Wealden Times | WT174 | August 2016 | Wedding supplement inside

PRICELESS
AUGUST 2016
Wealden Times
The lifestyle magazine for the Weald
WEDDING Supplement inside

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81 Calverley Road
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FrasersWT174.indd 1 19/07/2016 16:27
5 High Street, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3EB
01580 715144
Email: cranbrook@kingsfords.net www.kingsfords-solicitors.com
We offer an excellent, swift and friendly service.
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wealdentimes.co.uk
4
KingsfordSolicitorsWT172.indd 1 10/05/2016 11:20

Contents
August 2016
18
33
42
50
77
80
HAPPY FAMILIES
John Graham-Hart finds
houses with room for
generations to live together
IT’S AUGUST
What’s going on near
you this month
MIDSUMMER FAIR 2016
This year’s Fair basked in
three days of sunshine at
beautiful Hole Park
SONGBIRDS’ NEST
Jennifer Stuart-Smith visits a
brilliantly modernised Victorian
house in Hastings Old Town
ANTIQUES UPDATE
Buying - and selling - antiques
can be daunting. We asked
some experts for advice
MODERN FAMILY
John Graham-Hart is impressed
by a house renovated by
a design dream team
S1
109
113
117
121
WEDDINGS
SUPPLEMENT
Dreamy dresses, chic canapés
by Rosemary Shrager and
venues which go the extra mile
BEAUTY
Josephine Fairley shares
the ultimate bridal beauty
tips from supermodels
and super-hairdressers
WEALDEN HEALTH
& BEAUTY
Tips to keep you feeling
fabulous - and specialist
tips for brides
HARVEST HOME
Jo Arnell celebrates the joy
of picking the crop - and
advises what to do with it
FLYING FLOWERS
Sue Whigham rejoices in
butterfly season and suggests
how to attract more of them
125
127
131
135
140
140
80 S8 S19
PESKY PESTICIDE
Penny Kemp considers the
toxic issue of the world’s most
controversial agrochemical
WOOD WORKS
Isabel Mackay explains how
timber buildings can provide
the perfect work/life balance
GET OUT THERE!
School holidays driving you nuts?
Some great ideas for brilliant days out
WHAT’S ON IN AUGUST
Art, children, fetes, cream
teas, festivals, music, theatre,
workshops... it’s all here
COMPETITION
Win a VIP tour of Hush Heath
Estate winery and picnic for six
people, plus a case of wine and cider
FABLES FROM THE FARM
Jane Howard plants a
wildflower meadow and
accidentally thrills her pigs...
published by JpS Media Ltd, Kettle chambers, 21 Stone Street, cranbrook, Kent. Tn17 3Hf. Tel: 01580 714705 fax: 01580 715983.
email info@wealdentimes.co.uk. www.wealdentimes.co.uk copyright JpS Media Ltd 2016©.
The views of the advertisers and contributors are not necessarily those of JpS Media Ltd.
5 wealdentimes.co.uk

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The Property Ombudsman
Northiam Guide Price £1,395,000
An exceptional Grade II* listed village residence amid beautiful grounds within
walking distance of shops and amenities • 3 Reception Rooms • Kitchen/
Breakfast Room • 6 Bedrooms • Dressing Room • 2 Bath/Shower Rooms • 2
Period Outbuildings • Pavilion • Tennis Court • Over an acre in all
Hunton Guide Price £1,195,000
In a tranquil rural setting, a stunning barn conversion extensively with excellent
commuter links nearby - Paddock Wood Station 6.5 miles • 3 Reception
Rooms • Kitchen/Family Room • 4 Bedrooms • 3 Bathrooms • Outbuilding
inc Carport & Stables • PP for new Outbuilding • About 4 acres in all • EPC D
Peasmarsh Guide Price £1,125,000 Great Chart Guide Price £1,100,000
An enchanting unlisted country house amid beautiful gardens in a tranquil A fine Grade II listed manor house incorporating a wealth of period features
rural setting with lovely views over the Tillingham Valley • 4 Reception Rooms in a tranquil setting overlooking its own land and beyond • 4 Receptions
• Kitchen/Breakfast Room • 4 Bedrooms • Study Area • 2 Bath/Shower • Kitchen/Breakfast Room • 6 Bedrooms • 3 Bathrooms • Stables • Offices
Rooms • Triple Garage • Outbuilding • About 1.3 acres in all • EPC E
• Garden and Grounds of 3.5 acres in all
Great Chart Guide Price £950,000
In a tranquil location with outstanding views, a handsome country residence
amid beautiful gardens • 4 Reception Rooms • Kitchen/Breakfast Room • 4
Bedrooms • 3 Bath/Shower Rooms • Double Garage • Gardens and Grounds
of 0.6 acres • 4 acres of Pasture and Stables by separate negotiation • EPC E
Marden Excess £900,000
An extensively refurbished Edwardian country house providing beautiful
family living space in a rural yet accessible location • Reception Room • Open
Plan Sitting/Dining Room/Kitchen • 4 Bedrooms • Dressing Room • 2 Bath/
Shower Rooms • Detached Office • About half an acre in all • EPC E
coming 26 January 2015

Our understanding of the
ever‐changing market enables us
to price your property accurately.
On average we have achieved 92%
of the guide price on sales in the
past 6 months, so you can rely on
Knight Frank to get you moving.
Call us today on 01892 310700 to
arrange your free market valuation.
*Figure correct as at 8th July 2016
OIEO: £750,000
Cranbrook
A charming detached 1920’s family house in a sought after rural position
3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 3 reception rooms. Detached 1 bed studio. Gardens and
grounds with terrace and pergola. Private drive. Planning Permission to demolish
the house and rebuild or to extend. EPC rating E. In all about 0.63 acres.
@KF_TWells
KnightFrank.co.uk
Guide price: £1,650,000
Sandhurst
A beautiful 16th Century Grade II listed farmhouse
5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 4 reception rooms. Ponds, rose garden, orchard, swimming pool and pool house. In all about 2.59 acres.

Our understanding of the
ever‐changing market enables us
to price your property accurately.
On average we have achieved 92%
of the guide price on sales in the
past 6 months, so you can rely on
Knight Frank to get you moving.
Call us today on 01892 310700 to
arrange your free market valuation.
*Figure correct as at 8th July 2016
Guide price: £995,000
Rolvenden
Substantial twin roundel oast house, in need of some refurbishment
5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 5 reception rooms. 3 bay garage. Gardens, grounds and woodland.
In all about 5.44 acres.
@KF_TWells
KnightFrank.co.uk
Guide price: £1,495,000
Goudhurst
An attractive Grade II Listed farmhouse with a detached oast house
5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 3 reception rooms. Detached oast house. Garaging. Gardens, grounds and equestrian facilities.
In all about 3.76 acres.

Nr Rye, East Sussex - £2.9million
Small country estate, with stunning Grade II listed 1960’s
house in secluded location. Drawing room, study, dining
room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility, master bedroom suite,
2 bedroom guest wing, service flat. Triple garage. Workshop.
Heated pool. Approx. 66 acres.
Wittersham, Kent - £850,000
Lovely detached Victorian family house. Sitting room, study,
dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, master bedroom with
en-suite, dressing room/nursery, 3 double bedrooms. Home
office/studio. Double garage. Mature garden. EPC D
Hastings Old Town, East Sussex - £725,000
Outstanding Grade II Listed Regency town house in
Conservation Area offering elegant light rooms. Drawing
room, sitting room, kitchen, dining room, 4 bedrooms and
dressing room. Rear courtyard.
Camber, East Sussex - £575,000
Detached house opposite the vast beach at Camber Sands.
Main open plan living/dining/kitchen area, family room,
study/bedroom 4, utility room, 3 bedrooms. Loft room.
Detached studio and office. Seaside garden, garage/
workshop. Off road parking. EPC B
Northiam, East Sussex - £385,000
Detached Grade II Listed 18th century cottage. Sitting room,
dining room/study, kitchen, master bedroom with dressing
room and en-suite, 2 further double bedrooms. Utility store.
Mature garden. Off road parking.
Stone-cum-ebony, Kent - £1,100,000
Period barn off private road. Drawing room & dining hall,
study, family room, sitting room, kitchen/breakfast room,
utility, 3 double bedrooms. 2 bedroom annexe. Separate
barn with garaging, studio and room above. 1.5 acres.
Garden. Paddock. Stable. EPC F.
RYE OFFICE 01797 227338
MAYFAIR OFFICE 0870 112 7099
phillipsandstubbs.co.uk

‘Our Focus ‘Our Determines Focus Determines Your Reality’ Your Reality’
harpers and hurlingham
Cranbrook £1,699,500
Town property of historic pedigree · Four receptions ·
Kitchen/breakfast/conservatory · Laundry · Boot room
· Suite of two rooms, kitchenette · Six bedrooms (two
ensuite) · Garden and garaging · EPC: n/a
Cranbrook School Catchment Area
Cranbrook £1,195,000
Substantial Family House · Recently extended and
refurbished · Five reception rooms · Kitchen/breakfast/
family room · Utility room · Five bedrooms (one ensuite)
· Enclosed gardens · Garage with office · EPC: D
Cranbrook School Catchment Area
rural HawkHurst £995,000
Farmhouse with annexe potential · Four reception
rooms · Conservatory · Kitchen/breakfast/dining room
· Five bedrooms (one ensuite) · Garden and grounds
approx. 2.9 acres · Swimming pool and pond · EPC: E
Cranbrook School Catchment Area
GouDHurst oieo £900,000
Spacious detached property in stunning location ·
Drawing room · Garden room · Kitchen/breakfast
room · Four bedrooms · Bathroom and shower room
· Delightful gardens · Off road parking · EPC: D
Cranbrook School Catchment Area
Harpers&Hurlingham
The Cornerhouse, Stone Street, Cranbrook
01580 715400
www.harpersandhurlingham.com
London offiCe: KenSingTon 020 7938 2311
Lettings Team
Sales Team
Chez Charlie Janey Jane Cathy Jane Sarah Debbie Catherine Caroline Dianne Helen

CHH_ADVERT_181x133mm.pdf 1 19/01/2016 15:39
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Whole Of Market Mortgage Advice
In The Weald Of Kent
We understand that everyone is different and that’s why our qualified and
We understand that everyone is different and that’s why our qualified and
competent mortgage advisers will advise and recommend mortgages
competent mortgage advisers will advise and recommend mortgages
that will suit your individual needs.
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wealdentimes.co.uk
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
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We do not charge for our advice, however there will be an administration fee ranging
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12
StewartFinancialWT174.indd 1 05/07/2016 16:09

Advertisement
Don’t buy an ‘average’ property
Local property finder Mandy Bissell explains why average property
trends can be misleading and the range of opportunities available
to well informed buyers in a post-Referendum market.
Following the surprise Referendum result for
Britain to leave the EU, a cloud of uncertainty
remains over the nation. This is particularly
acute in the property market for those
buying a property - which for most people
will be the highest value single purchase
they ever make and therefore heavily relies
on the right information and advice.
Is it a good time to buy a property?
In short, the answer will always be; ‘it
depends’. Personal circumstances,
underlying motives and likely ownership
timescales will always influence the timing
of a property purchase. However, for those
planning to own a property for many years
to come, history tells us that buying a home
when there is volatility in the market can turn
out to be an astute purchase at a favourable
price, which in turn creates equity much
faster when the market recovers and prices
rise again.
The decision to buy a property ultimately
has to be a personal one, but other people’s
perception of a ‘bad market’ doesn’t always
spell a bad time to buy a home, particularly
if it can yield a better long term outcome
and provides access to a property that can
be enjoyed for many years to come.
Looking beyond averages
Market sentiment should not be
underestimated as a hidden force shaping
property values. In most cases this is driven
by media articles on the direction of average
prices. Whilst these headlines may serve as
Mandy Bissell GARRINGTON
a national barometer, it is of little relevance
when considering the local South East
market. For example, prices in Tunbridge
Wells have been rising by 15% over the
last year, compared to Sevenoaks where
prices have only been rising by 9%. Both of
these figures are a long way away from the
national average and the numbers would
change again when comparing detached
houses with flats for example.
Accordingly, it is important that buyers
recognise the dangers associated with over
relying on averages and that they need to
do their homework before contemplating
a purchase, or gain support from a
professional advisor who can give tailored
information from which to base important
financial decisions.
Buying ‘above average’
Having gained a true understanding of
the state of the local market, the current
Brexit volatility may well present a buying
opportunity for some groups of buyers who
are either able to save money, or use their
existing budget to purchase a higher quality
home for the same price.
Whilst it is important to recognise that Brexit
has currently caused a political crisis, not an
economic crisis, the connected uncertainty
has arguably softened market conditions
and swung the pendulum back in the favour
of the buyer in many circumstances. Over
the coming months, well organised and
committed buyers are likely to be able to
trade certainty of sale for a sensible purchase
price.
In the local Sevenoaks market this trend is
likely to be most prevalent in the detached
house sector of the market due to the general
migration of families selling their properties
in London to move out and obtain places in
the many popular schools within the area
- yet still be in commuting distance. This
trend is likely to continue for some time and
could therefore present some interesting
opportunities.
Focus on what you can change
With the prospect of months, and possibly
even years, of uncertainty ahead, many
people are realising that day to day life has
not significantly changed following the
Referendum result and are questioning what
Brexit really does actually mean to them. In
the property market, there are early signs of
a number of buyers and sellers who have
already weighed up the potential threats and
unknowns ahead and plan to carry on with
their moving plans regardless. Whilst time
will bring clarity and confidence it is quite
possible that those buyers who take decisive
action the soonest are most likely to be the
above average winners in the long run.
If you would like further information regarding your next property decision and how Garrington can guide you and save you
time and money either locally or across the UK, contact Mandy Bissell:
Tel: 01892 882892 | info@garrington.co.uk | www.garringtonsoutheast.co.uk

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Wealden HP.indd 2 02/06/2016 15:13:03
14
AhsfordBoroughCouncilWT173.indd 1 07/06/2016 17:17

MOVE TO DULWICH
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GUIDE PRICE FROM
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0344 800 1635
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Price and details correct at time of press. Computer generated image. † Penthouse sold subject to contract. *www.tfl .gov.uk
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www.hobbsparker.co.uk
01580 766766
Sellindge • Kent Guide Price £1,850,000
An outstanding country house with adjoining annexe and a spacious
detached cottage within the grounds, heated pool, stunning gardens, fields,
stables and useful outbuildings, in all about 18 acres. EPC Rating NA
Hawkhurst • Kent Guide Price £1,565,000
A beautiful Georgian country house, surrounded by its own grounds
including pool, garaging with annexe over, stables and paddock, about
3.5 acres. CSCA. (Further land available). EPC Rating NA
Benenden • Kent Guide Price £895,000
A Grade II listed period farmhouse full of character set on a quiet lane,
rural views, 3 bay garage, outbuildings, about 1.4 acres. Further land
available. CSCA. EPC Rating NA
Woodchurch • Kent Guide Price £895,000
A sympathetically converted Kentish barn in an enviable location
close to the village green, lovely rural views. Triple garaging, gardens
and paddock. EPC Rating C
Little Chart • Kent Guide Price £775,000
A most attractive extended country cottage in wonderful gardens with
field, surrounded by countryside. About 4 acres.
EPC Rating NA
Hobbs Parker Estate Agents
Ashford: 01233 225371 | Tenterden: 01580 766766

SALES / LETTINGS / MANAGEMENT
VISIT US AT HUNTERS.COM
HERE TO GET you THERE
SALES / LETTINGS / MANAGEMENT
VISIT US AT HUNTERS.COM
HERE TO GET you THERE
Ashford £995,000
Impressive detached family home situated in a desirable location
Four Double Bedrooms • Fantastic Kitchen/Breakfast Room • Heated
Swimming Pool • Triple Bay Garage • Detached Barn Games Room • EPC C
High Halden £795,000
Stunning 16th Century Grade II listed country house set in its own
private grounds • Seven Bedrooms • Extensive garden and paddock
• No onward chain • EPC Exempt
Smarden £1,185,000
Delightful Grade II Listed Oast House set in approximately 1.45 acres
Six Bedrooms • Study • Flexible Accommodation • Three Bathrooms/
Shower Rooms
Iden Green £620,000 - £640,000
Stunning unlisted barn conversion with detached garage and office
rooms • Four Bedrooms • Ensuite • Utility Room • Cottage Garden • EPC D
Over 150 independently owned branches across the UK.
Hawkhurst £635,000
Charming Grade II listed converted school house in a popular gated development on the Moor • Four Double Bedrooms • Study • En-suite • Garden
Room • Cranbrook School Catchment Area • EPC Exempt
ASHFORD 01233 613613
HYTHE 01303 261557
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www.cidproperty.co.uk 55 Cinque Ports Street, Rye TN31 7AN 01797 224852
the property specialists
www.cidproperty.co.uk 01797 224852
CAMBER
oieo £600,000
RYE
£549,950
A tucked away 4 bedroom Grade II Listed house with many period features, and
Beckley Guide Price £735,000 - £760,000
benefitting from a private walled level garden with large greenhouse in the heart of Rye.
This rural single storey property originally dates from the 1920s, and is set back from a quiet country lane. Nestling within its own garden of 1.2
acres complete with a grass tennis court, ICKLESHAM it offers stunning views across fi elds and distant woodland. Internally, RYE the accommodation is of generous
proportions providing • Entrance Hall • 3 bedrooms £249,950 • Cloakroom • Bathroom • Spacious Kitchen/Breakfast £450,000 Room • Triple aspect Living/Dining
Room with Bay French Doors leading out to the rear garden • Externally, it offers a generous Double Garage • Large Workshop (potential to
convert STPC) • Large Timber Shed • A paddock 0.6 acres is also available • EPC:F • Viewing highly recommended.
A detached 3 bedroom unmodernised house situated on The Suttons backing directly
onto Camber Sands beach with uninterrupted sea views. EPC tbc
A detached 2 bedroom bungalow on the market for the first time in 80 years with
beautiful mature gardens. EPC: F
A detached 4 bedroom house with good versatile accommodation situated on the edge
of Rye Citadel. EPC: D
UDIMORE
oieo £499,950
NEAR RYE
£199,950
Westfield Guide Price £449,950 Guestling Guide Price £435,000
A charming village 4 bedroom attached Victorian family home, tucked away
behind its own enclosed brick wall, situated within the heart of Westfield •
Entrance Hall • Living Room with Open Fireplace • Dining Room • Kitchen/
Breakfast Room • Downstairs Shower Room/WC • Utility/Sun Room • Master
Bedroom with Built-in Wardrobes • Two Further Double Bedrooms • Single
Bedroom • Family Bathroom • Wraparound Garden • Detached Garage with
Side Home Office • EPC: E
A charming well presented Grade II listed 4 bedroom detached house with attached barn
conversion annexe ideal for self-contained holiday let or work from home opportunity.
A characterful detached former Forge, presented to a high standard throughout and
benefi ting from many period features with versatile living/working accommodation
and a generous private rear garden • Entrance Hall • Kitchen/Breakfast room •
Utility room • Cloakroom/WC • Living Room • Dining Room • Family Bathroom •
2 Double Bedrooms • 1 Further Double Bedroom with en-suite shower/WC • Large
Former Forge Workshop • Detached Double Garage • Gardens and Paddock •
Stable Block • Timber Storage Shed • Period Features • EPC: F
A mid-terrace 2 bedroom Victorian house finished to a high standard with end garden
studio room benefiting from stunning views looking over Rye. EPC: E

HOUSE OF THE MONTH by John Graham-Hart
1.
Happy Families
John Graham-Hart finds homes with space for
the extended family to live together
They have now decided to call them ‘multi-generational living facilities’
which, let’s face it, really doesn’t sound like somewhere anyone of any
generation would inhabit without a court order.
So let’s take a step back into English and call them by their original and
considerably more family-friendly handle of ‘granny flats’.
The idea of these cosy-sounding nooks, with their own kitchen, bathroom and
sitting rooms, was to provide attached – but just separate enough – spaces, where
the grandparents of the family could come and live to enjoy, and be enjoyed, by the
rest of the family, particularly their grandchildren. Thus they would be very much
part of the family and the family home but, at the same time, have their own space
and independence.
Times, however, change and today, it’s not only the grandparents who might be
making use of any self-contained space, either in a property or within its grounds.
At the age of 22, I left the family nest in Chichester and, on a cub reporter’s
salary, rented a big room in a spacious mansion block flat in Chelsea. It cost just 25
per cent of my seriously meagre earnings and came with off-road parking for my
seriously pretentious Easy Rider motorcycle.
I cannot begin to imagine what equivalent accommodation would cost my
children to rent today. The first flat I bought some years later cost £45,000. It was a
modest two-bedroom flat with a pretty roof terrace in Clapham. Oddly enough, I
saw it for sale a month ago – the price tag was £765,000.
Today, the children of the family are understandably spending longer at home
before heading out into the world and, once out, there is absolutely no guarantee
that they won’t be back. So self-contained spaces in the family home – always useful
for grandparents – have taken on a new role and new value…
1. Old Swatlands
Where? Old Swatlands is on the
outskirts of the pretty and popular village
of Goudhurst (Google Maps TN17
2NX).
What? Believed to date from the 16th
century, this grade II listed property has
undergone extensive renovation and has
been extended to provide an excellent
family home. On the ground floor is a
drawing room with open fireplace, sitting
room, dining room, conservatory and
kitchen/breakfast room. Above is a master
bedroom suite with vaulted ceiling and
four further bedrooms. Within the twoacre
grounds there is a converted barn
with a sitting room, kitchen, a wet room,
two double bedrooms and a shower room.
Also within the grounds there is a
heated swimming pool and terrace and
an astro-turf tennis court. The gardens
are laid extensively to lawn and offer
outstanding far-reaching views. As well
as off-road parking, there is an English
Heritage triple garage and store room.
How much? Old Swatlands is on
the market with Harpers & Hurlingham
in Cranbrook and is priced at
£1,695,000. Call 01580 715400 or visit
harpersandhurlingham.com
wealdentimes.co.uk
20

2.
Country Houses
DistinC tive C ountRy pR opeRty
THE GALLOPS, PETT FARM, PILGRIM’S WAY, CHARING, ASHFORD, KENT
STALLANCE FARM, RECTORY LANE, SUTTON VALENCE, KENT
Jacques Court Farmhouse
Lydd, Romney Marsh, Kent tn29 9LW
Jacques Court Farmhouse Lydd Romney Marsh
2.
A beautifully renovated Grade II
Listed period farmhouse with fabulous
detached annexe and extensive gardens
including a delightful walled knot
garden, small orchard and paddock
situated on the edge of this Romney
Marsh Town.
About 1.33 acres.
Guide price £725,000
Farmhouse
Entrance porch • Dining room with Inglenook
fireplace • Sitting room with Inglenook fireplace
Kitchen/breakfast room • Rear lobby • Cloak room
4 bedrooms (1 en-suite) • Planning to extend
The Annexe
Lounge/dining room • Kitchen • Bathroom
Bedroom • Office • Cloak room • Undercroft
Gardens/Grounds
Walled knot garden • Poultry garden • Vegetable
gardens • Lawns • Orchard • Outbuildings
• Outdoor utility room
Communications
Ashford International Station – 15 miles
Rye – 9 miles • New Romney – 4 miles
Tenterden – 12 miles
3.
3.
Horseshoe Farm
This picture perfect home www.hobbsparker.co.uk
occupies a stunning location on the fringes of
the village of Ruckinge. “We moved to Horseshoe Farm from London just
over five years ago,” says Michael, “and it was the absolute antithesis of
everything that we wanted to get away from. It offered us space, peace
and quiet, but at the same time it had great communications; we can be in
London in under an hour, door to door.”
4.
Horseshoe Farm
Capel Road | Ruckinge | Ashford | Kent | TN26 2EJ
“The house was reasonably well presented when we bought it,” continues DistinC tive C ountRy pR opeRty
Michael, “but not at all to our taste, so during our time here we’ve made a
number of changes internally. One of the main problems that we identified
was the lack of storage, so we’ve built on a lovely utility room next to the
kitchen and we’ve also extended two of the bedrooms. As we love to entertain
we have also re-arranged the layout so that it not only suits us but
also visiting guests. We have a fabulous annex that connects to the house
internally, but it can also be accessed from outside and therefore could be
completely self-contained. And then there’s The Lodge, which is to the east
of the main house. It’s attached to the double garage and has a kitchen/
breakfast room, a separate sitting room, a bedroom and a bathroom. It
means we can have friends or relatives to stay for perhaps a few weeks,
but we never have to feel on top of one another.”
This beautiful home is enveloped by around four acres of stunning grounds
that incorporate rolling lawns, woodland, a large paddock and various outbuildings,
including a lovely summerhouse with a pretty decked seating area.
“We have around 2.5 acres of garden that are mainly laid to lawn and
dotted with mature oak and willow trees,” says Michael, “beyond which an
area that mainly comprises flower beds leads into the woods. The garden
and woodland are an absolute haven for wildlife; it’s amazing to watch
what comes and goes. We have mallards, moorhens, rabbits, voles, the list
goes on, and the garden and the woodland are awash with flowers in the
spring. It’s absolutely beautiful. One species that I was particularly excited
to find was British native orchids. It’s a real delight to know that they
are there.”
“This really has been a wonderful home for the past five years,” concludes
Michael, “but the time has come to downsize a little. It has been a home
4.
that has suited us extremely well in terms of space, layout and location.
We’ve actually been looking for an alternative, but nothing so far has even
compared. It’s a home that has given us a superb quality of life.”*
* These comments are the personal views of the current owner and are included as an insight
into life at the property. They have not been independently verified, should not be relied on
without verification and do not necessarily reflect the views of the agent.
2. Stallance Farm
Where? Stallance Farm is on the
outskirts of Sutton Valence and has
stunning panoramic views across the
Weald (Google Maps ME17 3BT).
What? The main property, an
impressive grade II listed farmhouse, was
significantly and sympathetically extended
in 2010 to provide a lovely period family
home. Ideal for multi-generation living,
as well as the five-bedroom farmhouse,
the Stallance estate offers a detached
two-bedroom barn conversion and a
holiday let converted from another period
outbuilding, with three bedrooms all with
en suite bathrooms.
The gardens and grounds extend to
just over two acres including part-terraced
lawned gardens with a traditional lily
pond and two grass paddocks to the north
and south of the farmhouse enclosed by
hedging and a brick and ragstone feature
wall. A natural part-underground stream
runs through the farm down to the
neighbouring fishing lake below.
How much? Stallance Farm is on
the market at £2,000,000 and is with
Lambert & Foster in Cranbrook. Call
01580 712888 or visit lambertandfoster.
co.uk
3. Jacques Court Farmhouse
Where? Jacques Court Farmhouse is
on the edge of the Romney Marsh town
of Lydd (Google Maps TN29 9LW).
What? A beautifully renovated grade
II listed farmhouse dating from 1355,
the farmhouse also offers an outstanding
detached annexe. In the main house, there
is a drawing room and dining room with
inglenooks, exposed timbers and polished
brick floors, a kitchen/breakfast room,
master bedroom with en suite bathroom
and three further bedrooms.
The annexe has a traditional exterior
but attractive contemporary interior
which includes a sitting room, kitchen,
bedroom, bathroom and office. Outside
in grounds of about 1.3 acres is a lovely
walled knot garden, lawns, poultry area,
vegetable garden and orchard.
How much? Jacques Court
Farmhouse is with Hobbs Parker and is
priced at £725,000. Call 01233 506220
or visit hobbsparker.co.uk
4. Horseshoe Farm
Where? Horseshoe Farm is just outside
the village of Ruckinge, about six miles
south of Ashford (Google Maps TN26
2EJ).
What? An elegant contemporary family
home, with additional accommodation
in a self-contained attached annexe and a
separate lodge. The main house comprises
a drawing room, dining room, library,
study, kitchen/breakfast room, a lovely
conservatory/summerhouse surrounded
by a large decked area, master bedroom
suite with roof terrace and four further
bedrooms.
The annexe consists of a sitting room,
kitchen/breakfast room, conservatory,
master bedroom suite and two further
bedrooms, while the lodge has a kitchen/
sitting room, bedroom and bathroom.
Outside are four acres of attractive gardens,
a pond, paddocks and woodland.
How much? Horseshoe Farm is with
Fine & Country in Tenterden who are
inviting offers of between £1,200,000 and
£1,300,000. Call 01580 766388 or visit
fineandcountry.com
21 wealdentimes.co.uk

£1,745
Bang & Olufsen
of Bexleyheath
155 Broadway
Bexleyheath
Kent DA6 7EZ
Tel: 020 8303 2760
Bang & Olufsen
of Bromley
62 High Street
Bromley
Kent BR1 1EG
Tel: 020 8466 8080
Bang & Olufsen
of Cambridge
29 Magdalene Street
Cambridge
CB3 0AF
Tel: 01223 464400
Bang & Olufsen
of Maidstone
37 Royal Star Arcade
High Street
Maidstone ME14 1JL
Tel: 01622 756756
Bang & Olufsen
of Tunbridge Wells
66 Mount Pleasant Road
Tunbridge Wells
Kent TN1 1RB
Tel: 01892 527525

BUSS MURTON advertorial
Family Law, the next steps...
By Julie Taylor, Employment and Family Solicitor at Buss Murton Law
My husband and I are separating and I am worried
about the children, is there anything in particular I need
to know?
The most important thing is to have any difficult discussions
which may end up in an argument somewhere other than
the family home with the children present. Children love their
parents equally and will not wish to choose sides. They will be
protective of both parents and can feel caught in the middle.
It is really important not to say any unkind remarks about each
other in front of the children.
On a practical level, arrangements need to be made so the
children continue their relationship with each parent. The
starting point is for Mum and Dad to come to an agreement
on where the children live and how often they will see the
parent that is not living at home. Each arrangement will be
individual to that family and the usual method is a 'no order'
basis which means the court does not get involved and the
family make the arrangements.
A common arrangement is for the children to live with one
parent and stay with the other every other weekend and
one night during the week, where practical. For the school
holidays, it really depends on the working commitments of
each parent. Again a starting point can be a 50/50 share of
the holidays and arrangements should be planned well in
advance.
Where holidays are concerned; each parent must be aware
that the general rule is that they need the consent of the other
parent to take children abroad. Where consent is not obtained
and a parent continues to take a child out of the country this
may be a criminal offence.
Communication is the key to children arrangements. Where
children are involved parents will need to keep talking
beyond the children reaching adulthood. Whilst the financial
arrangements usually cease at this time, parents will forever be
linked through their children. There will be other milestones
to consider such as graduation, marriages, births and many
other family occasions where parents support their children.
Counselling is often helpful for family communications.
Julie Taylor
All situations are unique and where there are difficult
circumstances it is not always possible to remain on amicable
terms and come to an agreement. In these situations there is
help available from the Family Courts and your legal adviser
can talk you through the best way forward for you.
At Buss Murton Law we offer a free initial 30 minute,
no-obligation consultation for family matters. Family
matters include; separation, divorce, matrimonial
finances (including agreements pre and post
marriage), orders to protect an individual and all
types of children arrangements. We can see you at 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
www.bussmurton.co.uk
BUSS MURTON
COMMERCIAL & PERSONAL SOLICITORS

Advertorial
Opening Saturday 6 th August
COME ALONG AND MEET THE TEAM AT
OUR NEW PREMISES IN HEATHFIELD
Successfully trading since 1982
Pennells Carpets has become one
of the leading carpet and flooring
retailers in the South East and this
month they have made an exciting
move to fantastic new premises on
the High Street in Heathfield.
As a privately owned, independent and
family run business, with two showrooms
in Heathfield and Uckfield, they provide
a ‘good old fashioned service’ to all
their clients, whilst offering a forward
thinking professional approach.
As a long standing member of one of
the country’s most proactive carpet
buying groups, Associated Carpet Group,
Pennells have the ability to beat their
competitors on price without losing
the highly service driven approach to
the business. They focus on what really
matters in an effort to deliver a friendly,
punctual, cost effective, efficient,
professional and hassle free service.
With these very basic principles in
place, Pennells Carpets in Heathfield
and Uckfield have continued to grow
over the years. To this day the majority
of their customers are home owners
and small businesses although they also
supply and install carpets, carpet tiles,
hard flooring and safety flooring products
to the Healthcare, Hotel & Leisure,
Housing & New Build Developments,
Retail & Workspace industries and
over the past two years they have
successfully completed installations
for over 30 different schools.
Originally trading from their carpet
showroom in Heathfield, the company
opened its second carpet store and large
warehouse in Uckfield in 1992 where
they stock carpets from many brand
name manufacturers such as Abingdon
Carpets, Associated Weavers, Cormar
Carpets, Fibre & Lano to name but a few.
What’s great is that the Pennells’ sales
team does not work on commission, so
they are interested only in making sure
you get the right flooring. With this in
mind doing business with Pennells Carpets
is relaxed, honest and trouble free, no
matter what your budget or taste.
In addition, they can source, supply
and install just about any make of
carpet and carpet tiles (domestic
or contract), vinyls, woods, Amtico,
Karndean, contract vinyls, non-slip
safety flooring and rubber flooring.
Whatever product you are looking for,
seen online or in our competitors’
outlets, they will find it for you.
Most of the fitting is carried out during
the working week but, if an evening
or weekend fitting would be more
convenient, they will do their very best
to help. The fitters can and will install
out of hours, subject to availability.
Rest assured, every effort will be
made to accommodate your needs.
NEW PREMISES Tilsmore Court, 89 High Street, Heathfield, TN21 8JA, 01435 862000
and at Unit 5, Bell Lane, Bellbrook Industrial Estate, Uckfield, TN22 1QL, 01825 766422
www.pennellscarpets.com sales@pennellscarpets.com

Creating your place in history
DESIGN & PLANNING | RESTORATION | NEW BUILD | BARN CONVERSIONS | EXTENSIONS | JOINERY
For a brochure or home consultation call 01797 366895
www.anthony-hicks.co.uk

Spotlight on Obesity
According to 2015 estimates, obesity
is now costing the NHS between
£6-8 billion a year and if not checked,
could rise to £12 billion by 2030
Various Government and NHS
initiatives are in place for those people
with a BMI in excess of 30, a real
indicator for those suffering from
obesity. Body Mass Index (BMI) is
calculated using a person’s age, sex
and weight-to-height ratio with the
following being a guide to BMI ranges,
Underweight
= BMI less than 18.5
Normal weight
= BMI of between 18.5 – 24.9
Overweight = BMI of 25 – 29.9
Obese = BMI of more than 30
(Source: Living Well section of the nhs.uk website)
How does being obese
affect your health?
The most commonly held concern
is what it does to your heart, but
obesity has an affect on many areas
of health:
People who are overweight
increase their risk for developing
• Type 2 diabetes
• Coronary heart disease
• Stroke
• Breast or bowel cancer
• Sleep apnoea
• High blood pressure
• Osteoarthritis
• Asthma
• Gallstones
• Liver and kidney disease
What’s being done to
combat this trend?
Government and NHS initiatives
are now in place, aimed at both
children and adults. These initiatives,
concerning diet and exercise, aim to
reverse the trend, but people who
are already clinically obese still need
help to lose weight. For people in
this position there are five main areas
of treatment, depending upon the
severity of the condition:
• Lifestyle changes
Making changes to diet, exercise
and other lifestyle habits
• Weight-loss programmes
To evolve healthy eating patterns
and give dietary advice
• Psychological treatments
To support the patient’s thoughts,
feelings and actions towards
themselves and their relationship
with food, eating and exercise
• Medication
There are now new GP-prescribed
medicines that can aid weight loss
• Weight loss surgery
A range of surgical options that
restrict how much food people can
eat, which are suitable for acute
cases but not for everyone
Each of these treatments can be
effective, depending on the severity
of the obesity and the mind-set of
Benefits
of gastric
band surgery
patients can expect to
lose around 50% of
their excess weight
following surgery
surgery is reversible
least invasive weight
loss surgery
quick recovery
(Source: NHS UK – NHS Choices website)

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
the patient. Those patients who end
up having surgery have often tried at
least some of the other treatments
first. Following surgery, most people
will lose between half to threequarters
of their excess weight within
10 years. Surgery can also bring other
benefits, as it has been shown to
significantly reduce the chances of
the patient dying from either cancer
or heart disease, and has been proven
to cure, or put into remission, Type 2
Diabetes.
Help on hand in the South
East at Benenden Hospital
Weight loss services, including
surgery (often referred to as
bariatric surgery), are now available
from Benenden Hospital, which
has recently opened new theatres
and wards as part of a major
redevelopment. Under the leadership
of Mr Ahmed Hamouda, a leading
bariatric consultant, there are a
team of specialist consultants and
nursing staff, including dieticians
and counsellors, to offer support to
patients in defining a route to weight
loss.
For patients whose pathway includes
surgery, the team offers the two most
effective surgical interventions:
Initial appointment with your
consultant to discuss the best
option for you
Pre-assessment clinic including
health psychology service and
dietitian. If required you will also
discuss with the Endocrinologist
any diabetic problems. Preoperative
tests will include blood
tests, electrocardiogram, cardiac
stress tests; and infection control
swabs
Prior to surgery your dietician will
spend time with you to help with a
liver reducing diet and plan menu
options following surgery
Post operative appointments held
at 2; 6; 12; and 26 weeks following
surgery with a final consultation
a year after surgery
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
7 – 10 day cooling off period to
ensure you have sufficient time to
think through your decision
Your operation will be booked
for 2 – 3 weeks later
A laparoscopic gastric band
generally requires an overnight stay
with a 2 night stay required for the
gastric sleeve
Our team of dieticians will work
with you to establish what foods
you will be able to eat and how
much. You’ll also receive advice on
how to undertake more physical
activity to tone your muscles and
improve your posture, as well as a
follow up meeting with the health
psychology team
Gastric band
- where a band is placed,
laparoscopically (i.e. through keyhole
surgery), around the top of the
stomach, creating an ‘hour-glass’
effect that both restricts the amount
of food that can be consumed, and
gives a feeling of being full.
Laparoscopic Gastric Band
Oesophagus
Pouch
Laparoscopic Sleeve
Gastrectomy
Gastric
sleeve
Pylorous
Resected
stomach
Mr Hamouda says: “Successful
weight loss treatment relies on
the patient undergoing a lifestyle
change and demands a commitment
to pursue weight loss through the
agreed pathway. We have had
some remarkable results and our
patient testimonials are testament
to the long-term benefits of our
care package, including surgery. At
Benenden Hospital we have the most
modern facilities, a reputation for
patient care which is second-to-none,
and an impeccable record of avoiding
hospital-acquired infections. So
patients are in safe hands with us.”
Adjustable Band
Duodenum
Stomach
Access Port
Sleeve gastrectomy
– also performed via keyhole surgery,
this technique removes around 75-
80% of the stomach, also restricting
the amount that can be consumed
and quickly giving a feeling of being
full. This technique is non-reversible
Benenden Hospitals weight loss
surgery can be accessed as a private
self-paying patient or as a discounted
member of Benenden*.
For more information about
weight loss services provided
by Benenden Hospital,
please call on 01580 242 521.
*Weight Loss Surgery is not available as part of Benenden membership, members do however receive an exclusive discount
off the full private patient price. This offer is only available for treatment undertaken at Benenden Hospital in Kent. The Benenden
Hospital Trust is a company limited by guarantee. Registered in England, number 3454120. Registered charity number
1065995. Registered office, The Benenden Hospital Trust, Goddard’s Green Road, Benenden, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 4AX

CATCHPOLE & RYE
KENT ENGLAND
NEW TUNBRIDGE WELLS SHOWROOM NOW OPEN
EXCLUSIVE LUXURY BATHROOMS
LONDON • TUNBRIDGE WELLS • ASHFORD
LONDON • TUNBRIDGE WELLS • ASHFORD
T. 020 7351 0940 www.catchpoleandrye.com
T. 01892 526 996 www.catchpoleandrye.com

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
La Loire Tap in Aged Brass
10” Shower Rose in Aged Copper
The Nickel Bateau in Brushed Nickel with Enamel Interior
“TO CREATE SOMETHING TRULY ORIGINAL, YOU MUST FIRST
FULLY UNDERSTAND THE PAST”
At Catchpole and Rye, we pride ourselves on our commitment to British
manufacturing. In fact, we produce and hand finish the majority of our
bathroom pieces in the very heart of Kent. Not only does this unique offering
set us apart, but our passion for quality, craftsmanship and personal service
are at the very core of our company’s philosophy.
Why not come and visit our workshop facilities in Pluckley to see the work
first hand? In addition to our large showroom and workshops in Pluckley and
our flagship showroom in London, we are pleased to announce the opening
of our new showroom in Tunbridge Wells. Here you will find friendly and
helpful advice on designing your dream bathroom, as well as two floors
brimming with Catchpole and Rye’s finest bathroom creations.
The eagerly awaited finishes of Aged Copper, Aged Brass and Brushed
Nickel are now on display at all of Catchpole and Rye’s three large
showrooms. Giving a modern rustic-luxe feel, these aged patina finishes are
available on a variety of brassware, from taps and fittings to showers and
heated towel rails.
With the third showroom now open in Tunbridge Wells, there are more of
Catchpole and Rye’s exquisite bathroom collections on show in Kent.
Offering a full design service, our expert sales assistants are on hand to help
with your bathroom planning and inspiration.
To arrange an appointment at one of our showrooms, or request a brochure,
please call 01892 526 996 or visit www.catchpoleandrye.com.
The Pyrford with Slate Top, Nickel Basin and Fittings
The Low Level Wheatsheaf Cistern Ensemble Brushed Copper

Dude and Arnette are a fourth family generation family
business. Our team specialises in restoring and repairing
cowls – the distinctive chimneys on the top of Oast houses.
est
DUDE &
ARNETTE
OAST COWL CONSTRUCTION
We are the UK’s leading restorer and repairer of traditional Kent hop kilns.
From royalty to businesses and regular homeowners, we have been the
go-to Oast house repair company for over seven decades.
Why not call us today for a discussion about your oast cowl:
01622 725 898 / 07973 332 790 or info@dudeandarnette.co.uk
SPECIALIST BATHROOM SHOWROOMS
Dude&ArnetteWT174.indd 1 15/07/2016 12:22
01622 791791
Unit 2, 2M Trade Park, Beddow Way, Aylesford, ME20 7BT
Plumbers Merchant
Opening Hours:Mon-Fri 7.30am-5pm & Sat 8.30am-4pm
wealdentimes.co.uk
30
AskPlumbingWT156.indd 1 09/01/2015 12:18

FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTATION & FREE INSTALLATION
NO DRILLING OR SCREWS…
…just clip in for great looking blinds.
For that extra touch of luxury why not motorise your blinds?
Come To The Showroom To See Our Superb Range Of Quality Window Dressings
Including Curtains, Blinds, Luxaflex Blinds, Security Shutters And Grills.
Unit 6, Harvington Business Park, Brampton Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN22 9AF
Telephone 01323 509 661 Freephone 0800 988 1071 Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm, Sat 9am - 2pm

SUMMER OF GREAT ENTERTAINMENT
BUGSY MALONE
THU 11 - SAT 13 AUGUST
TUE 30 AUGUST
SALUTE TO THE 1940s
THU 25 AUGUST
CHAS & DAVE
SAT 27 AUGUST
THU 1 - SAT 10 SEPT
JANE McDONALD
SUN 11 SEPTEMBER
MON 12 SEPTEMBER
TUE 13 SEPTEMBER
THU 15 SEPTEMBER
FRI 16 SEPTEMBER
COUNTERFEIT STONES
SAT 17 SEPTEMBER
MON 19 - SAT 24 SEPT
BOOK ONLINE: ORCHARDTHEATRE.CO.UK
TICKET OFFICE: 01322 220000

Lunchtime locomotive...
Heart of Kent Hospice has once again teamed up with Belmond British Pullman
to create the trip of a lifetime. On Saturday 27 August guests can travel in the same
exquisite carriages used by Queen Victoria, Prince Charles and the late Queen
Mother, and enjoy a sumptuous three-course silver breakfast. Admire the stunning
views as the train meanders through the Kent countryside on its way to Royal
Windsor. After spending the afternoon exploring the historic town, guests will
be welcomed back on board with a glass of champagne, a four-course à la carte
dinner and New Orleans sounds of The Dixie Strollers. The train will depart from
Maidstone East at 10am, and return for 8pm, offering the opportunity to enjoy
a unique experience whilst raising money for a truly valuable cause. To book your
seat call 01622 790195 or email tom.abbott@hokh.co.uk
August
notebook
Exhibitions & events
near you this month...
Juniper jubilation...
This summer, Old Buttermarket in Canterbury
will celebrate gin in all its glory, with a showcase of
31 different premium versions of this much loved
tipple. Gin aficionados can enjoy unique cocktails,
master-classes, gin parties, and free daily giveaways
from now until Saturday 20 August. Try out the
best of London’s distilleries with a citrus twist from
Little Bird, or be transported to the Black Forest in
Germany with Monkey 47, a complex concoction of
47 botanicals. Find out more nicholsonspubs.co.uk
Bygone buys...
Over the August bank holiday weekend come and
find fashionable vintage and antique treasures at
the charming Penshurst Fair. Sit back and relax
with a cuppa and slice of delicious cake, helping to
raise money for the village. Early trade entry starts
at 9.30am on 27, 28 and 29 August, and is open to
the general public from 10.30am-5pm.
Jump, jive & drive...
Calling all military and aviation fanatics! Headcorn
Aerodrome is the place to be on Saturday 13
and Sunday 14 August, for family fun, military
vehicle displays, living history re-enactments
and stalls selling wartime memorabilia. Now in
its 8th year, this unique family event will stage
thrilling air displays with legendary WWII aircraft,
alongside lindyhop dancing, tank driving and trips
in aerobatic planes. For more information visit
headcornevents.co.uk
On track...
Back for its fourth year, Biddenden Tractor Fest
and Country Fair promises a grand day out with
a wonderful atmosphere. With tractor displays,
classic cars, motorcycles, craft and catering stalls
and dog shows, there’s something for everyone.
Last year’s show attracted a record breaking number
of visitors, and plans are underway to make 2016
even bigger and better. To find out more and book
tickets visit tractorfest.co.uk or call 07934 270500.
Freeimages.com/DaveDiBiase
Maritime ragtime...
Rye International Jazz and Blues Festival will be
taking place from Thursday 25 to Monday 29
August. Take part in a variety of free events hosted
by a number of local venues and enjoy smoothtalking,
toe-tapping, jump-jiving, jazz, rhythm and
blues, rock and roll and soul, from ultra-talented
musicians and artists. Keep up to date with the lineup
at ryejazz.com or sign up to their newsletter.
Backswing & Birdie...
Make time for nine at Holtye Golf Club on
Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 August. Families, friends,
beginners, improvers and well estalished players are
all welcome to this friendly club in Sussex. Come
and chat with professionals, try out the practice
range and putting green and take time to relax in
the comfortable club house. For more information
on visiting and membership visit holtye.com
33 wealdentimes.co.uk

SALE NOW ON
Gordon Busbridge Ltd
THE FURNISHING STORE THE NAME TO TRUST SINCE 1911
289/297 LONDON ROAD ST LEONARDS Tel: 01424 420368
www.busbridges.co.uk
58/58B SEASIDE ROAD EASTBOURNE Tel: 01323 730637
email: sales@busbridges.co.uk

Advertorial
Up the
Revolution!
Why Lawrence is on the
campaign trail
There must be something in the Wealden air, or perhaps
there’s something in its water, but this year seems to
have an ‘up the revolution’ feel to it. First there was Brexit
resulting in the UK’s extraordinary decision to leave the
European Union. Now there is a campaign underway to
get all households and businesses across Kent, that use
chemical based dry-cleaning and laundry services, to ditch
them and go ‘Eco’ for the sake of the environment and
future generations.
The campaign is led by one man, Lawrence Evans from
EcoFresh Laundry in Paddock Wood and supported by his
colleagues, Ron and Marie Cockayne; and a growing number
of consumers, hotels, schools and spas, who have decided to
be more responsible and do their bit by ‘going green’.
Lawrence is the ‘Jamie Oliver’ of the dry-cleaning and
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‘We are all looking for more efficient, cost-effective and
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explains Lawrence.
He certainly puts his money where his mouth is. Having
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cleaning technology, a revolutionary system that works in
harmony with ecological products, to produce amazing
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‘The new dry-cleaning is wet cleaning’ explains Lawrence.
‘We can now deliver services that are faster, cheaper and
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garments to our customers that are cleaner, fresher, softer
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Not only passionate about conserving the environment,
he has also structured his services to be a swift one-stop
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other things. From ‘off-load a whole load’ wash and fold and
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is catered for through EcoFresh.
For all those that would like to change their
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they can join the EcoFresh Revolution at
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The ultimate green spa for your garments has arrived in the Weald!
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Experience our swift, ecological dry-cleaning
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• Collection and delivery available subject to viable arrangement.
• Ironing, repairs and alterations quoted separately. Summer offers expire 31st Oct 2016
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Charred-Oak occasionally may lighten as a result of natural weathering - You may wish to look at sealing the product, please consult your stockist for more advice with
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harred-Oak occasionally may lighten as a result of natural weathering - You may wish to look at sealing the product, please consult your stockist for more advice with regards to your project.
39 wealdentimes.co.uk
Charred-Oak limestone with sawn edges,
HomeleighWT173b.indd 1 13/06/2016 10:28

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Midsummer Fair 2016
This year’s Wealden Times Midsummer Fair
at Hole Park in Rolvenden was blessed with
three days of glorious weather
Visitors basked in the sunshine and
enjoyed stunning views across the
Weald as they browsed amongst 260
handpicked stands selling home and garden
wares plus fashion, food and gifts.
There was a wide range of products on offer
from Shepherds’ Huts, AGA cookers and garden
rooms to jewellery, gorgeous clothes, holistic
skincare ranges and unusual plants. The food
avenue showcased the best local food while a local
vineyard, gin distilleries and a cider maker provided
customers with something a little stronger!
And it wasn’t all about the shopping. when
a break was needed, a wide range of street food
vendors and caterers were on hand, while a jazz band
and three choirs provided a perfect live soundtrack
to a quintessentially English country day out.
The annual Priceless People Wellbeing Festival,
which runs alongside the fair, was sponsored for
the second year running by Benenden Hospital.
Talks and workshops over the three days took
healing as their main theme and Tunbridge Wells’
star chef, Rosemary Shrager, spoke to a delighted
wealdentimes.co.uk
42

Opposite: For three days the tented village of
over 260 exhibitors basked in the sun at beautiful
Hole Park This page: Outdoor avenues brimmed
with nurserymen selling products and plants. And
foodies delighted in the wide range of street food
vendors – including Pimm’s Afternoon Teas
43 wealdentimes.co.uk

Above: The shopping tents were stacked with
goodies Right: Crowds filled the Wellbeing Festival
Theatre on India Day to hear Rosemary Shrager
Right: Visitors left feeling relaxed after a healing
gong bath Bottom right: Plenty enjoyed a glass
of local fizz whilst soaking up the atmosphere
crowd about her experiences in Rajasthan filming
The Real Marigold Hotel for the BBC and the spiritual
and healing impact that India had made on her
life. Other speakers took meditation, mind body
healing and gardening as their subjects and yoga
teacher Mark Swan treated visitors to a relaxing gong
bath to round off a fabulous day in the sunshine.
Good old fashioned ‘fun of the fair’ was supplied by
Wealden Times Midsummer Fair’s sponsor, Cranbrookbased
estate agents Harper and Hurlingham, whose
vintage fairground games were a huge success
and raised money for breast cancer charities.
Now in its 8 th year, the Wealden Times
Midsummer Fair has become the essential summer
day out in the Weald’s summer calendar, as was
summed up by visitor Anne Murphy, of Peene in Kent:
‘Lovely show as always. My favourite summer event!’
Her views were echoed by many others including
Chris Shipston, from Rye in East Sussex who said,
‘As always, beautiful setting and plenty of stalls.’
wealdentimes.co.uk
44

Picture by Adrian Peacock
Editor’s
Letter
When I moved to East Sussex 13 years ago I was thrilled
to find such a sophisticated lifestyle magazine on
display in the nicest venues nearby, packed with all the
information I needed to renovate and redecorate my new
home and make the most of everything on offer in this
glorious part of the country. (And even better when I
spotted it was ‘priceless’…) So now I’m delighted to have
joined the team that puts it together, caretaking until
editor Lucy Fleming comes back later in the year.
It feels particularly special to be starting with the August issue,
a time of year when I always particularly relish being out of
the city. Ginny Dougary’s brilliantly modernised Victorian
house, with views to Beachy Head, is a glorious example of why
moving to the coast appeals to more and more Londoners – and
Jane Bates’s fabulous Reigate home, shows why her company
Detour Design is spot on to specialise in relocations to Surrey.
Out in the garden Jo Arnell celebrates the joy of
harvesting home-grown veg and Sue Whigham takes
a precious moment to enjoy high butterfly season.
If you’re planning ahead for a wedding, lazy summer
days are the perfect opportunity to kick back and enjoy
our special supplement, which includes recipes for chic
colourful canapés from celebrity chef Rosemary Shrager,
brilliant bridal beauty tips from Josephine Fairley and an
array of spectacular wedding dresses and accessories.
Enjoy your Wealden Times!
Wealden Times Team
Editor ....................................................................................... Maggie Alderson
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 Team ................................................................................ Hayley Biddulph
Becky Smith
Lisa Smith
Tom Baxter Tiffin
Distribution .................................................................................Emma Murphy
Wealden Times Events Team
Sales Director ..................................................................................... Joy Adams
Events Marketing & Operations Manager ..................................Fiona Saunders
47 wealdentimes.co.uk
RespireLivingWT173.indd 1 06/06/2016 14:33

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where to find your copy...
call 01580 714705
to find your nearest distributor of Wealden Times
or to have your free copy of Wealden Times delivered
for 12 months for just £22 postage
Distribution of Wealden Times
published in Cranbrook for the Weald
WOODSDESIGNERCLOTHING
Orpington
Sevenoaks
Maidstone
Canterbury
Edenbridge
Tonbridge
Royal
Tunbridge
Wells
Crowborough
Cranbrook
Tenterden
Ashford
Hythe
Uckfield
Battle
Rye
Hailsham
Hastings
Eastbourne
You can get your copy at most railway stations,
newsagents and all Waitrose stores throughout the Weald. The
following are our major distribution points and you can also visit
wealdentimes.co.uk for a complete listing
Ashford
• Waterstones
Battle
• British Design
British Made
• Jempson’s
Benenden
• Village Shop
Biddenden
• Bloomsburys
• Cost Cutters
Boughton Aluph
• Perry Court
Farmshop
Burgess Hill
• Waitrose
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• Londis
Canterbury
• Fenwick
• The Goods Shed
• Waitrose
• Waterstones
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• The Post Office
Cranbrook
• Ashwal Garage
• Cocolicious
• Gastronomia
• Hartley Dyke
Farmshop
• Jackson-Stops &
Staff
• Pages
Crowborough
• Costa Coffee
• Sussex Country
Gardener
Eastbourne
• Waterstones
Edenbridge
• Waitrose
Eridge
• Fuller’s Farm
Shop
Etchingham
• Etchingham
Food & Deli
Faversham
• Macknade Fine
Foods
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• Olive Stores
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• Judges Bakery
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• Denovo Flowers
Headcorn
• Sainsbury’s
Heathfield
• Cuculo Deli
Horsham
• Cook
• Waterstones
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• Eggs to Apples
• Merriments
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Lewes
• Riverside
Shopping Hall
Maidstone
• Cornell
• Waterstones
Marden
• Marden Post
Office
Mayfield
• Mace
Northiam
• Jempson’s Local
Paddock Wood
• Waitrose
Peasmarsh
• Jempson’s
Pluckley
• Pluckley Farm
Shop
Robertsbridge
• Vinehall School
Rolvenden
• KM & JM
Linklater
Rushlake Green
• The Stores
Rye
• Adams of Rye
• Jempson’s
• The Rye Retreat
Sandhurst
• Nigel Collison
Fuels
Sevenoaks
• Cook
• Waitrose
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• Trading
Boundaries
Sissinghurst
• TN17 Food &
Wine
Staplehurst
• Millbrook
Garden Centre
St. Leonardson-Sea
• Shop
• Who’s Wearing
What
Tenterden
• Tenterden
Leisure Centre
• London Beach
Hotel
• Waitrose
• Waterstones
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• Londis
Tonbridge
• Waitrose
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• Fenwick
• Hoopers
• Marks &
Spencer (food
hall), Royal
Victoria Place
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• Royal Victoria
Place
• Shrager’s
Patisserie
Uckfield
• Waitrose
Wadhurst
• Jempson’s
• Wealden
Wholefoods
West Malling
• The Swan
STATIONS:
• Ashford
• Canterbury
West
• Crowborough
• Eastbourne
• Hildenborough
• Maidstone East
• Orpington
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• Sevenoaks
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• Wadhurst
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• Also available in:
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Find us on Twitter and Facebook
49 www.wealdentimes.co.uk
WoodsDesignerClothingWT174.indd 1 19/07/2016 17:12

wealdentimes.co.uk
50

Songbirds’ Nest
Words: Jennifer Stuart-Smith Photographs: David Merewether Styling: Helen Barton
With inspiring views looking out to sea and glorious opened-up spaces
within, Ginny and MJ have made a commanding terrace house in
Hastings as harmonious as the choirs they run
51 wealdentimes.co.uk

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

Previous pages: The striking wallpaper behind the dining table is by Helen ZB Wilson, for Witch and Watchman. Ginny has a large
collection of original art. Antique Berber textiles from Morocco have been framed and hung on the wall over a comfy sofa Above:
The Prussian Blue leather chairs and huge refectory table - which seats 14 - were originally from the British Library Reading Room,
sourced from Retrouvius, a reclamation company in London. The kitchen units are painted in Farrow & Ball Hague Blue. The
deliberately mis-matched vintage copper light fittings are original Louis Poulsen from 20th Century Design in Hastings Old Town.
The flower monoprint to the right of the island unit is by Tim Maguire
There’s something rather charming, and sweetly ironic,
in that an imposing Victorian pile, of sturdy bricks and
mortar, should have an appeal that’s so intangible. It
is an invisible quality that has attracted artists and musicians
to houses such as this one, on a terrace in Hastings, since the
1820s. Ginny and her partner MJ, the current owners, would
perhaps call it a ‘vibe’.
The couple, who relocated to Hastings from London
via Brighton, in November 2013 knew what it was that
they were looking for, but weren’t entirely sure that it
existed.
“MJ wanted to live in the country, which I definitely
did not,” says Ginny, a writer and journalist. “I wanted
exactly what we have here: an independent, bohemian
vibe where I could just walk to a cafe, and get that bit of
‘life’ if I was working on my own. And it has fulfilled that
spectacularly.”
The house overlooks Hastings Old Town and is on
the edge of an 800-acre country park, so has perfectly
fitted the brief for both of them, while being spacious
enough for their needs.
“We each wanted our own creative spaces to do
our work,” says Ginny, who writes in an attic room
overlooking the sea. MJ, a composer, musician and
director of choirs, has a music room at the back of the
house, overlooking the garden.
“We looked at what we could get in Brighton – and there
were some charming houses - and then we looked at Hastings.
You could buy a house for half the price of a two-bedroom flat,”
says Ginny. “Plus, I really like the Old Town and St Leonards.
It’s still stridently independent and unselfconsciously eccentric.”
But what about the house itself? From the moment you come
into the dark hall and look up to a striking yellow feature wall at
the top of the stairs, it’s clear Ginny has a knack for interior
53 wealdentimes.co.uk

Above: The whole back wall of the kitchen is made up of bi-fold glass doors which open up entirely, letting on to the terraced walled
garden which has a planting scheme by Tony Howard of Harborough Nurseries. The slabs are Westmorland Green slate, originally
from the roof terrace of St Thomas’ Hospital, via Retrouvius
design, although she modestly describes architect Jason Wren
as “the design genius of the project. He had the imagination
to completely remodel the house and I trusted his vision, even
when I didn’t entirely understand it.”
She’s also keen to share the glory of the wonderful
paint colours used throughout the house with Patrick
O’Donnell, chief colour consultant at Farrow & Ball:
“I was used to living in places which were various
shades of white and grey, although I have always liked
splashes of colour and yellow in particular. But I was
a little bit nervous about using them because, colours
don’t always come out as you expect.”
In the spacious open-plan kitchen and dining room, the units
are painted in striking Farrow & Ball Hague Blue, with the
insides of cupboards painted in contrasting or complementary
colours. Moroccan pottery in fiery shades from the Industrial
Zone of Marrakech, is set off perfectly by this background and
natural light, flooding in through bi-fold doors, brings the
whole scene to life.
“You could be someone who is utterly hapless with
colour, doesn’t have a clue, and this service would
really help,” says Ginny. “I’m not that person. I have
quite firm ideas about what I like so, in a way, I wanted
a bit of hand-holding, to take me into the ‘dark side’.”
Farrow & Ball provided nearly all of the interior paint -
except for the bright yellow which is a feature in several rooms.
She clearly knew what she wanted: “In the end a technician at
Dulux said: ‘This is the purest yellow, with no hints of green’. I
think I tried about eight different yellows before I got there.”
The kitchen-dining area is not a room to hurry through.
Along one wall runs a huge refectory table in walnut – originally
from the old British Library Reading Room - and Prussian Blue
leather chairs, all sourced through Retrouvius, a reclamation
company based on the Harrow Road in northwest London.
Over the table is a ‘feature wall’ like no other.
“The wallpaper is by Witch and Watchman and the designer
Helen ZB Wilson,” says Ginny. In amongst the foliage, as well
as magpies and crows, is a hand-painted bird. “It’s an Australian
“I care very much about aesthetics, but I also care that things work and are
comfortable and practical,” says Ginny. “If the house is beautiful, that’s fine by me, but
it’s got to work. Some houses are so over-designed they make you feel anxious”
wealdentimes.co.uk
54

Kent Peg Tiling &
Listed Building Specialists
conservation and renovation
specialists § high quality work
by experienced craftsman
Proud winners of
both the Heritage and
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UK Roofing Awards 2016
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Fall back in love
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With over 50 years of experience, we are the garden design and landscaping
specialists of choice for properties throughout Kent & East Sussex. Friendly
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55 wealdentimes.co.uk
KibblewhiteWT167.indd 3 27/11/2015 12:46

Rectory Interiors
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Please call Martin on 07500 646595
TOTAL SOLUTIONS
info@total-solutions.org
The Old Forge,
24 Wish Street,
Rye TN31 7DA
01797 222511
www.rectoryinteriors.co.uk www.rowanplowden.com 07702 046451
IllumInatIons
TotalSolutionsWT174.indd 1 13/07/2016 RectoryInteriorsWT174.indd 12:31
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wealdentimes.co.uk
56
IlluminationsWT173.indd 1 22/06/2016 HeatDesignWT174.indd 13:24
1 18/07/2016 17:34

Moroccan pottery in spice shades from the Industrial Zone of Marrakech,
is set off perfectly by the dark blue paint and natural light, flooding
in through bi-fold doors, bringimg the whole scene to life
57 wealdentimes.co.uk

Above: The sitting room looks out over Hastings Old Town to
the sea. The sofa - in Ginny’s beloved yellow - is by Loaf and
the artwork above it is a lightbox installation of a woodland
scene by Dalziel + Scullion Left: The marble fireplace is original
to the house, with bookshelves on either side a hint to Ginny’s
occupation as a writer, with logs stored beneath. The green
chair is from a junk shop in Hastings Old Town. Fresh flowers
- and Abigail Ahern’s faux wildflowers - are displayed in Ginny’s
collection of vases sourced over the years from Paris flea markets,
Shoreditch junk shops and vintage Murano from Venice back
streets Next page: The chandelier is one of two that were in the
house
Golden-crowned Honeysucker and it appears five times
throughout the house,” she adds. Once you start looking for
them, a tour around the house takes on a safari-like air.
“I suppose there is a bit of a bird theme throughout the
house,” says Ginny, “and we think of ourselves as songbirds.”
Although Ginny and MJ can rightfully be proud of their
home, it is their other - singing related - joint venture that is
their greatest creation.
“MJ and I came up with the idea for Liberty Choirs ten years
ago. It’s about creating choirs for people who are incarcerated
in one way or another. At the moment we are working with
Springfield psychiatric hospital in Tooting, but our main
involvement is in Wandsworth prison. We are in there every
week and we are looking to expand the programme.”
wealdentimes.co.uk
58

Summer Sale
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Exquisite furniture designed and manufactured in
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blending traditional craftsmanship with the finest
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The new Montrose sofa by David Gundry is now
available to view at David Salmon, Eastbourne.
Wealden House, Cross In Hand 01435 863921 116 South Street, Eastbourne 01323 722921
www.davidsalmon.co.uk

Hector and
the bird
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by
Polly Horner
_
107 High Street Rye
Tn317dn www.ryeartgallery.co.uk
Rye Art Gallery
Specialise in bespoke Swedish & French beds
& interiors with extensive stock of original
antique beds & furniture.
Forstal Farm Goudhurst Road Lamberhurst Kent
Tel: 01892890769 www.tashainteriors.co.uk
RyeArtGalleryWT174.indd 1 18/07/2016 TashaInteriorsWT170.indd 11:40
1 15/03/2016 16:22
Support your local Hospice
Belmond British Pullman
Windsor Day Trip
Saturday 27th August
An unforgettable day on board the historic
train plus entry to Windsor Castle, departing
exclusively from Maidstone East.
Limited Tickets Remaining
Find out more
W: www.hokh.org/events T: 01622 790195 E: fundraising@hokh.co.uk
Celebrating 25 years of compassionate care
Heart of Kent Hospice
@Heartofkenthosp
RCN No. 298164
wealdentimes.co.uk
60
HeartofKentHospiceWT174.indd 1 15/07/2016 16:50

It’s clear from the eclectic furniture and decor that Ginny has many influences,
although she credits the books of Remodelista, Ilse Crawford and the reclamation
gurus, Adam Hills and Maria Speake of Retrouvias, as her ‘bibles’
61 wealdentimes.co.uk

Top: The basement originally had “lots of higgledy-piggledy little
rooms” which were knocked through to create a loft-style space
zoned into cooking, sitting and sleeping areas, plus a bathroom.
The grey painted steel feature stair rail was designed by architect
Jason Wren, who transformed the house. The vintage table
football underneath it is from a Hastings Old Town antique
shop. The charcoal grey modular IKEA sofa is dressed with
cushions by Kirsten Hecktermann and Abigail Ahern
After many years interviewing the great and the good,
primarily for The Times, where Ginny worked for 20 years, she
is now using her impressive contacts book to help promote the
Liberty Choirs project. Supporters include Roger Daltrey, Pete
Townsend, Ian Hislop, Polly Samson and David Gilmour.
“The choirs don’t simply help prisoners on the ‘inside’,” says
Ginny. “When the prisoners come out they can join one of our
regular choirs, giving them an ongoing sense of community,
which has been shown to be helpful in preventing reoffending.”
Dragging ourselves away from conversation at the kitchen
This mural of an Australian Goldencrowned
Honeysucker can be found on
the wall behind the basement staircase.
It’s one of five scattered around the
house, painted by artist John Brinklow
wealdentimes.co.uk
62

FREE SINK
CABINET OFFER*
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& THE SINK CABINET IS ON US
We’re giving away a free sink cabinet worth up to £975 when you spend £8,000 or more on any kitchen*
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*Free sink base cabinet offer closes 31st August 2016. For full details please ask in-store or visit neptune.com/offers

Since 1998 we have been providing a quality painting
service to both commercial & residential clients in East
Sussex and Kent. From small general painting to special
paint finishes we provide all types of interior and exterior
painting and decorating services. We use state-of-the-art
dust-free sanding solutions that reduce mess and improve
health and safety for everybody on site.
If your looking for a high quality finish and excellent
service then please get in touch.
For a free no obligation quotation
please call us on 01892 652058
bushellandscott@gmail.com
www.bushellandscott.com
Design, Extension, Renovation, Conversion, New Build,
Maintenance from a blocked gutter to a new roof.
All work carried out by our team of experienced craftsmen.
T: 01797 225950 / 01892 891874
www.jonraybuilding.co.uk M: 07778 808 950
Bushell&StottWT170.indd 1 15/03/2016 JonRayWT149.indd 10:11
1 23/06/2014 12:19
wealdentimes.co.uk
64
AutenticoWT166.indd 1 10/11/2015 11:05

Above: The basement apartment offers an independent space for guests, with the bed concealed behind a vintage decoupaged screen
from AG Hendy & Co in Hastings Old Town. There is a recessed television over the vintage slate fireplace. The grey metal standard
lamp is from Heals and the ceiling fitting is one of a pair by Habitat, black with a bright yellow interior the same as the feature wall
table, we move through to the living room which looks out
over the Old Town and the sea. I ask if the chaise longue by the
window gets a lot of use, perhaps imagining the louche lifestyle
of a writer who works from home. “I try and encourage people
to lie on it, but in the past, when it was in Brighton, the leg was
apt to break, though I think it’s pretty solid now.”
Ginny sits opposite me, on a sofa made by Loaf,
under a contemporary lightbox installation by Dalziel
+ Scullion. “The sofa is rocking the yellow vibe again,”
says Ginny with a smile. “The cushions are a mixture
of Kirsten Hecktermann, via Retrouvius, and Abigail
Ahern, whose dark interiors I love.”
It’s clear from the eclectic furniture and decor that
Ginny has many influences, although she credits
the books of Remodelista, Ilse Crawford and the
reclamation gurus, Adam Hills and Maria Speake, of
Retrouvius, as her ‘bibles’.
Before following the trail of yellow paint upstairs, in
search of the little Australian honeysucker birds, we nip
down to the basement. “It was lots of higgledy-piggledy
little rooms down here and very grim. We wanted a
kind of loft space, but in the basement,” says Ginny.
“So basically everything was knocked through and we
incorporated the courtyard, which was a nightmare. We
had slugs and all sorts...”
Now the room is stylishly dressed with a vintage painted
screen from Alastair Hendy’s Homestore in Hastings Old Town
concealing the sleeping area.
Just as we are about to leave, Ginny can’t resist showing me
a surprisingly modest corner: “This is my favourite room!” she
declares. It appears to be a short corridor and store cupboard. “It
used to be so dark and depressing. The tiles on the floor here are
dotted around and repeated in the front courtyard garden.
“They are by Emery & Cie, a Belgian firm and I’ve used
them in lots of different places in the house, because they’re
beautiful...and they happen to be made in Morocco.” Morocco
is a theme that crops up a lot, though not as an overriding or
clichéd ‘kasbah’ theme, and it ties in perfectly with Ginny’s love
of colour. But why Morocco specifically?
“MJ and I run vocal workshops there, as well as in Greece,
New Orleans and Miami. Our favourite place in Marrakech
is Riyad El Cadi, where we run the holidays.” So, can anyone
come on these workshops? “Yes, anyone who fancies a sing,
from complete novices to people doing voice training.” MJ also
runs choirs in London, Brighton and Hastings.
For her, having space to compose and arrange music, at
home, is essential. Ginny shows me along the upstairs landing
to MJ’s music room at the back of the house. It’s a simple,
65 wealdentimes.co.uk

Above: The basement ‘loft’ apartment also has it own kitchen
area Right: The funky tiles in the guest cloakroom are by Lubna
Chowdhary. The vintage mirror with an integral lamp is from
AG Hendy & Co, providing illumination to read the books on
the shelf behind the loo
practical room, with one painted cupboard - with birds, of
course - adding a creative flourish.
En route we pass another of Ginny’s favourite rooms and a
tiny one at that: a compact, beautifully designed loo with walls
painted in a moody purple-grey and funky patterned tiles.
Bookshelves tucked behind the loo itself offer plenty of reading
options while those more fascinated by the tiles, will love the
little lamp (from AG Hendy & Co)) that protrudes in a slightly
ghostly way, from the antique vanity mirror.
Tip-tapping along the landing to the front of the house, we
approach what Ginny refers to as ‘The Princess Suite’ of master
bedroom, walk-through dressing room and divine bathroom.
The bedroom is blessed with four tall windows, looking out
across the Old Town towards the sea, with Beachy Head in the
distance, and is modestly decorated with a turquoise velvet
chaise from Graham & Green, a mannequin from Retrouvius
and a muted wallpaper behind the bedstead, by Farrow & Ball.
“Look over here,” says Ginny, pointing through the dressing
room and into the en suite bathroom. “This is the view you
have to see!”
Paint shades co-ordinate perfectly, from the cool grey
bedroom, through the olive green dressing room and into
the dusky pink bathroom. Beyond this there is a ‘green roof’.
“This is our sedum roof. It’s only just been done and the yellow
flowers are coming out. Eventually it will be a meadow of
colours; reds, blues and yellows.”
wealdentimes.co.uk
66

E
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67 wealdentimes.co.uk
SussexStoneWT173.indd 1 16/06/2016 10:45

Bi-folds Doors
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15 June - 21 August 2016
recent paintings
clyde hopkins
open Wed - Sat 11 - 5.30 Sun 11 - 4
one one six
116 High Street Tenterden Kent TN30 6HT
tel 01580 761196 email oneonesix@tiscali.co.uk
www.jennymilleroneonesix.com
wealdentimes.co.uk
68
OneOneSixWT173.indd 1 09/06/2016 14:46

Above: The pale grey bedroom is linked to the bathroom by an olive green dressing room. The striking copper light fitting is by Jim
Lawrence. The seascape on the far wall is by Anne Packard. The white and steel pendant light is one of a number of George Nelson
classic lights throughout the house
The terraced, walled garden, visible over the flat roof, was
designed and planted by Tony Howard of Harborough Nurseries.
Bringing my eye back from the view out of the window, I
am struck by the design of the bathroom, with a collection of
ornate circular mirrors dotted across the wall above the wash
basin. A circular, black Gessi basin rests atop a dark blue/black
wooden cabinet - with a bold portrait of the Honeysucker,
painted by John Brinklow, on one of the doors.
Dark floorboards contrast with the pink paintwork, while
a generous claw-footed bath rests in front of the huge sash
window, but this is not simply a pretty home. “I care very
much about aesthetics, but I also care that things work and
are comfortable and practical,” says Ginny. “If the house is
beautiful, that’s fine by me, but it’s got to work. Some houses
are so over-designed they make you feel anxious.” The last thing
you’ll feel in this house full of colour and laughter.
69 wealdentimes.co.uk

GREAT IDEAS FOR
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Tel 0844 257 7000

Top: The master bedroom has magnificent views over
Hastings Old Town and the sea, all the way to Beachy
Head. The chaise longue is from Graham & Green and
the mannequin was another find at Retrouvius Left:
There is an equally lovely view from the bath - over a
planted sedum flat roof and their neighbour’s beautiful
garden, up to Hastings Country Park. The bathroom
fittings are from CP Hart
Last but not least, is the attic, more of a romantic
lofty garret. The bathroom up here, Ginny admits
happily, is a copy of an LA bathroom she saw in one of
Remodelista’s books, while the spare room is a testament
to the invisible aura one can feel in a building: “There’s
a slightly spooky story with this room. We took off
layers and layers of paint, before discovering the same
Churlish Green that we already picked for this room.”
Ginny left the rough, exposed paintwork on the
chimney breast, to act as a feature. Alongside and on
the landing outside are striking ‘industrial’ photographs.
“They’re by American photographer Robert Gumpert,
who usually takes more gritty black and white shots of,
say, homeless men in San Francisco,” says Ginny. “This
is very decorative for him.”
In the corner of the spare room, the little bird
disappears into the wall. Our house safari is almost over.
One last room, Ginny’s writing room, is filled with
storage boxes, and yet to be finished. It’s painted in a
dark, moody blue, chosen to be the perfect background
for more of her artworks. “It’s odd to think that one day
we might say ‘Oh, it’s finished now’,” says Ginny.
This house is still very much a work-in-progress but,
with two such creative personalities as its owners, it’s
hard to imagine it turning out to be anything other
than a masterpiece.
71 wealdentimes.co.uk

A collection of ornate circular vintage mirrors is dotted across the wall
behind the black Gessi washbasin, which sits atop a cabinet, featuring a bold
portrait of a Golden-crowned Honeysucker painted by John Brinklow
wealdentimes.co.uk
72

interiors by
Styled by Skinners of Tunbridge Wells
Coasine caling
Relaxed linen, sophisticated stripes, and the classic
love story of when white met blue.
6 Castle Street, Royal Tunbridge Wells,
Kent TN1 1XJ Tel: 01892 532003
Email: sarah@skinnersoftunbridgewells.co.uk
www.skinnersoftunbridgewells.co.uk
Long Island sofa: from £2,040, Grace scatter cushions:
£45, Corinium tray: £66 and Basil pot: £14
Create your own design at neptune.com
Concepts, 8 Market Street, Rye, East Sussex TN31 7LA,
01797 225222, conceptsrye.com
SkinnersWT174.indd 1 14/07/2016 ConceptsWT174.indd 11:56
1 19/07/2016 19:51
Concepts_LONGISLAND_130x90_OS_AUG_16.indd 1 18/07/2016 17:42:07
It’s more than our
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and product range
that makes us so
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Unit 4 Orchard Business Centre
Sanderson Way, Tonbridge
Kent TN9 1QG
01732 350 911
showroom@townsbathrooms.co.uk
www.townsmerchant.co.uk
73 wealdentimes.co.uk
TownsBathroomsWT171.indd 1 19/04/2016 12:33

AWAKE YOUR
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For more information go to:
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CALL
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or email Linda Rogers
linda.rogers55@btinternet.com
Carpets and fine floor coverings
Croc 160 x 280 was
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The most
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Canterbury: 12 Roper Road, CT2 7EH. 01227 788588
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Canterbury store now open Sundays 11am-4pm
GinnyDougaryWT174.indd 1 07/07/2016 ClarksRugNationWT174.indd 14:29
1 01/07/2016 14:45
traditional handmade furniture
Kitchens
Bedrooms
Studies
Showroom: 78 London Road, Southborough
Tunbridge Wells, Kent. TN4 0PP
Tel: 01892 533273
Web: Woodworkkitchens.co.uk
wealdentimes.co.uk
74
WoodworkWT174.indd 1 11/07/2016 11:42

Top: The top floor of the house has the atmosphere of a
romantic lofty garret. The tasselled lampshade and chair are
Hastings Old Town junk shop finds. The artworks are by
American photographer Robert Gumpert and Esther Teichmann
Below: Ginny left the exposed paintwork on the chimney
breast, as a feature - after finding when they stripped away
many layers of paint, the exact green she had already chosen for
the room underneath them all. The colour is Churlish Green by
Farrow & Ball
Address Book:
Vocal Workshop singing holidays with MJ
Paranzino - MJsingingholidays.co.uk
Liberty Choir - libertychoir.org
Abigail Ahern abigailahern.com
Adrienne Gaha, adriennegaha.com
Alastair Hendy: AG Hendy Homestore aghendy.com
Anne Marie Bruce bruceupholstery.co.uk
Ansgroup ansgroupglobal.com
Butler’s Emporium butlersemporium.com
CP Hart bathrooms, 0845 600 1950, cphart.co.uk
Dalziel & Scullion dalzielscullion.com
Eleanor Büsing Interiors, eleanorbusing.com
Emery et Cie, emeryetcie.com
Farrow & Ball, Head Colourist, Patrick
O’Donnell farrow-ball.com
Graham & Green grahamandgreen.co.uk
Harborough Nurseries, Rye Road, Guestling,
TN35 4LU 01424 814220
Jim Lawrence, 01473 826968, jim-lawrence.co.uk
John Brinklow, artist, johnbrinklow.co.uk
Kirsten Hecktermann, kirstenhecktermann.com
Loaf loaf.com
Object D’Epoch objectdepoch.com
Pippy Houldsworth houldsworth.co.uk
Remodelista remodelista.com
Retrouvius Architectural Reclamation
and Design retrouvius.com
Robert Gumpert, photographer robertgumpert.com
Shape Architecture, Jason Wren shapearchitecture.co.uk
Stonegres Interiors, stonegres.co.uk
Tim Maguire artist, tim-maguire.com
Witch & Watchman, witchandwatchman.com
Woodbase Joiners, woodbasejoiners.co.uk
75

Large antique shop, stocking fine antique
furniture, grandfather clocks, working
automators, ceramics, Dinky toys & collectables.
Repairs & valuations undertaken.
Over 2000 sq.ft. of Antiques,
Collectables, Vintage, Retro,
Handcrafted & Unusual Items
The Old Forge Emporium
The Street, Appledore, Kent TN26 2BJ 01233 758585
abbeylace@aol.com www.theoldforgeemporium.co.uk
As seen on TV
42 George Street, Hastings TN34 3EA
Open most days including weekends
All credit cards accepted
CoachHouseAntiquesWT174.indd 1 08/07/2016 OldForgeAntiquesWT174.indd 15:25
1 18/07/2016 17:24
THE LEADING AUCTIONEERS IN THE SOUTH EAST
• Regular selected sales including Fine Art,
Asian Art, Jewellery, Silver, Clocks,
Medals, Watches, Wines and Furniture
• Weekly sales of antiques, collectables
and general items from £40 to £1,000
(Payment made in two working days)
• Free internet listing for all sales
• Free auction estimates
• Valuations for Insurance
and Probate
• House Clearance
A pair of 19th century Italian
micro-mosaic plaques, depicting
figures beside waterfalls by
Nicola de Vecchis
(1795-1800), 11.5cm x 8cm,
Sold for £6,500
For a FREE valuation on items you would like
to auction, simply email your images to:
tunbridge.wells@gorringes.co.uk
To arrange an appointment call:
01892 556 860
www.gorringesfineartauctions.com
Grosvenor House, Grosvenor Park, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2BF
wealdentimes.co.uk
76
4063 Gorringes (WT) (August 2016) 130x185v2.indd 1 06/07/2016 13:58
GorringesWT174.indd 1 07/07/2016 11:19

Antiques
Update
What to buy – and what to sell – can be daunting for
the amateur antique hunter, so we asked six experts to
give us their advice and insights
Credit: FreeImages.com/Jason Morrison
Jane Anderson
Gorringes Auction House, Tunbridge Wells
Our clients frequently ask us - sometimes as a result of the
bad news they’ve just received about something they were
hoping to sell - ‘So, what is selling well at auction now?’
This is increasingly difficult to answer. With older
clients downsizing and ‘going modern’, or moving to
care homes, the market is flooded with goods that the
younger eBay generation either do not want, or haven’t
thought of buying at auction. Consequently, 90% of
our buyers are after 10% of the available goods.
But what we can say with confidence is that, whatever
you’re selling, it must be of superb quality, or iconic design
(mid-20th century Scandinavian furniture is currently more
commercial than Georgian), or of sufficient rarity that
buyers will compete in a ‘money no object’ frame of mind.
An example of the latter is the painting we sold in
June by Charles Allston Collins R.B.A. (1828-1873)
‘The Thoughts with which a Christian Child should be
taught to look on the works of God’. It made £381,860
(including buyer’s premium). Such devotional work was
typical of his output, but there is very little of his work
and it rarely comes up at auction, hence the high price.
Gorringes, 85 Mount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge Wells,
Kent, TN1 1PX 01892 619670 gorringes.co.uk
Andrew Towle
Eras of Style, Bexhill
We have noticed a massive rise in the sale of good quality
antique brown furniture that has been slow for a few years,
but it seems the public is now realising the value and
workmanship. They are a good investment. The industrial
look has eased up with the reproduction things coming on
the market, but we can still sell one-off coffee tables and large
window mirrors.
Eras of Style, Terminus Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex
TN39 3LR 01424 217640 erasofstyle.com
77

Eras
Antiques
of stylE
WILDWINDS
ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES
Wildwinds Barn
London Road, Norton Ash,
Teynham, Kent ME9 9JY
(on the A2 between Faversham & Sittingbourne)
07932 615 726 / 07917 106 026
Open 7 Days Including Bank Holidays
Mon-Sat 10-5 Sun 10-4
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We are open Monday
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diverse mix of the antique and contemporary
- from furniture to mirrors and books,
music and pictures, cameras, clocks,
chandeliers and lamps, soft furnishings
and more. Valuations given, sourcing and
house clearances arranged. Find us at
www.wildwindsantiquesandcollectables.com
Aunty Wainright’s Antiques
A real antiques shop with a big heart
WildwindsWT174.indd 1 07/07/2016 11:31
The Old Station Stores,
Bexhill West Station, Terminus Road,
Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex TN39 3LR
Phone 01424 217640
Mobile 07974 178760
info@erasofstyle.com
www.erasofstyle.com
Over 20 dealers with decades of experience
41 High Street, Heathfield, East Sussex TN21 8HU
01435 866935 Mon–Sat 10am–5pm
wealdentimes.co.uk
78
ErasOfStyleWT174.indd 1 12/07/2016 AuntyWainrightsWT174.indd 17:00
1 13/07/2016 17:21

Lee Courtnage
Miscellanea of Churt, Farnham
I always advise my customers to buy something they love,
rather than what’s in fashion, because then it will last. With
all the electronic help these days, on sites like Pinterest, people
are more confident than they used to be about being more
eclectic with their styling, because they can see something
inspiring and then interpret it into their own homes.
More people are looking to buy good bits of art for
the home, individual pieces, and I’m happy to see that
these days that quality is more important than quantity.
Miscellanea of Churt, Crossways, Churt, Farnham, Surrey
GU10 2JA 01428 714014 miscellanea.co.uk
Credit: FreeImages.com/Andrew Beierle
Jane Brown
Fryer and Brown Auctioneers, Cobham
Chinese porcelain has been achieving record prices
at auction, but following closely in its wake has been
a dramatic increase in prices for traditional Chinese
furniture. Such furniture is typically made of a class
of hardwoods, known as ‘Rosewood’. These woods
are dense and finely grained, properties which make
the furniture highly stable and hardwearing.
Stylistically Chinese furniture works well in a
traditional English interior and can be found in pride
of place in many of the great ‘Stately Homes’. However
it works equally well in the minimalist modern settings
currently in fashion. A single altar table can produce
the ‘wow’ factor when used as a statement feature.
Fryer and Brown, The Old Mill, Cobham Park
Road, Downside, Cobham, Kent KT11 3PF
01932 865026 fryerandbrown.com
Sheila Aspinall
Wildwinds Antiques and Collectables, Teynham
More and more customers are looking for pieces of
traditional furniture to hide the chargers, remote
controls, and all the assorted technology that seems to
be essential to our busy lives but looks so unsightly, and
a lovely old roll-top desk or a bureau is a perfect place.
A sturdy Victorian or Edwardian chest of drawers
no longer keeps the clothes and linen in check,
but comfortably houses the CDs and DVDs, and
glass-fronted display cabinets, which used to
house the Royal Doulton and the Wedgwood, can
look fabulous in a bedroom showing off beautiful
shoes and bags. These craftsman-made pieces
of furniture continue not only to look good, but
also adapt beautifully to modern-day living.
Wildwinds Antiques and Collectables, London
Road, Teynham, Kent ME9 9JY. 07572 520920
wildwindsbarn.co.uk
Jill Kirby
Aunty Wainright’s
Currently we are finding our customers are purchasing top quality items
which are practical and can be used in their homes, such as good period
mahogany, walnut and oak pieces. Antique jewellery is also popular. People
are tending to spend their money on items which they like and will look
good in their homes. The priority is beautiful things to live with - rather
than pieces that are seen as an investment.
Aunty Wainright’s, 41 High Street, Heathfield, East Sussex TN21 8HU
01435 866935
Images are for illustration only and cannot be guaranteed to be in stock.
79

wealdentimes.co.uk
80

Modern Family
Words: John Graham-Hart photographs: David Merewether Styling: Helen Barton
Mix together an interior decorator and a bespoke kitchen
designer and you have the perfect recipe for creating a
21st century home from a Victorian coach house...
81 wealdentimes.co.uk

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Previous page: The kitchen was originally a stable for four horses, now it’s one large space divided into a preparation area and dining
and relaxation zones. The bespoke units are of Alpi veneer and the white surfaces are quartz composite. The dramatic cooker hoods
are by Elica and the striking ceiling lights came from a Czech factory Left: The kitchen’s wood floor has been stained to complement
the dark Alpi veneer on the kitchen units. Jane had the antique rosewood chairs in the cosy dining area upholstered in different
colours of Kediri silk satin Right: Although Jane’s scheme was designed around a cool white central island with a gas hob, she didn’t
want to lose the familiar warmth of the 1970s family Aga, which now adds a bold red accent to the ultra contemporary industrial
mood of the kitchen
However hard we try to think outside the box, houses
come with powerful preconceptions: clearly defined,
warm and safe spaces we’ve known since childhoodour
domestic comfort zones. We know exactly what to expect
from them and, as we enter the spaces, what is expected of us.
Even when the ‘house’ wasn’t originally designed for people
– but as a stable, oast, warehouse or mill – we are still driven
to impose our preconceptions on whatever spaces present
themselves. We expect drawing rooms, dining rooms, kitchens,
bedrooms, bathrooms, doorways and hallways and if they’re
not there we will do our level best to shoe-horn them in.
All of which is absolutely fine if these traditional zones
actually work for us, providing the desired framework
for our domestic lives. But when you consider that
the concepts behind these separate spaces have been
with us for four hundred years or so – and then how
radically our lives have changed since then, perhaps
it’s time to question their apparent sanctity.
Many families are, of course, doing just that, with one
room in particular. From a place that had a single well-defined
function - the preparation of meals – increasingly the kitchen
has become the real heart of the home, incorporating a more
formal dining area and an informal family ‘lounging’ area.
Interestingly, this metamorphosis of the kitchen echoes
83 wealdentimes.co.uk

Instead of simply correcting the slope of the site downhill from the older
part of the house, their architect cleverly used the differing levels, creating a
stunning sunken drawing room, across a dramatic octagonal hallway
wealdentimes.co.uk
84

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Above: Jane and her husband Chris are keen and accomplished cyclists and the former dining room makes a perfect bike store, as well
as being a multi-purpose family space Next page top left: The Andrew Martin chair Top right: The cabinet in the hallway was found
in Phuket “after what turned out to be an expensive walk along the beach”. The lamp on it is from Porta Romana Bottom: Jane and
Chris picked up the striking centrepiece table on a walk through Paris
the medieval layout of the hall house where everyone
gathered in one room around the cooking fire. Today
the kitchen is once again becoming the favoured family
gathering place, the meal preparer no longer quarantined
but able to communicate with family and guests.
Parents now find they are often joined here by their
young who tend to favour the crashing area largely, one
suspects, because of their inability to operate an iPhone
from anything other than a horizontal position.
And so with the kitchen taking the lead in this new
domestic revolution it is, perhaps, no surprise to find that one
of Surrey’s newest design partnerships, Detour Design, has
been formed by an interior designer, Jane Bates, and a London
bespoke kitchen designer, Nathan Kingsbury. The partnership
is based in Reigate and one of its primary aims is to offer a
complete turnkey solution for families making the move from
the capital, as well as those already established in Surrey.
“Areas like Reigate offer a huge choice of great
87 wealdentimes.co.uk

“I wanted a wow piece in here,” says Jane, of the Andrew Martin
winged chair (above left). “Every room should have something a little
outrageous in it, something that makes the space interesting”
wealdentimes.co.uk
88

edge
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89 wealdentimes.co.uk
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Above: The drawing room has glass doors opening on to a
courtyard. The fireplace is finished with a Chesney’s limestone
surround and stainless steel insert. Jane and Chris are keen art
collectors. They bought the abstract painting above the fire
during a holiday in Sri Lanka. The Modigliani-style portrait is by
a Vietnamese artist, found at an Affordable Art Fair. The duck
feet lamp is by Porto Romana Right: The drawing room flows
from the octagonal hallway
property but many of them are seriously in need of
renovation,” says Jane. “We aim to work with clients,
taking on all the more stressful aspects of a renovation
and leaving them free to enjoy the process. We have a
team of talented, tried and trusted craftsmen already in
place – suppliers we know from experience will complete
projects to the standards and timescales we demand.
“The kitchen is probably now the room foremost
in people’s minds when renovating a house,” says
Nathan,“but we believe it should be considered as part
of a home-wide, design-led solution. This means starting
at the beginning and identifying what their priorities
are - how they and their families want to live.”
This is a question that Jane and husband Chris have
91 wealdentimes.co.uk

Above: Jane and Chris’s extensive art collection continues on the other side of the sitting room. The brightly coloured landscape is a
view of St Paul de Vence by John Holt. The French chair in the hallway is covered in black and white checked velvet by Larsen. The
cushions on it are made from textiles designed by Larsen and by Kelly Wearstler. The paintings above it are by Charles MacQueen
asked themselves every so often during the years spent at
their present Reigate home and each time it has resulted
in serious changes. Their property is a 1880s coach house
– a building which, although already converted when they
bought it, was never intended for human habitation, so the
couple have never felt unencumbered by its past. The latest
renovation was the largest and aimed to provide solutions
to a number of problems with a single extension project.
The existing building was an L-shape, with the
garden between the house and the road and to reach
the front door, visitors would have to drive up into the
garden and past the main house. The most obvious
solution was to provide the ‘L’ with a balancing wing
and turn it into a three-sided courtyard. However, Jane’s
architect, Ray Willis of Foster Willis had other ideas.
Instead of a courtyard, he extended the L-shape parallel
to the road with a two-storey extension and a three-storey
octagonal tower incorporating a new front door and
created a new division by means of a beautiful curved brick
wall which isolated the garden. It’s a stunning solution
that has freed- up valuable space on the older side of the
house but created some delightful new areas of its own.
But let’s start where, as Jane says, so many renovations
begin, the kitchen. That this one has been designed by the
new Nathan/Jane team is no great surprise and neither is the
fact that it’s truly outstanding – not only as a living space but
in its exceptional attention to detail. Chris’ input was modest
but essential – he said he’d go along with anything they
came up with so long as he had a wine cooler and a barista
station, which they have duly provided in one neat corner.
Originally two rooms, it’s now one space divided
into a large preparation section and a smaller,
more intimate dining and relaxation area.
“Now that the children are grown up we decided that
wealdentimes.co.uk
92

Advertorial
“Imagine buying a house with a whole top floor
that hasn’t been seen since just after the war”
Mr & Mrs Evans did just that. Outside, windows proved there was a
further level, but inside, there was no obvious means of getting to it!
Just after the war a type of bedroom tax was levied by the
government and the then owner decided not to pay it, removed
the second storey staircase and the top floor was forgotten!
70 years later the Evanses moved in and contacted Mounts Hill.
The house is an Arts and Crafts period house, constructed
between 1880 and 1910 and the main staircase is English Oak,
heavily detailed with hand carved woodland figures on each
newel post. The spindles feature very prominent turning and the
walls encasing the stairwell are panelled, very typical of the era.
Mounts Hill’s design was based on the existing staircase but
reduced in size. Into the new panelling a storage area was
created with access through secret doors on touch latches
under the stairs. The new spindles are detailed and the profiles
and handrails are smaller copies of the original.
Now the staircase is fitted and access to the top floor has been
restored, there just might be a little work required in the bedrooms!
MOUNTS HILL
BESPOKE KITCHENS, FURNITURE AND JOINERY
www.mountshill.com | 01580 715911 | enquiries@mountshill.com
MountsHillWT172.indd 1 24/05/2016 16:18

Above: The master bedroom is flooded with light from a vaulted ceiling and French windows onto a Juliet balcony, further enhanced
by Jane’s choice of pale grey for the walls, bed linen and the background colour in the Larsen graphic weave fabric of the curtains. The
windows on either side of the bed act like extensions of the upholstered headboard, with a pleasing symmetrical effect. The mirrored
side tables, specially designed by Nathan for this room, further bounce the light around, as do the chrome bedside lamps which are
original vintage Anglepoise
the kitchen would be more of a place to relax and chill
together at the end of the day,” says Jane. “I also wanted
somewhere I could cook and talk to guests at the same time.”
The room has windows on four sides, which placed
constraints on the design – further complicated by Jane’s
very firm ideas about her central island being home to a
gas rather than electric hob. She was also determined that
the Aga remain, although as more of a feature and a source
of warmth than a cooker. This meant that the floor had
to be dug to run gas across to the island and that the Aga
now stands elegantly and effectively in splendid isolation.
The immaculate bespoke units under the windows
are of a dark Alpi veneer and Nathan has set both the
units and appliances, such as the food larder and vast
stainless steel fridge, on bespoke aluminium plinths. ”I
wanted everything to run seamlessly together,” he says.
The parquet floor has been stained to match the units
and around the island gather a set of chic Cerner chairs in
American black walnut. The white surfaces are a quartz
composite and over both the island hob and the Aga are
Elica hoods served by dramatic bespoke steel ducting.
Completing the industrial touch are three huge industrial
Jane’s mirrored dressing table inspired Nathan to design some truly stunning dark
oak mirrored bedside units with smoky bronze Buster & Punch handles.
wealdentimes.co.uk
94

01227 767576 www.stellisonselectrical.co.uk
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Above: Jane’s stunning mirrored dressing table set the tone for the decoration for the whole of the master bedroom, which combines cool
simplicity with golden era Hollywood-style glamour. This was Nathan’s inspiration for the bedside tables seen on the previous page
lights from a Czech factory. The cosy dining area sits
beneath a pretty arched window, a contemporary B&B
Italia table surrounded by antique rosewood chairs.
On the way down the hallway to the former littleused
dining room is what was, when Jane and Chris first
moved in, the kitchen. Today it’s a little womb of a media
room with American black walnut shelving, a big TV
screen and a wonderfully comfy fuchsia chenille sofa.
The former dining room has become a new genre that
until now has not really existed in the lexicon of domestic
rooms. The only way to describe it is as the Whatever Room,
in that it becomes whatever Jane or Chris want it to be at
any given moment in time. It might be a room where one
curls up quietly with book or iPad, the sunshine pouring
through French windows. It might be a Chris’ gym, Jane’s
yoga space, a formal dining room, an informal party room.
Jane and Chris are passionate and accomplished cyclists
and so rather than hide away their really rather special bikes
in some dank shed, they have hung them on the Whatever
Room walls, displaying them like pieces of mechanical art,
97 wealdentimes.co.uk

Above: The en suite bathroom in the master suite occupies one
of the upper rooms of the octagonal tower, which links the new
extension with the original building. Light pours in through
four windows Right: the natural light bounces off the iridescent
rectangular tiles covering the wall behind the twin basins
which of course, is exactly what they are. Understandably,
Jane thinks that this may be her favourite room in the house.
In such august company this is praise indeed, for
competition comes not only from the stunning kitchen
but, across a dramatic octagonal hallway, from an
equally stunning sunken drawing room. Instead of
simply correcting the slope of the land downhill from
the older part of the house, their architect cleverly used
differing levels, so the drawing room is open plan to the
hallway but separated by a couple of steps down.
This is a lovely bright and lofty room with glass doors out
onto a courtyard, but in winter it’s snug, gathered round
an open fireplace with a Chesney’s limestone surround and
stainless steel insert. Jane and Chris picked up the terrific
centrepiece table on a walk through Paris and the lovely
abstract over the fireplace during a holiday in Sri Lanka. They
found the Modigliani-inspired painting by a Vietnamese artist
– over the cherry blossom Japanese-style cabinet in the
wealdentimes.co.uk
98

SculpturesRyeWT174.indd 1 15/07/2016 JosephMcCarthyWT174.indd 16:20
1 12/07/2016 16:19
the largest stockist of indian furniture, textiles, jewellery & accessories in the south
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99 wealdentimes.co.uk
TradingBoundariesWT174.indd 1 18/07/2016 16:47

Above: Daughter Emma fancied a touch of baroque in her
bedroom, which Jane created by combining pale blue, rich
browns and delicate golds in a range of texured fabrics for
dressing the bed Left: A reindeer hide thrown over a chair creates
a dramatic corner on the upstairs landing. The bold pineapple
print wallpaper is Neisha Crosland
corner –at an Affordable Art Fair. Beneath a limited edition
geometric abstract by Brigitte Williams stands an amusing
Porta Romana lamp with duck feet and a silk satin shade.
The star of the show here, though, must be the grey,
contemporary take on the winged armchair by Andrew
Martin. “I wanted a wow piece in here,” says Jane.
“Every room should have something a little outrageous
in it, something that makes the space interesting.”
There are all sorts of things that make Jane and Chris’
bedroom interesting from the great vaulted ceiling and
Juliet balcony to the pretty – almost secret – little windows
that flank the headboard. The centrepiece though is the
beautiful mirrored dressing table which set the tone for the
remainder of the room, inspiring Nathan to create some
truly stunning dark oak mirrored bedside units and chest of
drawers with smoky bronze Buster & Punch handles. The
curtains are a contemporary graphic weave by Larsen.
The en suite bathroom occupies one of the upper rooms
wealdentimes.co.uk
100

Beautiful, bespoke kitchens and cabinetry.
Stop at nothing.
We pride ourselves on the fi nest craftsmanship.
Offering Free expert advice, Free site surveys,
Free quotations. Let our experience and expertise
guide you through your next project.
NEWLANDS JOINERY
The finest handcrafted joinery
Tel | 01959 522981
Mobile | 07501 725227
Web | www.newlandsjoinery.co.uk
Shoreham Nr. Sevenoaks
www.collinsbespoke.com
For a free design consultation with Marion John Kitchen Design Award
finalists, visit, call or email: Old Surrenden Manor, Bethersden, Kent
01233 822595
info@collinsbespoke.com
Showroom very nearly ready but visitors are always welcome, of course!
THE FIREPLACE COMPANY
NewlandsJoineryWT161.indd 1 22/06/2015 CollinsBespokeWT172.indd 12:41
1 11/05/2016 14:18
Suppliers and installers of Chesneys fireplaces, wood burning stoves
and gas fires, Big Green Egg BBQs and Alfa Pizza ovens
Showroom: 01892 664813
Website: www.the-fireplace-company.co.uk
Email: info@the-fireplace-company.co.uk
Unit 8 Crowborough Business Park,
Park Road, Crowborough,
East Sussex, TN6 2GZ
101 wealdentimes.co.uk
FireplaceCompanyWT174.indd 1 01/07/2016 15:58

Multi-Award Winning Pool Specialists
SPATA Pool Contractor of the Year 2015
XL Pools Ltd, The Parlour, Saracens
Dairy, Pluckley Road, Pluckley, TN27 0SA
Telephone: 0845 20 60 420
Email: enquiries@xlpools.com
WWW.XLPOOLS.COM
XLPoolsWT174.indd 1 12/07/2016 10:10
SUMMER SALE
Haresfield large sofa in Sole Linen
Handmade in Britain, in any Fabric in the World
The Estate Yard, Eridge, Nr Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN3 9JR
01892 572 309 Free Fabric Samples sofasandstuff.com
wealdentimes.co.uk
102
SofasAndStuffWT173.indd 1 06/06/2016 14:47

Above: The tiles in the spacious family bathroom in the original part of the house - a lovely bright room with windows running along
virtually the whole of one side and a sandy brown slate floor - are multi-coloured glass. “When we moved here it was a bedroom, but
we wanted a large light room with both a bath and a shower and it was the perfect space for that,” says Jane
of the octagonal tower, its four windows looking out onto
the tree tops and its unusual rectangular iridescent glass
mosaic tiles having lots of fun with the incoming light.
Daughter Emma fancied a touch of baroque and
Jane has made it so, all pale blues and browns, gold
and silver with some serious luxury in the shape of
the silk flock blinds and a wall of waving golf grass
wallpaper by Mulberry Home. On the bed is an eclectic
tumble of cushions, some bespoke, some bought.
Daughter Georgia has gone for a cross between
monochrome and Miami, the latter particularly apt
with the sun pouring in from windows on three
sides. The black and white wallpaper is Cole & Son
and contrasts pleasingly with a duvet and pillows of
big pink roses. On a chic John Lewis mirrored cube
by the bed is a chic jet black Kartell table lamp.
Jane and Nathan begin every project by establishing
how exactly a family lives - or wants to live - and
then work with them to adapt their property,
however it began life, to meet that family’s needs.
Fundamental to Jane and Nathan’s design
philosophy is the shared belief that designing your
home should be a really enjoyable creative process - no
matter what size of project you are undertaking.
“Adopting a holistic approach, seeing the whole space
and taking control of how you want to live will mean
that our well thought out, beautifully designed spaces
will enable you to enjoy family life to the maximum.”
And this, of course, is exactly what she has done in
her own home. The result, in my personal opinion, is
truly stunning. But then, who gives a flying hoot what I
think – it’s not my home, my space. It’s Jane’s and Chris’,
Emma’s and Georgia’s space –and they love it. And that,
above all else, is what outstanding design is all about.
103 wealdentimes.co.uk

Purveyors of fine
merchandise past & present
ANTIQUES · FURNITURE · LIGHTING
MIRRORS · GIFTS · OUTDOOR
57 High Street, Heathfield TN21 8HU
www.tinkerandtoad.com
01435 863535
TinkerAndToadWT174.indd 1 20/07/2016 10:21
Derroll Tozer
Chairs & Upholstery Shop
Renowned for its high quality upholstery and
unbeatable service, the Chairs & Upholstery Shop
has built an impeccable reputation in Tunbridge
Wells since it first opened there 12 years ago
• Specialist fine antique upholstery
• Upholstery & re upholstery traditional & modern
• Loose covers • Hand made sofas & chairs
• Hand made foot stools • French polishing
127 Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2QY | Tel: 01892 614122 | Mobile: 07768 665592
Email: tozerchairs@aol.com | www.chairsdesign.co.uk
wealdentimes.co.uk
104
Chairs&UpholsteryShopWT174.indd 1 20/07/2016 16:04

Above: Daughter Georgia has gone for a cross between
monochrome and Miami for her bedroom with hot pink
accents mixed in with the striking black and white paisley
wallpaper by Cole & Son. The bedside lamp is by Kartell
Right: The decorative scheme is continued with the white desk
and black chair, with pink accents in the accessories and poster.
The lamp is by Porta Romana
Address Book:
For further information about how detour design
could work with you on your next home project or
to find out more about the furniture and furnishings
shown in this article call Jane on 07775 768799, or
Nathan on 07773 394270, or visit detourdesign.co.uk
Affordable Art fair affordableartfair.com
Alpi alpiwood.com/en
Andrew Martin andrewmartin.co.uk
Buster & punch, busterandpunch.com
chesneys chesneys.co.uk
cole & Son cole-and-son.com
elica elica.com/GB-en
foster Willis Architects raywillis@btinernet.com
Kartell kartell.com
105 wealdentimes.co.uk

A Magical
Setting...
• Breathtaking Scenery
• Excellent Food and Service at affordable
prices, with off-peak discounts available
• 3 Magnificent Function rooms,
each self contained with their own Bar
• Licenced for Civil Ceremonies
• Ample parking
High Rocks Lane, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 9JJ Tel: 01892 515 532 www.highrocks.co.uk

Weddings
A Wealden Times Supplement
View the new Weddings Directory online at wealdentimes.co.uk

Blue plaques have traditionally marked where famous people were
born and bred with the first one in 1867 for Lord Byron in London
Now you can create a memento of where you
were
featuring a personalised
blue plaque and an official Ordance Survey
image of a location important to you.
You can even add a personal photo.
A freshwater pearl completes the look.
This unique piece of Sterling Silver is all
designed and assembled in our Kent studios.
Visit our website
www.bornandbredjewellery.co.uk
Telephone 07824185470
Use the code b0rn10
for a 10% discount on
your first order
BornAndBredJewelleryWT174.indd 1 18/07/2016 11:07
Bespoke Weddings are our speciality . . .
Set in Kent’s beautiful Garden of England. Less than 40 minutes from London.
Tel: 01233 213020 | Email: weddings@eastwellmanor.co.uk | www.eastwellmanor.co.uk
E a s t w e l l Pa r k , B o u g h t o n L e e s , A s h fo rd , Ke n t T N 2 5 4 H R
wealdentimes.co.uk
2
EastwellManorWT174.indd 1 18/07/2016 11:08

WT Wedding Supplement
Contents
5 Sleek & chic
Bridal accessories with a sleek vintage appeal
6 Fun & funky
Wedding details with a festival feel
8 Something blue...
Wedding dresses spanning the gamut of styles from
hand-beaded lace to bold modern fringing
19 Masters of distinction
Celebrity chef Rosemary Shrager shares some chic
canapés
25 Magic moments
Have a very particular dream for your wedding?
Anything’s possible with the right venue
The Robing Room
Bespoke Service
Beautiful handcrafted garments designed
and madeto measure ‘just for you’....
Adults & Children
Prices start from £400 for wedding dresses
and £100 for Bridesmaids
www.therobingroom.co.uk
T: 01233 224985
3 wealdentimes.co.uk
RobingRoomWT174.indd 1 07/07/2016 16:36

Sissinghurst Flowers
made with love
Summer Sale to50% up
Off
OTFORD BOUTIQUE
14 High Street, TN14 5PQ
Tel: 01959 526254
billskinnerstudio.com
TENTERDEN BOUTIQUE
42A High Street, TN30 6AR
Tel: 01580 761610
Weddings Life Events Courses
www.sissinghurstflowers.co.uk
Telephone: 01580 852144 / 07977 142447
LOVELL & VIE
lingerie swimwear
BillSkinnerStudioWT174.indd 1 14/07/2016 MadeWithLoveWT172.indd 11:16
1 12/05/2016 12:10
dressing undeniable beauty
www.odyl.co.uk
01580 714907
Aubade
PrimaDonna
Empreinte
Marie Jo
Wacoal
b.tempt'd
Chantelle
Fantasie
Hanro
Huit8
DKNY
Moontide
Lidea
Hanky Panky
46 Holly Bush Lane, Sevenoaks TN13 3TL
01732 454445 www.lovellandvie.co.uk
wealdentimes.co.uk
4
LovellAndVieWT174.indd 1 18/07/2016 OdylWT174.indd 15:17 1 18/07/2016 12:52

Rose sparkly triple ball
necklace, £54
Flutterby
flutterbyonline.co.uk
1.5ct emerald cut ring set in
platinum, £5750
Designs On Diamonds
designsondiamonds.co.uk
Eglantine by Wacoal bra, £45
briefs, £28
Lovell & Vie
lovellandvie.co.uk
Lace dress, £72
Little Mistress
little-mistress.com
Brigitte bridal hair comb, £112
Gift Wrapped and Gorgeous
giftwrappedandgorgeous.com
Ora sage ear thread earrings, £70
Bobbin & Bow
bobbinandbow.com
Vintage shell clutch, £27
Rock My Vintage
rockmyvintage.co.uk
Lip Work, £25
Dr Frances Prenna Jones
drfrancesprennajones.com
Engagement ring, From £1000
Rodney J Rigby
rodneyjrigby.com
Sleek and chic
Art Deco and florals with a sophisticated edge
Clara bridal hair pins, £84
Gift Wrapped and Gorgeous
giftwrappedandgorgeous.com
Bridal flower umbrella, £29.95
Love Umbrellas
loveumbrellas.co.uk
Crystal art deco hair comb, £10
Rock My Vintage
rockmyvintage.co.uk
Flower crown, £46.74
Da Wanda
dawanda.com
Marie Jo bra, £78
Lily Grace
lilygracelingerie.co.uk
Crystal heart flip flops, £55
Lemonade
lovelemonade.com
Fuchsia stretch bracelet, £75
Bill Skinner
billskinnerstudio.com
Fuchsia crystal earrings, £44
Bill Skinner
billskinnerstudio.com
5

WT Wedding Supplement
Mr & Mrs wedding
bunting, £8.99
Ginger Ray
gingerray.co.uk
Handmade chadelier
price on request
Bobbin & Bow
bobbinandbow.com
Wedding details with a festival feel
Floral paper napkins, £3.65
for 20
Luck & Luck
luckandluck.co.uk
Fun and funky
Confetti balloons, £3.99 for 5
Candle & Cake
candleandcake.co.uk
Large peacock cushion, £45
Raj Tent Club
rajtentclub.com
Strawberries & Cream ice lolly
prices vary
Ice Kitchen
icekitchen.co.uk
Keepsake box, £44.95
Plantabox
plantabox.co.uk
Love poem vintage confetti
£2.99, Ginger Ray
gingerray.co.uk
Menus & programmes, from
£1.20 each
Paperless Post
paperlesspost.com
Wedding guest book, £10.99
Ginger Ray
gingerray.co.uk
Wedding evening invitations
£3.99 for 10
Ginger Ray
gingerray.co.uk
Eclairs, From £4.90 each
Maitre Choux
maitrechoux.com
Pompoms, £7.50 for 7
Candle & Cake
candleandcake.co.uk

Attention! Do not remove the technical paths in red and black and do not use swatch colors Artios_Cut and Artios_Crease.
Size of document when open
156 cm (base) x 231 cm (height)
Print Area
155 cm (base) x 230 cm (height)
Cut
Weddings made in Heaven
at Heaven Farm.
Licensed for Marriages
Contact Kate on 01825 791 115
weddingsmadeinheaven@btconnect.com
The Barn, Heaven Farm, Furners Green,
Near Danehill TN22 3RG
www.weddingsmadeinheaven.com
HAND-CRAFTED IN BRITAIN BY PASHLEY FOR BIKE
LOVERS, OUR TRADITIONAL WEDDING BIKES OFFER
THE PERFECT MARRIAGE OF BEAUTY AND STYLE. THE
CHARMING ‘PRINCESS’ IS THE PERFECT PROP FOR
YOUR GORGEOUS WEDDING PHOTOS, AND WHEN THE
GROOM AND GROOMSMEN RIDE OUR SLEEK BLACK
‘GUV’NOR’ BIKES TO YOUR CEREMONY, THEY’LL BE
SURE TO TURN A FEW HEADS TOO! SENT BY COURIER
DIRECT TO YOUR HOME OR LOCAL PICK-UP.
Over 100 acres of beautiful
woodland and rolling hills
are in the heart of Sussex
offering a perfect venue for a
relaxed celebration, providing
what you want and when you
want. We offer a complete
wedding package tailored
to suit your every need. Our
coordinator will provide
guidance and advice to make
your celebration perfect.
A day to remember
BiketartWT174.indd 1 04/07/2016 GranaryFlowersWT172.indd 11:35
1 16/05/2016 10:20
Kari Bellamy Photography
CHIDDINGSTONE CASTLE
www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk 01892 872744
7 wealdentimes.co.uk
ChiddingstoneCastleWT174.indd 1 12/07/2016 09:44

Bespoke jersey dress, £400, The Robing Room, Ashford
01233 224985 / therobingroom.co.uk; rainbow flower headband,
£35, GG Couture littleblackdress.co.uk; pearl & taupe
barefoot sandals, £40, Slinks 0203 213 0197 slinks.com

Something blue...
Whether you’re looking for soft georgette and hand-beaded lace, or a modern, sleek silhouette
with bold accessories, we have all you need to find ‘the one’...
Photos: David Merewether Styling: Helen Barton Location: Blooming Green & Loddington Farm Props: We Hire Love

QUINTESSENTIALLY BRITISH
BRIDAL BOUTIQUE
FILLED WITH BRIDAL LACE, TWEED & JEWELS..
● DESIGNER DRESSES & ACCESSORIES ● BESPOKE MENSWEAR
● IN-HOUSE DESIGN & ALTERATION SERVICE.
STEPHANIE ALLIN, ELIZA JANE HOWELL, CHARLOTTE BALBIER,
REMBO STYLING, MINNA, RACHEL SIMPSON AND MANY MORE.
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
26 DOVER ROAD, WALMER, DEAL, KENT. CT14 7JW
01304 389710
INFO@BOUTIQUEOFJULES.CO.UK
WWW.BOUTIQUEOFJULES.CO.UK
Here comes
The Bride...
Boutique Lingerie, Nightwear
and Swimwear
Fitting service for Bra’s and Swimwear from
28-44 (band size) and A-J (cup size).
The Square • Forest Row • East Sussex • RH18 5ES • 01342 822122
Lily & Grace
Lingerie
BridalBoutiqueWT174.indd 1 18/07/2016 LilyGraceLingerieWT174.indd 15:35
1 15/07/2016 14:25
DesignsOnDiamonds
We offer high quality certifi ed diamond
jewellery at competitive prices.
Compare our prices to High Street
and Online Jewellery Stores.
Our Diamonds are certifi ed, GIA, IGI, IGL
Bespoke service for sourcing that special
diamond or piece of jewellery.
The gift of a diamond is not just about romance,
it is also a gift to show love for a mother, sister or
daughter. A pair of diamond earrings or a beautiful
diamond pendant would make a wonderful gift
to celebrate a Special Birthday, an Anniversary,
Graduation or for a bride on her Wedding Day.
www.designsondiamonds.co.uk
wealdentimes.co.uk
10
DesignsOnDiamondsWT172.indd 1 25/05/2016 13:47

Top left: bespoke dress, £1850, The Robing
Room, Ashford 01233 224985 / therobingroom.co.uk;
Japonica headdress, £675, Helen
Morris-Clarke 07725 462071 / helenmorrisclarkedesigns.co.uk;
1940s pearl collar, £115,
Eclectica Vintage Jewellery 020 7607 6327 /
eclectica.biz Top right: hydrangea & peony
head band, £30, GG Couture littleblackdress.co.uk;
Minna dress, £1100, The Bridal
Boutique of Jules, Deal 01304 389710 / boutiqueofjules.co.uk
Bottom left: Siren headdress,
£450, Helen Morris-Clarke 07725 462071 /
helenmorrisclarkedesigns.co.uk Bottom right:
dress and head band, as before
11 www.wealdentimes.co.uk

Bespoke embroidered dress, £1850 The Robing Room, Ashford 01233 224985 / therobingroom.co.uk; Chantilly headdress, £495,
Helen Morris-Clarke 07725 462071 / helenmorrisclarkedesigns.co.uk
wealdentimes.co.uk
12

Over 40 years experience
specialising in coats of arms
cashmere and silk knitwear
18 carat
signet ring
seal engraved
The Multiway
Wrap £55
9 carat white
gold cuff link,
3D engraved
coat of arms
23 High Come Street, and Tenterden browse our TN30 new 6BJ
Telephone 01580 Spring/Summer 761222 Email Collections sales@cashara.co.uk
23 Shop High online Street, at Tenterden www.cashara.co.uk TN30 6BJ
Rodney J Rigby F.I.P.G
Goldsmith & Designer
Hand & seal engraver
Handmade signet rings, cuff links
& bespoke 3D blazer buttons
in gold, silver & platinum
T: 01892 724951 info@rodneyjrigby.com
Hair at Fifteen
CasharaWT174.indd 1 11/07/2016 RJRigbyLtd-August-2016.indd RJRigbyLtdWT174.indd 10:10
1 1 09/07/2016 11/07/2016 10:51 10:22
Wedding Hair Packages
Princess Parties
Prom & Party Hair
15% off your first visit
Opening hours: Tuesday, Friday & Saturday - 9am–6pm;
Wednesday - 11am–9pm; Thursday - 9am–9pm;
Sunday & Monday - Closed.
15 Ashford Road, Tenterden, Kent TN30 6AB
All enquiries please call: 01580 762118
13 wealdentimes.co.uk
FroufrouBridalBoutiqueWT174.indd 1 15/07/2016 HairatFifteenWT174.indd 10:07
1 07/07/2016 10:32

Charlie Brear Isere skirt, £1115, Payton bias cut gown £1220,
Corio leather jacket, £699, Frou Frou Bridal Boutique,
Tunbridge Wells 01892 541381 / froufroubride.co.uk; large
80s earrings, £55, Eclectica Vintage Jewellery 020 7607 6327
/ eclectica.biz; large tassel balloons, Bang On Balloons 07802
839422 / bangonballoons.com

Concept
Hair
salon
NEW IN
Swattenden Lane | Cranbrook | TN17 3PS
01580 713189
www.charityfarmcountrystore.co.uk
50 High Street, Tenterden 01580 762 564
Book online at www.williamcharleshair.co.uk
or through our facebook page
CharityFarmWT174.indd 1 12/07/2016 WilliamCharlesWT174.indd 13:48
2 05/07/2016 12:49
SUMMER SALE
LINGERIE & SWIMWEAR
Summer Sale
Lingerie and Swimwear Boutique - Qualified Fitting Specialists
An extensive range of lingerie and swimwear from A-H cup
Open Mon–Sat 10.00am–5.30pm
96 High Street, Rye, East Sussex TN31 7JN
info@sirenandpearl.co.uk 01797 224116
www.sirenandpearl.co.uk
SirenandPearl
www.aubade.com Ph: Sven Baenziger Agence: Mazarine Mlle Noï
Stockroom clearance rail with many items up to 70% off.
No 6, The Colonnade, Rye Road,
Hawkhurst, Kent TN18 4ES - 01580 752118
Mon-Sat 10am-5.30pm www.cordeliajames.com
15 wealdentimes.co.uk
SirenAndPearlWT174.indd 1 20/07/2016 CordeliaJamesWT174.indd 12:34
1 14/07/2016 13:02

Dress to impress
Linda Pope
F.B.D.O
La Belle Femme specializes in exclusive collections
to suit the modern Mother of the bride.
facebook.com/LindaPopeOpticians
Rye Road • Hawkhurst
Telephone. 01580 753744
LindapopeQRTWT173.indd 1 14/06/2016 16:37
End of Season
Dress & Coat
£310
SALE
www.labellefemme.co.uk
14 Royal Parade, Chislehurst BR7 6NR
020 8467 6661
Tel: 01797 224271
16 Lion Street, Rye, E.Sussex TN31 7LB
e: shop@thegoldenfleece.co.uk
w: www.thegoldenfleece.co.uk
@goldenfleecerye
wealdentimes.co.uk
16
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1 13/07/2016 12:35

Timeless Couture Luane dress, £2250, bespoke veil, £365, The Bridal
Boutique of Jules, Deal 01304 389710 / boutiqueofjules.co.uk; blue
Czechoslovakian filigree necklace, £95, Eclectica Vintage Jewellery
020 7607 6327 / eclectica.biz
We would like to say a huge thank you to Blooming Green, Loddington
Farm and We Hire Love for providing us with this stunning location and
wonderful props. Blooming Green offer seasonal, organically grown and
pick-your-own flowers for weddings and events. For more information and
to book a place on one of their courses visit bloominggreenflowers.co.uk. We
Hire Love provide props and styling for weddings, events, TV and film. Visit
hire-love.com to find out more.

Cookery Courses ■ Chef’s Table ■ Private Parties
Corporate Events ■ Hosted Meetings ■ Children’s Courses
30% off all courses
during august and september*
Telephone: 01892 528700
Telephone: Email: school@rosemaryshrager.com
01892 528700
Email: school@rosemaryshrager.com
*PLEASE QUOTE WEALDEN TIMES WHEN BOOKING
Chef’s Table Dining Experience
with ever-changing menus created by Michelin trained chefs
One Day & Weekend Cookery Courses
with Rosemary Shrager & Iain More
RSCookerySchool RSCookerySchool
RSCookerySchool
www.rosemaryshrager.com
RSCookerySchool
www.rosemaryshrager.com
RosemaryShragerWT174.indd 1 15/07/2016 15:36
Hythe Imperial Hotel & Spa
Princes Parade, Hythe, Kent CT21 6AE
01303 267441
Email: weddings@hytheimperialhotel.com
www.hytheimperial.co.uk
This offer only applies Sunday - Thursdays excluding bank holiday S
This offer is for 2016 only and subject to availability.
Guests can upgrade this special package by adding any of the following • Extra guests • Extra above guests above the 50, the 75 £55 per person
WEDDING including the drinks SHOWCASE
package • Extra guests above the 75 included in the evening included in reception the evening reception £8.00 for the
£8.00 for the bacon, sausage and egg baps
WEDNESDAY 24TH FEBRUARY bacon, sausage and egg baps
This WEDNESDAY offer only applies Sunday 21ST SEPTEMBER
- Thursdays excluding bank holiday Sundays. This offer is extended into 2017 and subject to availability.
This offer only applies Sunday - Thursdays excluding bank holiday Sundays.
4PM - 7PM
This offer is for 2016 only and subject to availability.
Meet some suppliers, enjoy a glass of bubbly, canapés and a full show round of the venue
Meet some suppliers, enjoy a glass of bubbly, canapés and a full show round of the venue
wealdentimes.co.uk
• 4 Chef’s choice canapés per person
• 4 Course Wedding breakfast for up to 50 guests
£4K WEDDING £4K WEDDING
(1 choice per course)
• Drinks package with 1 glass of Kir Royale at reception,
WEDDING SHOWCASE
half bottle of house wine per person during the meal
and a glass of bubbly for the toast for up to 50 guests
• Evening buffet to include bacon, sausage
WEDDING SHOWCASE
WEDNESDAY 24TH FEBRUARY
• Room hire for the Wedding breakfast and evening reception (Does not WEDNESDAY include room 21ST hire SEPTEMBER
for ceremony)
• 4 Chef’s choice canapés per person • 4 Course Wedding breakfast for up to 50 guests 4PM
EXTRAS
(1 - 7PM choice per course)
Guests can upgrade this special package
• Drinks package with 1 glass of Kir Royale at reception, half bottle of house wine per
by
person
adding any
during
of the following
the meal and a glass of
£4K bubbly for the WEDDING
toast for up to 50 guests • Evening buffet to include bacon, sausage and egg baps for up to 75 guests
• Extra guests above the 75
included in the evening reception
£8.00 for the bacon, sausage and egg baps
• Extra guests above the 50
£55 per person
including the drinks package
Guests can upgrade this special package
by adding any of the following
EXTRAS
Email: weddings@hytheimperialhotel.com
18
01303 267441
Email: weddings@hytheimperialhotel.com
www.hytheimperial.co.uk
THE £4K WEDDING PACKAGE
INCLUSIVE OF:
Princes Parade, Hythe, Kent CT21 6AE
Hythe Imperial Hotel & Spa
• Room hire for the Wedding breakfast and evening reception
(Does not include room hire for ceremony)
WEDNESDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER | 4PM - 7PM
THE £4K WEDDING PACKAGE INCLUSIVE OF:
EXTRAS
ly applies Sunday - Thursdays excluding bank holiday Sundays.
his offer is for 2016 only and subject to availability.
and egg baps for up to 75 guests
• Extra guests above the 75
included in the evening reception
8.00 for the bacon, sausage and egg baps
Meet some suppliers, enjoy a glass of bubbly, canapés and a full show round of the venue
www.hytheimperial.co.uk
• Extra guests above the 50
£55 per person
including the drinks package
Hythe Imperial Hotel & Spa Princes Parade, Hythe, Kent CT21 6AE 01303 267441
• Extra guests above the 50
£55 per person
including the drinks package
Guests can upgrade this special package
by adding any of the following
Hythe Imperial Hotel & Spa
Princes Parade, Hythe, Kent CT21 6AE
01303 267441
Email: weddings@hytheimperialhotel.com
www.hytheimperial.co.uk
EXTRAS
• Evening buffet to include bacon, sausage
and egg baps for up to 75 guests
Evening buffet to include bacon, sausage
and egg baps for up to 75 guests
MercureHytheImperialHotelWT174.indd 1 14/07/2016 16:03

WT Wedding Supplement
Masters
distinction
of
Gone are the days of devilled eggs and blinis.
Rosemary Shrager’s Cookery School take the
classic canapé to a whole new creative level...
Photographs: David Merewether Styling: Helen Barton
19 wealdentimes.co.uk

Crispy Oysters with a Wasabi Mayonnaise
• 3 tbsp plain flour
• 2 large free-range eggs
• 150g fresh breadcrumbs
• sunflower oil
• 6 oysters
For the Mayonnaise:
• 3 tbsp wasabi
• 3 egg yolks
• 150g olive pomace oil
• 10g sesame oil
• juice of 1 lemon
1. First open the oysters and pat dry.
2. Place the flour in one shallow bowl, whisk
the eggs in another, and put the breadcrumbs
and a pinch of seasoning into a
third. Evenly coat each oyster in flour,
then beaten egg, letting any excess drip
off, and finally, turn them in the breadcrumbs,
patting them on until evenly
coated. Shallow-fry in 2cm of sunflower
oil on a medium to high heat for a couple
of minutes on each side, or until lightly
golden
3. For the wasabi mayonnaise, place your
egg yolks and lemon juice into a bowl and
whisk. Slowly add the oil and whisk in to
form
an emulsion then add the wasabi to taste.
4. Serve with the wasabi mayonnaise on the
side and lemon wedges to
squeeze over.
wealdentimes.co.uk
20 20
Goat’s Cheese and Lemon Mousse with
Pickled Shallots and Beetroot Liquor
Goat’s cheese & Lemon
Mousse
• 250g goat’s cheese
• 300g double cream
• zest of 2 lemons
Beetroot Cooking Liquor
• 1kg beetroot
• 500ml red wine
• 1L water
• 100ml balsamic
vinegar
• bouquet garni
• 10g salt
• 60g brown sugar
• pinch of pepper
Pickled Shallots
• 250g shallots finely
sliced ( half moon )
• 200g white wine
vinegar
• 200g olive oil
• 5g salt
• 1 pinch saffron
• pinch of pepper
1. Blend the cheese and lemon zest in a food processor
until soft and smooth. Add the cream and blend
until the cream is whipped but be careful not to split.
2. Bring the red wine to the boil for 1 min.
3. Add the rest of the ingredients,
boil and cover the beetroot.
4. Cook the shallots slowly with all ingredients.
Once soft, chill until required.
5. Peel and dice the beetroot, and place
these, along with the pickled shallots in
a cloth to get rid of excess moisture.
6. Assemble all the ingredients in a ramekin and finish
with black olive powder and micro watercress.

Tours and Tastings
at Hush Heath Estate
Enjoy a fantastic day at Hush Heath Estate & Winery,
the home of award-winning Balfour Brut Rosé. Now
open 7 days a week, including Bank Holidays, from
11am-5pm for visitors and wine-lovers to experience
FREE Self-Guided tours and tastings. No need to book.
New for 2016 – Free Guided Tours on selected dates
(see below) Enjoy a free guided tour by one of our winery
experts, 2½ hours including: A full Estate tour and winery
tour followed by a tutored tasting of our award winning
wines and ciders.
(All 11am) Sun 21 st August & Sun 18 TH September
Call 01622 832794 to book your place.
hush heath estate, five oak lane, staplehurst, kent tn12 0ht
01622 832794 www.hushheath.com
HushHeathWineryWT174.indd 1 06/07/2016 17:02
The Tickled Trout, West Farleigh
is a modern and stylish pub, with
6 beautiful boutique hotel rooms,
and a fabulous fish restaurant
and oyster bar. We are open 7
days a week for breakfast, lunch
and dinner and offer a delicious
and rewarding menu carefully put
together by chefs who care. When the sun shines our landscaped
gardens with sun filled terrace, outside bar and children’s play area
are a haven of relaxation and pleasure.
Lower Road, West Farleigh, Maidstone, Kent ME15 0PE
01622 814717 www.thetickledtrout.com
The Goudhurst Inn is a warm
and friendly pub, restaurant and
boutique hotel at the heart of this
fun and lively village community in
Kent. We serve good, honest food,
passionately prepared using locally
sourced ingredients, and are open
7 days a week for breakfast, lunch
and dinner. Our gardens feature a sun filled terrace, with stunning
views across the weald, our popular pizza shack and a safe play
area which is great for children needing to let off steam.
Cranbrook Road, Goudhurst, Kent TN17 1DX
01580 211451 www.thegoudhurstinn.com
part of
HUSH HEATH
hospitality
SHARE OUR PASSION
21 www.wealdentimes.co.uk
GoudhurstInnWT170.indd 1 23/03/2016 17:57

Breathtakingly different...
Make your occasion special with
our stylish and stunning carriages
driven by beautiful horses
01474 812225 www.kentcarriagehorses.co.uk
...Exclusively yours
Bradbourne
House
A venue with charm and elegance, exquisite cuisine,
true quality of service and attention to detail.
The Bull at Benenden
Light Lunches . Super Salads . Secret
Garden . Private Dining . Delicious Desserts .
Dog Friendly . Courteous Service .
WhiteHorseFarmCarriagesWT174.indd 1 20/07/2016 17:52
Welcome to our village pub!
Simply Charming!
01732 897 436
East Malling, Kent ME19 6DZ
acuthbert@baxterstorey.com
www.bradbournehouseweddings.co.uk
Visit our website for late availability dates, 2017
deals and for details on our October open day!
01580 240 054
www.thebullatbenenden.co.uk
wealdentimes.co.uk
22
BradbourneHouseWT174.indd 1 20/07/2016 BullatBenendenWT172.indd 17:13
1 25/05/2016 16:12

Smoked Duck with a Chicory
Marmalade and Lavosh Biscuit
• 6 duck breasts (scored
and trimmed)
• Maldon sea salt
• 40g dried grapefruit
skin (dry in hot plate
over night)
• 10 star anise
• 320g brown sugar
• small amount of oak
wood chips
• salt
Chicory Marmalade
• 10 yellow chicory
finely shredded
• juice of 4 lemons
• sugar to taste approx.
200g
• seasoning
Lavosh Biscuit
• 600g flour
• 20g salt
• 20g sugar
• 3 whole eggs
• 100g soft butter
• 200ml milk
• 40g sesame seeds
• 40g poppy seeds
• 1 beaten egg to glaze
1. Lightly cover the duck breasts with Maldon sea salt
and reserve in the fridge for 2 hours.
2. After 2 hours wash off the salt and gently pat dry.
Render down the fat on the duck breasts in a hot pan
with a little salt in the bottom of the pan.
3. Make a powder with the sugar, grapefruit and star
anise, line a gastro tray with foil and place the powder
in the tray with the wood chips, cover the tray with
foil and put the tray on to a high heat to get it smoking.
Whilst the tray is heavily smoking, place the
duck breasts skin side up on a rack and put on top
of the smoking tray, cover very tightly with foil and
smoke the breasts for 6 minutes. Check to see if the
duck breasts are cooked with a skewer, they should
still be pink. If the duck breasts still need some cooking
finish in the oven.
4. Place the chicory, lemon juice and sugar into a pan
and cook down into a jam.
5. Mix all lavosh biscuit ingredients together to form a
smooth dough, rest for 30 minutes, roll out with a
pasta machine then cut into desired shape, egg wash
and cook at 180°C for 8 minutes.
The Rosemary Shrager Cookery School is based in the
lower Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells. To find out more
about cookery courses and ‘Chef’s Table’ experiences
visit rosemaryshrager.com or call 01892 528700.
23 wealdentimes.co.uk

Bloomsburys Retreat
logo-white.pdf 1 16/04/2015 14:39
Offering a bespoke
service specialising
in life’s celebrations
including weddings,
Christenings, baby
showers, namings,
anniversaries
and parties.
We Do
Celebrate life, love
and happiness at The Bell
Contact Tessa to find out how or arrange
a show around – no strings attached.
01580 200234,
reservations@thebellinticehurst.com
www.thebellinticehurst.com
01580 292992
Sissinghurst Road, Biddenden TN27 8DQ
www.bloomsburysbiddenden.com
BloomsburysBiddendenWT174.indd 1 18/07/2016 BellinTicehurstWT174.indd 10:56
1 12/07/2016 12:23
wealdentimes.co.uk
24
FrasersWT174b.indd 1 20/07/2016 11:56

WT Wedding Supplement
Magic
Moments
Anything’s possible
for your big day, if you
choose a venue willing to
rise to the challenge
Bloomsburys
Biddenden
Our favourite wedding of this year
was the challenge of a 1980s-themed
wedding for Steph and James Potts.
This 1980s retro couple had a very
strong vision of what they
wanted for a tremendously
ambitious wedding.
The biggest challenge for
us was how to deliver their
traditional sit-down wedding
breakfast as requested in the
form of a TV dinner in a
branded box, without losing
the Bloomsburys stamp of
simple food cooked to our
exceptionally high standard.
Then we had to figure out how to get
90 of the box meals from our kitchen
to the tables in the dance lodge where
the guests were seated, in a stylish
and efficient manner – and we were
definitely helped by the specially
commissioned aprons they gave us for all
the staff to wear, emblazoned with the
words: ‘Steph and James say, RELAX!’
After a prawn cocktail starter, the box
meal contained boeuf bourguignon,
‘Smash ‘(alias creamy mash potatoes
…) and diced carrots and peas (garden
vegetables). Dessert was home-made
profiteroles served as a croquembouche,
made with fresh local whipped cream
and Belgian dark and white chocolate.
The main course at the evening buffet
was chosen to complement the newly
married couple’s name - the chef
created his version of the 80s classic
pot noodle, with kebabs, followed
by Black Forest gateau cheesecakes,
served in the gardens at Bloomsburys.
bloomsburysbiddenden.com
01580 292992
Eastwell Manor
Boughton Lees, near Ashford
We were very touched to host the wedding
of a couple who had been lifelong friends
and godparents to each other’s children.
They’d each celebrated golden weddings
with their original spouses, but had then
both been sadly widowed. Their kids
– who had known each other all their
lives - got together and said: You live on
your own in a big house – and you live
on your own in another big house… why
don’t you get married and live together?
The groom said he was even more nervous
than he’d been for his first wedding and
asked Eastwell Manor’s owner Mr Turlow
Parrett to straighten his cravat, which he
did – and then gave him a glass of brandy.
It was a beautiful wedding followed by a
very smart dinner and it was a privilege
to be part of such a special occasion.
eastwellmanor.co.uk 01233 213025
weddings@easthillmanor.co.uk
25 wealdentimes.co.uk

WT Wedding Supplement
The Bell
Ticehurst
Credit: Fitzgeraldphotographic.co.uk
Keith and Jo Hart fell in love with
The Bell in Ticehurst as the perfect
characterful venue for their Alice
in Wonderland wedding. Their
Staffy dog, Lizzie was their ring
bearer, which really added to the
fun down-the-rabbit-hole vibe. Jo’s
mum made Lizzie a special flowercovered
collar incorporating their
rings and the canine ring bearer
played to the audience perfectly.
It was very special for all of us.
bellinnticehurst.com 01580 200234
weddings@thebellinticehurst.com
Frasers
Egerton, Near Ashford
Here at Frasers we offer a bespoke approach to
all of our weddings, working with each couple to
make their particular vision a reality, so we have
a lot of special moments. One particularly lasting
memory would be from the amazing wedding
of Caroline and Matt in July last year.
Caroline had meticulously planned every detail
of her Kentish family fun wedding – but little did
she know that her thoughtful siblings decided
to surprise her and Matthew with an amazing
firework display at the end of the evening.
The couple were both delighted and overwhelmed
with the surprise and the family all broke down
with happy tears. It was a real pleasure to be
involved with such a momentous occasion.
frasers-events.co.uk 01233 756122
Lythe Hill
Haslemere
Earlier this year we hosted a wedding which brilliantly
combined the wishes of the bride and groom. She wanted it to
be very vintage and he loves trains – so each table was named
as a train station from the local area, with a chalkboard in one
of the traditional old train lines colours. The table plan was
written on an old station chalkboard and the post box for gifts
was a wooden vintage steam engine with a slot in the top.
The tables were dressed with vintage cloths and lovely old cups
and saucers were used to serve tea and coffee with the cake,
which was in the ‘naked’ un-iced style, with three layers of
different sponges.
The bride wore a gorgeous 1950s-style dress and the couple
arrived from the church in a very old Messerschmitt bubble car,
which they had specially restored for the wedding and painted
white. We accommodated it for the day in a roped
off area in the front of the hotel.
All the details created a very special and specific atmosphere,
which was perfect for this couple.
lythehill.co.uk Nicole Martin 01428 744815
wealdentimes.co.uk
26

Weddings
A Wealden Times Supplement
Directory
FASHION & ACCESSORIES
Bill Skinner
Tenterden 01580 761610
Otford 01959 525505
billskinnerstudio.com
Born & Bred Personalised
Jewellery
07824 185470
bornandbredjewellery.co.uk
Cashara
01580 761222
cashara.co.uk
Charity Farm
01580 713189
charityfarmcountrystore.co.uk
Cordelia James
01580 752118
cordeliajames.com
Designs On Diamonds
designsondiamonds.co.uk
Eclectica Vintage Jewellery
020 7607 6327
eclectica.biz
Flutterby
flutterbyonline.co.uk
Frou Frou Bridal Boutique
01892 541381
froufroubride.co.uk
GG Couture
littleblackdress.co.uk
Helen Morris-Clarke
077725 462071
helenmorrisclarkedesigns.co.uk
La Belle Femme
020 8467 6661
labellefemme.co.uk
Lily Grace Lingerie
01342 822122
lilygracelingerie.co.uk
Linda Pope Optician
01580 753744
lindapopeoptician.co.uk
Lovell & Vie
01732 454445
lovellandvie.co.uk
Odyl Design
01580 714907
odyldesign.com
Rodney J Rigby
01892 724951
Siren & Pearl
01797 224116
sirenandpearl.co.uk
Slinks
020 3213 0197
slinks.com
The Bridal Boutique of Jules
Deal 01304 389710
boutiqueofjules.co.uk
The Golden Fleece
01797 224271
thegoldenfleece.co.uk
The Robing Room
01233 224985
therobingroom.co.uk
FLOWERS & DECOR
Bang On Balloons
07802 839422
bangonballoons.com
Biketart
01227 832582
biketart.com
Blooming Green
01622 298676
bloominggreenflowers.co.uk
Bobbin & Bow
bobbinandbow.com
Paperless Post
paperlesspost.com
Sissinghurst Flowers
01580 852144
sissinghurstflowers.co.uk
We Hire Love
01622 749749
hire-love.com
FOOD & DRINK
Hush Heath Winery
01622 832794
hushheath.com
Ice Kitchen
icekitchen.co.uk
Maitre Choux
maitrechoux.com
Rosemary Shrager Cookery
School
01892 528700
rosemaryshrager.com
HEALTH & BEAUTY
Hair at Fifteen
01580 762118
hairatfifteen.co.uk
William Charles Hair
01580 762564
williamcharleshair.co.uk
Dr Frances Prenna Jones
drfrancesprennajones.com
VENUES
Bloomsburys Biddenden
01580 292992
bloomsburysbiddenden.com
Bradbourne House
01580 292992
bradbournehouseweddings.co.uk
Chiddingstone Castle
01892 870347
chiddingstonecastle.co.uk
Eastwell Manor
01233 213000
eastwellmanor.co.uk
Frasers
01233 756122
www.frasers-events.co.uk
High Rocks
01892 515532
highrocks.co.uk
Leeds Castle
01622 767877
www.leeds-castle.com/weddings
Mercure Hythe Imperial
01303 267441
hytheimperial.co.uk
The Goudhurst Inn
01580 211451
thegoudhurstinn.com
The Bell In Ticehurst
01580 200234
thebellinticehurst.com
Tickled Trout
01622 814717
thetickledtrout.com
Weddings Made In Heaven
01825 791115
weddingmadeinheaven.com
wealdentimes.co.uk
28

The perfect wedding...
The Secret Garden can be found hidden away in a romantic cobbled courtyard surrounded by
mature trees and beautiful walled Victorian gardens - the perfect venue for your perfect day.
We can take care of every aspect of your wedding, from the ceremony to your dream menu.
The Coach House can accommodate up to 70 guests for a Wedding Breakfast and a further 50
guests in the evening. The Coach House has large double doors that open on to the south-facing
covered terrace that has views over the walled gardens. From April to October our marquee can seat
up to 30 and is easily extended to cater for 100 guests for a wedding breakfast and a further 50
guests in the evening. For more intimate gatherings, our new Victorian Glass House with its own
private gardens is perfect for 26-30 guests.
For more information, please visit www.secretgardenkent.co.uk
The Secret Garden
Hythe Road (A20), Mersham le Hatch
Nr Ashford, Kent TN25 6NH
01233 501586
events@secretgardenkent.co.uk
www.secretgardenkent.co.uk
SecretGardenWT156.indd 1 20/01/2015 10:08
County Clothes
Menswear
Summer Sale
Now On
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
107 wealdentimes.co.uk
CountyClothesWT174.indd 1 14/07/2016 15:39

Private Care Service
at Mealtimes
Our Private Care Service carers can come
to your house and help to prepare fresh,
ready made or light meals. This help can
form part of a tailored package of care
that could help you stay in your own
home for longer, rather than going into
a care home before its really needed.
We can assist those who need help due
to frailty, disability or illness to live as
independently as possible, with comfort
and dignity, in their own home.
www.townandcountryhomecare.co.uk
Domestic
Care
£9.77
per hour
For a free assessment
of your care needs or to
receive your brochure
Call us on 01580 762244
Town & Country Homecare Limited
102a High Street, Tenterden, Kent TN30 6HT
MelinaJoyOpticiansWT174.indd 1 07/07/2016 TownCountryHomecareWT133.indd 13:19
4 04/02/2013 16:20
• Friendly team to guide and support you
• Unlimited use of the gym, swimming
pools and exercise classes*
• Badminton, squash and table tennis
court hire
• 7 day advanced online
booking for classes
• All exercise classes free
for all-in-one members
• Complimentary use of
all three of our centres
SUMMER
SHAPE UP
£44 for
1 month
£99 for
3 months
T&CS Apply: offer valid 01/06/16 – 31/08/16, not in conjunction with any other offer, all exercise
classes free with All-In-One membership, exercise courses carry a supplementary charge, racquet sports vary per centre.
EDENBRIDGE LEISURE CENTRE
01732 865665 | elc@sencio.org.uk
SEVENOAKS LEISURE CENTRE
01732 470700/01 | slc@sencio.org.uk
WHITE OAK LEISURE CENTRE
01322 662188 | wolc@sencio.org.uk
www.sencio.org.uk
wealdentimes.co.uk
108
SencioCommunityWT172.indd 1 06/05/2016 12:33

A vision
loveliness
of
Josephine Fairley assembles a bouquet of the very
best beauty tips for brides
If you’re a bride-to-be, chances are you’ve read at least
a dozen ‘Bridal Countdown’ beauty features in glossy
magazines in the time since that sparkler was slipped on
your finger. So rather than advise you for the umpteenth to
book your make-up artist even before you’ve Instagrammed
the ring, or reminded you to make appointments for your
wedding party at the same hairdresser as you’re having your
own ‘do’ done (in order to get an overall cohesive ‘look’ for
the photos), I’m instead going to share some of the best
bridal beauty tips I’ve picked up, in the too-many-years-tocount
that I’ve been doing this job.
Don’t plan a drastic hair change for your wedding.
That’s the advice of New York hairstylist Stephen Knoll,
who believes: ‘It’s too high-risk. You don’t want your fiancé
to turn around and see someone he’s never laid eyes on
before.’ All hairdressers chorus the same advice: go for at
least one, preferably more trial sessions, with your headgear,
well in advance of the wedding. But – fiancé wisdom here –
‘never take him with you to the trial appointment!’
If you have long hair, don’t wash it on the day itself.
Andrew Collinge – who did the Countess of Wessex’s
wedding hair – insists that hair is much ‘better-behaved’ and
easier to style (especially in an up-do like a chignon) if there
are some natural oils to work with. The secret: wash and
blow-dry it the day before, and your stylist can spritz it
with water in the morning to dampen it for styling.
Go for a timeless make-up look. Says fiftysomething
supermodel Cindy Crawford: ‘At my wedding, I kept my
make-up simple. I wanted something that 20 years later,
you could look at the pictures and it’s not so trendy that
you go, ‘Oh my God, what was I thinking?’
When you’re shopping for wedding make-up, wear
a white t-shirt. The white of the shirt will bounce light
(flatteringly) upwards, just as your wedding dress will, giving
a true preview of what your wedding ‘face’ will look like.
Don’t squeeze, conceal. Erupting spots, like impending
rainstorms, can threaten the perfection of your wedding
day. Make-up artist Karen Mason’s spot-concealer-of-choice
is Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage, £27.50 for the
two-shade palette. ‘It’s got a high pigment concentration
so it gives dense cover – perfect for spots – and comes with
two different shades in each palette, for custom-blending
to your exact skintone. The technique: after you’ve applied
your regular foundation or tinted moisturiser, use a spatula
to transfer the concealer to the back of the hand - then dab
onto the spot with your finger and pat into the skin. ‘The
warmth of your fingers helps blend the Secret Camouflage
perfectly. Then set with powder on a small brush,
for precision.’
To disguise dark circles, invest in a concealer with lightreflective
particles. Then nobody will know you were too
excited to sleep, before the wedding. In make-up pro Sara
Raeburn’s opinion, ‘Nothing beats Yves Saint Laurent
Touche Eclat, £24; tip your head down and only apply
the concealer where the shadows are, using a light touch.
Less is more.’ (Especially as flash can illuminate the lightreflective
pigments, if you overdo things.) I would add to
Sarah’s recommendation the fab Charlotte Tilbury The
Retoucher, £25 (and do watch the tutorial on her website,
charlottetilbury.com).
If you wake up with under-eye bags, reach for an ice
cube. Wrap it in clingfilm and smooth over the puffiness,
working outwards from the nose towards the cheekbone.
The absolute, 100% ‘must’ advice: use a waterproof
mascara. Some waterproof mascaras are a compromise: you
win on the tearproofing, but lose out on volume. Some
great exceptions to this are MAC Extreme Dimension
Waterproof Mascara, £19, Clinique High Impact
Waterproof Mascara, £17.50, or Chanel Inimitable
Waterproof Mascara, £25 (my own favourite).
When it comes to choosing a lipstick shade, don’t go too
pale. Make-up guru Annie Carullo (Senior Vice President,
Global Production Development for Estée Lauder and Tom
Ford Beauty), believes ‘it’s the biggest mistake brides make.
Because of the headpiece or hair decoration, you appear
too top-heavy. You want more weight on the lips.’ Mid-rose
tones are most flattering, such as Clinique Long Last
Lipstick Soft Shine, £18, in All Heart, Bobbi Brown
Creamy Lip Colour, £20, in Hibiscus, or Nars Satin
Lipstick, £21, in Blonde Venus.
109 wealdentimes.co.uk

Jasmine Homecare Services
Caring for people in their homes
Our private care offers the option to be looked after in the comfort of your
own home. Our carers are handpicked for the suitability of the job and are
highly trained to provide good old fashioned quality of care.
Jasmine carers can visit you in your home at times to suit
your daily routine.
It can be anything from 30 minutes to 1 hour or more
to help with everyday tasks.
We will talk to you about just what you want
and respect your wishes throughout.
Jasmine Homecare provide 24 hour on call services to ensure
that we are there when you need us.
We provide
✔ Personal care
✔ Visiting relatives or friends
✔ Cooking
✔ Sightseeing or leisure activities
✔ Shopping (together or for you) ✔ Visiting your G.P.
✔ Cleaning your home
✔ Over night care
✔ Assist with medication
✔ Live-in care
At Jasmine Care South East Ltd. we are proud to provide a trusted reliable service,
where you, our client is at the very centre of our focus.
To find out more please call our friendly team on
CRANBROOK: 01580 713 533 MAIDSTONE: 01622 759 946
Jasmine Care South East Ltd. offers services in the whole of Kent & East Sussex
Stalwart Wellness provides a unique setting nestled in the
grounds of a private residence in Tenterden offering:
n Clinical pilates classes
n Private lessons
n Yoga classes
n Cancer rehab specialist
n Vinyasa flow yoga
n Back pain specialist
For more information and details on the classes
please go to www.stalwartwellness.co.uk or contact
info@stalwartwellness.co.uk or 07779 670502
Stalwart Wellness Tenterden Kent
stalwartj
JasmineHomecareWT174.indd 1 13/07/2016 StalwartWellnessWT172.indd 11:02
1 11/05/2016 10:01
Dry, scratchy,
red, sore, or
irritated eyes?
Cecil House, Norwood St, Ashford, Kent,
Signs &
Symptoms of
Ocular Surface
Disease:
Watery eyes
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110
ScopeOptWT174.indd 1 15/07/2016 10:44

Discover the unique charm of
the luxurious Green Farm Spa
Meanwhile, to ensure that any lipstick endures, make-up
artist Trish McEvoy suggests: ‘outline your lips with a lip
pencil of the same or similar colour as your lips, and then
colour in the outline with the pencil. Apply lipstick. Blot.
Apply again.’
If you’re planning a facial or eyebrow shaping, schedule
them for a week to ten days before the wedding. This will
ensure that any redness or blotchiness disappears in time.
(Stress makes a breakout or reaction more likely.)
Have a manicure the day before your wedding. (And
avoid disasters by ensuring that your nail varnish and your
wedding dress are never in the same room at the same time!)
Apply two coats of top coat, rather than one, so that your
nails stay chip-free. Sêche-Vite, £9.95, is still the choice
of pros like supermanicurist Marian Newman, but I’m a
huge fan of the new Chanel Le Vernis, finished with
Chanel Le Gel Top Coat, £18 each. If having nails done
professionally, take your own polish so that you have it to
hand to touch up nicks and chips at any point afterwards.
Make sure your bridesmaids’ make-up ties in with your
own. This is particularly important if they’re wearing a
neutral colour like cream, or black. You know how it is if a
friend always wears a certain colour lipstick and eyeshadow?
It might be fine on a day-to-day basis, but there should be a
theme running through the wedding – and you don’t want
them to stand out in the photos; it’s your big day! A very
tactful way to deal with them is to say that you’ve bought
some great new make-up for the wedding and they can all
come to wherever you’re getting ready, and share.
Get your mother or best (non-bridesmaid) friend to carry
a touch-up kit. To ensure your face stays looking fresh all
day, pack lip liner, lipstick and gloss (to reapply after eating),
pressed powder and a clean powder puff (for the T-zone),
cotton swabs (to dab at tear smears), and a sample size can
of hair spray or grooming product, to tackle any problems
with fly-aways.
Remember: your bridesmaids are your personal stylists.
Ask them to keep an eye on your hair, make-up and dress to
make sure you look your best at all times.
Come and join us to experience indulgent ESPA
treatments in our tranquil natural surroundings.
Relax, unwind, explore the farm and woodlands.
green farm spa
01233 733997 www.greenfarmspa.co.uk
GreenFarmWT172.indd 1 13/05/2016 10:23
Do check out Jo Fairley’s beautybible.com site –
recently redesigned and a one-stop info destination
for all things healthy and beautiful.
111 wealdentimes.co.uk
RyeRetreatWT174.indd 1 06/07/2016 16:43

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wealdentimes.co.uk
112
Air2nrgWT161.indd 1 24/06/2015 14:20

Wealden Health & Beauty
Wealden Times talks to Emma Povey...
do you have a beauty regime?
I love the Forever Living Aloe
Vera beauty products. I have
been using them for years and
find the natural healing and
soothing qualities of the aloe
perfect for my skin. I also drink
the aloe gels as part of my
regime. I find they keep my
energy levels high, and work
from the inside out. As a result,
I’ve actually started selling the
products myself, which are
available in my boutique.
is there a particular product
you couldn’t live without? I
couldn’t live without my Bare
Minerals Complexion Rescue
Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream!
(a real mouthful) It’s not as
heavy as a foundation, just
a very light base which dries
beautifully softly. It’s super silky
and makes a wonderful base to
put bronzer over. I have dark
skin and I’m freckly so I don’t
like to use anything too heavy.
It primes the skin and evens it
out. A real make-up bag must.
What’s your ultimate
pampering treat?
I think my ultimate pampering
treat would have to be a spa
day. I love The Sanctuary in
London, as a real treat. They
have wonderful infrared heated
light treatments, and last time
I was there I had a youth
boosting (much needed at my
age) facial and back, neck, scalp
and shoulder massage…bliss.
Who’s your style icon? My
style icon…I don’t have one
per se. I have a hugely diverse
wardrobe and love designers
like Vivienne Westwood, who
cuts for curvaceous ladies and
I adore Roberto Cavalli. That’s
what I love about my shop; it
can be all things to all people.
I love the freedom you have
with fashion. The business
woman side of me would say
Victoria Beckham. She is always
impeccably dressed and I love
the clean lines in her design
work, but the rebellious side
of me adores Rita Ora. I love
the quirky style she has, and
wish I was brave enough to
dress like that sometimes.
Emma specialises in selling
beautiful designer clothing
at high street prices. Having
started the business five years
ago, she has recently opened a
new shop on Cranbrook high
street, and has a wealth of
gorgeous new season, sample
sale and end-of-line goodies.
Pop in and say hi to Hugo
the pug, and find yourself a
special something. Contact
Emma 07841 374952 /
bondsttoyourst@btinternet.com
Freeimages.com/William George
The wonder leaf...
The word neem is derived from
the Sanskrit nimba, meaning
‘bestower of good health’.
Having grown and been used
in the drier regions of India and
South East Asia for thousands
of years, the neem tree offers a
seemingly never-ending supply
of health and beauty secrets.
The seeds, leaves, flowers, fruits,
oil, roots and bark can all be
used, and are a staple ingredient
in Ayurvedic medicine. It’s
antifungal, antibacterial and
anticarcinogenic. It detoxifies
the blood and stimulates the
immune system. It can help
with dandruff, acne, mouth
ulcers, asthma, eczema…the list
goes on! For any Hatha yogis
out there, neem leaf paste can
be mixed with a little water
and taken with turmeric as a
way of warming and preparing
the system for daily practices.
For those into aesthetics over
asanas, try making your own
face pack with neem powder
and water mixed into a paste.
The powder is readily available
online and will keep you
glowing throughout the year.
A little blush...
Bagsy’s small and beautifully
designed products are
guaranteed to be your handbag’s
new best friend. Although
they’re so pretty, you won’t want
to hide them away for long! The
collection is easy to use and the
colour palette is versatile. From
eye and lip crayons in subtle and
bold colours to dainty blushes
and bronzers, there’s something
for everyone, for every occasion.
This month, Helen tested out
the Bagsy Lip Cocoons, in lemon
and raspberry. They both smell
delicious, and keep lips feeling
healthy and hydrated. Raspberry
has a cheerful pinky tint, and
lemon leaves a slight shimmer.
The combination of shea butter
and beeswax means they glide
on easily, truly making them as
beautiful as they are practical.
Choose from their wonderful
collection at bagsybeauty.com
113 wealdentimes.co.uk

High Shine
Whether you’re a bride, bridesmaid or wedding guest this summer,
have the best skin, hair and nails with our expert advice...
The acne expert
Amy Saunders keeps
us glowing...
How far in advance should a bride be
thinking about her wedding day skin?
Brides should start thinking about their
wedding day skin roughly three months in
advance of their big day. During these three
months it’s a good idea to start incorporating
some extra skin-boosting foods into your
daily routine. One of the easiest ways to
do this is by drinking a green juice or berry
smoothie each morning. Not only will these
healthy drinks give your skin an incredible
glow, but all those antioxidant rich nutrients
will help your body cope with any stresses
that wedding planning may throw at you.
What’s the ideal cleanse, tone, moisturise
routine? I would avoid messing about with
your skin care regime too much. Chopping and
changing products can upset the delicate balance
of your skin and can potentially cause dryness,
redness and pimples as your skin tries to adjust.
Keep things as simple as possible with a calming
cleanser, antioxidant rich serum, a facial oil and
give your skin a nourishing treatment 2-3 times
a week. One bridal must-have is Green People’s
Beauty Boost Skin Restore. It’s an organic
treatment cream that repairs, plumps and
delivers intense hydration... all while you sleep!
Any top wedding day make-up tips? If you’re
having your make-up done by a professional
make-up artist it’s so important that you have
a trial done before the big day so you both
know exactly what you want. Choose a makeup
artist that truly understands your needs. If
you’re doing your own make-up I suggest asking
your favourite brands for different samples to
find the products that work best with your skin
type/tone and more importantly, make you feel
great! My most loved make-up tip is to scrap
the concealer for blemishes, and stick to using
it under your eyes. Instead, use a small brush
and your foundation to build up extra coverage
just in the areas that need it. Concealers often
have a completely different consistency to
foundations and can make blending tricky.
By using the same product you can achieve
a fresh, natural look with a flawless finish.
Amy specialises in the natural treatment of
acne. Skyn.Therapy helps others to identify
the root cause of their skin problems and
achieve a beautiful, clear complexion for
good. Find out more at skyntherapyblog.com
wealdentimes.co.uk
The hair stylist
Charlotte gives us luscious locks...
Are there any natural ways to get glossy, healthy hair for your wedding day?
Natural glossy hair is sadly a rarity, you either have it or you don’t! However, eating
well will keep hair strong and healthy, and giving your locks a final cool rinse
after shampoo and conditioner will enhance a natural shine. Cool rinsing closes
the cuticle of the hair down, and encourages the hair shaft to sit smoothly. This
will stop hair from tangling and getting damaged when combing and brushing.
When should a bride have her last colour/ cut done? Depending on
how you’re wearing your hair on your big day determines when you have it
trimmed. If you’re planning an up-do, I always advise my brides to have a
small maintenance trim around 6-8 weeks before, to ensure maximum length.
If the bride has a short style or is wearing her hair down, I’d recommend
a trim around a fortnight before. The final colouring should be done a
week before, to ensure there’s no regrowth in the wedding photos!
Any top tips on keeping hair looking great throughout the day? Wedding
day weather can potentially make things a little tricky. Back combing is a key
component in ensuring the up-do stays in place, and I’m a true believer in hairspray.
However, there’s a real trend at the moment for messy looking, loosely styled hair,
which can be troublesome. A bride’s hair accessories are also an important factor
when choosing a hair style. The clip, comb or veil needs to suit both the hair
type and the hair style. Sometimes accessories can be too heavy, for example, so
consider both before booking an initial consultation. I think every bride should
have a mini can of hairspray and some argan oil on hand to tidy up any strays.
Charlotte is based at Hair at Fifteen, Tenterden. To book an appointment
or for more information visit hairatfifteen.co.uk or call 01580 762118.
The nail know-all
Hannah beautifies our cuticles...
How can a bride naturally strengthen her nails in preparation for the big day?
You can’t beat a good hand and nail cream or a lovely nail oil to keep your natural
nails in tip-top shape. The Espa Rejuvenating Hand Cream is perfect for this. Try
and keep your nails exposed to natural sunlight as much as you can, vitamin D is a
key component to having the healthiest nails. A couple of treatments before the big
day will have you feeling revitalised and your nails and skin looking beautiful.
do you have any top tips for preventing cracked hands or hang nail? To
keep your hands silky smooth and radiant pick your favourite hand cream and
apply a thin layer and leave to soak. Do this 2-3 times a week and you’ll notice a
huge difference. Hang nail is a big no-no, but by keeping your nails and cuticles
conditioned, and NOT picking at them, it can be easily avoided. Before bed time,
massage some lip balm into your nail beds, this will keep them moisturised and
supple all night long.
What would be in your emergency wedding day kit? My kit would have to
include a glass nail file, just in case of any broken nails or splits. A hydrating hand
cream is a must to cure any dry and dull skin, and a nourishing cuticle oil will keep
your nail beds in amazing condition and prevent any flaws or imperfections.
Hannah is based at Green Farm Kent, a beautiful farm estate deep in the Kent
countryside. For more information and to book a stay visit greenfarmkent.co.uk or
call 01233 733997.
114

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115 wealdentimes.co.uk
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Harvest
Home
Jo Arnell on the particular pleasure of bringing in your crops
It’s been tricky in the veg patch this year. We’ve had plenty of
rain, and winds, low temperatures and not much ripening
sunshine, combined with attacks from an ever-increasing
army of pests. But if you’ve been lucky enough to get your crops
past the storms and pestilence (no war yet, but there’s still time)
here are some tips to help you get the most from them – and
from the harvesting itself.
Harvesting crops is a basic human activity that releases the
feel-good chemical dopamine into our brains, so you get two
hits – one from harvesting itself and another from eating the
produce.
Harvest timings
Time, tide and ripening vegetables wait for no man, so it’s
important to check on your crops regularly to make sure that
you haven’t missed the optimum harvest point. It’s worth
looking on the back of the seed packets (there are also useful
charts online) to find out what the approximate sowing to
harvest times are for certain crops; this will give you an idea of
what to expect, and help you to plan when - and how much to
sow.
Annoyingly the harvest may fall while you’re on holiday, and
although it might be too late this year to do anything about it
(apart from encouraging friends and family to enjoy the bounty
while you’re away…), make a note to sow crops like beans,
lettuce and courgettes, which need regular picking, either late or
early, so that you stand a chance of catching the harvest.
Preserving nutrients
Harvest as close to the time of eating as possible, as this will
preserve not just the flavour, but also the living nutrients.
Several studies have shown that the nutritional content of many
vegetables decreases rapidly once they’re harvested (D J Favell
Study 1998 Ref Vit C.. IFR Extra 2010).
Peas and sweetcorn are notorious for losing their sweetness
almost instantly (to the point where some extreme harvesters
put the water on, rush out to pick the crop and throw it in the
pan as the water comes to the boil), because chemical changes,
like sugar turning to starch, start to happen as soon as the plant
is picked. Instant freezing is one way of preserving some of the
nutrients (supermarket frozen peas are more nutritious than
fresh bought), but plot straight to plate is the surest way.
117

Glut you like
Some vegetables ripen all at once and then need to be picked in
a rush before they go over (courgettes, tomatoes, beans, hearting
lettuce), others are sensible enough to be ‘pick as you go’ (open
salad leaves, some root crops and slow growing leeks and kale),
enabling you to use the veg patch as a larder and only collect as
much as you need for each meal.
Try to pick crops like beans and courgettes while they’re still
fairly small. Beans become stringy and less tender as they age,
and tiny courgettes reach gargantuan proportions as soon as you
turn your back on them.
Storing and preserving
Gluts can be glorious if you’re prepared for them and have
recipes to make the summer bounty last. Squashes and
pumpkins, having tough outer skins, will store as they are for
many months.
Root crops like potatoes, parsnips and carrots can also be
stored for a long time if kept in the dark (parsnips and carrots
are traditionally stored outside in a ‘clamp’, layered in sand
under a mound of earth). Storing other vegetables requires more
imagination:
fermenting - is an ancient (but rapidly re-emerging)
method of preserving food through microbial activity. Sugars in
vegetables convert to lactic acid when placed in brine and kept
in anaerobic (oxygen-free) conditions. The food is preserved
naturally, and contains beneficial pro-biotics which help
improve gut health.
freezing – works well for crops which are best eaten very
fresh (see above). In general choose younger vegetables for
freezing. Wash and chop (if desired), blanch quickly in boiling
water (a minute or two, depending on the veg) then plunge into
a bowl of iced water. Dry on kitchen paper or a clean towel, lay
on a tray and freeze on a speedy-freeze setting. Store Freeze in a
sealable bag, making sure as much air is removed from the bag
as possible. Freezing also works well with soft-leaved herbs like
chives, parsley, basil, coriander. Pick early in the morning when
they are full of flavour. Chop before freezing, pop into ice cube
trays with a little water. Basil can be painted on either side of the
leaf with olive oil, then frozen on trays so that the leaves don’t
stick during storage. Coarse herbs like rosemary, sage and thyme
can be dry frozen on trays and then packed in freezer bags.
Label and date freezer bags or (if you’re like me), you’ll end up
with lots of mysterious packages and surprise meals…
drying – is suitable for tomatoes, peppers and chillis. Slice
tomatoes thinly and lay on a baking tray. Place in a very low
oven and dry for several hours. Store in airtight containers and
use within a few weeks. Bay, rosemary, thyme can also be dried
in the microwave, then stored in sealable jars.
preserving in oil – herbs, chillies and garlic can be bottled
in oil. Ingredients must be either thoroughly dried, or acidified
first, in order to prevent the risk of food poisoning.The oil
doesn’t preserve the food, but simply excludes air, preventing
oxidation – but not preventing the action of anaerobic bacteria.
Keep any produce sealed in oil in the fridge and use within a
few weeks.
pickling – is excellent for things like onions, tomatoes,
courgettes, green beans, beetroot. Follow a classic chutney recipe
or have fun inventing your own ‘glutney’.
Contact Jo for border designs, planting and garden
advice: 01233 861149 jo@hornbrookmanor.co.uk
Credit: FreeImages.com/John Byer, Kate Childer, Ove Topfer, Patyaza, Mohamed Aly, Marta Rostek, P.R.
wealdentimes.co.uk
118

Creating gardens
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Wild Mushroom Foraging
with John Wright
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Wednesday 19 October 2016
at Moon Down, Bells Yew Green
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Day includes 3-course lunch
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Moon Down, Court Lodge Down,
Bells Yew Green, Tunbridge Wells
Telephone 01892 535432
www.moondown.co.uk
Creating Beautiful Gardens
GeoffTiltmanWT174.indd 1 19/07/2016 MoonDownWT174.indd 15:06
1 07/07/2016 16:49
For Brilliant Year Round Results
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For all your design, construction and maintenance requirements, contact:
Adam Sutton BSc (Hons) Environmental Science | Tim Playfoot BA (Hons) Garden Design
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119 wealdentimes.co.uk
WCLandcraftWT174.indd 1 01/07/2016 11:35

email: production@indexmagazine.co.uk
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Delve through centuries old oak beams, tiles, bricks, slates, stone, fireplaces, antique furniture, garden antiques & much more...
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Delve through centuries old oak beams, tiles, bricks, slates, stone, fireplaces, antique furniture, garde
Drive down our leafy lane & go back 100 years
Delve through centuries old oak beams, tiles, bricks, slates, stone, fireplaces, antique furniture, garden antiques & much more...
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wealdentimes.co.uk
120
FornoAlfrescoWT174.indd 1 19/07/2016 14:31

Flying
flowers
Sue Whigham celebrates the glory
of butterflies and suggests ways to
encourage them to your garden
Credit: FreeImages.com/Wauwwie, Bugdog
This summer hasn’t been very kind to butterflies to date,
let alone us, but we’ve had a couple of warm days, the
wind has dropped and things are already improving.
The Kent Wildlife Trust had a butterfly identification day in
mid-July and only spotted a couple of Meadow Browns and a
Ringlet in a two hour, windswept walk which culminated in
a tremendous thunderstorm. A couple of days later, during a
beautiful meander across orchid strewn Rye Golf Club, there
still seemed to be little activity despite the array of nectar plants
on offer. Today, however, my garden is positively humming
with butterflies on the move.
Amateur climatologist, David King, who predicts future
weather trends with startling accuracy (whilst the Met Office
was telling us that June would be fine, he correctly forecast that
it would be wet and windy...) by ‘reading’ plants, animals and
the countryside, tells us that we will have good weather from
later July and that the autumn will be pushed back with a long
Indian summer. After so much rain and that soul-destroying
wind, we’ll be pleased - but so will the butterflies.
Rather than dwelling on the bad news about these beautiful
creatures and other invertebrates, perhaps it’s better to marvel at
them when we see them and to help them along as much as we
can. Butterflies have been on earth for at least 50 million years.
Their life cycle is nothing short of miraculous and their innate
fragility means that they are quick to react to environmental
changes and are good indicators of a healthy biodiversity. They
are also, of course, an important element of the food chain for
birds and bats, vital pollinators and provide a service in the
form of a natural pest control.
Members of UK charity Butterfly Conservation are currently
monitoring 850 specific butterfly habitats and the annual Big
Butterfly Count is in progress (15 July – 7 August), with people
reporting sightings in their gardens – even if it’s only to log ‘zero’.
So what can we do to encourage these lovely creatures into
our gardens apart from reducing the use of insecticides? A good
start would be to follow the example of one of my neighbours
who has planted a dozen buddleia, as well as plenty of lavender,
topped up with an annual dollop of wild flower seeds. I’m
hoping that my patch of hedge woundwort brought from a
vegetable garden in South Devon, and now growing at an
alarming pace, will also bring in the butterflies as well as the
bees.
Leaving some parts of the garden alone, not incessantly cutting
and tidying, also helps and when you do cut long grass in late
summer, leave an area unstrimmed to provide a sanctuary for
the overwintering caterpillars of species like the Speckled Wood,
Gatekeeper and Meadow Brown.
Many caterpillars of butterflies, including the Skippers,
Wall, Ringlet and Marbled White feed off grasses so all the
121 wealdentimes.co.uk

Credit: FreeImages.com/Ikwolfson, Mary Ellen Rynes
more reason to leave an untamed area.
Wild hedgerow plants like cuckoo flowers and garlic
mustard are food for Orange Tips and Green Veined Whites.
Honesty, red valerian and sweet rocket help too. Nettles are
essential for the Peacock, such a beautiful migrant butterfly,
and though it is an invasive plant they can, like mint, be
contained even in a small garden.
Otherwise choose nectar plants such as easily grown
annuals, nasturtiums and marigold, which tend to self seed
so that you will always have a few around. Earlier in the year,
wallflowers are ideal for early butterflies and later on try
sedums (ice plants) avoiding the dark leaved cultivars which
don’t seem to attract butterflies in the same way. Herbs like
thymes, marjoram and germanders are hugely attractive nectar
sources and easily grown. Other nectar plants would include:
holly, ivy (let it flower), hops and buckthorn. Flora Locale is
a good resource for information about plants to encourage
bio-diversity.
Butterfly Conservation - butterfly-conservation.org
Kent Wildlife Trust (for information about their Meadows
Project and Butterfly Identification Days) kentwildlifetrust.org.uk
Big Butterfly Count. bigbutterflycount.org
Flora Locale floralocale.org
Sue Whigham can be contacted on 07810 457948 for
gardening advice and help in the sourcing and supply of
interesting garden plants.
4th July - 26th August 2016 | 8.30am - 4.30pm
Venue:
Claremont School St Leonards-on-Sea,
East Sussex TN37 7PW
From exploring the 100 acres of grounds, playing sports, swimming
in our large outdoor pool, building dens and
discovering nature, to taking part in performing arts
workshops and creative sessions, there is fun for everyone!
Led by qualified teachers, forest school practitioners, lifeguards
and sports leaders.
enquiries@claremontschool.co.uk | www.claremontschool.co.uk | 01424 751555
wealdentimes.co.uk
122

All tree All All All tree surgery tree All surgery All tree & tree hedge & surgery & hedge & works hedge & works & undertaken hedge works undertaken
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by our by by by our our our by experienced by our our qualified experienced qualified arborists
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South Farm South South Lane, South Farm Farm Langton Farm Lane, South Lane, South Lane, Langton Green,Tunbridge Farm Farm Langton Lane, Green,Tunbridge Lane, Langton Langton Wells, Kent Green,Tunbridge Wells, Wells, TN3 Wells, Kent 9JN Kent TN3 Kent Wells, TN3 9JN Wells, TN3 Kent 9JN 9JN Kent TN3 TN3 9JN 9JN
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HazelwoodTreeManagementWT148.indd 1 21/05/2014 GlebeFencingWT174.indd 12:20
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123 wealdentimes.co.uk
OpenviewLandscapeDesignWT172.indd 1 12/05/2016 14:10

Bespoke design & build treehouses, playhouses
and elevated platforms.
Commercial & International commissions welcomed
quality summerhouses
accomplished landscaping
& mindful design since 1997
For a free Scotts summerhouse
brochure, call or click anytime
Visit our new show
gardens at Grow at
Brogdale, Faversham
& Small Loads Ltd,
Paddock Wood
TEL: +44 (0)1403 732452
www.cheekymonkeytreehouses.co.uk
L A N D S C A P E S
01323 833600 / 843488
www.catandmouselandscapes.com
CheekyMonkeyWT173.indd 1 13/06/2016 CAMgardensWT173.indd 17:13
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AQUASCAPERS
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- Large & Small Lakes - Desilting - Pond & Lake Edging - Bank Stabilisation - Specialised Equipment -
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wealdentimes.co.uk
124
HawkhurstFishFarmWT174.indd 1 20/07/2016 17:28

The
Green
Goddess
Penny Kemp
considers the
toxic issue of
the world’s most
controversial
pesticide
Credit: FreeImages.com/Csba J. Szabo
Glyphosate is a weedkiller discovered in the
1970s, said to be the most effective of all
herbicides and for years, it has been declared
safe for users and harmless to the environment. More
commonly known as Roundup, it is used by millions of
gardeners and farmers around the world. But the scientific
community is now split on whether glyphosate is safe.
Recently, the International Agency for Research on
Cancer, a respected body within the World Health
Organization (WHO) said that glyphosate probably had
carcinogenic qualities that were harmful to humans. Then
another organisation, the EU Chemicals Agency, ECHA,
which also worked with the WHO, said that glyphosate
probably did not have carcinogenic qualities that were
harmful to humans.
So which was right? Scientists and environmentalists claim
that the ECHA had a conflict of interests. The chairman of
the panel had received a six-figure donation from the makers
of the pesticide, for another institute that he was involved
with - and the ECHA declared its findings two days before
the European Union was to rule on the re-licensing of
glyphosate - and particularly Roundup - for general use.
On top of this, in Germany it has been found that 99.6%
of people tested have glyphosate residue in their urine. Green
MEPs decided to have their own wee tested and the results
reveal that every one had glyphosate traces, with the average
concentration being 1.73ng/ml - more than 17 times the
safe level for drinking water.
NGOs and environmental groups were furious.
Professor Molly Scott Cato, a member of the European
Parliament’s agriculture committee, whose personal test
results show a glyphosate contamination level of 0.45ng/
ml, said: “With ongoing controversy over the health risks
of glyphosate, we can be quite sure it has no place in the
human body.
“Further, we hold concerns for its impact on biodiversity
with evidence of glyphosate having detrimental impact on
the honey bee, monarch butterfly, skylark and earthworm
populations and posing a threat to the quality of our soil.”
The decision from the European Parliament has not been
made yet and we await with interest to see the result, which
looks as if it will be delayed for the forseeable future. So if
you feel strongly about this issue, it is still worth lobbying
CHILSTONE FP EGUK JUN 16.indd 1
your MEP – we haven’t left the EU yet.
Come and
www.Chilstone.com
visit our show gardens
www.Chilstone.com
01892 740866
Victoria Park, Fordcombe Road, Langton
01892 740866
Green, Tunbridge Wells, K
Victoria Park, Fordcombe Road, Langton Green,
Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN3 0RD
125 wealdentimes.co.uk
ChilstoneWT174.indd 1 18/07/2016 15:09

The finest of British
Country Outbuildings
From Passmores - Est 1909
monarchoak
Oak Frame Buildings
Over 50 years’ experience making oak frame buildings
The ideal home for your
daily run around or classic car
• Garages
• Garden Rooms
• Complexes
• Gazebos
• Bespoke Buildings
01323 765410 Quality in its finest form
www.monarchoak.co.uk
OAK FRONTED
CARRIAGE HOUSES
AND STAND ALONE
TIMBER GARAGES
View our picture gallery on line
for ideas and inspiration.
Excellent range and service.
HIGH STREET, STROOD
ROCHESTER, KENT ME2 4DR
Est 1909
Tel: 01634 290033
For further information visit : www.passmores.co.uk
MonarchOakWT147.indd 1 15/04/2014 PassmoresWT171.indd 15:06
1 11/04/2016 10:53
• Manufacturing quality timber
buildings for over 20 years
• Start to finish turnkey projects
- NO SUBCONTRACTORS
• All landscaping, driveway, drainage
and ground works undertaken
• FREE SITE VISIT AND NO
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Unit One, Pentagon House, Wealden Industrial Estate, Farningham Road, Crowborough, East Sussex TN6 2JR
wealdentimes.co.uk
126
SussexTimberWT174.indd 1 20/07/2016 10:45

Wood Works
The secret to the perfect work/life balance may already be in your
garden - and if it isn’t you can build one... by Isobel Mackay
Working from home sounds
like the dream set up – an
extra hour in bed, lunch no
further than your own fridge away, even
no need to get dressed if you don’t feel
like it...
But while it sounds like the dream
scenario, working at home can very
quickly become oppressive, if there’s no
way you can escape all the reminders
of what you should have got done that
week - when all you want to do is put
your feet up on Friday night and veg
out in front of Netflix.
Even if you have a nominated work
room within your house, just a glimpse
of it as you walk past the open door
with your hard-earned gin and tonic
in your hand can put a knot in your
stomach for the whole evening. The
perfect solution is to work at home -
but not at home, by creating a separate
working space in your garden.
You might have an old wooden
building you can convert, as Kent-based
photographer Mel Smith did with a
former milking parlour (above), which
still looks bucolically quaint from
the outside, but is now a high-tech
photography studio within (top right).
If you don’t happen to have an old
farm building lying around, you can
commission your own wooden building
– with far less planning permission
stress than required for a full new-build
(subject to the specific setting of each
project).
Jeweller Alice Robson had her
husband James (conveniently an
architect) design her a studio inspired
by a traditional shepherd’s hut (right),
with the advantage that she could
specify exactly the kind of layout she
needed for her work.
By engaging a company specializing
in wooden buildings, you can achieve
exactly such a bespoke space, with all
the hard work done for you – leaving
your energies intact for your own
enterprises. And on Friday evening you
can lock the door and forget about it
until Monday…
Mel Smith Photography, Rose Farm Studio
Alice Robson Jewellery studio
127

Round Wood of Mayfield built
new offices for themselves
Our brief
Our rapid expansion over recent
years has seen us struggle for desk
space at our site in Newick Lane,
near Mayfield. Constructing an
oak framed office complex was the
obvious solution, as it also allows us
to showcase the buildings we supply.
How was this fulfilled?
The new office replaced an old
L-shaped building that had been
used over the years as a workshop
and for storage, so we opted to stick
with a similar shape and footprint,
but add an additional storey.
The design was developed with the
intention of demonstrating possible
features on an oak framed building
to visiting customers. For instance,
it includes all four available roofprofiles:
barn-hip, full-hip, gable
and gablet. It also has both oak
and softwood weatherboarding,
as well as traditional oak and
contemporary aluminium joinery.
As for all our buildings, we used
traditional oak framing techniques.
Frames are constructed using mortise
and tenon joints, curved braces and
oak pegs. It also features dovetail joints
between the tie beam and eaves beam.
The frame was dry assembled in the
workshop to ensure ease of fit on site.
What feedback have you had?
The building has proved extremely
popular with our customers. They really
appreciate the opportunity to see a largescale
oak frame showing a number of
possible external features. It also allows
them to see the standard of internal
detailing they can expect, including
exposed beams, rafters and a feature truss.
Round Wood of Mayfield
01435 867072 roundwood.com
LOG CABINS FROM
FINLAND
• Full supply and installation service
• Sussex based business
• Local experienced installers
• PEFC certified
• Nordic spruce timber
• Full traceability of materials
• Free survey (Subject to location)
• 5 year warranty
Show Centres at
Lime Cross Nursery, Herstmonceux,
Sussex BN27 4RS
Garden Pride, Common Lane, Ditchling,
Sussex BN6 8TP
Call us now
01323 332456
wealdentimes.co.uk
128
WildMooseLimitedWT174.indd 1 19/07/2016 18:20

Design & Planning · Restoration · Extensions
OakDesignsCoWT174.indd 1 20/07/2016 12:46
Barn Conversions · New Build · Joinery
01580 850307 07799 766248
hazelwoodbuilding.co.uk info@hazelwoodbuilding.co.uk
129 wealdentimes.co.uk
HazelwoodWT156.indd 1 09/01/2015 14:17

Get out there!
Losing the plot these
summer holidays?
Here are three
stimulating days out
for kids of all ages
(even the grown up
ones...)
The Historic Dockyard
What do children love most about visiting
The Historic Dockyard in Chatham?
Children love getting hands on with naval history, from
climbing aboard the historic warships HMS Cavalier and
HMS Gannet, to experiencing life under the sea with Cold
War spy submarine HM Submarine Ocelot. Summer events
such as Doc Yard’s Time Travelling Techsplorers are all
included in the entry ticket and feature interactive shows
and science experiments. With three play areas, 140 Doc
Yard performances, nine missions for the Captain’s Cat and
three chances to pretend to be captain – there is no end to
the family fun.
What age is your venue suitable for and is it fun
for parents too?
There is something for everyone at the Dockyard – including
parents and even grandparents. The ‘Of the Sea’ art exhibition
runs until 24 July and the brand new interactive exhibition
‘Command of the Ocean’ tells the story of the pivotal role
the Dockyard had in Chatham’s naval history. The brand new
Mess Deck is the perfect place to take a break, with the menu
including the Dockyard’s legendary fish and chips.
Buy your
tickets on
line to save.
How much does it cost to visit?
Adult ticket - £22.00
Concession ticket - £19.50 (5 to 15)
Child ticket - £13.00 (under 5’s go free)
Family ticket - £58.00 (1+3 or 2+2)
Family extra child - £9.50
All tickets are valid for one year from the day of the first visit.
Do you have any special offers coming up?
With tickets bought online between 11 July and 21
August, kids go free!
(Child rate for those aged 5 to 15, one free ticket per paying
adult, tickets valid for 12 months)
thedockyard.co.uk
131 wealdentimes.co.uk

Annual
membership
available
Kent Life
Heritage Park
Credit: Arnhel de Serra, FreeImages.com/Joanna Atkinson, Leslie Van Veenhuyzen, Ana Caroline
Sissinghurst Castle
Garden
New
Summer trail
coming this
summer!
What do children love most about visiting
Sissinghurst Castle Garden?
Here at Sissinghurst there’s plenty to keep children entertained and
engaged during a day out. We have a 450 acre estate with lots of
room to run around in. There are streams to play Pooh Sticks on
and bridges to jump over. We also have a 50 Things To Do Before
You’re 11¾ booklet which has lots of fun activities for children
to try when they come and visit. Our dedicated ‘50 Things’ area
is a great spot for families to try out some of the more hands-on
activities like den building and making a mud pie.
What age is your venue suitable for?
We see a wide range of ages, from smaller children looking to
discover as much as possible while absorbing the vibrant colours,
to bigger kids looking to run off some steam in the woodlands.
Exploring a wide area of the estate would be more suited to older
ages, as from dense woodlands and wide open parkland, plus plenty
of far-reaching views across the farmland to discover, lots of energy
is needed from kids and grown-ups alike.
Is it fun for parents too?
It’s a great chance to help encourage the whole family to get out
and explore the countryside, with lots to learn about our estate
management and plenty of flora and fauna to see on your way
round. It’s also a good excuse to try out some of the 50 Things
activities for yourselves, because who doesn’t fancy rolling down a
hill now and again?
How much does it cost to visit?
For members of the National Trust all entry is free. Non-members
pay a £3 car parking charge but after that the estate is free of charge
to roam. If you would like to include a visit to the garden then a
non-member family entrance fee is £33.
Do you have any special offers coming up?
Excitingly, we have a new summer trail coming this school
holidays in which families, young and old, can explore fun areas of
Sissinghurst and learn some really interesting things about the estate
that you might not have known.
nationaltrust.org.uk/sissinghurst-castle-garden
What do children love most about visiting Kent
Life?
Our animals are always a big hit. The attraction is also a real
working farm so there are plenty of furry and feathered friends
to see, including pigs, sheep, ducks, goats, alpacas, horses and
ponies. Cuddle Corner is particularly popular because it gives
children the chance to get up close and personal with some of
our smaller animals, such as rabbits.
Children love to take a trip around Kent Life on one of our
tractor rides, or on our brand new land train, or just to run
wild in the outdoor play area. The large indoor soft play area,
provides three floors of fun for kids to explore and is always a
big hit on rainy days. We have water zorbing in the summer
season, which always goes down well, and kids love getting
creative in our paint-a-pot studio.
What age is your venue suitable for?
There’re year-round fun, activities and events for
the whole family so it’s perfect for all ages, from
tots to grandparents. It’s particularly popular with
families who have primary school-aged children.
Is it fun for parents too?
Adults always enjoy strolling around our Vintage Village, which
has a collection of original historic buildings to explore. The
village hall relocated from Ulcombe, the granary, the oast house,
traditional hoppers’ huts, and the working blacksmith’s forge all
bring to life the homes and lifestyles of Kent’s rural past.
For many visitors, it’s a real trip down memory lane. We have
World War II cottages displaying the typical home of a wartime
housewife, while Sandling Farmhouse, which dates to the 16th
century, has been transformed into a 1950s homestead full of
vintage chic.
Parents can also explore the beautiful gardens, orchard and one
of the last hand-picked hop gardens in the country; and relax
with a cuppa and homemade cake in Dotty’s tearoom, while the
children enjoy activities organised by the Kent Life entertainers,
such as tug-of-war and ferret racing.
How much does it cost to visit?
Adults £9.50; concessions £8.50; children £7.50; family ticket
£29.95. Children under three go FREE.
Do you have any special offers coming up?
We’ve frozen our peak admission prices for 2016 and also
introduced a great-value family ticket which gives admission
to two adults and two children for just £29.95. We also offer
annual membership which works out at less than 10p a day.
It’s always worth checking the website for
occasional online booking discount codes. We
have special offers throughout the year – for
example, each adult who books a ticket for
our popular Hops ‘n’ Harvest Beer Festival
online in advance gets a free pint!
kentlife.org.uk

PAINT YOUR OWN CERAMICS,
CRAFTS & PERSONALISED GIFTS
Volunteering open morning
Wednesday 31 August 9.30am-11am
From November, we will be opening our South Cottage
fully for the first time and we need volunteers to help us to
bring it to life.
The house helps tell the story of the families who have lived
here and the creators of the garden, Vita Sackville-West and
Harold Nicolson.
If you’re intrigued and would like to see behind the scenes as
well as meeting our team, give us a call to book your place on
01580 710700
or email Sissinghurst@nationaltrust.org.uk
Sissinghurst Castle Garden TN17 2AB
Come in and have a go!
No appointment necessary
Silver Keepsakes
Paint your own
Hand/Feet
Located on Hawkhurst Fish Farm
www.slapndash.com 01580 755674
Open times: Mon-Fri 10.00 to 5.00, Sat & Sun 10.00 to 4.00
(Evenings by appointment)
Disabled access • Ample Parking • Cafe on-site
SissinghurstCastleWT174.indd 1 13/07/2016 SlapNDashWT172.indd 15:49
1 24/05/2016 11:01
New for2016
DISCOVER KENT LIFE WITH
28 ACRES TO EXPLORE
FAMILY FARMYARD
INDOOR PLAYBARN
THE KENTISH GARDENS
& THE VINTAGE VILLAGE
FABULOUS
LAND TRAIN!
The Gruffalo will be appearing at intervals on the day.
FEATURED EVENT
The
Gruffalo
Sunday 31 July
Summer Activities
Six weeks of family fun!
23RD JULY TO 4TH SEPTEMBER
l Water zorbing
l Tractor rides
l Cuddle corner
l Animal feeding
l Paint-a-Pot
l Visit the Vintage Village
BRUNDLE'S BIG TOP ENTERTAINMENT
There is a fabulous range of live entertainment in our indoor
Big Top throughout the Summer holidays – all at no extra charge!
See TV's Nick Spellman "AnimalMan"
Meet Flip the Clown
New arrivals from Kent Owl Academy
Animal antics from Claws and Jaws
Traditional fun with Punch and Judy shows
For show dates & times, please
visit www.kentlife.org.uk
BOOK ONLINE
www.kentlife.org.uk
Kent Life, Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone, ME14 3AU.
Just off Jct 6 of the M20. Tel: 01622 763936
133 wealdentimes.co.uk
KentLifeWT173.indd 1 20/06/2016 15:00

What’s On In Xxxxxxx
YOUNG
‘One of the finest gardens in England’
One of the finest gardens in England’
‘One of the finest gardens in England’
s in England’
SHOTS
SHOTS
BOYS & GIRLS
BOYS AGED & GIRLS
BOYS 8-16YR
AGED & 8-16YR
GIRLS
AGED 8-16YR
PRE-BOOKED
PRE-BOOKED
£55.00 per person
PRE-BOOKED
£55.00 per person
£55.00 per person
WHAT
WHAT
WHAT
An introduction to Clay
An An introduction to Pigeon Shooting
to Clay
or or a
An Pigeon introduction Shooting refresher to Clay or a
for for those more
Pigeon refresher Shooting for those more
experienced or a
youngsters
refresher experienced for those youngsters more
experienced youngsters
Penshurst VINTAGE
& Antiques Fair
Penshurst Village Hall TN11 8BP
WHEN
WHEN
Wednesday 3 August
Wednesday 23
3 August
Tuesday
Tuesday to 23
23 23 August
August
10am to to 12.30pm
10am to 12.30pm
WHERE
WHERE
West
West Kent
New Hay Kent Farm, Shooting
Old Shooting Hay School
(off Pearsons Green School School
Road)
New Hay Farm, Old Hay (off Pearsons Green Road)
New Brenchley, New Brenchley, Hay Hay Farm, Farm, Paddock
Paddock Old Old Hay Wood Hay (off Wood Pearsons (off Kent
Kent Pearsons TN12
TN12 Green 7DG
7DG Green Road) Road)
Brenchley, Paddock Wood Wood Kent Kent TN12 TN12 7DG 7DG
FEATURING • Gun Safety • How a Gun works• Quiz
FEATURING • Gun Safety • How a Gun works• Quiz
FEATURING What’s in a cartridge • Types of clays • Pattern Plate •
info@westkentshooting.co.uk
What’s in a cartridge • Gun • Gun Safety • Safety Types • How of • How a clays Gun a • works• Gun Pattern works• Quiz Plate Quiz • CONTACT
info@westkentshooting.co.uk
CONTACT
What’s A Mixture of Targets Over various stands • A Morning of Fun
A Mixture What’s in a in of cartridge a Targets cartridge • Over Types • Types various of clays of stands clays • Pattern • Pattern A Morning Plate Plate •
info@westkentshooting.co.uk
of Fun •
T: 01892 info@westkentshooting.co.uk
834306
A Mixture
T: 01892 834306
A Mixture
of Targets
of Targets
• Over
• Over
various
various
stands
stands
• A Morning
• A Morning
of Fun
of Fun T: 01892
T:
834306
01892 834306
WWW.WESTKENTSHOOTING.CO.UK
Wealden Times - 90x130.pdf 1 12/07/2016 15:25:33
TO INCLUDE TO INCLUDE
TO INCLUDE
Classroom Classroom Safety Safety Briefing
Briefing
Classroom 40 40 Clays Clays 40 and Clays Safety
and Cartridges
and Briefing Cartridges
40 Gun Gun
Clays Hire Hire Gun and Hire Cartridges
Gun Insurance
Hire Insurance
Insurance Information Information Bags Bags
Bags
Information Bags
CONTACT
PashleyManorWT174.indd 1 13/07/2016 WestKentShootingWT173.indd 12:04
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Fabulously
Vintage Fair
Saturday 17th September, 10am - 4pm
Pashley Manor Gardens, Ticehurst, TN5 7HE
C
27 th , 28 th , 29 th August
Trade entry Saturday 9.30am
Public 10.30am–5pm
Entrance £1.50
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
Beautiful vintage
and retro items
for sale
Vintage vehicles
Live music &
entertainment
Village fete
Tea room
£1.50*
Children free
Come and find fashionable vintage,
French brocante & antique treasures in
charming Penshurst. Enjoy delicious
cakes and tea with It’s Always Teatime.
www.stmichaelshospice.com/fabulouslyvintage
Tel: 01424 457964
stmichaelshospice stmhospice
*Does not include entry to Pashley Manor Gardens. Optional
special entry price to Pashley Manor Gardens - £8.50
Registered charity number 288462
wealdentimes.co.uk
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134

What’s On In August
Art
Mon 1 - Sun 21 Aug
10.30am-5.30pm
Dance Hall, Community Centre,
Conduit Hill, Rye TN31 7LE
Rye Society of Artists 65th
Summer Exhibition
The exhibition includes a wide range
of paintings, prints, photographs and
ceramics for sale.
Info: ryesocietyofartists.co.uk
Tues 2 - Sun 14 Aug 10am-10pm
Trinity Gallery, Tunbridge Wells
TN1 1JP
East and West
An exhibition of ceramics and brush
painting, covering ink on paper
and beautiful ceramics. Experience
demonstrations and talks by artists and
experts.
Entry: Free
Info: nickwinter.co.uk
Thurs 4 - Sun 7 Aug 10.30am-5pm
Michelham Priory, Upper Dicker,
Hailsham BN27 3QS
Sussex Guild show
A wonderful show with
demonstrations in a beautiful setting.
Info: sussexpast.co.uk
Fri 19 - Fri 26 Aug
Norfolk Centre, Arundel
Downland Society
Summer Art Exhibition
The Downland Art Society exhibition
covers familiar landscapes and
seascapes, people and animals - in
oil, watercolour, acrylic and pastel.
Original unframed work shown.
Info: downland.org
Sat 27 - Mon 29 Aug 10am-5pm
Pashley Manor Gardens, Ticehurst,
Near Wadhurst TN5 7HE
Craft show
A great show in a large marquee in
front of this stunning Georgian manor
house.
Info: pashleymanorgardens.com
Children & Family
Sat 23 Jul - Sun 14 Aug
Godinton Lane, Ashford, Kent TN23
3BP
Sculpture in the gardens
This summer’s sculpture show at
Godinton House will bring together
the work of fifteen artists from the
South East to add an exciting element
to the thirteen acres of beautiful
gardens. The sculpture trail makes a
great afternoon out as children love
discovering a new piece around every
corner.
Info: 01233 643854 / godintonhouse.
co.uk
Sat 30 Jul - Sun 7 Aug
Hastings Old Town
Hastings Old Town
Carnival
Come prepared for surprises and
lots of fun. Highlights include free
beach concert, seaboot challenge run,
aerial display, carnival procession,
exhibitions, walks and swashbuckling
fun on pirates day.
Info: oldtowncarnivalweek.co.uk
Days throughout Aug 10am-4pm
Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst,
Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 8JN
Summer holiday
adventures
Every day this summer there is an
adventure to be had at Scotney
Castle, whether it’s building a den in
our wilderness camp, exploring our
discovery room or taking part in our
holiday trail in the house. Booking not
needed.
Info: 01892 893868 / nationaltrust.org.
uk/events
Days throughout Aug
Drusillas, Alfriston Road, East
Sussex BN26 5QS
Hello Kitty House
Hello Kitty returns to Drusillas. Visit
her beautiful themed house and have
a souvenir photo taken with the cute
girl herself. Enjoy pampering in the
Hello Kitty Beauty Parlour and have a
thrilling time on the Hello Kitty Secret
Garden rides.
Info: drusillas.co.uk
Mon 1 - Tues 30 Aug10am-4pm
Chartwell, Mapleton Road,
Westerham, Kent TN16 1PS
Winnie-the-Pooh trail
Winnie-the-Pooh needs your help to
find the bees around Chartwell. Follow
the trail, find all the bees and help
Winnie-the-Pooh and pals. Booking
not needed. Dogs on leads welcome.
Info: 01732 868381 / nationaltrust.org.
uk/events
Sat 6 Aug 2-4pm
Dreamland, Margate, Kent CT9 1XJ
Family rave
Back once again for a summer family
rave is Big Fish Little Fish! With
special guest DJ Ashley Beedle! The
Big Fish Little Fish multi-sensory
dancefloor experience has glowsticks,
bubbles, glitter cannon, huge balloons
and a giant parachute dance finale.
Entry: Adults £8.50, Children £5.50
Info: 01843 295887 / dreamland.co.uk
Sun 7 Aug 12-4pm
Eastwell Manor, Eastwell Park,
Boughton Lees, Ashford, Kent,
TN25 4HR
Birds & Beasts Sunday &
BBQ
Treat your little ones to a birds and
beasts experience this summer. Ideal
for everyone aged five and above,
families can enjoy a three-course BBQ
lunch with live jazz at The Pavilion
Restaurant and a close-up encounter
with a range of creatures, such as
hedgehogs, hawks, snakes, vultures,
tarantulas and lots of bugs.
Entry: £20 per person, £10 per child
under 12
Info: 01233 213000
Wed 17 & 24 Aug From 6pm
Victoria Parade & Promenade,
Broadstairs, Kent CT10 1QL
Broadstairs Summer Fireworks
A fabulously fun evening with
“”
s a l e s
a4_lpm_advert_oct_2012.indd 1 24/10/2012 17:34
children’s rides & games, donuts,
candy floss & refreshments, late night
LPMBohemiaWT174.indd mini golf, live music at 1 the bandstand
19/07/2016 16:46
and fireworks. Arrive early to avoid
disappointment.
Info: broadstairsfireworks.co.uk
Fri 26 - Sun 28 Aug
Various locations in Brighton
Modernist 60s weekend
The Mod Scene returns to its spiritual
home in Brighton. Madeira Drive will
be filled with scooters and visitors
can make the most of live music
and memorabilia. Sunday’s Scooter
competition is followed by a cruise
along the coast and back.
Info: newuntouchables.com
Sat 27 Aug 10-12am
The Green, Near Rotherfield Surgery
Annual Coffee Morning
On behalf of League of Friends of
Rotherfield & Brook Surgeries, browse
amongst stalls selling plants and
produce, cakes, jewellery and jigsaws.
Info: 01892 852645
/ rotherfieldsurgery.nhs.uk
Sat 27 & Sun 28 Aug 10.30am-6pm
Penshurst Place, Penshurst,
Tonbridge TN11 8DG
Bank Holiday fun
The August bank holiday at Penshurst
Place is not to be missed. With
bushcraft activities, falconry displays
and crafts, there’s something for
everyone.
Info: 01892 870307 / penshurstplace.
com
ARE YOU SINGLE?
Yours truly is affordable,
exclusive, traditional and
successful
*Confi dential Interviews*
*Personal Matching*
CHANGE YOUR LIFE AND CALL
Louisa Sheridan
01892 667750
www.yourstrulyintroductions.co.uk
YoursTrulyWT133.indd 1 19/02/2013 17:54
11.00 - 5.00
Brochures with map available from
Millbrook Garden Centre,
The Courtyard Café in Rotherfield,
Crowborough Library and J & K Gallery
CrowboroughArtsWT174.indd 1 13/07/2016 11:41
135 wealdentimes.co.uk

Camel Race Day
Sunday 4 th September 2016
10th - 17th September
10am - 5am daily
florum
2016
Chilham Castle, Chilham, Kent
£5 Entry (Children under 12 free)
Gates open 1pm Starts 2pm
· Camel Racing · Camel Rides
· Mongolian Wrestling & Archery
· “WAR” Camel, the Lifelike Puppet
· Sideshows · Stalls · Food & Drink
· Camel Milk Ice-Creams
More details:
www.wildcamels.com
For more information contact John Hare: harecamel@aol.com
ADMISSION FREE over 50 invited artists
All works for sale Many different media
Artists’ prints and cards Ample free parking
Credit cards accepted
KENT WILDLIFE TRUST
SEVENOAKS RESERVE
Bradbourne Vale Road
Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 3DH
visit our exciting website: www.florum.co.uk
of work by: Helen Hanson, Sarah Morrish, Tsuyako Elliott, Chris Birbeck, Linda Brown, Susan Christopher-Coulson, Sue J Williams
Details of work by: Helen Hanson, Sarah Morrish, Tsuyako Elliott,
Chris Birbeck, Linda Brown, Susan Christopher-Coulson, Sue J Williams
WildCamelProtectionFoundationWT174.indd 1 27/06/2016 FlorumWT174.indd 12:22
1 01/07/2016 15:44
WONDERFUL
WEDNESDAYS
3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 August
HANDMADE &
HOMEGROWN FESTIVAL
SEPTEMBER 2 – 4
Enjoy fun-packed days full of hands-on countryside skills,
crafts and games, including:
Make a Tudor bath bomb • Try blacksmithing • Create a candle
Do some willow weaving • Have a go at the pole lathe • Try archery
Activities are suitable for all ages and will be held
under cover if the weather is wet.
A celebration of all things handmade,
homegrown, recycled, upcycled and locally produced.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT
hevercastle.co.uk/whatson
Or call – 01732 865224
wealdentimes.co.uk
136
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1 20/07/2016 11:48
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SG12 events card DL 03e DATE CHANGE_Layout 1 10/02/2012 10:20 Page 2
What’s On In August
Mon 29 Aug 10am-6pm
Kent Life, Lock Lane, Maidstone,
Kent ME14 3AU
Ice Cream Festival
Join the festivities as Kent Life hosts its
first ice cream festival - sample tasters
from ice cream vendors, chocolatiers
and sweet stalls.
Entry: Adults £9.50, Concessions £8.50
Children £7.50,
Info: 01622 763936 / kentlife.org.uk
Music
Fri 5 - 12 Aug
Venues Around The Town,
Broadstairs, Kent
Broadstairs Folk Week
An amazing 7 days of music,
workshops, dance and stalls across
the town with thousands of people
enjoying events.
Info: 01843 604080 /
broadstairsfolkweek.org.uk
Sat 27 - Mon 29 Aug
Various locations in Rye
International Jazz
Festival
Visit Rye for free gigs and acoustic
performances where the finest Jazz,
Blues, R&B, Soul, Funk, Gospel and
World Music is performed in local
pubs and throughout Rye’s ancient
streets.
Info: ryejazz.com
Sun 28 & Mon 29 Aug 11am-5pm
Doddington Place Gardens,
Doddington, Nr Sittingbourne, Kent
ME9 0BB
Jazz on the Lawn - Jo
Francis & The Blue Notes
Come along and listen to smooth
jazz, swing and blues drifting over the
beautiful gardens at Doddington Place
this August bank holiday. Dogs on
leads are welcome. Bring along a picnic
hamper or try out the tasty offerings in
the Tea Rooms.
Entry: Adults £6, Concessions £5,
Children £2
Info: doddingtonplacegardens.co.uk
Out & About
DESIGNER MAKERS
OF CONTEMPORARY AND
TRADITIONAL CRAFTS
Sun 14 Aug 5-9pm
Smallhythe Place, Smallhythe,
Tenterden, Kent TN30 7NG
Romeo and Juliet
A forbidden love affair, The feuding Sussex Guild
families, faked death Shop and a and bloody Gallery
revenge. Set in fair Verona and
performed in the garden The at North Smallhythe Wing
Place, watch the drama Southover unfurl Grange
before you. Enjoy the evening with
Shakespeare’s star-crossed Southover lovers, Road
performed by The Lewes, Pantaloons. East Sussex
Booking Advisable.
Info: 01580 762334 / nationaltrust.org. BN7 1TP
uk/events
Shop open 7 days a
Tues 30 Aug - Sat 3 Sep week, 7.30pm 10.00 - 5.00
Hazlitt Theatre, Earl except Street, Christmas Day
Maidstone, Kent, Kent ME14 1PL
West side Story Reg. Charity no: 292234
Kent Musical Theatre Society proudly
present the timeless classic West Side
Story at the Hazlitt Theatre this
summer. The world’s greatest love story
takes to the streets in this landmark
Broadway musical that is one of the
theatre’s finest accomplishments.
Info: 01622 758611 / parkwoodtheatres.
co.uk
www.thesussexguild.co.uk
01273 479565
Thurs 25 - Wed 31 Aug
Dover, Deal, Sandwich
White cliffs walking
festival
40 walks have been organised,
including gentle two mile walks with
local experts describing particular
points of historical interest, to 5/6 mile
half day walks, each with a particular
theme, to full day walks of 8 to 10
miles with a pub or tea room stop
half way.
Entry: Free / £2 donation
Info: 01303 250230 /
whitecliffswalkingfestival.org.uk
Sat 27 Aug - Sun 25 Sep
Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst,
Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 8JN
Hop walks
The end of summer means the hop
harvest. At Scotney Castle hops are still
grown, picked and dried in traditional
ways. Walk with us to see the hop
gardens, picking shed, drying oast and
hoppers’ huts. Plus, have a sample of
Scotney Ale brewed using hops grown
on the farm. Booking Not Needed.
Info: 01892 893868 / nationaltrust.org.
uk/events
Theatre
Fri 12 Aug 6.30pm
Walmer Castle and Gardens,
Kingsdown Road, Deal, Kent CT14
7LJ
A Midsummer Night’s
Dream
Chapterhouse Theatre Company
presents Shakespeare’s best-loved
romantic comedy. Let yourself be
whisked away on a thrilling journey to
the most magical of forests and meet
star-crossed lovers, playful fairies and
hilarious travelling players. Beautifully
designed Elizabethan costumes, a
wonderful new musical score and
enchanting woodland creatures
make this an evening of unmissable
summer garden theatre. Picnic with
family and friends in the picturesque
surroundings.
Entry: Adults £15, Concession £13,
Child £11
Info: 0370 333 1183 / chapterhouse.org
Listings are correct at time of going
to press but may be subject to change.
Readers are advised to check with venues
before making arrangements. We can list
your event in the next issue of Wealden
Times for only £15! Please supply up to
50 words that should include date, time,
venue, and any entry price to whatson@
wealdentimes.co.uk or send with payment
(cheques payable to JPS Media) to What’s
On, Wealden Times, Kettle Chambers, 21
Stone Street, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3HF.
Wealden Times reserves the right to edit
text to fit space allocated. If you would like
your event listing to be accompanied by a
full colour reproduction (42.5 x 62.5mm)
of a poster or other pictorial image, the
total charge will be £95. Deadline for the
September issue is 15 August 2016.
DESIGNER MAKERS
OF CONTEMPORARY AND
TRADITIONAL CRAFTS
EVENTS Contemporary 2012
CRAFT
SHOWS
CONTEMPORARY
CRAFT SHOWS
THROUGHOUT SUSSEX
4 - 7 August
MICHELHAM PRIORY
with craft demonstrations
Upper Dicker, Hailsham, East
Sussex BN27 3QS
Ticehurst, Near Wadhurst,
East Sussex TN5 7HE
www.sussexpast.co.uk
27 - 29 August
PASHLEY
MANOR GARDENS
www.pashleymanorgardens.com
www.thesussexguild.co.uk
01273 479565
Reg. Charity no : 292234
Detling Antiques,
Vintage &
Collectors Fair
SussexGuildWT174.indd 1 12/07/2016 10:34
Up to 300 stalls in two buildings, shopping
arcades, marquees & outside offering a wide
range of items from ceramics, glass, vintage
www.thesussexguild.co.uk
clothing, furniture, books, metalware, kitchenalia,
postcards, pictures & much more.
Sat 3rd - Sun 4th
September
Sat: Early Entry 8.30am - £6
Sat: General Entry 10am - 4.30pm - £5
Sun: 10am - 3.30pm - £4
Kent County Showground, Detling, ME14 3JF
Tel: 01636 676531
www.b2bevents.info
137 wealdentimes.co.uk
B2BEventsLtdWT174.indd 1 27/06/2016 14:59

Garden & Building Services
Wealden Times - Classified
South EaSt
handyMan & BuildErS
Over 40 years’ experience
General buildinG work
• Extensions • Loft conversions • Plumbing • Carpentry
• Joinery • Roof-Guttering • Plastering • Tiling
GardeninG
• Patios • Paths • Brickwork • Hedges
• Sheds (Assembled and taken down)
Call GeorGe or kevin for a free quote
on 01622 297470 mobile 07740 347596
www.BentonLandscapes.co.uk
We know trees.
SouthEastHandyManWT170.indd 1 23/03/2016 BentonLandscapesWT172.indd 10:47
1 25/05/2016 14:35
Pop-up Shop Now Open
Ockley Road, Hawkhurst TN18 4DP
bespoke ironwork for home & garden
07765 344298
www.cranbrookiron.com
We’re professional tree surgeons covering
Kent and East Sussex.
Our commitment is to deliver a comprehensive
range of high quality tree work, from delicate
pruning operations and hedgecutting,
to replanting and complete tree removal.
01580 890462
fernshiretrees.co.uk
insured experienced professional
High class certified craftsmen,
covering all aspects of
commercial & domestic
building services
01233 643136 / 07985 524652
www.jsbbuildcraftltd.co.uk
JSBBuildcraftLtdWT169.indd 1 17/02/2016 11:18
Books & Old
Postcards
Bought and Sold
Goudhurst Bookshop
01580 388027
LTJ SURFACING
Specialists in Tarmac ‧ Block Paving
‧ Concrete ‧ Bonded Tar & Gravel
‧ Resin Bounded ‧ Brickwork
‧ All Other Groundwork Undertaken
Private & Commercial ‧ Driveways
‧ Patios ‧ Footways ‧ Alterations &
Repairs ‧ Car parks & Roads
‧ Pressure Washing ‧ We Offer
Machine & Hand Lay Tarmac Teams
For a FREE site survey
and advice please call
07799 351299
or 01622 436933
Visit us at www.ltjsurfacing.co.uk
Wealden
U.P.V.C. Timber Replacement Specialist to the Highest Standard
CranbrookIronWT166.indd Bargeboards, 1 Cladding, Fascias, Soffits & Guttering
Fernshire
Est.1987
Ad-A5landscape.indd Never
2 10/11/2015 FernishireTreesWT172.indd 16:14
1
Family Run Business for over 27 years
Groundworks 09/05/2016 06/06/2011 10:19 13:41
Paint
• Driveways & Patios • Footings
• Blockpaving • Brickwork • Tarmac
Again
• Drainage • Concreting • Fencing
425a Hythe Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent TN24 0JA
Established 1987 - 29 years of quality service
More and more people are choosing to replace the
wood around their roofline with uPVC. Once installed
this is maintenance free and eliminates the problem of
rotting wood not to mention the danger of risking life
and limb up a ladder painting.
We are a small family run business which enables us
to give you a personal service and also keep costs
competitive. Our fitters also have a minimum of
eighteen years experience in fitting fascias.
Semi-retired bricklayer
07883 470987
wealdengroundworks@hotmail.co.uk
www.wealdengroundworks.co
LTJSurfacingWT167.indd 1 14/12/2015 WealdenGroundworksWT169.indd 17:48
1 04/02/2016 12:07
LonglifeExteriorsWT169.indd 1 22/02/2016 12:21
All brick, block,
& stonework
Refresh your patio
Repairs, pressurewashed
& repointed
Comes up like new
Kevin 07543 680321
KevinTaylorWT174.indd 1 05/07/2016 11:00
www.longlifekent.co.uk
Why not give us a ring for a FREE no obligation
quotation and to see some of the work we have already
completed. We can also show you the satisfaction
feedback from the Consumer Protection Association.
Our surveys are free, prices guaranteed and no deposit
required.
Call Mr Ian Harper on 01233 641998 or 07879 446781
wealdentimes.co.uk
thecpa.co.uk ref 2026
Local Book Shop
138
Clare Langdon
INTERIORS
Made to measure
curtains & blinds
Tracks & poles
Measuring & fitting service
Home consultation
Fabrics & design advice
Telephone 01233 850829
clarelangdoninteriors.co.uk
Interiors
GoudhurstBookshopWT172.indd 1 06/05/2016 ClareLangdonWT171.indd 11:03
1 11/04/2016 10:49

The Lord Chamberlain’s Men will perform one of Shakespeare’s
best-loved comedies in the open air amphitheatre at
FRANKHAM MANOR
Mark Cross, Nr Wadhurst TN6 3PB
by kind permission of Mrs Prudence Watts
Friday 2nd September - 7pm
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to picnic in the
beautiful gardens from 5pm
Tickets £28 - book online at
www.friendsofsussexhospices.org.uk/much-ado
Enquiries: 01435 813630
In aid of

competition
WIN A VIP WINERY TASTING TOUR
AND PICNIC FOR SIX PEOPLE,
PLUS A CASE OF AWARD-WINNING
WINE AND CIDER
Hidden deep in the Garden of England, Hush Heath Estate is
home to award-winning English sparkling wine, Balfour Brut
Rosé. Since its beginnings the Estate has grown its product
range substantially and now boasts an exquisite selection of
wines and ciders all produced from fruit grown in their beautiful
vineyards and apple orchards. The expert team of winemakers
combine their skills in the state-of-the-art winery to create this
delicious range.
The Estate comprises 400 acres of perfectly manicured
vineyards, apple orchards and ancient oak woodlands rich with
wildlife, flora and fauna all of which add to the beauty and
provenance of what they produce.
It’s the team’s passion for what they do that makes Hush Heath
Estate unique and very special. What started as a hobby for
entrepreneur Richard Balfour-Lynn is now a quickly expanding
family based wine and cider business.
Enter the competition to win a VIP guided tour and tasting for
up to six people, followed by a delicious handmade ploughman’s
picnic lunch to be enjoyed on the winery terrace overlooking
our beautiful estate.
You will also win a mixed case of Hush Heath Estate’s awardwinning
wine and cider to take home. A truly fabulous prize to
be enjoyed for up to one year from the date of issue.
Find out more about Hush Heath Estate at hushheath.com
For your chance to win VIP Winery
tasting tour and picnic for six, just
answer this question: How many acres
does the Estate comprise? Enter
your answer with your contact details*
in the online form at wealdentimes.
co.uk/competition or post to: Hush
Heath Winery Competition, Wealden
Times, 21 Stone Street, Cranbrook,
Kent TN17 3HF by 15th August
2016. There is no cash alternative and
the prize must be taken by August
2017. *All entrants’ details will be
passed on to Hush Heath Winery and
Wealden Times Events. Please let us
know if you do not wish your details
to be passed on.
Congratulations to Andrew Hunter from Smarden who wins our June
competition for a Big Cat Experience
140
Fables
From
The Farm
Jane Howard plants a
wildflower meadow and
accidentally makes her
pigs deliriously happy …
M
y new wildflower meadow is an oasis of calm and
makes me feel utterly content whenever I wander
through it.
My dear old mum was a really keen naturalist and so when
she died and left me a bit of money, establishing the meadow
seemed a wonderful way to remember her and make Coopers
Farm just that little bit more of a wildlife haven.
But turning a monoculture five-acre rye-grass field into a
dream meadow with myriad different species of flowers and
grasses proved to be a far more difficult task than we imagined.
First, we had to spray it off three times. Every time we did
it, the grass went brown and died, only to bounce back with
impressive vim and vigour. But eventually we won.
Then we had to scalp the top inch of soil to get rid of the
thick thatch of roots that would prevent the new seeds from
getting their roots down. A scalping machine did the biz but
we hadn’t expected the huge volume of scrapings this produced.
Enough to fill a tennis court to a depth of about eight feet!
The only place to put it was in the pig wood where it was
received with boundless enthusiasm by gleeful pigs who spent
hours running up the mounds, running down the mounds and
burrowing through the mounds. Porcine Alton Towers.
And so by last autumn we were left with a bare brown field
that looked very sorry for itself. The seed was sown on a cold
February day. Then the rains came and the field sat sad and
waterlogged. Expectations weren’t high.
But magically in April it started turning green and has now
exploded into a gentle haze of reds, yellows, blues and whites –
a meadow worthy of a Monet painting. So now the pressure’s
on to try and identify what’s there.
It came with a list of the 50 odd species that had been sown,
but I never realized how many wild plants have flowers that are
daisy or dandelion doppelgangers. So I must confess I bought a
wild flower book from a charity shop and cut it up to produce a
bespoke guide to each species I was expecting to find.
Now I can tell Lady’s Bedstraw from Pepper Saxifrage and
Rough Hawkbit from Cat’s Ear. They’re all yellow and quite
similar so my botanical tail is right up.
But I’m not the only one in this happy state. This morning,
I was walking through “Mum’s Meadow” when I realized I was
not alone. Five ewes were heads down, also tails up, enjoying
the smorgasbord that is indeed my 50 species. Aaaaagh.
I couldn’t use the dogs to catch them up as the flowers are
too tall and dense, but luckily a bucket of grub did the job and
not too much damage was done. However, later in the summer
when it’s all flowered and seeded they can come back and graze
to their heart’s content.
Wild-flower flavoured lamb? Now there’s a new possibility.
Follow Jane Howard – and the farm – on Instagram
@coopersfarm

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