Surrey Homes | SH18 | April 2016 | Garden supplement inside

PRICELESS 

APRIL 2016 

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Contents 

April 2016 

8 110 

12 

GREAT OUTDOORS 

John Graham-Hart 

finds homes with 

lovely gardens 

92 

MINI MAGIC 

Colourful, tactile 

and tempting 

children's clothes 

21 

24 

40 

67 

65 

IT'S APRIL 

What's going on near 

you this month 

CHELSEA PREVIEW 

Who's doing what 

at the RHS Chelsea 

Flower Show 

HOME FROM HOME 

John Graham-Hart 

visits a restored 

Georgian farmhouse 

near Goudhurst 

GET THE LOOK 

Gorgeous home 

accessories from 

Wealdenfairs.com 

FABULOUS 

UNDERFOOT 

Flooring: from runners 

and rugs to oiled boards 

107 

109 

110 

117 

121 

123 

WEALDEN HEALTH 

& BEAUTY 

Tips to keep you 

feeling gorgeous 

NATURAL 

REMEDIES 

Kitchen garden cures 

and the benefits of hops 

LIFE'S A PICNIC 

Juliet Bidwell shares her 

favourite picnic recipes 

APRIL GARDENS 

Jo Arnell on jobs to 

do this month 

BUSHCRAFT 

Penny Kemp on the 

benefits of bushcraft 

WHAT'S ON 

Find out... 

70 

95 

MODERN TAKE 

Jane Howard 

on a surprising 

'Georgian' rectory 

CLEVER & PRETTY 

The best storage 

solutions from 

WT's homes 

128 

128 

COMPETITION 

Win a Harvey Water 

Softener worth £1600! 

FABLES FROM 

THE FARM 

Jane Howard on 

setting up a wild 

flower meadow... 

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© 

beautiful fused glass gift and interior pieces, 

handmade at our cornwall studio. 

128 high street, ripley, woking, surrey gu23 6ay 

www.jodowns.com 

5 www.wealdentimes.co.uk 

JoDownsRipleyS18.indd 1 09/03/2016 14:32

Surrey, Sussex & Hampshire’s 

Premier Oak Framed Specialist 

Surrey Oak Barns is a specialist oak frame contractor offering 

a complete and seamless multi-trade service, from simple 

garages and garden rooms to fully finished buildings, all tailored 

to meet our client’s specific requirements. 

We offer a complete service from design, planning and 

construction through to completion, ensuring our client’s 

achieve their aspirations for oak buildings from a single source. 

Surrey Oak Barns is the only oak framed contractor to be 

awarded Chartered Building Company status which identifies 

those businesses that are committed to quality of product and 

service, integrity of conduct and concern for client’s needs. 

We are currently offering a free planning service for detached 

barns up to four bays to all prospective clients 

To find out about our special offers please call 01483 420258 

email info@surreyoakbarns.co.uk or visit www.surreyoakbarns.co.uk

Godstone, Surrey 

A handsome house for renovation 

An unusual opportunity to complete the renovation of a period country house to provide 5 reception 

rooms and 5 bedroom suites. Second floor with further ancillary rooms/staff accommodation. Situated in 

an elevated position in outstanding mature gardens. The estate also has outbuildings, tennis court, walled 

garden, woodland and lake. In all about 23.93 acres. 

Guide price £4,500,000 

KnightFrank.co.uk/SEV150339 

KnightFrank.co.uk/sevenoaks 

sevenoaks@knightfrank.com 

01732 658825 

KnightFrank.co.uk/country 

james.crawford@knightfrank.com 

020 7861 1065 

@KFSevenoaks 

KnightFrank.co.uk

The WilloWs 

Searchwood Road, Warlingham. Prices from £425,000 

An exclusive development of 10 luxury apartments and penthouses ready for occupation Spring 2016. 

Located in a popular residential area within walking distance of Upper Warlingham and Whyteleafe mainline 

railway stations, each apartment / penthouse will be beautifully appointed with private terrace/garden or balcony. 

All apartments will have underfloor heating, an en-suite to the master bedroom, 

fitted kitchens and allocated parking. 

The willows is covered by a 10 year Premier Guarantee. 

HOMES OF DISTINCTION 

www.raynerstc.com 

96 High Street, Godstone, Surrey, RH9 8DP T 01883 744344 E enquiries@raynerstc.com

OUTSTANDING FAMILY HOME 

broad oak, east sussex 

Northiam 3.2 miles; Rye 6.9 miles; Ashford International 26 miles 

ø well presented modern family home of traditional design ø elevated position ø 4 reception 

rooms ø 5 bedrooms ø 4 bathrooms (3 en-suite) ø double garage ø garden, paddock and 

woodland ø about 4.5 acres ø 315.5 sq m (3396 sq. ft) ø EPC=B 

OIEO Guide CHH_ADVERT_181x133mm.pdf £995,000 £1.1 million 

1 19/01/2016 15:39 

Savills Cranbrook 

Patrick Baily 

pbaily@savills.com 

01580 720161 

MAXIMISE THE VALUE 

OF YOUR LAND 

SavillsWT170-2.indd 1 22/03/2016 16:50 

C 

M 

Y 

CM 

MY 

CY 

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K 

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www.wealdentimes.co.uk 

10 

CountryHouseDevelopmentsWT168.indd 2 20/01/2016 11:27

Luxury retirement living and so 

much more than a new home 

A taste of what’s 

to come... 

Request your 

FREE Elmbridge Manor DVD. 

Please call 01483 676100. 

Purchase a newly built one or two bedroom independent living 

apartment in the established setting of Elmbridge Retirement Village and 

enjoy the exclusive use of all the village amenities. Residents will benefit 

from the new purpose-built clubhouse, incorporating a restaurant, bar, 

library, shop, function and guest rooms, which is coming soon. 

Late summer/autumn 2016 completion. 

Reservations now being taken. 

Marketing suite open Thursday to Monday 10.30am - 5pm. 

For residents aged 65 and over. 

Selling agent 01483 268555 

Elmbridge Village, Essex Drive, Elmbridge Road, 

Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 8TR. 

Call 01483 676100 or visit www.elmbridgevillage.co.uk

HOUSE OF THE MONTH by John Graham-Hart 

1. 

Great outdoors 

John Graham-Hart finds homes with special gardens 

The border guard is approaching the car. It’s not a good moment. We’ve 

all seen Midnight Express. I try not to make eye contact but now he’s 

tapping on the window. “Passport.” I can smell the gun oil on his 

freshly cleaned Manurhin MR-93. He glances at my picture, bends down and 

stares intently into my evasive eyes. An eon passes. OK. I’m guilty. I know it. 

He knows it. Let’s just get it over with.“ ’ave an ice day, M’sieur.” 

And suddenly, inexplicably, wonderfully, I’m free – I and the contraband 

scrabbling affectionately in my crotch. I drive on to the Shuttle and fish 

surreptitiously around my boxers. Yes, all is well. I withdraw a small glass phial 

and there they are, warmish but safe and sound – my 60 French baby ladybirds. 

Now it may well be that under EU law French insects have the same rights as 

British crawlies to reside and work in Kent and there may be no reason for the 

subterfuge. By why take chances? My garden looked like a set from 

Day of the Aphids. 

I had received the little bêtes à bon Dieu from Vincent Delaitre, directeur 

of the superb gardens of the Abbaye de Valloires, a little north of Abbeville. “I 

want this to be a place where people are inspired,” he had told me as we walked 

through his domain. “I want us to grow ideas.” 

He had divided the grounds of the abbey into themed areas – one of which 

was the English Garden and he loved it with a quiet passion. “The English tame 

nature without breaking its spirit,” he told me. “The result is that they surround 

their homes with truly natural beauty. They are blessed.” And so we are – and 

none of us more so than the future owners of properties like these…. 

1. Barnfield 

Where? Barnfield is in a rural position 

about a mile from the centre of 

Dunsfold and eight miles from Godalming 

main line station (Google Maps GU8 

4NP). 

What? This handsome and characterful 

country house dates from the 19th century 

and was built in the traditional Surrey/ 

Sussex style – heavy oak timbers with brick 

in-fills. It has been luxuriously refurbished 

while retaining its original features 

including inglenooks and polished beams. 

It also comes with two separate twobedroom 

cottages. Downstairs there is a 

drawing room, sitting room, dining room, 

library, kitchen/family room and study. 

Upstairs there is a master bedroom with en 

suite bathroom and dressing room and six 

further bedrooms. 

The 50 acres of magnificent gardens and 

include a croquet lawn with a summer 

house, apple orchard, swimming pool, two 

greenhouses, a tennis court, large vegetable 

garden, paddocks and woodland. There 

is also a modern American-style 10-stable 

barn, another stable block, a hay barn and 

a modern garage block for several cars. 

How much? Barnfield has a guide 

price of £6,750,000 and is with Savills in 

Guildford. Call 01483 796 820 or visit 

www.savills.co.uk 


12

2. 

3. 

4. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

2. Manna 

Where? Manna is in Broomfields, 

Esher Park Avenue, one of Esher’s most 

sought after private developments (Google 

Maps KT10 9NH). 

What? A newly built luxury mansion, 

Manna has an impressive Georgian 

façade but inside offers the very latest in 

contemporary Italian style and design. 

On the ground floor is a large living 

room with a two-metre wide fireplace and 

bi-folding doors to the garden, dining 

hall opening to the garden, kitchen and 

garden – both opening on to the garden 

and dining room. There is also a breakfast 

room, study, gym/spa with sauna and 

Turkish aromatic shower, cinema room 

with armchair seating and a one-bedroom 

staff annex. 

Upstairs there is a master bedroom with 

en suite bathroom and dressing room plus 

four further bedrooms, all with their own 

bathroom or shower room. 

Outside there are elegant gardens and 

lawns and a striking white-pillared 

summer house-cum-outside dining room 

complete with white marble flooring and 

fireplace. 

How much? Manna has an asking 

price of £6,300,000 and is being marketed 

by Knight Frank in Esher. Call 020 7861 

1552 or visit www.knightfrank.co.uk 

3. Noys End 

Where? Noys End is in unspoilt 

location at the end of a lane 

on the outskirts of the sought-after village 

of Brockham, about three miles east of 

Dorking (Google Maps RH3 7HJ). 

What? A wonderful Grade II listed 

home, the property dates from the 16th 

century and has all the classic hallmarks 

of its period, including exposed timbers, 

leaded light windows, traditional fireplaces 

and a fine inglenook fireplace in the 

drawing room. Other ground floor 

accommodation includes a dining room, 

sitting/breakfast room and kitchen. Above 

are five bedrooms, including a lovely 

beamed master bedroom with superb 

views over the surrounding countryside. 

The gardens are laid out in a traditional 

English country cottage style with 

generously stocked flowerbeds and 

borders, well-tended level lawns 

and a number of established trees, 

particularly at the northern end of the 

grounds adjacent to a paddock. The acre 

of grounds also encompasses a swimming 

pool protected by a yew hedge, a large 

studio/garden room, a double garage 

and two adjacent stores. 

How much? Noys End is on the 

market at £1,395,000 and is with Jackson- 

Stops and Staff in Dorking. Call 01306 

887560 or visit www.jackson-stops.co.uk 

4. Robins Grove 

Where? Robins Grove is midway 

between the pretty village of Tandridge 

and the main line town of Oxted (Google 

Maps RH8 9JU). 

What? An attractive and imposing 

family home, the property offers bright 

and versatile accommodation with 

excellent views over the surrounding 

countryside. Downstairs there is a drawing 

room with an elegant fireplace, a dining 

room, kitchen/breakfast room and a 

family room overlooking the gardens. 

Upstairs there is a master bedroom suite 

with bathroom and dressing room, two 

guest suites with their own bathroom or 

shower room and four further bedrooms. 

Outside, there is a detached games/leisure 

complex incorporating a swimming pool 

and changing facilities and two acres of 

beautiful gardens consisting of distinctly 

different areas of lawn bounded by 

hedgerows, banks, shrubs and evergreen 

trees. There is also a large stone terrace, a 

fountain, feature pond and pergola. 

How much? Robins Grove is on 

the market with Jackson-Stops & Staff in 

Oxted who are inviting offers in excess of 

£2,000,000. Call 01883 712375 or visit 

www.jackson-stops.co.uk 

13 13 www.wealdentimes.co.uk

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BUSS MURTON advertorial 

Family Law, the next steps... 

I am considering separating from my spouse/partner, how 

should we deal with arrangements for the children? 

Don’t rush into anything; if possible, try to have a calm 

conversation with your spouse or partner, preferably in a neutral 

environment and away from the children so that you can discuss 

any necessary interim arrangements and how to move forward 

in the longer term. 

Each family is unique and it is important that you both continue 

to communicate to allow you to make arrangements for the 

children which suit your family. 

Remember that even if you cannot continue to be a couple, 

you will always be your children’s parents and they need to be 

reassured that this will not affect their relationship with both of 

you. Of course a separation will involve upheaval for everyone, 

but let your children see that you will both continue to be there 

to love and support them and that nothing will change that. 

Julie Taylor 

Usually it is fairly obvious which parent is in a better position 

to be the primary carer for the children and so the discussions 

tend to be more concerned with arrangements for the children 

to see the other parent. Although there are no set rules which 

govern how much time children should spend with the parent 

they do not live with, a typical arrangement is for them to 

spend alternate weekends with him or her and possibly one 

evening or night during the week. School holidays are often 

shared equally, if work permits. Obviously a degree of flexibility 

in the arrangements is desirable to allow for work and other 

commitments. Try to agree how school parents’ evenings, 

plays, sports days etc. will be dealt with as these events can 

cause children real concern if they fear that there may be an 

uncomfortable atmosphere. 

At all costs, do not use children as pawns or weapons in adult 

disagreements; they need to be protected from these, not 

dragged into them. 

If you find it difficult to talk to your partner or if you know that 

there will inevitably be a disagreement over arrangements, 

don’t worry as help is available. Solicitors who specialise in 

family law don’t just give legal advice; they should be able to 

put you in touch with counsellors who can provide support, 

some of whom will even talk to the children to gain an insight 

into their feelings and wishes. There are also courses available 

which offer practical support and advice to separating parents. 

Buss Murton offers a free initial 30 minute meeting to 

discuss any family law matter in relation to separation, 

divorce and children. We can see you at any of our 

offices in Tunbridge Wells, Cranbrook, East Grinstead or 

Dartford. To make an appointment please contact Louise 

Huxstep, Family Team Secretary on 01892 502 338 or 

email: lhuxstep@bussmurton.co.uk 

BUSS MURTON 

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Think your garden is too 

small for an outdoor room? 

Think again… 

Last month we featured our beautiful new Curve garden 

shelter, to inspire you with your spring garden projects. 

Talking of spring, I hope I’m not tempting fate by mentioning that 

we should be looking forward to some better weather as the clocks 

go forward. 

The Curve has created quite a stir since its launch earlier this year. 

The garden shelter with its generous interior space: approximately 

3.1m wide x 5.3m deep and 2.2m high, is big enough to set up a 

dining area leaving plenty of room for a chill out zone as well. 

However, if space is at a premium in your garden, or maybe you 

have something more along the lines of a courtyard space to get 

creative with, then don’t despair. You may not have to miss out on 

the pleasures of the outdoor room that many people find such a 

desirable idea these days, that sought after area for quality lifestyle 

activities; entertaining, partying or simply just relaxing in. 

Please allow me to introduce you to what I describe as the Curve’s 

little sister, the equally stylish Demi Curve. With a footprint of 

approximately 3.1m wide x 2.7m deep and 2.2m high. 

Smaller than ‘big sister’, but perfectly formed, it is just right for the 

urban garden or courtyard, although it is still large enough to house 

a comfortably sized sofa and chairs set with a low table, just right 

for relaxing with your Kindle and your favourite tipple. 

Alternatively swap those for a dining table and chairs and it will 

make a delightful al fresco area for summer feasting. And like the 

larger Curve, the Demi Curve also has the additional protection of 

Win £300 

of Jacksons 

vouchers... 

Jacksons Fencing 

News, topical treats and more... 

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 30.4.16. 

To enter go to: www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk/ashfordlocal 

polycarbonate sheets, that cover the panels to give you a little 

extra shelter from showers and the wind. 

As with all Jacksons products, the garden shelters are handmade 

from Jakcured timber, guaranteed for 25 years, so you can enjoy 

them for many years to come. Find out more by going to your 

dedicated page www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk/ashfordlocal 

www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk/lifestyle 

where there are links to these and many other products and features. 

louise@jacksons-fencing.co.uk 

For info on any of Jacksons 

products or brochures, please call 

0800 408 4754 to talk to your 

local Jacksons Fencing Centre.

LONDON 

Oxshott Showroom I 1 High Street, Surrey, KT22 0JN 

01372 841 730

Countryside kin... 

Fleecy Frolics is an annual lambing event held at Merrist Wood 

as a celebration of nature and countryside crafts on Sunday 17 

April. It’s a great family day out that is not only educational but 

a lot of fun. Cuddle the newly born lambs and meet pygmy 

goats, piglets, snakes, rare red squirrels and other animals 

down on the farm. Watch willow weaving and wood carving 

demonstrations and gardeners can snap up plant bargains while 

children enjoy woodland walks and tractor rides. Visit www. 

merristwood.ac.uk or call 01483 884000 for more information. 

April 

notebook 

Exhibitions & events near 

you this month... 

FreeImages.com Dusan Guvenda 

Springtime sparkle... 

Enjoy the beautiful and inspiring setting of 

the RHS Garden Wisley in spring at their 

craft fair, taking place from Thursday 28 April 

to Monday 2 May. See all that shines at the 

Festival of Silver, a collection of some of the 

finest contemporary British silversmithing 

created by established and up-and-coming UK 

silversmiths in the Glasshouse Gallery and 

visit over 160 artists, crafters and producers. 

Barley pop... 

Situated between Guildford and Farnham, the 

Hogs Back Brewery has been brewing its awardwinning 

ales, using locally grown hops, since 

1992. throughout April, You’ll be in for a chance 

to have a guided tour to learn about the brewing 

operation, sample a generous range of beers, see the 

new 3 ½ acre hop garden and finish with a visit to 

the Brewery Shop, stocking Hogs BackBrewery’s 

fine ales plus over 300 other beers from UK and 

around the world. Call 01252 784495 or visit 

www.hogsback.co.uk for more information. 

Showcase in colour.. 

The Dorking Group of Artists will be holding 

their Spring Exhibition at Betchworth Village 

Hall from Saturday 30 April to Monday 2 

May. Exhibiting members, many professionals 

among them, will be displaying over 250 pieces 

of new and original art. All will be for sale and 

showcase various subjects and styles. Entry is free 

so visit www.dga.org.uk or call 01372 375123 

Freeimages.com/VágóSzabolcs 

Deep blue... 

Cucknell’s Wood in Guildford will blossom into a 

magnificent sea of blue this spring time. Visiting them 

in the daytime is always wonderful, but wandering 

through them as dusk adds a truly magical edge. 

Meet on Stroud Lane, Shamley Green at 6.45pm 

on Saturday 9 April to begin the adventure. Visit 

www.surreywildlifetrust.org for more information. 

Natural form... 

The Surrey Hills Sculpture Garden is open daily 

from 11am to 5pm and features work from across 

the UK. The stunning 48 acre Birtley Estate 

provides the perfect venue for this temporary 

sculpture exhibition and showcases work from both 

local and up-and-coming sculptors to top names 

in the field. Entry is £5 and under 16s go free. 

All work is for sale and the event supports local 

community projects. Visit www.birtleyestate.co.uk 

Freeimages.com/ViviRindom 

Magical meander... 

As part of the National Gardens Scheme, 

Dunsborough Park will be opening this April, 

giving visitors the unique opportunity to breathe 

in its undeniable charm and fascinating history. 

Start the walk at the Penelope Hobhouse borders, 

planted with soft blue and white. Then make 

your way through the medicinal border, Peacock 

Gate, Rose Walk and the greenhouses. Visit www. 

dunsboroughpark.com for dates and details. 

21 www.wealdentimes.co.uk

A Springtime offer you 

Will not want to miss out on 

Call Thy Will Be Done during April or May 

and you will be able to arrange: 

A SINGLE OR PAIR OF WILLS 

to protect your partner and your children for just 

£99 + VAT (£118.80) usual price (£222 inc) 

A TRUST 

to help prevent your home being sold to pay for your care for just 


AN (UNREGISTERED) 

LASTING POWER OF ATTORNEY 

for Health & Welfare or Property & Finance for just 


And all severance of tenancy work during Spring will be provided 

FREE OF CHARGE 

Call us now on: 

CAMBERLEY: 01276 423175 

CRAWLEY: 01293 270745 

DORKING: 01306 898522 

EAST GRINSTEAD: 01342 459034 

GUILDFORD: 01483 346772 

HASLEMERE: 01428 288491 

LEATHERHEAD: 01372 879984 

OXTED: 01883 818286 

REDHILL: 01737 669404 

WESTERHAM: 01959 928474 

WEYBRIDGE: 01932 910771 

“It’s not what you did arrange during your life that your 

loved ones will regret – it’s what you did not” 

www.thywill.co.uk

Local talent... 

We offer you an insider's glimpse of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show gardens 

that have their roots in Kent, Sussex and Surrey 

The M&G Garden 

Designer: Cleve West (Surrey) 

The garden has been inspired by a 

memory of the ancient oak woodland 

on Exmoor National Park where the 

designer spent his youth. Rather than 

replicate a particular scene, the designer 

has chosen to pay a contemporary 

homage to the landscape that made 

such an early impression on him. 

A stone and gravel path through 

woodland edge planting leads you past 

stunted oaks and rocks to a smoother 

path, a sunken terrace and pool. It 

could be seen as a metaphor for the fact 

that the path was unsure to begin with, 

but smoother once the chosen career 

became clear. An oak boundary frames 

the garden (as if framing a picture) and 

the overriding oak theme is a metaphor 

for the sponsor’s values: strength, 

growth, longevity and reliability. 

Show 

Garden 

The Modern Slavery Campaign Garden 

Fresh 


Designer: Juliet Sargeant (Sussex) 

Bright doors and colourful planting illustrate 

the ordinary streets where we all live. But 

there is a darker centre to the garden, 

hinting at a hidden reality; people being kept 

in captivity and forced to work, in every 

part of the UK. This garden is intended 

to raise awareness of the 13,000 slaves in 

the UK, as well as more than 27 million 

worldwide. This struggle is represented 

by two contrasting atmospheres: empty, 

lifeless and black inside; colourful and open 

on the outside. The open doors and path 

represent the way to freedom for modern 

slaves. Hope stands in the form of an English 

oak tree; William Wilberforce stood under 

such an oak tree when he dedicated his life 

to ending slavery in the 1800s. (In fact, 

the original oak is still alive in Sussex.) 


24

Qatari Diar - The Chelsea Barracks Garden 

Show 


Designer: Jo Thompson (kent/Sussex) 

The design is inspired by the heritage of the 

Chelsea Barracks site and by the architecture 

and landscaping of the new development which 

neighbours the Royal Hospital. Roses interspersed 

with perennial planting feature prominently, 

reflecting the listed Garrison Chapel with its stained 

glass Rose Window, preserved as the development’s 

centrepiece. The garden is a communal garden 

where people can relax and socialise. A bronze 

sculpture pays tribute to the Barracks’ former 

residents and a sculpted stone tidal rill references the 

lost River Westbourne, and its original path under 

the Barracks. Bronze uprights forming part of the 

boundary can be seen in the distance, beyond which 

the Royal Hospital can be glimpsed. 

A Modern Apothecary 

Sponsor: St John’s Hospice 

Designer: Jekka McVicar 

Contractor: Crocus (Surrey) 

Conversations with doctors and care 

professionals about what we can do to 

improve our health within the context of 

gardens and plants, as well as by the healing 

power of plants inspired this garden. The 

garden is a small tranquil space with ‘wellness’ at 

its heart, and will feature plants known to be beneficial 

to the health and wellbeing of society. It will be a place of quiet 

reflection, which seeks to highlight the important relationship between 

medicine and nature whilst providing rehabilitation to all the senses. 

The experience of natural calm whilst walking along the lavender-lined 

path, toward the water feature, is enhanced by a pair of benches where 

one can sit, surrounded by scented plants in a place of stillness. 

Show 


Meningitis Now - Futures Garden 

Designer: John Everiss 

Contractor: peter Gregory Landscapes/Andrew 

Loudon/ Chilstone (kent) 

Meningitis Now exists to save lives and rebuild futures. 

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the charity, the 

garden has been inspired by the spirit and energy of 

families whose lives have been changed by meningitis. 

The first recorded case of the disease was in Stroud, 

Gloucestershire, which inspired the Cotswold 

garden setting. A Greek-themed folly 

represents the charity, with a seat bearing 

the charity’s motto. A carved stone 

tableau set in the back wall depicts the 

Greek god of medicine Asclepius. 

Artisan 


Divided by the folly are two walls, 

one representing the disease and 

the second the recovery. 


刀攀最愀椀渀琀栀攀甀猀攀漀昀琀栀椀猀瘀愀氀甀愀戀氀攀猀瀀愀挀攀愀渀搀猀琀愀爀琀攀渀樀漀礀椀渀最 

礀漀甀爀挀漀渀猀攀爀瘀愀琀漀爀礀愀最愀椀渀戀礀挀漀渀琀愀挀挀渀最甀猀琀漀搀愀礀昀漀爀愀昀爀攀攀 Ⰰ 

渀漀漀戀氀椀最愀挀漀渀焀甀漀琀愀挀漀渀 ⸀ 


IconConservatoryRoofsS18.indd 1 30/03/2016 15:48 

Jo Downs Marks 20 years in Business with 

the Launch of her New Jute Bag Collection 

2016 marks 20 years in business for 

fused glass designer Jo Downs and, 

in celebration, Easter sees the launch 

of the all new Jo Downs Jute Bag, 

including her Limited Edition 20th 

Year design FREE with purchases over 

£50 during Easter fortnight. 

And as part of a full year of 

promotions and events, throughout 

the summer Jo Downs customers will 

also have the chance to enter a free 

draw to win a multi-piece collection 

from her iconic Cornish Pilchards 

range, which includes a gorgeous 

mirror, feature bowl and signed art 

frame. 

As always Jo’s Ripley gallery will be 

brimming with all of her distinctive and 

best loved ranges along with brand 

new collections for 2016, including 

gorgeous glass hangings, bowls, 

mirrors and seasonal gifts alongside 

uniquely beautiful statement interior 

pieces such as wall panels, art frames 

and multi-piece installations. 

And if you’ve ever wanted to try glass 

fusing yourself, Jo Downs Handmade 

Glass Ripley are continuing their ever 

popular, ‘anytime’ family friendly 

workshops. Available to all ages. No 

experience necessary. For further 

information see www.jodowns.com or 

contact ripley@jodowns.com to book. 

Find Jo Downs Handmade Glass 

gallery just 3 miles from the M25 

Junction 10 at 128 High Street, Ripley, 

Woking, GU23 6AY, open Monday to 

Saturday 10am - 5pm, including late 

night opening Wednesdays until 7pm, 

and Sundays 11am - 4pm. 


26 

JoDownsRipleyS18b.indd 1 30/03/2016 15:46

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See online for ticket details & special offers 

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TICKETS: On the gate: £8.50 

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9 th , 10 th & 11 th June 2016 

Wellbeing Festival Sponsored by 

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HOME & GARDEN 

Inside five large marquees, browse 

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nurserymen selling products and plants. 

FOOD & DRINK 

Watch the world go by with a coffee or 

glass of wine, or choose lunch from the 

delicious range of local and international 

dishes created by our street-food vendors. 

Foodies will love the independent 

producers and wine-makers selling 

their products in the food avenue. 

PRICELESS PEOPLE 

WELLBEING FESTIVAL 

Join us for a variety of expert speakers 

and workshops covering all aspects of 

good health from the worlds of beauty, 

health, nutrition, horticulture and more. 

TICKETS 

See online for ticket details & special offers 

On the gate: £8.50 

Children: 5-12s: £3.50, under 5s: free 

BOOK ONLINE: 

wealdentimes.co.uk/events 

TICKET HOTLINE 01580 713915* 

*Tickets purchased via phone will incur a 50p admin fee 

OPENING TIMES 

9am-4.30pm every day 

Please remember to bring cash and a chequebook to 

the fair as many of our exhibitors are small artisan 

producers and do not have credit card facilities. 

However, the ticket office offers 

facilities for cash withdrawals 

Well-behaved dogs are welcome, provided they are kept on a lead 

and that their owners have the equipment to scoop any poop! 

#WTfairs

Did you know that Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance is ready to save lives day and 

night in your area, and is funded almost entirely by voluntary donations? 

We are delighted to be in partnership with the KM Charity Team, encouraging people to 

take part in a variety of fantastic events to support our life-saving work. 

KM Colour Run - Sunday 12 th June 

Get splattered to support Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance 

Become a real life canvas and run, jog or walk for charity in our exciting 

and very popular Colour Run event all in aid of Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air 

Ambulance. 

Dominic Comins from the KM Charity Team urged people to take the 

challenge to support Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance: “This is a fun 

opportunity to raise money and fantastic for getting those all important 

end of event selfies whilst covered in a multitude of different colours.” 

KM Charity Walk - Sunday 26 th June 

The perfect event to take part in with your friends and family 

The KM Charity Walk will be staged in Maidstone starting and ending at 

Mote House and incorporating lovely views of Leeds Castle. 

The main 10-mile route leads walkers through beautiful Kent 

countryside, with those wishing to take on a shorter distance opting for 

a five-mile route. 

There will be goody bags and medals for walkers on their return, as well 

as a barbecue. 

KM Dragon Boat - Sunday 3 rd July 

Make a splash to support Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance 

Adrenaline seekers are invited to take part in the thrilling KM Dragon 

Boat Race being staged at Mote Park, Maidstone. 

Simon Dolby from the KM Charity Team urged people to take the 

challenge: “This is a thrilling way to raise money for this excellent cause. 

This team challenge is a fantastic day for both families and groups of 

friends. Big crowds will cheer you on from the banks of the lake while 

others browse the stalls and activities close to the shore.” 

To find out more or to register for these or any of the other KM Events to raise funds for the KSS Air Ambulance, visit: 

www.kssairambulance.org.uk/kmevents

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Editor’s 

Letter 

This month we bring you two contrasting properties 

to feast your eyes on – a rustic Georgian farmhouse 

in Kent as well as a striking mock-Georgian rectory 

deep in the hills of the High Weald. We also share the latest 

in luxury flooring and storage solutions gleaned from the 

loveliest houses we have featured in recent months. 

Jo Fairley sings the praises of botanical beauty products – 

and our health page focuses on natural remedies including 

garden plants and Kentish hops. And, with all this talk of 

the outdoors, it seemed only right to include some tempting 

picnic recipes from Juliet Bidwell. 

In keeping with the ‘green’ theme, don’t forget it’s World 

Recycle Week this month, from 18-24 April. We’re going to 

be doing our bit in the WT office, recycling clothing as part 

of H&M’s Close the Loop campaign. As every month, we 

hope the magazine will inspire you on many levels... 

Enjoy your Surrey Homes! 

Surrey Homes Team 

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

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

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

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

Rob Cursons 

Phoebe Gilbert 

Tanya Goldsmith 

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

Commercial Director ................................................................ Colin Wilkinson 

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

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

Adam Donovan 

Becky Smith 

Lisa Smith 

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

Wealden Times Events & Wealdenfairs.com Team 

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

Events Marketing & Operations Manager ...................................Fiona Saunders 

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

Logic wiLL get you from A to B 

ImagInatIon wIll take you everywhere 

Albert Einstein 

GSA Girls’ Boarding and Day School 11-18 

Open Morning 

Friday 29 April 

10.30am-12.30pm 

01483 810551 

priorsfieldschool.com 

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PriorsfieldS18.indd 1 24/03/2016 10:13

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McAllisterThomasFineArtWT170.indd 1 24/03/2016 10:11

Home from Home 

Words: John Graham-Hart Photographs: David Merewether Styling: Jennifer Stuart-Smith 


40

Despite moving to London and starting a family, the Weald 

will always be home to Ben Parker. So, when he and his French 

wife, Perrine spotted a large Georgian farmhouse in need of 

refurbishment, a deal was struck and the transformation began... 


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Above: The kitchen was originally three rooms. Now open plan, an Aga and large kitchen table occupy one end of the room while a sleek modern kitchen by 

Howdens occupies the other. Overhead lighting comes from rooflight windows during the day and funky filament lights at night 

Pliny the Elder once offered the opinion 

that ‘home is where the heart is’ and, over 

the centuries, it has come to mean that 

no matter where you are, so long as you are with 

those you love and who love you, home could be 

anywhere. It’s often a comforting thought but there 

is an ingredient missing from this interpretation – an 

ingredient Lawrence Durrell called spirit of place. 

Home is not only people, however essential they 

may be. Home is also landscape – rural or urban, it 

makes little difference. Home is skies and hills, streets 

and shorelines – the places we are or have been at 

our happiest. For many, this means where our earliest 

loves were formed, the surroundings of childhood. 

For a lucky few, these essential ingredients have 

come together in one time and place but often, 

though, life is a compromise and we find ourselves 

with two homes – one where we live happily with 

those most important to us and the other a little 

home of the mind which we may rarely visit but 

which will always be with us wherever we may be. 

And so it was for Ben. Brought up in a particularly 

lovely corner of the Weald, his career took him to 

London where he married, became a father and made 

Imagination was going to carry the day – the imagination to take a collection of tired, 

300-year-old spaces and truly make them their own 

 


Above: The ten-seater kitchen-cum-dining table was designed by Perrine and 

made by their carpenter Jason Tanner. Alongside is the Aga, with geometric 

tiles behind, and a shelving unit made from reclaimed local fruit bins 

Left: Quirky Mr Fox fabric by Scion features on the full-length curtains in the 

dining area, on cushions, as well as on the kitchen blinds 

his home. However, although he may have left Kent, 

the county never left him and, a couple of years ago, 

he and his French wife, Perrine, decided to buy a 

second home and divide their life between the two. 

“I must admit I love London and couldn’t live in 

the country full time but Ben really wanted a country 

home and so the obvious answer was for us to look 

for somewhere near where he was brought up and his 

parents still lived,” says Perrine. This turned out to be 

Goudhurst which also had the clear advantage of still 

being within easy striking distance of the capital. 

The property Ben immediately fell for was a 

substantial and handsome Grade II listed Georgian 

The kitchen area is dramatically vaulted 

with much lovely timber on display 

 


44

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PipelineInteriorsS18.indd 1 29/03/2016 17:37

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• Sizes: range from 60 – 110 cm 

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Above: A collection of humorous Vanity Fair prints of famous Victorian 

cricketers highlights Ben and his father’s passion for cricket. The sofas are 

from Graham & Green, as is the convex circular mirror Right: Trompe l’oeil 

wallpaper depicting a bookcase hides a secret door which leads through to a 

less formal living room and children’s play area 

farmhouse. When they first saw it, it was clear that 

it needed easing gently into the 21 st century if it 

was going to work as a true home for a growing 

contemporary family. “It wasn’t a wreck,” says 

Perrine, “but it really did need a lot of updating.” 

Its listed status meant that brain rather than brawn 

was going to have to be the order of the day. This wasn’t 

an environment where simply swinging a sledgehammer 

was going to be allowed or, indeed, was going to 

produce the end results the couple hoped for. It was 

soon evident that imagination was going to carry the 

day – the imagination to take a collection of tired, 

300-year-old spaces and truly make them their own. 

As with so many successful renovations, light was 

going to be the key and, of course, the elegant and 

generous Georgian windows gave them all the raw 

material they needed. It was a matter of putting this 

light to work, ensuring it was free to explore and 


Above: The informal, family living room is full of fun items including 

a ‘naughty step’ by the fire – not such a bad place to sit – and a Harley 

Davidson pinball machine Left: the secret door as seen from the other side 

enjoy itself through every nook, cranny and alcove in 

Tanner House – even on the vile and spiteful spring 

morning when we visited, with icy rain lashing down 

and a sky like corrugated iron. And yet, step through 

the front door and it is a totally different season 

altogether. Tanner House is a true summer house. 

Perrine’s primary solution was simple and radical 

– to remove all the old damaged floors, replace 

them with lime-washed oak and re-paint the walls 

in Farrow & Ball’s Skimming Stone. Warmth would 

be provided by the honeyed glow of the renovated 

beams and timbers. True, this would only be the 

One alcove flanking the fireplace at first 

looks like a bookcase but is, in fact, a secret 

door leading though to the drawing room 

– an altogther more grown-up affair 


48

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50 

TJBathroomsS15.indd 1 18/12/2015 16:44

Above: Ben and Perrine found their hall table in an antique shop in the Cotswolds. The teardrop wire and glass lampshade above it is from Not On The High 

Street and much of the furniture is from Graham & Green, whose ‘look’ complements the unpretentious but comfortable interior of Tanner House 

foundation of the refurbishment and there would be 

much to do besides – including a little sympathetic 

sledgehammer swinging – but it would, at a stroke, 

provide her with the bright, clean canvas she wanted. 

From the front door one steps into a large hall 

with an inglenook and woodburner. In the centre 

is a circular table the couple found in an antique 

shop in the Cotswolds and above it a teardrop wire 

and glass lamp from Not On The High Street. The 

elegant white and grey armchairs flanking the fireplace 

are from Graham & Green, one of Perrine’s key 

sources when it came to furnishing the property. 

Immediately off the hall is one of Perrine’s favourite 

rooms – the boot room. This, however, is no ordinary 

boot room. Three times the size of any boot room I’ve 

met it not only has a central seating island where you 

can sit comfortably while pulling on your wellies, but 

its walls are lined with white shelving and cubby holes 

– the children’s at the bottom and the adults higher 

up. All was designed by Perrine. “It’s one of the most 

important rooms in the house,” she says. “It would drive 

me crazy to have boots and shoes thrown everywhere.” 

The units, like so much else in the house, were 

designed by Perrine and built by her builder and 

joiner, Jason Tanner, for whom she cannot speak 

highly enough. “He has been absolutely amazing,” 

she says. “Whatever crazy idea I’ve come up with, 

he’s made it work and work beautifully.” 

Also off the hall is the kitchen, the only room where 

the sledgehammers have had a real outing. It was 

originally three rooms and it’s now almost two, the 

dining area separated from the kitchen proper by the 

open studs of an original wall. The 10-seater dining 

table was designed by Perrine and made by Jason. Next 

The building’s listed status meant brain rather than brawn was going to be the 

order of the day; this wasn’t an environment where simply swinging a sledgehammer 

was going to be allowed or indeed produce the end results the couple hoped for 

 


Above: The master bedroom retains its original, wide oak floorboards. Waxed 

rather than stained, they provide the perfect backdrop for this pretty patterned 

rug and classic bedroom furniture including a bed by Feather & Black 

Right: Sleek fitted cupboards offer masses of storage in the master bedroom 

to it stands the Aga flanked by shelving and a wine rack 

made from reclaimed fruit boxes from a local Marden 

producer – again, Perrine-designed and Jason-crafted. 

The kitchen area is dramatically vaulted and with 

much lovely timber on display. The cool grey units and 

white Corian surfaces are from Howdens. Above the 

island are three white industrial lights bought in France. 

On the ground floor there is also a drawing room 

and a snug. The latter is very much a family room but 

one with the style that Perrine brings to all her spaces. 

Two grey sofas from the Sofa Workshop gather around 

Cupboards like so much else in the 

house were designed by Perrine and 

built by builder and joiner, Jason 

Tanner.“Whatever crazy idea I have 

come up with, he’s made it work, and 

work beautifully,” says Perrine 


52

Back From Black 

Beam Renovation Ltd 

Renovating Beams Since 1997 

All beams renovated without mess 

A unique system - No blasting 

No damage to the wood 

Tel: 01797 458508 www.beam-renovation.co.uk 

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

If you are thinking of re-covering a chair, have 

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ideas for a complete home revamp - we can give 

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• Hand/machine roman blinds • Roller blinds 

• Upholstery • Loose covers • Cushion-making service 

Come and take a look at our wonderful range 

of fabrics, wallpapers and paints from Toiles de 

Mayenne, Ian Mankin, Casadeco, Juliet Travers, 

Ian Sanderson, Little Greene, and Conran 

Various floor finishes 

• Amtico • Crucial Trading 

• Carpets, wool, sisal, synthetic 

info@colourfieldinteriors.com 

98 Station Road East, Oxted, Surrey, 01883 716696 


ColourfieldS18.indd 1 29/03/2016 17:08

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54 

TheTileEmporiumS18.indd 1 24/03/2016 16:02

Above: The contemporary en suite bathroom with modern standalone bath, spacious walk-in shower and limed oak flooring is a far cry from what the couple 

discovered when they bought the house which ‘wasn’t a wreck but needed a lot of updating’. Bathers get an uninterrupted view over the front garden 

a coffee table from Graham & Green, a ‘naughty step’ 

from Indian Summer and a fireplace with bressummer 

and woodburner. The TV stands on a table made from 

old fruit boxes, another Perrine-Jason production. 

Against one wall stands an Eiffel Tower standard 

lamp from Graham & Green and against the 

opposite wall is one of Ben’s contributions – a Harley 

Davidson pin ball machine. On one wall, framed, is 

his second – an old UBS trading floor shirt and on 

another, a framed poster of signpost family figures 

of Ben, Perrine and their children – Amelie, Charles 

and Clemence – from Not On The High Street. 

One alcove flanking the fireplace at first looks like a 

bookcase but is, in fact, a secret door, decorated with 

trompe l’oeil wallpaper, which leads through to the 

drawing room, an altogether more grown-up affair. 

Two buttoned, roll-top sofas from Graham & Green 

face each other across a grey-checked Perrine-Jason 

ottoman and grey rug above which hangs a sibling 

of the lamp in the hallway. The fabric for the grey 

and white patterned blind at one window and the 

curtains at the other is from Vanessa Arbuthnott. 

Above the contemporary gently arched open fireplace 

is a convex circular mirror, again, Graham & Green, and 

in the alcove next to the fireplace a handsome marbletopped 

chest of drawers from Phoenix Antiques in 

Tunbridge Wells. Both Ben and his father are passionate 

about cricket and, in tribute to the timeless game, a 

series of half a dozen Vanity Fair prints depicting great 

Victorian cricketers hang over one of the sofas. Across 

The guest bedroom has an equally chic bathroom. Through the window 

there is a lovely view of the pond and a large neighbouring oast house 

 


Above: A white, painted easy chair and pale woodwork show hints of Perrine’s 

French style. Artworks dotted around the house include paintings by Perrine’s 

mother, a talented abstract painter Right: A modern en suite shower room 

adds a sense of hotel luxury to the spare room 

the room is another contribution from Ben and his 

family – a delicate country oil of the Kent countryside. 

And so upstairs to the couple’s lovely master bedroom. 

Here the single most beautiful thing must be the floor 

– the original wide oak boards beautifully waxed, with 

gentle colour provided by a blue patterned rug. On the 

wall is a black and white photograph of the children, 

one of many around the house. Opposite hang two 

straw hats from Marrakesh embroidered ‘Mr. Parker’ 

and ‘Mrs Parker’. The bed is from Feather & Black and 

the blue patterned blind is in Vanessa Arbuthnott fabric, 

as are the blue matching cushions on the bed. The grey 

armchair is Graham & Green. Off the bedroom is a 

seriously elegant contemporary en suite bathroom. 

A Feather & Black bed and Vanessa Arbuthnott 

blind and cushions – in pink – also grace the guest 


56

The one stop shop for all your oak needs! 

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1 17/02/2016 15:21 

16 March - 24 April 2016 

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OneOneSixWT170.indd 1 09/03/2016 11:49

CATCHPOLE & RYE 

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Above: Using subtle greys as a background colour, Perrine uses bright pops of pink to liven up the third ‘grown-up’ bedroom. The bed is by Loaf and the rest of 

the decor is a family affair – Perrine found and distressed the side table, chest of drawers and mirror to match while her mother provided the abstract painting. 

Original fireplaces throughout the house, and in the bedrooms, create the perfect focal point 

bedroom. The white armchair is Graham & Green 

and the chest of drawers and its matching mirror are 

Feather & Black. En suite there is an equally chic 

bathroom. Through the window there is a lovely 

view of the pond and a neighbouring oast. The 

third grown-ups’ bedroom has a Loaf bed and the 

rest is a Perrine and French family production; she 

found and distressed the side table, chest of drawers 

and mirror to match while her mother – a talented 

artist whose work is displayed around the house – 

provided the strong red and black abstract painting. 

“We renovated the first two floors of the house first 

and then had to wait while we got planning permission 

for our plans for the top floor,” she says. These plans 

were for three children’s rooms and a bathroom. All 

went well and the required approval was granted. 

The result is an enchanted vaulted and beamed 

eyrie for eight-year-old Amelie, six-year-old 

Charles and two-and-a-half-year-old Clemence. 

“The theme for Charles’ bedroom was a forest 

camp with natural wood bunk beds designed 

by me and made by Jason,” says Perrine. 

However, children being what they are, the 

finished article was met with less than overwhelming 

enthusiasm on the part of Charles and a third, 

more conventional bed had to be acquired. The 

girls’ bedrooms are suitably pink and girly and 

were, all things considered, judged up to scratch. 

Perrine is still not convinced that her future 

lies totally in arcadia but standing back now and 

Home is not only about people, however essential they may be. Home 

is also about landscape, rural or urban. Home is skies and hills, streets 

and shorelines – the places we are or have been our happiest 

 


Above: The attic, once converted, was the perfect space for three children’s bedrooms. “We renovated the first two floors of the house first,” says Perrine, “and 

then had to wait while we got planning permission for our plans for the top floor.” Thankfully, approval was granted, and the children now love their cosy rooms 

looking at her country home, she is delighted 

– with very good reason – at the end result. 

“I love the house,” she says, “and so does 

everyone who comes here. It’s always full 

of people, children running everywhere. It’s 

exactly what I hoped it would be.” 

If, like me, you’d like to be one of these people, 

it’s certainly not out of the question. While the 

Parkers are away or not using the property, it is 

available to rent as a holiday let through Bramley 

& Teal. I can’t remember the cost of rental but 

whatever it is, it’s a steal. Today, Tanner House really 

is the ideal country escape – whether for a holidaymaker 

or Perrine and her very lucky family. 

Address Book: 

Bramley and Teal www.bramleyandteal.co.uk 

Feather & Black www.featherandblack.com 

Futon Company www.futoncompany.co.uk 

Graham and Green www.grahamandgreen.co.uk 

Howdens www.howdens.com 

Indian Summer www.indiansummershop.com 

Jason Tanner builder and joiner 07881 470930 

John Lewis www.johnlewis.com 

Loaf www.loaf.com 

Not OnThe High Street www.notonthehighstreet.com 

Olive and the Fox www.oliveandthefox.co.uk 

phoenix Antiques www.phoenixantiques.co.uk 

Romo www.romo.com 

Scion fabric www.scionfabric.com 

Sofa Workshop www.sofaworkshop.com 

Vanessa Arbuthnott www.vanessaarbuthnott.co.uk 


60

INTERNET & CONTRACT SALES 

TEL: 0208 481 7970 

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Supply, design and installation 

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6,000sq ft of showrooms 

Over 60 brand new displays 

Dedicated tile studio 

Experienced in-house designers 

Shop online at: 

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Open Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm. 

Walton Bathrooms, The Hersham Centre, 

Molesey Road, Hersham, Surrey KT12 4HL. 

(Easy parking next to Waitrose)

The Spring Exhibition at McAllister Thomas 

2nd - 26th April 2016 

- Full Colour Exhibition Catalogue Available on Request - 

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McAllister Thomas Fine Art 117 High Street, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 1AQ Telephone 01483 860591 www.mcallisterthomasfineart.co.uk 

McAllisterThomasFineArtS18-H.indd 1 24/03/2016 14:27 


62 

TandridgeTrustS18.indd 1 16/03/2016 16:48

Mirror the understated country charm of Tanner House 


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The historic, traditional flatweave stair runner is going 

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Having revived the idea of woven flooring and invented a 

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Roger Oates have spent decades perfecting their 

technique, resulting in a collection of over one hundred 

stunning designs. A truly British product, the 100% 

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See the full collection for yourself at Mister Smith Interiors 

Roger Oates Runners and Rugs cost £125 per linear metre 

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01273 605574, Crowborough 01892 664152 

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Fine hand-knotted wool and 

silk rugs, kelims and runners in 

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Old versus new? Or both? 

Striking a perfect balance 

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this herringbone floor has been 

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parquet battens, lightly aged and 

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Herringbone is undoubtedly 

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Tumbled, lightly smoked oak 

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It would be hard to find 

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this is perhaps the perfect 

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A Ziegler Mahal rug, 

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Hoopers Tunbridge Wells www.hoopersstores.com, Fludes Carpets 

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Given its dark, stunning 

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DavidBrownWT170.indd 1 16/03/2016 17:27 

Dodecahedron mosaic rug, above, 

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PrestigeFlooringCoS18.indd 1 30/03/2016 12:12

Fresh take, 

classic theme 

Words: Jane Howard Photographs: David Merewether Styling: Helen Barton 

Grand, imposing and seemingly a Georgian rectory, this family home in the 

heart of the High Weald is not what it seems. For, behind the rambling roses and 

historic facade lies a thoroughly modern house – built only 10 years ago by a 

family inspired by the popular series, Grand Designs... 


70

??? 

Words:??? Photographs: David Merewether Styling: Lucy Fleming 

Copy in here copy in here 


RDO 

Kitchen Studio 

Offering the 

combination of 

contemporary 

and classic kitchen 

design using fine 

furniture by 

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

Bancroft Road, Reigate, Surrey RH2 7RP 01737 240403

Above: The formal dining room, to the front of the house, is painted in Farrow & Ball’s ‘Hay’ which, paired with blood red damask curtains, makes a 

wonderfully atmospheric space in which to entertain. The magnificent fireplace is one of many sourced from Chesneys in London 

Not many of us ever get the chance to build 

our own homes, but if we were in that lucky 

position, beyond the obvious, what would 

be the one thing you would insist on having, however 

ditsy? When the Carsons – Helena, Julian and their 

two daughters Philippa and Katie – found themselves 

with a blank sheet of paper and a house to build, they 

all added their own ‘must have’. So, when being shown 

round this fabulous house it was fascinating to see who 

had chosen what. You would never have guessed the 

girls’ choices but in Julian’s case it was probably what 

every man would choose if he could! More later. 

When the girls were still young the Carsons had 

moved further from London to find a larger family 

home with a bigger garden. They found what they were 

looking for, outside a thriving village, but the garden 

backed on to another collection of houses. So, the 

dream of coming home from London on a summer’s 

evening and sitting out in the garden with a glass of 

wine was slightly marred by the sight and sound of 

neighbours doing exactly the same. Before long the 

hunt was on for better views and more solitude. 

Helena explains that at the time, the late 90s, Grand 

Designs had just arrived on our TV screens inspiring us 

all with fabulous and exotic buildings. By comparison, 

everything the estate agent showed them seemed rather 

pedestrian. Then they hit on the idea of building 

their own dream home and started looking for the 

ideal plot. It wasn’t long before they found it. 

What they found was a rather unloved 1920s 

house, sitting in a large plot of land with fabulous 

south-facing views over unspoilt farmland. They 

Working closely with the architect, Stephen Langer, the family ended up building 

a symmetrical, classic house in the style of a Georgian rectory, with a central 

section of three floors flanked by two matching single-storey wings 

 


The study is painted in Farrow & Ball Chinese Red, a striking colour that 

really works and is the perfect backdrop for the oak bookcases, dark leather 

chairs and period oil painting sourced from Phoenix Antiques 

 


74


Schmidt Kitchens helping to transform a new home 

David and Raine wanted to transform their new home by knocking three rooms 

together and making a modern kitchen and dining area. 

The challenge was choosing 

the right kitchen, with the 

right look, the best quality, 

at an affordable price. It also 

had to work well functionally 

in an open plan setting. 

David says “to make it more 

challenging, Raine had seen 

her dream kitchen at the Grand 

Designs exhibition. But it turned 

out to be extremely expensive. 

I took a look at the Schmidt 

range and thought this could 

be the answer and arranged an 

appointment with Renee. I can’t 

say that Raine was too keen on the 

idea so we went to the Dorking 

showroom in some trepidation!” 

The visit could not have gone 

better and in the space of a couple 

of hours, there was a clear idea 

of what the kitchen needed to 

look like and an understanding 

of how it could be achieved 

within an agreed budget. 

“Renee’s attention to detail, truly 

listening and working with what 

we were trying to achieve with 

our project instilled confidence 

and trust. She was able to get to 

grips, not only with our ideas and 

needs, but just as importantly 

with how our kitchen would 

impact on the whole project.” 

“We wanted a fair bit of storage, 

a feature island, and state of the 

art accessories like the Quooker 

hot tap. We also wanted our 

lovely Miele appliances to look 

at their best and be positioned 

with functionality in mind. And 

all with a sense of space so that 

when we have guests, there 

is ample room to cook and 

socialise at the same time.” 

“Schmidt’s combination of German 

engineering strength with French 

elegance does actually deliver in 

practice and explains why they are 

able to give 10 year guarantees 

on furniture and 25 years on 

internal mechanisms such as 

drawers, runners and hinges.” 

“The installation had to be timed 

with our builders and all just before 

Christmas. Thankfully, Schmidt 

Dorking’s fitters were brilliant 

and everything came together! 

So we would highly recommend 

Schmidt Dorking to anyone 

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40 West Street, Dorking RH4 1BU | dorking.schmidt-kitchens.com | 01306 735 735

sTunninG HandLes For doors & draWers 

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1 11/03/2016 10:57 

6 Ranges of Oak Furniture to View in our Showroom 

www.cranleighfurniture.co.uk 

Call us: 01483 271236 

264 High Street, Cranleigh, Surrey, GU6 8RT 

Furniture Emporium 

The trading name of Cranleigh Furniture Ltd 


76 

FurnitureEmporiumS18.indd 1 24/03/2016 16:11

Above: Two fabulous wrought-iron chandeliers, sourced from Illuminations in 

Tunbridge Wells, are a striking feature in the vast kitchen 

Right: A curved wooden door, to match the curve of the wall, was made in 

the traditional way by Westgate Joinery, who shaped the door over a barrel 

invited architect Stephen Langer to go take a look at 

the house and his report baldly stated: lovely drive, 

interesting front door and stunning views. In other 

words, the perfect plot for their own Grand Design. 

Working closely with the architect, the Carsons ended 

up building a symmetrical, classic house in the style 

of a Georgian rectory, with a central section of three 

floors flanked by two matching single-storey wings. 

One of these is the kitchen and this is where we 

started the grand tour. It’s a stunning light and airy 

space made all the more imposing by virtue of a double 

height ceiling creating a church-like effect. The walls 

The kitchen is a stunning, light and airy 

space made all the more imposing by virtue 

of a double-height ceiling creating a 

church-like effect 

 


Above: The Carson family decided to move away from a traditional Georgian style for the family room, opting for a more contemporary look, complemented by 

this striking Corbusier chaise longue and ‘birds’ nest’ light fitting. The fitted cupboards also hide a fridge – for the ultimate luxury of chilled drinks on hand 

are painted in gardenia and, because the scale of the 

room is so large, any regular kitchen furniture would 

have been swamped, so individual units – scaled up to 

fit the room – were made by Edmonson Interiors of 

Goudhurst using oak with granite surfaces in tones of 

chestnut and black. The slate floor tiles also had to be 

bigger, so worktop slabs were used to keep the room 

to scale. The chicken motif blinds – along with all the 

soft furnishings throughout the house – were made 

up by Mary Ensor. But, what really makes the room 

special, are the two fabulous wrought iron chandeliers 

hung in a stately fashion at either end of the room 

and supplied by Illuminations in Tunbridge Wells. 

Leading from the kitchen is a passageway to the 

family room where the Carsons decided to break from 

the more formal theme found in the rest of the house. 

A Corbusier chaise longue covered in cowhide makes a 

striking statement, as does the birds’ nest of a lamp made 

with tendrils of stainless steel and pearly shades. Bespoke 

American walnut units house the cinema system and 

there is even a fridge to chill the beers, when watching 

the rugby. Oh the joys of designing your own home! 

Bespoke American walnut units house the cinema system and there is even a fridge to chill 

the beers, when watching the rugby. Oh the joys of designing your own home! 

 


78

Freshly made. 

IT’S OUR FAVOURITE WAY OF DOING THINGS 

This April, we’re giving a set of luxury bed linen with all bedroom furniture purchases over £2,000* 

Wardley 4 poster bed painted in snow: from £1,450, Cotswold throw: £110, Helford lamp: £120 and Larsson wardrobe: £1,675 

Neptune Tonbridge, 1-2 Tannery Road, TN9 1RF, 01732 351866, info@neptunetonbridge.com 

For full terms, visit our website: neptune.com/offers

WORKING WITH YOU THROUGH ALL THE STEPS 

TO BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME 

Maison Projects – Quality Homes 

T: 01932 347152 

W: www.maisonprojects.com 

E: info@maisonprojects.com 

E: andyabbosh@maisonprojects.com

Above left: At the heart of this modern rectory-style home is a dramatic entrance hall, flooded with light and filled with furniture that befits the Georgian era 

Above right: It is almost impossible to stand in the hall and not be tempted to look up three floors to the sky overhead. The effect is magnetising 

Another corridor from the kitchen curves off towards 

the hall, with a study and cloakroom leading off it. All 

the joinery in the house was carried out by Westgate 

Joinery from Hailsham and it is impressive just how 

much effort they put into ensuring the proportions 

and detail so obsessed over by the Georgians were 

meticulously replicated in this modern house. All 

the skirting boards, architraves and door panels are 

completely correct and they even went to the effort 

of making the curved door to the cloakroom in the 

traditional fashion of bending it round a wooden barrel. 

The study is painted in Farrow & Ball Chinese Red, 

a striking colour that really works and is the perfect 

backdrop for the oak bookcases, dark leather chairs and 

period oil painting sourced from Phoenix Antiques. 

Beyond the study you come to a wide entrance hall. As 

you enter the house from the front door, not only are you 

confronted by the magnificent view framed by the rear 

door but also the staircase. The oak staircase winds up 

through the first and second floors with a glass cupola at 

the top throwing down rays of natural light. From the hall 

we came to the room that was top of Helena’s wish list: 

As you enter the house, not only are you confronted by the magnificent view, but also by the 

stairs. An oak staircase winds up through the first and second floors, with a glass cupola at the top 

throwing down rays of natural light 

 


Above: The master bedroom suite, with comfy seating area at one end, 

has magnificent views from every window. An adjoining door leads to the 

ultimate en suite – or rather, to a staircase up to a huge, top-floor bathroom 

Right: Classic, complementary decor in the en suite wet room 

a beautiful sun-drenched morning room. Having fallen 

in love with some quite stunning Nina Campbell duck 

egg blue crewelwork curtains in a magazine, that was the 

starting point. When teamed up with ivory walls, a very 

pretty marble fireplace and a contemporary chandelier, 

she really has created an elegant and serene space. 

A formal dining room also leads off the hall and is 

painted in Farrow & Ball Hay – a dark yellow teamed 

with blood red damask curtains. You can imagine how 

fabulous this room looks at night. Centre stage is a 

magnificent fireplace. All the fireplaces in the house were 

sourced from Chesney’s in London. They worked hard to 

ensure all the fireplaces chosen were appropriate to the 

style of each room and then came down to oversee the 

installations. The made-to-measure over-mantle mirror 

is from Joseph McCarthy, a company in the Pantiles 

in Tunbridge Wells, that hand-makes frames copied 

from its archive of historically important pieces. 


82

WOODSTOCK interiors 

73 High Street 

Reigate 

Surrey RH2 9AE 

Tel : 01737 222688 

sales@woodstockinteriors.com 

interiors · sleep & living 

woodstockinteriors.com 

WOODSTOCK sleep & living 

40-42 Church Street 

Reigate 

Surrey RH2 OAJ 

Tel : 01737 222644 

sales@woodstocksl.com 

Orlestone Oak 

WoodstockInteriorsS18.indd 1 30/03/2016 16:16 

Tailor-made Oak Joinery and Oak Flooring 

OAK 

ORLESTONE 

OAK 

ORLESTONE 

ORLESTO 

OAK 

SOLID OAK fLOORING 

PRE-fINISHED & DISTRESSED fLOORS 

NEW SHOWROOM DISPLAYS 

OAK STAIRCASES & WINDOWS 

OAK DOORS AND PORCHES 

OAK DECKING & BEAMS 

www.orlestoneoak.co.uk 01233 732179 

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


OrlestoneOakWT167.indd 1 02/12/2015 11:42

Across the landing are the girls’ rooms – identical mirror images of each other and interconnected 

by a shared bathroom with pretty pearly pink and purple Fired Earth tiles. Walk-in cupboards, 

which once were secret hideaways have morphed into stylish walk-in wardrobes 

 


84

Smith 

brook Kiln 

Fine 

Furniture 

Visit our Showrooms at 

23-25 Smithbrook Kiln 

Cranleigh GU6 8JJ 

Tues - Sat 10 to 5 

01483 276882 

Created by Nature, Inspired by Design 

Come to Smithbrook Kiln Furniture and browse 

our select ranges of modern, contemporary, 

traditional, handmade furniture and sofas. 

23-25 Smithbrook Kilns, Cranleigh, GU6 8JJ 

Opening Hours: Tues-Sat 10am to 5pm 

01483 276882 

www.smithbrookkilnfurniture.com 

info@smithbrookkilnfurniture.com

The Dog Cottage Company 

Beautiful, bespoke cottages for your best friend 

Our British made, bespoke dog cottages are constructed from the finest quality 

materials. Each one comes complete with a stunning cedar shingle or natural slate roof 

and is fully insulated, heated and lit, designed to make your four-legged friend’s life as 

comfortable as yours, whatever the weather. 

www.thedogcottagecompany.com Tel: 0800 975 7360 

Follow us on Facebook

Above: Helena and Julian wanted to be able to lie in the bath and gaze up at the stars, so positioned the double-ended bath under a central skylight window. 

Underfloor heating and a large heated towel rail keep this generous bathroom warm, even in the depths of winter 

At the opposite end of the house to the kitchen is the 

equally imposing drawing room, another double-height 

room but this time with a barrel ceiling rather than a 

pitched one. The walls and the curtains – 82 metres were 

required for the drops and swags in this room alone – are 

all in neutral tones, so create a perfect backdrop for the 

interesting pieces Helena has added like the paintings, 

cushions and lamps. Making the biggest statement is the 

large oil painting by artist Bill Talbot of the two girls. 

Commissioned when they were young in bold vibrant 

colours, all the elements of the painting represent a 

personal story and a space has even been left to add 

more and so finish the painting when they are older. 

At the other end of the room, two pretty Bergere chairs 

covered with a deep red and cream check provide a great 

spot to sit and look out over the rolling countryside 

that sweeps around the house. The first floor has an 

open landing looking up to the glass cupola and down 

to the hall from which all the bedrooms lead. The 

master bedroom works really well with its dark sand 

walls perfectly offsetting an old brass bed covered in 

a velour throw of the deepest bronze. Three sets of 

windows ensure this rich palette looks sumptuous 

rather than dark. At the other end of the bedroom is 

a seating area with comfortable sofas and chairs and 

an especially pretty Victorian writing desk given to 

Helena as a 40th birthday present. The guest bedroom 

is adorable. Painted in gardenia and with thick Colefax 

and Fowler floral curtains, the room has a really fresh 

and pretty feel that any visitor couldn’t help but enjoy. 

Across the landing are the girls’ rooms – identical 

mirror images of each other and interconnected by a 

A classic Porcelanosa white bath which sits in magnificent splendour on a plinth 

in the middle of the room under a skylight. Everything else has been paired down 

to create a modern, minimalist feel. As bathrooms go, it really works 

 


BESPOKE ROOMS 

We focus on quality, the grain of the wood, the precise fit, 

the smooth action and the innovation and elegance of the 

design. The care and attention we put into every piece of 

furniture we create and make, is second to none. 

We have been realising the dreams and aspirations of 

our customers for over 50 years and in that time we have 

designed the most beautiful rooms you could ever imagine. 

Simply call 0800 975 1199 

to find out how we can bring your ideas to life 

WWW.CONQUEST-UK.COM 

SHOWROOMS AT PORTSMOUTH 

AND HIGH WYCOMBE 

KITCHENS | BEDROOMS | DINING | LOUNGES | STUDIES

Above: Tucked away down a discreet staircase at the back of the house, there is every wine-lover’s dream; a vast, cool cellar built from brick and stone, where 

Julian keeps a prized collection of wine. A rustic table is the perfect spot for Julian and fellow wine-lovers to sample favourite wines 

shared bathroom with pretty pearly pink and purple 

Fired Earth tiles. Top of Philippa’s wish list was a 

window seat and a bedside table, while all Katie 

wanted was a secret hideaway. All wishes were met. 

As the girls have grown up, both rooms have been 

redecorated, Philippa’s in cool shades of white and 

taupe and Katie’s with splashes of purple. But the 

bedside tables – made by the joiners – and the window 

seats are still there. As are the walk-in cupboards 

which made perfect secret hideaways in their day and 

have now morphed into stylish walk-in wardrobes. 

Although there is a wet room off the master bedroom, 

the master bathroom is on the second floor for the 

simple reason that Helena and Julian wanted to be able 

to lie in the bath and gaze up at the stars. Choosing 

the bath, which would be very much centre stage, was 

a big decision and after much research they opted for a 

classic Porcelanosa white bath which sits in magnificent 

splendour on a plinth in the middle of the room under a 

skylight. Everything else has been paired down to create a 

modern, minimalist feel. As bathrooms go, it really works. 

Having finished building a house on this scale, most 

people would sit back and consider the job done, but 

there was one more project pending – a walled garden. 

So back came SEDAC, who built the house and of whom 

the Carsons can’t speak highly enough, and the bones of 

the garden and greenhouse were built. Grant Brickell of 

The Wellingham Walled Herb Garden then came to sort 

out paths and beds. Today it looks like something that 

is hundreds of years old, an absolute pleasure to behold, 

and provides vegetables, fruit and flowers for the house. 

Visiting the house today you would never imagine 

it was a new-build. Covered in creepers and roses 

it looks like it has been there a long time and has 

certainly met all the dreams and inspirations that 

the family drew up when they set out on their own 

Grand Design. Ah yes, Julian’s ‘must have’. 

Finally, we went down some less-polished stairs at 

the back of the house to the most amazing wine cellar, 

built out of brick and stone with a dusty old table 

and chairs where Julian and his oeonophile friends 

will no doubt have spent many happy hours. 

 


Above left: The family has built a wonderful, traditional walled garden, including brick paths, flower and vegetable beds, and a large, modern greenhouse 

Above right: Benches inside the greenhouse are laden with all manner of seedlings, ready to be planted out once the risk of frosts has passed 

Address Book: 

Bill Talbot artist 01580 200081 www.billtalbot.com 

Chesney’s London 020 7627 1410 www.chesneys.co.uk 

Colefax and Fowler www.colefax.com 

Edmondson Interiors Goudhurst 01580 212934 

www.edmondsoninteriors.co.uk 

Farrow & Ball www.farrow-ball.com 

Fired Earth www.firedearth.com 

Illuminations Tunbridge Wells 01892 533454 

www.illuminations.co.uk 

Joseph McCarthy frames 01892 527528 

www.josephmccarthy.co.uk 

Nina Campbell www.ninacampbell.com 

phoenix Antiques Tunbridge Wells 01892 549099 

www.phoenixantiques.co.uk 

Sedac Construction Crowborough 01892 669944 

info@sedac.co.uk 

Stephen Langer Architects 01892 524555, 

www.stephenlanger.co.uk 

The Wellingham Herb Company Burwash 01435 883187 

www.wellinghamherbco.co.uk 

Westgate Joinery 01273 814555 www.westgatejoinery.co.uk 


90

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Discovered by us... delivered to you

Sell online with us... 

Become a member of our community of unique, vintage, handmade & bespoke sellers 

Wealden Times 

PRICELESS 

JULY 2015 

The lifestyle magazine for the Weald 

LIVING SPACES SUPPLEMENT 

inside 

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

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 


Discovered by us... delivered to you 

To apply please call 01580 713915 

or visit wealdenfairs.com/exhibit-online.html

UNFORGETTABLE 

LONDON TO 

BRIGHTON TREK 

50 & 100K ROUTES. START YOUR EXPERIENCE NOW 

bhf.org.uk/l2btrek 25-26 June 2016 

©British Heart Foundation, registered charity in England 

and Wales (225971) and in Scotland (SC039426)

Step to it: an 

old wooden stepladder 

serves as a shoe rack in this 

16th century Wealden family 

home. A nice case of recycling 

as well as a clever take on 

ladder-style contemporary 

shelving... 

Form and 

function: rather than 

hiding items away, make 

a display of them – as the 

owners of this classic Victorian 

townhouse in Tunbridge Wells 

have done. Brightly coloured 

books, packaging and objets 

d’art stand out against 

the grey walls 

Clever and pretty 

We look back at some of the niftiest storage solutions 

featured in Wealden Times in recent months... 

Airing clean 

linen: the owners of this 

contemporary home, on a 

country estate in West Sussex, are 

on-trend with these chicken-wire 

fronted shelves where towels and 

linen are aired as well as stored. 

Finding what you need 

is made easier too 

Industrial chic: 

taking a leaf out of 

professional kitchens, the 

owners of this late Victorian 

villa in East Grinstead have 

all their cooking utensils 

close at hand, yet tidily 

out of the way 

 


To download free images, 

log on to www.wildwashblog.co 

Glazed, not 

confused: a display 

cabinet in a townhouse in 

St Leonards makes a great 

storage space for a collection 

of shoes – showing them 

off, when not being worn, 

and keeping them 

dust free too 

Bookworm’s 

delight: a bookshelf above 

a doorway in this Georgian 

farmhouse near Rye makes use 

of every available space. This 

idea works best for books that 

have been read and need to 

be stored, rather than 

those needed daily 

AjeerS17.indd 1 02/03/2016 16:34 

www.totalgroomingmagazine.co.uk 



JUNE 2015 

JULY 2015 

AUGUST 2015 

Love is... 

WILDWASH 

WildWash Natural Skin 

and Coat Care For Pets 

Visual feast: 

fabrics stored in mesh 

drawers brighten a corner 

of this cottage in Sissinghurst 

while making it easier for their 

seamstress owner to lay her 

hands on a specific fabric 

at a moment’s notice 

To see Pepper’s fi rst bath visit: 

www.youtube.com/WildWashCo 


september 2015 


OCTOBER 2015 


NOVEMBER / DEcEMBER 2015 

If you would like to subscribe or have an interest in advertising, please contact: 

T: 01795 509110 E: mike@cimltd.co.uk 



96 

TotalGroomingS17.indd 1 02/03/2016 17:15

SEE WHERE THE MAGIC HAPPENS 

AT SURREY HILLS’ ONLY DISTILLERY 

The Silent Pool nestles in the heart of the beautiful 

rural landscape of the Surrey Hills. The crystal 

clear waters spring from a deep, natural chalk 

aquifer with the distillery located on the bank of 

the Pool. Using water from the Pool itself and 

carefully selected ingredients we hand-craft 

and bottle our award winning Silent Pool Gin, 

liqueurs, vodka and Eau De Vies on site. 

Visitors welcome 7 days a week 

Monday - Friday 09.00 - 17.30 

Saturday - Sunday 10.00 - 16.30 

Immerse yourself into the world of Silent Pool with a 

90 minute deep dive in the company of one of our 

expert distillers, covering all aspects of production 

and including product sampling. 

£15 per person. Booking fees apply. 

£5 discount on a single bottle purchase. 

Tuesday and Thursday 19.00 - 20.30 

Other days available. For more info and bookings 

see our website or phone 01483 229136. 

www.silentpooldistillers.com 

THE SILENT POOL GIN 

EXPERIENCE 

SHERE ROAD, ALBURY, SURREY GU5 9BW

Mini 

magic 

Photographs: David Merewether Styling: Helen Barton 

Take a look at some of our favourite, bright and 

beautiful children’s wear for spring, covering special 

occasions, garden adventures, and home-time chilling.

Frugi pink t-shirt, £16, daisy trousers, £18, rainbow cardigan, £28, yellow t-shirt, 

£16, rainbow trousers £18, set of 6 wooden ice-lollies, £15, rainbow umbrella, £20, 

Thumbelina, Tenterden 01580 763303 www.thumbelinatoys.co.uk

For amazing designer and bespoke 

hats and fascinators as well as seasonal 

hats, umbrellas and pashminas. 

We also stock Rainbow shoes which can 

be dyed to any colour imaginable. 

Specialising in occasion wear for the mother of 

the bride, groom and guests 

www.melitaboutique.co.uk 

57 High Street, Chobham, Surrey GU24 8AF 

Tel: 01276 856308 

THE MAD HATTER 

12 Castle Street, Guildford, Surrey GU1 3UW 

01483 566845 

www.themadhattermillinery.com 

MelitaOfChobhamS18.indd 1 29/03/2016 TheMadHatterS08.indd 17:43 

1 27/05/2015 15:41 

QUALITY CLOTHING AND A PERSONAL SERVICE 

SPRING / SUMMER 2016 

With the new season fast approaching, we are already 

pleased to be able to offer the first part of our new 

ranges, amongst these are collections from DIGEL, a 

German tailoring company, specialising in fine, mid 

and lightweight fabrics, tailored in two collections. 

DIGEL CONCEPT, a range of jackets and trousers 

in a modern yet comfortable fit, with refined 

detailing, and DIGEL MOVE, an urban styled 

collection, in a slimmer fit, with a consistently 

modern and perfectly shaped silhouette. 

To celebrate the 150 th anniversary of MAGEE 1866 

clothing, both our Canterbury and Reigate stores are 

pleased to be able to offer their celebration collection 

of contemporary clothing, in linen and cotton blends. 

As always, we welcome you to visit our stores and 

allow us the chance of showing you what’s on 

offer for the ensuing spring / summer season. 

We are proud to be sponsoring Tom Ward in the Pirelli Superstock 600 Championship 

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 

Follow us 

CountyClothes 


100 

CountyClothesWT168.indd 1 18/01/2016 11:42

No Added Sugar hoodie, £52.95, 

deep sea polo shirt, £29.95, trousers, 

£22.95, Love Boo wash set, £17.95, 

Kidella, Tenterden 01580 765021 

www.kidella.co.uk; garden party 

dress, £48, vintage baby smock, 

£18, baby bloomers, £15, Tatty Tess 

www.wealdenfairs.com/tattytess; Our 

Generation doll wellies, £10, Thumbelina, 

Tenterden 01580 763303 

www.thumbelinatoys.co.uk

Anjo Kids orange stripe shirt, £23, Mini A Ture Donald trousers, £41.49, No Added Sugar blue jumper, £29.95, print skirt, £35.95, 

Joules flower set of 3 hair clips, £8.95, Kidella, Tenterden 01580 765021 www.kidella.co.uk; raffia cross body bag, £15, Tatty Tess 

www.wealdenfairs.com/tattytess

Stress-free Style & 

Wardrobe Update 

Look great this 

Spring/Summer 

without spending 

a fortune 

Emma Davison 

Personal Stylist 

· Style Consultation 

· Wardrobe Edit 

· Personal Shop 

VINCENT & VIOLET 

Something for 

everyone.... 

Vincent & Violet offers 

a unique shopping 

experience with 

contemporary and 

affordable clothing. 

We look forward to 

your visit where our 

friendly staff will help 

you find something for 

every occasion. 

You can choose 

from a variety of 

brands that include: 

SOYACONCEPT, 

CREAM, OFELIA, 

FRANSA, DRANELLA, 

VILA AND OTHERS. 

T: 01883 716000 

www.emma-davison.co.uk 

Gift Vouchers Available 

27a The Borough, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7NJ 

01252 715513 www.vincent-violet.com 

EmmaDavisonS17.indd 1 01/03/2016 Vincent&VioletS18.indd 16:00 

1 29/03/2016 18:16 


JeremyHobbsS17.indd 1 01/03/2016 14:16

poppy & skylight reversible dress 

& matching flower headband, £40, 

MummyLovesLily www.wealdenfairs. 

com/mummyloveslily; No Added Sugar 

woodland animal t-shirt, £19.95, 

cherish trousers, £29.95, Bobux navy 

sandals, £34.95, Agulus denim 

boots, £82.50, Kidella, Tenterden 

01580 765021 www. 

kidella.co.uk; showjumper 

lounge pants, £32, 

Tatty Tess www. 

wealdenfairs. 

com/tattytess

No Added Sugar jumpsuit, £34.95, Mini A Ture palm tree 

t-shirt, £22.95, Tartine et Chocolat dungarees, £29.95, 

Kidella, Tenterden 01580 765021 www.kidella.co.uk; 

trilby sun hat, £22, Tatty Tess www.wealdenfairs.com/tattytess; 

electric & apple reversible dress & matching flower 

headband, £40, MummyLovesLily www.wealdenfairs. 

com/mummyloveslily; set of 6 wooden ice-lollies, £15, 

wooden dumper truck, £30, Thumbelina, Tenterden 

01580 763303 www.thumbelinatoys.co.uk

No Added Sugar stripe shorts, £35.95, jumpsuit, £64.95, Bobux sandals, £32.95, 

Kidella, Tenterden 01580 765021 www.kidella.co.uk; nursery rhyme skirt, £32, 

bluetit skirt, £28, Tatty Tess www.wealdenfairs.com/tattytess 


106

Wealden Health & Beauty 

Wealden Times talks to Katie Timothy... 

Do you have a 

beauty regime? 

I do yes. I like to keep 

things very simple and 

uncomplicated but I certainly 

have a regime. I use a light 

exfoliator each night after I 

have removed all my makeup, 

followed by a night 

cream. Then, in the morning 

I use a light day cream before 

applying my foundation over 

the top. I do find my skin can 

get very dry especially in the 

winter months. Moisturising 

twice a day really keeps 

this at bay for me. 

Do you have a particular 

product you cannot 

live without? 

I’m an absolute sucker for 

Neal’s Yard Remedies! The 

products that I use on my 

skin are in fact all from this 

company. My favourite of 

all of them would have to be 

the Rose and Almond Night 

Cream. This cream really 

does soothe and remove all 

the redness from my skin 

by the time I wake up in 

the morning. Especially 

after wearing make-up 

and facing the elements 

from the previous day. 

What’s your ultimate 

pampering treat? 

My ultimate pampering treat 

is definitely the Rosemary 

and Cedarwood Hair 

Treatment from Neal’s Yard 

Remedies... Like I said, I’m a 

real sucker! This product gives 

my hair that extra lift and bit 

of last minute love, especially 

when I’m in need of a hair 

cut and haven’t quite found 

the time to get it in the diary. 

Who’s your style icon? 

Without a doubt my style 

icon is my partner in life 

and business... He is a man 

and therefore has completely 

different clothes to me, but 

his wardrobe is beautifully 

curated. It’s wonderfully 

simple and uncomplicated. 

Katie is head of design 

and co-founder at in-grid. 

In-grid make white shirts 

for women, made in 

England. Katie wears The 

Rounded Collar shirt in 

this image, photographed 

by Adam Barclay, 

photographer, director 

and co-founder at in-grid. 

Shop and follow their 

story at www.in-grid.co.uk 

Freeimages.com/AmberEdgar 

Handy Dandy 

This bright yellow flower is 

often thought of as a pesky 

weed which likes to take over 

our lawns and irritate golfers. 

They pop up in pavement 

cracks and even sneak in 

at the side of the road. 

They are however, rather 

misunderstood. Dandelion 

is a very rich source of 

beta-carotene, vitamin C, 

fibre, potassium, iron, and 

contains more protein than 

spinach. The entire plant can 

be eaten; the flowers make 

wonderful wine, the roots 

have a delicious chocolatelike 

taste when roasted 

and ground into dandelion 

coffee and the leaves are 

often available in health 

food shops as a freeze dried 

herb. Take a walk and forage 

them from somewhere free 

from pesticides (the ones on 

your lawn aren’t the best). 

Alternatively, use a tincture 

or tea as a digestive aid or 

make a fresh dandelion and 

fennel salad with a simple 

lemon and tamari dressing. 

Soothe & sleep... 

The Organic Pharmacy’s 

Carrot Butter Cleanser is 

a must-have for this time 

of year. Come in from 

the elements and smooth 

a small amount over dry 

skin with your fingertips. 

It melts instantly, and sinks 

into pores, removing daily 

grime and make-up. After 

a couple of minutes, use 

their luxurious organic 

muslin cloth, soaked in hot 

water to gently exfoliate 

the skin and fully remove 

the cleanser and any dead 

skin. It leaves your pretty 

cheeks feeling radiant, 

incredibly soft and smelling 

fragrant. Chamomile and 

lavender soothe and calm, 

also making it the perfect 

relaxing treatment before 

bedtime. Indulgent beeswax, 

shea and cocoa butter make 

it rich, without being thick 

or heavy. We love this 

cleanser, it’s totally gorgeous 

and works perfectly with the 

muslin cloth. Both are available 

for £39.95 and £3.95 from 

www.theorganicpharmacy.com 


Foodie treats to look 

forward to at the fair 

Tickets are now on sale for Wealden Times 

Midsummer Fair at Hole Park this June – and 

we’ve got the usual array of stands and events, 

from hand-picked exhibitors providing a fabulous 

shopping experience to the Priceless People Wellbeing 

Festival. Whatever your reason for going, there’s 

plenty to do and see. In the run-up to the fair, we’ll 

be chatting to some of the exhibitors who will be 

sharing their passion for all things fresh and local 

with visitors. Here we talk to Melissa from Plants 

& Produce, part of the Canterbury Oast Trust... 

How long has the nursery been 

around? The Canterbury Oast Trust 

was set up over 30 years ago by a 

pioneering group of parents. There has 

always been an element of horticultural 

activity. The nursery in its current 

location, at the Rare Breeds Centre, 

Woodchurch, has been operating for 

over 20 years. 

What kind of plants do you grow? Our trainees help 

to grow thousands of bedding and perennial plants each year 

and we specialize in herbs, fruit and vegetable plants. We 

grow heritage tomatoes such as the beautifully pink ‘Brandy 

Wine’ and unusual chili plants such as ‘Black Pearl’ and 

‘Pinocchio’s Nose’ and a vast range of herbs, from Strawberry 

Mint to Orange Thyme. We also have a range of edible 

flowers and a beautiful assortment of cottage garden plants, 

shrubs and unusual perennials. We like to grow varieties that 

you won’t find in the supermarket – this way they are more 

fascinating for us to grow and more interesting for you to eat! 

Who does the propagation, potting on and plant 

care? We have over 50 learning disabled horticulture 

trainees at the nursery throughout the week. They get 

involved in every aspect of growing the plants and crops. 

This could be selecting seeds or serving customers in the 

plant shop. Our horticultural trainees learn a variety of skills 

such as propagation, plant maintenance, use of horticulture 

machinery, harvesting and customer service. They can also 

undertake formal accredited horticultural training with us 

through City and Guilds up to NVQ level 1. 

What is the philosophy behind the Rare Breeds 

Centre Plants and Produce? 

The Canterbury Oast Trust is all about supporting the 

independence of people with learning disabilities. We support 

people to make decisions about their lives and support them 

to live the life that they choose. If they choose to learn 

about horticulture then they are able to access the nursery, 

where they are able to develop their skills and train in a busy 

commercial environment. It is amazing what our service users 

achieve at the nursery and the beautiful plants that they grow. 

Our horticultural trainees really enjoy seeing their plants grow 

and they are involved in every aspect from seed-to-sale. As 

the plants are growing the service users also grow in skills, 

confidence and independence. 

What do you like most about visiting the Wealden 

Times Fair? It is one of the highlights of our year. We 

enjoy attending external events to promote the nursery and 

the work of Canterbury Oast Trust. Attending local events 

with our service users helps with community integration and 

helps to change perceptions about learning disability. 

For more details please see our website: www.rarebreeds.org. 

uk or www.c-o-t.org.uk. The Rare Breeds Centre Plants & 

Produce shop is open all year (except Mondays in November 

to March). The nursery, shop and restaurant are also open 

to non-visitors to the Rare Breeds Centre. We are happy to 

give tours of the nursery growing site to groups and garden 

societies etc. Please contact us for further details: 

nursery@c-o-t.org.uk or call Melissa Tebbutt or 

Lyn Hope on 07795 515182 

Wealden Times Midsummer Fair runs from 9-11 June at Hole Park, Rolvenden. To book your tickets visit www.wealdentimes.co.uk/events 


108

A dose of nature 

In a world over-run with pharmaceutical drugs, we’re on the hunt for a more 

natural antidote. Read on to discover the potential of your own back garden... 

The beekeepers 

Alison and Robin Derrick keep their own bees... 

We all know how great honey is, but what else do your bees give you? 

Beeswax is one of the oldest ingredients used in skincare because it nourishes 

and softens the skin. It’s anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-allergenic. Propolis is 

resinous and very sticky. We’re trialling a propolis cream to treat psoriasis, acne 

and burns, and have had great results so far. Bee pollen is packed with protein 

and can help hay-fever sufferers. Royal jelly is fed only to bee larvae destined 

to be queens, so we don’t extract this as it can disturb the natural equilibrium 

in the hive. Even bee stings can be used to treat arthritis and rheumatism. 

BeeInspired make some lovely products, which is your favourite and 

why? I love making all the creams and balms, however, my absolute favourite 

is the gardeners’ hand cream. I love the synergy between the essential oils; 

jasmine tones the skin and increases elasticity, lavender calms and soothes, 

and rosemary improves blood circulation and relieves muscular pain. 

If someone wants to keep their own bees, what are your top tips? Anyone 

interested in beekeeping should seek out their local beekeeping association first. 

Each association will run both practical and theoretical training courses, conferences 

and taster days. I would recommend starting with a friend so you can help each 

other lift heavy boxes and keep an eye out for any queen cells. Plus, having two 

opinions is useful. Also, always remember that bees are not at all harmful. 

Alison has kept bees for over 20 years. BeeInspired combine honey and beeswax 

with plant and essential oils to make the most divine smelling beauty products. 

They’re luxurious and highly beneficial for both physical and psychological 

wellbeing. Get yours here www.wealdenfairs.com/naturalbeeswaxcreams 

The expert gardener 

Claire works at Sissinghurst Castle & Gardens... 

Are you a fan of natural remedies? Why? As a gardener, I love plants, 

and they seem to find their way into all aspects of my life, the medicine 

shelf included. I love that a potential cure is just at hand and there is no 

packaging or added chemicals. Using natural remedies is very simple and 

the more you do it, the more normal it feels. Before you know it, you’ll be 

stepping into your garden, before reaching for the medicine cabinet. 

What would be 3 easy-to-grow plants for the novice gardener or someone 

with a small garden? Number one is lavender; it helps with stress, tension and 

insomnia. Use a tablespoon of dried flowers and tie them in a square of muslin. 

Run them under the tap for a relaxing bath. Thyme is a useful herb in the 

kitchen, but is also great at relieving stuffy noses, coughs and colds when added 

to a basin with hot water. Pop a towel over your head and breathe in the steamy 

aroma for 5-10 minutes. My third choice would be garlic. Buy the garlic head 

in winter, plant each clove in the ground or a pot and harvest in June. Make 

it into a tea, syrup, juice or oil for poor circulation, joint pain or earache. 

Are there any kitchen windowsill plants that you find handy? An Aloe 

Vera plant is best kept on the kitchen windowsill where it’s close to hand 

to deal with cuts and burns. The clear gel instantly soothes and dries to 

form a natural bandage. I also have a pot of Moroccan mint, the best 

for making tea. Tear up a palmful of leaves into a teapot and infuse for 

a few minutes. It’s great for relieving congestion and headaches. Basil is 

known to have anti-inflammatory properties and makes a great pesto. 

Claire Abery has been a gardener since leaving school and has worked at the 

botanic garden at Reading University and Levens Hall in the Lake District. 

Image: Thomas Alexander 

The hop growers 

Caroline Alexander on a local 

way to get a good night’s sleep... 

What makes hops and lavender such a great 

combination for promoting sleep? Sleeping 

on a pillow of hop flowers has long been 

considered a remedy for insomnia. Throughout 

Europe countryfolk would fill their pillows 

with hops and fragrant herbs as the aroma of 

hops on their own is not to everyone taste. 

By combining them with lavender it smells 

lovely as well as increasing the soporific effect. 

What evidence is there to support this? 

Scientific research has proved that inhaling the 

fragrance of lavender or applying the oil to the 

skin has a direct effect on the brain and reduces 

the symptoms of stress. This is in addition 

to lavender’s other medicinal benefits as an 

antiseptic, anaesthetic and anti-inflammatory. 

Lavender’s relaxing properties are also effective 

in combatting travel sickness. Hop flowers 

are a natural sedative, but it’s the presence of 

oestrogen that is a particular aid to sleep. 

How can people use hops and lavender 

to promote sleep? The simplest remedy is 

Sleepy Scent – a subtle balance of essential 

oils using hop extract with pure lavender oil. 

A few drops on a pillow is all that’s needed. 

It’s perfect for long-haul flights too. For 

added benefit, try sipping Sleepy Tea which 

blends hops (they’re too bitter to drink on 

their own) with lavender, rose petals and 

camomile flowers. Sleep pillows can be made 

using a ratio of 40% dried hops to 60% 

lavender. Loosely fill a fine-woven cotton bag 

and place inside an old pillow case. Make sure 

you use true lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) 

not lavandin (Lavandula intermedia) 

which has mild stimulant properties. 

The Hop Shop in Kent has been producing 

Sleepy Scent and Sleepy Tea from its homegrown 

Kentish lavender for many years. 

For more information contact 01959 

523219 or visit www.hopshop.co.uk 


Life’sa picnic 

As the weather gets warmer, the sun comes out and our thoughts turn to outdoor events – it’s time to 

‘think picnic’. Juliet Bidwell of Juliet’s Catering couldn’t agree more. Here are her suggestions... 

Photographs: David Merewether 


110

Bread Making Classes 

There is nothing like the taste and smell of real bread. Our classes 

not only teach you how to make a range of delicious loaves using 

recipes that you will want to make again and again, they are also 

a great, relaxed day out. The cost includes a delicious, home make 

lunch as well as all your ingredients, course notes and breads to take 

home at the end of the day. We even do all of your washing up! 

Booking now with prices from £60! 

May 21st Beginners Bread Making 

June 25th Beginners Bread Making 

July 9th Mediterranean Breads 

New for Autumn – Great British Breads 

A Taste of the Past 

Call Claire on 07999 871053 to check availability 

Full details at www.tasteofthepast.co.uk 

Contact: atasteofthepast@gmail.com 

Press ad_Layout 1 19/08/2011 4:06pm Page 1 

ATasteOfThePastS18.indd 1 24/03/2016 13:24 

The taste of Kent 

from your own local farm shop 

Wild Rice and Lentil Salad 

with Grainy Mustard and Vinaigrette 

Serves 6 

• 120g wild and basmati rice – cooked 

• 120g lentils – cooked 

• 2 red onions – cut into wedges and roasted 

• 3 spring onions – sliced 

• 20g chives – chopped 

Grainy Mustard Dressing & Vinaigrette 

• 3tbsp olive oil 

• 2tbsp cider vinegar 

• ½ tsp roast garlic 

• 1tsp grainy mustard 

• Salt & pepper to taste 

1. Whisk all the dressing ingredients together and taste for 

seasoning. 

2. Mix the rice, lentils, red onions, spring onion, and 

chives together and toss the dressing through the salad 

 

You’ll taste the difference when you purchase 

your produce from us. 

We’ve sourced fruit and veg from local 

suppliers so we can guarantee its’ 

freshness – and that means great tasting food. 

Why not make 

a day of it? 

Visit Polhill Garden Centre 

for the best ideas for 

your garden 

And why not treat yourself to some of our 

specialist items: jams, pickles, chutney, cheese, 

milk, biscuits, honey, confectionary, ice cream, 

frozen foods and much more. Great for gifts – 

or treat yourself! 

We’ve got easy on-site parking so come and 

visit us soon. 

London Road, 

Badgers Mount, 

Sevenoaks, 

Kent TN14 7BD 

Tel: 01959 533089 

The Taste of Kent 

Winner of the Garden Centre Association 

Farm Shop of the Year Award 2010 


PolhillWT116.indd 1 16/09/2011 16:54

Lemon Dill Tiger Prawns 

with Sumac 

Serves 6 

• 18 peeled tiger prawns 

• 2tbsp olive oil 

• Salt & pepper 

• 1tsp sumac 

Dill dressing 

• 5tbsp olive oil, salt & pepper 

• 1½ tbsp lemon juice 

• 1tbsp dill – chopped 

• 6 x 10cm wooden skewers – optional 

1. Mix the dill dressing ingredients 

together. 

2. Season the tiger prawns and panfry 

them in the olive oil, turning 

them over during cooking. The 

flesh will become opaque when 

they are cooked. 

3. Marinate the prawns in the dill 

dressing for two hours. 

4. To serve: remove the prawns and 

thread them onto the skewers, 

if they are to be used, and then 

sprinkle them with the sumac. 

Smoked Haddock 

& Asparagus Tartlets 

Serves 8 

• 200g non-dyed smoked haddock – 

poached & flaked 

• 1 onion, chopped and sautéed 

• 125ml double cream 

• 1 egg 

• 1 egg yolk 

• 1tbsp parsley – finely chopped 

• 100g asparagus spears – blanched 

• Filo pastry – 3 or 4 sheets 

• 20g butter – melted 

• Muffin tin 

1. Cut the filo sheets into squares, to fit 

8 pockets of the muffin tin. Brush the 

squares of filo with the melted butter 

& line each pocket with 3 squares. 

2. Whisk the cream, egg and egg yolk 

together and season. 

3. Fill the filo pockets with sautéed 

onion, chopped asparagus stem, 

smoked haddock, parsley and the 

egg and cream mixture and place an 

asparagus spear on top. 

4. Bake at 180°C for 15 – 20 minutes, 

or until cooked. 

 


112

Rhubarb, Strawberry and Maple Cake 

Serves 6-8 

• 200g rhubarb – cut 

into 3cm lengths 

• 2dsp maple syrup 

• 120g strawberries – 

cut in half 

• 3 egg Victoria sponge 

• 1 orange – zest-grated 

• 250g crème fraîche – 

to serve 

1. Line a 23cm square tin with parchment. 

2. Cook the rhubarb with the maple syrup in the tin for 

10 minutes at about 180C (in a conventional oven) or until 

cooked, then add the strawberries to the rhubarb. 

3. Make the Victoria sponge, adding the grated orange rind to 

the mixture. Spoon the sponge mixture over the fruit and 

bake for 25 minutes, also at 180C, until cooked. 

4. Cool before turning out and serve with crème fraîche. 

Juliet’s Catering, 01797 270347, bidwell@ndo.co.uk, www.julietscatering.co.uk 


Tree Surgery: 

• Pollarding 

• Crown reduction 

• Crown thinning 

• Crown lifting 

• Tree felling 

• Stump grinding 

• Planting & aftercare 

BRANCHES 

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several years experience our staff have a high level of skill and 

a thorough knowledge of all works undertaken. Give us a call 

for a free expert advice and a free no obligation quotation. 

SERVICES PROVIDED INCLUDE 

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• All aspects of hedgerow management 

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CONTACT MATT TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTE 

t 01342 842417 m 07984 103 385 / 07519 323 936 

e Matt@BranchesArbContractors.com 

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landscaping, garden design and build 

& quality summerhouses since 1997 

For a free Scotts summerhouse brochure, call or 

click anytime. Visit our show gardens at 

Lime Cross Nursery, Herstmonceux 

) 01323 833600 

L A N D S C A P E S 

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BranchesS18.indd 1 22/03/2016 CAMgardensWT169.indd 14:49 

1 17/02/2016 18:05 


116 

GreenshopGomshallS17.indd 1 26/02/2016 10:29

FreeImages.com/ Sabine Simon 

Jobs to do in April 

Jo Arnell offers helpful advice for those about to head out into their gardens 

Spring is the time for investment gardening, so the more effort 

you put in now, the less you’ll have to do later in the season. 

There ought to be a saying for it - a weed pulled today keeps 

thousands at bay / slugs slain tonight, gardener’s delight, that sort 

of thing. Many of the tasks this month are either preparation for 

the coming season and all its gorgeousness, or prevention of a 

disaster yet to unfold. In short, this is a task, not a glory month 

and there’s lots to do, so I’ll stop rambling and make haste. 

Sow, sow, quick quick sow 

April is the month for sowing hardy perennials outside, 

directly into the ground. You’ll know when it’s time to start 

your outdoor sowing – just watch the ground for the first 

of the weeds and self-seeders to emerge. You can then sweep 

about the garden, bountifully casting seeds – or be more 

contained and carefully sow them in regimented drills. 

The important thing is to make sure the soil is welcoming. 

Rake to a fine tilth (the consistency of crumble topping), 

so that the seeds are in contact with the soil. Cover larger 

seeds with soil. Seeds that are tiny and dust-like are best 

scattered on the surface, which should be moist enough to 

not need watering (watering will wash away tiny seeds). 

Once germinated, the fiddly job is the mean task of 

‘thinning out’. This means removing the weaker seedlings 

and ensures that your best babies aren’t overcrowded. 

Some hardy annuals and short-lived perennials will self-sow, so you 

may only have to buy one packet of seeds. This can also result in 

some lovely accidental plant combinations, a happy serendipity that 

you might not have thought of yourself. Biennials like forget-menots, 

wallflowers and honesty will be flowering now. Leave them in 

place after flowering to set seed, or if you have too many, pull them 

up before they get the chance. Sow new biennials in May or June. 

Pruning 

Some shrubs will need pruning to keep them looking good and 

to keep them healthy, but this will depend on whether they’re 

evergreen or deciduous and when they flower. It’s best to wait until 

the frosts have passed before pruning evergreens. Prune flowering 

shrubs after they’ve flowered if they flower on old wood (produced 

last year); so that’s things like Forsythia, Weigela, Philadelphus, 

or at the beginning of the spring if they flower in late summer - 

Buddleia, Caryopteris and some Hydrangeas. Evergreen shrubs can 

be pruned later in the month once the weather’s warmed up. Leave 

any tender plants until early summer. 

Weeds and pests 

Weeding is one of those tiresome jobs that should be tackled 

as soon as possible after the weeds emerge. That way you can 

eradicate them before they reproduce and start spreading about 

– and there lies the rub: how to tell a weedling from a seedling. 

There is a good website devoted to the subject: theseedsite.co.uk/ 

weedlings, and eventually you may learn the difference. But weeds 

are cunning - there’s a weed in my garden that looks just like an 

emerging poppy seedling that I’ve often nurtured to flowering 

point. It can help if you sow seeds in rows, because weeds are 

reckless vagabonds and never grow in tidy rows, so you’ll spot 

which is which. Step up the slug patrol especially around emerging 

shoots. A mild wet winter makes manna for molluscs – they will 

have multiplied and massed their ranks, so prepare for battle. Also 

be on the lookout for the first signs of attack from other bugs like 

aphids and lily beetles – catching them before they embark on 

their world domination plans (female aphids are born pregnant 

and carry on popping out babies at an alarming rate 

without needing to find a mate, which is both scary and 

weirdly fascinating). 

 


FOR ALL YOUR TREE 

SURGERY NEEDS 

Crown reduction, lifting 

and thinning 

Stump grinding 

Deadwooding of tree canopies 

Hedge trimming and reduction 

Supply, planting and aftercare of new trees 

& hedges 

Removal and responsible recycling of 

green waste 

Tree Protection Order (TPO) research, 

application for planning consents with local 

authorities and conservation area trees 

completed free of charge 

Kent Garden Show 

& NAFAS Regional Flower Show 

Sat 28th, Sun 29th & Mon 30th May 

Gates Open 9.30am - 5pm (last admission 4pm) 

AlpineS13.indd 1 28/10/2015 17:12 

Featuring over 300 exhibitors with a wide variety of goods. 

Floral marquees with stunning fl oral displays including 

medal winners from Chelsea. There is a food hall, 

craft pavilion, brass band & children’s rides. 

Garden furniture, water features, garden sheds and 

buildings, tools, sculptures, & much more. 

Jacqueline Aviolet & Tom Hart-Dyke will be in attendance 

all weekend to give answers to your gardening questions. 

Tickets available now. 

Tickets 

available at 

the gate & online 

Prices: Adults £8.00, 

Seniors £7.00 

Children up to 

age 16: Free 

01795 474660 

www.kentgardenshow.com 

The Kent Showground, Detling ME14 3JF 

Feeding, Mulching 

and supporting 

Most shrubs need a little pick-me-up now, in the form of a general 

purpose fertiliser. A general purpose feed will have a balance 

of nitrogen for leafy growth, phosphorus for healthy roots and 

potassium for flowers and fruit. Sprinkle – at the recommended 

rate – at the base of shrubs. Perennials don’t need much feeding. 

Too much nitrogen will encourage leafy growth, often at the 

expense of flowers. Feed with potassium, if anything. Plants in 

pots will need fertiliser, as they will quickly run out of nutrients. 

Only feed plants in the growing season; once the summer 

arrives, all bar the bedding plants must concentrate on ripening 

and strengthening in readiness for the autumn and winter. 

Apply a generous layer of mulch to your borders while the 

soil is still damp. This will prevent excess moisture loss and help 

stop the weeds. If you use an organic mulch, like manure, or 

spent mushroom compost, it will gradually be incorporated into 

the soil by earthworms and will improve the soil structure. 

Support the emerging shoots of perennials before they 

put on too much top growth. There’s not much point 

trussing up a limp, wind-blown bundle of stems and 

hoping it’ll look gracefully well-supported, trust me. 

Vegetables, herbs and fruit 

This is the perfect month for sowing vegetables. Direct sowing is 

less time-consuming than sowing in pots to plant out, but you 

will have to thin your seedlings (see sowing section above). Weed 

regularly and watch out for pests – tiny plants are irresistibly 

delicious to every creature that crawls, flies or hops across your plot. 

Feed fruit bushes with general purpose, slow release fertiliser 

to encourage good fruiting later in the summer. Keep the 

beds weed-free with a layer of mulch. Herbs will be growing 

strongly now and will benefit from a good haircut to keep 

them looking neat with lots of fresh new growth. 

Lawn care 

I feel tired now all of a sudden at the thought of all the mowing 

that needs doing – and edging, and patching in, and more 

mowing. It is a thankless task and too much like housework in 

its repetitiveness, but a well-looked-after lawn with neat edges 

(stripes if you have to) will make the whole garden look better. 

The soil is warming, the sun is rising in the sky and 

the April showers are providing plenty of moisture. It’s 

definitely the gardening season, but even if you can’t face 

doing any actual gardening, you can enjoy just going 

outside and breathing it all in, celebrating the three ‘b’s 

(buds, bees and birds of course). Let’s rush out there. 

For border designs and planting, and gardening ideas, 

contact Jo on 01233 861149 www.hornbrookmanor.co.uk 

FreeImages.com/Aureliy Movila 


GardenShowWT170.indd 1 21/03/2016 12:54 

118

Biossun Bioclimatic Pergola 

Wood Fired Ovens 

OUTDOOR LIVING AT 

CEDAR NURSERY 

Come and meet our friendly, knowledgeable team and 

see our design led range of garden products; all available 

to view 7 days a week at our outdoor living centre in 

Cobham, Surrey. 

From outdoor kitchens, barbeques and wood-fired ovens 

to planters, garden furniture, hot-tubs, cedar and oak 

garden buildings and bio-climatic pergolas; we have 

beautiful plants and products to complement your 

garden and create inspirational outdoor spaces. 

Outdoor Kitchens 

Help is at hand from outdoor cooking experts Kitchen in 

the Garden - The UK’s leading outdoor cooking 

equipment supplier. Together with our 3D design 

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Opening Hours: 

Monday to Saturday: 8.30am - 5.30pm 

Sundays & Bank Holidays: 10.30am - 4.30pm 

Call 

01932 862473 

Click 

landscaping.co.uk 

Visit 

Horsley Road, Cobham, KT11 3JX 

Visit us 7 days a week

Managing your menagerie 

It’s important to do your research, before filling your garden with 

four-legged or feathered friends, says Jennifer Stuart-Smith 

If you have a large garden or a paddock, 

it can be tempting – and sometimes 

helpful – to keep animals. What 

animals you decide to keep depends on 

many factors including how much space 

you have, how much you are at home, and 

what purpose you want them to serve – if 

they are to be more than simply decorative. 

Hens are not only appealing to watch, 

as they peck and scratch around 

in the dirt, but they can also 

be prolific layers. Modern 

hybrids tend to be the best 

in terms of quantity of 

eggs, while fancy and rare 

breeds tend to lay fewer 

eggs and slow up during 

the winter. You can keep 

hens in a moveable ‘ark’ or 

run, as they love fresh grass 

each day, in a more permanent 

run with electric fencing or free range. 

Striking a balance between freedom and 

safety is a challenge as the more free 

range they are, the more easily they can 

be picked off by Mr Fox. Chickens need 

regular feeding and clean water as well as 

a nice clean nesting and perching area. 

Geese As well as being good at keeping 

your grass down they are also popular as 

security, as they make a racket at the sight 

of strangers. Unlike chickens, who will put 

themselves to bed, geese need to be ushered 

into their sleeping quarters. They will need 

adequate sleeping space – about 2sqft per 

adult bird – and protection from damp and 

draughts as well as grain and pellets daily. 

As with all poultry, they need grit so they 

TOP TIP 

HENS: Clip the long, 

outer feathers of one wing, 

not both, to prevent chickens 

flying out of an open run 

Sheila Hume, poultry 

Enthusiast 

can mill the food in the gizzard/crop. Fresh 

water is essential for drinking, although 

they don’t need a pond – a plastic tub or 

child’s sand-pit filled with water is enough. 

Beware: big geese do big droppings. 

Pigs have become popular thanks to the 

likes of TV chefs Jamie Oliver and Hugh 

Fearnley-Whittingstall. Pigs will wreck 

whatever ground you put them on (they 

are a ‘natural rotavator’) – although 

this might be just what you 

want if you are planning 

vegetable cultivation once 

the pigs have moved on. 

There are many breeds, 

with different traits; 

some more docile, some 

who are a little less keen 

on rooting and foraging. 

What you are rearing them 

for is also important. Do you 

want lean bacon, fat belly pork or merely 

a pet? Whatever pigs you choose, you’ll 

need decent pig-proof fencing that can’t be 

pushed down. 

Sheep are another natural lawnmower, 

with less dramatic droppings than geese! 

On the downside, they cost more to buy 

initially, and will require more care, such as 

annual shearing, worming 

(as geese do too) and 

hoof-trimming. If 

reared from lambs, 

sheep can be tame 

and friendly or, 

as adults, can be 

trained to follow 

a bucket. As with 

TOP TIP 

pIGS: Pigs love to 

forage for roots, fresh green 

vegetation, grubs and insects – 

so move their pen regularly 

Ian Jones, Hartley Coffee 

House and Farm 

Shop 

pigs, you need 

to make sure 

your fencing is 

secure, though sheep 

Remember. 

TOP TIP 

GOATS: A goat-specific 

mineral lick is a good idea, 

preferably a large one if you 

have several goats. A Rockies 

Red 10kg is ideal 

Charity Farm 

Countrystore 

tend to clamber and jump out. Sheep may 

need extra feed in winter or if you decide 

to breed from them. Sheep are rarely in 

danger from foxes, although young, weak 

lambs are vulnerable. 

Goats will eat anything and everything. 

They are also escape artists and will climb 

trees and bushes to get their next nibble. 

Do not rush to get goats, without doing 

your research. They can be tame and 

affectionate – and if you keep a female for 

breeding, you will have goat’s milk ‘on tap’, 

though you need to be a dedicated milker. 

Goats need space, with somewhere to 

browse, exercise, climb, investigate, explore 

and play. They do not tolerate wet weather 

so need a shelter which they can retreat 

into. Billy goats can be smelly and all goats 

can be noisy – neither of which will endear 

you to your neighbours. You have 

been warned! 

If you want to keep livestock 

(excluding horses and donkeys) you 

will need to register your land with 

the Rural Payments Agency, who 

will issue you with an Agricultural 

Holding Number (CPH). Even 

one goat needs a CPH, but you 

only need to register poultry if 

you’re keeping more than 50 

hens, and this doesn’t apply to 

ducks and geese. 


120

The 

Green 

Goddess 

Penny Kemp 

on bushcraft 

and learning to 

live with and 

understand 

nature 

Just Fascias 

Kent and Surrey’s premiere installers of 

replacement fascias, soffits, cladding, bargeboards, 

guttering and downpipes in UPVC. 

When I think of Bushcraft skills, my mind automatically 

turns to the likes of Bear Grylls pushing celebrities 

to breaking point on a mission to outwit nature and 

survive in an artificial situation, eating all manner of unsavoury 

things. Or the more absurd Ant and Dec I’m a Celebrity – Get me 

Out of Here!, where celebrities are made to do the weirdest trials in 

order to gain votes from viewers. I can’t make up my mind whether 

they are willing victims or just get paid enormous amounts of money 

(up to half a million pounds, we are told) to endure bush-tucker 

trials where they are seen to eat delicacies such as kangaroo testicles 

or cockroaches. Another trial involved sitting in a glass tank full of 

rats whilst another celebrity had forty pythons writhing over her. 

So it is surprising to learn that here in Kent, in the small village 

of Egerton, hundreds of people gather each May bank holiday to 

pitch a tent and practise and share their ‘bushcraft’ skills. But it is 

not like Bear Grylls and Ant and Dec programmes, it is learning 

to live with and understand nature. According to Steve Kirk, 

editor of The Bushcraft Magazine and expert wild-food forager: 

“Bushcraft is a knowledge of the wild and skill in its ways. In 

other words, the sort of things you would need to know if you 

love to spend long periods of time outdoors.” He likens it to the 

Scouts, Guides and Woodcraft Folk, who learn how to make 

fires, track animals, improvise and be resourceful outdoors. 

Sadly, I never got to be a Guide as I was expelled from 

the Brownies for ‘behaviour unbecoming to a Brownie’. 

Suffice to say I was a little bit too much of a tom-boy for 

the brown-dressed brigade but my daughter was a very wellbehaved 

Brownie and gathered many badges, which stood 

her in good stead for the Duke of Edinburgh Award. 

Steve Kirk emphasises that the May weekend is not aimed at hardcore 

survivalists but is a family occasion with activities for everyone, 

including the young, with evening storytelling and 

star-gazing. A team of experienced instructors will teach you how 

to carve a wooden spoon, make a fire using just friction, source 

free food on a foraging expedition and live in harmony with nature. 

As Steve says, “in a society that is being de-skilled, 

we are keeping traditional knowledge alive and we 

want to share it with as many people as we can”. 

If you want to find out more about the bushcraft weekend, 

contact Steve at steve@bushcraft-magazine.co.uk or call 01233 

756515 or visit the website www.bushcraft-magazine.co.uk 

Prices start at £75 for the weekend. Treading lightly on 

this beautiful planet can never be a bad thing. 

Call for a free quotation 01233 714 115 

Freephone 0800 048 8872 

Mobile 07801 977 921 

www.justfascias.com 

JustFasciasS17.indd 1 02/03/2016 18:28 


THE ULTIMATE SUMMER FESTIVAL FOR DOGS! 

18 & 19 JUNE 

CHESHIRE 

ARLEY HALL 

25 & 26 JUNE 

WINDSOR 

GREAT PARK 

DOGS GO 

FREE 

Hosted 

by Channel 4 

Supervet 

professor Noel 

Fitzpatrick 

Featuring: The Great Dog Walk, agility displays, 

fun dog competitions, have-a-go sessions and dog diving! 

PLUS: Food, drink, shopping and music for the humans too! 

TO BOOK VISIT DOG-FEST.CO.UK OR CALL 08716 207 058 * 

The best day out for you and your dog! 

*calls cost 10p per minute 

plus network extras

What’s On In April 

Children & Family 

Mon 4 Apr - Fri 8 Apr 

Farnham Road, Holt Pound, 

Farnham, Surrey GU10 4LD 

Pirates fun Activity 

Week at Birdworld 

Pirates will be taking over Birdworld for 

the week! Come and join us for some 

swashbuckling fun and games. Join in 

with the seasonal arts and crafts, take 

part in our trail around the park to win 

some great treasures and watch one of 

our themed shows, plus lots more. Why 

not even come along in fancy dress? 

Info: 01420 22140 / 

www.birdworld.co.uk 

Sun 10 Apr 10am-4pm 

Central Car Park, Victoria 

Road, Farnham 

Farnham Classic & 

Vintage Car Show 

Come along to see classic and vintage 

cars, motorcycles, ex-army vehicles 

and an autojumble! All vehicle 

owners wishing to participate must 

register with Hermon Frost. 

Entry: Free (donations welcome) 

Info: 01252 320439 

Sat 23- Sun 24 Apr 10am-5pm 

North East Surrey College Of 

Technology, Reigate Road, 

Ewell, Surrey KT17 3DS 

The Epsom Model 

Railway Show 

An extensive model railway exhibition 

featuring some of the country’s finest 

working layouts (large & small) in 

a variety of different scales showing 

steam, diesel and electric trains in 

action. Including ‘Hornby Junction’ 

where children of all ages can 

drive the trains. Miniature railway 

providing steam train rides in the 

car park. Trade stands, modelling 

demonstrations, refreshment lounge. 

Entry: Adults £7, children under 16 Free 

Info: 01483 576274 / www.eemrc.org.uk 

Sun 24 Apr 8-10.30am 

Painshill, Portsmouth Road, 

Cobham, Surrey KT11 1JE 

Birdsong walk 

Learn all about how to identify 

birds by song and by sight. Children 

must be over the age of 12 years. 1 

adult required for every 2 children. 

Advance booking required. 

Entry: Adults £15 (members 

£10) Children £10 (member 

£5) to include refreshments. 

Info: 01932 868113 / 

www.painshill.co.uk 

Sat 16 Apr 10am-4pm 

Station Road East And Station Road 

West, Oxted, Surrey RH8 9EU 

Love oxsted day 

Come on in to Oxted and discover 

special offers, tastings and more at 

our fantastic shops and restaurant, 

plus a local produce market featuring 

artisan food and drink. Free family 

event with street food and street 

musicians plus children’s gallery. 

Info: 01737 823208 / 

www.loveoxted.co.uk 

Fri 29 Apr 5-9pm 

Watts Gallery - Artists’ Village, 

Down Lane, Compton, 

Guildford, Surrey GU3 1DQ 

Watts at Dusk- 

Secret Opening 

Join us for our first late night opening 

of 2016. Avant Gardening will be here 

revealing the Victorian Secret Language 

of Flowers. Happen upon musical 

performances by students from Prior’s 

Field School and delight in herbal 

cocktails and themed sweet treats. 

Entry: 2 for 1 adult, children 

16 & under go free 

Info: 01483 810235 / 

www.wattsgallery.org.uk 


Gostrey Meadow, Farnham GU9 7PT 

Farnham Duck Race 

The popular Farnham Duck Race 

takes place on Saturday 30th April 

this year. There will also be plenty of 

other attractions in Gostrey Meadow 

on the day so come and enjoy it. 

Info: www.farnhamweyside.org.uk 

Courses 

Tue 12 Apr 6.30-9.30pm 

Nower Wood Educational 

Nature Reserve, Leatherhead, 

Surrey KT22 8QA 

Bat ecology 

Discover the many species of bat 

found in the UK. Learn about bat 

characteristics, their biology, habitat 

preferences and threats. After a 

classroom session we will undertake 

a site visit to observe the bats feeding 

around the ponds and use bat 

detectors to identify them. Please 

bring a torch. Booking essential. 

Entry: members £18, non-members £23 

Info: adult.learning@surreywt.org. 

uk / www.surreywildlifetrust.org 


Cobham Village Hall, Lushington 

Drive, Cobham, Surrey KT112LU 

Astronomy for Beginners 

A one-day course for those new to 

astronomy. Covers what astronomy 

is and what you can see in the night 

sky. Get an introduction to the 

constellations and navigating the sky. 

Learn about telescopes and binoculars. 

Course attracts a certificate of 

attendance and evidence of learning. 

Info: 07757 152572 / 

www.landsendastronomers.weebly.com 

Tue 26 April 1-4pm 

Nower Wood Educational 

Nature Reserve, Leatherhead, 

Surrey KT22 8QA 

Woodland Wildflowers 

Improve your confidence in identifying 

wildflowers. Learn to use keys and 

basic survey techniques as well as 

discovering more about the ecology 

and traditional uses of plants. We 

will introduce you to many of the 

species you are likely to come across in 

Surrey’s woodlands. Booking essential. 

Entry: members £20, non-members £25 

Info: adult.learning@surreywt.org. 

uk / www.surreywildlifetrust.org 

Fairs & Markets 

Tues 5 Apr 9.30am-4pm 

Old Police Station Car Park, Leapale 

Road, Guildford, Surrey GU1 4JX 

Guildford’s 

Farmers Market 

Buy high quality fresh local produce 

directly from over 50 local farmers 

and producers at Guildford’s 

monthly Farmers’ Market, set in the 

attractive cobbled High Street. Try 

the best of seasonal produce and ask 

questions about growing, rearing, 

manufacture and cooking methods. 

Tues 12 & 26 Apr 6.30am-2pm 

Kempton Park Racecourse, 

Staines Road East, Sunbury On 

Thames, Middlesex TW165AQ 

Sunbury Antiques Market 

Well over 700 inside and outside 

stallholders throughout three indoor 

halls and outside hard standing. 

There is always a vast range of 

antique goods on offer including 

furniture, gold and silverware, 

jewellery, ceramics, kitchenallia, 

vintage and vintage fashion, garden 

ephemera and much more. 

Info: 01932230946 / 

www.sunburyantiques.com 


Birtley House, Birtley Road, 

Bramley, Surrey GU5 0LB 

Rare Plant Fair 

A wonderful day out for anyone 

who enjoys gardening, with the 

opportunity to buy traditional and 

unusual plants direct from the growers, 

who will be able to give advice on 

the plants they are selling. You will 

be able to wander around the 48 

acres of grounds & gardens at Birtley 

House. Refreshments are available. 

Entry: £4 

Info: 0845 4681368 


King Edward’s Witley, Petworth 

Road, Wormley, Godalming, 

Surrey GU8 5SG 

Taste 

Treat your taste buds to a truly 

splendid gastronomic experience by 

visiting this exciting food and crafts 

festival. ‘Taste’ will see the School’s 

exhibition hall and Dance Studio 

transformed into a bustling food and 

craft market, showcasing the very 

best culinary delights produced by 

approximately 30 local producers. 

Entry: Free 

Info: 01428686700 

MUSIC, Theatre & ART 

Fri 1-Sat 30 April 

The Lightox, Chobham Road, 

Woking, Surrey GU21 4AA 

Wells’ War of the worlds 

Inspired by the themes of H.G. 

Wells’ book The War of the Worlds, 

this exhibition marks the beginning 

of a year-long programme ‘Wells 

in Woking’, celebrating the 150th 

anniversary of Wells’ birth. 

Info: 01483 737800 / 

www.thelightbox.org.uk 

Sat 9 Apr 7.30pm 

Holy Trinity Church, Guildford, 

Surrey GU1 3RR 

 


Gallery Restaurant 

Special Events 2016 

Visit www.denbies.co.uk for full details & available dates 

Sparkling Outdoor 

Vineyard Train Trail & 

Gallery Restaurant Dinner 

Enjoy the early summer evening commencing with our 

Outdoor Vineyard Train tour. Sparkling wine & canapés 

will be served at the top of Ranmore at one of the most 

spectacular view points of the vineyard overlooking 

Box Hill and Dorking. Followed by dinner. 

Your evening includes: 

- Outdoor Vineyard Train Tour * 

(cameras are recommended) 

- Sparkling wine & Canapés 

- Three course dinner with coffee 

* 

Please note, outdoor tour weather permitting / please 

bring warm outer clothing 

£55.00 per person / Loyalty Club £49.50 

Selected dates throughout the season 

Horse Drawn Carriage Ride 

& Gallery Restaurant Dinner 

Enjoy the long summer evening commencing with 

a leisurely horse drawn carriage ride through the 

vineyard, followed by sparkling wine and canapés 

served in The Gallery Restaurant 

Your evening includes: 

- Horse & Carriage Ride* 

- Sparkling wine & Canapés 

- Three course dinner with coffee 

* 

Weather permitting / please bring warm outer clothing 

£55 per person / Loyalty Club £49.50 

‘A Taste of Denbies’ Evenings 

Hosted season by season throughout the year. Enjoy a 

tasting menu created to pair with wines selected from 

Denbies award winning wine range 

For full details and dates please visit 

www.denbies.co.uk 

RESERVATIONS: Tel. 01306 876616 | Email: events@denbiesvineyard.co.uk 

Denbies Wine Estate Ltd, London Road, Dorking Surrey RH5 6AA 

T: 01306 742002 E: events@denbiesvineyard.co.uk W: www.denbies.co.uk 

Follow us on twitter 

@denbiesvineyard 

Find us on Facebook 

/DenbiesWineEstate 

Impatience 36”x24” £24,000 

Evening Drink, 

Maasai Mara 30” x 20” £15,600 

Snow King 46”x31” £32,000 

A unique 

event, not to 

be missed 

DenbiesWineEstateS18.indd 1 29/03/2016 16:27 

We would like to welcome you to one of the Finest Art 

& Bespoke Framing Galleries in Surrey 

THE GREAT MCGARRY 

INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED WILDLIFE ARTIST EXHIBITION 

Pip McGarry returns to the Trew Art gallery to unveil his latest collection of astonishing 

African animals and big cats original oil paintings. The exhibition will run from 

Saturday 9 th April to Saturday 23 rd April 2016 

Trew Art continues to assist generations of Art collectors and wildlife enthusiasts 

Love Art, Share the Joy 

11 The Parade, Claygate, Surrey, KT10 0PD Tel: +44(0)1372 470997 www.trewart.com 


124 

TrewArtS17.indd 1 01/03/2016 18:03

WoodcocksWT166.indd OutsideCover7_5mmWT66.indd 1 1 09/11/2015 10:25 

18/11/2015 14:23 

What’s On In April 

Spring Concert: Faure 

& Blackford 

Godalming Choral Society presents 

Fauré’s beautiful Requiém and 

Blackford’s lyrical and powerful Mirror 

of Perfection based of the poetry of 

St Francis of Assisi performed in the 

atmospheric setting of Holy Trinity 

Church, Guildford. The choir are 

joined by the Orchestra Eroica and 

conducted by Michael Veazey. 

Entry: Adults £15, Students 

£8, Children Free 

Info: 01483 444334 


G Live, London Road, 

Guildford, Surrey GU1 2AA 

Spring sing 

Community Vox presents a day 

of singing workshops for everyone 

who enjoys a good sing. The day 

will comprise of three singing 

workshops by three accomplished 

and diverse voice workshop leaders. 

Entry: £38, Under 12s £12 

Info: 01483 369350 / www.glive.co.uk 

Sat 9 Apr 7.30pm & 16 Sat 

Apr 2pm & 7.30pm 

St Peter’s Church Hall, Parsonage 

Way, Frimley, Surrey GU167AQ 

Brighlight Theatre 

Company present Don’t 

Dress For Dinner 

Frimley’s Brightlight Theatre 

present the hilarious farce Don’t 

Dress For Dinner. This comedy 

is not suitable for under-16s. 

Entry: Adults £8, over 60s £5 

Info: 07546 737813 / 

www.brightlight-theatre.co.uk 

Tues 12 - Wed 13 Apr 

New Victoria Theatre, Peacocks 

Centre, Woking, Surrey GU21 6GQ 

Nederlands Dans Theater 

One of the world’s most celebrated 

dance companies will thrill and 

entertain with a combination of 

fresh exuberance and astonishing 

athleticism, performing a vibrant 

mixed repertoire of work. 

Entry: From £17.50 

Info: 0844 871 7645 

Wed 13 Apr 8pm 

Guildford Rugby Club Pavilion, 

Godalming, Surrey GU7 3DH 

Clark Tracey Quintet 

Having long been regarded as the 

UK’s most accomplished straightahead 

jazz drummer, Clark Tracey 

is also a composer and arranger. 

Entry: adults £12, students £6 

Info: 01483 444334 

Thurs 14 Apr 7.30pm 

G Live, London Road, 

Guildford, Surrey GU1 2AA 

European Union 

Chamber Orchestra 

One of England’s most popular 

musicians, the brilliant pianist Freddy 

Kempf, will return to G Live with the 

European Union Chamber Orchestra 

to play Mozart’s Piano Concerto 

No. 2 and Piano Concerto No. 13 

K415. The evening concludes with 

Grieg’s delightful Holberg Suite. 

Info: 01483 369350 / www.glive.co.uk 

Fri 15 Apr 7.30- 9.30pm 

Guildford United Reformed 

Church, 83 Portsmouth Road, 

Guildford, Surrey GU2 4BS 

Viola, Clarinet, Piano Trio 

Ursula John on viola, Joy Farrall 

on clarinet and Min-Jung Kym 

on piano play a range of pieces 

from Bruch to Chopin. 

Info: 01483 444334 

Entry: £12 


Station Road East And Station Road 

West, Oxted, Surrey RH8 9EU 

Love oxted day 

Come to Oxted and discover special 

offers and more at our fantastic 

shops and restaurants. Enjoy a local 

produce market featuring artisan food 

and drink and street musicians. 

Entry: Free 

Info: 01737 823208 

CHRISTMAS AT 

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 Surrey T ENT E R DE N 

Homes 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 May issue is 11 April 2016. 

DANCING AND PRANCING DEER - £17.50 EACH 

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GIFT SUPPLEMENT inside 


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21/10/2015 19:39 

Wealden Times 

DECEMBER 2015 



INTERIORS SUPPLEMENT inside 


WoodcocksWT167.indd OutsideCover8mmWT67.indd 1 1 03/12/2015 16:33 

15/12/2015 16:12 

Media Sales Executive 

The lifestyle magazine for the Weald 2016 

JAnUARY 

Wealden Times 

167 

UPCOMING SALES 

25 th May 2016 

22 nd June 2016 

20 th July 2016 

Amber bead necklace- Sold for £ 2,540 incl. comm 

A Japanese bronze of Egret or Crane -Sold - for £1,488 incl. comm 

Ladies 18ct gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust - Sold for £3,960 incl. comm 

To consign to our next auction call (01932) 865026 

The Old Mill, Cobham Park Road, Downside, Cobham, KT11 3PF 

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Wealden Times 

HEALTH & BEAUTY SUppLEmEnT inside 


PRICELESS 

JANUARY 2016 


For a 12 month maternity cover contract – To Start in July 

Wealden Times, the lifestyle brand for the Weald and Surrey, 

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This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated individual to 

succeed and progress in a fast-paced and challenging sales 

environment. You must be confident, target driven, proactive 

and an excellent communicator. 

To apply for the role please email your CV to: 

eleanor.elston@wealdentimes.co.uk 


MediaSalesExecS18.indd 1 30/03/2016 17:32

Workshops 

Gifts 

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Come and learn a new skill or brush up on an old one! 

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1 20/10/2015 18:23

Introducing... 

Happy & Glorious 

Kate Tompsett tells us how her passion for creativity, 

as well as her love of retail and customer service 

inspired her to start her own business. 

What’s the significance of your company name, 

‘Happy & Glorious’? 

The idea for Happy & Glorious came to me 

in 2012, the year of the Olympics and the 

Jubilee. There was a real sense of excitement 

and optimism in the air and I heard an 

announcer on the radio say the words ‘Happy 

& Glorious’, which to me, summed up 

everything that we should aspire to be in life! 

What inspired you to start your 

business? 

As a huge fan of Mary Portas, I watched her 

Bottom Line programme, about the decline 

of British manufacturing. The effect that 

regenerating the manufacturing industry can 

have on entire communities is enormous. 

Being a farmer’s daughter, my father told me 

the importance of buying British wherever possible. His values had 

a long-term impact, so my new shop is in Ashford – a Portas Pilot 

regeneration town. Everything really feels as if it is coming together. 

Have you always been a creative person? 

I have always enjoyed making things with fabric, paint or paper, and 

as a child was always creating something. I love photography and 

drawing and am working to improve these skills as I design more of 

my own products. 

Did you have training? 

I worked in a beautiful shop in Cranbrook for many years, which 

instilled my love of retail and taught me a huge amount about 

customer service, visual merchandising and hard work. Since setting 

up business I’ve had training in marketing and exhibiting, social 

media management, buying and visual merchandising. I received 

mentoring from Jo Wynn-Carter, Ashford Borough Council’s 

Regeneration Manager in 2014, and she’s still an invaluable source 

of inspiration and guidance. My business coach, Will Aylward has a 

wonderful knack for untangling my brain and keeping me on track. 

What influences your product aesthetic? 

H&G products are pretty, feminine, and colourful, with a little twist 

of fun and silliness. I love spots, stripes, botanicals, birds and wildlife, 

so these all feature heavily. I’m inspired by my mother’s beautiful, 

quirky garden. Recoloured photographs of it feature on many of my 

products and it makes a fabulous backdrop for product images. 

Why did you open your shop in Ashford? 

Ashford was awarded a Portas Pilot grant to regenerate the town and 

there have been huge improvements. I took part in PopUp Britain 

in 2014, and heard that Ashford Borough Council had bought Park 

Mall with the aim of filling it with independent businesses. 

How do you choose and 

source or make your 

products? 

My designs usually start with 

a doodle or photograph. I 

dedicate a time slot every week 

for creativity, which is helpful 

and enjoyable. Once I have a 

design, I enhance it digitally, 

decide what products it would 

work on, and make it myself 

or source a manufacturer. I look for products that are made to last. 

British products are a little more expensive but I feel it’s important to 

ensure that they are great quality. 

What’s your favourite product from your collection? 

I only sell what I love! From my own range, I’m most proud of my 

blue and white floral mugs. I love the design and it was a huge step 

for my business as I had to place a substantial order with a Stoke-on- 

Trent pottery to make them cost effective. My other favourite picks 

are the redcurrant & ginger reed diffusers, porcelain bottles, and the 

exquisite prints by Louise Pettifer, my lovely talented friend who was 

Artist in Residence at Sissinghurst Castle in 2015. 

Do you enjoy working for yourself? 

I love it and can’t imagine going back. Having the autonomy to 

make decisions, plan promotions and implement strategies creates 

a freedom that is difficult to emulate when employed. There’s so 

much to do, but I structure my week carefully. I’m fortunate to have 

supportive family and friends who let me ‘talk shop’ for hours and 

help out with every aspect of the business. Looking at my little shop 

gives me a sense of achievement. It’s a dream 20 years in the making. 

Clockwise from above, ‘Allium Seedheads’ Print, £70; Ashford 

Retail Shop; Set of Four Blue Silhouette Flower Mugs, £9 each 

www.wealdenfairs.com/happyandglorious

competition 

win a HARVEY WATER 

SOFTENER AND FREE 

INSTALLATION WORTH £1600 

Fables 

From 

The Farm 

Jane gets help 

creating a meadow – 

using ferrets... 

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A 

s I explained last year, for ages I have wanted to create 

a wildflower meadow at Coopers Farm. In the fifteen 

years we have been here we have never used herbicides, 

pesticides or fertilisers yet, despite our best endeavours, the 

fields remain largely a monoculture of rye grass, devoid of any 

interesting flora. Thistles, buttercups, daisies, Lady’s Smock and 

clover just about sum it up. Over the years I’ve tried spreading 

hay (full of seed) cut from flower-rich meadows, inserting 

plugs of yellow rattle – a plant which will weaken the rye 

grass thereby giving other species a chance – and broadcasting 

local clay-loving wildflower seed mix, but all to no avail. 

Those in the know were not the least bit surprised by my 

dismal results, so last summer we employed the services of 

local wildflower guru Colin Reader and embarked on an 

ambitious programme to turn the six acre field by the house 

into something straight out of The Darling Buds of May and 

hopefully buzz all summer with busy bees, butterflies and birds. 

Against all my green beliefs, the field was sprayed with 

glyphosate three times between July and September. Each time 

it was done, a week or so would pass and it looked yellow and 

sickly but, blow me down, another three weeks and it would 

bounce back like nothing had happened. But eventually the 

chemicals prevailed. So, at the end of the summer, the field was 

scalped by a machine that peeled off the top inch of roots and 

we have spent the winter looking out over a bald brown field. 

Unfortunately, although the sheep did a fine job of breaking 

up the surface (we shut them in for a few hours much to their 

non-amusement at the lack of grass) we still have too many 

rabbits. Apparently, the quickest, most efficient and indeed 

humane way of sorting this out is to bring in a ferreter. So our 

man arrived last week to address the problem. 

I have never given much thought to ferrets and ferreting 

but how fascinating the whole thing is. Introduced probably 

by the Romans to control rats, they came into their own after 

the Normans introduced rabbits – which did what rabbits do 

and bred like, well, rabbits! Initially ferreting was the sport 

of noblewomen – Elizabeth I had one she kept up her sleeve 

(yikes!) but as the rabbits bred, everyone got in on the act. 

In more recent history they have been used for all manner of 

things – the Boeing Aircraft Corporation employed a ‘business’ 

(the collective noun) of ferrets as recently as the 1970s to thread 

guide-wires through conduits from which they could then pull 

through electrical cables. Fascinating, but I digress. 

Our man has been working the burrows with his Jills (girls) 

and I think we can now safely call Colin back and get sowing. 

We will then just sit back, rather like Pop Larkin, and wait for a 

carpet of beautiful flowers to appear before our eyes. 

Well you can but hope! 

Follow Jane on Twitter @coopers_farm 

Congratulations to James E Smith who wins our March competition for dinner 

for two, with a glass of Balfour Brut Rosé and an overnight stay at the Tickled 

Trout in West Farleigh

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Surrey Homes | SH18 | April 2016 | Garden supplement inside

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