Wealden Times | WT167 | January 2016 | Health & Beauty supplement inside

PRICELESS 

JANUARY 2016 

Wealden Times 

The lifestyle magazine for the Weald 

HEALTH & BEAUTY SuPPleMeNt inside 

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Verve sheet:Verve sheet 18/09/2014 12:30 Page 1 

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Fire Baskets, Fire Screens, Companion Sets 

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www.wealdentimes.co.uk 6 

BellegroveWT167.indd 1 30/11/2015 NaturalFiresWT167.indd 12:13 

1 16/12/2015 15:49

Contents 

January 2016 

20 

46 

WATER’S EDGE 

John Graham-Hart finds 

waterside properties 

87 

114 

UNTYING THE KNOT 

Expert advice on coping 

with divorce and separation 

141 

128 

THE GREEN GODDESS 

Penny Kemp is keeping an 

eye out for otters in Kent 

35 

40 

IT’S JANUARY 

What’s going on near 

you this month 

FUN AT THE FAIR 

A snapshot of the Wealden 

Times Midwinter Fair 

90 

114 

SHARING THE LOVE 

Jennifer Stuart-Smith visits a 

home with a warm heart 

TONE AND TWO-FOLD 

Start the year with bright, 

bold clothes and accessories 

143 

149 

WHAT’S ON 

Find out... 

COMPETITION 

Win a night in the Love Nest at 

The Bell, Ticehurst, tickets to their 

comedy night, supper and breakfast 

46 

75 

77 

LIGHT & FANTASTIC 

John Graham-Hart visits an 

unassuming Dorking home – 

with a spectacular interior 

GET THE LOOK 

Fabulous home accessories 

from Wealdenfairs.com 

HAPPY TO LEARN 

How happiness and 

achievement go hand in hand 

127 

128 

135 

BEAUTY SUPPLEMENT 

The latest products for your 

face, body, hair and nails 

A HEALTHY START 

Revitalising recipes 

from Cocolicious 

SEEDS OF SUCCESS 

Jo Arnell shares her passion 

for seeds and seed catalogues 

151 

154 

INTRODUCING 

Kaboodlebag 

FABLES FROM THE FARM 

Jane Howard marvels at 

her new-born calves 

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 2016©. 

The views of the advertisers and contributors are not necessarily those of JPS Media Ltd. 

7 www.wealdentimes.co.uk

The Property Ombudsman 

Kent Benenden 

Quietly situated, a delightful Grade II listed country house of immense charm overlooking its own land 

and beyond • Cranbrook School catchment area • 2 Reception Rooms • Kitchen/Breakfast Room • Study 

• 5 Bedrooms (1 En Suite) • Family Bathroom • Triple Garage with lapsed PP for conversion • Period 

Outbuildings • Summer House • Pond • Landscaped Gardens and Grounds • Paddocks • About 9 acres in all 

• EPC Exempt 

Guide Price £1,100,000 

WT63660 

coming 26 January 2015

SALES / LETTINGS / MANAGEMENT 

VISIT US AT HUNTERS.COM 

HERE TO GET you THERE 

SALES / LETTINGS / MANAGEMENT 

HERE TO GET you THERE 

Ashford Road | Tenterden Price £225,000 

Originally built around 1873 as a single 

dwelling Clifton House was later 

converted in the 1930s into apartments. 

Flat 2 is an attractive two bedroom 

ground fl oor apartment with high 

ceilings and retaining many period 

features. All rooms are accessed from 

a central hallway and include spacious 

sitting room with open fi replace and bay 

window fl ooding the room with natural 

light, fully fi tted solid wood kitchen/ 

diner with integrated appliances, two 

double bedrooms with garden views and 

spacious family bathroom. Externally 

the apartment benefi ts from its own 

private garden enjoying a sunny position 

Situated in the heart of Tenterden 

with its beautiful tree-lined high street, 

offering a range of local facilities 

including shops, bars and restaurants. 

EPC Rating: D 

TENTERDEN / 01580 763278 

VISIT US AT HUNTERS.COM 

Spacious three bedroom semi-detached 

family home in the highly desirable hamlet 

of Stone. The living space comprises 

sitting room with log-burning stove, 

dining room, kitchen leading to utility 

room/breakfast room with cloakroom 

and shower room. The fi rst fl oor offers 

two double bedrooms with fi tted 

wardrobes, further single bedroom 

with a fi tted cupboard and bathroom. 

The stunning southerly aspect garden 

is a particular feature of the property 

and is a must to view to fully appreciate 

the space on offer. The current vendors 

have lovingly landscaped the garden 

which offers a patio area, which is 

a great space for entertaining, lawn 

area, mature barked borders and rear 

access leading to a public footpath 

offering great walks. EPC Rating: D 

Stone Green | Stone Price £310,000 

TENTERDEN / 01580 763278 

Over 150 independently owned branches across the UK. 

With over 150 independently owned branches throughout 

the country and now 4 new branches in Kent. 

National recognition, local expertise. 

HUNTERS FOLKESTONE 

01303 210335 

HUNTERS HYTHE 

01303 261557 

HUNTERS ASHFORD 

01233 613613 

HUNTERS TENTERDEN 

Over 150 independently owned branches across the UK.

Guide price £1,250,000 

Brenchley 

A newly converted barn on the edge of the popular 

village. 5 bedrooms, 4 reception rooms, 3 bathrooms. 

Detached triple garage. Paddock. EPC rating C. In all 

about 6.6 acres. 

Guide price £995,000 

Goudhurst 

An attractive attached converted oast house. 

6 bedrooms, 4 reception rooms, 2 bathrooms. 

Mature gardens. Detached garage with store 

room. EPC rating D. In all about 0.5 acres. 

OPENING DOORS 

IN 2016 

We pride ourselves on exceptional 

service and unrivalled market 

knowledge, with a global network 

of 417 offices across 58 countries 

that can showcase your property 

to the widest possible audience. 

Early indications suggest strong 

market conditions for 2016. Call us 

today on 01892 310700 to arrange 

your free market appraisal. 


Sandhurst 

A substantial family farmhouse with equestrian 

facilities. 7 bedrooms, 5 reception rooms, 5 

bathrooms. Swimming pool. Tennis court. Triple 

garage with annexe. EPC rating C. In all about 25.72 

acres. 


Matfield 

Detached family house on the edge of the popular 


Triple garage. EPC rating E. In all about 0.83 acres 

plus shared use of a 2 acre field. 

@KF_TWells 

KnightFrank.co.uk 


Guide price £2,750,000 Guide price £1,395,000 

Tunbridge Wells 

An impressive detached townhouse in the heart of the 

town. 5 bedrooms, 3 reception rooms, 3 bathrooms. 

Rear garden with paved terrace. Gated entrance. 

Detached garage and off-road parking. EPC rating C. 

Goudhurst 

A beautifully positioned Grade II listed country 

house. 6 bedrooms, 4 reception rooms, 3 

bathrooms. Ancillary accommodation. Swimming 

pool. Tennis court. In all about 2.2 acres. 

Pembury 

An attractive Victorian house with ancillary 

accommodation. 5 bedrooms, 4 reception rooms, 2 

bathrooms. Detached 1 bedroom cottage. Swimming 

pool. EPC rating F. In all about 2.62 acres. 


OIEO £750,000 Guide price £1,500,000 

Salehurst 

Attractive Grade II listed period house in a rural 

location. 6 bedrooms, 5 reception rooms, 5 

bathrooms. Swimming pool. Detached barn. Double 

garage. In all about 3.17 acres. 

Mayfield 

A well-presented family house in the heart of the 


Indoor swimming pool. Attractive gardens and 

grounds. EPC rating C. In all about 0.24 acres. 

Benenden 

A unique, architect-designed family house. 

6 bedrooms, 4 reception rooms, 3 bathrooms. 

Swimming pool. Spectacular views over the 

countryside. Garaging. EPC rating C. In all about 

1.65 acres.

Last remaining plot on The Square at £165,000 

New Phase just started with detached homes from £365,000 

Reservations being taken for next Autumn occupation 

THE 

SQUARE 

Discover a new outlook on life. 

New homes in Rye, East Sussex, from £160,000 £165,000 

Savour relaxed New England-style living in an idyllic 

setting on the beautiful Sussex coast. 

• Spacious, comfortable, contemporary homes 

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• Set in 15 acres of private parkland with countryside views 

• 10 minutes’ walk from Rye town centre 

• High-speed rail connection to London 

THE SQUARE 

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

www.ValleyParkRye.com

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

HARPERS AND HURLINGHAM 

Many exciting new 

instructions to be 

revealed in 

January 2016 

Be the first through 

the door 

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

SEE OUR 

BRAND NEW 

WEBSITE 

lambertandfoster.co.uk

We helped many people’s wishes 

come true this year. 

Here’s to doing the same in 2016. 

Reasons why people 

moved this year: 

48% Moved to a bigger home 

17% Moved to a new area 

11% Invested or redeveloped a property 

10% Moved to a smaller home 

8% Bought a second home 

3% Moved to the UK for a new job 

3% Other wishes 

Savills Cranbrook 

53 - 55 High Street 

Cranbrook 

Kent TN17 3EE 

01580 720 161 

cranbrook@savills.com 

savills.co.uk

01580 761650 

www.philberts.co.uk 

TENTERDEN O.I.R.O. £330,000 

A delightful 2 bedroom apartment arranged over 2 floors within walking distance of Tenterden High Street. The apartment is part of 

a charming period house which has retained many original features and is offered to the market with a lease in excess of 900 years. 

2 Craythorne House is tastefully presented and comprises an elegant lounge, recently fitted kitchen, master bedroom with en-suite 

shower room, a further bedroom and family bathroom. Externally the property has its own private garden and garage en bloc. 

PhilbertsLettingsWT167.indd 1 15/12/2015 17:46 

www.wealdentimes.co.uk 

16 

SJDprojectsWT167.indd 1 02/12/2015 10:03

Greatstone, Kent - £465,000 

A stunning house on a no-through road in this sought after 

coastal town. Accommodation includes living room, dining hall, 

family room, kitchen/breakfast room, study, utility room and 

5 bedrooms. Large rear garden with heated pool, hot tub and 

summer house. Single garage and off road parking. EPC D 

Camber, East Sussex - £295,000 

A stunning eco-friendly architect designed house close to the 

beach forming part of an innovative development. Open plan 

living/dining room with kitchen area and decked terrace. 2 

double bedrooms. Family room. Garage/games room. Communal 

garden. Parking. EPC C 

Pett, East Sussex - £560,000 

A newly renovated and remodelled Sussex style property on high 

ground with stunning views. Accommodation includes open plan 

fitted kitchen and vaulted sitting/dining room, study/bedroom 4, 

utility room, and 3 double bedrooms. Garden, single garage and 

off road parking. EPC C 

Rye, East Sussex - £560,000 

A fine Grade II listed house in the conservation Area. Versatile 

accommodation includes open plan kitchen/sitting room, dining 

room, drawing room/bedroom 3, two/three double bedrooms. 

Attic room. Terraced garden. Includes 2 prime retail units 

providing rental income. Garage by separate negotiation. 

Rye, East Sussex - £225,000 

A stylish and beautifully presented Grade II listed Georgian 

period cottage in the Conservation Area. The accommodation 

includes sitting room, kitchen/breakfast room, and 2 bedrooms 

and bathroom. A walled courtyard and two storey outbuilding/ 

studio. 

RYE OFFICE 01797227338 

MAYFAIR OFFICE 08701127099 

Rye, East Sussex - from £335,000 

A stunning development offering a mix of high specification 2 and 

3 bedroom apartments in the centre of the Ancient Town. 50% 

reserved/sold. All are fully fitted and ready for occupation and 

have allocated parking and balcony terraces. EPC B 

phillipsandstubbs.co.uk

CONSIDER IT DONE 

THE PROPERTY SPECIALISTS 

Sit, Relax and Consider it Done! 

Our warm friendly local property specialist team offers an individual 

tailor made service, for all properties across East Sussex and West Kent, 

providing professional and well informed advice from instruction through 

to completion on Sales, Lettings and Property Management Service. 

Please contact our registered Valuer, Nigel Anderson MRICS for a FREE 

confidential market appraisal of your property to discuss your options for 2016. 

Tel: 01797 224 852 

info@cidproperty.co.uk 

www.cidproperty.co.uk

Weald Property half - 1 property.qxp_half page 11/07/2014 15:42 Page 1 

Residential Sales • Management and Lettings 

01580 242700 

wealdproperty.net 

Sedlescombe, East Sussex £735,000 

Woodman’s Rest presents a rare opportunity to acquire an attractive, modern four bedroom detached house set within private and secluded garden, grounds and 

paddocks totalling approximately 5 acres that include an idyllic fishing pond/bird sanctuary, a large commercial grade barn (currently used for a groundworks/tree surgery 

business) and high quality stabling for at least 3 horses. The property is accessed by electric gates, there is ample driveway parking and panoramic rural views of the beautiful 

and unspoilt surrounding countryside. For Sale – Freehold. 

2 Windmill Oast, Windmill Farm, 

Rolvenden, Kent TN17 4PF 

WealdPropertyWT167.indd 1 16/12/2015 12:29 

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19 www.wealdentimes.co.uk 

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

HOUSE OF THE MONTH by John Graham-Hart 

1. 

Going with the flow 

John Graham-Hart finds waterside properties 

I 

once met up with a friend to celebrate the birth of his first child. He 

was both elated and depressed. Elated for obvious reasons, depressed 

because his wife had decided on both a home birth and a water birth. 

The birthing pool had been set up in their bedroom and all went swimmingly 

until there was a crack like a rifle shot and pool, wife and 200 gallons of 

water started to disappear through the floor into the drawing room below. 

The mother-to-be scrambled clear with surprising agility but my friend’s 

beautiful Georgian drawing room would never, alas, be the same. “It looks 

like the Norwegian whaling fleet has been through,” he muttered. 

What is it about our love-affair with water? Why are we so fascinated by it? 

Humankind just can’t keep away from the wet stuff. We are the only non-aquatic 

mammal that has such a close relationship with H2O. Most of us have at least 

one close encounter with water every day, in the form of a bath or shower. When 

we come to select that hard-earned holiday, many of us choose to spend it on a 

beach. We love to watch it in motion and will even go to great pains to get it to 

defy gravity and flow up into the air. 

Whatever the reason, we certainly do like to be around water and have water 

around us. Properties on the coast, with seas views, by rivers or on lake-sides all 

come with a premium price tag. From a humble pond to a dramatic beach, we’re 

up for it. So have a look and see if one of these homes whets your appetite…. 

1. Upper Crisbrook Mill 

Where? Upper Crisbrook Mill is set 

in the lovely Loose valley, just south of 

Maidstone (Google Maps ME15 6XR). 

What? This beautiful Grade II listed 

mill began life in the 18th century and 

was converted into a home in the 1970s, 

with the water wheel retained as a purely 

decorative feature. The current owner, 

however, has adapted it to provide not 

only power for the whole house but an 

income from the National Grid. They have 

renovated the building too. 

On the ground floor there is a dining 

room, snug and kitchen/breakfast room, 

while on the second floor there are two 

bedrooms, a drawing room, office and 

study. On the top floor there is a master 

bedroom with en suite bathroom and three 

further bedrooms. Outside, in two acres 

of landscaped grounds, is a large decked 

terrace, a romantic mill pond and a triple 

garage. 

How much? Upper Crisbrook Mill is 

on the market at £1,100,000 and is with 

Fine & Country in West Malling. Call 

01732 222272 or visit 

www.fineandcountry.com 


20

2. 

3. 

4. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

2. Rosemary Cottages 

Where? Rosemary Cottages overlook 

the shore of the east end of Bewl Water, 

near the village of Flimwell in an Area 

of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Google 

Maps TN5 7PT). 

What? No 3 has been extensively and 

beautifully redesigned to provide either 

an elegant family home or an exceptional 

holiday retreat. The bright and spacious 

kitchen/dining room opens out through 

double bi-folding doors on to a stunning 

terrace overlooking Bewl Water with a 

second set of glass doors opening into a 

spacious drawing room. 

Also opening on to the terrace is the 

master bedroom, which has oak flooring 

and an en suite bathroom with Victorian 

roll-top bath as well as travertine tiling 

on the walls and floor. There are two 

other stylish bedrooms. Outside is a front 

garden with lawn, borders and off-street 

parking for two or three cars. 

How much? No 3 Rosemary 

Cottages is on the market at £775,000 

and is with Fine & Country in Tenterden. 

Call 01580 766388 or visit www. 

fineandcountry.com 

3. Boarsney 

Where? Boarsney is in a rural location 

with fine views, in Salehurst, a couple of 

miles from Robertsbridge (Google Maps 

TN32 5SR). 

What? An attractive Grade II listed 

property, Boarsney dates from the late 

16th century and is a spacious and elegant 

family home. Accommodation includes 

a large drawing room and dining room – 

the former with some fine oak panelling 

– as well as a sitting room, library, 

conservatory and impressive kitchen/ 

breakfast room. Upstairs, on two floors, 

there is a master bedroom with en suite 

bathroom and five further bedrooms. 

Outside, in grounds of about three 

acres, there are outstanding gardens 

encompassing a pretty pond, a large lake 

with two islands, a swimming pool served 

by an air source heat pump, a croquet 

lawn, walled vegetable garden and a 

superbly renovated barn with stone floor 

and outstanding timberwork – perfect for 

entertaining. 

How much? Boarsney is priced at 

£1,695,000 and is on the market with 

Knight Frank in Tunbridge Wells. Call 

01892 515035 or visit www.knightfrank. 

com 

4. Number 6 The Mill 

Where? The Mill is on the Little 

Stour River in the centre of the village 

of Wickhambreaux, about five miles due 

east of Canterbury (Google Maps CT10 

1RQ). 

What? The mill was converted 

into apartments in the 1980s and No 

6 occupies the top two floors of this 

imposing building although it is accessed 

by its own front door and staircase. On 

the lower floor there is a kitchen/dining 

room, three bedrooms, a bathroom and 

a separate shower room and WC. Above 

there is a vaulted reception room which 

extends the full length of the top floor. 

There are exposed timbers and stripped 

pine doors throughout the property 

and fine views from both floors over the 

adjacent village green, church, rooftops 

and the countryside beyond. There is offroad 

parking too. 

How much? No 6 The Mill is on the 

market for £225,000 and is with Hobbs 

Parker in Ashford. Call 01233 506221 or 

visit www.hobbsparker.co.uk 

21 21 www.wealdentimes.co.uk

THE LISTED 

PROPERTY 

OWNERS CLUB 

Do you own a listed property or are 

you thinking of buying one? 

Join the Listed Property Owners Club 

for vital insider information, financial 

savings, advice and peace of mind. 

The Listed Property Owners Club - the UK’s only advice 

service dedicated to helping the owners of listed buildings. 

Membership starts from as little as £4 a month. For more 

information and to become a member please speak to 

us today on 01795 844939 or visit www.lpoc.co.uk. 

Please quote “WEALDEN TIMES” 

Plus, don’t miss The Listed Property Show! 

Olympia London 20-21 February 2016 

HIC Harrogate 12-13 March 2016 

Download your FREE show tickets today 

– visit www.lpoc.co.uk 

• FREE LPOC telephone helpline 

• Specialist Directory of trusted suppliers 

• Bi-monthly Listed Heritage Magazine 

• Logbook of information sheets and briefi ngs 

• Discounts and savings 

• Political campaign for owners’ rights and representation 

• Discounted listed building plaque for your home 

• Access to specialist insurance – our providers insure 

virtually any type of building including those undergoing 

renovation and conversion 

THE LISTED 

PROPERTY SHOW 

OLYMPIA LONDON 20 - 21 FEB 2016 

HIC HARROGATE 12 - 13 MAR 2016 

For FREE tickets visit www.lpoc.co.uk 

In association with

BE INSPIRED AND 

CHALLENGED / 

SHORT COURSE 

PROGRAMME 

A selection from our inspiring spring 

programme, which includes some Saturdays 

01732 352316 

www.kent.ac.uk/tonbridge 

tonbridgeadmin@kent.ac.uk 

Women Artists through the centuries 

4 weeks from Tues 2 February 

1 - 3pm £52 

Behind the scenes: introduction to 

fine art photography 

Study morning Weds 3 February 

10am - 1pm £21 

Get published 

Study Day Mon 22 February 

10am - 4pm £40 

How to read a film 

Study morning Thurs 3 March 

10am - 1pm £21 

Exploring historic towns and cities 

of England and Wales 

4 weeks from Tues 12 January 

10.30am - 12.30pm £52 

Gender and gentry of the 15th 

century: reading between the lines 

Study morning Sat 6 February 

10am - 1pm £21 

Wives, widows and heiresses: the 

lives of medieval women 

4 weeks from Tues 23 February 

10.30am - 12.30pm £52 

Meditation for work and life 

Workshop Sat 27 February 

10am - 1pm £24 

Introducing Greek Philosophy 

Study Morning Sat 27 February 

10am - 1pm £21 

A survey of International Relations 

4 weeks from Weds 24 February 

11am -1pm £52 

The British economy 

Study morning Fri 26 February 

10am - 1pm £21 

An introduction to cognitive 

psychology 

Study morning Sat 6 February 

10am - 1pm £21 

Tunbridge Wells – a hidden history 

Study Morning Sat 5 March 

10am - 1pm £21 

Medieval Romance and Marriage 

Study Day Thu 11 February 

10am - 4pm £35 

University Centre Tonbridge, 

Avebury Avenue, TN9 1TG 

Just a few minutes walk from the railway 

station and close to the High Street

Design & Planning 

Restoration 

New Build 

Barn Conversions 

Extensions 

Joinery 

www.coxrestorations.co.uk 

For a free consultation please contact: 01233 714950 

www.coxrestorations.co.uk 

Established 1986

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE 

The new hedgehog friendly gravelboard from Jacksons will help our prickly friends to roam from garden to garden and forage more easily, keeping off the roads. 

Find full details on these and all our 25 year Jakcure guaranteed products by going to your dedicated page www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk/ashfordlocal 

Jacksons Fencing 

Giving hedgehogs a helpful hole 

I think you must have been 

completely out of circulation 

recently, not to have heard about 

the plight of the humble 

hedgehog. These appealing little 

chaps, who are commonly 

considered the gardener’s friend 

because they feed on some of 

the pests in the garden, have 

suffered a severe decline in 

numbers. The current population 

is estimated to be around 25% 

down in the last decade, which 

may mean there is only a million 

or so left. 

This may be caused by a 

reduction in their natural 

habitat, the countryside. Which 

means more of them are 

resorting to living in towns, 

where unfortunately a whole raft 

of new threats exists. The most 

obvious is getting run over by 

vehicles - possibly 50,000 come 

to grief on roads. We all know 

that the hedgehog’s first defence 

mechanism is to curl up, so they 

present a prickly ball, not many 

predators will find an attractive 

proposition. Sadly this doesn’t 

work in any way to deter cars, 

they just squash them! 

The list of bad stuff that can 

happen to hedgies (as I like to 

call them) is lengthy: many 

drown in garden ponds because 

we don’t think of putting 

something in there to help any 

hapless creatures climb out. They 

are also poisoned by careless 

gardeners who still haven’t 

cottoned on to the fact that 

slugs eat slug pellets, slugs are 

then eaten by hedgehogs, then 

hedgehogs die a very nasty 

death from poison! 

The list continues with getting 

trapped in netting, which can 

result in horrific injuries when 

they try to escape, being burnt in 

bonfires that seem to be a nice 

place to make home, until it is 

set on fire, and apparently 

strimming accidents are fairly 

common too. 

So what can we do to help? 

We can avoid leaving netting 

around for them to get caught 

in, also check carefully before 

strimming that there aren’t any 

animals that will get hurt when 

you let rip with the machine, 

and check the bonfire hasn’t 

become a hedgie hotel. If you 

have to use slug pellets, please 

find a wildlife friendly version 

that isn’t going to harm any 

animals. 

If you are of a kind nature you 

could try feeding them a little 

cat food and please don’t forget 

the water. 

Hedgehogs used to be able to 

move much more freely 

between gardens, finding a 

variety of locations to feed and 

make a home. Nowadays we are 

all a lot keener on fencing in our 

properties, and sturdy 

gravelboards at the bottom of 

fence panels probably have put 

an abrupt stop to many an 

established hedgie run. 

Here at Jacksons we’ve tried 

to find a way to help our 

spiky friends, we’ve created 

the hedgehog friendly 

gravelboard. It is the same as a 

normal gravelboard, but it has a 

hole at one end, large enough 

to allow them free passage, 

with a reinforcing strip along 

the top of the board to ensure it 

isn’t weakened by the hole. 

It may seem a small and simple 

move on our part to try to 

redress the balance. We know 

there will probably only be a 

small percentage of our 

customers that will opt for 

installing one of these boards in 

their fence run, but it will give 

us, as a company, the chance to 

talk about the hedgehog decline 

to our customers and anyone 

else who will listen. The sincere 

hope is that it will help to make 

a difference. 

One last word to the dissenters, 

Win £300 

of Jacksons 

vouchers... 

To enter the free prize draw and 

be in with a chance to win £300 

of Jacksons vouchers simply log 

on to your dedicated page, 

address below and follow the 

easy instructions on how to 

enter. The draw closes 29.2.16. 

To enter go to: 

www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk/ 

ashfordlocal 

who immediately shout out that 

having a hole in the 

gravelboard will encourage rats. 

My response is, if you’ve got 

rats, a gravelboard will not 

deter them. They are prolific 

climbers and they have a 

special squishy skeleton (there 

is a scientific name for this, but 

I refuse to look it up!) the 

flexibility of their bone structure 

allows them to squeeze through 

unfeasibly sized cracks, so a 

gravelboard won’t put them off, 

they will simply climb over the 

fence, or burrow under! 

louise@jacksons-fencing.co.uk 

Special thanks to all at 

www.lordwhisky.co.uk for 

their help with the hedgehog 

photo shoot. 

For info on any of Jacksons products or brochures please call 

0800 408 4754 to talk to your local Jacksons Fencing Centre.

Quartz overlays 

less expensive than you 

might expect... 

Call us now and revitalise your kitchen 

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info@invictakitchens.uk 

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InvictaKitchensWT166.indd 1 17/11/2015 12:24 

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Unit 2, 2M Trade Park, Beddow Way, Aylesford, ME20 7BT 

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Opening Hours:Mon-Fri 7.30am-5pm & Sat 8.30am-4pm 


26 

AskPlumbingWT156.indd 1 09/01/2015 12:18

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Whether you prefer the soft painted hues of grey 

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To complement our furniture we have a select range 

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cushions from Parisian House and Kilburn & Scott. 

With our PASSION FOR VINTAGE range we specialise in 

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We are currently working on a wide selection of 

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Check our website for what’s new 

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HORTON GREEN INTERIORS

RDO 

Kitchen Studio 

Offering the 

combination of 

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design using fine 

furniture by 

www.rdokitchenstudio.co.uk info@rdokitchenstudio.co.uk 

Bancroft Road, Reigate, Surrey RH2 7RP 01737 240403

RDO 

Kitchen Studio 


RDO, not just an Appliance Retailer! 

In the same location and family ownership since 1952, RDO Kitchens 

& Appliances offers a wealth of experience and knowledge. 

Often thought of as 

only an appliance 

store, RDO also runs 

a very successful 

Kitchen Studio. 

RDO is proud to be an Appointed 

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Kitchens. We specialise in stylish, 

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Whether it be timber, as in our 

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the needs of nearly everyone! 

With our own vans and delivery 

teams we pride ourselves in 

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RDO is rightly famous in the South 

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RDO, Bancroft Road, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 7RP 01737 240403 rdokitchenstudio.co.uk


Do you need 

extra space? 

Are you thinking about extending your living space? 

Have you considered a log cabin as an option? 

Garden Buildings are proving more popular 

than ever as an alternative to a more 

costly home extension or loft conversion. 

Whilst home improvements can involve 

extensive building works and upheaval, a cabin can 

provide a simple, more straightforward solution 

while still adding value to your home. Their versatility 

means that they can be put to a wide variety of 

uses and offer year round, fully insulated comfort. 

For example, if you work from home but are looking 

for more space then a garden office or workshop 

could be the answer. A dedicated workspace will 

enable you to keep your home and work life separate 

whilst still giving you the “no commute” hassle. 

If it’s more entertaining space you need then why 

not create a fun environment with the addition of a 

bar, big screen TV and games console for you and 

your friends to enjoy. Or how about adding a dining 

room table and chairs for a great place to hold dinner 

parties? If you enjoy keeping fit but would prefer 

to avoid crowded health clubs, hefty fees and the 

effort involved in getting there and back, then a 

home gym is also something you could consider. 

There are plenty of options for the family too. 

The children could enjoy their own playroom, 

created in a safe environment. They would love 

having their own play area and you can get as 

imaginative with the design as you’d like! 

Finding the right cabin for you doesn’t have to be 

difficult. Johnsons Garden Buildings have 6 display 

villages across Kent all with a great range of cabins 

for you to consider. From deciding on the right 

design for your home and needs, to advising on 

the additional extras you may want to add such as 

electrics, insulation, heating and flooring, their team 

can help. They offer a free site visit to ensure that 

everything will work within your space. Once ordered 

and delivered your cabin can be erected within as 

little as one or two days. Johnsons also now offer a 

fully comprehensive finance package with monthly 

payment options to spread the cost, subject to 

application and status. So just sit back, relax and 

let Johnsons create the extra space you need. 

For more information call 

0845 459 9444 or go to 

www.needextraspace.co.uk 

Johnsons works in association with Tradehelp. Tradehelp acts as a credit intermediary and only offers products from Barclays Partner Finance. 

Tradehelp is a trading name of Heatkey Ltd, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (659069), registered in England (03712438)

STUNNING 

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us to help you realise your lifestyle vision 

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T 01732 447997 

Plus everything for the Trade and DIY 

at PARKER BUILDING SUPPLIES 

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SALE ON 

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Get an extra 5% using code TUNBRIDGE 

Offer available until 31/1/2016 to use online or in-store 

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DarlingsOfChelseaWT167.indd 1 15/12/2015 10:51 

oRDER IN JANUARY AND 

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34 

LogBoxWT167.indd 1 16/12/2015 11:15

Friends & feasts... 

For a more unique dining experience, visit Bishopsdale Oast and their 

new pop up restaurant! Dine within the walls of an 18th century oast 

house, surrounded by beautiful countryside, and be tempted by delicious 

homemade, locally sourced food. Start with drinks and canapés next 

to the log fire in the sitting room, then move on to browsing the 

gamekeeper’s menu, where you can choose from smoked venison and 

foraged blackberries, Bishopsdale pheasant in whisky, or for the sweeter 

tooth, Sussex Pond pudding and cream. Book in with a group of friends 

or make it a real getaway and stay the night too. For more information 

visit their website www.bishopsdaleoast.co.uk or phone 01580 291027. 

January 

notebook 

Exhibitions & events 

near you this month... 

Freeimages.com/RitaJuliana 

Highly strung... 

At Maidstone Museum, The Scottish Mask and 

Puppet Centre are presenting their fantastic 

collection of beautiful and quirky masks and 

puppets from all over the world. Not forgetting 

our all-time favourites Punch and Judy, this 

display will feature Japanese shadow puppets, 

commedia dell’arte leather masks and even 

film animatronics. To find out more visit their 

website www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk 

Simon Faithful-Reenactment for a future 

Perilous possibility... 

This exciting exhibition at the Turner Contemporary, 

Margate, will examine risk as an important element 

of key artistic moments during the last century. ‘Risk’ 

will feature works right up to the present day and 

will explore the subject through a range of themes 

including the relationship between risk and chance, the 

landscape of risk and the artist at risk. The exhibition 

is open from Tuesday to Sunday 10am-5pm so visit 

www.turnercontemporary.org for more information. 

Kick start... 

Over-indulged throughout the festive period? Well 

Commonwork is the place for you. On this one 

day course held at Bore Place, Chiddingstone, 

discover which foods you should be eating more of 

and learn to cook for a healthier lifestyle and to feel 

more energised. For £65 per person, to include all 

materials, you’ll be making gluten free pizza, two 

delicious salads, honey and sesame greens and to take 

home, apple sauce oat muffins and chia crispbreads. 

To book contact Becky on 01732 463255 / beckyb@ 

commonwork.org 

Freeimages.com/Debbie Schiel 

Winter sun... 

Start the New Year off at Chartwell. Stop by and 

enjoy a freshly prepared cooked breakfast or a tasty 

homemade soup, then set off on a brisk winter 

walk around the grounds and take in the fresh 

country air. Booking isn’t needed and children are 

very welcome. With over 80 acres of woodland 

and farmland there’s plenty for all to explore. Visit 

the lake, water feature and rock garden chosen 

by Lady Churchill from Chelsea flower show in 

1948, and admire the colours of the Mahonia in 

the orchard, by the kitchen garden wall. For more 

information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell 

Naturally beautiful... 

The iconic Sissinghurst Castle will play host to some 

of the best garden, plant and landscape photography 

from amateur and professional photographers 

across the globe from 16 January to 28 February. 

These images capture the everlasting appeal of 

the garden, and demonstrate the wonder of this 

amazing green planet we inhabit. The Sissinghurst 

Garden team have been busy growing and drying 

hundreds of plants, as well as designing hand-crafted 

structures to ensure this will be an exhibition not 

to miss out on. For more information visit www. 

nationaltrust.org.uk/sissinghurst-castle-garden 

Unique antique... 

If you love all things vintage, retro and antique, then 

the Kent County Showground, Detling on Saturday 

9 and Sunday 10 January will be the place for you. 

From 10am till 4.30pm you can browse from an 

abundance of stall holders selling antique treasures 

and totally unique vintage finds. B2B events also 

host other fairs across the UK, so be sure to check 

their website for regular updates www.b2bevents.info 


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AdConnectionBonhamsWT167.indd 1 16/12/2015 13:00

Festive fun 

at the fair 

This year’s Wealden Times Midwinter Fair took place once 

again in the Walled Garden at Bedgebury Pinetum, near 

Goudhurst. With pre-booked ticket sales up 47% on last year 

the event attracted a huge number of shoppers and fans of the 

Fairs. Despite torrential rain, which made parking a very muddy 

issue and wellies a necessity, visitors, stallholders and WT staff 

didn’t let this dampen their spirits, and pulled together with true 

British grit, to make this another successful fair. 

Inside the bustling marquees, stallholders did a roaring 

trade, while shoppers mixed meeting friends with shopping 

and browsing the food stands. Huge, colourful balloons, by 

Bang-On balloons were used to decorate and colour-code each 

marquee, helping visitors to navigate the vast array of stands. 

Amongst the many eye-catching displays this year was a working 

Aga on the Burlanes stand - which was used to heat mince pies - 

hot-tubs at Homewood Leisure, and Katie Brinsley’s WT prizewinning 

stand, made almost entirely from cardboard. 

Those who needed to keep their strength up, when shopping 

for Christmas presents or treating themselves, were spoilt for 

choice, with Cocolicious on hand, serving delicious cakes and 

mouth-watering toasties, as well as newcomers Mucky Duck 

serving savoury muffins and warming soups. Other popular 

stands included Coffee Real and Spade and Spoon. 

The WT team would like to say a huge thank you to 

everyone involved in the Midwinter Fair and wish you all a 

Happy New Year. We look forward to seeing you again at the 

Midsummer Fair at Hole Park, Rolvenden on June 9-11. May 

the weather gods be smiling on us! 


40

Local Showrooms at: 

Tunbridge Wells: Unit 5 Tunbridge Wells Trade Park, Longfield Rd, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3QF 

Sevenoaks: Polhill Garden Centre, London Rd, Badgers Mount, Sevenoaks, Kent TN14 7AD 

Sidcup: Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, Maidstone Road, Sidcup, Kent DA14 5BQ 

Visit granitetransformations.co.uk for more information

Saint Ronan’s School 

Hawkhurst, Kent • Founded 1883 • www.saintronans.co.uk 

Boys & Girls from 3-13 • Day & Boarding • Forest School 

Headlines 

‘Excellent’ ISI 

inspection report 

50 scholarships won 

in two years 

Tatler Good Schools 

Guide 2016 

Discover the magic! Email emmatv@saintronans.co.uk 

or call 01580 752271 to book an appointment.

Editor’s 

Letter 

Here’s wishing all of our readers a Merry Christmas and 

a Happy New Year! Whether you are holed up with 

your January issue of the Wealden Times, enjoying 

your Christmas break, or are already looking to the 

year ahead, this month’s magazine is sure to brighten 

up your day – before you’ve even got past the cover. 

This month’s cover star is a dazzling 1920s home, in 

Dorking, Surrey, the interior of which will make your heart 

sing. Bright, light and airy, it’s testament to the power of 

clever design and the benefits of having an artist in the family 

whilst underlining the point that good taste is not all about 

having a big budget. Closer to home we visit a classic Wealden 

farmhouse near Ulcombe in Kent, transformed by its owners, 

Sarah and Dean, into the perfect, cosy house for country living. 

As well as our two interiors features, we’ve got some 

mouth-watering and revitalising recipes from Lou Lou 

Hamilton at Cocolicious – perfect if you have over-indulged 

over Christmas – Jo Fairley’s expert ‘beauty resolutions’ 

as well as five pages of health and beauty products to 

help you feel tip-top as you go into the New Year. 

Enjoy your Wealden Times! 

Wealden Times Team 

Editor .................................................................................Jennifer Stuart-Smith 

Fashion & Beauty Editor.................................................................Helen Barton 

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

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

Rob Cursons 

Phoebe Gilbert 

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

Sales Manager ...........................................................................Hayley Biddulph 

Sales Team .......................................................................................Mandy Agar 

Adam Donovan 

Lisa Gordon-Hughes 

Becky Smith 

Lisa Smith 

Distribution ......................................................................................Jude Brown 

Emma Murphy 

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 

breaking point? 

The breakdown of any relationship can be very 

distressing. Whitehead Monckton family lawyers 

can help you through this stressful and painful time. 

We offer sensitive, constructive and cost effective legal 

advice. All our lawyers are experienced members 

of Resolution, committed to a non-confrontational 

approach to resolving family problems. 

An initial fixed cost meeting for just £100 (inc VAT) 

with one of our lawyers can help you see your 

way forward and understand your legal position 

and options. 

Our town centre offices in Canterbury, Maidstone 

and Tenterden are conveniently located to so please 

call to set up your initial discussion: 

Emma Palmer on Canterbury 01227 643266 

Dawn Harrison on Maidstone 01622 698051 

Daniel Bennett on Tenterden 01580 767540 

www.whitehead-monckton.co.uk 


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 1/16 


WhiteheadMoncktonWT167.indd 1 01/12/2015 12:37

100 Years of Education, 1000 Years of History 

Co-educational, day & boarding school for 3-18 years in South East England 

Co-educational, day & boarding school for 3-18 years in South East England 

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 (3-11 yrs): Fri 5 February 2016 

7+ Academic Scholarship Day: Sat 5 March 2016 

T: 01843 572931 E: admissions@slcuk.com www.slcuk.com 

St Lawrence College, College Road, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 7AE 

HISTORY IN THE MAKING 

Scholarship and Entrance Exams 

for entry September 2016 

StLawrenceCollegeWT167.indd 1 02/12/2015 10:09 

Academic Scholarship and Entrance 

Exams. 

Year 9 - Thursday 28th January 2016 

Year 7 - Friday 29th January 2016 

Assessments for Scholarships in Art, 

Computing, Drama, Music, Performing 

Arts and Sport. 

Saturday 30th January 2016 

For further information or to apply please 

contact Registrar Lucy Jackson on 01424 772385 

or registrar@battleabbeyschool.com 

Battle Abbey School 1912 - 2012 

battleabbeyschool.com 


44 

BattleAbbeySchoolWT167.indd 1 01/12/2015 11:25

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 

Bromley 

Orpington 

Sevenoaks 

Maidstone 

Canterbury 

VALENTINE’S 

Edenbridge Tonbridge 

Royal 

Tunbridge 

Wells 

Uckfield 

Crowborough 

Heathfield 

Ashford 

Cranbrook 

Tenterden 

Rye 

Battle 

Hythe 

DINNER 

13th & 14th February 

Hailsham 

Hastings 

Eastbourne 

You can get your copy at most railway stations, newsagents and Waitrose stores 

throughout the Weald. The following are our major distribution points. 

Visit www.wealdentimes.co.uk for a complete listing 

Ashford 

• Waitrose 

• Waterstones 

Battle 

• British Design 

British Made 

• Jempson’s 

Benenden 

• Village Shop 

Biddenden 

• Bloomsburys 

• Cost Cutters 

Boughton Aluph 

• Perry Court 

Farmshop 

Burgess Hill 

• Waitrose 

Burwash 

• Londis 

Canterbury 

• Waitrose 


Charing 

• Post Office 

Cranbrook 

• Ashwal Garage 

• Cocolicious 

• Gastronomia 

• Hartley Dyke 

Farmshop 

• Hartley 

Farmshop 

• Pages 

Crowborough 

• Costa Coffee 

• Sussex Country 

Gardener 

Eastbourne 


Edenbridge 

• Waitrose 

Eridge 

• Fuller’s Farm 

Shop 

Etchingham 

• Etchingham 

Food & Deli 

• Bistro at the 

Station 

Faversham 

• Macknade Fine 

Foods 

Flimwell 

•Weald Smokery 

Goudhurst 

• Goudhurst 

Newsagents 

• Olive Stores 

Hastings 

• Judges Bakery 

• Respire Living 

Hawkhurst 

• Budgens 

Haywards Heath 

• Denovo Flowers 

Headcorn 

• Sainsbury’s 

Heathfield 

• Cuculo Deli 

Horsham 

• Cook 


Hurst Green 

• Merriments 

Garden Centre 

Lewes 

• Riverside 

Shopping Hall 

• Steamer Trading 

Company 


Maidstone 


Marden 

• Post Office 

Mayfield 

• Mace 

Northiam 

• Jempson’s Local 

• Will’s Bakery & 

Café 

Paddock Wood 

• Waitrose 

Peasmarsh 

• Flackley Ash 

Hotel 


Pluckley 

• Pluckley Farm 

Shop 

Robertsbridge 

• Vinehall School 

Rolvenden 

• Costcutter 

Rushlake Green 

• The Stores 

Rye 

• Adams of Rye 


• The Rye Retreat 

Sandhurst 

• Johnson’s of 

Sandhurst 

Sevenoaks 

• Cook 

• Waitrose 

Sheffield Green 

• Trading 

Boundaries 

Sissinghurst 

• TN17 Food & 

Wine 

Staplehurst 

• Frankie’s 

Farmshop 

• Millbrook 

Garden Centre 

St. Leonards 

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What 

Stone Cross 

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& Shop 

Tenterden 

• Tenterden 

Leisure Centre 

• London Beach 

Hotel 

• Waitrose 


• White Lion 

Ticehurst 

• Londis 

Tonbridge 

• Waitrose 

Tunbridge Wells 

• Fenwick 

• Gardener & 

Cook 

• Hoopers 

• Notcutts 

• Royal Victoria 

Place 

Uckfield 

• Waitrose 

Wadhurst 


• Wealden 

Wholefoods 

West Malling 

• The Swan 

STATIONS: 

• Ashford 

• Canterbury 

West 

• Crowborough 

• Eastbourne 

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• Maidstone East 

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£39 per person 

Includes a Four Course Meal, 

Coffee & Glass of Bubbly. 

...................................................... 

Overnight packages available from only 

£148 per couple 

Includes Valentine’s Dinner, 

Overnight Accommodation 

& Breakfast. 

Contact Laura on 01580 202103 

or email laura@dalehill.co.uk 


DaleHillWT167.indd 1 16/12/2015 12:15

Light – and fantastic 


46

Words: John Graham-Hart Photographs: David Merewether Styling: Helen Barton 

It is often said that ‘mother knows best’. In the case of this 1920s home in 

Dorking, Surrey, it would be hard to dispute this – especially when you discover 

that the mother in question is an award-winning artist and a designer who has 

helped her daughter transform a simple family home into a masterpiece... 


The one stop shop for all your restoration needs! 

• Reclaimed Bricks 

• Reclaimed Tiles 

•Reclaimed York Stone 

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•Architectural Antiques 

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•Custom Oak Mouldings 

•Architctural Ironmongery 

Call 01273 517013 or visit www.oakandreclaim.com 

Unit 1 

New Road 

Newhaven 

East Sussex 

BN9 0HE 

Sales@oakandreclaim.com 

Employed Skilled Workforce | Renovations & Extensions 

Conversions & Alterations | Design & Build 

GraceyardWT167.indd 1 26/11/2015 SussexOakWT167.indd 12:00 

1 02/12/2015 11:24 

A.T. Palmer Ltd 

RESTORATION SPECIALISTS EST.1949 


T: 01233 770077 

Smarden Business Estate, TN27 8QL 

48 

atpalmer.co.uk 

ATPalmerWT165.indd 1 06/10/2015 14:34

Above: The kitchen space was once three rooms and a corridor, but is now 

open-plan light and airy Right: Pops of colour add to the general brightness 

of the rooms 

Once upon a time we lived in caves. It wasn’t ideal 

but it sure beat rubbing two sticks together in 

the pouring rain. However, after a few tens of 

thousands of years, some bright spark grew tired of the 

damned great hole where his cave met the elements and 

decided to build a mud wall across the entrance. It probably 

collapsed two or three times in the making but ultimately it 

was finished and he stood back to admire his work. His wife 

joined him and after a moment or two he turned to her. 

“Architecture is reaching out for truth,” he grunted. “A 

great building must begin with the immeasurable, must go 

through immeasurable means when it’s being designed and in 

the end must be immeasurable.” In the blink of a low-browed 

eye, architecture had been born and with it, architects. 

Both are, by and large, A Good Thing. The latter, however, 

can have a tendency to eclipse Miss Piggy when it comes 

to pretention – the words above were not actually spoken 

by our caveman but by the great American architect Louis 

Khan. There are of course, exceptions and one of the most 

notable is Sir David Chipperfield whose contribution to 

architecture worldwide is truly immeasurable and whose 

pronouncements are invariable enlightening and inspiring. 


Above left: Kate has mixed designer items with affordable pieces from shops such as IKEA and Made.com Above right: The ‘simple yellow’ of the Tesco bar 

stools in the kitchen is echoed by lamps in the living room and the painted doors of a downstairs storage cupboard. 

“There is a danger when every building has to look 

spectacular, to look like it’s changing the world,” he says. 

“I don’t care how a building looks if it means something, 

not to architects but to the people who use it.” 

Which brings us, perhaps a little circuitously, to Kate 

and Jason’s house in a leafy residential street in Dorking. 

Externally it certainly does not have ambitions that rock the 

universe. It is, however, my favourite in its street. It was, in 

1928, the first to be built here and today is set apart from 

its rendered neighbours by its individual style, warm-andweathered 

brown brick and general air of gentle welcome. 

However, the house’s unassuming exterior belies an interior 

that is one great basket of light – an interior that, while not 

changing the world beyond the front door, has certainly 


50

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FrenchDepot 

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All work carried out by our team of experienced craftsmen. 

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1 09/12/2015 17:18 

Gorringes 

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• Regular selected sales including Fine Art, 

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Watches, Wines and Furniture 

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and general items from £40 to £1,000 

(Payment made in two working days) 

• Free internet listing for all sales 

• Free auction estimates 

• Valuations for Insurance and Probate 

• House Clearance 

A William de Morgan ruby and sepia 

lustre ‘Swallows’ charger, circa 1881, 

painted by Charles Passenger, 

Dia 37.5cm, Sold for £4,200 

For a FREE valuation on items you would like 

to auction, simply email your images to: 

tunbridge.wells@gorringes.co.uk 

To arrange an appointment call: 

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Gorringes Tunbridge Wells LLP, 85 Mount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1PX 


52 

3812 Gorringes_WT_December2015_130x185v4.indd 1 12/7/15 9:51 AM 

GorringesWT167.indd 1 08/12/2015 10:12

Above: A light and well-equipped home office makes Kate’s one day working from home much more pleasant. ‘It’s a really nice place to work,’ she says 

changed the lives of all lucky enough to live here. Kate 

and Jason took over a house that was designed for 1930s’ 

living and updated piece-meal over years, and transformed 

it into a truly outstanding home for a 21 st century family. 

Two years ago the couple decided to move from 

their previous home to be closer to work and to have 

more space for the family which includes nine-yearold 

Amber and seven-year-old Joe. They started looking 

in the Dorking area and, as fate would have it, this 

was the first house they looked at. “I don’t think I was 

wild about it but I knew it would work,” says Kate. 

The property had only just come up for sale for the 

first time in a generation and the market was moving 

fast. They immediately put their own house up for 

 


Above: The stylish white-topped oak desk in the home office space once served as Kate and Jason’s kitchen table. The white bookshelves are from Ikea and the 

on-trend grey sofa was £100 from Homesense. A white leather rocking chair, to the left of the picture and on the previous page, was from Habitat 

sale and again fate took a hand and it sold within 48 

hours. In two weeks it was a done deal. There was only 

one slight problem -- they were going to have to do 

a considerable amount of pretty radical work on the 

property, had nowhere to live and winter was coming on. 

The answer was to move into a campervan in the driveway, 

make swift decisions and watch builders tearing apart walls, 

interior and exterior, as temperatures began to fall. They did, 

however, have a design heavyweight on their team – Kate’s 

mother, the artist Gill Wyche. Gill and her husband designed 

and built their own home, Tyneham House in Caldy, a 

property shortlisted in this year’s Northern Design Awards. 

“My mum has had a big influence on this house,” says Kate. 

Looking at the acres of glass at Tyneham House, one can 

see the importance Gill attaches to natural light and it’s a 

priority she has brought to her daughter’s home. From an 

inter-war property with many rooms serving a family with 

six children, it has become a contemporary home with fewer, 

larger rooms and fewer walls – both internal and external. 

Wherever possible, entire exterior walls have been replaced 

with great expanses of glass in the shape of bi-folding doors. 

The new kitchen space, for instance, was three rooms 

and a corridor and is now one glorious space with one 

wall entirely composed of bi-folding doors with oversized 

panes opening out on to a patio and high-banked flower 

beds. “This side of the house is south-facing so the light 

pours in all day,” says Kate. “The doors were a real drama 

to get in but they were well worth it in the end.” 

 


54

WINTER 

SALE 

NOW ON 

the finest products at guaranteed competitive prices 

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The original stair case was stripped back to put the natural oak centre-stage 

 


Above: A central landing allows light to flood into every room and is an 

attractive focal point of the home Left: Although many of the rooms have 

been knocked through to create open-plan living, there are still intimate 

spaces such as this dressing room on the first floor 

All the units are bespoke and in a Little Greene grey. 

The walls are white. Any particular kind of white? “Just 

trade white,” says Kate. “Sorry but to me white is 

white and that’s what I asked for and that’s what they 

are.” The Corian surfaces are also just white and the 

£30 Tesco bar stools are just yellow. On the walls is a 

selection of bright Anthropologie prints and a daffodil 

still-life by her mother. The floor is a lightly limed, 

not-quite-white Fired Earth herringbone parquet. 

The fridge is called Goliath. This is not an 

anthopromorphic affectation by the family but a 

model name assigned to it by its makers, Fisher & 

Paykel. “I was so tired of having such a tiny fridge in 

my previous kitchen that when I found a fridge called 

Goliath, I knew I had to have it,” says Kate. 

 


58

THEWINTERSALE 

Hypnos Stratus 

Pocket sprung mattress divan with luxury 

pillow top fi nish for extra comfort. 

Drawers and other sizes also available. 

150cm divan set 

RRP £2179 

SALE £1479 

STONE FLOORING SPECIALISTS 

STONE FLOORING SPECIALISTS 

OakDesignsCoWT167.indd 1 07/12/2015 16:58 

A HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM 

THE STONE TILE WAREHOUSE 

Harrison Sapphire 

2 drawer divan featuring layers of pocket springs 

creating a supportive mattress with deep filled 

hand stitched sides to add stability. 

150cm divan set 

with 2 drawers 

RRP £3599 

SALE £1999 

íÜÉëíçåÉíáäÉï~êÉÜçìëÉ 

íÜÉëíçåÉíáäÉï~êÉÜçìëÉ 

ëíçåÉíáäÉï~êÉ 

ëíçåÉíáäÉï~êÉ 



PORCELAIN TILE RANGES ON DISPLAY 

eÉêÉ=~í=qÜÉ=píçåÉ=qáäÉ=t~êÉÜçìëÉ=çìê=ÅçãéêÉÜÉåëáîÉ=ê~åÖÉ=çÑ 

wall eÉêÉ=~í=qÜÉ=píçåÉ=qáäÉ=t~êÉÜçìëÉ=çìê=ÅçãéêÉÜÉåëáîÉ=ê~åÖÉ=çÑ 

and floor tiles ~êÉ=ÉëéÉÅá~ääó=ëçìêÅÉÇ=íç=çÑÑÉê=ÉñÅÉääÉåí=î~äìÉK 

wall and floor tiles ~êÉ=ÉëéÉÅá~ääó=ëçìêÅÉÇ=íç=çÑÑÉê=ÉñÅÉääÉåí=î~äìÉK 

bñéÉêí=~ÇîáÅÉ=~åÇ=áåëí~ää~íáçå=ëÉêîáÅÉ=~î~áä~ÄäÉ 

sáëáí=çìê=t~êÉÜçìëÉJpÜçïêççã=råáí=NMI=fåíÉÖê~=jbI=_áêÅÜçäí=oç~ÇI 

bñéÉêí=~ÇîáÅÉ=~åÇ=áåëí~ää~íáçå=ëÉêîáÅÉ=~î~áä~ÄäÉ 

sáëáí=çìê=t~êÉÜçìëÉJpÜçïêççã=råáí=NMI=fåíÉÖê~=jbI=_áêÅÜçäí=oç~ÇI 

m~êâïççÇI=j~áÇëíçåÉI=hÉåíI=jbNR=Vdn 

m~êâïççÇI=j~áÇëíçåÉI=hÉåíI=jbNR=Vdn 

MNSOO=STVNRT=ïïïKíÜÉëíçåÉíáäÉï~êÉÜçìëÉKÅçKìâ 

MNSOO=STVNRT=ïïïKíÜÉëíçåÉíáäÉï~êÉÜçìëÉKÅçKìâ 

Huge selection of beds, 

mattresses, headboards 

& bedsteads 

Experienced team offering 

expert helpful advice 

www.clarkesfurnishers.co.uk 

01622 753073 

Sandling Road, Maidstone, ME14 2RF 

UPHOLSTERY | DINING | BEDS | BEDROOM | ACCESSORIES 


SouthernAdhesivesWT167.indd 1 04/12/2015 LenleysWT167.indd 14:48 

1 03/12/2015 14:30

It’s sale time. 

Sale starts 28th December 2015. 

Visit our shops throughout 

January for brilliant deals on 

Lights, Wallpaper, Fabric and Flooring. 

23 New Road 

Brighton 

BN1 1UF 

01273 605574 

sales@mistersmith.co.uk 

www.mistersmith.co.uk 

Croft Road 

Crowborough 

TN6 1DR 

01892 664152 

info@mistersmith.co.uk

Above: Amber’s room is painted in a ‘simple white’ but livened up with bright and cheerful fabrics. Kate, rescued the miniature wrought iron day bed from a 

florist’s shop, where it was being used for display. Original oak mullion windows throughout the house are a reminder of its 1920s origin 

More glass doors lead into the drawing room, this 

time doors with more regular-sized panes and then more 

bi-folding doors with larger panes open out into the garden. 

This means, optically speaking, that the entire garden 

becomes part of the kitchen. “The window manufacturers 

and fitters were seriously concerned that the large panes at 

one end of the room wouldn’t match the smaller ones at 

the other,” says Kate, “but we worked it out in the end.” 

The fireplace was pretty much as it is today except that 

the grey tiles have been replaced with slate. Kate has retained 

the oak mantle above it. “When we came to look at the 

detail, so much in this house may have dated back to the 

‘50s and beyond but, given a slightly different treatment, 

looked very contemporary -- so we retained as much as 

we possibly could.” This included the oak mullions of the 

windows, which were stripped, and a stunning staircase that 

again was stripped to put the natural oak centre-stage. 

The two high sofas are from the Sofa Workshop gather 

round a Habitat glass-topped coffee table, while underfoot 

the original oak flooring has been stripped and limed. The 

rug is from Homesense and the TV unit from MADE.com. 

The study is not so much a mere study but a cool 


Above: It’s clear from the layout of all of the rooms, including those of the children, that there is a designer’s influence at work. Here, two playful gingham 

lampshades and classic bedside tables add symmetry and order to the space, while not being overly formal 

and elegant office. Kate is Head of Strategy for the 

NSPCC and takes one day off from her desk in London 

to work from home. “It’s a bit over-kill for one day’s use 

a week but it is a really nice place to work,” she says. 

The centrepiece is a stylish white-topped, oak-legged 

desk which once served as Kate and Jason’s kitchen table. 

The white bookshelves that cover one wall came from 

Ikea and a swish grey sofa that looks as if it should have 

cost considerably more was bought from Homesense 

for just £100. My favourite piece, however is a million 

dollar white leather rocking chair from Habitat. 

Upstairs, past a Habitat tripod standard lamp standing 

sentry on the landing, is the the master bedroom 

fashioned, along with its bathroom and dressing 

room, from a number of smaller rooms. The oak bed 

is Habitat and, beside it, an Anthropologie flamingo 

head sticks out of the wall. One half expects to find the 

rear end protruding into the bedroom next door. 

Amber’s room, like virtually all the rooms in the house, 

is ‘just white’. Hiding behind the door is an old school 

 


62

Upper High Street 

Heathfield 

East Sussex 

TN21 8NB 

01435 866435 

enquiries@jonesbritain.co.uk 

www.jonesbritain.co.uk 

JONES BRITAIN 

creative kitchen solutions

domestic roofing, 

specialising in re-roofing 

of historic buildings 

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01233 770 409 07803 594 907 

www.bridglandroofing.co.uk 

Hill View House 

The Hill | Cranbrook | Kent TN17 3AD 

01580 201888 | office@TheRPP.co.uk 

www.theruralplanningpractice.co.uk 

Curtain, blind and soft furnishings 

MAKERS FOR INTERIOR DESIGNERS, RETAIL AND FOR YOU 

Your fabric or ours, measuring and advice, full fitting, 

poles and tracks supplied, hanging and dressing service 

BridglandRoofingWT161.indd 1 11/06/2015 RuralPlanningPracticeWT160.indd 16:35 

1 08/05/2015 12:43 

New year, new look for your home. Beautifully made curtains and blinds for you or your clients. 

LilyMatthews 

Halden Place, Halden Lane, Rolvenden TN17 4JG 

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

www.lilymatthews.co.uk 


64 

LilyMatthewsWT167.indd 1 15/12/2015 09:50

Amber’s room, like virtually all the rooms in the house, is ‘just white’. Hiding behind 

the door is an old school desk and, in an opposite alcove, a Victorian washstand 

 


Above: Bright dashes of colour and touches of humour, such as the flamingo’s 

head protruding from the wall, prevent the rooms feeling at all austere – 

despite the liberal use of white paint on the walls Right: Kate’s love of colour 

and preferred palette is reflected in her shoes 

An Anthropologie flamingo head sticks 

out from the wall. One half expects to 

find the rear end protruding into the 

bedroom next door 

desk and, in an opposite alcove, a Victorian washstand. 

Under the window is a miniature wrought-iron day bed 

which Kate rescued from its previous life as a florist’s prop. 

Joe’s room really could not be more of a boy’s room. 

Virtually every sport known to man is represented and 

by the window is an Austin J40 pedal car – but not, you 

understand, just any pedal car. This is the car in which Joe 

competes in the Settrington Cup at Goodwood Revival each 

year. “It’s really just a great day out,” says Kate. “It’s not really 

meant to be that competitive.” A boy in a racing car on a 

racing track in a race and it’s not competitive? Please. 

Not that Joe cares but his great red-striped blinds are 


66

Carpets and fine floor coverings 

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Canterbury: 12 Roper Road, CT2 7EH. 01227 788588 

Whitstable: 89 High Street, CT5 1AY. 01227 772774 

www.clarkscanterbury.com 

Canterbury store now open Sundays 11am-4pm 

Kent Peg Tiling & 

Listed Building Specialists 

conservation and renovation 

specialists § high quality work 

by experienced craftsman 

01797 270268 or visit www.kentpegs.com 

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1 09/09/2015 14:58 


NewWaveWT167.indd 1 09/12/2015 10:02

Triple Gold Award Winners SPATA 2015 

SPATA Pool Contractor of the Year 2015 

Specialists in indoor and outdoor swimming pools, 

servicing, maintenance and improvements. 

XL Pools Ltd, The Parlour, Saracens Dairy, 

Pluckley Road, Pluckley, TN27 0SA 

Telephone: 0845 20 60 420 

Email: enquiries@xlpools.com 

www.xlpools.com

Above: Kate and Jason’s son Joe chose most 

of the items in his room, including the 

Obama poster Right: the simple bathroom 

manages to be both stylish and functional 

Joe’s room could not 

be more of a boy’s 

room. Virtually every 

sport known to man is 

represented and by the 

window is an Austin J40 

pedal car which Joe races 

in the Settrington Cup 

at Goodwood Revival 


The house’s unassuming exterior belies an interior that is one great basket of light – an interior 

that, while not changing the world around it, has certainly changed the lives of 

all lucky enough to live here 

 


70 

BURNHILL SEPTEMBER AD_Layout 1 16/09/2015 15:28 Page 1

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Above: Dark, painted woodwork in the central stairwell makes quite a statement and contrasts with the ‘light and bright’ approach elsewhere 

from Houzz and his elegant desk from Habitat. He chose the 

poster of President Obama on the wall but not the cowboy 

spread on the bed. “Not a great success,” admits Kate. 

This house, however, most certainly is. Alas, does it reach 

out for truth? Is it truly, truly immeasurable? Probably not. 

It does, however, mean something – in fact, considerably 

more than something – both to those who use it every day 

and those lucky enough to visit it, even for just an hour 

or two. Kate, Gill and Jason have taken a promising but 

tired 1920s house and quite literally poured light and life 

into it, transforming it into an outstanding home that 

will bring joy to its occupants for decades to come. 

Address Book: 

Anthropologie www.anthropologie.com 

Fired Earth www.firedearth.com 

Fisher & Paykel www.fisherpaykel.com 

Habitat www.habitat.co.uk 

Christique www.christique.com 

Houzz www.houzz.co.uk 

Ikea www.ikea.com 

Little Greene www.littlegreene.com 

Made.com www.made.com 

Sofa Workshop www.sofaworkshop.com 


NPS Wealden Times_1408.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2015 08:42 Page 1 

NORTHBOURNE PARK SCHOOL 

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

SOLID WOOD FURNITURE 

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a week 

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Saturday 27th February 2016 

Call 01304 611215 or email admissions@northbournepark.com 

to request further information. 

Northbourne Park School, Betteshanger, Deal, Kent, CT14 0NW 

www.northbournepark.com 

Did you know we also do... 

• Oak and Pine furniture 

made to measure 

• Furniture painted any colour 

• Beds and mattresses made 

to measure 

• Kitchens 

• Garden furniture 

• Home accessories 

Hawkhurst Road, Flimwell, East Sussex TN5 7QH 

Tel: 01580 879800 www.countryfurniturebarn.co.uk 

NorthbourneParkSchoolWT167.indd 1 14/12/2015 CountryFurnitureBarnWT167.indd 10:09 

1 14/12/2015 16:28 


74 

AutenticoWT166.indd 1 10/11/2015 11:05

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76

Education – 

outside the box 

The pressure put on young children to achieve academically is constantly increasing, with SATS, 

league tables and Ofsted ratings often a priority for pupils, schools and parents. But is this 

pressure counter-productive? We look at the link between happiness and achievement – whatever 

‘achievement’ is seen to be – and the rise in popularity of Forest Schools. 

 


Wellbeing and attainment 

Hilary Wilce: Education expert and personal 

development coach 

As soon as our children go to school we get very interested in 

“how they are doing”. We want our children to do well and make 

the most of themselves, so issues of achievement and attainment 

loom large. But what we don’t always realise, is how much of 

what they achieve at school is rooted in what happens at home. 

Children can only do their best at school if they are loved, looked 

after and encouraged at home. But how do we do this? It can 

help – mentally, of course – to chop children into three parts: 

Bodies Young bodies need to be well fed, exercised and rested 

if their brains are to be alert and functioning, so it’s good to ask 

ourselves some tough questions. Are they getting enough sleep? 

Are we giving them the wind-down routine that will help them 

go to sleep, and a quiet, well-aired bedroom that will also help 

them rest at night? Are they getting a good amount of exercise 

and is at least some of it outside? Are they eating well, with a 

good balance of fresh food against occasional sugary and fatty 

treats? Do they drink enough water? Are we giving them healthy 

things in their lunch boxes? 

Minds Are we looking after their growing minds? Young brains 

need to acquire good mental habits if they are to seize all that 

school has to offer. Are we encouraging them to be curious 

and interested in the world, to find out more about things that 

catch their attention, and have a go at challenging tasks? Are we 

helping them learn to take risks and make mistakes? And to ask 

for help if they need it, and bounce back when things go wrong? 

Spirits Odd as it may seem, how kind a child is, or how honest 

and authentic, relate directly to their classroom performance, so 

it’s good to ask ourselves how well we are doing at helping our 

child develop their own inner spirit and light. Are we showing 

them how to have a good relationship with themselves and with 

others? Are we encouraging them to be thoughtful, considerate 

and positive? And do we guide them away from blindly following 

others, and towards exploring what they themselves feel is right? 

There are hundreds of ways we can put these body, mind and 

spirit principles into practice, from working out a good ‘screen 

policy’ for our children, to exploring new types of exercise, 

establishing a system of family chores, or tweaking the ways we 

talk to each other at home. There is no single answer, but the 

power of love trumps everything. If you can love your child for 

whom they are, not what they achieve, if you can make sure your 

child knows that you love them in this way, and if you can help 

your child grow up warm, secure and confident in this love, you 

are already raising a winner. 

Hilary Wilce’s latest book, Back Bone 

(pictured right) gives a baby-to-teen guide 

to developing the six key character strengths 

that all children need to learn well. It is 

available as a Kindle edition on 

Amazon, for £2.99 

Achievement 

Antonia Beary 

Confidence, resilience, friendship... 

Miss Antonia Beary is the headmistress of Mayfield School, an 

independent Catholic boarding and day school for girls. 

What do you think is the key to happy children? 

Superficial things that make a child happy initially can have 

a detrimental effect in the long term. Success can make you 

happy, but in a school environment, success needs to be 

defined as more than just ‘results’. Girls need to be challenged 

and encouraged, but not to feel like failures if they are not 

‘perfect’. Working hard to fulfil your goals is important, as is 

coping with setbacks. The more you do for others, the happier 

you are: I think that encouraging and providing opportunities 

for our young people to volunteer, especially with those less 

fortunate than themselves, is important. 

What non-academic activities do pupils take part in? 

We have over 65 clubs and activities every week, from 

fencing to textiles, drama to pig-keeping. Girls need to have 

opportunities to learn new skills outside the classroom and 

to have fun. Exam results are important, but there is much 

more to education than simply exam results. Through being 

involved in a wide range of activities, girls learn to investigate 

where their strengths – and weaknesses – lie. Not everyone 

is academic and it is important that girls have opportunities 

to flourish outside the classroom. Such endeavours cement 

friendships. Opportunities to take risks and make mistakes 

allow girls to push themselves, take more responsibility, make 

choices and decisions. Experience of leadership, teamwork, 

speaking confidently in public, or even being able to look 

someone in the eye with a smile and a firm handshake, are just 

as important as a clutch of A* when it comes to making your 

way in the world. 

Is happiness reflected in pupils’ achievements? 

When you come to look around the school you see happy, 

smiling and welcoming faces, but everyone happy all the time? 

Of course not! It is important that each girl learns how to cope 

with difficulties; to dig deep and find strategies to deal with 

events (or relationships) not turning out the way they hoped. 

Supporting girls in having a sense of perspective and finding 

ways to cope with the pressures they will and do undoubtedly 

find themselves under is something we as schools need to see as 

a priority. 

Mayfield School, The Old Palace, Mayfield, East Sussex, TN20 

6PH, 01435 874600, www.mayfieldgirls.org 

 


78

Scholarship 

Programme 

Up to 100% means tested 

Scholarships available 

in Academic, Sport, 

Music, Art & Drama for 

September 2016 entry. 

For further information please contact 

Karen Cooper on 01580 880413 or at 

admissions@vinehallschool.com 

www.vinehallschool.com

Education 

for life 

Scholarships 

and bursaries 

available 

At Bethany we inspire, encourage 

and challenge our pupils to achieve more 

than they ever thought possible. 

Open Mornings: 

Saturday 6th February 

and Tuesday 26th April 

Come and see what Bethany can do for your child. 

Entrance Assessments for 2016: 

Year 7-9 on Saturday 16th January 

“ 

The teachers at Bethany are great and the sports 

facilities are amazing. Sport is very important to me – I 

have been selected for the Kent Athletics squad and 

Bethany supports me in that. I also really enjoy Drama 

and love being involved in the School productions. 

Libby Donegan, Year 10. Bethany pupil since 2014. Sport and Drama Scholar. ” 

Contact: 

01580 211273 or 

registrar@bethanyschool.org.uk 

www.bethanyschool.org.uk 

Goudhurst, Kent TN17 1LB 

Co-educational day and boarding school for ages 11-18 

BRINGING LEARNING TO LIFE 

BethanySchoolWT167.indd 1 30/11/2015 11:28 

An independent day school for boys and girls aged 2-13 

To arrange a visit, please contact Clare Harrison: 

admissions@theprep.org.uk 

01732 762336 

www.theprep.org.uk 

CHALLENGE • CREATIVITY • COMMUNITY 


80 

SevenoaksPreparatoryWT167.indd 1 26/11/2015 12:23

Happiness, individuality and self-esteem... 

Mrs Alison Eckersley, Assistant Head Welfare, SENCO and 

Rev Daniel Rutherford, Assistant Head Pastoral, Chaplain and 

Head of Religious Studies, at Dulwich Prep School 

What do you think is the key to happy children? 

daniel: Every child has the right to be happy. A happy school is 

safe and secure, where children know what’s expected of them, 

and a place where everyone is listened to and valued. 

Alison: Appreciate children’s individuality, praise the effort, 

creativity, hard work and the persistence that goes into achieving. 

Offering children new skills enhances their self-esteem and they 

are more likely to be happy when they are nurtured in a caring 

community. Stability, continuity, dedicated care and a relationship 

that is built on trust are all key. 

How do you try and ensure this? 

daniel: Children should be encouraged to be themselves and not 

fit into a mould, and be helped to find something they can excel 

at. Working together as a team with a clear sense of purpose is an 

important skill to learn. 

Alison: Taking the time to talk to children and parents and 

listening to their concerns. Children are encouraged to persevere 

even when the going gets tough, and we help them to understand 

their feelings when things go wrong. We help children develop 

greater coping skills and take time to prepare them for changes at 

school and beyond. 

What activities do pupils take part in, besides academic work? 

Alison: Outdoor learning introduces bush craft skills including 

fire-lighting, knot-tying and building. The aim is to give all 

shelterconfidence 

that develop after a few days away in the mud. 

the children an opportunity to 

work together to become more 

independent and to allow them to 

try new things where there is no Mrs Alison Eckersley and 

wrong or right way. It is amazing Rev Daniel Rutherford 

to see the new friendships and 

daniel: Our sports facilities are second to none, and all children, 

regardless of ability, will play competitive sport for the school. 

The performing arts are very strong with a programme of 

concerts and plays. There is every opportunity to try a new hobby 

-- including cooking, gardening, mah jong, sewing, chess, art, 

DT, badminton and triathlon to name just a few. 

Is a child’s happiness reflected in their achievements, either 

academic or non-academic? 

daniel: It is happy children who really learn effectively and 

grow to be balanced, successful adults. I am convinced that the 

opportunities, both academic and extra-curricular, available to our 

pupils, plus a supportive nurturing community, give them every 

chance to succeed both at school and in the world beyond. 

Alison: By treating every child as an individual we can nurture 

their potential, whatever their talent, and celebrate all their 

successes both large and small. It is so rewarding to see a child 

blossom before your eyes. 

Dulwich Preparatory School, Coursehorn, Cranbrook, Kent, 

TN17 3NP, 01580 712179, www.dcpskent.org 

Forest Schools 

Forest Schools offer regular opportunities for children to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem 

through hands-on learning experiences in a woodland or wooded setting. It is a specialised learning 

approach that sits within and complements the wider context of outdoor and woodland education as well 

as conventional classroom learning. 

Motivation, concentration, resilience 

Flora Haynes is a Level 3 Forest School Leader, who has worked 

with students in woodland at Godinton House, Ashford 

Why are Forest Schools becoming so popular? 

The importance of free play for holistic development as well as 

the positive impact that the natural environment has on wellbeing 

have been gaining more recognition. The UK government’s 

Learning Outside the Classroom manifesto launched in 2006 

encouraged schools to find ways to get children learning outside, 

which is something that is already done in many other countries. 

However, we live in a risk-averse society, especially when it comes 

to children, and this is often a barrier to teachers taking children 

outside the classroom. Forest School centres can, through correct 

risk assessments, policies and staff expertise, manage these risks 

and help to make learning outside the classroom accessible. The 

woodland also provides a stimulating environment in which to 

develop holistically, which the school setting may be lacking. 

Forest Schools really work. The benefits are clear and the success 

of Forest School programmes has helped to build their popularity. 

What effect does forest 

schooling have on children? 

This will vary for each child 

as we all develop and learn 

differently and the effect should 

be measured in terms of the 

whole programme, usually 

a minimum of six weeks. 

Flora Haynes 

Benefits would usually include increased 

confidence and social skills both with peers and adults, improved 

motivation, concentration and resilience which is often translated 

back to the classroom, improved language and communication 

skills and improved fitness including fine and gross motor skills as 

well as an increased knowledge and understanding of the natural 

world. A Forest School should only aim to complement the 

curriculum, not replace it. Although a Forest School leader will 

inevitably share knowledge with children, it is equally important 

to facilitate the children to learn the skills which can’t be taught. 

Godinton House & Gardens, Ashford, 01233 643 854, 

www.godintonhouse.co.uk 

 


The 

An independent preparatory day School for girls 3-11 and boys 3-4 

The Granville is a highly successful independent school with excellence 

at the heart of everything we do. Our 11+ results are outstanding. 

Our new extended, high quality facilities, including a magnifi cent Art 

Room, have enabled us to split our classes from Year 4 to Year 6 into 

two smaller classes of a maximum of fi fteen pupils, in preparation 

for 11+ entry examinations for state and independent schools. 

We have a few places available in Year 4 for September 2016. 

• High academic success 

• Happy, caring and stimulating environment 

• Qualifi ed and experienced staff 

• Excellence in music, art, drama and sport 

• Exceptional new facilities opened in January 2014 

• Bursaries available 

For more details and a personal tour of the school with the 

Headmistress please contact the school office 01732 453039 

www.granvilleschool.org 

2 Bradbourne Park Road | Sevenoaks | TN13 3LJ 

Free to learn 

01580 240642 / 07926 380434 

mnns@idengreen.org.uk 

www.mrnoahsnurseryschool.co.uk 

Mr Noah’s Nursery School 

GranvilleSchoolWT167.indd 1 04/12/2015 MrNoahsNurserySchoolWT167.indd 11:46 

1 07/12/2015 15:14 

Nursery and Prep School 

Friday 5th & Saturday 6th February 

OPEN MORNINGS 

Senior School & Sixth Form 

Saturday 23rd January 9.30am – 1pm 

13+ Scholarship & Football Academy Assessments, week commencing 1st February 

NURSERY & PREP SCHOOL 01424 751555 SENIOR SCHOOL & SIXTH FORM 01580 830396 

www.claremontschool.co.uk 


82 

ClaremontPrepWT167.indd 1 16/12/2015 10:18

Engage, motivate, inspire 

Teresa Rapley is Head of Nursery and Forest School Leader at 

Battle Abbey School, an independent day and boarding school 

How long have you worked as a Forest Schools teacher, 

where did you train and what is your qualification? 

I trained three years ago as a Forest School Leader with 

the Circle of Life Rediscovery; an important aspect of this 

qualification is also that you must hold a current 16-hour 

Outdoor First Aid certificate. 


Forest Schools started in Scandinavia back in the 1950s, 

through the belief that children benefitted from having close 

contact with nature and the natural world. The practice 

was introduced in the UK 20 years ago, and its continuing 

popularity is down to the positive impact it has upon its 

participants. How often can we escape from the modern world, 

mobile phones, tablets, traffic and environmental pollution? 

Forest School is an amazing opportunity to explore and engage 

with the natural world in a playful and educational way 

through planned, hands-on experiences and child-initiated 

learning. 

What effect does a Forest School session have on children? 

The children are excited to have this opportunity to learn, 

explore and take appropriate risks alongside their friends in 

the woodland. Forest School brings out the best in all the 

participants, provided of course they are well-prepared for the 

variety of British weather we experience! Studies have shown 

that Forest School participants develop better emotional 

balance, self-confidence, co-ordination, health and social skills 

than those who do not have this opportunity. We have also 

noticed increased levels of self-esteem, fitness, problem solving 

skills, literacy and safety awareness. 

Who can attend? 

We offer this Forest School experience to our Nursery, 

Reception, Year 1 and Year 3 children. 

What sort of things do you get up to? 

The Forest School sessions aim to engage, motivate and inspire 

the children, using the seasons, children’s interests, physical 

and mental challenges, teamwork and the natural world as 

the inspiration. The children develop creative thinking, selfesteem, 

teamwork, communication skills, resilience and an 

understanding of risk within the boundaries of safety. Activities 

include den-building, balancing, climbing, using tools such as 

saws and loppers, camp-fire safety and lighting, knots, weaving, 

investigation of habitats, plants, trees and insects, stories, poetry, 

mapping, music-making, singing, 

nettle cordage, camouflage skills, 

role play, exploring textures, colours 

and growth -- to name but a few! 

Battle Abbey School, High St, 

Battle, East Sussex TN33 0AD, 

01424 772385, 

www.battleabbeyschool.com 

Adventure, play, imagination 

Bob Payne is the Estates Manager at Vinehall, Level 3 Certificate 

in Forest School Programme Leadership who will be working 

with a group of pupils, the Woodland Trust and the Duke of 

Edinburgh scheme to clear an area of woodland on the 47 acre 

site and set up a Forest School programme. 


There is a greater understanding of the benefits of allowing young 

people to enjoy the outdoors and Forest School is an inspirational 

process that offers all learners the opportunity to achieve, develop 

confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences 

in a woodland environment. 


The children are excited and relaxed in the woodland 

environment and learn at their own pace through play and 

adventure. The children look forward to the Forest School 

sessions and those who attend regularly show improvement in 

other areas of education. 


Building bivouacs, cooking on fires and making woodland 

artefacts, but Forest School is not adult-led but child-led, so the 

Forest School leader will have a plan of activities that they will 

do with the children but inevitably this moves to something 

else. A nature walk may turn into a session building bivouacs 

or splashing about in water in welly boots. We try to use the 

outdoors imaginatively and to weave opportunities into our 

curriculum. For example, Nursery and Kindergarten use the 

woods to match colours and camouflage items, they might make 

bird feeders and tree rubbings. They have created fairy gardens 

and made potions as well as been on a bear hunt (or two) in the 

woods and a walk to discover who laid the egg in the forest (it 

was a dinosaur!) Reception go out weekly to the same woodland 

area and notice seasonal changes, and they might build dens for 

themselves or a soft toy. They use the environment to support 

their learning, for example, finding letters to build words or 

comparing and measuring twigs. Year 1 have used the outside to 

support their storytelling, making a stick man in the woods after 

reading Julia Donaldson’s book of the same name, then describing 

their character and writing a story about him. They have been 

‘hunter gatherers’ which linked with their history topic on the 

Celts; they collected fruits and berries to cook over the camp 

fire. Year 2 have used the camp fire too which has enriched their 

‘Fire and Ice’ topic. They tried lighting a camp fire and cooked 

marshmallows over it. Before participating in fire pit activities the 

children play games to encourage safety around the camp fire. 

Vinehall School, Robertsbridge, 01580 880413, 

www.vinehallschool.com 

 

83 

www.wealdentimes.co.uk

Educating 

mind, body, 

heart & soul 

Open Mornings: Thursday 10 March, Tuesday 19 April 2016 

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

WALTHAMSTOW HALL 

Inspiration, teamwork, communication 

Laura Flannigan is Head of Pre Prep and Nursery School at 

Claremont School, near St-Leonards-on-Sea in East Sussex. 

How long have you worked as a Forest Schools teacher, where 

did you train and what is your qualification? 

Claremont School has run Forest School for over four years and our 

staff members are trained through Archimedes. We also use Circle 

of Life training and have had separate training for bushcraft skills. 

Recently, we have branched into Beach School training, which we 

find goes hand-in-hand with our outdoor curriculum. 


Children are stimulated through outdoor activities in an inspirational 

learning area where child-initiated learning is at its best. The benefits 

of Forest Schools are vast, supporting many areas of learning that 

simply cannot be taught or experienced within a classroom (such as 

den-building or building campfires). 


All children can access Forest School and explore the natural world. 

The children learn to problem-solve, work as a team, develop 

communication skills, build confidence and self-esteem while 

enhancing independence. The unique environment of a Forest 

School is deeply rooted in a child’s emotional wellbeing, while also 

allowing them to take risks in an environment that teaches them 

about nature and can spark many areas of imaginative play. 

Who can attend? 

Any child can attend Forest School. At Claremont we run Forest 

School sessions from our Nursery age up to lower key stage 2. 


The list that never ends! This term we have been focusing on bushcraft 

items: from learning techniques such as weaving, leaf-printing, 

and making broomsticks, to using our steam bank to produce items 

out of clay. We have used teamwork to construct dens large enough 

to fit a whole team in, and then used a variety of materials found in 

the wood to waterproof it. The children have regularly created camp 

fires to cook s’mores, nachos, popcorn, heat hot chocolate and bake 

bananas - with many other delicious items too. The children have 

been able to experience the forest changing from season to season 

and have learnt about the variety of trees and bushes that grow in 

our woodland. We have looked at animal tracks and the different 

habitats found in our forest, from within the tree roots to what lives 

in our lake. During the wetter days we still make sure we go outside, 

enjoying stream-walking, creating mud monsters from natural 

materials and even mud-sliding (very messy but huge fun and a 

confidence building technique, too!). 

Claremont School, Baldslow, St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex 

TN37 7PW, 01424 751555, www.claremontschool.co.uk/ 

Junior School Open Day 

Saturday 19th March 

10.00am – 12 noon 

“Pupils are eager and co-operative learners who are 

able to work independently and think critically, 

and whose creativity is very well developed.” 

Independent Schools Inspectorate, 2013 

Walthamstow Hall Junior School, 

Bradbourne Park Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 3LD 

For more information please contact 

registrar@walthamstowhall.kent.sch.uk 01732 451334 

www.walthamstow-hall.co.uk 


WalthamstowHallSchoolWT167.indd 1 10/12/2015 15:38 

R66417 Walthamstow Hall Advert 90x265 AW.indd 1 10/12/2015 12

BUSS MURTON advertorial 

Government extends permission to convert office 

to residential developments 

Brandon Lewis, the Housing 

and Planning Minister, 

recently announced 

that the Government 

has permanently extended the 

permitted development of officeto-residential 

properties. 

The Government initially introduced 

the scheme in May 2013, and these 

temporary measures were due to 

expire 3 years later on 30 May 2016. 

Now, the permitted development 

rights have been made permanent. 

This will effectively extend the time 

limit for those who already have 

existing prior approvals to complete 

the conversion by May 2019. 

Developers will have further 

permitted development rights 

to allow the demolition of 

office buildings to then rebuild 

as residential dwellings. This 

will also include the change of 

use from light industrial and 

launderettes to residential use. A 

developer will have three years 

to complete the change of use. 

The announcement is clearly good 

news for developers and owners 

of office units that are currently 

underused. The shortage of 

residential housing coupled with 

empty office space, particularly 

during the recession, meant 

the scheme was an attractive 

proposition for developers. 

However, with an upturn in the 

economy, we may potentially see 

an imbalance between residential 

and commercial property availability 

in some areas as the demand for 

office space picks up. One possible 

outcome may mean a squeeze on 

rental prices by commercial landlords 

for tenants requiring offices. 

Under the current scheme, local 

authorities have the ability to 

make what is known as an Article 

4 direction which allows them to 

continue to determine permitted 

development on a planning 

application basis provided they 

are able to justify their decision. 

It is envisaged that this will be 

allowed under the new scheme 

with local authorities having to 

apply by no later than May 2019. 

Another concern has been raised 

by the Royal Institute of British 

Architects (RIBA), who have stated 

that whilst they are not opposed to 

the idea of an offices function being 

adapted to a housing use on a case 

by case basis, the homes delivered 

under the policy are exempt from 

space and environmental standards 

and there is a clear risk that this will 

lead to low quality housing. They 

are particularly concerned about the 

number of very small apartments 

being squeezed into converted 

office buildings across England. 

Tim Collins 

As the Housing Bill passes 

through Parliament, full details 

of how this scheme will work 

should become clearer. 

Timothy Collins is a Trainee 

Solicitor in Buss Murton’s 

Property Department. For 

further advice or to make an 

appointment in our Tunbridge 

Wells, Cranbrook, East Grinstead 

or Dart ford office, please call 

us on 01892 510 222 or email 

us at wtw@bussmurton.co.uk 

(www.bussmurton.co.uk) 

BUSS MURTON 

COMMERCIAL & PERSONAL SOLICITORS

Embracing the future 

When it comes to the difficult subject of divorce, and all that this entails, the legal process can 

seem overwhelming. To help bring some clarity, at what can be a confusing and challenging time, 

we’ve asked three local law firms for their advice on three key issues: from the initial stages of 

divorce and dividing assets to deciding on childcare... 

Reducing the pain of divorce 

Melanie den Brinker, Consultant 

barrister and collaborative lawyer 

at Buss Murton, shares her expert 

opinion on divorce 

What is the first thing you 

should do, if you are thinking 

of divorce? 

Divorce can seem overwhelming, 

but don’t panic. The future 

may seem very uncertain and 

it’s true that there may be a lot 

to consider, but not everything 

needs to be dealt with at once. Speak to someone 

who can explain your options clearly and give you an idea of 

what to expect. Some divorce lawyers offer a free initial halfhour 

meeting at which you can go through the basics and find 

out what needs to be considered and how best to go about it, 

in as pain-free a way as possible. 

How long does the process take and what are the stages? 

Firstly a Divorce Petition is filed at court. Next the 

Respondent completes and returns an Acknowledgement of 

Service form, stating if he/ she wants to defend the divorce. 

If the divorce is undefended, the Petitioner then files a 

statement confirming the contents of the petition and the 

court then grants Decree Nisi. At least six weeks and a 

day after Decree Nisi, the Petitioner can apply for Decree 

Absolute and it is the pronouncement of this which actually 

dissolves the marriage. Assuming there are no complications, 

this process usually takes around six months, but financial 

negotiations often extend this timescale. 

What can couples do to minimise the trauma of divorce? 

Communicate! It may not be easy, or even possible to 

communicate directly, but there are people out there who 

can help. Alternatives to court, such as collaborative law and 

mediation, allow a couple to resolve issues relating to children 

and finances by agreement. Remember that although it 

might be tempting to want to “win at all costs”, there is life 

after divorce and it’s far better to try to sort out arrangements 

between yourselves than have something imposed on you 

by a court. 

Buss Murton offers a free initial half hour meeting to allow 

clients to meet one of the family team and to discuss the 

various options available to them. To make an appointment in 

their Tunbridge Wells, Cranbrook, East Grinstead or Dartford 

offices, please call Louise Huxstep on 01892 502 338. 

www.bussmurton.co.uk 

 


Childcare and the courts 

Sarah Brissenden solicitor in the Family Department of the 

Tenterden office of Whitehead Monckton, gives her advice 

Do separating parties need a legally binding agreement 

with regards to childcare? 

It is not mandatory for parents who separate to have the 

arrangements for their children drafted into a legally binding 

agreement (a court order). In fact, court orders can be inflexible 

if applied to the letter. However, if a parent is unlikely to 

comply with arrangements unless they are compelled to by 

the court, a court application may be the only way forward. 

If the parents are experiencing difficulties, then it is always best 

to seek legal advice in relation to how best to deal with the 

dispute, perhaps by mediation, collaboration or whether an 

application to court to put the childcare arrangements into an 

order which binds both parties is the best course of action. 

Do fathers and mothers have equal parenting 

rights/obligations? 

The law does not assess the ‘rights’ of mothers and fathers 

in childcare matters: it considers the welfare of the child or 

children when looking at particular arrangements or proposals. 

In terms of obligations, provided both parents have Parental 

Responsibility for the child or children, they must be consulted 

when certain arrangements or events happen in the lives of 

their children. 

At what age can the child decide with whom they live? 

The Dispute Resolution Advisory Group has recommended 

that children and young people from the age of 10 should have 

their voices heard in dispute resolution processes including 

mediation. At present, it is normally the role of the court and 

Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS) to 

report upon the child’s wishes and feelings, and an officer 

assigned to the case would then make a recommendation to 

the court. 

Whitehead Monckton (Tenterden Office) 01580 765722, 


Who gets what: division of assets 

Alex Davies head of Family Law at 

Cripps, explains the legal side of 

dividing what were once shared 

possessions 

Who decides how joint assets are 

to be divided? 

Ultimately it’s for a judge in the 

Family Court to decide how joint 

assets are to be decided, but you’ll 

always save money if you can 

agree between yourselves. The law 

provides guidelines, such as that 

children should be the first consideration and the outcome 

should be fair. It’s not always easy to get agreement about 

what is the fairest outcome though. If you can’t agree, you 

can ask the judge to decide. 

Has the law changed recently, with regards to a spouse’s 

entitlement? 

The law has not changed, in the sense that parliament has 

not voted in a new law changing either spouse’s entitlement. 

However, since the economic downturn hit in 2007/08 many 

judges have gradually changed their expectations of spouses 

who give up work to look after children. As a result, I have 

often seen greater pressure on those parents to return to work 

after divorce if it is deemed reasonable. However, paying 

parents don’t have things all their own way and we are still 

seeing maintenance orders being made for lengthy periods 

in many cases. 

Does being married, rather than simply ‘partners’, affect 

the court’s decision? 

Definitely. When unmarried couples split up the law can 

only decide what the parties’ intentions were over who owned 

what. The judge cannot take property owned by one partner 

and give it to the other. In some circumstances, property can 

be transferred temporarily between ex-partners but only to 

meet the needs of children. When the children grow up, the 

property must be returned. When a married couple divorce, 

however, the law largely disregards who owns what and can 

redistribute assets between spouses in order to achieve a fair 

outcome. 

Cripps (Tunbridge Wells Office) 01892 515 121 

www.cripps.co.uk 


88

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Another situation is where the deceased has made 

changes to their Will as a result of statements 

made by an individual which turn out to be 

untrue. The person who loses out as a result of the 

change made to the Will in those circumstances 

might be able to challenge the Will. 

Cripps is a key regional law firm serving clients nationally and internationally 

from offices in Kent and London. Recognised countrywide for both its 

commercial and private client work and Legal Team of the Year (Midsize) 

in the 2014/15 STEP Private Client Awards, the firm focuses on wealthier 

families, entrepreneurial businesses and the real estate sector. 

www.cripps.co.uk @crippslaw 89 This article gives examples and is intended www.wealdentimes.co.uk 

for general guidance only


90

Sharing the love 

Words: Jennifer Stuart-Smith Photographs: David Merewether Styling: Helen Barton 

When Sarah and Dean made the decision to move to Kent from Hertfordshire, they agreed that 

they would only buy a house they both truly loved. When they found this 16th century Wealden 

farmhouse near Ulcombe, in need of restoration and decoration, they knew they’d found the one... 


Above: A Welsh ‘deuddarn’ cupboard takes pride of place in the kitchen 

Right: Sarah met the designer of this chicken wallpaper at a craft fair in 

Norfolk and decided that she had to find a place for the paper in their home. 

The downstairs loo was one of the few rooms with sufficiently straight walls 

It would be easy, when walking into such a homely, 

perfectly furnished Wealden farmhouse, to think that it 

had been in the same family for generations. Everything 

is ‘just so’ – not in an uptight, take-your-shoes-off-at-thedoor 

kind of way – but in the sense that the interiors work 

so well with the timber-framed structure and its role as a 

cosy and hospitable home. 

Its owners, Sarah and Dean, moved to the house near 

Ulcombe in 2008, from Bourne End in Hertfordshire, 

having scoured the southeast for something they both loved. 

“There was no compromise,” says Sarah. “We agreed that we 

both had to love the home we were going to buy.” Both had 

family connections in Kent – grandmothers from Appledore 

and Hythe, respectively – but it was still a big decision, 

leaving leafy Buckinghamshire. 

“Many of the houses Sarah spotted online looked lovely, 

but when she came to do the initial recce, they turned 

out to be on busy roads, or not in a nice location,” says 


92

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‘Our kitchen-fitters did a stonking job, especially as none of our walls 

are straight – and I kept on changing my mind on colours!’ 

 


Above left: The couple bought this Salvador Dali lithograph, from the Femmes des Fleurs series and dated 1939, in Paris. It hangs above a chaise longue that 

Sarah had re-upholstered by Steve Burton in Appledore Above right: Cocker Spaniels Milly and Pip enjoy the fire in the living room 

Dean. “But I couldn’t find this house,” adds Sarah, “and had 

to ask a postman.” 

The other big selling point was its location between three 

decent country pubs. “We went for a drink in the nearest 

pub, before we put in an offer, to get a feel for the area,” 

says Dean. “As we don’t have children, we knew that our 

local, or local pubs, would be a social hub – and our way of 

getting to know people”. 

It’s clear that their research paid off – and they are now 

an intrinsic part of the village. But things could so easily 

have been different... On the day they put in an offer on the 

house, Dean received a phone call. 

“I was asked to head-up the Yorkshire Bank, whose 

head office is in Leeds,” he says. “So, for three years I was 

travelling up to Leeds, to be in the office for 9am on a 

Monday morning, and coming back to Kent on a Thursday. 

I was leading a bit of a double life for a while! I had to give 

the impression that Yorkshire was the place for me, when 

really my heart was in Kent.” 

So, while Dean was away in Leeds, Sarah focused on 

renovating the place. “I’d been working in an interiors shop 

in Berkhamsted, so had a great contacts book – but that was 

no good to me in Kent. I had a couple of friends down here, 

but had no idea where to find decent tradesmen.” 

Her saviour was the local hardware store, where the 

manager had a fantastic address book of her own. “I found 

several great tradesmen through Headcorn Hardware, and 

then it was just word of mouth from there,” says Sarah. 

The first room you enter, from the box-edged gravel drive, 

is the kitchen. It is under a cat-slide roof at the back of the 

On the day they put in an offer, Dean was asked to go and work in Yorkshire. ‘I 

was leading a bit of a double life for a while. I had to give the impression that 

Yorkshire was the place for me, when really my heart was in Kent’ 

 


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Above: The view from the kitchen window, across the lawn to the oak-framed, 

cart-shed-style garage Right: The kitchen’s flag-stone floor was already in place 

when the couple bought the farmhouse and is ideal in a household where 

visitors often have muddy wellies – or muddy paws 

house, with the ceiling raised to the roof, revealing what was 

once the exterior rear wall and windows of the farmhouse. 

“The house was very old-fashioned when we looked at it, 

and needed a lot of money spent on it. But I wanted a 

project and a house that needed work,” says Sarah. 

A new kitchen was a priority, and Sarah had heard about 

JM Interiors at Frittenden so, after a visit to the showroom, 

they were booked in for the job: “I wanted to use local 

businesses, and we liked them and their family business 

instantly,” she says. “They did a stonking job, especially as 

none of our walls are straight – and I kept on changing my 

mind on colours!” 

It’s certainly an interesting space in which to fit a kitchen 

– but with gorgeous existing features, including long, low 

windows under the eaves and an original, reconditioned, 

Aga at its heart. 

A Welsh ‘deuddarn’ cupboard next to the Aga, which 

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Above: Although Sarah and Dean brought much of their furniture from their former home in Hertfordshire – which was also 16th century in origin – they 

commissioned Tim Smith, a local carpenter, to make various antique-effect pieces, such as this oak coffer-cum-coffee table in the living room which was 

‘distressed’ using metals chains and clever varnishing techniques 

home is even older, dating from 1525) would originally have 

been a larder in the top half and clothes storage in the 

lower half. Today it holds crockery. They also brought an 

old-fashioned clothes airer with them, which hovers, 

perfectly, high above the room. 

At the pantry and utility end of the kitchen, there is a 

charming loo, decorated with quirky chicken wallpaper, 

designed by the artist Belynda Sharples. “I’m not making 

it up, but I was on a hen weekend in Norfolk, and met the 

artist,” says Sarah. “There was this fantastic craft market in 

Burnham Market – I was nipping round – and was drawn 

to her work. I decided then and there I would find a place 

for it in our house.” The downstairs loo was one of the few 

places with sufficiently straight walls for wallpaper, one of 

the foibles of an historic house. 

Yet, for a house of this age, it’s surprisingly warm and 

draught-free. “It does take a bit of heating, but the Aga 

makes a huge difference, and I have put heavy roller blinds 

and thick curtains in every room,” says Sarah. The blinds 

are discreet and dark purple, so when rolled up, are hardly 

For a house of this age, it’s surprisingly warm and draught-free. ‘It does take 

a bit of heating, but the Aga makes a huge difference, and I have put 

heavy roller blinds and thick curtains in every room’ says Sarah 

 


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Notable upstairs, are the unspoilt views from every room, out over little 

Wealden fields and hedges, or across the extensive lawn 

 


Above: Sarah used a darker version of the pebble flooring in the wet room for 

the couple’s walk-in wardrobe Right: The ‘snout’ of a 24-stone marlin, caught 

by Dean in Mauritius, is used as a doorstop in the master bedroom 

The floors in the upstairs bedrooms 

are so uneven that Sarah and Dean 

had special furniture made, with 

different-length legs, to compensate 

visible, whereas striking curtains throughout the house, are 

from Bell House Interiors in Cranbrook. “We also put new 

carpets in every room – thick sisal, which I love – which is 

tough, practical and keeps the cold out.” 

Sarah and Dean have resisted putting a wood-stove into 

their classic inglenook fireplace: “When we arrived, it 

looked like a pub fireplace, with a large metal hood, and 

horse brasses all around,” says Dean. “We had a guy remove 

the hood, and hide it in the space above the fireplace, but 

we didn’t know if the fire would draw properly. We decided 

it was worth a try, and that if it didn’t work, we’d put in a 

wood-burner. But it burns a treat.” The fireplace features 

firedogs, bought this year from an antiques market in 


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Above: The cosy attic bedroom, with a newly fitted en suite is reached via 

steep ‘paddle stairs’, as sometimes seen on yachts Right: Ascending and 

descending the stairs takes some practice 

Montpellier, France, while the fireback is one of several 

purchases from Symonds reclamation yard at Bethersden. It 

is a fitting focal point for the living room, which contains a 

mixture of antiques, many of which were bought from the 

renowned antiques dealer, John Bly, as well as replica pieces 

skilfully made by the Headcorn carpenter, Tim Smith. 

A rustic wooden door to the right of the fireplace leads 

to the dining room and the stairs. The dining room is 

furnished with dark, period furniture – almost all from their 

former home – including a refectory table and ladder-back 

chairs from about 1780. 

Despite the care that has gone into sourcing these 

antiques, this is no showroom – and the room is regularly 

used for lively dinner parties. A large, seemingly old, 

maritime painting along the side wall gives a nod to the 

couple’s sense of fun: “I said to the artist, Donald MacRead: 

‘I want a picture of Nelson beating the French at sea,’ so he 

knocked this up for me.” 

Shallow stairs lead upstairs to the first floor, with a 

gorgeous master bedroom, modern wet room and a 


Above: A seating area in the garden with a fire-pit made by Cranbrook Iron 

Right: Sarah is kept busy tending the large garden, which includes a duck 

pond, fruit trees and trellises, as well as a vast lawn 

‘We threw a party to celebrate finishing 

the house. The guy who dug out our pond 

brought round some of his homemade cider 

and we all got extremely merry’ 

spectacularly wonky guest room. Notable, on this level, are 

the unspoilt views from every room, out over little Wealden 

fields and hedges, or across the expansive lawns. The main 

bedroom has the pick of the views, across the garden to a 

newly built oak-framed cart shed, and paddocks beyond. It 

is also home to an impressive roll-top bath: “It’s meant to 

look like cast iron, but we would never have got it upstairs, 

and I was worried about the floor taking the weight,” says 

Sarah. 

Hidden behind doors next to the upstairs chimney breast 

is a generous walk-in wardrobe, with textured pebble 

flooring to echo that of the wet room. It works surprisingly 

well and, as Sarah says, is ideal when your floors are so 

uneven; tiles just wouldn’t work. 

 


108

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lounge serving Tea 

Coffee Homemade Cake 

and light Lunches 

We are open Monday to 

Saturday 9am – 5pm 

HomepowerLtdWT164.indd 1 14/09/2015 11:14 

UP TO 

70% 

OFF (EXCLUDES 

BULB ETC) 

ILLUMINATIONS 

01892 533 454 www. illuminations.co.uk 

37-41 Camden Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2PS 

147 Queens Rd, Hastings East Sussex TN34 1RP 


110 

ErasOfStyleWT167.indd 1 10/12/2015 IlluminationsWT167.indd 15:59 

1 14/12/2015 19:16

Above: The duck pond at the back of the house is thought to be the result of digging for clay to make roof tiles. When the couple decided to clear the pond and 

dig down to its original depth, they discovered that it was 20 feet deep. ‘The digger and driver completely disappeared out of sight,’ says Sarah 

One look in the second bedroom, and you can see the kind 

of uneven floors the couple have had to deal with; floors so 

uneven that they had to have a special bedside table made, 

with different-length legs. 

Short legs are needed upstairs, in the attic bedroom – 

though on guests rather than on the furniture. Nestled into 

the upper beams of the house is a gorgeous, almost secret 

bedroom which has been made extra cosy with the addition 

of thick luxurious carpet, a reindeer skin on the floor and 

discreet lighting. It is reached by a quirky and steep ‘paddle 

stairway’, as you sometimes see on boats, and Sarah and 

Dean had a loo and basin installed en suite, to save guests an 

awkward climb down the stairs. 

This kind of consideration is typical of Sarah and Dean, 

consummate hosts and now a key part of village life. 

Both these facts are borne out by a story about the end of 

their restoration and decoration: “At the end of the job, we 

had all of the tradesmen – about 20 of them – plus some 

of our neighbours, round for a party. The guy with the 

digger, who dug out our pond, brought round some of his 

homemade cider, and we all got extremely merry,” says Sarah. 

What an appropriate way to celebrate moving to Kent. 

Address Book: 

Bell House Fabrics and Interiors Cranbrook 

01580 712555 www.bellhousefabrics.co.uk 

Belynda Sharples (Wallpaper and fabric designer) 

01508 531171 www.belyndasharples.co.uk 

Cranbrook Iron 07765 344298 www.cranbrookiron.com 

Headcorn Hardware 51 High Street, Headcorn 

TN27 9NL, 01622 890409 

John Bly 020 7351 7799 www.johnbly.com 

JM Interiors Frittenden 01580 291221 www.jminteriorsuk.uk 

Symonds Salvage Ltd Bethersden 01233 820724 

www.symondssalvage.co.uk 

T J Smith Headcorn 01622 891025 

www.timsmithfurniture.com 


LONDON 

S A L E 

+44 (0) 333 011 3333 

u p t o 4 0 % o f f

Spotlight on... 

HillyHubb 

What was the most exciting moment for your business 

in the past year? It’s been amazing to have my products 

featured in magazines and being picked as Kirstie 

Allsopp’s maker of the week 

at The Handmade Fair. 

Did you have a best selling 

product or range? My most 

popular design is ‘Long 

Dog’, whether he is just 

natural or parading with the cupcakes, which he 

did actually steal in real life. Other popular designs are 

the hares and the mad scaredy-cat which is very much 

based on next door’s very vocal moggy! 

What was the biggest challenge you faced? The most 

challenging aspect of designing is which ideas to add 

to the range next. I have loved meeting and growing 

a following of loyal customers at the fairs. It is a thrill 

when they pull one 

of my phone cases 

out of their handbags 

to show their friends 

what they bought last time and to ask what 

is new to buy this time. 

Tell us about your plans 

for the year ahead? Next 

year will see the two 

favourite designs put on 

tea towels and brooches 

after the sellout success of 

the Christmas decorations. 

Even more exciting is the prospect of having my own 

fabric produced, and after that, who knows! 

Shop online: Wealdenfairs.com/hillyhubb 

or Hillyhubb.com 

Rare Skills Gallery 

Did you have a best 

selling product or range? 

Our most popular series 

is called ‘My England’; 

it’s evocative of railway 

posters of the 1930s, and 

features places of interest, 

predominantly in Kent, 

Sussex, Devon, Cornwall, 

Suffolk, Norfolk and 

Northumberland. 

What was the most 

exciting moment for 

your business in the 

past year? Turning 

a tiny, forlorn shop 

into a stimulating and 

vibrant space which 

people often describe 

as ‘So uplifting’. 

What was the biggest challenge you faced? Though 

very beautiful and historically notable with the Corn 

Exchange as one of its most prestigious buildings, The 

Pantiles is increasingly off the beaten retail track. As 

a result, footfall is less than on a normal high street, 

and so rather than waiting to be discovered, we have to 

continually build awareness and encourage referrals. 

Tell us about your plans for the year ahead? We’ll be 

expanding the ‘My England’ series with new pictures 

of Rye, Great Dixter, Penshurst and many others, and 

we’ll be attending a number of prime exhibitions and 

events. We’ll also be talking to local businesses about 

helping them bring life to their walls. 

Shop online: Wealdenfairs.com/rareskillsgallery 

or Rareskillsgallery.com

Tone & 

To start the New Year, here’s a few bright and 

two-fold 

beautiful pieces for you to reflect upon.

Photographs: David Merewether Styling: Helen Barton 

Hybrid dress, £128, Odyl, Cranbrook 01580 714907 www.odyldesign.com; 1950s red and navy beaded necklace, £135, brooch, £125, 

Eclectica Vintage Jewellery 020 7607 6327 www.wealdenfairs.com/eclecticajewelleryltd / www.eclectica.biz; Maharaja short pendant, £80, 

Maharaja bracelet, £75, Maharaja earrings, £65, Bill Skinner www.billskinnerjewellery.co.uk

Irresistable fashion jewellery and accessories 

Buy online 

Up to 20% off all Barbour 

Childrenswear in our January sale 

Host a party* 

Become a stylist 

Contact 

Rachel Carson 

Independent Stylist 

07967 808092 

www.stelladot.co.uk/rachelcarson 

*A pop-up shop in your home or place of work at coffee mornings, lunches, afternoon 

teas or evening events. Hostesses have the opportunity to receive free and discounted 

jewellery. 

It is illegal for a promoter or a participant in a trading scheme to persuade anyone to 

make a payment by promising benefits 

Tel: 01797 224271 

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

e: shop@thegoldenfleece.co.uk 

w: www.thegoldenfleece.co.uk 

@goldenfleecerye 

StellaDotWT164.indd 1 11/09/2015 GoldenFleeceWT167.indd 10:21 

1 04/12/2015 10:57 

County Clothes 

Menswear 

Winter Sale 

Starts 28 th Dec 

19 St. Margarets St, 

Canterbury, 

Kent CT1 2TH 

Tel: 01227 765294 

2 East Cross, 

Tenterden, 

Kent TN30 6AD 

Tel: 01580 765159 

6 High St, 

Reigate, 

Surrey RH2 9AY 

Tel: 01737 249224 


116 

CountyClothesWT167.indd 1 09/12/2015 10:15

Ochre blue cashmere jumper, £99, 

Spice, Cranbrook 01580 714156 

www.spicecranbrook.co.uk; Glen Prince orange 

lambswool scarf, £46, Darcey Sussex Boutique, 

East Sussex 0800 111 4974 www.darcey.co.uk; 

blue tassel keyring, £5, Cashara, Tenterden 

07966 033000 www.cashara.co.uk; amazonite 

and labradorite necklace, £70, gold and 

white agate Bonbon bracelet, £60, silver and 

Korean jade Bonbon bracelet, £55, Victorious 

Bee 07734 848911 www.wealdenfairs.com/ 

victoriousbee / www.victoriousbee.co.uk

turqouise quilted handbag, £110, Cashara, Tenterden 07966 033000 www.cashara.co.uk; 1950s earrings, £65, Eclectica Vintage 

Jewellery 020 7607 6327 www.wealdenfairs.com/eclecticajewelleryltd / www.eclectica.biz; silver and purple agate mixed media necklace, 

£65, gold and yellow agate mixed media necklace, £70, Victorious Bee 07734 848911 www.wealdenfairs.com/victoriousbee / 

www.victoriousbee.co.uk; Columbia RX Optikals in Red Zeppelin, £249, Rock Optika Ltd, St Leonards On Sea 01424 430 007 

www.wealdenfairs.com/rockoptika; Diva blue dress, £120, Odyl, Cranbrook 01580 714907 www.odyldesign.com

cashmere and silk knitwear 

Linda Pope 

F.B.D.O 

The Multiway Wrap £55 

Available in up 

to 30 colours 

Made In Italy 

JANUARY SALE 

5 High Street, Tenterden TN30 6BN 

Telephone 07966 033000 Email sales@cashara.co.uk 

Shop online at www.cashara.co.uk 

facebook.com/LindaPopeOpticians 

Rye Road • Hawkhurst 

Telephone. 01580 753744 

CasharaWT167.indd 1 10/12/2015 LindapopeQRTWT167.indd 15:21 

1 08/12/2015 17:04 

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 


KidEllaWT167.indd 1 14/12/2015 Flower&GloryWT163.indd 10:04 

1 12/08/2015 13:02

dressing undeniable beauty 

www.odyl.co.uk 

01580 714907

Glen Prince red lambswool scarf, £46, Darcey 

Sussex Boutique, East Sussex 0800 111 

4974 www.darcey.co.uk; Helen Moore pink 

faux fur huff, £25, Spice, Cranbrook 01580 

714156 www.spicecranbrook.co.uk; Second 

Female grid jacket, £138, Odyl, Cranbrook 

01580 714907 www.odyldesign.com; Tallulah 

necklace, £45, Tanglewood Studios www. 

wealdenfairs.com/tanglewoodstudios; Elektra 

RX Optikals in The Blues, £249, Rock 

Optika Ltd, St Leonards On Sea 01424 430 

007 www.wealdenfairs.com/rockoptika

orange multi wrap, £55, pink striped jumper, £50, Cashara, Tenterden 07966 033000 www.cashara.co.uk; gold and blue agate Bonbon 

bracelet, £60, silver and purple agate Bonbon bracelet, £55, Victorious Bee 07734 848911 www.wealdenfairs.com/victoriousbee / 

www.victoriousbee.co.uk; 1970s multicolour pendant, £125, 1960s earrings, £55, Eclectica Vintage Jewellery 020 7607 6327 www. 

wealdenfairs.com/eclecticajewelleryltd / www.eclectica.biz; red bag, £40, Spice, Cranbrook, 01580 714156 www.spicecranbrook.co.uk

Revive your old jewels into something bespoke, unique and personal... 

UPCYCLE YOUR OLD JEWELLERY , 

REPAIRS & COMMISSIONS 

Our fully fledged repairs and commissions workshop is now open! 

Pop in to say hi and see what we can do for you... 

SALE NOW ON 

Great savings across the store, with discounts of up to 50% 

WWW.FITZGERALDJEWELLERS.CO.UK 

T 01227 767206 E info@fitzgeraldjewellers.co.uk Find Us 26 Burgate, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2HA 

Pop In Store Monday - Saturday 9:30am - 5:00pm 

And now open on Sunday 10:00am - 4:00pm

Fine quality 

platinum and diamond 

true half eternity ring. 

Please contact us for details. 

www.cornelljewellers.com 

12 - 14 Gabriels Hill, Maidstone ME15 6JG - 01622 753150

Hybrid dress, £128, Odyl, Cranbrook 01580 714907 www.odyldesign.com 

We would like to say 

a big thank you to 

Risebridge Health Club, 

for use of their room, 

which is available for 

hire. To book or for 

more information phone 

01580 211775 or email 

risebridgemail@aol.com

Special offers 

for January 

Say goodbye to 

being overweight 

in 2016! 

With the New Year, you may well be 

determined to finally tackle your 

weight once and for all. If this isn’t the 

first time you have made a resolution 

to do so, read on! Rachel Ricketts, 

a leading weight loss consultant 

has helped thousands of people to 

successfully lose weight. 

Having had a weight problem for 35 years, Rachel was desperate 

to find a way of being able to lose weight once and for all. ‘I had 

just about resigned myself to the fact that I would be overweight 

for the rest of my life, when I came across the principles of the 

Metabolic Weight Loss Programme. I followed these and to my 

amazement, I lost 3 stone in just over 3 months and then went on 

to successfully maintain my weight. The relief was enormous to 

have found something that finally worked for me.’ 

‘This isn’t an open-ended slimming club,’ says Rachel. ‘We set your 

target weight at the beginning and then get on with the business 

of helping you lose the weight, addressing any difficulties along the 

way, then we concentrate on keeping it off – for good!’ 

For those who are not able to visit, a very successful remote support 

service is provided throughout the UK - distance is no object! 

Rachel became passionate 

about wanting to help as many 

people as possible with their 

weight problems, which led her 

to become a qualified weight 

loss consultant. In the last 11 

years, she has helped over 

4,000 clients from all walks of 

life to help bring their dieting 

days to an end once and for all. 

‘My clients’ ages range from 8 

years to 85 years old, so there is 

hope for everyone!’ 

With an average weight loss 

of 7-14 lbs a month for clients 

and hundreds of hand written 

testimonials, Rachel’s results 

speak for themselves 

Clients often comment on how 

impressed their doctors are 

with their results. ‘My doctor is 

very happy– I’ve been able to 

come off blood pressure and 

cholesterol medication,’ says 

one. Another doctor said, ‘All 

my lady patients on thyroid 

medication are struggling to 

lose weight, but you’ve lost 2 1/2 

stone despite being on thyroxin 

– well done!’ 

One of the popular aspects of the Metabolic Weight Loss Programme 

is there’s nothing faddish about it. There are no meal replacements, 

diet shakes or diet pills. All the foods on the programme are easily 

obtainable. Clients frequently say just how easy it is to follow, they 

don’t feel hungry and are not having to constantly battle with 

cravings. The four stages of the programme are tailored as necessary 

to provide the maximum results for each client. 

Rachel and her team give weekly one-to-one consultations, guiding 

you through the programme with personalised support, lots of 

empathy and total conviction in the success of the programme. 

Email support is available in between consultations. 

With an average weight loss of 7-14 lbs a month for clients and 

hundreds of hand written testimonials, Rachel’s results speak for 

themselves. ‘I see real results daily, time after time I see people’s 

lives change in front of me.’ 

Rachel offers free consultations for those who are 

wanting to lose their weight once and for all. 

Rachel Ricketts 01342 327396 

Email rachel@rachelrickettsweightloss.co.uk 

www.rachelrickettsweghloss.co.uk


Beauty & Health 

supplement 

Sponsored by 

TUNBRIDGE WELLS 

Ilustration: Jessica Durrant 


Private Care Service 

at Bedtimes 

WT Beauty & Health Supplement sponsored by 

Contents 


Our Private Care Service carers can come to 

your house and assist you first thing in the 

morning and / or last thing at night. This 

help can form part of a tailored package of 

care that could help you stay in your own 

home for longer, rather than going into a 

care home before its really needed. We can 

assist those who need help due to frailty, 

disability or illness to live as independently 

as possible, with comfort and dignity, in 

their own home. Overnight Sleep-in Care 

is also available from 10pm to 7am. 

Domestic 

Care 

£9.77 

per hour 

For a free assessment 

of your care needs or to 

receive your brochure 

Call us on 01580 762244 

Town & Country Homecare Limited 

102a High Street, Tenterden, Kent TN30 6HT 

www.townandcountryhomecare.co.uk 

Start the New Year with a pampering session, 

130x90 Running Hub WealdenTimes ad 12.15_130x90 Running Hub WealdenT stock up on our top beauty buys and hear 

from the experts on digestion... 

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LOVE 

3 04/02/2013 16:20 

WINTER 

RUNNING? 

YES! 

SHOES FOR 

ALL CONDITIONS – 

ROAD OR OFF ROAD 

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VIDEO GAIT ANALYSIS 

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NUTRITION, WATCHES, 

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OPEN 

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At the Heart of Running 

148 LONDON RD, SOUTHBOROUGH, T WELLS, TN4 0PJ 

T: 01892 530559 • E: RUNNINGHUB@UWCLUB.NET 

RUNNINGHUB.CO.UK 

4 PERFECT PROFILE 

Stay fresh and glowing this month 

7 TOP BODS 

Feel fabulous inside and out 

9 TAME YOUR MANE 

Take hold of those unruly locks 

10 PRETTY POINTERS 

Keep those digits in top condition 

12 DAPPER CHAP 

Keeping sleek & smart 

15 NEW YEAR’S BEAUTY RESOLUTIONS 

Jo Fairley looks to the year ahead 

19 WEALDEN HEALTH & BEAUTY 

Top tips and WT favourites 

21 GUT INSTINCT 

Get the know-how on digestive health 

22 THE HEALTH & BEAUTY DIRECTORY 

Find a treatment and stockist near you 


RunningHubWT167.indd 1 11/12/2015 10:04 

2

Meet our Consultant at our 

free cosmetic surgery event 

Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Hospital will be holding 

a free cosmetic information evening with one of our top 

Consultant Plastic Surgeons, Mr Marc Pacifico. The evening 

will consist of drinks and canapés on arrival, an introduction 

to the Surgeon, followed by a complimentary 10 minute 

consultation where you will have the opportunity to talk 

to Mr Pacifico in private about all your cosmetic surgery 

questions. He will explain to you the procedures most 

suitable for you as well as the risks and benefits of surgery. 

WHEN: 

Thursday 25th February 

TIME: 

19:00-21:00 

WHERE: 

Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells 

Fitness & Wellbeing Gym 

Knightspark Leisure Park, Knights Way, 

Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3UW 

The new you starts here – call today to book your place. 

Call: 01892 882 870 

Or visit nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/tunbridge-wells


pink cloud cream 

eyeshadow, £18, Inika 

www.inika.co.uk 

ultra protective enlivening lip 

balm, £7.95, 

BLEND collective www. 

wealdenfairs.com/blendcollective 


Perfect Profile 

Lotions and potions to keep you fresh faced and glowing... 

rejuvenate 

frankincense organic 

beauty collection, 

£40, Knowle Grange 

Health & Spa www. 

knowlegrange.co.uk 

luscious lips, 

£6, Balance Me 

www.balanceme.co.uk 

organic eyeliner, 

£13.50, Inika www. 

inika.co.uk 

superdefense night 

recovery moisturizer, 

£42, Clinique 

pretty cheeks, £18, Bagsy 

www.feelunique.com 

vegan mineral 

eyeshadow, £14.50, 

Inika www.inika.co.uk 

Joy visited Eastwell Manor 

to try out an 

Aromatherapy Rose 

Infinity Facial 

www.eastwellmanor.co.uk 

I arrived at the Dreams 

Beauty Spa at Eastwell 

Manor to be met by 

Ellen who talked 

through the whole 

process of the facial, 

the products being used and 

what to expect. She explained that although 

this facial is suitable for all skin types, it would 

be particularly good for my very sensitive, and 

it has to be said - mature-skin. Whilst it would 

be soothing and anti-ageing, it would also take 

down any puffiness, particularly around the 

eyes, and as an added bonus, help to reduce 

any sinus problems, which is something I 

frequently suffer from. After being left to make 

myself comfortable on the gently heated bed, 

Ellen began with a very soothing cleanse and 

tone, followed by an enzyme peel to exfoliate 

and the rose infinity anti-ageing facial oil 

massage on both my face and décolletage. An 

eye cream was then applied and while all of 

the beautifully rose aromatics worked on my 

face, Ellen massaged my scalp with the oils. I 

think it was at this point that I first fell asleep, 

much to my later embarrassment! I don’t 

think I have ever fallen asleep while someone 

is massaging my face and scalp! After this 

heavenly treatment, more was to come with a 

rose hydrating face treatment, the first of two 

masks. This was followed by a shoulder, neck 

and back massage – I think this may have been 

my second drift into oblivion, I’m not really 

sure as the whole process was one long, warm 

and dreamy state of relaxation. The second 

treatment was an overnight repair mask. The 

eye and sinus area were very gently massaged 

with cool stones to soothe and reduce puffiness. 

Finally, a serum eye cream and nourishing 

face oil was applied ending with the rose 

infinity moisturiser, and I was left to slowly 

bring myself back into the real world until 

I was ready to get up, and reluctantly leave 

this little oasis of heavenly peace. My skin felt 

amazing, really lifted and glowing. Thank you, 

Ellen - an hour and 20 minutes of sheer bliss. 

This has to be the best facial I have ever had. 

Aromatherapy Rose Infinity 

Facial, 80mins, £90 

Molly make-up bag, 

£10, Ragged Rose 

www.wealdenfairs. 

com/raggedrose 

pulsaderm buddy 

facial cleanser, £73 

www.qvcuk.com 

101 ointment in cranberry, 

£7.99, Lanolips www. 

feelunique.com 


4

Concept 

Hair 

salon 

Angel Belle 

Angel Belle Beauty and Spa 

Qualified NVQ Level 2 & 3 in 

Beauty and Spa therapy. 

Treatments: 

Beauty – Manicure, Pedicure, Waxing, Facials, 

Tinting, Makeup, Nails and Spray tanning. 

Spa – Salt brushing, Black mud, 

Algae mud and inch loss wrap. 

Massage – Hot stones, Aromatherapy, 

Indian head, and Swedish. 

50 High Street, Tenterden 01580 762 564 

Book online at www.williamcharleshair.co.uk 

or through our facebook page 

Go to www.luxuryaccommodationsussex.com 

then click Health & Beauty for details & prices. 

Contact email: angel@beacroft.net 

Contact telephone: 01580 830240 

WilliamCharlesWT166.indd 1 06/11/2015 WoodspideSpa&GlampingWT167.indd 11:26 

1 08/12/2015 15:20 

Bespoke non-surgical 

treatment packages for a 

fresher, brighter you in 2016! 

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 


WoodburyDentalAndLaserClinicWT166.indd 1 30/10/2015 11:05

20% off when 

you introduce a 

new client 

A PLACE OF TRANQUILLITY TO RESTORE 

YOUR OUTER BEAUTY AND INNER PEACE 

Payot Luxury Facials Massage & Body Treatments 

CACI non- surgical facelifts Manicure & Pedicures 

Grooming & Waxing Electrolysis 

Vouchers available for that special gift 

P E R F E C T I N D U L G E N C E 

a t i m b e r c o u r t , h i g h s t r e e t , c r a n b r o o k 

0 1 5 8 0 7 1 5 7 1 7 

www.just-heaven.co.uk 

Dare to bare 

your legs next summer? 

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If not, we can help you! Vanishing Veins is a specialist team of expert 

doctors that specialise in the treatment of varicose veins and related 

conditions. 

The team has pioneered state of the art, non-surgical treatments 

for Varicose Veins. It is quick, pain-free and extremely cost effective. 

Call us today to find out how we can help you. 

For more information please call 01403 255265 

oaklands Health Centre Stade St HYTHE CT21 6BD 

E: info@vanishingveins.com W: www.vanishingveins.com 

JustHeavenWT160.indd 1 14/05/2015 VanishingVeinsWT158.indd 16:28 

1 24/03/2015 18:21 

Stalwart Wellness provides a unique setting nestled in the 

grounds of a private residence in Tenterden offering: 

■ Clinical pilates classes ■ Ante and Post natal 

■ Yoga classes 

■ Private lessons 

For more information and details on the classes please go to www.stalwartwellness.co.uk 

or contact info@stalwartwellness.co.uk or 07779 670502 

Stalwart Wellness Tenterden Kent stalwartj 


6 

StalwartWellnessWT167.indd 1 02/12/2015 16:58

eautiful shower 

gel, £4.95, 

LUSH 

www.lush.co.uk 


bee kind body butter, 

£12.95, Beefayre 

www.beefayre.com 


240ml pump bath & shower 

gel, £13, Romney Marsh 

Wools www.wealdenfairs.com/ 

romneymarshwools 

infus’oceanes 

teabags, £7.85, 

Thalgo www. 

thalgo.co.uk 

almond dragee loose 

leaf tea, £5-£5.50, 

Dandylion 

Ltd www. 

dandyliongroup.co.uk 

detox, £29.95, The 

Organic Pharmacy www. 

theorganicpharmacy.com 

Jen visited Just Heaven 

in Cranbrook 

to try out a 

Swedish Full Body Massage 


This really was the perfect antidote to festive, 

or post-festive stress, and left me feeling blissed 

out - and beautifully scented - for the rest of 

the day. Hannah, the owner of Just Heaven, 

showed me to the cosy upstairs treatment 

room, before leaving me to get ready for my 

treatment. I slipped under the warm cover of 

the treatment table and waited a few moments. 

I’ve had a few massages in my time, including 

sports massages, and like a firm massage and 

muscle rub, rather than a tickle... and this 

was the perfect combination. Hannah started 

on the backs of legs, before working up to 

my back and shoulders, using ‘revitalising’ 

(rather than relaxing) bergamot and mint 

massage oil by the French company, Payot. 

The light oil was just right for this time of 

year, when one’s skin tends to be a little dry, 

but did not feel heavy or greasy... and the 

smell was gorgeous. I lost track of time, so 

when Hannah had finished on my back and 

neck, I was convinced that my massage was 

over. It was a lovely surprise to find out that 

my feet, front of legs, arms and face were still 

in for a treat. The foot rub was especially nice 

and reminded me of a relaxing reflexology 

treatment. Hannah was great at finding knots 

and tension I didn’t realise I had - from the 

usual places, such as my shoulders and calves, 

to less obvious places such as the palms of 

my hands. She finished by using a scented, 

cool moisturiser on my face, and eliminated 

the last bit of tension in my forehead. After 

a minute or two to compose myself, post 

treatment, I drove home basking in the scent 

of massage oil and moisturiser. The effects of 

my full body massage will last much longer. 

Swedish Full Body Massage, 

60 mins, £40 

five element aromatherapy bath 

and shower oil collection, £34, 

Elemental Herbology www. 

elementalherbology.com 

high energy enlivening body 

wash, £11.95, BLEND 

collective www.wealdenfairs. 

com/blendcollective 

Top Bods 

Be pampered from the inside out... 

meraki liquid 

hand soap, £17.50 

www.anartfullife. 

co.uk 

celebrate body 

lotion, £12.95, 

LUSH www.lush. 

co.uk 

coco rose body 

polish, £27.50 www. 

hollys-house.com 

strawberry thief hand 

cream,William Morris, £10 

www.berryred.co.uk 


London has arrived 

in the Weald... 

20% OFF 

your visit in January 

Valid from 4 th –30 th January 2016 

Gillian Spooner, a senior Sassoon trained 

stylist currently working at the Josh Wood 

Atelier in London, is now based in your area. 

Gillian’s superb level of expertise in cutting 

and styling for ladies can be brought to you 

by private appointment, with the benefit of a 

free, no-obligation consultation beforehand. 

For more information visit 

www.gshair.co.uk or call to arrange a 

free full consultation on 01622-862735 

GS Spooner 

Gillian 

Call for details 

01580 766298 

Discount will only be given on 

production of a voucher 

The Green Room 

bespoke hairdressing 

Rear of 92 High St, Tenterden TN30 6JB 

Find us opposite the Cats Protection League 

Terms & Conditions Apply. Excludes children & any other offer. 

SteveCarmoWT140.indd 1 18/09/2013 GreenRoomHairdressersWT167.indd 14:50 

1 08/12/2015 10:13 

Opened in March 2013 by ex-Mayfair stylist 

and colourist, Kenneth Madgin, Halcyon is the 

St. Leonards home of AVEDA. Its beautiful 

and understated interior provides a perfect 

environment to enjoy any hairdressing service 

by our growing and carefully nurtured team. 

Halcyon carries the complete range 

of AVEDA hair care products. 

Look no further for dynamic colour, 

precision cutting and stylish up do’s. 

halcyon 

YOU DON'T 

HAVE TO 

BE IN MI6 

TO KNOW WHERE TO 

GET A GOOD HAIRCUT 

the salon 

72 Norman Road 

St. Leonards 

01424 465333 

halcyonhairdressing.co.uk 

www.octane-hair.co.uk 

01580 752952 


8 

HalcyonHairdressingWT167.indd 1 15/12/2015 OctaneWT131.indd 15:59 

1 17/12/2012 11:38

amino acid shampoo, 

250ml, £16, Kiehl’s 

www.fenwick.com 

amino acid 

conditioner 250ml, 

£18.50, Kiehl’s 


Shelly shower hat, £7.50, 

Ragged Rose www. 

wealdenfairs.com/raggedrose 

brass comb, £19, 

Henry Tibbs Ltd, 

www.henrytibbs.com 

Tame your Mane 

From treatments to accessories, we’ve got you covered... 

240ml pump shampoo, 

£13, Romney Marsh 

Wools www.wealdenfairs. 

com/romneymarshwools 

velvet turban headband, 

£10, Beauxoxo www. 

beauxoxo.com 


citrus hair conditioning 

rinse, £8.99, Dr Bronner 

www.drbronner.co.uk 


Helen visited The 

Green Room in 

Tenterden 

to try out a 

Awapuhi Wild 

Ginger Treatment, 

cut and blow-dry 

01580 766298 

The Green Room, 

Tenterden is a small, beautifully understated 

salon, set away from the main High Street. 

I was warmly greeted by one of the owners, 

Scott, who runs the business with his wife 

Sarah. Being super low maintenance when 

it comes to my hair means I never really do 

much with it. It’s either down and messy or 

vaguely pulled into a ponytail and messy, 

so it was great to have Scott chat through 

some ideas with me, and we decided on 

some simple layering and a relaxed but 

volumised blow-dry, so it doesn’t look too 

‘done’. He started off by washing my hair 

and massaging my scalp. Next, he used an 

enriching Awapuhi Wild Ginger Treatment, 

to nourish and condition. It also smelled 

amazing! Back in the chair, feeling chilled, 

I was treated to a scrummy coffee and a 

cheeky biscuit as Scott expertly cut away. 

I felt totally at ease and super pampered. I 

barely even noticed he was snipping away, as 

he was explaining the ethos and atmosphere 

he wanted to create here. There’s often a lot 

of pressure to sell products and treatments 

whilst working in a salon, he explains, but 

he just wants the experience to be relaxed, 

low key and of course enjoyable. This is 

exactly what they’ve achieved at The Green 

Room. After using a couple of lotions and 

potions, that also smelled delicious, he goes 

to work at blow drying, and taming the 

normally unruly mane. By the time I left, 

my hair was volumised, with natural lift 

and a slight curl, and I felt totally spoilt. 

The Green Room is perfect for a standard 

monthly trim, a fancy blow dry or complete 

style overhaul. 

Wild Ginger Treatment, 20mins, £15 

Cut & Style, 60mins, £50 / £40 / £30 

quinoa & artichoke 

shampoo / conditioner, 

£14.95, Green People 

www.greenpeople.co.uk 

watermelon 

headband, £7.85, 

Etsy, www.etsy.com 




nourishing 

nail elixir, 

£11.95, Fresh 

Therapies www. 

freshtherapies. 

com 

ginger & lime hand 

& nail cream, £8, 

Oliver Bonas www. 

oliverbonas.com 

Emma visited 

Purenique in 

Hawkhurst 

to try out a 

Deluxe Gel 

pedicure 

www.purenique.co.uk 

When our Beauty 

Editor asked if I 

would like to review a 

beauty treatment for the January issue, it took me 

less time than it takes to pull a Christmas cracker 

to answer! Having never been to Purenique in 

Hawkhurst I was welcomed into the elegant but 

cosy waiting area. Once in the treatment room 

an inviting bubble bath awaited my feet and the 

Deluxe Gel Pedicure experience was underway. 

After a foot scrub was applied to my feet and 

legs, any dry skin was gently eased away. After my 

cuticles were treated, we selected ‘Amore at the 

Grand Canal’ from the OPI gel winter collection, 

inspired of course by Venice. I don’t usually opt 

for red, but my therapist assured me it would 

suit my skin tone. It’s a classy, warm red, perfect 

for the festive season and I love it! If I wasn’t 

feeling relaxed enough already, my therapist then 

introduced me to the deluxe part of the treatment. 

Warm wax from the candle that had been releasing 

its incredible aroma into the room, was massaged 

into my lower legs and feet. On a blustery winter 

morning this was bliss. The Eve Taylor body and 

facial range includes the ingenious AromaWax 

candles. Once warm these can be used as massage 

and moisturising oil. The organic essential oils, 

combined with palm and soya, have tremendous 

nourishing and hydration properties, making 

my skin look like new! After this super relaxing 

massage (who knew we carried such tension in our 

feet and legs!), and five minutes in heated booties 

I did not want to leave. I highly recommend the 

deluxe pedicure experience. If you love a relaxing 

pamper, this is perfect and it’s great value, from a 

lovely local salon that any small town should be 

proud of. I would even say it’s worth the trip if 

it’s not your local salon! The manager is a trained 

beauty therapist and her friendly team offer a 

high quality service. My neglected feet hadn’t seen 

daylight since my holiday in October, but have 

now been totally transformed for the party season. 

Deluxe OPI Gel Pedicure, 75mins, £40 

Relaxing & Self Indulgent Tumbler 

Candle £12.99 


10 

Pretty Pointers 

Purely practical or picture perfect, here’s what you need... 

AW15 Alexander 

Manicure Set, £14, 

Laura Ashley www. 

lauraashley.com 

gardener’s hand 

cream, £15, 

BeeInspired www. 

wealdenfairs.com/ 

naturalbeeswaxcreams 

natural nail polish 

remover, £8.99, Fresh 

Therapies www. 

freshtherapies.com 

rich restoring unwinding 

hand cream, £11.95, 

BLEND collective 

www.wealdenfairs.com/ 

blendcollective 

daily moisturising 

balancing hand cream, 

£11.95, BLEND collective 


blendcollective 

240ml pump hand wash, £13, 

Romney Marsh Wools www. 

wealdenfairs.com/romneymarshwools 

super restorative hand 

cream, £37.50, Clarins 

(counter 10, January) 

nail dryer Windy, 

£17.99 www. 

thegiftoasis.com 

overnight detox 

mask, £15, Nails 

Inc www.fenwick. 

com 

nail grow treatment, 

£15, Nails Inc www. 

fenwick.com

purely beauty 

Beauty Salon Hawkhurst 

Highly Skilled Therapists using the 

Best quality products in everything we do. 

Purenique Clinic 

Offering advanced methods of removal by 

Trained and experienced Beauty Therapists. 

Skin Tags 

Thread Veins/Spider Naevi 

Blood Spots 

Milia 

Book now for a Free Consultation 

Call 01580 753383 

Visit www.purenique.co.uk 

Email info@purenique.co.uk 

Hawkhurst, TN18 4JU 

PureniqueWT167.indd 1 30/11/2015 LondonBeachWT167.indd 10:14 

1 11/12/2015 15:06 

Get 

Holistic 

& Beauty 

Treatments 

Combining a DNA Test report with 

a Bespoke Exercise & Nutrition Plan 

YOUR SECRET RETREAT 

...At Knowle Grange 

Counselling and Psychotherapy 

at the Garden Room 

How are you feeling about the New Year ahead? 

Is stress and anxiety preventing you from 

being the person you feel you want to be? 

Are you over eating or controlling what 

you eat and don’t understand why? 

Do you need to make fundamental 

changes to your relationships? 

Are you worried that you are drinking too much or 

another unhealthy addiction is taking over your life? 

“You can’t change your DNA, 

but you can train it” 

“If you are looking for somewhere to gym, swim and relax in a private and 

friendly environment, then Knowle Grange is just for you” 

Membership : Gym : Sauna : Spa Days : Beauty & Holistic Treatments : 

Natural Spring Water Heated Pool : Personal Training : Classes 

To find out more call 01892 750761 or 01892 750055 

Or Visit www.knowlegrange.co.uk 

Wadhurst Road, Frant, Kent TN3 9EJ 

Big life changes can be impossible on your own 

but I am here to help you take that first step to 

get the Balance you need back in your life. 

David Gilmour PG Dip, MBACP 

01580 441506 | 07976 247833 

www.balancerecovery.co.uk 


KnowleGrangeHealthWT167.indd 1 14/12/2015 RecoverNowWT167.indd 18:09 

1 14/12/2015 18:02


SMART Master Bullet 

Kitchen Blender 

Set, £79.99 www. 

design55online.co.uk 

facial fuel energising 

face wash 250ml, 

£17, Kiehl’s www. 

fenwick.com 

luxury leather washbag, 

labrador, £75 www. 

annabeljames.co.uk 


Dapper Chap 

Trim, tone, treat and moisturise... 

delinquent switchblade 

comb, £8.29 www. 

thegiftoasis.com 

Molecule 02, £38, Escentric 

www.escentric.com 

this charming man 

gift box, £40 www. 

deathtoflowers.co.uk 

escentric 03 body wash 

200ml, £20, Escentric 


beard kit, £25 www. 

oliverbonas.com 


12 

gents manicure 

kit, £19.95 www. 

idyllhome.co.uk 

Edwin Jagger luxury 3 

piece shaving set, £77 

www.annabeljames.co.uk 

facial fuel heavy 

lifting moisturiser 

50ml, £38, Kiehl’s 


Ben visited Clarins Skin Spa 

at Fenwick Tunbridge Wells 

Energising back, neck 

and scalp massage 

www.fenwick.co.uk 

As a long time proponent of slouching and poor 

posture, the discomfort of little battles being 

fought in my back is pretty regular. Hence, 

when I walked into Fenwick for my Energising 

Back, Neck and Scalp massage I was hoping for 

a comfortable chair and a firm hand to ensure 

I sat properly whilst some poor soul tried to 

cure me. I got neither of those things. Instead, 

I was led to the Clarins Spa in the corner of the 

lower level. There I was soon made to realise, 

much to my surprise, that I would in fact be 

getting the full works, not fully clothed as I 

had initially expected. Despite the confusion, I 

was put completely at ease by the staff and the 

ambience of this calm oasis in the otherwise 

chaotic Royal Victoria Place Shopping Centre. 

Toni led me to a fragrant, dimly lit room with 

a massage bed in the middle and an adjoining 

changing room complete with a shower. It 

was only when she left me to undress that I 

remembered, much to my horror, that I was 

wearing my lucky Chelsea FC boxers – you will 

only understand if you have a football fan in 

the family. However, Toni put me so at ease that 

I doubt it would have mattered if I had been 

wearing my grandmother’s bloomers. Toni began 

by explaining the procedure and offering me 

either to finish relaxed with an active mind, or 

total relaxation. I suspect this article may never 

have reached print had I chosen the latter. She 

began with breathing exercises to ease the tension 

in my muscles and calm my respiration with the 

aroma of the oils. I then turned over and after 

some exfoliation Toni began to untie my back. 

I made sure to apologise for its state as Toni got 

going but she politely assured me it was nothing 

like some of the concrete she’d previously been 

required to knead. The combination of the oil’s 

perfume, the soft classical music and the pleasant 

temperature was intoxicating. Though I tried to 

keep mental notes of the process, I must confess it 

did not take long for my mind to surrender along 

with my body to Toni’s craft. She eased each side 

of my back up and down with Clarins’ “Tonic” 

Body Treatment Oil, soothing every muscle 

before working my neck with the same majesty. 

She finished with a scalp massage, using Clarins’ 

Tonic Bath & Shower Concentrate, which 

fittingly crowned the experience. Toni left me for 

a couple of minutes to relax while I tried to come 

to terms with the new looseness of my upper 

body. It was only whilst I was getting changed 

back into my clothes that I realised I had been 

so scantily clad in one of the busiest shopping 

centres in Kent, testament to the hospitality of 

my hosts and the power of the procedure. As I 

walked back out into the warfare of Christmas 

consumerism, I took solace in the fact that at 

least one battle had been won that day and peace 

literally followed behind me for the rest of it. 

Energising Back, Neck & Scalp Massage, 

35 mins, £45

Join the 

cleansing revolution! 

— Cleanse & Polish TM Hot Cloth Cleanser — 

Try our multi award-winning beauty icon today 

Visit Liz Earle’s Fenwick, Tunbridge Wells counter to 

receive your complimentary botanical beauty treatment

Retreat Weekends in Kent 

Affordable Luxury in the Garden of England 

Treat yourself to two luxurious days of blissful treatments, 

stimulating classes, scrumptious organic food and idyllic country 

walks, all in the tranquil surroundings of beautiful Oxon Hoath. 

Get in touch and we’ll put you in the picture! 

2 nights from £299 full board including treatments and classes 

01732 811071 www.oxonhoath.co.uk



Get yourself into a new routine for the New Year. 

Getting out of bed isn’t easy at this time of year, but the 

best tactic is go to bed early (easier in January than it was in 

December!) and when you wake, have a cup of hot water first 

thing, with a slice of lemon and a teaspoon of honey. It helps 

cleanse your system and brings your glucose level up, to kickstart 

the day. 

Clean your make-up brushes. They’re a big investment, 

and an essential tool, so take care of them. Use a professional 

brush cleaner, or simply clean by using gentle shampoo and 

warm water. Let the brushes fully air-dry before using. 

Then treat yourself to a new lipstick. Go on. There’s no 

better way to refresh your make-up look! Look at trends but 

don’t be a slave to them – but try a new texture (gloss instead 

of matte), or a new colour; maybe it’s time to finally find that 

perfect red – or at least try an alternative to the seven ever-soslight 

variations on a theme (see above!) It’s amazing how such 

a simple change makes you look fresh and new. 

New Year’s 

Resolutions 

Beauty 

Josephine Fairley shares her top beauty tips, for 

starting the year afresh 

Illustrations: Susanne Hayes 

It’s that time again. Clean-sheet-of-paper time. The 

wonderful ‘fresh start’ moment. But while some New 

Year’s Resolutions are just too hard to stick to (or just 

too ambitious) – lose two stone, go to the gym three times 

a week, climb Kilimanjaro etc. (you know the sort of 

thing) – I honestly believe there are, however, small healthand-beauty 

shifts that will make big differences to how we 

look (and feel). So here are my recommendations – in no 

particular order – for simple resolutions that will genuinely, 

seriously improve your wellbeing and looks, over the next 

year. (I’d offer a money-back guarantee, if I could...!) 

Clean out your make-up bag. First, dump everything 

on the floor and throw out anything that’s two years old or 

older. From there, weed out anything that’s broken, smells 

funny or you haven’t touched in over six months. Remember: 

foundation in bottles and loose powder are meant to stay at 

home – if you put these in your make-up bag, you’re bound 

to have a big mess to deal with sometime. If you’re carrying 

around seven shades of the same lipstick, or half a dozen lip 

balms, stash some at home – and at least you’ll lighten the 

handbag load. 

Re-evalulate your skincare regime. Our skin changes 

with the seasons, stress and environmental factors, and New 

Year is a great time to look at how your skin looks and feels, 

and to make changes. Keep it simple: all most women need 

is the right cleanser, moisturiser, neck cream and a great, nongreasy 

eye cream. If you want to add in more, then fine – but 

resolve to use the extra products. 

Take care of yourself, physically and spiritually. As 

modern women, we’re pulled in so many different directions 

that we’re often the last priority. Make a pact for 2016 to take 

time out for yourself to exercise, get manicures, facials and an 

occasional massage; get plenty of sleep and relaxation to keep 

you energised. Eat a healthy diet for life, not for the moment. 

Centre your energy on feeling good about yourself, instead of 

trying to be what you’re not. 

Take two nights out of your week and treat yourself 

to a mask at home. You’ll get the best results when you 

apply a moisturising mask and sit for half an hour in a 

deliciously, hot bath: the steam opens the pores. 

Drink more water. Heard it before, and from me, you’ll 

hear it again. If you can’t hit your target of drinking eight 

glasses of water every day, try drinking 1-2 litres of water daily 

before a special occasion for three days; on the third day, skin 

will be looking luminous and dewy. 

Have a free makeover every 3-4 months. You might 

hate some of what the makeup artist does, but you’ll learn at 

least one thing each time that you find really useful. 

And try something different, make-up wise, once a month – 

a different lip shade or shadow colour. Change the texture of 

something from matte to sheen or vice versa; just go into the 

shop and try it out and wear it for the day – and then 

buy, if you like it. Don’t let yourself become one of those 

women who can say, “I’ve been wearing exactly the same 

make-up for years...” 

 


Find Your Style 

Handmade 

Tassel Scarf 

£55 


Discovered by us... delivered to you



What will you 

do with your one, 

wild, precious life? 

Mary Oliver 

Wear a minimum SPF15 each and every day. Winter 

and summer. Just do it. (I recently had a facial analysis at 

Sarah Chapman’s new Skinesis Clinic in Sloane Square via a 

very high-tech skin machine which benchmarked me against 

women my age for age spots, wrinkles, etc. – and I left 

feeling quite smug. Entirely down to my daily SPF15 habit, I 

reckon.) 

Discover why Essential Fatty Acids really are 

essential. EFAs nourish skin from within and are as vital as 

vitamins – so eat oily fish three times a week, or take 500 mg. 

of omega-balanced oils, daily, to strengthen skin and brain 

cells. (Fact: I ‘prescribe’ Ideal Omega Essential Ideal Omega 

3 to just about every woman I meet, which you can find at 

www.victoriahealth.com) 

Turn to pure essential oils instead of prescription 

drugs to shift your mood. The scent of lavender is proven 

to slow the brain and restore peace of mind, while a few drops 

of rosemary in the bath is an instant pick-me-up. Better still, 

add the essential oils to a bathful of Better You Magnesium 

Oil Original Flakes, the other product that I witter on about 

to readers/friends/colleagues constantly. Flipping miracleworkers, 

these. 

Wipe away worry lines by getting work/life balance 

right. Create some ‘me’ time by holding back some holiday 

allowance to book the odd day of beauty treatments. I was 

inspired by reading Beating the 24/7 by Winston Fletcher 

(John Wiley & Sons), to see how business leaders get the 

balance right! Make this the year, meanwhile, that you also 

banish all electrical devices from the bedroom. Your body – 

and most of all your whirring mind – will thank you for it. 

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 

YvonneFernandoWT167.indd 1 26/11/2015 12:38 

Jasmine Care South East Ltd 

Caring for people in their homes 

Our carers are handpicked for the suitability of the job and 

are highly trained to provide care in your home at times to 

suit your routine, from 30 minutes to an hour or more 

We offer 24 hour on call services for your peace of mind 

Body brush daily. My, but this really works, if you use 

a firm but not-too-hard brush, to support the skin’s natural 

functions. Some experts believe daily body brushing helps 

eliminate a pound of toxins a day – and it definitely removes 

dead skin cells and improves skin tone and condition. 

Layer your body products. For truly nourished skin, 

apply a rich cream or balm and then ‘seal’ it in with a fine 

layer of a light body oil. This restores the satin feel and 

increases the feel-good factor. 

And have a gorgeous year, won’t you? And all that’s left is for 

me to say: have a beautiful 2016... 

Check out Jo Fairley’s www.beautybible.com site, a one-stop 

online destination for all things health and beauty related 

Personal care 

Cooking 

Shopping (together or for you) 

Cleaning your home 

Assisting with medication 

Visiting relatives or friends 

Sightseeing or leisure activities 

Visiting your G.P 

Over night care 

Live-in care 

At Jasmine Care South East Ltd. we are proud to provide a trusted 

reliable service, where you, our client is at the very centre of our focus. 

Please call our friendly team on 

NEW Cranbrook Office 01580 713 533 

Maidstone 01622 759 946 

www.jasminecaresoutheast.com 

Jasmine Care South East Ltd. offers services in the whole of Kent & East Sussex 


JasmineHomecareWT158.indd 1 23/03/2015 10:37


Savon De Marseille 

Fig Soap Bar 

£6.99 



a new way to go to the movies: 

fridays after work with a glass of wine 

- WEDDINGS - CELEBRATIONS - HOG ROASTS - BBQ’s - BAKES & CAKES - 

Half Page Vertical Working Template.indd 1 16/12/2015 17:31 

join our club to get free tickets 

and member discounts 

open every day from 9am films daily from 10am 

01797 226293 

rye 

HIGH STREET 

www.kinodigital.co.uk follow us on Kino Rye kino_digital kino_digital 

kino supports responsible drinking 

LION St. 

EAST St. 

Contact caroline: caroline@plumtreecatering.com 

or call 07739 708599 

Contact SARAH: sarah@plumtreecatering.com 

or call 07771 332576 

PLUM TREE 

Catering 

- WEDDINGS - CELEBRATIONS - HOG ROASTS - BBQ’s - BAKES & CAKES - 


18 

KinoWT167.indd 1 26/11/2015 BrickHouseFarmWT162.indd 12:11 

1 22/07/2015 10:25

Wealden Health & Beauty 

Wealden Times talks to Lou from Send Me 

Cakes, the letterbox friendly baking company... 

do you have a beauty 

regime? I’m a ‘beauty comes 

from within’ practical 

kind of a girl, so my daily 

lifestyle is my regime. Nice 

and early I’m straight out 

of bed to the soap, water 

and moisturiser, but its 

what I do and eat that 

makes me feel good. Five 

fruit & veg, and limiting 

meat and white carbs with 

meals means I justify my 

cake fix relatively guilt 

free! I insist on some daily 

outdoor time, and when 

I’ve finished baking in 

the afternoons I squeeze 

in a dance or stretching 

exercises when a good 

tune comes on the radio. 

do you have a particular 

product you can’t live 

without? Moisturiser! My 

skin gets so dry. I don’t really 

mind which brand and I have 

definitely reached an age 

where I love receiving it as a 

gift. I do also have a couple 

of special creams I can’t do 

without as I get heat rash and 

sore ears (from wearing ear 

plugs when I lived in a noisy 

rescue centre years ago). I also 

love my Back Buddy stick 

which enables me to do my 

own physio when I need it. 

What’s your ultimate 

pampering treat? A deep 

massage session. I’ve got a 

few aches and pains from 

my previous outdoor horsey/ 

farming/animal rescue 

lifestyle, and I love being 

professionally pummelled 

by a good practitioner! 

The only problem is that 

I am very tickly. I own a 

couple of working ponies 

so any snippets of time 

I can get with them is 

also a perfect pamper. 

In fact, since becoming 

a working mum any ‘me 

time’ counts as a pamper! 

Who’s your style icon? 

I value what people say 

more than how they look. 

Although I do see style 

as a gateway to presence, 

which is important when 

forging a business. We 

aren’t all naturally beautiful, 

and making the most of 

what you have, creating 

your own style, and being 

confident with it leaves 

a memorable impression. 

You just have to make sure 

that this is positive. As for 

my style, it can range from 

tweedy country browns 

to flamboyant colour 

mixes – but always one 

rule – flat shoes only. 

Lou specialises in ethically 

produced, homemade cake gift 

boxes, that are created using 

British and locally sourced 

ingredients. They’re lovingly 

wrapped in recycled packaging 

and delivered straight through 

your, or a friend’s, front door. 

Choose from Kent Apple 

and Almond, Cinnamon 

Shortbread, Ginger Drizzle 

and loads more at www. 

wealdenfairs.com/sendmecakes 

Freeimages.com/ GoldenCzermak 

Hang-up the 

hangover... 

Milk Thistle has been used 

for over 2000 years as a herbal 

remedy. Several scientific 

studies suggest that milk 

thistle can protect the liver 

from toxins consumed, 

including pharmaceutical 

drugs and (ahem, possibly 

over the New Year?) alcohol, 

which can cause liver damage 

in high doses. Native to the 

Mediterranean region, it’s 

a member of the asteraceae 

family, which includes 

sunflowers and daisies, and 

can now be found everywhere. 

The flowers are a red purple 

and it grows in sunny, dry 

areas, with spiny stems and 

wide leaves, which, when 

crushed, produce a milky white 

sap. The active ingredient is 

known as silymarin, which 

is extracted from the seeds 

and has antioxidant and antiinflammatory 

properties, 

encouraging cell renewal 

and protection. It’s widely 

available in health stores as 

a capsule, a liquid extract 

or a tincture, but be sure to 

check with your GP first. 

Hot Toddy... 

We love this time of year. 

Throughout Christmas and 

the beginning of the New 

Year, homes are filled with 

festive scents. Cinnamon, 

clove, even fresh pine from 

the tree bring back joyful 

memories of past celebrations, 

but let’s be honest, loving 

this season doesn’t mean we 

want to actually smell like 

a Christmas tree. So this 

is where another cracking 

product from the team at 

Lush is very welcome. We 

tested their aptly named 

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it certainly gave our skin 

a reason to celebrate. This 

luxuriously thick cream is 

made up of an intoxicating 

mix of lime oil, Brazilian 

orange oil and a cheeky 

splash of Cognac. Cocoa 

butter and almond oil go to 

work at giving winter skin 

the ultimate hydration it 

needs and obviously, it smells 

fantastic. Perfect for use 

on dry hands after long winter 

walks, and great for a night out. 

Get yours at www.lush.co.uk 


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Gut Instinct 

Rich foods and too much alcohol can definitely leave us all 

feeling sleepy, sluggish and a bit rubbish. After a little over 

indulgence during the festive period we’re talking about 

digestive health, so we chatted to a few specialists... 

The nutrition & lifestyle coach 

Fiona offers consultations in both Optimal 

Health and Sports Nutrition... 

Freeimages.com/Musaddique Naina 

What is healthy digestion? Healthy digestion requires adequate chewing to allow stomach 

acid and digestive enzymes to chemically break down food particles small enough to pass 

through the gut wall into the bloodstream. Adequate elimination of toxins, as well as excess 

hormonal metabolites e.g. cholesterol, is also part of healthy digestion. Healthy digestion 

additionally involves feeding the beneficial bacteria, which live in our digestive systems, which 

manufacture various vitamins and play a huge role in supporting our immune systems. 

Other than gastrointestinal symptoms, what other effects can bad digestion have 

on our bodies and lives? As healthy digestion is key to optimum well-being any 

imbalances in the digestive system can have an impact on almost all aspects of health 

including skin, cardiovascular, hormonal, mental and immune health. Often people do 

not make the connection between their symptoms and that it may be an issue with an 

underperforming digestive system. As the digestive system plays the most important 

first line defence for the immune system, supporting it is key to optimum health. 

Can this be treated through diet alone, or are there any other lifestyle changes that 

can help? In addition to diet and appropriate nutritional support, addressing stress levels is 

equally important for digestive health. Lifestyle management techniques that lower breathing 

rate e.g. meditation or any activity where a sense of calm is achieved can be particularly 

helpful. Also identifying triggers that exacerbate symptoms, which may involve removing 

specific food groups for a period of time, may be essential for allowing the body to heal. 

Fiona Brenninkmeijer is based in London, Tunbridge Wells and is also available for home visits 

by appointment. For more information visit www.mylifestylemenu.co.uk or call 07980 611668. 

The specialist for Integrated Medicine 

Christine is a homeopathic physician 

and medical acupuncturist... 

What is Candida and how does it affect our digestion? Fungal related disease and 

specifically Candidiasis is common and often triggered by frequent consumption of 

antibiotics and refined carbohydrates. Candida albicans constitutes one of the yeasts, which 

are found in small amounts in even a healthy bowel. Antibiotic use destroys harmful and 

beneficial gut bacteria, creating space for an overgrowth of yeast in the bowel. Refined 

carbohydrates like sugar let them thrive. This aggressive activity creates damage in the gut 

lining and the fine filter mechanism of the bowel becomes compromised. Enlarged holes 

or ‘leaky gut’, allows incompletely digested food to enter the blood circulation. These 

particles mimic natural cytokines leading to migraines, asthma, eczema, arthritis etc, and 

natural hormones causing mood swings, fluid retention, bloating and weight gain. 

What are the symptoms of yeast overgrowth? Symptoms include the following: chronic 

fatigue, generalised malaise, gastrointestinal complaints (bloating, wind, diarrhoea), IBS, 

food intolerances, recurrent infections, allergies, skin problems, decreased concentration or 

‘brain fog’, depression, irritability, craving for sweets or carbohydrates, hypoglycaemia (low 

blood sugar) symptoms, migraine, arthritis, asthma, obesity, reduced alcohol intolerance. 

How can this be treated naturally? Candidiasis can be successfully treated 

naturally with a combination of a herbal anti-fungal medicine, a homeopathic 

organ support made up of natural remedies to support liver, pancreas and kidneys 

to deal with the ‘die off’ effects of the fungus, a probiotic to recolonise the gut with 

healthy bacteria, and a diet avoiding sugars, yeasts and fermented foods. 

Christine is based at Rose Cottage Homeopathic Clinic near Maidstone. To book an 

appointment visit her website www.homeopathykent.co.uk or call 01622 741086. 

The Ayurvedic doctor 

Dr Asmita Jani deals 

with a huge variety of 

clients and patients... 

What are the principles behind Ayurveda? 

Ayurveda is a very sophisticated medical science and 

emphasises the need to prevent illness and maintain 

health. The main principle is about having a life of 

balance. This can be achieved through understanding 

our own body type or ‘Prakriti’ (wrongly described 

as dossier in the West!). The healthy function of 

the body’s numerous processes is governed by three 

physiological energies briefly categorised as Vata 

(air and ether), which determine activity-motion, 

mobility and breathing; Pitta (fire and moisture) 

which governs metabolism, intellect and immunity; 

and Kapha (water and earth) which oversees 

growth, reproduction, water and fat metabolism. 

What other factors should be taken into 

consideration? Ayurveda recommends that we 

should select our well balanced fresh and nutritious 

diet according to our body type, digestive capacity, 

age, medical condition, and our imbalances (Doshas). 

Regular appropriate fasting is also advisable for good 

health and preventing illness. We should eat regularly 

at the right time according to our bio-rhythms, 

with a pleasant mood, concentration on our food 

and chewing well. Do not rush when eating or 

completely fill the stomach. Avoid a noisy or negative 

atmosphere and negative emotions particularly 

anger, distress or jealousy, as this changes the potency 

and quality of the digested food in the body and 

influences the brain, liver and heart function. 

When seeing a new client what are you assessing 

and how do you help them? It is important to 

establish the client’s trust in Ayurveda. Once I have 

established their needs, state of mind and emotions, 

I take their full medical and social history and assess 

their body type with them, sharing the characteristics 

applying to them: their diet, habits, lifestyle issues. 

I work out a plan for them to restore balance and 

achieve a disease-free body with enhanced energy and 

clarity of mind. I may also recommend Ayurvedic 

herbal remedies according to the condition. 

Asmita is also trained in traditional Panchakarma 

and offers an Ayurvedic cookery course. For 

more information and to book an appointment 

call 01273 298286, email info@asmita-ayurveda. 

co.uk or visit www.pavilionhealth.co.uk 


WT Beauty & Health 

Directory 

Sponsored by 


01892 516716 • www.fenwick.co.uk 

Amanda Kelsey 

Ashford 07921 839769 

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Benenden Hospital 

01580 240333 

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Eastwell Manor 

Boughton Lees 01233 213000 

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Fenwick 

Tunbridge Wells 01892 516716 


Gillian Spooner 

Maidstone 01622 862735 

www.gshair.co.uk 

Green Room Bespoke Hairdressing 

Tenterden 01580 766298 

Halcyon Hairdressing 

St Leonards-on-Sea 01424 465333 

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Jasmine Care Agency 

Maidstone 01622 759946 

Cranbrook 01580 713533 

www.jasminecaresoutheast.com 

Just Heaven 

Cranbrook 01580 715717 


Knowle Grange Health Spa 

Frant 01892 750761 

www.knowlegrange.co.uk 

London Beach Country Hotel 

Tenterden 01580 767611 

www.londonbeach.com 

Lucy Stubbs Hairdresser 

Hastings 07947 541293 

Nuffield Health 

Tunbridge Wells 01892 531111 

www.nuffieldhealth.com 

Octane 

Hawkhurst 01580 752952 

www.octane-hair.co.uk 

Procter Health Care 

Eastbourne 01323 417508 

www.procterhealthcare.co.uk 

Purenique 

Hawkhurst, 01580 753383 

www.purenique.co.uk 

Recover Now 

07976 247833 

www.recovernow.co.uk 

Running Hub 

Tunbridge Wells, 01892 530559 

www.runninghub.co.uk 

The Rye Retreat 

Rye 01797 222211 

www.theryeretreat.co.uk 

Stalwart Wellness 

Tenterden, 07779 670502 

www.stalwartwellness.co.uk 

Sue Frieslaar Hairdresser 

Hastings 07795 380707 

Town & Country Homecare Ltd 

Tenterden 01580 762244 

www.townandcountryhomecare.co.uk 

Vanishing Veins 

Horsham, 01403 255265 

www.vanishingveins.com 

Weight Loss Centre 

East Grinstead, 01342 327396 

www.rachelrickettsweightloss.co.uk 

William Charles 

Tenterden 01580 762564 

www.williamcharleshair.co.uk 

Woodbury Dental and Laser 

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Tenterden, 01580 762323 

www.woodburyclinic.co.uk 

Woodside Spa and Glamping 

Staplecross, 01580 830903 

www.woodsidebandb.com 

Yvonne Fernando 

Charing 01233 878474 

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Stockists Info: 

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01892 516716 


• Aromatherapy 

Associates 

• Bee Good 

• Clarins 

• ESPA 

• Green People 

• Kiehl’s 

• Nails Inc 

Annabel James 

0845 548 0210 

www.annabeljames.co.uk 

Beauxoxo 

www.beauxoxo.co.uk 

Bee Fayre 

www.beefayre.com 

BeeInspired 


naturalbeeswaxcreams 

Berry Red 

www.berryred.co.uk 

Blend Collective 

www.wealdenfairs.com 

/blendcollective 

Botanicals 

01664 464472 

www.botanicals.co.uk 

Clinique 

www.clinique.com 

Dandylion Ltd 

www.dandylionltd.co.uk 

Death of Flowers 

www.deathofflowers.co.uk 

Design55 

www.design55online.co.uk 

Dr Bronner 

www.drbronner.co.uk 

Elemental Herbology 

www.elementalherbology.com 

Escentric 


Feel Unique 

www.feelunique.com 

Fresh Therapies 

www.freshtherapies.com 

The Gift Oasis 

www.thegiftoasis.com 

Green People 

www.greenpeople.co.uk 

Henry Tibbs Ltd 

www.henrytibbs.com 

Herbivore 

www.hollys-house.com 

Idyll Home 

www.idyllhome.co.uk 

Inika 

www.inikacosmetics.co.uk 

Laura Ashley 

www.lauraashley.com 

Lush 

For local stockists see 

www.lush.co.uk 

or call 01202 668545 

Meraki 

www.anartfullife.co.uk 

Oliver Bonas 

0208 974 0110 

www.oliverbonas.com 

Organic Pharmacy 

www.theorganicpharmacy.com 

QVCUK 

www.qvcuk.com 

Ragged Rose 

www.wealdenfairs. 

com/raggedrose 

Romney Marsh Wools 

Wealdenfairs.com/ 

romneymarshwools 

Shavata 

0208 993 8333 

www.shavata.co.uk 

Thalgo 

www.thalgo.co.uk 


22

P H C 

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AQUABUBBLES Swimming School 

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Tension, mind & 

body, we can help 

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Holistic Massage Therapist 

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KentMassageTherapyWT167.indd 1 15/12/2015 15:46 

Mobile Hairdresser 

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Telephone: 07947541293 

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128

Press ad_Layout 1 19/08/2011 4:06pm Page 1 

Healthy 

Start to 

The New 

Year 

The taste of Kent 

from your own local farm shop 

These three delicious and revitalising recipes, put 

together by Lou Lou Hamilton and the team from 

Cocolicious in Cranbrook, are the perfect antidote 

to festive overindulgence and New Year blues. 

Photographs: David Merewether 

You’ll taste the difference when you purchase 

your produce from us. 

We’ve sourced fruit and veg from local 

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freshness – and that means great tasting food. 

Why not make 

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And why not treat yourself to some of our 

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PolhillWT116.indd 1 16/09/2011 16:54 

Super Berry Chocolate Smoothie 

( enough for 2 large ) 

• 100g raspberries (I use 

frozen, they work best) 

• 50g blueberries 

• 1tbsp raw cocoa nibs 

• 1tbsp raw cacao 

powder (from any good 

healthfood store or 

Amazon) 

• 1 tbsp milled mixed 

flaxseed, sunflower, 

pumpkin seeds or any 

good milled mix 

• 1tbsp chia seeds 

• 1tbsp organic or virgin 

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• 400ml organic almond, 

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• 1 cup of ice 

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SBIWT164.indd 1 23/09/2015 14:16

………………….it speaks for itself ! 

Bradbourne House. East Malling, Kent. ME19 6DZ 

01732 897436 

www.bradbournehousekent.co.uk 

enquiries@bradbournehousekent.co.uk 

The Winter Warmer 

Wedding Open Afternoon 

Sunday 31st January from 12pm to 4pm 

Corporate Events 

Fine Dining, Award Dinners, 

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Private Celebrations 

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BradbourneHouseWT167.indd 1 03/12/2015 12:43 


130 

FrasersWT167.indd 1 15/12/2015 14:12

TARTINES ( open sandwiches) 

Soda Bread Tartine with Beetroot Hummus, 

Avocado and Shaved Fennel 

For 4 portions 

• 300g cooked beetroot 

(buy precooked or roast 

gently yourself) 

• 2 cloves garlic, minced 

• 150ml olive oil 

• 1 tin of chickpeas in 

water, drained 

• 1 lemon zested and 

squeezed 

• 2 tbsp tahini 

• 100-125ml extra virgin 

olive oil 

• salt and pepper 

• 4 slices of soda bread, 

toasted 

• 2 ripe avocados 

• 1 fennel 

1. Place cooked beetroot in food processor and blend until 

smoothish. 

2. Add chickpeas, lemon zest and juice, tahini and garlic 

with ½ of the olive oil and blend until smooth. If you 

feel it is too dry and needs more liquid add the remainder 

of the olive oil or water until the desired consistency is 

acquired. 

3. Taste and season accordingly and store in fridge until 

ready to use. 

4. When ready to serve, spoon hummus onto toasted bread, 

top with sliced avocado and shaved fennel, drizzle with a 

little more olive oil and lemon, season if needed 

Smashed Avocado with Persimmon, Pomegranate 

and Pumpkin Seeds 

Serves 4 

• 4 slices soda bread 

• 2 ripe avocados 

• 1 or 2 persimmons 

• 1 pomegranate 

• a handful of pumpkin 

seeds, toasted 

• olive oil to drizzle 

• juice of 1 lemon 

1. Cut the avocados in half , remove the stones and scoop 

out the flesh into a bowl, smash with a fork and squeeze 

over ½ of the lemon juice to flavour and also to stop the 

avocado going brown. 

2. Spoon onto toasted bread, thinly slice the persimmon 

fruit and place 4-5 slices on top of the avocado. 

3. Cut the pomegranate in half, hold over a bowl and tap 

the top of the fruit quite hard with a rolling pin to get the 

delicious seeds out. Sprinkle over tartine together with 

pumpkin seeds. 


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Roasted Sweet Potato and Ginger Soup with 

toasted quinoa, coriander and almond 

crumb 

Serves 4 

• 2 large sweet potatoes 

(aprox 700g) 

• 2 shallots, peeled and cut 

into chunks 

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive 

oil 

• 5cm fresh ginger, peeled 

and cut 

• pinch of salt and pepper 

• 1l of good chicken or 

vegetable stock 

• 100g of cooked quinoa 

• 50g flaked almonds, 

toasted 

• 50g coriander, de-stalked 

and roughly chopped 

• pre-heat your oven to 

200˚C 

1. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut into chunks. Put into a 

roasting tin with the shallots, drizzle with olive oil and 

season with salt and pepper, toss until all well coated. 

2. Roast for about 25-30 minutes until the sweet potato is 

tender but not too coloured. 

3. Whilst the potatoes are roasting, cook the quinoa as per 

the packet instructions, and leave to cool. 

4. Once your potatoes are cooked leave to cool slightly 

before putting them in a blender or food processor, along 

with the shallots, ginger, seasoning and stock. Blend in 

small batches until desired consistency. 

5. Heat a frying pan with a little splash of olive oil and 

gently toast the quinoa with the flaked almonds, until 

they turn a light brown colour and a crisp up a bit. 

6. When ready to serve, pour the soup into bowls and add 

the quinoa, almonds and chopped coriander as a garnish 

and enjoy with some delicious toasted sourdough. 

Be sure to pop into Cocolicious in the New Year. 

Cocolicious, Stone Street, Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 

3HF, 01580 714954 www.cocolicious.co.uk 


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134 

OpenviewLandscapeDesignWT166.indd 1 10/11/2015 16:17

FreeImages.com/Michal Pietrzyk 

Seeds of success 

Jo Arnell shares her excitement for seed catalogues 

Hark! Is that the merry thud of the Christmas post, 

or rather, the post-Christmas post landing on the 

mat? The arrival of the seed catalogues is - for sad 

old me anyway - part of the magic of the season. It might 

be dire and dismal outside, but inside their glossy pages it’s 

already high summer and looking gorgeous. The fact that 

these are just pictures and ideas of what could appear after 

laborious sowing, growing and nurturing is, right now, in the 

depths of winter, a side issue. I’m ashamed to say that even 

before the turkey’s cold I’m ready to settle down in front of 

the fire with a pile of them and start my spring dreaming. 

flavour and for the un-buyable taste of home-grown and 

freshly harvested. The heirloom, or heritage, tag is banded 

about in much the same way as ‘vintage’ and ‘retro’ are 

used in fashion and interiors, but to be a proper heirloom 

variety, the seed needs to be at least 70 years old and ‘open 

pollinated’. This means that it will reliably come true from 

collected seed each year so, in theory at least, you need 

only buy once. Heirloom vegetables are renowned for their 

flavour, rather than supermarket uniformity. If you want an 

‘uber’ crop (think of all those lovely straight rows standing 

Seed sowing trends for 2016 

The gardening world turns fairly slowly, so many of last 

year’s trends are still in our minds for this year, but the 

seed catalogues are a good place to look for up-and-coming 

ideas, especially for new plants and new colour schemes. The 

pastel colours of a few years ago are becoming a bit deeper, 

more muted; I’m enjoying the coppery tones, faded dusky 

pinks and the ‘antique’ look, that’s popular at the moment. 

Heirloom varieties - There are also subtle changes on 

the grow-your-own front, and more people are growing 

heirloom vegetables. There’s a huge range of crops available 

now: everything from rainbow carrots and purple-pod peas 

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to attention) then choose an F1 variety. This denotes seed 

that has been bred to create a champion plant with all 

the best characteristics of its parents, plus an enigmatic 

superpower called ‘hybrid vigour’ to make the seed extra fast 

growing and high yielding. These are the racehorses of the 

seed world, so they come at a price; not quite the price of a 

racehorse, but much more expensive than ordinary seed. 

Meadow flowers - We are still stuck on the meadow theme 

it seems, but the loose, romantic look is becoming more 

sophisticated, and interesting flower combinations are 

appearing. It’s a style of gardening that looks carefree and 

simple, but requires some thought and co-ordination in 

order to avoid a messy tangle of competing plants. The good 

news is that a blousy, meadow-style border can be made 

from scratch in an instant (a horticultural instant, that is) 

from just a few packets of seeds. It’s a fun and relatively 

cheap way to experiment with colour and style too. 

Butterflies and bees 

Pollinators need nectar rich flowers and our crops need 

pollinating. This is true on a macro scale, and in our 

domestic spaces too. We are mad about the bees; for very 

worthy, planet saving reasons and because they bring our 

gardens to life. Growing companion plants in the veg 

patch and simple (as opposed to over-frilled and sterile 

double) blooms in the borders will bring beneficial insects, 

beautiful butterflies and buzzing bees into your garden. 

Cut flowers 

Annuals make ideal cut flowers because the simple act of 

cutting them keeps them flowering, and the more you 

cut, the more you get. Flowers like sweet peas, cerinthe, 

cosmos, and sunflowers are easy to grow from seed and once 

they start to flower, will fill your vases all season long. 

A perennial problem 

I don’t want to put anyone off growing perennials from 

seed, but it’s worth looking into it a bit before you do. 

Many perennials need stratifying to break their dormancy. 

It’s a trick of mother nature’s, enabling the seeds to 

germinate only when conditions are right. So they may 

have to go through vernalisation (a period of cold, such 

as the winter), or the seed coating needs some form of 

abrasion, (many are triggered out of dormancy by 

passing through the digestive tract of an animal). They 

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138 

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

may need to be sown fresh, covered by soil and kept in 

the dark, or left to germinate in the light - or all of the 

above. Annuals and biennials on the other hand, haven’t 

got time to mess about waiting for the equivalent of a 

handsome prince to stir them into action. Their life is short 

and to the point - their only job is to flower and set seed 

for the next generation, so they’re under starter’s orders as 

soon as you tip them out of the packet, and will virtually 

germinate before your eyes. If you’re growing plants from 

seed for the first time, or want to encourage the children 

to join in, growing annual seeds is a good place to start. 

FreeImages.com/Robinbd 

Six of the best seed catalogues 

There are lots of good seed suppliers to choose from (see 

bottom of page). The following catalogues stand out for 

me, but I can’t promise a scientific comparison of them. 

It’s not all about yield; half the fun is being inspiredplanning 

the perfect patch and choosing what to grow. 

Chiltern Seeds - has quirky and charming descriptions of 

the plants that make for an entertaining read, even if you 

don’t end up placing an order. The printed catalogue is 

description only, but the online version now has pictures of 

the plants too. Chiltern offer an enormous range of seeds, 

and it’s easy to get tempted into sowing seeds of unusual 

plants or even giant trees. You have been warned… 

The Real Seed Catalogue - sells new and unusual 

heirloom vegetable seed, although most varieties 

have been around for at least 100 years. These vegetables 

have been grown for their flavour, reliability and beauty. 

You won’t find any F1 hybrids in this catalogue. 

Kings Seeds - this company have been producing 

their own seed for many years, both for wholesale 

distribution and direct to the public. They offer 

very good value for money and have a broad 

range of no nonsense vegetables and flowers. 

Seeds of Italy (Franchi) - are very generous with their 

seed and good for Mediterranean vegetables like tomatoes, 

courgettes, and also salad leaves, green beans and cavolo 

nero (Tuscan black kale). I like their strapline too - ‘you will 

reap what you sow.’ It must sound less ominous in Italian. 

Sarah Raven sends out ravishing catalogues and 

has a great website. It’s a really good source of 

inspiration, especially for cut flowers, colourful veg 

and companion plants. The instructions that arrive 

with each order are excellent, but their seeds are quite 

expensive and they’re a bit mean with quantities. 

Special Plants is run by Derry Watkins, a well 

respected nurserywoman and plant hunter based in 

Wiltshire. Much of the seed is collected from the 

nursery and is supplied very fresh. They are helpful, 

informative and respond quickly to queries. 

It might still be several months before we can start sowing 

all the enticing seeds from the catalogues, but just thinking 

about it makes the spring feel a tiny bit closer. From 

the depths of bleak, dark January, let’s march forward 

with Seeds of Italy’s motto ringing in our ears. We will 

indeed reap what we sow. Happy new growing season! 

Contact Jo for border designs, planting and garden 

advice: 01233 861149, jo@hornbrookmanor.co.uk 

Other seed companies to consider: 

DT Brown, Bury Road, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 

7PQ, 0845 371 0532, www.dtbrownseeds.co.uk 

Dobies, Paignton, Devon TQ4 7SX, 0844 

701 7625, www.dobies.co.uk 

Marshalls Seeds, Alconbury Hill, Huntingdon, PE28 

4HY, 0844 557 6700, www.marshalls-seeds.co.uk 

Mr Fothergills, Gazeley Rd, Kentford, Suffolk CB8 

7QB, 0845 3710518, www.mr-fothergills.co.uk 

Nicky’s Nursery, 33 Fairfield Rd, Broadstairs CT10 

2JU, 01843 600972, www.nickys-nursery.co.uk 

Thompson & Morgan, Poplar Lane, Ipswich, Suffolk, 

IP8 3BU, 0844 573 1818, www.thompson-morgan.com 

Suttons, Woodview Road, Paignton, Devon TQ4 

7NG, 0844 922 0606, www.suttons.co.uk 


We’d like to say a big 

thank you to all of 

our distributors 

Find out more at 

wealdentimes.co.uk/distribution 


The lifestyle brand for the Weald & Surrey 

WTBRANDLogoWithSurrey.indd 2 03/12/2014 17:18

Find us on Facebook Badge 

CMYK / .ai 

The 

Green 

Goddess 

Penny Kemp 

shares her tips 

for taking 

care of the 

natural world 

FreeImages.com/Marieke Kuijpers 

The European otter, or to give it its splendid Latin 

name Lutra lutra, is part of the family Mustelids, 

which are the same family as badgers, stoats and 

weasels. The young are called cubs, their burrows called 

holts and they communicate by whistling to each other. 

The otter used to be a common sight in our rivers but, 

unless you are of retirement age and beyond, I doubt that 

you have seen an otter in the wild and certainly not in the 

past few years in the south east. The widespread use of 

organochlorine pesticides in the past century, which then 

leached into our rivers, wiped out most of the otters and, 

by the 1960s, they had virtually vanished from these shores 

bar Wales and Scotland and a few remote places in the West 

Country and Northern England. 

A survey of 2940 sites, all known to have been home to 

otters previously, was carried out between 1977 and 1979. 

The surveyors found otters in just over five per cent of the 

sites. The fourth otter survey carried out between 2000 and 

2002 brought welcome news: more than 36 per cent of the 

sites showed signs of otters returning and, in the fifth survey 

carried out in 2009 and 2010, the figure had risen to 60 

per cent with otters reported back in every English county 

except Kent. Then, in 2011, the Environment Agency 

reported sighting at least two otters in Kent in the River 

Medway and the River Eden. 

The otter’s return is a success story for those who have 

campaigned to clean up our rivers and for legislation to 

prevent the use of damaging and dangerous pesticides. 

Our rivers are the healthiest they’ve been for over twenty 

years and the otter, which is at the top of the food chain, 

indicates how successful all those involved in 

otter conservation have been. 

Lastly, if ever you are lucky enough to see an otter in 

the wild, please let the Wildlife Trust know. Or, if you 

would like to increase your chances of seeing an otter, 

environmental organisations are often looking to recruit 

volunteers to help with their survey work. 

www.wildlifetrusts.org 

We’ve got designs " 

on your garden" 

Tradi&onal or contemporary, large or small, the designers at Gardenproud 

can help you create a garden you’ll be proud of. Our project managers will 

take you through design, approvals, hard landscaping and plan&ng. 

Gardenproud was established in 2007 and is based near Tunbridge Wells. 

We look aDer over 100 proper&es throughout Kent and East Sussex. 

!If you are planning a new 

!garden for 2016 then contact 

!Tim Sykes on 07725 173820, or 

!just Google Gardenproud" 

Traditionally built oak 

frame buildings 

GardenproudWT167.indd 1 14/12/2015 12:46 

Kent Oak Frames 

www.kentoakframes.co.uk • kentoakframes@gmail.com 

Steve: 07748 835554 Kingsley: 07970 005778 

Workshop: 01233 822186 

Coles Yard, Ashford Rd, Bethersden, Kent 


KentOakFramesWT136.indd 1 09/05/2013 17:41

16 January - 28 February 

Sissinghurst Castle Garden 

Brighten up your winter with a visit to an exhibition 

of the very best amateur and professional garden 

photography from across the world brought to life 

by the Sissinghurst gardeners using plants from the 

famous garden. 

Sissinghurst Castle Garden TN17 2AB 01580 710700

What’s On In January 

lambswool, cotton, linen and leather. 

Info: 01580 200905 / www. 

artichokegallery.co.uk 

Sat 16 Jan 10.30am-12pm 

& 1-2.30pm 

Maidstone Museum & Bentlif 

Art Gallery, St. Faith’s Street, 

Maidstone ME14 1LH 

3D Fantasy Masks 

Create a full face fantasy mask of 

your favourite fictional character. 

Info: 01622 602838 / www. 

museum.maidstone.gov.uk 

Family & Friends 

HastingsBoroughCouncilWT167.indd Art 

1 07/12/2015 12:37 

Fri 1 - Mon 4 Jan 11am-4pm 

Fri 1 - Sun 31 Jan Wed 

Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, 

- Sun 11am-4pm 

Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 8JN 

Linden Hall Studio, 32 St 

Arthur’s War 

George’s Road, Deal CT14 6BA In a black metal trunk, hidden away 

Translucence exhibition in the attic a team of volunteers have 

An exhibition of glass, paintings discovered a treasure trove from the 

and drawings by John Corley. 

personal collection of a commanding 

Info: 01304 360411 / www. 

officer from the First World War. This 

lindenhallstudio.co.uk 

winter Scotney Castle will be displaying 

items from his collection including 

Starting Tues 12 Jan 10am-12pm his war diaries in our exhibition, 

Smallhythe Studio, Smallhythe Road, Arthur’s War. Booking Not Needed. 

Tenterden, Kent TN30 7NB 

Info: 01892 893868 / www. 

drawing Classes 

nationaltrust.org.uk/events 

Join the team at Smallhythe Studio 

for this 4 week course, perfect for Fri 1 Jan - Sun 31 Jan 

beginners wanting to learn to draw. Hythe Imperial Hotel, Spa and Golf, 

Entry: £75 

Princes Parade, Hythe CT21 6AE 

Info: 07905 948525 / www. 

2 For 1 Afternoon Tea There 

smallhythestudio.com / art@ 

is nothing quite so English as taking 

smallhythestudio.com 

afternoon tea. The Hythe Imperial are 

honouring this tradition by offering 

Starting Wed 13 Jan 7-9pm 

a selection of over 10 teas, finely cut 

Smallhythe Studio, Smallhythe Road, sandwiches, delicate pastries and freshly 

Tenterden, Kent TN30 7NB 

baked scones with clotted cream. 

Creative poetry 

Info & Booking: 01303 267441 

Learn the joy of creative poetry in this / www.hytheimperial.co.uk 

4 week course with Samm Short. 

Entry: £75 

Fri 1 Jan 

Info: 07905 948525 / www. 

Ightham Mote, Mote Road, Ivy 

smallhythestudio.com / art@ 

Hatch, Sevenoaks TN15 0NT 

smallhythestudio.com 

New Year’s Day Trek 

Discover something new at Ightham 

Sat 16 Jan - Thurs 24 Mar 

Mote this winter and book on our 

Artichoke Gallery, Church 

New Year’s Day trek. Enjoy a full 

Street, Ticehurst TN5 7AE 

English breakfast in the Mote Café 

Pattern 

followed by an informal led walk. 

The team at Artichoke Gallery have Info & Booking : 01732 811314 / www. 

selected a collection of beautiful nationaltrust.org.uk/ightham-mote 

knitwear and accessories, which 

proved so popular in early 2015. Mon 3 Jan 

Pattern has been at the forefront of Turner Contemporary Rendezvous, 

their minds as they chose jewellery, Margate CT9 1HG 

ceramics and paintings to complement Easy Sunday - Family 

Workshop 

Try something new on every 

visit to Turner Contemporary 

at our family workshops. 

Entry: £3.50 per child / free for 

adults, under 3s and families 

living in CT9 postcode 

Info: 01843 233000 / www. 

turnercontemporary.org 

Wed 6 Jan 11.30am / 1pm 

South of England Rare Breeds 

Centre, Highlands Farm, 

Woodchurch, Ashford TN26 3RJ 

Storytelling Days 

Come along on the 1st Wednesday of 

each month for a 30 minute magical 

storytelling session throughout the 

winter months in the Discovery Zone. 

Relax with your little ones as they 

watch and listen to a variety of different 

tales as told by our Master Storytellers! 

Entry: free when farm 

admission is purchased 

Info: 01233 861493 / www. 

rarebreeds.org.uk 

Sat 9 Jan 7.30pm 

Folkestone Comedy Club Dance Easy, 

19 The Bayle, Folkstone CT20 1SQ 

Welcome 2016 comedy show 

The Folkestone Comedy Club 

presents its New Year Show with 

musical comedian Rob Deering, 

searingly brilliant Sean McLoughlin, 

Stuart Hosmer-Wright, Ian Miller 

& resident MC Dan Atkinson. Five 

fantastic comedians, local ales, a tiptop 

way to forget the January gloom. 

Info: 07905 475647 / www. 

folkestonecomedy.co.uk 

Sat 30 Jan 10am – 2pm 

Hall Place and Gardens, Bourne 

Road, Bexley, Kent DA5 1PQ 

RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 

We’re taking part in the RSPB’s Big 

Garden Birdwatch. Come along and 

help us to identify some of the River 

Cray’s birdlife. At the bird hide in 

the nursery, follow the signs onsite. 

Entry: Free 

Info: 01322 621238 

markets 

Sun 31 Jan 10am-1pm 

Cliftonville Farmers’ Market, 

Oval Lawns, Eastern Esplanade, 

Cliftonville, Margate CT9 2HL 

Cliftonville 

Farmers’ Market 

Cliftonville Farmers’ Market 

was established in 2001 by the 

Cliftonville Residents Association 

and is run entirely by volunteers. 

Award-winning Farmers’ Market where 

producers will be selling bread, cheese, 

honey, fruit, vegetables, wild game, fruit 

juices, fresh meat and much more. 

Info: 01843 226033 

Sun 31 Jan 10am-3pm 

Old School Hall, Lower Road, East 

Farleigh, Maidstone, Kent ME15 0JL 

Antique & vintage market 

Browse from a huge selection of 

hand picked antiques including 

furniture, vintage clothes, jewellery 

and a beautiful selection of homeware. 

Tea, home-made cakes and lunches 

are available at the back of the hall. 

Entry: £2 before 12pm, £1 after 

Info: 07703 525138 

Music 

Sat 2 Jan 

Shirley Hall, The King’s School, 

Canterbury CT1 2ES 

The Merry Widow 

Following their highly successful 

performance in the summer, 

Canterbury Cathedral Garden 

Opera presents Lehar’s The 

Merry Widow comic opera. 

Info: 07974 800408 

Sun 17 Jan 3pm 

Groves Hall, Sutton Valence School 

sutton valence 

music society 

The cellist Ori Epstein won both 

first prize in the string section and 

the Audience Prize at the 2014 

Tunbridge Wells International Young 

Artists Competition. Accompanied 

by his brother, Omri, 

he will play Beethoven, 

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YoursTrulyWT133.indd 1 19/02/2013 17:54

DoorToDoorWT158.indd 1 20/03/2015 10:12 


Ibbett Mosely 

AUCTIONEERS & VALUERS 

Limited Liability Partnership 

The Auctioneer's Next Sale Will Be On 

Wednesday 20th January 2016 

Commencing at 12.30pm | Viewing 10.00am - 12.30pm 

The Auction Rooms, Argyle Road, 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 

Christmas Show 

Beautiful work by Talented Artists 

IbbettMoselyWT167.indd 1 27/11/2015 11:38 

Runs until 30 th January 2016 

FISH COOKERY SCHOOL 

Fish filleting, preserving techniques, making sauces, professional culinary 

tips, knife skills, matching fish with flavours, kids classes, delicious recipes. 

Learn new skills and cook restaurant quality food at the fish cookery school 

in the heart of Hastings fishing quarter - from as little as £20. 

www.classroomonthecoast.org 

The Singing Soul Gallery 

19 Stone St. Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3HF 

01580 714551 

www.singingsoulgallery.co.uk 

All 

areas 

covered 

We come to 

you 

External front and back doors 

supplied and fitted from £295 

HastingsBoroughCouncilWT167.indd 1 16/12/2015 MariePrettWT166.indd 15:36 

1 10/11/2015 15:37 

Cottage Door 

From £495 

Fitted 

Price includes Door, Glass, Letter Plate, Hinges, Lock & Fitting. Staining and Painting Service Available 

5 Lever 

deadlocks 

£39 fitted 

1 

2 

Internal Doors 

supplied and fitted 

from £85 price includes: Door, 

Latch, Handles, Hinges & Fitting 

6 

3 

4 

5 

1. Security hinges 

2. 3 way multi-point 

locking system 

3. Vectis locking 

system 

4. Stormguard trimline 

5. Weather bar / rain 

deflector 

6. Optional letter plate 

Wide 

range of 

internal 

doors 

Stable Doors 

supplied & fitted. 

Price includes: Door, Latch, 

Handles, Hinges & Fitting 

NIGHT 

LATCH 

5 LEVER 

DEADLOCK 

Wide 

range of 

ironmongery 

available 

White 

Moulded 

From £95 

Classique 2 

Panel from 

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Oak 

Suffolk 

from £185 

Oak 

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from £175 

DOOR-TO-DOOR HARDWOOD DOOR SPECIALIST FOR FREE ADVICE & ESTIMATES 

TEL 01580 240423 or 07850 906271 email: info.door2door@btinternet.com 

Oak 

Shaker 

from £205 


144


Schubert and Brahms. 

Entry: £12 including afternoon tea 

Info: 01622 863002 

Jan 2016 Vestry Hall, Cranbrook 

Sat 23 Jan 

& Village Hall, Rolvenden 

The Pamoja Hall, Sevenoaks School 

Morning courses 11:00-13:00hrs 

Evening courses 19:00-21:00hrs 

Handel’s Messiah 

£12 for 2 hours or £60 for a 6 week course 

The Cantate Choir, along with 

Enhance emotional, cognitive, 

orchestra and 4 very fine soloists will 

& physical wellbeing 

perform this beautiful music to raise A great way to alleviate stress & depression 

money for Hospice in the Weald. 

Allow a new insight & meaning that 

might not be achieved by thinking 

Entry: £20 includes a glass of bubbly 

consciously or by talking 

Contact Dr. Gili Koochaki 

Mon 25 Jan 7pm 

07854 459384 or kooli@hotmail.co.uk 

www.giliart.com 

Canterbury Cathedral, The 

Precincts, Canterbury CT1 2EH Wed 20 - Sat 23 Jan 

Canterbury Choral DrGiliKoochakiWT167.indd Hazlitt Theatre, Earl 1 Street, 03/12/2015 16:59 

‘Outstanding’ 

Society Winter Concert Maidstone ME14 1PL 

Canterbury Choral Society and 

Joseph and the Amazing 

its Youth Choir are joined by the Technicolor Dreamcoat 

world-renowned English Chamber Stage Theatre Society are back during 

Orchestra to sing Vivaldi’s everpopular 

Gloria, and Haydn’s great musical spectacular, ‘Joseph’. Set to a 

the pantomime season with the family 

Nelson Mass, the most Beethovenian score by Andrew Lloyd-Webber and 

of his works, powerful and 

with lyrics by Tim Rice, ‘Joseph’ tells 

dramatic, and one of the towering a story of jealousy, betrayal and envy 

masterpieces of the classical age. that ultimately leads to forgiveness. 

Booking: 01227 787787 

Info: 01622 758611 / www. 

parkwoodtheatres.co.uk 

Mon 25 Jan 7.45pm 

The Grey Lady, 70 The Pantiles, Sun 24 Jan 

Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5TW Theatre Royal Margate, Addington 

Singer’s Open Mic Night Street, Margate CT9 1PW 

Singers of all ages are invited to sing The Snow Queen 

with a pianist and a bass player. Singers Join Ballet Theatre UK in their 

should bring a lead sheet for their beautiful re-telling of Hans Christian 

songs. One song guaranteed, two if Andersen’s classic fairy-tale ballet, 

time allows. Listeners and singers are The Snow Queen: the iconic tale that 

both welcome. A PA is provided. Songs inspired the smash hit movie Frozen. 

sung can be jazz, pop, blues, gospel, This spectacular production follows 

country, folk, musicals or classical. the story of Gerda and her quest to 

Entry: £5 

find her friend Kay, whom the Snow 

Info: 01732 460143 / john@ 

Queen has placed under an evil spell. 

listeningroom.co.uk / www. 

Info & Booking: 01843 292795 / 

thegreylady.co.uk 

www.theatreroyalmargate.com 

Theatre 

Fri 1 - Sat 30 Jan various times 

Trinity Theatre, Church Road, 

Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1JP 

OLiver! 

Based on Charles Dickens’ classic 

novel, Oliver! is one of the most 

successful musicals of all time. This 

timeless story tells the tale of the boy 

who asks for more, and transports 

us back to Victorian London. 

Info & Booking: 01892 678678 

/ www.trinitytheatre.net 

The Art & Mind Course 

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 

February issue is 11 January 2016. 

RYE 

S 

DI TU O 

For the Creative Industries 

Rated 

by 

Foundation Diploma 

BTEC 

A Level 

GCSE 

Art 

Art History 

Photography 

Graphics 

Textiles 

Creative Media 

Fashion and Clothing 

Performing Arts: Dance, Drama, Music 

Production Arts 

Enterprise and Entrepreneurship 

Theatrical Hair and Makeup 

English Language and Literature 

Mathematics 

Accounting 

Plus 

Business 

IT 

Industry Specific Work placements 

Science 

Arts Awards 

Local and National Galleries 

Theatre, Operas and Concerts 

Study visits to London, France, Denmark and New York 

Fashion Shows and Photo shoots 

National Citizen Scheme 

Duke of Edinburgh Award 

Public performances, Pop up shops and Festivals 

www.ryestudioschool.co.uk 

Specialist creative education 14-19yr olds 

The Grove, Rye 

East Sussex TN31 7NQ 

01797 228434 


RyeStudioSchoolWT167.indd 1 16/12/2015 15:57

Make a Will 

Fortnight 

Make a 

New Year’s Resolution 

Make a Will 

8-19th February 2016 

in aid of 

Heart of Kent Hospice 

Local solicitors generously 

donate client appointments 

and invite you to make a 

voluntary donation to your 

local Hospice. 

A great opportunity to make 

or update your Will and 

support your local Heart of 

Kent Hospice. 

Make sure that your family 

and friends are provided for 

in the way you wish. 

Visit www.hokh.org/makeawill 

for full details and participating solicitors. 

Email: fundraising@hokh.co.uk Tel: 01622 790195 Registered charity no. 298164

Home & Interiors 

The cabinet painter 

Refresh your kitchen 

with a stylish painted 

makeover 

Minimal fuss, 

Maximum effect 

The affordable solution 

01797 270163 

chameleon-kitchens.co.uk 

email: alisonstevensarts@gmail.com 

Restoring Quality 

Full restoration service, over 

25 years’ experience. Including 

Cabinet making, French 

polishing, finishing / colouring / 

distressing, Gilding, Veneering. 

Call me for a free quote or 

advice. On site work available. 

SUSAN SURGEY 

Restorer of Fine Antique Furniture 

Ashford 01233 877342 

or 07712 451104 

For examples, please visit 

www.susansurgey.co.uk 

Wealden Times - Classified 

AlisonStevensWT161.indd 1 17/06/2015 SusanSurgeyWT167.indd 13:30 

1 26/11/2015 12:41 

AP INTERIOR DESIGN 

Juliet Murray - Pastel Landscape Artist 

& Picture Framer 

DO YOU NEED YOUR HOME DECLUTTERED? 

WOULD YOU LIKE HELP TO MAKE YOUR HOUSE A HOME? 

If so, please don’t hesitate to contact me: 

Alison 07770 273863 alison.pilk@btinternet.com 

Original Ashdown Forest 

& Sussex pastel paintings, 

limited edition prints & cards. 

Also large stock of vintage 

& antique artwork. 

To find out more, visit 

www.cogcraft.co.uk 

email: juliet@cogcraft.co.uk 

Phone 01825 712565 

Twitter: @JulietMurrayArt 

APinteriorDesignWT166.indd 1 12/11/2015 JulietMurrayWT167.indd 14:55 

1 16/12/2015 15:37 

www.dhallcabinetmaker.co.uk 

David Hall 

Cabinet Maker 

& 

Antique Restorer 

* High Quality Bespoke Furniture 

* Antique Restoration of all types 

* Carving and Copy Carving 

* Polishing 

NO VAT 

Phone 01797 270761 

Email: hallcrocket@aol.com 

Clare Langdon 

INTERIORS 

Made to measure 

curtains & blinds 

Tracks & poles 

Measuring & fitting service 

Home consultation 

Fabrics & design advice 

Telephone 01233 850931 

clarelangdoninteriors.co.uk 

Norris 

Family Upholsterers 

Est. 1945 

Free estimates and advice 

Sofas and chairs for sale 

Call 01424 812129 

Peter Fournel 

DavidHallWT108.indd 1 14/01/2011 ClareLangdonWT165.indd 15:27 

1 21/10/2015 15:49 

Antique & Modern 

Furniture 

Restoration 

Collection and delivery, Advice given 

01622 843284 07712 801308 

www.peterfournel.com 

Full colour advertising from 

as little as £40 a month. 

Call Adam on 01580 714705 

adam.donovan@wealdentimes.co.uk 

NorrisFamilyUpholsterersWT163.indd 112/08/2015 PeterFournelWT145.indd 11:02 

1 10/02/2014 13:47 

est 1980 

◆ Carpets ◆ Vinyl ◆ Laminate 

Expert advice and a quality service, offering 

exceptional value for money. Old carpets uplifted and 

disposed of and furniture moved at no extra cost! 

www.lwfs.co.uk 

01622 730626 | 07833 160017 


LawrenceWhibleyWT167.indd 1 16/12/2015 11:16

Gardens & Buildings 

STUMP 

REMOVAL 

GARDEN 

MAINTENANCE 

HEDGE WORKS 

Call 

01227 768112 or 07809 476910 

Pop-up Shop Now Open 

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bespoke ironwork for home & garden 

07765 344298 

www.cranbrookiron.com 

LTJ SURFACING 

Family Run Business for over 27 years 

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1 10/11/2015 16:14 

Specialists in Tarmac ‧ Block Paving 

‧ Concrete ‧ Bonded Tar & Gravel 

‧ Resin Bounded ‧ Brickwork 

‧ All Other Groundwork Undertaken 

Private & Commercial ‧ Driveways 

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‧ Pressure Washing ‧ We Offer 

Machine & Hand Lay Tarmac Teams 

For a FREE site survey 

and advice please call 

07799 351299 

or 01622 436933 

Visit us at www.ltjsurfacing.co.uk 

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wrapping. 13 Tonne, 3 Tonne 

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Oak off-cuts/Logs seasoned 

dry. Half tonne Apple Bins. 

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ANYTHING CONSIDERED. 

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07921 143851 

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LTJSurfacingWT167.indd 1 14/12/2015 WallgemWT165.indd 17:48 

1 20/10/2015 21:29 

Groundworks 

• Driveways & Patios • Footings 

• Blockpaving • Brickwork • Tarmac 

• Drainage • Concreting • Fencing 

STUMP GRINDING 

SERVICE 

Phone Mark 

07883 470987 

wealdengroundworks@hotmail.co.uk 

www.wealdengroundworks.co 

Geoff Tiltman 

City & Guilds in Horticulture N.C.T 

CREATING GARDENS OF DISTINCTION 

All Garden Construction • Drives 

Paving • Walling • Fencing 

All Garden Work 

Probably the most experienced, established 

and qualified contractor in the area 

SMARDEN 01233 770777 

MOBILE 07775 694963 

WealdenGroundworksWT167.indd 1 11/12/2015 09:42 

TomHopeWT166.indd 1 11/11/2015 GeoffTiltmanWT164.indd 12:39 

1 22/09/2015 18:04 

01580 753249 / 07818 256319 

www.wealdhire.com 

RESTYLE PAVING 

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Block Paving - Pathways - Driveways 

Landscape Gardening - Plastering 

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All Building Maintenance Undertaken 

Call Tom on: 07827 226392 

HUMMINGBIRD 

FENCING 

ALL FENCING, GATES & REPAIRS UNDERTAKEN 

Experienced and reliable, fully insured and 

registered waste carrier. Free no obligation 

quotes. No job too small. Chris Roberts, 

M: 07967 930817 E: zoer06@aol.com 

Doug Harman Photography’s Gift Vouchers 

start at just £75 and are redeemable against 

all our photo services including 

1-2-1 photo tuition, photography workshops, 

portraits, wedding photography & much more. 

T: 07812 459590 

W: dougharmanphotography.com 

E: doug@dougharmanphotography.com 

WealdHireWT165.indd 1 15/10/2015 TPBuildersWT167.indd 11:45 

1 15/12/2015 11:33Fascias & Gutters. Mobile car & 

• Block Paving • Fencing • Full Public 

caravan cleans. House & office 

Specialists • Ground Liability 

cleans. End of tenants. Carpet 

• Driveways Works Insurance 

• Paths • All aspects • Covering 

cleaning. Grass & Lawn mowing. 

• Patios of Brickwork Kent & 

Call 07756 248128 

• Pressure • Large Surrounding 

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Call now for FREE advice & estimates 

07921 882907 / 01892 325180 

Pet portrait 

photo sessions 

Call now to book 

your space 

01580 893040 

www.photomegorgeous.com 

DougHarmanPhotographyWT167.indd 108/12/2015 PhotoMeGorgeousWT167.indd 10:49 

1 03/12/2015 12:23 

COMPUTING FOR 

BEGINNERS 

One to One Computer 

and iPad Training in 

your own home. 

Call Lynn for more 

details 01622 745654 

Photography 

I.T Services 

Cleaning Services 

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1 21/10/2015 17:03 

ironing made easy 

Full Laundry and 

Dry Cleaning Services 

Free Collection & Delivery 

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www.iron-maids.co.uk 

CLEANING SERVICES 

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07/12/2015 17:30 

Window cleaning from £5. 

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Job Hunting Services 

JOB HUNTING SERVICES 

Professional CV writing, 

Interview Training, the help you 

need to get the job you want. 

Please contact us on 

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www.yournewtomorrow.eu 


148 

RestylePavingWT167.indd 1 11/12/2015 HummingbirdFencingWT167.indd 14:51 

1 15/12/2015 19:41 

YourNewTomorrowWT165.indd 1 20/10/2015 17:46

TenterdenTilingWT149.indd 1 16/06/2014 15:29 

Food & Drink 

RYE BAY FISH 

competition 

WIN an evening of 

Top-notch comedy, supper, an 

overnight stay & breakfast 

at The Bell in Ticehurst 

1 st prize winners with Time & Leisure Magazine 

Shane & Terry Haddon Mostly Local Fish 

Open Seven days a week Find us on Facebook 

Phone 01797 222377 email: thaddon@live.co.uk 

We send Fresh Fish By Mail Order To Anywhere in UK 

RyeBayFishWT165.indd 1 20/10/2015 18:23 

www.sandrafi eldcaterer.co.uk 

www.weddingcateringinkent.co.uk 

CATERING SPECIALIST 01580 890 554 

Parties to hog roasts, buffets, weddings, barbecues to chocolate 

fountains, we'll give you a personal and professional service for any 

event, just visit us online and see what our clients are saying. 

SandraFieldWT167.indd 1 07/12/2015 14:04 

QUALITY CATERING 

FOR ALL OCCASIONS 

GIANT PAELLAS - GOURMET BBQ’S 

AND MUCH MORE! 

Weddings • Parties • Celebrations 

Indoor / Outdoor Catering 

Finest Crockery & Cutlery Hire 

Telephone 07769 663053 Find us on Facebook 

www.bigdishcatering.co.uk 

Tiles & Tile Care 

BigDishCateringWT167.indd 1 26/11/2015 14:10 

It is hardly surprising that having a laugh at The Bell is proving so 

popular. The venue’s first season of comedy evenings has featured 

the very best from the Edinburgh Festival and top London comedy 

venues. By visiting festivals and shows across the country to scout for 

acts, we’ve brought amazing talent to The Bell – some famous, some 

up-and-coming. Comedy trickster Paul Zenon, fabulous musical 

comedy act Le Gateau Chocolat and Jonny Woo, laconic raconteur 

Marcel Lucont, rap comedians Abandoman and the amazing Frisky 

and Mannish are all recent sell-out acts. 

On 11 February, young stand-up Ivo Graham will take to the stage 

at The Bell. This award-winning comedian has appeared on various 

Radio 3, Radio 4 and 5 Live shows, has sold out at London’s Soho 

Theatre and now he is coming to Ticehurst. 

The Bell is offering two tickets to see Ivo on Thursday 11 February 

with supper, plus an overnight stay in its famous Love Nest. Enjoy 

a sinfully comfortable bed, wood-burner and copper bath in your 

room as well as a twin shower – encircled by luxury. Goodness, 

there is even a curved TV! In the morning, you’ll start your day with 

a delicious Bell breakfast before departing. 

The Bell would like to offer Wealden Times readers 20% off 

room and lodge rates for a mid-week stay throughout March and 

April, subject to availability. To take advantage of this special offer, 

call Reservations on 01580 200234 quoting ‘WT1’. For more 

information on up-and-coming comedy at The Bell, go to www. 

thebellinticehurst.com/events 

Contact us for more details: 

Tel./Fax: 

01580 761191 

www.tenterdentiling.co.uk 

Learn a trade or improve your skills 

with the CITB CSkills Award for wall 

and floor tiling training courses with 

our qualified professional tutors. 

Whether you want an introduction to the basics, 

to develop your existing skills or a full intensive 

course giving you the skills and confidence to 

tackle any tiling project, we offer one, two and four 

week courses, PLUS the opportunity to become 

a registered Devi under tile heating installer. 

Showroom at: 

Leigh Green Industrial Estate 

Appledore Road, 

Tenterden TN30 7DE 

For your chance to win two comedy 

show tickets, supper, an overnight stay 

and breakfast at The Bell, just answer 

this question: ‘What is the name of 

the rap comedy act that appeared at 

The Bell?’ Enter your answer with your 

contact details* in the online form at 

www.wealdentimes.co.uk/competition or 

post to: The Bell Competition, Wealden 

Times, 21 Stone Street, Cranbrook, 

Kent TN17 3HF by 18 January 2016. 

There is no cash alternative and the prize must be taken by Thursday 11 

February. *All entrants’ details will be passed on to The Bell and Wealden 

Times Events. Please let us know if you do not wish your details to be passed on. 

Congratulations to Jonathan Nixon who wins the December competition for a 

beautiful selection of copper kitchenware from Steamer Trading.

This Month’s Top Picks... 


Discovered by us... 

delivered to you 

Original French Enamel 

Sign // £98 

Wealdenfairs.com/restored2bloved 

19th Century French Planter // £195 

Wealdenfairs.com/thevintagehomeshop 

Floral Oven Range 

Mats // £20 

Wealdenfairs.com/raggedrose 

Men’s Grey Tee (above), £25; Lunan 

Lounge Pants (below), £39.99 

Wealdenfairs.com/blueblancmange 

Gill Giraffe iPad Case // £30 

Wealdenfairs.com/hillyhubb 

Chrome Pyramid Wine Rack// £22.95 

Wealdenfairs.com/fieldsofblue 

Copperhurst Romney 

Blackthorn Throw // £154.95 

Wealdenfairs.com/romneymarshwools 

Sal De Ibiza Ceramic Pot (left), £15; Flor De Aceite Lemon 

Oil (middle), £8; Sal De Ibiza Hot Chili Salt (right), £10 

Wealdenfairs.com/deliciouslyspain 

Follow us for new products, 

competitions and promotions.

Introducing... 

KaboodleBag 

Inspired by her own hectic lifestyle, Sally Godfrey 

came up with the concept for Kaboodlebag 

primarily out of necessity. Even now, she is 

surprised by the number of uses people find for 

her fun and versatile bags. 

What’s the significance of your company name, 

‘KaboodleBag’? I wanted a name that encompasses the 

practicality of the product and that would be catchy and 

memorable. Originally, the name comes from the phrase “the 

whole kit and caboodle” 

which conveys the fact 

that it can be used to carry 

anything and everything! 

What inspired you 

both to start your 

business? Primarily it was 

need! With a busy, muddy 

and active lifestyle which 

includes a farm and four 

sporty children. I needed a 

large tub-style bag that was 

roomy, waterproof and tough 

to get kit in and out of the car. I also needed it to be easy to 

store when not in use. After a lot of searching, I realised what 

I was looking for did not exist… so I designed my own! 

Have you always been a creative person? 

Yes, I consider myself pretty creative. I’ve run my own 

interior design business for 20 years and love making 

things: curtains, designing cushions, flower arrangements. 

I also love painting and drawing (in my spare time!). 

What’s your favourite product from your 

collection? I love all the bags! The KaboodleBag is definitely 

one of those things that you never knew you needed until 

you have one. Having sold them now for a few years, I am 

constantly surprised at how people find new ways to use them! 

Top Ten Uses: 

1. Wellies in the boot of Car 

2. Laundry Bag 

3. Wet Suits & Life Jackets 

4. Beach Bag 

5. Muddy Rugby Kit 

6. Horse Riding Stuff 

7. Gardening Trug 

8. Shopping Bag 

9. Children’s Toy Box 

10. Log Basket 

Do you enjoy working for yourself? 

Yes, I love working for myself as I can combine and balance all 

the elements of my life: my family, the farm, my interiors and 

KaboodleBag… I don’t like being bored! 

What makes all the hard work worth it? 

I love it when I’m at a Fair, people walk past my stall and stop in 

their tracks saying ‘that’s what I need!’. When people just “get” 

the product and realise it is what they have been missing, it’s 

incredibly satisfying! 

What influences your product aesthetic? As well as 

the practical side, I wanted the bags to look funky and fun in a 

variety of bright and appealing colours. The bag itself comes in 

two sizes and is designed to stand up on its own like a tub but can 

be easily rolled up for storage. The handles are very strong and 

the perfect length to either carry by hand or over the shoulder. 

What is the essence of the business? I wanted to go 

back to traditional values, to offer a really practical, well made 

product that will last for 25 years and is made in the UK. 

Tell us about the process of creating your 

product? I had great fun designing the patterns and making 

prototypes over my kitchen table. The next step was to scour 

the country to find a manufacturer as well as sourcing fabrics 

and parts. I went on to designing the logo for labels and letterheads 

to start to create a memorable brand. Next I created a 

website to sell KaboodleBags and to get the name out there. 

All of a sudden my entrance hall was full of KaboodleBags 

and I realised ‘Gosh, this is real... I have to sell them now!’ 

Clockwise from above, Large Turquoise & Lime Kaboodlebag, 

£33; Small Aqua & Pink Kaboodlebag, £28; Large Navy & Pink 

Kaboodlebag, £33; Large Kaboodlebags in assorted colours, £33 

www.wealdenfairs.com/kaboodlebag


Parisian 

Cornet Table 

Lamp 

£125 


Discovered by us... delivered to you

Sell online with us... 

Become a member of our community of unique, vintage, handmade & bespoke sellers 


PRICELESS 

JULY 2015 


LIVING SPACES SUPPLEMENT 

inside 


Exclusive Editorial - Reach our 105,000 + monthly readers of 

Wealden Times as well as other local and national publications. 

Promote your business with the Wealden Times brand - gain access to our extensive audience 

of website and event visitors, social media following as well as our monthly magazine and app readership. Benefit from 

email newsletter campaigns, product and interview features, blog posts, social media exposure, competitions and more. 

Get More From Google - Manage your own micro-site and URL address within 

Wealdenfairs.com and strengthen your own page ranking by linking from our site to your 

own. Benefit from on-page product optimisation by our SEO specialists. 

“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

SUPER LASTING GIFT! Chicken house & 8’ run with: 

• 4 supa-laying 

chickens 

Animal & Pets 

• Sack of mixed food 

• Waterer 

• Shavings 

• Hay for nest box 

Fables 

From 

The Farm 

Jane looks forward 

to a new year and 

new calves 

NEW HOUSE (flatpacked) only £245 or built ones, Second-hand (less 

than 6mo) only £195. Beacon Stud, Benenden TN17 4BU, look for 

the Union Jack flag! Open 7 days 10am-4pm. We also have a HUGE 

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FREE delivery in Kent call to order 01580 240120 

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KENT PIANO TUTOR 

Lessons in your home! 

Also Clarinet - Sax - Trumpet 

Louise 07989 370624 

www.KentPianoTeacher.co.uk 

KentWildlifePestControlWT165.indd 1 15/10/2015 LouiseWoodcockWT166.indd 12:36 

1 30/10/2015 10:36 

After all the good living and late-night partying that’s 

been going on in recent weeks it’s pleasing to be 

back to normal in terms of meals and bedtimes 

– except that we’re not. Last year our new bull George 

arrived at Christmas and, being keen to get on and use him, 

we let him run with the cows earlier than usual, from late 

March, so the calves will start arriving in early January. 

It’s a very special time, and after fifteen years, still every 

bit as wonderful as a new calf slips into the world, usually 

in the dead of night. All being well, after all the heaving 

and pushing, the mum will be straight up again licking 

her newborn – that’s where the saying ‘licking into shape’ 

comes from – talking to it in a low, gentle moo and 

generally encouraging it to get up and start drinking. 

And that’s very important, because the calf needs to drink 

2½ litres of colostrum – the thick milk produced once the 

calf is delivered – in the first six hours of life. This special 

milk is full of the mother’s antibodies and, during the first 

hours, the calf can absorb these large molecules which protect 

it from all the local microbes. After six hours the gut lining 

changes and the antibodies can’t pass through, so the calf that 

hasn’t drunk has no resistance to disease and will succumb, 

most commonly to E. coli, in the first few days of life. 

If it’s been a difficult birth and the cow and calf are 

exhausted, it is best to leave them for an hour or so to 

recover, but you can’t leave it too long. As a beginner, I 

used to really worry and was never sure if the calf had 

drunk or not drunk. Now, if it’s an older experienced 

cow, they’re both up and about and she’s speaking to 

it and shoving it in the right direction (towards her 

udder) then chances are that all will be well and it will 

soon be sucking. There are four options after all! 

But with the heifers you can’t be so sure. For these firsttime 

mothers you can quite understand why, after pushing 

out a 30kg calf, they are sometimes startled, cross and not 

the least bit enamoured with the prospect of motherhood! 

So you then have to tether mum, usually between a gate 

and the wall, and encourage the small, slippery calf to stand, 

find the udder and latch on – without either of you getting 

kicked. A good trick is to squirt some warm milk from the 

teat over the calf’s nose and ideally into its mouth – along 

the lines of a ‘wake up and smell the coffee’ message. 

Quite often you miss and squirt milk up your sleeve 

or into your own face, and all this as the mum sambas 

this way and that, swishing her mucky tail around your 

head. Not a job for the squeamish! But heavenly when 

at last mum and calf get it together and you leave the 

cowshed covered in milk, muck – and worse – but 

very content. I’ll take my coffee black, thank you. 

Follow Jane on Twitter @coopers_farm 

WaggingTailsWT164.indd 1 17/09/2015 11:25 


154

Beautiful, bespoke kitchens and cabinetry. 

Stop at nothing. 

Please call for a brochure or visit our showrooms 

Unit 9, Chart Farm, Seal Chart 

Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0ES 

Tel: 01732 762682 

www.rencraft.co.uk 

www.collinsbespoke.com 

For a free design consultation with Marion John Kitchen Design Award finalists, 

81 Calverley Road 

Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2UY 

visit, call or email: 

Tel: 01892 520730 Old Surrenden Manor, Bethersden, Kent 01233 822595 

info@collinsbespoke.com 

Showroom very nearly ready but visitors are always welcome, of course!

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Wealden Times | WT167 | January 2016 | Health & Beauty supplement inside

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