Wealden Times | WT187 | September 2017 | Education supplement inside

PRICELESS 

September 2017 

Education Supplement Supplement inside inside 

Inspirational Interiors • Fabulous Fashion • Delicious Dishes

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Contents 

September 2017 

28 

49 

64 

89 

91 

64 

MAKING THE GRADE 

Maggie Alderson’s pick 

of listed properties 

SEPTEMBER NOTEBOOK 

Fill your diary with hand 

picked events going on 

around the Weald 

A RIVER RUNS BY IT 

Living accommodation 

with a difference 

GET THE LOOK 

Be inspired by John and 

Anna’s arty vibe 

GREAT ESCAPE 

Artworks inspired by the 

beautiful outdoors 

122 

126 

141 

147 

148 

126 

KEEP IT 

CONTEMPORARY 

Warm up your living room 

with our fireplace picks 

HIGH CONTRAST 

Sleek, tailored fashion 

PRETTY PAGES 

Josephine Fairley reviews 

the best beauty books 

SLIDE INTO SEPTEMBER 

Alison Nixon spills her 

health and beauty secrets 

HEALTHY EATING 

FOR THE FAMILY 

Keep your loved ones fighting 

fit with advice from Julie Clark 

165 

171 

175 

179 

180 

100 

LAVENDER’S BLUE 

Sue Whigham researches one of 

our favourite British blooms 

HOUSE RULES 

Experts talk us through the 

legalities of property ownership 

WHAT’S ON? 

Find out... 

COMPETITION 

Win a gin making experience for 

two at Greensand Ridge Distillery 

FABLES FROM THE FARM 

Jane Howard tends to the 

Coopers Farm flock 

100 

121 

ART HOUSE EVOLUTION 

Artist Karen Birchwood’s 

Victorian cottage 

GET THE LOOK 

Emulate Karen’s style with 

our edit of homewares 

150 

159 

FREE RANGE FLAVOUR 

A trio of pork recipes 

from Sissinghurst Pigs 

THE SHOW CAN GO ON 

Jo Arnell’s plants for late 

summer colour 

Published by JPS Media Ltd. Kettle Chambers, 21 Stone Street, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3HF 

Telephone 01580 714705 Email info@wealdentimes.co.uk Visit wealdentimes.co.uk 

Copyright © 2017 JPS Media Ltd. The views of the advertisers and contributors are not 

necessarily those of JPS Media Ltd. 

EDUCATION 

SUPPLEMENT 

36 pages of 

interviews, expert 

opinions and 

school news. 

After page 168. 

Education 

A Wealden Times Supplement 

11 

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

06WT187Supplement.indd 1 22/08/2017 10:09

Guide price: £1,100,000 

Brenchley 

An attractive Grade II Listed family house in a rural location with wonderful views over surrounding countryside 

4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms. Beautiful gardens and grounds with terraces, summerhouse, pond, paddock, detached timber 

clad double garage and detached barn / second garage. In all about 2.9 acres. 

Guide price: £650,000 

Goudhurst 

An immaculate Grade II Listed period home in the heart of the village 

4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 3 reception rooms. Detached garage and off-road parking. Courtyard garden with seating area.

Our understanding of the 

ever‐changing market enables us 

to price your property accurately. 

And with our local knowledge 

and extensive network of London 

offices, you can rely on Knight 

Frank to get you moving. 

Call us today on 01892 310700 to 

discuss your property search or to 

arrange a free market valuation. 


Brenchley 

A most attractive 1920’s family house in need of modernisation 

7 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 4 reception rooms. Paved terrace, swimming pool and hard tennis 

court (in need of resurfacing). Detached double garage with garden store. In all about 0.85 

acres. EPC: F. 

@KF_HomeCounties 

KnightFrank.co.uk 


Benenden 

A wonderful Grade II Listed period barn in a peaceful rural position with lovely views 

4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 4 reception rooms. Swimming pool and vegetable garden. Stables, tack room, manege and paddocks. 

Detached garage, barns and store rooms. In all about 10.7 acres (further land available).

A PRIVATE GATED DEVELOPMENT OF LUXURY DETACHED FAMILY HOMES, 

MEWS HOUSES AND APARTMENTS WITH BREATHTAKING VIEWS. 

MAYFIELD LANE, WADHURST, EAST SUSSEX. 

HOUSES FROM £1,450,000 

APARTMENTS FROM £550,000 

TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT PLEASE CONTACT THEA HEATON ON: 

020 7205 2804 OR EMAIL SALES@NEWCOURT.CO.UK 

WWW.NEWCOURT.CO.UK

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

harpers and hurlingham 

RuRal SmaRden £1,850,000 

Listed Country House, Barn and Oast 

· Four reception rooms · Kitchen/breakfast room 

· Five/six bedrooms (four ensuite) · Two bedroom 

converted oast · Thatched barn · Recreational barn 

· Grounds approx. 9.3 acres · EPC: n/a 

Convenient yet Rural Location 

RuRal GoudhuRSt £1,450,000 

Striking 15th Century Grade II Listed Farmhouse 

· Four receptions · Kitchen/breakfast room · Cellar 

· Five bedrooms (one ensuite) · Two bathrooms · Loft 

room · Garden and grounds approx. 2.6 acres · Garaging 

and games room · EPC: n/a 

Cranbrook School Catchment Area 

RuRal SandhuRSt £995,000 

Oast House with Breathtaking Views 

· Triple aspect sitting room · Kitchen/breakfast/ 

dining room · Utility room · Five bedrooms 

(one ensuite) · Garden and grounds approx. 2 acres 

· Garaging · EPC: D 

Cranbrook School Catchment Area 

RuRal tenteRden £960,000 

Striking Period Farmhouse 

· Three receptions · Kitchen/breakfast/family room 

· Four double bedrooms (one ensuite) · Garden and 

grounds approx. 3 acres · Outbuildings including 

stabling · EPC: E 

Stunning Far Reaching Countryside Views 

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 

SMARDEN £925,000 - £975,000 

Five Bedrooms | Five Reception Rooms | Three En Suites | Gardens & Paddocks 

Deceptively spacious Grade II Listed Wealden Hall House, originally dating 

from the late 16th century with a wealth of charm and period features, set in a 

plot of 1.8 acres with fantastic views over open countryside. 

EPC Rating F 

BIDDENDEN £1,100,000 

No Chain | Four Reception Rooms | Two En Suites and Bathroom | CSCA 

Individual detached family home with newly installed underfl oor heating, set on an 

approx. 5 acre plot. This deceptively spacious home has been lovingly extended by 

the current owners, which offers plenty of space for any family’s needs. 

EPC Rating TBC 

HAMSTREET £550,000 - £575,000 

Five Bedrooms | No Chain | Two Reception Rooms 

Attractive detached family home with double garage and driveway offering ample 

parking, located on a popular new development in the desirable village. When 

constructed in 2015, the current vendor upgraded fi xtures, fi ttings and appliances. 

EPC Rating C 

TENTERDEN £650,000 - £700,000 

Three Bedrooms | Three Reception Rooms | Large Private Gardens 

A spacious detached family home situated in a sought after location and within 

easy access to the High Street of Tenterden. This fl exible home can be either 

used as a three or four bedroom home. 

EPC Rating F 

WAREHORNE £450,000 - £500,000 

Three Double Bedrooms | En Suite Bathroom & Family Bathroom | Off Road Parking 

A stylishly converted property, providing a contemporary home, which retains 

a wealth of original features. It offers an entrance vestibule, a spacious living 

room, a large kitchen/dining room and utility area. 

EPC Rating D 

TENTERDEN £550,000 

Three/Four Bedrooms | Two/Three Reception Rooms | No Chain 

An Elegant Victorian Town House built in 1885, with an enviable position on the 

Picturesque Tree lined High Street. This rarely available home offers spacious, 

versatile accommodation with many original Victorian Period features. 

EPC Rating E 

HERE TO GET you THERE 

TENTERDEN 

01580 763 278 

ASHFORD 

01233 613 613 

HYTHE 

01303 261 557 

Over 150 independently owned branches across the UK. 

FOLKESTONE 

01303 210 335 

MEET YOUR LOCAL Tenterden Team! 

Andrew, Laura & Jake 

Over 200 independently owned branches across the UK.

The Property Ombudsman 

Chart Sutton Guide Price £1,750,000 

A magnificent Grade II listed country house and converted granary annexe. 

• 4 Reception Rooms • Kitchen/Breakfast Room • 6 Bedrooms • 5 Bath/ 

Shower Rooms • Wine Cellar • Detached 2 Bedroom Annexe • Detached 

Outbuilding with PP to Extend • Grounds of over 2 acres 

Northiam Guide Price £1,150,000 

An exceptional Grade II* listed village residence incorporating annexe 

potential amid beautiful grounds • 3 Reception Rooms • Kitchen/Breakfast 

Room • 6 Bedrooms • Dressing Room • 4 Bath/Shower Rooms • 2 

Outbuildings • Pavlion • Tennis Court • Gardens of over an acre 

Collier Street Offers in Excess of £925,000 

An appealing Grade II listed farmhouse offering bright and airy 

accommodation in a semi rural setting * 4 Reception Rooms • Kitchen • 

5 Bedrooms • 3 Bathrooms • Gardens and Grounds of about 0.4 acres • 

Workshop & Garden Store 

Cranbrook Guide Price £795,000 

An extensively renovated semi attached town house in Cranbrook School 

catchment area • 3 Reception Rooms • Kitchen • Playroom • 4 Double 

Bedrooms • Family Bathroom • Garden • Carport • Private Parking • Garden 

Stores • EPC E 

Hawkhurst Guide Price £775,000 

A spacious and secluded family house in a popular residential area within 

walking distance of village amenities • Cranbrook School catchment area * 

3 Reception Rooms • Kitchen • 5 Bedrooms • 3 Bath/Shower Rooms • Large 

Garage • Gardens of circa 0.65 acres in all • EPC D 

Loose Village Guide Price £670,000 

A handsome detached double fronted Victorian ragstone house • Entrance 

Hall • 3 Reception Rooms • Kitchen/Breakfast Room • Utility Room • 

Cloakroom • 2 Basement Rooms • 3 Double Bedrooms • 2 Bathrooms • 

Large Attic • Gardens • Large Detached Outbuilding/Garage • EPC: E 

coming 26 January 2015

01580 761650 

www.philberts.co.uk 

LANGLEY OIEO £720,000 

Large four bedroom detached property occupying a good sized plot. This country home retains many original 

features which include: cast-iron fireplaces, dado rails, coving and an elegant staircase. Large windows allow 

natural light to flood the rooms of this spacious home. Two of the double bedrooms have en suite shower rooms, 

with the master bedroom boasting a walk-in dressing room and French doors opening onto a Juliet balcony. 

ENERGY RATING: E 

TENTERDEN OIEO £300,000 

3 bedroom traditional white weather boarded cottage arranged 

over 3 fl oors, located in one of Tenterden`s sought after lanes 

just off the High Street. The property has been thoroughly 

refurbished throughout to a very high standard off ering open 

plan modern fi tted kitchen and dining room, WC, 2 bathrooms 

plus a desirable garden room making an ideal offi ce/study. 

ENERGY RATING: D 

STAPLEHURST £475,000 

Four bedroom modern detached property situated in a 

private corner position on a sought after development 

close to the village centre. The property consists of lounge/ 

diner, conservatory, kitchen, study, cloakroom, master 

bedroom with en suite, three further bedrooms, family 

bathroom, double garage and good size gardens. 

ENERGY RATING: D

Rye, East Sussex - £1,500,000 

Immaculate 1920s house with southerly views. Reception hall, 

drawing room, sitting room, study, conservatory, dining room, 

kitchen, utility, pantry, 5 bedrooms, games room/bedroom 6. 

Double garage. Workshop. Gardens approx 1 acre. EPC E 

Greatstone, Kent - £1,100,000 

Beach house fronting the sand dunes with widespread sea 

views. Entrance hall, two bedrooms with sea views and en 

suite, 2 further bedrooms, utility/wet room, first floor open plan 

living/dining/kitchen with large balcony. Gardens. Detached 

garage. EPC C 

C 

M 

Y 

CM 

MY 

Beckley, East Sussex - £1,275,000 

Stunning house off country lane. Sitting room, dining room, study, 

kitchen, breakfast room, utility, boot room, master bedroom suite 

with balcony, 3 further bedrooms. 3 bay garage with 1 bedroom 

annexe above. Detached outbuilding with games room. Garden 

and grounds of 3.5 acres. EPC C 

Icklesham, East Sussex - £895,000 

A modern detached family house in a rural position. 

Entrance hall, living room, dining room, family room, 

kitchen/breakfast room, utility, 5 bedrooms. Detached 

double garage. Gardens and grounds of approx. 6 acres. 

EPC C 

CY 

CMY 

K 

Camber, East Sussex - £279,950 

A three bedroom semi-detached house within close 

proximity to the vast stretch of Camber Sands beach. Living 

room, kitchen/breakfast room, bedroom with en suite, 2 

further bedrooms. Garden. Carport for 2 cars. EPC C 

Rye, East Sussex - £465,000 

Modern town house in private residential development in 

quiet location. Kitchen/breakfast room, garden room, first 

floor living room, bedroom with en suite, 2 further bedrooms 

on second floor. Courtyard garden. Single garage. EPC C 

RYE OFFICE 01797 227338 

MAYFAIR OFFICE 0870 112 7099 

phillipsandstubbs.co.uk

MAXIMISE THE VALUE 

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September 2016 

For a free appraisal call 0843 557 4080 

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“Guy and team at CHH did a fantastic 

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January 2017

Prices from £545,000. 

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SHOW HOME OPENING SATURDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER 

CALL 01622 673 086 TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT 

sJd – developing potential 

SibleyParesWT187.indd 1 21/08/2017 17:10 

If you think your property 

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

We are alWays on the lookout for property With development potential 

SJD-Half 190x133.indd 1 09/04/2017 18:25 


22 

SJDprojectsWT184.indd 1 02/05/2017 15:57

HELP TO BUY 

at Knights Wood 

Owning your first home in Royal Tunbridge Wells should 

feel like a dream come true, which is is why Dandara is is 

delighted to to offer Help to to Buy at Knights Wood. 

Knights Wood offers a a variety of of exceptional new homes in in a a peaceful 

woodland setting in in Royal Tunbridge Wells. Our marketing suite is is 

open daily from 10am to to 5pm, so so come and visit us us to to see how 

Help to to Buy will get you the home you want for less. Alternatively, 

call us us on 01892 800580. 

2 and 3 bedroom homes available with Help to to Buy 

Prices from £341,000 

Knights Wood, Tunbridge Wells TN2 3UW 

01892 800 580 | | knightswood.co.uk 

5% DEPOSIT 

75% MORTGAGE 

20% GOVERNMENT LOAN 

Example of of a Victoria two bedroom 

house priced at at £341,000 

5% Deposit £17,050 

20% Loan £68,200 

75% Mortgage £255,750 

Help to to Buy Buy is is not not available to to assist buy-to-let investors or or those who will will own any any property other than their 

Help to to Buy Buy property after completing their purchase. For For further information speak to to one one of of our our sales 

representatives or or visit visit helptobuy.gov.uk Prices correct at at time of of print and and are are subject to to change without notice.

COMING SOON 

Computer generated images 

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Our beautifully-designed Show Homes demonstrate how warm, reliable and safe 

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3 & 4 bedroom homes from £465,000 

Sales office and Show Homes 

open daily from 10:00am - 5:00pm 

01435 872513 

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Prices and details correct at time of going to press. Images for illustrative purposes only. Internal photography may show upgraded specification. 

Please ask a Sales Advisor for details.

AN EXCLUSIVE GATED DEVELOPMENT 

OF 5 BEDROOM DETACHED LUXURY 

HOMES IN SUTTON VALENCE, KENT 

PRICES FROM £995,000 

TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT PLEASE 

CONTACT THEA HEATON ON: 

020 7205 2144 

OR EMAIL SALES@NEWCOURT.CO.UK 

WWW.NEWCOURT.CO.UK

HOUSE OF THE MONTH 

1. 

Making the Grade 

Maggie Alderson takes a look at listed properties 

It’s only now I’ve moved out of a house which was a Listed building that 

I’ve realised quite what a privilege it was to live in one. And not just for the 

bragging rights when filling in insurance forms and the like. Form: ‘Is it a 

Listed building?’, Me (in my head): OH YES, MATEY. 

Of course, Listed status doesn’t come without inconveniences. Even the humblest 

of repairs has to be done using the appropriate materials and expert techniques, 

or to put it another way, costs more. And there can be no cavalier pulling down 

of walls in pursuit of the modern lifestyle ideal of the eat-in kitchen/family room, 

which was why I left my adored Grade II Listed last year (1745, sob…). 

It can even be difficult to remove 1980s plastic plug sockets and light switches, as a 

friend of mine discovered when she was trying to renovate business premises in a Listed 

building. There was much sucking of teeth by Conservation Officers before she was 

allowed to replace them with more attractive ones, because they expressed the building’s 

‘journey’ from its 16th century origins all the way to its current 21st century arrangement. 

They had a point, of course. Later Victorians thought Gothic styles were much 

more fabulous than restrained Georgian lines, so we’re lucky they didn’t rip out 

all the curving staircases and Adam chimneypieces we love so much today, to put 

in what they considered groovy. 

Taste changes constantly, so we should be very thankful we have Historic England – the 

body which governs the listing process – in place to preserve our architectural heritage 

from the whims of fashion. Future generations will be grateful we Listed back-to-back 

houses in Birmingham and mid-twentieth century office blocks in the City of London. 

On a more personal level, I’ve come to understand that what makes the responsibilities 

and restrictions of owning a Listed house worthwhile is the joy of living in a building 

which has rare and unique character, a sense of history palpable in its very structure. 

Here are four houses currently for sale with full Listed status. 

1. Hollis Street 

Where? Hollis Street Farm Barn is 

surrounded by beautiful East Sussex 

countryside in a quiet rural position, near 

Ninfield village, five miles from Battle 

with rail links to Charing Cross and 

Cannon Street in around 1.5 hours. 

What? A Grade II Listed barn 

conversion formerly owned by the 

pioneering architect Sir George Gilbert 

Scott, famous for the Albert Memorial and 

restoration of Westminster Abbey. With 

parts of the house dating back to the 15th 

century, it has been sensitively updated, 

with an open plan kitchen/family room, 

large drawing room and study, leading to a 

further kitchen and two reception rooms, 

which can be closed off as a self-contained 

annexe or holiday let, with its own garden, 

and staircase to two bedrooms and shower 

room. The main house has three en suite 

double bedrooms (one with Juliet balcony) 

and two further bedrooms (seven in all, 

including the annexe). The gardens are 

beautifully landscaped, with a formal 

walled garden to one side with lawned 

area, mulberry tree, water feature and 

paved seating area, orchard, greenhouse, 

ten raised veg beds and space for chickens. 

How much? Hollis Street Farm Barn 

is listed at £875,000 with Freeman Forman 

Call 01892 615757 and have a 

look at freemanforman.co.uk 


28

2. 

3. 

4. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

2. Prospect Cottage 

Where? Prospect Cottage is located on 

the northern edge of the village of Beckley, 

two miles from the bigger village of 

Northiam, equidistant between Tenterden 

and Rye. Main-line rail services can be 

accessed from Robertsbridge (8 miles) 

taking approximately 1 hour 5 minutes 

and 1 hour 20 minutes respectively. 

What? A picture postcard pretty, 

wisteria-clad, mellow brick and part tilehung 

detached Grade II Listed period 

Georgian cottage, with a “child’s drawing” 

four-window facade. The interior is 

gloriously light and airy. The ground 

floor has a Shaker-style kitchen off the 

dining room and a living room with an 

adjoining garden room. Plus a cellar/ 

workshop. Upstairs are three bedrooms 

and a bathroom, all set in very pretty 

gardens with a gravel area to the front, 

borders and a terrace to the rear. 

How much? Prospect Cottage 

is listed at £595,000 with Phillips 

& Stubbs. Call 01797 227338 and 

check out phillipsandstubbs.co.uk 

3. Old Timbers 

Where? Old Timbers is situated close 

to the centre of the charming village 

of Newenden on the Kent/East Sussex 

border, which offers boat trips on the 

River Rother and the picturesque steam 

railway to Bodiam Castle. Tenterden is 

seven miles, Staplehurst (London Bridge 

in 53 minutes) is 12 miles and Ashford 

International is 19. The house has views 

over open farmland to the Rother. 

What? A rare and historically 

significant Grade II Listed weatherboarded 

Wealden Hall House, dated approx. 1450, 

built from old ship’s timbers and once a 

Customs House as the Government coat 

of arms on the King Charles fireback 

attests. It’s beam-tastic and sits in tranquil 

gardens. There is a large kitchen/dining 

room, leading to the sitting room and 

family room. Upstairs are five bedrooms, 

the master en suite to a shower room 

and a family bathroom. A substantial 

adjacent annexe begs for conversion 

(subject to planning permission). 

How much? Old Timbers is on the 

market with Weald Property, with an 

asking price of £700,000. Call 01580 

242700, browse wealdproperty.net 

4. Wrangling Green 

Where? Wrangling Green sits 

in a beautiful rural location with 

wonderful views over surrounding 

countryside, on the outskirts of the 

popular Wealden village of Brenchley. 

Paddock Wood, just 3.5 miles away, 

has excellent shopping facilities and 

six trains to London at peak times. 

What? An attractive Grade II Listed 

part weatherboarded family house with 

tile-hung elevations, believed to date 

back to the 1500s with additions in the 

1700s. It retains many period features 

including exposed timbers, fireplaces 

(including an inglenook) and leaded 

light windows. The accommodation is 

arranged over three floors and has well 

laid out reception/entertaining space 

plus wine cellar. There’s a lovely red 

Aga in the kitchen. Three bedrooms, 

one en suite and a family bathroom 

on the first floor, a further bedroom 

and study on the top floor. There is 

also a summerhouse, with a sauna. 

How much? Wrangling Green is 

listed at £1,195,000 with Knight Frank, 

Tunbridge Wells. Telephone 01892 

882763 and look at knightfrank.co.uk 

29 wealdentimes.co.uk

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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, 

Rachel Ricketts, Weight Loss Consultant 

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.’ 

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!’ 

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 14 years, she has helped 

over 5,000 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. 

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.’ 

Call now for a free consultation. 

01342 327396 

Email rachel@rachelrickettsweightloss.co.uk 

www.rachelrickettsweightloss.co.uk

Affordable, 

Simple and Safe: 

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Unit 6, Harvington Business Park, Brampton Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN22 9AF 

Mon Fri 9am 5pm, Sat 9am 2pm 

Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm, Sat 9am - 2pm 

Telephone 01323 509 661 Freephone 0800 988 1071 

Telephone 01323 509 661 Freephone 0800 988 1071 

www.blind-design.co.uk 

www.blind-design.co.uk

BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED FURNITURE 

WARDROBES . KITCHENS . BOOKCASES 

Kent / Sussex 01732 462565 nonsuchandknole.co.uk

The Kitchen is the Heart of Your Home 

See how we can transform your home today www.stellisonsinteriors.co.uk j.stevens@bentonskitchens.co.uk 

Showroom: 18 Maynard Road, Canterbury, Kent CT1 3RH Telephone: 01227 767576 07866 939815

INTRODUCING BEOLAB 50 

Welcome home. To a place where 

technology doesn’t steal your attention 

but earns it for all the right reasons. 

Continuing our endeavours to create 

the future of sound we proudly 

introduce BeoLab 50, the ultimate 

high-end active loudspeaker for both 

musical and cinematic experiences. 

BEOLAB 50 

LIKE NO ONE ELSE 

Bang & Olufsen 

of Bexleyheath 

155 Broadway, 

Bexleyheath DA6 7EZ 

Tel: 0208 303 2760 

bexleyheath@bang-olufsen.co.uk 

www.bang-olufsen.com/bexleyheath 


of Cambridge 

29 Magdalene Street, 

Cambridge CB3 0AF 

Tel: 01223 464400 

cambridge@bang-olufsen.co.uk 

www.bang-olufsen.com/cambridge 


London 

Freephone: 0808 231 0000 

info@beoshop.co.uk 

www.beoshop.co.uk 


of Maidstone 

37 Royal Star Arcade, High Street, 

Maidstone, Kent ME14 1JL 

Tel: 01622 756756 

maidstone@bang-olufsen.co.uk 

www.bang-olufsen/maidstone 


of Tunbridge Wells 

66 Mount Pleasant Road, 

Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1RB 

Tel: 01892 527525 

tunbridgewells@bang-olufsen.co.uk 

www.bang-olufsen.com/tunbridgewells

Section of Fashionista 

Clive has work exhibiting at the 

SEPTEMBER ART EXHIBITION, 

THE COMMEMORATION HALL, HIGH STREET WADHURST 

8 th –17 th September 

JUST TEN GALLERY 

LIMITED EDITION FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY 

RYE 

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

FIRST CLASS ENTERTAINMENT 

AT THE ORCHARD THEATRE 

MON 11 - SAT 16 SEPTEMBER 

SONGS THAT WON THE WAR 

SUN 24 SEPTEMBER 

MON 25 - SAT 30 SEPTEMBER 

MON 9 - SAT 14 OCTOBER 

TUE 31 OCT - SAT 4 NOV 

MON 6 - SAT 11 NOVEMBER 

ORCHARDTHEATRE.CO.UK 

TICKET OFFICE: 01322 220000

The new Capri range 

Made in Italy and available in a stunning range of quality fabrics and leathers. 

Sofa with chaise end unit, 265cm as pictured £1,795 

Reduced to £1,435 in our Summer Sale 

On show in our stunning Cross in Hand store along 

with 20 room sets displayed over two floors. 

Wealden House, Cross In Hand 01435 863921 116 South Street, Eastbourne 01323 722921 

www.davidsalmon.co.uk

FOR THOSE WHO TAKE THEIR 

DRIVING SERIOUSLY 

AND THEIR FINANCES, TOO. 

MASERATI GHIBLI DIESEL. YOURS. FROM £538 PER MONTH* 

PLUS INITIAL RENTAL 

You know you have always wanted to own a Maserati. Now there is absolutely nothing 

to hold you back. The Ghibli Diesel four door saloon is every inch a Maserati, featuring 

a gorgeous, coupé-like silhouette, luxury leather interior and with its economical 

yet potent diesel engine, 8-speed ZF automatic transmission, there are also plenty of 

rational reasons to justify your decision. 

MOTORLINE MASERATI MAIDSTONE 

Bircholt Road, Maidstone, Kent ME15 9XY 

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

Official fuel consumption figures for the Maserati Ghibli MY17 range in mpg (l/100 km): Urban 20.5 

(13.8) - 36.7 (7.7), Extra Urban 39.8 (7.1) - 57.6 (4.9), Combined 29.4 (9.6) - 47.9 (5.9). CO 2 emissions 

on combined cycle: 223 - 158 g/km. *Personal Contract Hire. Maserati Ghibli MY17 V6d 4dr Auto 

(including mica paint at £660). Initial rental of £5,380, followed by 47 monthly rentals of £538, incl. 

VAT & excl. maintenance. Based on 9,000 miles p.a. Excess mileage charges apply. Vehicles must be 

registered between 01/07/17 and 30/09/17. Subject to status. Guarantees may be required. Ts&Cs 

apply. Leasys, SL1 0WU. We work with a number of creditors including Leasys.

A Collective View 

Karen Birchwood, Kate Schuricht, Marek Emczek Olszewski, 

Tom Aylwin, Max Jacquard 

9th September to 9th October 

Open Thursday to Monday, 10am-5pm 

West End House 

Art Gallery 

West End House, Water Lane, Smarden, Kent TN27 8QB • 01233 770261 

www.west-end-house-gallery.co.uk • spike.pia@west-end-house-gallery.co.uk 

Try something 

different... 

WestEndHouseGalleryWT187.indd 1 21/08/2017 10:01 

come curling 

& love it! 

Staff Outings 

Entertaining Clients 

Birthday Parties 

find us on facebook & twitter 

Christmas Parties 

Stag & Hen Parties 

Social Events 

FUN on ice! 

LOVE CURLING IN KENT! 

Dundale Farm, Dundale Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 9AQ • 01892 826004 • info@curlinginkent.co.uk • www.curlinginkent.co.uk 

41 wealdentimes.co.uk 

FentonsRinkWT163.indd 1 18/08/2015 16:33

HAWKHURST FISH FARM 

Junior Coarse Fishing 

Open daily from 10 - 5. 

Fun for all ages. 

No licence or experience necessary! 

Rods and nets 

available to hire and bait sold. 

Waterside Café 

Situated at Hawkhurst Fish Farm 

Open 9 – 5 daily 

Breakfast served from 9 -12. 

Hawkhurst Fish Farm - Hastings Road - Hawkhurst - Kent - TN18 4RT - (01580) 753813 

www.hawkhurstfishfarm.co.uk - info@hawkhurstfishfarm.co.uk 

HawkhurstFishFarmWT187.indd 1 23/08/2017 14:09 


42 

CasalavendulaWT187.indd 1 23/08/2017 16:39

CornellWT187.indd 1 14/08/2017 10:09 

OPEN DAY AT 

THE RIDGE GOLF CLUB 

22 ND - 23 RD SEPTEMBER 

Come and join us at The Ridge Golf Club, Chartway Street, Sutton Valence ME17 3JB 

for our next open day showcasing the stunning Sailcloth Tent. 

To make an enquiry please call 0800 999 5552 


HolmstedEventsWT187.indd 1 18/08/2017 09:49

YOU DECIDE 

THE ORDER 

COMING 

SOON TO A 

FINE FOOD 

EMPORIUM 

NEAR YOU! 

- INGREDIENTS - 

Scioche ® , sliced in half 

Fresh Raspberry 

& Rhubarb Compote 

Friends & Champagne 

- PROCESS - 

Spread the desired amount 

of raspberry & rhubarb 

compote onto slightly 

warm Scioche ® 

Gather friends together 

pour the Champagne into 

glasses to complete your 

afternoon tea party! 

PURVEYORS OF 

FROZEN ARTISAN BREADS 

• THAW & ADORE 

• 

Available from: Dobbies (Ashford & Gillingham) Gibsons Farm Shop (Wingham) 

Ruxley Manor (Sidcup) Polhill Farm Shop (Sevenoaks) Jempsons (Peasmarsh) 

www.bakersbicycle.co.uk

14 September - 8 October 

LINENS EVENT 

AT FENWICK TUNBRIDGE WELLS 

SAVE UP TO 

50% 

ON SELECTED LINES 

Royal Victoria Place Tunbridge Wells Kent TN1 2SR | 01892 516716 

www.fenwick.co.uk

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

Summer holidays – the last straw? 

Holidays, particularly long summer holidays, can put pressure on even the most 

stable relationship, but if a relationship is already under strain, sadly they can 

sometimes be the last straw. It is probably not surprising then that Relate reported a 

9% increase in couples experiencing relationship difficulties during September 2016 

and is expecting the trend to continue this year. 

The stresses that a family Christmas 

can put on a relationship are widely 

recognised, but that longed-for 

summer holiday in the sun can 

be just as challenging. Spending 

an extended period of time in 

each other’s company can force 

a couple to address financial or 

other concerns which an otherwise 

hectic lifestyle might allow them 

to avoid. These pressures can 

apply equally to married couples, 

cohabiting couples and those in civil 

partnerships and although dealing 

with squabbling children probably 

won’t help matters, couples 

holidaying alone are by no means 

guaranteed a stress-free time! 

So what should a couple do if 

they find themselves seriously 

questioning their future? Deciding 

to separate or divorce is one of 

the most difficult and far-reaching 

decisions a person can make, as it 

affects not just their own life and 

their partner’s, but also the lives 

of those closest to them whom 

they care deeply about. As family 

lawyers, we know that couples who 

consider counselling at this time are 

often more able to cope sensitively 

with the situation. We work closely 

with local counsellors and can help 

you to identify what help would 

be best for you, as counselling is 

available for individuals, couples 

and whole families. Counselling 

works alongside the legal process, 

providing emotional support at what 

can be such a difficult time when 

decisions need to be made about 

arrangements for children and 

finances. A sensible first step is to 

have a short meeting to get an idea 

of the options available to you. 

If you are experiencing difficulties 

in your relationship and you would 

like to talk to someone about 

separation, divorce and children 

arrangements please contact us on 

T: 01892 510 222 or email: info@ 

bussmurton.co.uk and we will be 

able to offer you a free 30-minute 

no-obligation consultation. 

Please quote ‘Wealden Times’. 

Please get in touch with our Family team who will be happy to help. 

Melanie den Brinker Margaret Evans Julie Taylor Kristy Underwood Lora Grogan 

www.bussmurton.co.uk T: 01892 510 222 

TUNBRIDGE WELLS | CRANBROOK | EAST GRINSTEAD | DARTFORD 

Buss Murton Law LLP is a Limited Liability Partnership No. OC345994 and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

EVENT PARTNERS 

A UNIQUE TWO-DAY EVENT EXPLORING ALL THAT IS 

AVAILABLE FOR A HEALTHY & HAPPY LIFESTYLE 

Guest speaker, double 

Olympic gold medallist, 

Dame Kelly Holmes will 

be talking on Saturday 

about motivation, health 

and mental health 

EXPERT TALKS 

Wellbeing Workshops 

Live Kitchen 

THERAPY SPA 

Fitness Station 

Family Health 

NATURAL BEAUTY 

Food Market 

PLUS ACTIVITIES FOR THE KIDS! 

FRIDAY 22nd & SATURDAY 23rd September 2017 

THE SECRET MANOR – MABLEDON, TUNBRIDGE WELLS 

BOOK YOUR TICKETS: £15 IN ADVANCE ONLINE / £20 ON THE DAY (CHILDREN FREE) 

EXPERT TALKS & WORKSHOPS FREE WITH ENTRY. THERAPY SPA TASTER TREATMENTS £10

Wonders of the Weald... 

The Weald of Kent Handmade Fair gives one last salute to 

summer as it blankets the landcape of Penshurst Place with its 

marquees from Friday 8 to Sunday 10 September. Feast on hog 

roast and handcrafted pizza and listen to the folksy music of 

Crooked Style as you explore over 150 exhibitors. Meanwhile 

children can join tailored workshops and demonstrations 

or let loose with tree climbing and fair ground rides! Visit 

thecraftshows.co.uk for more details and don’t forget to enter 

‘OV05’ at ichfevents.co.uk to claim two for one on adult and 

senior tickets giving access to one day! 

September 

notebook 

Exhibitions & events 

near you this month... 

Starlit Cinema... 

See big hits on big screens unlike any other. Hush 

Heath’s award-winning pubs, The Goudhurst Inn 

and The Tickled Trout are starting September with 

starlit screenings on Friday 1 and Saturday 2. A 

£20 ticket also includes a pizza or BBQ meal with 

a drink and the mystery films will be revealed on 

each pub’s social media so keep your eyes peeled, 

and visit thegoudhurstinn.com or thetickledtrout.com 

to find out more. Or if you can’t make that, Hush 

Heath will also be running some lovely summer 

evening vineyard tours on Thursday 14 and Friday 

15 September (hushheath.com has details). 

Friday Night Live... 

Beats, bites and beers! Kick start your weekend with 

The Barrow House’s live local music every other 

Friday from Friday 1 September at 8pm in Egerton. 

This month they will welcome Medway’s alternative 

icon Kelly Stanley, Canterbury’s rising star of a 

singer/ songwriter, Phoebe Warden, and the mustsee 

Maidstone based duo, The Starks Brothers, who 

mix Bluegrass, Folk and gangsta rap to create a 

unique sound that is bound to get you on your feet. 

Visit thebarrowhouse.co.uk for details. 

Healthy Living... 

The Secret Manor in Mabledon hosts this year’s 

Health and Wellbeing Live, a two-day event on 

Friday 22 and Saturday 23 September focused on 

spreading knowledge about health, both physical 

and mental. To help visitors make positive changes 

in their lives, there will be free health MOTs, 

therapeutic spa treatments, nutritious cookery 

demonstrations and an enlightening talk about 

motivation and health from Dame Kelly Holmes. 

Visit healthandwellbeinglive.co.uk for more info. 

Pork Fest... 

Visit Sissinghurst Pigs on Sunday 3 September for 

free food tastings, garden games and a chance to 

explore Crossways, home to their freerange rare 

breeds. There will also be a bar serving local liquors 

including Vine Ventures wine, Turners Cider, 

Cellar Head Brewery beer, and Bardsley Farms’ 

apple juice. Entry is only £5, children are half 

price, and comes with a hotdog, drink and an entry 

into the raffle to win a Sissinghurst Pigs pork box. 

To find out more visit sissinghurstpigs.co.uk. Turn to 

our food feature this issue, from page 150, to see 

some of their delicious pork recipes. 

Prize Portrait... 

The Beaney House of Art and knowledge offers the 

chance to see a range of 57 exciting contemporary 

portraits at the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait 

Prize 2016 exhibition. Explore a display of fascinating 

stories told through the faces of models, friends and 

family members as captured by gifted amateurs, young 

talents and established professionals. The exhibition 

closes on Sunday 29 October and has free admission 

from Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm, and Sundays 

12pm to 5pm. Find out more at thebeaney.co.uk. 

Wild Wedding... 

Port Lympne is not only home to over 700 rare 

and endangered animals, it is also the location of 

Port Lympne Mansion, a grade II listed hotel with 

fifteen acres of landscaped gardens and a quirky yet 

luxurious style all of its own (see our fashion pages). 

Sunday 10 September sees it open for a free Wedding 

Fayre and open day – a great chance to meet industry 

suppliers, save money with promotional offers and 

collect a free goody bag and entrance into a prize 

draw. Details at aspinallfoundation.org/portlympne. 


26, 27 and 28 October 

A magical day for 7-12 year olds 

See website for full details & tickets 

chiddingstonecastle.org.uk 

Established 25 Years, Family Business 

01622 851400 07973 669590 

ChiddingstoneCastleWT187.indd 1 22/08/2017 11:43 

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

Bi-fold Doors Roof Lanterns Composite Doors 

ksehome.co.uk 


50 

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

When it Really Matters 

Bartholomews, Carriers Road, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3JX | Tel: 01580 849 410 

www.classictilesandbathrooms.com

Preserving your place in history 

DESIGN & PLANNING | RESTORATION | NEW BUILD | BARN CONVERSIONS | EXTENSIONS | JOINERY 

For a brochure or home consultation call 01797 366895 

www.anthony-hicks.co.uk

Orlestone Oak 

Tailor-made Oak Joinery and Oak Flooring 

OAK 

ORLESTONE 

OAK 

ORLESTONE 

OAK 

ORLESTONE 

SOLID OAK fLOORING 

PRE-fINISHED & DISTRESSED fLOORS 

NEW SHOWROOM DISPLAYS 

OAK STAIRCASES & WINDOWS 

OAK DOORS AND PORCHES 

OAK DECKING & BEAMS 

www.orlestoneoak.co.uk 01233 732179 

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

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

Cookery Courses ■ Chef’s Table ■ Private Parties 

Corporate Events ■ Hosted Meetings ■ Children’s Courses 

10% off all courses 

during September and October* 

Telephone: 01892 528700 

Telephone: Email: school@rosemaryshrager.com 

01892 528700 

Email: school@rosemaryshrager.com 

*PLEASE QUOTE WEALDEN TIMES WHEN BOOKING 

Chef’s Table Dining Experience 

with ever-changing menus created by Michelin trained chefs 

One Day & Weekend Cookery Courses 

with Rosemary Shrager & Iain More 

RSCookerySchool RSCookerySchool 

RSCookerySchool 

www.rosemaryshrager.com 

RSCookerySchool 

www.rosemaryshrager.com 


54 

RosemaryShragerWT187.indd 1 16/08/2017 12:21

EnsorInteriorDesignWT187.indd 1 17/08/2017 12:53 

嘀䤀匀䤀吀伀唀刀一䔀圀匀吀伀刀䔀䤀一匀䔀嘀䔀一伀䄀䬀匀 ⴀ 

㔀匀儀䘀吀伀䘀䈀䔀䄀唀吀䤀䘀唀䰀䘀唀刀一䤀吀唀刀䔀䄀一䐀䜀䤀䘀吀匀伀嘀䔀刀アパート䘀䰀伀伀刀匀 ℀ 

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伀唀刀匀䠀伀圀刀伀伀䴀䤀一䘀䄀刀一䤀一䜀䠀䄀䴀 

吀䔀䰀㤀㔀㤀㔀アパートアパート㐀アパートアパート ⴀ 䰀伀一䐀伀一刀伀䄀䐀 Ⰰ 䠀䄀䰀匀吀䔀䄀䐀 Ⰰ 匀䔀嘀䔀一伀䄀䬀匀 Ⰰ 䬀䔀一吀吀一㐀㜀䄀䄀 

䘀䄀刀一䤀一䜀䠀䄀䴀伀䄀䬀䈀刀䄀一䌀䠀 ⴀ 吀䔀䰀アパート㈀㈀㠀㘀アパート㈀アパート ⴀ 䠀䤀䜀䠀匀吀刀䔀䔀吀 Ⰰ 䘀䄀刀一䤀一䜀䠀䄀䴀 Ⰰ 䬀䔀一吀䐀䄀㐀䐀䜀 


FarninghamPineOakWT184.indd 1 11/05/2017 16:59

For boys and girls aged 2 to 13 

Call us on 01825 830 234 or visit 

www.skippershill.com to book 

Five Ashes, Mayfield, East Sussex, TN20 6HR 

OPEN MORNING 

Tuesday 3 October 

9.30 - 11.30am 

SkippersHillWT187.indd 1 21/08/2017 17:14 

Focused 

on their Future 

An outstanding school for boys and girls aged 3-18. At 

Kent College we can help your child develop their skills 

and talents 

Come and see for yourself: 

Senior School 

Open Morning 

Saturday 30th September 

9.00am - 12.30pm 

Sixth Form 

Open Evening 

IB and A Level Courses 

Tuesday 3rd October 

6.00pm - 8.00pm 

Senior School 

01227 763 231 


56 

KentCollegeCanterburyWT187.indd 1 18/08/2017 10:02

BE INSPIRED AND 

CHALLENGED / 

SHORT COURSE 

PROGRAMME 

A selection from our inspiring autumn 

programme, which includes some Saturdays 

01732 352316 

www.kent.ac.uk/tonbridge 

tonbridgeadmin@kent.ac.uk 

The Art of Friendship: 

Ravilious and his Circle 

Study Day Mon 25 September 

10.00-16.00 £42 

Partners in Art 

5 weeks from Mon 6 November 

10.30-12.30 £75 

More Writing for Wellbeing 

6 weeks from Mon 16 October 

13.00-15.00 £120 

Creative Writing: 

Poetry – the end of the line? 

Study Day Sat 18 November 

10.00-16.00 £50 

Love them, hate them? The Heroes 

and Villains of Armchair Drama 

Study morning Sat 11 November 

10.00-13.00 £25 

Cunning Regal Women: 

English queens before Elizabeth I 

5 weeks from Thurs 19 October 

10.30-12.30 £75 

Chaucer to Caxton: 

Words! Words! … Print! 

Study morning Tues 31 October 

10.00-13.00 £25 

The World of Oliver Cromwell 

4 weeks from Thurs 23 November 

11.00-13.00 £60 

Simplifying Beer 

Study morning Sat 25 November 

10.00-13.00 £25 

The Cambridge Spies 

Study morning Sat 2 December 

10.00-13.00 £25 

The Jazz Age in Literature 

6 weeks from Fri 6 October 

10.30-12.30 £90 

Ghosts and Vampires: 

interpreting gothic literature 

6 weeks from Thurs 12 October 

10.30-12.30 £90 

Platform 9¾: 

full steam ahead for ‘Pottermania’ 


10.00-16.00 £42 

How to listen to Antonio Vivaldi 

and the Venetian Concerto 


10.00-16.00 £42 

University Centre Tonbridge, 

Avebury Avenue, TN9 1TG 

Just a few minutes walk from the railway 

station and close to the High Street 

POSTGRADUATE 

LEVEL 

TASTER COURSES 

TONBRIDGE 

Designed for anyone with the passion and 

motivation to develop their knowledge at an 

advanced level. 

01732 352316 

www.kent.ac.uk/tonbridge 

tonbridgeadmin@kent.ac.uk 

PSYCHOLOGY 

Applying Psychology in the 

21st-century Workplace and 

Beyond 

This course is offered twice: 

4 weeks from Fri 3 Nov 

10.30-12.30 

Or 2 day course Sat 4 Nov and 

Sat 18 Nov 10.00-15.00 

£175 

ART HISTORY 

Looking at Modern and 

Contemporary Art and Art 

History 

6 weeks from Weds 1 Nov 

11.00-13.00 £200 

CREATIVE WRITING 

Writing Life: how to draw 

inspiration from the world 

around you to craft great stories 

2 day course, Sat 14 Oct and 

Sat 11 Nov 10.00-16.00 £170 

HISTORY 

Controversies and problems: 

the Conquest to the 

Reformation 

4 weeks from Tues 7 Nov 

10.30-12.30 £135 

LITERATURE 

African-American Writing 

after 1960: From Civil rights 

to Black Lives Matter 

4 weeks from Weds 1 Nov 

10.30-12.30 £135 

University Centre Tonbridge, 

Avebury Avenue, TN9 1TG 

Just a few minutes walk from the railway 

station and close to the High Street

+44 (0)1892 619721 www.krieder.com

Editor’s 

Letter 

Artworks play a key part in both of our house shoots 

this month. The first, in a stunning waterside 

location in Rye, is not so much a home, singular, 

as a stylish complex of buildings for living that reflect 

the owners’ exceptional eye for detail. The second, artist 

Karen Birchwood’s beautiful cottage, has just undergone 

extensive building works and now acts as a ‘gallery’ for her 

and her fellow artists’ paintings, sculpture and pottery. 

Art also takes centre stage for Helen Barton’s edit of sleek, 

tailored fashion photographed against the stunning murals at 

Port Lympne Hotel. Update your wardrobe from page 126. 

Here in the Weald, we’re blessed to be surrounded by 

artisan producers and we’re always keen to advocate shopping 

local and free-range. Our recipes this month have been 

created for us by the family behind Sissinghurst Pigs. Try 

out Sally and Andy’s tasty rare breed pork for yourself with 

tenderloin and roasted beetroot farrotto, Scotch eggs and 

pulled pork with slaw. Believe me, they’re SO delicious! 

It’s that time of year again – the endless sea of name tags to 

be sewn in, and the new pencil cases to be restocked. If you’re 

suffering from back-to-school blues, or are new to the area and 

want to find out more about the wealth of schools on offer, 

take a look at our Education Supplement for behind-the-scenes 

info., chats with the staff and, for peace of mind, we find out 

what’s being done to tackle the age-old problem of bullying. 

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 ....................................................................................... Kate Watts 

Wealden Times Events Team 

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

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

Relationship at 

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ErasOfStyleWT186.indd 1 12/07/2017 11:58

A River Runs By It 

Backing straight onto the River Rother with uninterrupted views across 

the salt marshes, the unique collection of buildings that creative director 

and film-maker John Carver and branding and personal curator Anna 

Carloss call home are testament to the couple’s creative backgrounds 

Words: Maggie Alderson Photographs: David Merewether Styling: Helen Bratby 


64


Design & Planning 

Restoration 

New Build 

Barn Conversions 

Extensions 

Joinery 

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Established 1986

Previous pages: The wilder side of 

John and Anna’s creativity comes 

out in their choice of artworks, with 

large scale original paintings – and 

some quirky eBay finds – in every 

room, mixed in with some very 

special photographs. Left: A Luke 

Hannam painting hangs in the 

sitting room Below: Glass doors lead 

out from the sitting room and dining 

area onto a deck shaded by a pergola 

Some houses are like the 

Tardis – you need to get 

all the way inside them 

to appreciate their charms (and 

I can tell you from personal 

experience, that Giorgio Armani’s 

palazzo in Milan looks like a 

garage from the street…). 

Others reveal their full 

fabulousness the moment you are 

over the boundary – Chandler’s 

Reach is one of these. 

The back view, visible from 

the road in Rye, is of a cluster 

of weather boarded buildings 

painted a uniform matt black. 

It looks chic enough, but the 

minute you get through the 

gate and take in the setting, the 

only possible reaction is: wow! 

The house, within a compound 

of a garage/studio, guest cabin 

and separate office building, backs 

right onto the River Rother and 

uninterrupted views across the salt 

marshes, with their lush green grass 

and thickets of vegetation. To the 

east, the river curves round to the 

left in an arrangement Capability 

Brown would have approved as a 

natural effect so pleasing to the eye. 

Adding the kind of visual 

punctuation Mr Brown 

achieved via carefully 

 


This page: Outside, there are two timber decks, both with tables and chairs to eat out on. The deck outside the guest cabin has an 

outdoor ping pong table and an adjacent fire bowl, surrounded by tree trunk stools. For even closer river watching, there’s a large jetty 

at high tide level 

sited oak trees, just around the river bend is the railway 

bridge with its pleasingly antique industrial iron frame 

structure – and sitting on top of it all the characteristic 

big sky of this marsh and marine landscape. 

“You can walk all the way to Camber Sands from 

here,” says John Carver, looking out across the view 

with fond familiarity, “crossing only one road.” 

Yet, it was the less outstanding rear view which first 

caught the attention of John and Anna to the property. 

“I drive around and notice things,” says John. “I’d seen 

this place, it was on my radar, but we decided not to look 

for anywhere to buy until our previous house was under 

offer, or you’re wasting people’s time. Just after we found the 

perfect buyers, Chandler’s Reach came up. It went on the 


68

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Under Winchelsea 

Guided medieval cellar tours 

ROBERT CLARKE 

Hooray for Hollywood 

(8 Sep - 19 Sep) 

Winchelsea boasts more than 

50 vaulted medieval cellars, a 

number rivalled only in Bristol, 

Norwich and Southampton. 

Most of the cellars were probably 

built between 1290 and 1300, 

at the same time as the original 

town. Winchelsea Archaeological 

Society conducts regular tours. 

You can fi nd out why and how the 

cellars were built, as well as learn 

about the fascinating history of 

the Ancient Town of Winchelsea. 

Tours start at 2pm from Castle 

Street and last about 90 minutes. 

The cost is £5 and includes a 

guidebook to the cellars. To book 

a place, call 01797 224446 

There is more information on 

www.winchelseacellartours.com 

Forthcoming tour dates are: 

September: Saturday 9, Sunday 24 

October: Saturday 7, Sunday 22 

December: Thursday 28 

January 2018: Tuesday 2 

Proceeds go to WAS 

(registered charity 1143524) 

to pay for archaeology. 

Wealden Times Ads 1-4 (August 2016)_D&S 1/4 page 12/08/2016 10:58 Page 1 

WinchelseaCellarToursWT187.indd 1 17/08/2017 15:27 

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70 

DeaconSandyWT184.indd 5 09/05/2017 McAllisterThomasFineArtWT187.indd 12:58 

Half Page - Surrey & 1Kent.indd 1 17/08/2017 10:41 10:59

This page: In contrast to the bedrooms, the dining room features 

cladding running horizontally rather than vertically along the 

internal walls. A life ring and vintage water skis allude to the 

property’s river setting 

market on the Thursday and we bought it on the Friday.” 

But it’s not surprising they could immediately see the 

potential of this house – the one they left for it started out 

as a ‘knackered old bungalow’ and by the time they’d worked 

their magic on it, was featured in several interiors magazines 

and was in demand as a location for film and photo shoots. 

“We bought it in 2007 as a weekender,” explains 

John, “when we were still living in London. We thought 

we’d just tart it up, but then we went a bit bonkers 

and put in extensions and a swimming pool, so then 

we loved it so much we thought, can we live here? 

At first we kept our place in Primrose Hill, spending 

weekends up there, but once Fin, our elder son, was in 

school down here, we decided to move full time.” 

So why did they move on from such a paradise? 

“It was in the middle of nowhere with no fast internet 

and now Fin’s a teenager it’s great to be somewhere he 

can walk everywhere from, so we don’t have to drive, 


“The layout of the house is 

the same as when we bought 

it, but it’s re-purposed, 

recommissioned and 

reinvented,” says John. “It’s 

made it hygge, cosy – our 

previous house was more 

sleek. We use all the rooms 

here, whereas in that house we 

had rooms we didn’t go in.” 

schlepping up and down lanes in the car. In Rye he can walk 

to the station, the cinema and the tennis club is next door 

– although, of course, the river frontage was the thing…” 

One glance round the garden shows how they’ve 

made the most of it. There are two timber decks, both 

with tables and chairs to eat out on. The one by the 

main house has two sets of glass doors leading out to it 

from the sitting room and dining area and is shaded by 

a pergola with a mature vine – already in place when 

they moved in – over a large L-shaped outdoor sofa. 

The deck outside the guest cabin – the fourth building 

along in the set of four, which they built from scratch 

– has an outdoor ping pong table and an adjacent fire 

bowl, surrounded by tree trunk stools. For even closer 

river watching, there’s a large jetty at high tide level 

(the Rother is a tidal river), although no boat. 

“I try not to have things which break,” says John, in 

what sounds like the wise voice of experience. “But we 

have mates with speed boats, so we go out with them.” 

If, with all these mentions of speed boats, ping pong, 

tree trunks and fire bowls, Chandler’s Reach sounds like a 

bit of a boy zone – you are not far off it. The interiors of 

all four buildings continue the theme of man-toys, with 

decorative features including vintage water skis, wooden 

canoes, framed posters for Steve McQueen movies and 

original art work for Ozzy Osbourne album covers. 

But while rugged pursuits and icons of hip 

masculinity feature throughout, it’s not a case 

 


72

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AutenticoWT183.indd 1 31/03/2017 11:19

COLLINS BESPOKE 

BEAUTIFUL KITCHENS 

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T. 01233 822595 E. info@collinsbespoke.com 

A. Unit 40 Old Surrenden Manor, Bethersden, TN26 3DL

Above: The couple put in a new kitchen with large drawers – instead of cupboards – fronted with American barn oak. 

The wood has been used to brilliant effect as facings on an off-the-peg kitchen, so it has a hand-built, rustic look 

of John making all the decorative decisions, rather 

a shared taste for that ultra cool aesthetic. 

“It’s all collaborative,” says John. 

“Anna and I do it all together.” 

Which is not surprising for a couple from a background 

of multiple creative disciplines. Anna’s company Cunning 

specialises in highly imaginative ‘disruptive’ marketing 

initiatives (she was responsible for Gail Porter being 

projected on to the House of Commons, for FHM 

magazine in 1999, which caused quite a stir…) and John 

has applied his film making and photography skills as 

the Creative Director of an Ad agency, as well as to fine 

art projects. He has recently directed the world’s first 

‘Selfie’ movie, a psychological thriller called Starvecrow. 

“John and I are both into the whole process 

of interior design,” says Anna. “Sometimes it’s 

a compromise, but it all works out.” 

An example of this is found in the walls of decorative 

tiles on either side of the bed in the cabin. 

“They’re from Emery et Cie in Belgium,” says Anna. “I 

went over to one of their monthly warehouse sales, saw that 

they had them already made up as panels and thought 


This page: The guest cabin is home to a group of six striking 

images that John created in collaboration with artist Luke 

Hannam. John takes the black and white photographs, then 

Luke paints over the top 

they’re great and they’re the perfect size… John didn’t like 

them at first, he would have chosen the white Metro tiles 

we have in the bathrooms, but now he loves them.” 

The beautifully planted raised beds framing the 

garden are also by Anna – “I don’t know anything 

about gardening,” says John – and reflect their 

shared aesthetic, sided with the recycled planks 

which are such a feature of the whole property. 

“The house was already weather boarded,” says 

John. “But we clad it on the inside as well, using 

boards from the old deck, which we replaced and we 

put in a new kitchen with large drawers – instead of 

cupboards – fronted with American barn oak.” 

If it seems a long way to bring reclaimed wood, there 

were practical as well as style reasons for the choice. 

“I couldn’t find anything that I really loved the patina of,” 

says Anna, “which had also been properly seasoned, so 


76

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78 

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Above left & right: John and Anna built the 

guest cabin from scratch. Decorative tiles on 

either side of the bed were sourced by Anna 

from Emery et Cie in Belgium Below left: The 

bathroom walls are lined with an eclectic mix 

of artworks and photographs 

it wasn’t going to bend the moment there 

was some moisture in the air, which you 

are inevitably going to get in a kitchen.” 

The wood has been used to brilliant effect 

as facings on an off-the-peg kitchen, so it 

has a hand-built, rustic look, but with what 

Anna called ‘swishy in and out drawers’. 

The choice of large drawers, rather 

than cupboards was inspired by a stay 

in a holiday rental which had them. 

“It was so efficient,” says Anna. “I could 

never go back to doors now. With a drawer 

you can easily get to the back, because it 

comes right out and then you’re on top of 

the drawer to take things out, rather than 

having to reach in and grope about.” 

Functionality of this kind was her 

inspiration for the kitchen plan. 

“I designed the kitchen for ease 


Above: A collection of vintage German 

pottery in warm shades of orange and red 

complements the honey-toned sideboard 

in the hallway downstairs Left: Artwork 

for Ozzy Osbourne’s album No Rest for 

the Wicked, for which John was Creative 

Director, is framed in an ornate gilded frame 

“John and I are both 

into the whole process of 

interior design,” says Anna. 

“Sometimes it’s a compromise, 

but it all works out.” 

 


80

Kate Joyner 

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01580 240708 – 07930 507047 – lucy@katejoyner.co.uk 

www.katejoyner.co.uk 

Image courtesy of Manuel Canovas 

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Above: The landing. Scarves are tied onto the bannisters, 

introducing pops of colour to an otherwise neutrally 

painted space Below: The lofty master bedroom 

features a balcony which looks out onto the river 

of use,” says Anna. “You can empty the dishwasher 

in about one third of the normal time because the 

drawers for all the plates are right next to it.” 

Feature wood, as used to such effect here – and 

in the brilliant storage from old apple crates in the 

laundry – is a theme throughout the property. 

“The layout of the house is the same as when we 

bought it, but it’s re-purposed, recommissioned and 

reinvented,” says John. “It’s made it hygge, cosy – our 

previous house was more sleek. We use all the rooms here, 

whereas in that house we had rooms we didn’t go in.” 

Wood cladding is also used to great effect in the main room 

of the guest cabin and in another ground floor bedroom. 

John admits he gets a bit obsessed with the detail of it. 

“I’m mad for cladding," he says, laughing. “The boards 

are cheap, but the cost comes in with how you do it. The 

nails are all beautifully crafted and carefully positioned, it’s 

all in the detail. Once it’s all up the steel nail heads gleam, 

which takes it all on to a higher plane. I get obsessed. 

The floor nails are hand made by a blacksmith…” 

Detail is clearly important to him. All the cupboards 

and drawers in the main house – kitchen and 

bedroom – have the same sleek steel handles. 

“They’re original 1980s Philippe Starck,” he says. 

“I take them with me from house to house.” 

He pauses, then adds: “I changed 

every light switch here too…” 

But while John may be a stickler for small details, 


Above: Crisp white 

ceilings and floral 

bedlinen are the 

perfect foil for the 

rustic reclaimed 

wooden flooring 

and panelling in one 

bedroom Left: One 

of Cache’s beautifully 

presented bespoke 

coffee table books 

the wilder side of both halves of this creative couple 

comes out in their choice of artworks, with large scale 

original paintings – and some quirky eBay finds – in every 

room, mixed in with some very special photographs. 

There’s a portrait of actor David Hemmings in 

his role in iconic 1960s film Blow Up taken by 

Terry O’Neil and the family group shots in the 

downstairs loo are by Rankin, an old friend. 

Most impressively, on the upstairs landing is 

the artwork for the cover of Ozzy Osbourne’s 

album No Rest for the Wicked, for which John was 

Creative Director, shot by Bob Carlos Clark. 

In the guest cabin is another display of John’s art work 

in a group of six of the very striking images he creates 

in collaboration with artist Luke Hannam. John takes 

the pictures – black and whites of shipping containers in 

Dungeness and the like – then Luke paints over the top. 

With his Creative Director’s eye for the final element 

which will bring it all together, John then adds carefully 

positioned pieces of masking tape and the result is an 

artistic sum larger than the whole of the parts. 

In another collaboration, John and Anna are 

bringing their collective skills together in a new project 

called Cache, a bespoke Personal Curation service 

 


84

Photo courtesy of www.goodnestone.com 

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86 

WoodworkWT187.indd 1 14/08/2017 12:28

Above: More of John’s artworks, made in collaboration with 

artist Luke Hannam, hang in a downstairs bedroom above a pair 

of vintage water skis Left: Sheets of weathered corrugated metal 

on one wall contrast with the floor-to-ceiling wooden panelling 

creating ‘legacy’ for individuals and companies. 

They use a mix of media for curated story telling – 

which might consist of Super 8 films, video or even 

old slides being edited into a short film, a specially 

commissioned photo shoot, or existing pictures being 

made into a superb book, family histories told, or an 

adventure captured. For one client they created a secure 

website documenting his classic car collection. 

John shows me the book they’ve created documenting 

the journey of their previous house from bungalow to 

dream home, interspersed with gorgeous shots of family 

and pets. It’s a superb tome bound in heavy leather, with 

exquisitely printed photographs on heavy paper, which he 

then returns to its wooden box, carefully wrapped in felt. 

It’s a unique piece, deeply personal to them 

and their family – and featuring reassuring wood 

and quality materials combined with the utmost 

style. Very much like their lovely home. 

Address Book: 

The guest cabin at Chandler’s reach can be rented via 

holidaycottages.co.uk, where it is listed as ‘Cabin by the R iver’. 

To find out more about Cache, visit cacheworldwide.com 

Luke Hannam hannamandhannam.blogspot.co.uk 

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Ram’s Skull Resin Sculpture, £39.95 

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Paintings, Giclee prints 

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This coastal depiction is by 

Dungeness artist, Keith Purser, 

b. 1944. ‘Headland’, 88x54cm 

mixed media, is a masterclass in 

balancing form, space and the 

weather’s light. It is on sale for 

£5,000. Browse a selection of 

Purser’s work at Rye Art Gallery 

ryeartgallery.co.uk 

Great Escape 

Whatever the weather, take a journey outdoors using your imagination 

with our selection of beautiful landscapes and evocative seaside 

imagery from artists whose work is available at a gallery near you 

Surrey artist Sherree Valentine 

Daines’s, b.1959, depiction of a 

young boy with a model sailing boat 

is a signed oil on board piece, 29cm 

x 23cm. This painting will feature in 

Ewbank’s September Fine Art Auction 

on Thursday 21st September with 

an estimate of £3,000-5,000. To find 

out more see ewbankauctions.co.uk 

‘Oysterble’ by widely collected Kent artist 

Graham Clarke, b. 1941, is a depiction 

of world famous Whitstable. This limited 

edition etching comprises 300 copies, plus 

30 artist’s proofs, and costs £275 unframed 

and £374 framed. grahamclarke.co.uk 

 


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Eric Ravilious, Two Women in a Garden, 1939. Fry Art Gallery 


92 

TownerArtGalleryWT187.indd 1 14/08/2017 11:06

These works by Brighton-based artist 

Patrick O’Donnell can currently be seen at 

Eastbourne’s Towner Art Gallery in their 

Sussex Open exhibition, which brings 

together the best artists from across the 

Sussex region. These recent charcoal works 

focus on the formal elements of shape, 

edge/line and tone that are responses to 

places O’Donnell has visited – in this 

case the iconic Seven Sisters. Patrick 

O’Donnell, ‘Seven Sisters’, 2017, charcoal 

on paper, £2,500, © The Artist. Image 

courtesy Towner Art Gallery, Eastbourne 

townereastbourne.org.uk 

Pip McGarry’s unique approach to 

painting wild animals that captures the 

wildlife spirit and depth in his oil paintings 

has firmly established him as one of the 

foremost current wildlife artists. Find 

Pip’s work in a solo exhibition at Trew Art 

in Surrey, from 15-23 September 2017. 

‘Leopard Hide-out’ by Pip McGarry, POA. 

trewart.com 

Originally from New 

Zealand, artist Jennifer 

Jokhoo works from her 

studio in the Surrey Hills. 

This recent work, ‘Sunset 

Boxhill’, 2017, 55cm x 

35cm, was made in May/ 

June this year, after a very 

hot summer solstice. 

Prints cost £300 framed, 

and £240 unframed. For 

more information, see 

wattsgallery.org.uk 


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Art House 

Evolution 

Words: Jo Arnell Photographs: David Merewether 

Styling: Helen Barton 

Artist Karen Birchwood has turned 

her own living space into a gallery 

– the ideal place for prospective 

buyers of her paintings to visualise 

the artworks in a home setting 


100

This page: The smallest downstairs room 

is used by the family as a winter snug, 

warmed by a woodburner installed in 

the tiny fireplace. A sixties sideboard 

found in a skip lines one wall 


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Above: Karen’s new kitchen has opened up the whole house, making the space much more useable for the family. Ceramics by Kate 

Schuricht are mixed with other objects on a shelf above the sink 

Karen Birchwood’s Victorian cottage is familiar, I have 

been here before, but stepping over the threshold, 

everything has changed. Apparently it all started 

with the porch. “We wanted to make an entrance,” Karen 

smiles. “Previously, visitors walked straight into the kitchen, 

so we looked into filling in the porch to make an entrance 

way, but the porch is one of the best features of the house and 

we also thought that it would be very expensive to build.” A 

rather radical thought had been in the back of her mind, but 

seemed too impossible to achieve. “I’d had the idea for years, 

really,” Karen explains. “I thought how amazing it would be 

to move the kitchen and be able to see the garden through the 

french doors, as it was such a dark and gloomy room where 

it was.” This still appeared to be an impossibility, so they got 

a quote for altering the porch. The price that came in was so 

much that it made the dream kitchen idea seem reasonable. 

In fact, the kitchen move turned out to be even less of an 

upheaval than anticipated. They were able to use the loft space 

for all the plumbing and pipes so relocating the room was 

surprisingly easy. There was an advantage during the build 

too, as they could also use the existing kitchen while the new 

one was being built (what bliss). For a while they even had 

the luxury of two kitchens. The kitchen switch has been a 

complete success. “It has opened up the house completely 

and we use the whole space a lot more now,” she says. 

The new kitchen is very different to the old one and at 


Above: Glass dishes, cast from riverbeds by Max Jacquard, are on the dining table. 

first Karen wasn’t sure that it would work. “I wanted clean 

modern lines, but this is a Victorian house and I worried that 

there would be a clash of styles,” says Karen. “But I didn’t like 

any of the traditional ones that we saw. I remember being in 

one place and the woman saying, ‘have what you want, it’s 

your kitchen,’ which suddenly freed me up.” Karen then found 

clarifying the look and feel that she wanted much easier. “I 

didn’t want handles, I wanted a simple, streamlined shape.” In 

the end they chose a German make; freestanding, but fitted – 

apparently it is usual for Germans to take their kitchens with 

them when they move, so the units are designed to come out 

and be moved around. There are no cupboards and no wall 

units; “I don’t like wall units,” she says unapologetically. Instead, 

there are large drawers that are wonderfully deep and easy to 

use, some of them ingeniously pulling out to reveal specialised 

spaces for recycling and storage of bulky items and equipment. 

Big changes are not new for Karen and her husband, Piano 

expert David Manson. They relocated to the house from 

Harrow around 14 years ago. Karen is originally from Kent, so 

it seemed like a good place to move to, although both worked 

in London. Karen was a textile designer. “When I had Dominic 

I was able to work from home and then carried on, working 

from this house once we came down here.” Inevitably though, 

parts of the design process became computerised and Karen 

found that the new practices took away some of the creativity 

and spontaneity of the work. Also, she says “I got a bit tired of 

re-inventing tartan.” She came to a conclusion; “I’m going to 

give up textile design and become a painter,” she announced to 

husband David. Perhaps there was an intake of breath, someone 

sat down in a chair. It was a big decision, but one that has paid 

off in many ways. Karen stopped travelling to London, was 

able to fit her work around the needs of the family. She had 

time to explore the local environment, gaining inspiration from 

trips to the coast and surrounding countryside, visiting places 

like Great Dixter, and Derek Jarman’s garden at Dungeness. 

She held her first show back in 2008 at Handmade Frames 

in Rolvenden. “The late great Micky Wilson framed the work. 

I exhibited in the gallery there, then got accepted at the Rye 

gallery and it went from there.” Karen now exhibits regularly 

at West End House Gallery in Smarden amongst others, but 

says, “I guess the house is my main gallery,” and has been 

holding open studio events at home for several years, the 

last two with fellow artist, ceramicist Kate Schuricht. “The 

place that explains my work best is my home. My art reflects 

my home and my home reflects my art,” she says succinctly. 

But isn’t opening up the house for private views and 


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Specialists in indoor and outdoor swimming pools, 

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Telephone: 01233 840336 

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This page: The bathroom features a soft, sea coloured scheme 

with shells and beach finds arranged on shelves and windowsills. 

The loo is partitioned away from the bath area, making it 

separate, but still part of the room 

Open Studio events an imposition? “Not at all, I enjoy it!” she 

says. “I also think that it helps people to see the art in a home; 

seeing it in a gallery is different and it can be hard to visualise 

the spaces.” Most of the walls downstairs are painted in Farrow 

and Ball’s Strong White, but there is a tiny area downstairs with 

beautiful, highly coloured wallpaper. It is a print from a tapestry 

and has a textured look, corresponding well with the red wall 

opposite. “I would go stronger elsewhere too,” she explains, 

“but the artwork needs to go on plainer walls to be shown off 

to good effect.” Every wall features Karen’s work, but because 

the spaces are homely it doesn’t feel at all like an art gallery. 

The smallest room downstairs is the room they call the snug. 

“This is our winter sitting room,” she says. It’s small and cosy and 

has a distinct mid-century modern feel. One of David’s pianos 

fits perfectly along one wall and on the other side of the room 

is a sixties sideboard that the couple found in a skip back 


This page: The cool grey of Karen’s son’s room is broken up with framed photographs and prints and splashes of colour from his 

mother’s paintings 

in Harrow. The walls are panelled and there is a sweet little 

fireplace, enhancing the warmth and ‘snugness’ of the room. 

We head upstairs and a pale blue light washes down, 

bringing an uplifting and serene feeling to the climb, as 

if we are heading into a coastal sky. Up on the landing, 

the artworks are coloured with gorgeously calming blues 

and greens. “These are my colours,” she says, adding, “I 

do like a bit of turquoise.” The soft, sea coloured scheme 

is particularly effective in the bathroom, where shells and 

beach finds are beautifully assembled on various surfaces. 

The bathroom is spacious – and this is partly due to the 

ingenious way that the lavatory is partitioned away from the 

bath area, making it separate, but still part of the room. 

All the bedrooms are decorated in quiet ocean shades. 

Gone are the children’s murals and daughter Gabby’s pink 

and purple colour scheme, now that everyone is grown up. 

In the master bedroom it is easy to spot which side of the 

bed is Karen’s. There’s a carefully arranged collection of 

treasures – like a memory corner, reminders of her travels 

and of loved people. The dressing table was from her 

grandmother and was originally a writing desk. “All these 

little things are just objects that I love,” she says. “I love 

little dolls.” The two latest are puppets brought back from 

a recent trip to India. “Collecting these things is a way of 

bringing the memories along with you,” she says wistfully. 

At the top of the house is Karen’s office space and a 

workroom. This was where her studio was when the children 

were little, but it was not ideal, especially as her paintings tend 

to be large and hard to manoeuvre and she had to keep taking 

them up and down stairs to look at them properly. They bought 

the field next to them some ten years ago and the stable in the 

field was an obvious place for her studio. “It’s quite important 

to have the studio away from the house,” she says, “as I come 

away from the house and the domestic chores.” She pauses, then 

says, “It’s sometimes hard to leave the studio and go back to the 

house…”. The area outside Karen’s studio is full of plants 


108

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1 23/06/2014 12:19 

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110 

CPGlassWT187.indd 1 22/08/2017 17:02

This page: In the master bedroom, carefully arranged collections 

of treasures remind Karen of her travels and of loved people 

and fabulous colour from late summer perennials. “I guess 

we’ve done a lot to the house, but we’ve actually done more to 

the garden,” she says. “There were just a couple of shrubs in it 

when we first moved here.” There is a division of labour – of 

sorts. “David does vegetables in the polytunnel. I do the rest.” 

Back downstairs and we are in the room that was once the 

kitchen, which has been turned into a sleek, but comfortable 

sitting room and been given a monochrome makeover. The 

simple, clean look makes the room look bigger and highlights 

objects and art pieces in the room. My eye is immediately 

drawn to a pair of Kate Schuricht’s stunning ceramics by the 

wood burner. A large walnut cabinet in the corner of the room 

contrasts with the monochrome. It was inherited from an aunt 

“and actually this was the only place in the house where it 

would go.” Just as well, because it looks – and fits – perfectly. 

Memory and a response to the experiences of a place is a 

key part of Karen’s paintings. Life is a series of experiences 

that pass and are often lost. Memories shift and swirl in our 

minds, settling for an instant and then moving on. Karen 

catches these moments in her work, creating dreamy memoryscapes 

of remembered views; the countryside, coast and 

her own garden. “A lot of my work is memory based; I’m 

trying to create an impression of the view, a remembrance 

of the light and the landscape, the way the wind moved 

so that the paintings take on a dreamy wistful feel.” 

As the house has evolved and changed, so Karen’s art 


“All these little things are just objects that I love,” Karen says. “Collecting 

these things is a way of bringing the memories along with you.” 

 


112

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114 

SofasAndStuffWT187.indd 1 09/08/2017 12:09

This page: Daughter Gabby has ditched the fucshia pink walls in favour of a 

soft mint green 

is taking on a new shape. “I don’t look back 

really, I like to try new things. The painting I’m 

currently working on is always my favourite 

and then, once I’ve finished it, it’s the next one 

that I love most.” Currently there are influences 

appearing from different sources – the recent trip 

to India has inspired some beautiful paintings 

with a definite Eastern air. Hints of temples and 

flashes of gold appear in Karen’s characteristically 

pared back, dreamy canvases. There are also 

some new ceramic pieces, perhaps inspired by 

working closely with ceramicist Kate. These 

are framed and hung on the wall as if they are 

paintings, but are both solid and tangible objects 

and ethereal mood-scapes at the same time. 

Karen and Kate’s artwork looks good in a 

home setting, and it’s obviously a flourishing 

partnership. “What’s so fantastic is that our 

work complements one another’s so well,” says 

Karen. “It gave us the idea to approach West 


Karen creates dreamy memory-scapes of 

remembered views; the countryside, coast and 

her own garden. “A lot of my work is memory 

based; I’m trying to create an impression of 

the view, a remembrance of the light and the 

landscape, the way the wind moved so that 

the paintings take on a dreamy wistful feel.” 

 


116

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For free quotations and professional advice 

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Photo Claire Banks 


118 

KarlTerryWT187.indd 1 11/08/2017 15:34

This page: Karen’s studio is a tranquil space, surrounded by 

garden. “It’s quite important to have the studio away from 

the house,” she says, “as I come away from the house and the 

domestic chores.” 

End House and suggest a group show.” They have brought 

together glass maker, Max Jacquard (whose amazing glass 

dishes – cast from river-beds – are on the dining room table), 

photographer Marek Emczek Olszewski and wood sculptor 

Tom Aylwin and together formed a show called ‘A Collective 

View’ opening at West End House Gallery on 9 September. 

Karen and David have completely transformed their home 

and surroundings, taming the outside space from an unkempt 

field into a proper garden and turning the house from an 

ordinary cottage – with pink carpets and yellow satin walls, into 

a spacious, light-filled home that reflects their personalities. 

It has become the perfect backdrop for both Karen’s artworks 

and their many treasured possessions. Leaving now, I can’t 

remember what the house was like before its transformation. 

That slippery memory thing is up to its tricks again. 

Address Book: 

A Collective View featuring works by Karen Birchwood, 

Kate Schuricht, Marek Emczek Olszewski, Max Jacquard 

and Tom Aylwin will be at West End House Gallery in 

Smarden from 9 September to 9 October 2017. A Private 

View evening is on Friday 8 September, from 6-8.30pm. 

For more information, see west-end-house-gallery.co.uk 


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120 

NaosFloorsWT187.indd 1 21/08/2017 11:43

Droplet Wall Vases, from £95 

Kate Schuricht 

kateschuricht.com 

Jumble Multi Colour 

Photo Frame, £155 

PIB 

pib-home.co.uk 

Tall stoneware jug, £45 

Eclect Design 

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Worcestershire Duck 

Egg Blue Mottled Throw 

Blanket, £30, Persora 

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Pack of 10 Assorted 

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Mia Fleur 

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Jansen+Co My Mug Yellow, £12 

Printer + Tailor 

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LSA Silk Vase in White 

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Black by Design Ltd 

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Railings Estate® Emulsion 

Paint, £43.50/ 2.5l 

Farrow & Ball 

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‘In the Garden 1’ mixed media 

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Karen Birchwood 

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Welles bar stool in 

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Swoon editions 

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Braided Hemp Log Basket, £69.95 

Decorator’s Notebook 

decoratorsnotebook.co.uk 


♥WT loves 

Keep it Contemporary 

As the evenings close in, we look back at some of our favourite state-of-the art fireplaces that have 

featured in Wealden Times and pick a fantastically chic fire that’s perfect for a modern home 

A black Cocoon bio 

ethanol eco fire pod 

suspended from the ceiling 

provides both an ambient 

centrepiece and additional 

heating to complement 

the under floor system in 

this beautiful home with a 

stunning view (WT160). 

The main relaxing area in this 

stunning Sussex home (WT135) is 

gathered round a 1920s style steel 

Pither anthracite burner which fits the 

property’s contemporary styling. 

Interior Designer Phoebe from 

Smartstyle Interiors’ sleek 

sitting room (WT147) features 

a crisp fireplace shielded 

behind an immaculate glass 

screen. smartstyleinteriors.com 


122 

The 

DRU Metro 

130XT/3 provides an 

inspiring fire display that can 

be enjoyed from all sides of the 

room. It is available with natural logs 

or Carrara stone fire beds and in either 

natural gas or LPG versions. It can be 

installed in homes with or without 

a chimney and provides warmth, 

cosiness and 86% efficiency. 

Find it at W&H Supplies 

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Behind the classic good looks you’ll find a modern, energy 

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With six widths available and a range of great colours we’re 

confident we have just the right Everhot for you. 

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CosiWT187.indd 1 21/08/2017 SJFeistWT187.indd 12:16 

1 11/08/2017 16:17 

Woodstoves • Fireplaces • Interiors • AGA • Gas Fires 

Highest quality 

Tennis surfaces 

and all weather garden play areas 

Aga authorised showroom 

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01227 457643 

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MG Contracts is a family business with over 35 years’ 

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All courts are constructed to high specifications 

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124 

HeatDesignWT187.indd 1 21/08/2017 MsgsportsWT185.indd 11:28 

1 20/06/2017 16:12

Mantle, left to right: 

Jasmee (Left) and Hanae (Right) I-Bride Trays, £85 each, Newtons Furniture, newtonsfurniture.co.uk 

Arthouse Alchemy Bouquet High Gloss Canvas, £40, Arthouse, arthouse.com 

Diana Bust, £115, The French Bedroom Co, frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk 

Petals Dusty Pink Decorative Bowl Large, £49, be&liv, beandliv.com 

Metal Silver Sitting Stag Ornament, £12.95, Melody Maison, melodymaison.co.uk 

Pippa Canvas, £20, Arthouse, arthouse.com 

Large Silver Angel Wing on Stand, £32.95, Melody Maison, melodymaison.co.uk 

Antique Black Coral Cage Vase Small, £199, Artisanti, artisanti.com 

Blenheim Fireplace In Limestone, £995, The Old Cinema, theoldcinema.co.uk 

Natural Cowhide Rug, £225, Puji, puji.com 

Picking 

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Mantle 

Style your fireplace pretty with 

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Photographs: David Merewether 

Styling: Helen Barton 

Location: Port Lympne Hotel 

Model: Claire 

Patrizia Pepe coat, £495, Rose Munde silk trousers, 

£60, Odyl, Cranbrook odyldesign.com

LOVELL & VIE 

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Aubade 

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128 

ShersbyJewellersWT187.indd 1 16/08/2017 EmmaPoveyWT187.indd 17:02 

1 17/08/2017 15:59

Patrizia Pepe coat, £495, Rose Munde silk trousers, £60, Odyl, Cranbrook odyldesign.com; 

silver loafers, £80, Vagabond vagabond.com 


New AW17 stock 

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1 15/08/2017 16:15 

just arrived at… 

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Autumn collections chosen for their comfort, style and 

versatility, complimented by new ranges of simple 

jewellery, beautiful scarves and colourful handbags, to 

complete the look. 

No.37 is an independent womenswear boutique in 

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130 

No37-WT187.indd 1 18/08/2017 14:51

10 Feet 

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odyldesign.com

Weekend Maxmara 

Faesite trousers, £189, 

Cogne knit top, £165, 

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Browse the new Autumn/Winter 2017 

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Shop online at www.cashara.co.uk 

cashmere and silk knitwear 

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County Clothes Menswear 

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1 15/08/2017 17:17 

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CountyClothesWT187.indd 1 10/08/2017 16:30

The Robing Room 

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pure wool crepe coat 

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Luisa Cerano velvet jacket, £480, trousers, £290, pleated top, £199, Courtyard, 

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Philosophy di Lorenzo 

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CleverDresserBoutiqueWT187.indd 1 18/08/2017 BillyRuffianWT187.indd 14:07 

1 15/08/2017 10:13 

44 

Now stocks exciting new collections from Mistral, 

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136 

ManukaShoesWT187.indd 1 21/08/2017 Elizabeth44WT187.indd 12:38 

1 17/08/2017 17:29

Second Female floral print 

blouse, £81, 10 Feet mustard 

trousers, £110, Odyl, 

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CharityFarmWT187.indd 1 07/08/2017 15:32 

Elemente Clemente 

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Join us for a glass of bubbly 

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138 

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1 11/08/2017 15:56

Weekend Maxmara Rosalba 

jacket, £269, matching Mincio 

trousers, £165, Dafne blouse, 

£109, Fenwick, Tunbridge 

Wells fenwick.co.uk; black heels, 

£85, Vagabond vagabond.com 

WT would like to say a 

huge thank you to Port 

Lympne Hotel for allowing 

us to use their beautiful 

rooms as the location for 

our shoot. To book a break 

amidst Port Lympne’s 

magnificent wildlife, or to 

find out more about holding 

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140 

ImprovementStudioWT185.indd 1 23/05/2017 10:07

Pretty 

Beauty 

pages 

Josephine Fairley handpicks the latest must-have beauty books 

When my co-author Sarah Stacey and I first approached 

publishers with an idea for a beauty book, 22 years ago, 

we were told: ‘Nobody reads beauty books.’ We had a 

hunch they would – if those books mentioned products by name, 

rather than saying ‘use A mascara’, or ‘apply AN eye cream…’ We 

knew that what women wanted was names named – and so our 

modus operandi became to send real products to real women to try. 

Sine then, to date 28,000 women have taken part in the trials for 

our books – making it the largest-ever independent consumer study of 

beauty products ever carried out, anywhere in the world. Our testers try 

real products – everything goes to groups of 10 women, hand-picked 

for their shared beauty ‘challenges’: everything from ‘miracle creams’ 

to foundations, via fake tan, deodorant and body butters etc. They 

then report back (with extraordinary consistency) on their findings. 

(Bottom line? Something either works, or it doesn’t.) We’ve flowed 

those results into our books, alongside wisdom we’ve gleaned from the 

world’s leading beauty experts over what are now very long careers. And 

you know what? Those books have been read by millions of women. 

Since we first launched The Beauty Bible, though, there have been many, 

many other really useful – actually, invaluable – beauty books published. 

Notwithstanding the rise of the YouTube vlogger and Instagram minivideos, 

at the end of a weary day the last thing many women want to do is 

sit down and stare at a screen. Which means a book is still a fantastic way 

to absorb information. So: aside from Sarah’s and my Beauty Bible series 

(the most recent of which is The Anti-Ageing Beauty Bible), here’s what 

I’d suggest you stock your beauty bookshelf with. The reality? Women 

do – and should – read beauty books. If they’re good. And these all are… 

Facepaint: The Story of Makeup, by Lisa Eldridge (ABRAMS Image, 

£18.99). Talking of YouTube followers, Lisa Eldridge has millions – but 

she’s also written a really fascinating book which isn’t a make-up ‘how-to’, 

but a really authoritative, riveting look at the history of make-up – going 

back thousands of years. It’s a subject that has fascinated Lisa her whole 

career, and in the early 1990s she began collecting vintage make-up – 

much of which is photographed for the pages of her book: covetable 

compacts, beautiful blusher pots, snaps of Mary Quant products which 

take us right back. She looks at ‘Makeup Muses’ from Elizabeth Siddall – 

the Pre-Raphaelite artists’ model – right through to Twiggy, Elizabeth 

Taylor and Grace Jones. There are glorious vintage ads, Egyptian 

wall paintings and a nod to kabuki – and so, so very much more. 

Bobbi Brown Pretty Powerful, by Bobbi Brown, £19.99 (Chronicle 

Books). Bobbi may have stepped down from heading up the make-up 


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empire which bears her name, 

but she’ll continue to write 

books (and is involved with 

other exciting new ventures – 

including stunning eyewear). This is 

probably my favourite of the many she’s written: a celebration 

of her philosophy, featuring page after page of amazing 

before-and-after photos – which demonstrate the power of 

make-up to (as she puts it) ‘make you look like yourself, only 

prettier’. The book features these women’s stories, and wisdom 

– but it also shares Bobbi’s all-important make-up wisdom 

(including the brilliant 10-Step Beauty Make-up Basics). 

The Make-up Manual, by Lisa Potter-Dixon, £14.99 

(Ryland Peters & Small). I’ve probably never laughed so much 

in a make-up artist’s presence as with Lisa, who’s much in 

demand for photo shoots, catwalk shows – and is the Benefit 

Cosmetics go-to spokesperson for beauty wisdom. Already 

the author of one bestseller – Easy on the Eyes, a brilliant guide 

to everything you need to know about creating impactful 

eyes – Lisa’s second volume is The Make-Up Manual. This 

clearly laid-out hardback is packed with beauty advice for 

brows, eyes, skin, lips, wedding make-up and more – and one 

of the things I love about it is that although every woman 

photographed looks downright fabulous, not a single image 

has been retouched. You’ll find out about Lisa’s favourite 

tools and tricks – and read step-by-steps for creating 

wearable looks for real women like us, not supermodels. 

(Though Lisa’s made up her fair share of famous faces.) 

Love Your Skin, by Abigail James, £20 (Kyle Books). 

Abigail is one of London’s go-to facialists. Actually, her 

clients fly from all over the globe for one of her extraordinary 

hands-on treatments – and having experienced her ‘magic 

hands’, I’m so not surprised. This book covers everything 

from eating for healthy skin to her facial massage 

techniques (and the oils to use), as well as her wisdom 

on tackling skin challenges from spots to age spots via 

lines, wrinkles and sagging. There’s decade-by-decade 

lifestyle advice, too, for a lifetime of glowing skin. 

The Makeup of a Confident Woman: The Science of Beauty, 

The Gift of Time and the Power of Putting Your Best Face 

Forward, by Trish McEvoy, £20 (Harper Wave). Trish 

McEvoy’s been around for as long as Bobbi – and truly 

deserves to be as well-known on this side of the pond. 

She’s now written a truly brilliant book, packed with 

brilliant and easy-to-follow how-tos, but also with Trish’s 

philosophy of beauty. As Trish crystallises it: ‘This book 

is about you. Begin to view your makeup routine as an 

indispensable component of self-care – right alongside 

those other requisite practices like exercise and healthy 

eating.’ Which chimes entirely with my own philosophy: 

not to be looks-obsessed, but to turn to make-up as a 

form of TLC – and a confidence-booster, all in one. 

Pretty Honest: The Straight-Talking Beauty Companion, 

by Sali Hughes, £22 (Fourth 

Estate). Sali comes from the 

same place as I do, beautywise: 

doesn’t buy into the hype, 

isn’t afraid to tell the truth – and 

understands what real women 


PureniqueWT187.indd 1 03/08/2017 16:44 

142

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The current trend I 

am noticing is brides 

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using seasonal flowers. I 

am delighted to see a move 

towards seasonal blooms 

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bouquet. Here I used 

fabulous scented garden 

roses including Romantic 

Antique, Juliet and 

Margaret Merrill with trails 

of garden honeysuckle 

and jasmine, dainty wind 

flowers, dahlias and fluffy 

alchemilla mollis. The pop 

of deeper colour provides 

contrast that really makes 

the peaches and pinks 

sing and the scent was 

amazing – which I also 

think is very important. 

” 

Darling & Wild 

Tunbridge Wells 01892 614851 

darlingandwild.co.uk 

Correction: In the August issue, an incorrect floral image was used for 

Darling & Wild’s interview. The correct bouquet is pictured above. 145 wealdentimes.co.uk

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146 

DrDeborahMcMannersWT186.indd 1 11/07/2017 14:34

Slide into September 

Wealden Times talks to health and wellbeing coach, Alison Nixon 

Health & Beauty 

Pumpkin seeds: FreeImages.com/Michael Stocks 

Do you have a beauty 

regime? I absolutely do and 

it starts on the inside with 

nutrition and hydration. 

I consider that paying 

attention to what I consume 

is a part of taking care of my 

physical appearance. When 

your insides are good, your 

outsides show it. My beauty 

regime starts when I wake up 

in the morning by drinking 

1 litre of filter water with a 

couple of squeezes of lemon. 

When Maidstone-based Erin 

Neelands couldn’t find a 

deodorant made from natural, 

organic ingredients, which 

didn’t leave a residue and also 

worked effectively, she created 

her own. Erin’s Lemon Creme 

Underarm Balm is made 

from organic products, locally 

sourced wherever possible, 

This helps to replenish my 

body after fasting for eight 

hours and helps to get rid of 

waste products. After my run 

with Benji (my Labradoodle) 

I usually shower and wash my 

face with TrueScience beauty 

products and scrub up with 

my favourite Cowshed Wild 

Cow Invigorating Bath and 

Shower Gel. Throughout 

the day, I focus on keeping 

hydrated as much as possible 

and make sure that I fuel 

my body with nutritious 

food. I believe that the 

healthier the food you 

eat the more vibrant and 

glowing you look and feel! 

Do you have a particular 

product you couldn’t live 

without? I wouldn’t be 

able to live without my 

TrueScience anti-ageing 

cream. It moisturises and 

revitalises my skin, makes 

it feel really smooth and 

has a gorgeous zesty smell 

that is really uplifting! 

What’s your ultimate 

pampering treat? I am a big 

believer in regular manicures, 

pedicures and having my 

hair washed and blow dried 

(I have a lot of hair so to get 

someone to wash and dry 

it is a real treat). However, 

my ultimate pampering treat 

is a daily self-care practice 

Lemon Creme Underarm Balm 

which haven’t been tested on 

animals. Apply a small amount 

of the balm with fingertips 

to the underarms after your 

morning shower and smell 

lemony fresh all day long. 

Lemon Creme Underarm Balm 

costs £7 for a standard 70ml 

pot or £3.50 for 30ml gift size. 

vanitylane.co.uk 

which I believe keeps me 

in balance and is crucial to 

my health and happiness. 

My top three self-care 

tips are: ● Carve out time 

in your day just for you… 

to CARE for you! I like to 

go for a walk with my dog 

and to listen to my favourite 

podcasts. ● Enjoy a luxurious 

bubble bath ● Laugh – there 

is nothing better than a 

good belly laugh. Call a 

friend or surround yourself 

with people who lift your 

spirits and help you enjoy 

life. Sometimes we can take 

life too seriously when we 

just need to laugh and live. 

Who’s your style icon? I 

don’t really have a style icon 

but when I’m shopping I 

usually go for stylish workout 

clothes and, for dressier items, 

I tend to lean more towards 

classic contemporary designs. 

Alison was named Health 

Coach of the Year at the Kent 

Health & Beauty Awards 

in June. She is trained in 

nutrition, coaching, NLP 

and hypnotherapy and works 

with her clients to help them 

find the healthiest versions 

of themselves. Her goal is to 

inspire and educate people to 

achieve optimal health and 

wellbeing. alisonnixon.com 

Pumpkin 

seeds 

A pumpkin is not just for 

Halloween! They are good 

for so much more than 

trick-or-treat lanterns or tasty 

autumn soups: the seeds are 

also nutritious powerhouses, 

packed full of vitamins, 

minerals and healthy fats. 

The green, shell-free seeds are 

inexpensive and easy to find 

in the supermarket but it’s 

also simple to save seeds from 

a pumpkin, once the flesh 

has been used for cooking: 

With a spoon, scrape the 

seeds from the pumpkin, 

pull away the stringy flesh 

and rinse the seeds clean in 

water. Spread the seeds on 

a clean tea towel and pat 

dry. Place on to a baking 

tray, glug a tablespoon of 

olive oil over the dried seeds 

and sprinkle with sea salt 

(try customising by adding 

a pinch of smoked paprika 

or chilli flakes). Using your 

hands, mix the seeds, oil 

and spices and spread flat 

on the baking sheet. Bake at 

180˚C/gas 4 for around 10 

minutes or until the seeds 

are golden. Cool and store 

in an airtight container.. 


Healthy Eating 

for the family 

We asked nutritionist Julie Clark for her top 7 tips for 

helping children to eat a healthy, balanced diet. 

With childhood illness on the rise, and 1 in 4 children 

classified as overweight at the start of primary 

school, here are some simple steps to ensure 

children are protected from these curses of modern living. 

Breakfast - Unfortunately, most breakfast cereals aimed at 

children will give them nearly half or more of their daily 

intake of sugar. They also lack protein needed for growth 

and development and the essential fats needed for the brain, 

immune system, skin and more. Try to shake things up in 

the morning. There is more to breakfast than sugary cereals 

and toast and jam, opt for peanut butter on wholemeal 

toast or add boiled or poached eggs for added protein. 

Packed lunches - The average packed lunch is high in sugar 

and devoid of many nutrients. Ditch fruit flavoured yoghurts, 

crisps and cereal bars and swap plain sandwiches for wholemeal 

wraps (spread a little hummus inside), or mini wholemeal pitta 

breads. Crackers are also a good bread alternative. Look up 

‘yumbox’ for excellent lunch box suggestions that include all 

elements of the food groups. Always include some fresh veg 

and fruit and try adding pumpkin seeds with raisins or making 

some homemade cereal bars or energy balls. Be aware that 

most schools have a nut-free policy so check ingredients. Visit 

my website to download the free e-book with ideas on how to 

increase nutrients and conform to the allergy-free policies. 

Drinks - Get your child to drink more water. If you make 

no other change but this, it will make a huge difference. We 

are made up of nearly 70% water and our bodies function 

much better when we are properly hydrated. Ban fizzy 

drinks, dilute fruit juice and drink squashes only on special 

occasions. The king of the drinks is definitely water! 

Snacks - When I’m reviewing a family’s food diary, this is the 

area that usually needs the most work. Snacks are notoriously 

high in sugar and bad fats. First, establish set times for snacks 

and establish that they are necessary. If your child is refusing 

to eat at mealtime, start by looking at their snacks. The 

Change4Life initiative is excellent for helping with ideas and 

again, download my free guide to children’s snacks (see below). 

Eat together - Study after study reinforces the fact that eating 

together, as a family, can have the biggest impact on health. Try 

to sit down and eat as a family as often as you can, without any 

distraction – no TV, no phones, tablets etc. Use this time to 

discuss your day. The evidence is that families who eat together 

not only increase their health statistics but also their results at 

school! Doing a ‘help yourself’ meal can be incredibly good for 

the ‘picky’ eaters. Provide a meal where your children can serve 

themselves. This helps to regulate their appetite. My children love 

to serve up a chilli with tacos plus salad, cheese and hummus. 

Lead by example - Your children will mimic you and learn 

from you. You HAVE to lead by example. It’s that easy! 

One step at a time - Don’t get overwhelmed, start with one 

ingredient, one meal at a time. The best way to make long 

term changes is to take things at a steady pace and not to try 

and do everything at once. We are all busy and the person 

providing the meals in your family has a huge responsibility. 

Draw up a weekly meal plan, share the jobs and take it slowly. 

Julie Clark is a Kent based Registered Nutritional Therapist 

specialising in children’s health. She is author of the book 

Baby Led Weaning Step by Step, contributor to Mother 

& Baby Magazine and a BabyCentre expert. You can 

find out more by visiting julieclarknutrition.co.uk 

freeimages.com/EhsanNamavar 

After School Fuel 

Here are some suggestions from Julie’s e-book, 

Snacks, 25 Healthy After-School Snacks. 

Soup in a Cup: especially on a cold day, coming home to a warm 

mug of soup is a great way to super boost your child’s intake of 

nutrients. I make roasted sweet potato soup with red peppers and 

red onions. The colour is appealing and it’s full of antioxidants 

Sliced Banana Sprinkled with Cinnamon and Pumpkin 

Seeds: this snack is packed full of great nutrients like zinc 

for the immune system and essential fats for the brain 

Carrot Sticks with Hummus: the hummus is full of fibre, protein and 

good fats while the carrots are a great source of vitamins 

Medjool Dates with Cashew Butter: remove the stone 

from a medjool date and spoon in some cashew nut butter. 

This snack is full of minerals like calcium and good fats. 

Homemade Lollies: you can hide all sorts of foods 

in an ice lolly! Try making a smoothie with some 

berries, banana, natural yogurt, mixed seeds, 

coconut milk and spinach. Blitz in a blender 

until smooth and add to lolly moulds. 

For a free download of the eBook go to: https:// 

julieclarknutrition.lpages.co/25-after-school-snacks/ 


148

It’s OK to talk about it. 

While personal health issues, like some 

symptoms of the menopause may be 

hard to discuss, they can be even harder 

to live with. It’s a relief to be able to talk 

about it and find the right treatment. 

Benenden Hospital is proud to be one of 

the first hospitals in the UK to introduce 

the MonaLisa Touch®, a scientifically 

proven laser therapy for vaginal health. 

MonaLisa Touch® is a quick, hormone-free 

procedure that helps women reclaim 

their quality of life and enjoy personal 

relationships more fully. 

Call us on 01580 230 420 

benendenhospital.org.uk 

The Benenden Hospital Trust is a company limited by guarantee Registered in England, number 

3454120. Registered charity number 1065995, Registered office, The Benenden Hospital Trust, 

Goddard’s Green Road, Benenden, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 4AX 

It’s OK to talk about it. is a registered trademark of Cynosure UK - A Hologic company 

MonaLisa Touch® is a registered trademark of DEKA M.E.L.A. srl – Calenzano - Italy.

Free Range 

flavour 

After deciding to relocate to Kent 

from London, Sally and Andy 

Littlestone realised their dream 

of rearing pigs for themselves – 

starting off with two rare breed 

British Saddlebacks. Three years 

later, they’ve increased their 

rare breed herd to over thirty 

pigs including Tamworths, 

Large Blacks and Mangalitza. 

Fed on locally sourced fruit 

and veg and East Sussex made 

pig nuts, Sally and Andy’s free range herd roam and 

forage in grassland and woods, which is why we think 

their joints, bacon and sausages taste so delicious. 

Recipes: Andy Littlestone 

Photographs: David Merewether 

Styling: Lucy Fleming

Food

Giuseppe's 

Restaurant 

Introducing our New Set Menu 

available for lunch and dinner 

3 courses £20.00 

2 courses £16.00 

Full à la carte menu also available 

Our comfortable and spacious dining room overlooks 

our beautiful garden and the surrounding countryside. 

We are situated just a few minutes’ drive from 

Tunbridge Wells town centre and have ample parking. 

For bookings, please telephone 01892 518514 

High Rocks, High Rocks Lane, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN3 9JJ 

Deliciously Different. 

A Bohemian Eclectic Venue Offering 

Fabulous Daily Changing Lunch Menus, 

Glamorous Afternoon Teas, 

Amazing Sunday Lunch Roasts. 

Bespoke Creative Weddings, Parties & Events. 

Regular Live Music & Meal Evenings. 

Sissinghurst Road, Biddenden TN27 8DQ 

01580 292992 www.bloomsburysbiddenden.com 

O&GWT187.indd 1 03/08/2017 BloomsburysBiddendenWT187.indd 16:34 

1 23/08/2017 16:31 

Festive Christmas Lunches Casino Royale Party Night 

New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball 

2 courses £20pp or 3 courses £23pp 

Includes Christmas Crackers. 

Bookings available from 1st Dec. (Not available 

Christmas day, Boxing day or New year's day.) 

Classic Christmas Party Nights 

Cool, Slick and Glamorous! 

Includes 3 course meal, half a bottle of wine, 

Christmas crackers, drink on arrival, casino 

tables, disco & dancing. 9th Dec £44.50pp 

Fawlty Towers Comedy Night 

Inc glass of prosecco & masquerade party mask, 4 

course plated meal, winter decorations, fun party 

camera area, casino table, disco & dancing. £75pp 

New Year's Eve overnight package £260 per couple. 

Shared party nights include 3 course 

Christmas dinner, half a bottle of wine, 

Christmas crackers and disco & dancing. 

1st & 2nd Dec £37.50pp. 8th & 15th Dec £39.50pp 

22nd Dec £29pp (no wine included on this night). 

Expect a big fun night out in a friendly party 

atmosphere with some of the finest comedy actors 

in the land! Includes comedy entertainment, 3 

course dinner, half a bottle of wine, Christmas 

crackers, disco & dancing. 16th Dec £49.50pp 

Contact Events 

Tel: 01580 200112 (opt 4) 

Email: christmas@dalehill.co.uk 

www.dalehill.co.uk 

Dale Hill Hotel & Golf Club, Ticehurst, 

Wadhurst, East Sussex TN5 7DQ 


152 

DaleHillWT187.indd 1 18/08/2017 12:35

Food 

Scotch Egg 

Prep time: 20 mins Cooking time: 10 mins 

For the egg 

• 1 free range hen’s egg 

• 100g free range 

sausage meat per 

scotch egg 

For the coating: 

• 1tbsp plain flour 

• ½ tsp sweet paprika 

• 1 free range egg, 

whisked 

• Panko bread crumbs 

1. Soft boil a hen’s egg for 4mins 30secs (this 

time differs depending on how fresh the 

egg is), transfer straight to an ice bath for 

at least 15mins. Very carefully peel. 

2. Place the sausage meat in your hand and 

flatten it, put the egg in the centre and bring 

the sausage meat over it to cover fully. 

Prepare: 

• A plate with 1tbsp plain flour 

and ½ tsp sweet paprika 

• A bowl with 1 free range egg, whisked 

• A bowl with Panko bread crumbs 

1. Roll the sausage meat ball in the 

flour mix and compact. 

2. Dip and cover the ball in the egg wash. 

3. Transfer and cover in breadcrumbs. 

4. Double dip – repeat egg wash 

and breadcrumbing. 

To cook: 

1. Heat some vegetable oil to 180°C to deep 

fry. Add the Scotch egg using a slotted spoon 

and maintain temperature at 170°C. 

2. Turn/move Scotch egg regularly 

and cook for 5mins. 

3. Remove from oil and leave to cool on wire 

rack. If needing to reheat, place cold Scotch 

egg in oven at 180°C for 10mins.

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154 

GoudhurstInnWT180.indd 1 19/01/2017 10:12

Food 

Pulled Pork Roll with Slaw 

Serves 10-12 Prep time: 20 mins Cooking time: 8 hours 

For the Rub for Shoulder, per kilo of pork: 

• 1tsp sweet paprika 

• 4tsp dark Muscovado sugar 

• ½ tsp crystal salt (ground) 

For the Slaw: 

• ¼ medium white cabbage, finely sliced 

• ¼ medium red cabbage, finely sliced 

• 2 medium carrots, grated 

• 1tbsp mayonnaise 

• ½ tbsp salad cream 

• ½ tbsp Worcestershire sauce 

• 

• apple juice or cider 

• brioche buns 

1. Cover the shoulder in the rub and place in a pot, 

rind up, with a well fitting lid. Add an inch of apple 

juice or cider to the pot. Cook in the oven at 140°C 

for 8 hours. Remove from oven and let cool. 

2. Once cooled remove the pork from the 

bones and any un-rendered fat. 

3. Pour the cooking liquor into a glass bowl/jug 

and refrigerate for a couple of hours to solidify 

the orange fat. Once solid, spoon off the fat so 

that just the dark cooking liquid remains. 

4. When ready to serve the pulled pork, heat the cooking 

jus and pour over the pork. Cover with foil or a 

lid and place in an oven at 180°C for 10mins. 

5. Mix together the mayonnaise, salad cream and 

Worcestershire sauce and combine with the veg. 

6. To serve, lightly toast a brioche bun and 

pile with pulled pork and slaw. 

 


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Food 

Roasted Beetroot Farrotto with Pork Tenderloin 

Serves 4 Prep time: 20 mins Cooking time: 1 hour 20 mins 

• 400-500g free range pork 

tenderloin 

• 2 medium beetroot 

• 2 tbsp pomegranate 

molasses 

• salt & pepper to season 

• 200g spelt 

• 120ml chicken stock (or 

veg stock) 

• grated Parmesan, to serve 

1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Clean and top the beets and 

bake for 30+mins depending on size (they should 

be soft inside when stabbed with a skewer). 

2. Once cooled, peel and roughly 

chop and place in a bowl. 

3. Season with salt and pepper, add pomegranate 

molasses and toss until all covered. 

4. Bring a pan of water to boil with 1 tbsp of salt and add 

spelt and boil for 20mins so tender but not cooked. 

5. Put the spelt into an ice bath. 

6. Heat a pan with chicken stock, add spelt, beets, and 

cook until the chicken stock is nearly absorbed. 

7. Once cooked, season and add Parmesan. 

8. Fry the tenderloin in a hot, dry frying 

pan until the outside is browned. 

9. Let the tenderloin rest and slice. 

10. Serve with the farrotto. 

To 

find out 

more about 

Sissinghurst Pigs, and 

to order their meat, visit 

sissinghurstpigs.co.uk. On Sunday 

3 September, Sally and Andy will be 

holding ‘Pork Fest’ at their home in Sissinghurst, 

where visitors can enjoy food tastings, local drinks stalls 

and garden games, plus a chance to see their herd. Entry costs 

£5, including a hotdog, drink and a raffle ticket to win a Sissinghurst 

Pigs pork box.

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158 

OpenviewLandscapesWT187.indd 1 17/08/2017 11:46

Garden 

The show can go on! 

Jo Arnell looks into glorious late summer colour 

Late summer and the gardening should be easy. There are still 

plenty of flowers around, joined now by grasses, seedheads and 

fruits. It could all be peachy out there, but equally it could 

all be over, or at best, be looking a little careworn and scrappy. I’m 

always full of enthusiasm back in the spring and the garden centres 

are stocked with plants that are about to flower. It can be hard to 

find late flowering plants – and the end of the summer is a distant 

thought. Many gardens are, or just end up being at their flowery best 

in June when all the cottage garden lovelies are in full swing – and 

then they seem to pack up and the garden reverts to green (perhaps 

speckled with some ubiquitous orange Crocosmia) – just when we 

are spending lots of time outside. Our autumns are getting longer 

and warmer too, so we could be enjoying the garden for months 

yet. If you’d like to be surrounded by colour until Christmas, 

there are masses of good plants to choose from for a late display 

– and ways of prolonging the show into autumn and beyond. 

Daisy daisy 

Daisies are a big group of plants in the Asteraceae family and 

each flower is actually a collection of tiny flowers, which is why 

they are so popular with butterflies and bees; lots of nectar can be 

accessed from one place, saving flying time. The flower heads make 

convenient landing platforms too, with their wide centres and 

sturdy stems. The daisies that bloom in late summer and autumn 

are the Rudbeckias, Echinaceas, Asters and Heleniums. The range 

of colours are suitably sultry, verging on autumnal – shades of dusky 

pink, mellow oranges, russet and mahogany, with splashes of 

 

Keeping the show on the road 

• Deadhead regularly to stop flowers going 

to seed and the plants thinking that their 

job is done. This is especially important 

with annuals like Cosmos and Nicotiana, 

as they only live for one season. 

• Feed container plants as the food in the 

compost only lasts for 6 weeks. Fertiliser high 

in Potash will keep the flowers coming. 

• Try to choose plants that have a good 

overall shape, interesting foliage, berries 

or stems to continue the interest into 

winter, even just those that ‘die’ gracefully 

will bring something extra to the party. 

• Help the soil retain moisture and 

prevent weeds growing by applying 

a mulch in the spring. 

• Choose plants that flower for a long period 

– Geranium ‘Rozanne’, Verbena bonariensis 

and Gaura ‘Whirling Butterflies’ flower 

continuously from June until the frosts. 

• Check flowering times when buying 

plants and make sure there are plenty 

of late bloomers in your basket… 


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KatsuraGardensS34.indd 1 21/07/2017 11:32 

blue from the asters. Many have long lasting seed-heads too, 

so once the flowers have finished they persist as silhouettes. 

Gorgeous grasses 

Ornamental grasses come into their own in late summer, 

sending up feathery plumes or shimmery seed heads. They 

bring movement and an airy lightness that will lift a planting 

scheme. Use shorter varieties at the front of the border – try 

the irresistibly tactile Stipa tenuissima or showy Pennisetums 

with delicate bottlebrush flowers. For a see-through curtain 

in the middle of a border use Molinia ‘Transparent’, or 

Panicum virgatum. Calamagrostis ‘Carl Foerster’ flowers 

earlier in the summer, but looks great in autumn and winter, 

standing tall and golden through the worst of the weather. I 

often use larger grasses, such as Miscanthus sinensis as shrub 

substitutes (and that’s easier typed than said), to provide a 

contrast to the blocky ‘pudding’ shapes that evergreen shrubs 

often have. There is a grass for every situation – they can be 

shade tolerant or sun loving, dry or damp soil. They have 

become welcome friends in the garden, performing nearly 

all year, but at their graceful best in the early autumn. 

Late season border boosters 

We’ve talked about daisies, but we needn’t live by those alone, 

as there are lots of other flowering perennials that will help to 

provide a summer colour finale. Many of them complement 

the grasses really well too and often have either a good overall 

shape or structure, seed heads or other attribute that helps them 

to ‘die gracefully’ and retain an attractive presence. Sedums are 

particularly good value, with glaucous, fleshy leaves, long lasting 

flowers that are just as attractive in bud and then as seed-heads. 

Sedum flowers are also bee 

and butterfly magnets, 

providing an important 

late source of nectar. 

Ceratostigma 

willmottianum is a striking 

middle of the border 

plant. It has blazing 

autumnal foliage and 

azure blue flowers. 


SpecialBranchWT187.indd 1 23/08/2017 12:28 

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162 

LamontLawrenceWT133.indd 1 07/02/2013 17:07

Garden 

It is slightly shrubby, dying back in a hard winter, but 

keeping its shape and size in milder conditions. Another 

blue flowering ‘shrublet’ is Perovskia ‘Blue Spire’ or Russian 

sage. Reminiscent of Lavender and Rosemary, Perovskia 

should be grown in similar sunny, free-draining situations. 

There are several clump-forming perennials that will 

make a dynamic sweep of late colour when planted among 

grasses: Eupatorium maculatum (John Pye-weed) is a 

tall, rangy plant beloved of butterflies, Persicaria is low 

growing, but both will romp about, forming large thickets 

if left to their own devices. Almost daisy-like, but more 

suited to a shadier part of the garden, is the airy looking 

Japanese anemone or windflower, Anemone × hybrida 

‘Honorine Jobert’. This is a tall plant with white flowers 

on wiry stems that has a stoloniferous, spreading habit. 

Better behaved, but just as generous with their flowers are 

Penstemons, Salvias, Phlox and Monardas, all available in a 

range of colours and all good late summer border stalwarts, 

especially if given the ‘Chelsea Chop’ (cutting the whole plant 

back by a third at the end of May). This is done to stop them 

getting too leggy and flopping over just as the flowers appear. 

Dahlias and Chrysanthemums are firmly back in favour too, 

clashing their way through the borders with retro charm, like 

seventies disco divas. Remember that most are not completely 

hardy, so will need protection through the winter. 

Late flowering shrubs 

Hydrangeas are hugely fashionable again and there are 

lots of impressive new varieties around. The flowers 

(actually they’re not flowers, but bracts) persist for 

a long time, fading to rust, lime green or deep red, 

depending on the cultivar. Abelia grandiflora is an easygoing 

semi-evergreen (loses leaves in a harsh winter), 

which has both flowers – in pale pink – and longlasting 

bracts, in a contrasting autumnal shade of rusty 

red. Lower growing and tidy-natured is a demure little 

deciduous shrub, Caryopteris, which has grey-green 

foliage and pale cerulean blue flowers. It prefers a sunny 

position, but will put up with semi-shade, making it 

a useful, quiet member of the late border team. 

The garden in late summer has a lot to offer, but the 

days are noticeably shortening: mornings and evenings 

are cool and the rate of growth has slowed. There aren’t 

too many pressing tasks – apart from perhaps deadheading 

and watering, trimming a hedge or cutting 

the grass if you’re feeling energetic. Much better 

though – and while there’s still time and sunshine – is 

to sit back and watch the bees and butterflies flitting 

among the late summer flowers. Long may they last. 

Contact Jo for gardening courses, border planting 

and ideas: 01233 861149 hornbrookmanor.co.uk 


www.elliottreid.co.uk

Garden 

Lavender’s 

Blue 

Sue Whigham takes a look at the fragrant world of Lavandula 

Lavandula (common name lavender) is a genus of 

forty-seven known species of flowering plants in 

the mint family, Lamiaceae, and surely must be one 

of the best known and versatile plants in the world. 

I expect most of you know and have visited Winchelsea. 

I find the sun seems to shine on me on every visit there, 

and what a good place it is to see lavender. Quite a few of 

the houses have it growing profusely in narrow beds outside 

their gardens, perfect for us passers-by to enjoy and a couple 

of months ago when the Winchelsea gardens were open 

it was in full bloom. There’s an enchanting combination 

of a low growing pale pink rose, name unknown, valerian 

and a particularly floaty lavender (Old English?) outside a 

white house which I admire every year. It’s such a charming 

planting and one day I must knock on the door and find out 

more about the rose, let alone the lavender. I noticed today 

that the rose is still blooming, albeit in a rather desultory 

way, but the lavender is, for this year anyway, over. 

And it was interesting to read Christopher Lloyd’s 

comments about lavender in The Well-Tempered Garden. 

He gardened on heavy clay at Great Dixter, not of course 

the perfect medium for lavender, and whilst he was happy 

enough to grow L. ‘Hidcote’ and favoured the silvery non 

hardy Llanata, he described lavender plants as ‘cherished 

eyesores’. He had a point in that from August to the following 

May, most lavenders, if not all, don’t really do much except 

of course they can, if pruned after flowering, make neat grey 

mounds which aren’t unattractive. But he’s right to say that 

they die off in dribs and drabs but never quite enough for you 

to give up and say ‘enough is enough’ and to rip the plant out, 

never to be replaced. Having said that, the lavender that edged 

his paths in the Peacock Garden were eventually consigned 

to the compost heap and replaced by low hedges of a rather 

underused plant, Aster lateriflorus ‘Horizontalis’ which flowers 

in September. But when lavender is in full flower, I think 

that the combination of an intoxicating scent and charming, 

pollinator friendly flowers, make them an essential ingredient 

of any garden whether it be formal or cottagey in style. 

Where would you grow lavender and what are its needs? 

The first thing is SUN and lots of it, and the second, most 

vital element, is a well drained soil. Lavender is happiest 

on neutral to alkaline soil although the French lavender, L. 

stoechas (Mediterranean) does grow in the wild on an acid 

soil. Castle Farm nr. Sevenoaks diversified into lavender on 

part of their farm in the late 1990s as they had the perfect 

conditions to grow the plant i.e. a slightly alkaline soil 


Garden 

and sunny, free draining slopes on the North Downs. They 

conduct guided tours from the end of June to late July/ 

early August – the end of the season is rather weather 

dependent and varies from year to year. They grow Lavandula 

angustifolia ‘Folgate’ for a variety of uses including kiln 

dried decorative cut bunches and for soothing lavender oils. 

Back in 1998 they bought three plants of a French variety 

of lavender called L. ‘Maillette’ which by the following year 

they had micro propagated into 24,000 plants and which 

has a particularly strong and beautiful scent and they also 

grow Lavandula x intermedia ‘Grosso’ for its lavandin oil. 

95% of the lavender grown in France is lavandin which is 

a strong growing hybrid cross intermedia and which also 

has a very distinctive scent, 10/12% of which is camphor. 

Lavandin oil therefore has totally different properties 

to lavender oil in that it is definitely not soothing and 

sleep inducing but rather a stimulant. It is excellent for 

combating drowsiness, perfect for deterring mosquitoes 

and ideal for warding off the ubiquitous clothes moth. 

Lavenders thrive on a lighter, more alkaline soil but if you 

are desperate to grow it and your soil is pretty acidic, you can 

raise the pH by adding lime in the spring, a handful per square 

metre would help. However, I sometimes wonder whether it 

is best to cut your losses and stick to plants that flourish in 

the conditions you can provide. You know, this thing about 

‘right plant, right place’. But if you are set on growing it, you 

could also add grit to the planting hole and plant on a slight 

mound. What will surely kill off lavender is wet winter and 

soggy soil. Lavender is a good candidate for pots 

– just use a soilless medium like John Innes No 

1 or 2, add some grit and a bit of slow release 

fertiliser and you should be alright. Half hardy 

varieties need little or no watering between, 

say, November and the following February and 

would appreciate being sheltered away from 

the winter elements during that time. 

We are so lucky to have Downderry 

Nursery so near. Have you ever seen 

their astounding displays of lavenders 

at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show? 

Downderry hold National Collections 

for both lavandula and 

rosmarinus and it is possible to visit there to both learn about 

the history of and the uses for lavender. And of course their 

collection of usual and unusual varieties is huge. I’ve asked 

them for advice on which variety to plant in the past and not 

only are they particularly helpful, they can usually provide 

the plants too. There are so many interesting varieties to 

choose from as well as some less usual which, more often 

than not, are tender. L. canariensis is particularly choice 

and as the name suggests, it comes from the Canary Islands. 

It combines a lacy foliage with sapphire blue flowers. 

The Mediterranean lavender, L. stoechas, comes in 

all sorts of forms and if kept dead headed, has a long 

flowering period. I found twenty-five different varieties 

listed on a nursery website the other day. The scent of L. 

stoechas is rather different to that of the L. angustifolia 

varieties and the shape too. Its main flowering season 

is May and the plant has curiously square heads with 

its petals lined up on the corners of the square. This 

arrangement is crowned with a tuft of bracts on the top. 

Finally, should you want to propagate lavender, you can 

really do it any time during the growing season but the 

optimum month would probably be September. Take cuttings 

just below a node, dip them in a rooting compound and pop 

them into a gritty compost or horticultural sand. You can 

just keep a bucket of hort. sand somewhere in the garden and 

pop cuttings in it when you have a mind. Just water them 

in and keep them sheltered – in a cold frame or something 

similar if you have one. You’ll know whether they have worked 

when they start making shoots the following summer. 

Downderry Nursery. Hadlow, Tonbridge, TN11 9SW 

01732 810081 info@downderry-nursery.co.uk 

The Hop Shop at Castle Farm, Redman’s 

Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN14 7UB 

01959 523219 hopshop.co.uk 

Sue Whigham can be contacted on 07810 457948 for 

gardening advice and help in the sourcing and supply of 

interesting garden plants. 

Credit: FreeImages.com/Agata Luczak, Jenny Rollo 


166

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WT Education Supplement 

Contents 

Cover image: istockphoto.com/asiseeit Photo (right) courtesy of Dulwich Prep, Cranbrook, Kent 

6 Design team 

How technological advances are affecting the way 

Design & Technology is taught in the classroom 

11 The wonderful world of WACI 

Toby Payne-Cook, Head of Science at Marlborough 

House School, discusses the Weald Award for 

Creativity and Innovation 

14 Preparing your personal statement 

UCAS offers their help 

17 Fun & games 

We go behind the scenes to explore school sports 

23 Scholarships: what’s so special? 

WT finds out... 

SpringGroveSchoolWT187.indd 1 15/08/2017 12:47 

The 

An independent preparatory day School for girls 3-11 and boys 3-4 

The Granville is a highly successful independent school with 

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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. 

We have a few places available in our Year 4 for September 2017. 

• High academic success 

• Happy, caring and stimulating environment 

• Qualified and experienced staff 

• Excellence in all subjects including music, art, drama and sport 

• Exceptional facilities 

• Bursaries available 

26 Support network 

Teacher Georgina Watford looks at how behavioural 

problems are tackled in the classroom 

29 Addressing the issue 

Just how do schools deal with bullying? 

33 Mixing it up 

Susan Elkin looks into keeping teaching ‘fresh’ 

For more details and a personal tour of the school with the 

Headmistress please contact the school office 01732 453039 

www.granvilleschool.org 

2 Bradbourne Park Road | Sevenoaks | TN13 3LJ 


GranvilleSchoolWT179.indd 1 29/11/2016 14:40


Editor’s Letter 

WALTHAMSTOW HALL 

S e v e n o a k s K e n t 

Photo courtesy of Downsend School, Surrey 

Open Morning 

Saturday 23rd September 

10am - 12.15pm 

New uniforms, new classrooms, new teachers, 

new friends, new responsibilities... The start of 

a new school year can be a very exciting and 

somewhat daunting experience, for children, parents 

and teachers! But with change comes progression, 

and a whole host of new learning opportunities. 

We kick start this month’s Education Supplement 

with a look at the hands-on design & technology 

departments at Downsend Prep, Cranleigh School 

and St Edmund’s School Canterbury to see how 

they’re inspiring the next generation of designers. 

Keeping with the cutting-edge theme, Toby 

Payne-Cook, Head of Science at Marlborough 

House School, discusses the new Weald Award 

for Creativity and Innovation on page 11. 

Encouraging children to be active with a plethora 

of sporty choices, five schools from across the South 

East talk to us about the most popular choices 

and the world of opportunity that taking part 

in a sport opens up, read on from page 17. 

Behavioural issues in schools can be a very tricky subject 

to tackle, but, as we find out, a comprehensive set of 

strategies to deal with bullying and to make sure that 

students are fully supported are in place to ensure that 

schools maintain an open and nurturing environment 

where any issues that come up can be dealt with 

quickly and sensitively. Find out more from page 26. 

Enjoy your Education Supplement 

“Thriving girls’ day school in Sevenoaks. 

Produces quietly confident young women with 

a ‘can do’ attitude and an adventurous spirit. 

The strong academic results are a 

‘happy by-product’ of all this.” 

The Good Schools Guide 

Book your Open Morning place at 

www.walthamstow-hall.co.uk 

Holly Bush Lane, Sevenoaks, TN13 3UL 


WalthamstowHallSchoolWT187.indd 1 14/08/2017 12:25 

A70995 Walthamstow Hall_Senior_Wealden Times 90x265.indd 1 11/08/2017 08:54


Design 

Team 

WT chats to Downsend Prep, Cranleigh School and St Edmund’s School 

Canterbury about current school projects and the technological advances 

that are affecting the way Design & Technology is taught in the classroom 

Beth Day, Head of Design & Technology, 

Downsend Prep School, Surrey 

What projects have you been 

working on recently with pupils? 

Through our well-equipped workshop, 

textiles studio and food technology 

room Downsend children acquire 

basic design skills and knowledge 

across all three areas. Working with 

a full mix of materials, food, CAD 

and our laser cutter, the children 

are involved in a range of projects 

including moving monsters, lunar 

buggies, woven fish, bird hides, fabric 

postcards, an acrylic clock, a microbit 

game, and a teenage bedroom design. 

How do you encourage pupils to 

find inspiration for their creations? 

Inspiration can be drawn from 

personal experiences such as 

favourite holiday memories for 

hand embroidered postcards in 

Year 4, to favourite book characters 

that inspire a marionette puppet 

in Year 6. Exploring the traditions 

of different cultures broadens 

our pupils’ historical knowledge 

and is a great source of design 

inspiration e.g. Native American 

tipis and dreamcatchers. 

Do boys and girls get 

equally as involved? 

Yes they do because we specifically 

develop projects to generate their 

interest and enthusiasm regardless of 

gender. Increasingly, we incorporate 

elements of CAD as results are 

instantly visible and accurate. By 

combining a full range of ‘compliant 

and resistant materials’ in our projects, 

all the interests of the children are 

captured, they are excited to be 

involved and find new talents. 

What skills do you feel that Design 

& Technology helps to develop? 

Design and Technology develops 

practical and creative skills and builds 

resilience and perseverance. Projects 

raise awareness of the properties of a 


6

WT Supplement 

Jon Taylor 

Head of Design Engineering, 

Cranleigh School, Surrey 



We’ve been incorporating 

programmable electronics and 

mechanisms with our senior pupils, 

including architectural models and 

solutions to hydration for armed 

forces serving in harsh climates. 

One pupil was shortlisted for 

the National Triumph Design 

Awards for his working prototype 

of a High-End Automated Watch 

display. We’ve also been involved 

with robotics and racing drones. 

How do you encourage 

pupils to find inspiration 

for their creations? 

Alongside providing briefs for 

product design, and introducing 

pupils to new concepts such as 

robotics and drones, we encourage 

them to read widely on the 

subject and provide inspirational 

environments to work in. We have 

a new electronics lab, the ability to 

produce circuit boards and several 

3D printers, all in a calm and 

creative Design Engineering block. 

Do boys and girls get 

equally as involved? 

Design Engineering appeals to 

both genders. Overall we are 

 

range of materials, an understanding of 

sustainability and the impact we have 

on our world. Children are taught 

to be resourceful and are encouraged 

to take design risks, learning from 

mistakes equally as from successes. 

How do you keep up to speed 

with new technologies? 

Personally, I am a member of 

numerous Facebook groups that 

raise and discuss developments 

in the curriculum. I also follow 

Science, Engineering and 

Technology feeds with articles of 

cutting edge developments. CPD 

courses are immensely informative 

in developing new and viable 

project ideas for the classroom. 

downsend.co.uk 

Photos courtesy of Downsend Prep School, Surrey 


Sixth Form 

Open 

Morning 

Visit our Sixth Form Open Morning to learn 

about our strong tradition of excellence and 

integrity, outstanding academic results and 

our renowned ability to prepare pupils for life. 

Saturday 16 September 2017 • 9.30am to noon - please book online 

The Birley Centre, Carlisle Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 4EF 

T: 01323 452323 • E: admissions@eastbourne-college.co.uk • Join us on 

www.EastbourneCollegeSixthForm.co.uk 

HMC INDEPENDENT SCHOOL • BOARDING AND DAY • BOYS AND GIRLS 13 TO 18

WT Supplement 

seeing a marked increase in the 

number of pupils taking the 

subject, and we expect numbers 

to continue to rise as this year we 

are hosting a number of national 

qualifying events for both racing 

drone and robotics competitions. 

What skills do you feel 

that Design & Technology 

helps to develop? 

Design is a unique subject that will 

constantly evolve and respond to the 

technological developments of the 

outside world. It is a subject where 

not only pupils will be learning 

new skills; as Design teachers we 

continually update and develop our 

own skillsets to be able to respond 

to, and deliver, a cutting edge 

curriculum. There is always more 

than one solution to a problem and 

every pupil is capable of producing 

their own unique concept. 



The introduction of topics such as 

electronics, mechanisms, Computer 

Aided Design (CAD) and 3D 

Printing in the Fourth Form has 

exposed our pupils to the latest 

advancements in technology 

and provides an insight into the 

recently reformed GCSE and A 

Level specifications, which came 

into play in September 2017. 

cranleigh.org 

Marie Florence, Head of Design & Technology, 

St Edmund’s School Canterbury, Kent 



This year saw the inaugural St Edmund’s 

Festival and an opportunity to address 

a real life design brief: a Mad Hatter’s 

Tea Party for 95 guests! Pupils from all 

year groups were involved in the design 

and manufacture of flamingo croquet 

sets, everything ‘Alice’ and our Leiths 

students catered the entire event. 

How do you encourage pupils to 

find inspiration for their creations? 

Every pupil has different interests, likes 

and dislikes and they are encouraged 

to explore all avenues. Each year we get 

our GCSE and A Level students actively 

involved in London Design Week which 

proves hugely beneficial as it takes place 

in September and so forms a fantastic 

springboard for design inspiration. 

Do boys and girls get equally 

as involved? Absolutely! 

What skills do you feel that Design 

& Technology helps to develop? 

There is a myriad of skills delivered 

through this subject. Above all, 

Design & Technology fosters 

the ability to think creatively. 

Creative thought is necessary to 

solve problems that arise from new 

technologies and indeed everyday 

experiences. Being able to think 

creatively is an essential life skill. 



Belonging to a vast range of Design 

& Technology based forums keeps 

me up to date with technological 

advances in many areas. However, 

our students have curious minds 

and are always keen to explore 

things that they have seen online, 

on TV or even just wondered 

about. Learning never stops. 

stedmunds.org.uk 

Photos courtesy of St Edmund’s School, Canterbury, Kent 


Not too big, 

Not too small, 

Just right. 

OPEN 

MORNING 

6th October 

10am-12pm 

By deliberately maintaining a school roll of under 350 pupils, 

we remain nimble enough to deliver on our promise: to offer a high 

quality education where the focus can truly be on each individual child. 

We have an enviable record of Cranbrook entry success over the past 10 years, a 100% CE pass 

rate and each year our pupils win scholarships to many leading independent senior schools. 

Call us on 01580 753555 to arrange a visit and find out for yourself why ‘Some children really 

do skip between lessons here.’ Good Schools Guide Review July 2016 

MARLBOROUGH 

HOUSE 

SCHOOL 

Marlborough House School, Hawkhurst, Cranbrook, Kent TN18 4PY 01580 753555 

marlboroughhouseschool.co.uk/toptenreasonstoregister


The wonderful 

world of WACI 

Toby Payne-Cook, Head of Science at Marlborough House School, discusses the Weald Award for Creativity and Innovation 

Jobs that exist today may not exist tomorrow and as 

paths to careers become less linear and the workplace 

demands increasingly broader skillsets, I am conscious 

of my responsibility as a teacher, to help prepare children for 

this exciting yet uncertain world beyond the school gates. 

Over the last 30 years, computers have advanced 

exponentially, with infinitely superior processing capacity to 

our own and although the Internet and social media seem 

to have taken over our world, they have enabled us to share 

more ideas, with more people, more often than ever before... 

So imagine what the world might be like in 2047! Science 

and Business need the most nimble thinkers to navigate the 

complex ethics and technologies in a fast changing world 

and it is important that our children develop life skills that 

will enable them to not only navigate change, but thrive 

as a result. So in conversation with colleagues, the idea for 

The Weald Award for Creativity and Innovation (WACI) 

was born, and with it, an opportunity for us to identify 

and nurture a new generation of creative young minds. 

Before becoming a teacher, I spent seventeen years as a 

scientist in industry. Six of those were spent developing 

chemical products and a further ten years developing 

medicines and new drug delivery technologies for Pfizer. My 

time in industry taught me the importance of collaboration, 

curiosity and creativity in product development. Utilising 

state of the art technology, these three virtues helped me, and 

many of the brilliant people I have worked with to develop 

innovative solutions to real world challenges. The launch 

of this competition has enabled me to bring more of this 

kind of knowledge and experience to the classroom, where 

children are both curious and often sufficiently confident 

to try out new ideas with no, or very little fear of failure. 

WACI was piloted at Marlborough House School in 2016 

with the help of a high calibre panel of judges, which included 

a biochemist, an architect, an artist and a world-leading remote 

sensing scientist who has pioneered satellite-mapping techniques 

and worked for NASA. Just being in the same room as the 

panel felt like being bombarded with twenty billion rapidly 

firing, interwoven neurons; with no one field of expertise 

dominating but all united in finding and being inspired by 

young creative minds. From the outset, the children involved 

were eager to use their imagination powers to conjure up and 

develop a host of innovative solutions to every day challenges. 

From a lifesaving wristband for dementia sufferers to a rewards 

scheme to incentivise exercise in ‘green parks’; and from making 

a cup of high quality filter coffee using hand sewn coffee 

bags, to explaining how cochlear implants could help people 

with hearing impairments – it was clear that the competition 

had the power to not only inspire creativity, but also prompt 

children to view the world from a different perspective. 


HURSTPIERPOINT COLLEGE


There is no theme or remit for WACI competition 

entrants. The only criteria is that children must be 

in Year 7 at school; that they must come up with a 

creative idea, place it in context, and communicate it 

well. It is not a research prize, nor a public speaking 

award but an opportunity for children to apply 

their powers of logic and creativity to develop an 

original idea, solve a problem or simply improve 

an existing product, process or organisation. 

Continuing with a prize fund of £1000, the 

competition was opened up this year to children 

from local state and private schools. The winning 

innovation came from a pupil at Bethany School 

who built a prototype “Toilet Super System”, 

including a turbine designed using a 3D printer, to 

generate electricity by harnessing the wasted energy 

from flushing a loo. While a large cash prize is a 

significant incentive, the most impressive candidates 

also received an eye-opening, experiential prize. On 

a school trip like no other, 13 children this year had 

a guided tour of an architectural ‘grand design’ in 

Goudhurst, courtesy of the architect himself and 

a visit to the COOK kitchens in Sittingbourne to 

understand how a simple creative idea could grow into 

a business with a turnover of £52 million. A behind 

the scenes glimpse of scientific innovation at work 

in the Pfizer development laboratories left many of 

the children wide-eyed with wonder as they got to 

grips with the scale and cost of the drug development 

process... and I took a trip down memory lane! 

Throughout my career in industry and education, 

I have seen that when you dedicate more time to 

developing creativity and the imagination, innovative 

ideas are born and problems can be overcome. 

Our ambition for WACI, is to involve even more 

companies and sponsors in coming years but most 

importantly, encourage more children to imagine, 

wonder, explore, play, build, question and take a 

risk in pursuit of an original idea. In doing so, they 

too could become curious enough to discover the 

art of creative and collaborative problem solving; 

a life skill that I believe will stand the test of time 

and enable the next generation to always view a 

world of change, as a world of opportunity. 

marlboroughhouseschool.co.uk


Preparing your 

personal statement 

Not sure how to start your personal statement? UCAS shares 

some practical advice to get you off on the right foot 

1 

Preparation 

2 3 4 

What to 

include 

How to 

write it 

Technical 

details 

You can only 

write one personal 

statement, so don’t 

mention a uni or 

college by name. 

• Check uni and 

college websites to 

see what skills and 

qualities they’d 

like you to have. 

• Make a list of 

things you want 

to include. 

• Start drafting 

early. 

• Why you’re 

interested in the 

subject. 

• Your enthusiasm for 

the subject. 

• How your previous 

studies relate to the 

course(s). 

• Relevant aspects of 

jobs, placements, 

work experience or 

volunteering. 

• Activities or hobbies 

that show your 

interest in the 

subject. 

• Any training or 

achievements that 

show your skills. 

• Demonstrate you’re 

a great candidate 

and you have skills 

and qualities they’re 

looking for. 

• Introduction 

– start with an 

opening sentence 

that encourages 

the reader to read 

on. 

• Structure what 

you want to 

include in an 

order that’s 

most relevant to 

what the unis 

and colleges are 

looking for. 

• Conclusion – 

reinforce your 

commitment, 

enthusiasm and 

skills suited to uni 

/ college life. 

• Check your 

grammar, spelling 

and punctuation. 

• Leave time to get 

feedback 

• Length – up to 

4,000 characters 

or 47 lines of text 

(including spaces 

and blank lines). 

• Make sure you 

don’t copy – our 

software detects 

any similarities 

and this could 

jeopardise your 

application. 

Credit: UCAS.com 


14

See potential. 

Realise the vision. 

Open Morning 

Come and see the difference 

Thursday 5th October 

9.00 am –12 noon 

Contact our Registrar for details: 

registrar@dulwichprepcranbrook.org 

dulwichprepcranbrook.org 

02446_Babington_Wealden_Times_AD_Layout 1 09/08/2017 00:00 Page 1 

DPC-AdvertArt-WealdenTimes-185x130-NH-ARTWORK.indd 1 10/08/2017 12:16 

Babington House School 

DulwichPrepWT187 - Ad 1 - Place 1st.indd 1 11/08/2017 14:24 

Independent Day School from 3 to 18 years 

Grange Drive, Chislehurst, Kent BR7 5ES 

Inspiring Teachers, Inspiring Children 

Open 

Morning 

Saturday, 

7 October 2017 

9am - 12 noon 

Register Online 

www.babingtonhouse.com 


BabingtonHouseSchoolWT187.indd 1 09/08/2017 16:51

Co-educational, day & boarding school for 3-18 years in South East England 

Co-educational, day & boarding school for 3-18 years in South East England 

With small class sizes and exceptional facilities, St Lawrence College provides 

outstanding opportunities for all pupils academically, in sport and in the arts. 

Junior School Open Day: Fri 6 October 2017 

Senior School Open Day: Sat 7 October 2017 

T: 01843 572931 E: admissions@slcuk.com www.slcuk.com 

St Lawrence College, College Road, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 7AE 

StLawrenceCollegeED04.indd 1 09/06/2017 10:20 

Open Day 

Saturday 30 September 2017 

9.15am – 12 noon 

The Principal will speak at 9.30am 

First-rate ISI Inspection Report 

Nursery and Pre Prep rated “outstanding” 

Top academic results from a broad ability intake 

Extensive Sports facilities • Boarding from 11 

Wide range of scholarships for 11+, 13+, 16+ entry 

Cathedral Chorister scholarships for 8+ boys & 10+ girls 

First rate independent education for boys and girls aged 3-18 

01634 888590 admissions@kings-rochester.co.uk www.kings-rochester.co.uk 

Extensive daily minibus service including: Gravesend, King’s Hill, Maidstone, Rainham, Sevenoaks 


16 

KingsSchoolRochesterWT187.indd 1 21/08/2017 17:16


Fun & Games 

WT speaks to five schools from across the South East to find out more about the sporting opportunities on offer 

Photo courtesy of Cranbrook School, Kent 

Manor House School, Bookham, Surrey 

What variety of sports are available? The students at Manor 

House School are taught Netball, Hockey, Cross Country, 

Gymnastics, Swimming, Rounders, Tennis, and Athletics both 

in lessons and as extra curricular activities and school teams. 

We also offer Dance, Zumba, Fitness, Football, 

Volleyball, Handball, Basketball, Table Tennis, 

Lacrosse, Touch Rugby and Badminton. 

Is there anything out of the ordinary that pupils can try? 

The older girls are allowed to play ultimate Frisbee, 

Handball and Lacrosse. Manor House has just started 

running Triathlons and this is open to all ages. 

In the summer term some of the girls had golf lessons 

from coaches at Tyrrells Wood golf club; they could 

well run again next year if the interest continues. 

What proves to be most popular? Netball, Hockey, Athletics, 

Rounders, Gymnastics, Cross Country, Tennis and Swimming 

are the most popular. The girls get the chance to play each 

other and against many local schools. We offer coaching as 

well as matches in order to develop skills and match play. 

Do teams get the chance to travel to fixtures/matches 

both locally and abroad? Girls from Year 3-11 have 

the opportunity to take part in matches and they 

generally travel up to half an hour. On occasion we do go 

further afield; for example we had girls in the National 

Preparatory Schools Athletics finals in Birmingham. 

We are currently looking into offering sports tours abroad. 

How can skills developed through participating in 

sports transfer to other areas of academic life? 

Participating in sport gives the girls a sense of 

achievement, which can raise their self-esteem. We 

have seen their school work and relationships improve 

many times due to the increased confidence they have 

gained from being successful or achieving in sport. 

Our girls are always encouraged to have fun and 

enjoy sport regardless of ability. They leave us happy 

which sets them up for their next lesson. 

How do you encourage a healthy and active lifestyle? 

All of the girls at Manor House School are encouraged to join 

in the lessons, whatever their age or ability, as a result we have 

very few girls who do not want to be part of the buzz in sport. 

We talk a lot about how sport helps a healthy lifestyle as being 

active helps the brain and develops social skills. In fitness we 

discuss how sports help keep a healthy mind and body and 

we focus on getting our heart, lungs and muscles strong. 

For more information about Manor House’s extra-curricular 

clubs provision and how to apply for an individual sports 

scholarship see manorhouseschool.org/admissions 

 


‘The ultimate seaside school’ - Tatler 2017 

A SC A L I S 

PAT U 

Wellesley House 

Independent Co-educational Prep School Boarding & Day 7-13 years 

LIS A D ASTR A 

OPEN MORNING 

Saturday 14th October – 10am to 12pm 

Wellesley House | Broadstairs | Kent CT10 2DG 

t: 01843 862991 | e: hmsec@wellesleyhouse.net 

www.wellesleyhouse.org #SeasideWellesley


Photos: Freeimages.com/Jean Scheijen, Chutipan Chaitachawang 

The Mead School, Tunbridge Wells, Kent 

What variety of sports are available? At The Mead we offer a 

huge range of sports – from field sports such as tag rugby, football 

and hockey to athletics including high and long jump, shot 

put, javelin and sprinting. We play netball and do rollerblading 

on the school playground and take part in judo, gymnastics, 

trampolining and co-ordination and agility exercises in our 

school gym. In the summer children enjoy rounders, cricket and 

tennis. All children from Reception age go swimming every week 

and our Year 6 pupils often achieve their 3000 metres badges – 

proof that regular, consistent swimming can really get results. 


There are many opportunities to try all sorts of different 

sports here at The Mead. These include our annual 

activity water-sports holidays where the children can try 

sailing, kayaking, keel-boating and yachting. Another 

favourite is The Mead annual family ski-trip with skiing 

and snowboarding on offer. In Year 6 students get 

the chance to learn windsurfing at Bewl Water Reservoir. 

What proves to be the most popular? All sports are very 

popular amongst Mead pupils but perhaps unsurprisingly 

football and netball are the favourites. Recently circuits in the 

gym has also become very popular with both boys and girls. 

Do teams get the chance to travel to fixtures/ matches both 

locally and abroad? Our Mead sports teams regularly get 

the opportunity to travel to fixtures at local venues and other 

independent schools and we make use of the fantastic Bayham 

Sports Ground for our larger sporting events. The Mead is an 

active member of the Independent Schools Association and our 

sports teams participate in the ISA national and regional sports 

competitions throughout the school year, with consistent success at 

final stages and a recent win at the ISA South U11 Rugby Festival. 

How can skills be developed through participating 

in sports transfer to other areas of academic life? 

Sport gives fundamental life skills. Learning to lose. Learning 

to win. Playing as a team and sharing glory and defeat. 

Respecting the opposition, the referee, the history, representing 

your school with pride. Learning that life is as much about 

play as it is work and there is no better feeling than running at 

your fastest speed, pushing yourself to your physical limit and 

feeling truly alive. Sport builds confidence, resilience, wellbeing 

and commitment, traits which can all be transferred with 

dramatic impact upon academic progress and achievement. 


The huge range of physical activities on offer at The Mead mean 

there’s something for everyone whether it’s a team sport like tagrugby 

or something more individual such as trampolining. Our 

emphasis is on having fun whilst being active to encourage those 

children who don’t see themselves as ‘sporty’ to give activities a try. 

This, along with regular opportunities for outside play, fresh air 

and exercise along with a healthy nutritious school menu including 

lots of fresh fruit and vegetables ensure a very a healthy and active 

lifestyle for our Meadites, from Kindergarten up to Year 6. 

meadschool.info 

Reigate Grammar School, Surrey 

What variety of sports are available? Is there anything out 

of the ordinary that pupils can try? We offer a wide variety 

of sporting opportunities throughout the students’ journeys 

at RGS; these vary from traditional sports such as Rugby, 

Hockey, Netball, Athletics, Cricket, Swimming, Golf, Tennis 

to ‘newer’ sports which include Ultimate Frisbee, Sailing, 

Girls’ Cricket, Skiing, Biathlon, Archery and Girls’ Rugby. 

What proves to be most popular? Students have loved the 

opportunity to explore the sport of Ultimate Frisbee. It is 

a fantastic workout and gets students working within a coed, 

team environment during competitive matches with a 

focus on fair play. Those values are important across all of 

our sports. We see it as important to be a school known not 

just for being good at sport but also as a school where we 

are ‘good sports’ – traditional sporting values matter. 

Do teams get the chance to travel to fixtures/matches both 

locally and abroad? Students have regular opportunities to 

represent the school in weekly fixtures and national competitions. 

While we are a co-educational day school we punch well above our 

weight and have recently achieved major successes on a National 

level. In just the last few months, we were the highest ranked co-ed 

day school at the Inter Girls National Schools Athletics Finals, 

won one of the Natwest trophy competitions for senior Rugby 

and enjoyed similar extensive success across our major sports. 

How can skills developed through participating in sports 

transfer to other areas of academic life? The RGS community 

goes well beyond our shores and as a school we have a wide network 

of Old Reigatians across the world. Our current students have the 

opportunity to build links across the world through International 

Sports Tours which give a fantastic opportunity to play sports in 

foreign environments, meet students from different backgrounds 

and learn about historical and geographical aspects of the countries 

they visit; recent tours include Cricket to Dubai, Rugby to South 

Africa, Girls’ Hockey to Holland and Skiing to France. As a school 

we have a strong link within the community and this continues 

to be apparent through sport with our partnership links with 

Rugby, Cricket, Hockey, Golf, Squash, Tennis and Swimming 

clubs in the area. For students on an elite sports pathway or for 

those who just want to be part of a team, RGS sport is a winner. 

How do you encourage a healthy and active lifestyle? We believe in 

a multi-sport approach to help students get a wide variety of activities. 

We help our students find activities which stay with them beyond 

RGS, as they lead a healthy, active, lifestyle based on good nutrition, 

sleep and regular physical activity. We use sports psychologists, 

nutritionists and a strength and conditioning coach amongst our 

team of well qualified sports staff and professional coaches working 

as full time Performance Directors. Members of our team include 

international athletes, commonwealth games competitors, sportsmen 

who have played regularly at Twickenham and a current 

netball international – these are just a few of 

the experiences and expertise that our 

elite coaches have had and which 

they use to inspire our students. 

reigategrammar.org 

 


Not too big, 

Not too small, 

Just right. 

Cranbrook School, Kent 

What variety of sports are available? We offer a range 

of sports including traditional games such as Rugby, 

Hockey, Netball, Cricket, Rounders and Tennis. Individual 

pursuits such as Athletics and Cross Country are also 

offered. Dance is taught within the curriculum at KS3 

and many extra curricular clubs are offered. Our annual 

show DanSing is a popular event in the calendar. 

The perfect size school to unlock the 

potential in every child. 


Thanks to parental and staff support and expertise 

we currently offer Rowing for the sixth form, Triathlon for all 

years and Yoga both within the curriculum and through extra 

curricular clubs. Fencing, Squash and Water Polo are also offered 

and a Self Defence Club option is currently being pursued. 

What proves to be most popular? The range of opportunities 

allows students to pursue sport and exercise choices that 

suit their lifestyle. Traditional games are popular for many 

but Dance, Rowing or Yoga are also favoured options. 


locally and abroad? Matches are played against independent and 

grammar schools within the South East. There is a busy fixture 

programme offered every Saturday throughout the term and also 

during the week against more local schools. Sports tours abroad 

are offered regularly and vary in length. The next major tour for 

Rugby, Hockey and Netball is currently being planned for 2019. 

By deliberately maintaining a school roll of 

under 350 pupils, we remain nimble enough to 

deliver on our promise: to offer a high quality 

education with a truly individual focus. 

MARLBOROUGH 

HOUSE 

SCHOOL 

Hawkhurst, Cranbrook, Kent TN18 4PY 01580 753555 

marlboroughhouseschool.co.uk/toptenreasonstoregister 


20 



Discipline, commitment to learning and a positive work 

ethic are three of many life skills that students will develop by 

participating regularly in sport. Overcoming challenges and 

experiencing success and failure are also key components that will 

help build resilience which is key to academic development. 


Fitness is a key component within the PE curriculum 

and all students are encouraged to use our cardio and 

weights gym (as appropriate) outside of lessons. Fitness 

plays a key part in all training sessions and a range of 

classes and clubs are also offered within our extra curricular 

programme incorporating various components of fitness 

and also mindfulness through activities such as Yoga. 

cranbrookschool.co.uk

Top 10 Reasons 

to Register #3 

‘Sport is for all’ 

Sutton Valence School, Kent 

What variety of sports are available? Is there anything out 

of the ordinary that pupils can try? Sutton Valence School 

plays most of the major sports; Hockey, Rugby, Netball, Cricket 

(for both girls and boys), Tennis, Rounders, Swimming and 

has an Athletics team. One thing the School does very well is 

support people as they find their niche, whether in our main 

sports or those that are more unusual. The School recently 

launched a Ski team, an Equestrian team and Golf team 

who have all celebrated success in their first competitions. 

Every child at Marlborough House 

School can play and compete in 

a sports team. 

What proves to be most popular? Each child is different and 

has different interests. At Sutton Valence, no sport is universally 

favourite but we challenge our pupils to take part in team sports. 

Whilst everyone would like to compete in the 1st team the 

School will field as many teams as there is opposition giving most 

pupils an opportunity to represent the School competitively. 


locally and abroad? We have an extensive fixture list playing 

many top schools both locally and slightly further afield, 

such as Tonbridge School, Benenden, Eastbourne College, 

Whitgift School and the King’s School Canterbury. The 

School also participates in local and national competitions 

with great success. The School runs international tours 

on an annual basis, enlarging each player’s experience. 



The benefits of sport and physical activity are well known, with 

recent research linking it to high achievement in academic studies. 

Such studies have proven that sport and physical activity helps to 

improve brain function, increase energy levels and enhance the 

quality of sleep. Regular exercise can also assist greatly in reducing 

stress levels whilst it enhances wellbeing in those who undertake 

it; all very important for our pupils in their academic work. 


Health and fitness run through the seam of sport at Sutton 

Valence School. Last year alone, the Sports department 

completed over 7,000 fitness tests, measuring seven 

different components of fitness of each individual student. 

Pupils are then able to analyse their own performances 

in these tests and establish areas of fitness where they are 

strong, and areas of fitness where they can improve. 

svs.org.uk 

Photo courtesy of Cranbrook School, Kent 

‘A great strength of the school is the way that pupils 

encourage one another to participate and try their 

best, delighting in the personal success of others’ 

Independent Schools Inspectorate 

‘They excel in many areas, often achieving national 

level’ The Good Schools Guide 

‘As a Mum working full time in London this is amazing! 

I feel so much more in touch with the school. 

The Facebook snapshots and sports fixtures app 

are fantastic’ Parent 

‘For a school that fields excellence, there is a pleasing 

emphasis on sport for all, with an approach that 

highlights enjoyment, inclusion and effort’ 

The Good Schools Guide 

MARLBOROUGH 

HOUSE 

SCHOOL 

Hawkhurst, Cranbrook, Kent TN18 4PY 01580 753555 

marlboroughhouseschool.co.uk/toptenreasonstoregister 


Claremont 

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL 

DISCOVER CLAREMONT 

NURSERY SCHOOL & PREPARATORY SCHOOL OPEN MORNINGS 

Friday 6th & Saturday 7th October | 9.30am - 1pm 

SENIOR & SIXTH FORM OPEN MORNING 

Saturday 7th October | 9.30am - 1pm 

SIXTH FORM INFORMATION EVENING 

Thursday 5th October | 6pm 

BOARDING 

Pyke House, Battle, TN33 0AN 

01424 234482 

NURSERY & PREP SCHOOL 

St Leonards-on-Sea, TN37 7PW 

01424 751555 

SENIOR & SIXTH FORM 

Bodiam, Robertsbridge, TN32 5UJ 

01580 830396 

www.claremontschool.co.uk | enquiries@claremontschool.co.uk | facebook.com/claremontschool


Scholarships: 

what’s so special? 

We find out what makes these 

awards so desirable 

Jonathan Powis, Headmaster, Vinehall 

School, Mountfield, East Sussex 

What does a scholarship offer the pupil? A scholarship 

award is non means tested and is worth 10% of the 

basic school fees. We hope to attract talented children 

who will enhance our school community and provide 

them with a broad range of educational opportunities 

and training in preparation for their senior school. 

How many scholarship places are available each year and 

to who? There are ten scholarship places available each year. 

Scholarships are available to children wishing 

to join Year 4 and above who are not already 

part of the Vinehall community. 

What areas of the curriculum are covered? All 

applicants are interviewed by the Head and tested in 

English, Maths and creative writing for an academic 

award. In addition, children who are talented in 

sport, music, drama or art may also offer a maximum 

of two elements for practical assessment. 

What are the chances of being a successful 

applicant? There is tough competition for places and the 

required award standard is high. However, all applications 

are welcome as our Governors are committed to broadening 

access to the school by offering financial assistance. 

How are potential students guided through the process 

– what do they have to do/complete? Candidates are 

guided through the process with detailed instructions on the 

scholarship application form and provided by staff on the 

assessment day. Candidates must be formally registered for 

Vinehall School in order to apply. Supporting references and 

reports from a candidate’s current school are also required. 

vinehallschool.com 

Arabella Stuart, Director of Admissions, 

Sevenoaks School, Kent 

What does a scholarship offer the pupil? A small 

financial advantage – currently £1,000 per year off 

the fees although this can be increased for families 

who would struggle to pay the fee. Scholarships are an 

honour. They are a great source of evidence of excellence 

in a particular area which can be used in university and 

job application forms. There are structures in place 

which enable scholars to meet each other and develop 

relationships with like-minded people, for example 

the academic scholars’ society and the music scholars’ 

recital. We also offer a number of bursaries every year 

to academically talented students who may not be able 

to afford the fees, and our aim is to double our bursary 

provision by 2020. 

How many scholarship places are available each 

year and to who? Y7 entry: 11 academic, 4 music. 

Y9 entry: 11 academic, 4 music, 4 sport, 1 drama, 1 art. 

L6 entry: 11 academic, 4 music, 4 sport, 1 drama, 1 art. 

What areas of the curriculum are covered? 

Academic, art, drama, music and sport. 

What are the chances of being a successful applicant? 

There is tough competition for places – it 

varies from year to year but typically there 

might be four applicants for each scholarship, 

and more in the areas of drama and art. 

How are potential students guided through the 

process – what do they have to do/complete? 

There is comprehensive information about what is 

required and how to prepare on our website in our 

Admissions section. sevenoaksschool.org/admissions 

 

Photo courtesy of Sevenoaks School 



Hurstpierpoint College, West Sussex 

What does a scholarship offer the pupil? Award holders are 

valued at Hurst, not only for what they can achieve, but also 

as role models and for their ability to support and lead others. 

They will be well supported and every step will be taken to 

ensure they make the most of the opportunities and their 

own abilities. There is a regular process of reviews in order 

to see how best to develop an individual pupil’s talents. 

In line with most HMC independent schools, the majority 

of scholarships awarded are between 5% and 25% of school 

fees. However, means tested bursaries can significantly 

enhance the total amount of financial assistance. 

How many scholarship places are available each year 

and to who? There is no fixed number of Scholarships 

or Awards given in any discipline each year (apart from 

Dance, which is one; and the BN6 award, which is up to 

two), decisions are based on the ability of the candidates. 

Awards are made to candidates who will make an outstanding 

contribution to the life of the school and recognise high 

academic ability or excellence in another field. 


Whilst competition is tough the chances are good, subject 

to ability (as per criteria for each award), assessment and 

test results. Practical assessments/auditions/interviews 

will take place for non-academic awards and candidates 

are assessed on potential as well as achievement. 

How are potential students guided through the process 

– what do they have to do/complete? Potential applicants 

are sent a scholarship booklet, detailing the criteria and 

process for each award, which includes contact details 

for the staff member in charge, should they need further 

information or advice prior to completing their application. 

They must complete an application form, signed by their 

current Headteacher, and submit references from the teacher/ 

coach relevant to the award being applied for. In addition 

to assessments in the relevant area, they will be required to 

sit verbal/non-verbal reasoning tests and attend an interview 

with the Headmaster and Head of relevant part of School. 

hppc.co.uk 

Photo courtesy of Sevenoaks School 

What areas of the curriculum are covered? At 11+ 

(Year 7): Academic, up to £1300 per term; Music, up 

to £775 per term; BN6 (for academically able pupils 

living or attending a school in the BN6 area, fullyfunded 

from Year 7 to Sixth Form, means tested) 

At 13+ (Year 9) and 16+ (Year 12): Academic, up to £1,925 

per term; Music, up to £1,150 per term plus free tuition for two 

instruments; Drama, up to £1,150 per term; Sport, up to £1,150 

per term; Art, up to £1,150 per term; Hurst (all-rounder), up 

to £1,150 per term; Dance (13+ only), up to £1,150 per term. 

Caterham School, Surrey 

What does a scholarship offer the pupil? At Caterham 

School scholarships not only recognise ability and potential 

but, vitally, nurture and accelerate talent. Children 

benefit from a programme that recognises and adapts to 

a child’s skill and unique approach to learning, whether 

their talent lies in academic subjects, sport, performing 

arts such as music, drama and dance or technology. 

How many scholarship places are available each year 

and to who? Scholarships are available at 11+, 13+ and 

16+ (Sixth Form) entry and are designed to encourage 

and recognize a broad range of talent across academic, 

co-curricular and sporting. There is no set number of 

places each year although applications are high and so 

all candidates are required to be assessed. Scholarships 

can be held alongside means-tested bursaries. 

What areas of the curriculum are covered? The School 

is keen and equipped to welcome and nurture a broad 

range of talents. As one of England’s leading independent 

schools, Caterham’s scholarship offer reflects every aspect 

of school life, including academic, science, music, drama, 

sport and a new Innovation Scholarship for technology. 


Caterham is a popular school and so applications for places 

and scholarships are competitive. We take every care to 

support and look after children and their parents throughout 

the application and scholarship process. We take great care 

to demonstrate genuine interest in each child who applies 

so that the assessment is a positive, affirming experience. 

How are potential students guided through the 

process – what do they have to do/complete? 

The process for each different kind of scholarship is 

tailored towards identifying talent and potential in that 

particular area. Our admissions team are always on 

hand to talk parents through the process and answer 

any particular questions they have at any stage. 

caterhamschool.co.uk 


24

See potential. 

Realise the vision. 

Open Morning 

Come and see the difference 

Thursday 5th October 

9.00 am –12 noon 

Contact our Registrar for details: 

registrar@dulwichprepcranbrook.org 

dulwichprepcranbrook.org 

BS_WEALDEN_TIMES_185wx130h.qxp_Layout 1 11/08/2017 18:53 Page 1 

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belongL O V E W H A T Y O U L E A R N 

co-ed day and boarding 

Discover the Virtue of Learning 

Take a fresh look at Bethany School and discover a world of freedom. 

No limiting your options, just the independence and support you need. 

Join us at one of our events: 

Open Morning 

Sat 23rd Sept 

10am -1pm 

Register for Entrance 

Assessments for Sep 2018 

Sat 11th Nov 

bethanyschool.org.uk 

registrar@bethanyschool.org.uk 

Sixth Form 

Information Evening 

Fri 24th Nov - 6-8pm 

01580 211273 

BETHANY SCHOOL, CURTISDEN GREEN, CRANBROOK, KENT TN17 1LB 

“ 

I love the environment at Bethany, 

because the rural setting is so 

peaceful. I’m happiest when I’m being 

creative in Design & Technology, and 

I want to go on to become an 

Architect. 

“ 

Maria-Bisila Dougan, DT Scholar, 

Year 12 


BethanySchoolWT187.indd 1 14/08/2017 10:31


Support 

Network 

Teacher Georgina Watford discusses common 

behavioural issues in the classroom and 

what can be done to improve them 

How do you develop your own set 

of rules for the classroom? 

Every teacher is different and despite us all following 

the school rules, as humans we all implement them to a 

different degree and in a different way. At times this can 

be difficult for students to understand and adhere to, but 

after having taught at four different schools over the last 

eight years, I have learnt to be very clear from the outset 

about both my expectations and the punishments rulebreakers 

will receive. You then have to follow through on 

both or it leads to confusion and a disruptive atmosphere 

where the students don’t know where they stand. 

Consistency and regular feedback (both the “WWW”– what 

went well – and the “EBI” – even better if) are vital for a 

student to feel they are able to work in your classroom. 

What type of behavioural issues have 

you encountered at school? 

Behavioural issues occur daily in every school, be it 

more minor ones such as lateness, lapses in effort in class, 

incomplete homework, poor organisation, talking out of turn, 

and then ranging to more disruptive ones like active and 

continual defiance, aggression, swearing, and even violence. 

What do you think causes them? 

These can sometimes stem from learning difficulties such 

as ADHD, but in my experience, they are a result of either 

struggling with a subject or actually being bored in class 

and not challenged by it. It is a constant challenge to ensure 

that lessons are aimed at the class’s ability, but that you 

are also able to support and stretch everyone in there. 

Occasional lapses in behaviour are a regular occurrence 

in every school, and this is usually due to either problems 

within friendship groups or issues at home. If the poor 

behaviour is constant, it then becomes a question of 

whether it is due to disengagement with your teaching 

(and that would then need to be resolved by you) or a 

complete lack of interest in school itself which becomes 

a matter for heads of year and parents to discuss. 

Also, the age of the student very much affects their priorities 

in life, and this obviously has an effect on their organisation 

skills, their stress levels (exam years prove to make students 

much more anxious), and their effort with homework. 

What steps do you take to avoid or calm 

a problematic classroom situation? 

The primary steps are to follow school rules. Some schools 

have a warning system in place which then leads to a child 

being taken out of the lesson if they reach three warnings; 

this is generally only used for the more distracting/ 

upsetting behaviour and allows other students to get on 

with the tasks set in a positive working environment. 

Again, every teacher handles these situations differently 

and when I first started my career I regularly took 

confrontation as a personal grievance towards me. I 

now realise it is often a build up of emotions from 

something that has occurred earlier, outside of the class. 

Students all react to reprimands differently, so the 

first steps for me are taken right back in September 

when the student starts. I must ensure I know the 

student’s needs academically, but I also need to build 

a relationship with them that ultimately leads to them 

enjoying my lessons, feeling supported and challenged. 

To avoid a problematic situation in the first place usually 


26


Photos: freeimages.com/Ann-KathrinRehse; istockphoto.com/DGLimages 

involves reading the atmosphere of the class and reminding 

them to stay on task, while also speaking 1-2-1 with the 

student who appears unhappy to allow them to discuss 

the issue they are having and then seeing if I am able 

to offer a solution. Often it can be just a question of 

moving seats, voluntarily, to either a seat alone or with 

someone they are happier working with. Sometimes 

it just means allowing the student to leave the room 

to get a drink of water and a change of scenery. If you 

know your students then the majority of the time it 

becomes obvious what solution will work best. 

How do you try to help children to overcome any 

issues that they may be having at school? 

It really depends on the issue. Academic ones, such as poor 

performance or lack of understanding, usually involve 1-2-1 

sessions with a student and helping them to overcome any 

gaps they have in their knowledge. This also then improves 

their outlook in lessons, they become less anxious and 

worried and they can build up their confidence with the 

subject week by week. As a teacher, in general I always 

believe you have to be approachable and supportive with 

students, so they feel able to ask questions in class and 

ask for more support or challenge if they need it. 

If students have issues with friendship groups, this often 

becomes a matter for tutors and heads of year, who prioritise 

the student’s emotional wellbeing at the school. Often 

things can be resolved by mediation and, if not, parents are 

regularly brought in to gain a better understanding of their 

child’s problems and act as another system of support. 

Personally, if a student comes to me with issues, of any 

kind, I would always offer support and advice, while ensuring 

I pass it on to the relevant member of staff to ensure that 

the student can get the help they may need. However, a 

student will never willingly come to you if you haven’t built 

up a relationship of trust with them. I’m sure everyone 

can remember that teacher at school, be it five years ago 

or 50, with whom they not only enjoyed the lessons but 

also felt they were able to go to for advice, this is the key 

to being able to support a student if they are struggling. 

Is there anything that parents can do to help from home? 

Parents can be one of the best support tools a teacher can 

have. It can be hard for a child to have two sets of rules, 

one for home and one for school, so if parents are able 

to take on board things like homework expectations by 

allowing a place in their home where their child can get on 

with their homework easily and without distraction, this 

can really help the child to understand the importance of 

consolidating their understanding through homework. 

Taking an interest in your child, both in their academic 

success but also their extra-curricular activities and 

friendships also leads to the child feeling supported and 

understood. Parents should make sure they have a good 

working relationship with the school and the staff, so 

that communication lines are open if and when they are 

needed. It can be hard for both parties to discuss more 

delicate issues, such as bullying or poor grades, but if you 

both have the child’s best interests in common, then you 

should feel you can be honest and open and discuss ideas 

that will ensure their child has a successful school career. 

Georgina Watford teaches languages and has worked in 

comprehensive and private schools across Kent and Surrey. 


Learning Mandarin 

from age 5. 

Co-educational day and boarding for pupils aged 3 to 18 

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. 

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We offer pupils a first-class education 

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View the latest ISI report 

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on 01892 860006 or email at 

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 


28 

HolmewoodHouseSchoolWT187.indd 1 10/08/2017 11:07


Addressing the issue 

How is bullying being tackled in schools and what’s being done to track down the root 

cause? WT finds out by chatting to St. George’s Weybridge and Dulwich Prep, Cranbrook 

St George’s Weybridge, Surrey 

Photo courtesy of Dulwich Prep, Cranbrook, Kent 

How do you maintain a friendly atmosphere 

in the school? Being a Roman Catholic school, 

pastoral care is central to all that we do at St George’s; 

the whole community recognises the importance of 

creating an environment in which our children are 

happy in school, so it could be something as simple as 

saying ‘hello’ when we pass someone in the corridor. 

How does the school teach its pupils to respect the 

feelings of others? Respect for others is a common theme 

in our assemblies and PSHE lessons, it’s also in our school 

prayer. If things go wrong, we encourage the children to 

discuss how they feel and to consider how other people might 

be feeling, as a result of their actions. 

Who can pupils talk to if they have an issue? We’re 

fortunate to have a Chaplaincy Team, a School Counsellor, 

a Sixth Form Mentoring System and the children know 

that they can talk to any member of staff too. We’ve also 

created an online bullying reporting system that allows 

children to raise concerns in a very discreet manner. 

What do teachers look out for? Our teachers know 

their students extremely well and so they are able to 

spot changes in a child’s mood, academic achievement 

or participation in the extra-curricular programme 

early on; we also have staff patrols at breaktimes and 

so we can identify children who are on their own. 

How can parents raise a concern? We encourage parents 

to contact their child’s Tutor as soon as possible with any 

concerns; parents have the contact details for the Tutors, 

Heads of Year and Pastoral Deputy Head. In First and Third 

Year, we have two Tutors per class to help the transition for 

students new to St George’s. 

Visit stgeorgesweybridge.com for more info. 

 


Opening doors to a world of possibilities 

Open Mornings 

Friday 22 September 2017 9.30am to 12 noon 

Saturday 23 September 2017 9.30am to 12 noon 

Call us on 01323 733203 or email admissions@standrewsprep.co.uk 

www.VisitStAndrewsPrep.co.uk


Dulwich Prep, Cranbrook, Kent 

How do you maintain a friendly atmosphere in the 

school? We do everything humanly possible to make sure 

each child feels emotionally, physically and intellectually 

supported in an inclusive and family-orientated community 

where kindness, compassion and making a positive 

contribution to society are held in the highest esteem. 

Everything we do is designed to help our children believe in 

themselves. We focus on nurturing each child’s self awareness 

and self belief because how they feel and think has immense 

influence on their capacity to learn and their ability to 

embrace every opportunity, and ultimately to be happy. 

How does the school teach its pupils to respect 

the feelings of others? Children are encouraged to 

treat others as they would like to be treated themselves. 

We explore and seek to impart the understanding of 

differences between people and encourage empathy with 

those around us. We believe that no two children are 

the same, so we don’t treat them as if they are. Instead 

we get to know our children inside out so we can tailor 

to their individual needs and provide the support and 

stimulation they need to fulfil their unique potential. 

Who can pupils talk to if they have an issue? We have 

a very open culture where children are actively encouraged 

to share their concerns through our PSHE lessons and 

with their personal tutors and form teacher. We operate 

a mentor system which encourages peer to peer support, 

and our partnership with specialist charity Place2Be means 

that conversations around wellbeing ranging from troubles 

in the playground to more deep-seated issues can be dealt 

with. Therapeutic support is accessible and easily available, 

and mental health is discussed as readily as physical health. 

What do teachers look out for? We are well organised. 

We have established processes and practices in place that 

allow us to track the emotional and academic development 

of our children throughout their time with us, enabling 

us to intervene quickly if necessary. Our Assistant Head 

Welfare and our Headmaster meet all staff regularly to 

discuss individual children’s welfare and pastoral needs. 

Fundamentally our pastoral care is designed for 

children to flourish. As Roald Dahl’s Danny in Danny 

the Champion of the World said, “It’s impossible to make 

your eyes twinkle if you aren’t feeling twinkly yourself.” 

Find out more at dcpskent.org 

Photos courtesy of Dulwich Prep, Cranbrook, Kent 


NURSERY | PRE-PREP | PREP 

Open Morning : Saturday 7th October 2017 

Why not join us? 

To register interest or for more information please contact: registrar@junior-kings.co.uk | +44 (0)1227 714000 

www.junior-kings.co.uk 

13-18 YEARS | CO-EDUCATIONAL | BOARDING & DAY 

Open Mornings 

13+ Entry: Saturday 14th October 2017 

Saturday 10th March 2018 

Sixth Form Entry: Saturday 7th October 2017 

Saturday 28th April 2018 

To register interest or for more information please contact: 

admissions@kings-school.co.uk | +44 (0)1227 595772 

www.kings-school.co.uk


Mix it Up 

Susan Elkin explains how new staff can keep teaching fresh in schools 

Seasons of mists, mellow fruitfulness and new teachers. 

Almost every school in the country starts the school year 

with some new staff this month. That means new faces 

for children to adjust to and a new dynamic in the staff room. 

Some teachers will be bright eyed and bushy tailed in 

their first job. That probably means they have a three year 

degree and a one year Postgraduate Certificate in Education 

(PGCE) and may be as young as 22, just four years older 

than some of their sixth form students if they’re in a 

secondary school. I remember that well. I was 21 when I 

started in an all boys’ secondary school in Deptford as my 

book Please Miss, We’re Boys (Kindle, 2013) describes. 

Other new teachers are older and “learning on the job” 

through the excellent Graduate Teacher Programme. 

This allows people, who usually have experience in other 

fields, to train over one or two years in a single school 

with mentoring by senior staff and part-time attendance 

at a university or college for the back-up theory. 

And there are always teachers with a few years 

under their belts moving to other schools for 

promotion or diversification of experience. 

Any good school needs a through-put of staff in order to 

remain fresh. I once worked in a school in which almost no 

one had left for promotion in the entire eight years I was 

there. That is not healthy, first because it means many staff are 

“time serving” and second, there are no vacancies for young 

teachers whose presence is vital for balance and new ideas. 

On the other hand, new faces on the staff means that, at 

this time of year, there’s a lot of adjusting to do. Children 

can get quite nervous about the prospect of a new teacher. 

And I can assure you that, from a teacher’s point of view, 

having to face thirty unknown young personalities, all 

ready to test the boundaries of their new teacher, is pretty 

daunting. Acting skills are useful. You have to pretend 

to be a lot more sure of yourself than you really are. 

Let’s spare a thought too for the many schools, especially 

in inner cities, who have such difficulty recruiting 

good staff who will stay long enough to provide the 

children with some continuity. That means supply 

teachers, agency staff and the like. Far too many pupils 

have far too many different teachers far too often. 

So, as we move through September, there will be a 

lot of fencing and getting to know new people in our 

schools. Just remember that, as Harper Lee makes 

Scout say in To Kill A Mockingbird, “folks is folks”. 

Tolerance, understanding and empathy make for 

good, successful classrooms and that applies to both 

teachers and pupils. Have a good term, everyone. 

Credit: FreeImages.com/Picaland, Valeer Vandenbosch 


BRINGING LEARNING TO LIFE 

To arrange a visit, please contact Clare Harrison: 

admissions@theprep.org.uk • 01732 762336 

www.theprep.org.uk 

An independent day school for boys and girls aged 2-13 

CHALLENGE • CREATIVITY • COMMUNITY 

SevenoaksPreparatoryED04.indd 1 05/06/2017 12:56 

Be all 

you can be 

St Ed’s is a school where every pupil is connected by a love of learning, the pursuit of possibility and the 

challenge of being the very best they can be. 

01227 475601 | www.stedmunds.org.uk 

Open Morning 

Saturday 30th September 


34 

StEdmundsSchoolCanterburyED04.indd 1 09/06/2017 16:21

Open 

Beechwood is a non-selective, co-educational day and 

boarding school comprising a Nursery School, Preparatory 

School and Senior School for boys and girls from age 3 – 18 

Day 

SATURDAY 7 OCTOBER 

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• Scholarship opportunities 

• Small classes 

• Minibus service available 

• Breakfast club 

• After school care 

• Excellent subject choice 

APPLY 

ONLINE 

www.beechwood.org.uk 

For more information, please contact 

registrar@beechwood.org.uk 

THE MEAD SCHOOL 

ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS 

BeechwoodSacredHeartWT187.indd 1 14/08/2017 11:03 

Open Day Thursday 12th October 10am-12pm and 2.15pm-3.15pm 

Come and meet our new Headmaster 

Outstanding independent education for girls and boys aged 3-11 

T: 01892 525837 E: office@themeadschool.co.uk E: www.themeadschool.co.uk 


MeadSchoolWT187.indd 1 04/08/2017 14:22

DAY & BOARDING SCHOOL FOR GIRLS AGED 11 TO 18 

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JENNIFER GANDY REGISTRAR@MAYFIELDGIRLS.ORG 01435 874642 

MAYFIELDGIRLS.ORG 

Open Mornings WEDNESDAY 20 TH SEPTEMBER 2017 

TUESDAY 7 TH NOVEMBER 2017 

Sixth Form Open Evening THURSDAY 28 TH SEPTEMBER 2017

100 Years of Education, 1000 Years of History 

100 Years of Education, 1000 Years of History 

100 

Ye 

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ars 

Battle Abbey 

The door 

that opens 

The so many door that more... 

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Enabling will open ideas doors and to a confidence whole world to of flourish, opportunities. inspiring minds and unleashing potential. 

A first class education at Battle Abbey will open doors to a whole world of opportunities. 

1912 

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September 

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SATURDAY 

OPEN OPEN DAY DAY 

Senior 

Senior 

School 

School (Ages 11 - 18) 

(Ages 11 - 18) 

16th September 2017: 10.30am - 12.30pm 

16-9-2017: 10.30am - 12.30pm 

November 

OPEN DAY 

Battle Abbey Prep & Nursery School (Ages 2 - 11) 

11th November 2017: 10.00am - 12.00 noon 

Battle Abbey School 

Tel: 01424 772385 www.battleabbeyschool.com 

Battle Abbey School 1912 - 2012 

Battle Abbey School 

Battle Abbey School 1912 - 2012 

Tel: 01424 772385 www.battleabbeyschool.com 

Sutton Valence School 

BattleAbbeySchoolWT187.indd 1 16/08/2017 09:52 

svs.org.uk 

Open 

Mornings 

Door Opens A4 Display Ad 27-6-17.indd 1 27/06/2017 06:28 

Senior School 

Saturday 7th October 2017 

Saturday 11th November 2017 

Book online now 

Prep School 

Friday 6th October 2017 


SuttonValenceWT187.indd 1 03/08/2017 16:11

ThomasHaywood 

Specialist Family Solicitors 

Tunbridge Wells - Maidstone - London 

Sarah Haywood : 01892 765013 

www.thomashaywoodsolicitors.com 

Fosse Generic Postcard Rev2 13/9/16 1:30 pm Page 1 

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

Fosse Bank is a small independent school in a stunning building set in 26 acres 

of beautiful grounds. Fosse Bank is for children aged 2-11 years who enjoy an 

extensive curriculum and the individual care that being in a small class allows. 

Forthcoming Open Days 

Saturday 23rd September - 2.30-4.00pm 

Monday 25th - Friday 29th September - Open Week 

Sunday 3rd December - 1.00-4.00pm 

Fosse Bank School, Mountains, Noble Tree Road, Hildenborough TN11 8ND 

www.fossebankschool.co.uk • Tel: 01732 834212 • E-mail: admissions@fossebankschool.co.uk 


170 

FosseBankSchoolWT187.indd 1 21/08/2017 10:25

House Rules 

Legal experts Jill Thomas and Jessica Jamieson chat to WT about disputes with 

neighbours and the effect Brexit may have on buying a property abroad 

freeimages.com/jameswhite 

Jill Thomas, Partner in ThomasHaywood 

Solicitors gives her advice on property disputes 

“Disputes between neighbours are one of the most frustrating 

forms of litigation. Rights which people thought were theirs 

to enjoy forever sometimes turn out not to be when a new 

neighbour moves in, particularly if it is a property developer. 

When you buy a property, your conveyancer should 

check that your property enjoys adequate rights. Sadly, 

some people either buy a property despite warnings or find 

that problems were not highlighted when they bought. 

You may find that the location of your boundary, your 

right of way to your property, your right to park on your 

property or your right to run services to your property 

may be challenged. Development may be proposed 

which would restrict the light to your property, might 

devalue your property or might increase the noise. 

The first thing to do is to check what your rights are 

with the conveyancer who helped you to purchase the 

property. If your property is registered (which most land 

in this area is), then you can apply for official copy entries 

from HM Land Registry to check what rights are registered 

there. It may be possible to prevent disputes at that stage. 

Proposed development might be thwarted if there is a 

restrictive covenant preventing it or if your existing rights 

might be compromised. Opposition to an application 

for planning permission might also be successful. The 

Party Wall etc Act 1996 might protect you during 

development. A property litigation solicitor should be 

able to set out your options, including litigation or 

alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation.” 

Jill Thomas is a partner in ThomasHaywood Solicitors 

and is a member of the Property Litigation Association. 

01892 765012 thomashaywoodsolicitors.com 

 


Full Day Care from 

3 months to 5 years 

Open 51 weeks a year 

Please join us on Saturday 16th September from 10am until 

10.45am for an Outdoor Learning Play Session, and come and see 

our Cranbrook setting in action! For more details please call. 

Dan Goldsmith Photography 

TONBRIDGE 

Cranbrook Opening June 2015 

Rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted 

Adjacent to Tonbridge Train Station 

Tonbridge 

Full daycare • 3 months to 5 years • Open 51 weeks per year 

Newly For opened more information July 2015 on Child places and Staff vacancies contact: 

Email: tonbridge@juniorsdaynursery.co.uk Mobile: 07462 641 341 

cranbrook@juniorsdaynursery.co.uk or Telephone 01580 713 033 

www.juniorsdaynursery.co.uk 

tonbridge@juniorsdaynursery.co.uk or Telephone 01732 365 188 

www.juniorsdaynursery.co.uk 

Jessica Jamieson, Partner in 

law firm Cripps, discusses how to 

protect your foreign property 

freeimages.com/jennyrollo 

JuniorsDayNurseryWT187.indd 1 22/08/2017 18:24 

VOICE TRIALS 

for boys aged 7 & 8 

11 th November 2017 

Enquiries are welcome at any time 

Substantial scholarships are awarded 

and choristers benefit from an all-round 

excellent education at St Edmund’s 

School Canterbury. 

The Master of Choristers, David Flood, 

is always pleased to meet and advise 

parents and their sons. 

For further details please telephone 

01227 865242 

davidf@canterbury-cathedral.org 

@No1Cathedral 

“With the decision having been made to leave 

the EU, owners of property abroad are starting 

to think about what impact this may have on 

foreign home ownership and inheritance. 

The general view seems to be that Brexit will 

have little impact on holiday home ownership 

but there is one area in which people should be 

planning ahead: succession and inheritance. 

Under UK law we are able to leave our estates as we wish 

but the law also says that ‘real property’, such as holiday 

homes, will pass under the law of the country in which it is 

situated – which in some countries is ‘forced inheritance’. 

This dictates that property is divided among family members 

in set proportions, which may not fit with the owner’s plans. 

However a piece of Euro legislation introduced in 2015 

(‘Brussels IV’) now allows people to decide if they wish 

to have the law of their nationality applied to their estate 

when they die. Although the UK has not opted in to the 

rules, and won’t be able to after Brexit, they affect property 

in all other EU states except Denmark and Ireland. 

If no choice of law is specified, the law of the person’s 

country of ‘habitual residence’ will apply. This is likely 

to be UK law, which, as already mentioned, states that 

overseas property should be dealt with under the law 

of the country in which it is situated. To avoid this, 

you need to ensure that your will states that you want 

the property dealt with under UK succession law.” 

If you would like more information, Jessica can be contacted 

on 01892 506019 or jessica.jamieson@cripps.co.uk 


CanterburyCathedralChoirED04.indd 1 06/06/2017 15:31 

172

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE 

A will revolution – 

is there danger ahead? 

The Law Commission is urging 

reform of the law governing 

wills, as it is ‘out of step with the 

modern world’ and that it ‘fails to protect 

the vulnerable’. It has just launched a 

public consultation asking for feedback 

on a number of proposals including 

softening the rules on making a will 

to make it easier for people to create 

them. Myles McIntosh, head of private 

client at law firm Cripps, discusses. 

Around 40% of adults in the UK die 

intestate (without a will) every year. 

This can create all sorts of problems, 

including not taking advantage of 

legitimate ways to minimise tax or 

the deceased unintentionally leaving 

assets to those they did not intend 

to benefit following their death. 

A key driver for this consultation is 

that a high proportion of that 40% are 

cohabiting and, under the current 

legislation, this means that no provision 

is made for their partner if they die. 

They have to make a claim which 

can be very expensive, protracted 

and create huge issues between 

those closest to the deceased. 

So why is there such a high proportion of 

people without a will? The Commission 

is concerned that the current formalities 

are putting people off and its proposals, 

following a lengthy review it has carried 

out since 2015 which included speaking 

to many interested parties, are that the 

formalities be dispensed with. This is 

potentially huge and creates a foreseeably 

bigger problem if followed through. 

The proposals would potentially allow 

a text message, a voicemail or any 

type of written note to be treated as a 

will. The perceived advantages of this 

approach bring with them dangers. 

A will is an important document – an 

expression of the person’s wishes for 

after their death. By reducing the formal 

requirements, this increases the prospect 

for confusion as to what is and is not a 

will. It is suggested that a judge would 

have to decide in this situation. However, 

this is never ideal - how is a judge, or 

anyone else, to understand the intentions 

of another person? 

We also have many vulnerable people 

living today in an ever-aging population. 

Some are affected by conditions such as 

dementia, others susceptible to pressures 

(whether deliberate or unintended) that 

can be brought about by family members 

or friends seeking to advance their own 

needs. The challenge can come from 

either direction – one of the reasons 

for formality is to provide evidence to 

support the fact that the person making 

their will is able to do so. 

The proposals also give rise to real 

concerns around the risks of fraud. 

It is very easy to see that it wouldn’t 

be long before a case came to 

court around a text message that 

turned out to have been typed by 

someone else for their own gain. 

It is not uncommon for there to be 

temporary disagreements within a family. 

You could therefore see a situation where 

someone has a temporary falling out 

with their children and, in a fit of pique, 

produces a new will, because it’s easy to 

do, before relations are normalised over 

the following days or weeks. If the will is 

not changed, that could lead to the estate 

being left in a manner totally at odds with 

what they would want. 

An even bigger problem might surface 

where the individual does not have the 

necessary mental capacity to make a 

Myles McIntosh 

will. Sometimes, under the current law, 

this is established when solicitors are 

instructed. If they believe the person 

lacks capacity then they will not proceed 

and draft a will. 

If someone can simply, from the comfort 

of their own armchair, make what they 

think is a valid will but, in fact, they lack 

capacity, this will create even more issues 

for others to pick up. 

The Commission readily acknowledges 

the potential dangers and is seeking views 

during the consultation process on this 

and a number of other issues. It proposes, 

for example, to reduce the age someone 

can make a valid will from 18 to 16. 

If you feel you have something to 

contribute then please go to 

www.lawcom.gov.uk/project/wills. 

If you would like more information on 

making a will and planning for the future 

please contact Myles on 01892 506136 

or email myles.mcintosh@cripps.co.uk. 

www.cripps.co.uk @crippslaw This article gives examples and is intended for general guidance only

Blackland Farm 

Outdoor Activity Centre 

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? 

01342 810493 

blackland@girlguiding.org.uk 

www.blacklandfarm.org.uk 

Blackland Farm 

RyeArtsFestivalWT187.indd 1 14/08/2017 BlacklandFarmWT138.indd 12:16 

1 10/07/2013 17:31 

Awaken your senses 

this autumn amongst 

our unique collection 

of trees. 

© David Jenner Photography 

Find out more about 

our autumn events: 

01580 879820 

forestry.gov.uk/bedgebury 

Enjoy a FREE 

hot drink * 

Present this advert 

to enjoy a free 

standard drink in the 

Bedgebury cafe. 

*Min food order £4 per person. 

Valid Mon 11 Sep – Fri 1 Dec. 

Excludes weekends and 

school holidays. 

WT/Bedge9 


174 

BedgeburyWT187.indd 1 09/08/2017 FairlightHallWT187.indd 09:53 

1 14/08/2017 16:07

What’s On In September 

Art 

Sun 10 Sept 11am – 5pm 

including the Belgian Cafe, Tommy’s 

(Tension, Stress and Trauma Release 

Chiddingstone Castle, Hill Hoath 

Pizza, Rad Burger and of course lots 

Exercises). It promises to help you 

Sat 9 Sept – Sat 28 Oct 

Road, Chiddingstone, Edenbridge, 

of seafood caught fresh off the shores 

access the body’s natural ability to 

Portico Gallery, 23B Knight’s Hill, 

Kent TN8 7AD 

of Hastings ready to pair with a glass 

release toxic patterns of pain and 

West Norwood, London SE27 0HS 

Chiddingstone Castle 

of wine from local vineyards and 

tension, leaving you with the benefits 

Journeys to Asia 

Country Fair 

retailers. The music will be non-stop, 

of improved sleep, deep relaxation 

Kentish artists Ann Bridges and Hugh 

A traditional country fair set in the 

the beer festival will be in full swing 

and reduced aches and pains. 

Ribbans lead you on an explorative 

idyllic rural grounds of Chiddingstone 

and the ticket price is only £2! 

Entry: £25 

journey through Asia, taking 

Castle with all the classic trimmings 

Entry: £2 advance, £3 on the gate, 

Info: 07710 261921 / 

inspiration from their own travels, in 

including displays of countryside 

Under 18s free (tickets cover both days) 

personalchangetherapy@gmail.com 

this exciting new exhibition. 

activities, entertainment, shopping, 

Info: hastingsfestivals.com/seafood 

Entry: Free 

refreshments, and more. 

Sat 2 and Thurs 14 Sept 

Info: porticogallery.org.uk 

Entry: Adults £5, Children 5-13 £2, 

Garden 

School of Arts (Jarman Building), 

Under 5s Free 

University of Kent, Canterbury, 

Fri 15 Sept and Sun 15 Oct 

Info: 01892 870347 / 

Fri 15 – Sun 17 Sept 

Kent CT2 7NZ 

The Stables Gallery, Hall Place, 

chiddingstonecastle.org.uk 

St Mary’s Church, Goudhurst, 

Moving Memory 

Bourne Road, Bexley DA5 1PQ 

Church Road, Goudhurst, 

This unique dance troupe consists of 

TEXTILE STUDIO EXHIBITION 

Sun 30 Sept & Sun 1 Oct 

Cranbrook TN17 1BL 

seven women aged 53 to 84 years old 

An exhibition of contemporary 

9am – 5pm 

Nature’s Harvest Flower 

with a vision of giving older people 

stitched textiles and mixed media by a 

South of England Showground, 

Festival 

longer, healthier and more fulfilling 

group of textile artists based in Kent. 

Ardingly RH17 6TL 

Visit Goudhurst’s landmark church 

lives through artistic, creative physical 

Free entry and parking. 

Autumn Show & Game Fair 

to see beautiful floral displays 

activity. This month you can get 

Info: 01634 714477 / 

A fun-packed line-up including 

celebrating nature’s bountiful harvest, 

involved at an open rehearsal and 

maureenlauder1@gmail.com / 

Jonathan Marshall’s Falconry on 

and exhibitions and stalls featuring 

workshop on Sat 2 Sept or meet them 

textilestudioartist.co.uk 

Horseback display, Chris Green 

art, jewellery and plants. Enjoy 

and learn more on Thurs 14 Sept 

the “Cornish Countryman”, terrier 

refreshments available all day and 

(booking essential for both). 

Children & Families 

racing, clay pigeon shooting, fly 

music from London Choir (Saturday 

Entry: Free 

fishing, archery, great shopping and 

at 7pm) and Kilndown Community 

Info: movingmemorydance.com 

Sun 24 Sept 

delicious seasonal food and drink. 

Choir (Sunday 4.30pm). 

Plumpton Racecourse, Plumpton, 

Dogs welcome! 

Entry: Free 

Fri 22 – Sat 23 Sept 

East Sussex BN7 3AL 

Entry: 10% discount online before Sat 

Info: 01580 879549 / 

The Secret Manor, Mabledon, 

Family Day 

29 Sept, Adults £11, Seniors/ Students 

lyndashepherd@talktalk.net 

London Road, Southborough, 

Plumpton Racecourse opens the 

£9, Under16s Free with a paying adult 

Tunbridge Wells TN4 0UH 

new season with a family day. The 

Info: 01444 892700 / seas.org.uk 

Sat 16 – Sun 17 Sept 10am – 4pm 

Health and Wellbeing 

centre course will be redecorated with 

Fairlight Hall, Martineau Lane 

Live 2017 

colour and joy as it will host a fun 

Food & Drink 

Fairlight, Hastings TN35 5DR 

Health and Wellbeing Live focuses 

fair, climbing wall, mascot race and 

Fairlight Hall Plant Fair 

on spreading knowledge about health 

donkey rides. Plus budding designers 

Fri 1 – Sun 3 Sept 

A wide range of plants from National 

and wellbeing both physical and 

can enter an online racecard design 

Mote Park, Mote Avenue, 

nurseries and gardening-related 

mental. To help you make positive 

competition to win four tickets to the 

Maidstone, Kent ME15 7SU 

supplies within the grounds of one of 

changes there will be free ‘health 

event (ends Monday 11 September). 

Shemomedjamo 

the most beautiful coastal properties 

MOTs’, therapeutic spa treatments, 

Entry: From £10, Accompanied Under 

Or for those who can’t pronounce 

in the South East. Explore the 

nutritious cookery demonstrations 

18s Free 

it, Maidstone Multicultural Food 

Gardens and enjoy a range of talks 

and Dame Kelly Holmes will be 

Info: 01273 890383 / 

Festival! This one is a real mouthful 

throughout the weekend. 

talking about motivation and health. 

plumptonracecourse.co.uk 

with a whole world of fine foods 

Entry: £8/ day, Weekend Pass £10, 

Info: healthandwellbeinglive.co.uk 

to feast on. Music, dance, art and 

Children Free 

Fairs & Festivals 

crafts will all add to the atmosphere 

Info: Fairlighthall.co.uk 

Music & Theatre 

of multicultural cohesion and 

Sun 10 Sept 10am – 2.30pm 

cosmopolitan celebration. 

Health & Wellbeing 

Fri 1, 18 and 29 Sept, and every 

Port Lympne, Aldington Rd, 

Entry: Free 

other Friday following, 8pm 

Lympne, Hythe CT21 4LR 

Info: visitmaidstone.com 

Fri 1 Sept 7.30 – 9.30pm 

The Barrow House, The Street, 

Wedding Fayre 

The Wellington Centre, Wellington 

Egerton, Kent TN27 9DJ 

Explore the hotel and gardens of Port 

Sat 16 – Sun 17 Sept 11am – 7pm 

Square, Hastings TN34 1PN 

Friday Night Live 

Lympne to meet industry suppliers, 

Stade Open Space, Hastings Old 

NEW APPROACH TO RELEASE 

Beats, bites and beers! Kick start your 

save money with promotional offers 

Town 

TOXIC STRESS 

weekend with The Barrow House’s 

and collect a free goody bag and 

Hastings Seafood & Wine 

Let your body do the talking and let 

live local music. This month we are 

entrance into a prize draw. 

Festival 

it all go. This two hour workshop 

excited for Canterbury’s rising star 

Entry: Free 

A great way to spend a weekend 

is suitable for all ages and abilities 

Phoebe Warden, The Starks Brothers 

Info: 01303 264647 / 

trying something new and fine 

and works using a new body based 

and Medway’s alternative and folksy 

aspinallfoundation.org 

quality. The Stade open space 

approach for coping with trauma, 

Kelly Stanley. 

will have a fantastic array of food 

stress and tension called TRE 

Info: thebarrowhouse.co.uk 

 


Autumn Classics 

ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS 

Symphony Orchestra 

SARAH CONNOLLY 

Mezzo Soprano 

OCTOBER 1ST 

2017 

Roderick Dunk 

Conductor 

Sunday 8 October 2017 

Starting at 

East Malling Research Centre 

104km, 65km or 36km chip timed road cycle 

STEVEN ISSERLIS 

Cello 

NOVEMBER 5TH 

Mark Shanahan 

Conductor 

Tickets 

£20, £22, £25 & £28 

(18 or under & students £1) 

ALEXANDRA WOOD 

Violin 

DECEMBER 3RD 

Roderick Dunk 

Conductor 

Plus a £2.00 per ticket booking fee up to a maximum of 10 tickets. 

No booking fees on tickets under £10. 

Tickets are purchased from Gateway, at 8 Grosvenor Road, TN1 2AB. (open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm) 

Please visit www. assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk 

or call 01892 530613 / 532072 for more information. 

For Season Tickets contact Gale Smith on 01892 826196 or email: tickets@rtwso.org 

Assembly Hall Theatre, Crescent Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2LU www.rtwso.org 

Get pedalling in support of Heart of Kent Hospice 

Register Now! 

Visit: www.hokh.org/events 

Tel: 01622 790195 

Email: fundraising@hokh.co.uk 

Heart of Kent Hospice @heartofkenthosp #HOKHCyclo 

RCN No. 298164 

RoyalTWS-WT187.indd 1 22/08/2017 HeartofKentHospiceWT187.indd 10:19 

1 17/08/2017 15:41 

Thursday 

12 th October 

@ 7.45pm 

Tickets: £15, £14, £10 

Box Office: 01580 711856 

Or Online @ 

www.queenshalltheatre.co.uk 

Opera-lele is a crossover act, 

specialising in singing music 

from opera and musical theatre 

accompanied by the emotionally 

powerful yet understated twang 

of the ukulele. 

“Vocal virtuosos Opera-lele stole the show for me 

with a heart-warmingly funny yet totally professional 

performance that brought the house down.” 

Christine Turner, UKE Magazine 

“Audience members and artists alike actually begged for them to return. 

Opera-lele is truly one of the best acts in the ukulele world.” 

Mary Agnes Krell, Producer & director of 

A Grand Northern Ukulele Festival & related tours. 

Queen’s Hall Theatre, Waterloo Road, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3JD 


176 

QueensHallTheatreWT187.indd 1 09/08/2017 16:12

Sun 3 Sept 6pm 

Egerton Cricket Ground, Egerton, 

Ashford, Kent TN27 9DW 

Open Air Cinema: Back to 

the Future 

This open-air cinema event will 

donate all proceeds to building a 

new Egerton preschool and boasts 

two hours of pre-film fun with giant 

bouncy slides, live music, hot food 

and drinks, and even Hollywood’s 

own real DeLorean! 

Info: facebook.com/egertoncinema / 

eventbrite.co.uk / mydonate.bt.com 

Sat 16 Sept 7.30pm 

Little Mill Oast, Underlyn Lane, 

Marden, Kent TN12 9AU 

Beult Concerts 

presents Piano Trio 

Concert 

Beult Concerts welcomes a trio 

of teenage piano protégés in a 

programme including Debussy and 

Fauré piano Trios. These classical 

stars of the future include finalist in 

the 2016 BBC Young Musician of 

the Year, Julian Trevelyan, Concerto 

Competition and RCM Junior 

Chamber Music winner, Amber 

Emson Chetham, and Willard Carter 

who has already performed at 

Buckingham Palace. 

Entry: £12 

Info: 01622 831948 / 

beultconcerts@gmail.com 

Fri 29 Sept 7.30pm 

Groves Hall, Sutton Valence School, 

North Street, Sutton Valence, Kent 

ME17 3HL 

Sutton Valence Music 

Society 

See Danzi, Mozart and Malcolm 

Arnold’s Sea Shanties performed by 

Cavendish Winds, a group of five 

musicians hailed for their ‘impeccable 

ensemble sound, intonation and 

communication’ who were finalists 

in last year’s Royal Overseas League 

competition. 

Entry: £12.50 at door 

Info: 01622 863002 / svs.org.uk 

Shopping 

Fri 22 – Sat 23 Sept 9am 

Silcocks Farm, Grange Road, St. 

Michael’s near Tenterden, Kent 

TN30 6TL 

Brocante Home and 

Garden Collectables 

Another great chance to explore The 

Three French Hens’ Brocante sale of 

vintage home and garden collectables. 

Info: Linda: 07773 460494 / 

07803 122820 / 

info@thethreefrenchhens.co.uk / 

thethreefrenchhens.co.uk 

Workshops 

Sat 16 Sept 11am – 4pm 

Knole Park, Sevenoaks, Kent 

TN15 0RP (Sat Nav TN13 1HU) 

Essence of Knole: 

perfume making 

Explore Knole’s scented room and 

learn about the art of perfumery, how 

to select the perfect ingredients and 

the process that brings them to life 

with expert artisan perfumer Stephen 

Nelson. You can even use what you 

learn to create your own unique scent 

to take home. Booking is essential. 

Entry: £125 (includes refreshments, 

lunch and all materials). 

Info: nationaltrust.org.uk 

Sat 30 Sept 

Hares Farm Oast, Goldups Lane, 

Shottenden, Chilham, Canterbury, 

Kent, CT4 8JG 

Autumn Wreath Making 

Collect seasonal foliage and flowers 

from the garden and flower patch and 

learn to make a dried autumn wreath 

at Anna’s County Flowers’ autumnal 

two hour workshop. 

Entry: £45 

Info: annascountryflowers.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 Octobher 

issue is 13 September 2017. 

What’s On In September 

Ibbett Mosely 

AuctIoneers & VAluers 

Limited Liability Partnership 

The Auctioneer's Next Sale Will Be On 

Wednesday 13th September 2017 

Commencing at 12.30pm | Viewing 10.00am - 12.30pm 

At Ibbett Mosely Auction Rooms, Argyle Rd, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1HJ 

Valuation Day - Wednesday 20th September 2017 11am to 4pm 

At Ibbett Mosely Auction Rooms, Argyle Rd, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1HJ 

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 

IbbettMoselyWT187.indd 1 11/08/2017 12:10 

SEPTEMBER 16TH - OCTOBER 1ST 2017 

ANDY HAMILTON • GUY PRATT • ALI SMITH 

SAM LEE • PETER EDWARDS + MANY MORE... 

www.chiddinglyfestival.co.uk 

www.chiddinglyfestival.co.uk 

ChiddinglyFestivalWT187.indd 1 11/08/2017 14:56 

 

 

DAHLIA DAYS 

 

 

 

 

Ticehurst TN5 7HE 01580 200888 

pashleymanorgardens.com 

177 PashleyManorWT187.indd 1 wealdentimes.co.uk11/08/2017 

11:32

Wealden Wealden Times Times - Bazaar - Classified 

Clare Langdon 

INTERIORS 

Made to measure 

curtains & blinds 

Tracks & poles 

Measuring & fitting service 

Home consultation 

Fabrics & design advice 

Telephone 01233 850829 

clarelangdoninteriors.co.uk 

The complete kitchen service... 

...from a hinge to a complete makeover 

The supply & replacement of 

drawers, doors, worktops, 

hinges, all fitted kitchen 

components/appliances, door 

renovation & polishing, bedroom 

doors & bespoke cabinets. 

Please call 

01689 850000 

www.thekitchendoctor.com 

Serving London & the South-East since 1984 

KitchenDoctorWT145.indd 1 28/01/2014 10:12 

Paul Smith Sculptures 

At the Singing Soul Gallery 

September–November 2017 

19 Stone St. Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3HF 

01580 714551 

www.singingsoulgallery.co.uk 

Open From September 2 nd 

Tues–Sat, 9.30–4pm 

Home & Interiors 

ClareLangdonWT184.indd 1 12/05/2017 DavidHallWT108.indd 16:19 

1 14/01/2011 15:27 

Piano Shop 

Gallery 

MariePrettWT187.indd 1 17/08/2017 11:46 

www.dhallcabinetmaker.co.uk 

Probably the most experienced, established 

& qualified contractor in the area 

Geoff Tiltman 

City & Guilds in Horticulture N.C.T 

FREE QUOTATIONS, CALL 

SMARDEN 01233 770777 or 07775 694963 

David Hall 

Cabinet Maker 

& 

Antique Restorer 

* High Quality Bespoke Furniture 

* Antique Restoration of all types 

* Carving and Copy Carving 

* Polishing 

NO VAT 

Garden Services 

Phone 01797 270761 

Email: hallcrocket@aol.com 

Creating gardens 

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1 25/10/2016 15:41

Competition 

Win A Gin making 

experience for two 

Ever fancied yourself as a gin maker? Well this month’s prize allows you to become 

just that! Wealden distillery Greensand Ridge is giving away a Gin Making 

Experience for two as well as a bottle of their multi-award-winning gin. 

Greensand Ridge Distillery make innovative spirits at their distillery in a Victorian 

coach house in Shipbourne in Kent. Not only do they distil their own spirit in their 

300 litre copper pot still, but they do so sustainably, using only renewable power, 

no chemicals and without producing any waste which is not reused or recycled. 

Importantly, their spirits are distilled from surplus produce sourced from 

Wealden farmers that is not suitable for sale to supermarkets. Unwanted raspberries 

become a Raspberry Vodka, unsightly apples a barrel-aged Apple Brandy. 

It is their London Dry Gin which is winning new fans in bars and restaurants 

around the Weald. Distilled with botanicals which can be found in the woods 

and fields of the Weald including cobnuts, oak moss, gorse flowers and bay, 

it is a gin of remarkable smoothness with a luxurious silken mouthfeel. 

This month’s winner will be able to visit the distillery as part of their Gin 

Experience tours and, under the tutelage of head distiller Will Edge, distil a full 

bottle of gin choosing from the extensive botanical library. The experiences last 

2.5 hours and include a distillery tour and complimentary gin and tonic. 

Visit greensanddistillery.com to buy spirits, find local stockists and book 

a gin experience for yourself. Spirits are available to the trade through 

HT White or direct from the distillery, call Will on 07971 164688. 

How to enter: For your chance 

to win a Gin Making Experience 

for two plus a bottle of Greensand 

Ridge’s gin, just answer the following 

question: Where is Greensand 

Ridge Distillery’s Victorian coach 

house? Enter your answer with your 

contact details* in the online form 

at wealdentimes.co.uk/competition 

or post to: The Greensand Ridge 

Distillery Competition, Wealden 

Times, 21 Stone Street, Cranbrook, 

Kent TN17 3HF by 15 September. 

There is no cash alternative and the 

prize must be taken before 1 March 

2018. *All entrants’ details will 

be passed on to Greensand Ridge 

Distillery and Wealden Times Events. 

Please let us know if you do not 

wish your details to be passed on. 

Congratulations to Michael Powell who wins our August competition for a couples retreat at Dale Hill Hotel & Golf Club 


Jane Howard’s 

Fables from the Farm 

Jane turns her attention to the Coopers Farm flock 

With summer drawing to a close, 

our thoughts are now turning 

to sorting out the flock for the 

‘sheep year’ ahead. This involves buying 

and selling some breeding stock and also 

trying to work out the best time to sell this 

spring’s crop of lambs. For no apparent 

reason (as far as I can see) one week they 

will be worth £1 more than the next 

week, so call it right and if you’re selling 

1,000 lambs it makes quite a difference. 

With only 60 ewes and 100 odd lambs 

to sell, second guessing lamb futures 

doesn’t really affect the family finances, 

but with the UK having 

25% of the European flock, 

and 33 million head of 

sheep (even more than New 

Zealand), raising sheep is 

an incredibly important 

part of the economy. 

Aside from selling the 

lambs we also need to go 

through the breeding stock. 

Girls first. Female breeding 

sheep, ewes, operate on a 

5,4,3, system. They are pregnant for five 

months, milking for four months and 

then get a well deserved three months 

off. As our lambs were born in April 

and weaned in August, the ewes are now 

resting and it’s time to body score their 

condition and decide whether or not to 

“With the UK 

having 25% of 

the European 

flock, raising sheep 

is an incredibly 

important part 

of the economy.” 

put them back to the ram in November. 

At this point in the season some ewes 

will have a pronounced backbone (score 

1 or 2), while others seem as plump as 

ever (hmm, 4 or 5). Ideally we want 

them around 3. The likelihood is that the 

thin ones will be old and will have lost a 

few teeth – known as broken mouthers. 

Without a good set of gnashers they can’t 

eat enough to support a healthy pregnancy 

and raise a couple of strong lambs, so off 

they go. The fat ones may have lost their 

lambs so haven’t had to produce any milk 

or be poor milkers preferring to turn the 

rich summer grass into 

inches round their own 

waist. Either way they’ll be 

getting a hard stare from 

the shepherd and a trip 

‘up the road’ or a couple 

of months’ Fat Camp 

treatment on a bald patch. 

Last year’s lambs 

seemed especially good, 

so Adrian (his sheep, my 

cows) decided to keep 

about twenty of the female lambs for 

potential replacements. Now eighteen 

months old they are known as tegs – 

females ready to go to the ram for the 

first time. Having sorted out the old girls 

it looks like we only need to replace half 

a dozen so there are 14 to be sold on. 

And now is the time to do it. In the 

coming weeks literally thousands of 

breeding sheep will be traded at Ashford 

and Hailsham markets. The biggest one 

day sheep fair in the South East is the 

annual Dolphin Fair (I know, weird 

name! What could be less woolly than a 

dolphin?) in late September. Over 7,000 

sheep will be sold and as well as the girls 

it’s also a very popular destination for 

farmers looking to buy a new ram. 

We have two rams at Coopers to 

service our sixty ewes. Each one does 

two years before he will be back on his 

daughters and we swap them in rotation 

so there is always a more experienced 

and proven ram working alongside the 

newcomer should he prove not fit for 

purpose (and there is only one of those!). 

So we need a new ram. There will be 

literally hundreds on sale at the Dolphin 

Fair, so with plenty of choice and chequebook 

in hand we’ll be going shopping – a 

rather different take on retail therapy! 

Follow Jane Howard – and the farm 

– on Instagram @coopersfarm 

Jane will be taking a cow and calf to The Bell in Ticehurst on Sunday 10 September from 12noon-2pm to talk 

about how she cares for her cows to produce the best Sussex beef. Call 01580 200234 to reserve your place. 

Adrian tends to the flock; 

sheep at market (right) 


180

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Wealden Times | WT187 | September 2017 | Education supplement inside

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