Wealden Times | WT183 | May 2017 | Restoration & New Build supplement inside

PRICELESS

FEBRUARY MAY 2017

Wealden Times

The lifestyle magazine for the Weald

RESTORATION WEDDING & NEW SUPPLEMENT BUILD SUPPLEMENT inside inside

Inspirational Interiors • • Fabulous Fashion • • Delicious Dishes

Designers and makers of handmade kitchens

The difference is in the detail

Please call for a brochure or visit our showrooms

Unit 9, Chart Farm, Seal Chart

Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0ES

Tel: 01732 762682

81 Calverley Road

Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2UY

Tel: 01892 520730

www.rencraft.co.uk

FAIRBANKS LOUNGER

BY JOHN SANKEY

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AT

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00 1580 761 008

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Tel: 01435 867 072

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

01580 291221 jminteriorsuk.uk Biddenden Showroom

MINTERIORS

JFine hand crafted kitchens and bespoke furniture

GERMAN ENGINEERED KITCHENS

MODEL SHOWN

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

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

5 High Street, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3EB

01580 715144

Email: cranbrook@kingsfords.net www.kingsfords-solicitors.com

We offer an excellent, swift and friendly service.

Conveyancing - Wills & Estates - Commercial Law -

Matrimonial Law - Prenuptial Agreements - Litigation -

Employment Law - Family Law - French Property

Conveyancing Services from £550.00+VAT

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

Lasting Power Of Attorney (LPA's) from £250.00+VAT

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

Litigation Solicitor from £200.00+VAT

Matrimonial Solicitor from £150.00+VAT

We will always try and match any quotation

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

Regulated by the Solicitors regulation Authority 621466

KingsfordSolicitorsWT183.indd 1 19/04/2017 12:00

A weekend of pure nostalgia, recreating the sights,

sounds and fashions of the 1940s.

Spitfire Display

both days

(subject to operating conditions)

Book early for this popular event.

Kent & East Sussex Railway

www.kesr.org.uk Tel: 01580 765155

wealdentimes.co.uk

10

KentEastSussexRailwayWT183.indd 1 24/04/2017 16:54

Contents

May 2017

102

148

128

26

49

56

81

85

102

125

FRESH START

Maggie Alderson picks her

favourite new builds

IT’S MAY

Fill your diary with hand

picked events going on

around the Weald

PAPER TRAIL

Designer Trudi Savin’s

Victorian villa

GET THE LOOK

Emulate Trudi’s pretty prints

ASK THE ARTIST

Uncover what inspires the

work of four creatives

LOVE STOREY

Explore Ali Kittermaster’s

unusual bungalow renovation

GET THE LOOK

Shop Ali’s style

128

141

145

147

148

155

157

163

HELLO TAILOR!

Men’s fashion at the Historic

Dockyard Chatham

MAKE-UP PALETTES

Jo Fairley explains how to

choose the right one for you

FLEX INTO MAY

This month’s bitesize

health news

WHAT IS YOGA?

Julie Simpson explains...

FOOD ON THE GO

Travellers’ treats

SEASONAL SWEETNESS

Bake a delicious rhubarbtopped

cheesecake

KEEPING IT CONTAINED

Jo Arnell’s potted gardens

PLANTS THAT HEAL

Sue Whigham uncovers

the medicinal properties

of common plants

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©. The views of the advertisers and contributors are not

necessarily those of JPS Media Ltd.

167

177

179

183

184

ENCOURAGING CREATIVITY

Students and teachers discuss

their own experiences of

art, drama and music

THE NEXT STEP

Susan Elkin discusses the new

two year degree courses

WHATS ON?

Find out

COMPETITION

Win dinner, bed & breakfast for two

at Frasers in Egerton, plus tickets to

Wealden Times Midsummer Fair

FABLES FROM THE FARM

Jane Howard preps her herd

for the Heathfield Show

RESTORATION

& NEW BUILD

SUPPLEMENT

24 pages of

inspiration to get

your project started

After page 126.

Restoration

& New Build

A Wealden Times Supplement

View the new Garden Directory online at wealdentimes.co.uk

11

04WT183Supplement.indd 1 19/04/2017 17:12

Matfield

A beautifully presented Grade II Listed country house, close to the village centre

7 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 4 reception rooms. Quadruple garage with 1 bed annexe above. Attractive

gardens and grounds with swimming pool, tennis court, vegetable garden, orchard, paddocks and

stabling. In all about 7.61 acres.

Guide price: £2,850,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/CHO090353

simon.biddulph@knightfrank.com

KnightFrank.co.uk/tunbridge-wells

01892 310700

julia.robotham@knightfrank.com

KnightFrank.co.uk/country

020 7861 5390

@KF_TWells

KnightFrank.co.uk

Hawkhurst

An attractive and beautifully converted oast house, refurbished to an incredibly high standard

5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms. Formal gardens with terraces, pergola and topiary. Detached

triple garage, detached studio. Decked seating area overlooking a pond. Paddock. Cranbrook School

Catchment Area. EPC: E. In all about 5.89 acres.

simon.biddulph@knightfrank.com

KnightFrank.co.uk/tunbridge-wells

01892 310700

Guide price: £1,695,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/TNW170055

@KF_TWells

KnightFrank.co.uk

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

harpers and hurlingham

cranbrook £1,395,000

Immediate access to Bedgebury Forest · Drawing room

· Sitting room · Kitchen/breakfast/dining room · Utility

room · Five bedrooms (two ensuite) · Attic room

· Grounds of approximately 7.6 acres · Stables, barn,

garaging · EPC: n/a

Cranbrook School Catchment Area

Headcorn £1,200,000

Impressive Grade II* Listed Wealden farmhouse

· Four reception rooms · Kitchen and breakfast room

· Six bedrooms (five ensuite) · Garden and grounds

approximately 9 acres · Swimming pool · Garaging

· EPC: n/a

Short distance to mainline station

HigH Halden £1,100,000

Medieval Wealden farmhouse · Four reception rooms

· Conservatory · Kitchen/breakfast room · Six bedrooms

(one ensuite) · Garden, orchard and paddocks

approximately 8.25 acres · Detached barn with potential

· Garaging · EPC: n/a

Convenient edge of village location

HawkHurst £1,050,000

Spacious family home with views · Entrance hall

· Sitting room · Garden room · Kitchen/breakfast room

· Utility room · Four bedrooms (two ensuite) · Gardens

and terrace with swimming pool · Garage and shower

room · EPC: D

Cranbrook School Catchment Area

Harpers&Hurlingham

The Cornerhouse, Stone Street, Cranbrook

01580 715400

www.harpersandhurlingham.com

London offiCe: KenSingTon 020 7938 2311

Lettings Team

Sales Team

Charles Janey Chez Jane Cathy Sarah Debbie Jane A Debbie S Caroline Dawn

Dianne

SALES / LETTINGS / MANAGEMENT

VISIT US AT HUNTERS.COM

HERE TO GET you THERE

Rolvenden £585,000

Picturesque white weatherboard Grade II Listed Georgian family home,

offering deceptively spacious accommodation and situated within the CSCA

Four Bedrooms • Modern Kitchen/Dining Room • Private Garden • EPC Exempt

Benenden £800,000

Sympathetically extended detached family home with 1 bedroom annexe,

set in 1.35 acres set within the Cranbrook School Catchment Area

Four Bedrooms • En Suite & Bathroom • Private Gardens • EPC Rating D

Tenterden £400,000

This secluded and well-presented Neo-Georgian terrace home in an enviable

position to offer level and accessible access to the picturesque High Street

Three Bedrooms • Downstairs Cloakroom • Garage • EPC Rating C

High Halden £575,000

Spacious detached Kentish barn with a wealth of character features

including exposed timbers, brickwork, polished fl oors, vaulted ceilings

Three Bedrooms • Three Reception Rooms • Three En Suites • EPC Rating D

Meet your local Tenterden Team!

Branch Partner, Andrew Barker has been in the estate agency business since 2000.

Andrew has comprehensive local knowledge, having worked in Tenterden and the surrounding villages throughout his career.

Over 150 independently owned branches across the UK.

Myself, Laura & Jake are highly motivated in offering our customers a fi rst class service,

“we’re here to get you there”

TENTERDEN 01580 763 278

ASHFORD 01233 613 613

Over 180 independently owned branches across the UK.

HYTHE 01303 261 557

FOLKESTONE 01303 210 335

The Property Ombudsman

Hunton Guide Price £1,250,000

In a tranquil rural setting, a stunning barn conversion with excellent

commuter links nearby - Paddock Wood Station 6.5 miles • 3 Reception

Rooms • Kitchen/Family Room • 4 Bedrooms • 3 Bathrooms • Carport and

Stables • PP for Outbuilding • About 1.7 acres in all • EPC D

Frittenden Excess £650,000

A deceptively spacious and inviting period cottage in the heart of

the village with rural views • CSCA • 3 Reception rooms • Study Area

• Kitchen/Breakfast room • 4 Bedrooms • 2 Bathrooms • Landscaped

gardens • EPC E

Sutton Valence Excess £600,000

In the heart of the village, a fascinating Grade II listed residence with

terraced garden and direct access to The Greensand Way • 2 Reception

Rooms • Kitchen • Cellar • 5 Bedrooms • 2 Bathrooms • Terraced Garden

• Timber Garden Stores

Horsmonden Excess £570,000

A delightful semi-detached period cottage amid enchanting gardens

affording pastoral views • Cranbrook School catchment area • No Onward

Chain • Living Room • Kitchen/Dining Room • 3 Bedrooms • Family

Bathroom • Cottage Gardens • Workshop • CSCA • EPC F

Northiam Excess £500,000

A detached chalet bungalow amid lovely landscaped garden with

stunning far reaching rural views • No Onward Chain • Sitting Room with

Dining Area • Kitchen • 3 Bedrooms • Family Bathroom • Tandem Garage

• Landscaped Gardens

Northiam Excess £400,000

Development Prospect • A rare opportunity to create a contemporary

5 bedroom dwelling in a semi rural setting • PP for 2 Receptions • Open

Plan Kitchen/Dining/Living Room • Master Suite • 4 further Bedrooms

(1 En Suite) • Family Bathroom • Two Bay Garage • Circa 1/4 acre in all

coming 26 January 2015

Icklesham, East Sussex - £410,000

Attached period house close to village centre with rural

views. Kitchen, living room, dining room, 3 double

bedrooms. Garden and courtyard. Parking. EPC E

Pett, East Sussex - £499,950

Detached Grade II listed period village house with

southerly rural views. Living room, dining room,

sitting room, kitchen, sun room, 3 bedrooms. Garden.

Off road parking

Staplecross, East Sussex - £485,000

Delightful cottage forming part of Grade II listed period

house. Dining hall, sitting room, living room, kitchen/

breakfast room, study/bedroom 2, 2 double bedrooms.

Double garage. Garden.

Lydd, Kent - £315,000

Detached Victorian house. Living room, family/dining

room, breakfast room, kitchen, four bedrooms. Large

garden to rear. Summerhouse/office. Off road parking

space. EPC F

Fairlight, East Sussex - £1,500 pcm

Beautifully presented refurbished property on quiet

lane. Living room, large kitchen, dining/bedroom 4,

conservatory, 3 bedrooms. Double garage. Garden.

Coastal views. EPC D

Littlestone, Kent - £495,000

Spacious former coastguard cottage over 3 floors

approx 500 yards from the beach and adjoining the golf

course. Living/dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, 4

double bedrooms. Gardens. EPC E

RYE OFFICE 01797 227338

MAYFAIR OFFICE 0870 112 7099

phillipsandstubbs.co.uk

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

Residential Sales • Management and Lettings

01580 242700

wealdproperty.net

Moving this Spring? Let the Country House specialists with over 30 years of local

property expertise make it happen for you, on your terms……seamlessly.

FOR SALE

Grovehurst Cottage is a beautifully appointed 3/4 bedroom detached,

period cottage set in almost 5 acres of pretty garden and grounds.

Nestled in unspoilt Kent countryside, the property is located within the

Cranbrook School Catchment Area and offers approximately 1974 square

feet of living space. This welcoming home has benefited from thoughtful

extensions and the attractive conservatory with a climate controlled

wine cellar beneath it, provides a useful year round living space.

The impressive garden and grounds with interspersed mature trees,

burgeoning flower beds, bluebell wood and a large magical pond at

its heart has created an outdoor space of enchantment and peace. The

outbuildings and large 1 bedroom studio / annexe create the option

of usable overspill accommodation / office space, being separate from

the main house. Situated in a quiet rural location, being on the outskirts

of the sought after village of Horsmonden, there are excellent local

amenities and superb transport links – the A21 is easily accessed (2 miles)

and nearby Paddock Wood Station provides main line trains to London

(42 mins to London Bridge).

Horsmonden OIEO £900,000

Weald Property – bespoke estate agent

Spring Offer Instruct Weald Property in May 2017 and receive a complimentary garden design appraisal from one of the South

East’s leading garden / landscape designers, Catherine Berkeley (see below).

2 Windmill Oast, Windmill Farm,

Rolvenden, Kent TN17 4PF

CatherineBerkeleyWT178.indd 1 08/11/2016 12:53

MAXIMISE THE VALUE

OF YOUR LAND

Have you got a large

garden or plot of land?

We are experts at working

with owners to maximise

the full value of their land

Industry leading experts

We take care of the planning permission!

The risk-free way to maximise your land

Zero cost to you!

Planning laws are changing

Act now before its too late!

What our clients say…

"The team had a huge amount of

knowledge and every step was handled

in a professional manner. Their excellent

relationship with the local planning

department helped achieve a fantastic

result for us. We would have no

hesitation in recommending them to

anyone who wants to achieve planning".

Amanda and Robert Petch

June 2016

"The cost involved to try and

get planning on our land

were just not feasible for us.

Working with Country House

meant we didn’t have to risk

our money as they took care

of everything"

Mr C Partridge (Loose, Kent)

September 2016

“Guy and team at CHH did a

fantastic job securing planning

permission on our rear garden plot.

Although a fairly problematic

application (which took over 18

months), they kept us informed

throughout the entire process.

I would certainly use them again”

David J (Oxted, Surrey)

January 2017

For a free appraisal call 0843 557 4080

www.maximisemyland.co.uk

Residential Sales

www.hobbsparker.co.uk

Little Chart

£795,000

Brand new development of just four detached family

homes within a country lane on the rural edge of the

village. EPC Rating TBA

Woodchurch

£895,000

Converted Kentish barn, lovely location along a

peaceful country lane, flexible living space including

annexe, outbuildings, gardens and pond. EPC Rating NA

Little Chart

£850,000

One of the most distinctive period farmhouses to come

onto the market in this area for many years. Same family

ownership for generations. Further details on request.

Aldington

£1,150,000

A wonderful 16th Century period farmhouse at the end

of a tree lined driveway, courtyard of buildings, gardens

and land in all about 25 acres. EPC Rating NA

Tenterden

POA

Converted Kentish oast house and barn. Detached two

bay oak frame cart lodge, detached cart barn. Gardens and

paddock. In all about an acre. EPC Rating D

Bethersden

OIEO £1,000,000

Grade II listed detached country house, double

garage, outbuildings, pond, set within beautiful

woodland. In all about 19 acres. EPC Rating NA

Hobbs Parker Estate Agents

Tenterden 01580 766766 | Ashford 01233 506260

01580 766766

sJd – developing potential

If you think your property

could be developed, why not

give us a call without obligation

and in confidence.

Many of our clients retain our

services and, in the majority of

cases, pay our fees saving property

owners significant costs.

Call us now

for regular updates, visit us at twitter.com/projects

Contact Stephen Donnelly on

07739 514350 or 0845 456 8969

web: sjd-projects.com • email: steve@sjd-projects.com

We are alWays on the lookout for property With developmental potential

We call it home

SJDprojectsWT182.indd 1 08/03/2017 17:01

The Coachworks. Luxurious properties

in a unique and beautiful location.

Discover the hidden delights of village life in retirement.

There are few villages as vibrant as Ticehurst and the generous

apartments of The Coachworks are but a short stroll from its heart.

Becoming part of our community and right sizing for

retirement will give you freedom to make the most of every

day, whether that involves looking after the grandchildren or

hopping on the Eurostar. More spacious than most and set in

delightful courtyard gardens, we think you will like what you see.

Come and visit and have a drink on us at our

favourite local. Please quote CHEERS to retrieve this

offer when booking your appointment with us.

THE COACHWORKS

TICEHURST VILLAGE

High Street, Ticehurst, East Sussex TN5 7EX

01892 507 005

TunbridgeWellsRDS@savills.com

www.coachworksticehurst.com

wealdentimes.co.uk

22

Savills-SevenoaksWT183.indd 1 18/04/2017 11:56

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Nothing for sale?

A professional property finder, Mandy Bissell of Garrington explains how homebuyers frustrated by

an apparent lack of properties for sale can find a solution in the secretive off-market sector…

Despite the former chancellor’s

pessimistic predictions relating to a post

Brexit vote, the UK economy and housing

market has remained surprisingly

robust and whilst it is true that the rise

in house prices has steadied, demand

from homebuyers locally has continued

to grow.

Estate agents covering Cranbrook and

the surrounding areas are reporting

increasing frustration amongst those

looking to move, as the number of quality

properties available for sale is just not

keeping up with demand.

Reflecting this, Garrington is frequently

approached by those struggling to find

somewhere to buy – as well as, ironically,

those who are reluctant to put their

property on the market because they

cannot see anything that they would like

to buy. So, a state of stalemate in some

sectors prevails.

One solution to a frustrating market

lacking choice is to explore the elusive

‘off-market’ sector. Some local estate

agents use this approach effectively as

a marketing tool; advertising ‘discreet

sales’ or ‘private sellers’, as a means of

increasing a property’s exclusivity.

For some homeowners, this method

provides a welcome veil of privacy

as a true off-market property is not

something you will see advertised or in

print in any form.

Mandy Bissell GARRINGTON

So what is a genuine off-market property?

Real off-market properties are bought and

sold away from the public eye, brokered

by a property buyer or estate agent. In

the Cranbrook area the most common

off-market properties are at the top end of

the market and often include large period

properties with land, building plots and

homes in high demand locations, such

as popular villages within the Cranbrook

School catchment area.

In the past few years, Garrington has sourced

off-market properties in Wadhurst and an

unlisted detached period house (with 10

acres of land) in a hamlet near Hamstreet.

How do you gain access to these elusive

properties?

If you are well connected in the area, are

in a strong financial position and patient,

it should be possible to hear about homes

that may be quietly available for sale. You

just need to send out your feelers and keep

gently reminding your contacts that you

are looking for something unusual.

An alternative and easier approach is to work

with a professional property finder who will

usually hold a ‘little black book’ of off-market

properties, a well-established network of

property contacts, as well as, the knowledge

of how to approach homeowners direct to

gauge whether there is an appetite to sell.

Whilst this method of sourcing property is

not guaranteed to bear fruits, Garrington

regularly unearths exciting opportunities

this way.

What are the benefits of using an expert

property finder?

Whilst sourcing genuine off-market

properties for clients is an exciting prospect

for many buyers, the role of the property

finder does not stop there (and this is key,

even to those who go it alone).

Once found, the most difficult aspects are

negotiating the price and then seeing the

deal through the subsequent conveyancing

and due diligence stages. Properties that

are being sold on the open market have

their asking prices tested; if a buyer asks too

much, then they get no viewings but if the

asking is low then a gaggle of hungry buyers

can push the paid price considerably higher.

Away from this market test, establishing

a price that is acceptable to an ambitious

seller and prudent buyer is more difficult

and this is where a skilful property finder

can use evidence, market knowledge and

diplomacy to find a meeting point.

If you would like further information regarding off-market properties or to learn how using a

property finder can make purchasing a property easier for you, Garrington offer a complimentary

initial meeting without obligation. Please contact Mandy Bissell for more information.

Tel: 01892 882892 | info@garrington.co.uk | www.garringtonsoutheast.co.uk

Land & Property Experts

Computer generated image

N O W L A U N C H E D - R E S E R V A T I O N S B E I N G T A K E N

THE OLD ORCHARD, CHARTWAY STREET, SUTTON VALENCE ME17 3JA

A development of five 3, 4 & 5 bedroom new homes, ready for occupation summer 2017

Call our selling agent now for more information and to book your personal appointment

Guide prices from £465,000 | T: 01622 673086 | E: enquiries@sibleypares.co.uk

Follow us for updates: @MillwoodDHomes millwooddhomes MillwoodDesignerHomes

www.millwooddesignerhomes.co.uk

SibleyParesWT182.indd 1 17/03/2017 10:17

Land & Property Experts

FOR SALE

A SmAll RESidEntiAl And

AgRiCultuRAl EStAtE on thE

EdgE of thE AShdown foRESt

near CrOwbOrOugh.

Crowborough 2.3 miles

Tunbridge Wells 9.3 miles

Gatwick 21 miles

207 ACRES

The farm includes a detached six

bedroom period farmhouse, three

cottages, approximately 20,000ft 2

of farm buildings, over 154 acres

of arable and pasture and 51 acres

of woodland with sporting or

conservation potential.

Guide Price: On Application

Challock Office

wealdentimes.co.uk

24

BTF-Rural-WT183.indd 1 21/04/2017 17:13

THE BRUNSWICK - Affordable luxury in Rye

Spacious double fronted 3 bedroom detached homes with parking

and private gardens from £380,000

FAMILY

BEDROOM 3

LOUNGE

CPD

WC

KITCHEN

/ DINER

BEDROOM 1

BEDROOM 2

WDR

HALL

EN-SUITE

FAMILY

BATHROOM

WDR

First Floor Plan

Ground Floor Plan

A collection of delightful New England style homes a short walk from Rye centre overlooking an

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Offering three bedrooms with en-suite to master bedroom.

Glazed conservatory overlooking private rear garden. All houses have oak laminate floors and

carpets throughout with under floor heating and Bosch appliances

ARONCORP

Freephone: 0800 612 7933

sales@ValleyParkRye.com

www.ValleyParkRye.com

HOUSE OF THE MONTH

1.

Fresh Start

Maggie Alderson steps into brand new homes

As a nation we are justly proud of our architectural history, still so gloriously

apparent throughout the land. Any British town and village will have buildings

from a sweep of centuries: five-hundred-year-old Tudor homes boasting beams

and leaded windows, elegant Georgian houses with their glorious symmetrical frontages

and wide floorboards and Victorian villas with splendid mouldings and capacious cellars.

It’s no wonder ‘period details’ and ‘original features’ are so joyously

proclaimed on estate agents’ details. But as anyone who has ever enjoyed

the privilege of living within gloriously weathered walls knows – they

do seem to puff dust and filth into the air out of their very walls.

It is very special to live somewhere you know has been a haven for multiple

generations before you – especially if it has some interesting history. But a fortnight’s

holiday in a freshly built villa or apartment, everything shiny and new and in the

right place can make coming home to your tatty old period home a bit of a shock.

Of course underfloor heating, elbow level light switches and electrical sockets with

integral USB ports can be inserted into older properties, but only with significant

upheaval and expense. Plus the release of vast volumes of the previously mentioned

historic dust. I know, because I’m trying to do it in a Victorian house at the moment…

How I envy my friends who have just moved into a divinely elegant

apartment, they bought off the plan. They were smitten by the sleek

contemporary design in the computer-generated images, but what convinced

them to leave behind their period features for a new build was that they were

then able to tweak the new home exactly to their personal preferences.

As I knock my 150 year old house about, the better to serve our contemporary

lifestyle with eat-in kitchens and en suite bathrooms where there were none – while

living like a Stone Age family during the earthworks – I can’t help thinking how

much easier it would have been to buy a house which had all that designed into it.

Here are some of the best new homes on the market now.

1. The Old Orchard

Where? The Old Orchard is a

development of just six new spec houses

in a mixture of Kent vernacular styles

in the High Weald village of Sutton

Valence, five miles south of Maidstone.

The convenience of a local farm shop,

post office and three pubs is combined

with good rail links to London (just

over an hour) and access to the M20.

What? The largest house of the six,

The Stanford has the ideal contemporary

layout with a kitchen/breakfast room

and living room both with doors

onto the garden. There’s also a dining

room and separate utility room on the

ground floor and the double garage

(with electric doors) has an entry into

the kitchen. The first floor has an en

suite master bedroom, three further

bedrooms and a family bathroom.

The second floor has a further en

suite bedroom and a generous study.

How much? This development

is listed with Sibley Pares at the

Maidstone office at £870,000. Call

them on 01622 692206 and view

more details at sibleypares.co.uk

wealdentimes.co.uk

26

2.

3.

4.

2.

3.

4.

2. Ravenwood

Where? Gables Park is a select

development of five individually gated

executive homes with stunning views

across the North Downs. Located just

outside the village of Wrotham, five

miles from Sevenoaks, with Victoria

just 45 minutes away by train and

superb access to major road networks.

What? Ravenwood is a four storey

house with traditional beamed frontage

and a luxurious contemporary interior.

The lower ground floor comes with a gym,

games room, cinema, utility room and

a garden room with over all, four sets of

glass doors onto a deck. On the ground

floor there is a large kitchen/breakfast

room and a study, then a studio, dining

room and sitting room, all opening onto

a balcony. The second floor houses the

en suite master bedroom, with a further

balcony, another en suite bedroom on

the view side, with two more bedrooms

and another bathroom. The second floor

hosts the fifth and sixth bedrooms and a

bathroom. There is also a two car garage.

How much? Ravenwood is on

the market at £1,550,000. Selling

agents are Clarendon Homes on 01622

851144 and Savills Locksbottom

on 01689 869630 savills.co.uk/

estate-agents/savills-bromley.aspx

3. The Brackens

Where? The Willows is a

development of five executive family

homes combining traditional features

with modern styling in the village

of Chestfield, five miles north of

Canterbury and just over a mile from

the north Kent coast. Whitstable is

just three miles. Trains to Victoria

take just under an hour and a half and

there are good road links to the M2.

What? The Brackens is a fourbedroom

detached house within

The Willows, with a designer fitted

kitchen with integrated appliances

and a breakfast bar seating four. The

ground floor also has a living room with

French windows on to the garden and

a dining room. Upstairs, the master

bedroom has an en suite bathroom,

and there are three further bedrooms,

a family bathroom and a study.

How much? The Brackens is

priced at £699,995, through Kent

Estate Agencies on 01227 272302

kent-estate-agencies.co.uk and

RPC New Homes 01634

835900 rpclandandnewhomes.

co.uk/new-homes/

4. Hawthorne House

Where? Hawthorne House features

just three very high spec family homes

in the village of Addington, overlooking

the stunning West Malling golf course.

Trains take less than an hour to London

from West Malling station and there

are excellent road links via the M20.

What? Hawthorne House is a very

generous five-bedroom detached home,

covering 2.645 sq ft, tile hung in the

local traditional style, with interiors

designed for contemporary living. The

ground floor has a study, TV room and

sitting room, as well as a huge kitchen/

dining/family with two French windows

to the garden and a separate utility room.

Upstairs there are five bedrooms – three

en suite – and a further family bathroom.

How much? Priced at

£1,050,000, Hawthorne House is on

the market with Savills Sevenoaks,

call 01732 789700 savills.co.uk.

Please note, as all these houses are new

developments still in progress, some of the

images used here are computer generated.

27 wealdentimes.co.uk

Because we understand

that it’s so much more than

bricks and mortar

+44 (0) 1580 713825 | fionapenny.com

Property Search in Kent and East Sussex

NOW SELLING

Set in the heart of the historic Wildernesse Estate, this development includes the restoration of

the main house, together with a series of 8 newly built mews houses available for sale this summer.

These two-bedroom houses benefit from access to all that’s on offer across the estate, from the spa

and lounge to the restaurant and extensive landscaped grounds.

Mews house prices from £735,000

To book an appointment or find out more, call or visit:

01732 789 740

sevenoaksnewhomes@savills.com

wildernessehouse.co.uk

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The ‘perfect’ family holiday varies by family. Cranbrook-based Take the Family’s passion

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Visit www.takethefamily.com to find your perfect family holiday today,

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BI FOLD DOORS ARE BECOMING EVER MORE POPULAR AS

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Wealden Osteopaths & Spine Centre

Risebridge Health & Sports Club,

Ranters Lane, Goudhurst, Kent, TN17 1HN

01580 212833

wealdenosteopaths.co.uk

Saturday 6th May - Sunday 21st May

This is your opportunity to “Meet our Experts”.

Join us in the Beauty Hall where experts at the top of their game

will be sharing their top tips on all things makeup, skincare, fragrance,

haircare and more. From masterclasses with senior makeup artists

at bareMinerals, Bobbi Brown, Charlotte Tilbury, MAC and YSL to

consultations with skincare specialists from the likes of Aveda, Clinique,

Dermalogica and Kiehl’s, there is something for everyone.

Have lots of fun experimenting with our latest skincare innovations,

flawless finishes, exciting colour collections and discover your new

signature summer scent from our exclusive selection of luxury

fragrances.

Plus don’t forget to collect beauty points with every purchase of

£25 or over with our Beauty Loyalty Card. With every 10 points

you collect, you will receive £10 to spend in the Beauty Hall *

*T&C’s excludes Jo Malone London and Aveda.

the home of world furniture

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TradingBoundariesWT182.indd 1 21/03/2017 14:54

At Love Blinds we offer a wide

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We specialize in the shutter business,

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wealdentimes.co.uk

38

LoveBlindsWT183.indd 1 20/04/2017 12:35

White’s The Jewellers is Under New Family Ownership

Gold, Diamond Jewellery &

Prestigious Watches Purchased For Cash

Pre-owned Antique Timeless

Family Owned

96 High St, Tenterden, Kent TN30 6JB

Telephone 01580 763 155

www.whitesjewellers.co.uk

info@whitesjewellers.co.uk

35 St Leonards Rd, Bexhill-on-Sea TH40 1HP

Telephone 01424 211 835

www.thomasfrenchjewellers.com

thomas.frenchjewellers@gmail.com

TAKE THE MASERATI WAY

Levante. The Maserati of SUVs. Starting at £54,335 OTR

The road you choose to travel might not be a road at all. A quick trip might turn

into the adventure of a lifetime, because there’s no reason to stay on the beaten

track when you can create a path of your own. The Maserati Levante was designed

with world-class engineering prowess and features Q4 intelligent all-wheel-drive and

sophisticated air-suspension systems, which allow you to enjoy a fully capable SUV with

outstanding Maserati driving dynamics.

MOTORLINE MASERATI MAIDSTONE

Bircholt Road, Maidstone, ME15 9XY

Phone: 01622 616 424 | www.motorline.co.uk/maserati

Official fuel consumption figures for the All New Maserati Levante Diesel in mpg (l/100km): Urban 34.4 (8.2), Extra

Urban 42.8 (6.6), Combined 39.2 (7.2). CO 2 emissions 189g/km. Fuel consumption and CO 2 figures are based on

standard EU tests for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. Model shown is a Maserati

Levante Diesel MY17 at £66,640 On The Road including optional Luxury Pack at £5,950, 21 inch Anteo alloy wheels

at £2,695, Driver Assistance Pack at £1,450, panoramic sunroof at £1,200, Rear laminated privacy glass at £350

and bi-xenon front headlamps at £660.

JANE FORD SOLO EXHIBITION

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East Grinstead: 6th-18th May Battle: 20th May-3rd June

Gallery

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off High Street

BATTLE TN33 0TZ

+44 (0)1424 77 77 66

SaffronGallery.co.uk

info@SaffronGallery.co.uk

facebook.com/SaffronGallery

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SaffronFineArtWT183.indd 1 19/04/2017 12:23

FINE HANDMADE FURNITURE, OAK DOORS, FLOORING & OTHER BESPOKE JOINERY

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Manufactured by C R Foreman Ltd

Selected pieces are available for immediate delivery.

Our Kent Showroom is open Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm, Saturdays 10am - 1.30pm

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


TudorandMoreWT183.indd 1 24/04/2017 16:19

@

Woodstoves • Fireplaces • Interiors • AGA • Gas Fires

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HeatDesignWT176.indd 1 19/09/2016 15:59

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wealdentimes.co.uk

42

DoorToDoorWT183.indd 1 24/04/2017 11:42

OPEN DAY 20th May, 11am-4pm

Guest chef • Wine tasting from Majestic Wine • Cake treats from Hollie’s Little Cakery

Competitively priced kitchens from as little as £5,000

See our website: www.kutchenhaus.co.uk

Call in for a free quotation

Free Designs Free Quotations All Kitchens delivered Pre-built Free Parking

Visit our website or our showroom in Tunbridge Wells

1st floor, 319 St John’s Road (above Majestic Wine), Southborough, Tunbridge Wells TN4 9XE

01892 289070

Tunbridge Wells . Sutton Coldfield . Manchester . York . Brentwood . Beverley . Farnborough

HASTINGS

WHITE ROCK

THEATRE

SEASON HIGHLIGHTS

BUDDY –

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TUE 2 – SAT 6 MAY

LA BOHEME

MON 8 MAY

HORRIBLE HISTORIES

BARMY BRITAIN

THU 11 MAY

BRIAN CONLEY

FRI 19 MAY

JOOLS HOLLAND

WED 24 MAY

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SUN 28 MAY

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VISIT OUR NEW STORE IN SEVENOAKS -

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FarninghamPineOakWT176.indd 1 21/09/2016 09:41

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ABSBlindsWT183.indd 1 19/04/2017 12:17

Shutters designed

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wealdentimes.co.uk

46

AcademySalonsS29.indd 1 01/03/2017 T2653 JustShuttersWT182.indd 16:15 JS 2017 MAR Wealden 1 Times 90x265.indd 1 22/03/2017 09:41 10:06

WWW.HANDMADERUGS.CO.UK

104, HIGH STREET, TENTERDEN, KENT, TN30 6HT

Tel 01580 762524

Tuesday to Saturday 10 to 5

30-31, HIGH STREET, BATTLE, E. SUSSEX, TN33 0EA

Tel 01424 772944

Monday to Saturday 9.30 to 5

Modern and Traditional Handmade Rugs

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WWW.MOREBYDESIGN.COM

History In the Making

A rug is a breathtaking work of art with thousands of hand-tied knots woven in intricate designs,

one knot at a time. Memories become woven into them as they slowly absorb your family history

and become family heirlooms. Building a home is about collecting pieces that you will want to

have forever, pieces that one day your children or grandchildren will be proud to own.

Mayday! Mayday!...

It’s the year of the Wrens’ 100th anniversary and the 77th

anniversary of Operation Dynamo to the day, so from

Saturday 27 to Monday 29 May, Dover Castle are celebrating

with English Heritage’s biggest event of the year. The castle

will be decorated with military encampments, a full size

replica Spitfire, assault course, live band and an explosive

battle. Meet the Land Girls, visit the 1940s beauty parlour for

a victory roll hairdo, then head over to the original NAAFI

wagon for a lovely brew. Call 0370 333 1183 or visit

english-heritage.org.uk for information and booking.

May

notebook

Exhibitions & events

near you this month...

You won’t Regret it...

On Thursday 18 May, The Bell in Ticehurst hosts

the award-winning comedy cabaret that critics are

calling a “clever”, “hilariously moving” example

of “cabaret at its consummate best”. Funny, tragic

and compelling, Je Regrette! is the story of La Poule

Plombée, a French singer tortured by jealousy

and unrequited love. Propped by her hen-pecked

pianist Muma, she weaves her darkly comic tale

with beautiful original music and stunning vocals.

Call 01580 200300 or visit thebellinticehurst.com

Picture this...

On Saturday 20 May, award-winning published

photographer, Sarah Medway, leads a unique

workshop to teach you how to take a standard

iPhone and learn to capture priceless moments in

the beautiful outdoor environment around Bough

Beech Nature Reserve. Combine natural inspiration

with modern focusing and exposure techniques

before returning to the visitor centre to add the

final touches with some useful editing features. For

more details visit kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Shiver Me Timbers!...

The pirates have sailed in to the Historic

Dockyard Chatham! From 27 May to 4 June,

hop on-board the Dockyard’s very own pirate

ship, the HMS Gannet, search the beach

for hidden treasure that only the bravest of

buccaneers can find, leave your sea legs behind

and raise your sword for a swashbuckling week

full of adventure, you savvy? This one’s free with

standard entry price so call 01634 823800 or get

online at thedockyard.co.uk/whats-on/pirates

No Diggity...

Charles Dowding, the no-dig gardening guru, is

teaching Kent how to work less, save your back

and harvest more vegetables than ever before.

On Sunday 14 May, at Blooming Green, Linton,

Dowding will be talking about his revolutionary

no-dig gardening technique. This will be followed

by a Q&A and lunch cooked by Nicci Gurr of

Home Gurr’own. For further information call

07903 683017 or visit bloominggreenflowers.co.uk

Gig for Life...

10cc, Maverick Sabre, Toploader, and Los

Pacaminos (featuring Paul Young), all rock up in

Kent for one day only at this family music festival

in aid of Cancer Research UK. On Saturday 27

May at The Hop Farm, these chart-topping acts will

be supported by local talents to create a fantastic

line up which caters to all musical tastes. There will

be a range of tasty food outlets and some incredible

inflatable attractions including Zorbing and Nerf

wars. Tickets are on sale online at gigforlife.co.uk

Fantastic Meats...

On Saturday 6 May the Pasture Fed Livestock

Association (PFLA) and Macknade Fine Foods

will raise awareness of the benefits of pasture-fed

meats. Explore and compare shoulders of Kentish

hogget from a handful of PFLA accredited farmers

in Kent, taste a beer specially brewed on-site to

accompany the hogget, and hear from each of the

farmers, Macknade’s head butcher, Roy Campbell

and the PFLA themselves. For details visit

macknade.com or call 01795 534497


ARCHITECTURE • INTERIOR DESIGN • PROJECT MANAGEMENT • FURNISHINGS

www.thorntonallaninteriors.com e: lisa@thorntonallan.com t: 07720 099033


TOP TIPS TO CREATE THE PERFECT HOME

Interior architect and designer, Lisa

Thornton-Allan shares her top tips for

creating the perfect home.

1. Draw inspiration from the history of

your property and the area.

This will provide you with a useful

reference point and give integrity to your

scheme.

2. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Most of our clients have impeccable taste

but a good interior designer will be able

to help you with space planning and

introduce you to new materials and

suppliers that you may not be aware of.

3. Invest in classics and have fun with

accessories.

Just like a good wardrobe it’s important

to invest in quality key pieces of furniture

and then add fun accessories.

4. Make your house your own.

Art, photographs, heirlooms or just things

that make you happy should be key

features of your scheme. Use fabrics,

shapes and textures that reflect your

personality and lifestyle. Make sure your

home reflects who you really are rather

than who you think you should be.

5. Storage is key.

Providing a ‘home’ for items such as

shoes, coats, paperwork, toys etc that is

practical and in the right place will mean

that you can keep your home tidy without

it becoming contrived or hard work.

6. Make sure there is a flow and

cohesion to your scheme.

This doesn’t mean every room should look

the same, far from it, but there should be a

flow to the design that links the scheme

throughout the house.



What’s the point in

making a will?

There have been a number of high

profile inheritance cases recently

involving children challenging

their parents’ wills - leaving parents

wondering if there is any point in

making a will and children possibly

believing it is now simple to overturn

whatever inheritance a parent may, or

may not, have left them. Here Myles

McIntosh, head of private client at law

firm Cripps, explains the issues.

For the first time this particular issue

reached the Supreme Court in March

2017; a case involving a daughter

whose mother disinherited her after

she ran away from home to live with a

boyfriend she didn’t approve of. The

daughter was cut out of her will, instead

gifting her estate to several charities.

After her death the daughter went to

court and successfully claimed that her

mother’s will was unreasonable and

received £50,000. She was not happy

with the amount awarded and

appealed. The Court of Appeal

significantly increased the sum to

£143,000 which as a result, meant that

the charities received less.

The case attracted nationwide interest

and seemed to be a ‘game changer’, the

press implying that it marked a moment

in time when making wills became

redundant, when each of us lost the

ability to decide to whom we wanted to

leave our estates on our death.

The charities appealed the decision

and so the case went to the Supreme

Court. It reversed the Court of Appeal

decision so that while reducing the

amount she was entitled to, it

reaffirmed that she was entitled to

something from the estate,

notwithstanding the facts of her

estrangement from her mother.

So where does that leave those

people making wills and those who

are considering whether to

challenge a will?

There are still many reasons for making

a will. A will tells everyone what you

want to happen to your money and

possessions. By making one you still

have control. You can choose your own

executors and appoint guardians to

look after your children if they are

under 18. If you remarry, a will can

ensure any children from a previous

marriage get a share of your estate. It

can also significantly reduce

inheritance tax that might otherwise be

payable as it is an excellent tool for tax

planning purposes.

If you don’t make a will you cannot

control how your estate is divided or

who benefits from it. Without a will in

place, unmarried partners may not

receive anything from the estate and if

you are married or in a civil

partnership, your partner may not

receive as much as you would have

intended.

For those who wish to challenge a will, it

can be disputed on the grounds that it is

invalid (for example it was not signed in

the presence of two witnesses), or

because the person disputing it has not

been left any or sufficient provision

under the terms of the will. This was the

gist of the case above. However, please

note that as always, cases turn on facts

which are unique. A child who is left,

say, far less than a sibling might not be

able to overturn the will if his or her

behaviour justified being largely

disinherited. That can include lifestyle

choices such as choosing not to work.

Several other will challenges have failed

this year for precisely those reasons.

A will might also be invalid if the testator

did not have the required mental

capacity to make the will, or for example,

was pressurised into making the will and

gifting someone part of the estate.

If a person thinks they should have been

left a share (or all) of someone’s estate

they can make a claim if they meet a

narrow eligibility test. This includes

someone who was a spouse or child of

the testator, or they may have lived with

them for at least two years prior to his or

her death, or even that they were being

provided for by the deceased

immediately prior to death.

Myles is a council member of the

Association of Contentious Trust and

Probate Specialists and if you would

like more information he can be

contacted on 01892 506136 or email

myles.mcintosh@cripps.co.uk

Cripps is a key regional law firm serving clients

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Editor’s

Letter

The atmosphere in the Wealden Times office is

reaching fever pitch as our Midsummer Fair edges

even closer. Our events team has hand-picked the

very best exhibitors to ensure a fabulous shopping experience in

the heart of the Kentish countryside at beautiful Hole Park in

Rolvenden. Within this issue you’ll find a comprehensive show

guide, so you can pre-plan your shopping route and get a preview

of exactly what’s on offer, including the schedule for our brand

new Garden Hub. You can also look online at wealdentimes.

co.uk where you book your tickets, and enter our special

competition for dinner, bed and breakfast at Frasers in Egerton,

along with a pair of Saturday tickets to the Midsummer Fair.

We’ve been over to photograph paper designer Trudi

Savin’s wonderfully creative Victorian villa, and explored

Ali Kittermaster’s unusual bungalow renovation tucked

down a country lane. See how they’ve both stamped their

personalities onto their interiors on pages 56 and 102.

Fashion editor Helen has styled this month’s men’s fashion at

the Historic Dockyard, Chatham. See model Thomas showcasing

tailored fashion from across the Weald from page 128.

If you’re keen to get out and about on your bike this month,

Julie Simpson has devised a hamper of recipes that are perfect

for eating on the go. And for all you self-builders out there,

our Restoration & New Build Supplement is a must-read.

Enjoy your Wealden Times!

Wealden Times Team

Editor ............................................................................................ Lucy Fleming

Editorial Assistant ........................................................................Rebecca Cuffe

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

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

Rob Cursons

Phoebe Gilbert

Tanya Goldsmith

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

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

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

Sarah Norwood

Nick Robinson

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

Wealden Times Events Team

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

Show Director ................................................................................. Flo Simpson


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Paper Trail

Words: Jennifer Stuart-Smith Photographs: David Merewether

Styling: Helen Barton

wealdentimes.co.uk

56

Fuelled by a shared passion for block printing,

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LauraMasseyDesignWT181.indd 1 03/02/2017 ThesePleaseWT183.indd 14:39

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Previous pages: The sitting room is mostly used in winter, when the fire is lit. Original Anaglypta lines the ceiling

Above: The kitchen. The cricket ball lamp-base was from Tobias and the Angel, made by Angel’s brother Shaun. The

ostrich egg was brought back from South Africa – one of Trudi and Guy’s favourite places

There’s something about this time of year that not

only inspires a good spring clean but also prompts

many of us to have a serious ‘de-clutter’. Is there

anything as cathartic as attacking an area of the house that

has been taunting you for months, joyously separating items

into ‘bin’, ‘charity shop’ or ‘eBay’. Even if you don’t enjoy

the process, once it’s all done and you can admire your

efforts, it’s hard not to feel the stress melting away. But,

there are still some things you have to keep whether you like

it or not... We need a place for everything and then, as the

expression goes, we can put everything in its place. Ideally.

The reality, for most of us, is that after a few days

things start to creep back to their old resting places...

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kitchen I am free to admire various well-chosen artifacts and

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catalogues, Bic biros, letters and all the other detritus that


A subtle nautical theme runs through beach pictures and maps on the walls of the

dining room, while a huge round mirror resembles a porthole: “That came from a

friend. She was getting rid of it and I thought, ‘Wow! I love it,’ ” says Trudi

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This page: A door from the dining room

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seems to blight my own kitchen surfaces. Instead, on her

kitchen bookcase is a selection of striking, printed folders

and files which, one can only assume contain all the bits and

bobs the rest of us find on the floor being chewed by the dog

or piled high, in an ever increasing stack on the sideboard.

Just over a year ago, Trudi set up Yateley Papers with her

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box files and other paper goods. So, what was the idea

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“We have to rein ourselves in, as we’re both creative and we think ‘Oh, we could do this,

and we could do that! Sometimes we just have to tell ourselves to slow down!” laughs Trudi

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66

HawkhurstFishFarmWT183.indd 1 21/04/2017 16:12

Above: A short flight of steps down from the hallway and the living room leads to the kitchen at the back of the house

know ‘tut’. We all have ‘tut’ in our lives, don’t we? And

also, a lot of people have multi-function rooms, or openplan

living. This way you can have storage boxes that

you are happy to display, which hold all your ‘stuff’.”

She and Sophie met while they were working together

at the interiors shop, Tobias and the Angel. “The lady

who owned it, Angel, came across all these old printing

blocks which had belonged to a company called Yateley

Industries – it was closing down, so she bought the whole

lot of them.” The wooden, hand-carved blocks are artworks

in themselves – Trudi has a collection of similar ones in

baskets in her workroom – but are not much use unless

you know how to use them. So, Trudi learnt the ropes: “At

Tobias and the Angel I block-printed textiles for bespoke

orders, for interior designers. So, really, I learnt on the

job, with 10 years printing for Tobias and the Angel”.

The influence of Tobias and the Angel becomes clear

as we walk around the house, a semi-detached Victorian

house in Surrey, which Trudi shares with her husband,

Guy, and 21-year-old daughter, Daisy. One such item is

an impressive lamp in the kitchen, the glass base of which

has been filled with cricket balls: “Guy is a manic cricketer,

though he doesn’t play so much any more. Angel’s brother

Shaun made that – it’s one of our favourite things.”

The kitchen itself is a classic design, put in by the couple

when they bought the house 19 years ago, and yet the


style is very much the minimal, crafted wooden kitchen

one sees today, with dark-coloured panels and polished slate

surfaces contrasting with lighter wooden frames. “I suppose

I’d call the panels ‘tobacco’,” says Trudi. Either way, it’s

effortlessly stylish. Water for tea is boiled in a spectacular

kettle – the likes of which I’ve never seen before. “It was

Guy’s grandmother’s, so it’s really old. God help us if it ever

blows up! ” It resembles a classic, metal hob-top kettle which,

apparently, is exactly what it is – or what it once was.

On a shelf, above potted herbs and large, pretty jars

containing pasta and other ingredients, is a huge egg under

a Victorian-style glass dome. “That’s from travels in South

Africa. We first went there when Guy and I got married

and then we went back again the next year, we loved it so

much.” Other ‘finds’ from their travels include the ornate

and varied handles – including leaves and pebbles – on

each of the kitchen cupboards: “The handles all came

from different trips down to Cornwall. We spend a lot

of time down in Padstow as Guy’s mother Penny used to

live there. You just pick things up when you see them,

don’t you?” Trudi clearly has a natural ability to spot

This page: In the bathroom, Trudi has hung glass fragments

in the window and created a mock aquarium using salvaged

glass, crystal and a little hand-made wire and pebble fish. The

off-white tiles are from Fired Earth – a more classic version of

Metro tiles, but crackle glazed

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TilematesWT183.indd 1 19/04/2017 16:37

Above: Daughter Daisy’s room features a quilt made from squares of Guy’s shirts

special items, that work together, without appearing overly

styled. And if she can’t find them, she’ll make them.

Exploring the house is like going on a treasure hunt.

Not only is it fun trying to spot the latest Yateley Papers

products, it’s equally fun spotting things that Trudi has made

herself. After a cup of tea in the kitchen, we go through

to the dining room, which sits on the same level as the

kitchen, at the back of the house, and is reached by a short

flight of steps down from the hallway and the living room

at the front of the house. As is often the case, Trudi and

Guy opened up this downstairs space, so that the kitchencum-dining

room works with the rear courtyard garden.

Though almost open-plan to the kitchen, the dining room

still fulfils the traditional role of entertainment space – though

glitter on the table suggests that it sometimes doubles up

as a workspace: “We’re introducing crackers into our range,

so I’ve been fiddling and experimenting with glitter,” says

Trudi. The atmospheric, dusty blue walls have a sponged

appearance, though Trudi suggests this look was more just

a fortunate accident. A subtle nautical theme runs through

beach pictures and maps on the walls, while a huge round

mirror resembles a porthole: “That came from a friend.

She was getting rid of it and I thought, ‘Wow!’. I love it.”

Below and either side of the circular mirror sit two large

lamps, both of which Trudi played a part in making. One

carries a muted Yateley Papers lampshade on a sculpted metal

base while the other features one of Trudi’s signature homedecorating

tricks – a huge glass jar, decorated internally using

the technique known as ‘decoupage’. “It’s all done from the

inside, but using the good old-fashioned method, where you

cut designs out and stick them together like a collage. It’s quite

easy to do and it’s a really effective way of decorating glass.”


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Above: Manga drawings lie on the surface of Daisy’s desk. She’s currently studying art and design at a local college

Up the steps to the sunny front living room and one can’t

help keeping one’s eyes peeled for more geometric Yateley

Papers designs – which I spot pretty quickly in the form of

files on the bookshelves and on a couple of lampshades: “That

one’s called Kite – it’s a new one that hasn’t come out yet and

this one is called Chrome, which only comes in a very dark,

smoke colour,” says Trudi. It’s funny how, once you start

looking for geometric designs, you spot them everywhere...

The 3-D wallpaper on the ceiling – original 19th-century

‘Anaglypta’ according to Trudi – the grille on the hallway

radiator, and even the frosting on the front windows.

With Trudi’s background in fabric printing, I wonder

why they have not gone down that route? “We concentrate

on paper, not because we don’t want to do textiles, but

textiles are a massive investment and also, having printed

textiles for so long, it’s the ‘fixing’ that’s a challenge.

Fixing can be a little temperamental, unless you are

doing massive batches. At the moment we are quite

small and artisan, so we decided to concentrate on paper.

So, items such as lampshades are perfect for that.”

Their styling is equally well-considered: “Sophie and

I both love quite earthy, muddy colours and character

properties – so we wanted our designs to work with old

and new. So, that lampshade design would work well in a

minimalist, contemporary home but it also sits comfortably

in a character room. That’s what we work hard at to

achieve.” It’s clear that with such talent and ability, they

have to curb their enthusiasm at times too: “We have to

rein ourselves in, as we’re both creative and we think ‘Oh,

we could do this, and we could do that! Sometimes we


Above: The quilt in the master bedroom is made from squares

of fabric that Trudi printed by hand. On a bedside table, a

decoupage jar has been turned into a table lamp

just have to tell ourselves to slow down!” laughs Trudi.

As the treasure hunt continues upstairs, I feel that my

senses are becoming more alert to Trudi’s handiwork. We

peak into the bathroom, which the couple re-did two years

ago and I immediately spot another gorgeous ‘decoupage’

jar, with a marine theme, on top of the bathroom cabinet.

The glass cabinet doors have also had a similar treatment,

with gold and silver leaf: “I just wanted to lift it a bit. It

gives it a bit of a shimmer, without being a solid colour,”

says Trudi, who has hung glass fragments in the window

and created a mock aquarium using salvaged glass,

crystal and a little hand-made wire and pebble fish.

We have a brief look in Daisy’s room, where wonderful

‘work in progress’ Manga cartoons are scattered over

her desk and a quilt, made by Trudi from pieces of

Guy’s old shirt-fabric, decorates the bed. Daisy is

studying art and design at a nearby college but also

helps her mother with their printing projects: “Sophie

creates the designs, then Daisy cuts the lino for us.”

In the master bedroom, the first thing you notice is

another wonderful quilt: “That’s made from squares of

block-printed fabric, from the days when I was block

printing,” says Trudi. “It was just a way of using them up,

really. The velvet all came from Penny’s house – I just don’t

like throwing things away!” Another gorgeous decoupage

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84

TownerArtGalleryWT183.indd 1 19/04/2017 10:33

Ask the

Artist

Just what is it that inspires an artwork? WT chats to four creatives,

across a range of disciplines, about the motivation behind their pieces

Jessica Zoob

Painter

What inspires you? I am inspired by my travels

and by the beautiful Sussex Downs I am lucky

enough to call my home. I see beauty everywhere

and try to capture and reflect it in my work. If you

want to see photographs of things which inspire

me I quite often post them on Instagram.

What are you currently working on? I am currently

working on a huge collection called Ecstasy which I am hoping

to complete at some point next year. The largest painting in the collection

is 3 x 14 m. I am also exploring printing onto metals, copper, brass and

steel to create unique Limited Edition series of pieces. I am considering the

possibilities of creating some fashion items, possibly bespoke bags. I am also

very busy renovating and extending a 400 year old cottage and creating a

wildlife garden as well as preparing for my annual Open Studio and I am

very excited to show everyone how my latest collection is progressing.

Can you run us through a typical working day? That simply

doesn’t exist for me, every day is completely different! At the moment

the day lasts about 18 hours and feels about four days long!

How do you start your creative process? I start with glimmers of ideas

which nag away at the edges of my mind. Once I begin the process of

building up the layers the works often take on a character of their own.

How has your style evolved over your career? My style is constantly

changing as I keep discovering new paints and techniques and I want to

explore the limitless possibilities of colour on canvas. I don’t ever want to

become bored so I keep pushing myself to take greater creative risks.

Where does your work end up? In private collections worldwide

and in corporate environments with large walls.

Can you tell us a little about your recent collaboration with luxury interiors

brand, Romo? It was a real pleasure working with Romo. I actually had no

idea who they were when they first suggested a collaboration but the quality

of their textiles was enough to convince me that they would respect my

integrity and create a beautiful collection. I think they achieved that and it is

wonderful to get so much positive feedback from new clients across the globe.

Don’t miss the opportunity to purchase works directly from Jessica

at a special Open Studio at her home in Upper Clayhill, East Sussex ,

part of the Brighton and Hove Artists Open Houses Festival, on 6&7

and 20&21 May, 11am-5pm or by appointment. Private previews

for collectors are available from 29 April. Book early by emailing

info@jessicazoob.com or call 07966 572204 jessicazoob.com


JUST TEN GALLERY

LIMITED EDITION FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY

BY CLIVE SAWYER

103a High Street, Rye, East Sussex TN31 7JN

www.just-ten.gallery clive@just-ten.gallery

M: 07738 715354 T: 01797 222213

Jane Richardson

Ceramic artist

Have you always been an artist? I haven’t

always been an artist, from the age of three

I’d been to ballet lessons so wanted to be

a dancer. I’d even boarded for two years

at a dance school when I was 13. I was

dancing for four hours a night after school

and absolutely loved it. Sadly my diet was

so poor at the time of boarding my body

packed up and I had to stop – I’d come

from an organic farm where everything

was homegrown or homemade but at

dance school it was a tin of spaghetti! I

was mortified at giving up. I dropped back

a year at school and, being very dyslexic,

clay was another creative option. So, I

later travelled to Nottingham from Wales

with my sister in our old Ford Anglia. It

took all day in those days! The college

hadn’t opened yet, so I was allowed to go

to their sister college and study Beauty

Therapy. I didn’t transfer back and this

gave me a 10 year career in London

and Stroud. Everywhere I’ve ever lived

I’ve always joined recreational pottery

classes, so dance and massage became an

integral part of my work – the driving

force behind my figurative sculpture.

What do you create? I hand throw on

the pottery wheel making functional

pieces and I sculpt too. I love different

clays – they inspire my work. I’ll go from

smooth white porcelain clay, making tiny

perfect vases, to a black heavily-grogged

clay making large gnarly ‘grumpy’ crows,

then a ‘molochite’ for my figurative work..

What inspires you? I love work and love

pottery – I don’t switch off from that.

For some reason I often think of ideas in

the shower, one being a little handmade

robin on an old fork as a garden sculpture.

These fly out from my studio! On a

recent trip to Portugal I saw huge rugged

rocks, sculpted by the ocean. I couldn’t

wait to recreate them as ‘bottles’ – these

will be part of an installation in my next

art show at Lenham Barn in May.

How do you start your creative process?

I always procrastinate and do a hundred

other jobs! My studio has to be tidied (I’m

so messy!), then the kettle goes on, then

it is head down for days on end, whether

it’s a ‘body’ of work for an exhibition or

one piece for a commission. Then I start

all over again... more jobs. Kettle on....

How has your style evolved over your

career? My attitude has changed, I

want more from my clay, thinner, finer,

more expressive – the clay, glaze and

form to work as one. Commissions and

clients alter what you do, too, as you tap

in to their aspirations, extending your

own boundaries. I moved to Godinton

House last year so I’m surrounded by

these beautiful gardens, already it’s

influencing my work. My pieces have

become more garden orientated with

more birds, pods, pebbles and ‘quirky

moments’! I seem to have a fetish for wood

too now, marrying the two together.

Where do you sell your work? Galleries,

commissions and sculpture or art shows. I

plan shows a year ahead. Each show I do

gives me a chance to evolve like a new

chapter as I create new work and tailor it

for each show. May is the Pilgrims Way

Art Show. In June I participate in South

East Open Studios. In July I’m making

for the Royal Reggata and Henley music

festival. Also the Sculpture Show at

Godinton House and Gardens. I always

have work at a lovely gallery in Wales

called Golden Sheaf Gallery who’ve

supported me for years and West End

House Gallery in Smarden, Kent.

I’ve exhibited in the Ivy London,

Whitstable, France, Battle, Hatfield,

Canterbury – I’m gradually

getting closer to my dreams.

Jane is a member of Pilgrims Way

Artists (pilgrimswayartists.org.uk).

For more info. email janespottery@

gmail.com or call 07599 355601.

Keith Tyson

Turner Prize

winner

Have you always

been an artist?

No. After leaving school I’d been

working in a factory for four years

and so I was very earnest at art

college. It took me a while to realise

you could play with the rules, that

you could do whatever you wanted to

do. I think my whole artistic journey

really has been trying to create more

liberation in what I do, trying to be

freer, to express more of the wonder

of the world instead of the “meaning”

of it. The early work looked towards

mathematics and logic for solutions

to my artistic problems. I used a lot of

algorithms, made an art machine to

come up with ideas for me and other

conceptual strategies. Now the work

has become much more emotive. The

original titles used scientific terms

and although I’m still fascinated by

science those titles have evolved into

an element in which to create a poetic

tension between the text and image.

As you grow older your circumstances

change too – I’ve got three children

now, I’m in a very different place

than I was 20 years ago. I think the

work can’t help but reflect that.

What do you create? I paint and

draw. I write and I make sculptures.

What inspires you? Like every other

artist who has ever lived, my work is

simply a response to the world I live

in (and it seems to me at least that we

live in quite a complex one currently).

My studio wall drawings are like

a visual diary that I have been

keeping for over 20 years. I always

have thought that I would like

to show a great many of them

together at some point and


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wealdentimes.co.uk

88

McAllisterThomasFineArtWT183.indd Half Page - Kent.indd 1 1 13/04/2017 18/04/2017 MediterraneanStudioWT183.indd 16:17 10:11

1 10/04/2017 17:08

show the scale of what we all navigate

as human beings. Although the

events are mainly autobiographical

I hope they speak of more universal

conditions that we all experience.

How do you start your creative process?

Originally I had a very small studio

and only a tiny wall space in which I

could work. There was a large piece

of watercolour paper that you could

buy from the local art shop that just so

happened to fit that wall, so I bought

half a ream and every day I’d work on

that piece of paper. Sometimes I’d jot

down ideas for paintings or sculptures I

wanted to make, sometimes I’d record

my emotional state that day, sometimes

a world event would inspire me, it

could be anything at all really. I just

wanted to keep a free space in which

to explore ideas without defining them

too much. I kept them, like one might

keep a journal or a sketchbook. I call

them drawings but in reality they lie

somewhere in between a diary, a painting

and a poem. Over time working on these

drawings has evolved from a preparatory

activity into a more expressive and

essential practice for me. The Jerwood’s

three ground floor rooms are filled

with more than 300 of these works.


career? It has been interesting to see the

changes over time. I originally was very

interested in science and mathematics and

the drawings were quite geeky but as I’ve

grown older, had children etc they have

become distinctly more emotional I think.

Then there are the societal changes, the

smartphone, the ability to record everyday

moments, social media with everyone

now posting images on their own ‘walls.’

Photoshop and other technologies that

I can use in the studio. All these things

have affected the work because we are

dynamic beings, we change all the time.

Where do you sell your work? You

can find out more information at

keithtyson.com. See Keith Tyson ‘Turn

Back Now’ at Jerwood Gallery, Hastings

until 4 June 2017 jerwoodgallery.org

Clive Sawyer

Photographer

Have you always been

an artist? I call myself

a commercial artist. I

create photographic

pieces for a commercial

market – that someone

wants to buy. I like to think I’m

producing something really beautiful

that someone would like to hang on

their wall. This is my 10th year of

having my own gallery, before that I

was primarily a travel photographer - I

might do 150 days a year shooting

abroad from Barbados to Benidorm! I

have had to move with the times from

film to digital, and I’m glad I did.

What do you create? I photograph the

local area – the Romney Marsh, Rye. The

photographs that I take of the local area

are bought by local people or tourists who

come to visit Rye. They can choose from

a selection of limited edition prints in a

variety of media including canvas, giclee

or acrylic panels. My main body of work

is produced for people who come down

from London. These tend to be images

of cities – New York, London, Paris. I

try to get the real world and turn it into

an abstract – I try to photograph all the

little details. I’ve just done some shots in

Canary Wharf. One of my bestsellers at

the moment is the London skyline, shot

across the river. I go up early on a Sunday

morning whilst it’s still dark and I take

lots of images whilst the sun comes up.

Londoners come down to the gallery and

are surprised they can get an amazing

London shot from someone living in Rye.

What inspires you? Texture, light,

mood, shadows, colour, contrast…

How do you start your creative

process? I’ll go to London and know

what I want to get out of the trip. I

plan in advance – taking into account

the time, weather etc. This comes from

years of experience. At the moment, I

know I need to go back to New York to

find the right location. I need to be at

the top of the Rockefeller Center and

Empire State. I know there’s a demand for

pictures of certain things, so I make sure

I’m in the right place at the right time.


career? The difference between an

amateur and a professional photographer

is that an amateur will shoot purely to

please himself, whereas a professional

will take photographs to satisfy a client’s

needs. I’m somewhere in between! The

beauty is that I take photos of the things

that I like, whilst being mindful that

someone would like to buy them.

Where do you sell your work? In my

gallery in Rye. People like to meet the

photographer – when you put photos

with another gallery you’re not there

to talk about the image. I like to be

present in the gallery to sell my work

– if I’m not on shoots, then I’m in

there! I love talking to my clients. The

gallery’s open at least six days of the

week, especially at the weekend, with

works ranging from £30- £5,000.

07738 715354 clive-sawyer.com


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Credit: Kent & East Sussex Railway Co Ltd.

TONBRIDGE

Wealden Times Midsummer Fair 8th -10th June 2017

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MUST DO

at the Wealden Times Midsummer Fair

Come to the

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Meet gardening professionals for talks

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See the full exhibitor list in

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6

the

beautiful gardens

Enjoy free entry to the

magnificent Hole Park gardens,

including their long borders,

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plants in early June.

2

Visit the Healthy

Living Theatre sponsored

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Listen and learn from health

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Treatments may be booked

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De-stress in

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Chill out to Cranbrook Town

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£4.30

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See the Scarecrows!

Visit our headline sponsor

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Eat, drink and

be merry

You’ll be spoiled for choice

when it’s time for a pit stop:

street food lunches, barista coffee,

afternoon tea (and cake!!) plus local

wines and ciders are just some of

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HOME

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Credit: Boris Djuranovic, FreeImages.com/Liana S, haseeb Iqbal

10

Source your

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The food avenue will be

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Booking

Book your tickets to the fair today and get 50p

off, just quote WT1 when booking! Visit wealdentimes.

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Dates & Opening Times

Thursday 8th, Friday 9th & Saturday 10th June

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Venue

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!


Timetable

Thursday 8th June

11.15 - 11.45 Brogdale

FRUITS OF THE EARTH:

An orchard in your garden.

13.30 - 14.00 Cathy Pope

HOST A HIVE: Hassle free beekeeping,

someone else does the work!

15.00 - 15.30 Jo Arnell

GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT: Find the

perfect plants to prettify your veg plot.

Friday 9th June

11.15 - 11.45 Martin Gurdon

DOING BIRD: Martin shares his amusing

anecdotes and top tips on keeping poultry.

13.30 - 14.00 Danny Clarke

THE INSTANT GARDENER: Five quick

fixes to give your garden a facelift.

15.00 - 15.30 Quentin Stark

HOLE PARK: A year in Hole Park Gardens.

Saturday 10th June

11.15 - 11.45 Whitney Hedges

THE CUTTING GARDEN: Flowers to

pick from April to October.

13.30 - 14.00 Mark Lane

IN TUNE WITH NATURE: Bring birds,

bees and butterflies into your garden.

Garden

Hub

Visit the

Garden Hub sponsored

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plenty of gardening tips to

inform and inspire.

15.00 - 15.30 Katharine Slater

HONEY I’M HOME: The importance of

bringing bees into your garden.

Thai spiced courgette

fritters with sweet chilli dip

Jo Arnell will be hosting a talk on veg in the Garden Hub

sponsored by Neptune, on Thursday 8th June and she’s

shared this lovely Thai spiced courgett recipe with us.

Makes approx. 12 small fritters

• 2 medium courgettes

• 4 spring onions, finely chopped

• 2 beaten eggs

• 2 heaped tbsp plain flour

• 1-2 tsp green Thai curry paste

• 1 stick lemon grass, finely sliced

(or use juice and zest of ½ a lime)

• 1 small handful of coriander,

finely chopped

• 1 tsp fish sauce (or soy sauce)

• ready made sweet chilli

dipping sauce to serve

1. Grate the courgettes and squeeze out some of the liquid (place in a colander

or sieve and press a saucer down on top) this will help the fritters stay crispy.

2. Add the other ingredients, but save half the coriander

as a garnish. Combine thoroughly.

3. Form the mixture into patty shapes and sauté in a little oil

until crisp and golden. Serve with sweet chilli dip.

wealdentimes.co.uk

94

Healthy

Living

Theatre

Entry to all talks is included within the

Wealden Times Midsummer Fair

ticket price.

Timetable

Thursday 8th June

10.30 - 11.00 Liz Lark

YOUR LIFE IN BALANCE: Learn how yoga

can enhance all our lives, creating harmony for

mind and body.

12.00 - 12.30 Madeleine Shaw

MADELEINE’S RECIPE FOR A HEALTHY

LIFESTYLE: Feed your mind, body and soul

with yummy food and yoga.

14.30 - 15.00 Katie Peck

BECOME YOUR BEST SELF: Gain power

over food and find your perfect weight.

Diet and exercise

lie at the heart of a healthy

life. We’ve brought together a

team of experts from the worlds of

nutrition, exercise and health who

will be speaking in the Healthy

Living Theatre sponsored by

Benenden Hospital over the

three days of the fair.

Tray-Roasted Cod with Olives, Smoked Paprika and Asparagus

Madeleine Shaw will be in the Healthy Living Theatre sponsored by

Benenden Hospital, on Thursday 8th June and we love this delicious tray

roasted cod recipe from her new book A Year of Beautiful Eating.

Serves 4

• 1½ tsp sweet smoked paprika

• 2 garlic cloves, crushed

• salt and freshly ground black

pepper, to taste

• 4 x 150g cod fillets

• 200ml fish or chicken stock

• 200g pitted green olives

• 2 tbsp capers

• bunch of asparagus, trimmed

• 3 tbsp avocado oil or melted

butter

• 1 lemon

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas mark 4.

2. Mix the smoked paprika, garlic and a pinch of salt and pepper together

and rub the mixture into the cod. Then pour the stock into a large

roasting tray and scatter in the olives, capers and asparagus. Nestle the

cod fillets amongst the veggies and pour the avocado oil over the fish.

3. Thinly slice the lemon into 1cm slivers and place around the cod

fillets. Sprinkle salt over the entire dish and bake for 15–20 minutes,

until the asparagus and cod are cooked through. Serve hot.

Friday 9th June

10.30 - 11.00 Sarah Jane Holt

HEALTHY HABITS FOR BUSY MUMS:

Eating and exercising on a limited time budget.

12.00 - 12.30 Jaime Cooke

FITNESS MADE FUN: Spin your way to a

happy, healthy and positive life.

14.30 - 15.00 Anissa Germain

BUILD A BEAUTIFUL BODY: Discover

how pilates can help you get stronger, healthier

and look great.

Saturday 10th June

10.30 - 11.00 Jaime Cooke

FITNESS MADE FUN: Spin your way to a

happy, healthy and positive life.

12.00 - 12.30 Davina McCall

FROM FOOD TO PHYSICAL FITNESS:

Healthy living expert Davina shares insight and

knowledge on how to look and feel amazing.

14.30 - 15.00 Sarah Jane Holt

HEALTHY HABITS FOR BUSY MUMS:

Eating and exercising on a limited time budget.

Madeleine Shaw’s A YEAR OF

BEAUTIFUL EATING is published

by Orion Books in hardback & eBook

on 20 April 2017, priced £20/£10.99



Massagical

Stand O53

massagical.com

Health

&

Beauty&

Edwards

and Todd

Stand B05

07590 057703

y Miraculous Skincare

Freyaluna

Stand A03

freyaluna.co.uk

We want to help you feel and look fabulous this summer!

You’ll find a fantastic range of products available from

our exhibitors, as well as a chance to meet the experts for

essential health and beauty tips at our Midsummer Fair…

Fenwick

Stand F

fenwick.co.uk

NEW

EXHIBITOR

Village

Green Soaps

Stand R05

villagegreensoaps.

co.uk

Edwards

and Todd

Stand B05

07590 057703

Romney

Marsh Wools

Stand O20

romneymarsh

wools.co.uk

Isabel

Haines

Stand R23

07733 113440

NEW

EXHIBITOR

Bee Potion

Stand A26

bee-potion.com

NEW

EXHIBITOR

NEW

EXHIBITOR

Bora

Studio

Stand B25

borastudio.co.uk

The Oil

Hut

Stand B24

theoilhut.co.uk

TICKETS ON SALE NOW



LouLoubelle

London

Stand Y23

louloubelle

skincare.co.uk

Romney

Marsh Wools

Stand O20

romneymarsh

wools.co.uk

Happy &

Glorious

Stand R06

happyglorious.com

Tinker and

Toad

Stand O56

tinkerandtoad.

com

Parkminster

Products

Stand Y07

parkminster.

co.uk

Meet the maker

Love to b

‘Love to b’ is a conscientious skincare company that

evolved from a mother’s love for her daughter and

went on to develop into a business idea. Everything

in the range Julie Astley-Weston creates is made with

love and devotion to one principle – developing

a natural brand that is ethical in every way.

What makes you unique? Our customers are often new

to natural skincare and love discovering the gentleness

of our products. The combination of our story, the

power of plant based products and our brand ethos set

us apart from other natural skincare companies.

Have you always been creative? It wasn’t difficult to

summon the passion within me to start the creative journey

of ‘designing’ skincare products and researching/studying

online, to solve the challenges of my daughter’s skin issues.

Do you have a typical working day? After my daily

mindfulness session and mint tea, I’m set for the day! Then it’s

catching up on emails and posting on social media. At ‘Love

to b’ HQ I will find myself manufacturing in the skincare

studio, corresponding with customers and retailers, working

with our design team or whatever needs my attention.

What makes all the hard work worth it? Hearing

people tell me their eczema has disappeared, or

they don’t itch any more, or just that they love

our products because they are so luxurious.

NEW

EXHIBITOR

Love to b

Stand O16

lovetob.co.uk

What is your proudest moment so far? Back to the reason

why we are here at all – my proudest and happiest time was

watching my daughter grow in confidence as her skin issues

improved and healed. You really can’t beat that as a mum!

What can we look forward to from Love to b at the

Midsummer Fair? We can’t wait to welcome the lovely

ladies of the Weald to visit the ‘Love to b’ gazebo and enjoy

how uplifting and luxurious our products are for the skin.

97

wealdentimes.co.uk


Slient Pool

Gin Company

Stand O72

silentpool

distillers.com

NEW

EXHIBITOR

Beals Barn

Gardens

Stand O76

01892 783146

The Crow

Kitchen

Stand A39

thecrowkitchen.

co.uk

Kent Cider

Co

Stand O73

kentcider.co.uk

Dine in

Sauces

Stand A37

nonyasecrets.com

NEW

EXHIBITOR

Alsop and

Walker

Stand A51

alsopandwalker.

co.uk

Food&

Flint and

Flame

Stand A32

flintandflame.

co.uk

&

Drink

Here’s a little taste of some of the delicious food and

drink on offer at the Wealden Times Midsummer

Fair this June. From enticing gift hampers and

handmade treats, to the mouth-watering street food

from our vendors, we cannot wait to tuck in…

Pieroth

Stand A31

pieroth.co.uk

NEW

EXHIBITOR

Summerdown

Mint

Stand G25

summerdown

mint.com

Oatopia

Stand O67

oatopia.co.uk

NEW

EXHIBITOR

Greensand

Ridge

Distillery

Stand O41

greensanddistillery.

com

NEW

EXHIBITOR

Kate of

Kensington

Stand Y16

kateofkensington.

com

Alsop Cheese Posters 500x750mm_Layout 1 18/02/2016 09:21 Page 1

NEW

EXHIBITOR

TICKETS ON SALE NOW



Little Bo’s

Stand O64

bofrozenyogurt.

com

Meet the maker

Alsop & Walker

Arthur Alsop and Nic Walker make their

cheese in East Sussex; following a mixture of

traditional and modern methods and with

the addition of their own twist, they produce

some very exciting and bespoke cheeses.

Burrow &

Hide

Stand B21

burrowandhide.

com

NEW

EXHIBITOR

The

Cheese

Bomb Gift Co

Stand A36

cheesebombgifts.

com

The

Kent Dark

Chocolate Co

Stand A33

kentdarkchocolate.

co.uk

NEW

EXHIBITOR

Oxney

Organic Estate

Stand A48

oxneyestate.com

Please describe how your business evolved?

eight years ago, a dairy and its equipment came up

for sale and we seized the opportunity to create a

complete cheeseboard, from hard to soft, to blue

cheese, made from East Sussex milk. We now produce

1.5 tons of cheese per week, which we supply to

independent hotels, delis and restaurants, along

with our own shop in London’s Borough Market.

What do your customers tell you

they like about your products?

They love our ‘Super Gold’ World Cheese

Award winner ‘Mayfield’ which is the only

Emmental style cheese produced in the UK.

‘Lord London’ is a semi-soft bell shaped Silver

awarded cheese and is popular for its natural

creamy texture, with clean citrus undertone.

Please tell us about the journey from a

new cheese idea to marketplace?

It can be a very lengthy process. We make a

new cheese, then wait for the maturing process,

which can be anything from 12 weeks to six

months. ‘Lord London’ only took 6-7 months

in total but when a lot of tweaking is required it

can take two years to develop a new cheese.

Simply Ice

Cream

Stand O24

simplyicecream.

co.uk

What is your proudest moment so far?

Whilst on vacation a French cheese maker tasted one

of our cheeses and we were privileged enough to be

asked back the next day to help them develop a new

soft cheese. A dream come true!

Burrow &

Hide

Stand B21

burrowandhide.

com

NEW

EXHIBITOR

What can we look forward

to from Alsop & Walker at

the Midsummer Fair?

It’s our first Wealden Times Fair

and we can’t wait to share our

passion and award-winning cheeses

– please comem by for a taste.

NEW

EXHIBITOR

Judges

Bakery

Stand A42

judgesbakery.

co.uk

Stand A51

Cheese Tower:

Sussex Crumble, Sussex

Brie, Mayfield, Sussex

Farmhouse, Lord

London, Five Ashes

WE BELIEVE

That change is as good as a rest

Believe it or not, our Henley oak kitchen used to be seen as our most

traditional, our most classic, and our most refined collection.

But we knew it had hidden depths. So we took it apart and looked at

all of the pieces from the inside-out and from the outside-in. Then we

added new ones. To those of you who knew it before, it might look

familiar, but it’s an entirely new era of design.

It’s Henley, redefined. Now available in both oak and painted.

neptune.com

Neptune Tonbridge, 1-2 Tannery Road, TN9 1RF

01732 351866, info@neptunetonbridge.com

Neptune Canterbury, Wincheap, CT1 3TY

01227 209300, info@neptunecanterbury.com

Love Storey

Seeing the potential in a project that had been overlooked by other

potential buyers, and working to a strict budget, Ali Kittermaster

has remodelled a dated bungalow in the heart of a Kent village

into a bright and surprisingly roomy contemporary home

wealdentimes.co.uk

102

Words: Jennifer Stuart-Smith Photographs: David Merewether Styling: Lucy Fleming


we design | we install | we care

PRE-BOOK YOUR TICKETS

NEW FOR 2017

MEET THE

DINOSAURS

KITCHEN & APPLIANCE SPECIALISTS

23 Cranbrook Road | Hawkhurst | Kent TN18 4AZ

01580 753470 | martinsofhawkhurst.co.uk

7,8,9 JULY

www.kentshow.co.uk 01622 633060

Kent Showground, Maidstone ME14 3JF

kentcountyshow

kentcountyshow

MartinsOfHawkhurstLtdWT183.indd 1 19/04/2017 KentShowgroundWT183.indd 14:18

1 24/04/2017 14:58

Lizzy. Bury St Edmunds.

Plant lover who wants to keep spring

in her home all year long.

It’s your story.

So it’s tailored to you.

Spring

Sale

Kentwell Large Sofa in Primrose Linen / Cotton. Cushions in Fresco Citrus.

Let’s design together

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

Call us on 01892 572 309 or visit sofasandstuff.com

wealdentimes.co.uk

104

SofasAndStuffWT183.indd 1 05/04/2017 15:28

Previous pages and above: The spacious kitchen was designed and supplied by Martins of

Hawkhurst. The panelled vaulted ceiling gives the Kittermasters’ home a beach-house feel

It takes a certain amount of

imagination and vision to see the

potential in an unprepossessing 1950s

bungalow, to buy that bungalow and –

within budget – turn it into a light, bright

and gorgeous family home. Anyone,

who perhaps viewed this property a

couple of years ago and passed it by

because of its lack of curb appeal and

period features, should look away now...

The rest of you, if you’re on the hunt

for inspiration, need look no further.

“You could say that we’ve turned

this house from an ugly duckling to a

beautiful swan,” says Ali Kittermaster,

with a smile. “It was so hard to find a

house within the Cranbrook School

catchment area that was the right price,

and I knew that it would be a real

struggle.” The house, known at the time

as Hedges, had been on the market for

about a year before the Kittermaster

family – comprising Ali, husband


Above: The kitchen table was made for Ali by the carpenter at SB10 from scaffolding planks that had been used on the build

Johnnie, Katie, 16 and Harry, 13 – found it. According to

Ali, there had been little interest: “A lovely lady had lived

here for many years, so you could say that it was a little

dated.” Fortunately for Ali, other potential buyers failed

to look past the superficial trappings of the bungalow.

“I knew immediately when I viewed the house how I

was going to develop the property,” says Ali. “I needed

to create more living space, an additional bedroom and

a studio space for my daughter, Katie. Replacing all the

casement windows was central to my plan as these have

changed the style and character of the property totally.

My draughtsman couldn’t understand my need to remove

the plastic casement windows but I am glad I stuck to

my guns.” The windows, which have lovely low sills,

allow light to flood in and, on the exterior, have mock

shutters, which give the house an attractive colonial feel.

So, how long did the renovation take? “We bought it

in January 2016, the builders started in March and we

moved in the third week of August, though the house

wasn’t quite finished. There were a few bits left to do.”

That sounds like a pretty quick turnaround, considering

the extent of the building’s transformation. “It could have

been quicker, if we’d used a big company and thrown

lots of manpower at it,” says Ali, “but we wanted to use a

local firm, SB10, who had been recommended to us.”

Ali and the children house-sat for a little while during

wealdentimes.co.uk

106

Photo courtesy of www.goodnestone.com

Rectory Interiors

FABRIC & WALLPAPER SHOWROOM

www.rectoryinteriors.co.uk

The Old Forge 24 Wish Street Tuesday - Friday 9.30 - 16.00

Rye TN31 7DA 01797 222511 Saturday 10.00 - 16.00

Explore Vispring’s impeccable range of beds

and mattresses, filled with the finest natural

materials from around the world

RectoryInteriorsWT182.indd 1 13/03/2017 16:23

Quality

hardwood floors

supplied & fitted

by craftsmen

www.clarkesfurnishers.co.uk

01622 753073

Sandling Road, Maidstone, ME14 2RF

UPHOLSTERY | DINING | BEDS

BEDROOM | CCESSORIES

Showroom: The Barn, Main Road, Sundridge, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN14 6EE

For a free no obligation estimate call us on 01959 563063

visit our website: www.dbwf.co.uk


LenleysWT183.indd 1 04/04/2017 DavidBrownWT183.indd 10:24

1 20/04/2017 12:29

TRADING

FOR OVER

HOMELEIGH TIMBER & BUILDING SUPPLIES

www.homeleighgroup.co.uk

YEARS

ESTABLISHED 1966

Timber & Sheet

Materials

Building Materials

Bricks & Blocks

Painting &

Decorating

DIY, Aggregates &

Gardening Products

Fencing &

Landscaping

Plumbing

& Drainage

Ironmongery

Insulation

£3

Delivery in

Kent & Sussex

Call for details

Get Your Home Ready

For The New Season!

Maidstone

01622 791111

Hall Road | Maidstone | ME20 7QZ

Woodford Depot:

01580 892733

Maidstone Road | Staplehurst | TN12 0RH

Staplehurst:

01580 892037

Station Road | Staplehurst | TN12 0PY

Ashford:

01233 850075

Ashford Road | High Halden | TN26 3BP

Ali and the children house-sat for a little while during the latter stages

of the renovation, to save the pennies. “Before that, every time I paid a

rent cheque, I thought ‘that’s a sofa, a light or something’.”


Above: Ali finds decorating inspiration online through Houzz or Pinterest as well as from her childhood friend, Linda, who is a house

builder and designer in Haut Bay in South Africa. She’s certainly created a contemporary but homely feel, with pops of colour and

photographic prints injecting interest and informality

the latter stages of the renovation, to save the pennies.

“Before that, every time I paid a rent cheque, I thought

‘that’s a sofa, a light or something’.” Her entrepreneurial

approach is impressive and evident in a career that has

included market research, advertising, work for Warner

Brothers looking after brands like Harry Potter and for

the last ten years she has worked as a photographer.

Ali’s photographs can be seen dotted around the house,

adding colour and humour to the relatively blank canvas

of Strong White walls. Ali has worked across many of the

photographic disciplines including weddings, events and

portraiture and ran a sports photography company in Dubai,

Capture That, with her friend and business partner. Since

returning from Dubai nearly two years ago, Ali has worked

as a portrait photographer creating memories for many local

families. She also undertakes informal photography for schools

in the South East. Most recently Ali has set up in business with

fellow photographer, Emily Parton. hh DESIGNS sells a range

of fun and contemporary greetings cards and canvases.

Many of these cards feature animals from Ali’s extensive

wealdentimes.co.uk

110

BE INSPIRED AND

CHALLENGED /

SHORT COURSE

PROGRAMME

A selection from our inspiring programme,

which includes some Saturdays

01732 352316

www.kent.ac.uk/tonbridge

tonbridgeadmin@kent.ac.uk

Down the rabbit hole: explore

and interpret the legacy of Lewis

Carroll’s ‘Alice’ books

Study day Fri 19 May

10.30-16.30 £37

Thomas Hardy and the

Dorset coast

5 weeks from Tues 30 May

10.30-12.30 £69

Walking and writing in Tonbridge

3 alternate weeks from Tues 6 June

13.00-16.00 £75

Queen Elizabeth I’s Men:

Patriots or Profiteers?

4 weeks from Thurs 8 June

10.30-12.30 £55

George Orwell

4 weeks from Fri 23 June

10.30-12.30 £55

Get published!

Study day Sat 24 June

10.00-16:00 £42

A stroll through the

Underworld

Study day Sat 24 June

10.00-16:00 £37

Jane Austen’s later novels

Study day Wed 5 July

10.30-16:30 £37

How to listen to the music

of Wagner

Study day Sat 8 July

10.00-16:00 £37

University Centre Tonbridge,

Avebury Avenue, TN9 1TG

Just a few minutes’ walk from the railway

station and close to the High Street

UniversityOfKentTonbridgeCentreWT183.indd 1 07/04/2017 12:08


JosephMcCarthyWT183.indd 1 13/04/2017 14:18

01227 767576 www.stellisonselectrical.co.uk

Visit our 10,000 square foot Electrical Superstore in Canterbury

BSH Group is trademark licensee of Siemens AG

Trade-in and save

up to £100 * this Spring.

Don’t miss great savings on selected Siemens appliances. Ask in store for details.

siemens-home.bsh-group.com/uk/springtradein

*On selected models only. Promotion dates

12.04.2017 – 06.06.2017. T&C’s apply

Wincheap Industrial Estate, 17 Maynard Road, Canterbury, Kent CT1 3RH

Monday - Saturday 9:00am-6:00pm Sunday 10:00am-4:00pm

PromoBoxStellisons-Siemens.indd 1 13/04/2017 10:31

Above: A colourful chameleon, painted in a vibrant palette by Ali’s friend Ann Pybus, greets visitors in the hallway

travels but also the lambs, piglets and cows of the Kentish

countryside! A canvas featuring a cheeky giraffe with his

tongue sticking out takes pride of place on the kitchen wall.

All of this experience, a creative eye, as well as doing up two

other cottages has stood Ali in good stead when renovating

their current home, especially as her husband Johnnie has

been away, working in Egypt. In fact, it seems that Ali

is quite happy to be left to her own devices... “Johnnie’s

quite traditional, ex-army. So, in his absence, I’ve been

able to do what I want and be a bit girly, which is nice.”

It’s clear she has a knack for doing up properties: “I enjoy

doing it. There isn’t a limitless pot of money... so what I love

doing is searching for things that cost less, but then perhaps

involve a little more work. Like these engineered oak boards

which I sanded and waxed myself. Or a little glass door knob

that would cost £30 from someone in London – I’d prefer to

find a similar item for 10% of the price on Etsy. I love that.”

She points out that her sofas are 25 years old, and

that at some point she would like a corner sofa, but at

the moment the budget won’t stretch. “They’re the first

sofas I bought, on King’s Road, when I lived in London.

Our dining table is made from scaffolding planks that

were used on the project.” The vaulted kitchen-living

area is clad with routed MDF – although the effect is

very similar to tongue and groove – giving it a beachhouse

feel. Interior designer Ali Wylie suggested this


“This is Harry’s room,” says Ali, “and he’s got his own little en suite. I was

determined to get these sliding doors in!” Incidentally, she found the sliding doors and

runners on eBay, for a snip, and all of the bathroom fixtures were sourced individually

and bought at a discount from either Victoria Plumb, Bath Store or Ikea.

wealdentimes.co.uk

114


Interiors.Designed

Our ethos at Barker & Frank is to deliver

inspirational interiors to suit each individual client

that reflect both their personality and lifestyle.

Our creative team’s attention to detail ensures

practical solutions that are seamlessly

executed and beautifully finished.

Come and visit us at our showroom and browse

through our extensive fabric and wallpaper

library. We look forward to meeting you

Beth Barker & Jo Frank

Blenheim Studios, London Road,

Forest Row, Sussex, RH18 5EZ

01342 826600

www.barkerandfrank.co.uk

Forest Row Showroom Now Open

What are the foundations to the partnership?

Beth: I have worked in architectural interior design for over

twenty years within the UK and abroad. As a designer and project

manager, I have coordinated a wide range of developments,

including hotels, show homes and listed buildings.

Jo: I began my creative career working in the fashion sector for

royal fashion designers Elizabeth and David Emanuel. Moving

into interior design I gained valuable experience within an

internationally renowned London based design practice prior

to working for a partnership dealing with prestigious London

properties for foreign clients.

A Lifestyle Ethos

Having known each other for many years and successfully

collaborated on numerous interior design projects, Jo Frank and

Beth Barker took the decision to form Barker & Frank in late 2016.

Sharing the same ethos, they wanted to combine their unique

intuitive approach and keen attention to detail to provide practical

design solutions, seamlessly executed and beautifully finished,

enhancing the lives of their clients.

Do you have a signature style?

Jo: No, our ethos at Barker & Frank is to deliver inspirational

interiors that suit each individual client reflecting both their

personality and lifestyle.

Are your projects mainly larger in scale or may a customer

simply purchase fabric?

Beth: Our design projects range from small intimate spaces to

large renovation and refurbishment projects working alongside

our skilled and trusted teams to deliver on time and on budget.

We are equally at home advising on the purchase of a roll of

wallpaper or some fabric, as we are designing and managing a

major kitchen or bathroom design and installation.

Where is your studio located?

Jo: Barker & Frank are situated within the Blenheim Studios

in Forest Row. This beautiful building houses, amongst others,

Chadder & Co Bathrooms, a wonderful café and a bespoke

dressmaker, all served by ample customer parking.

Come and visit us at our showroom and browse through our extensive

fabric and wallpaper library. We look forward to meeting you.

vage@aol.com

SHOPPING

ELSEWHERE

CAN SERIOUSLY

DAMAGE YOUR

WEALTH!

magazine

Drive down our leafy lane & go

Drive

Drive down

down

our

our

leafy

leafy

lane

lane

& go

&

Maison Meublés

Highgate Lodge, Rye Road, Hawkhurst, Kent TN18 4EP | Tel: 01580 755611

InPartyTentCoWT183.indd 1 20/04/2017 SymondsSalvageWT147.indd 10:46

1 17/04/2014 10:24

MADE‐TO‐MEASURE – WE WILL BEAT ANY WRITTEN QUOTE

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No M.D.F., no chipboard, no veneers.

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Too good to be true?!! See for yourself.

Handcrafted, reclaimed oak and reclaimed

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Apologies for any inconvenience caused, we are now up and running again.

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of Hawkhurst for the complete Maison Meublés experience.

An eclectic range of furniture and accessories for the home.

Free Delivery. Open Monday to Saturday 9.30am - 5.30pm. Closed Wednesday and Sunday

email:

email: production@indexmagazine.co.uk

Below is a proof of your ad to be published Positions in the in the maga

tel: 01892 517320

PLEASE NOTE The content of the advertisment it will be taken that this ad

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wealdentimes.co.uk

116

MaisonMeublesWT183.indd 1 21/04/2017 17:45

Above: Pops of bright colour punctuate the white walls in Harry and Katie’s rooms

idea as she has used it extensively in her own house.

Apart from being lovely, light and open-plan, what

look did Ali have in mind when she started work on the

house? “I suppose it’s kind of Cape Cod, New England,

or perhaps a bit Nordic,” says Ali, though she admits she’s

never been to either place. “I just spot things on Houzz

or Pinterest.” She’s certainly created a contemporary

but homely feel, with pops of colour and photographic

prints injecting interest and informality to what she and

her children jokingly refer to as ‘the show home’.

Seated at the breakfast bar-cum-kitchen island, the

first thing that catches your eye is a wall of square family

photographs: “This is my organic picture wall,” says Ali. “As

I take more pictures that I like I’ll add them to the wall, so

eventually the whole wall will be covered in five inch MDF

squares.” Ali has avoided using frames, as she “hates clutter”.

A sleek, modern kitchen – in a most subtle pale taupe – from

Martins in Hawkhurst, is just the ticket, occupying one wall.

Cleverly, Ali has used a mirror behind the sink, which

creates a sense of space as well as giving whoever is at the

sink a view of the room behind them. “I used Facebook

quite a lot when I was designing the house, rather than

making all the decisions on my own,” says Ali. “I would

sometimes put an idea out there, as Johnnie wasn’t


Above: Katie’s room is remarkably tidy. The pink pom-pom trim on the blinds is a recent addition that matches her pink chair

around to chat things through, and say: ‘So everyone,

shall I go with this colour or that colour?’ ” She asked her

friends if she should go for coloured glass or a mirror. “I

reckon about 95% went with coloured glass, but it felt like

a full stop. So I went with the mirror and I really like it!

It reflects the light and makes the area look bigger.” Pale,

composite worktops also keep the kitchen light and bright.

High up, overhead in the rafters of the living area are

five gorgeous metal lampshades: “I bought one of the

lampshades on a visit to Cairo, thinking it would be big

enough. Poor Johnnie. I said, ‘Can you go to the souk next

week, and get me four different ones? I don’t want them

matching.’ Then a local electrician wired them up for me.”

On the wall are two huge photographs of Katie and Harry,

standing in a stubble field amongst rolling hills. “That was

taken the day before we moved to Dubai,” says Ali, who has

accompanied her husband to numerous countries, where

he works setting up British schools. “It wasn’t a planned

shoot. We were driving along near Wye, and I thought ‘this

is Kent for me’. So I took the photos as a little reminder,

to hang in our house out there, to remind us of home.”

As I cast my eye around their current home, I notice a

curious ladder hanging on the wall, next to the kitchen.

“ The builders had just put up the 4x2 posts as the plan

was to use the lofted area as storage but at the very last

minute we changed the plan and turned it into an X-box/

movie den as well as extra bed space for the overspill of

teenagers at the weekends. The space is great and would

have otherwise been wasted.” The ladder is a French hoppickers’

ladder and is both beautiful as well as functional.

The majority of rooms in the house come off a wide

corridor, which runs perpendicular to the front door,

from the open-plan living area at one end, to the master

bedroom at the other. “I widened the corridor,” says Ali,

“and revitalised the 1930s doorway by painting the door

and replacing the rather ugly bevelled glass on either side

with clear glass panels.” The modernised doorway works

a treat and, as Ali points out, cost a fraction of what it

would have done to have a new door and surround.

Although Ali has found clever and affordable solutions at

every turn, it’s clear that she hasn’t shied away from making

radical changes to the building’s layout and, in doing

wealdentimes.co.uk

118

Designed.Built

Millers Ley is an 18th century Grade II listed

property which we worked on through 2015.

“Barker & Frank were instrumental in the design

across the whole property, inside and outside.

Their attention to detail is second to none and the

copious research undertaken across the spectrum

of finish, materials, furniture and accessories has

yielded an environment which begs to be adored”.

For a personal consultation to discuss

enhancing your project contact

Beth Barker & Jo Frank

Blenheim Studios, London Road,

Forest Row, Sussex, RH18 5EZ

01342 826600

www.barkerandfrank.co.uk

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Orlestone Oak

BarkerAndFrankWT183-HP-1.indd 1 21/04/2017 17:32

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

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TownsBathroomsWT179.indd 1 Publication The INDEX Magazine - December 2016 - Issue 253

07/12/2016 15:14

Date sent 17 November 2016

Deadline 12noon 17 November 2016

traditional Proof reading notes handmade New artwork created furniture

at SG Media

TEL: 01892 517320

EMAIL: production@indexmagazine.co.uk

DESIGNER

JL

ADVERTISEMENT PROOF

We trust the artwork is as you wish your advertisement to appear – please let us know if not. However, please note that if no response is received by the deadline stated above

it will be taken that this advert is acceptable in every detail and will be published as seen, subject to our proof reading. Please remember to check your phone number, e-mail

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

thereof. Errors by us are changed free of charge.

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

cannot be guaranteed except where special positions are agreed in writing and on payment of a Special Position Fee.

Kitchens

Bedrooms

Studies

Showroom: 78 London Road, Southborough

Tunbridge Wells, Kent. TN4 0PP

Tel: 01892 533273

Web: Woodworkkitchens.co.uk

wealdentimes.co.uk

120

WoodworkWT183.indd 1 07/04/2017 11:59

This page: Ali’s photographs, taken on her travels,

are on display throughout the house

so, has created a practical family home with decent-sized

rooms, each with masses of light. “This is Harry’s room,” says

Ali, “and he’s got his own little en suite. I was determined

to get these sliding doors in!” Incidentally, she found the

sliding doors and runners on eBay, for a snip, and all of the

bathroom fixtures were sourced individually and bought at a

discount from either Victoria Plumb, Bath Store or Ikea.

The sliding door makes optimum use of the available

space. Fitted wardrobes, made by the builders and with snazzy

leather handles, also provide essential ‘de-cluttering’ space.

Ali’s photographs grace the walls, as does the number ‘10’

of a rugby shirt that belonged to Harry’s great-grandfather

– who was captain of the England rugby team in 1924.

Personal touches transform this from a ‘show home’ into a

real, family sanctuary. Katie’s room is also remarkably tidy,

but with pops of colour including a simple wooden chair

that Ali painted pink using spray paint from Halfords. “The

pink pom-pom trim on the blinds is a recent addition, but

it goes rather well with the chair, don’t you think?” says Ali.

A selection of pretty mirrors, with painted frames, which

Ali refers to as “granny’s mirrors”, are dotted around the

room. Finally, we reach Ali’s retreat, the master bedroom.

As well as the lovely, low sash windows, this room has

French doors into the garden. There is a sleek, modern en

suite, which makes use of the other sliding door and minimal

furniture. “The bed was from Feather & Black,” says Ali,

“and the quote on the wall – as is the ‘Boys will be boys’

in Harry’s room – is by a girlfriend of mine called Leonora

Hammond.” An ornate mirror is another from ‘Granny’ but

Ali has painted over the gilt with dove grey. “When we went

to Dubai, I visited various second-hand shops and bought

pretty furniture then took it all to a place where they sprayed

everything dove grey.” An attractive, plain French set of drawers

with a marble top has escaped the spray paint, adding a little

natural wood and warmth to the corner of the room.

As we step out of the French doors, into the sunshine, and

look at the garden side of the house, with wooden painted

sash windows and pretty pale grey shutters, it would be easy to

imagine we were in Africa. Mulberry House is a fine example

of just what can be achieved with initiative and vision and it’s

evident the family love their new home, just as Ali loved creating

it. “I feel quite sad that I have finished this. I feel bereft!” So, what

next? “I’d love to do another house – though then I’d have to sell

this one...” For now, it seems, the family will be staying put.


Above left: A corner of Ali’s bedroom Above: The spare room

Left: Singer Katie has her own music studio in the garden and

will be performing at Woodlands Festival in Hawkhurst on 9, 10

& 11 June 2017 (woodlandsfestival.co.uk)

Address Book:

To find out more about Ali’s greetings cards and

canvases, contact hh DESIGNS at hellohhdesigns@

gmail.com / Ali 07864 376144

The hop-pickers’ ladder and miscellaneous chairs

are from Country Furniture Barns Flimwell

01580 879800 countryfurniturebarn.co.uk

DWL (Bi-fold doors) 07725 363178

Howarth (windows and doors) 0330 119 2369

windowsanddoors.howarth-timber.co.uk

Leonora Hammond (wall stickers) leonorahammond.co.uk

Martins of Hawkhurst (kitchen) 01580

753470 martinsofhawkhurst.co.uk

SB10 01892 785220 sbten.co.uk

Simply Shutters (shutters) 01842 814260 simplyshutters.co.uk

122

CELEBRATING

1974 - 2017

CELEBRATING

CELEBRATING

1974 1974

-

-

2017

2017

台䗰䗰 ⃰ 嗰台 ⃰ 俰仰䳰䧰仰䗰 ⳰⃰ 困䧰台䧰哰 ⃰ 俰嗰勰 ⃰ 仰䗰埰 ⃰ 台䣰俰埰勰俰俰 ䷰⃰ 俰勰 ⃰䷰ 䗰䗰哰 ⃰ 䇰 ⃰ 䓰䗰台䧰䟰仰䗰勰

䣰懰淰淰濰滰擰珰 ⃰ 䛰懰狰淰 ⃰ 䟰濰痰擰棰痰狰珰瓰 ⳰⃰ 䯰旰滰瓰 ⃰ 哰仰ㇰ㟰 ⃰ㇰ䗰嗰

䏰懰泰泰 ⃰ヰㇰ㗰㣰ヰ⃰ムㇰム㧰㏰㓰 ⃰ 濰狰 ⃰ 旰淰懰槰泰 ⃰ 懰瓰 ⃰ 槰滰曰濰䃰旰擰淰濰滰擰珰濰滰槰滰瓰旰狰槰濰狰珰⻰揰濰⻰痰毰 ⃰

矰矰矰⻰旰擰淰濰滰擰珰濰滰槰滰瓰旰狰槰濰狰珰⻰揰濰⻰痰毰

Perry Tarnished Silver

Pear Shaped Mercury

Glass Pendant Light,

£137, Artisanti

artisanti.com

Blue Smoke Round Mirrored Glass

Pendant (left), and Blue Smoke Mirrored

Glass Pendant (right), both £103.95,

Alexander & Pearl, alexanderandpearl.co.uk

Hounslow mini

pendant, from a

seleciton, Elstead

Lighting, Alton

01420 590510

elsteadlighting.com

You Are My Sunshine

Quote Wall Stickers,

£24.99, IN-SPACES

in-spaces.com

Aran Rugs in Ivory

£244, The Rug Seller

therugseller.co.uk

the Look

Pictures and Mirrors

Jungle King, £265, Lenleys

Canterbury, 01227

766655, lenleys.co.uk

Brass Porthole

Mirror, £35, Batela

Home & Giftware

batela-giftware.co.uk

Get

See

Barleycorn

Prints at

Wealden Times

Midsummer

Fair

‘Swiss Cow (not

laughing)’ framed

print, 14” x 11”,

£30, Barleycorn

Prints 07714 648502

barleycornprints.com

Hungry Giraffe, available in a

selection of sizes and finishes, hh

DESIGNS hellohhdesigns@gmail.com

/ 07864 376144 (WT readers can get

25% off giant canvases - quote ‘WT183’)

Decorate L.O.V.E

Lights, £149,

Sweetpea & Willow

sweetpeaandwillow.com

Velvet Stripe footstool, £365,

A Little Furniture Shop,

littlefurnitureshop.co.uk

Multi Award Winning Company

SPATA Pool Contractor of the Year 2015

Specialists in indoor and outdoor swimming pools,

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XL Pools Ltd, The Parlour, Saracens Dairy,

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WT Restoration & New Build Supplement

Let’s go outside page 23

Building with glass page 15

Contents

Xxxxxxxx

page xx

6 Source of inspiration

We revisit a striking new build in Kent

9 Building with glass

Letting light do the talking

Renovation project page 17

Source of inspiration page 6

17 Renovation project

Revamping an oast’s oak frame and how to tackle

property renovations in France

21 Total rejuvenation

WT takes a look at Back From Black’s mess-free beam

restorations

23 Let’s go outside

Make the most of your own corner of the great outdoors

24 Directory

The homebuilder and renovator’s a-z

Editor’s Letter

Let’s go outside page 23

Building with glass page 11

There’s nothing more exciting (and utterly terrifying)

than sinking your teeth into a property project.

We start our supplement with a look back at

one of our favourite new build projects to date – Katie

and Richard’s amazing marble-clad family home, built

using local trades and specialists. Take inspiration from

their address book on page 7. If you’re after illumination,

our Building with Glass feature is bound to inspire:

read the expert opinions from page 9. Oak framer Paul

Cresswell, meanwhile, talks us through the renovation

of a stone oast (page 17) – a stunning project indeed.

Enjoy your Restoration & New Build Supplement



Bi-folding doors open out from the

orangery onto the terrace, complete

with an oval swimming pool

Source of

Inspiration

At the touch of a button a large white screen and

projector appear from the ceiling of the drawing

room to transform it into a home cinema

The kitchen is by

Clive Christian

wealdentimes.co.uk

6


The incredible entrance hall

The dining part of the

open plan kitchen

Katie and Richard’s incredible new build (WT156)

was the result of a packed address book of local trades,

with many features – like the stunning metalwork

bannister – designed especially for the house.

Building work: Bridgehurst

Builders 01580 211667

bridgehurst-builders.co.uk

Ornamental metalwork: Burvills

Cobham 01932 589666 burvills.co.uk

Kitchen: Clive Christian

clivechristianinteriors.com

Home Entertainment: Old Barn

Audio Tunbridge Wells 01892

752246 oldbarnaudio.co.uk

Stonemasons: Radley Stone

contact Ben on 07729 884406

Chandeliers: Wilkinson

Sittingbourne 01795 830000

wilkinson-plc.com

Pool: XL Pools Pluckley 0845

206 0420 xlpools.com

Read the full feature online at

wealdentimes.co.uk/house/wt156a


Kent Peg Tiling &

Listed Building Specialists

conservation and renovation

specialists § high quality work

by experienced craftsman

Proud winners of

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RobinsonWaters

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ARCHITECTS

ARCHITECTURE

54

new build?

renovation?

extension?

Cloakroom.

UP.

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Innovative and practical

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Contemporary and traditional

Sitting Room

Study

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architects@robinsonwaters.co.uk

Tel: 01580 754806

www.robinsonwaters.co.uk

8

All aspects of building

work undertaken

studios:

sevenoaks

hawkhurst

Lintel

2373

58

Internal area of the Ground Floor 121.4 sq. metres.

hastings

KarlTerryWT172.indd 1 16/05/2016 RobinsonWatersWT161.indd 16:59

1 08/06/2015 14:36

New Builds

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wealdentimes.co.uk

8

FornoAlfrescoWT183.indd 1 11/04/2017 15:33


Building with Glass:

The Basics

Ben Lee from Vita Architecture gives us an insight into the use of

glass in buildings from an architect’s perspective...

Building with glass enriches projects and lives in many ways. Its

ability to bring natural light into internal spaces drives architectural

design from the outset of every one of our design projects at Vita

Architecture. It is however, usually, the most expensive part of a construction

project. Here are our 3 key tips on how to get the most out of glass...

Step 1:

Orientation

In the UK it’s typically preferred

to utilise glass on the south-facing

facade to maximise sunlight coming

into the building. In such a scenario,

you’ll have to strike a careful balance

between sunlight and shading, as an

unprotected glass facade can lead to

solar glare as well as overheating to

the internal space. Bear this in mind

when designing and consider how

you’ll integrate shading/blinds/curtains

should the sun become too intense.

Step 2:

Balancing thermal efficiency with cost

In most buildings glass is typically

the weakest point when it comes to

thermal efficiency in the building

envelope, and to comply with building

regulations, careful planning must go

into designing a thermally efficient

home with high levels of glazing

without sky rocketing your build costs.

There are of course new technologies

such as triple glazing and energy

efficient glass, but very often these will

come at a premium. The more cost

effective way of building a thermally

efficient home is to use increased

levels of insulation in the floors, roof,

walls or even the existing house. This

will be considerably cheaper than

buying super-efficient glazing whilst

maintaining a healthy thermal envelope.

Step 3:

Ask the architect to get the details right

When designing with glass an attentive

eye to the detailing and specification

can pay dividends in the end product.

Simple moves such as choosing sliding

door systems with thin frames over

bi-fold doors with wider frames will

help to let natural daylight flood the

internal spaces and will also give a better

outlook from within. Another neat trick

is to design flush levels between internal

and external spaces with a continuous

material that flows between the two.

This will help to create a seamless

boundary between the inside and

outside.

Ben Lee is a partner at Vita Architecture, an architectural practice with a specialism in contemporary architecture.

To find out more, and explore projects that they’ve been involved with, call 020 8144 1737 or see vitaarchitecture.com.

The Oak Glasshouse Company

We design & build oak sunrooms, oak kitchen

extensions, oak orangeries and garden offices.

Please phone or email to request a brochure,

07522 544158, email info@theoakglasshouse.co.uk

www.theoakglasshouse.co.uk


Building with Glass:

The Projects

WT investigates the briefs behind three illuminating designs and how

they were brought to life by the teams involved in their construction

The Kitchen Extension

James Ransley


“Our client had lived in the original house

for more than 20 years but considered that

by today’s standards, whilst the house was in

a lovely setting, it felt dark and enclosed.

For five years before meeting us they had

been considering options for an extension,

but also had design problems as the main

brief was to put a new kitchen in the house

and let lots of light through into the existing

house. It was vital that the extension must

not make the existing kitchen space darker,

therefore the existing wall was demolished to

link the kitchen with the new light space.

Given the space around the house they wanted

to improve views of the garden and feel the

benefit of that exterior space even when indoors.

The main frame of the building was

an oak frame incorporating two large

‘A’ frames in the roof structure.

The glazing used was 28mm toughened

double glazed units, argon filled to U value

1.2. Glazing oak buildings is a specialist area

as you need to allow for the potential for the

beams to move as they continue to dry. It is

important to allow for this movement as part of

the glazing system. The roof tiles were clay.”

07522 544158 theoakglasshouse.co.uk

Project info

To supply and

install the main

oak structure

(on foundations

prepared by the

client), glaze the

building and

erect the roof

buildings usually

cost in the region

of £1,000 per

sqm + VAT



The Conservatory

Charles Page, Architect

“Two main criteria formed the brief; firstly, the desire to

extend the house to create additional space and, secondly,

the ambition that this space should be wrapped in glass and

extend out into the garden with views to the countryside

beyond. The existing house is Grade II Listed which

added a further level of complexity to the project.

The nature of the old farmhouse, dating back to the 16th

century, helped drive the form of the new extension, its low

ceilings highlighting an opportunity for the new room to offer a

generosity not found in the older parts of the house. The design

was also inspired by the geometry of greenhouses found in walled

gardens with the strong form of their single pitch roofs. So the new

extension rises from the constraints of the existing house, linking

the kitchen with a floor to ceiling height of 2.1m and climbing in

height as it reaches into the garden to an internal height of 3.2m

at its apex. From within, not only does the space have a generous

quality, it also maximises the views to the countryside beyond.

The extension is formed of a laminated oak frame with

bolted connections, a contemporary interpretation of the oak

beams within the oldest part of the house. Fine steel frame

windows reference the casement windows on the existing

building and a brick plinth echoes that of the main house. A

patinated copper cladding completes the extension, a playful

transition from the house to the green of the garden

beyond, that will continue to weather with time.”

Project info

Architect: Charles Page 07789 741255 charlesrussellpage.co.uk

Structural Engineer: Structure Modestructuremode.com

Contractor: Marc Construction 01797 344293

Products: Windows: Crittall crittall-windows.co.uk

Copper: KME TECU kmetecuuk.com

wealdentimes.co.uk

12

The finest of British

Country Outbuildings

From Passmores - Est 1909

The ideal home for your

daily run around or classic car

OAK FRONTED

CARRIAGE HOUSES

AND STAND ALONE

TIMBER GARAGES

View our picture gallery on line

for ideas and inspiration.

Excellent range and service.

HIGH STREET, STROOD

ROCHESTER, KENT ME2 4DR

Est 1909

Tel: 01634 290033

For further information visit : www.passmores.co.uk

PassmoresWT171.indd 1 11/04/2016 HamletBuildingsWT169.indd 10:53

1 29/01/2016 14:20

For all your bespoke glass needs

• Shower Screens • Bath Screens

• Coloured glass splashbacks

• Toughened Glass • Glass balustrades

• Glass fl oors • Double/triple glazed

sealed units • Shelves • Roof panels

• Glass for woodburning stoves

• Glass furniture made to your design

• Well tops • Antique/standard mirror

stocked - cut to shape/size

• Offi ce Partitions • Horticultural glass

• (Supply only) Bi-fold doors, composite

doors, uPVC windows, doors

& conservatories

Trade enquiries welcome

01233 626045

www.cpglassandwindows.co.uk

info@cpglassandwindows.co.uk


CPGlassWT181.indd 1 15/02/2017 10:20

monarchoak

Oak Frame Buildings

Over 50 years’ experience making oak frame buildings

Design, Extension, Renovation, Conversion, New Build,

Maintenance from a blocked gutter to a new roof.

All work carried out by our team of experienced craftsmen.

T: 01797 225950 / 01892 891874

www.jonraybuilding.co.uk M: 07778 808 950

• Garages

• Garden Rooms

• Complexes

• Gazebos

• Bespoke Buildings

01323 765410 Quality in its finest form

www.monarchoak.co.uk

Design & Planning · Restoration · Extensions

JonRayWT149.indd 1 23/06/2014 MonarchOakWT147.indd 12:19

1 15/04/2014 15:06

Barn Conversions · New Build · Joinery

01580 850307 07799 766248

hazelwoodbuilding.co.uk info@hazelwoodbuilding.co.uk

wealdentimes.co.uk

14

HazelwoodWT183.indd 1 19/04/2017 15:31

Palettes

Make-up

Josephine Fairley finds out whether the latest colour collections are

worth the investment, and how to choose the right one for you

Beauty

Twice a year, shiny, bright new toys appear

on the make-up counters – or

rather, the beauty equivalent:

palettes filled with pretty, eye-catching

unicorn-esque shades, perhaps dustings of

sparkle. They are deeply, deeply seductive.

And the fact is, they’ll probably end up at the

back of the toy cupboard (a.k.a. the make-up

drawer), unplayed-with after an initial burst

of enthusiasm during which you discover

that emerald green, aqua or (heaven forbid)

glimmering pink really aren’t that easy to wear. And

if that isn’t the case – well, you’re probably 17.

But that’s no reason to give make-up palettes a

wide berth in general. They can be time- and

space-saving – if you choose carefully. I’m

sure I’m not the only woman who’s wasted

ridiculous amounts of time opening and

closing identical single shadows to try to find

the one I’m looking for because the identifying

label on the back has been scuffed off in my

make-up bag. So a palette which combines

all you need for an eye look, or better still

throws in the perfect tone of blusher, can

be just a little bit life-changing, actually.

But let’s set some guidelines, here. First of

all, never buy a palette because you like just

one or two of the shades. The whole line-up has

to float your boat – or you’ll find yourself carrying

round a chunky quartet in which one corner’s

been used down to the metal, while carrying

around the ‘excess baggage’ of the other three

shades (and a heavy mirror, to boot). Secondly,

I sort of think there ought to be a law that eye

make-up is only produced in neutral shades

– browns, taupes, greys, ivories and creams,

maybe a soft plum or two. The colours of

actual shadows, actually. It is almost impossible

– unless you are a professional make-up artist

– to make brighter colours, or even unusual

‘sludges’, sit well on the skin. Therefore, any

eye palette you decide to buy should essentially

feature neutral shades. (That’s not quite true of

lips: for lots of us, deep burgundies and reds can be a signature.)

I’ve swept my brushes over a lot of palettes, in my time – the

equivalent of kissing a lot of frogs – but have consistently had

success with Bobbi Brown. . Their counter should always be your

first port of call for palette-shopping and a particular favourite

of mine is the double-decker Bobbi Brown

Sultry Nude Eye & Cheek Palette, £48,

which features a great line-up of basics with a

complexion-awakening blusher on the bottom

‘deck’. (It’s also a great starter set for a teenager

who you’re trying to keep away from My

Little Pony-like colours and textures.)

Adored by beauty editors everywhere,

meanwhile, are the

Urban Decay Naked

palettes – the newest of which is the

Naked3

Eyeshadow Palette, £39.50.

With 12 shades it showcases everything

you could possibly wish for any look

ranging from a soft wash of barely-there neutral

colour right through to an intense smoky

eye, spanning smooth mattes to gleaming

metallics for an ‘accent’ of shimmer.

Probably impractical to lug around

– but nevertheless it is a complete

eye kit, in one – and the powders are

famously velvety and easy-to-blend, with

great staying power. As palette brushes

go (and they do usually go straight in the

bin), theirs offers good blendability, too.

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Natural

Eyeshadow Palette, £TBC, is the most

brilliant new palette of what I call ‘weekend’

eyeshadows – a spectrum of five neutrals for

can’t-tell-it-from-real shadowplay when you

want a little extra help but rocking a seriously

smoky eye is going to be overkill. Four great

nudes, in a sexy

Chanel palette. Nothing – but

nothing – not to love about this (including,

of course, the beige double-C-ed packaging).

And I’m also loving

Estée Lauder Pure Color

Envy Sculpting EyeShadow 5-Color Palette,

£40, in Defiant Nude – a completely brilliant

selection of plush-textured neutrals. Unlike

most websites, by the way, where you really

don’t get a clue what colours look like in

reality, the photos of this palette (which

comes in several neutral options) are really

true to life if you check them out at

esteelauder.co.uk.

If you can’t find a combination of tones that you like, the

alternative is to build your own palette. At the luxe end of

the spectrum, there is Chantecaille

Ma Palette – a glamorous

empty case that enables you to interchange any eight colours

from the Chantecaille collection including Shine Eye


Specialists in Traditional Oak Framed Buildings

AT SACKVILLE OAK FRAMES, WE GUARANTEE THAT OUR WORK IS CONSIDERED,

COMPOSED & NOT MASS-PRODUCED. OUR WORK WILL NURTURE, SUPPORT

& ENHANCE YOUR HOME ENVIRONMENT.

Sackville Oak Frames are specialists in Oak Framed Buildings; including Houses & New Builds,

Extensions & Garden Rooms and Garages & Outbuildings. Call us on 01580 212106 or visit our

website to get in touch and find out how we can help you with your project.

W W W . S A C K V I L L E O A K F R A M E S . C O . U K

Find us on Instagram

@sackvilleoakframes

T R A D I T I O N A L | S U S T A I N A B L E | H A N D C R A F T E D


“We simply couldn’t have wished

for more; all aspects have far

exceeded our expectations;

craftsmanship, the like of which

I didn’t think still truly existed.”

Private client, Kent

Renovation

Project:

The Oak

Frame

Paul Cresswell,

Sackville Oak Frames

The brief: “Sackville Oak Frames were commissioned to design and build an oak

framed roof structure to replace an existing dilapidated roof. The existing stone

oast roundel and barn had previously been re-roofed at some point in the past with

a single straight run roof which needed to be replicated for planning purposes.

Our client wanted to enhance the character of the property, whilst celebrating

the history of the once working oast. Due to the fragile existing stone walls, the

oak frame needed to distribute the roof loading evenly without having any point

loads or transverse loads acting upon the walls. With limited head height and

two different levels on the first floor, a tie beam truss would not give the required

height needed. The roof shape and pitch had to match the old derelict roof.”

The finished oak frame: “The roof frame is a green oak principal rafter frame,

with softwood common rafters over and a warm roof construction. Due to the

height restrictions on the first floor, an arch brace truss was used. The roof frame

cantilevers out over the oast roundel and forms a full glazed gable to match the

existing roof. The glazed gable over the roundel was glazed with 24mm toughened,

LowE units. The glass was fitted onto the frame using our proven direct glazing

system that we have developed over many years; in essence, the system relies

on cleverly profiled sole plates and quarter sawn air-dried oak cover strips.”

Frame cost: £25,000 (as of 2016). 01580 212106 sackvilleoakframes.co.uk


Design & Planning

Restoration

New Build

Barn Conversions

Extensions

Joinery

Cox Developments (Charing) Limited

www.coxrestorations.co.uk

For a free consultation please contact: 01233 714950

www.coxrestorations.co.uk

Established 1986

Renovation

Project:

The House

in France

Jay Cross,

Cross Builders

Why do your customers ask you to renovate holiday homes in France? “Many of

our English customers have used French builders in the past but there were reports

of problems ‘in translation’ and major projects were sometimes left incomplete.

One customer had instructed French builders to renew her roof. A few months

later, the roof had sprung a leak and brought down two elaborate lime and

horsehair period ceilings. We repaired the roof and re-plastered the ceilings but

discovered that the French builders had forgotten to install a breather membrane.

Our customers prefer to use our services because we send photos and regular

updates by email so they can make informed decisions about priority repairs.

Because we use French materials such as Sable blanc and local Châtaigne

(chestnut timber) our customers know that their home is being renovated

with appropriate materials so it will look correct and authentic.”

What do customers like about your services? “We restored a 17th century

country cottage on the edge of a forest and stripped the beams back to reveal

their true colour. Wild bees had made their home in the ceiling of one of the

bedrooms and the scent of the forest honey had permeated the timber with its

sweet fragrance. The bedroom has a natural honey scent and we used beeswax

to enrich the timber beams so our renovation work did not detract or alter

the natural fragrance of the bedroom. Our customers like the way we work in

sympathy with the original features to really make the most of a character home.”

What has been your proudest moment? “In 2015 we were awarded STEM

accreditation from KCC. This means that we have a sustainable approach to

building and renovating homes so there is far less reliance on burning fossil

fuels to keep the home warm. Professor Jane Rendell introduced us to a Frenchmade

reflective quilt product which was originally designed to keep wealthy

villa owners’ homes cool in summer. We have been using the same product in

the UK to keep draughty and cold homes warm and reduce heating bills. We

now encourage homeowners to consider installing Thermaline when they are

embarking on renovations. This product feels warm to the touch and re-lines

unsightly uneven interior walls, making them warmer, smoother and drier.”

What types of properties do you renovate? “Over the past few years we

have repaired tiny cottages with stone roofs in the Dordogne, restored a lovely

apricot-coloured villa near St Jean de Luz in the South West of France, a

former 1930s hotel near Carcassonne and re-roofed a retirement property – a

huge remote country farmhouse in Brittany. All sorts of holiday homes in

different parts of France, from the North right down to the Mediterranean.

Is language a barrier? “Two members of staff are now fluent French

speakers so there is no problem in going to the local builders’ merchants

and ordering sacks of plaster and timber. Our new trainee is learning

French and I have been having French lessons every Saturday in Canterbury

with Fabienne – a French teacher who lives permanently in the UK.”

01303 211805 cross-builders.co.uk


Traditional Craftsmanship

for Modern Applications

SPECIALIST PLANNING ADVICE

Residential Development

and Extensions

Listed Buildings

Equestrian

Permitted Development

Planning Appeals

Agri Business

Certificate of Lawfulness

Rural Buildings

Objections

Local Plan Submission

CRANBROOK

01580 201888

01580 715378

Helping to Unlock the

Potential of Your Land,

Buildings & Assets

www.therpp.co.uk

office@therpp.co.uk

CIRENCESTER

01285 719568

Garages & Porches

Garden Buildings

Homes & Extensions

Quality Buildings at

Competitive Prices

chartwelloakbuildings.co.uk

Call for a quote 01959 447477

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

Back From Black

Beam Renovation Ltd

Renovating Beams Since 1997

RuralPlanningPracticeWT180.indd 1 13/01/2017 ChartwellOakBuildingsWT177.indd 10:01

1 14/10/2016 10:51

All beams renovated without mess

A unique system - No blasting

No damage to the wood

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

wealdentimes.co.uk

20

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


Total Rejuvenation

Nicholas Sinclair from Back From Black Beam Renovation

Ltd explains how his company’s unique system can give

your property’s beams a facelift

AFTER

BEFORE

What do you do? “We restore oak

beams using a special beam renovation

process invented in the Cotswolds

by my parents back in 1997.”

How does your process work?

“Our process works by lightening the

beams without the need for blasting

or stripping. It’s a unique process

which offers a viable alternative to

sandblasting, chemical or mechanical

stripping without damage to the fabric

of the beam and surrounding décor.

Our team applies a special recipe

directly onto the existing surface (glossy,

matt, painted, varnished, stained,

mismatched, pine wood, fire damaged

or any other beamed surface).”

Is it messy? “There is no mess, we

work in fully furnished houses and

have hundreds of happy clients.”

Does it work on all types of

beams? “Yes, it works on all types.

We do work in listed houses as well

as in Potton homes that have been

built since 1980. Our process helps to

harmonise even mismatched timber

in a room. As it retains the historic

fabric and all the features of the wood,

it is therefore very suitable to use on

old beams in period properties.”

What type of problems do you

come up against? “Mostly it’s

judging people’s taste which is why

we have developed three main finishes

to choose from. These we call ‘The

Aged Oak Finish’ (our most popular),

‘The Warm Oak Finish’ (a warmer

finish) and ‘The Pippa Grey’ (a

weathered oak finish very popular for

people with contemporary tastes).”

What’s the most satisfying

project you’ve ever worked on?

“That is a very tough question! We

have worked in beautiful properties all

over England and throughout France.

We deliver a high level of satisfaction –

rooms are genuinely transformed and

the clients are so nice: their houses have

so much history. The most satisfying

project has to be doing my own house.

We had the good fortune to buy a small

12th century hall house. Revealing

the character of the property to make

it truly beautiful, and then being able

to live in it... nothing can beat that!”

How much does it cost? “How

long is a piece of string? The houses

we work in are all different. I can truly

say in my years of doing this I have

never been to any identical houses!

One client referred to her farmhouse

as ‘the house that Jack built’ – bits

here, bits there. We price the work

according to the room size and the

amount of beams in that room. We ask

potential clients for room dimensions

and a photograph showing as much

of the room as possible, to be sent

to nick@beam-renovation.co.uk.”

See examples of the three

main finishes on offer at

beamrenovation.com. You can also view

Back From Black’s work at the Potton

show homes in St. Neots at potton.

co.uk/our-show-homes/cambridgeshire/

the-gransden/. Find out more by calling

01797 458508 beam-renovation.com

AFTER

BEFORE


www.elliottreid.co.uk


Round Wood of Mayfield offer

a range of oak framed garden

rooms that will blend beautifully

with any property. All frames are

crafted using traditional framing

techniques, including mortise and

tenon joints. The building shown

features oak weatherboard, oak

joinery and a glazed hip. Garden

room prices depend on a wide

variety of factors, but a kit range is

on offer from Round Wood with

prices starting at £6,000 (supply

only). For more info. 01435 860260

roundwood.com. Round Wood of

Mayfield are offering WT readers

and Midsummer Fair visitors the

chance to win one of seven prizes

at the event this June at Hole

Park, Rolvenden (wealdentimes.

co.uk/events). One lucky winner

will receive a £1,000 gift voucher

to spend on anything in their

range. There will also be a second

prize voucher of £500, with five

runners up receiving £100 prizes.

To enter, just visit them on stand

O21 to fill out a competition form.

Let’s Go Outside

Beautify your outdoor living space

Flower & plant cushions,

£49.50 each, Botanical

Cushions botanicalcushions.com

Indoor/outdoor rug,

from £4, Dash & Albert

dashandalberteurope.com

Millboard’s composite decking is a new

generation of innovative anti-slip and

maintenance-free external flooring. It

looks as beautiful and warm as natural

timber, but with no wood content – so

will stand the test of time. Made in the

UK, the unique blend of polymer resin

and fibres is an environmentally friendly

alternative to traditional timber decking.

gardenhousedesign.co.uk

Multicoloured outdoor

LED cube table/stool,

£240 limelace.co.uk


Restoration

& New Build


Directory

Architects & PLANNING

Robinson Waters 01580 754806

robinsonwaters.co.uk

The Rural Planning Practice

01580 201888 / 01580 715378

/ 01285 719568 therpp.co.uk

BEAM RENOVATION

Back from Black Beam Renovation Ltd.

01797 458508 beam-renovation.co.uk

BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION

SERVICES

Anthony Hicks 01797 366895

anthony-hicks.co.uk

A.T. Palmer Ltd.

01233 770077 atpalmer.co.uk

Chartwell Oak Buildings 01959

447477 chartwelloakbuildings.co.uk

Cox Restorations 01233

714950 coxrestorations.co.uk

Dude & Arnette Oast

Cowell Construction

01622 725898 / 07973 332790

dudeandarnette.co.uk

GJ Alldis Building Services 01233

513498 / 07975 540504

Hamlet 0800 08 59 699

hamletbuildings.co.uk

Hazelwood Building Contractors

01580 850307 / 07799 766248

hazelwoodbuilding.co.uk

Johnsons Garden Buildings

0845 45 99 444 needextraspace.co.uk

Jon Ray Buildings Ltd. 01797 225950

/ 01892 891874 jonraybuilding.co.uk

Monarch Oak 01323 765410

monarchoak.co.uk


07522 544158 theoakglasshouse.co.uk

Passmores 01634 290033 passmores.co.uk

Sackville Oak Frames 01580

212106 sackvilleoakframes.co.uk

CONSERVATORIES

Elliot Reid Conservatories Ltd.

01323 833924 elliottreid.co.uk

DOORS, WINDOWS &

ROOF LANTERNS

CP Glass 01233 626045

cpglassandwindows.co.uk

KSE Home 01622 851400 /

07973 669590 ksehome.co.uk

pools

XL Pools 0845 206 0420 xlpools.com

ROOFING

Karl Terry 01797 270268 kentpegs.com

Established 25 Years, Family Business

01622 851400 07973 669590

Visit Our Showroom - 4 Ashmill Business Park, Ashford Road (A20), Lenham ME17 2GQ

Bi-fold Doors Roof Lanterns Composite Doors

ksehome.co.uk

wealdentimes.co.uk

24

KSEHomeImprovementsWT183.indd 1 21/04/2017 17:52

Dude and Arnette are a fourth family generation family

business. Our team specialises in restoring and repairing

cowls – the distinctive chimneys on the top of Oast houses.

est

DUDE &

ARNETTE

OAST COWL CONSTRUCTION

We are the UK’s leading restorer and repairer of traditional Kent hop kilns.

From royalty to businesses and regular homeowners, we have been the

go-to Oast house repair company for over seven decades.

Why not call us today for a discussion about your oast cowl:

01622 725 898 / 07973 332 790 or info@dudeandarnette.co.uk

Employed Skilled Workforce | Renovations & Extensions

Conversions & Alterations | Design & Build

Dude&ArnetteWT174.indd 1 15/07/2016 12:22

A.T. Palmer Ltd

RestoRation specialists est.1949

T: 01233 770077

Smarden Business Estate, TN27 8QL

atpalmer.co.uk


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

Hello Tailor!

Photographs: David Merewether Styling: Helen Barton

Model: Thomas Location: The Historic Dockyard Chatham

wealdentimes.co.uk

128

waistcoat & jacket, £225, Olymp stripe

shirt, £69.50, Magee blue trousers, £119,

Barker Cohen shoes, £225, County

Clothes, Canterbury 01227 765294 /

Tenterden 01580 765159 / Reigate 01737

249224 countyclothesmenswear.co.uk


further ado here it is.

• We are launching a fetching new website which parades our shoes and our new canvas and leather

accessories in all their glory

• We have introduced a new welted Collection in all of our styles so whether you are a Loafer, Brogue or Oxford

type of man there is a welted shoe for you

• We have now a very limited number of Cordovan leather loafers. Genuine Horween leather is exceedingly rare,

immensely tough and exceptionally beautiful. We never know when more will be available and we want to give you

the opportunity of being able to buy them ahead of the rest.

So there’s our news. We hope you agree it is captivating. All the details are in the enclosed limited

edition leaflet.

Varca is a unique brand

redefining traditional

handcrafted European designs

to the British lifestyle.

Specialising in the Menorcan

sandal, their collection also

includes Italian Loafers, clothing

and new Mediterranean

footwear designs.

We like to think that Billy Ruffians are an enthusiastic and eclectic group of individuals full of zes

for life’s great adventures. As such we know that you are very busy but do take time to keep in

touch and feel free to spread our word.

We’re always on hand in the Boathouse, so please call on us soon on 01234 816820.

Yours aye

Nicholas Tusting

Shoes and accessories for men

01903 746677 www.varca.com

Unit 3 Spring Buildings, Robell Way

Storrington, West Sussex, RH20 3DW

BILLYRUFFIANSHOES.CO.UK

+44 (0) 1234 816820

CAN WE HELP +44 (0) 1234 816820

WWW.BILLYRUFFIANSHOES.CO.

VarcaWT183.indd 1 12/04/2017 BillyRuffianWT183.indd 10:57

1 03/04/2017 10:42

The Boot

Room at

Charity Farm

is now open!

Swattenden Lane | Cranbrook | TN17 3PS

01580 713189

www.charityfarmcountrystore.co.uk

Come and see

Oscar nominated

Bafta winning

Shuna at her shop

in Heathfield

Market

Men’s and women’s

vintage clothing

and accessories

Tuesday mornings and by appointment

01435 883394 or 07831 258582

shuna

¹ @btinternet.com

1920s–1960s items always wanted. Also Chinese

embroidered clothes, Ossie Clark, Biba.

wealdentimes.co.uk

130

CharityFarmWT183.indd 1 11/04/2017 ShunasVintageClothesWT182.indd 09:47

1 17/03/2017 13:24

Hugo Boss Norwin jacket, £480,

Bevan trousers, £139, stripe shirt,

£129, Fenwick, Tunbridge Wells

01892 516716 fenwick.co.uk

Abi Gurney Hat Hire

By appointment only...

Hawkhurst-No6 The Collonade Rye Road Kent. TN184ES

01580 752118

Rye- No12 High Street Rye East Sussex. TN317JF

01797 224369

Lewes -27 High Street Lewes East Sussex. BN72LU

01273 480896

www.abigurneyhathire.co.uk

01825 713448

abigurneyhathire@gmail.com

Now open in Heathfield!

CordeliaJamesWT183.indd 1 18/04/2017 AbiGurneyWT183.indd 10:20

1 04/04/2017 16:22

o.

N 37

We are an independent womenswear boutique in

Heathfield High Street, offering quality clothing and

accessories, with collections chosen for their comfort,

style and versatility from brands including:

Masai ∙ Adini ∙ Sahara ∙ Cutloose ∙ InTown

Capri ∙ Eva TraLaLa ∙ Join Clothes ∙ Brodie ∙ GR

Nature ∙ Amazing Woman ∙ Ochre Knitwear

We look forward to welcoming you to browse in our

relaxed friendly atmosphere.

N˚37 High Street Heathfield East Sussex TN21 8HU ∙ 01435 868414

wealdentimes.co.uk

132

No37-WT183.indd 1 12/04/2017 15:50

Digel black trousers, £95, Olymp

black shirt, £69.50, County Clothes,

Canterbury 01227 765294 / Tenterden

01580 765159 / Reigate 01737 249224

countyclothesmenswear.co.uk

Barker Cohen shoes, £225,

County Clothes, as before

Claudio Lugli grey waist coat &

jacket, £275, Profuomo brown

leather belt, £60, MMX jeans,

£129, Liberty print tie, £29.50,

Olymp white shirt, £59.50, Barker

Harry shoes, £250, County

Clothes, Canterbury 01227

765294 / Tenterden 01580

765159 / Reigate 01737 249224


The Clever Dresser

Boutique stocks

some of the most

sought-after brands

of the moment

cashmere and silk knitwear

Alice + Olivia

Rebecca Taylor

DVF Diane Von

Furstenberg

MCQ McQueen

Milly New York

Duffy

360 cashmere

AG jeans

Mercy Delta

Pyrus

CleverDresser

6 Bank St. Sevenoaks,

Kent TN13 1UW

01732 453 002

www.thecleverdresser.com

THE CLEVER DRESSER

BOUTIQUE

Come and browse our new

Spring/Summer Collections

Exclusive to Cashara-

Moutaki Shirt £95

23 High Street, Tenterden TN30 6BJ

Telephone 01580 761222 Email sales@cashara.co.uk

Shop online at www.cashara.co.uk

STYLISH SHOES FOR STYLISH FEET

CleverDresserBoutiqueWT180.indd 1 16/01/2017 CasharaWT183.indd 16:32

1 10/04/2017 11:27

purely beauty

Beauty Salon Hawkhurst

Spring Special Offer

Limited Edition

Spa Pedicure or Manicure

Spa Manicure - £25

Spa Pedicure £30

Or Both for - £50

Valid Until June 1st

Inspired by afternoon tea

Flavours and scents these luxurious

Treatments are the ultimate spring treat.

These deluxe treatments include

Cut, file and shape of the nail, exfoliation using a

Lemon drizzle salt scrub,

Cuticle work with a cucumber balm,

Massage using a Victoria sponge inspired body oil,

Finished with an O.P.I colour.

Call 01580 753383

Book Online www.purenique.co.uk

Hawkhurst, TN18 4JU


PureniqueWT183.indd 1 06/04/2017 ManukaShoesWT183.indd 12:37

1 12/04/2017 12:22

QUALITY CLOTHING AND A PERSONAL SERVICE

New Weather Comfort Collection from

Barbour available in store & online

Tel: 01797 224271

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

e: shop@thegoldenfleece.co.uk

w: www.thegoldenfleece.co.uk

@goldenfleecerye

MEYER-HOSEN, established

in 1960 in Germany, are

producers of high quality

formal and casual trousers

of European manufacture.

Using some of the finest

fabrics , and only cottons

bearing the Fair Trade

Certification Mark MEYER

trousers are renowned for their

Quality, Comfort, Style and Fit.

This Spring/Summer season’s

ranges comprise ultra lightweight

wool blends, sand washed cotton,

pima cottons and kapok, in a bright

colour palette, with two-tone

and over-dyed fabrics, contrasted

by trims and summery linings.

MEYER ensures QUALITY that its CLOTHING products AND of showing A PERSONAL you the new SERVICE MEYER

have a high-quality of finish, a collection, together with the

good fit throughout all sizes other ranges of exciting summer

and are comfortable to wear. clothing we have to offer.

19 St. Margarets St,

Canterbury,

Kent CT1 2TH

Tel: 01227 765294

Follow us

• New store NOW OPEN in Sevenoaks

• Celebrating 40 years trading in Kent

CountyClothes

We are pleased to offer a

comprehensive range of MEYER

trousers in all three of our stores,

with sizes from 32 to 46 waist in

many ranges, and very much look

forward to having the opportunity

2 East Cross,

Tenterden,

Kent TN30 6AD

Tel: 01580 765159

6 High St,

Reigate,

Surrey RH2 9AY

Tel: 01737 249224

LOVELL & VIE

lingerie swimwear

Shersby

GoldenFleeceWT183.indd 1 10/04/2017 CountyClothesWT183.indd 17:02

1 12/04/2017 11:22

FINE JEWELLERS

Aubade

PrimaDonna

Empreinte

Marie Jo

Wacoal

b.tempt'd

Chantelle

Fantasie

Hanro

Huit8

DKNY

Moontide

Lidea

Hanky Panky

46 Holly Bush Lane, Sevenoaks TN13 3TL

01732 454445 www.lovellandvie.co.uk

George Cottage, High Street, Cranbrook

Cranbrook has free car parking

www.shersbyjewellers.co.uk Telephone: 01580 720003

shersbyjewellers@aol.com Find us on Facebook

wealdentimes.co.uk

136

LovellAndVieWT183.indd 1 10/04/2017 ShersbyJewellersWT182.indd 17:13

1 08/03/2017 17:01

Ted Baker Malibu jacket, £259, Maltro

trousers, £119, Scotch & Soda stripe shirt,

£95, Fenwick, Tunbridge Wells 01892

516716 fenwick.co.uk

Come and get

dressed at

We have some GREAT ideas for holiday clothes

For all

SHAPES

and sizes in linens, silks & cotton

With a w i d e range of accessories and

wraps to go with them, as well as something a

little more dressy for drinks on the patio!

Opening Hours: Tuesday—Friday 10.30am—5pm

Saturday 10.30am—3.30pm

44 High Street, Charing, Kent TN27 0HX 01233 714689

Linda Pope

Opticians

Elizabeth44WT183.indd 1 19/04/2017 SMEWconsultancyWT183.indd 11:46

1 03/04/2017 12:21

facebook.com/LindaPopeOpticians

Rye Road • Hawkhurst

Telephone. 01580 753744

dressing undeniable beauty

www.odyl.co.uk

01580 714907

wealdentimes.co.uk

138

LindapopeQRTWT183.indd 1 18/04/2017 OdylWT183.indd 16:16 1 21/04/2017 11:35

John Smedley knit polo shirt,

£115, knit cardigan, £150, Fynch-

Hatton trousers, £89, County

Clothes, Canterbury 01227

765294 / Tenterden 01580

765159 / Reigate 01737 249224


WT would like to say a huge

thank you to The Historic

Dockyard Chatham for

allowing our team to come and

photograph for the afternoon.

For information about upcoming

events, and to book tickets,

visit thedockyard.co.uk

or call 01634 823800.

wealdentimes.co.uk

140

Palettes

Make-up

Josephine Fairley finds out whether the latest colour collections are

worth the investment, and how to choose the right one for you

Beauty

Twice a year, shiny, bright new toys appear

on the make-up counters – or

rather, the beauty equivalent:

palettes filled with pretty, eye-catching

unicorn-esque shades, perhaps dustings of

sparkle. They are deeply, deeply seductive.

And the fact is, they’ll probably end up at the

back of the toy cupboard (a.k.a. the make-up

drawer), unplayed-with after an initial burst

of enthusiasm during which you discover

that emerald green, aqua or (heaven forbid)

glimmering pink really aren’t that easy to wear. And

if that isn’t the case – well, you’re probably 17.

But that’s no reason to give make-up palettes a

wide berth in general. They can be time- and

space-saving – if you choose carefully. I’m

sure I’m not the only woman who’s wasted

ridiculous amounts of time opening and

closing identical single shadows to try to find

the one I’m looking for because the identifying

label on the back has been scuffed off in my

make-up bag. So a palette which combines

all you need for an eye look, or better still

throws in the perfect tone of blusher, can

be just a little bit life-changing, actually.

But let’s set some guidelines, here. First of

all, never buy a palette because you like just

one or two of the shades. The whole line-up has

to float your boat – or you’ll find yourself carrying

round a chunky quartet in which one corner’s

been used down to the metal, while carrying

around the ‘excess baggage’ of the other three

shades (and a heavy mirror, to boot). Secondly,

I sort of think there ought to be a law that eye

make-up is only produced in neutral shades

– browns, taupes, greys, ivories and creams,

maybe a soft plum or two. The colours of

actual shadows, actually. It is almost impossible

– unless you are a professional make-up artist

– to make brighter colours, or even unusual

‘sludges’, sit well on the skin. Therefore, any

eye palette you decide to buy should essentially

feature neutral shades. (That’s not quite true of

lips: for lots of us, deep burgundies and reds can be a signature.)

I’ve swept my brushes over a lot of palettes, in my time – the

equivalent of kissing a lot of frogs – but have consistently had

success with Bobbi Brown. . Their counter should always be your

first port of call for palette-shopping and a particular favourite

of mine is the double-decker Bobbi Brown

Sultry Nude Eye & Cheek Palette, £48,

which features a great line-up of basics with a

complexion-awakening blusher on the bottom

‘deck’. (It’s also a great starter set for a teenager

who you’re trying to keep away from My

Little Pony-like colours and textures.)

Adored by beauty editors everywhere,

meanwhile, are the

Urban Decay Naked

palettes – the newest of which is the

Naked3

Eyeshadow Palette, £39.50.

With 12 shades it showcases everything

you could possibly wish for any look

ranging from a soft wash of barely-there neutral

colour right through to an intense smoky

eye, spanning smooth mattes to gleaming

metallics for an ‘accent’ of shimmer.

Probably impractical to lug around

– but nevertheless it is a complete

eye kit, in one – and the powders are

famously velvety and easy-to-blend, with

great staying power. As palette brushes

go (and they do usually go straight in the

bin), theirs offers good blendability, too.

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Natural

Eyeshadow Palette, £TBC, is the most

brilliant new palette of what I call ‘weekend’

eyeshadows – a spectrum of five neutrals for

can’t-tell-it-from-real shadowplay when you

want a little extra help but rocking a seriously

smoky eye is going to be overkill. Four great

nudes, in a sexy

Chanel palette. Nothing – but

nothing – not to love about this (including,

of course, the beige double-C-ed packaging).

And I’m also loving

Estée Lauder Pure Color

Envy Sculpting EyeShadow 5-Color Palette,

£40, in Defiant Nude – a completely brilliant

selection of plush-textured neutrals. Unlike

most websites, by the way, where you really

don’t get a clue what colours look like in

reality, the photos of this palette (which

comes in several neutral options) are really

true to life if you check them out at

esteelauder.co.uk.

If you can’t find a combination of tones that you like, the

alternative is to build your own palette. At the luxe end of

the spectrum, there is Chantecaille

Ma Palette – a glamorous

empty case that enables you to interchange any eight colours

from the Chantecaille collection including Shine Eye


Sit-in Private

Care Service

Be it companionship or just someone to

sit with a relative, our Private Care Service

carers can come to your house and help.

Visits can be for as little as one hour or as

long as 15 hours. This help can form part

of a tailored package of care that could

help you stay in your own home for longer,

rather than going into a care home before

its really needed. We can assist those who

need help due to frailty, disability or illness

to live as independently as possible, with

comfort and dignity, in their own home.

www.townandcountryhomecare.co.uk

Domestic

Care

£9.77

per hour

For a free assessment

of your care needs or to

receive your brochure

Call us on 01580 762244

Town & Country Homecare Limited

102a High Street, Tenterden, Kent TN30 6HT

TownCountryHomecareWT133.indd 7 04/02/2013 DrChristineWT179.indd 16:20

1 09/12/2016 11:22

Concept

Hair

salon

Want a Career Change?

Take That Next Step &

learn the skills of Beauty Therapy at

Eden Beauty Therapy Institute

50 High Street, Tenterden 01580 762 564

Book online at www.williamcharleshair.co.uk

or through our facebook page

We offer GTI accredited courses in Beauty Therapy

Visit our website to find out more

www.edenbeautytherapy.co.uk

or call

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wealdentimes.co.uk

142

WilliamCharlesWT174.indd 3 05/07/2016 EdenBeautyTherapyWT182.indd 12:49

1 16/03/2017 13:07

Shades, Lasting Eye Shades and Cheek Shades – and it works

by magnets. (Also features a generous brush.) The palette

is £46, the refills £19.50 – but if that’s going to blow your

budget, check out M.A.C. Pro Palettes – a vast selection of

empty palettes ranging from two to nine slots for your chosen

shades, starting at just two quid for the smallest empty.

Of course, palettes aren’t just about eyes. My most-used

palette is probably Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and

Glow, £49 – the most wonderfully seamless, flattering bronzer

that I wear even in winter, accompanied by a shimmering

highlighter which I use on the inner corner of lids and on

brows to light up the face. It’s incredibly ‘buildable’ – so

in winter, just a touch; in summer, more sun-kissed.

I see less point in a lip palette, frankly. Most of us want to

slip a single shade into our handbags for a quick on-the-go

touch-up swipe – because who can be bothered to blend a load

of different colours or textures to get a so-called ‘perfect’ shade,

in our busy lives…? Lip palettes, then, are fine for keeping

on the dressing table – but on the go…? Just more work for

the chiropractor, lugging around all that weight. Having said

that, I am rather taken with the very affordable Maybelline

Lip Contour Palette, £9.99, in the suits-all-skintones Blushed

Bombshell line-up – or for lovers of reds, there’s Crimson

Vixen, featuring a primer, liner, gloss and more. Alternatively,

because lipstick choices are so, so personal, I like to smoosh my

lipsticks into a Perspex case to carry them around. Screenface’s

brilliant option appears to have been discontinued, but if

you input ‘empty lipstick case’ into eBay, several similar

alternatives come up which are very reasonably priced.

So the bottom line: if you’re really, truly, cross-yourheart

going to use all the shades – or can personalize an

empty case with the perfect colours and textures of your

preference – then the right palette can make an artist out of

anyone. But my advice remains: no matter how alluring their

glimmer, shimmer and rainbow-esque qualities, I suggest

you leave the ‘My Little Pony’ palettes to the under-20s.

Visit Jo Fairley and Sarah Stacey’s beautybible.com for

the latest health and beauty news

and product reviews.

GENTLE RELAXING YOGA FOR ALL

Would you like a relaxing moment of calm in

the comfort of your own home or office?

Feel totally refreshed,

relaxed and rejuvenated.

Not enough time? Then you

could benefit the most from

a moment of calm helping

you to focus more efficiently

in day to day life.

Quiet poses allow time for

your body to stretch and

release while encouraging

your thoughts to be swept

to the side and your mind to

become still.

My mobile studio means that

a large space isn’t necessary

and a chair yoga class offers

a full body relaxing stretch

without the need to stand up

or get down to the floor.

I have pre and postnatal

experience and babies and

children can be included.

Also, visit one of my noncompetitive

small group

classes for a complimentary

trial, where you will be

treated to a whole hour of

peaceful “you time” with

comfortable blankets, bolster

cushions and eye bags.

All equipment is provided.

• Home class 1 or 2

people - £30.

• Group home/office class

(3-12 people) - POA

• Group class £8 per

person or £30 for a

consecutive booking of

5 classes.

Call Kate: 07904 335562

allyogakent@gmail.com

Tailor made class for all

abilities and ages.

AllYogaKentWT183.indd 1 21/04/2017 17:29

Jasmine Homecare Services

Caring for people in their homes

Our private care offers the option to be looked after in the comfort of your

own home. Our carers are handpicked for the suitability of the job and are

highly trained to provide good old fashioned quality of care.

Jasmine carers can visit you in your home at times to suit

your daily routine.

It can be anything from 30 minutes to 1 hour or more

to help with everyday tasks.

We will talk to you about just what you want

and respect your wishes throughout.

Jasmine Homecare provide 24 hour on call services to ensure

that we are there when you need us.

We provide

✔ Personal care

✔ Visiting relatives or friends

✔ Cooking

✔ Sightseeing or leisure activities

✔ Shopping (together or for you) ✔ Visiting your G.P.

✔ Cleaning your home

✔ Over night care

✔ Assist with medication

✔ Live-in care

At Jasmine Care South East Ltd. we are proud to provide a trusted reliable service,

where you, our client is at the very centre of our focus.

To find out more please call our friendly team on

CRANBROOK: 01580 713 533 MAIDSTONE: 01622 759 946

Jasmine Care South East Ltd. offers services in the whole of Kent & East Sussex


JasmineHomecareWT174.indd 1 13/07/2016 11:02

Had enough with

being overweight?

Special offers

for May


Hands up all those

who feel they’re in

a constant battle to

achieve a healthy

and sustainable body

weight. How many

diets have you tried

and failed, feeling

totally frustrated and

not knowing what to

do next?

Having had a weight problem for 35

years, Rachel was desperate to find a

way of being able to lose weight once

and for all. ‘I had just about resigned

myself to the fact that I would be

overweight for the rest of my life,

when I came across the principles of

the Metabolic Weight Loss Programme. I followed these and to my

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

to successfully maintain my weight. The relief was enormous to

have found something that finally worked for me.’

Rachel became passionate about wanting to help as many people

as possible with their weight problems, which led her to become a

qualified weight loss consultant. In the last 13 years, she has helped

over 4,000 clients from all walks of life to help bring their dieting

days to an end once and for all. ‘My clients’ ages range from from 8

to 90 years old, so there is hope for everyone!’

One of the popular aspects of the Metabolic Weight Loss

Programme is there’s nothing faddish about it. There are no

meal replacements, diet shakes or diet pills. All the foods on

the programme are easily obtainable. Clients frequently say

just how easy it is to follow, they don’t feel hungry and are not

having to constantly battle with cravings. The four stages of the

programme are tailored as necessary to provide the maximum

results for each client.

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

you through the programme with personalised support, lots of

empathy and total conviction in the success of the programme.

Email support is available in between consultations.

Recent success

“I was desperate to lose

weight and you really were

my last resort. Thanks

to you and your team’s

wonderful support I lost

3 stone. I no longer get

out of breath and can

now run around after my

grandchildren! My blood

pressure and cholesterol are

finally in a normal range.

My doctor is delighted with

my health improvement and

so am I! I would recommend

the Metabolic Weight

Programme to anyone.”

Christine from Hampshire

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

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

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

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

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

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

Clients often comment on how impressed their doctors are with

their results. ‘My doctor is very happy– I’ve been able to come off

blood pressure and cholesterol medication,’ says one. Another

doctor said, ‘All my lady patients on thyroid medication are

struggling to lose weight, but you’ve lost 2 ½ stone despite being

on thyroxin – well done!’

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

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

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

lives change in front of me.’

Rachel offers free consultations for those who are

wanting to lose their weight once and for all.

Rachel Ricketts 01342 327396

Email rachel@rachelrickettsweightloss.co.uk

www.rachelrickettsweightloss.co.uk

Health & Beauty

Flex into May

Wealden Times talks to former Canadian figure skater, yoga and

Body Control Pilates teacher and founder of Popcycle, Jaime Cooke

do you have a beauty

regime? I start my day

with dry skin brushing to

stimulate the lymphatic

system, followed by a cold

flash shower to get the

circulation going and wake

me up! I don’t have a lot of

time in the morning as I

teach spin and Pilates most

days, so my face routine

is quick and easy. Environ

B-active is a perfect range

for keeping it simple. I start

with the Sebuwash followed

by Sebutone to prep the skin,

then AVST 5 face cream and

eye gel. After my ablutions,

I drink a large mug of hot

lemon water with a pinch

of pink Himalayan sea salt

to balance my body for

the day. I repeat the face

routine at the end of the

day as well – see simple!

do you have a particular

product you couldn’t live

without? My husband

bought me a tub of Guam

Salinated Algae from Liberty

a couple of years ago, and

now I am pretty much

hooked. Not only does it

smell amazing, but has a

high concentrate of algae,

which is great for detoxifying

Purely Rosey

Inika, the Australian organic

skincare company, has come

up with a handbag-sized pump

dispenser of 100% pure organic

and cold-pressed rosehip oil.

The list of beauty benefits of

this healing oil is impressive:

it’s rich in the essential fatty

acids omega 3 and 6 and the

antioxidant vitamins – A, C and

E6 – that fight signs of ageing.

Studies show that rosehip

and eliminating cellulite.

I mix it with Magnesium

flakes in my warm bath

to relax my muscles every

night before bed.

What’s your ultimate

pampering treat? I love

massages so much that I have

one every two weeks. A good

massage not only works into

the muscles, but also totally

relaxes the mind. It is the

only time I truly switch off,

unless I have loads of knots

in my calves, which can be

painful to release. Massage

is a bit like an MOT for

the body and not enough

people with postural stress

(from sitting at a desk)

realize the full benefits of

working into shoulder,

oil can also help minimise

scarring, redness and irritation

and promote healing, while

the antioxidant vitamin C

content helps increase collagen

production. Inika’s oil is easy

to use: one pump morning and

evening massaged into the face

leaves the skin feeling soothed

and nourished without a hint of

stickiness. £16 for 15ml from

inikaorganic.com

neck and back tension.

Who’s your style icon?

Charlize Theron is one of my

favourite women. Not only is

she a talented actor, but also

her work with the UN, PETA

and her own organization

CTAOP (Charlize Theron

Africa Outreach Project)

supporting African youth in

the fight against HIV/AIDS

proves she cares about the

world and has beauty within.

My favourite role of hers

was as Imperator Furiosa in

Mad Max: Fury Road, she

epitomizes feminism and

produces a strong female role

model – she also pulls off

a shaved head beautifully.

After having her three

children, Jaime founded

Popcycle in 2016. Her high

intensity classes and non-stop

energy are motivational and

challenging. Jaime will be

demonstrating Popcycle in

the Healthy Living Theatre,

sponsored by Benenden

Hospital, at Wealden Times

Midsummer Fair on Friday

9 June at 12pm and Saturday

10 June at 10.30am. Visit


for more information.

Ginger it up!

Originally from India and

China, the rhizome of the

ginger plant has been used in

cooking and as a medicine for

thousands of years. Its legion

of health benefits make it a

useful addition to any home

medicine chest. Drunk as a

tea, it helps alleviate symptoms

of colds and sore throats and

it’s very effective in easing

nausea and indigestion.

At a deeper level, ginger

contains powerful antiinflammatory

properties, or

gingerols. These inhibit the

formation of inflammation in

the immune system and have

proved particularly effective in

reducing the effects of osteo

and rheumatoid arthritis.

Ginger tea is a warming

and spicy alternative to

regular tea and a tasty way

to harness all the health

benefits that ginger brings.

Ginger Tea

Add a tsp of peeled and

grated fresh ginger to a mug

of boiling water. Allow to

infuse for 5 minutes and

enjoy. Add honey to sweeten

or a squeeze of lemon or

lime for a citrusy zing.


Visit our

stand for your

FREE

health check

Why put your life on

hold while you wait

for treatment?

Choosing Benenden Hospital as a private

patient means that you can rapidly access

safe treatment by our specialist consultants

and enjoy our modern and comfortable

facilities, allowing you to get back to your

active life as quickly as possible.

Benenden Hospital

offers a wide range of

treatments, including:

General surgery

Gynaecology

Respiratory

Urology

Orthopaedic

Gastroenterology

Call us on 01580 242 521 quote WT

www.benendenhospital.org.uk

The Benenden Hospital Trust is a company limited by guarantee. Reg in England 3454120. Reg charity 1065995.

Reg office, The Benenden Hospital Trust,Goddard’s Green Road, Benenden, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 4AX

Health

What is yoga?

Yoga teacher Julie Simpson explains that there’s

so much more to yoga than we think…

Credit: FreeImages.com/Oshin Beveridge

T

he yoga that we practise in the

West today developed over

thousands of years from a series

of postures designed to help Indian holy

men sit for long periods in meditation.

The Indian sage Patanjali wrote the

first user manual for yogis around 2000

years ago. In it he divides yoga into

eight parts, only one of which describes

the physical postures we now think of

as yoga. The remaining seven include

ethical standards, breathing, meditation

and – the ultimate goal – the bliss of

union with something greater than

ourselves. And that is what the word

yoga really means, ‘union’, the coming

together of mind, body and spirit.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

Yoga is well known for improving

flexibility but it also helps build strong

muscles and improve general fitness.

Twists and bends can aid digestive and

elimination systems while emphasis

on the breath improves lung capacity.

Yoga is not just for bendy beauties,

it’s good for all of us and it works for

all stages of life: pregnancy classes

provide safe and gentle exercises to

prepare for birth, while classes for older

people improve balance and provide

gentle stretches to keep mobile. Yoga

also helps the mind. The savasana

relaxation at the end of a yoga class

and the emphasis on movement and

breath working together give yoga

practice its relaxing and meditative

quality, while breathing exercises

improve concentration and help relieve

tension at the end of a working day.

TYPES OF YOGA

Yoga arrived in the West in the

1890s, and since then there’s been

a cross-fertilisation of philosophies

and ideas resulting in many different

schools. This can be confusing when

choosing a class, but on the plus

side it means that, whatever your

age, fitness or flexibility, there is a

style of yoga for you. Despite their

differences, most styles of yoga share

the emphasis on breath, the postures,

the final relaxation and core yogic

values. See the box on the right for

more detail on different styles.

HOW DO I START?

Find a style of yoga which appeals

to you and then, if you’re new to

yoga, always start with a beginners’

class. Be prepared to try a class

before signing up to a course – it’s

important that you like your teacher

but even more important that your

safety is their priority. If they don’t

ask you about any health issues

and emphasise the correct – and

safe – way of doing each posture

then move onto the next class. If

your first class doesn’t work out for

any reason, keep trying, the benefits

of yoga are well worth the effort.

Finally, one of the greatest

things about yoga is that it doesn’t

require much financial outlay, all

you’ll need is a yoga mat to stop

your feet from slipping, loose

clothing and a light blanket to

cover you during relaxation. A tiny

investment for such huge rewards.

Pick a Style

These are the most popular choices:

• Hatha is the gentle, show-paced yoga

which you’ll usually learn at any class

simply called ‘yoga’. It’s good for beginners

and a great way to learn the postures

before trying some of the other styles.

• Ashtanga, inspired by teenage

acrobats in the Maharajahs’ courts, is

a challenging, athletic style of yoga.

• Vinyasa Flow classes are quite energetic,

with postures ‘flowing’ from one to

the other in constant movement.

• Iyengar practice is all about alignment.

Expect to use lots of props and hold

poses for longer periods of time.

• Restorative yoga consists of just a few

postures held for longer periods while

supported by props. It’s a relaxing

and healing way to end the day.

Discover more about yoga at Wealden Times Midsummer Fair

Join us in the Healthy Living Theatre

at Wealden Times Midsummer Fair on

Thursday 8 June to hear yoga experts

Liz Lark and Madeleine Shaw.

Madeleine Shaw 12.00pm. 8 June

Madeleine’s recipe for a healthy lifestyle:

feed your mind, body and soul with

yummy food and yoga.

Liz Lark 10.30am. 8 June

Your life in balance: Learn how yoga

can enhance all our lives, creating

harmony for mind and body.

Visit www.wealdentimes/events for more information


Food

on the go!

Julie Simpson creates four simple recipes

for easy-to-transport travellers’ treats

Photographs: David Merewether

wealdentimes.co.uk

148

Food

Leek & Spinach Rolls

(makes 4 rolls) Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

• 2 medium leeks, chopped

• 300g baby spinach leaves

• 2 tbsp flat-leaved parsley,

chopped

• 6 sheets 10x18 inch filo

pastry

• 100g feta cheese

• 2 eggs

• 2 tbsp olive oil for

brushing pastry sheets

1. To create the filling, soften the chopped leeks for 5-10

minutes over a gentle heat in 1 tbsp olive oil and add

the spinach leaves. Stir over a low heat until the spinach

wilts. In a bowl, whisk in the eggs, crumbled feta and

chopped parsley. Add the cooked spinach and leeks and

stir together.

2. Cut the filo sheets in half, creating 12 squares measuring

roughly 10 x 9 inches each, and cover with a damp tea

towel while assembling the rolls. To create four pastry

sheets for the rolls, place a filo square on the work surface,

brush with olive oil and cover with a second sheet of filo,

brush that with oil and then place third and final sheet on

the top. Create 3 more sheets in the same way. Cover each

completed sheet with a damp tea towel.

3. To construct the rolls, divide the filling into four. Spread

the mixture down the right-hand side of each pastry sheet

leaving an inch at top and bottom. Turn over the top and

bottom to hold the filling in, then roll up neatly, and

brush the seam with oil.

4. Place the rolls, seam side down, on a baking tray and cook

in the oven for 15-20 minutes at 180°C.

Red Pepper & Onion Frittatas

(makes 8 frittatas)

Preparation time: 25 minutes (including roasting veg)

Cooking time: 15 minutes

• 1 tbsp rapeseed oil

• ½ red onion

• ½ red pepper

• 1 tsp smoked

paprika

• pinch sumac

• 110g grated cheddar

• salt and pepper

• 6 eggs

• salt and pepper

1. Chop and thinly slice the pepper and

onion, toss in the oil, sumac and smoked

paprika and roast on a baking tray in a hot

oven (200°C) for 15 minutes.

2. Divide the roasted vegetables and grated

cheese between 8 deep non-stick muffin tins.

3. Whisk the eggs, add a grinding of black

pepper and divide mixture between the 8 tins.

4. Cook in oven at 180°C for 12-15 minutes.


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Food

Smoked Salmon and Avocado Toasts

Serves 6 Preparation time: 20 minutes

• 3 ripe, blackskinned

Hass

avocados

• 3 tsp chives

• juice of one

lemon

• black pepper

• 100g smoked

salmon

• 6 slices of

sourdough rye

bread, toasted

1. Cut avocados in half lengthwise, and remove the stone. Scoop out the flesh,

ensuring that the skins remain intact, and mash in a bowl with lemon juice,

plenty of black pepper and the chopped chives.

2. Slice the smoked salmon into thin ribbons and add to the avocado and

lemon juice mixture.

3. Fill each of the six halved avocado skins with the avocado and smoked

salmon mixture. Re-assemble the avocados, putting the 2 halves back

together, and wrap each avocado in cling film and chill in the fridge.

4. To serve, separate the 3 avocados into halves and serve with sourdough toast.


Food

Beetroot Gazpacho

Serves 6 Cooking time for beetroot: 50-60 minutes

Preparation time: 20 minutes

• 2 tennis ball-sized

beetroot

• 1 cucumber, peeled

• 1 red onion

• 2 cloves garlic

• 600ml passata

• 300ml vegetable stock

• 4tbsp red wine vinegar

• ½ tsp sugar

• 4 tbsp avocado oil

• salt and pepper

1. Wrap each beetroot loosely in tin foil and bake in the oven at

180°C for 50-60 minutes. Allow to cool, unwrap and peel.

2. Chop the beetroot, cucumber, garlic and onion, put in a

food processor and blend until finely chopped.

3. Place all the liquid ingredients and the sugar in a large

bowl and add the blended vegetables, stir until mixed.

Season to taste. Cover the bowl with cling film and

refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

4. To pack the soup, pour into jam jars, add an ice cube to

each one and screw on the lid.

wealdentimes.co.uk

152

The bluebells

are out.

English wine

is in.

Sample both at the award-winning

Hush Heath Winery.

The makers of the award-winning Balfour Brut Rosé

open their doors for lovers of English sparkling

wines and ciders. Wander the beautiful carpet of

bluebells in our ancient oak woodland, the

immaculate vineyards and enjoy in an expert-led

tasting. There is also a cellar door shop where

you can buy these delicious great wines and

ciders to take home.

Tours and Tastings available

hushheath.com/tours-tastings

TELEPHONE 01622 832 794 OR VISIT HUSHHEATH.COM

Bloomsburys

Restaurant & Retreat

HushHeathWineryWT183.indd 1 10/04/2017 10:14

Open:

8.30am - 5.30pm

Monday - Saturday

WEALD SMOKERY

FINE FOOD EXPERIENCE

GREAT TASTE AWARD

WINNERS

logo-white.pdf 1 16/04/2015 14:39

Open 5 Days a Week

See website for details

Call to Book Your Table for

Friday & Saturday Evenings

Look at the blackboard on road outside

shop for weekly 25% off offers!

Gold Award Winning Traditionally Smoked Food.

Quality range WEALD of British and Continental SMOKERY

Farmhouse Cheeses.

Delicious range of Bread delivered daily .


Range of excellent Ready Meals.

Jams, Chutneys, Biscuits, Chocolates, Coffee and Tea.

Delicatessen and Gourmet Foods.

Mail Order Gift Service.

It’s well worth a visit

WEALD SMOKERY


01580 292992

Sissinghurst Road, Biddenden TN27 8DQ

www.bloomsburysbiddenden.com

Mount Farm, Flimwell, East Sussex TN5 7QL Tel: 01580 879601

On the Hawkhurst Road – near the Flimwell traffic lights

Open: 8.30am - 5.30pm Monday - Saturday

info@wealdsmokery.co.uk

www.wealdsmokery.co.uk


BloomsburysBiddendenWT183.indd 1 24/04/2017 WealdSmokeryWT150.indd 14:18

1 15/07/2014 11:58

FrasersWT179.indd 1 14/12/2016 12:45

VISIT OUR

HUSH HEATH

WINERY

NO NEED TO BOOK

7days a week

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Refreshingly Hush Heath. Passionately Local.

Hush Heath Estate owns two fabulous local pubs that offer great food along with

beautiful boutique hotel rooms, with gardens and dining terraces, all within a few

miles of the Winery. All day dining available.

CRANBROOK ROAD – GOUDHURST

KENT – TN17 1DX

01580 211 451

www.goudhurstinn.com

LOWER ROAD – WEST FARLEIGH

KENT – ME15 0PE

01622 814 717

www.thetickledtrout.com

PASSIONATELY PLAYING OUR PART AS CHAMPIONS OF GLORIOUSLY REFRESHING ENGLISH WINES AND CIDERS HUSHHEATH.COM

wealdentimes.co.uk

154

GoudhurstInnWT180.indd 1 19/01/2017 10:12

Food

Seasonal

Sweetness

Sara Farrell, chef at The Café at Lavender Goose in Gomshall,

cooks up a crowd pleasing baked cheesecake combining smooth

white chocolate with zesty ginger and the tartness of rhubarb

White chocolate, rhubarb and

ginger cheesecake

Serves 8

At this time of the year we’re lucky enough to be able to pick the delicate

deep pink stems of ‘Timperley Early’ rhubarb from our own vegetable

garden to make this delicious dessert. We serve it by the slice in the café

and pour over the jewel coloured compote at the last minute, but if you

are looking for a dinner party centrepiece just ladle it all on the top of the

whole cake and let the luscious pink syrup run merrily down the sides.

• 55g butter

• 400g cream cheese

• 75g gingernut biscuits

• 75g digestive biscuits

• 300g white chocolate

• 2 large eggs

• 6 pieces stem ginger

• 400g rhubarb trimmed and cut

into 3cm pieces

• 85g granulated sugar

• 300ml soured cream

• zest and juice of 1 lemon

1. Preheat the oven to 170˚C, fan 150˚C, gas 3.

2. Lightly oil the base of a 20cm springform

cake tin and line with parchment.

3. Melt the butter in a saucepan and add the crushed biscuits. Mix well,

then press into the bottom of the tin. Chill until ready to use.

4. Melt the white chocolate in a heatproof bowl

placed over a pan of simmering water.

5. Put half the stem ginger, half the soured cream, cream

cheese and eggs into a food processor and blend until

smooth. Slowly add the melted chocolate.

6. Pour the mixture over the base and bake until just set in the

middle – about 40-45 minutes. Leave to cool in the tin.

7. To make the compote, cut the remaining ginger into fine shreds

and place in a pan with the rhubarb, sugar, lemon zest and juice,

and heat gently until the sugar has dissolved – stirring continuously.

Bring to the boil, put the lid on the pan then turn down the heat to

as low as possible for 3 minutes. Remove from the heat to cool.

8. Remove the cheesecake from the tin, put onto a serving plate or

cake stand, and spread the remaining soured cream over the top. Just

before serving, gently pour over the compote. lavendergoose.co.uk


ROZ-279-24823.pdf 1 23/01/2017 16:53:02

GreenThumbWT181.indd 1 09/02/2017 11:19

wealdentimes.co.uk

156

OpenviewLandscapeDesignWT182.indd 1 09/03/2017 09:48

Garden

Keeping it

contained

Jo Arnell pots up a visual feast of seasonal colour

Plants in containers, whether permanent or seasonal,

are very useful to have around the garden. If

you’re short of space, or don’t have much in the

way of a garden, they can even become mini gardens

in themselves. I often use potted versions of designs

and ideas that I’m planning for bigger spaces to see how

the plants get on together. More often than not my pot

plants are impulse purchases – bought in haste when life

(that thing that gets in the way of gardening) happens

and the big plans haven’t materialised. It is handy to be

able to wheel out some pots of distraction to act as focal

points and provide splashes of colour to divert the eye.

designing with containers

Container style... There are so many things to use as

containers for plants – from wellie boots to huge stone troughs,

the choice can be bewildering. You can choose containers

that blend with the materials used in the construction of

your house, terracotta, zinc or wooden planters perhaps, or

do the opposite and make a contrast. Pots in a single style

are effective and will tie a design together, but a relaxed and

informal mingling of styles can look just as attractive. It’s hard

to beat the simplicity and functionality of a terracotta pot.

Focal points... Use large or architectural containers to make

a bold statement and give a planting scheme impact. Big pots

can look dramatic

filled with just one large plant, or even

a small tree. Striking architectural plants like Phormium,

Fatsia, Bamboo, or a large box ball make good ‘statement’

plants. Climbers on supports can be used to bring height.

Colour impact... Bright colours will attract attention, but

using a limited range of colours, or repeating a single colour

will help to unite a scheme together. A jumble of annuals,

perennials and herbs will give a relaxed, cottage style, whereas

a cool, calm collection of single coloured flowers and tidy

foliage will bring a more restrained and formal look to an area.

Pots with a purpose

Seasonal colour... Planting pots with short-lived bulbs,

annuals and bedding is a familiar way to bring seasonal

interest. The advantage is that once the current season’s

flowers fade, they can be replaced with a new display.

Bulbs can be lifted and kept until the following year,

but it is harder to look after tender bedding plants

through the seasons, as these must be kept frost-free.

Crops for pots... Some vegetables can be successfully


Garden

grown in pots and containers. Short, or round carrots,

beetroot, radish, peppers, cherry tomatoes and most herbs

will happily grow in containers; in fact a mixture of herbs

and dwarf vegetables in a container or even a hanging

basket can look fantastic – and taste even better.

Planting and maintaining

How to plant... If you are growing permanent plants in

containers, put some crocks (broken bits of pot, stones or

even the polystyrene that some plants are sold in) in the

bottom of the pot to provide drainage. Add compost on

top of the drainage layer, then carefully remove the plants

from their original pots and check the roots, teasing them

out if the root ball looks congested. Plant and back fill

with compost to the same height as the plant was in the

original pot (climbers can be planted deeper). Water well.

Compost... Seasonal bedding plants and tender annuals

will be happy with a multi-purpose compost for a short time,

providing you don’t let the compost dry out – if that does

happen you may need to soak the whole pot in water for a

while, as it is hard to re-wet. Most composts for containers

have a six week supply of fertiliser added, but do supplement

this if you want the display to continue for the whole

season. Permanent plantings will need a more substantial,

soil-based compost. You can buy this (John Innes no. 3

is a good one), or mix up your own using garden soil and

either homemade, weed-free compost, or shop bought.

Prisoners on parade... Remember that a plant in a pot is

entirely dependent on your care – some plants will manage

to limp along with just a glance every now and then, but

others need to be treated like fussy old aunts. You probably

know what kind of nurturer you are by now and how much

time you can devote to your captives, so plant accordingly.

wealdentimes.co.uk

158

ED422 HURST GREEN V2.qxp_Layout 1 17/03/2017 14:36 Page 1

Battle Mowers Ltd

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LET’S GET

GARDENING

With Ernest Doe Power

THE ESSENCE OF FINE BRITISH LAWNS

For further information please phone 01424 773096

or-email: battlemowers@btconnect.com www.battlemowers.co.uk

visit our showroom at The Granary, Station Rd, Battle. TN33 0DE

NEW FOR THIS SEASON ROBOTIC MOWERS

WE HAVE 1000’s OF PRODUCTS TO HELP YOU

CREATE & ENJOY THE PERFECT GARDEN

BattleMowersWT182.indd 1 07/03/2017 11:18

Kate Ball

Garden Design & Planting Plans

Individual and bespoke garden spaces

07870 627145

www.kateballgardendesign.co.uk

There’s so much more in your local country store...

We’re online too: ernestdoeshop.com

The Foundry, Hurst Green,

Etchingham TN19 7QP

Tel: 01580 860495


KateBallWT177.indd 1 14/10/2016 ErnestDoe&SonsWT182.indd 14:41

1 17/03/2017 15:30

celebrating quality summerhouses

garden design and build for 20 years

Garden

Call or click anytime for your free summerhouse

brochure and visit our magnificent show site at

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) 01323 833600/843488

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10% off Barks throughout May and June

Suppress weeds and retain soil moisture during the growing season

Discount applies to all Bark Mulches delivered in Bulk Bags

Topsoils Composts Barks Aggregates

Small Bags, Bulk Bags or Loose Loads

Delivered or Collected

www.gardenscapedirect.co.uk

Freephone 0800 854663

The Wharf, Rye Road, Newenden, TN18 5QG

Most permanently potted

perennials and shrubs will need

feeding in the spring; a slow

release fertiliser is useful here,

rather than a swamping of food

and then nothing until the

following year. Some plants

will need repotting every year

or so, or at least top dressing

(removing some of the compost

from the top of the pot and

replacing it with fresh). All plants need water in the

summer – and there’s always a heat wave back home

when you’re on holiday, so it pays to take precautions.

Winter care... You may need to bring tender plants into

a sheltered area or greenhouse in the winter, or surround

pots with some insulation (bubble-wrap can work well, but

isn’t the most attractive patio adornment). Water-logging

kills more plants than anything else during the winter,

so good drainage becomes essential, especially for plants

like lavender that don’t like to get their feet too wet.

From tiny alpines and succulents to huge potted trees, from

permanent plantings to ephemeral flashes of colour, there is

a selection of plants that’s just waiting to be planted up in

a container somewhere in your garden. The choice is vast –

and very tempting. Let’s get out there and fill some pots.

For details of border design ideas and courses

contact Jo at hornbrookmanor.co.uk 01233 861149.

wealdentimes.co.uk

GardenscapeWT183.indd 1 07/04/2017 15:18

160

ALL THE

INGREDIENTS

FOR YOUR

DREAM

GARDEN.

www.corker.co.uk

At Corker we can supply everything from topsoil to timber,

paving to parasols and fencing to furniture. Enjoy a coffee

and wander around our inspirational show gardens. We

have loads of unique ideas and products you won’t find in

your average garden centre because at Corker, we don’t

do average. Pay us a visit on the A228 near Paddock Wood

or call 01892 833 325.

MAKE YOUR GARDEN A

Creating Beautiful Gardens

for Brilliant Year Round Results

Wealden Country Landcraft

Wealden Country Landcraft

For all your design, construction and maintenance requirements, contact:

Adam Sutton BSc (Hons) Environmental Science | Tim Playfoot BA (Hons) Garden Design

Tel:01892 722699| Adam:07979 362241 | Tim:07990 751353 | www.playfootgardendesign.co.uk

Plants that Heal

Garden

Sue Whigham highlights the therapeutic properties of common countryside dwellers

The Chelsea Physic Garden has been tucked behind a wall

in the Royal Hospital Road in Chelsea, SW3 since it was

founded in 1673. It’s an ancient botanical garden with a

unique microclimate due to its proximity to the Thames which

enables plants from all over the world to thrive. Newly discovered

plants were brought up the river by barge to be delivered to the

garden. You can still see the remains of an ancient boat house there.

The Physic Garden was founded to train Apothecaries’

apprentices to collect and identify plants from the surrounding

area and to study their medicinal uses. 5,000 fascinating plants

from all over the world are housed here and the new layout

of the extended medicinal plants garden, opened recently,

has two ‘rooms’ just devoted to historic British plants. There

are also areas containing plants used world wide in modern

herbal remedies, modern pharmaceuticals and

also those which are being investigated for use

in future medicinal roles. If you have an interest

in medicinal plants, this is the place to go.

Closer to home, hundreds of medicinal plants

grow wild in the countryside and hedgerows and

the foraging movement is, hopefully, teaching

us about these plants and reminding us of the

knowledge that our forebears had before the days

of the NHS and conventional medicines. Thank goodness for

public footpaths which enable us to wander the countryside,

albeit in a controlled way, and to have access to their habitat.

I passed a derelict site just off Brixton Hill on Wednesday and

noticed, amongst the discarded debris, a wealth of plants doing

their own thing and amongst them were several which grow

almost everywhere and which we usually try to eradicate. So,

medicine for free – although I’m not sure that I’d want to harvest

this particular batch bearing in mind the dangerously high level

of pollution recorded in Brixton. However, amongst them were

nettles, docks, dandelions and elder. It seems to be a good year for

dandelions, they are shining away everywhere and I for one am

now looking at them in a different light.

Alexanders (Smyrnium olusatrum)

Alexanders were introduced to Britain as a food source by the

Romans and they are in full frothy lime green flower now,

lining road verges near the sea having a yen as they do for salty

conditions. A couple of years ago I decided to try cooking up

some stems having read that they tasted a ‘little like celery and

a little like parsley’ and found a slightly ropey patch outside

the fishmonger’s on the bridge down in Rye. I think they were

a little astonished when I went in and asked them if I could

borrow a knife! I think I’d left it a bit late as they were a bit

stringy but it was worth a try. Alexanders can often be found

on the sites of monastery gardens and were both a food source

and perhaps used as a medicinal ingredient by the monks.

Traditionally, the leaves were heated up and used as a poultice

“Hundreds of

medicinal plants

grow wild in

the countryside

and hedgerows”

on sores and skin ulcers to help the healing process. Another use

was in the treatment of the kidneys and the bladder.

Burdock (Arctium lappa)

The countryside is absolutely full of burdock and you can

recognise it by its huge, heart‐shaped leaves and its burrs. In its first

year you’ll only see a rosette of low growing leaves which can reach

about a metre wide on a mature plant. Eventually this develops

into a tall plant which has tall, large, purple thistle‐like flowers

from June onwards. A member of the daisy family, burdock was,

and still is, used combined with dandelions to make a cordial and

a medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine has used burdock for

combating colds and sore throats. It seems that researchers aren’t

really convinced as to which of many ingredients in burdock root

are responsible for its healing properties but it is

known that the plant is full of antioxidants and

extract of burdock root is used in homeopathic

remedies.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

The first reference to the use of dandelion

medicinally was in the 10th and 11th centuries

when physicians in the Middle East discovered

some of the plant’s properties. Dandelions are chock full of

vitamins including A, B, C, D and K as well as minerals such as

iron, potassium and zinc. Think again before you decide to excise

them completely from your garden. Perhaps you can harness

some of their good qualities instead. Amongst their benefits you

can brew up dandelion tea to detox your liver and improve both

your stomach health and your skin. Gather some of the younger

leaves, blanch them and add them to salads and teas. And it seems

that the large quantity of Vitamin K in dandelion is now thought

to play a role in limiting neuron damage to the brain (leading to

Alzheimer’s disease).


TREE SURGERY

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Approved pesticide/

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T: 01342 851 385 M: 07808 645 800

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Tel: 01435 868211 | M: 07831 302107 | E: damian@cityescapes.co.uk

www.cityescapes.co.uk

CityEscapesWT166.indd 1 30/10/2015 KatsuraGardensWT183.indd 12:07

1 20/04/2017 14:16

We’ve got designs

on your garden

See OUR SHOW GARDEN at CORKER’s from April 14th!

If you are planning a new garden for 2017 then contact Tim Sykes on

07725 173820, or just Google Gardenproud,!

wealdentimes.co.uk

164

GardenproudWT183.indd 1 11/04/2017 10:33

Garden

Alexanders can often be found on the

sites of monastery gardens and were

both a food source and perhaps used as

a medicinal ingredient by the monks

Nettles (Urtica dioica)

The compost heap is full of nettles. Well, they are happiest

in highly nitrogenous soils so I suppose that is not surprising

but it does mean a good supply of the young nettle tops just

yearning to be made into a nutritious soup. Traditionally

all parts of the nettle plant were used to treat all manner of

conditions including arthritis, anaemia and infections and a

benefit to our gardens is that an undisturbed nettle patch is

host to young ladybirds in the early part of the year which in

turn feed off aphids predating our vegetable gardens.

Self-heal (Prunella vulgaris)

This little plant, a member of the Lamiaceae family, can be

found throughout the countryside, on verges, in woodland

clearings and in our case, in the lawn which has never been

treated with chemicals. It has hooded violet flowers, and an

extremely long flowering period – perfect for bees. Self-heal is

edible and both the stems and the young leaves can be eaten

raw in salads. In folk medicine a poultice of self-heal would

have been used to cover wounds, treat irritated skin and as a

disinfectant. The list of its chemical compounds is astonishing

and it is currently being investigated for its antiviral properties.

Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum)

The teasel has been used in Chinese medicine for

centuries but Western herbalists are apparently only

now realising its medicinal benefits. It’s a beautiful plant

for its pure architectural structure and its ripening seed

heads are magnets for finches and bees. Now it is being

used against conditions such as ME and Lyme disease

as well as joint and tendon problems, muscle pain and

inflammation. It’s lovely to see it growing freely down by

the sea at Rye Harbour and being of benefit to the wildlife

at the Nature Reserve. It is an extraordinarily rampant

self-seeder but keep some at the back of your borders or

in a wild patch of the garden. The birds will thank you.

Sue Whigham can be contacted on 07810 457948 for

gardening advice and help in the sourcing and supply of

interesting garden plants.


PetalsForPlantsWT183.indd 1 18/04/2017 10:23

SaintRonans

@saintronans

www.saintronans.co.uk

/SaintRonans

© Sarah Clark Photography

www.saintronans.co.uk

© Sarah Clark Photography

“What’s not to love...”

“What’s not to love...”

Good Schools Guide 2016

Good Schools Guide 2016

...about the Forest School at Saint Ronan’s?

...about the Forest School at Saint Ronan’s?

100 acres of stunning woodland with rides and mudslides

No paper, no pens, no ceilings, no walls…..

Building 100 acres dens of stunning and roasng woodland marshmallows with rides and mudslides

Roosng No paper, on no logs pens, whilst no ceilings, sipping no hot walls….. chocolate

Tasng Building wild dens garlic and with roasng friends marshmallows

Watching Roosng on tadpoles logs whilst under sipping the Troll hot Bridge chocolate

Hunng Tasng wild minibeasts garlic with and friends spong birds

Telling Watching stories tadpoles in the under Hobbit the House Troll Bridge

Hunng minibeasts and spong birds

Telling stories in the Hobbit House

“This lot achieve loads of

scholarships, with leavers to more

“This lot achieve loads of

than 60 different seniors

scholarships, with leavers to more

in the past decade”

than 60 different seniors

Tatler Schools Guide 2017

in the past decade”

Tatler Schools Guide 2017

Discover Saint Ronan’s

Discover Saint Ronan’s

Book an appointment on 01580 752271 or e-mail emmatv@saintronans.co.uk

Book an appointment Boys & Girls 3-13 onyears 01580 | Founded 752271 1883 or | Hawkhurst, e-mail emmatv@saintronans.co.uk

Kent | 01580 752271

Education

Pictured: Rosie, Year 8, Brambletye School

Encouraging

Creativity

With a huge emphasis on schools to

achieve the best grades in maths,

English and the sciences, what’s on

offer for students who have an interest in pursuing

the creative arts? And how do their experiences in

their preferred subjects at school affect the choices

they make once they leave the classroom?

Wealden Times talks to three students and three

teachers about the choices and support on offer at the

schools they attend and departments they work in.


Explore behind the scenes

open Morning

Thursday 4th May

Saturday 24th June

Dulwich Preparatory School

Cranbrook

Meet our Headmaster, chat to parents and pupils, take a tour.

registrar@dcpskent.org • 01580 712179 • dcpskent.org

Education

What the children say:

Francis

Year 13, Cranbrook School

Why did you decide to study music?

However hideous a cliché it might

be to say that you have always been

‘passionate’ about something, I really

have always had an interest in music.

Whilst I can’t quite claim to have been

writing fugues at four years old, I do remember repeatedly

abandoning my parents in favour of buskers on visits to

London, and I think that’s probably close enough.

Rosie

Year 8, Brambletye School

Why did you decide to study music? I don’t remember

a time I didn’t play something, as music is a big part of

school life at Brambletye but when I was in the Pre Prep

pupils from the main school came to our assembly and

played a variety of instruments. I loved the sound of the

oboe and had a trial in our class in Year 2 and I really

enjoyed it. I have recently won a music scholarship to

King’s Canterbury and have passed my Grade 5 oboe.

What creative facilities do you have at your school? We

have an amazing theatre and each year gets the chance to

be a part of a play or a musical. This year I was in Guys and

Dolls, which had the most incredible set and some really

great performances. The music department does all kinds

of concerts including the charity concerts in the theatre

to little grandparents’ concerts in Walnut (a smart little

room). We also have incredible art and DT facilities.

do you participate in music outside the classroom?

I make music all the time out of the classroom. I play

four instruments and I have private lessons in all of them. I

take part in music bands within school including an orchestra,

a concert band for woodwind and brass and Bramble Bows

for strings. I am also in Senior Chapel Choir in which we

have 51 students from years 7 and 8, and I am in Chamber

Choir which is an auditioned choir for years 6, 7 and 8.

What creative facilities do you have at your school?

Cranbrook music department features various ensembles

run by peripatetic teachers, such as Strings, Choir and Brass

Group, but it seems to me that the music created by the

students themselves testifies rather better to the musical spirit

of the school. The annual inter-house singing competition –

‘House Shout’ – is a great example of this; each house comes

together to present a few songs to the rest of the school.

do you participate in music outside the classroom?

Of the ensembles on offer, I play in the Orchestra and

String Group, and sing in the Chamber Choir.

Would you like a career in music? Will you study it at

a higher level? In terms of a potential career, the music

industry probably isn’t the first place you would turn to

for job security. That said, I am hoping to study music at

university next year because I firmly believe that, given what

an immense privilege it is to be able to, one should pursue a

passion as far as possible, whenever possible. Furthermore,

I like to think that if more people engaged in musical

activities, the world would be a better – if not louder – place.

Cranbrook School is a grant-maintained boarding

and day school for boys and girls aged 12-18 in

Kent. 01580 711800 cranbrookschool.co.uk

Credit: FreeImages.com/Jerzy Müller

Would you like a career in music? Will you study it

at a higher level? As a music scholar I do have to take

music for GCSE but if I hadn’t got the music scholarship I

would still carry on with music and take it to a higher

level. I think it would be fun and interesting to take

my music further in life and make a career out of it.

do you study any other creative subjects? In

years 3, 4, 5 and 6 you do drama lessons and

every year does art and DT once a week.

Brambletye is a day and boarding preparatory

school for children aged 3-13 in West Sussex.

01342 321004 brambletye.co.uk


BRAMBLETYE

Leading Co-Educational Pre-Prep and Prep School for Children aged 2½ to 13

th th

19 -20

May 2017*

Open Day

For more information,

please contact

registrar@brambletye.com

*Pre-Prep: Friday 19th May Prep: Saturday 20th May

Brambletye, Lewes Road, Sussex, RH19 3PD www.brambletye.co.uk +44 (0) 1342 321004

Nina

Year 13, ArtsEd Chiswick

Why did you decide to study drama? Drama was my way

of expressing myself. It allowed me to be a creative and an

open-minded person. I also loved watching people on TV and

on the stage when I was a child and just fell in love with it.

What creative facilities do you have at your school/

college? We have music, dance and black box studios. We

also have a gorgeous theatre, which is used for the music

concerts, the dance show and acting performance.

do you participate in drama outside the classroom?

On Saturdays I am a teaching assistant at my local

Stagecoach and we teach 4-6 year olds three disciplines -

singing, dancing and acting - for 1 hour and 30 minutes.

I am very fortunate to have this as my part-time job.

Would you like a career in drama?

Will you study it at a higher level? Yes

definitely 100%! I am taking a foundation

course in Acting starting in September

after finishing my Extended Diploma

in Acting and in the future hopefully

moving on to train for my degree.

Education

do you study

any other creative subjects?

I also love to sing and have had singing lessons since

I was little. I also have a YouTube channel in which

I post beauty and lifestyle vlogs every week.

ArtsEd Independent Day School & Sixth Form combines

an academic education with performing arts training in

Chiswick, West London. 020 8987 6666 artsed.co.uk

What the teachers say:

Emma Delpech

Art Teacher, Sevenoaks School

Why art? Art is my passion. From the youngest age my family

would draw together, with new sketch books every school

holiday. I remember the sense of fulfilment playing drawing

games with my dad. Of being in love with the feeling of moving

materials around and of creating. I would knit, sew, paint, draw,

sculpt, cast, photograph, print; all the time feeling like I wanted

to share it with everyone. Hence I became a teacher. I now aim

to bring some of that love of all things artistic to my students.

Who’s your favourite artist? That changes on a daily basis.

I am always open to inspiration and to learning new skills. I

am a huge fan of a wide range of artists including: Gormley,

Moore, Goldsworthy, Klimt, Auerbach, Frankenthaler,

Cragg, Bourgeois, Mueck, and Basquiat. They all inspire

me on so many levels. But a walk around any gallery fills

me (and my sketch book) with new ideas and reflections.

How do you keep your students inspired? I think it is

important for students to feel that they have some control in

what they do – that they can work from their own intuition

and build a project that has a language with which they

are fluent. Working with a wide range of materials is key

as so many students feel limited by one element of being

creative, whilst there are infinite pathways they can explore.

I also work with my students at times: they see my passion

and engage in conversation about creativity. We bounce

ideas around and leave conversations mutually inspired.

What are you currently working on with your students?

My students study Art on the Sevenoaks Certificate which

replaced the GCSE. This promotes huge independence and

allows for a smooth transition into the IB course which they

would study in the Sixth Form. They may start with the

word ‘Impact’ or a word that can have broad interpretation.

Contextually they do plenty of independent research and

find a path which suits them. This means that at any one

time, all of my students will be working on totally unique

and diverse projects utilising the full range of department

facilities: sculpture, ceramics, installation, paint, print,

photography and digital media. There are almost no limits

and we encourage them to be as ambitious as possible.

do they get the opportunity to go on field trips? We

take trips to London, Paris and New York at different age

ranges. Students are encouraged to go to galleries whenever

they are able to. We also bring exhibitions to the school and

recently had an exhibition at Sevenoaks School with the

title ‘Making It’ consisting of former students exhibiting

their work. This included many notable artists such as

Andrew Burton, Thomas Heatherwick, Emma Hope and

our own Oliver Barratt. This gave our current students

insight into some of the potential directions for creatives.

Sevenoaks School is a co-educational independent

day and boarding school for 11-18 year olds in

Kent. 01732 455133 sevenoaksschool.org


Education

Beccy Stroud

Music Teacher, Bricklehurst Manor School

Why music? I have sung and

played instruments from the age

of five, so it has always been a

huge part of my life. The feeling

of joy I get from singing or

playing really inspires me to try

and pass that love of music on

to the children that I teach.

EXTRAORDINARY

LIVES

BEGIN AT

HOLMEWOOD.

Who’s your favourite composer?

It would have to be Bob Chilcott.

He writes beautiful choral music, which is so accessible for

primary children to sing. I was lucky enough to be part of a

workshop hosted by Bob this year and will always remember

singing one of his compositions at St. Peter’s in Rome.

How do you keep your students inspired? I always ask for

their input so that I can find out what inspires them musically.

I find that by involving them in this way in lessons or

in choir practice they produce really creative work that

they are proud of and want to share with their peers.

What are you currently working on with your

students? Bricklehurst Manor has a Junior and a Senior

Choir and they are currently working towards their

performances for the biannual Arts Afternoon. We have

a large number of music students studying a huge range

of instruments at the school and the Arts Afternoon

gives them a chance to showcase their talents.

OPEN DAY

19 TH MAY 2017, 10.30–1pm

“Pupils of all ages and abilities make excellent progress across all areas

of school life” – Independent Schools Inspectorate, February 2017.

Please contact Connie Cherrett on 01892 860 006 or email:

welcome@holmewoodhouse.co.uk

HOLMEWOOD

HOUSE SCHOOL

A day and boarding school for girls and

boys aged 3-13 in Tunbridge Wells, Kent

www.holmewoodhouse.co.uk

HolmwoodHouseWT183.indd 1 06/04/2017 16:59

Do they get the opportunity to go on field trips? Yes

they do! The Senior Choir has just been to see the musical

‘School of Rock’ in London. As you can imagine, I had

lots of people offering to volunteer their help on the day!

Last year we took part in Young Voices at

the O2, which the children loved.

Bricklehurst Manor School is an independent

prep school for girls and boys in East Sussex.

01580 200448 bricklehurst.co.uk

Credit: FreeImages.com/Karl-Erik Bennion


SpringGroveSchoolWT183.indd 1 24/04/2017 12:39

Blackland Farm

Outdoor Activity Centre

Education

Kayaking

Canoeing

Bungee trampolining

Rock climbing

Archery

Crate challenge

Zip wire

Abseiling

Aeroball...

...and many more!

Come and join us for

fun-filled activity days.

Why not have your

birthday party here too?

Blackland Farm

01342 810493

blackland@girlguiding.org.uk

www.blacklandfarm.org.uk

Full Day Care from

3 months to 5 years

Open 51 weeks a year

BlacklandFarmWT138.indd 1 10/07/2013 17:31

Chris Bryant

Head of Drama, Downsend School

Why drama? I had a passion for Drama from an

early age and appeared in school productions. Later,

I trained as an actor and worked in ‘the business’

without great success for a few years before re-training

as a teacher. I love directing and writing just as much as

acting and I love seeing the pupils enjoying it too.

Who is your favourite actor? The best stage actors

can make a connection with the audience and make

them forget they’re watching a play. In recent years,

I’ve been very impressed by actors like Sheridan

Smith and David Tennant, but I was blown away as

a teenager by Simon Russell Beale as Richard III.

TONBRIDGE

Cranbrook Opening June 2015

Do they get the opportunity to go on field trips? Trips

Adjacent to Tonbridge Train Station

to the theatre can be a revelation for school children; they

certainly were for me. This term, we took Year 8 to see The

For more information on Child places and Staff vacancies contact: Woman in Black and we toured Shakespeare’s Globe with Year

6, who also got to participate in Drama workshops there.

www.juniorsdaynursery.co.uk

Rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted

Tonbridge

Full daycare • 3 months to 5 years • Open 51 weeks per year

Newly opened in July 2015

Email: tonbridge@juniorsdaynursery.co.uk Mobile: 07462 641 341

cranbrook@juniorsdaynursery.co.uk or Telephone 01580 713 033

tonbridge@juniorsdaynursery.co.uk or Telephone 01732 365 188

www.juniorsdaynursery.co.uk

Dan Goldsmith Photography

How do you keep your students inspired? Children like

to know that the Drama teacher or director is enjoying

the experience as much as they are. The experience

needs to be fun! We use plenty of games, and wellstructured

activities to encourage the children to use their

imaginations and learn new ways to bring them to life.

What are you currently working on for your students?

We have just finished a school play based on Roald Dahl’s

Revolting Grown-Ups. Our previous productions have

included Bugsy Malone and the fantastic We Will Rock You.

We are also already looking ahead to next year and I am

hoping to get more of the children interested in working

in the technical and backstage elements of the shows.

Downsend School is a co-educational independent school

for pupils aged 2-13. 01372 372311 downsend.co.uk

wealdentimes.co.uk

JuniorsDayNurseryWT169.indd 1 18/02/2016 14:20

174

100 Years of Education, 1000 Years of History

Battle Abbey School 1912 - 2012

Battle Abbey Prep & Nursery School Open Day

Friday 12th May, 10am - 12 noon

battleabbeyschool.com

Battle Abbey Prep School has been included in the Times Top 100 Independent Prep

Schools for 2015 and 2016. We are proud to be the only Prep School which makes this

prestigious list in East Sussex.

BattleAbbeySchoolWT183.indd 1 04/04/2017 15:41

SATURDAY 6 MAY

Education is not

preparation for life;

education is life itself

OPEN DAY

John Dewey

Is a change of plan needed for your child’s education?

The Junior School at Dover College offers children aged from 3 to 11 a creative curriculum,

specialist teaching in sports, music and languages - all in class sizes of no more than 15 pupils.

We create independent, confident, risk-taking learners and we are proud to celebrate every pupil’s

strengths and achievements.

Places now available for Summer or September entry.

Join us for our Whole School Open Day, Saturday 6 May, 10am - 1pm.

Book by email: admissions@dovercollege.org.uk


DoverCollegeWT183.indd 1 19/04/2017 11:50

N

I

D

I

N

The

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

The Granville is a highly successful independent school with excellence at the heart of

everything we do. Our 11+ results to both state and independent schools are outstanding.

Our new extended, high quality facilities, including a magnificent Art Room, have enabled us to split our

Year 4 class into two smaller classes of a maximum of fi fteen pupils, in preparation for 11+ entry examinations

for state and independent schools. We have a few places available in our Year 4 for September 2017.

Please come and experience The Granville for yourself at our Open Evening on

Thursday 25 th May between 4.30pm-7pm. This is an opportunity for current and

prospective parents to celebrate the achievements of all of our pupils.

Please telephone the School Office

for more information: 01732 453039

www.granvilleschool.org

2 Bradbourne Park Road | Sevenoaks | Kent | TN13 3LJ

GranvilleSchoolWT183.indd 1 24/04/2017 10:49

DAY & BOARDING SCHOOL FOR GIRLS & BOYS AGED 2-13

E

H

A

L

L

B

O

A

R

V

G

E

V

L

E

T W

FULL AND FLEXI BOARDING

Vinehall 12 & Vinehall 24 enabling the school

to revolve around your lives

For more information please contact Karen Cooper

on 01580 883090 or at kcooper@vinehallschool.com

Vinehall School

@vinehallschool

www.vinehallschool.com

ROBERTSBRIDGE, EAST SUSSEX

wealdentimes.co.uk

176

VinehallSchoolWT183.indd 1 24/04/2017 14:14

The Next Step

Susan Elkin analyses the new two year degree courses

Education

Any parent who has seen a son or daughter through higher

education in recent years could be forgiven for despairing.

Three years at close on £10,000 per year for – usually –

less than six hours a week of teaching time, with accommodation

on top. Terms are short, half term breaks and ‘reading weeks’ are

frequent. It adds up to an awful lot of time to sit in bars getting

drunk a long way from home, or worse, succumbing to mental

health problems triggered by loneliness and too little to do.

Now at last a change is in sight. In February the government

announced that universities and other higher education

institutions must start offering two year degrees in addition to

three year ones. The end of the extortionate three year stranglehold

is in sight. It is utterly scandalous that the three year closed shop

has lasted so long. It’s a long ignored example of restrictive practice.

Any good course is intensive and rigorous. Many three

year degree courses are anything but. Of course nearly every

course could be telescoped into two years if students were

provided with three proper 14 week terms each year (42

weeks with ten weeks’ holiday) and given a much more

structured programme while they were in session.

Students do not need four months ‘off’ in the summer. Yes,

they might need to earn a bit and perhaps enjoy a holiday

but ten weeks’ ‘leave’ a year – still far more than most people

get in the real world of grown -up work – allows for both.

Some detractors have argued that this is just a back‐door

method of allowing fees to soar. Well the first thing to

bear in mind is that students do not pay the full cost.

Expensive as they seem, degrees are still state subsidised.

Depending on the subject studied the actual cost is

in the region of £15,000 to £20,000 per year.

If the student’s contribution to a course – in round

figures – would normally be £30,000 over three

years, then logically the same course taught in two

years would have to charge £15,000 per year.

What does concern me – and it must be watched very

carefully – is that some universities and other providers will

simply offer a second rate, two thirds, watered down two year

degree course rather than giving two year degree students

everything which they would get on a three year course.

But the advantages for the student (and his or her

long‐suffering parents) are clear. There’s a whole year’s

less subsistence to pay for. The graduate is ready to start

work a year earlier and has a whole extra year in which to

begin earning money. Moreover an intensive degree will

probably have helped to instil a no-nonsense worth ethic and

goodness knows this country could do with a bit of that.

OPEN

DAY

Independent Preparatory School

for Boys & Girls aged 3 - 11

Inspiring minds,

creating

futures

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

SAT 20TH

& TUE 23RD

MAY

Bricklehurst

Manor School

& Kindergarten

Bardown Road, Stonegate, Wadhurst,

East Sussex, TN5 7EL Tel: 01580 200 448

www.bricklehurst.co.uk

Wealden Times_April_2017.indd 1 21/04/2017 10:59


BricklehurstManorWT183.indd 1 21/04/2017 11:20

2 nd - 4 th June

10:30am - 5pm

Firle Place

A27, Nr Lewes, E. Sussex

BN8 6LP

Henry

Nicholls

Fine Art ~ Antiques

Decorative Accessories

www.penman-fairs.co.uk

07774 850044

S&J

Abbott

Wealden £1Times

discount

on entry

“Berwick, Alciston & Firle” by Sussex artist Frank Wootton

courtesy of E. Stacy-Marks Ltd

30 vetted Stands in the Georgian Riding School,

Gardenalia on the Lawns

Meet TV Experts Mark Stacey, Ben Cooper & Henry Nicholls,

selling on their own Stands (After 2pm: Appraisals £3 for British Heart Foundation)

See inside the House Every day, Noon - 4pm

“Free Flow Tours of the House” £5 with a Fair Catalogue

Licenced Refreshments

Free Parking

Complimentary E-Tickets via

www.penman-fairs.co.uk

Entry £3.50, catalogue included

BOOK ONLINE

TO SAVE

PenmanAntiquesFairsWT183.indd 1 10/04/2017 12:51

15%

ENDS MIDNIGHT

7 JUNE

The South of England Show is

celebrating its 50th anniversary

this year and it’s going to be

the best Show ever!

Thrilling new main ring entertainment · parades &

displays of prize-winning livestock · showjumping

& equestrian events · street entertainment · live

music stage · food & drink · acres of shopping ·

fairground… and much more!

Visit seas.org.uk for full details on this unmissable

countryside day out for the whole family.

Adults £21; Seniors/Students £19; Under 16’s FREE *

South of England Showground, Ardingly RH17 6TL

www.seas.org.uk/booking

#SoEShow

*when accompanied by a paying adult

wealdentimes.co.uk

178

SOES-WT183.indd 1 03/04/2017 12:46

What’s On In May

Art

Thurs 11 – Sun 14 May

Mayfield and Five Ashes,

East Sussex, TN20

Mayfield Artists Open

Studios Art Trail

For the first time, Mayfield

Artists’ studios will be open

to visitors. Artists and makers,

with venues in Mayfield

village and the surrounding

countryside, will show a

variety of work with paintings,

ceramics, sculpture, textiles etc.

Information leaflets with trail

map available at Mayfield High

Street shops and refreshments

available at selected venues.

Entry: Free

Info: margot@riverangel.plus.com

Sat 13 – Sat 27 May,

Tues-Sat 9.30-4.30pm

Artichoke Gallery, Church

Street, Ticehurst, East

Sussex TN5 7AE

Bee Special

Creating a bit of a buzz with

a two week feature show

alongside the “In The Garden”

exhibition, focusing on our

favourite pollinators with Louisa

Crispin’s intricate Bumble Bee

drawings, Kate Osborne’s vibrant

watercolours and specially

selected jewellery and ceramics.

Entry: Free

Info: 01580 200905 /

artichokegallery.co.uk

Festivals & Fairs

Sat 13 May 9am-5pm and

Sun 14 May 10am-5pm

Guildhall, Market Street,

St Peter’s Gardens and

King Street, town centre,

Sandwich, Kent CT13

Sandwich Food Fayre

Sandwich’s medieval town centre

will be closed to traffic and

brought to life with over 40 food

and drink stalls and live music

from various visiting buskers.

Info: 07736 057836 /

sandwichevents.org.uk

Sat 20 May

Ellington Park, Park Rd,

Ramsgate CT11 9TA

May Fayre

The Friends of Ellington Park

present May Fayre, a variety

of stalls, live music on the

bandstand, dog show, steam

train rides, funfair, beer tent,

bubble football and lots more.

All proceeds will go to the

regeneration of Ellington Park.

Info: friendsofellingtonpark.org.uk

Sun 28 – Mon 29

May 10am-4pm

High Street, Cranbrook,

Kent TN17 3EE

Cranbrook Goes

Nuts in May

For the first time ever, Cranbook

is closing the highstreet for

traffic, to make room for two

days of garden-related activities,

demonstrations and family fun

with music, food and drink in

association with Chelsea Fringe.

Info: 07721 672348 / info@

chelseafringe.com

chelseafringe.com

Family & Children

Sat 6 – Sun 7 May

Leeds Castle, Maidstone

ME17 1PL

Motors by the Moat

Hundreds of vintage, high

performance and classic cars come

to Leeds Castle from around the

world, including a World War II

themed section and look-a-like

Lightning McQueen and Mater.

Entry: Included with admission

Info: 01622 765400 / enquiries@

leeds-castle.co.uk / leeds-castle.com

Sat 27 May – Sun 4 Jun

Hop Farm, Maidstone Rd,

Paddock Wood TN12 6PY

Summer Half Term

at the Farm

This half term is all about

superheroes at Hop Farm, with

a superhero training camp, rides

and inflatables, 4D cinema,

driving school and animal farm.

In addition to all the fun, there

are lots of places to eat and drink

including a Pub, Diner, and Italian

Restaurant, and Drive in Movies

after Dark for the grown-ups.

Info: 01622 872068 / info@

thehopfarm.co.uk / thehopfarm.co.uk

Sun 30 April – Mon1 May

Penshurst Place, Penshurst,

Tonbridge TN11 8DG

Esacape to the Wild

Learn outdoor survival skills and

bushcraft with a demonstration

on the woodland trail. Best suited

for children aged seven and up,

this is the chance to learn from

experts about shelter building,

scavenging and living outside.

Entry: Included in standard

grounds admission price

Info: penshurstplace.com

Garden

Sat 20 May 10am-1pm

St John’s Church Green,

Tunbridge Wells TN4 9LG

Plant Sale

Friends of Woodbury Park

Cemetery invite you to reat

your garden with some well

priced plants, enjoy the work of

artists inspired by nature, and

learn about conservation in this

fascinating Victorian cemetery.

Info: fwpc.org.uk

Sun 21 May 10am-5pm

Whitstable Gardens,

Whitstable, Kent CT5 4LT

Whitstable Gardens

Whitstable Gardens open their

gates for the public with NGS.

Gardens available for admiration

and inspiration will be marked

with yellow balloons and come

in every quirky, colourful, and

eclectic flavour from fisherman’s

yards to classical formal gardens.

Entry: £6, Children Free

Info: 01483 211535 / ngs.org.uk

Sat 27 – Mon 29

May 10am-5pm

All Saints Biddenden Church,

High Street, Biddenden,

Kent, TN27 8AH

Books in Bloom

Enjoy stunning floral displays,

refreshments and music in this

beautiful village church. The

tower will be open daily and

Morris dancers will be performing

on Saturday at 3.45pm.

Entry: Free

Info: 01580 291463 /

jeannetteoatway@btinternet.com

Historical

Sat 20 – Sun 21 May

Kent & East Sussex

Railway, Station Rd,

Tenterden TN30 6HE

Fabulous 40s at Kent

and East Sussex Railway

Immerse yourself in a nostalgic

40’s atmosphere with re-enactors,

live performers, shopping

stalls, and hairdressers.

Entry: Save 10% Online Adult

£18, Children 3-15 years

£12, Family of up to 5 £38

Info: 01580 765155 / kenquiries@

kesr.org.uk / kesr.org.uk

Sat 27 – Mon 29 May

Leeds Castle, Maidstone

ME17 1PL

Grand Medieval Joust

An authentic jousting

competition with living history

encampments, firepower and

trebuchet demonstrations and

mounted skill at arms displays.

Info: 01622 765400 / enquiries@

leeds-castle.co.uk / leeds-castle.com

Shopping

Fri 19 – Sat 20 May 9am-4pm

Silcocks Farm, Grange Road,

St. Michael’s near Tenterden

TN30 6TL

Brocante Home and

Garden Collectables

The Three French Hens once

again have their Brocante

sale of vintage home and

garden collectables.

Info: 07803 122820 /

thethreefrenchhens.co.uk

Sat 20 May 10.30am-3pm

Winchelsea New Hall, Rectory

Ln, Winchelsea TN36 4AA

Country House

Attic Sale

To raise funds for the Rye,

Winchelsea and District

Memorial Hospital Charity,

the Winchelsea New Hall will

be decked out with exotic

plants, antiques and bric-a-brac,

vintage and secondhand clothes,

plus a raffle and cafe selling

homemade cakes, tea and coffee.

Entry: 10.30am £5, 11am £1

Info: sarah@antcreative.com


CRANBROOK GOES NUTS IN MAY!

Sunday 28 & Monday 29 May: 10am-4pm

Street Stalls · Family Fun · Music

Food & Drink · Demos & Activities

Join us and celebrate anything and

everything that grows - and what

you can do with it - dead or alive!

cranbrookgoesnutsinmay.co.uk

In association with Chelsea Fringe

- the alternative garden festival

Registered Charity No. 239992. Company No. 633098

Registered Charity No. 239992. Company No. 633098

Image © Steve Reeve

BOUTIQUE & ARTISAN

CranbrookGoesNutsWT183.indd 1 03/04/2017 KentWildlifeTrustWT183.indd 15:05

1 07/04/2017 14:46

Shopping Fair

Friday 19 - Saturday 20 May

A unique collection of over 50 Boutique Owners and Artisan Makers

Gorgeous Clothing / Unique Accessories / Beauty Products

Stylists / Gifts / Homeware / Food & Drink

East Sussex National Hotel, Uckfield TN22 5ES

Open 10am-4pm / £4 Cash Entry / Bar & Restaurant / Free Parking

*

WIN £50 to spend - countrylifestylefairs.co.uk

*T&Cs Apply

TULIP

FESTIVAL

SCULPTURE IN

PARTICULAR

Ticehurst TN5 7HE 01580 200888

pashleymanorgardens.com

wealdentimes.co.uk

180

CountryLifestyleFairsWT183.indd 1 10/04/2017 PashleyManorWT183.indd 15:14

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Sports & Leisure

Sun 14 May, registration opens

8.30am, run starts at 10am

Mote Park, Mote Avenue,

Maidstone, Kent ME15 7SU

Rainbow Run-Get Messy

Kent’s most colourful and messy

event of the year! Support the

Heart of Kent Hospice with

this family 5K fun run full

of colour and chaos with a

rainbow of powder paints.

Info: 01622 790195

/ hokh.org/events

Sunday 14 May, from 2-5pm

Tonbridge Town Sailing Club,

Haysden Lake, Lower Haysden

Lane, Tonbridge TN11 9BA

Push the Boat Out

Try dinghy sailing and see what

Tonbridge Town Sailing Club

has to offer at family friendly

open day. As well as free rides,

there will be tea cakes and

demonstrations and maybe

even a visit by Tonbridge’s

own Fire and Rescue service.

Entry: Free

Info: 07824 140743/

tonbridgesailing.org /

facebook.com/tonbridgesailing

Music, Dance & Theatre

Sun 7 May 2-5pm

Peasmarsh Memorial Hall, Main

Street, Peasmarsh TN31 6YA

Sussex Shuffle

Vintage Balboa

Dance Fundraiser

An excellent fundraiser for help

for heroes. No partner is necessary

and the event is suitable for any

dancers from complete beginners

to pros, to have a good time

learning about this dance that

originated in 20s South California.

Entry: £18 advance / £25 at the

door including afternoon tea

Info: 07710 279784 /

leahatholmurray@aol.com

Sun 21 May 3-7pm

Winchelsea New Hall, High

Weald AONB, Rectory Lane,

Winchelsea TN36 4AA

1940s Charity Tea Dance

A wonderful 1940s Tea Dance

raising money for Help for

Heroes with period clothing,

very good cake, and one of the

best dance floors in East Sussex.

Entry: £8 including tea and cake

Info: 01797 226041 /

leahatholmurray@aol.com

Sat 6 May – Sat 16 Sept

Betteshanger Park, Sandwich

Road, Deal, Kent CT14 0BF

Alfresco Cinema

The Park kicks off its outdoor

cinema season with Disney’s

The BFG. Throughout the

summer they will be showing

family friendly films at their

uncovered outdoor cinema

screen and natural auditorium.

Entry: £10, Early Bird £7.50

Info: 01304 619227 / info@

betteshangerparks.co.uk /

betteshanger-park.co.uk

Sat 27 May 7.30pm

St. Michael & All Angels,

High St, Marden,

Tonbridge TN12 9DR

Janusz Piotrowicz

piano recital

Beult Concerts are delighted to

present a Chopin Recital by Janusz

Piotrowicz, an eminent pianist,

remarkable interpreter of Chopin’s

repertoire and “Poet of the Piano”

Entry: £20 (including

interval drink)

Info: beultconcerts@gmail.

com / 01622 831948 /

beultconcerts.co.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 Wealden Times

for only £15! Please supply up to

50 words that should include date,

time, venue, and any entry price to

whatson@wealdentimes.co.uk or send

with payment (cheques payable to

JPS Media) to What’s On, Wealden

Times, Kettle Chambers, 21 Stone

Street, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3HF.

Wealden Times reserves the right

to edit text to fit space allocated. If

you would like your event listing

to be accompanied by a full colour

reproduction (42.5 x 62.5mm) of a

poster or other pictorial image, the

total charge will be £95. Deadline for

the June issue is 15 May 2017.

Kent Garden Show

& NAFAS Regional Flower Show

Sat 27th, Sun 28th & Mon 29th May

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

Featuring over 300 exhibitors with a wide variety of goods.

Floral marquees with stunning fl oral displays including

medal winners from Chelsea. There is a food hall,

craft pavilion, brass band & children’s rides.

Garden furniture, water features, garden sheds and

buildings, tools, sculptures, & much more.

Jacqueline Aviolet & Tom Hart-Dyke will be in attendance

all weekend to give answers to your gardening questions.

Tickets available now.

Tickets

available at

the gate & online

Prices: Adults £8.00,

Seniors £7.00

Children up to

age 16: Free

Sorry no dogs

What’s On In May

Ibbett Mosely

AuctIoneers & VAluers

Limited Liability Partnership

The Auctioneer's Next Sale Will Be On

Wednesday 3rd May 2017

Commencing at 12.30pm | Viewing 10.00am - 12.30pm

At Ibbett Mosely Auction Rooms, Argyle Rd, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1HJ

Valuation Day - Wednesday 10th May 2017 11am to 4pm

Crown Inn, School Road, Chislehurst, Kent BR7 5PQ

Tel: 01732 456731 Web: www.ibbettmosely.co.uk

125 High St, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1UT

Registered in England No. 0C341637 Regulated by RICS Registered at the Sevenoaks office as Ibbett Mosely Surveyors LLP

Better Borders Course

IbbettMoselyWT182.indd 1 07/03/2017 11:24

Join Jo Arnell at her garden in Woodchurch for the borders

section of the practical gardening course. Learn how to

take cuttings, grow perennials, design a border and care for

your plants through the seasons. No experience needed.

Contact Jo Arnell 01233 861149 www.hornbrookmanor.co.uk

1 session each month: May, June & July

HornbrookManorWT183.indd 1 10/04/2017 16:15

01795 474660

www.kentgardenshow.com

The Kent Showground, Detling ME14 3JF


GardenShowWT182.indd 1 17/03/2017 10:58

Wealden Wealden Times Times - Bazaar - Classified

www.dhallcabinetmaker.co.uk

Clare Langdon

Home & Interiors

David Hall

Cabinet Maker

&

Antique Restorer

* High Quality Bespoke Furniture

* Antique Restoration of all types

* Carving and Copy Carving

* Polishing

NO VAT

Phone 01797 270761

Email: hallcrocket@aol.com

DavidHallWT108.indd 1 14/01/2011 CranbrookIronWT177.indd 15:27

1 25/10/2016 15:41

INTERIORS

Made to measure

curtains & blinds

Tracks & poles

Measuring & fitting service

Home consultation

Fabrics & design advice

Telephone 01233 850829

clarelangdoninteriors.co.uk

Garden & Building Services

Pop-up Shop Now Open

Ockley Road, Hawkhurst TN18 4DP

bespoke ironwork for home & garden

07765 344298

www.cranbrookiron.com

Open: Wednesday - Saturday

We know trees.

We’re professional tree surgeons covering

Kent and East Sussex.

Our commitment is to deliver a comprehensive

range of high quality tree work, from delicate

pruning operations and hedgecutting,

to replanting and complete tree removal.

01580 890462

fernshiretrees.co.uk

insured experienced professional

Gallery

ClareLangdonWT177.indd 1 24/10/2016 16:04

The Singing Soul Gallery

Contemporary Art & Craft

19 Stone St. Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3HF

01580 714551

www.singingsoulgallery.co.uk

Piano Shop

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Serving London & the South-East since 1984

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Probably the most experienced, established

& qualified contractor in the area

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FREE QUOTATIONS, CALL

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Stonehurst Construction Ltd.

Renovation & refurbishment

Extensions

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Barn conversions

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Professional service covering all aspects of

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planning and design stage to completion.

Free no obligation quotations

References and portfolio

available upon request

stonehurstconstruction.co.uk

T: 01825 830540 M: 07736158515 E: stonehurstconstruction@gmail.com

wealdentimes.co.uk

182

PianoShopWT180.indd 1 04/01/2017 StonehurstConstructionWT182.indd 16:06

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Competition

Win One night’s bed and breakfast with

a six course tasting meal AT FRASERS IN

EGERTON ON FRIDAY 9 JUNE

PLus TWO TICKETS TO WEALDEN TIMES MIDSUMMER FAIR ON SATURDAY 10 JUNE

Frasers is a private guest house and restaurant nestled at the end of a private drive

on a working farm set deep in the beautiful Kent countryside, halfway between

Maidstone and Ashford. The Frasers team offer a unique, idyllic venue for your

perfect event – whether it is a luxury get away from it all break, your fairy-tale wedding,

private dining to celebrate a milestone birthday or anniversary, baby shower or hen do.

Stay, relax and unwind in one of their beautiful, individually designed

rooms, all with luxury en suite bathrooms, comfy slippers and gowns.

The restaurant and function suite is a custom-made, traditionally

constructed beautiful oak-framed Kentish Barn, with a wealth of exposed

beams. Relax on the superb sun drenched terrace and enjoy dishes in

their 2 AA Rosette award winning restaurant. Frasers offer an excellent

array of hand picked wines to complement their exquisite food.

Enjoy complete tranquillity and savour the beautiful views across

the unspoilt Kent countryside. Watch the geese flying in to graze on

the pond and listen to the owls calling from the nearby oak trees.

How to enter: For your chance

to win one night’s bed and breakfast

with a six course tasting menu, plus two

tickets to Wealden Times Midsummer

Fair just answer the following question:

How many AA Rosettes has Frasers

restaurant won? Enter your answer

with your contact details* in the

online form at wealdentimes.co.uk/

competition or post to: The Frasers

Competition, Wealden Times, 21

Stone Street, Cranbrook, Kent TN17

3HF by Friday 19 May 2017. Prize

comprises one night’s bed and breakfast

in a superking room, with a six course

tasting meal for two on Friday 9

June plus two tickets to Wealden Times

Midsummer Fair on Saturday 10 June.

There is no cash alternative and the

dinner, bed and breakfast prize must be

taken on Friday 9 June 2017, and the

Midsummer Fair tickets on Saturday 10

June. *All entrants’ details will be passed

on to Frasers and Wealden Times

Events. Please let us know if you do

not wish your details to be passed on.

Congratulations to Elizabeth Yeates who wins our April competition for a Firepod!


Jane Howard’s

Fables from the Farm

Jane gets busy prepping for the Heathfield Show

It’s been one of the driest winters

I can remember and April saw

us lambing in the most glorious

conditions. The cattle were turned out

at the end of March – a good two weeks

early – and the first swallows arrived on

April 2nd, another record. But while

nature seems to be ahead of the game,

I am most definitely lagging when it

comes to preparing our cattle for the

annual round of summer agricultural

shows and must get my skates on.

Heathfield, a one-day show on 27

May is the first and always one of the

most enjoyable. But blimey there are

only a few weeks to go so

I must crack on, pick out

the team and get them

ready for the big day

which involves a ridiculous

amount of preparation.

At the show, each breed –

in our case the Sussex – has

its own section made up

of classes for different age

females: cows & calves, in-calf heifers

(two year old females that haven’t yet had

a calf) and yearling heifers. And ditto

for the bulls, though usually they just

have two classes, one for the old boys

and one for the adolescents. Having

picked winners for each class, the judge

then has to choose a female champion,

a male champion and then an overall

champion. That then goes forward to

compete against the champions from all

the other breeds to choose the overall

show winner. Heady stuff but with all

“ All that remains

is for Richard

the foot trimmer

to trim their

toes with an

angle-grinder”

the preparation necessary, right now

I will just be pleased to get there.

Last autumn I picked out the two best

bull calves from the 2016 crop and hope

I got it right as the vet turned up shortly

after and castrated the others! The chosen

two, Tom and Harry (you can’t really call a

bull Dick) have had buckets of grub every

morning and evening since then, as much

as they can eat, to turn them into 600kg

power packs. And now spring is in the air

they only have one interest in life and it’s

certainly not going showing. But they’ll

just have to be patient and wait for that.

By contrast I’ve only just picked out the

girls. It’s a different story

for the young females, as

give them too much hard

grub too soon and they

get fat, known as too fit

in bovine parlance, the

eternal female problem!

But luckily Caroline, the

top pick, is a rather tall,

gangly thing and should

hopefully flesh up nicely without putting

on the pounds in the wrong places.

And now it’s May, training must

commence in earnest. It’s fine with

all the seasoned pros, once trained

they never forget, but for Tom,

Harry and Caroline it’s game on.

Step 1: catch your beast, get a halter

on it and tie it up. Thankfully

Sussex, rather like Labrador dogs, are

exceedingly greedy and food plays a

major role in achieving the above.

Step 2: Get them to walk beside you

on the halter. This often involves an

impressive rodeo style performance with

yours truly being pulled round the yard

cartoon style, but they are the easy ones.

Much harder are those that decide to

adopt a line of least resistance and just

stand there, half a ton of immoveable

bullock. Bribery is the only option. For

Tom and Harry this usually means finding

an older cow and getting her to walk

in front. For Caroline, male company

is of little interest but a bucketful of

grub on the other hand and we’re off.

All that remains is for Richard the

foot trimmer to trim their toes with an

angle-grinder, a few sessions with the

pressure washer to clean off the last of

the winter coat and hey presto! team

Coopers is as ready as it ever will be.

Heathfield here we come and

hope I might see you there.

Follow Jane Howard – and the farm

– on Instagram @coopersfarm

wealdentimes.co.uk

184

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Wealden Times | WT183 | May 2017 | Restoration & New Build supplement inside

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