Wealden Times | WT178 | December 2016 | Interiors supplement inside

PRICELESS 

December 2016 

Wealden Times 

The lifestyle magazine for the Weald 

interiors Supplement inside 

Inspirational Interiors • Fabulous Fashion • Delicious Dishes

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

Tel. 01892 534018 | Fax. 01892 510536 

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

Designers and makers of of handmade kitchens 

The difference is is in in the detail

Please call call for for a a brochure or or visit visit our our showrooms 

Unit 9, 9, Chart Farm, Seal Chart 

Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0ES 

Tel: Tel: 01732 762682 

81 81 Calverley Road 

Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2UY 

Tel: Tel: 01892 520730 

www.rencraft.co.uk

Recently appointed as as a a UK distributor of of Thermo Treated 

Decking, Cladding && Flooring Products by by Thermory ® ® 

www.roundwood.com

OAK FRAMED BUILDINGS | QUALITY | DECKING && CLADDING 

OAK && WALNUT FLOORING | HOME | && GARDEN FEATURES 

Tel: 01435 867 072 

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

01580 291221 jminteriorsuk.uk Biddenden Showroom

MINTERIORS 

JFine hand crafted kitchens and bespoke furniture

MODEL SHOWN 

WHITE AND GREY LACQUERED LAMINATE DOORS, WHITE QUARTZ & MARBLE WORKTOP, SIEMENS APPLIANCES — £18,793* 

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

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

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. 

Conveyancing - Wills & Estates - Commercial Law - 

Matrimonial Law - Prenuptial Agreements - Litigation - 

Employment Law - Family Law - French Property 

Conveyancing Services from £550.00+VAT 

Wills from £215.00+VAT / Mirror Wills from £295.00+VAT 

Lasting Power Of Attorney (LPA's) from £195.00+VAT 

(Initial fixed-fee appointments also available at our Cranbrook offices) 

Litigation Solicitor from £200.00+VAT 

Matrimonial Solicitor from £150.00+VAT 

We will always try and match any quotation 

Kingsfords Solicitors Limited registered office address 2 Elwick Road, Ashford, Kent TN23 1PD 

Regulated by the Solicitors regulation Authority 621466 

FAMILY 

KingsfordSolicitorsWT172.indd 1 10/05/2016 11:20 

CHRISTMAS 

CAROL 

With Liane Carroll and the Fidelity International Choir 

Tuesday 20th December, 6.30pm 

Tonbridge School Chapel 

CONCERT 

This spectacular fundraising carol concert will feature carols, readings and 

performances from award-winning UK Female Jazz Vocalist Liane Carroll and the 

Fidelity International Choir. For those that would like to continue festivities, we invite 

you to attend the carol concert VIP drinks reception in the Old Big School Gallery. 

Tickets available from Tonbridge School Box Office 

01732 304241 boxoffice.tonbridge-school.co.uk 

SPONSORED BY 

IN SUPPORT OF 

wealdentimes.co.uk 

10 

FidelityIntWT177.indd 1 18/10/2016 17:03

Contents 

December 2016 

24 

140 

HO HO HOMES 

Isobel Mackay is dreaming about 

perfect Christmas houses 

102 

126 

RUG-UP, SNUGGLE IN 

Wrap-up and keep 

warm this winter 

137 

102 

DECK THE HALLS 

Jo Arnell creates beautiful, 

natural Christmas decorations 

43 

50 

77 

DECEMBER NOTEBOOK 

Fun and interesting things 

coming up this month 

WALL TO WALL STYLE 

A renowned wallpaper designer 

has transformed a wreck into 

an oasis of refined elegance 

GET THE LOOK 

Give your home a 

pastel make-over 

117 

123 

125 

IN THE MOOD 

FOR PERFUME 

Jo Fairley gives advice on 

buying the perfect scent 

WEALDEN BEAUTY 

Samantha Stone talks 

yoga and coconut oil 

HEALTH 

Top tips for avoiding the 

post-Christmas slump 

140 

145 

147 

151 

THE WINTER GARDEN 

A few creative projects to 

add colour to the garden 

SUGAR SHOCK 

Susan Elkin speaks out on sugar 

WHAT’S ON IN DECEMBER 

Festive fairs, carols and ice-skating 

COMPETITION 

Win a Clarkes sofa worth £1000 

78 

INTERIORS SUPPLEMENT 

16 pages of ideas and 

inspiration for your home 

126 

NOT CHRISTMAS 

PUDDING 

Scrummy and inspired 

alternatives to the 

traditional festive fare 

152 

FABLES FROM THE FARM 

Christmas at Coopers Farm means 

showtime for the fat pigs and porkers 

80 

FAMILY FAVOURITE 

Snuggle down and immerse 

yourself in the cosiness 

of this family home 

133 

SOUP AND A SANDWICH 

The perfect winterwarming 

combination 

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 wealdentimes.co.uk copyright JPS Media Ltd 2016©. 

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

11 wealdentimes.co.uk

Hadlow Down 

A traditionally built farmhouse with superb views over 

its own land and the South Downs beyond 

6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 4 reception rooms. Garaging. Excellent range of outbuildings. 

Swimming pool and pool house with kitchenette. Gardens and grounds of approximately 52 acres. 

Guide price: £2,500,000 

KnightFrank.co.uk/CHO160190 

rupert.connell@knightfrank.com 

KnightFrank.co.uk/tunbridge-wells 

01892 310700 

oliver.rodbourne@knightfrank.com 

KnightFrank.co.uk/country 

020 7861 1093 

@KF_TWells 

KnightFrank.co.uk

Goudhurst 

An attractive and immaculately presented attached oast 

house in a wonderful position with fantastic views 

4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 3 reception rooms. Gardens and grounds with formal 

gardens, vegetable/fruit garden, paddock and orchard. Detached garage (currently 

used as a gym/cycle room). EPC rating E. In all about 1.83 acres. 

Guide price: £1,250,000 

KnightFrank.co.uk/TNW160336 

simon.biddulph@knightfrank.com 

KnightFrank.co.uk/tunbridge-wells 

01892 310700 

@KF_TWells 

KnightFrank.co.uk

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 

Pluckley £775,000 

Impressive Grade II listed medieval farmhouse in grounds of 4.4 acres. 

Double garage with office, stables and 60ft x 20ft barn • Three Bedrooms • 

Two Reception Rooms • Two En Suites • Two Attic Rooms • EPC Exempt 

Ashford £899,995-£949,995 

Imposing detached home in an enviable location, with heated swimming 

pool, triple bay garage & gravelled driveway • Four Bedrooms • Study • Three 

Reception Rooms • Three Bathroom/En Suites • Detached Games Room 

Ashford £500,000-£550,000 

Originally a game keeper’s Lodge, this detached family home offers a 

wealth of character & charm with generous grounds • Four Bedrooms • 

Annexe Potential • Three Receptions • Conservatory • Detached Garage • EPC F 

Rolvenden £585,000 

Picturesque Grade II Listed Georgian family home, offering deceptively 

spacious accommodation & wealth of period features • Four Bedrooms • 

Cloakroom & Utility Room • Ensuite • Garage • CSCA • EPC Exempt 

Over 150 independently owned branches across the UK. 

Smarden £1,000,000-£1,200,000 

Delightful Grade II Listed Oast House set in approximately 1.45 acres of grounds • Six Bedrooms including Annexe • Study • Flexible Accommodation • Three 

Bathrooms/Shower Rooms • EPC Exempt 

ASHFORD 01233 613613 

HYTHE 01303 261557 

Over 150 independently owned branches across the UK. 

TENTERDEN 01580 763278 

FOLKESTONE 01303 210335

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

harpers and hurlingham 

Harpers&Hurlingham 

wish everyone 

Merry Christmas and 

Happy New Year 

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

Rye, East Sussex - £660,000 

One end of fine period property off shared private drive 

with southerly views across Rye Town. Sitting/dining room, 

kitchen, conservatory, four bedrooms, study/dressing room. 

Established 100’ garden. Detached garage. EPC E 

Northiam, East Sussex - £575,000 

Grade II listed detached granary conversion. Sitting room, 

dining room, study, kitchen/breakfast room, utility, 

master bedroom with en-suite, two further bedrooms, 

dressing room. 2 bay garage. Gardens and paddock 

approaching 1 acre. 

Camber, East Sussex - £339,950 

A three bedroom detached house situated within several 

hundred yards from the vast stretch of Camber Sands beach. 

Living room, kitchen/dining room, main bedroom with ensuite, 

2 further bedrooms. Single garage. Garden. EPC D 

Rye, East Sussex - £735,000 

Attached Victorian property, with widespread views across 

the Ancient Town. Reception hall, drawing room, sitting 

room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility/boot 

room, 4 bedrooms. Large mature garden. Off road parking. 

Garage. EPC E 

Winchelsea, East Sussex - £450,000 

Victorian town house in the Conservation Area overlooking 

the Church. 28’ sitting room, dining room, kitchen, 3 

double bedrooms. Outside attached gardener’s store & WC. 

150’ garden. Garage nearby. EPC D 

Stone-cum-Ebony, East Sussex - £1,100,000 

Stunning period barn. Vaulted drawing room & dining room, 

study, family room, sitting room, kitchen/breakfast room, 

utility, 3 double bedrooms. 2 bedroom annexe. Separate barn 

with garaging and studio. Garden and paddock of 1.5 acres. 

Stable. EPC G 

RYE OFFICE 01797 227338 

MAYFAIR OFFICE 0870 112 7099 

phillipsandstubbs.co.uk

DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY – Guide price £800,000 

Sheepstreet Lane, Etchingham, East Sussex TN19 7AY 

A STUNNING BRICK AND STONE BUILT BARN SET IN A RURAL LOCATION, 

DESIGNATED AS AN AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY. PLANNING 

PERMISSION EXISTS FOR THE CONVERSION TO PROVIDE A 6 BEDROOM 

DWELLING, CIRCA 6,297sq.ft. IN GROUNDS OF APPROXIMATELY 1.75 ACRES (tbv) 

New House Farm 

Granary as the name 

suggests is a former 

granary building 

of part brick and 

stone construction 

with elevated views. 

The barn has full 

planning permission 

to provide 

approximately 

6,297sq.ft. of living 

accommodation 

arranged over three 

floors. 

ACCOMMODATION 

Ground Floor: Reception Hall • WC • Drawing 

Room • Living Room • Dining Room • Kitchen 

• Walk-in Larder • Further WC • Boot Room 

• Laundry Room 

1st Floor: Master Bedroom Suite with walk-in 

wardrobe and en-suite bathroom • 5 further 

bedrooms • 2 further bathrooms • Bedroom 6 

with en-suite with shower and dressing room 

Basement: Utility room • Wine cellar • Cinema 

room • Gym with changing room, shower and WC 

TEL: 01892 517320 

EMAIL: production@indexmagazine.co.uk 

Customer SJD 1-2 

SJDprojectsWT178.indd 1 

Publication The INDEX Magazine - December 2016 - Issue 253 

10/11/2016 11:16 

Date sent 09 November 2016 

Deadline 11 November 2016 

The Coachworks 

JL 

Appreciate 

the Difference 

Proof reading notes 

DESIGNER 

New artwork created at SG Media 

ADVERTISEMENT PROOF 

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address, web address etc... We offer a free artwork service with two sets of amendments allowed. If further changes are required they will be charged at £45 per hour, or part 

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PLEASE NOTE The content of the advertisement is the responsibility of the advertiser – the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies. Positions in the magazine 

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Appledore Guide £795,000 

An unlisted 18th Century period house with modern facilities, extensive 

gardens, range of outbuildings and paddocks. In all about 3.5 acres. 

Between Woodchurch and Appledore. EPC Rating E 

Great Chart Guide £1,495,000 

Bright, airy & stylish Tudor Manor House, good ceiling heights, spacious 

rooms including a possible annexe with own entrance, set within this pretty 

village just ten minutes from Ashford International Station. EPC Rating NA 

Woodchurch Guide £649,950 

A delightful 18th Century Grade II Listed Farmhouse situated in 

this sought after village. The house has received comprehensive and 

sympathetic renovation retaining lots of character. EPC Rating NA 

St Michaels Guide £895,000 

Victorian farmhouse in quiet and peaceful location. Surrounded by its 

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characterful family house. In all just over 2 acres. EPC Rating F 

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village. Five bedrooms (two en-suite). EPC Rating TBA 

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Area with Oak framed wagon lodge and equestrian facilities including 

paddocks, stables and ménage. In all about 2.5 acres. EPC Rating NA 

Hobbs Parker Estate Agents 

Ashford: 01233 225371 | Tenterden: 01580 766766

HOUSE OF THE MONTH 

1. 

Ho ho homes 

Isobel Mackay is dreaming about perfect Christmas houses 

S 

Claus Esq. is an extremely flexible chap considering his legendary girth, 

presumably the result of scoffing the mince pie mountain left on British 

hearths on December 24th by hysterically overexcited small people. 

Despite a BMI which must alarm his GP, Mr Claus is able to get down the 

narrowest of chimneys and even to enter those – increasingly numerous – 

sitting rooms where a smart wood burner fills the open bit where he used to 

shoot out, boots first. 

The really amazing thing about him though, is that he’s able to deliver 

stocking swag even to houses which don’t have chimneys, let alone any kind of 

fireplace… What a guy. 

But while Santa, Prancer, Blixen, Rudolf etc seem able to cope with whatever 

roof/fireplace scenario they encounter, for we more earthbound beings a house 

that feels all set up for Christmas, without needing to put so much as a strand 

of tinsel in place, is magical in itself. 

So what’s on our collective letter to Santa for such a house? A fireplace big 

enough to get several small children into (and one fat man out of) has to be 

at the top, with a generous mantle from which to hang at least one symbolic 

stocking (the real things these days seem to be the size of king size duvet 

covers). A hall large enough to take a towering tree and accommodate crowds of 

wassailers for a Yuletide cup is another essential. The lobby of the Columbia Inn 

in Pine Tree, Vermont, as featured in White Christmas, is a handy benchmark, 

i.e. big enough to stage a small Broadway musical. 

Other considerations for our Christmas dream home would be a generous 

drawing room for present opening, an Aga to cook the feast, a big dining room 

to eat it and plenty of bedrooms to accommodate extended family. Perhaps in 

discreet smaller writing, lower down, we might request from Mr Claus, a quiet 

nook to sneak away for post-prandial naps. Possibly a separate wing. 

1. Harts House 

Where? In the sought after 

Boughton Quarries enclave of Boughton 

Monchelsea, about 3.5 miles south of 

Maidstone. (Google Maps ME17 4LY). 

What? This Grade II* listed 16th 

century Wealden hall house is the beam 

dream home, from its external exposed 

timber framework to its leaded windows, 

with every room so full of character 

they look as though Santa’s Elves could 

pop out at any moment. Santa would 

have a choice of entry via an original 

stone fireplace, or the back-to-back 

nook between two reception rooms. The 

ground floor has sitting room and study, 

kitchen/breakfast room, cellar below. Up 

one floor the master suite has bathroom 

and dressing room, with three more 

bedrooms and family bathroom. One has 

a priest hole behind panelling. On the 

second floor, two more bedrooms and a 

bathroom. Outside the approx. two acre 

gardens are equally full of charm, with an 

Elizabethan box hedge garden and a lake 

with an island, accessible via a bridge, plus 

outbuildings and three garages. 

How much? Harts House is listed 

with Fine & Country at West Malling 

with a guide price of £1.5 to £1.75 

million. Call 01732 222272 or look at 

fineandcountry.com 


24

2. 

3. 

4. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

2. West House 

Where? West House is in the heart of 

the pretty village of Goudhurst, within 

the catchment area of Cranbrook School. 

(Google Maps TN17 1AB). 

What? This beamy Grade II listed 

detached brick and tile-hung house, 

full of period features, is modernised 

just enough. It has high ceilings, wide 

floorboards, exposed brickwork, timber 

beams, fireplaces and panelled doors - and 

a splendid pantry. Accommodation is 

over three floors. The groundfloor has a 

drawing room with large bay window and 

fireplace; kitchen/dining room with open 

beams, farmhouse-style kitchen with Aga 

and a wood-burning stove in the dining 

area. There is also a family/play room, 

utility and boot rooms, cloakroom and 

cellar. On the first floor a master bedroom 

with en suite and dressing room, two 

further double bedrooms, a study and 

family bathroom. There are two more 

double bedrooms on the second floor. 

A delightful south-facing rear garden 

has a raised patio perfect for outside 

entertaining. Parking for three vehicles. 

How much?West House is priced 

at £895,000 and is on the market with 

Knight Frank in Tunbridge Wells. Call 

01892 882763 or visit knightfrank.co.uk 

3. The Old Vicarage 

Where? The Old Vicarage is located 

within the Conservation Area of the 

ancient village of East Farleigh, about 

three miles from Maidstone. (Google 

Maps ME15 0JW). 

What? A fine Grade II listed house, on 

the market for the first time since 1895, 

The Old Vicarage has every period feature 

you could dream of and serious historical 

credentials, as the home of the great antislavery 

campaigner, William Wilberforce. 

It has four reception rooms – all of them 

with impressive fireplaces, including 

carrara marble in the drawing room and 

an inglenook in the dining room. As well 

as a large kitchen, there’s a secondary 

kitchen, a laundry, a boot room and a 

cellar. Upstairs, a master bedroom with 

en suite, five more bedrooms and a family 

bathroom, with another three bedrooms – 

former servants’ quarters – above. Outside 

there’s extensive garaging in the old coach 

house, a games room and stores and an 

original ice house. The garden, over half 

an acre, is part walled, with a productive 

kitchen garden. 

How much? The Old Vicarage is 

listed with Jackson-Stops, Cranbrook, 

with a guide price of £1,250,000. Call 

01580 720000 or visit jackson-stops.co.uk 

4. Risebridge Farmhouse 

Where? Risebridge Farmhouse enjoys the 

best of rural and village settings, one mile 

from the centre of Goudhurst village and 

in the catchment for Cranbrook School. 

(Google Maps TN17 1HN). 

What? Built during the reign of 

Elizabeth I (late 16th century) Risebridge 

Farmhouse is a magnificent Grade II* listed 

Wealden hall house, with two inglenook 

fireplaces. Other period features include 

ceiling beams, timbers and latch cottage 

doors, wide oak floorboards and mullion 

windows. The large double aspect kitchen/ 

family room with lovely views across the 

gardens, has a four-oven Aga and walk-in 

larder. A garden room was added in 2005. 

A wide oak staircase leads up to a galleried 

landing with oak balustrade on the first floor, 

with a double aspect master bedroom with 

en suite, four bedrooms, all with walk-in 

wardrobes, two separate shower rooms and 

a family bathroom. There are two further 

bedrooms on the second floor. The house 

sits on approximately two acres of established 

lawned gardens, with Yorkstone paved terrace 

and a tennis court. 

How much? Risebridge Farmhouse is 

priced at £1,500,000 and is on the market 

with Lambert & Foster, Cranbrook. Call 

01580 712888, or visit lambertandfoster.co.uk 


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KalmoraSpaWT178.indd 1 23/11/2016 14:10 

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36 

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notebook 

Exhibitions & events 

near you this month... 

A Christmas story... 

For the past 26 years Wintershall Nativity Play has 

been getting people into the Christmas spirit, and 

this year will be no different. Performed outside and 

in the Barn Theatre from Wednesday 14 to Sunday 

18 December, the set is complete with shepherds, 

sheep, donkeys and three wise men on horseback. 

Come along warmly dressed, as it may get chilly 

and enjoy tea, coffee and mince pies before the 

performance. To book your tickets visit wintershallestate.com 

or call 01793 418299. 

Little bit of magic... 

Leeds Castle will be hosting another stunning 

Christmas market on the Cedar Lawn, overlooking 

the magnificent castle at weekends throughout 

December. With an array of seasonal gifts, toys, 

food and drink, this is an event for the whole family 

to enjoy together. Children can meet reindeer and 

have a ride on the traditional Victorian carousel. 

Entry is included in normal castle admission. Visit 

leeds-castle.com for further information. 

A warm welcome... 

Inside and out, stalls at this year’s Frost Fair at The 

Bell in Ticehurst will be laden with everything you 

need for a wonderful Christmas. Local produce 

and crafts will be on sale, with some exciting new 

vendors on Sunday 4 December from 11am to 

3 pm. Entry is free and seasonal refreshments will 

be available. Sunday lunch will also be served in 

the restaurant and booking for this is essential. For 

more information visit thebellticehurst.com 

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A special gift... 

Mascalls Academy in Paddock Wood are proud to be 

supporting Ellenor Hospice by hosting a fundraising 

Christmas Fair on Saturday 10 December between 

11am and 1pm. Ellenor is the only charity in Kent 

to provide hospice care for people of all ages, from 

babies to adults. There will be a host of fabulous 

stalls selling Christmas gifts, cards, pre-loved designer 

clothes, vintage and antique furniture, collectables 

plus festive refreshments, a tombola, a raffle and 

more. For more information or to book a stall, call 

01892 542058. 

Jolly jaunt... 

Throughout December Calverley grounds in 

Tunbridge Wells will be transformed into an 

enchanting winter wonderland. Families and 

friends can make the most of the festive period 

with ice-skating, seasonal food and drink and 

plenty of Christmas cheer. For prices, times and 

more information visit tunbridgewellsatchristmas.com 

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Deck the halls... 

If you fancy getting in touch with your creative 

side this Christmas, visit Knole in Sevenoaks from 

Monday 5 to Friday 9 December and learn to 

craft your own Christmas wreath. All supplies are 

provided for this hands-on workshop, and with 

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beautiful and unique decoration for your home. 

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Inspiring the future 

GB hockey player 

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There are some occasions in life 

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Editor’s 

Letter 

It only seems a minute since I was writing my first 

editor’s letter – and suddenly it’s December and I’m 

sad to be writing my last one. 

But sweetening my imminent farewell is doing it at my 

favourite time of year, with all the hustle and bustle of the 

lead up to Christmas. I love the busyness and excitement, 

party fun, getting weepy at carol services, decorating the 

tree and house – and necking way too many mince pies 

and glasses of mulled wine. 

All of which you will find reflected in this month’s 

magazine. There’s a perfect Christmas family house 

(page 80), ideas for festive desserts for those who don’t 

like the traditional figgy pud (page 126), inspiration for 

decorations you can gather in your own garden (page 137) 

and cosy fashion to snuggle up in (page 102). 

And to fill those odd empty days after December 

25th and before January 1st, you will find plenty in our 

Interiors Supplement to inspire you to plan some New 

Year redecorating. 

It’s been a joy being your editor on Wealden Times and 

I wish you the very happiest of Christmases. 

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 

Sarah Norwood 

Lisa Smith 

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

Wealden Times Events Team 

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

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

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WT 11/16 

WhiteheadMoncktonWT178.indd 1 17/11/2016 12:53 


ARE YOUR CHILDREN 

seizing life’s adventures? 

Let them be confident, creative 

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Scholarships are available for entry into Years 5, 7, 9 and 12 

Pick up the phone and speak to us at Ashford School 

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49 wealdentimes.co.uk 

ErasOfStyleWT175.indd 1 09/08/2016 16:13

Words: Jennifer Stuart-Smith 

Photographs: David Merewether 

Styling: Helen Barton 


50

Wall to wall style 

Ten years of DIY and the refined eye 

of a renowned wallpaper designer has 

transformed a wrecked house into an 

oasis of calm elegance 


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52 

atpalmer.co.uk 

ATPalmerWT176.indd 1 09/09/2016 11:44

Previous page: The mural in the sitting room is a lino cut called 

Poppy Tree, which Louise’s mother did in the 1950s. Louise 

found the 1960s Scandinavian Troeds sideboard on eBay. Above: 

The wall behind the dining table is papered with Louise’s design 

‘Midnight’ from her Forest range. The dining chairs were a 

Dunelm find, £5 each Right: The ‘tiles’ behind the cooker are 

actually Louise’s wallpaper ‘Old Blue’ 

Tea and DIY are considered by many to be two very 

British obsessions - and, it’s true, the two do go very 

well together, perhaps with the addition of some 

decent biscuits. At least, biscuits are what some of us need to 

muster the strength and enthusiasm for home improvement. 

Unless, that is, you are the wallpaper and fabric designer 

Louise Body and her husband Jonny, whose Hastings home is 

testament to ten years of ‘doing it themselves’ and to Louise’s 

incredible creative talent. They wouldn’t have it any other way. 

“Most things, we have done ourselves,” says Louise. “We’re 

both pretty practical and, if this doesn’t sound big-headed, I 

always think no-one will do as good a job as I can do!” When 

it comes to design and decor, it would be hard to disagree, and 

Louise’s work, as we are to find out, is dotted around every 

room. “Jonny can do a bit of plumbing, a bit of electrics, 

most things really, so we’ve hardly had to employ anyone.” 

Returning to the talk of tea and DIY, it’s perhaps 

worth explaining that Louise’s career in wallpaper design 

and manufacture began with a wallpaper design called: 

‘More Tea Vicar’. After a fine art degree and time spent 

living in India, Louise moved to Brighton, became part 

of the Maze studio group, and put on an exhibition 

called ‘Housebound’ - where her screen-printed design 

of teacups and hands went down a storm. 

 


Above: The Ercol table in the kitchen is from Glass Etc in Rye. The shawl was a gift. The watercolour of Louise’s grandparents’ cat 

Bumper was painted by her grandmother, Granny Jean 

 


54

Winter sale starts 

Tuesday 27th December 

Many new ranges to see at both stores. 

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“Soon after the Housebound exhibition, I was involved 

in a show called 100% Design - a big interiors trade 

show in London. At the time there were very few doing 

wallpaper - perhaps me and a couple of other girls. That 

was it.” Though she is unlikely to say it herself, Louise 

was a major player in the ‘wallpaper revival’. “A few of 

us were starting to do exciting things with wallpaper 

which hadn’t been done before,” says Louise, whose 

innovative and fresh approach continues to this day. 

As we walk through to the kitchen of this large, Victorian 

semi, we are met with a delicious display of Louise’s designs. 

The wall next to the kitchen table features ‘Midnight’ from 

her Forest wallpaper range, while those with an eye for 

Louise’s designs will also notice the ‘Old Blue’ Tile wallpaper 

behind the cooker and on the teatowels hanging on its rail. 

“The kitchen chairs were my bargain of the century,” 

says Louise, who cleverly mixes a few budget brands with 

her own high-end designs and gorgeous family heirlooms. 

“I got them from Dunelm Mill for £5 each - and they’ve 

since been discontinued.” The chairs are a simple, classic 

design which fits nicely with 1950s and 60s items dotted 

around the room, including a wooden 1960s starshaped 

clock which Louise found in a junk shop. 

The white kitchen units are wonderfully retro, with pale 

blue crackle-glaze Formica tops tying in with the pale blue 

walls and grey-painted floorboards. It is a far cry from what 

the couple discovered when they first saw the house: “It was 

in a complete state when we bought it,” says Louise. “There 

was no real kitchen - just a sink hanging off the wall and all 

the woodwork was orange pine. Every single thing... skirting 

boards, door frames, walls, everything. It was hideous!” 

Thank goodness for the house that it was bought by a couple 

with such good taste... generations of good taste, in fact. 

“I’m slightly embarrassed,” says Louise, “because so much of 

our stuff is either from family or from junks shops.” The fact 

that her relatives had more than their fair share of creative flair 

and that Louise lives in Hastings - a hotbed of ‘junk shops’ 

and architectural reclamation - all adds up to a lot of potential. 

“Both my grandmothers were artists,” says Louise, 

before pointing to a pretty drawing on the opposite wall. 

“Granny Jean did that pencil drawing and watercolour 

of Bumper, our old cat.” Such personal touches add 

an immeasurable sense of homeliness to the place. 

I’m dying to look around the rest of the house... 

Out into the lofty hallway and stairwell we go, and are 

instantly reminded of the generous proportions of Victorian 

homes. Space was one of the main attractions for Louise and 

Jonny: “We were living in a three-bedroom cottage on 

Above: The walls in the dining room are painted in Farrow & 

Ball Pale Powder. The drinks cabinet was £16 from Courthouse 

Mews reclamation yard in Hastings Old Town, the menorah was 

from another Hastings antique shop. The low armchair by Ercol, 

covered in Louise’s fabric Left: The wallpaper is from Louise’s 

Murals collection, this one is called Still Lake. The painting 

propped against the wall is by Oskar Barblain 


Whiskey the cat guards a display cabinet of china treasures 

 


58

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RobinsonWaters 

Lintel 

54 

TraditionalBespokeFurnitureWT158.indd 1 20/03/2015 12:15 

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1 08/11/2016 09:41

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HammertonsWT176.indd 4 05/09/2016 CheekyMonkeyWT173.indd 15:54 

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60 

AtkinsAntiquesWT178.indd 1 21/11/2016 ClipClopWT178.indd 16:15 

1 23/11/2016 10:53

Previous page: The wall sconce is from Butlers Emporium in 

Hastings Old Town, rewired by Philip Oakley Above: The dining 

chairs are from various junk shops Left: The lampshades in the 

sitting room are from the range Louise used to sell at Liberty, in 

her designs Autumn Leaves and Erotica, which was inspired by 

the work of Aubrey Beardsley 

West Hill in Hastings, but quickly outgrew it,” says Louise, 

who now shares the house, not only with her husband Jonny 

but also with their two children, Isaac, 10, and Marney, 7. 

Louise grew up with her two siblings in a huge Victorian 

house in Surrey (the house was split between five families) 

so feels very at home with high ceilings and big windows. 

But it does make for a very large blank canvas. “We’ve 

worked on it gradually, over ten years,” says Louise, as we 

head into the open-plan living room-cum-dining room. 

The couple knocked through to create one huge room, as 

opposed to two, with complementary decor linking the two 

areas. A large dining table occupies the rear of the room, 

next to a modest fireplace and overlooking the garden. 

“The wallpaper is from my new Murals collection and is 

called ‘Still Lake’,” says Louise, when prompted, “and the 

walls are painted in Pale Powder by Farrow & Ball.” 


Louise gilded the fireplace with copper leaf herself. “It’s really easy 

to use - but then you want to copper leaf everything!” 

 


62

WE BELIEVE 

In simple perfection 

WE BELIEVE 

Where some see paper, we see an opportunity to create something hand-made. 

In simple perfection 

Where some see wood, we see the beauty in natural materials. 

Where some see fallen twigs, we see a festive table brought to life. 

Where some see paper, we see an opportunity to create something hand-made. 

Where some This see is wood, Christmas, we see the as nature beauty intended. 

natural materials. 

Where some see fallen twigs, we see a festive table brought to life. 

Balmoral dining table, £2,990. William armchair in Hugo Mustard, £700. 

Highbury candle sticks, £22. Hoxton white wine glasses - set of 6, £40. 

This is Christmas, as nature intended. 

Balmoral dining table, £2,990. William armchair in Hugo Mustard, £700. 

neptune.com Highbury candle sticks, £22. Hoxton white wine glasses - set of 6, £40. 

Concepts, 8 Market Street, Rye, East Sussex TN31 7LA 

01797 225222, conceptsrye.com 

neptune.com 

Concepts, 8 Market Street, Rye, East Sussex TN31 7LA 

01797 225222, conceptsrye.com 

Concepts_RyeFixtures_XMAS_210x135_OS_NOV_2016.indd 1 14/10/2016 16:46:53 

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FireplaceCompanyWT178.indd 1 14/11/2016 14:40

Sissinghurst Flowers 

made with love 

Weddings Life Events Courses 

www.sissinghurstflowers.co.uk 

Telephone: 01580 852144 / 07977 142447 

GrahamClarkeWT178.indd 1 18/11/2016 MadeWithLoveWT178.indd 09:47 

1 14/11/2016 11:33 

traditional handmade furniture 

Kitchens 

Bedrooms 

Studies 

Showroom: 78 London Road, Southborough 

Tunbridge Wells, Kent. TN4 0PP 

Tel: 01892 533273 

Web: Woodworkkitchens.co.uk 


64 

WoodworkWT178.indd 1 10/11/2016 14:32

Previous page: The painting over the woodburner is by Oskar Barblain Above left: The wallpaper in the porch is Louise’s design 

Grapevine, from the Paper Tiles collection Above right: The foldaway table belonged to her grandfather 

Beautifully arranged, select items, dot the surfaces. What 

looks like a cylindrical copper vase is in fact a shell case, 

saved and polished by her grandfather Peter after the war. 

And this is not the only copper-coloured decoration; 

elsewhere there is a large copper vase, a partially coppered 

vase... and in the living area next door, the entire 

fireplace has been gilded, with the same warm metallic 

hue. I was unaware that you could buy copper leaf, I 

remark. “Yup, you can buy copper leaf, just like gold 

leaf,” says Louise. “It’s really easy to use - but then you 

just want to copper leaf everything!” she adds. Louise 

was clearly ahead of the trend for copper homewares. 

On the wall, gilded sconces add a classical, rather than 

retro tone and tie in with the original plasterwork on the 

ceiling: “The sconces were from Butler’s Emporium on 

George Street, then my friend Philip Oakley re-wired them 

for me,” says Louise. Beside the dining-room table are two 

simple, 1950s style chairs including an Ercol chair which 

Louise bought on eBay and had covered with her own fabric. 

Looking through to the living room area, at the front 

of the house, I catch a glimpse of the copper-painted 

fireplace. That, and the smell of scented candles, is 

enough to tempt me through, to sit on the plush, shagpile 

rug and admire the room. It’s hard not to immediately 

start looking for Louise’s handiwork, although it’s not 

always immediately obvious what is her work and what 

has been created by talented friends and family. 

By the fireplace is a huge standard lamp and next to it, a 

lower table-style lamp. The latter’s shade features a design with 

echoes of Aubrey Beardsley... but is in fact a design that Louise 

sold at Liberty, called ‘Erotica’. Perhaps Aubrey did have some 

influence? The other, a pretty design featuring ferns, leaves 

and flowers, is more modestly titled ‘Autumn Leaves’. “The 

ferns and flowers were ones I found in a sketchbook of my 

grandmother’s about 15 years after she died. So I literally 

just put them on to a silk screen and exposed the screen.” 

Opposite the fireplace, and overlooking a huge sofa 

scattered with plump cushions covered in vintage fabric, is 

another of Louise’s murals, this time called ‘Poppy Tree’. It’s a 

suitably dramatic backdrop for a 1960s Scandinavian Troeds 

sideboard, bought on eBay by Louise and topped with a spaceage 

lamp from Snooper’s Paradise in Brighton. A spindly, 

spiky Dracaena plant, which stands where the dividing wall 

used to be, adds a touch of 70s kitsch to this light and airy 

living area. The 70s flavour is repeated as we continue the tour 

upstairs, passing a print of a Swiss Cheese plant, with Louise’s 

signature in the corner... before arriving on the landing. 

The landing not only links the upstairs bedrooms, 


Above: On the landing. Louise made the paper dresses out of old maps Below left: On the stairs up to the attic, Louise’s wallpaper 

Traily Plant. On the wall opposite, strings of shells hang down Below right: The landing wall is painted in Downpipe by Farrow & 

Ball. The lampshade is Louise’s design 

 


66

Beautiful, bespoke kitchens and cabinetry. 

Designed for the discerning. 

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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 

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KibblewhiteWT167.indd 4 27/11/2015 12:46

Claris’s Retirement Sale 

Everything Significantly Reduced 

Special Sale Weekend 3 rd & 4 th December 

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68 

SussexStoneWT178.indd 1 23/11/2016 10:54

Above: The wallpaper over the bed is a work in progress for 

a new line Miss Match, which Louise will hand finish with 

metallic leaf. The bedside table is another Hastings Old Town 

find Below: The print over the fireplace is by Eric Ravilious, a 

birthday present from husband Jonny. The footstool belonged to 

Louise’s grandparents and has been recovered in her fabric Dotto-Dot. 

The jug vase is from Snoopers Paradise in Brighton 

but also works as an uncluttered gallery space for 

Louise’s art works, her grandmothers’ pictures and a 

recent picture of a fox, created by Isaac: “It’s a dry point 

etching, which he made on a lovely course in Hastings,” 

says Louise, with justifiable pride. It’s clear he’s got the 

family talent. Opposite, on the stairwell which leads 

to the attic rooms, I notice a rather different style of 

wallpaper. Could this be by someone else? “No, that’s one 

of mine too,” Louise chuckles, “called ‘Traily Plant’.” 

It’s clear that being a wallpaper and fabric designer 

comes in handy when doing up your own home, but the 

proliferation of Louise’s work also has a lot to do with the 

fact that she uses her home as a testing ground and also 

for photoshoots. “They always give me a push. The other 

day a friend needed to do a shoot for a new interiors book, 

called Creative Country, and that gave me a push to get 

a few more things finished. So, every time I have to do a 

photoshoot, something else gets done in the house!” 

 


It’s not always immediately obvious what is Louise’s work and 

what has been created by talented friends and family 

 


70

Visit Our Showroom 

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72 

BackfromBlackWT176.indd 1 13/09/2016 12:31

Left and below: Daughter Marney’s room. The picture over 

the desk was a birthday gift from a friend. The perspex ‘illusion 

table’ by the bed is by Essey and was bought online ten years 

ago. The cushions on the bed are Louise’s designs. The print of 

The Tiger Who Came to Tea was free in The Times and Louise 

had it framed 

A perfect example of this can be seen in the master 

bedroom, which features one of Louise’s latest designs 

behind the bedstead: seemingly misaligned rolls of 

wallpaper featuring colourful splodges of paint. “It was 

meant to be a mural, and then I thought ‘actually, I quite 

like not hanging it in sequential order’, so you get those 

mismatched panels. They don’t join up, but I prefer it.” 

The wallpaper is going to be a new line, which Louise is 

working on at the moment: “It’s called ‘Miss Match’ and 

I’m going to hand-finish it with metallic leaf.” Seeing it insitu, 

in this high-ceilinged, period room brings it to life. 

Tranquil tones proliferate in the main bedroom, starting 

with the ‘Miss Match’ wall. Cushions covered in Louise’s 

and vintage fabrics adorn the bed and she has worked her 

magic on the little rendered fireplace at the foot of the bed, 

lining it with her Buttercup Blue Tile wallpaper. On the 

wall beside the bed hangs an ornate, gilded picture frame, 

decorated with fairy lights but lacking a picture within: “It 

had one of my ancestors in it,” says Louise. “It’s an amazing 

picture, a pastel, I just don’t really like it. She’s in the junk

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74 

CrossBuildersWT153.indd 1 22/10/2014 11:24

Above: The chair is from Louise’s grandmother. Louise made the rag doll for Marney’s first birthday. Jonny bought the fabric cat from 

a shop in Brighton after Louise spotted it in the window 

room now.” In such a beautifully decorated house it’s easy to 

see how an unattractive relative might not make the cut! 

Last but not least, we take a peek into Marney’s bedroom, 

which occupies a prime spot at the back of the house, looking 

out over a long garden, the gardens of neighbouring houses 

– and the sea. This little room is full of thoughtful touches 

and family pieces, including a rag doll made by Louise for 

Marney when she was just a year old, and pretty watercolours 

by both grandmothers, above the bed. I miss the ‘invisible 

table’ by the bed, which apparently is a design classic, before 

my eyes settle on a woodblock of letters, spelling out Marney’s 

name. “It’s usually spelt with an ‘ie’ but I wanted her to 

have a ‘y’ in her name as it’s much more fun to sign your 

name with a ‘y’ at the end, isn’t it? And a sweeping ‘y’ looks 

pretty cool, I reckon.” It’s no wonder, given such an acute 

visual sense, that Louise’s house is as pretty as a picture. 

Address Book: 

Louise Body Wallpaper, Fabric & Design 

07889 465552 louisebody.com 

Butlers Emporium butlersemporium.com 

Collins and Hayes collinsandhayes.co.uk 

Farrow & Ball farrow-ball.com 

Glass Etc 01797 226600 

Jane Pritchard 07812 146120 

Made made.com 

Philip Oakley Illuminations oakleyilluminations.co.uk 

Shimizu Flowers shimizuflowershastings.com 

Snoopers Paradise snoopersattic.co.uk 

Teresa’s Fabrics 01424 422001 


LONDON 

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

Bartleet & Sons 

mortar and pestle 

Amaroni Home 

£25 amaroni.com 

Chasseur cast iron 

casserole dish in chilli 

red, £120, Amaroni 

Home amaroni.com 

Velvet ombre cushion 

in green £27, Oliver 

Bonas oliverbonas.com 

Arlo mosaic rug 

in denim, £69 

The Rug Seller 

therugseller.co.uk 

Get the look 

Cloud grey Velvet Cushion, 

£32, The French Bedroom Co 

frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk 

Recycled bottle vase 

Abode Living, £45 

abodeliving.co.uk 

Felicity floor lamp 

Argos, £79.99 

argos.com 

Green Tea velvet 

cushion, £32, Idyll 

Home idyllhome.co.uk 

Sky Blue velvet cushion, £32 

The French Bedroom Co 

frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk 

Concrete gold brass hanging 

planter, £14.95, Made With Love 

madewithlovedesigns.co.uk 

Wooden star 

Christmas 

lights, £30, The 

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Home 

tch.net 

Truman table lamp, £35 

made.com 

Jefferson armchair in 

Granite Grey, £349 

Swoon Editions 

swooneditions.com 


MERRY CHRISTMAS 

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HUUTT-WT178.indd 1 14/11/2016 15:24

WT Interiors Supplement sponsored by 

Contents 

What better way to spend cosy winter evenings than 

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5 Insider information 

Expert insight on what’s new in decorating 

9 Top tables 

Celebrating the dining table 

14 Lush plush 

Lots to love in gorgeous velvets 

16 Directory 

The pick of interior design and decorating resources 

Cover: Autentico, photo by Anette Jidlow 

Above: Pinter chair by Huutt 


RespireLivingWT178.indd 1 14/11/2016 15:17

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1 10/11/2016 10:13 


4 

EnsorInteriorDesignWT178.indd 1 08/11/2016 12:48


Inside information 

It’s an exciting time in interiors with lots of new ideas – so we asked five 

leading designers to tell us what they’re loving now 

Belinda Benton of Evernden Interiors 

“We’re very excited by the new collection from Mulberry Home. 

We love Rain Dance, a beautiful textured, appliqued fabric. We 

also like less well known designers like Penny Morrison, Veere 

Grenney and Blithfield, who do beautiful fabrics. I know when I 

really like something because I want to put it in my own home! 

“Blue is supposed to be a big thing this year, but I think what’s 

coming is dark green - and I also feel there’s a gentle move back 

towards soft pink. I like that and feel comfortable with it. 

“What we do is a contemporary take on classic, but we are 

seeing eclectic use of pattern - quite strong patterns. Kit Kemp 

of Firmdale Hotels has created a style that people want. We 

work on a quieter, less is more basis, but I like what she does.” 

Evernden Interiors, Stone Street, Cranbrook 

01580 713778 everndeninteriors.co.uk 

“Curtains don’t need to be a big statement. 

They should enhance a space, not be the 

subject of it.” 

Rain Dance by Mulberry 

Home, available from 

Evernden Interiors 

Curtain poles by Bradley, 

available from Bell House 

Fabrics & Interiors 

“Interiors are following the fashion industry 

ever more closely – and soft pink is the 

emerging colour right now.” 

Paul Jenner of Bell House 

Fabrics & Interiors 

“We’re excited about the new possibilities technology 

is opening up in interiors. The French company 

Somfy has a new system for motorising blinds, so we 

can get the price down now to £120 for automated 

roller and Roman blinds. That’s getting very popular. 

“We also love what’s happening in curtain 

poles. The main company we use is Bradley and 

they are developing beautiful finishes, so your 

hardware becomes part of your design scheme. 

They do about five different blacks, copper, high 

gloss, matt, so we can really play about with that. 

They are also very good technically with things 

like bay window, so there are design solutions. 

It’s so important to get curtain hardware right. 

“We now stock Paint Library, a fantastic 

range of beautiful paint. They have a big 

following with the London designers for their 

architectural colours – 15 or 16 shades, graded 

in order of intensity, to be used together.” 

Bell House Fabrics & Interiors, High Street, 

Cranbrook 01580 712555 bellhousefabrics.co.uk 



Sue Thomas-Richardson, Design Director 

Jenny Blanc Interior Design 

“Dining tables seem to be moving on. We’ve just introduced a new look 

into the showroom with a new table, not quite refectory, but grained 

wood with a nice wash on it. Before we would have gone for metal base 

with a glass top, so this is a little bit more friendly and cosy – less formal. 

“Something that’s really exciting us at the moment is 

the fabulous variety of textured wallpapers, so versatile, 

so interesting. There is stronger colour coming through, 

with bold pattern, which is great fun to work with. 

“We enjoy trying to gain clients’ confidence to be bold with things 

like lovely rich teals, aubergine/claret, contrasting with cooler papers, 

or vice versa. People are very happy to use strong colour and texture as 

long as it’s balanced and that’s great fun for us when we’re designing.” 

Jenny Blanc Interior Design 

59 High St, Teddington 020 8943 4144 jennyblanc.com 

A tablescape by Jenny Blanc 

“Everybody wants it to be more 

homey now, but elegant too.” 

Colefax & Fowler 

Melisande, available 

from Rectory Interiors 

Emma Goodsell at Rectory Interiors 

“We love the printed velvets which are coming through, 

they’re glorious. Colefax & Fowler, Romo and Mulberry have 

all done them and GP & J Baker were granted access into 

the archives of the Royal Palaces charity at Kew Gardens. 

“We’re excited about more relaxed and less formal 

curtains – a lot longer, lovely loose relaxed elegance, 

sometimes not lined, floaty and flowy, they feel luxurious. 

“In lighting it seems to be anything that’s had a life 

somewhere else beforehand – perhaps it’s been in a 

London club, or started life as something else entirely. 

Table legs are being made into great lamp bases.” 

Rectory Interiors, 26 Wish Street, Rye 

01797 222511 rectoryinteriors.co.uk 

Lisa Evans, Sarah Clarke and Jo Vincent 

– designers at Ensor Interior Design 

“There has been a tropical influence: pineapples, ferns 

and palms seen on wallpaper, lighting, accessories. 

We love this pineapple lamp. Moving on from 

that, we are now seeing really large scale dramatic 

floral designs, often on moody backgrounds. 

“There is also a move towards bigger pieces of furniture 

and lighting, as well as very large scale designs on wallpaper, 

as clients become braver at using pattern and colour. 

“Texture is also a major consideration, cushions being used 

to bring different textures into a scheme – knitted wools, 

sumptuous velvets, printed linens, embroidered fabrics, 

sheepskin and fur throws, and more recently we’ve seen an 

increase in use of trims such as Robert Allen’s brushed fringe. 

“The love of copper that we saw in 2015/2016 

is beginning to wane and we are seeing a move 

towards more timeless tones of brass and gold.” 

Ensor Interior Design, 37 High Street, Frant and 45 High 

St, Cuckfield 01444 417000 ensorinteriordesign.co.uk 

“Buyers are looking for those one-off 

quirky pieces to add interest to a room, 

sourced from small local businesses or 

global artisan products.” 

Wallpaper by Ashley 

Woodson Bailey, available 

from Ensor Interior Design 

“There was a hint of the dreaded swags 

and tails coming back – but it doesn’t seem 

to have come to fruition.” 


6

Affordable interior 

design service 

Professional service, advice, 

design and making of 

soft furnishing projects. 

Small to whole design; 

with help choosing fabrics, 

paints & wallpapers. 

EI 

E v E r n d E n 

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Curtains, Roman blinds, 

pelmets, bedspreads, swags 

and tails, cushions etc. 

Over 20 years experience 

in quality hand-made, 

made-to-measure services. 

Personal touch, 

covering all areas of 

East Sussex & Kent. 

Supply of shutters: 

Venetian, Vertical, Roller 

and Perfect Fit blinds. 

Auburn furnishings & design 

Find me on Facebook @Auburnfurnishings 

01424 777320 / 07791 627975 

www.auburnfurnishings.co.uk 

01580 713778 

www.everndeninteriors.co.uk 

info@everndeninteriors.co.uk 

Stone Street • Cranbrook • TN17 3HF 

AuburnFurnishingsWT178.indd 1 07/11/2016 EverndenInteriorsWT178.indd 15:40 

1 21/11/2016 17:14 

4 The Glenmore Centre, Moat Way, Ashford, TN24 0TL 


AutenticoWT175.indd 1 17/08/2016 11:35

Rectory Interiors 

FABRIC & WALLPAPER SHOWROOM 

FrenchDepot 

Bespoke soft furnishings & upholstery 

Extensive pattern book library 

Full measuring, making & fitting service 

Poles, tracks & accessories 

At home consultations 

In house Interior Design 

The Old Forge, 

24 Wish Street, 

Rye TN31 7DA 

01797 222511 

www.rectoryinteriors.co.uk www.rowanplowden.com 07702 046451 

The largest French furniture 

warehouse in the South. 

5000sq.ft. of French furniture 

and effects including 

over 200 French beds. 

Telephone Hastings 

01424 423703 

www.thefrenchdepot.com 

RectoryInteriorsWT178.indd 1 08/11/2016 FrenchDepotWT160.indd 14:53 

1 11/05/2015 17:07 

T: 01323 847759 

Unit 1, Burfield Park, South Road, Hailsham, E Sussex BN27 3JL 

www.thorndale-furnishers.co.uk 

Upholstered Furniture, Dining 

Furniture, Beds & Bedroom Furniture 

Get ready for THE MASSIVE WINTER 

FURNITURE SALE starts Tuesday 27 th December 

Open Monday–Saturday, 9am–5pm 


8 

ThorndaleFurnishersWT178.indd 1 07/11/2016 12:56


Team7 Tak table, 

£8,650, 

Wharfside 

wharfside.co.uk 

Top table 

Cherish your dining table and choose it with care - Isobel Mackay 

believes they’re the foundation of civilisation as we know it 

A 

table is much more than a piece of furniture. 

It can be the very heart of a home. We’re not 

talking about coffee tables here, or the kind 

you have next to an armchair to put your glass of wine 

on, but the table around which you eat your meals. 

Or at least I hope you eat them at a table… there have 

been too many press reports in recent years of an alarming 

rise in the number of families where everyone eats their meals 

separately, on their laps, in front of their own particular 

screens. And worse – of homes that don’t even have a table 

everyone could sit at together if they wanted to, so low are 

shared meals on their priorities. What a sorry state of affairs. 

Households – not just families, but any group of people 

who live together – are brought together by sharing food. Our 

caveperson ancestors scoffed the hunted feast together around 

the fire, surely one of the things which helped to bond family 

groups into tribes, which led on to organised society and 

civilisation as we know it. We abandon it again at our peril. 

The Italians know what they’re doing with those 

long tables seating several generations together, from 

silver-haired nonnas, to tiny tots, to enjoy a hearty 

home-made meal. It bonds the famiglia together. 

For those of us who enshrine that ritual every 

evening, even if we still have a dining room for ‘best’, it’s 

increasingly done at a table in the kitchen. But while it 

may be a table in a kitchen, this is very different from the 

old idea of a kitchen table as the cook’s work horse. 

Chopping, grating, mixing and kneading are 

mostly done now on kitchen work tops and central 

islands at ergonomic height – for the eating part 

 

Ercol 

Romana 

dining table, 

£1,835, Clarkes 

clarkesfurnishers. 

co.uk 

Team7 

Mylon dining 

table, from 

£2,384, Wharfside 



Team7 Tak table, 

£8,650, 

Wharfside 



Albero 

pedestal 

dining table, 

from £1,485, David 

Salmon Furnishers 

davidsalmon. 

co.uk 

Team7 Nox 

dining table, from 



it’s all taken over to the table, chosen for aesthetic 

virtues, rather than rolling pin compatibility. 

This reinvented kitchen table is also where breakfasts 

are eaten – rushed in the week, leisurely on Sundays - 

homework is done, school projects assembled, newspapers 

spread out, tea and sympathy shared with friends 

(sometimes segueing straight on to wine and sympathy…) 

and hilarious games of cards, Bananagrams etc played. For 

many households it’s also where entertaining is done. 

A piece of furniture of such central importance – to 

both décor, family and social life – is not something 

to be chosen lightly, in haste, nor is it a purchase to 

make by remote control, online. You need to choose 

your new table in person, somewhere you can touch 

it and sit at it, try it for size. Make sure it will feel 

like part of your family and reflect who you are. 

Such an important piece of furniture is worth 

making a serious investment in – both financial 

and emotional. Civilisation depends on it. 

 

Team7 Yps 




Team7 Flaye 




Yask 

dining 

table, from 

£1,700, David 

Salmon Furnishers 

davidsalmon. 

co.uk 


10

Merry 

Christmas 

Distinctive Interiors 

www.skinnersoftunbridgewells.co.uk 

Email: sarah@skinnersoftunbridgewells.co.uk 

6 Castle Street, Royal Tunbridge Wells, 

Kent TN1 1XJ Tel: 01892 532003 

LIGHTING · FURNITURE · GIFTS · ANTIQUES · MIRRORS · RUGS 

57 High Street, Heathfield TN21 8HU 

www.tinkerandtoad.com 

01435 863535 

SkinnersWT178.indd 1 14/11/2016 TinkerAndToadWT178.indd 14:47 

1 14/11/2016 10:36 

FINE HANDMADE FURNITURE, OAK DOORS, 

FLOORING & OTHER BESPOKE JOINERY 

MADE FOR YOUR HOME 

Manufactured by C R Foreman Ltd 

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 

OUR ANNUAL CHRISTMAS EVENT 

FRIDAY 9TH DECEMBER 10 AM - 5 PM, SATURDAY 10TH DECEMBER 11 AM - 4 PM. 

Drinks and mince pies. Discounts on the day. Experienced staff on hand to discuss your project. 

Furniture in stock for immediate delivery 

Tel. 01622 743747 | Email. info@tudor-oak.co.uk | www.tudor-oak.co.uk 


BespokeAndPeriodJoineryLtdWT178.indd 1 14/11/2016 15:12

Alwinton in Rosehip 

Sofas and beds, handmade in Britain, in any fabric in the world 

The Estate Yard, Eridge, Nr Tunbridge Wells, Kent,TN3 9JR 

01892 572 309 Stores Nationwide Free Parking sofasandstuff.com 

Discover the magic of Christmas... 

SofasAndStuffWT178.indd 1 04/11/2016 10:11 

...at Trading Boundaries 


Gifts, furniture, 

homeware, 

jewellery and more... 

enjoy lunch in our 

café too! 

Festive Events 

Friday 9th & Saturday 10th December - Christmas party nights with live music from Cuban band Son Yambu 

and a three-course Christmas menu - Tickets: £55.00 

Friday 23rd December - Christmas concert with carols - With mulled wine and mince pies - Tickets: £35.00 

New Year’s Eve party - Live music, gourmet buffet and fizz at midnight - Tickets: £75.00 

TRADING BOUNDARIES 

Sheffield Green, Nr Fletching, East Sussex,TN22 3RB T: 01825 790200 www.tradingboundaries.com 

On the A275 just 20 mins from Tunbridge Wells, East Grinstead and Lewes 

TB_Wealden_Interiors_Dec.indd 1 15/11/2016 16:20 

12 

TradingBoundariesWT178.indd 1 15/11/2016 16:36

Tavola dining 

table, £1,395 

Trading Boundaries 

tradingboundaries. 

com 

Handmade 

solid oak dining 

table, £3,498 

Deacon & Sandys 

deaconandsandys. 

co.uk 

Forza 

cluster table 

with Jupiter chairs 

table from £400 

Cobham Furniture 

cobhamfurniture. 

co.uk 

Faux bamboo 

dining table, £295 

Eras of Style 

erasofstyle.com 

Ash 

and walnut 

country dining 

table, £1,700, Oliver 

Manning Press 

olivermanning 

press.com


Mitford sofa, 

£1,155, 

HUUTT 

huutt.com 

Matthew Williamson 

Mirage, from £1185, 


cobhamfurniture.co.uk 

Matthew Williamson 

Cushions, from £55, 


cobhamfurniture.co.uk 

Lush plush 

Soft, warm, rich, luxurious and just gorgeous 

to touch… it’s no surprise velvet is back 

Blotto navy cotton velvet 

cushion, from £65, 

Oyster Hill Interiors 

oysterhillinteriors.co.uk 

Antique velvet chair, 

upholstered in Zoffany 

‘The Gondolier’ in 

Twilight, £120/m, Skinners 

of Tunbridge Wells 

skinnersoftunbridgewells.co.uk 

Blighty sofa, £1,600, ottoman, 

£380, Tenterden House Interiors 

tenterdenhouseinteriors.co.uk 

Voluptuous Velvets in 

18 colours, HUUTT 

huutt.com 

Adelphi double bedstead, 

£1,285, Lenleys 

lenleys.co.uk 


14 

Ferdinand Chair in Ava 

velvet, £1,495, Respire Living 

respireliving.com


Interiors 

A Wealden Times Supplement Directory 

Door & Drawer Handles 

These Please 01435 817153 

www.theseplease.co.uk 

Furniture 

The French Depot Hastings 01424 

423703 www.thefrenchdepot.com 

Huutt 01233 840847 huutt.com 

Oliver Manning Press 01227 731765 / 

07808 001844 olivermanningpress.com 

Sofas & Stuff Tunbridge Wells 

01892 572309 sofasandstuff.com 

Thorndale Furnishers Ltd 

Hailsham 01323 847759 

thorndale-furnishers.co.uk 

Tudor Oak Boughton Monchelsea 

01622 743747 tudor-oak.co.uk 

Furniture Restoration 

Susan Surgey Ashford 

01233 877342 / 07712 

451104 susansurgey.co.uk 

Interiors & Soft 

Furnishings 

Aquarius Soft Furnishings & Wool 

Shop Coxheath 01622 744265 / 

746454 aquariussoftfurnishings.co.uk 

Auburn Furnishings & Design 

01424 777320 / 07791 627975 

auburnfurnishings.co.uk 

Clare Langdon Interiors 01233 

850829 clarelangdonineriors.co.uk 

Curtains Etc. 07974 910812 

Ensor Interior Design Frant 

& Cuckfield 01444 417000 

ensorinteriordesign.co.uk 

Evernden Interiors 

Cranbrook 01580 713778 

everndeninteriors.co.uk 

Rectory Interiors Rye 01797 

222511 rectoryinteriors.co.uk 

Respire Living 01424 

433000 respireliving.com 

Skinners of Tunbridge Wells 

Tunbridge Wells 01892 523003 

skinnersoftunbridgewells.co.uk 

’Tasha Interiors Lamberhurst 

01892 890769 tashainteriors.co.uk 

Tenterden House Interiors 

Tenterden 01580 764481 

tentedenhouseinteriors.co.uk 

Tinker & Toad Heathfield 01435 

863535 tinkerandtoad.com 

Trading Boundaries Sheffield Green 

01825 790200 tradingboundaries.com 

Paint 

Autentico Ashford 01233 878303 

autentico-chalk-paint.co.uk 

Aquarius Soft Furnishings & Wool Shop 

Knitting wool & Haberdashery Ribbons, buttons, elastic, sewing aids 

Curtain making & Upholstery Fabrics, Linings, tapes, hooks & much more 

ALL STYLES OF CURTAINS, 

HAND MADE IN OUR WORKSHOP 

We can supply Fabrics or make up your own 

CURTAIN TRACKS & POLES SUPPLIED 

Including electric curtain tracks 

BLINDS Roller, Roman, Vertical, Venetian, Pleated 

UPHOLSTERY & LOOSE COVERS also Cushion replacements 

2 The Oast, Clockhouse Farm, Coxheath ME17 4PB Established 1976 

Telephone: 01622 744265 or 746454 Email: aquarius.1@btconnect.com 

www.aquariussoftfurnishings.co.uk 

Clare Langdon 

INTERIORS 

Made to measure 

curtains & blinds 

Tracks & poles 

Measuring & fitting service 

Home consultation 

Fabrics & design advice 

Telephone 01233 850829 

clarelangdoninteriors.co.uk 

Restoring Quality 

AquariusSoftFurnishingsWT176.indd 1 23/09/2016 ClareLangdonWT177.indd 12:35 

1 24/10/2016 16:04 

Made to measure soft furnishings 

Jaki Willson NDA Dip3 

e: curtainsetc@btinternet.co.uk 

m: 07974 910812 

Curtains • Blinds • Cushions 

Full restoration service. Over 

25 years’ experience. Including 

Cabinet Making, French 

Polishing, Finishing / Colouring / 

Distressing, Gilding, Veneering. 

Call me for a free quote or 

advice. On site work available. 

SUSAN SURGEY 

Restorer of Fine Antique Furniture 

Ashford 01233 877342 

or 07712 451104 

For examples, please visit 

www.susansurgey.co.uk 


16 

CurtainsEtcWT178.indd 1 09/11/2016 SusanSurgeyWT177.indd 17:12 

1 18/10/2016 15:14

MOUNTS HILL 

BESPOKE KITCHENS, FURNITURE AND JOINERY 

www.mountshill.com | 01580 715911 | enquiries@mountshill.com 

MountsHillWT172.indd 1 24/05/2016 16:18 

2 Nov - 11 Dec 2016 

elegy 

charlotte chisholm 

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 


OneOneSixWT177.indd 1 11/10/2016 10:17

Family favourite 

Jennifer Stuart-Smith relishes the snugness of 

the perfect Christmas house 

Words: Jennifer Stuart-Smith 

Photographs: David Merewether 

Styling: Lucy Fleming & Helen Barton 

Assisting: Jane Barton & Peggy Alderson-Popovic 


80


A beaUtiFuL BouQuet eveRy Month 

One bouquet of flowers with 50% 

more flowers for the birthday month 

Rye Art Gallery 

Moon by 

Flora McLachlan 

_ 

107 High Street Rye 

Tn31 7JE www.ryeartgallery.co.uk 

One luxury St. Eval Christmas 

Candle in December FREE 

One monthly direct debit 

Call Sophie 07736 050777 or email astilbeandsorrel@gmail.com 

The Walled Nursery, Saint Ronan’s, Hawkhurst, KENT TN18 5NJ 

Muddy Stilettos Best Florist in Kent 2016 

RyeArtGalleryWT178.indd 1 14/11/2016 Astilbe&SorrelWT178.indd 14:51 

1 17/11/2016 15:31 

Stablegate Antiques 

Lapada members 

at 

Derringstone Hill Farm 

Will be offering many exceptional 

pieces at special prices. 

Saturday 3 rd - Sunday 11 th December 2016 

Open each day 10.30-5pm 

We are planning to restyle our stock in 

the new year at our showrooms in Kent. 

We also have a contemporary art gallery 

with paintings, prints and cards. 

Situated just off the A2 from Canterbury in the heart of the village of Barham. Ample parking. 

Derringstone Hill 

Barham, Near Canterbury Kent CT4 6QD 

Tel: 01227 831639 / 07802 439777 

stablegate@hotmail.co.uk 


82 

StablegateAntiquesWT177.indd 1 24/10/2016 14:47

Previous page: In the book room, a roaring fire in the perfect fireplace to hang the family stockings 

Above: The mural in the entrance hall was painted by Sue Fields 

Sometimes, it’s easier to describe something by describing 

what it’s not. This house, down a rough farm track 

near Staplehurst, is not a show home, neither is it a 

designer home full of the latest interior trends. It’s not bling 

and doesn’t have electric gates with an intercom where visitors 

have to request permission to enter. For all these reasons, 

what it is, is a truly special family home – and one where 

the current family intend to stay for the foreseeable future. 

This family, made up of Tim and Eve – plus three grownup 

children and three grandchildren who regularly come to 

stay – has already lived here for 23 years and has no plans 

to move. “We were living in Frittenden,” says Tim, “which 

we just adored, and weren’t thinking of living anywhere 

else.” Then one day, a brochure came through the door 

from a local estate agent, with the details for this house. 

“I thought ‘it’s not in Frittenden. I won’t even bother 

looking at it’, and put the brochure in my bag before 

driving over to my business partner’s house.” Having spent 

the journey thinking about the weatherboarded farmhouse 

and 12 acres of land, Tim couldn’t help but tell his 

 


“We’ve tuned this house into how we want to live as a family,” says Tim 

 


84

For more information 

and to view examples of 

our work visit 

www.kentpegs.com 

Multi Award Winning Tiling & Listed Building Specialists 

We specialise in: 

• Kent peg tiling, tiling & mathematical tiling 

• Slating ,stone slating & random slating 

• Leadwork, Guttering & Chimney work 

• Restoration & conservation specialist 

Winner of Silver 

Medal and Master 

Craftsman Status 

by The Worshipful Company 

of Tylers and Bricklayers 2014 

T 01797 270268 

E karl@kentpegs.com 

KarlTerryS01.indd 1 21/10/2014 10:14 

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 

Follower of 

Charles Jervas 

(Irish c. 1675-1739), 

portrait of a 

young gentleman, 

oil on canvas, 

74cm x 59cm, oval. 

Sold for £2,600 

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.gorringesauctions.co.uk 

Grosvenor House, Grosvenor Park, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2BF 


4188 Gorringes (WT) (Dec 2016) 130x185v2.indd 1 02/11/2016 09:07 

GorringesWT178.indd 1 03/11/2016 15:41

Multi Award Winning Company 

SPATA Pool Contractor of the Year 2015 

Specialists in indoor and outdoor swimming pools, 

servicing, maintenance and improvements. 

XL Pools Ltd, The Parlour, Saracens Dairy, 

Pluckley Road, Pluckley, TN27 0SA 

Telephone: 0845 20 60 420 

Email: enquiries@xlpools.com 

www.xlpools.com

Above: The snug was created as a room for the kids to watch 

television, while their parents enjoyed quieter time next door 

in the book room Right: The tiger wearing a red hat is by 

Cranbrook ceramic artist Marie Prett 

business partner all about it. “I was rabbiting on, and his 

wife overheard. She said, ‘I know that house. It’s in the most 

fantastic location’.” And that was the second twist of fate. 

“So, I arranged to look at it,” says Tim. “I drove down 

the drive and, when I saw it, I just had this extraordinary 

feeling that this was a house we could live in for the rest of 

our lives.” The next day he took his wife Eve to look at the 

house and the feeling was mutual. Plus, says Tim: “Eve had 

always wanted to live in ‘the last house, down a track’.” 

Being the ‘last house down a track’ doesn’t really do 

the place justice. “Most days you can sit outside, or open 

a window, and all you will hear is the sound of running 

water and birds,” says Tim. In 1586, someone must have 

had a similar thought, when deciding to build a house 

here (though perhaps their reasons were more prosaic, 

like the convenience of the two natural ponds). 

The five-bedroom house, a classic timber-frame 

and brick building, clad with white weatherboard is 

typical of the Weald. It sits between the ponds and a 

weatherboarded barn of the same age – and is surrounded 

by paddocks, ancient hedgerows and mature oak trees. 

From this starting point, Tim and his family have 

created the perfect home – for them – inside and 

 


Instead of wallpaper depicting the spines of books, Tim and Eve have a wall 

of children’s books dating from the First World War to the mid 1950s 

 


88

Traditional Craftsmanship 

for Modern Applications 

Garages & Porches 

Garden Buildings 

Homes & Extensions 

Quality Buildings at 

Competitive Prices 

chartwelloakbuildings.co.uk 

Call for a quote 01959 447477 

Filston Farm, Filston Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent TN14 5JU 

ChartwellOakBuildingsWT177.indd 1 14/10/2016 JosephMcCarthyWT178.indd 10:51 

1 17/11/2016 15:17 

ThomasHaywood 

Specialist Family Solicitors 

Tunbridge Wells - Maidstone - London 

Sarah Haywood : 01892 765013 

www.thomashaywoodsolicitors.com 


ThomasHaywoodSolicitorsWT175.indd 1 11/08/2016 14:56

WE BELIEVE 

That every room should feel like Christmas 

Christmas at home is so much more than fir trees and festive tables. A frosted wreath is as much for your 

bedroom wall as it is the front door. A garland of greenery can be draped on a shelf, just as it can over a 

fireplace hearth. And candle-lit lanterns make every corner glow. 

Francis king bed base, £880 and George king headboard upholstered in Angus Flint, £480. 

Aldwych side table in Snow, £175. Fairfax lamp with Lucile shade, £120. Ferne wreath – large, £51. 

Cotswold check throw in Aqua, £115. 

neptune.com 

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

out: “We’ve tuned this house to how we want to live 

as a family,” says Tim, who converted the barn into a 

home office and a space where the family could “play 

games and loud music”. Stables, a pretty greenhouse and 

a home cinema have also been added over the years. 

Tim was a television producer for over 30 years and 

his eldest son is a film director, so the home cinema isn’t 

purely a luxury. It came about when the couple were rebuilding 

and enlarging their garage and were left with a 

large roof space: “When Eve suggested a home cinema, 

I needed no more encouragement than that,” says Tim. 

“I could visualise the Empire Leicester Square on a small 

scale. And that’s what we tried to do.... for nine people!” 

The home cinema is also especially popular at Christmas: 

“The two younger children have what they call pyjama 

days, where they come downstairs, grab something to 

eat, grab a handful of films and head over to the cinema. 

They’ll then reappear when they’re hungry, fill up a 

plate and go and watch more films,” chuckles Tim. 

As we head indoors, through a timber-framed hallway 

full of wellies and outdoor jackets hung on pegs, it’s easy 

to see how lovely this house must be at Christmas. Tim 

agrees: “The children, who now all live in London, hold 

this house in such deep affection... They gravitate 

 

Previous page: Looking from the book room into the snug. The 

angels are from the Singing Soul Gallery in Cranbrook Above 

right: They bought the Fornasetti cushion online Above left: 

Tim and Eve’s collection of vintage children’s books Right: A 

painting by Rosalind Lyons Hudson 


The plant-filled conservatory was added about 18 years 

ago and is where big family feasts are eaten 

 


92

GraceyardWT167.indd 1 26/11/2015 HamletBuildingsWT169.indd 12:00 

1 29/01/2016 14:20 

For all your bespoke glass needs 

• Glass for woodburning stoves 

• Shower screens - any shape 

• Coloured glass splashbacks 

• Glass fl oors 

• Glass balustrades 

• Roof panels 

• Antique mirrors stocked 

• Shelves 

• Sealed units 

• Toughened glass 

• Bath screens 

• Glass furniture made to your design 

• Well tops 

• (Supply only) uPVC windows, 

doors and conservatories 

Trade enquiries welcome 

01233 626045 

www.cpglassandwindows.co.uk 


CPGlassWT177.indd 1 20/10/2016 10:42

SPECIALIST PLANNING ADVICE 

Helping to Unlock the Potential of Your Land, 

Buildings & Assets 

Agri Business 

Certificate of Lawfulness 

Equestrian 

Historic Landscapes 

Planning Appeals 

Listed Buildings 

Local Plan Submission 

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Permitted Development 

Objections 

www.therpp.co.uk 

CRANBROOK 

CIRENCESTER 

01580 201888 

01285 719568 

01580 715378 

office@therpp.co.uk 

 

 

 

RuralPlanningPracticeWT178.indd 1 21/11/2016 CrownOakBuildingsWT165.indd 16:42 

1 19/10/2015 10:43 

It’s It’s 

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01732 350 911 

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showroom@townsbathrooms.co.uk 



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Open: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 9am-4pm 


Customer Towns 94 1-2 

TownsBathroomsWT178.indd 1 Publication The INDEX Magazine - December 2016 - Issue 253 

17/11/2016 12:18 

Date sent 17 November 2016

Above: Upstairs, Tim and Eve use the large space outside the 

bedroom as a dressing room Below: Eve’s collection of glass jelly 

moulds is displayed on a shelf over the stairs 

back here, especially at Christmas, when they want 

all the Christmas rituals that they grew up with.” 

At this point, Tim’s wife Eve arrives back with the 

horsebox, having taken one of her Highland ponies to 

a local event. It might help to complete the picture, to 

explain that Tim and Eve, as well as having the pleasure 

of visiting children and grandchildren, share the farm 

with three ponies, two dogs, three cats, a selection of 

ducks and chickens, and a lone bantam cockerel. 

As Eve slips off her boots and comes into the kitchen, she 

joins in the conversation about Christmas: “We have a very 

full house, with our three children, their partners and our 

three grandchildren, plus various visitors. It’s very cosy but 

noisy too,” she laughs. The extra accommodation in the barn 

comes in handy, apparently, for those who want to escape the 

noise and excitement. Or there is always the home cinema... 

On a day-to-day basis, the kitchen, where we are standing, 

is where Tim and Eve spend a lot of time and where they 

eat. Dotted around there are original, homely, works of art 

as well as books...well, everywhere. Who is the book addict? 

“Me!” says Eve. “Tim bought me a Kindle in the vain hope 

that I would stop buying books. It didn’t work!” Just as the 

home cinema is a clue to Tim’s former profession, so the 

books hint at Eve’s career as an English and drama teacher. 

Leaving the warmth of the kitchen, we amble to the other 

end of the house, to sit down for a cup of tea in the snug, 

or TV room. Soon after buying the house, Tim and Eve 

separated this room from the next door ‘book room’ by 


adding wood panelling, so that the children could watch 

television while their parents enjoyed some quieter time. 

Rarely has a snug been so worthy of its name. Dark red 

flocked wallpaper, plush sofas and heavy curtains all give a 

visual sense of snugness while a wood-burning stove does 

the real work. Complementary pictures line the wall, two 

with gilding that reflects the warm glow of the fire. 

On the subject of art, it’s hard to find a picture in the 

house that Tim can’t tell you about. It’s clear that he and 

Eve are not only art enthusiasts but also keen supporters 

of local artists: “We’ve got a number of paintings by the 

late Frittenden artist Anne-Catherine Phillips and several 

by Richard Adams, who’s from Playden just outside Rye,” 

says Tim. I also notice a ceramic tiger on the mantelpiece 

by local ceramic artist Marie Prett. “Yes, we’ve got lots of 

things from Marie’s Singing Soul Gallery,” adds Eve. 

Next door, in the book room, you’ll find artwork and 

decoration in a more unusual form. Instead of wallpaper 

depicting the spines of books, Tim and Eve have a wall 

of children’s books, collected over many years from book 

fairs, jumble sales and second hand bookshops: “They date 

from about the First World War to about the mid 1950s,” 

says Tim. “They have these fabulous illustrated spines, so 

together they are a complete decoration in themselves.” 

Opposite the book shelves is an enormous inglenook 

fireplace, home to a blazing log fire. Unlike many such 

fireplaces, it actually puts out some heat. “When we 

light the big fire it just envelops the whole room,” 

 

Above: The bathroom was recently refurbished by their builder friend, Steve Moss. Eve chose the wallpaper, by Colefax & Fowler, 

because it looks as though it has been painted onto the wall 


96

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The large painting in the master bedroom is a depiction of Eve’s favourite poem, 

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100 

HomeandPetSitters4Uwt169.indd 1 24/02/2016 ChilstoneWT178.indd 17:34 

1 22/11/2016 14:15

Above: The teddy on the bedroom mantlepiece was given to Eve when she was three days old. The painting is ‘An Angel Watches 

Over Me’ by John Afflick 

says Tim. The inglenook also provides the perfect place 

for the family to hang their Christmas stockings. These 

days there are nine stockings – which keep the family 

going until ‘official’ present unwrapping after lunch. 

Across the room, double doors lead out into a large 

conservatory which was built about 18 years ago. The 

additional room has had a transformative effect on the 

way the family enjoy the house, with large family meals 

including Christmas lunch now eaten in this verdant, 

plant-filled space where lemon, bougainvillea, hibiscus 

and jasmine plants encircle the long dining table. Views 

are of the garden, pond and neighbouring fields. 

You’d think that there couldn’t be a nicer spot to 

enjoy a family meal, but there is a new addition to 

the home, that Tim is eager to show me. We head out 

into the chill of the garden, a low wintry sun offering 

a touch of warmth, and stand on the new timber deck, 

which partially covers the pond. Two olive trees and a 

tree fern add to the continental feel of the sun deck. 

“We built this this summer,” says Tim. “It hadn’t really been 

planned, it was just a sort of organic thing that happened...” 

As well as offering a tranquil spot to sit – it’s true that all 

you can hear is running water and birds – the deck also 

offers an entirely different view of the house and barn. 

Standing back, we admire the 16th-century structure, 

with its almost invisible Victorian extension on one 

end, and Tim’s more recent addition on the other end, 

of larder, porch and utility room. Family members are 

laying the table in the conservatory, oblivious to the 

pair of us watching from the garden. It’s the perfect 

scene – an historic, Kentish family home – and I rather 

wish I was coming to join them for Christmas. 

Address Book: 

Artworks by the late Anne-Catherine Phillips 

annecatherine-phillips.co.uk 

Lizzie Riches portalpainters.co.uk 

Marie Prett of The Singing Soul Gallery marieprett.co.uk 

Richard Adams ryeartgallery.co.uk 

Steve Moss all-purpose builder 07952 994531 


Rug up, snuggle in 

Photos: David Merewether Styling: Helen Barton Model: Gina Michel 

Embrace the seasonal shift and drape yourself in the softest, most 

luxurious fabrics. Snuggle up in cashmere at home, or slip on hardy 

boots and a woolly hat for winter adventures 


102

Powder knitted bobble hat, £21, Treasure Found 

shawl, £27, Ochre top, £58, Spice, Cranbrook 

spicecranbrook.co.uk 01580 714156; Alpe brown 

suede boots, £110, Manuka Shoes, Westerham 

manukashoes.com 01959 565644 


Best wishes for the festive season 

from all at Walsh Bros 

www.walshbros-jewellers.co.uk 

eMail: shop@walshbros-jewellers.co.uk Tel: 01892 514519 16 Mount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1QU

Miss Short Hair shawl, 

£38, Spice, Cranbrook, 

spicecranbrook.co.uk 01580 

714156; Hand block-printed 

Dewari dress, £120, Nila 

Rubia nilarubia.co.uk; boots, 

model’s own

Hand block-printed Sufiana dress, £125, Nila Rubia nilarubia.co.uk; Goose Island jacket, £65, Spice, Cranbrook 

spicecranbrook.co.uk 01580 714156 


106

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personalised 

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BornAndBredJewelleryWT178.indd 1 23/11/2016 15:00

QUALITY CLOTHING AND A PERSONAL SERVICE 

This season we are pleased 

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Eves Sale 

Commences 

Saturday 26 th 

November 

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84a High Street, West Malling, 

Kent ME19 6NE 01732 845303 

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108 

EvesWT178.indd 1 18/11/2016 11:21

Pure wool shawl jacket, £139, Nila Rubia nilarubia.co.uk; 

jersey pyjama set, £28, Blackspade blackspade.co.uk

Stegman house clogs, £65, Fire & Felt fireandfelt.com; Wilde lounge pants, £37, Blueblancmange blueblancmange.co.uk

STYLISH SHOES FOR STYLISH FEET 

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112 

DesignsOnDiamondsWT177.indd 1 25/10/2016 17:25

Powder knitted bobble hat, £21, scarf, £26, Ginger Toby top, £58, 

Spice, Cranbrook spicecranbrook.co.uk 01580 714156; fairy light 

sets, from £23.95, Cable & Cotton cableandcotton.co.uk

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CharityFarmWT178.indd 1 07/11/2016 ShersbyJewellersWT178.indd 12:30 

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Jersey pyjama set, as before; Bronte lounge pants, £37, Blueblancmange 

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116 

SarahGillmoreWT177.indd 1 11/10/2016 10:02

Beauty 

for perfume 

In the mood 

There’s more to scent than a pretty smell… Josephine 

Fairley explains how you can use it to get in the zone 

What you’re about to read is deeply unscientific. 

Not a scrap of evidence exists for what I’m 

about to say. But nevertheless, I defy any 

perfume-lover to deny that the fragrances we wear have a 

definite impact on our mood – and our ‘awakeness’, too. 

A little bit of research has been done into aromatherapy 

oils (the scent jasmine, for instance, has been definitively 

found to aid sleep), but perfume? Nada. 

I’ve always reached for fragrance to ‘put me in the 

mood’. I can be yearning for a night on the sofa with a 

box set of Suits – and a spritz of something glamorous 

will have me reaching for my party shoes. If I want to 

feel ‘cosy’, I’ve scents for that, too. And for feeling that 

bit more ‘professional’ and pulled-together. A delusion? I 

don’t think so. 

Having set up The Perfume Society two years ago – a 

website that works as a hub for perfume-lovers, with 

events all over the country, including this neck of the 

woods – I hear an endless stream of feedback from 

women (and increasing numbers of men) who turn to 

perfume as… well, a mood-altering substance. (One 

that’s entirely legal, of course.) 

In my ‘arsenal’, then – for I truly think of it that way – 

there are some very specific scents I turn to. And here are 

so me of my suggestions, for you. 

When the last thing you want to do is go to a party… 

Time to reach for something elegant, grown-up, infused 

with invisible glamour. Try the new Chanel No.5 L’Eau, 

£68 for 50ml Eau de Parfum, a dazzling, almost sparkling 

and modern spin on the classic, or Sisley Eau du Soir, 

£81 for 30ml, a classic Chypre (the most sophisticated 

of the fragrance ‘families’ – you can read more about all 

that on the Perfume Society website, link below) which 

almost demands its own chauffeur, it’s so classy. 

I often spray myself (and my dress – fabric’s a great 

‘carrier’ of scent) with Guerlain Shalimar, £50 for 30ml 

Eau de Parfum: sweet-yet-fresh, an enduring classic for 

very good reason. Jimmy Choo Eau de Parfum, from 

£41 for 40ml, is the equivalent of slipping on a pair of 

those shoes, in terms of getting you party-ready, with a 

wonderfully woody sexiness. 

 


Beauty 

When you need to be the Duracell bunny – and your 

energy’s flagging… Got 87 presents to wrap, a turkey 

to stuff and a long drive ahead of you? This is the 

time for energy in a bottle (because an espresso’s just 

going to send you into a slump, later). I like to spritz 

and re-spritz a classic Eau de Cologne like the justlaunched, 

sunlight-drenched Maison Francis Kurkdjian 

Petit Matin, £140 for 70ml Eau de Parfum – or if 

you’re on a budget, good old 4711 Eau de Cologne, 

£6.49 for 25ml, has been functioning as an antidote 

to slumpiness for 300 years or so. Jo Malone Basil & 

Neroli, from £43 for 30ml Cologne, is also wonderfully 

uplifting and invigorating. 

When you need something for a ‘hygge’ moment… 

The buzzword-of-the-moment, borrowed from the 

Scandinavian, is ideally expressed via hunkering down 

by an open fire, sipping hot chocolate, watching re-runs 

of Wallander. I think gourmand scents are great for this, 

with their almost-foodie notes. 

New Angel Muse, £45 

for 30ml Eau de Parfum, 

is wonderfully cocooning, 

while if you’re more of a clean 

sheets type, try The Library of 

Fragrance Fresh Laundry, £15 

for 30ml Eau de Toilette. I’m 

personally mad for the seriously 

‘foodie’ Agonist Vanilla Marble, 

£115 for 50ml Eau de Parfum, 

and Tom Ford Noir de Noir, 

£148 for 50ml Eau de Parfum 

– as dark and mysterious as any 

Scandi drama, and wonderfully 

‘snuggleable’, I find. 

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WellsMedicalCentreWT178.indd 1 23/11/2016 14:48 

Join The Perfume Society! 

An online hub for perfume lovers - combined 

with the fragrance equivalent of a wine club, 

offering expertly curated Discovery Boxes of 

perfume samples and exclusive events - a VIP 

subscription to The Perfume Society is a great 

Christmas gift itself. Membership includes 

a welcome Discovery Box of eight gorgeous 

perfume samples, accompanied by smelling notes 

for each one, an embossed notebook and other 

treats. VIP subscribers also get discount at selected 

perfume boutiques and can buy all the curated 

discovery boxes at a discounted price. Why not 

sign up for the next ‘How to Improve Your Sense 

of Smell’ workshop, which will be hosted in 

Hastings on Saturday 28th January 2017? The 

price is £10 redeemable against a box purchase for 

VIP Subscribers to The Perfume Society, £20 for 

guests or non-subscribers. perfumesociety.org 


118 

LondonBeachWT178.indd 1 21/11/2016 09:57

Beauty 

fragrance 

The gift of 

Josephine Fairley asks scent buyer extraordinaire Lorna McKay for 

her expert tips on how to choose the perfect perfume for a friend 

At this time of year, many of us will be thinking about 

giving fragrance as a gift – something that’s fraught 

with peril, actually. It’s really, really hard to get right. 

So I thought I’d seek some advice from my Perfume Society 

cofounder, Lorna McKay; she’s certainly got the credentials 

for it... Lorna was formerly the head fragrance buyer for 

Harrods and later set up the amazing Perfumery at Liberty – 

and knows more about buying fragrance than anyone I’ve ever 

met. She also likes buying it for herself! 

How can I hint which perfumed gift I’d like without 

actually demanding it outright?! 

“As a child my parents called me ‘Mrs Hinty’ when Christmas 

approached and as an adult it’s far better to tell than be 

disappointed. I have another friend who gives a list of three 

things she’d love, so it’s still a surprise when she opens her 

present as she doesn’t know what will be chosen for her.” 

How should I choose a perfume for a friend/relative? 

“Do your research – look on their shelf to see what types of 

fragrance they wear. Are they drawn to fresh scents, or the 

more sensuous Oriental fragrances…? Are they an outdoorsy, 

country-loving type? This person might enjoy a woody/green 

scent. Snoop around! The fragrances they really love will be 

the bottles which are half-empty, not the full ones.” 

Rather than buy another bottle of someone’s signature 

scent, how can I find something else they’ll like? 

“Ask FR.eD (short for Fragrance Editor), our virtual fragrance 

consultant on the Perfume Society website - it can almost 

psychically help choose a new fragrance for someone. Click 

on the ‘Find your next fragrance’ tab, then type in the name 

of what they like/wear – and FR.eD will recommend six 

fragrances that share either similar notes or create a similar 

ambience. He’s very clever!” 

How can I find a really knowledgeable consultant? 

“Independent perfumeries tend to have very highly trained 

and passionate staff, but in a department store, look for 

consultants wearing badges which indicate they’re fragrance 

experts, having completed specialist expert training from The 

Fragrance Foundation.” 

My perfumista friend already has lots of fragrances. What 

other gifts would you suggest? 

“Body creams and bath/shower gels are a great way to layer 

luxuriously and always a real treat to receive. They don’t 

have to match a perfume someone already has, but could be 

of the same family. Scented candles are a good choice – but 

remember they might not want that favourite smell on their 

skin to be surrounding them in their home, so consider 

whether the scent suits the style of their decor. If they have 

velvet cushions and strong colours they may love a heavier 

cocooning fragrance. Modern and minimalists may prefer 

lighter, fresher scents. And don’t forget that fresh flowers or a 

fragrant plant is always a welcome scented gift, too.” 

perfumesociety.org 

Mrs Hinty’s Christmas List 2016 

What Lorna McKay is hoping to find 

underneath her tree this year 

Tom Ford Patchouli Absolu 

Prada La Femme 

Guerlain Mitsouko 

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Agent Provocateur Eau de Parfum 


120

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Call 01580 753383 www.purenique.co.uk 

Stalwart Wellness provides a unique setting nestled in the 

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n Clinical pilates classes 

n Private lessons 

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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 

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122 

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2 04/02/2013 16:20

Delight in December 

Wealden Times talks to yoga teacher Samantha Stone... 

Health & Beauty 

Do you have a beauty 

regime? Every morning I 

cleanse with Dermalogica 

Daily Microfoliant which 

is fantastic for gently 

brightening my skin. I don’t 

like too much make-up so 

I use Garnier BB Cream 

which evens out my skin 

tone and gives me a glow 

but still looks like my own 

skin. In the evening I am 

devoted to Liz Earle Cleanse 

and Polish as I don’t feel 

clean unless I’ve washed my 

face and this stuff feels and 

smells heavenly. I follow 

this with Dermalogica 

Skin Smoothing Cream to 

nourish my skin overnight. 

Is there a particular 

product you couldn’t 

live without? Coconut 

oil! It’s not just brilliant 

for cooking or using as a 

hair treatment, I also use it 

to practise oil-pulling, an 

ancient Ayurvedic cleansing 

technique for oral hygiene. 

Every morning I pop a 

teaspoon of coconut oil in my 

mouth, allow it to melt and 

gently swill it around my teeth 

for 15-20 minutes. It draws 

out toxins, freshens my breath 

and whitens the teeth. I’ve 

definitely noticed a difference. 

What’s your ultimate 

pampering treat? I do love 

a good massage. I’ve recently 

found a fantastic therapist in 

Ashford called Hannah Guy 

at Nourish, and book myself a 

regular back, neck and shoulder 

massage. As I teach yoga classes 

on top of a full time job I tend 

to spend most days hurtling 

from one place to the next. At 

first it felt like a treat but now I 

see it as necessary maintenance. 

Do you have a style icon? I 

favour a more relaxed style so 

I don’t have a particular icon 

but I do use Instagram for my 

inspiration. My wardrobe is split 

into two halves; one is filled 

with brightly coloured yoga 

wear, the other is full of neutral 

colours and simple dresses, 

shirts and skinny trousers in 

navy and cream. I then add 

some unusual jewellery, or 

metallic or leather accessories 

to give my outfit an edge. 

Samantha Stone is a yoga 

teacher specialising in Hatha and 

Vinyasa yoga in Ashford. She 

teaches both privately and for 

Kent Adult Education. You can 

find out more about her classes 

via her website samstoneyoga.com 

Pep it up... 

This wrinkly little seed 

appears on dinner tables 

across the globe, is 

sprinkled liberally over 

many a dinner and is an 

absolute staple in the 

spice drawer. Its potential 

however, is totally 

underestimated. Black 

pepper is nutritionally 

dense, and its active 

ingredient, piperine 

enhances the bioavailability 

of vitamins A and C, 

selenium and beta 

carotene. This improves 

our absorption of nutrients 

and our overall wellbeing. 

It’s a digestive aid and the 

essential oil can relieve 

rheumatic and arthritic 

pain. Beat the congestion 

this winter by popping 

some black pepper and 

eucalyptus oil in a bowl 

of steaming hot water. 

Put a towel over your 

head and relax, whilst 

inhaling deeply through 

your nose, breathing in the 

spicy scents and clearing 

those nasal passages. 

Freeimages.com/DoraMitsonia 

Tropical treat... 

Create your very own fruity 

spa treatment every morning 

with grapefruit and mandarin 

body wash and mandarin 

and geranium hand and 

body lotion from Elemental 

Herbology. Let the shower 

steam immerse you in the 

sweet scent of mandarin, 

beautifully balanced with 

sour grapefruit and be 

transported to an exotic 

paradise away from the 

wintry December chill. Use 

the lotion after a hot shower 

to invigorate and protect skin 

for the day ahead or keep it 

on hand to massage into dry 

and weather-beaten knuckles. 

The convenient pump action 

pots sit perfectly by a wash 

basin or bath tub. Helen 

keeps hers on her office desk, 

ready to be grabbed for a 

moment of calm in a hectic 

day. Find this perfect gift set 

for £38 at elementalherbology. 

com, and don’t forget to 

order in time for Christmas. 

123

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Health 

Beat the bloat 

Hang up the Christmas hangover and combat the uncomfortable 

bloat with a few simple, natural tips from Helen Barton 

We all know that feeling. The post-dinner, one glass too 

many sluggishness that inevitably follows the festive 

overindulgence. It’s not just Christmas Day that has 

this effect. It’s the accumulation of the office party, drinks at the 

neighbours’, an extra mince pie at the school’s Christmas carols. 

Before you know it, you’re slumped on the sofa, headache setting 

in, not wanting to move until next year. 

Let me tell you, however, that you don’t need to feel like this. 

There are a few really simple ways of naturally alleviating this 

feeling, without an added cocktail of pharmaceutical drugs. 

The H2O hero - Upping your liquid intake is vital (wine 

definitely doesn’t count I’m afraid). You should aim to drink 

around two litres, if not more, per day. This is even more 

important if you’re drinking alcohol. Try to have a glass of 

water in-between cocktails to prevent the thundering headache 

the next morning, and keep drinking plenty the following day. 

Getting water through your system will aid in flushing out those 

toxins from your body leaving you feeling fresh as a daisy. 

Let food be thy medicine - If you know you’ll be partying this 

evening, eat a proper dinner. Alcohol on an empty stomach is 

a recipe for disaster. A healthy, wholesome meal will not only 

do your body good, it will mean you’ll be the last one standing 

on the dance floor. Eat plenty of veg, raw if possible, to get 

maximum nutrition in, and top quality protein and fat. 

Wonder root - If you are feeling queasy, then a cup of ginger tea 

will settle an upset stomach. Peel a thumb-sized piece of ginger 

and chop it up, squeeze some lemon into your favourite mug and 

add the ginger with hot water. Take this with some milk thistle - 

a great natural supplement that helps to cleanse the liver, as it’ll 

be working overtime. Tuck yourself back in bed and remember 

the reasons why you don’t drink that much anymore… 

An apple a day - Consuming lots of rich foods can make our 

bodies into an acidic environment, causing acid reflux, heartburn 

and indigestion. A simple way of dealing with this, is to 

up your intake of apple cider vinegar. Despite being an acid, 

it has an alkaline effect on the body and can reduce those 

unpleasant after-dinner symptoms. Take a tablespoon of organic 

apple cider vinegar in a glass of water before or after a meal. 

Work it out - I’m sure the last thing you’ll want to do after an 

indulgent few days is move too much, but some exercise can work 

absolute wonders. Your mind and body will definitely thank you 

for it. You don’t have to slog away on the cross trainer or fling bars 

around. A gentle walk will do. The fresh air in your lungs and newly 

oxygenated blood pumping round will make you feel brand new. 

Green Goddess Smoothie 

To release the post-party hangover goddess 

from within, try this super green smoothie 

for a nutritional alkaline boost. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 handful of fresh baby spinach 

• juice and zest from half a lime 

• coconut water 

• a thumb sized piece of fresh ginger 

• half an apple 

• a few sprigs of parsley 

• a chunk of cucumber 

• half an avocado 

You can alter the quantities of each 

ingredient, according to your taste. Pop all 

the ingredients in a blender and add a good 

amount of coconut water to get the smoothie 

to a consistency you like. Blend until smooth, 

enjoy, and proceed to feeling fabulous. 

Freeimages.com/FlorinBleiceanu / Adem KAYA / Satendra Mhatre 


Not 

Food 

Christmas pudding! 

(nicer...) 

Not everyone loves the traditional figgy pud, so 

here are three delicious festive alternatives 

Recipes: Juliet Bidwell Photographs: David Merewether 

Styling: Helen Barton 

Champagne Jelly 

Serves 6-8. Prep time 30 mins. Cooking time 1 hour 30 mins. 

Serve in glasses or a 1.25 litre dish 

• 750ml bottle of 

Champagne or prosecco 

• 7 ½ large sheets of 

gelatine 

• 150g caster sugar 

• 140g blueberries – 

washed 

1. Pour two-thirds of a bottle of Champagne 

with the caster sugar into a saucepan and bring 

to the boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. 

2. Soak the gelatine in cold water for about five minutes 

until soft. Drain and squeeze out the excess water. 

3. When the Champagne is hot, remove from 

the heat and add the gelatine, whisking 

until dissolved and leave to cool. 

4. Once the jelly is cool, stir in the remainder of 

the bottle of Champagne and pour over the 

blueberries in your chosen dish or glasses. 

5. I like to serve this Champagne jelly with 

an exotic fruit salad in a ginger syrup. 

6. This dish is a good choice for those 

with a dairy-free diet. 

This month’s scrummy recipes were provided for us by 

Juliet Bidwell, who runs a catering company, providing 

canapés and dishes for weddings and parties of all sizes. 

For more information call 01797 270347 or visit 

julietscatering.co.uk 

 

wealdentimes.co.uk

Food 

Queen of Christmas Puddings 

Serves 8-10. Prep time 40 mins. Cooking time 1 hour 30 mins. 

• 900ml full fat milk 

• 40g butter 

• 2 lemons – zested 


• 5 egg yolks – whisked 

• 160g panettone 

• 12 red plums – stoned 

& quartered 

• 6tbsp brown sugar 

• 2tbsp sherry or water 

• 4 egg whites 


1. Pre-heat oven to 170˚C. 

2. Roast the plums, sprinkled with brown sugar and a 

little sherry till they are soft; then leave to cool. 

3. To make the custard base, place the milk, butter, 

sugar and lemon zest in a saucepan over a low heat, 

and stir till the butter and sugar are melted. Crumb 

the panettone in an electric blender and sprinkle the 

crumbs over the base of a 2 litre pudding dish. Add 

the whisked egg to the milk and pour over the crumbs. 

Leave until the crumbs have absorbed the custard. 

4. Next bake the custard in a bain marie 

for 30-40 minutes till set. 

5. Set oven to 150˚C. 

6. Whisk the egg whites till stiff, add a spoonful of sugar 

and continue to whisk before adding the next spoonful 

and continue until all the sugar is incorporated. 

7. Spoon the roasted plums over the baked custard, but do not 

add any of the plum juices. Next, spoon or pipe the meringue 

mixture over the plums and bake for 40-50 minutes. 

8. I would serve this with cream. 


128

FESTIVE FIZZ 

WEEKENDS 

Free winery tours & 

complimentary glass of fizz 

Sat 3 rd Dec & Sun 4 th Dec 

25% OFF ALL CASES OF WINE 

ON DEC 3 RD & 4 TH , UNIQUE 

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We are open over the Christmas 

period for buying those special 

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and last minute stocking fillers! 

OPENING TIMES: 11.00 -17.00 

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GoudhurstInnWT178.indd 1 09/11/2016 16:26

CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS 

Christmas Eve 7-3pm 

Christmas Day - closed 

Boxing Day - closed 

Bank Holiday 27th - closed 

Wednesday 28th 9-5pm 

New Years Eve 8-4pm 

New Years Day – closed 

Monday 2nd January 9-4pm 

Hartley Coffee House & Farm Shop, Hartley Road, Cranbrook, TN17 3QG

Hazelnut Meringue Gateau 

Serves 12. Prep time 30 mins. Cooking time 1 hour 15 mins. 

Food 

• 9 egg whites 


• 3tsp ground cinnamon 

• 200g hazelnuts - toasted & 

chopped finely 

• 600ml double cream - 

lightly whipped 

• 200g dark chocolate, plus 

extra for decoration - melted 

• 2 x 444g tins of stoneless 

black cherries 

• 4tbsp Kentish cherry brandy 

liqueur 

1. Pre-heat oven to 150˚C. Marinate the drained cherries 

in cherry brandy liqueur, preferably overnight. 

2. Prepare three baking trays with parchment 

and mark a 26cm circle in each tray. 

3. Whisk the egg whites until stiff and add a 

tablespoon of sugar and keep whisking. Repeat this, 

having added the cinnamon to the sugar. 

4. When completed, fold in the hazelnuts and spread the mixture 

equally over the three trays and then bake for 1¼ hours until firm. 

5. To assemble mix the 200g of melted chocolate into the whipped 

cream and spread over 2 discs of meringue. Drain the cherries 

of the liqueur and scatter them over the chocolate cream. 

6. Place one meringue disc on the other, top with the third, 

and decorate with the remaining melted chocolate. 

7. The gateau can be put together quite a few hours in advance. 

8. This dessert is a good choice for those who need a gluten-free diet. 

The George Inn 

High Street, Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5AW 

01580 880315 www.thegeorgerobertsbridge.co.uk 

Delicious fresh 

local produce 

Bar, Restaurant 

& Rooms 

All homemade 

here at 

The George 

Why not come and join us for Lunch, Tuesday–Saturday, 12–2.30pm & Dinner, 6.30–9pm 

Food now served Sundays, 12–7pm 

Call us to discuss bookings for Christmas gatherings and New Year celebrations at The George 


GeorgeInnRobertsbridgeWT178.indd 1 16/11/2016 15:09

WEST MALLING 

The Hungry Guest, West Malling is 

available for all kinds of private parties 

and celebrations. Whether it be a 

birthday, christening, hen party, 

afternoon tea or office Christmas party 

we are a great venue for any occasion. 

FROM BUBBLES & NIBBLES TO DINNER 

A sit-down dinner, pizza party or 

prosecco and canapés. Whatever your 

event,we can create a delicious menu 

for you and your guests. 

LET US HELP YOU PLAN YOUR PARTY 

AND MAKE IT AN EVENT TO REMEMBER 

65 HIGH STREET, WEST MALLING 

thehungryguest.com t:01732 870 766 

HungryGuestWT177.indd 1 03/10/2016 14:53 

New Years Eve 

Why not see the New Year in at Frasers this year with a good old 

fashioned New Years Party. Join us for a night of music, food and 

laughter, with a delicious 2 course hot buffet, then dance the night 

away to our resident DJ. £30 per person. 

Contact us to make your reservation. 


132 

FrasersWT177.indd 1 21/10/2016 11:18

Soup 

sandwich 

a 

At a time of year when meals can start to feel like endurance events, this new book – by Masterchef’s 

Hannah Miles – is full of brilliant combinations for warming light bites with style 

Horseradish Borscht with Whipped Cream 

Cheese and Chive on Rye 

Serves 4 

• 450g fresh beetroot 

• 2 onions 

• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil 

• 100g new potatoes or 

white potatoes 

• 1 cooking apple 

• juice of 2 oranges 

• 1 tablespoon creamed 

horseradish sauce 

• 800ml beef or vegetable 

stock 

• salt and pepper, to 

season 

• cream, to swirl 

(optional) 

For the rye toasts 

• 100g cream cheese 

• 50ml natural yogurt 

• 1 tablespoon finely 

chopped chives, plus 

extra to garnish 

• 4 slices dark rye bread 

• black pepper 

1. Preheat the oven to 180˚C, Gas 4. 

2. Begin by peeling the beetroot and onions and then 

chop both the onion and beetroot into wedges and 

place in a roasting pan. Drizzle with a little olive oil 

and season with salt and pepper. Roast for about 30 

minutes until the beetroot are just soft. If the onions 

start to brown before the beetroot are cooked, remove 

them from the oven and set aside until the beetroot 

are ready. You can tell they are cooked when a sharp 

knife slides out easily. 

3. Place the roasted beetroot and onions in a large 

saucepan. If you are using new potatoes, cut them in 

half and place in the pan without removing the skins. 

If you are using larger white potatoes, peel them and 

cut into pieces and place in the pan. Peel and core the 

apple, chop it into pieces and add to the pan. Add the 

orange juice, horseradish and stock to and simmer for 

about 20-30 minutes until the potatoes are soft. 

4. Pour the soup into a blender or food processor and 

blitz to a smooth purée. Return the pan and keep 

warm until you are ready to serve. 

5. For the rye toasts, whisk the cream cheese and yogurt 

until thick and smooth in a mixing bowl. Stir in the 

chopped chives. Lightly toast the rye bread. Spread 

the cream cheese mixture over the slices of rye, 

decorate with some extra chives and sprinkle with a 

little freshly ground black pepper. Pour the soup into 

bowls, swirl a drizzle of cream over the top, if using, 

and serve with the rye toasts. 

 

133 

Soup & A 

Sandwich by Hannah 

Miles, photographs 

Steve Painter, published 

by Ryland Peters & 

Small £9.99

Food 

Costa Rican Black Bean Soup with 

Cornbread Muffins 

Serves 4 

• 1 onion, finely chopped 

• 1 tablespoon olive oil 

• 2.5-cm piece of ginger 

• 1 garlic clove, finely 

chopped 

• 1 large red chilli pepper 

• 15 g butter 

• 6 tomatoes 

• 1 teaspoon smoked 

paprika 

• ½ teaspoon cayenne 

pepper 

• 1 teaspoon each ground 

cumin and cinnamon 

• ½ teaspoon ground 

allspice 

• 2 x 400-g cans black beans 

• 800ml vegetable or 

chicken stock 

• sprigs of coriander 

• 1 avocado, pitted and 

peeled 

• juice of 1 lime 

• 4 tablespoons sour cream 

• salt and pepper, to season 

For the muffins 

• 150g fine cornmeal 

• 30g self-raising flour 

• 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of 

soda 

• ¼ teaspoon hot paprika 

• 300ml buttermilk 

• 20g soft butter 

• 1 egg 

• 165g sweetcorn 

• a 12-hole muffin pan, 

greased 

As the muffins are best served warm straight from the 

oven, you can begin by preparing these as they will 

bake while you make the soup. Preheat the oven to 

190°C, Gas 5. 

1. Place the cornmeal (or fine polenta), flour, bicarbonate of 

soda/baking soda, paprika, buttermilk, butter and egg in 

a mixing bowl and whisk together until smooth. Fold in 

the sweetcorn and season with salt and pepper. Place the 

cornbread mixture into eight of the holes of the muffin 

pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, until 

the muffins are golden brown on top. Remove from the 

oven and keep warm. 

2. For the soup, sauté the onion in a little olive oil in a pan. 

Peel and finely chop the ginger and add to the pan along 

with the garlic. Sauté until the garlic is lightly golden 

brown. 

3. Deseed the pepper and chop into small pieces. Reserve a 

few pieces of pepper for garnish and add the remainder to 

the pan with the butter. Cook until the pepper starts to 

soften. Blitz the tomatoes in a blender or food processor to 

a smooth purée. Add the paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, 

cinnamon and allspice to the pan and fry in the oil for a 

minute to release the flavours. 

4. Drain and rinse the black beans and add to the pan with 

the stock and tomatoes. Simmer for about 20-30 minutes, 

then season with salt and pepper to taste and stir in some 

chopped coriander leaves. 

5. Chop the avocado into small pieces and toss in the lime 

juice to prevent it discolouring. 

6. Pour the warm soup into bowls and top each with a 

spoonful of sour cream, some avocado pieces and the 

reserved peppers. Serve with the warm muffins on the side. 

Broccoli Soup with Blue Cheese and 

Pine Nut Croissants 

Serves 4 

• 1 tablespoon olive oil 

• 1 onion, finely chopped 

• 1 garlic clove, finely sliced 

• 1 head of broccoli 

(approx. 300g in weight) 

• 1 litre chicken or 

vegetable stock 

• salt and pepper, to season 

• cream, to swirl (optional) 

For the croissants 

• 4 plain all-butter 

croissants 

• 200g gorgonzola dolce or 

other soft blue cheese 

• 50g pine nuts 

1. Begin by preparing the soup. Heat the oil in a large 

saucepan and fry the onion until soft and translucent. 

Add the garlic and fry until lightly golden brown. Cut 

the broccoli into small florets and discard the large stem. 

Add the florets to the pan with the stock and simmer for 

about 10-15 minutes until the broccoli is just soft but is 

still a vibrant green colour. If you overcook it, it will start 

to lose its colour. Blitz the soup to a smooth consistency in 

a blender or food processor. Return to the pan and season 

with salt and pepper to taste. 

2. Preheat the oven to 180°C Gas 4. 

3. Cut each of the croissants in half horizontally and place 

a slice or two of the cheese into each. Toast the pine nuts 

in a dry frying pan over a gentle heat until they are lightly 

golden brown and then sprinkle on top of the cheese. 

Replace the top of each croissant and wrap in a foil parcel. 

Bake in the oven for about 5 minutes until the cheese 

starts to melt. 

4. To serve, pour the soup into warm bowls, swirl with a little 

cream if liked and add freshly ground pepper to garnish. 

Serve with the warm croissants on the side. 

You can buy Soup & A Sandwich for the special price of £7.99 

including postage & packaging (rrp £9.99) by telephoning Macmillan 

Direct on 01256 302699 and quoting the reference HT8. 


134

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Garden 

Deck the halls 

Jo Arnell celebrates the Yuletide tradition – and fun – of decorating your house with evergreens 

Traditions surrounding mid-winter celebrations have 

been wreathed in evergreen foliage down through 

the ages. The Romans decorated their villas with 

evergreens to mark the winter festival of Saturnalia, the Pagans 

celebrated the winter solstice with holly and ivy and the 

Vikings decorated evergreen trees at Yuletide. 

It seems that the ancients knew a thing or two about winter 

and how to get through it with greenery. Long-lasting green 

leaves were linked to immortality; they kept the essence of 

warmer days alive and symbolised the hope of spring’s return. 

Indoor evergreens were even thought to be safe places for 

friendly woodland spirits to hibernate. 

So decorating our interiors with fresh and fragrant foliage 

is a natural thing to do (except for the hibernating spirits, I’m 

thinking – there are enough woodland creatures in my house 

already). It’s also ecological, economical – and healthy. 

Gathering is good for you 

The amount of daylight we directly experience affects the 

levels of serotonin, which drop when natural light levels are 

low. This can cause depression, suppress our immune system 

and affect our appetite and metabolism – so called SAD 

(Seasonal Affective Disorder). 

This month can be full of tensions and too much indoor 

activity as it is, so it’s vital to try to get outside and into 

natural light as much as possible. Going out for a walk in 

winter is cheek-warmingly good for you and if there’s a 

purpose to the walk – as in festive foraging – so much the 

better. Added to this is the dopamine effect of picking and 

gathering (dopamine is a mood-lifting chemical released in the 

brain’s reward centre). 

Also, if you want to get the children outside and exhausted, 

they might be more willing if the walk is a quest for Christmas 

decorations (I only said might). The gathering process can take 

hours and hours if needed and can be cunningly spread out 

over several expeditions. 

Long-lasting leaves 

Many evergreens are suitable for bringing into the house and 

some will stay looking fresh long past Christmas Day. Some 

useful garden evergreens: 

Holly – very traditional, but can be a bit prickly and hard on 

the fingers, so wear gloves when handling. 

Ivy – is still one of the best Christmas evergreens, as it has 

Viburnum davidii 

pliable stems, attractive leaves, flowers and fruits (small clusters 

of black berries). The variegated forms add a touch of white or 

gold and look good against other dark leaves. 

Spotted Laurel (Aucuba japonica) – can be used as a wreath 

base, or to line a plain bowl piled with nuts or clementines. 

Conifer foliage is wonderful as a wreath or swag base and 

many varieties are scented. (Christmas is about the only time 

of the year when I don’t curse the huge conifers that tower 

behind our house.) 

Viburnum tinus – is completely overlooked in the garden 

for much of the year, a dark green blob that blends into the 

background, but it lasts very well inside and often has flowers 

too which look effective on wreaths and in table decorations. 

Herbs – are lovely fragrant additions and the leaves of bay and 

rosemary dry well. 

Other long-lasting leaves to try: Ruscus, Pittosporum, 

Osmanthus and Euonymus – these have small leaves and are 

useful as fillers in table decorations and on wreaths or swags. 

Natural decorations 

While you’re out on your foraging trip, look around at some 

of the other plants. You’ll find that there are plenty of other 

living (and dead) things to make decorations with: berries, 

seed-heads and interesting twigs (just watch out for anything 

sharp or poisonous). 

Skeletal forms and the tracery of stems and seed-heads 

make delicate and understated decorations that last really 

well. Look out for the faded bracts of Hydrangeas, which can 

look impressive on wreaths or just in a vase. The flowers of 

ornamental grasses can be used to good effect too. 

Husks and cones are particularly effective: beechnuts and 

alder cones can be left on the twigs and added to vases of 

flowers or paperwhite narcissi. Some twigs and branches 

 


Garden 

Foliage, berries and seed-heads 

foraged from the garden 

are very effective tied loosely together with a few baubles or 

fairy lights hung from them, especially those with coloured or 

dramatic stems, like birch, willow or dogwood. 

Seed-heads from poppies, alliums, honesty, physalis and 

teasel make brilliant decorations, either lightly sprayed with 

metallic paint, or left looking beautiful and natural. 

Practicalities 

Don’t pick too early – lush and glossy evergreens should 

be picked as close to Christmas as possible. To prolong the 

display, or if you’re incorporating lots of fresh material, wet 

florists’ foam can be used. A quick spray twice a day with a 

mister is often all that’s needed to keep leaves perky. 

Cut stems of plants with berries and store them in a bucket 

of water in a cool shed or garage. 

Be considerate – when cutting foliage, especially from 

garden shrubs. Try not to hack great chunks 

out of them – cut from the back and thin the 

stems out carefully so that you don’t leave obvious holes 

and gaps that will look odd for months. 

Pick delicate seed-heads and stem tracery in advance if you 

can, before they’re battered by the weather. 

Compensate wildlife – birds and small mammals depend on 

berries and winter fruits for their survival over the winter, so 

don’t pick too many and put out some extra food on the bird 

table in recompense. 

Equipment – you won’t need much: a pair of secateurs and 

gardening gloves (if you’re rummaging through the hedgerows 

and pi cking prickly bits), some florists’ wire and ribbon for 

hanging things. A glue gun is useful if spherical fruits and 

seed-heads can’t be wired on. 

Once you start looking in the garden it’s amazing to 

discover how many plants are naturally decorative in winter 

and it’s creatively satisfying (in a hunter-gatherer sort of 

way) that so much of the garden can come inside to cheer 

us through the dark days. The other great thing about using 

evergreens and natural decorations is that after Christmas they 

don’t go into the loft, but onto the compost heap (woodland 

spirits and all). Hooray. 

For information on next year’s gardening courses contact 

Jo on 01233 861149 hornbrookmanor.co.uk 

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138 

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Garden 

The Winter 

Garden 

Colder weather doesn’t have to mean the 

end of decorative pots and hanging baskets – 

Emma Hardy’s book shows how 

Hanging Basket of Heucherellas 

Hanging baskets usually make me think of summer when 

they are planted up with floral bedding plants, but this 

striking basket with heucherellas and heuchera in subtle 

colours will survive freezing temperatures and look good all 

year round. The heucherellas will tumble beautifully out of 

the basket as the plants grow. 

You will need 

• Hanging basket with liner 

• Potting compost (add 

water-retaining granules 

if the basket will be hung 

in a sunny spot, to help 

prevent it drying out) 

• Sharp craft or DIY knife 

• Old newspaper 

• Heucherella ‘Gold 

Cascade’, ‘Copper 

Cascade’, ‘Sweet Tea’, and 

‘Burnished Bronze’ 

• Heuchera ‘Marmalade’ 

(coral bells) 

• 3 x Muehlenbeckia 

axillaris (creeping wire 

vine) 

• 2 x Hedera helix (ivy) 

1. Place the liner inside the hanging basket and stand the 

basket on top of a plant pot or bucket to keep it stable. 

Half-fill the basket with potting compost, spreading it out 

evenly. 

2. Using the knife, cut a slit in the liner about 4 in (10cm) 

long, making sure that you keep the rim of the liner intact. 

3. Soak the root balls of all the plants in water for at least 20 

minutes. Take a heucherella plant out of its pot and carefully 

remove some of the potting compost to make the root ball 

smaller. This will allow more plants to be planted in the 

basket. Fold a sheet of newspaper into a strip approximately 

8 x 12 in (20 x 30cm) and wrap it round the plant very 

carefully, enclosing the foliage. 

4. Working slowly and gently, push the newspaper through the 

Aftercare 

Hang the basket 

in its position and water 

thoroughly. Heucheras and 

heucherellas do not like to sit in 

very wet soil, so make sure that 

the basket is not overwatered. 

They are hardy and will 

withstand frosts. 

slit in the liner from the inside of the basket to the outside, 

foliage end first. Stop when all the leaves have been pushed 

through the liner. 

5. Again working carefully to avoid damaging the plant, remove 

the newspaper and gently ‘fluff out’ the leaves, making sure 

that none of them are squashed. Spread the roots out a little 

inside the basket. 

6. Cut another two slits in the liner. There will be three slits 

in total so position them accordingly. Push two more 

heucherella plants through the slits in the same way as before. 

7. Plant the remaining heucherella in the top of the basket, 

removing any excess potting compost from the root ball. 

8. Plant the heuchera in the top of the basket in the same way, 

making sure that the surface of the root ball sits inside the 

basket and does not protrude. 

9. Use the knife to cut three more slits in the liner between the 

heucherella plants, positioning the slits a little lower in the 

basket sides. Plant the muehlenbeckias, using the newspaper 

technique as before. These will help to hide the liner and 

basket. 

10. Add the ivies to the basket, removing them from their pots 

and planting in the top of the basket, looking at the basket 

as a whole to find the best positions for them. Add a few 

handfuls of potting compost to the basket to fill it and make 

sure that the surface is even. 

 


140

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Garden 

Splendid Succulents 

These low-lying succulents in a variety of colours in a shallow concrete planter make a wonderful 

miniature winter garden. All the plants, apart from Echeveria ‘Magic Red,’ can withstand low 

temperatures, so if your container will be sited in an unsheltered spot, it may be worth substituting it 

for a more hardy variety. 

Aftercare 

The plants used here 

will look good throughout 

the year, but some are frost 

tender. Keep the dish in a 

sheltered spot, bringing it 

indoors if the weather is 

very cold. 

You will need 

• Shallow dish with a drainage 

hole 

• Crocks and gravel 

• Potting compost, with a few 

handfuls of sand 

• Paintbrush 

• Decorative gravel 

• Selection of succulents – I 

used Sedum oregonense 

(cream stonecrop), 

Sedum acre ‘Minus’ 

(biting stonecrop), Sedum 

spathulifolium ‘Purpureum’ 

(purple stonecrop), Sedum 

rubrotinctum (banana 

cactus), Euphorbia myrsinites 

(broad-leaved glaucous 

spurge), Echeveria runyonii 

‘Topsy Turvy’, and Echeveria 

‘Magic Red’ 

1. Cover the drainage hole in the dish with a couple 

of crocks so that it will not become clogged with 

potting compost. 

2. Add a thick layer of gravel – ¾ in (2cm) deep should 

be adequate – spreading it out evenly over the 

bottom of the dish. 

3. Put the potting compost and sand mixture into the 

dish, half filling it. Press down lightly to make sure 

that there are no air pockets. 

4. Soak the plants in water for about 10 minutes and 

remove from their pots. Start to position the plants 

in the dish, removing a little of the potting compost 

if the root balls are very large. 

5. Continue moving the plants around until you are 

happy with the arrangement. Use trailing plants near 

the edge so that they will spill out of the container. 

6. Add handfuls of the potting compost mixture 

around the plants to fill any gaps, avoiding compost 

falling on to the plants. When all the gaps are filled, 

press the surface of the compost slightly and flatten. 

7. Using a paintbrush, carefully brush off any loose 

potting compost from the plants, as it can fall into 

the crevices. 

8. Spread decorative gravel over the compost, again 

trying to avoid it falling on the plants (the gravel 

helps to protect the plants during very cold weather). 

9. Water the container and leave to drain. 

Underplanting an Ornamental Tree 

This sweet little prunus tree with bare twiggy branches looks 

cute on its own, but underplanting it with senecio and cyclamen 

transforms it into a garden feature. Winding outdoor fairy lights 

around the branches gives it a frosty, twinkly look. 

You will need 

• Small tree in a tub—this is 

a Prunus incisa ‘Kojo-nomai’ 

(flowering cherry) 

• Gardening fork 

• Potting compost 

• 7 x Senecio cineraria 

(silver ragwort) 

• 4 x Cyclamen persicum 

(cyclamen) 

• Fairy lights suitable 

for outdoor use 

1. Using the fork, dig over the soil around the tree, removing any 

weeds. Fork a few handfuls of potting compost into the top 4 

in (10 cm) of the soil. Soak the plants in water for 20 minutes. 

Plant the senecio around the edge of the tub. 

2. Plant the cyclamen in the same way, in a ring inside the 

senecio. Firm the soil around the plants, adding a few handfuls 

of potting compost to fill any gaps. Wind the string of 

fairy lights around the bare branches. 

The Winter Garden by Emma Hardy, Photographs © Loupe 

Images/Debbie Patterson, published by CICO books £14.99 

Aftercare 

Once the cyclamen 

are past their best, remove 

them and add other bedding 

plants. Or plant bulbs around 

the base of the prunus 

in autumn to give you 

blooms right through 

into spring. 


142

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Scholarship Programme 

Opening access to the best of everything 

Academic, Art, Music, Drama and Sport Scholarships 

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Education 

Sugar is not good for you, your child or anyone else. Most 

doctors and nutritionists are now agreed – although the 

evidence presented by John Yudkin and others in the 

1970s was suppressed for fear of upsetting the sugar industry – 

that it is a major contributor to obesity, heart disease, diabetes, 

some forms of cancer and a terrifying range of other illnesses. 

Not forgetting calamitous tooth decay. 

So how are we to break the deadlock and ease people away 

from their lifelong addiction? Not easily, but there’s a great 

deal that schools could do to establish different habits for the 

future. Some, however, seem to go out of their way to promote 

sugar rather than doing everything possible to discourage it. 

It is quite wrong – immoral in fact – for teachers to 

reward children with chocolate bars, lollipops and the like. 

The child who gets full marks for this week’s spellings or 

mental arithmetic test should never be given a celebratory 

KitKat or Mars bar but it still happens frequently. 

Responsible teachers give stars, stickers or little non 

edible prizes. Every school should have a no sugar prizes 

rule made firmly clear to staff, parents and pupils by 

heads and governing bodies. No sensible person wants 

children to associate sugar with congratulation. 

Sugar shock 

Susan Elkin gnashes her teeth at teachers who use sweets as classroom rewards 

Wealden Times - Nov 16 half page_Layout 2 15/11/2016 11:29 Page 1 

If teachers personally dish out sugary junk to children 

it conveys the subliminal message that whatever lip 

service is paid in lessons to healthy eating, at the end 

of the day it’s fine to eat trash. It condones unhealthy 

habits and children are very susceptible to such ideas. 

School dinners have a long way to go too. Jamie Oliver 

has tried. So has Leon co-founder Henry Dimbleby, who 

was commissioned in 2012 by the Coalition government to 

spearhead improvements. Yes, there are fewer chips around 

now in school dining rooms than when I taught in a girl’s 

school in Kent and the (obese) Head defended the right of 

her students to have fried food and puddings every day. My 

lone voice attempts to change her views failed dismally. 

But if you offer fruit and salad it has to be made 

attractive so that the children actually want to eat 

it. Manky apples are not the answer. Neither are 

limp lettuce leaves and weary bits of cucumber. 

Schools are in a unique position to chip away 

(pun half-intended) at the sugar culture and give 

their pupils a better chance of a healthier future. 

It is scandalous that so many still don’t take this 

responsibility as seriously as they could and should. 

Saint Ronan’s School 

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StRonansSchoolWT178.indd 1 15/11/2016 11:36

What’s On In December 

Children & Family 

Throughout Dec 

Calverley Grounds, Royal 

Tunbridge Wells TN1 1BT 

Ice Skating 

A favourite destination comes to 

life for another year of family fun 

and festive food and drink. 

Entry: Adults £10.50, Children £7 

Info: tunbridgewellsatchristmas.com 

Thurs 1 – Sat 31 Dec 

Ramsgate Royal Harbour, 

Ramsgate CT11 8LS 

Ramsgate 

Illuminations 

Come and see the wonderful 

spectacle of boats and local 

businesses lit up for the festive 

season. 

Entry: Free 

Info: rtyc.com 

Thurs 1 – Fri 23 Dec 

10am-4pm 

Emmetts Garden, Ide Hill, 

Sevenoaks TN14 6BA 

Elf trail 

Head off on a festive adventure 

and discover what the elves have 

been up to this year. Children are 

most welcome, along with dogs 

on leads. 

Info: 01732 868381 / 

nationaltrust.org.uk/events 

Thurs 1 – Fri 23 Dec 

12-2.30pm 

Sissinghurst Castle Garden, 

Sissinghurst, Biddenden Road 

TN17 2AB 

Festive Lunches 

Enjoy lunch with a view this 

festive season, using wonderful 

local produce. 

Info: 01580 710704 / 


Sat 3 Dec 11.30am-1.30pm 

The Bandstand, The Pantiles, 

Tunbridge Wells TN2 5TD 

Christmas carols 

The choir of St Paul’s Church 

in Rusthall will be singing carols 

on behalf of specialist children’s 

charity, Tree of Hope. 

Entry: Free with a collection 

Info: treeofhope.org.uk 

Sat 3 Dec – Mon 2 Jan 

Leeds Castle, Maidstone 

ME17 1PL 

A Tale of Christmas 

Relive the classic Beatrix Potter 

tales with characters expressed 

in delightfully creative ways. 

Children will be captivated by 

miniature displays throughout the 

castle as part of this enchanting 

trail across the estate. 

Info: 01622 767823 / leeds-castle. 

com 

Sat 3 & Sun 4 Dec 

Kent & East Sussex Railway, 

Tenterden Town Station, 

Tenterden TN30 6HE 

Santa Specials 

Take a magical steam train 

journey to meet Santa this 

Christmas. 

Info: 01580 765155 / kesr.org.uk 

Fri 9 Dec 5-8pm & Sat 10 Dec 

10am-3pm 

Cranbrook High Street 

Cranbrook goes 

crackers 

Take part in the Nativity 

procession and browse among 

the street stalls, visit Santa’s 

grotto and enjoy live music 

at Cranbrook’s Christmas 

extravaganza. 

Info: intotheweald.co.uk/cranbrookgoes-crackers 

Sun 11 Dec 10am 

Mote Park, Maidstone 

ME15 7SU 

Christmas fancy dress 

fun run 

Have some festive fun with 

family and friends and get into 

the Christmas spirit at this fancy 

dress fun run in aid of Heart of 

Kent Hospice. With Christmas 

karaoke, snowstorms around the 

course and prizes for the best 

dressed, there’s something for 

everyone to enjoy. Register now! 

Info: hokh.org 

Sat 17 Dec 2pm 

Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst 

TN3 8JN 

Carols at the castle 

Come together with friends and 

family to sing carols, take the 

opportunity to shop for gifts and 

enjoy a mince pie. No booking 

needed 

Info: 01892 893868 / 


Wed 28 Dec 11am 

Castle Street, Winchelsea 

Medieval cellar tours 

Special guided tours of 

Winchelsea’s cellars are being 

run over the holiday period. 

Winchelsea boasts over 50 vaulted 

medieval cellars and guided tours 

by the Winchelsea Archaeological 

Society explain why and how they 

were built. 

Entry: £5 includes a guidebook 

Info & Booking: 01797 224446 / 

tours@winchelsea.net 

Fairs & Markets 

Fri 2, Sat 3 & Sun 4 Dec 5-8pm 

Old Town, Hastings 

Three nights of 

Christmas 

Find everything you need for 

Christmas in Hastings Old Town. 

Enjoy late night shopping, a 

special visit from Santa Claus and 

intotheweald.co.uk/cranbrook-goes-crackers/ 

Christmas 

Extravaganza 

Featuring 

a delightful festive atmosphere. 

Info: facebook.com/ 

OldTownChristmas 

Fri 2 – Wed 7 Dec 10am-6pm 

The Powdermills Hotel, Battle 

THE DECEMBER ART 

SHOW 

An exciting selection of affordable 

art and sculpture featuring five 

talented artists. Various mediums, 

sizes and styles including 

sculpture and ceramics. Gifts and 

cards also for sale. 

Sat 3 Dec 10am-3pm 

The Vestry Hall, Cranbrook 

TN17 3HA 

Kitsch & Stitch 

Christmas Fair 

A perfect opportunity to purchase 

something unique and handmade. 

Enjoy delicious tea and cake and 

lunch, served from midday. 

Entry: Free 

Info: facebook.com/ 

kitschandstitchfair 

Cranbrook Goes Crackers 

EVENING FRIDAY 9 TH DECEMBER 5-8 

Nativity procession, street stalls, grotto, live music 

ALL DAY SATURDAY 10 TH DECEMBER 10 - 3 

Adventure play bus, street stalls, grotto & more! 

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CranbrookGoesCrackersWT178.indd 1 21/11/2016 17:22

Christmas Show 

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ENJOY FREE ADMISSION TO THE PINETUM AND FOREST AND THESE OTHER BENEFITS* 

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• Bedgebury - guided walk with tea and cake 

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Fri 25th November – Sun 27th November 

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MAKE YOUR GARDEN GORGEOUS 

Christmas 

HornbrookManorWT178.indd 1 07/11/2016 BedgeburyWT177.indd 11:44 

1 A Tale of 

04/10/2016 15:21 

at Leeds Castle 

Celebrating 150 years of Beatrix Potter 

© Roger Foley 

© Manuela Zine 

Brighten up your winter with the 

International Garden Photographer of 

the Year exhibition. 

Sissinghurst Castle Garden 

16 January - 5 March 2017 

TN17 2AB / 01580 710700 

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/Sissinghurst-Castle-Garden 

© Richard Bloom 

The Castle 

3rd December to 2nd January 

Relive the classic Beatrix Potter tales on the 

150th anniversary of her birth through themed 

displays in Castle state rooms, imaginative 

Christmas tree decorations and festive floral 

arrangements. 

Christmas Market 

3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th, 22nd & 23rd 

December 

© 

During your visit discover the Christmas 

Market for a splendid array of seasonal gifts, 

toys, festive decorations, specialist food and 

drink. Enjoy nostalgic fairground attractions 

and meet the reindeer and our birds of prey. 

leeds-castle.com 

BEATRIX POTTER © Frederick Warne & Co., 2016. Frederick Warne & Co. is the owner of all 

rights, copyrights and trademarks in the Beatrix Potter character names and illustrations 

*Leeds Castle is closed on the 25th December 


148 

SissinghurstCastleWT178.indd 1 18/11/2016 ZestLtdLeedsCastleWT178.indd 12:28 

1 10/11/2016 10:38 

27587J1 LC Christmas 2016 Ad 90x130.indd 1 31/10/2016 09:38

What’s On In December 

ARE YOU SINGLE? 

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CHANGE YOUR LIFE AND CALL 

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Sat 3 Dec 9.30am-12pm 

Penshurst Place, Penshurst, 

Tonbridge TN11 8DG 

Farmers’ Market 

Browse over 40 stalls offering the 

best local food and drink. 

Info: 01892 870307 / 

penshurstplace.com 

YoursTrulyWT133.indd 1 19/02/2013 17:54 

Sat 3 Dec 12-6pm 

Dreamland, Marine Terrace, 

Margate CT9 1XJ 

Vintage market 

Don’t miss out on Dreamland’s 

very first vintage market. A big 

shopping bag is recommended. 

Entry: In advance £1, on the door £3 

Info: 01843 295887 / dreamland. 

co.uk 

Thurs 8, Tues 13 & Tues 20 Dec 

9-11am 

St John’s Church Centre, 

Hildenborough 

Hildenborough 

Farmers’ Market 

Extra Christmas stalls with 

crafts and goodies to 

complement the fresh local 

produce always available. Carols 

and wonderful Christmas music 

by choirs from three local schools 

during the market, plus mulled 

wine and mince pies for all. 

Info: kfma.org.uk/Hildenborough 

Fri 9 Dec 3-5pm 

Sissinghurst School Hall, 

Common Road, Sissinghurst 

Christmas Fayre 

Raffle, games, carols, tasty treats 

and Santa’s grotto. 

Sat 10 Dec 10am-3pm 

Old School Hall, East Farleigh, 

Maidstone ME15 0JL 

Antique and Vintage 

Market 

A wonderful selection of unique 

antique and vintage finds. Enjoy a 

cup of tea and homemade treat as 

you shop. 

Entry: Adults £2, £1 after noon 

Info: 07985 377585 / oldschoolhall. 

co.uk 

Workshops 

Thurs 1 Dec 10am-1.30pm 

Bore Place, Bore Place Road, 

Chiddingstone, Edenbridge 

TN8 7AR 

Festive wreath making 

Make your own Christmas wreath 

this year and take inspiration 

from nature to create a beautiful 

decoration using resources 

from Bore Place. Learn simple 

techniques and have a lot of fun in 

the process. 

Entry: £35, including lunch 

Info: 01732 463255 / boreplace.org 

Sat 17 & Sun 18 Dec 

Hayloft Learning Centre, Knole, 

Sevenoaks TN15 0RP 

Family workshop 

Create a beautiful sequinned bauble 

for Christmas. This fun drop-in 

workshop is suitable for those of 

five years and older, and children 

must be accompanied by an adult, 

who is also more than welcome to 

take part. Booking is essential. 

Info: 01732 467160 / nationaltrust. 

org.uk/events 

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 January 

issue is 5 December 2016. 

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Local Book Store 

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FernishireTreesWT172.indd 1 09/05/2016 SBIWT178.indd 10:19 1 23/11/2016 11:44 

2 06/06/2011 13:41 

150

WIN A 

TWO-SEATER SOFA BED 

WORTH £1,000 

Clarkes Furnishers has been one of the largest 

furniture showrooms in Maidstone since 

1929, showcasing beautiful, luxury furniture 

from a collection of the world’s best-known furniture 

brand names and manufacturers. Whether you’re 

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simply looking for style ideas Clarkes can help. 

Houses come in all shapes, sizes and styles 

and that’s why Clarkes stocks a fashionable, 

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The latest development at Clarkes has been the 

installation of a new retail brand, The Lounge Co. 

Clarkes is one of 20 stores nationwide this new 

concept can be seen in. By becoming a part of 

this new and exciting brand launch, the Clarkes 

customer has even more to choose from. 

To browse the collection and get expert 

advice, visit the Maidstone showroom. 

Clarkes Furnishers are offering Wealden Times 

readers the chance to win the Padstow two-seater sofa 

bed in grey, with two additional sofa scatter cushions. 

Simply answer the following question: 

When was 

the Clarkes showroom established in Maidstone? 

HOW TO ENTER: For your chance to win a two-seater sofa bed and scatter cushions, enter your answer with your contact 

details* in the online form at wealdentimes.co.uk/competition or post to: Clarkes Competition, Wealden Times, 21 Stone Street, 

Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3HF by Friday 30 December. There is no cash alternative and all prize elements must be taken on the 

same day, before 1st December 2017. *All entrants’ details will be passed on to Clarkes Furnishers and Wealden Times Events. 

Please let us know if you do not wish your details to be passed on. 

Congratulations to Mr P Hedges from Tonbridge who wins our October competition for a Two-Piece Knife Gift Set 


Jane Howard’s 

Fables from the Farm 

Christmas at Coopers Farm means fat pigs and porkers (we don’t mean the humans) 

Iso love Christmas or more correctly 

the run-up to Christmas. By the time 

we get back from Midnight Mass 

I’ve more often than not peaked and 

would happily skip the next few days. 

But the build-up is an altogether different 

prospect and one I embrace with huge 

enthusiasm, much to the amusement of 

the rest of my family. 

In the world of livestock farming, 

early December is traditionally the time 

for Fatstock Shows. While the Summer 

Agricultural Shows are an opportunity to 

showcase breeding animals, the Fatstock 

Shows are where farmers 

take their fattened beasts to 

sell to butchers who used 

to come from far and wide. 

Buying the prize winners – 

and especially the champion 

– was a big deal as the 

butcher could then display 

the rosette during the allimportant 

Christmas period. 

While there are of course far fewer 

independent butchers and even less 

Livestock Markets it is wonderful that 

those that remain still hold these seasonal 

celebrations and this year it is the 175th 

Hailsham Fatstock Show. 

Despite many attempts to pull down 

the market and turn it into another 

supermarket (just what Hailsham needs) 

thanks to a band of very committed 

people the Livestock Market remains; it is 

the only one in Sussex, and the Fatstock 

Show is the highlight of the year. 

“An abundance 

of vegetation is 

a great way of 

hiding cobwebs 

and dust” 

With classes for steers and heifers, old 

cows, pairs of cows, lambs in groups of 

three, four and five, fat pigs and porkers 

(not sure of the difference between the 

two) there is plenty to see and buy. It 

promises to be a great way to spend a 

crisp and frosty morning helped along by 

a bacon butty and a glass of sherry! 

By the middle of the month I’ll get 

going with the decorations and the halls 

at Coopers will be decked out big time. 

It was the pagans who started the idea of 

bringing greenery into the home and I 

think they would approve of my efforts. 

In comes the ivy, in comes 

the holly (hot tip No 1: 

for perfect berry laden 

branches pick your holly 

in November before the 

blackbirds strip them and 

store in a bucket of water 

in an outdoor shed) and 

perhaps, surprisingly, in 

comes the oak. 

You can usually find some oak 

branches that still hold a few leaves and 

so keep up another ancient tradition – 

the seasonal battle between the oak and 

the holly kings. For the pagans these two 

trees represent the height of summer and 

the height of winter and were always 

brought together in the middle of winter 

to slug it out. 

With the house overtaken by 

greenery (hot tip No 2: an abundance 

of vegetation is a great way of hiding 

cobwebs and dust) thoughts turn to the 

Christmas table where we make a point 

of serving as much home-grown produce 

as possible. We usually have pork, not 

the traditional boar’s head with an apple 

stuffed in its mouth, but a slow roast 

shoulder put into the Aga on return from 

Midnight Mass the night before. 

We can’t manage a home produced 

pudding (which no one really likes) 

so opt instead for cheese (which no 

one really wants) but it provides the 

opportunity for husband Adrian to bring 

to the table his home-grown walnuts. 

For years the walnut tree we planted 

when we first came here didn’t deliver the 

goods but having read that you should 

beat your walnut tree if you want it to 

bear fruit, every spring he gives it a good 

thrashing and every Christmas we get 

about 12 nuts! A result. 

Follow Jane Howard – and the farm 

– on Instagram @coopersfarm 


152

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‘Merry Christmas’ 

www.WoodcocksInteriors.co.uk

Wealden Times | WT178 | December 2016 | Interiors supplement inside

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