgery, Kent 

YVONNE FERNANDO 

10 Week Programme of ‘Relaxation 

Mindfulness Meditation’ with Yvonne 

Fernando, NLP Master Practitioner & Life 

Coach. Learn to relax, manage stress and 

create a calm mind, for improved health and 

wellbeing. Individual sessions also available. 

Entry: £65 

Info: www.yvonnefernandonlp.co.uk / 

01233 878474 / 07968 785714 

DAYS OUT 

Fri 4 - Sun 6 Sept 

Westerham 

TALK OF THE TOWN 

Chat with costumed characters from 

Westerham’s past, enjoy an activity quiz, 

music, exhibitions, family entertainment, 

gastronomy tent and much more! 

The weekend will also feature 

a vintage fairground! 

Entry: free 

Info: www.visitwesterham.org.uk/ 

whats-on/talk-of-the-town 

Sat 19 Sept 

Collier Street nr Marden, Kent TN12 9RR 

WEALD OF KENT PLOUGHING MATCH 

Including a great farmers’ market, a clay pigeon 

competition and many more exciting events, 

this year’s Weald of Kent Ploughing Match is 

set to be a fun day for all! 

Info: www.wkpma.co.uk 

24 th Sept - 4 th Oct 2015 

Fantastic line up: 

C omedy, Drama, Folk, Jazz 

and Classical Music, 

Beer Festival, Art and Craft 

Exhibition, Workshops, 

Festival Fiesta, Family Events 

www.chiddinglyfestival.co.uk 

Box Offi ce 01825 872401 

sponsored by Beavis Morgan and Jelf. 

Tickets: £120 per player 

ChiddinglyFestivalWT163.indd Info & Booking: carole@hospicesofhope. 

1 13/08/2015 12:09 

co.uk / 01959 525110 

Sat 26 & Sun 27 Sept 

Tenterden Town Station 

DAY OUT WITH THOMAS 

Have an enchanting day out at the Kent 

& East Sussex Railway where everyone can 

have fun with Thomas the Tank Engine 

and some of his favourite friends. 

Tickets: Children 18 months-15 

years £13 Adults £17 

Info: www.kesr.org.uk / 01580 765155 

EVENING EVENTS 

Sat 19 Sept 7pm 

Groombridge Place, Groombridge 

MURDER MYSTERY 

Amateur sleuths can test their deductive 

skills and try to beat Sherlock Holmes to 

the solution when Groombridge Place 

hosts a thrilling murder mystery evening. 

Guests are invited to join the Irregular 

Special Players for a drinks reception and 

delicious three-course meal, during which 

they should expect the unexpected! 

Tickets: £40 including meal & coffee 

Booking essential: 01892 861444 

Info: www.groombridgeplace.com 

FAIRS & FESTIVALS 

Sat 29 Aug – Sun 13 Sept 

Hastings & St Leonards 

COASTAL CURRENTS ARTS FESTIVAL 

Another packed curated programme of 

exhibitions showcasing newly commissioned 

artworks, live art pieces and special 

performances alongside the much loved open 

studios, exhibitions and events taking place 

throughout Hastings, St Leonards and beyond. 

Info: www.coastalcurrents.org.uk 

Fri 11 Sept - Sun 27 Sept 

Rye 

RYE ARTS FESTIVAL 

A packed fortnight of world class classical 

and contemporary music, literary talks, 

The Singing Soul Gallery 

19 Stone St. Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3HF 

01580 714551 

www.singingsoulgallery.co.uk 

7th & 8th November 2015 

This year there will be lights, camera and action for the 

Leeds Castle Firework Spectacular. Timed to music from 

the movies and with projections on the Castle themed 

to the silver screen, Hollywood is coming to Kent. 

Arrive from 2pm to enjoy the food and entertainment 

before the display starts at 5.30pm. 

Adult: £19.00; Child (under 16 years): £12.50; 

Under 4s free (must be reserved at the time of booking) 

Firework tickets must be pre-booked. 

Leeds Castle is closed to non-ticket holders. 

Group rates available. 

Visit leeds-castle.com/events 

or call the Box Office on 01622 880008 (open from 

1st October, Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm) 

26725 ZestLtdLeedsCastleWT163.indd LC Fireworks WealdenTimes 1 130x90.indd 1 19/08/2015 10:57 11:04 

Mon 21 Sept 

Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club, Deal, Kent, 

CT14 6RF 

ROYAL CINQUE PORTS 

We are offering brunch from 11am, 18 holes 

of golf followed by a three course dinner at 

6.30pm with an auction and after dinner 

speaker. Excellent prizes to be won! Kindly 

New work showing at 

The Singing Soul Gallery From 

September 3rd 2015 Opening hours; 

Tuesday - Saturday 9.30am - 4pm 


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1 10/08/2015 14:35

tunbridge wells 

PU PPETRY 

festival 

Davy & Kristin McGuire: 

The Icebook 

SATURDAY 10 OCTOBER 2015, 10AM - 9PM 

A NEW FESTIVAL OF WORLD-CLASS PUPPETRY 

A full day of puppetry events 

and theatre for all at venues 

Strangeface Theatre: 

in central Tunbridge FenBoy Wells 

Smart and Sprange 

An Account of the State 

of That Place 

Meet Joey, the life-size theatrical 

horse from the award-winning 

War Horse (10am on The Pantiles) 

Robert Styles: 

Traditional Punch and Judy 

Shows for all ages including 

traditional Punch & Judy 

Part of the Family Arts Festival 

Norwich For more Puppet information Theatre: and Half Moon to book Theatre: visit 

Oddly 

Pop-Up Flashback 


Box Offi ce 01892 678 678 

facebook.com/twpuppetryfestival 

@twpuppetryfest 

West Kent Shooting School 

50 BIRD OPEN ENGLISH SPORTING SHOOT 

10am Start : L/E 1.00pm 

£50 High Gun £20 per entry £16 re-entry 

Three Man Team Event with Lunch and Flush Available please call for details 

Young Shots 

Tuesday 27 October 

2015 10am to 12.30pm 

An introduction to Clay 

Pigeon Shooting or a 

refresher for those more 

experienced youngsters 

Pre-booked Aged 8-16yr 

£55.00 per person 

Supported Blind Summit: byThe Table 


The Matthew Robins Show 

New Hay Farm, Old Hay , Brenchley Kent TN12 7DG 

T: 01892 834306 E: info@westkentshooting.co.uk 

www.westkentshooting.co.uk 

Weald of Kent Art Society 

TunbridgeWellsPuppetryFestivalWT163.indd 1 14/08/2015 WestKentShootingWT163.indd 12:16 

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Embracing art in all it’s art in in all it’s its it’s forms 

Sculpture, Sculpture, Painting, Textiles, Glass, Metals, Ceramics, Wood, Etching, Printing 

Sculpture, Painting, Painting, Textiles, Textiles, Glass, Glass, Metals, Metals, Ceramics, Ceramics, Wood, Wood, Etching, Etching, Printing Printing 

Weald of of Kent Art Society 

Open Meeting 

Are Are you in art? 

Are you you interested in in art? art? 

If If so then we’d be delighted if you would join 

If If so so then then we’d we’d be be delighted if if if you you would would join join 

us us on 22nd October 7pm at ‘The 

us on on Thursday 22nd 22nd October 7pm 7pm at at at ‘The ‘The 

Barrel Barrel House’ located at at the rear of The 

Barrel House’ located at at the the rear rear of of The The 

Woolpack Woolpack Hotel, Tenterden for the societies 

Hotel, Hotel, Tenterden for for the the societies 

society’s 

re-launch. 

re-launch. 

Nibbles Nibbles provided 

& refreshments provided 

Please RSVP via website: www.wealofkentartsociety.co.uk 

Please RSVP via via via website: www.wealofkentartsociety.co.uk 

www.wealdofkentartsociety.co.uk 

Annual Annual Exhibition at 

at Tenterden Town Hall, Monday 31st August - Saturday September 5th 

5th Open daily 10am - 5pm 

Annual Exhibition Exhibition at at Tenterden Tenterden Town Town Hall, Hall, Monday Monday 31st 31st August August - Saturday - Saturday September September 5th 5th Open Open daily daily 10am 10am - 5pm - 5pm 


150

cinema, drama and much more. Over 60 

events make up what has been described as 

one of the best smaller festivals in the UK! 

Info & Booking: www.ryeartsfestival. 

co.uk / 01797 224442 

Sat 12 Sept 10.30am–4pm 

Merriments, Hurst Green 

AUTUMN FOOD FAIR 

See, taste and buy delicious local produce from 

some of the best producers around. Enjoy 

half price entry to Merriments garden too! 

Info: www.merriments.co.uk / info@ 

merriments.co.uk / 01580 860666 

Sun 13 Sept 11am-5pm 

Chiddingstone Castle 

COUNTRY FAIR 

Chiddingstone Castle have a packed 

programme of exciting and interesting activities 

and displays taking place throughout the day 

including the entertaining Dog & Runner 

Duck Show, a display from the horses and 

hounds of the local Old Surrey Burstow 

& West Kent Hunt, a display of carriage 

driving; working dogs and sniffer dogs and 

not forgetting the fun exemption dog show! 

Entry: Adults £4 Children £1 (under 5’s free) 

Info: www.chiddingstonecastle. 

org.uk / 01892 870347 

Willow & White Events 

Vintage 

& Antique 

Brocante Fair 

at 

Kent County Cricket Club 

Old Dover Rd, Canterbury, 

Kent CT1 3NZ 

Sunday 20 th September 

Sunday 18 th October 

Sunday 15 th November 

Sunday 20 th December 

Telephone 07856 432212 

krconsulting@hotmail.com 

make and sell refreshments. Enjoy a wide range 

of lovely stalls. 

WillowWhiteEventsWT163.indd Entry: Free 

1 18/08/2015 14:21 

Info: 01444 811462 

MUSIC & ART 


Single Professional Men Required! 

Yours Truly Introductions 

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Are you a professional businessman aged between 30 – 70? 

Has internet dating caused you disappointment? 

I have a number of like-minded, attractive, eligible 

ladies who are waiting to meet you. 

A truly personal service awaits you! 

*Personal Interview with Louisa (pictured) *Confidentiality 

*Hand Picked Selections *Thorough Personal Profiles *High 

Success Rate *Client Rapport and Feedback *Refunds Policy 

Louisa has created numerous long term partnerships and marriages 

since Yours Truly was established in 2004 and many of her clients 

have met their ideal partner within four introductions. 

Sat 19 & Sun 20 Sept 10am-4pm 

Fairlight Hall, Martineau 

Lane, Hastings, TN35 5DR 

PLANT FAIR 

Fairlight Hall hosts its first Plant Fair! Nurseries 

from the UK holding National collections and 

specialist nurseries from the Continent will 

join us in a weekend of gardening activities 

including talks and demonstrations. 

Entry: Free 

Info: www.fairlighthall.co.uk / 01424 814132 

Sat 19 Sept 10am-4pm 

Mad Hatters Fancy Dress, Ockham 

Oast House, Staplecross Road, 

Bodiam, East Sussex, TN32 5RA 

FABULOUSLY VINTAGE FAIR 

In aid of St Michael’s Hospice, enjoy a 

fabulous vintage day out for all the family 

with stalls, vintage vehicles, live entertainment, 

tea rooms, refreshments and a children’s 

zone, all in the beautiful grounds of the 

Mad Hatters Fancy Dress shop, Bodiam. 

Info: fabulouslyvintage@stmichaelshospice.com 


Bricklehurst Manor School, Ticehurst 

AUTUMN FAIR 

Includes local crafts and traders, owls, inflatable 

obstacle course and bouncy castles, Nerf 

shooting range, Sumo suits, face painting, hog 

roast, water zorbing, go karts, bubble football, 

cakes, traditional fair games, raffle, silent 

auction and more. 

Entry: Free 

Thurs 24 Sept - Sun 4 Oct 

Chiddingly 

CHIDDINGLY FESTIVAL 

Fantastic line-up including comedy with Jo 

Brand, The Noise Next Door and Jo Caulfield, 

jazz with Barb Jung, folk music from the 

Young’Uns, classical from the Benyounes 

Quartet; Six Bells Folk and Blues Club, drama, 

children’s events, workshops, beer festival, 

art and craft exhibition, morris dancers, 

Mummers’ play, Festival Fiesta; bell-ringing 

and Chiddingly Artists Open Studios. 

Info: www.chiddinglyfestival. 

co.uk / 01825 872401 

Fri 25 & Sat 26 Sept 9am -4.30pm 

The Old Henhouse, Silcocks Farm, Grange 

Road, St Michael’s, Tenterden TN30 6TL 

THE THREE FRENCH 

HENS BROCANTE 

The Three French Hens will be holding 

their next ‘Brocante’ of home and garden 

collectables, sourced from France and the UK. 

Info: www.thethreefrenchhens. 

co.uk / 07803122820 


Victory Hall, Balcombe 

CRAFT, GIFT & LOCAL PRODUCE 

MARKET 

Come and enjoy this month’s market in aid of 

the Chestnut Tree Chrildren’s Hospice who will 

Tues 1 - Sat 26 Sept 

Artichoke Gallery, Ticehurst 

BEETLES, BUGS AND BIRDS 

Work includes the award-winning 

wildlife artists Darren Woodhead and 

Matt Underwood, sculptors Chris Moss, 

Simon Griffiths and the whimsical 

creations of Boo and The Angel. 

Info: www.artichokegallery.co.uk 

Fri 18 Sept 7.30pm 

Woodchurch 

CONCERT BY EAST KENT CHORUS 

The Friends of All Saints are raising funds for 

church maintenance. The East Kent Chorus 

sings unaccompanied four-part harmony in the 

Barbershop style. Their repertoire consists of 

popular music from the Edwardian era through 

to the present day. Includes refreshments. 

Tickets: £9 available from Woodchurch Post 

Office, The Information Centre or at the door. 

Sat 19 - Sat 26 Sept 

Sandwich 

SANDWICH ARTS WEEK 

A week long exhibition in St Peter’s Church 

with paintings, photography, textiles, sculpture 

and ceramics. Around 30 local and regional 

artists will display and most will also take part 

in the arts trail – a series of venues around 

Sandwich Town featuring more of their work. 

Info: www.sandwichevents.org.uk 

Thurs 24 Sept 10.30am-4pm 

Godinton House, Ashford 

SHAPES IN A GARDEN SPACE 

Teas /Coffee/Cake provided. Bring own lunch. 

Entry: £60 

Info: brendaburgess@brendaburgessarts. 

co.uk / 01622 73485 

Thurs 26 Sep 7.30pm 

King Charles the Martyr 

Church, Tunbridge Wells 

INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL 

World-famous soprano Dame Felicity Lott 

will be appearing with the internationally 

celebrated clarinettist Michael Collins and their 

brilliant accompanist, pianist Michael McHale, 

at what should be a packed out evening. 

Info: www.tunbridgewellsfestival.co.uk 

Listings are correct at time of going to press but may 

be subject to change. Readers are advised to check 

with venues before making arrangements. We can list 

your event in the next issue of Wealden Times for 

only £15! Please supply up to 50 words that should 

include date, time, venue, and any entry price to 

whatson@wealdentimes.co.uk or send with payment 

(cheques payable to JPS Media) to What’s On, 

Wealden Times, Kettle Chambers, 21 Stone Street, 

Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3HF. Wealden Times 

reserves the right to edit text to fit space allocated. If 

you would like your event listing to be accompanied 

by a full colour reproduction (42.5 x 62.5mm) of a 

poster or other pictorial image, the total charge will be 

£95. Deadline for October issue is 7 September 2015. 

Contact Louisa Sheridan Tel: 01892 667750 

www.yourstrulyintroductions.co.uk 

email: Louisa@yourstrulyintroductions.co.uk 

“Very professional with genuine care for her clients. 

Thank you for bringing us together.” P.S. & S.G. 

“An excellent service in an age of mediocrity.” C.R. & P.M. 

YoursTrulyS01.indd 1 29/10/2014 12:38 

11-13 SEPTEMBER 2015 

PENSHURST PLACE, NR TONBRIDGE, KENT 

10am - 5pm 

U N I Q U E H A N D M A D E G I F T S 

F O R Y O U R H O M E A N D G A R D E N 

Chilstone Sculpture Garden • Fly Fishing Demonstrations 

Family Craft Workshops • Birds & Beasts Roadshow 

‘Have a Go’ Archery • Live Cookery Demonstrations 

TICKET HOTLINE 

01425 277988 

KIDS GO 

FREE!* 

BUY TICKETS ON-LINE 

www.ichfevents.co.uk 

TICKETS: ADULTS £6 IN ADVANCE, 

£8 ON THE DOOR. SENIORS £5 

IN ADVANCE, £7 ON THE DOOR. 

*CHILDREN UNDER 16 GO FREE 

WHEN ACCOMPANIED BY A PARENT 

FREE 

PARKING! 

SAVE 

£2OFF 

EACH ADULT AND SENIOR TICKET 

ORDERED BY 5PM MON 7 SEPTEMBER 2015 


ICHFLtdWT163.indd 1 10/08/2015 11:35

SEPT 

26 th & 27 th 

Join Thomas & Friends 

at a Heritage Railway near you. 

Experience a ride on a real steam 

train and take part in 

Thomas-themed activities. 

Kent & East Sussex Railway 

Tenterden, Kent TN30 6HE 

www.dayoutwiththomas.co.uk/kentandeastsussexrailway 

Day Out With Thomas Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends Based on The Railway Series by The Reverend W. Awdry. 

© 2015 Gullane (Thomas) Limited. Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends, Thomas & Friends and Day Out With Thomas are 

trademarks of Gullane (Thomas) Limited. © 2015 HIT Entertainment Limited. 

Kent & East Sussex Railway 

TENTERDEN TOWN STATION 

Telephone 01580 765155 • kesr.org.uk 

KentEastSussexRailwayWT163.indd 1 14/08/2015 HeverCastleWT163.indd 16:09 

1 12/08/2015 17:14 

TUN BRIDGE WELLS 

INTERNATIONAL M USIC 

DAME FELICITY LOTT AND MICHAEL COLLINS 

24th Sept 7.30pm King Charles the Martyr TN1 1YX 

A rare opportunity to hear one of the world's best-loved 

sopranos as she joins with internationally acclaimed 

clarinet star Michael Collins and brilliant Irish pianist 

Michael McHale. Tickets on door or kcmtw.org/concerts 

RONNIE SCOTT'S JAMES PEARSON TRIO 

11th Sept 8pm Trinity Theatre TN1 1JP 

Anecdotes and a musical tour of the jazz legends. 

www.trinitytheatre.net 01892 678678 

FILM GUSTAV HOLST 

13th Sept 3pm Trinity Theatre. 

With conversation by its 

BAFTA & EMMY winning 

director Tony Palmer 

LITERARY LUNCH 

18th Sept 11.30am Penshurst 

Church & Leicester Arms Hotel. 

No More Champagne: Churchill & 

his Money, Historian David Lough 

2 0 1 5 

Details 

tunbridgewellsfestival.co.uk 

MUSIC BY THE BACH FAMILY 

19th Sept 7.30pm King Charles 

the Martyr 

RTW SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 

4th Oct 3pm Assembly Hall 

Theatre. Holst The Planets, 

Dvorak Cello Concerto with 

Leonard Eischenbroich 

DJANGO A LA CREOLE 

16 Oct 8pm Frant Church 

Come and join 

1119HEV-91x133-Index-Magazine-Homegrown-Ad.indd 1 10/08/2015 17:39 

The Heaven Farm 

Great 

Christmas 

Market 

24th & 25th October 

10am-4pm 

In support of Help for Heroes 

BOOK YOUR STALL NOW FOR 

THIS FABULOUS FESTIVE EVENT 

or come and enjoy this wonderful 

Christmas Market with a truly traditional 

atmosphere in glorious surroundings 

and help raise funds for Help for Heroes. 

Call Kate 01825-791-115 

or email granarylowers@btconnect.com 

HEAVEN FARM 

FURNERS GREEN 

NR DANEHILL TN22 3RG 

A275 between Danehill and the Bluebell Railway 


152 

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1 18/08/2015 12:36


CIF_Sevenoaks_265x90_CIF_Sevenoaks_265x90_Wealden 07/08/2015 12:16 

competition 

Contemporary 

Craft & 

Design Fair 

Purchase direct from 

the very best artists 

and craftmakers in 

the UK who have a 

real passion for the 

work they create 

. 

win A kAtie mullAlly lArge 

silver wishbone necklAce 

on A 32 inch silver chAin 

Sevenoaks School 

SEVENOAKS 

23-25 October 

12 noon – 5pm Fri • 10am – 5pm Sat & Sun 

Admission £4.00 • Under 14’s Free 

Signposted from A225 • High Street TN13 1HU 

Admit 1 adult Free 

To enjoy free admission to the craft fair, either email your full address details to 

info@craftinfocus.com or complete and post to: Craft In Focus, PO Box 942, 

Maidstone, ME15 0YB. Quote Wealden Times and return by 30th Septem ber 2015. 

One application per household. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. 

Name .......................................................................................................... 

Address ...................................................................................................... 

Town............................................... Post Code ........................................ 

Email .......................................................................................................... 

Katie Mullally’s hallmarked vintage KMM jewellery is not only 

enjoyable to wear; each piece is sent to the London Assay Office and 

tested for the level of silver, only then is it stamped with the London 

Assay Office marks and the KMM mark – Katie’s stamp. It is a legal 

requirement in the UK and Ireland that any silver weighing over 

7.78 grams has to be hallmarked. Katie’s history working in her 

grandmother’s antique business means she knows that a hallmark is 

a quality assurance for the customer and therefore all KMM pieces 

are hallmarked. 

Katie’s inspiration for the designs comes from her love of antique 

markets and also her Irish heritage. The designs are vintage inspired 

with a quirky modern twist and Katie believes they will be collectible 

heirlooms. 

KMM pieces have featured in The New York Times, The Irish Times, 

Mail, Irish Mail, Vogue, Grazia, OK! and many more publications. 

The charms have been worn by many bloggers and celebrities 

including Laura Whitmore, Ellie Goulding, Vogue Williams and 

Calum Best. Currently the designs are charm based, most of the 

pieces have large bails and can therefore be stacked together creating 

your own charm necklace; Katie is soon to be adding a charm 

bracelet to her collection. They are worn by men and women and 

appeal to all ages. 

Katie is a local designer and her studio is based in Tunbridge Wells. 

Her charms are sold in many stockists including Fenwick Tunbridge 

Wells and Fenwick Bond Street. Katie is also very much looking 

forward to having a stand again at this November’s Wealden Times 

Midwinter Fair at Bedgebury Pinetum. www.katiemullally.co.uk. 

For your chance to win a Katie Mullally large silver 

wishbone necklace on a 32 inch silver chain, just 

answer this question: ‘Which fair at Bedgebury 

Pinetum will Katie Mullally be attending this 

November?’ Enter your answer with your contact 

details* in the online form at www.wealdentimes. 

co.uk/competition or post to: The Katie Mullally 

Competition, Wealden Times, 21 Stone Street, 

Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3HF by 18 September 

2015. There is no cash alternative and the prize must 

be taken before the end of 2015. *All entrants’ details 

will be passed on to Katie Mullally and Wealden Times Events. Please let us 

know if you do not wish your details to be passed on. 

www.craftinfocus.com T: 01622 747325 

153 

CraftinFocusWT163.indd 1 07/08/2015 12:33 

Congratulations to Harry Cunningham who wins our August competition for 

an original bespoke watercolour painting of chickens by artist Claire Weeks

Wealden Wealden Times Times - Bazaar - Classified 

Headcorn Tiles 

Floor & Wall Tiles 

Natural Stone, Marble, 

Terracotta, Slate, Mosaics, 

Ceramic, Porcelain, Victorian 

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Tel: 01622 891103 Open: 10 - 4, Closed Sunday 

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renovation & polishing, bedroom 

doors & bespoke cabinets. 

Please call 

01689 850000 

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Serving London & the South-East since 1984 

Norris 

Family Upholsterers 

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Free estimates and advice 

Sofas and chairs for sale 

Call 01424 812129 

Peter Fournel 

NorrisFamilyUpholsterersWT163.indd 112/08/2015 11:02 

Antique & Modern 

Furniture 

Restoration 

Collection and delivery, Advice given 

01622 843284 07712 801308 

www.peterfournel.com 

THE BIG CLOCK COMPANY 

A small family run Kentish 

business specialising in 

personalised handmade clocks. 

wealdenfairs.com/thebigclockcompany 

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1 10/02/2014 TheBigClockCompanyWT161.indd 13:47 

1 19/06/2015 11:49 

Furniture Restoration 

Inc; French Polishing 

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1 28/01/2014 10:12 

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A pet portrait makes a wonderful gift 

Professional Oil Paintings & Drawings 

Book for Christmas Now 

Visit www.dianewilks.weebly.com or 

Email for examples: wdiane93@aol.com 

Diane 01580 212327 

VISIT OUR EXTENDED SHOWROOM 

& NEW TRADE COUNTER 

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YOUR SKILLS AT OUR NEW C.I.T.B. 

APPROVED TILING TRAINING SCHOOL 

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Leigh Green Industrial Estate, Appledore Rd, Tenterden TN30 7DE 

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1 14/01/2011 15:27 


Tiles & Tile Care 

Home & Interiors 

154 

www.dhallcabinetmaker.co.uk 

The cabinet painter 

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The affordable solution 

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email: alisonstevensarts@gmail.com 

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Full colour advertising 

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from as little as £40 a 

month. Call Becky on 

01580 714705 

becky.smith@wealdentimes.co.uk

Home & Interiors 

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Furniture 

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Fables 

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Jane looks ahead 

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wet winter months ahead. It’s the Squirrel Nutkin mentality, 

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1 18/06/2015 14:31 

agnet Media Limited, PO Box 287, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 9EDI love it, and if you’ve got it you’ll know what I mean. 

2 2885 or GARDEN 01825 873254 DESIGN - Fax: 01825 | LANDSCAPING 

508309 - Email: This year has been a very good year 

kim@magnetpublications.com 

for grass and everyone’s 

made plenty of hay. At Coopers Farm, with 15 cows, their 

calves, the yearlings and the bull we usually go through about 

VAT 10 No. big 929 bales 7920 a week. 74 In a normal year – if such a thing exists 

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Battle Mowers Ltd 

CityEscapesWT160.indd 1 06/05/2015 10:37 

THE ESSENCE OF FINE 

BRITISH LAWNS 

For further information please phone 01424 773096 

or e-mail: battlemowers@btconnect.com www.battlemowers.co.uk 

visit our showroom at The Granary, Station Rd, Battle. TN33 0DE 

Aaaagh how time flies. That bonfire smell is in the air as 

another busy summer comes to an end and it’s always 

good to see the barns full in preparation for the cold and 

VAT No. 929 7920 74 

any more – we would bring the cows in at the beginning 

of December and turn them out again at the beginning 

of May, which by my calculations is about 200 bales. 

We’ve made 216 bales this year so it would be close, but we’re 

DATE: planning 6 March to have fewer 2015animals in the yard this winter. We’re going 

to sell some of the yearlings as stores. Selling beef cattle is quite a 

complicated 

FROM: 

business but in essence there are three types of sale. 

Kim 

The first would be a breeding sale where farmers buy and 

2015 GARDENEYE.CO.UK 01797 260451 | 07831 868848 

sell cows, replacement heifers (young females) and bulls. This 

may just be for standard farmyard fare, known as a commercial 

sale or it may be a pedigree sale for a particular breed in which 

vise any corrections to this copy by 16 March. If we case, 

do rather 

not quaintly 

hear the cattle are sold in guineas (guinea = 

from 

GardenEyeWT156.indd 1 07/01/2015 11:22 

copy is correct and will publish the advertisement as £1.05 for the uninitiated). I’m always amazed that this is still 

shown. 

allowed to happen; you might think Trading Standards, when 

not worrying about pounds and ounces, pints and yards, would 

be down like a ton of bricks on such an archaic practice. 

The next sort of sale would be for fat – otherwise 

known as finished – cattle. This is where the butchers – 

or more likely the supermarket buyers – go to buy cattle 

to kill and eat. These cattle will stand on a weighbridge 

as they enter the ring and are sold by weight. Currently 

a good steer will sell for just over £2/kg liveweight. 

The third type of sale is for store cattle. These are animals 

born to beef cows (known as suckler cows to differentiate them 

from dairy cows), usually in the spring and then sold any time 

from weaning onwards to be fattened by the buyer. The Weald, 

with its multitude of grassland farms, has traditionally produced 

a good supply of store cattle which are much in demand 

from the big arable farms in East Anglia for two reasons. 

Firstly they grow the barley, which is currently selling at 

15% less than last year (not just the dairy boys who are having 

a hard time), so it makes sense to feed it to their own cattle 

rather than sell it. Secondly, and more importantly they need 

the manure. However much fertilizer you apply to grow arable 

crops it still needs a good supply of the brown stuff to enrich 

the soil. So you buy a store, keep it over the winter in a yard full 

of straw (your own) eating barley (your own) and hey presto 

come the spring you have a finished bullock and a pile of dung. 

Happy days (as long as the price for finished cattle holds up!) 

Follow Jane on Twitter @coopers_farm 

BattleMowersWT160.indd 1 11/05/2015 12:05 


Sell online with us... 

Become a member of our community of unique, vintage, handmade & bespoke sellers 


PRICELESS 

JULY 2015 


LIVING SPACES SUPPLEMENT 

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Exclusive Editorial - Reach our 105,000 + monthly readers of 

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“I have been an exhibitor with 

Wealdenfairs.com for the past two years and 

feel that it has raised my profi le considerably. 

Not only are the staff extremely helpful, but 

it is also great to be featured in a magazine 

that showcases local businesses 

Minnie Craske” 

Decorative Antiques UK 

“Wealdenfairs.com has been fantastic 

for me over the last few years, for not only 

selling my goods but for raising my profi le 

” 

through Wealden Times magazines 

Harry Cunningham 

King John’s Nursery 

“The article in today’s Wealden 

Times is wonderful! I’m delighted! 

Thank you ever so much! 

Sally Scott” 

Sally Scott Paintings 



To apply please call 01580 713915 

or visit wealdenfairs.com/exhibit-online.html

Introducing... 

Decorative 

Antiques UK 

Minnie Craske specialises in unique decorative 

pieces that are more than just conventional 

antiques. Her passion for interior design as well as 

French and Scandinavian styling result in a truly 

remarkable collection of furniture and homeware. 

What’s the significance of your company 

name, ‘Decorative Antiques UK’? Primarily, the 

name signifies a lifestyle look; I wanted to differentiate my 

business from other more traditional antique businesses, 

as many of the pieces I stock are more decorative in 

style, rather than being conventional antiques. 

What inspired you to start your business? 

I’ve always been passionate about home interiors, 

interior design and sourcing antiques. I had seven years 

retailing ladies and children’s clothing which always 

incorporated antique homewares, so moving into the 

antiques trade was a very natural progression for me. 

Have you always been a creative person? I 

suppose I have always been more creative than scientific. 

I started out as a Primary School teacher, before opening 

up my first Danish ladieswear clothing shop. My ideas 

are always evolving as I love trying out new things. I am 

not frightened of change and find it rather exciting. 

What influences your designs? I’ve always had a strong 

passion for French and Scandinavian styling and regularly draw 

inspiration from Pinterest, lifestyle 

magazines and interior design books. 

What is the essence of 

your business? 

To give people 

inspiration to create their dream 

look, in their own homes. 

How do you create your 

product? Tell us about the making process. 

I don’t tend to create my own products as I prefer not to 

paint and I don’t make anything from scratch. As far as 

possible I try to buy antiques in their original state. I like 

antiques in the original scraped back style, original paint 

or painted in the traditional Swedish way. However, if an 

antique is later painted very well, I will buy it too. 

What motivates you to succeed? Getting positive 

feedback from happy clients, creating a passion for decorative 

antiques in other people or sparking a new interest in someone. 

I also love finding unique treasures! It is something that I am 

truly passionate about. 

What’s your 

favourite product 

from your 

collection? Probably 

the Swedish sofa or the 

Swedish chest of drawers. 

But to be honest, I 

love all the products 

I’ve bought; I always 

buy using my heart. 

Do you enjoy 

working for 

yourself? Yes I love it! It gives me the flexibility and 

creative freedom to develop my own distinct style. 

What makes all the hard work worth it? Happy 

clients, sharing my interest and passion for French and 

Scandinavian antiques and earning a living doing something 

I’m extremely passionate about and enjoy thoroughly. 

Clockwise from above, Antique Swedish Chest 

Of Drawers, £1650; Pair Of Vintage Stone Lions, 

£250; Vintage French Confit Pot, £100 

www.wealdenfairs.com/thevintagehomeshop

Designers and makers of handmade kitchens 

The difference is in the detail

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Tel: 01892 520730 

www.rencraft.co.uk



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Wealden Times | WT163 | September 2015 | Education supplement inside

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