Surrey Homes | SH28 | February 2017 | Wedding supplement inside

wedding Supplement inside
Inspirational Interiors • Fabulous Fashion • Delicious Dishes
PRICELESS
february 2017

LUXURY INTERIOR DESIGN FOR
DISCERNING PRIVATE AND
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THE OLD PARLOUR, UNIT 6, OCKLEY COURT FARM, COLES LANE, OCKLEY, SURREY RH5 5LS, UK
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Contents
February 2017
THE WINTER EXHIBITION
40 6 supplement
14
21
40
65
67
71
76
96
99
ROOM FOR ROMANCE
Maggie Alderson’s
Valentine’s Day retreats
FEBRUARY NOTEBOOK
Fill your diary with hand
picked events going
on around Surrey
CURATED CONTENT
A Victorian home
with a difference
GET THE LOOK
Add some eclectic charm
to your interior
ECO REDEFINED
Christopher Day looks
into eco-upgrading
an old building
WEALDEN TIMES
MIDSUMMER
FAIR 2017
A preview of what’s to come
this June at Hole Park
FRESH TOUCH
A beautiful Regency
property with an
elegant interior
GET THE LOOK
Be inspired by Peter and
Murielle’s crisp decoration
WEDDING
SUPPLEMENT
Stunning dresses,
gorgeous accessories
and delicious dishes to
take you through from
Valentine’s to your big day
101
104
107
109
113
115
118
123
124
VALENTINE’S
BODYCARE
Josephine Fairley spruces
and moisturises with
indulgent products
for skin confidence
FRESH IN FEBRUARY
This month’s interviewee,
Charlotte Molesworth,
chats super simple beauty
BEAT THE BUGS
Give winter illness
the cold shoulder
EARLY BIRD
GARDENING
Jo Arnell’s tips for a
happy gardening year
LET IT SHINE
Sue Whigham gives
her conservatory plant
recommendations
MIND OVER MATHS
How should an interest
in mathematics be
encouraged?
WHAT’S ON?
Find out...
COMPETITION
Win a romantic day out
at Hush Heath Winery
FABLES FROM
THE FARM
Jane Howard looks
into misconceptions
surrounding meat
consumption
LONDON
DAVID ATKINS
Full Colour Exhibition Catalogue
Available From The Gallery
McALLISTER THOMAS
117 High Street
Godalming
Surrey GU7 1AQ
T: 01483 860591
www.mcallisterthomasfineart.co.uk
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 2017©
7 wealdentimes.co.uk
McAllisterThomasFineArtS28-V.indd Half Page Surrey.indd 1 1 19/01/2017 20/01/2017 11:37 10:47

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01883 622258 or email firtreecourt@raynersproperties.com

LAST CHANCE
TO BUY
THE TATTENHAM 4 BEDROOM
HOME PRICED AT £650,000
STAMP DUTY CONTRIBUTION AVAILABLE *
Only one property now remains at Clayshaw Place, in the peaceful West Sussex village of Rudgwick,
and should be viewed as soon as possible. Ready to move into by March 2017, with a generous
Stamp Duty contribution for reservations in February * , this opportunity should not be missed.
Number 22, The Tattenham: a substantial 4 bedroom family home whose many features include
a triple aspect kitchen, study, living room with a wood burning stove, and west-facing garden.
Showhome open Thursday to Saturday 10am to 5pm. Clayshaw Place, off Summerfold, Rudgwick RH12 3BY.
Call 01403 823 495 to book your appointment
clayshawplace@thakeham.com clayshawplace.com
More than a place to live
*Stamp Duty contribution available for reservation in February 2017. Computer generated images
depict The Tattenham and are indicative only. Photography depicts previous Thakeham Showhome
and are indicative only. Details and prices correct at time of going to press.
Selling Agents: 01483 268 555
www.rogercoupe.com

tel. 01483 268 555
www.rogercoupe.com I Open 7 days a week
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• Family Bathroom • Oak Framed Double Garage
• 10’ x 8’ Garden Shed • Landscaped Garden

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PrivatePropertySearchS23.indd 1 30/08/2016 OpalMortgageSolutionsS24.indd 12:43
1 28/09/2016 12:53
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12
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Show Home open Thursday - Monday, 10am - 5pm
Please call 01737 778866 or visit shanlyhomes.com
Computer generated image of plots 4 and 5. Internal photography of plot 1. Travel times & distances approximate only. Prices correct at
time of press. Help to Buy and Stamp Duty* are available on selected plots only. Terms and conditions apply and are subject to approval.
The Alders
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Computer generated image of The Alders. Internal photography of previous Shanly Homes development. Help to Buy available on selected plots only. Terms and conditions apply.

HOUSE OF THE MONTH
1.
Room for Romance
Maggie Alderson finds homes with Valentine’s in mind
Going out to dinner with your special someone can be the loveliest way to
celebrate February 14th – but it’s all about choosing the right venue (and
ordering enough Champagne). Establishments that know how to do it
right gauge exactly the right level of sweet soppiness, without slipping over into the
fine dining equivalent of a padded Valentine’s card. Botch it and you’ll find yourself
sitting in a dining room full of other couples being ‘romantic’ to a schedule, with
a forced atmosphere on a level with a school reunion or tense family Christmas.
In this scenario, it’s hard to say which stage of couplehood it’s worst to sit next
to. There are the torturously self-conscious newly matched innocents (‘What if I
get spinach between my teeth?’). The overly loved-up lusters (‘How quickly can
we get through this and back to mine…?’). Moving on through the relationship
years, there is the guilt dinner couple (‘I forgot the anniversary, perhaps this will
get me off the hook…’). Or the silent pair who never really had anything in
common and less with every passing year (‘I must book the carpet cleaner…’).
So what to do instead? The singleton solution to Saint Valentine’s
annual taunt fest is to gather in gangs, drink too much and laugh a lot.
The savvy couple might opt to stay in. Alone. (It’s a great night for small
people to enjoy a sleepover at granny’s…). Because what nicer place to
smooch up than in the home you’ve created together? And if, after a lovely
dinner and a few glasses of fizz, you get that loving feeling, there’s only a
short stagger upstairs. If it goes the other way, you’ve got your book.
Of course, anywhere can be delightful with the person you love, but
how wonderful it would be to stay home on Valentine’s night in a house
that’s romantic in its own right, the lovey-dovey atmosphere built in.
Whether it’s the cosiness of beamed rooms and a generous hearth, ancient
panelling, quirky features or a dreamy historic association, some houses
just make you sigh. Here are four such homes currently on the market.
1. Cousens
Where? Cousens is located on the
outskirts of the pretty Wealden village of
Rudgwick, on the Sussex/Surrey border, eight
miles from Horsham and just a handy half an
hour to Gatwick.
What? Like a child’s drawing of a perfect
country cottage, complete with wisteria
around the windows, Cousens is a Grade II
listed timber-framed house, one of over 90 in
the parish. Inside it has a delightful higgledy
piggledy plan with one staircase up to a
bedroom from the kitchen, another down
to the cellar and a third up to the main first
floor, with three bedrooms and a bathroom,
the master en suite with a dressing room.
There is a further bedroom over the garage,
with a sauna. The ground floor has a stonefloored
kitchen, sitting and dining rooms with
fireplaces, a vaulted hall and a double-aspect
family room with an adjoining conservatory.
The south-west facing rear garden has a large
stone terrace and a paddock.
How much? Cousens is on the market
with Savills, Guildford, listed at £1,395,000.
Look at savills.com or call 01483 796820.
wealdentimes.co.uk
14

2.
3.
4.
2.
3.
4.
2. The Knoll
Where? Nestled among its own
mature trees, The Knoll is situated in the
highly sought-after North Downs village
of Woldingham, with its two golf courses
and surrounding green belt countryside,
within easy reach of the M25. London
stations are just 35 minutes away
What? The wonderful charm of The
Knoll is that this tile-hung Edwardian
Arts and Crafts gem, surrounded by
lawned gardens, hasn’t yet been done up
or interfered with in any way. It still has
the original radiators people laboriously
source to put back into houses and a
copper-hooded fireplace from the last
time metal was highly fashionable.
Accommodation is generous, with three
major reception rooms and the sitting
room has mullioned windows on three
sides. The kitchen and larder give on to a
generous breakfast room, with great scope
for in-keeping modernisation. On the two
upper floors there are eight bedrooms,
quaintly served by one bathroom.
How much? The Knoll is
being marketed by Park and Bailey,
Woldingham, at £1,195,000.
Visit parkandbailey.co.uk, or
phone 01883 653040.
3. Aylwins
Where? Aylwins sits on a country
lane in the Surrey/Sussex border hamlet
of Ellens Green, near the villages of
Cranleigh and Rudgwick, eight miles from
Horsham and twelve from Guildford.
What? A classic two-storey
16th-century, black and white English
cottage, with an inglenook and cosy
exposed beams, within beautifully
landscaped gardens. The ground floor
accommodation is generous, with a
spacious kitchen/breakfast room of great
charm and a large separate utility room,
a double-aspect sitting room and a lovely
big hallway, with a further room used as
a study, but with an adjoining shower
room, so it could be another bedroom.
Two separate staircases lead to the first
floor, with two beds and one bath in one
wing and the double-aspect master suite
in the other, offering appealing privacy.
How much? Aylwins is listed
at £850,000 with Roger Coupe,
Cranleigh. Browse rogercoupe.
com or call 01483 268555.
4. The Old Manor House
Where? The Old Manor House
sits on the edge of Shepperton, within
walking distance of the legendary film
studios, close to charming upstream
reaches of the River Thames. Chertsey
and Sunbury are ten minutes away.
Waterloo is under an hour by train.
What? You can see the history oozing
out of the beautiful old bricks of this
Grade II* listed house. Once part of
Cardinal Wolseley’s estate, it was built
in the 15th century and extended in the
16th and 19th. Mullioned windows and
atmospheric beams abound. William IV
lodged here and the house has associations
with no less romantic a figure than Lady
Jane Grey. The oak panelled hall has a
large open fireplace, the dining room
and library are also panelled. The kitchen
has 15th century beams. The ground
floor also has a family room and a sitting
room, with access to the garden. Upstairs
there are seven large bedrooms, with five
bathrooms, with another three bedrooms
on the top floor. The beautifully lawned
garden of 2.5 acres has River Ash frontage
and – wait for it – its own private island.
How much? The Old Manor House
is listed at £1,400,000 with Jackson
Stops Weybridge. Check out jacksonstops.co.uk
or call 01932 821160.
15 wealdentimes.co.uk

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Maker in focus...
Until Saturday 25 February enjoy an exhibition of paintings and
ceramics by Craig Underhill at New Ashgate Gallery in Farnham.
Craig’s work evokes the feeling of landscapes that he has visited or
travelled through, and he uses the surfaces of his slab-built ceramic
vessels like canvases onto which he applies mark-making techniques,
texture and colours. Exploring ideas through drawing is an important
part of his making process, which Craig tends to do before committing
himself to the ceramic pieces. Find out more at newashgate.org.uk
February
notebook
Exhibitions & events
near you this month...
Something new...
Modelled on a typical university freshers’ fair, the
retirement refreshers’ fair will showcase a whole
range of clubs, societies and organisations for
those who are retired, or approaching retirement.
Organised as part of the Farnham Maltings’ Arts
and Health Programme, the event will take place
on Monday 27 February at 11am and exhibits
will range from floral design, musical theatre
and fine art, to conservation, rambling and
spinning and weaving. Find your new hobby at
farnhammaltings.com or phone 01252 745444.
Natural state...
Henry Moore was inspired throughout his life by
objects from nature, both found by him and given to
him. Bones, skulls, flintstones, driftwood and shells
can all be seen in his work. This exhibition, hosted
by The Lightbox in Chobham throughout February,
will show the artistic process of Henry Moore’s
work from found object, to drawing and on to
finished sculpture. Entry is £5 per person and more
information can be found at thelightbox.org.uk
Step into spring...
For a great day out during February half-term, pay
a visit to Bocketts Farm in Leatherhead. Open from
10am to 5.30pm daily, there are ample activites
for children and families to enjoy together. Over
70 new lambs are due to be born, and you can
meet the shepherd looking after them. Experience
the birds of prey flying demonstration and meet
the Shetland ponies. Call 01372 363764 for
more information or visit bockettsfarm.co.uk
Soulful celebration...
From classical and jazz to folk and contemporary
music along with dance, theatre, film and more,
an eclectic programme featuring international
artists in venues in and around Guildford
promises to appeal to all. Tasmin Little, John
Williams, Icebreaker, the National Youth Jazz
Orchestra, StopGAP and Max Baillie are just a
few of the many visiting artistes taking part this
year, from Friday 24 Feb to Sunday 5 March.
Further details can be found at surrey.ac.uk/arts
A kind of magic...
Creatively choreographed to vintage jazz, Mr
Alexander’s Travelling Show will transport viewers
both young and old back in time. In a magical
demonstration of juggling, unicycling, balance and
illusion this extraordinary festival finale guarantees
to inspire, entertain and delight all who watch. Visit
the Electric Theatre in Guildford on Saturday 18 Feb
and see electrictheatre.co.uk for more information.
Picture this...
If you love painting, or have always wanted to learn,
then Watts Gallery is the place to be! Starting on
Thursday 23 February, esteemed portrait artist Jane
Alison will be running a six-week comprehensive
course in portraiture using water-soluble oil paint.
Learn the qualities and characteristics of oil paint,
and explore the essential elements of achieving
a likeness. The course is £160 and includes all
materials. Book your place at wattsgallery.org.uk
21 wealdentimes.co.uk

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28
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ABBEY CHASE A4 FINAL 14/11/14 08:58 Page 1

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33 wealdentimes.co.uk
FarninghamPineOakWT176.indd 1 21/09/2016 09:41

Bowles & Co Ad_Layout 1 14/01/2014 16:32 Page 1

Editor’s
Letter
I’m always envious of the creativity of Hastings residents
and was delighted to discover James and David’s fascinating
house, tucked away in the heart of the Old Town. With
backgrounds in the creative industry, together they’ve collected
and curated an eclectic selection of art and furnishings that’s
continually evolving. Explore it for yourself from page 40.
Our second home this month – a beautifully renovated Regency
property owned by Peter and Murielle – is testament to the
couple’s chic style with a crisp, clean colour palette and plenty of
space for entertaining. Find out how they achieved their look
from page 76.
If you’ve got matrimony in mind, then look no further than
this February issue’s Wedding Supplement – featuring stunning,
modern dresses photographed in a fittingly contemporary setting
(a revisit to previous Surrey Homes house photograph-ees, Pete
and Heather Cernis). If you’re looking for the wow-factor on
Tuesday 14th Feb, within the supplement you’ll also find three
gorgeous recipes from The Little Ginger Baker, Isla Atkins. Be sure
to choose a beautiful gift from our shopping pages before baking
your way into your partner’s good books!
Whatever you decide to do this Valentine’s
Day, enjoy your Surrey Homes!
Surrey Homes Team
Editor ..............................................................................................Lucy Fleming
Fashion & Beauty Editor ................................................................ Helen Barton
Design ...........................................................................................Powerful Pierre
Design Team ................................................................................Anthony Boxall
Rob Cursons
Phoebe Gilbert
Tanya Goldsmith
Managing Director ..........................................................................Julie Simpson
Commercial Director ................................................................. Colin Wilkinson
Sales Manager ......................................................................Lisa Gordon-Hughes
Sales Team ..................................................................................Hayley Biddulph
Jude Brown
Liz Copping
Sarah Norwood
Lisa Smith
Distribution .......................................................................................Jude Brown
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35 wealdentimes.co.uk
JoDownsRipleyS28.indd 1 12/01/2017 16:49

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39 wealdentimes.co.uk
HomeandPetSitters4Uwt169.indd 1 24/02/2016 17:34

Words: Jennifer Stuart-Smith Photographs: David Merewether Styling: Helen Barton
wealdentimes.co.uk
40

Curated Content
Retail brand consultant James, stylist David and their Boston Terrier,
Cooper, moved into their Victorian property in the heart of Hastings Old
Town just one year ago. In that time they have completely transformed
the interior with their bold use of colour and an eclectic and fascinating
mix of furniture and art – a continually evolving work in progress
41 wealdentimes.co.uk

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Previous pages & above: David and James used local carpenter Sam White to rebuild the kitchen. Stewart Walton, a craftsman who
creates things out of Hastings Old Pier wood was commissioned to make the mantelpiece and shelving. David found the fox painting
over the fireplace in a junk shop in Prague
Retail is detail, or so the mantra goes. So, for visitors
to Fern House, it will come as no surprise that its
owner – or one of them at least – is a retail brand
consultant, so carefully and beautifully is each room laid
out. Not in a precious ‘don’t touch’ or ‘breakages-mustbe-paid-for’
kind of way. More that it’s instantly clear that
whoever lives here has impeccable taste and an ability to
create a welcoming atmosphere without using that old
trick of baking bread or putting on a pot of fresh coffee.
As soon as we arrive, we are led by the nose to a warm,
aromatic scent coming from the downstairs kitchen. “Come
on down,” says James, though we need no encouragement.
A candle on the sideboard fills the room with a herby, citrus
perfume. “When we first moved in we burned sage,” says
James. The practice is an ancient method of cleansing a
person or a space, and was employed by Native Americans
and many other cultures. Whatever James and his partner
David have done, it certainly seems to have worked.
“I am a big believer, with some of the brands I work
with, in asking them ‘How do you want your customers to
feel when they come into your stores?’ says James. Having
worked with such names as Paul Smith, Selfridges and,
more recently, Fred Perry, it’s clear that James knows what
he’s talking about. In the case of his home, the feeling one
gets when one walks into the house, is of not wanting
to leave. “We have a very ‘open house’ policy,” laughs
James. “And people often just call in unannounced.”
The house is an unusual semi-detached Victorian property,
in the middle of Hastings Old Town and reached by a
bridge-like path. “The beauty is, it’s hidden. When we
43 wealdentimes.co.uk

Above: Cooper stands guard in the living room, with floorboards painted in Chocolate by Little Greene. The leather
chair is one of a pair from France, found by a lady in St Leonards who has a shop called Sideshow Interiors. Artworks by
Russell Loughlan have been carefully placed on the wall.
wealdentimes.co.uk
44

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Art For Your Future
McAllister Thomas exhibits original contemporary
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McALLISTER THOMAS
117 High Street
Godalming
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Start your collection today and ensure you buy a
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E: info@mcallisterthomasfineart.co.uk
W: mcallisterthomasfineart.co.uk
Pictured - Hugo Grenville, Winter Light, Oil on Linen, 107 x 107 cm

Above: Above the fireplace in the living room hangs a UK map made out of foxes by artist Patrick Thomas. The ceramics on the
mantelpiece are from The Clay Den in Hastings
purchased this house, I don’t think we’d actually noticed
it before,” says James. “Some would say it’s merely a
Victorian house – but there’s not another one like it in the
town. Plus, it has that lovely little draw-bridge moment
as you walk up the path.” It’s certainly very peaceful.
So, what state was the house in when they bought it?
“The previous owners had looked after it and it still had
the period details that we love,” says James. “It just needed
a new lease of life, a new energy.” So, the couple opened
up the windows in every room, pulled up the carpets, and
burned some sage: “We just let the house breathe a little
bit... and let the dog roam around, sniff the property,
get to know it.” The dog in question is an adorable, and
rather photogenic Boston Terrier called Cooper.
“Understanding the light in each room was also very
important,” says James. After airing the house and letting
Cooper wander, the transformation began: “We had a very
clear plan: we wanted the property to feel light and airy at
the top and a little bit darker and moodier down below. A
lot of the paint colours we chose – as well as the fabrics that
David chose for the cushions, curtains and textiles – are
to do with the changing landscape and natural light.”
Starting our tour in the kitchen, the view from the large
basement windows is of a lush, fern-filled courtyard
47 wealdentimes.co.uk

“We had a very clear plan: we wanted the property to feel light and airy at the
top and a little bit darker and moodier down below. A lot of the paint colours
we chose – as well as the fabrics that David chose for the cushions, curtains and
textiles – are to do with the changing landscape and natural light.”
wealdentimes.co.uk
48

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WE BELIEVE
In making things properly. That simple is beautiful. And more than anything,
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What we don’t believe in is shortcuts. So every one of our kitchen cabinets is designed as a
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neptune.com
Neptune Tonbridge, 1-2 Tannery Road, TN9 1RF, 01732 351866, info@neptunetonbridge.com

Above: The studio features a wall of artwork that James and David have collected over the years, as James explains: “It’s very much
something we wanted to do in this room and I think it harks back to my graphic design days, when I was studying, and I wanted just
to have a mix of great pieces. The wall is work in progress and it always will be. We buy more pieces and we move them around. It’s
everything we love.”
with very little direct light. The legs and feet of passersby
occasionally catch your eye, though no-one seems to
spot the kitchen-dwellers below. “We love people walking
past,” says James. “And looking in. We love people just
standing outside and appreciating the building!” It’s hard
not to stop and admire a home as pretty as this one.
As we enjoy a coffee in the kitchen, it’s clear that this is a
popular room. It’s also a room that makes you want to rest
a while. James and David ripped up the original carpets,
exposed the brickwork behind the kitchen area and opened
up an old fireplace next to the kitchen table: “It had one
of those shaker kitchens that were popular in the early 90s
so we got our carpenter to put in a new kitchen...” They
also painted the floorboards in Little Greene’s Chocolate.
Painted floorboards are a theme that’s repeated in every
room: “I love floorboards when they’re painted but worn.
There’s nothing better than seeing where people walk, so I am
looking forward to it wearing in a little more,” says James.
A large range cooker is testament to the couple’s love
of cooking for friends and the bare brick wall behind is
illuminated by three utilitarian lights: “We asked Ed from
Dyke & Dean to come and look at our house. Then we
51 wealdentimes.co.uk

We head up to the studio on the top floor. “This is one of our favourite
rooms,” says James. “We sit up here, we chat about creative stuff,
look at the view and it gives you that lovely calm feeling.”
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54
GuildfordFlooringS24.indd 1 14/09/2016 17:04

Above: The sideboard in the studio is 1950s Danish by Hans Moebler, bought from designsofmodernity.com. The ‘fishing rod’ style
lamp was a gift from two of the couple’s closest friends, Andrew and Pip, who own Le Chien et Moi in Nottingham
went to his shop in Claremont and looked at all the flex
colours, all the different cabling, the lamp shades, the light
bulbs. So, each room has a different feel but they are all part of
the same family. They give the house a bit of a marine-like feel.”
Next door to the kitchen is the equally cosy living room,
which looks out over a courtyard garden and, because of its
elevated position, over neighbouring gardens and the tiled
backs of ancient townhouses. “It’s a real sun trap,” says James.
“Some would say we’re overlooked but we don’t feel that. The
neighbours are wonderful. Just waking up and looking out
55 wealdentimes.co.uk

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over the rooftops is amazing...” His enthusiasm is infectious.
I sit in one of two leather chairs by the living room
window. “They were found for us by a lady in St Leonards
who has a shop called Sideshow Interiors. We were after two
perfect chairs, but they needed to feel loved, worn, and very
gentlemanly... We saw these and just fell in love with them.”
The large Edwardian sofa next to my seat they found in a
skip in Leytonstone, East London, where they used to live.
There is no overarching theme to this room, it’s just
a mix of eras, styles and hand-picked objects – one or
two of which are very ‘of the moment’; think taxidermy,
retro drinks trolleys and a touch of macrame, in the
form of a bright yellow hanging basket. “We did a course
last year. I think the one in the bathroom is probably
stronger in terms of the look – that one’s David’s. I cut
the ends too short on mine!” says James, modestly.
So, what’s the key to this effortless, organic style? “More
people are mixing period pieces and styles and creating
their own look. We buy things we really love. As you walk
through the house you’ll see pieces from East Germany, we
have Danish pieces of furniture, Victorian pieces, French
painted cupboards. The eclectic mix is there but the way it’s
styled should feel a little bit calmer.” It’s not a house that
feels cluttered or cramped, despite its relatively small rooms.
Even the darker basement and ground floor rooms feel
artfully composed and relaxing spaces to spend time in.
To appreciate the contrast in decor and natural light – as
well as the view of the sea – we head up to the studio on the
top floor. “This is one of our favourite rooms,” says James.
“We sit up here, we chat about creative stuff, look at the view
and it gives you that lovely calm feeling.” Next to the window
is what appears to be a well-upholstered, firm sofa. It is in
fact a 1950s, East German sofa bed. “In the summer we pull
the window up... You can just lie here – or I’ll just drift off
in the afternoon. I’m an early bird, so I get up at six, go for a
walk with Cooper. By about three o’clock, it’s time to relax!”
Simply furnished, the other walls are taken up by a
book‐case – in front of a glass-topped desk – and a plain
wall with a rudimentary fireplace. “The fireplace was covered
over, but we knew there was something there, so we made
a hole ourselves.” The space, where a fireplace should go, is
stacked with logs. “We didn’t want it to feel too polished.
The fireplace is a work in progress... as is the whole house.”
Unlike the rooms on the lower floors, James and David
have used a lighter palette on this floor. The walls in the
studio are painted in Farrow & Ball’s Parchment, the doors
in French Grey and floorboards in Pavilion. An ethereal lamp
hovers behind the armchair in which James sits: “It was a
gift from two of our closest friends, Andrew and Pip, who
own the shop Le Chien et Moi in Nottingham. It’s Danish,
very early 50s, but otherwise we know very little about it.”
Rather than nodding off in the calm of the top-floor studio,
it’s time for our tour to continue. Next door is the sparkling,
1930s-feel bathroom, with marble-effect tiling and huge
old bath with wood-panelled sides painted, as are the
This page: The staircase that winds up through the house is used
to display more of the couple’s finds
57

This page: The bathroom features a bright yellow macrame
planter, one of a pair made by James and David. “We did a
course last year. I think the one in the bathroom is probably
stronger in terms of the look – that one’s David’s. I cut the ends
too short on mine!” says James, modestly.
floorboards, in the magnificent Hague Blue by Farrow & Ball.
Despite the dark woodwork and clean lines, the room is made
‘softer’ and more personal with pretty toiletries, ceramics and
lush houseplants. A comfy chair by the window means that
there is space for someone to sit and chat while the other baths.
Large windows in all of the rooms help to give a sense
of space – even when space is at a premium. High ceilings
have a similar effect. In the main bedroom, James and
David have again been bold in their choice of colours –
and the effect is one of cosiness and calm. “We wanted
this to feel a little bit darker than the top floor but still
moody, I particularly like the colour on the ceiling. When
the light comes through, it’s got a lovely warm tinge to
it, almost peach-like and reminiscent of how the light
reacts with the tiled buildings opposite,” says James.
Two 1950s lounge chairs have been placed by the window:
“On a Sunday we might make coffee and come and sit
up here, and just look at the view.” The bed has been
artfully dressed with rugs and fabrics, while the cushions
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60
CranleighBathroomStudiosS26.indd 3 28/11/2016 10:37

In the sparkling, 1930s-feel bathroom the floorboards are painted in the magnificent
Hague Blue by Farrow & Ball. Despite the dark woodwork and clean lines, the room is
made ‘softer’ and more personal with pretty toiletries, ceramics and lush houseplants
61 wealdentimes.co.uk

This page: The master bedroom. James found the original
Chinese scrolls on parchment on a business trip to Hong Kong
and framed them in Hastings
are covered in a fabric which James saved from a Selfridges
window display he collaborated on with Suzy Hoodless.
Behind the bed are two striking Chinese paintings, whose
colours complement the room: “I found those on a trip to
Hong Kong about eight years ago,” says James. “They are
original Chinese scrolls, on parchment. We love the colours.”
Love is a word that James uses a lot in reference to this
house, its refurbishment and decoration. It’s clear that they
are smitten with the place and that they intend to stay. “Now
we’re in our 40s, we couldn’t be happier and I think this house
is testament to that. A lot of the things that are displayed
around the house are from our travels, our family or from our
friends.” And if you feel like a change? “You find something,
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Address Book:
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russell Loughlan 07870 173103 russellloughlan.com
Sam White carpenter 07926 362336
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Stewart Walton craftsman stewart@recyclingwood.org.uk
63 wealdentimes.co.uk

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Eco Redefined
Christopher Day explains what to look
out for when it comes to choosing an
old building to eco-upgrade in an extract
from The Eco-Home Design Guide
What is an eco-home? What do you need to know to
create one? What is an eco-home? If you more or less know,
and more or less know how to create one, you don’t need to read
on. Or perhaps you do. There may be things you haven’t thought
about, or aspects of things that you haven’t considered in depth or
didn’t know. Some might even be vital issues for how your house
performs and lasts, and how it is to live in – and how long you live.
Everybody more or less knows what an eco-home is, but as
there’s no official definition, nobody actually knows. Is it necessarily
a house? Can it be a caravan, yurt or even a high-rise apartment? Is
it a zero-carbon – or, better, a carbon-negative house? Would that
include a wholly uninsulated house connected to a photovotaic
farm? Or is it a house so nature-friendly that it’s full of wasps, rats
and (suspiciouly ominous) mushrooms? Or should it be so zeroimpact
that living in it means dressing for outdoor temperatures?
Everybody knows it doesn’t mean those sorts of things.
It’s safer, therefore, to focus on what everybody
more or less knows: that it’s something to do
with supporting ecological stability.
What is ecological stability, though? Climate stability is an
absolutely essential part of this, but only a part. Preserving
or recycling key resources (e.g. water, nutrients, perhaps
manufacturing feedstocks) is comparably important, although
this hasn’t yet reached a tipping-point crisis. So is the maintenance
of a self-regulating ecology. This is mostly about reducing
pollution, preserving biodiversity and, indirectly but crucially,
food security. Common to all these, however, is living in harmony
with nature. But can we do this if we live in town? As most of us
do, for life to survive on our planet, this is absolutely essential:
living in harmony with nature doesn’t mean living in nature.
Historically, however, the eco-architecture movement didn’t
start very harmoniously. There were those who focused on
minimising energy use. Hermetically sealed buildings with tiny
windows appealed to them. Others were principally concerned
with occupant health. They liked air-permeable buildings, lots
of fresh air and solely natural materials. Others again sought
hi-tech solutions to everything. Some focused on autonomous
houses and self-sufficient lifestyles; others, on social issues
– even to the point of collectivism. And everybody thought
‘ecology’ meant they couldn’t use their favourite materials or do
anything artistic. Nobody ever considered the risk of dying from
heatstroke, at least not in Britain: at that time, heat retention
(for resource preservation) seemed the issue, not cooling (for
survival). Climate change wasn’t a concern; oil depletion (and
related price rise) was. Also, although some thought meditation
could transcend ecological disaster as this is ‘merely’ material,
nobody discussed the spiritual dimension of sustainability.
Fortunately, those days are behind us – but their echoes still
remain. Few seem to realise that harmony with nature means
embracing and synthesising all of this. If we omit the material
concerns, things don’t work. If we omit the aesthetic, we only
serve the material side of nature and humanity. The climate
crisis demonstrates this. If material solutions don’t work, human
– and probably all – life won’t last. But if concentration on
practical aspects ignores soul and spirit issues, life won’t be worth
living – and (according to statistics) is likely to be shorter.
Does this make what ‘everybody more or less knows’
unduly complicated? It shouldn’t. It just means that there are
many more issues than energy conservation to attend to.
Choosing an old building to eco-upgrade. There are
additional considerations when choosing an old building to ecorenovate.
Any existing building’s location, neighbouring buildings
and orientation are fixed. Old buildings’ construction is rarely in
a perfect condition, may have a limited life and is often different
from what we would choose (insulation, for instance, is rare – and
there may be no room to add it). As all this limits options for
eco-improvements, you need to know what you can and can’t do.
Before you buy a property, it’s important to be able to distinguish
buildings that are easy to eco-improve from those that aren’t, and
faults that are easy to remedy from those that mean ‘don’t buy’.
Old buildings basics. Old buildings may look similar to
new ones, but they’re different in many small but significant
ways. How old is ‘old’? Aesthetically, ‘old’ usually means pre-
1850. In constructional terms, it’s pre-1920. For thermal
performance, however, it’s virtually everything before 2006.
Wooden buildings, being vulnerable to fire, rot and
insects, tended not to last as long as masonry ones. Those
that still survive, however, are usually dry because wood
buffers humidity. They’re also often warm because, as
insulation is easy to insert in the gaps between the structural
framing members, this has often already been done.
In Britain, most pre-twentieth-century buildings are masonry.
Unlike modern buildings, which have concrete foundations, these
are built on brick or stone footings; nor did they use cement, but
lime. Consequently, they’re somewhat flexible. New or old, all
buildings move with changing temperatures. Ground also
67 wealdentimes.co.uk

“Old buildings’ construction is
rarely in a perfect condition,
may have a limited life
and is often different from
what we would choose.”
moves (e.g. with moisture, prolonged loading, tree roots, vibration
from traffic). If you’re thinking of extending, therefore, remember
to accommodate ground movement. Under old buildings, it has
been loaded, so has settled, over many years. Under new buildings,
it’s still settling, so, when new extensions are keyed into old
buildings, differential settlement can tear the two apart. To prevent
this, new extensions should be tied across movement joints so
they can slide down as the ground compresses under its new load.
Unless so accommodated, even half a centimetre of movement
can initiate a lot of damage. Similarly, as cement is inflexible,
cement-bonded repairs introduce localised rigidity, which often
causes cracks – into which rain enters, but can’t get out.
Another difference between cement- and lime-mortar is
moisture-diffusion rate: lime absorbs water a bit faster than cement
but dries out much faster. Most pre-1930 buildings have solid
walls. Lime-mortar lets these dampen with rain, then dry out.
Cement-mortar repairs, however, mean they can’t dry fast enough,
and only do so through the bricks, eventually destroying them.
Vapour-impermeable masonry paint has a similar destructive
effect. Whatever a solid wall is built of, however, driving rain
can penetrate through the tiniest of cracks and leave it wet all
winter. Rain-shields (e.g. slate-hanging, timber boarding) over
such walls can easily remedy this. These must be rear-ventilated
so that condensation dampness (and leakage) can dry out.
After 1930, cavity wall construction and cement mortars
became the norm, although some post-war buildings
experimented with solid concrete or concrete panels. From about
1950, breezeblock inner leaves became common, and (because
breezeblock is lighter than concrete block) also interior partitions.
Although considered to be an insulation material, breezeblock
is actually a very poor insulator. It’s also radioactive (being made
from foundry waste) and too crumbly to fix handrails on to.
Insulation blocks came next (and from 1985 were normally
required by building regulations): these are more insulating but
also too weak to anchor handrails, and most kinds are from similar
foundry waste sources, so are also radioactive. Being in the form
of radon gas, this radioactivity caused little problem when houses
were draughty, but it isn’t something you want in an airtight
house. The breezeblock interior partitions are easy to demolish,
but the exterior walls’ inner leaf is part of the structure. This leaves
you with a choice: seal the wall’s interior surface (and accept
loss of its moisture-moderating capability); build an additional
solid-block inner leaf (good for thermal stability but shrinking
room size); increase ventilation rate to well above PassivHaus
levels (but not enough to be draughty); or buy another house.
Before the mid-twentieth century, most roofs had attics.
Although sometimes obstructed by A-frame trusses, most
have enough space to use for storage or as sleeping lofts. Many
are big enough to use as rooms – hence the fashion for loft
conversions. Trussed rafters, however, became common from
the 1960s and 1970s. These fill the roof-space, rendering it
unusable without major restructuring. Moreover, as they’re
made of flimsy timber sections gang-nailed together, they’re
prone to failure if notched or damaged. Chipboard floors
also date from this era and, like trussed rafters, are still used.
These give off formaldehyde, which is a health risk.
Most more recent (British) houses have tiny rooms. If you
want larger (but fewer and multi-function) rooms, it’s worth
measuring floor depths. Are joists (floor depth less 30-38mm)
sufficiently deep to span between external or party walls? If so,
you can demolish partition walls to improve layout. If not, you
can still demolish partitions, but will need to support floors
with beams, and probably posts as well – or just put up with
small rooms. Recently built houses also typically contain many
more VOC-emitting substances than twentieth-century houses.
Being new, these are emitting at peak volume. As you’ve paid
for all this plastic and glue, you may feel disinclined to rip it
out. Or perhaps this is another type of house not to buy?
Most older buildings were well built, with better quality timber
than that available today. In Britain, however, few were insulated,
and, although minuscule insulation requirements appeared after
the war and increased in the 1970s, 1985 and 1995, hardly any
were insulated to current (2006 regulations) low-energy standards.
Most old buildings were also draughty. Additionally, few were
rodent-proof. Typically, therefore, they’re solidly built but cold,
often damp and sometimes pest-infested. Moreover, many have
suffered depredations from time (including rot and woodworm)
and bodging by ill-informed ‘improvers’. Also, with age, lots of
little things that we don’t normally think of tend to wear out (e.g.
lead flashings crack), roof tiles embrittle, brass plumbing fittings
de-zincify, water pipes corrode...). Like old cars, once you fix one
thing, another needs attention – an unending process. Nonetheless,
old houses are usually cheaper to buy, often have more character
than new ones – and generally were more soundly built. If
there are structural faults, therefore, it’s worth asking “why?”
What has changed since they were built?
Keypoints
• Buildings from different
times were built differently,
using different materials
• Repairs will cause
damage to pre-1930s
buildings if they dont
take account of this
• Lime-mortar-built solid
walls dampen with rain,
then dry out. Don’t hinder
this breathability by
using cement or vapourimpermeable
paint
This extract from The Eco-Home Design Guide
by Christopher Day was printed by kind
permission of Green Books. Order your copy,
for £24.99, from www.greenbooks.co.uk. Use
the code WEALDEN30 for 30% off and free
UK p&p for purchases from the Green Books
website until the end of February.
• Few older buildings
were insulated, and most
were draighty. Many have
suffered depredations
from time and bodging
• Before draught-proofing,
evaluate radon (and
other toxic gas) risks
• Extensions should allow
for differential settlement
with movement joints.
They must not be keyed in
• Most structural faults
are due to changed
circumstances
wealdentimes.co.uk
68

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9 The Crescent, Station Road, Woldingham, Surrey CR3 7DB
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Pre-book
discounted
tickets online
now!
Using this code
SH1
Featuring the Healthy Living Festival & Garden Hub
HOLE PARK, Rolvenden, TN17 4JB
8th, 9th & 10th June 2017
See online for ticket details & special offers
BOOK ONLINE: wealdentimes.co.uk/events
TICKET HOTLINE: 01580 713915
TICKETS: On the gate: £9.50
Sponsored by
HARPERS AND HURLINGHAM

Wealden Times Midsummer Fair 8th -10th June 2017
Shop ’til
you drop
Inside five large marquees
you’ll find hand-picked
stands selling contemporary
and vintage homewares, plus
fashion, gifts and jewellery.
Outside on the meadow,
browse amongst the artisans’
and nurserymen’s products
and plants
Healthy living
Health and fitness experts will
be sharing their knowledge in a
series of talks in the Healthy Living
Theatre over the three days of the
fair. Learn how the correct diet,
exercise and relaxation techniques
can make you look and feel
fabulous.
Garden hub
Where better to learn about
plants and garden design than
surrounded by the beautifully
landscaped borders at Hole Park? Join
a talk or workshop in the festival’s
Garden Hub and take a look
around the formal gardens, entry
is included in the ticket
price.

Tickets on sale now
Ticket Hotline: 01580 713915
wealdentimes.co.uk/events
Food and drink
Watch the world go by
with a coffee or glass of wine,
or choose lunch from the delicious
range of local and international
street-food vendors. Foodies will
love the independent producers
and wine makers selling
their products in the
food avenue.
A day with Davina
We caught up with Davina McCall when
we last saw her to see why she comes
to the Wealden Times Fairs and
why she loves living in the area!
Don’t forget
Davina will be at
the Midsummer Fair
on Saturday 10th June,
talking as part of our
Healthy Living
Festival.
Why do you visit the Wealden
Times Midsummer Fair?
I come here every year to support
it because I think it’s a great place to
touch in with local craftsmen and to find
out what’s happening. I’ve got loads of friends that
are exhibiting here, lots of cottage industries, there’s
really nice food, I’m SO into my wellbeing, there are
some great talks and what a fantastic setting. It’s just
such a quintessentially British environment, and it
couldn’t be a nicer day. I come down here all the time
and usually I come to buy preserves and a couple of
years ago I came down for some preserves and knickknacks
and left with an enormous fibreglass cow...
Booking
Book your tickets to the fair today
and get 50p off, just quote WT1 when
booking! Visit wealdentimes.co.uk/events or ring
our ticket hotline on 01580 713915.
Getting there
The fair is at Hole Park, Benenden Road,
Rolvenden, TN17 4JB. For more details visit
wealdentimes.co.uk/events.
Dogs
Well-behaved dogs are welcome provided
they are kept on a lead and that their
owners are prepared to scoop
any poop!
What have you been doing today at the Fair?
Today I have come to give a talk about my sugar‐free
cookbook ‘5 Weeks to Sugar-Free’ and how I got
there and just talk about wellbeing in general
and how I try and foster a healthy lifestyle.
What do you love about the area?
Do you know what, I’ve lived in a lot of
different places and we moved here seven
years ago and I feel so at home here and
really will never leave. I’ll be here when
I’m super-duper old and wrinkly!
DAVINA’S SUGAR-FREE IN A HURRY by
Davina McCall is published by Orion Books as a
paperback and eBook, priced £16.99/£8.99.
Photography by Andrew Hayes-Watkins, Karl Gough.
wealdentimes.co.uk

Wealden Times Midsummer Fair 8th -10th June 2017
Newfaces
Tuffet.co
Wool-filled pouffe
with waterproof
base, made in Britain,
from £130
tuffet.co
Meminio
Crochet
elephant toy, £15
meminio.com
Competition is tough for
stall-holders wanting to sell at
our fairs – only the very best
succeed! Check out some of
the new companies who will
be exhibiting with us for the
first time this summer.
polkadot
parsley
Ceramic ovenware
dishes, set of four
in taupe, £84
polkadotparsley.com
Silver pink
Company
Silk and cashmere
jumper in navy,
£145
silverpinkcompany.
co.uk
yateley papers
Gift pack of
notebook, cards &
lined envelopes, £22
yateleypapers.co.uk
Asunsti
Turquoise silk
scarf, £35
asunsti.myshopify.com

Wise Owl Cider
Dry slightly sparkling
cider, £3.50
wiseowlcider.co.uk
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Ticket Hotline: 01580 713915
wealdentimes.co.uk/events
Meet the maker
Isabelle Fox
isabelle fox
Pure silk Jean dress,
£225
isabellefox.com
Isabelle Fox is a brand offering beautiful, elegant
womenswear that draws upon classic, mid-century
styles, which are updated for the modern woman.
Helen Moore
Opal beige faux fur
pompom keyring, £28
helenmoore.com
please describe how your business evolved?
After years of designing and making clothes with my
grandmother (see image above), who is a trained couture
seamstress, I set up Isabelle Fox in 2016. I base classica lly
inspired designs on the pieces she made for me, using her
couture techniques to ensure the perfect cut and fit. A founding
principle of the Isabelle Fox label is to create high quality,
beautifully and thoughtfully designed investment pieces that
do not cost the earth, which are perfect for a range of occasions
effortlessly taking the wearer from the office to social events.
What makes isabelle fox unique?
The quality of each piece is that of a much more expensive
brand, without the price tag. In fact, our pieces are
manufactured in the same London factory used by several
luxury ‘super brands’, where dresses cost more than £1000.
We choose to keep our price point lower, because we value
quality and brand integrity over hyper-inflated profit margins.
What makes the hard work worth it?
Seeing customers wearing the clothes in their real, day-today
lives. The fact that we can make them feel that little bit
more beautiful and self-assured means everything to me.
What is your proudest moment so far?
Being featured in magazine editorials alongside brands
such as Harrods, Liberty, and Fortnum & Mason.
Tim Bulmer
Map of Kent:
Giclée print limited
edition, £75
timbulmer.com
What can we look forward to from isabelle
fox at the Wealden Times Midsummer?
We will have the full summer range available, which
epitomises understated, classic elegance, as well
as the opportunity to win one of the pieces.
75 wealdentimes.co.uk

Words: Claire Tennant-Scull
Photographs: David Merewether
Styling: Helen Barton
wealdentimes.co.uk
76

Fresh Touch
When Peter and Murielle chanced upon a For Sale notice on the verge by the side
of the road that led to an elegant Regency property, they knew that they had found
the Kentish home that they had been searching for
77 wealdentimes.co.uk

TJ Bathrooms
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TJBathroomsS28.indd 1 13/01/2017 13:18
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Capel, Surrey RH5 5HG
wealdentimes.co.uk
78
LyneKitchensS28.indd 1 24/01/2017 11:57

Previous pages: In the orangery, pale porcelain tiles on the floor reflect the light that illuminates the room from the numerous
windows and high, glazed lantern roof This page: Visitors to the house step into the original, classic Regency hallway with a black
and white diamond-tiled floor and a sinuous staircase that invitingly curves up and around to the upper storey
Kent houses can be deceptive. Many of those that
appear to be classical Georgian and Regency
structures like the ones that line the high streets
of towns like Tenterden and Cranbrook are actually, upon
closer inspection, much older than those 18th century
facades suggest, and though their increased antiquity is
undoubtedly lovely, their medieval timbers support a
very different architecture to what might be expected.
Murielle and Peter’s house however, set along a winding Kent
lane is an unusual exception. This is the genuine article, with
gracious proportions, tall sash windows and royal icing white
stucco that make it look more like a grand villa to be found
in a leafy London borough such as Richmond or Blackheath,
but with its genuinely rural setting and extensive grounds, this
house has the advantage over its confined equivalents in the city.
“It is unlike most of the houses in this part of Kent,” agrees
Murielle. “When we came across it, Peter and I were living in
London and had been staying with my brother in Kent while
we looked for a suitable home down here. We had almost
exhausted the great sheaf of papers that we had with us that
day, when we spotted the For Sale notice on the verge by
the side of the road. It was obviously a private drive, but we
followed it to the end and were very surprised to find this.
“The then-owners were working outside in the front
garden and they told us to make an appointment to see it
with the agent. They could see that we were keen, but they
had previously been disappointed and so I think were rather
wary. When we talked to them at more length, it turned
79 wealdentimes.co.uk

out that there had been a particular house in Hythe that they
had wanted to buy, but they had lost out on it and it had been
taken off the market. When they described it to us though,
we realised that it was a property that we’d just viewed, so of
course, they were very happy when we told them that it was
back on the market, and they did indeed move into it.”
Originally built on the cusp between the 18th and 19th
centuries, the house has been cleverly extended by the couple,
so that the additions are almost seamlessly attached to the
whole. To the side, the rather grand entrance to the house
protrudes into the garden, a pleasingly symmetrical lanternlike
outer hall and boot room. The exterior doors are framed
by neatly clipped box pyramids in lead planters and a huge
banana tree that thrives in a sheltered spot adding a touch
of the exotic, a whiff of the Colonial times in which the
original house was constructed – though this almost perfectly
square room was designed and built in the 21st century to
gather up all the accoutrements of the rural outdoors, and
wellingtons, umbrellas, and walking sticks are stacked in
orderly rows. Through another wide door, the visitor steps into
the original, classic Regency hallway with a black and white
diamond-tiled floor and a sinuous staircase that invitingly
curves up and around to the upper storey. To the right,
stands a dark oak Jacobean dresser, a much appreciated gift
given by a member of the family that displays a collection of
blue and white china, including a large Dutch bulb planter.
Directly opposite this, Peter sits at his desk in the study,
painted in a cool blue (Farrow & Ball’s Parma Grey) and
furnished simply with white painted bureau and desk, plus
a white linen covered sofabed, in readiness for extra guests.
From the moment that Murielle answers the door it is clear
that she is a well-practised hostess. With a warm and generous
manner, she doesn’t just welcome me, but seems to gather me
up, before leading the way along the hallway, and towards a
Regency arched window studded with jewel-like ruby, amber
and sapphire-coloured panes of glass. We turn to the right and
pass through the old stable door, retained to control the passage
of dogs and young children and into a sort of ante room,
that serves as a Butler’s Pantry, where a painted Welsh dresser
made by Old School Joinery in West Hythe displays a full set
of early 20th century bone china that belonged to Murielle’s
parents. Either side of this are the original larder cupboards
and as we turn towards the kitchen we pass a desk and shelves
of cookery books – an ideal spot in which to think up new
dishes for the big family gatherings that Murielle loves to hold.
I perch at the central counter, survey the huge orangery
beyond, and admire the gleaming surfaces of Kashmir white
granite, spotted with dots of dark plum amongst flecks
of black and shimmering mother of pearl. The bespoke
kitchen cupboards are painted in Farrow & Ball’s Old White,
and a huge black enamel range occupies the French-style
alcove. To the side of a wide, stainless steel refrigerator,
a set of shelves are not quite what they seem, as in fact
they form a secret door to the wine cellar beneath.
Top left: A stained glass window adds a pop of colour to the cool
white hallway Below left: The study is painted in a cool blue and
furnished simply with white painted bureau and desk
80

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Above: The kitchen has been extended to include a spacious
orangery Left: A painted Welsh dresser displays a full set of early
20th century bone china that belonged to Murielle’s parents
Murielle, who is that rare combination of the chic and
charming, immediately sets about making coffee – gently
insisting with a twinkle in her eye that along with the milk,
I should have “just a little dash of cream” in it. I feel it is
rather indulgent and almost refuse, but am then glad that
I don’t because the resulting brew is so rich and delicious –
reminiscent of the way that really good coffee used to taste.
“The edge of this counter is where the original kitchen
wall ended,” Murielle explains, “but we were keen to make
the most of the views across the Downs and we needed
a much bigger kitchen and a more sociable space for all
the family and our friends. We got Philip Bainbridge, an
Ashford building contractor to construct it, but we also
had to accommodate the well,” she says, pointing to what I
had assumed was a glass-topped table. I bend down to take
a closer look, expecting to see a small pool of water within
a few metres, but instead I see that there is what looks like
a deep vortex of water a very long way down indeed.
“I had seen something similar in France,” she continues,
“and rather than try to disguise it, I thought it best to make a
feature of it. We built up the sides and put glass over the top
so it can be used as a table. It’s very strong, reinforced glass,
but I still wouldn’t want to walk on it, though of course, the
grandchildren love to frighten me by dancing about on top!”
The orangery is generously proportioned and handsomely
constructed, with French doors that lead out onto the wide,
paved terrace. Pale porcelain tiles on the floor reflect the light
that illuminates the room from the numerous windows, also
made by Old School Joinery, and high, glazed lantern
83 wealdentimes.co.uk

Above left: Shelves of cookery books hint at the big family gatherings that Murielle loves to hold Above right: A reinforced glass
tabletop conceals the well beneath it
roof. Mirrors have been placed at both ends, to extend the
sense of space even further, and towards the far end of the
room there is a long dining table and set of chairs, bought
by the couple some years ago from Lots Road in London. In
the corner, on a stone pedestal stands a pot with a tall fern
that finds an echo in a bold, emerald green fern print on
the wall beside it. A pair of finely carved and buttoned, but
simply upholstered tub chairs that belonged to Peter’s father
stand at this far end of the room looking back to the opposite
end which features a huge woodburning stove, and comfy
looking sofas and chairs covered with unbleached linen.
Archie and Monty, the couple’s Clumber spaniels greet us
as we step through the French doors of the orangery onto the
paved and brick terrace. There is a wisteria-clad loggia to one
side and a table and chairs with a perfect view of the rest of
the garden and the Downs beyond. Giant blue agapanthus
form a natural divide between the terrace and path and lawn
beyond and scented jasmine covers the wooden pergola above.
Through an iron gate, trying not to tread on the huge paws
of the two enthusiastic, but gentle-natured dogs, we pass the
old stables, now converted into garages and a workshop for
Peter. “Apparently, there was another house here that burnt
down in 1775,” says Murielle, “but the stables and outbuildings
survived. In fact, it was when Peter and I saw the stables and
the old piggery with the views across the fields at that very
first viewing that we turned to each other and said ‘This is
it’. At that time, there was a smallholding in the field to the
side and although the piggery no longer houses livestock,
the garden still features an orchard and field.” Beyond the
more domestic garden is a sand school, more fields and a
small lake and shepherd’s hut style summerhouse, an ideal
place to while away the time with the grandchildren.
Following the gravel path, we find the conservatory that
was attached to the kitchen when the couple first moved
in. Rather than demolishing it, they decided to move it
here and give it a new lease of life overlooking the soft fruit
garden, reached through another set of gates (to keep the local
rabbits out). Here, a pretty ornamental tree is surrounded
by a circular seat and to one side, a table and chairs can be
found under a dense canopy of grape vines. Against the wall
is an ingenious fruit cage made by Peter, using timber and
chicken wire. He has made it with a framed panel at the
front that can be simply unclipped and lifted off in order
to pick the raspberries, currants and gooseberries within.
Back inside the house, Murielle shows me the reception
rooms, starting with the music room. The walls are painted
in Farrow & Ball’s Cream, and the gently draped curtains
striped with pale grey and buttermilk yellow that frame
the tall sash window lend the room a quiet elegance.
Pride of place is given to the ebony Challen baby grand
wealdentimes.co.uk
84

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SUPPLY, DESIGN AND INSTALLATION
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The 224cm sofa shown starts at £3,400 in fabric.
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www.davidsalmon.co.uk/cross-in-hand

Above: The music room walls are painted in Farrow & Ball’s
Cream. Pride of place is given to the ebony Challen baby grand
piano that belonged to Murielle’s mother. Right: The sitting room
piano that belonged to Murielle’s mother, a medallist at the
Royal Academy of Music and who received it as a gift on her
first wedding anniversary in 1934. Arranged across its glossy
surface is a collection of family photographs and a striking gold
lamp, fashioned in the shape of a palm tree, sports a square
black lampshade. Further light can be gained from the Baccarat
crystal candelabra – an obviously treasured gift from a friend.
There are more family photographs on the bookshelves, again
made by Old School Joinery, and on a low table, an arresting
black and white studio shot of Murielle as a young woman
in a beautifully tailored Jackie O style shift dress is set off on
either side by a pair of gold lamps, moulded in the form of
laurel wreaths, but again topped with black linen shades.
The sitting room, further along the hallway is equally
serene, decorated in pale green and ivory. A pair of stone
coloured devore sofas are dressed with striped cushions
and in front of the sash window, a low, oval table displays
a collection of crystal candlesticks and decanters that
belonged to Murielle’s grandmother. The original shutters
are in working order, but are unusually designed, so that
instead of being folded back against the wall either side,
they slide out of it and across the window panes.
Upstairs, the principal bedroom is all hushed calm. The
87 wealdentimes.co.uk

Upstairs, the principal bedroom is all hushed calm. The walls are painted in
F&B’s Skimming Stone and lilac print curtains frame the windows
wealdentimes.co.uk
88

The Big
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Showroom: 73 High Street, Reigate, Surrey RH2 9AE
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KingOfCottonS28.indd 1 18/01/2017 12:05
NEW YEAR SALE
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wealdentimes.co.uk
90
CPLBathroomsS26.indd 1 29/11/2016 13:08

Previous page, top left & right: The master bedroom and en suite Above left: A guest bedroom features accents of robin’s egg blue
Above right: A guest bathroom
walls are painted in F&B’s Skimming Stone and lilac print
curtains frame the windows. The bed with its giant linen
headboard is a mountain of soft white linen topped with devore
cushions of a smart, geometric pattern. Either side of the bed,
mercury glass prints hang above crystal shaded lamps that stand
on charcoal grey bedside tables with white china drop handles.
There is a chest of drawers of the same design as the
bedside tables and when I remark on how well the dark
grey works in the room, Murielle is quick to tell me that
far from being designer furniture, they came from IKEA.
The limestone tiled bathroom has a row of mirrored
cupboards, with a useful alcove shelf beneath, twin basins, and
a huge walk-in shower. There is a dainty octagonal Lloyd Loom
linen basket that doubles as a stool, and beneath a circular
framed mirror, an ivory-coloured dressing table and stool.
Further along the landing in the first guest room the walls
are also painted with Skimming Stone, but here the colour
looks more of a cool grey and the accents are in robin’s egg blue.
A chest of drawers displays a collection of Art Deco perfume
bottles and a glass bonbon jar holds a clutch of speckled
robin’s eggs. On the wall above is a Chinese ink painting of
horses in mid gallop and either side of the bed, turquoise
Chinese moonflasks stand on top of the white bedside tables.
In the second guest room, F&B’s James White covers the
walls. Honeysuckle print curtains, limed wood furniture
from The Vintage Home Company in Westerham and
delicate drawings and paintings of landscapes and woodland
animals convey a distinct sense of the outdoors in spring.
Another watercolour painting of a weeping willow executed
by a good friend of Murielle’s and a vase of faux mimosa
adds to the fresh feel. Despite all the leaf greens and pale
yellows though, the room has a warm, cosy feel, perhaps
in part because of the faux fur throw and cushions on the
bed and the thick woollen carpet underfoot. “My daughter
Victoria’s children love to stay here,” says Murielle. “We’ve
kept some toys and books on the shelves for them, but they
also just love to look at all the pictures of the animals.”
The family bathroom next door has been painted in F&B’s
91 wealdentimes.co.uk

Above: Further along the landing in the first guest room the walls are also painted with Skimming Stone, but
here the colour looks more of a cool grey and the accents are in robin’s egg blue. A chest of drawers displays a
collection of Art Deco perfume bottles and a glass bonbon jar holds a clutch of speckled robin’s eggs
wealdentimes.co.uk
92

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Top: A guest room, painted in F&B’s James White, features honeysuckle print curtains, limed wood furniture from The Vintage Home Co
in Westerham and delicate drawings and paintings of landscapes and woodland animals Above left & right: Peter and Murielle’s son’s room
Matchstick and the cupboards in Cat’s Paw, which, Murielle
says, “was my real mistake. It doesn’t work and is too yellow,
too muddy. I was going to have it repainted, but sometimes you
know,” she says with a little shrug and a conspiratorial smile,
“you have to know when to stop. There had already been so
much disruption with all the work in the house, I thought I’d
better not add to it any further, but, I will have to change that
colour I think. Really, it annoys me every time I look at it.”
Despite Murielle’s dissatisfaction with it, the colour
gives the bathroom a warm feel and yet it manages to be
glamorous too. Monogrammed, white pique towels are laid
out on the sparkly granite surface, and a chrome-shaded
lamp stands to one side of the bevelled wall mirror.
The last room at the end of the corridor belongs to Peter
and Murielle’s son, and here the palette changes to darker
hues. The chest of drawers and bedside table are painted teal
blue, and along one wall, a large wardrobe has glossy black
doors that seem to stretch to the ceiling. A photograph of
polo ponies in mid canter is framed above the bed and on
the opposite wall, a collection of school photographs.
It is a while since William lived at home however, and an
obviously proud Murielle tells me that he has recently married
his Greek bride as she shows me some photographs of the
wedding in Spain. It looks fabulously glamorous, and yet
intimate at the same time, and although the images could
easily belong on the pages of Tatler, the strong bonds between
family and friends are evident. “It was a wonderful day,” says
Murielle. “We’re very fortunate, because she’s a lovely girl and
super addition to the family. Later this year, Peter and I are
hoping to move into the wing of a house that our daughter
and her husband are buying, so we’ll see the grandchildren
even more often – we’re very lucky to have our family.”
Address Book:
farrow & Ball 01202 876141 farrow-ball.com
Old School Joinery Hythe 01303 266066 oldschooljoinery.co.uk
philip Bainbridge 07931 532709
The vintage Home Company Westerham 01959 569393
thevintagehomecompany.co.uk
95 wealdentimes.co.uk

Mirrored picture
frame, £13.50
The Contemporary
Home tch.net
Amria Table Lamp
£58.80, Dar
Lighting Group
darlighting.co.uk
Vitris hand-blown
Amethyst Glass
Bottle Vase, £74
Artisanti
artisanti.com
Faux fur
throw, £69.99
BeanBagBazaar
beanbagbazaar.co.uk
George Accent
Chair in Forbes
Check, from £599
The Lounge Co.
theloungeco.com
Bachman perfume bottle
£29, The Chandelier &
Mirror Company Ltd
chandeliersandmirrors.co.uk
Poem cushion
£13.90, Vallila
vallila.co.uk
Get the Look
Knitted
throw, £24
B&Q diy.com
Occipinti Wisteria
Indigo cushion
in white, £58
IN-SPACES
in-spaces.com
Bergstrom perfume bottle
£29, The Chandelier &
Mirror Company Ltd
chandeliersandmirrors.co.uk
wealdentimes.co.uk
96
Bluebell three-seat
sofa in Shell, £1340
Sofa.com sofa.com

the perfect show for planning your perfect day...
AT ASCOT RACECOURSE 11–12 MAR 2017, 10am–4pm
Spectacular choreographed fashion shows
Live entertainment performances
Over 90 wedding suppliers ● Champagne bar
Tickets £5 in advance
www.theweddingshow.co.uk
LISBET HOME AND STYLE
BrideWeddingShowS28.indd 1 01/02/2017 10:05
www.lisbethomeandstyle.com
Tel: 07502 272 007
We project manage from conception to completion
Home Design Interiors Renovations
Firepit
Design &
Build
Elegant
Cocktail
Bars
97 wealdentimes.co.uk
LisbetS28.indd 1 01/02/2017 09:59

A PROFESSIONAL
MATCHMAKING
SERVICE
Bowes-Lyon Partnership is a
modern dating agency with
old-fashioned values.
Discretion and confidentiality is of paramount
importance at Bowes-Lyon Partnership and
members are all personally met, and hand
paired by the expert team of match-makers.
We specialise in bringing together accomplished
individuals who are looking for a committed,
meaningful relationship. Offering a fresh, modern
approach to dating we believe that, the personal
attention given to our clients, is the key factor
behind our success.
As an elite dating agency, we have won ourselves a
reputation for tact, professionalism and unrivalled
attention to detail since our inception in 2009.
With our Head Office in Mayfair, London,
we opened our second office in beautiful
Godalming two years ago, to cater for our
ever-growing Surrey and Home-Counties
membership.
Thanks to our enduring efforts over the past
eight years, we have fostered the development
of numerous blossoming romances across
London and South East.
Whether you’re looking for a soulmate or a
long-lasting friendship, you can find your
perfect match with Bowes-Lyon Partnership.
Hayley Bystram, CEO and Founder
Call us for an informal chat today on 01483 418958
33 St James’s Square, Mayfair, London, SW1Y 4JS | Tel: 0207 152 6011
Guardian House, Borough Road, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 2AE | Tel: 01483 418958
www.bowes-lyonpartnership.co.uk

Weddings
A Surrey Homes Supplement

SH Wedding Supplement
Love hearts, , page 5
Contents
Cover: Catherine Deane
Hayden top &Willowby
Amora tulle skirt, The Pantiles
Bride pantilesbride.com Above:
Terrarium and bouquet,
See Rose Floral Design
seerosefloraldesign.com right:
Pronovias
Mildred dress, The
Pantiles Bride pantilesbride.com
5 Love Hearts
Successful gifting this Valentine’s Day
6 Pure Form
Helen Barton’s contemporary wedding dress edit
17 Save the date
Our pick of little extras for your big day
19 Suite Dreams
Bridal suites with a difference
22 Happily Ever Afters
The Little Ginger Baker’s Valentine’s treats
Save the date, page 17
Happily ever Afters, page 22
Editor’s Letter
Gowns, flowers, accessories... if you’re planning
your wedding our special supplement is
packed with beautiful ideas. Helen Barton has
sourced some truly stunning dresses, complemented by
contemporary arrangements created just for our shoot
by See Rose Floral Design. On the hunt for the perfect
Bridal Suite, we’ve interviewed three unique venues to
find out just what makes their rooms so special.
If matrimony isn’t on the cards just yet, give one
of The Little Ginger Baker’s sweet temptations a
whirl for a cosy and romantic Valentine’s Day.
Enjoy your Wedding Supplement
3 wealdentimes.co.uk

Butterflies & Bows
Flowers, Balloons
& Decorations
www.johncharles.co.uk
We Make Your Wedding Beautiful.
Stylish and Affordable. Special Package Discounts.
• Beautiful Floristry
• Wonderful Table Centres
• Chair Covers
• Fairy Light Backdrops
• Full Venue Decorations
• Competitive Prices
Call Annabel Grange
Tel: 01342 892392 / 07717 527923
info@butterfliesandbows.co.uk
www.butterfliesandbows.co.uk
Leading The Way For Mothers Of The Bride and Groom
www.melitaboutique.co.uk
57 High Street, Chobham, Surrey GU24 8AF
Tel: 01276 856308
Butterflies&BowsS28.indd 1 26/01/2017 MelitaOfChobhamS28.indd 12:43
1 19/01/2017 09:52
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
Bowes-Lyon Partnership is a modern
dating agency with old-fashioned values
Established in 2009, by Founder and
Director Hayley Bystram, the elite
dating agency can attribute many
successful relationships, marriages,
and even families, to their name.
The way in which people date has
changed dramatically over the years.
Whether you are in your 30s or your
60s, dating can be a challenging and
daunting experience.
Bowes-Lyon Partnership’s personal
matchmaking service aims to take the
pressure out of dating, making the
experience enjoyable and fun for all of
their members.
With offices in Mayfair, London
and Godalming, Surrey, the agency
introduces eligible, high-calibre
accomplished single people, who
are looking for love and a serious
relationship.
The secret of their success is simple;
Hayley and her team of matchmakers,
spend time really getting to know
their clients.
Every step of the match-making
process is handled with the utmost
delicacy, from initial profile creation,
to chats with potential suitors. The
personalised approach and scrupulous
attention to detail, within Bowes-Lyon
Partnership’s matchmaking process,
has resulted in hundreds of compatible
and enduring matches.
If you are looking for a fresh and
modern approach to dating then
Bowes-Lyon Partnership would
welcome the opportunity to speak
with you. Please contact us on
01483 418958 or email
info@bowes-lyonpartnership.co.uk
www.bowes-lyonpartnership.co.uk
wealdentimes.co.uk
4
Bowes-LyonS28.indd 1 26/01/2017 16:41

Valentines Stack -
Supersoft Merino
Throws, £124 Tolly
McRae tollymcrae.co.uk
SH Wedding Supplement
LOVE HEARTS
Treat your Valentine to our hand-picked
selection of fun and thoughtful gifts
Lip balm trio
£10, Bee good
beegood.co.uk
Pink heart paper
garland, £3.50
Candle & Cake Ltd
candleandcake.co.uk
Heartshaped
silicone spoons
£6, Sisters Guild
sistersguild.co.uk
Balfour Brut Rosé
£35.99, Hush Heath
hushheath.com
Rose Botanica single
wick candle, £32.95
Wild Planet Products
wildplanetproducts.com
Katie Alice heart shaped
pink silicone cupcake cases
£6.99, Creative Tops Ltd
creative-tops.com
Cheesiest Valentine’s Day
card, £2, Becka Griffin
beckagriffin.etsy.com
Good Morning Gorgeous
mug, £7, Paperchase
paperchase.co.uk
Neroli Body Oil
£32, Isla Apothecary
islaapothecary.com
Pastel hearts
cupcake kit, £11
Sisters Guild
sistersguild.co.uk
Little Box of love
chocolates, £11.95
Biscuiteers Baking
biscuiteers.com
Heart pencils
£7.50, Dottie
Rocks etsy.com
5 wealdentimes.co.uk

Pure form
Photos: David Merewether Styling: Helen Barton Model: Georgia Dispenza
Location: The Walled Garden Flowers: See Rose Floral Design
Astound with a stunning silhouette and sparkling
accessories, or quietly shine with a beautifully
understated gown and subtle hints of colour.
wealdentimes.co.uk
6

Pronovias Mildred dress, £1870,
The Pantiles Bride, Tunbridge Wells
01892 514515 pantilesbride.com;
Large crystal ball earrings, £30, Dark
Horse Ornament, Faversham 07713
249604 darkhorseornament.co.uk
7 wealdentimes.co.uk

Telephone 01737 226569
69 High Street, Reigate, Surrey RH2 9AE
Our online store is now open
www.thelingerieboutiquereigate.co.uk
aubade.com Ph: Thierry LE GOUÈS Agence: Mazarine Mlle Noï
TheLingerieBoutiqueS28.indd 1 18/01/2017 13:04
Serendipity
FASHIONS
For
and so much more!
One of the best collections
for Mother of the Bride,
Groom & guests with hats,
fascinators & bags to match.
Tues to Sat 10am to 5pm.
academysalons.com
www.serendipityfashions.co.uk
Tel: 01483 577475
info@serendipityfashions.co.uk
52 New Road | Chilworth | Guildford | Surrey GU4 8LU
wealdentimes.co.uk
8
AcademySalonsS28.indd 1 20/01/2017 SerendipityFashionsS28.indd 11:04
1 27/01/2017 14:35

Made-to-measure voile
embroidered wedding
dress, £1150, The Robing
Room, Ashford 01233
224985 therobingroom.co.uk;
Tassel drop earrings, £25,
Dark Horse Ornament,
Faversham 07713 249604
darkhorseornament.co.uk
9 wealdentimes.co.uk

Pronovias Alana dress, £1600, The
Pantiles Bride, Tunbridge Wells 01892
514515 pantilesbride.com; Blush
feather drop earrings, £40, Dark Horse
Ornament, Faversham 07713 249604
darkhorseornament.co.uk

Beautifully Crafted marquees for
Weddings, Parties and oCCasions
01372 459485
inside-outside.co.uk
sales@inside-outside.co.uk
Calls charged at normal landline rates, including from mobile phones, and are also included in mobile phone providers bundles

WEDDING & ETERNITY
RINGS AT PRESTONS
Your wedding and eternity rings are not
only significant because of the promises they
represent but because it is a piece of jewellery
you will wear always. From identical bands,
to designs made to perfectly complement
one another… From platinum, to yellow
gold… From a stunningly simple plain band,
to a full diamond eternity ring. Wedding
Ring World is the perfect venue to continue
celebrating your engagement.
94 HIGH STREET
GUILDFORD GU1 3HE
T: 01483 454 091
PRESTONSDIAMONDS.CO.UK

Above: Pink fringe stud earrings, £45, large crystal ball earrings, £30, Dark Horse Ornament, Faversham
07713 249604 darkhorseornament.co.uk; Succulent table arrangement, price on request, See Rose Floral
Design 07891 379030 seerosefloraldesign.com Below: Catherine Deane Hayden top, £180, Willowby
Amora tulle skirt, £595, The Pantiles Bride, Tunbridge Wells 01892 514515 pantilesbride.com; Neon
pink tassel drop earrings, £25, Dark Horse Ornament, Faversham 07713 249604 darkhorseornament.
co.uk; Bouquet, price on request, See Rose Floral Design 07891 379030 seerosefloraldesign.com
13 wealdentimes.co.uk

Silk cami, from £120,
silk kimono, from £180,
The Robing Room,
Ashford 01233 224985
therobingroom.co.uk

For amazing designer and bespoke
hats and fascinators as well as seasonal
hats, umbrellas and pashminas.
We also stock Rainbow shoes which can
be dyed to any colour imaginable.
THE MAD HATTER
12 Castle Street, Guildford, Surrey GU1 3UW
01483 566845
www.themadhattermillinery.com
RealGreenDressS28.indd 1 27/01/2017 TheMadHatterS25.indd 12:20
1 31/10/2016 17:21
WEDDINGS AT
BROOKLANDS
MUSEUM
MAKE YOUR OWN HISTORY
With the perfect back drop for a truly memorable day
Three Art Deco inspired function suites
licensed for civil ceremonies including
the iconic Concorde aircraft
First class friendly service every step of the way with
superb quality catering and great attention to detail
For more information please contact:
01932 858005
or email: sales@brooklandsmuseum hospitality.com
www.brooklandsmuseumhospitality.com
15 wealdentimes.co.uk
BrooklandsS22.indd 1 26/07/2016 12:26

Classic Car Hire is a privately owned chauffeur
company with a fleet of over 30 vehicles based in
Hampton Court, South West London with easy
access from Surrey to Middlesex, Hampshire,
Berkshire and the South-East of England.
To book a car for your special day or to arrange to view our fleet,
please call us on 020 8398 8304 or email info@ucchire.com
www.ucchire.com
Showroom: Unit 2, Hampton Court Estate,
Summer Road, Thames Ditton, Surrey, KT7 0RG
ButterfliesForOccasionsS28.indd 1 31/01/2017 UltimateClassicCarHireS22.indd 16:22
1 21/07/2016 15:54
Your Your Wedding,
Your Your Way
Way
Wedding Wedding Fair
Fair
Fair Fair
15 15 th th 15 March
th 15 th th March
2017
2017
6pm-9pm
6pm-9pm
England’s England’s Largest Largest Vineyard
Vineyard
To To receive To receive To our receive our wedding our our wedding brochure brochure or
or or
or or
to to to arrange to to arrange a visit, a visit, a please visit, a visit, please call
please call
call call
Tel: Tel: 01306 Tel: Tel: 01306 734663
01306 734663
Email: Email: Email: weddings@denbiesvineyard.co.uk
www.denbies.co.uk
Denbies Denbies Wine Wine Wine Estate Wine Estate Limited, Estate Limited, London London Road,
Road,
Road, Road,
Dorking, Dorking, Surrey Surrey RH5 Surrey RH5 6AA
RH5 6AA RH5 6AA 6AA
wealdentimes.co.uk
16
DenbiesWineEstateS28.indd 1 30/01/2017 16:23

Cactus paper garland, £9.99
Candle & Cake Ltd
candleandcake.co.uk
SH Wedding Supplement sponsored by
Decorative
vines, £7.50
Ginger Ray
gingerray.co.uk
Rose gold bunting, £6.99
Ginger Ray
gingerray.co.uk
Art Deco necklace &
earring set, £105
Magpie Accessories
magpieaccessories.co.uk
Save the date
Colourful and quirky, or brilliantly glam,
create your very own perfect wedding day
Crystal Tiara
headband, £168
Magpie Accessories
magpieaccessories.co.uk
Veni Infantino navy
dress and jacket
£535.95, Serendipity
Fashions, Guildford
serendipityfashions.co.uk
Rose gold hair comb, £25
Rock My Vintage
rockmyvintage.co.uk
Rose gold & rose
quartz ring, £160
Belinda Saville etsy.com
Ivory Art Deco
clutch, £38
Rock My Vintage
rockmyvintage.co.uk
Bespoke wedding cake,
price on request
Cakes by Nina
cakesbyninaweddings.co.uk
Giant rainbow
circle confetti,
£2.50, Candle &
Cake Ltd
candleandcake.co.uk
Large honeycomb
balls & paper fan
decorations, £3.99
Candle & Cake Ltd
candleandcake.co.uk
Wooden bow tie
£32.10, Da Wanda
dawanda.com
17
wealdentimes.co.uk

Experts in Luxury for
Your Special Occasion
Pawnbrokers
Jewellery
Prestige Watches
Sell or Buy
A large selection of diamond,
gold and silver jewellery.
Pre-owned luxury watches, including
Rolex, Cartier, Omega, Audemars
Piguet, Hublot, Cartier and others.
We buy watches, gold, silver and
diamond jewellery & luxury handbags.
Mon–Sat 9.30am–5pm
01372 738 054 www.jfdaughters.co.uk
3 High Street, Epsom, KT19 8DA
jf@jfdaughters.co.uk

Suite Dreams
Accommodation doesn’t get more romantic than our
pick of the loveliest bridal suites in the South East
Yoghurt rooms
How far in advance should
you reserve your room?
Our venue normally gets
booked very quickly. Usually
our couple are looking to get
booked around a year and a
half before their big day.
What makes your bridal
suite special? The bridal
suite is a beautiful yurt
set in a gorgeous small
woodland area on the farm.
The Bluebell Yurt has a
lovely double bed. Perfect
for the new Mr. and Mrs.
How many people
can you accommodate
elsewhere? We have 2
further yurts which sleep
8 and 6, all bedding and
beds provided. We also have
‘The Granary’ which is a 3
bedroomed property that
sleeps up to 10 guests.
How did you decide on
the décor? The yurts have
blue painted woodwork
and we decided to run
with the blue theme. We
gathered furniture and made
our own pillows and soft
furnishings. The Bluebell
Yurt is so-called as it is
surrounded with beautiful
bluebells every spring.
What makes the room
romantic? The gorgeous
woodburning stove in
the centre of the space.
Perfect for creating extra
heat and ambiance.
How early can brides
arrive to get ready? Our
packages run from Friday
to Sunday. The bride is
welcome to arrive early on
Friday to start getting ready
for the big day on Saturday.
What extras are available?
In the past we have
arranged Champagne,
chocolates and flowers for
the bride and groom. This
is usually well received!
Have you ever had any
unusual special requests?
No we haven’t really. Happy
to receive them though!
We do like a challenge
here at Yoghurt Rooms.
How much does it cost?
Our packages cost between
£6,000 and £8,000 for
the weekend. Please
visit yoghurtrooms.com to
see what is included!
Yoghurt Rooms, East Grinstead, West Sussex
RH19 4NL 01342 323238 yoghurtrooms.com
Frasers
How far in advance should
you reserve your room? At
Frasers, brides and grooms
have the luxury of exclusive
use of the venue and
accommodation for the night
of the wedding, we offer the
ultimate relaxing stay, complete
with award-winning breakfast,
all booked at the time of
booking your special day.
What makes your bridal
suite special? Situated in our
17th century ragstone oast
house, our bridal suite takes
you into a world of ultimate
luxury and relaxation. With its
own private access, the suite
has been designed on two
levels to accommodate the
bridal party on the morning
of the wedding enabling the
hairdressers, make-up artists
and florists to get to work
whilst allowing the bride to
relax and prepare herself in
peace. The bedroom boasts an
amazing four-poster Queen
Anne bed with sumptuous
cushions and throws, plus
plenty of hanging-space
in the Sleigh wardrobe.
The bathrooms are out of
this world – there are two!
The epitome of style and
relaxation is the custommade
round bath for you to
relax in complete privacy.
How many people can you
accommodate elsewhere?
With 7 other double en
suite rooms and 1 single
plus 1 room, we are perfectly
appointed to accommodate
the bridal party. Complete
with comfy robes and
Noble Isle products we are
the ultimate in luxury.
How did you decide on the
décor? We wanted the wow
factor within all of our rooms
but especially the Bridal Suite.
All the decor is stylishly put
together to complement the
original features of the oast.
What makes the room
romantic? Our beautiful four
poster bed and views over the
unspoilt countryside – it really
is the ultimate romantic suite.
How early can brides
arrive to get ready? We
are delighted to welcome
brides on the morning of
the wedding to get ready.
What extras are available?
We can arrange for breakfast
to be delivered to the room,
along with bottles of bubbly
to enjoy whilst getting ready.
We can also arrange for petals
on the bed and seasonal
flowers to be in the room for
the return of the bride and
groom after their special day.
Have you ever had any
unusual special requests?
We once had a bride who
wanted to ride one of our
horses from the bridal
suite to the ceremony.
How much does it cost? Our
bridal suite is £295 per
night including breakfast.
Frasers, Coldharbour Farm, Barham’s Mill Road, Egerton,
Kent TN27 9DD 01233 756122 frasers-events.co.uk
19 wealdentimes.co.uk

skinade.com
Beautiful
skin from
the inside
We all know the importance of looking after our skin
on the outside. To achieve your perfect complexion,
you must also support your skin from within.
Discover skinade – the skincare drink that nourishes
the skin from the inside for beautiful skin on the outside.
Available from skincare professionals only.
To find a stockist go to skinade.com
To become a stockist, please call us on
08451 300 205 or email info@skinade.co.uk
MADE IN THE UK
NO 1 PROFESSIONAL
SKINCARE DRINK IN THE UK

Port Lympne Reserve
How far in advance should
you reserve your room?
Our Wedding Coordinators
recommend that if you have
a specific date in mind, you
should look to book at least
a year in advance for both
your venue and your room.
However, if you don’t have a
preference on date, you have
more flexibility. We offer a
variety of packages that are
not only designed to make
planning your special day as
easy as possible, but also include
the eight beautiful bedrooms at
the hotel in the package price.
What makes your bridal
suite special? Our stunning
bridal suite named after Philip
Sassoon, the original owner
of the Port Lympne Mansion,
has all the furnishings and
special touches you could
wish for, including a separate
dressing room, beautiful en
suite bathroom and stunning
romantic views over the
Reserve towards the coast
beyond. You can wake up to
the sounds of lions roaring
and gibbons singing – your
personal animal chorus to
celebrate your wedding day!
How many people can you
accommodate elsewhere?
With several different types
of accommodation available
at the Reserve including
romantic tented lodges, luxury
glass fronted treehouses,
fun camping pods and cosy
cottages we can accommodate
up to 250 people at the
Reserve at one time.
How did you decide on the
décor? Wherever possible
we have retained the original
and very unique 1920s
décor, whilst ensuring that
furnishings are modern,
comfortable and stylish.
What makes the room
romantic? The Sassoon Bridal
Suite has a luxurious four
poster bed, incredible views
and beautiful furnishings.
How early can brides
arrive to get ready? Brides
can arrive as early as 8am,
allowing plenty of time to
get ready without rushing.
What extras are available?
We offer a variety of extras
including Champagne,
strawberries, breakfast, rose
petals, animal encounters,
private ranger guided safaris
and photography days, where
couples can get tips on getting
the perfect animal image from
our resident photographer.
Have you ever had any
unusual special requests?
Being a wild animal park you
can imagine that we have had
some very unusual special
requests, some of which we
just can’t accommodate – no
one really wants a wild tiger
at their wedding, even if, in
theory, it sounds amazing!
However we are happy to
accommodate requests and
some of our favourites include
the rings being flown down
the aisle by birds of prey!
How much does it cost?
Rooms at Port Lympne Hotel
start from £250 on a bed and
breakfast basis, whilst wedding
packages start from £7,500. You
can find out more and book a
viewing of our lovely venue on
our website aspinallfoundation.
org/weddings or come along
to our next Wedding Open
Day on 19th February.
Port Lympne Reserve, Nr. Ashford, Kent CT21 4LR
01303 264647 aspinallfoundation.org
Festival
style
wedding?
Look no further!
Here at yoghurtrooms we specialise in
the more alternative outdoorsy weddings
—It is what we do best!
Don’t just take our word for it,
please come to our next open day
Saturday 22 nd April 2017
We would love to see you there
07543 941191
info@yoghurtrooms.com
21 wealdentimes.co.uk
YoghurtRoomsS28.indd 1 31/01/2017 11:54

SH Wedding Supplement sponsored by
Happily Ever
Afters
recipes: Isla Atkins, The Little Ginger Baker
photographs: David Merewether
wealdentimes.co.uk
22

SH Wedding Supplement sponsored by
rose & Cardamom Cake with White Chocolate Buttercream
Makes 1 large cake. Prep time: 1 hour 35 minutes. Cooking time: 25 minutes
For the cake
• 400g sugar
• 190g softened
butter
• 5 eggs beaten
• 400g self raising
flour
• ½ tsp salt
• 1tsp baking powder
• 190g buttermilk
• 1½ tbsp rose water
• 15 cardamom
pods, seeds taken
out and crushed to
a powder
For the rose syrup
• 2tbsp rose water
• 90g sugar
For the buttercream
• 450g icing sugar
• 200g softened
butter
• 3 tsp milk
• 60g white
chocolate, melted
• pink food
colouring
For the decoration
(This cake is
beautiful with just
the buttercream,
but adding some
fruit, rose petals and
sprinkles creates a real
wow factor perfect for
Valentine’s Day.)
• rose petals
• handful of raspberries
• handful of blueberries
• dried rose petals
(found online or in
Waitrose)
• pink sprinkles
• edible glitter
Treat your loved one to special
sweet treats this Valentine’s Day
with The Little Ginger Baker’s
utterly delicious recipes
1. Preheat the oven to 180˚C. Lightly grease and line
two 17-20cm cake tins with baking paper.
2. For the cake, cream together the softened butter and sugar
until light and fluffy. Gradually add the beaten eggs – if
the mixture looks a little split add a tbsp of flour.
3. Sieve the flour, salt and baking powder and mix together with the crushed
cardamom seeds then fold in half along with half of the buttermilk. Once
combined fold in the remaining flour and buttermilk as well as the rose water.
4. Divide the mixture between the two prepared tins and bake for
20-25 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.
5. Prick the cakes a few times and drizzle over the syrup, letting it
sink in. Leave to cool for 10 minutes in the tins on a wire rack
then remove from the tins and leave to cool completely.
6. Once cool cut the two sponges in half so you have four
sponges. If the cake has domed on top you can trim some
off so they will sit neatly on top of each other.
7. For the buttercream, beat the butter for a few minutes until quite pale. Add
in half of the icing sugar and beat for another few minutes. Repeat with
the rest of the icing sugar, followed by the milk, until you have a thick, pale
smooth buttercream. Now mix in the melted white chocolate until combined.
8. Take out a third of the buttercream and put to one side. With
the remaining buttercream add in the pink food colouring
and mix until you achieve the colour you want.
9. To assemble the cake put a teaspoon of the pink buttercream on
the plate or cake stand to stick the first layer to it. Spoon some of
the buttercream onto the cake and spread evenly, place the second
cake on top. Repeat with the remaining two layers and cover the
top making sure you have a third of the pink icing left over.
10. Using half the plain coloured buttercream, start to cover the cake all over
with a thin layer. Don’t worry if it doesn’t look perfect as this is just to
disguise any gaps and hold the crumbs down. Chill for 20 minutes.
11. With the left-over pink buttercream, start to spread some small patches
around the cake to randomly fill in the gaps with the plain icing. Now
using a palette knife, start smoothing out the buttercream so that the
pink and plain icing blend together to create a watercolour effect.
12. Time to decorate! Arrange your chosen decorations on the cake
however you like and finish with a sprinkle of glitter!
23 wealdentimes.co.uk

WINNER
Food and Drink
Innovation
For the gin lover in your life this Valentine’s day
AWARD WINNING GIN FROM THE SILENT POOL IN SURREY
Now available at Majestic and Waitrose stores nationwide.
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WT Wedding Supplement
Chocolate and raspberry Tart
Makes 5 individual tarts or 1 large tart.
Cooking time: 1 hour. Prep time: 45 mins
For the pastry:
• 250g plain flour
• 125g cold butter, cubed
• 80g icing sugar
• 1 egg
• 1tbsp cold water
For the filling
• 300ml double cream
• 110ml milk
• 200g dark chocolate
• 2 eggs
• 30g sugar
• handful of raspberries
For decoration
• raspberries
• finely chopped pistachios
1. Heat the oven to 200˚C. Start by making the pastry. Put
the flour and butter in a food processor and blitz until it
resembles breadcrumbs (alternatively you can rub them
together by hand). Pulse in the icing sugar then add the
beaten egg and the water and mix again until combined.
Tip out onto a lightly floured surface and knead a little to
form a dough. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
2. Divide the dough into five equal balls and roll each one out
individually until the thickness of a £1 coin. Line your tins
and prick with a fork before chilling again for 10 minutes
and then blind baking for 15 minutes (line with a square
of baking paper and fill with baking beans). Remove the
paper and beans and put in the oven for another 10 minutes
and set aside. Reduce the oven temperature to 160˚C.
3. For the filling, put the milk and cream in a pan and
gently heat until almost boiling. Pour over the chocolate
in a bowl and mix together to combine. Whisk the
eggs and the sugar together before adding this to
the chocolate mixture and give it a good mix.
4. Cut up a few of the raspberries and put them in the tart cases,
pour over the chocolate filling and place in the oven for 20-25
minutes until set but still with a slight wobble. Leave to cool.
5. Decorate with the remaining raspberries
and chopped pistachios and serve.
25 wealdentimes.co.uk

WT Wedding Supplement
La de
da! vintage
teaspoon with
embossed ‘I love you’,
£14, Spice Cranbrook
01580 714156
spicecranbrook.
co.uk
Mini Heart pavlovas
Makes 5 individual hearts.
Cooking time: 30 minutes.
Prep time: 30 minutes
• 3 egg whites
• 300g caster sugar
• 2tbsp freeze-dried
raspberries crushed into a
powder (optional but adds
a raspberry flavour, found
in Waitrose and online)
• pink food colouring
• 100g frozen berries
• 2tbsp caster sugar
• 400ml double cream,
whipped
• fresh berries (I used
raspberries and
blueberries)
• edible pink glitter
(optional)
1. Preheat the oven to 180˚C.
2. Whisk the egg whites on a high speed until soft peaks form.
Keeping it on a high speed, slowly add in the caster sugar
spoon by spoon until you have a bowl of thick, glossy, satin-like
meringue. Fold in the pink food colouring and freeze-dried
raspberry powder to achieve the depth of colour you want.
3. Line two baking sheets with baking paper. Spoon the meringue
into a piping bag and pipe a heart – or, instead, you can spoon
the meringue onto the baking paper and spread into a heart
shape. Turn the oven down to 150˚C and bake the pavlovas
for 30 minutes. Once cooked turn the oven off and leave the
meringues in there to cool down.
4. To make the coulis, put the frozen berries and sugar in a pan
with a splash of water and place over a medium heat until the
sugar has dissolved and the berries have softened. If it still tastes
too sharp you can add a touch more sugar. Leave to cool a little
before blitzing to a smooth consistency.
5. To assemble, dollop the cream in the centre of the hearts, swirl
through some of the berry coulis and place the berries on top.
To make it look extra special sprinkle over some of the glitter.
Through her business, The Little Ginger Baker, Isla creates cakes, as well as catering for parties and functions. Find out more at
thegingerandspiceblog.wordpress.com Twitter: @Gingerbaker23 and facebook.com/Thelittlegingerbaker or email isla353@gmail.com
wealdentimes.co.uk
26

If you can dream it,
we can make it happen
Cakes by Nina
Luxury Wedding Cake Designer
www.cakesbyninaweddings.co.uk
SoLetsPartyS28.indd 1 30/01/2017 CakesByNinaS28.indd 12:45
1 18/01/2017 15:12
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LavenderGooseS28.indd 1 19/01/2017 16:28

Cookery Courses ■ Chef’s Table ■ Private Parties
Corporate Events ■ Hosted Meetings ■ Children’s Courses
Valentine’s Chef’s Table
Tuesday 14 th February
Enjoy Fizz & Canapés on arrival followed by a 5 course
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with ever-changing menus created by Michelin trained chefs
One Day & Weekend Cookery Courses
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Telephone: 01892 528700
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RosemaryShragerWT180.indd 1 18/01/2017 12:34
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wealdentimes.co.uk
28
StephenBishopSuitingS28.indd 1 01/02/2017 15:45

Helen’s Story
Age
46, Surrey
Concept Facelift & Neck Tightening
For the last few years, my double chin and sagging neck were making
my confidence disappear. It’s all I noticed when I looked in the mirror
and I knew it would only get worse due to my genes! Amir spoke
with integrity and passion for his
Concept Facelift and I thought then
– this is what I need!
At my consultation, Amir showed me
how I would look after surgery and I
just wanted to have it done immediately. The fact that I didn’t have
to have a general anaesthetic was a real bonus for me.
When my surgery day arrived I wasn’t at all nervous until I walked into
Bella Vou. I wasn’t worried about the surgery itself as I completely
trusted Amir; it was the fear of the unknown. Amir talked to me
“ I feel I can face anything now; I feel
so much better about myself. I’m so
pleased I went for it!”
throughout and took my mind off what was really happening. The
experience was weird but amazing at the same time. I didn’t feel
scared at all – I knew I was in safe hands. The worst part was the
anaesthetic injections but it was soon
over.
Three hours later and I was ready.
There’s no need for recovery time, so
I just sat up and Amir showed me the
mirror. I was very swollen but had absolutely no bruises – amazing!
I was just so delighted that my double chin had gone, I don’t know
why but I felt tearful. I think it was because I had tried so many things
in the past (non-surgical) but they just didn’t work and now I have
what I wanted, a lovely result.
Soon I was at home and felt very relaxed, pain free and very happy!
UKAAPS
UK Association of Aesthetic
Plastic Surgeons
TOP DOCTOR
The Royal College of Surgeons of England
Featured surgeon on
‘Facelifts & Fillers’
Mr Amir Nakhdjevani
MBBS, MRCS, FRCS (Plast.)
Consultant Plastic & Hair Transplant Surgeon
British Association of Plastic
Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeons
Helen’s main concern was loose skin around her neck, developing
jowls and volume of the chin. We performed a Concept Facelift,
neck tightening and a small amount of liposuction to reduce
some fullness to address Helen’s double chin. 3 hours later and
Helen had the results she had been hoping for.
See similar reviews by searching online for
‘RealSelf Amir Bella Vou’
Copyright © 2017. The above information is only a brief overview and typical of most patients’ experiences. Errors and omissions excepted. The ‘BBC One’ logo is a registered trademark of The British Broadcasting Corporation.
01892 257 357
Text 07800 007 028
www.bellavou.co.uk

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Beauty
Valentine’s
bodycare
Josephine Fairley helps revive winter bodies with skin confidence this February
It’s easy to lapse into ‘body complacency’, once the
opaque tights and the vests come out. Many of
us are guilty about not giving the skin from neckto-toe
a second thought, really, from the moment
summer dresses are packed away until the cossies come
out again. For optimum skin health, we should be
caring for skin 365 days a year. But if there really needs
to be an extra excuse, the approach of Valentine’s Day
(and I’ll leave the rest to your imagination) is surely it.
I once heard the quote: ‘Every woman is beautiful
in the dark.’ But actually, if you’ve armadillo elbows,
chicken-y upper arms and are generally papery
all over, that may not be the case. And winter
really poses quite some challenges for body skin:
fabric physically ‘wicks’ moisture from the body’s
surface, drying it out. So if you’re not lavishing
lots of TLC from top-to-toe, you’re going to end
up with skin that is dull, dry and flat-looking –
and feels like nothing so much as sandpaper.
There’s another very good reason to keep slathering,
year-round. Well-moisturised cells allow for healthy
‘cellular communication’. So your skin doesn’t just
appear younger, when moisture levels are kept
topped up; it actually behaves like younger skin.
So my advice is to turn on the heated towel rail,
warm up the bathroom – and take a few minutes
to nourish from neck-to-toe after showering or
bathing each time. The following favourite ‘finds’
of mine will transform caring for your body,
year-round, from a beauty chore into a positive
pleasure – and fragrance skin deliciously, too. What
happens after that…? I won’t be responsible.
You don’t, though, have to spend a fortune: there
are some real ‘steals’ in the bodycare aisles. (You could
do much, much worse than a jar of good old coconut
oil; it goes solid when it’s chilly, but soon warms
and liquefies in a basin, or a bowl, of hot water.)
Personally, I’m not that fussed about body lotions,
definitely preferring the richness of a butter at this
time of year – and a couple of affordable favourites
are SenSpa Relaxing Body Butter, £6.95 for 200ml
– with nourishing argan butter, sense-soothinglyscented
with jasmine, cedarwood and ylang ylang. The
Sanctuary Body Butter, £10 for 300ml, is also fantastic,
melting into skin with its cocoa butter, shea butter,
macadamia and vitamin E-rich formula. And I’m also
a fan of some – but not all – of The Body Shop Body
Butters. Some are really quite highly-scented – fine
if you’re crazy for mango or Vanilla Chai, but not to
everyone’s taste – but I really like the Indian Night
Jasmine, and Wild Argan Oil Sublime Nourishing Body
Butter, £14 for 200ml, whose moisturising power
is impressively turbo-charged. (Be extra nurturing
with these when you’re smoothing elbows and heels,
won’t you? They tend to be the roughest bits...)
Splash out a bit more and you can quench skin
with bestselling L’Occitane Shea Butter, £28 for 150ml:
a tin of all-natural goodness sourced from fairtrade
projects in Burkina Faso which has achieved legendary
status with good reason. Me? I actually prefer its
‘sister’ product, L’Occitane Ultra Rich Body Cream, £32
for 200ml, made with karité butter (and so do my
picky Beauty Bible testers, who gave it a Beauty Bible
Award). Luscious is the only word for this. Alongside
this on my bedside you’ll find the new Gaia Spa
Awakening Body Cream, £38 for 220g (gaia-spa.
101 wealdentimes.co.uk

Our clients range from age 8 to
age 68, so get in touch today to see
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Want to get fit,
need to get fit,
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WalpoleS24.indd 1 08/09/2016 17:20
#believeyoucanandyouarehalfwaythere
Beauty
co.uk), made specially for a stunning new spa retreat in Plymouth,
Boringdon Hall; I discovered this range on a getaway break and am
hugely impressed. (Again, it’s pretty solid, but soon warms up when
softened between the palms. What’s hooked me, yet again, is the
smell: tangerine, geranium, rosemary and peppermint.) And – most
luxuriously and extravagantly – I do also have a whacking great jar
of AERIN Rose de Grasse Body Cream, £64 for 190ml. Pricy, yes –
but I do choose my moments to apply it, and the scent’s so utterly
like sticking my nose in a rose, it’s a total treat for several senses.
Body oils also come into their own at this time of year. I tend to
rotate these, and am more attracted to the all-natural options than
those which feature mineral oil; that sometimes means paying a
little more, but personally I find them less ‘claggy’. A brand new
favourite, actually, is Liz Earle Superskin Dry Oil for Body, £35 for
100ml. Unlike many dry oils, they’ve managed to formulate this
with 100% natural botanicals, without the use of alcohol. (The irony
of many dry oils is that they do feature alcohol – which is in itself
skin-drying.) Those skin-nurturing botanicals, meanwhile, include
rosehip oil, firming Alaria esculenta extract, borage oil and cranberry
seed oil, leaving skin nourished, silky and heaven-scented in no time.
Alternatively you might like to opt for an oil that’s scented with
a much-loved fragrance. There’s been a flurry of perfumed body oil
launches lately, all of them gorgeous; if any of these ‘match’ your
favourite fragrance, you’re in luck – but if you don’t normally wear
these scents, they’re a more subtle way to wear the fragrances. Chanel
No5 The Body Oil, £42 for 200ml, is an astonishingly gorgeous
way to veil yourself in No5. Luminous floral classic Dior J’adore
Dry Silky Body Oil, £45 for 150ml is another sinks-in-fast oil that
leaves skin looking and feeling radiant. I’m also thrilled to have
discovered Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady Hair & Body Oil – well,
I would perhaps be more thrilled if it wasn’t £130 for 200ml, but
it is quite honestly one of the most sublime products I’ve ever
used, with its notes of rose, frankincense and benzoin. And – last
but absolutely no means least – I’m also enjoying the ravishing
Joan Collins I Am Woman Skin Silk Body Oil, £18 for 100ml (at
joancollinsbeauty.com). Sophisticated, sexy – and really very glam.
So: every body may indeed be beautiful in the dark. But that’s no
excuse not to have skin that feels like silk – and smells like heaven…
● Reach for a scrub. The best way to get creams, lotions and
oils to penetrate is to buff away dead surface cells with
a salt- or sugar-based scrub, in the bath, to ‘prep’ skin.
● Double-moisturise. Apply one layer, allow to sink
in, then reapply – ideal for seriously dry zones.
● Use a ‘shower oil’ (or in-shower moisturiser). Or do as
make-up artist Bobbi Brown does, and sloosh on a body
oil while you’re still in the shower, then pat skin dry.
For further information T: 01737 247246
reigate@harleystreetskinclinic.com 16 Bell Street Reigate RH2 7BG
WWW.HARLEYSTREETSKINCLINIC.COM
● Switch to a body butter. Look for shea butter, cocoa
butter (and other nut butters) on the label: ultranourishing
choices for the colder months.
Remember: fragrance loves well-moisturised
skin. Any perfume will cling more tenaciously
if you’ve applied cream or lotion, first.
wealdentimes.co.uk
PureFormFitnessS28.indd 1 31/01/2017 15:29
102

February
At the Clinic
LONDON PARIS SOUTH OF FRANCE
Don’t neglect
YOUR
NECK
Your neck is one of the first areas to show
your age because this delicate skin tends
to wrinkle and head south very easily
“The Results:
Subtle, but
noticeable.
Also, because
my neck
muscles aren’t
pulling down
so much,
my lower
face seems to
have lifted
fractionally”
And despite the fact
that it is permanently
on show, we often
overlook this area when
moisturising or using
sunscreen. Add in the
fact that most of us
stare at computer and
smartphone screens for
a lot of the day (resulting
in the muscles at the front
of the neck pulling too
tightly) so over time those
overactive muscles pull
downwards leading to
loose skin on the neck
and a saggy jawline.
Not a good look.
But the problem is
easily solved because
judiciously-placed Botox
injections in the strap
and platysma muscles
work beautifully.
The procedure is
quick… and relatively
painless plus there
is no downtime.
It’s the perfect
Needlework for
your Neck!
Cost is £399
AS
SEEN IN
THE
DAILY MAIL
For further information T: 01737 247246
reigate@harleystreetskinclinic.com 16 Bell Street Reigate RH2 7BG
WWW.HARLEYSTREETSKINCLINIC.COM

Beauty
Fresh in February
freeimages.com/Angelina_Sh
Surrey Homes talks to artist and topiary expert Charlotte Molesworth...
Do you have a beauty
regime? My regime is
pretty simple. I avoid all
commercial, mass-produced
concoctions, bar Weleda
products. I’ll use these as a
standby if I run out of my
usual favourites. I prefer the
simplicity of natural oils
combined with Victoria
Hughes Evelyn’s of Sussex face
creams. The Rich Rose Cream
or her Lavender Cream are
both excellent and can be
rubbed on whenever one’s
skin feels dry. Witch hazel is
particularly good for a deep
facial cleanse, and nothing
beats cold water on a fresh
flannel every morning.
Do you have a particular
product you couldn’t live
without? The oils I now buy
are from L’Artisan, the owners
go to Morocco to buy directly
from the grower and producer
and I love their Prickly Pear
Seed oil and the Cactus Oil the
most. It has healing properties
and I use it alongside argan
and coconut oil. I spend a
lot of time in the sun, so
couldn’t live without my sun
hat, as I’m very careful about
exposure. I’ll always head for
a broken aloe vera leaf over
after sun lotion, however. It’s
jelly-like juice is the perfect
remedy for sunburn.
What’s your ultimate
pampering treat? I’ll use
Weleda shampoo about once
every six months, otherwise
I’ll just rinse my hair in clean,
not too hot water. As a real
treat, I’ll make my own nettle
rinse for my hair, or wash
my face with freshly picked
marigold petals, camomile
or elderflowers. Drinking
plenty of water and getting
fresh air is an absolute must.
Who’s your style icon? I’ve
never had a style icon, I just
mix up or even chop up
charity shop or jumble clothes.
I love the thrill of a spare half
hour in a charity shop to hunt
for an addition to my evergrowing
and eclectic wardrobe.
Many of my clothes date
back to my art school days
when I only dressed from the
wonderful rag and bone man’s
huge mountain of clothes in
an old shed in Canterbury.
Take a look at Charlotte’s
wonderful holiday let,
tucked away in the
Kentish countryside at
thepottingshedholidaylet.
com and see her art work
at the South East Open
Studios in June. Find out
more at seos-art.org
Sweet elixir...
Evidence of humans
harvesting honey dates
back as far as 8000 years,
the Greeks named it
‘nectar from the gods’ and
honeycomb was discovered
to have been buried with
Egyptian Pharaohs. It has
been used for centuries as
a wound soother, sweet
treat, energy booster and
all-round medicine. It’s
antibacterial and anti
fungal, improves brain and
gut health, and can even
help build up immunity
to pollen, improving
symptoms of hay fever.
It works beautifully as a
hair mask, soothing and
smoothing an itchy, dry
scalp. Try making your own
super simple and effective
moisturiser – mix five
tablespoons of honey with
two tablespoons of rose oil
and two cups of almond
oil. Give it a good shake
to combine, and apply to
your face and body. Despite
it being a miracle cure-all
it’s important to remember
that babies under one year
should not consume honey,
as their little digestive
systems aren’t quite ready
for the various bacteria
that naturally occur.
Tame the mane...
Organic Homme Itch Away
Shampoo (£11 for 125ml) is
another fantastic men’s product
from Green People. Constant
temperature and humidity
changes can create absolute havoc
for our skin and hair, and if
you’re particularly sensitive, what
remains is a dry, itchy scalp that
becomes sore and uncomfortable.
Sodium Laurel Sulphate, alcohol,
parabens and artificial fragrances
are all commonly used in a lot of
shampoos, and can exacerbate the
problem. Green People however,
stick to natural, vegan friendly
ingredients to soothe and calm
the skin and scalp, making it
particularly useful for those prone
to eczema or psoriasis. Pair this
with the Quinoa and Avocado Hair
Serum (suitable for guys and girls,
£9.95 for 100ml) for soft and silky
locks. Once hair is washed, towel
dried and rosemary scented, work in
a small amount of serum, focusing
on the ends. This can be left in and
hair can be styled as normal. Find
both of these at greenpeople.co.uk
wealdentimes.co.uk
104

Struggling with missing teeth?
Book a HALF PRICE dental implant
consultation during February* at
Elmsleigh House Dental Clinic
Whether you have one, several or all your teeth missing or
are struggling with loose dentures, the experienced dental
implant team at Elmsleigh House Dental Clinic in
Farnham will find a solution for you
Trusted, friendly and dedicated, they can replace your
missing teeth with dental implants or secured dentures
To book your HALF PRICE dental implant consultation*
during February, call 01252 713797 or email
info@elmsleighhouse.co.uk
For more information, visit www.elmsleighhouse.co.uk
Elmsleigh House Dental Clinic
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Set in the beautiful French Cote d’Azur countryside, minutes from the sea, this
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aqua-gym, circuit training, sea kayaking, gourmet meals and pampered luxury
to help guests improve their fitness level or kick start a fitness regime.
5 days luxury accommodation in the chateau in en-suite bedrooms with sea
or mountain views.
Fabulous nutritious, low carbohydrate meals and elegant 3 course dinners with wine.
Please contact Morag@Loucasteou.com
with questions and for reservations.
www.loucasteou.com
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1 07/12/2016 12:36
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105
wealdentimes.co.uk
HeadmastersWT180.indd 1 18/01/2017 15:26

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Beat the bugs
Surrey Homes wards off the sniffles this season,
with advice from experts on a more natural
approach to immunity
The Natural Healer
Anna Parkinson explains the natural
use and versatility of herbal medicines...
What are the benefits of using a herbal product over
pharmaceutical drugs? Pharmaceutical drugs are crisis
medicine, while herbal remedies and tinctures tend to be
slower acting but far more effective in the long run. When
you take an aspirin or paracetamol for headache, cold or
pain, you are not boosting your immune system to fight
off the cause of the problem naturally, but suppressing the
symptoms. So it’s always more effective in the long run
(and cheaper!) to consider using herbal remedies regularly
for a few days to a week until the symptoms have cleared.
Are there any particular herbs or tinctures that are
specifically beneficial for boosting the immune system?
Herbs that boost the immune system include well known
remedies like echinacea and garlic. Garlic, in the form of
an extract of its essential ingredient, allicin, has even been
successfully used on diseased trees! Botanists achieved 95%
success with diseased horse chestnut trees by injecting them
with the extract. Generally it is best to use herbs as near to
their fresh state as possible, and there are many other useful
herbs easily available to Weald dwellers. Bitter herbs like
thyme, rosemary and sage are antibacterial and antiviral
and these stay green all through the year in the garden.
You can replace your normal cuppa with tea made from
a sprig of rosemary steeped in hot water for 10 minutes.
It helps clear the sinuses and relieves headache. Ginger
tea first thing in the morning, made from fresh ginger,
with lemon if you like it, will clear your digestion and
boost your immune system so it’s a good thing to drink
through the winter. Dark green vegetables, like cabbage
and kale, as part of your daily diet, have the same effect.
Do you have a suggestion for soothing sore throats?
The most effective remedy I know for sore throat and
chesty cough is sage tea. Take a fresh sprig and steep it in
a cup for ten minutes, covered, and add honey if you like.
Drink a cup of this three times a day for two or three days.
If you feel the cold is very deep in your chest, do the same
thing with thyme and drink that for a day or two before
moving on to the sage. The rule is “Thyme for the chest,
sage for the throat, rosemary for the head.” These are all
powerful naturalised antibacterial and antiviral herbs that
we don’t make enough use of. I’ve known sage tea to work
for everyone who has a cold or a cough that won’t shift,
with the notable exception of my husband, of course, who
swore I was trying to poison him when I gave him sage tea!
Anna Parkinson is a writer and healer whose books include
Nature’s Alchemist, John Parkinson, herbalist to Charles
I, and Change Your Mind, Heal Your Body. She can be
contacted through annaparkinson.com or 07818 061605.
The Homeopath
Dr. Christine gives us an
insight into immunity...
Conventional medicine deals with treating the symptoms
of illness. How does homeopathy treatment differ from
this? Conventional medicine mostly suppresses symptoms,
while natural therapies, in particular homeopathy, strengthens
the body’s own immune system enabling it to fight infections
and illnesses better. Repeated antibiotic treatment will harm
the bowel flora, which is now recognised as a very important
part of the body’s immune system. Regular treatment with
homeopathy of both acute and chronic illnesses will improve
the body’s ability to deal with infections more successfully.
Special remedies are available to treat and to prevent coughs,
colds and flu. Remedies like Kali bich, Hydrastis and Sticta
pulm are frequently used to relieve sinus pressure, congestion
and headaches. Many cough remedies are available and Ant
tart, Ipecac, Bryonia, Pulsatilla and Spongia are used frequently.
How can we improve our immune system long-term with
homeopathy or natural methods? The immune system
is of crucial importance to our well-being and survival. It
continually fights invaders like bacteria and viruses, as well
as our own mutated cells. Proper nutrition is very important
for a well-functioning and healthy immune system. Plenty of
fresh fruit and vegetables will provide vitamins, minerals and
antioxidants. It is also important to stay away from refined
sugar, which competes with Vitamin C in our white blood
cells, one of our main immune system cells.
Any top tips for relieving congestion and headache? Cold
and flu remedies include Aconite, Gelsemium, Belladonna,
Eupatorium perf and Ars iodatum, to mention a few.
Homeopathy is always chosen for the individual patient
taking his/her particular symptoms into account, so a
dry barking cough, which is better outdoors and worse at
night will respond to a different remedy than a wet cough
which worsens at changes in temperature and lying down.
This way the patient’s symptoms are ideally matched to
the remedy, which will be most beneficial to him/her.
General relief for coughs, colds and flu can be achieved
with Echinacea, Vitamin C and Zinc supplements as well
as saline irrigation and steam inhalation. Rest is nowadays
an often forgotten, but very important, ‘medicine’ as your
body needs time and energy to overcome an infection.
Dr. Christine Suppelt is a Homeopathic Physician
and medical acupuncturist based in Maidstone, Kent.
To find out more or book an appointment visit
homeopathykent.co.uk or phone 01622 741086.
107 wealdentimes.co.uk

Antique & Collectors’: 15 February
Photographic, Militaria, Books & Stamps: 16 Feb
Toys & Models: 2 March
Far Left: Large diamond ring, set with a round
brilliant cut diamond weighing approximately
4.60cts with a surround of marquise and pear
shape diamonds. Est: £30,000-50,000
Above Left: Sherree Valentine Daines, 'Shrimping',
oil on board,. Est: £3,000-5,000
Above: Early 19th Century Maltese olivewood
cross-banded drum table. Est: £800-1,200
Guitars & Musical Instruments, Unreserved Auction: 2 March
Entertainment & Memorabilia: 2 March
Vintage Posters: 3 March
Jewellery, Watches & Silver: 22 March
Fine Art & Antiques: 23 March
Antique Furniture & Clocks: 24 March
Pay no additional online buyers premium

Garden
Early bird gardening
Jo Arnell gets ahead this month in preparation for a productive year in the garden
In the quiet of late winter I’m easily
pleased by the faintest signs of
life – it fills my heart to see a bare
branch laced with delicate blooms and
a few dainty woodlanders spreading
softly under shrubs and trees. Before
long there will be an avalanche of
spring bulbs, a joyous whoosh of foliage
and blossom galore (Pussy’s gardening
sister). It’s still very cold and early,
but the plants are responding to the
increased light levels (remember how
dark it was in December? It really
is much lighter now) and although
only the bravest shoots are peeking
out at us, everything is beginning to
wake up. So if you feel like it (there’s
no mad rush), we can get ahead of
the game and get a few jobs done.
first flowers
You might have to take a magnifying
glass out with you or be prepared to
bend down low, but there are potentially
lots of early blooms to cheer us through
the last bleak winter days. Many of
the first flowers to appear are scented,
especially those on early flowering
shrubs, like Chimonanthus praecox
(Winter Sweet), Lonicera fragrantissima,
or Viburnum bodnantense ‘Dawn’. A
few twigs of these make lovely additions
to indoor vases; left in the garden the
nectar they contain is very welcome
to any insects that have woken up
early. Once snowdrops have finished
flowering, lift and divide them while
they’re ‘in the green’ (foliage still
growing). You can then replant the
divisions in areas where you want them
to spread around and naturalise.
Wildlife
It gets really tough for animals at the
tail end of winter. Much of the food
has gone, the weather is still bitterly
cold and surviving until warmer days
becomes a daily struggle. We can feed
and provide clean, fresh water for the
birds, but it also helps to grow a wide
variety of plants that will provide
wildlife with food and shelter. Choosing
plants that bear fruit and berries
extends the season and provides us with
interest (and Christmas decorations),
but it is also a vital resource. Existing
native plants are fantastic larders for
wildlife – a humble patch of old ivy
will have long lasting, nutritious black
berries and also provide shelter for
many creatures. Log piles and uncut
herbaceous stems provide shelter for
insects, reptiles and amphibians. It’s
always a source of comfort to me (and
a good excuse) that tidy gardens are
not the friendliest to nature.
109 wealdentimes.co.uk

Garden
pruning
There’s always something that needs
pruning, whatever the time of year.
That’s half the problem with pruning
– learning which plant to prune when.
The other problem is matching up
the neat and sensible diagrams in the
books with wayward reality. You can
prune hardy deciduous plants in late
winter and early spring, but don’t
prune tender evergreens until the
weather has warmed up. February is
the ideal time to prune the following:
roses... Prune shrub roses before they
start to shoot. You can prune roses
quite hard, as they are tough plants
and should respond well. (It doesn’t
sound quite right though does it – ‘as
tough as a rose’?) The trick is to prune
so that the new growth will form an
attractive, rounded goblet shape.
Hardy hedges... Prune deciduous
and any really hardy evergreen
hedges to maintain a good structural
shape. You may need to prune
again later in the year, depending
on how fast the hedge grows.
Late flowering clematis... First work
out when your clematis flowers. If it
has large blooms and flowers in July/
Aug then cut it hard back now. If it’s
early summer, just lightly trim to tidy
and keep to the framework, as these
flower on last year’s wood and hard
pruning will prevent it flowering. If
it flowers in the spring, then prune
after it has flowered – so not now.
deciduous ornamental grasses... Cut
these back right to the ground before
the new shoots begin to grow. Be careful
here because some grasses are evergreen
– they might look dead, but something
like Stipa gigantea or tenuissima just
needs the tatty old foliage combed out
– there will probably be some fancy
‘grass comb’ available for this soon, but
grasses are so tactile that it’s not a chore
to run your fingers through the fronds.
vegetables
prepare the soil... by layering on a
snug blanket of organic matter and
then leaving the worms and their
friends to do the digging in for you.
If you join in with the digging, you’ll
upset the soil creatures and spoil all
the hard work they’ve already done
for you. The rule for soil preparation
these days is no-dig. Hooray.
Sow some early crops... The soil can
be warmed in readiness with cloches
or plastic sheeting. This will protect it
from the worst of the wet and frozen
weather and allow you to start planting
a bit sooner. Hardy vegetables like peas,
broad beans and spinach can be sown
directly into the soil towards the end
of the month. Sow leeks and onions
this month too, but in a pot under
cover to plant out a bit later on.
Sow tender veg... Tomatoes, peppers
and aubergines need a very long growing
season in order to ripen successfully
in our climate. Tender crops will be
destroyed by the slightest frost – only
sow them from seed if you have
somewhere light and warm to grow
them until all danger of frost is past,
so until May. Don’t despair if you
can’t accommodate all those tender
seedlings, as the garden centres stock
young plants later in the season.
Chit early potatoes... Chitting is a term
that means letting your potatoes start to
sprout sturdy new shoots – preferably
somewhere light and airy (not like
the ones we find at the bottom of the
fridge). The idea is that they then get
off to an earlier start and will produce
a bumper harvest more speedily.
Chitting works quite well with new,
or early potatoes, but is not essential.
feed fruit trees and bushes... Sprinkle
potash fertiliser at the base of fruit trees
and bushes to encourage the plants to
produce more fruit later in the season.
Musical plants
If you suddenly decide that a shrub
has been planted in the wrong place,
there’s still time to move it before
growth starts. I don’t know why I call
it ‘musical’ plants, there’s rarely any
music in my garden, but what tends
to happen is that once the first plant
has been moved, you might find that
several have to be relocated to make
the change work successfully overall (I
find the same moving furniture around
in the house). In theory the best time
to do this is in the autumn, so that the
plants have time to establish new roots
over the winter – the recommended
time for moving evergreens is around
October, but deciduous plants go into
dormancy and so there’s still time to
move these. Herbaceous perennials
can be lifted and divided now too.
Spring does still seem a long way off I
know, but I can’t help having high hopes
at this time of the year. All is promise
and plans – and the joyous rustling of
seed catalogues and packets (remind
me not to get so carried away with
them next year). Despite appearances,
the garden is about to burst into life
again. Soon there will be endless
(but rewarding) jobs to be getting
on with, but for now we can enjoy
the last of the quiet winter days and
make plans for a gorgeous gardening
season ahead. Let’s tiptoe out there.
For details of Jo’s new gardening
course contact Jo on 01233 861149
hornbrookmanor.co.uk
wealdentimes.co.uk
110

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112
SBI-S28.indd 1 31/01/2017 JustFasciasS17.indd 16:57
1 02/03/2016 18:28

Let it
shine
Sue Whigham gives her tips and picks
for growing conservatory plants
Garden
see the whole
house feature this
image was taken from
at wealdentimes.co.uk/
house/wt134b
Don’t we all long for a conservatory, whether it’s one of
those gorgeous concoctions displayed at the Chelsea
Flower Show that we look longingly into or something
more down to earth. And plenty of glass means that apart from
raising the light levels and thus our mood, we have borrowed
landscape beyond our windows to peer out at. I think that in a
perfect world, a conservatory would be jungle-like with, of course,
a table and a comfortable chair or two squeezed in and maybe
some staging for interesting succulents and masses of colour.
Glazing techniques used in conservatories have moved
on so much in the last twenty years or so – in the past the
room would heat up so much that it resembled the Arizona
desert and be full of exhausted flies and then be icy cold in
winter. Now more ambient temperatures are the norm. No
plant wants extreme variations in temperature, rather like us.
As long as you keep the conservatory at a minimum winter
temperature of 2˚C there is no end of plants you can grow.
At this time of year, I would bring in pots of Christmas
box (Sarcococca) as they begin to flower. Tiny white flowers
growing amongst glossy evergreen leaves give out such a sweet
scent and the pots can go back out into the garden when the
flowers are over. The same applies to camellias. C. transnokoensis
is scented and flowers in late winter – lovely little pink buds
open to simple small white flowers. And the early flowering
camellias, C. sasanqua, do best under glass in our winters.
You could also bring in pots of plants like fragrant Daphne
odora as they begin to flower and then pop them out again.
My perfect conservatory would have shrubs like Plumbago
auriculata scrambling around in it – either in a large pot or in the
ground. The flowers are such a perfect sky blue and always remind
me of hot holidays. There’s a white form, Plumbago auriculata
‘Alba’ which is rather choice too but the blue is so evocative.
Another plant which the conservatory couldn’t be without
would be Tibouchina urvilleana, the Glory Bush. You’d need a
bit of space for this gem but its combination of downy leaves
and the most beautiful rich blue flowers means it is high up
the list of conservatory plants which flower later in the season.
Under glass, it can flower on until January which is quite a treat.
I’d also grow the night scented jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum)
or Lady of the Night, native to the West Indies, whose creamy
flowers open at night giving off a heady scent to attract moths.
There are so many interesting climbers and twiners
to try. I think that if you have a lot of space, it would
be worth growing the Australian bower plant, Pandorea
jasminoides. The cultivar ‘Rosea Superba’ has large tubular
flowers with a deeper pink throat and purple spots.
And a slightly different version of the twining trachelospermum
but hardier than some is T. asiaticum, an absolute mass of
creamy scented flowers from mid summer onwards. And if
you are happy to have flowers looking down at you from the
conservatory roof, consider one of the passion flowers. My only
gripe with them is that many of them have rather scraggy foliage
but that is made up for by exquisite flowers. Two of them come
to mind – one of them, a hybrid called Passiflora x exoniensis has
rosy red flowers followed by edible fruit. The other one would be
a spectacular plant from the rainforests of Colombia, the most
exotic P. antioquiensis with huge red fluorescent flowers hanging
down from long stems. I may be getting a bit ambitious here.
Maybe try big pots of clivias from South Africa – bold
foliage combined with stunning flowers. And there are any
manner of palms to add to the jungle feel. The Sealing Wax
Palm is particularly nice as it has such brilliant red stems. Or
any of the bromeliads, most of which come from tropical
America. They vary hugely but most of them form a rosette
and produce extraordinary strange and rather lurid flowers.
Ferns, brugmansias – particularly Brugmansia arborea ‘Knightii’
– look great in a beautiful pot. This plant has huge double
and very glamorous white flowers with a knock-out scent.
Succulents of all shapes and sizes, aeoniums, aloes,
plectranthus from South Africa (you can make quite a
collection of these plants grown for their rather beautiful
and varied foliage). Try large leaved colocasias. Look out for
C. ‘Black Magic’. All these will add to your exotic oasis.
This is a good time of year to check out some of the suppliers
of conservatory plants. The Palm Centre near Richmond
(palmcentre.co.uk) has a wonderful choice of plants and, of
course, can help you choose plants for your conservatory’s
conditions. Burncoose Nurseries in Cornwall (burncoose.
co.uk) supplies all manner of desirable plants. And the Plant
Centre at RHS Wisley often has interesting bromeliads and
many succulents for sale in their house plant/conservatory
plant section. Finally, JungleSeeds (jungleseeds.co.uk) 01491
614765 are a reliable source of both exotic seeds and plants.
Sue Whigham can be contacted on 07810 457948 for gardening advice
and help in the sourcing and supply of interesting garden plants.
113 wealdentimes.co.uk

HURSTPIERPOINT COLLEGE

Mind over Maths
Susan Elkin explores her own conflicting opinions surrounding the subject
Education
Maths has long been in need of better PR. When I
was an impressionable 8 or 9 year old, my mother
– less than sensibly – informed me that she’d never
been any good at maths so of course, she said, I wouldn’t be
either. Her words came true almost immediately. I’ve always
loathed it, been baffled by much of it and certainly never
succeeded at anything remotely mathematical. Perhaps if it
had been presented to me excitedly as an irresistible source
of delight and discovery it would have been a different
story and today I’d be a professor of mathematics…
Probably not. But it’s definitely a subject that needs a better
image. So I was interested to visit the Science Museum’s new
Winton Gallery – dedicated entirely to maths – on its opening
day in December and was pretty impressed when I got there.
The message is that maths underpins everything we do, just
as language does. I learned about the principles of flight,
using technology by principal sponsor Samsung. Then there’s
a beautiful 17th century Islamic astrolabe and displays on
architecture, medicine, statistical projection and much more.
Maths comes entertainingly to life as soon as you walk though the
door and admire the room’s design by Zaha Hadid Architects – all
based on equations of flight used in the aviation industry. I hope
school parties and families will flock to it and realise that yes,
maths really is pretty cool. I’m still awaiting a copy of the associated
book Mathematics: How it Shaped our Work by David Rooney,
Keeper of Technologies and Engineering at the Science Museum.
A few days after that I attended the announcement
and presentation of the 2016 ALCS Educational Writers’
Award. It celebrates the “best of non-fiction that stimulates
or enhances learning”. This time it was awarded to Anna
Weltman for This is Not a Maths Book. It’s a “smart art activity
book” with lots of patterns, colouring in and imaginative
ideas for having mathematical fun without doing maths.
So, one way and another maths seems to be in the process
of being humanised. Not before time. Teachers, parents and
anyone else who works with children need to embrace maths
wholeheartedly and share it enthusiastically. We must do masses of
upbeat awareness raising and bury our own fears of the subject.
Maths should be a journey of discovery and delighted
astonishment. Just as we encourage a love of words and how
they relate to each other in books and other writing, so we
should be promoting maths and its purpose positively.
I’m sure my mother meant well and was trying to be kind
to me but expectations are one of the most powerful tools in
education. The higher you raise them the more children and
young people will achieve. Tragically, the converse is true too.
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115 wealdentimes.co.uk
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What’s On In February
Children & Family
Sat 11 - Sun 19 Feb 10am-4pm
Claremont Landscape
Garden, Portsmouth
Road, Esher KT10 9JG
Children’s trail
Follow a garden trail and learn
all about the romance of Princess
Charlotte of Wales and Prince
Leopold. Find all the clues for
a prize. Booking not needed.
Dogs on leads welcome.
Info: 01372 467806 /
nationaltrust.org.uk/events
Sat 11 - Sun 19 Feb 10am-4pm
Winkworth Arboretum,
Hascombe Road,
Godalming GU8 4AD
Children’s halfterm
trail
Enjoy the outdoors and have
fun with our children’s trails.
Explore the wonderful Arboretum
as you follow our children’s
trail. Booking Not Needed.
Info: 01483 208936 /
nationaltrust.org.uk/events
Sat 11 - Sun 19 Feb 10am-5pm
Godstone Farm, Tilburstow Hill
Road, Godstone RH9 8LX
Woolly Week
Join us for plenty of fun on
the farm, plus the reopening
of the Hog’stacle Course!
Info: 01883 742546 /
godstonefarm.co.uk
Sat 11 - Sun 19 Feb
Hobbledown, Horton
Lane, Epsom KT19 8PT
February half-term
at Hobbledown
This half-term enjoy some of
our award-winning adventure
equipment, whether it be our
Tree Top Climbing Towers,
Hobtastic High Ropes Course
or daring underground tunnels.
Alternatively check out our 400+
animals and watch daily shows.
Entry: Adults £8.75,
Children £9.75
Info: 01372 848990 /
hobbledown.com
Sat 11 - Sun 19 Feb
10am-5.30pm
Bocketts Farm, Young
Street, Fetcham,
Leatherhead KT22 9BS
Half-term fun at
Bocketts farm
Enjoy a great family day out this
February with the start of the
spring lambing. There are over 70
gorgeous new born lambs to meet,
birds of prey demonstrations,
meet the Shepherd sessions and
pony petting opportunities.
Info: 01372 363764 /
bockettsfarm.co.uk
Sat 11 - Sun 19 Feb 10am-4pm
Hatchlands Park,
Guildford GU4 7RT
Half-term at
Hatchlands
This half-term get outside and get
messy with activities from our list
of 50 things to do. Explore inside
a tree, build a den or take part in
geocaching, our newest activity.
See how many 50 things you can
enjoy this half-term. Please dress
for the weather, wellies or walking
boots are strongly recommended.
Info: 01483 222482
/ nationaltrust.org.uk/
hatchlands-park
Tues 14 & Thurs 16
Feb 10.30am-12pm
Living Planet Centre,
Brewery Road, Ruffed
House, Woking GU21 4LL
WWF Earth Hour
workshops
At 8.30pm on Saturday 25
March, hundreds of millions
of people across the world will
switch off their lights to show
decision-makers that we care
about our environment and
the effects of climate change.
Come and watch our short
inspirational Earth Hour film,
then create a colourful recycled
lantern with powerful messaging
to shine brightly on the night.
Suitable for children aged 4
years and older. Children must
be accompanied by an adult.
Entry: Free, £3 suggested donation
Info: wwf.org.uk/whatson
Sat 18 Feb 11am & 2pm
Mill Studio, Millbrook,
Guildford GU1 3UT
Peter & the wolf
FInd out how clever young
Peter triumphs with his
animal friends in this classic
tale. This is most suitable for
children aged 5 years plus.
Info: 01483 440000
Sat 25 Feb 11am, 1pm & 3pm
Surrey Hills Brewery, Denbies
Wine Estate, London Road,
Dorking RH5 6AA
Brewery tours
Led by the expert brewing team,
enjoy a behind-the-scenes glimpse
at how Surrey Hills Brewery
creates their award-winning
ales. Booking recommended.
Entry: £8.50 / £12
Info: 01306 883603 /
surreyhills.co.uk
Music, Art & theatre
Throughout Feb 10.30am-4pm
The Lightbox, Chobham
Road, Woking GU21 4AA
Henry Moore:
sculpting from nature
This exhibition explores Henry
Moore’s use of found objects
– bones, skulls, flintstones,
driftwood and shells – and
the interrelationship of these
objects to his drawings,
graphic work, and sculpture.
Entry: Annual pass £5,
under 18s free
Info: 01483 737800 /
thelightbox.org.uk
Until Sat 25 Feb
New Ashgate Gallery,
Waggonyard, Farnham GU9 7PS
Colour!
This exhibition brings
together two artists of different
generations: John Hoyland,
one of the leading British
painters of his generation and
Paul Stopler, one of the most
exciting glass makers today.
Entry: Free
Info: 01252 713208 /
newashgate.org.uk
Sat 4 - Fri 24 Feb
2.30pm & 7.30pm
Holy Trinity Church, High
Street, Guildford GU1 3RR
Julius Caesar
Focusing on the cult of
personality, a government
founded on propaganda
and the most famous case
of backstabbing in politics,
Shakespeare’s compellingly tense
thriller still has relevance today.
Entry: £15 - £25
Info & Booking: 01483 304384 /
guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk
Fri 24 Feb 8pm-12am
Farnham Rugby Club,
Wilkinson Way, Monkton
Lane, Farnham GU9 9ND
Rock ‘n’ Roll
Charity event
Come and join us for a fantastic
evening of Rock’n’Roll and
fundraising for Phyllis Tuckwell
Hospice Farnham and British
Kidney Patients Association.
Live music from the 50’s and
60’s, raffle and cake stall.
Entry: £8
Info: 07853 040172 /
farnhamrugby.org
Sat 25 Feb 10am-5pm
Trinity Methodist
Church, Brewery Road,
Woking GU21 4LH
Come and sing day
This will be a wonderful
opportunity for choral singers
to sing beautiful work and to
have the input of a vocal coach.
Entry: £20
Info: 01483 756670 /
epworthchoir.org
Valentine’s
Fri 10 - Sun 12 Feb
Oatlands Park Hotel, Oatlands
Drive, Weybridge KT13 9HB
Valentine’s weekend
Treat a loved one to a Valentine’s
weekend away with dinner, bed
and breakfast. Enjoy breakfast
and a five-course Valentine’s
dinner in our Mulberry
restaurant, overlooking the
Broadwater lake with beautiful
views of our grounds.
Entry: £139
Info & Booking: 01932 847242
/ oatlandsparkhotel.com
Sat 11 Feb 9am-4pm
Brooklands Museum,
Brooklands Road,
wealdentimes.co.uk
118

FREWEN
COLLEGE
HoeBridgeSchoolS27.indd 1 15/12/2016 12:57
The Dyslexia Specialists - since 1910
PREP SCHOOL SENIOR SCHOOL SIXTH FORM
Independent Boarding and Day School for girls and boys with Dyslexia and Dyspraxia
“Pupils’ rates of personal, social and academic progress are strong and, at times, exceptional” Ofsted 2016
Open Mornings: Saturday 25 March & Thursday 27 April
Rye Road, Northiam, East Sussex, TN31 6NL - Tel 01797 252494
www.frewencollege.co.uk
119 wealdentimes.co.uk
FrewenCollegeS28.indd 1 31/01/2017 11:51

What’s On In February
Weybridge KT13 0QN
Concorde
Champagne Day
Join us for a special celebration
of Concorde, hosted by Captain
Mike Bannister, British Airways
Chief Concorde Pilot. The day
includes a pre-flight Champagne
reception, Concorde experience
flight, a visit to the flight deck
to chat with Captain Bannister
and a three-course lunch in
the Bluebird Room at the
Clubhouse. Booking is essential.
Entry: £115 per person
Info: 01932 857381 /
brooklandsmuseum.com
Sat 11 - Tues 14 Feb 12-11pm
The Bear, Leatherhead
Road, Oxshott KT22 0JE
Valentine’s Day
at the Bear
Enjoy the four-course menu
with a loved one, or get together
with a group of friends.
Entry: £39 per person
Info: 01372 842747 /
thebearoxshott.co.uk
Sat 11 - Tues 14 Feb 10am-4pm
Claremont Landscape
Garden, Portsmouth Road,
Esher, Surrey KT10 9JG
Valentine Lovers’ Walk
Enjoy a romantic Valentine’s
walk with a regal twist. Hang a
memento for your loved one at
the venerable old beech known
as the “kissing tree”, then follow
a specially decorated trail around
the 49-acre estate, taking in
period features such as the turf
amphitheatre and serpentine
lake. Booking not needed.
Info: 01372 467806 /
nationaltrust.org.uk/events
Sun 12 Feb 11am-3.30pm
Hilton Hotel, Seven Hills Road
South, Cobham KT11 1EW
Wedding Fair
Located in the heart of Surrey, the
Hilton Cobham hotel is set amid
acres of beautiful countryside
including the hotel’s own onemile
long woodland area. The rich
warm décor makes this a perfect
venue for a Prestige Wedding Fair,
so come along and choose from
a wide range of local wedding
suppliers and see the Bridal
Fashion Shows at 12.30 & 2.30.
Entry: Free
Info: 01276 451498 /
prestigeweddingfairs.co.uk
Sun 12 Feb
Painshill, Portsmouth Road,
Cobham KT11 1JE
Valentine’s Day
at Painshill
Treat your loved one to a magical
day out and enjoy exclusive
access to the sparkling Crystal
Grotto as well as a fabulous
brunch for two or delicious
afternoon tea. Prices vary.
Info: 01932 868113
/ painshill.co.uk
Sun 12 Feb
Denbies Wine Estate,
Dorking RH5 6AA
Valentine’s Tea Dance
Enjoy a traditional tea
dance with high tea and
delicious sparkling wine.
Entry: £17.25
Info: 01306 876616 / denbies.co.uk
Mon 13 Feb 8-11pm
Cellar Wines, The Old Cellar,
High Street, Ripley GU23 6BB
Valentine’s
sparkling tasting
This will be a spectacular
evening of sparkling wines,
cheeses and chocolates. Have fun
and socialise. Book in advance
to avoid disappointment.
Entry: £45
Info: 01483 610610 /
cellarwines.co.uk
Workshops
Fri 10 Feb 8am-12pm
RHS Garden Wisley,
Woking GU23 6QB
Butterfly
photography morning
Join Adrian Davies for this
morning workshop covering
techniques, equipment and
image processing. You will
enjoy exclusive access to the
Glasshouse before it opens
to the public at 10am.
Entry: RHS Members £52,
non-members £66
Info: 0845 260 9000 / rhs.org.uk
Fri 10 Feb 10.30am-4pm
Watts Gallery - Artists’
Village, Down Lane,
Compton GU3 1DQ
Dress in a day
Join textile artist Elizabeth Cake
to create a loose fitting smock
top or dress. Learn how to
work from and tailor a pattern,
before learning simple sewing
machine techniques. Price
includes materials and lunch.
Entry: £65
Info: 01483 810235 /
wattsgallery.org.uk
Sat 11 Feb 10am-4pm
Watts Gallery - Artists’
Village, Down Lane,
Compton GU3 1DQ
Introduction to
oil painting
Paint on canvas from a still
life scene. Create experiments
and learn the basics of oil
painting from colour mixing
and consistency to composition.
Suitable for those aged 11-17.
Price includes materials. Please
bring your own lunch.
Entry: £15
Info: 01483 810235 /
wattsgallery.org.uk
Sat 11 & Tues 14 Feb
10.30am-5pm
Eastbridge Willows,
Pankridge Street, Crondall,
Farnham GU10 5RH
Basketry
Experiment with basic
basketry techniques on an
array of colourful willow to
produce a simple attractive
basket, herb platter or ‘horn
of plenty’. Price includes
tuition, materials and lunch.
Entry: £60
Info: eastbridgewillows.com
Tues 14 Feb 10.30am-1.30pm
Haslemere Educational
Museum GU27 2LA
Baubles & bow ties
Come and join artist Diana
Burch for a fun-filled morning
making jewellery and bow ties
from recycled materials for
the museum’s new exhibition
‘Celebration Redesigned’
which will run later in the
year. No need to book.
Entry: Members £2,
non-members £4
Info: 01428 642112 /
haslemeremuseum.co.uk
Wed 15 - Sat 18 Feb
11am-1pm & 2-4pm
Clore Learning Studio,
Watts Gallery, Down Lane,
Compton GU3 1DQ
Make! Felted artworks
Listen to music and see natural
inspiration in Watts Studios
then create your own felted
artwork to take home. Led by
artist Georgina Jefferies. Suitable
for children aged 5 years and
above. Price includes materials.
Entry: £7.50
Info: 01483 810235 /
wattsgallery.org.uk
Wed 15 Feb 1.30-4pm
The Lightbox, Chobham
Road, Woking GU21 4AA
Funky Faces
Come and make a wacky paper
face using simple paper sculpture
techniques. Suitable for children
aged 4+, but all ages welcome.
Children must be accompanied by
an adult. All materials included.
Entry: Free, £2 suggested donation
Info: 01483 737800 /
thelightbox.org.uk
Listings are correct at time of
going to press but may be subject
to change. Readers are advised to
check with venues before making
arrangements. We can list your event
in the next issue of Surrey Homes
for only £15! Please supply up to
50 words that should include date,
time, venue, and any entry price to
whatson@wealdentimes.co.uk or send
with payment (cheques payable to
JPS Media) to What’s On, Wealden
Times, Kettle Chambers, 21 Stone
Street, Cranbrook, Kent TN17
3HF. Wealden Times reserves
the right to edit text to fit space
allocated. If you would like your
event listing to be accompanied by
a full colour reproduction (42.5
x 62.5mm) of a poster or other
pictorial image, the total charge will
be £95. Deadline for the March
issue is 13 February 2017.
wealdentimes.co.uk
120

Registered charity 1101358
How do we prepare children for
jobs that don’t exist yet?
None of us knows today what the world is
going to require of us tomorrow. But some of us are
keeping an extremely close eye on things.
At Sevenoaks School, many of the skills that
will be called for in the future are embedded in our
curriculum now.
Critical thinking for instance, is exercised here
daily from the start. So is complex problem solving.
With one eye firmly trained on the world beyond
our gates, we equip all our students with the skills
they will need to reshape it.
So if sixty per cent of roles have yet to be
invented*, Sevenoaks alumni will be ready to take them
on when they are.
www.sevenoaksschool.org
*The Future of Jobs report, World Economic Forum. Potential jobs listed include: Space Pilot, Recycling Enforcer, Nano-medic,
Memory Augmentation Surgeon, Hydroponic Farmer, Graphene Engineer, Experimental Food Developer, Ethical Hacker,
Climate Change Reversal Specialist, Avatar Manager/Virtual Teacher

LEEDS CASTLE
CLASSICAL
CONCERT
SUMMER 2017
Leeds Castle Classical Concert will return on Saturday
8th July 2017.
Why not surprise a friend or loved one this Valentine’s
Day with a special Celebration Concert Package
- the perfect gift and a great way to experience this
unique summer event.
To book a ‘Celebration Concert Package’ please visit
leedscastleconcert.co.uk or call 0845 652 6262
/Classicalconcertleedscastle
@classicalconcrt
11th–26th
February
This iconic and
historic locomotive
will make its
only visit to the
South East. More
information is
available on website.
Family
Weekend
27th & 28th
May
Kids for
a Quid
Visit of Flying
Scotsman
13th–19th
April
BLUEBELL RAILWAY
Over half term,
children travel
for just £1 per
child on any
timetabled trains.
Lots of fun and
games over the
weekend for
children young and
old - keep checking
the website for
updates.
(T&Cs apply, please call or visit our website for details)
For more information 01825 720800 www.bluebell-railway.com
LeedsCastleWT180.indd 1 23/01/2017 BluebellRailwayWT180.indd 14:46
1 23/01/2017 16:36
2017 LCCC_Inside Kent_91 x 133.indd 1 16/01/2017 20:57:06
FEBRUARY
11 th , 12 th , 18 th , 19 th
Join Thomas & Friends
at a Heritage Railway near you.
Experience a ride on a real steam
train and take part in
Thomas-themed activities.
Kent & East Sussex Railway
Tenterden, Kent TN30 6HE
www.dayoutwiththomas.co.uk/kentandeastsussexrailway
Day Out With Thomas Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends Based on The Railway Series by The Reverend W. Awdry. © 2017 Gullane (Thomas) Limited.
Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends, Thomas & Friends and Day Out With Thomas are trademarks of Gullane (Thomas) Limited. © 2017 HIT Entertainment Limited.
wealdentimes.co.uk
122
KentEastSussexRailwayWT180.indd 1 10/01/2017 16:53

WIN the full Hush Heath
Experience for two people
Hidden away in the rolling countryside
of Kent, Hush Heath Estate is
home to a state-of-the-art winery,
acres of speciality vines and apple orchards,
producing award-winning sparkling wines
to rival anything from the Champagne
region, as well as sophisticated and refreshing
still wines, and fresh, fruity ciders. Their
expert team of winemakers combine their
skills to bring you this delicious range.
The Estate’s 400 acres of perfectly manicured
vineyards, apple orchards and ancient oak
woodlands are rich with wildlife, flora and fauna
all of which add to the beauty and provenance
of what Hush Heath produces. What started
as a hobby for entrepreneur Richard Balfour-
Lynn is now a quickly expanding family based
wine and cider business. It’s Hush Heath
team’s passion for what they do that makes
their products unique and very special.
This month you could win the opportunity
to have the full ‘Hush Heath Experience’ for
two people. The romantic day will begin with
a guided tour of the Estate where you will
learn all aspects of grape growing. The tour
continues into the winery where the process of
still and sparkling wine making is explained.
Couples can enjoy a tutored tasting of six of
Hush Heath’s award-winning wines and ciders.
Lastly you will move on to The Goudhurst
Inn, a traditional English pub with boutique
hotel rooms, only a short drive from Hush
Heath Estate. Here you will be treated to a
three-course food and wine pairing lunch
or dinner, specially and expertly prepared,
with a flight of three Hush Heath wines.
How to enter: For your chance to win this fantastic prize of The Full Hush Heath Experience for two people just answer
the following question: As well as wine and sparkling wine, what else do Hush Heath produce? Enter your answer with your
contact details* in the online form at wealdentimes.co.uk/competition or post to: Hush Heath Competition, Wealden Times,
21 Stone Street, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3HF by 21 February 2017. There is no cash alternative and the prize must be taken
by March 2018. *All entrants’ details will be passed on to Hush Heath and Wealden Times Events. Please let us know if you
do not wish your details to be passed on.
Congratulations to Stella Bomphray who wins our December competition for a Clarkes two-seater sofa and K. Livingstone
from Maidstone who wins our January competition for a dinner party for six cooked by Matthew Sankey!

Jane Howard’s
Fables from the Farm
Jane reiterates that when it comes to meat and carbon footprints, it’s best to buy local
As the sun still sets early at this
time of year, a typical late
afternoon sees me coming in
from the farm, wellies off, kettle on
and tuned in to the radio (unless the
kids are at home, in which case the
kitchen is filled with surround sound
thanks to Spotify and Blue Tooth,
both of which belong to a perplexing
brave new world I don’t understand).
Anyhow, they weren’t (at home) so I
was listening to Costing the Earth, an early
evening Radio 4 programme about man’s
impact on this planet, when a piece came
on about why we should all give up on
the beef if we really want to
make a difference. Aaaaagh
that old chestnut. I was so
annoyed that I rang the
programme and harangued
some poor researcher for a
good twenty minutes, and I
was not alone. The following
week the piece ran again with a more
balanced view thanks to an unusually large
number of listeners who had called in.
In case you missed it, the
argument goes like this...
Over the past 50 years, UK meat
consumption has risen dramatically with
livestock farming subjected to increasing
industrialization driven by the need to
produce meat cheaply and quickly. Before
that all our beef came from breeds of
native British cattle, raised by grazing
fields of grass in the summer and then
eating hay, also made on the farm,
“Over the past 50
years, UK meat
consumption
has risen
dramatically”
during the winter. Low impact stuff.
Today this form of production has
been largely replaced by fast growing
continental bred cattle that are raised
in covered barns and fed on a high
protein diet – the mainstay of which is
soya often grown in what was formerly
tropical rain forest. Raising beef in this
fashion requires over 15,000 litres of
water to produce 1 kilogram of beef,
results in high emissions of greenhouse
gases (from the cow and the process) and
creates a fairly tasteless, nutrient deprived
product. But it’s quick and it’s cheap.
Luckily here in the Weald the soil and
the terrain don’t lend
themselves to large scale
industrialised farming so
we are fortunate to still
have one of the country’s
greatest concentrations
of small traditional
grassland livestock farms.
This method of farming has many
advantages and should be cherished.
Grazing animals return nutrients and
organic matter back to the ground as they
pass by and reduce the need for artificial
fertilisers made from non-renewable
sources of energy. Pasture farms have a
much greater diversity of flowers, insects,
birds and mammals. The carbon footprint
of grass farms is significantly lower than
that of farms where cereal crops are grown
to feed the animals. Grassland helps to
capture and store carbon so less is released
into the air to harm the atmosphere.
And in addition to the environmental
argument, eating grass-fed meat sourced
from a local supplier also means a much
better quality of life for the cows, more
complex and delicious flavours for you
and healthier local economies. And
yes it will cost more but the simple
solution to that is to eat less of it.
Mindful of this and other matters, we
are about to start calving and deliver a
whole new generation of Sussex cattle
onto the farm and I wonder what the
future will hold for them and us. Brexit?
Subsidies or not? More TB controls?
One could get rather down
hearted by it all, but a trip down to
the cow shed usually does the trick.
Contentment is the essence of cows
and is very contagious. Spending time
with them is very therapeutic and a
great escape from the big issues and
the bloomin’ surround sound!
Follow Jane Howard – and the farm
– on Instagram @coopersfarm
Credit: FreeImages.com/Andrew Clayton
wealdentimes.co.uk
124

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