Wealden Times | WT188 | October 2017 | Kitchen & Bathroom supplement inside

kitchen & bathroom Supplement inside 

Inspirational Interiors • Fabulous Fashion • Delicious Dishes 

PRICELESS 

October 2017

Visit our new website 

Visit our new website 

www.rencraft.co.uk 

www.rencraft.co.uk 

Designers and and makers of of handmade kitchens 

The The difference is is in in the the detail

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

Unit Unit 9, 9, Chart Chart Farm, Farm, Seal Seal Chart Chart 

Sevenoaks, Kent Kent TN15 TN15 0ES 0ES 

Tel: Tel: 01732 762682 

81 81 Calverley Road Road 

Tunbridge Wells, Wells, Kent Kent TN1 TN1 2UY 2UY 

Tel: Tel: 01892 520730 

www.rencraft.co.uk

We believe in a 

different perspective. 

Matilda armchair, £770 Brompton lamp, £140. 

Neptune Canterbury, Wincheap, CT1 3TY 

01227 209300, info@neptunecanterbury.com 

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

01732 351866, info@neptunetonbridge.com 

neptune.com/adifferentperspective

Quality Decking Products 

We We offer a a high-end range of of hardwood, thermo-treated && softwood 

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Balustrade and fitting accessories also available. 

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QUALITY DECKING && CLADDING | | HOME && GARDEN FEATURES 

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RosemaryShragerWT188.indd 1 19/09/2017 10:57 

5 High Street, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3EB 

01580 715144 

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

We offer an excellent, swift and friendly service. 

Conveyancing - Wills & Estates - Commercial Law - 

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Conveyancing Services from £550.00+VAT 

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

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

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

Litigation Solicitor from £200.00+VAT 

Matrimonial Solicitor from £150.00+VAT 

We will always try and match any quotation 

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

Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority 621466 

wealdentimes.co.uk 

8 

KingsfordSolicitorsWT186.indd 1 24/07/2017 16:55

Contents 

October 2017 

26 

50 

CITY LIVING 

Maggie Alderson’s 

urban home picks 

114 

118 

GET THE LOOK 

Emulate Susan and 

David’s country interior 

157 

96 

FALL IN LOVE 

Sue Whigham picks her favourite 

autumn showpieces 

39 

50 

79 

80 

86 

87 

96 

OCTOBER NOTEBOOK 

Fill your diary with 

handpicked events going 

on around the Weald 

BLESS THIS HOUSE 

Explore a gilded nineteenth 

century St. Leonards house 

GET THE LOOK 

Invest in St. Benedict style 

SLEEP EASY 

WT’s beautiful bed edit 

DUAL PURPOSE 

Snuggly sofa beds 

SLEEP IN BEAUTY 

Golden bedroom furniture 

and accessories 

A MODEL HOME 

An artists’ creative retreat 

118 

135 

139 

141 

142 

151 

LAYER UP 

Cosy casual menswear 

COVER UP 

Josephine Fairley’s got 

hair colour covered 

EMBRACE AUTUMN 

This month’s bitesize 

health news 

TONE UP! 

Staying healthy during 

pregnancy and beyond 

DELICIOUSLY AUTUMN 

Jo Arnell makes the 

most of seasonal veg 

ANY OLD IRON? 

Search the salvage yards for the 

most inventive garden features 

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. 

161 

169 

173 

181 

182 

HOW DO SCHOOLS 

QUANTIFY SUCCESS? 

WT finds out 

TRIED & TESTED 

Susan Elkin analyses exam pressure 

WHAT’S ON? 

Find out... 

COMPETITION 

Win a stunning Flint & 

Flame Santoku knife 

FABLES FROM THE FARM 

Jane Howard looks into the 

buzz surrounding bees 

KITCHEN & 

BATHROOM 

SUPPLEMENT 

34 pages of 

designs, ideas 

and accessories. 

After page 116. 

Kitchen& 

Bathroom 

A Wealden Times Supplement 

9 

04WT188Supplement.indd 1 19/09/2017 12:35

Guide price: £1,800,000 

Tenterden 

An attractive family house with ancillary accommodation in a rural position on the outskirts of town 

5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 4 reception rooms. Detached 2 bed cottage. Detached triple garage. Gardens and grounds with ponds and 

paddocks. In all about 11.4 acres. EPC: E. 


Matfield 

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

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

pool, tennis court, vegetable garden, orchard, paddocks and stabling. In all about 7.61 acres.

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. 


Marden 

An attractive Grade II Listed converted coaching inn with many period features 

5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 4 reception rooms. Detached 2 bed annexe. Garaging, car port and 

store rooms. Orchard and paddock. In all about 4.24 acres. 

@KF_HomeCounties 

KnightFrank.co.uk 


Matfield 

An attractive architect designed period cottage in a peaceful position 

4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 3 reception rooms. Extended and refurbished accommodation providing fantastic reception / entertaining 

space. Gardens and grounds with paved terrace, paddock. In all about 1.58 acres. EPC: D.

‘Our Focus Determines Your Reality’ 

harpers and hurlingham 

CRANBROOK £1,700,000 

Impressive Grade II* Listed town house in prominent 

position · Four reception rooms · Kitchen/breakfast 

room · Boot room, utility and cloakroom · Eight 

bedrooms (two ensuite) · Two bathrooms · Two attic 

rooms · Partially walled garden · Garaging · EPC: n/a 

Cranbrook School Catchment Area 

CRANBROOK £1,695,000 

Two contemporary detached barns with stunning views 

· Barn one - Open plan living/kitchen area including 

two sitting rooms · Four bedrooms · EPC: C · Barn two 

- Open plan living/kitchen area · Three bedrooms (one 

ensuite) · EPC: tba · Swimming pool · Approx. 3 acres 

Cranbrook School Catchment Area 

SUTTON VALENCE £1,450,000 

Grade II Listed farmhouse in country lane location 

· Three reception rooms · Study · Kitchen/breakfast 

room · Five bedrooms (one ensuite) · Garden, grounds 

and lake approximately 12.5 acres · Equestrian 

facilities and outbuildings · EPC: n/a 

Views over its own gardens and grounds 

HUNTON £995,000 

Striking converted barn in rural location 

· Two reception rooms · Study area · Kitchen/ 

breakfast room · Four bedrooms (one ensuite) 

· Formal garden and grounds approximately 3 acres 

· Ample off road parking · EPC: E 

Once part of the Gennings House Estate 

Harpers&Hurlingham 

The Cornerhouse, Stone Street, Cranbrook 

01580 715400 

www.harpersandhurlingham.com 

London offiCe: KenSingTon 020 7938 2311 

Sales & Lettings Team 

Jane Emilie Chez Cathy Sarah Debbie Jane A Debbie S Janey Caroline Dianne

HARPERS AND HURLINGHAM 

Celebrates their 7 th year 

Auspicious 

• Wonders of the 

world 

• Days of the 

week 

• Continents of 

the world 

• Colours of the 

Rainbow 

• Notes on a 

musical scale 

• Seas of the 

World 

• Years that H&H have been 

Market Leaders in TN17 

Due to our continued success, I am pleased to announce that we are expanding our team, with the arrival of new Director Emilie 

Beard. Emilie has worked for two Market Leaders in Prime Central London for the past 15 years, most recently as an Associate 

Partner at Strutt & Parker in the Kensington and Chelsea Borough. She is highly respected within the industry and comes with a 

wealth of experience. We are excited to have her on board. I would personally like to extend a huge ‘Thank You’ to everyone who 

has supported us, in particular to our Vendors, Landlords, Purchasers and Tenants for their unprecedented support. Also, not 

forgetting my excellent and professional team that work tirelessly 7 days a week to provide exceptional personal service. 

Thank You!Jane

SHOW HOME 

NOW OPEN 

C 

M 

Y 

CM 

MY 

CY 

CMY 

K 

SUTTON VALENCE, KENT 

AN EXCLUSIVE GATED 

DEVELOPMENT OF 5 BEDROOM 

DETACHED LUXURY HOMES 

PRICES FROM £975,000 

TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT PLEASE 

CONTACT THEA HEATON ON: 020 7205 2144 

OR EMAIL SALES@NEWCOURT.CO.UK 

WWW.NEWCOURT.CO.UK

MAXIMISE THE VALUE 

OF YOUR LAND 

Have you got a large 

garden or plot of land? 

We are experts at working 

with owners to maximise 

the full value of their land 

Industry leading experts 

We take care of the planning permission! 

The risk-free way to maximise your land 

Zero cost to you! 

Planning laws are changing 

Act now before its too late! 

What our clients say… 

"The team had a huge amount of 

knowledge and every step was handled 

in a professional manner. Their excellent 

relationship with the local planning 

department helped achieve a fantastic 

result for us. We would have no 

hesitation in recommending them to 

anyone who wants to achieve planning". 

Amanda and Robert Petch 

June 2016 

"The cost involved to try and 

get planning on our land 

were just not feasible for us. 

Working with Country House 

meant we didn’t have to risk 

our money as they took care 

of everything" 

Mr C Partridge (Loose, Kent) 

September 2016 

For a free appraisal call 0843 557 4080 

www.maximisemyland.co.uk 

sales@countryhousehomes.co.uk 

“Guy and team at CHH did a fantastic 

job securing planning permission on 

our rear garden plot. Although a fairly 

problematic application (which took 

over 18 months), they kept us informed 

throughout the entire process. 

I would certainly use them again” 

David J (Oxted, Surrey) 

January 2017

Biddenden 

A beautifully presented unlisted period farmhouse with pretty granary annexe 

in an idyllic setting · CSCA · No Onward Chain · 3 Receptions · Kitchen 

· 4 Bedrooms · 3 Bath/Shower Rooms · Annexe · Garaging · Gardens and 

Grounds inc Woodland and Paddock of approaching 2 acres · EPC E & D 

Guide Price £1,500,000 

rOBertSBridGe 

A handsome Arts and Crafts residence amid beautiful grounds on the 

outskirts of the village · 2 Reception Rooms · Kitchen/Breakfast Room 

· Conservatory · 5 Bedrooms · 3 Bathrooms · Double Garage · Gardens 

Stores · Summerhouse · About 1 acre in all · EPC D 

OFFerS in exceSS OF £895,000 

Smarden 

A picturesque Grade II listed barn conversion providing versatile 

accommodation in a tranquil location · No Onward Chain · Reception Hall 

· 3 Reception Rooms · Kitchen/Breakfast Room · Mezzanine Snug 

· 4 Bedrooms (2 En Suite) · Family Bathroom · Circa 0.25 Acre 


SiSSinGHurSt 

A recently extended and extensively renovated period semi detached 

cottage set on a country lane · Cranbrook School catchment area 

· 2 Reception Rooms · Kitchen · 4 Bedrooms · 2 Bathrooms · Versatile 

Attic Room · Gardens · Outbuilding · Private Parking · EPC D 


HawkHurSt 

The west wing of a picturesque Grade II listed village house steeped in 

history and benefiting from planning permission to extend amid pretty 

cottage gardens · CSCA · No Onward Chain · 2 Reception Rooms · Kitchen 

· 4 Bedrooms · 3 Bathrooms · Landscaped Gardens 

Guide Price £550,000 

rOBertSBridGe 

An attractive family home in a convenient village location within walking 

distance of shops and MLS · Sitting Room · Dining Room · Kitchen/ 

Breakfast Room · Conservatory · 4 Bedrooms · 2 Bathrooms · Double 

Garage · Garden · EPC E 


cranbrook 

01580 720 000 

37 Stone St, Cranbrook TN17 3HF 

cranbrook@jackson-stops.co.uk 

jackson-stops.co.uk property experts since 1910

LAUNCH 

EVENT 

SATURDAY 21ST OCT 10AM – 4PM 

Wilmington, Kent DA2 7QH Sat Nav Postcode BR8 7SQ 

VENUE: Rowhill Grange Hotel & Utopia Spa, 

Luxury retirement 

apartments Hextable, Kent 

Join us at our LAUNCH EVENT on Saturday 21st Oct (10am – 4pm) 

and learn more about the development at Emerson Park. 

Meet the team... view the floorplans... find out more about our superior 

apartments. Emerson Park benefits from exceptional private amenities 

and facilities including a Club room, bar, cinema, gym, hair salon and 

transport services. 

Call our Resident Service Advisors on 01322 515417 

to arrange a viewing prior to the sales launch. 

Web: www.cinnamoncc.com/emersonpark

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

SALES / LETTINGS / MANAGEMENT 

VISIT US AT HUNTERS.COM 

HERE TO GET you THERE 

BIDDENDEN £1,050,000 

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 D 

ROLVENDEN £875,000 

Open Plan Living Space | Detached Double Garage | Located In The CSCA 

A truly unique and one of a kind three bedroom detached home that has 

been converted from a water tower, set in grounds of around 1.4 acres with 

far-reaching views over the surrounding countryside in a popular village. 

EPC Rating D 

TENTERDEN £450,000 

Open Plan Kitchen/Diner | Underfl oor Heating | Private Parking | 1125 Sqft 

Show Home Coming In Autumn 2017 

Finch House is part of the new exciting & exclusive development The Ferns 

by Clarendon Homes. A rare opportunity to acquire a brand new 3 bedroom 

detached family home within walking distance to Tenterden High Street. 


Master En-suite | Garden Room | Landscaped Garden | 1257 Sqft 

Show Home Coming In Autumn 2017 

Wren Lodge is part of the new exciting & exclusive development The Ferns 

by Clarendon Homes. A rare opportunity to acquire a brand new 3 bedroom 

detached family home within walking distance to Tenterden High Street. 


Three Bedrooms | Downstairs Cloakroom | Kitchen with built in Appliances 

This secluded and well-presented Neo-Georgian terrace. One of six homes set 

in an exclusive mews development, it is in an enviable position to offer level and 

accessible access to the picturesque High Street of Tenterden. 

EPC Rating C 

HAMSTREET £525,000 

Three Reception Room | Quiet cul-de-sac | Conservatory | Cloakroom 

Well presented executive detached 4 bedroom family home with double garage 

and driveway located on a quiet cul-de-sac within walking distance to local primary 

school and railway station making it an ideal home to commute to London. 

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.

Brede, East Sussex - £775,000 

Five bedroom house in exclusive development with views to 

the rear over adjoining countryside. Living room, kitchen/ 

breakfast room, study, play room, utility. Master bedroom with 

dressing room, 3 further bedrooms. Annexe/guest bedroom. 

Double garage. Garden EPC C 

Camber, East Sussex - £695,000 

Detached five bedroom coastal house undergoing complete 

renovation to create contemporary beach house overlooking 

the sand dunes with nearby access onto vast stretch of 

Camber Sands beach. 

Rye, East Sussex - £850,000 

Arts & Crafts style house in quiet position in Citadel with 

views. Sitting room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, 

cellar, three first floor bedrooms. Second floor suite with living 

room, kitchenette, bedroom. Courtyard and terrace garden. 

EPC E 

Beckley, East Sussex - £695,000 

Spacious detached house in quiet edge of village location. 

Large sitting room, dining room, study, kitchen/breakfast 

room, utility, master bedroom suite, three further bedrooms. 

Single garage. Parking. Front and rear gardens. EPC D 

Winchelsea, East Sussex - £495,000 

A detached period two bedroom single storey cottage situated 

in the Conservation Area of the Ancient Town and Cinque 

Port of Winchelsea. Living room, garden room, dining room, 

kitchen, bathroom, 2 bedrooms. Garden. Garage. EPC F 

Northiam, East Sussex - £625,000 

Detached Victorian house in need of modernisation in same 

family for 100 years. Rural position with country views. Living 

room, dining room, kitchen, pantry, former dairy/store, three 

double bedrooms, 1 single bedroom. Outbuildings. Parking. 

Garden and field of approx. 2 acres. EPC G 

RYE OFFICE 01797 227338 

MAYFAIR OFFICE 0870 112 7099 

phillipsandstubbs.co.uk

THE BRUNSWICK - Affordable luxury in Rye 

Spacious double fronted 3 bedroom detached homes with parking 

and private gardens from £380,000 

FAMILY 

BEDROOM 3 

LOUNGE 

CPD 

WC 

KITCHEN 

/ DINER 

BEDROOM 1 

BEDROOM 2 

WDR 

HALL 

EN-SUITE 

FAMILY 

BATHROOM 

WDR 

First Floor Plan 

Ground Floor Plan 

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

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

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

carpets throughout with under floor heating and Bosch appliances 

ARONCORP 

Freephone: 0800 612 7933 

sales@ValleyParkRye.com 

www.ValleyParkRye.com

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

Residential Sales • Management and Lettings 

01580 242700 

wealdproperty.net 

Horsmonden / Brenchley £945,000 

A HANDSOME AND BEAUTIFULLY APPOINTED, FOUR BEDROOM DETACHED VICTORIAN 

COUNTRY HOUSE, set in an idyllic rural location betwixt the sought after villages of 

Horsmonden and Brenchley, being a short distance (3.3 miles) from the mainline train 

station located at Paddock Wood. 

Beckley, Nr Rye OIEO £875,000 

A RECENTLY BUILT, UNIQUE AND IMPRESSIVE 3 BEDROOM ARCHITECTURALLY 

SIGNIFICANT, MODERN DETACHED HOUSE WITH EXCEPTIONAL ECOLOGICAL 

CREDENTIALS. Set in 11 acres of idyllic woodland with pretty garden and decking, 2 bay 

garage / 1 bedroom annexe, with office above - being marketed for the first time. 

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

2 Windmill Oast, Windmill Farm, 

Rolvenden, Kent TN17 4PF 

Residential Sales • Management and Lettings 

01580 242700 

wealdproperty.net 

Newenden OIEO £700,000 

A MAGNIFICENT, RARE AND HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT, FIVE BEDROOM, GRADE II LISTED, 

WEATHERBOARDED WEALDEN HALL HOUSE, with a substantial adjacent annexe, garden 

store and garage (ripe for conversion (stpc)), and is set amid idyllic and tranquil gardens 

with stunning views across the Rother. 

Hawkhurst OIEO £650,000 

A DELIGHTFUL THREE BEDROOM DETACHED PERIOD COTTAGE LOVINGLY APPOINTED IN 

THE ‘ARTS AND CRAFTS’ STYLE DATING TO 1790, WITH LATER ADDITIONS IN 1820. Set in 

stunning gardens and grounds, beautifully landscaped which in total make up two thirds 

of an acre. Cranbrook School Catchment Area. 

TO LET 

TO LET 

Boughton Monchelsea 

£3,500pcm 

A MAGNIFICENTLY RESTORED, FIVE BEDROOM, 16th CENTURY COUNTRY HOUSE SET 

IN AN IDYLLIC RURAL POSITION ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF BOUGHTON MONCHELSEA. 

Exterior:1.6 acres, barbecue area, play area, mature garden, double garage and 

ample off-street parking. UNFURNISHED - pets considered 

Biddenden 

£3,500pcm 

AN IMPRESSIVE SIX BEDROOM, SIX BATHROOM DOUBLE KILN OAST HOUSE sitting in 

delightful gardens and grounds of approximately 1.7 acres with magical views over the 

surrounding countryside. Gardening supplement – POA. Cranbrook School Catchment 

Area. PART or UNFURNISHED 

2 Windmill Oast, Windmill Farm, 

Rolvenden, Kent TN17 4PF

JOIN US FOR THE 

LAUNCH OF OUR 

SHOW HOMES 

SATURDAY 21ST OCTOBER 2017 

Computer generated images 

WELCOME TO CHURCH VIEW 

CHARACTER FAMILY HOMES 

DESIGNED FOR MODERN LIVING 

Elegantly crafted two, three, four and five bedroom homes. 

Perfect for shopping, local leisure activities and close to 

schools and Tenterden’s boutique High Street. 

Prices from £395,000 with Help to Buy available. 

Open daily, 10am to 5pm from 21st October. 

REGISTER TODAY FOR THE 

SHOW HOME LAUNCH 

01892 800580 

churchview-tenterden.co.uk

Live Here with Help to Buy * 

The Old Orchard, Chartway Street, Sutton Valence ME17 3JA 

3 bedroom semi-detached new homes now available | Prices from £465,000 

New view home open Saturdays | T: 01622 673086 

E: enquiries@sibleypares.co.uk | millwooddesignerhomes.co.uk 

Computer generated image. * Subject to scheme rules. 

sJd – developing potential 

SibleyParesWT188.indd 1 20/09/2017 14:40 

If you think your property 

could be developed, why not 

give us a call without obligation 

and in confidence. 

Many of our clients retain our 

services and, in the majority of 

cases, pay our fees saving property 

owners significant costs. 

Call us now 

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

Contact Stephen Donnelly on 

07739 514350 or 0845 456 8969 

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

We are alWays on the lookout for property With development potential 

25 wealdentimes.co.uk 

SJDprojectsWT188.indd 1 08/09/2017 10:04

HOUSE OF THE MONTH 

1. 

City Living 

Maggie Alderson finds urban homes in the thick of the action 

There’s nothing like living amidst the English countryside. Looking out of your 

kitchen window over rolling fields, grazing sheep, copses of trees busy with rooks. 

Being able to head off right from your own gate for a bracing walk, or ride. 

There is also nothing like walking five minutes from your front door to buy 

a pint of milk and the paper. Even better is walking from your front door to the 

station for your daily commute, to see a play, snap up something lovely in the 

sales, or have a great meal. Another great advantage is that if at that meal you 

decide to have a whole bottle of wine, or even two, you can stagger home holding 

on to lampposts if necessary. One of the scourges of country life is the grim-faced 

designated driver who wants to leave as soon as possible after pudding, when the 

non-designee is just warming up for a display of can-can dancing, or throat singing. 

The taxi option for such rural socialising is painful on the purse – and 

sometimes on your relationship with your hosts, should you need to wait an 

hour after it was really time to go home because all three of the mini cabs in 

the locale have already been nabbed. And while there are those who relish the 

semi-isolation of the country house, badgers and stoats your nearest neighbours, 

the medium-sized town offers the finest sense of community there is. 

Village life has its charms – but also its Linda Snells and Susan Carters. Jean Paul 

Sartre’s play No Exit could have been inspired by life in a real Ambridge, with its eternal 

line: ‘hell is other people’. But in the right concentration, of course, heaven is also other 

people. Other people who live close enough to take you in for a cup of tea – or glass of 

cold white wine (thank you, Alastair) – should you lock yourself out, with no phone. 

Close enough to feed your cat and notice if the wrong person is trying to get into your 

house and to bring you chicken soup when you need it. But with the dilution of a bigger 

population – and more going on – so your business isn’t all they have to think about. 

Life in a prosperous medium town offers many of the joys of city living, 

without the crime and grime – and with the balancing pleasures of the countryside 

within easy reach. To some of us (my hand is keenly raised…) it’s the ideal. 

Here is our pick of houses currently on the market to enjoy it from. 

1. 

1. Rosemont 

Where? Rosemont sits on Mount 

Ephraim, a sought-after position in the 

heart of Tunbridge Wells, overlooking the 

Common. It’s an easy walk to the station 

with its excellent services to Cannon Street 

(47 minutes) and Charing Cross (one 

hour) and to all the cultural, retail and 

culinary delights of the Royal Borough. 

What? An elegant semi-detached 

Victorian townhouse, with a generous 

4759 sq ft of space over four floors. It has 

been been modernised in the right way 

with a lovely kitchen and luxe bathrooms, 

retaining much of the original period 

character, with high ceilings, an elegant 

staircase, large sash windows and intricate 

plaster mouldings. The lower ground 

has a large family room, games room, 

gym, utility and wine store. Ground 

has a big kitchen/breakfast room with 

adjacent sitting area and formal drawing 

room. Two en suite bedrooms on the 

first floor, with four further bedrooms 

and a family bathroom at the top. 

There’s off-street parking for two cars 

and a walled rear garden with a terrace. 

How much? Rosemont is on 

the market with Knight Frank, 

Tunbridge Wells with a guide price 

of £1,750,000. Call 01892 882776 

and browse knightfrank.co.uk 


26

2. 

3. 

4. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

2. Number 5,Calverley 

Park Crescent 

Where? Calverley Park Crescent, a 

dreamy 1830s Decimus Burton terrace 

built in elegant grey stone, is one of the 

most sought-after locations in Tunbridge 

Wells. Looking onto the private communal 

landscaped garden and over to Calverley 

Park and beyond, it’s a wonderfully tranquil 

spot, yet right in the middle of town, seven 

minutes’ walk from the station, with its 

excellent services to Cannon Street (47 

minutes) and Charing Cross (one hour) 

and even closer to the cultural, retail and 

culinary delights of the Royal Borough. 

What? The Grade II listed house is 

entered via the colonnaded terrace which 

sweeps along the front of the crescent, 

with private parking outside. The ground 

floor comprises the kitchen and adjoining 

dining room, plus laundry, store and 

cellar. On the upper ground there’s a 

sitting room and study. The first floor 

has two bedrooms, with the front one 

opening onto a large balcony looking over 

the gardens. The top floor has another 

bedroom and a family bathroom. 

How much? Number 5 Calverley 

Park Crescent is being marketed by 

Freeman Foreman with a guide price 

of £875,000. Call 01892 640260 

and look on freemanforman.co.uk 

3. Quill House 

Where? Quill House is a delightful 

attached Grade II listed part-Georgian 

property, with later additions. Situated 

well back from the road, on lovely treelined 

Tenterden High Street, with its 

excellent mix of independent and upper 

tier shops, cafes and restaurants. Waitrose 

is a stroll away. There’s no station, but 

it’s 30 minutes to Ashford’s high-speed 

London link, fifteen to Headcorn, from 

where it’s an hour to Charing Cross. 

What? A well-balanced mix of 

period charm and modern touches, 

the ground floor is arranged with a 

study leading into a sitting room and 

adjoining dining area and then on to the 

long kitchen which gives onto a lovely 

vaulted garden room, leading to the partwalled, 

enclosed garden. Upstairs there 

are three bedrooms on the first floor, 

with a family bathroom, with a master 

suite on the top floor. Handily for a 

town house, there is a separate garage. 

How much? Quill House is 

listed with Savills, seeking offers 

in excess of £695,000. Call 01580 

720161 and look at savills.com 

4. Ockman House 

Where? Ockman House is one of those 

houses you walk past sighing right in the 

centre of Rye, one of the prettiest towns in 

the whole country, with a vibrant cultural 

scene. It sits at the end of a cobbled twitten 

(pedestrian street) handy for everything, 

five minutes’ walk from the station with 

high speed links to St Pancras, via Ashford 

International, with wonderful views over 

the saltmarshes and River Rother. Camber 

Sands is under 15 minutes’ drive. 

What? The three-storey, partly tile hung 

attached house was designed in the Arts 

& Crafts style by eminent architect Sir 

Reginald Blomfield, who had strong links 

with Lutyens. The interior is perfect for 

some sensitive updating. The ground floor 

comprises a sitting room opening on to a 

terrace overlooking the view, kitchen and 

adjoining dining room, with a lovely tiled 

fireplace. There are three bedrooms and 

one bathroom on the first floor. The top 

floor is currently arranged as a flat, with a 

bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette and second 

bedroom/living room towards the view. 

How much? Ockman House has 

a guide price of £850,000 in the care of 

Phillips & Stubbs, Rye. Phone 01797 

227338 and view online at 

phillipsandstubbs.co.uk 

27 wealdentimes.co.uk

WWW.HANDMADERUGS.CO.UK 

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

Tel 01580 762524 

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Tel 01962 734504 

Tuesday to Saturday 10 to 5 

Modern and Traditional Handmade Rugs 

Furniture and Accessories 

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Bessarabian “Nadia” 2.68 x 2.02 One of our collection of faithful recreations of antique rugs.. Also available 3.80 x 2.53. 

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History In The Making

Say goodbye to 

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If you’re looking for a workable way 

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Rachel Ricketts, Weight Loss Consultant 

Having had a weight problem for 35 years, Rachel was desperate 

to find a way of being able to lose weight once and for all. ‘I had 

just about resigned myself to the fact that I would be overweight 

for the rest of my life, when I came across the principles of the 

Metabolic Weight Loss Programme. I followed these and to my 

amazement, I lost 3 stone in just over 3 months and then went on 

to successfully maintain my weight. The relief was enormous to 

have found something that finally worked for me.’ 

‘This isn’t an open-ended slimming club,’ says Rachel. ‘We set your 

target weight at the beginning and then get on with the business 

of helping you lose the weight, addressing any difficulties along 

the way, then we concentrate on keeping it off – for good!’ 

For those who are not able to visit, a very successful remote support 

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Rachel became passionate 

about wanting to help as 

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led her to become a qualified 

weight loss consultant. In the 

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“Your support was invaluable 

and made it possible for me to lose 3 

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Clients often comment on how 

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with their results. ‘My doctor is 

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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 

2½ stone despite being on 

thyroxin – well done!’ 

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. 

With an average weight loss of 7-14lb a month for clients and 

hundreds of hand written testimonials, Rachel’s results speak for 

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Rachel offers free consultations for those who are 

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Rachel Ricketts 01342 327396 

Email rachel@rachelrickettsweightloss.co.uk 

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Established 1986

Colour Corrosion 6 

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

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M: 07738 715354 T: 01797 222213

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE 

You’re Invited 

To Our Exclusive Anti-Ageing Evening. 

Suite 30, 60 Churchill Square, Kings Hill, Kent ME19 4YU 

Mini-Treatments; Expert Talks; Demonstrations 

Enjoy a chilled glass of bubbles while you learn from 

the experts about how to feel like the best version 

of yourself, regardless of the number of candles on 

your birthday cake. Dr Sophie Shotter will be talking 

about how Bioidentical Hormones can help you 

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Special Offers on the night; Charity 

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Slots for Mini-Treatments from 5.30 onwards 

RSVP to hello@illuminateskinclinic.co.uk or 01732 647007 

There are very few things that are certain in life, but 

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This is what our anti-ageing event is all about – giving 

you information about the options available to 

help you be the best version of yourself. We will be 

supporting Ellenor on the night, a Kent-based children’s 

hospice charity who do amazing work to help 

families at extraordinarily difficult times in their lives. 

At the ripe old age of 25 our body decides it’s starting 

to feel its age, and switches off its collagen production. 

From then onwards we lost 1 to 1.5% of our collagen 

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Dr Sophie Shotter, Medical Director 

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To make way for fabulous new ranges arriving soon, 

we must clear our stock at never to be repeated prices. 

Clearance offers on Sofas, Chairs, Dining Room Tables and Chairs, 

Beds, Bedroom Furniture, Living Room Cabinets, Occasional Furniture 

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email: sales@busbridges.co.uk

Wood and Stone F loors 

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WEALDEN EXPRESS COLLECTION 

Real Oak at amazing value. Starting 

from just £27.95m2 + VAT 

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Try something different... 

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on ice! 

LOVE CURLING IN KENT! 

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Bang & Olufsen 

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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.com/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

Canterbury Festival... 

This half term Canterbury welcomes almost 3,000 artists, both 

local and international in a rich celebration of performing 

arts and culture. Expect to be dazzled and delighted with 

musical performances from Imelda May and Newton Faulkner, 

Australian circus troup Casus, dance from Ballet Black, a talk 

with TV chef Tom Kerridge, and a roaming 20s Spiegeltent 

with bands, circus performers, cabaret and comedy. Visit 

canterburyfestival.co.uk for more information. 

October 

Octobernear 

Exhibitions & events 

you this month... 

notebook 

Pick of Pumpkins... 

Make a day of searching for your perfect jacko’-lantern 

this year with Pumpkin Moon. This 

family run farm in Maidstone is open Saturdays 

and Sundays throughout the month and from 

Friday 20 to Sunday 29, and has over 50 types 

of pumpkin, squash and gourd to choose from 

within twenty acres. Why decorate with a run-ofthe-mill 

orange pumpkin when you could dare 

to take home a giant Monster Smash, ghostly 

white Polar Bear, or a ghoulish goosebump? 

Visit pumpkinmoon.uk to find out more. 

Autumn is Coming... 

Bedgebury’s National Pinetum and Forest is 

holding a series of bookable walks throughout 

autumn this year which will give you a guided 

tour of the Pinetum’s unique landscape as painted 

in its warm autumnal hues. These walks will fall 

on Tuesdays and Thursdays up until Thursday 19 

October, they cost just £2 and give you an hour 

and a half to explore the Pinetum’s surfaced paths, 

picturesque lakes and tree-lined scenery. Visit 

forestry.gov.uk/bedgebury to find out more. 

Puppet Party... 

A colourful celebration of puppetry in all its various 

forms, the Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival is 

running from Monday 9 to Saturday 14 October. 

It will have a varied eclectic mix of events on its 

schedule, with an exhibition about Disney’s highly 

acclaimed stage musical, The Lion King, as well as 

puppetry performances including puppet cabaret, 

Punch and Judy, sensory experiences for babies 

and shadow puppetry. For more information visit 

twpuppetryfestival.org. 

Artistic Sentiment... 

Sixty acclaimed artists and sculptors closely linked 

to Kent gather to exhibit at KPG’s 27th Annual 

Art Exhibition and Sale from Friday 27 October 

to Sunday 29 October at Sevenoaks School. 

It’s an opportunity to get some quality art at 

modest prices while also supporting this year’s 

chosen charities, Sevenoaks Mencap, Rethink and 

MacIntyre. On Friday you can meet the artists 

themselves over wine, while Saturday and Sunday 

will have unframed works, proofs and coffee and 

cakes with light lunches. For more information call 

01732 810338 or visit kentpaintersgroup.co.uk. 

Battle of Hastings... 

Witness a day of historical drama as the legendary 

Battle of Hastings is re-enacted with over 600 

soldiers at the 1066 Battle of Hastings Abbey 

and Battlefield. From Saturday 14 to Sunday 15 

October you can visit both Norman and Saxon 

encampments where you can meet medieval traders, 

authors, cavalry and falconers. Try out archery, enjoy 

a pint of mead and muster your forces for a kids’ 

battle. Visit english-heritage.org.uk for information. 

Contemporary Craft... 

From Sat 30 September to Sunday 1 October, 

designer makers will be exhibiting their fine crafts to 

be purchased or commissioned in the grade one listed 

auditorium at De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill-on-Sea. 

This contemporary craft show will boast fifty diverse 

stands including several new members of the Sussex 

Guild. For details see thesussexguild.co.uk, call 01273 

479565, or visit the Sussex Guild Shop & Gallery, 

Southover Grange, Southover Rd, Lewes BN7 1TP. 


Karen’s Foam Store 

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Y 

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CY 

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Flooring Worth Talking About 

01233 714999 

Charing Hill | TN27 0NL 

www.charingcarpets.co.uk 

We value customer satisfaction. 

With a huge range of wool & manmade carpets, both quirky & minimalistic, solid & engineered 

wood in innovative patterns & natural grains, the possibilities are endless at Carpets Direct. 


40 

CarpetDirectWT188.indd 1 19/09/2017 15:09

NOW WITH 

FREE 

DELIVERY 

TO SEVENOAKS & 

TUNBRIDGE WELLS 

FREE LOCAL DELIVERY 

on furniture purchases over £150 within a 25 mile radius of the store. 

Please ask a member of the team for full details. 

OFFERS AVAILABLE UNTIL 22 OCTOBER 2017 

ST GEORGES STREET, CANTERBURY, KENT. CT1 2TB 

TEL: 01227 766866 | WWW.FENWICK.CO.UK

Picture a 

healthier 

future 

There are are things in in life life we we simply have 

to to put put up up with but but worrying about 

treatable health conditions shouldn’t 

be be one of of them. At At Benenden Hospital 

we we offer a a wide range of of private medical 

treatments, including varicose vein 

removal, hip hip and knee replacement, 

weight loss surgery and cataract removal. 

Call us us on 01580 242 521 

benendenhospital.org.uk 

The The Benenden Hospital Trust Trust is a is a company 

limited limited by by guarantee Registered in in England, 

number 3454120. Registered charity charity number 

1065995, Registered Office, Office, The The Benenden 

Hospital Trust, Trust, Goddard’s Green Green Road, Road, 

Benenden, Cranbrook, Kent Kent TN17 TN17 4AX 4AX

www.elliottreid.co.uk

Orlestone Oak 

Tailor-made Oak Joinery and Oak Flooring 

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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 

The Wedding 

Experience 

Kent County 

Showground 

22 nd October 

www.holmstedevents.co.uk 

Luxury Tipi & Sailcloth Tent Hire 


HolmstedEventsWT188.indd 1 13/09/2017 12:52

Creating your place in history 

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

For a brochure or home consultation call 01797 366895 

www.anthony-hicks.co.uk

Editor’s 

Letter 

With autumn closing in, this month’s magazine is 

all about cosying up and embracing a fresh new 

season. Sue Whigham heads outdoors to make 

the most of one of the most richly-hued months garden-wise, 

where reds, oranges and yellows abound, and Jo Arnell cooks 

a home-grown feast with carrots, apples and beetroot. 

Interiors-wise, David Merewether and the team 

have photographed two uniquely individual houses 

that showcase their owners’ collections and interests in 

fascinating style. Explore gilded Victorian extravagance 

at St. Benedict from page 50 and dip into the cosy home 

of artists Susan and David Donkin from page 96. 

Our Kitchen & Bathroom Supplement is full to the brim 

with ideas on updating or completely re-doing two of the most 

frequented rooms in the home. Read on after page 116. 

Elsewhere, Helen Barton has edited a warming selection 

of casual menswear modelled by John, to take you through 

to winter. And we’ve rounded up some of the most beautiful 

beds and accessories for elegant bedrooms across the Weald. 

We finish this issue with a look at how success is 

quantified, both within the classroom and outside it, 

speaking to leading schools from across the South East. 

Enjoy your Wealden Times! 

Local solicitors 

for all your 

personal and 

business needs 

Property 

Wills, trusts and probate 

Family and divorce 

Employment law 

Dispute resolution 

Company and commercial law 

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 

www.bussmurton.co.uk 

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. 


BussMurtonWT188.indd 1 11/09/2017 14:30

For all your bespoke glass needs 

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• Glass fl oors • Double/triple glazed 

sealed units • Shelves • Roof panels 

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• Well tops • Antique/standard mirror 

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48 

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

where to find your copy… 

Call 01580 714705 to find your nearest distributor of 

Wealden Times or to have your free copy delivered for 

12 months for just £22 postage 

Distribution of Wealden Times 

published in Cranbrook for Kent & Sussex 

Eras 

Antiques 

of stylE 

Orpington 

Sevenoaks 

Maidstone 

Canterbury 

Edenbridge Tonbridge 

Royal 

Tunbridge 

Wells 

Crowborough 

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You can get your copy at most railway stations, newsagents 

and prestige stores throughout the Weald. The following 

are our major distribution points and you can also 

visit wealdentimes.co.uk for a complete listing 

Ashford 

• Kingsfords 

Solicitors 

• M&S Food Hall 

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Farm 

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Bexhill 

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Bluewater 

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Food Hall 

Boughton Aluph 

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Burwash 

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Canterbury 

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Charing 

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Chilham 

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House 

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& Staff 

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Newsagents 

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butchers 

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Marden 

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Northiam 

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and Café 

Peasmarsh 


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Robertsbridge 

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Sandhurst 

Sevenoaks 

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& Wine 

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What 

Stone Cross 

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Interiors 


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and Fountains 

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Place 

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Golf Club 


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Wholefoods 

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STATIONS: 

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Also available in: 

• Edenbridge 

• Uckfield 

PEFC/16-33-795 

The mark of responsible forestry 

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Vintage themed 

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50

Bless This House 

Words: Maggie Alderson Photographs: David Merewether 

Styling: Helen Barton 

Over time, Paul Oxborrow and Stephen Groves have succeeded in buying each floor 

of a grand nineteenth century St. Leonards house. Staying true to the period of its 

construction, Paul and Stephen have completely refurbished its four floors and now 

run several rooms of St. Benedict as an unusual and popular bed & breakfast 


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From the street, every house is a mystery… Even on 

roads we drive or walk down every day, we have no 

idea what may lie within the walls we pass. But while 

that may be an obvious point, it doesn’t prepare you to enter 

the front door of this particular house in St. Leonards. 

Although the door itself might have been a bit of a 

tip off, elegantly furnished as it is with brass fittings, all 

beautifully polished, and the name plate: St. Benedict. 

But despite this, when I was first let in through 

that front door, my jaw practically dislocated 

in surprise. Had I unwittingly walked through 

one of those fictional wrinkles in time? 

The hall I was standing in was clearly from another era, 

every detail in perfect keeping with the late 19th century 

 

Previous pages & this page: The drawing room is a superb double salon with matching fireplaces at each end 


This page: Part of the St. Benedict 

experience is breakfast in the dining 

room just across the hall from the 

drawing room, resplendent with 

green and gold Watts of Westminster 

wallpaper and a crystal chandelier, 

served in silver chafing dishes in the 

English country house manner 

period of the house, from the rich red wallpaper, polished mahogany 

furniture and Holophane-shade chandelier, to the taxidermy, specimens 

under glass domes, brass-potted aspidistras and grandfather clock. 

Taken separately none of those items are rare; indeed they’re particularly 

widely available in the plethora of excellent antique and junk emporia 

in St Leonards and neighbouring Hastings. And it wasn’t even the 

concentration of so many of them together that made such an impression. 

What struck me, as the lady who’d answered the door in a cook’s apron 

– adding another layer of otherworldliness to the experience – led me 

through a green baize door (complete with brass studs) and down to the 

kitchen, was that there were no visible signs of any other century. 


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56 

BackfromBlackWT188.indd 1 18/09/2017 12:29

Above: In the large kitchen, ironed cotton sheets hang on wooden hoist and spindle airers 

It felt as though the clock had stopped at 

midnight on December 31st 1899. 

This impression heightened as we passed a dumb 

waiter and a board of servants’ bells in a flagged hallway, 

patchworked with old Persian rugs, and went into the 

large kitchen, where ironed cotton sheets hung on 

wooden hoist and spindle airers and the cook’s labours 

were apparent on a scrubbed deal kitchen table. 

When one of the house’s owners, Paul Oxborrow, appeared 

in the doorway from the garden I was still lost for words, 

gazing around at the lace-trimmed cloth atop the mantelpiece 

– complete with a pair of fine Staffordshire dogs – dressers 

stocked with blue and white china, copper pots hanging on the 

walls and two armchairs with cosily worn floral loose covers, 

either side of the Aga. It was like being in a book by E. Nesbit. 

Stocking a tray with a coffee pot and elegant 

cups and saucers, Paul took me back upstairs to the 

drawing room, a superb double salon with matching 

fireplaces at each end, where it would be possible to 

succumb to the nicest kind of sensory overload, taking 

in the richness of the furnishings and detail. 

The passementerie alone is dazzling – in a good way – with 

decorative bullion and tassels hanging from the elaborate 

pelmets, golden braid along the mantelpiece and a large tassel 

dangling from the brass chandelier. The light over the table 

in the bay window, which goes up and down on a satisfying 

pulley system, is trimmed with extra long red silk fringe. 

The side of the room we were sitting in, Paul explained, 

was once their sitting room. The other half, now resplendent 

with a grand piano – the house’s co-owner, Stephen Groves, 

is a pianist and church organist – was their kitchen. 

“The house was built in 1881 and divided into three flats 

in 1925,” explains Paul. “We bought the entrance level flat 

in 1995, then six years later the maisonette above became 

available so we bought that and then a year later, we were able 

to buy the basement, so by 2002 we had the whole house.” 

But Paul and Stephen didn’t wait until then 

to start their grand decorating project. 

“We decorated this end of the room like this when it 

was still a flat,” says Paul. “Then, when we were able to 

take the kitchen out of the other side, we already had 

the fireplace which was a perfect match for this one. We 

found it in an antiques shop in Tunbridge Wells and 

thought we’d buy it, because ‘maybe one day’…” 

Because of this staggered time frame, the marbling on both 

fireplaces and on the panelling all round the conjoined rooms, 

from the skirting boards to the dado rail, was done over the 

years by three different sets of craftspeople. It looks seamless. 

Adding the final touch to unify the two spaces, they 

commissioned the woodworker who has done all the 

work in the house to match the gold-leafed mirror they 

had over the original fireplace, so now the two sides 

of the room are perfectly symmetrical, right down to 

the two delicate Chinese blue and white tea bowls 

 


“We decided we would decorate the 

house in period, because it’s what 

we like and it’s also possible to do, 

because the furniture is still readily 

available. We focused on the 1880s 

and 90s period, but it’s pretty eclectic, 

because lots of the world had been 

discovered by then and more exotic 

styles adopted,” says Paul 

balanced on the top sides of each mirror. 

Sitting back in one of the red damask-covered 

sofas and taking it all in, my eyes skipping from 

ginger jar, to ornate clock, Chinese figurines, pot 

pourri bowls, carved mirrors, religious statuary, 

marquetry boxes, porcelain vases and much more, 

in clumps, clusters and serried rows on every surface 

in the room – many of them apparently created 

for the purpose, such as the decorative shelf over 

the door – one word comes into my mind: dust. 

Paul smiles. “There is a lot of upkeep. When 

the house was built there would have been a 

live-in cook/ housekeeper, a housemaid and 

probably a gardener. Downstairs is a room 

which would have been the housekeeper’s 

room. We do it ourselves, but it’s worth it. 

“We decided we would decorate the house 

in period, because it’s what we like and it’s 

 


58

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60 

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

This page: Branching off the 

landing on the top floor of 

the house, the guest bedrooms 

have been furnished with 

enough bathrooms to satisfy 

the 21st century guest, 

without compromising the 

integrity of the house 

also possible to do, because the furniture is still readily 

available. We focused on the 1880s and 90s period, but 

it’s pretty eclectic, because lots of the world had been 

discovered by then and more exotic styles adopted. 

“And,” he adds, “this is a good town to do it in. Furniture 

from that era is available, plus trinkets, bits and pieces. 

We already had quite a lot, but we’ve had to look for 

particular things for particular places, so it’s a combination 

of things we like and things we needed to have.” 

But shopping for bibelots and decorative trims 

is just the garnish on top of the amount of serious 

structural work Paul and Stephen have put into St. 

Benedict since they took over the whole place. 

On the kitchen floor they’ve reinstated the larder, 

scullery and pantry, as shown on the original house 

plans – which they obtained from the County Records 

Office in Lewes, via Hastings Museum – complete with 

the slate shelves, butler sinks and wooden plate-drying 

racks which would have been there. It’s wonderfully 

atmospheric, with the walls in this ‘service’ area painted in 

traditional two shades of pale custard-coloured distemper, 

with a gloss dark brown stripe at dado rail height. 

One floor up, on the entry level, they moved the staircase 

back to its original position, reinstalled the dumb waiter 

 


The music room is a rather playful swerve back to 18th century baroque, 

with fauteuil chairs and a gilded organ of great magnificence, complete 

with a cherub, where Stephen practises for his church engagements 

 


62

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This page: In the music room there’s a rare glimpse 

of modern life, with a flat screen TV – concealed 

behind a painting, which is lowered to watch 

and put in a new entrance vestibule, complete with a 

tessellated tile floor salvaged from a house in Camberwell 

and stained glass windows with a lovely bird design. 

Paul shows me the original window in the 

adjoining loo – complete with a fine blue and white 

patterned thunderbox WC – which they found in a 

reclamation yard and had copied by a glass worker. 

Considering the enormous amount of effort Paul and 

Stephen have put in, it’s pleasing to know that their 

magnificent décor can be enjoyed by anyone who cares 

to visit this wonderful house as a bed and breakfast. One 

which has fabulous five-star reviews on Trip Advisor. 

“Guests tend to be people who are enthusiastic about 

interiors, vintage and traditional styles of buildings 

and architecture,” says Paul. “The décor is the thing 

which attracts people here. There are lots of pictures 

of the interior on our website, so it’s clear it’s not a 

normal hotel and we get a lot of repeat visitors. 

“Very occasionally we’ll get a guest who just wanted 

a bed for the night and they are quite surprised 

 


This page: Mr Parry’s Room is the master suite, with an original adjoining dressing room 

when they walk in,” he adds, drily. “But most come 

for this reason – it’s fun and very gratifying.” 

Part of the experience is breakfast in the dining 

room just across the hall from the drawing room, 

resplendent with green and gold Watts of Westminster 

wallpaper and a crystal chandelier, served in silver 

chafing dishes in the English country house manner. 

Magnificent period dinners served in this splendid 

room are another way to experience St. Benedict, 

with guests often choosing to attend in full Victorian 

costume. And really, why wouldn’t you? 

It’s one of these, I discover, that their friend Catherine 

is preparing in the kitchen, delicious smells floating up 

the stairs as she rustles up cod mornay, pork cooked in 

milk in the Italian style and Sussex Pond pudding, made 

with apples from the fruit pergola in the garden, inspired 

by one they saw at Bateman’s (Rudyard Kipling’s former 

home at Etchingham, now owned by the National Trust). 

This is just the first of the grands projets Paul 

and Stephen have created in the garden, enclosed 

with walls newly built from old bricks, which 

look as though they have always been there. 

The pergola leads to an area with a large and generously 

stocked pond, then on to a lawn with borders where 

two beehives nestle – one of them resplendent with 

St. Basil’s style onion domes. In one corner is an 

octagonal summerhouse, with a working fireplace. 

At the end of the garden, on one side is a run for chicken 

and ducks – providing eggs for breakfasts and baking. 

On the other is what is probably the most astonishing 

space in the whole property: a tiny and exquisite chapel 

in the Orthodox style, where mass is sometimes said. 

With painted angels on a rich blue ground, a wealth 

of icons, censers, reliquaries and a central Madonna 

and Child, it’s so beautiful and surprising, I felt quite 

overcome. It’s really not what you expect to find 

where most householders put the compost heap. 

It took a brisk walk back up to the house to recover 

myself, via a look at their latest project: a potager they are 

creating in a neighbouring garden, where they have bought 

the flat on that level to be an additional holiday let. 

From there it was up the stairs to see the bedroom 

floors, as delightful and impressive as the rest of the 

house, where they have managed to put in enough 

bathrooms to satisfy the 21st century guest, without 

compromising the integrity of the house at all. 

Mr Parry’s Room is the master suite, with an original 

adjoining dressing room, with a bathroom so cleverly spliced 

out of the space, it feels as though it was always there. 

Back in the bedroom, through an elegant arch, is a 


66

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magnificent four poster bed, lined with the prettiest chintz, 

from which you could sit and look out at a particularly 

special sea view – over trees to the mansard roof of one of the 

Victorian hotels on the St. Leonards seafront, with nothing 

20th or 21st century intruding. It’s the kind of frozen-intime 

outlook film location finders scour the country for. 

The bedroom opposite is The Colonel’s Room, after 

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68

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Above: The hall is clearly from another era, every detail in perfect keeping with the late 19th century period of the house, from the 

rich red wallpaper, polished mahogany furniture and Holophane-shade chandelier, to the taxidermy specimens under glass domes 

of the Colonel himself, which they hunted down. 

Next door to that is the music room, a rather playful 

swerve back to 18th century baroque, with fauteuil chairs 

and a gilded organ of great magnificence, complete with a 

cherub, where Stephen practises for his church engagements 

(he plays at St. Pancras in Lewes). There’s a rare glimpse 

of modern life in here, with a flat screen TV – concealed 

behind a painting, which is lowered to watch. 

 


70

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JerwoodGalleryWT188.indd 1 13/09/2017 14:33

This page: At the rear of the garden, Paul and Stephen have built a tiny and exquisite chapel in the Orthodox style, where mass is 

sometimes said. With painted angels on a rich blue ground, a wealth of icons, censers, reliquaries and a central Madonna and Child, 

it’s so beautiful and surprising 

One floor up the grand wallpaper suddenly stops 

and the walls become the same as the distemper 

down on the kitchen floor – to denote that this 

would once have been servants’ quarters. 

Up here is Nanny Hawkins’ Room (named after the 

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When the house was built there would have been a live-in cook/ 

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£16. 99 EACH + VAT 

STAMFORD SLAB 

450x450x32mm 

WHEN YOU BUY 10 OR MORE 

£2. 52 EACH + VAT 

ONE OF BRITAIN’S 

FINEST LANDSCAPE PAINTERS 

Painting & 

Decorating 

Maidstone 

01622 791111 

Hall Road | Maidstone |ME20 7QZ 

Woodford Depot: 

01580 892733 

Maidstone Road | Staplehurst |TN12 0RH 

SCREENED TOP 

SOIL (Bulk Bags) 


£44. 16 +VAT 

Staplehurst: 

01580 892037 

Station Road | Staplehurst |TN12 0PY 

ORGANIC 

COMPOST 

DIY, Aggregates & 

Gardening Products 


£33. 00 +VAT 

Ashford: 

01233 850075 

Ashford Road | High Halden| TN26 3BP 

02.17 

Ironmongery 

Insulation 

Full Colour Exhibition Catalogue 

14 October - 31 October 2017 

McALLISTER THOMAS 

117 High Street 

Godalming 

Surrey GU7 1AQ 

T: 01483 860591 

www.mcallisterthomasfineart.co.uk 

All done in time 

for the new season 

Hall Road, Maidstone 01622 791111 

Maidstone Road, Staplehurst 01580 892733 

Station Road, Staplehurst 01580 892037 

Ashford Road, High Halden 01233 850075 


76 

McAllisterThomasFineArtWT188.indd 1 19/09/2017 HomeleighWT187.indd 15:26 

1 18/08/2017 14:18 

cAllister Thomas Half Page Surrey.indd 1 19/09/2017 15:02

this page: A fruit pergola leads down to the garden, 

enclosed with walls newly built from old bricks, which 

look as though they have always been there 

perfectly atmospheric. In one of them, there’s a – slightly 

terrifying looking – old water heater at the head of the bath. 

I asked Paul if it still worked, imagining much 

spluttering and the few drips of brown hot 

water experienced in the country houses of my 

childhood, accompanied by booming pipes. 

“Oh no,” he said. “We found it in a reclamation 

yard and put it in. It’s not connected.” 

While the grand reception and bedrooms are 

very splendid, it was these little details in the more 

humble regions of the house that I found completely 

captivating and left me quite awestruck as I bade Paul 

farewell at St. Benedict’s splendid front door. 

Seeing it again, I thought I’d better check about that 

shining brass door furniture. Original, of course…? 

“We found it all in reclamation yards,” he told me. 

Address Book: 

To find about more about St. Benedict, and to book a stay, visit 

victorian-bed-and-breakfast.com, email paul.oxborrow@zen.co.uk 

or call 01424 434973 / 07802 543661 


FIREPLACES - WOOD STOVES - GAS FIRES 

CELEBRATING 

1974 - 2017 

Showrooms & Head Office: Victoria House, 79 Saint John’s Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 9TU 

Telephone 01892 541 337 • Email sales@victoriastone.co.uk • www.victoriastone.co.uk

Louis Philippe Old Gold 

Wallpaper, £120/roll 

Debbie McKeegan 

debbiemckeegan.com 

Shelby Chinoiserie Blue and 

White Ceramic Vase, £45w 

Artisanti 

artisanti.com 

Medium Eichholtz Tray 

Marrakech, £195 

Sweetpea & Willow 

sweetpeaandwillow.com 

Silvergate BP 802, £112/roll 

Farrow & Ball 

farrow-ball.com 

Floral Quatrefoil Small Glass 

Panel, £11.50 

Canterbury Cathedral Shop 

cathedral-enterprises.co.uk 

Get 

Look 

the 

Vari Rug, from £149 

Marks & Spencer 

marksandspencer.com 

Gerlinde Large 6 Light Brass 

Chandelier, £2099 

The Chandelier & Mirror 

Company 

chandeliersandmirrors.co.uk 

Duresta Juliette Chaise 

Lounge, £2400 

Darlings of Chelsea 

darlingsofchelsea.co.uk 

‘Mona Lisa’s Hands’ Oil 

Painting 

by Ryan Louder 

£496+shipping 

(Subject to change) 

Artfinder 

artfinder.com 

Small Gilded Architectural 

Mirror, from £800+VAT 

Joseph McCarthy 

josephmccarthy.co.uk 

Taj Agra Wool Rug Red & 

Gold, from £220 

Shimu 

shimu.co.uk 

Large Silver Effect Filigree 

Mild Steel Lantern, £18 

B&Q 

diy.com

Montmartre 

The Montmartre bed is made by 

hand from sustainable mahogany, 

upholstered in deep black velvet 

and finally finished with antiqued 

brass studs. From £1,695, 

The French Bedroom Company 

frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk 

Sleep Easy 

Make the most of precious z’s with 

beautiful beds in all shapes and styles 

Alana 

The Alana super kingsize bed comes 

in either a copper or brushed brass 

(pictured) finish. £449, Made made.com 


80

Norfolk Stripe 

If you’re looking to upholster, Ian Mankin’s Norfolk Stripe in ‘Peony’ 

in 100% cotton is a striking choice. Made in Britain, the design also 

comes in eight other colours and costs £27.50/m ianmankin.co.uk 

Mahogany 4-Poster 

Made from sustainable mahogany, this Chippendalestyle 

four-poster bed features foliate carved and reeded 

posts and flame mahogany panels. £9,995, Titchmarsh 

& Goodwin titchmarsh-goodwin.co.uk 

Rouen 

The Rouen high footend 

bed features deep 

buttoned curves and is 

available in a choice of 

colours and fabrics. From 

£1,835, Sofas & Stuff 

sofasandstuff.com 

Studioline 

The new updated Studioline bedroom 

range is available in new colours of 

wood and lacquer to complement the 

already extensive range. Shown is the 

double bed with upholstered headboard 

and chrome legs. Sliding and 

hinged door wardrobes are available. 

Find Studioline at David Salmon, 

Eastbourne davidsalmon.co.uk 


AUTUMN 2017 

LINEN COLLECTIONS 

Your bedroom is your haven, your very own special space where you can retreat at the end of a 

busy day and there is nothing better than relaxing in a beautifully made bed. However you need 

to create the right ambience to ensure a good night’s sleep. 

Simply by updating your bedlinen and dressing the bed with sumptuous throws and coordinating 

cushions can instantly transform your bedroom. So if you are looking for some inspiration, let us 

showcase our new collections for autumn from Designers Guild, Harlequin and Sophie Conran, 

then pop into store and see what else is NEW this autumn on the Linens department. 

AUBRIET FUCHSIA 

Exquisite painterly clusters of summer roses on a soft grey 

textural backdrop adorn this luxurious floral bed linen 

design. Digitally printed onto crisp 200 thread count percale 

cotton. This beautiful duvet reverses to a cool grey textural 

print and is completed by placement print pillowcases. 

The Oxford pillowcase features a floral design on a textured 

grey ground on the front and all grey on the reverse. The 

housewife pillowcases have a grey leaf design embroidered 

on the right side of the cuff, on a plain white cotton. The 

beautiful floral design is printed and embroidered on the 

scatter cushion. 

DOUBLE DUVET COVER £105 

KINGSIZE DUVET COVER £120 

SUPERKING DUVET COVER £140 

OXFORD PILLOWCASE £22 

EMBROIDERED HOUSEWIFE PILLOWCASE £22 

SCATTER CUSHION 30x50cm £50 

▲ 

FENWICK TUNBRIDGE WELLS

▲ 

SALICE 

Harlequin adds the subtle Salice design to its bedlinen 

collection for autumn/winter 2017. 

The duvet cover is adorned with delicate sprays of pussy 

willow in a plum colourway. The motif is taken from the 

recently launched fashion-inspired Fauvissimo and statement 

Standing Ovation collections. Digitally printed on 100% 

cotton sateen with a 200-thread count, the duvet cover has 

an all-over texture print on the reverse. 

The Oxford pillowcase features the pussy willow as it fades 

out towards the sky. The housewife pillowcases co-ordinate 

with the reverse of the duvet cover: they have the same 

all-over texture print with the addition of fine cord piping. 

Three inquisitive, embroidered birds perch on a branch 

in the centre of the scatter cushion. Painterly in style, the 

embroidery is stitched onto a 100% linen ground and is 

finished with fine cord piping in a plum colourway. The 

multi-coloured textured knit throw makes a cosy addition 

and completes the look. 

SINGLE DUVET COVER £75 



SUPER KING DUVET COVER £125 

OXFORD PRINT PILLOWCASE £22 

HOUSEWIFE PILLOWCASE £18 

SCATTER CUSHION 60x40cm £50 

KNITTED THROW 165x200cm £165 


Sophie is a designer, cook, gardener, author and mother to two wonderful 

children. She grew up in the Conran design and food dynasty as the only 

daughter of legendary designer Sir Terence Conran and multi award-winning 

cookery writer Caroline Conran. 

Sophie believes in making the things we use every day practical, elegant and 

timeless. She works alongside the finest manufacturers to design products of 

the highest quality, that make every day a beautiful day. 

Sophie is delighted to be working alongside Antonio Coelho Lima, visionary 

director of family firm ACL, purveyors of the best bed linens since 1922. Their 

company ethos is to create products that make you feel good using natural fibres 

and sustainable processes. This sits alongside Sophie’s belief that your sheets 

should ensure a fantastic night’s sleep, and that the bedroom should be a calm 

oasis away from our busy lives, helping us to start and end each day with a smile. 

The inspiration for this exquisite collection is drawn from the little things we 

find joyous and uplifting in everyday life. Everyone should feel like royalty when 

tucked into bed, so our bed linen is made from the highest quality cotton percale 

with 200 thread count, to feel luxuriously soft against your skin and launder 

beautifully, wash after wash. The classic designs will suit any bedroom style 

and will help you to dream peacefully every night. 


▲ 

SOPHIE CONRAN SPENCER 

Make bedtimes bold and beautiful with our stunning 

Spencer Bed Linen Collection. Made from pure, white 

cotton with a subtly textured, woven stripe in soothing 

grey, this bedding has modern simplicity and timeless style. 

The clean lines, classic colours and charming nod to 

nautical chic complement any decor and create a sense of 

space and harmony. Add luxurious layers with square pillow 

cases and comforting bedspreads, designed with a finer 

stripe and heavier cotton, for an irresistibly inviting bed. 





▲ 

SOPHIE CONRAN CLARENCE 

Bring your bedroom to life with our joyful Clarence 

bed linen collection. Made from superbly soft, 200 thread 

count, pure white cotton, this bedding has a striking floral 

print in rich coral, adding charm and character to any bed. 

The subtly geometric pattern and uplifting colour have a 

modern simplicity - finish with embroidered square pillows 

in plain white for extra comfort and a fresh, layered look. 





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

www.fenwick.co.uk 


Pudding sofa bed 

The Pudding Sofa from Loaf is 

handmade in Derbyshire. Featuring a 

deep, comfy seat and long curved back, 

we love this version in Burnt Orange 

plush velvet, £2,115. loaf.com 

Dual Purpose 

Snuggle up and save valuable space with 

our edit of stylish sofa beds 

Pillowtalk 

Available in over fifty fabrics, the Pillowtalk 

range by Content by Terence Conran 

comes in a variety of designs, from sofa 

bed to chaise, and costs from £839. 

contentbyterenceconran.com 

Vasca CO 02 

Available in two seat heights, Vasca 

features optional contrast piping and 

comfy cushions that never require any 

turning. From £1,550, Furl furl.co.uk 

Inca 

The retro-styled Inca sofa bed has 

angled wooden legs and a stylish 

button back. It even comes with 

two arm pads and two scatter 

cushions. £599, DFS dfs.co.uk 

Chatnap 

This modular corner 

sofa bed is packed with 

storage and designed 

especially for smaller 

spaces. Prices start from 

£2,685. loaf.com 


86

Versailles 2 Drawer Bedside 

Table, £305, 

The French Bedroom Co, 


Evie Upholstered Bed, £879, 

Living it Up, 

livingitup.co.uk 

Fleur Bedside Table, £1400 

+VAT, Oficina Inglesa, 

oficinainglesa.com 

Golden Taupe Silk Cushion, £25, 

and Silk Embroidered Cushion, £30, 

Shimu, 

shimu.co.uk 

Sleep in 

Beauty 

Sleep like royalty with gold accents, 

luxe fabrics and French detailing 

Bespoke Classic Canopy Bed 

with integrated TV system in 

the footboard, £9,000 +VAT, 

Oficina Inglesa, 

oficinainglesa.com 

Arthouse Suki Gold Foil cushion, £12, 

Arthouse, 

arthouse.com 

Eidetic Table Lamp in 

Medium Antique Gold Mirror, 

£126, Dar Lighting Group, 

darlighting.co.uk 

Lene Bjerre Emilia Cushion - 

Grey Mist, £55, 

Sweetpea & Willow, 


The Ritual of Karma Bed & 

Body Mist, £16.50, 

Rituals, 

rituals.com 

Versailles French White Bed, 

from £1,099 

Newtons Furniture 

newtonsfurniture.co.uk 

The Queen’s Bed, £2,680, 

The French Bedroom Co, 



A Magical 

Setting... 

• Breathtaking Scenery 

• Excellent Food and Service at affordable 

prices, with off-peak discounts available 

• 3 Magnificent Function rooms, 

each self contained with their own Bar 

• Licenced for Civil Ceremonies 

• Ample parking 

High Rocks Lane, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 9JJ Tel: 01892 515 532 www.highrocks.co.uk

Midwinter Fair 

16th, 17th & 18th November 2017 

THE HOP FARM, Paddock Wood, TN12 6YP 

Pre-book 

discounted 

tickets online 

now! 

Using this code 

WT1 

See online for ticket details & special offers 

BOOK ONLINE: wealdentimes.co.uk/events 

TICKET HOTLINE: 01580 236071 

TICKETS: On the gate: £10 

HARPERS AND HURLINGHAM

Wealden Times Midwinter Fair 16th -18th November 2017 

TICKETS 

ON SALE 

NOW 


The fairest of them all... 

Gifts for 

her 

Whether you’re looking for, clothes, jewellery, accessories or homewares, you’ll find an 

amazing selection of glorious gifts for girls at this winter’s fair! 

SW19 

London 

Faux Leather & Faux 

Sheepskin Lined Biker 

Jacket 

£120 

sw19london.com 

Bill Skinner 

Studio 

Floral Initial Letter 

Pendant 

£45 

billskinnerstudio. 

co.uk 

Hermosa 

London 

All Rounder 

in Black 

£80 

hermosalondon. 

com 

Chandrika 

Thomas 

Fragrance Set 

from £85 

chandrikathomas. 

co.uk 

Isabel Haines 

Durance Bibliotheque 

Range Candle, £15 

isabelhaines.com 

Romney 

Marsh Wools 

Handmade Natural 

Wool Lined Suede 

Moccasins With Soft Sole 

£25 

romneymarshwools. 

co.uk 

Wild Planet 

Orange Blossom 

Reed Diffuser 

£26.95 

wildplanetproducts. 

com

TICKET HOTLINE 01580 236071 wealdentimes.co.uk/events 

THE PICNIC BOX 

This Coffee House 

from Brighton will be 

serving sandwiches, 

gluten-free treats 

and speciality coffee 

from their vintage 

horse trailer. 

MUCKY DUCK 

Enjoy fresh 

homemade soup, 

savoury muffins, 

delicious cakes and 

mince pies with 

barista coffees and a 

wide selection of teas 

& hot chocolates. 

Bakery 

Ostrich 2 

Love 

Anthracite Grey 

Credit Card Holder 

£45 

ostrich2love.co.uk 

Cashara 

Cashmere Pom 

Pom Hat 

£40 

cashara.co.uk 

Into Mills 

Riviera Navy 

Collection, prices start 

at £6.95, Teak chopping 

board £30 

intomills.com 

As well as the café bar and street food café, we’d 

like to introduce our new café bakery! Refuel with 

delicious home-baked products, barista coffee and 

a range of teas from our three artisan producers 

serving from their quirky bakery wagons… 

Hall & Co 

Chinti & Parker 

Navy Aran S weater 

£350 

halland.co 

OATOPIA 

The place to find 

freshly ground 

coffee, gluten free 

flapjacks, porridge & 

energy bombs. Pick 

out your favourite 

oaty festive treat! 

Beau Britches 

Sports luxe designs 

that make you stand 

out in the gym. 

Leggings - £115; Capris - £79; 

Bra Top - £59 

beaubritches.co.uk 

91 

Asunsti 

Handwoven 

Organic Mulberry 

Silk Shawl, £85, 

asunsti.co.uk 

Katie 

Mullally 

Silver Small 

Hallmarking Circle 

£60 

katiemullally.com

Wealden Times Midwinter Fair 16th -18th November 2017 

TICKETS 

ON SALE 

NOW 


Gifts for 

him 

Make the most of the magnificent choice of exhibitors at this year’s fair to find 

something special for the men in your life… 

Anno 

Distillers 

60² Gin £55.50 

annodistillers. 

co.uk 

Swole Panda 

6 Pair Bamboo Sock 

Gift Box 

£45 

swolepanda.com 

Glover and 

Smith 

Personalised Spitfire 

Cufflinks 

£45.70 

gloverandsmith. 

co.uk 

Eribe 

Knitwear 

Lupetto Seamless 

Pullover T380 Yellow 

£250.00 

eribe.com 

London 

International 

Silver 

Antique Handled 

Mach 3 Razors 

£36.00 each 

notjustsilver.com 

92 

The Golden Fleece 

Barbour John, Brushed 

Cotton, Tailored Fit, Shirt in 

Barbour’s Classic (Green) & 

Modern (Grey) Tartan 

£64.95 

thegoldenfleece.co.uk 

The 

Amazing 

Chocolate 

Workshop 

Tool Box, £18 

thechocolateworkshop. 

co.uk

TICKET HOTLINE 01580 236071 wealdentimes.co.uk/events 

Devlin Jones 

Colonsay Bellows 

£250 

firebellows.co.uk 

Irvine Shirts 

Passion Flower, 

£85 

irvineshirts.com 

Oxney 

Organic Estate 

Oxney Organic 

Estate Classic 

£33 

oxneyestate.com 

The Canterbury 

Silver Co 

Cambridge Sterling 

Silver Fountain Pen with 

large display hallmarks 

£138.00 

silverpen.co.uk 

Barleycorn 

Prints 

Lancaster Panoramic 

(31”x17”) 

£100. Fair Price - £90 

barleycornprints. 

com 

Meet the maker 

Halinka’s fairies 

Get into the Christmas spirit with handmade 

festive characters by Halinka’s Fairies 

Can you describe your work? 

Delightful fairies and characters, all original designs 

and handmade by Halinka! Each is one of a kind. 

What do customers say they like about your products? 

My customers are delighted by the magic, the detail of 

the work and the colours but mostly by the movement 

and individuality of each little character. They say they 

make them happy and will be family heirlooms forever! 

Have you always been creative and did 

you need any specific training? 

I have always made things, drawn things, been taught 

to sew at the age of five by my very exacting Polish 

grand-mother. However, I also went to Art College 

where I studied theatre design and subsequently worked 

in the theatre all over the world. Very hard to do when 

you have children so I invented my own work! 

Do you have a typical working day? 

I don’t have a typical working day as it depends if I 

need to prepare parcels for posting. Sometimes I start 

at six in the morning and that always feels like a lot 

gets done but other days I start at lunch time and 

finish at midnight with a break for cooking! My most 

favourite days are when I am designing something 

new, I love the balance of colour and shape and maybe 

a new sort of character like the reindeer last year. 

Halinka’s 

Fairies 

Festive Fox 

£28.90 

halinkasfairies.com 

What’s been your proudest moment so far? 

With regard to my work, I guess 

doing the Harrods windows 

for two years running and my 

Facebook page being well viewed! 

wealdentimes.co.uk

Sissinghurst Flowers 

made with love 

Devain Bespoke Curtains 

Weddings Life Events Courses 

www.sissinghurstflowers.co.uk 

Telephone: 01580 852144 / 07977 142447 

Traditional & Contemporary 

Full Measuring, Making & Fitting Service Available 

 

A Wide Range of Beautiful Fabrics Also 

Available - Including Designer Brands 

West Malling 

info@devainbespokecurtains.co.uk 

Telephone: 07974 006146 

www.devainbespokecurtains.co.uk 

 

MadeWithLoveWT188.indd 1 19/09/2017 DevainBespokeCurtainsWT188.indd 11:31 

1 14/09/2017 15:24 

THE RYE CHRISTMAS 

FESTIVAL 2017 

SATURDAY 

9TH DECEMBER 

11AM TILL LATE 

• CHRISTMAS MARKET • SANTA’S GROTTO 

• MOTHER CHRISTMAS • STORYTELLING 

• PUPPET THEATRE • CAROL CONCERT 

• STREET PERFORMANCES • PROCESSION 

• COMPETITIONS • CAROUSEL & RIDES 

• REINDEER • SANTA EXPRESS TRAIN 

• CRAFTS & ACTIVITIES 

AND MUCH MUCH MORE 

Artwork created and donated by Andy Viner 

www.ryechristmasfestival.co.uk 


94 

ChristmasFestivalWT188.indd 1 18/09/2017 10:27

’tasha 

ANNOUNCING 

Steal a work of art 

25% OFF 

Specialise in Swedish & French interiors, 

original antique beds & furniture, 

Bespoke Zinc Top Tables. 

Forstal Farm Goudhurst Road Lamberhurst Kent 

Tel: 01892890769 www.tashainteriors.co.uk 

TashaInteriorsWT182.indd 1 14/03/2017 14:22 

FROM 

SLUMBER 

TO RUMBA 

Learn to Ballroom Dance 

at one of our new weekly beginners classes 

Monday evenings in Tenterden 

Friday evenings in Rolvenden 

£7 per class. Details available from 

07863 132920 

jackdavidson.co.uk 

FREE MATTRESS PROTECTOR 

WITH ANY BED PURCHASE 

01622 753073 | clarkesfurnishers.co.uk 

Visit us at Sandling Road, Maidstone, ME14 2RF 


SSwanConsultingWT187-2.indd 7 24/08/2017 LenleysWT188.indd 09:52 

1 13/09/2017 15:43

A Model Home 

Words: Jo Arnell Photographs: David Merewether Styling: Lucy Fleming 

Sue and Dave Donkin’s converted farm building, tucked away down an idyllic Kentish 

country lane, offers the perfect space for the couple to pursue their artistic interests 


15 

Don’t be left 

in the dark 

Official Distributor of 

The New England Shutter Company 

The Interior Shutter Company 

T: 01580 754064 M: 07905 118994 

E: james@interiorshutter.co.uk 

ILLUMINATIONS 

37-41 Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2PS 

01892 533 454 

146-7 Queens Rd, Hastings TN34 1RP 

01424 722 147 

RobinsonWaters 

IlluminationsWT188.indd 1 19/09/2017 InteriorShutterCompanyWT163.indd 17:25 

1 10/08/2015 15:54 

ISC TNESC AD V1.indd 1 03/06/2015 09:54:55 

Kitchen 

Lintel 

ARCHITECTS 

your home 

designed to fit 

your life 

54 

Cloakroom. 

UP. 

Entrance Hall 

Entrance 

Lobby 

Photo courtesy of www.goodnestone.com 

ARCHITECTURE 

steel beam. 

Innovative and practical 

Personal and professional 

Sustainable and affordable 

Contemporary and traditional 

studios: 

Sitting Room 


sevenoaks 

hawkhurst 

Study 

Lintel 

Lintel 

2373 

58 

ea of the Ground Floor 121.4 sq. metres. 

11 

8 

Lintel 

Finished Level Ground Floor 100.250 

3263 

architects@robinsonwaters.co.uk 

Tel: 01580 754806 

www.robinsonwaters.co.uk 

hastings 

98 

Rectory Interiors 

FABRIC & WALLPAPER SHOWROOM 

www.rectoryinteriors.co.uk 

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

Rye TN31 7DA 01797 222511 Saturday 10.00 - 16.00 

RobinsonWatersWT159.indd 1 13/04/2015 RectoryInteriorsWT182.indd 11:31 

1 13/03/2017 16:23

Previous pages: The kitchen is packed with retro 

charm. The large wooden post by the kitchen table 

hints at the building’s previous incarnation as a bullock 

breeding unit! This page: Many of the objects on 

display in the sitting room belong to Dave, most of 

them model boats 

You know you’ll be in for an interesting 

visit when the front garden of the house is 

home to a 2CV, some whimsical metal birds 

and you’re greeted by a friendly Collie-Doodle. 

“She’s called Polly,” says her owner, Sue Donkin, 

appearing at the threshold with husband Dave. 

“She’s a cross between a poodle and a collie” – with 

a hint of teddy bear, perhaps? As we head inside 

the house, which was once – and I’m finding this 

hard to imagine – a bullock breeding unit, I’m 

immediately (but thankfully not literally) struck 

by a fleet of model boats. They are arranged 

around the walls, on sideboards and surfaces, in 

large numbers, but in such a way that they aren’t 

overwhelming. Some are so beautiful that they’re 


more like works of art than working models. 

Sue and Dave Donkin are both artists. They studied 

Art and Graphic Design at Sidcup Art College (now 

sadly demolished). Sue went on to learn print-making, 

while Dave became a model-maker. Keith Richards 

from the Rolling Stones attended at the same time. 

Dave shows me a picture of them, back in the stylish 

day – Keith Richards looking impossibly, and almost 

unrecognisably, young and fresh faced. “Yes, there 

he is,” says Dave, smiling. “They told him that if he 

spent more time working, rather than in the boys’ 

cloakroom playing his music, he might do better…” 

After college Sue and Dave both became art 

directors in different advertising agencies. Sue then 

decided to leave advertising and started teaching 

in art colleges and Dave went freelance, as a model 

maker for advertising, BBC and publishing. Dave 

has made some amazing models, many for national 

ad campaigns and the couple have travelled all over 

the place sourcing materials for his pieces. Sue and 

Dave always painted too and now that they’re both 

free to paint more, their work is closer to home – in 

fact it is at home, in the converted garage that’s now 

a part of the house. It is a useful space for working 

in and is a great asset at the Open Studio events they 

participate in. “We don’t really sell ourselves, but the 

Open Studio was popular and got good footfall,” 

Top: The downstairs loo is a homage to political satire Above: The dining 

room is painted a tranquil green 


100

Restoring 

Quality 

We put the love back into your 

pride and joy with a full restoration 

service, never over-restored. Specialising 

in early walnut - distressing and finishing. Also 

French polishing, gilding, veneering and waxing. 

SUSAN SURGEY 

Restorer of Fine Antique Furniture 

Fully Qualified 

25+ Years’ Experience 

Onsite Work Available 

Call me for a quote or advice: 

01233 877342 / 01843 449257 or 07712 451104 

For examples, please visit www.susansurgey.co.uk 

SusanSurgeyWT188.indd 1 19/09/2017 HamletBuildingsWT169.indd 16:40 

1 29/01/2016 14:20 

THE LEADING AUCTIONEERS IN THE SOUTH EAST 

• Regular selected sales including Fine Art, 

Asian Art, Jewellery, Silver, Clocks, 

Medals, Watches, Wines and Furniture 

• Weekly sales of antiques, collectables and 

general items from £40 to £1,000 

(Payment made in two working days) 

• Free internet listing for all sales 

• Free auction estimates 

• Valuations for Insurance 

and Probate 

• House Clearance 

A late 19th/early 20th 

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4501 Gorringes (WT) (Oct2017) 130x185 Final.indd 1 9/5/17 1:52 PM 

GorringesWT188.indd 1 07/09/2017 10:21

This page: The studio, at the end of the house, offers the perfect 

space for Dave to create his rural and village street scenes and Sue 

her portraits and life drawings 

says Sue. They are not linked to a particular gallery, but Dave 

is exhibiting at the Cranbrook Art Show and they will also be 

exhibiting at the art show within Goudhurst Flower Festival. 

The original farm buildings were constructed in 1912, 

falling into a state of disrepair for many years before they 

were converted into dwellings. They were the first people 

to occupy the building as a family home, relocating to 

Goudhurst from the suburbs of London when their two 

daughters were small. “All our family were down here really, 

my mother lived at Scotney Castle,” says Sue. “It made sense 

– and,” she adds, “moving from a school of 3,000 pupils 

to a smaller environment was good too.” It was obviously a 

good move, as they’ve lived here now for twenty-nine years. 

Sitting in the kitchen I can’t help but notice the large 

post to one side of me – and then later, as we look around, 

I can see others running in parallel down the length of 

the house and start to see how the building was adapted. 

“You can see where the original walls were for the cattle,” 

says Dave, describing how there was a central walkway 

with partitioned stalls on either side all the way down the 

building. This explains the structural posts, which are 


102

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104 

SJFeistWT188.indd 1 14/09/2017 NicholasRamsdenWT188.indd 15:08 

1 14/09/2017 12:22

Above: Neatly arranged boats line the ascent to the first floor 

Left: A painting of Hastings by the late Anne-Catherine Phillips 

takes pride of place at the top of the stairs 

literally holding the building up. “Next door was the feed 

store,” he continues. “We did look at that too, as both 

buildings came on sale at the same time and we were the first 

buyers. So we had the choice of either, but this conversion 

had a layout that suited our needs with the potential to use 

the double garage as a workspace. Then unfortunately our 

buyer’s house sale fell through and he apologised for being 

unable to complete. We took the house off the market and, 

a year later, the buyer approached us again and eventually 

bought it.” The farm building was still not sold though and, 

having finally found a buyer for their house “and with more 

negotiating power, we were suddenly up and running again.” 

Moving wasn’t easy, as they had already managed to 

accumulate a large collection of treasures and delicate models, 

but the advantage was that they could move straight in and had 

no structural work to do at all. “We revamped the kitchen,” 

says Sue. “We kept the original wooden cupboards – somehow 

it’s a shame to paint over natural wood, but we’ve repainted the 

walls and added many other touches.” She points to a petite 

pale blue kitchen cabinet, given to them by an elderly friend, 

which fits perfectly into a tiny space opposite the iconic, 

original Habitat dining table, complete with ‘Pantone’ place 


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Above: Collections of framed butterflies and portraits line the bare brick wall in the master bedroom. The quilt was handmade locally 

mats. There’s an impressive matching Habitat lamp above the 

table. I admire the ceramic tiles above the cooker, from Casa 

Pupo, “which,” Sue says, “have moved around the house, only 

finding a home in the kitchen four years ago.” She loves to find 

a bargain too, showing me an unusual, streamlined (almost 

Brancusi-esque) kettle that she found in a jumble sale for 10p. 

The window by the kitchen table looks out onto the welltended 

and still colourful garden; the bird feeders are busy 

with birds and there’s much chirping in the surrounding 

bushes. There was no garden when they moved here; “It 

was just grass, so we made the garden from scratch really,” 

says Sue. “In fact we’ve probably done more work outside 

than in the house; putting in shrubs and trees – plants 

that will attract birds and wildlife.” It is now a far 

 


Top and below left: The girls’ bedrooms Below: Dave’s boat 

collection includes beautiful maritime storm scenes enclosed in 

mechanised wooden boxes 

cry from the scrubby patch it must once have been. 

The decisions the couple make about the house are 

joint ones and they tend to agree on most things. “You 

would love to start again from scratch I think, though,” 

Dave says to Sue, who grins and looks around. “Well, I 

do like a modern look, but I couldn’t have a home where 

everything is put away and minimalist. I admire it, but 

I couldn’t live in it. Objects have memories – of special 

friends that have given them, or things that we have brought 

back from holiday. You have to be able to see them.” 

Many of the objects on display in the sitting room belong 

to Dave, most of them model boats; he turns to Sue with a 

sheepish smile, “but I only collect them because I thought 

you liked them…” She laughs and shakes her head as we 

peruse the beautiful sailing boats that Dave has made. There 

are also cabinets of Dinky Toys and Matchbox cars – one 

with a quantity of model 2CVs, which appear to belong to 

Sue; she is particularly fond of her characterful car. It is in 

the sitting room that one can see the original purpose of the 

building most clearly. “There were stable doors on either 

side of the room, and all through the house,” explains Dave, 

while he carefully replaces the fan that was resting on the top 

of the wood-burner. The fan is not just for cooling purposes, 

apparently. “It makes a big difference having this here on top of 

the wood-burner, as it distributes the heat, moving it down to 

the other end of the room. It’s important in such a big space.” 

He pauses and looks around. “Yes, this was a great party room,” 

he says, “and now, well, it gives me room for more boats!” 

Upstairs the bedrooms are colourful and charming 


108

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Right: A secluded and tranquil 

seating area, concealed by 

borders, can be found at the 

back of the garden Below: A 

striped water container has 

been re-purposed as a display 

shelf for succulents 

and perhaps more reflective of Sue’s personality. In the large 

master bedroom above the sitting room there’s a striking 

patchwork screen made by Sue and on the bed a beautiful 

handmade quilt that was created locally. It coordinates 

well with the screen. There’s also a wonderful collection of 

teddy bears, great and small, which are much sought after 

– especially by the grandchildren. The couple are admirers 

of other artists’ work too and a well known local artist, the 

late Anne-Catherine Phillips belonged to the art group that 

Sue is a member of. When she died in 2014, Sue was asked 

if she’d like to come to her studio and choose a painting. “I 

said, don’t choose anything too big,” remembers Dave, so 

Sue came back with an impressively large view of Hastings, 

which now hangs in pride of place on the landing. 

Back downstairs and into the WC, as the two enormous 

letters (retrieved from the demise sale of Woolworth & Co) 

dictate we should call the smallest room. It’s an amusing 

room and could easily be called the PC, or Politicians’ 

Closet, due to the number of political caricatures in model 

form on display in here. Dave points out a particularly 

unnerving model on the bottom shelf. I’m not sure I’d 

really want it leering down at me in this room, somehow. 

We move on to safer ground in the pale green calm of 

the dining room, where all is harmony, with symmetrically 

retro cupboards and two very stylish serving trollies. “I nearly 

got a third trolley,” admits Sue, gazing fondly at the Italian 

mid-century chrome and glass beauty next to us, “but I 

suppose there’s only room for two,” she sighs, as we admire 

it. If only trollies could be pinned to walls like boats. 

Once in the large studio at the end of the house, it’s 

immediately clear that there are two distinctly different 

artists at work here, as their unique styles shine out from 

the walls and from every surface around the studio. 

Dave’s paintings are of rural and village street scenes, 


110

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this page: The couple’s garden is home to a collection of metal 

birds, nestled amongst the pots and foliage. Dave created a water 

feature from an oversized tap and metal watering can (left) 

smaller in size than Sue’s, but more graphic in style, their 

colours clear and bright. Sue’s paintings are figurative; 

there are many portraits and life drawings. She is often 

commissioned to paint portraits and says that pet portraits 

are becoming increasingly popular. “Somehow I’m able to 

catch the likeness of them.” This is a knack that’s very hard 

to achieve, but one that Sue has a wonderful talent for. 

It’s abundantly clear that during their time here, Sue and 

Dave together have fashioned an inspirational and creative 

home for their family, provided a safe harbour for Dave’s 

beautiful collection of model boats and their many other 

treasures, and, now that they have converted the garage 

into a good sized studio, they are able to fully stretch their 

creative limbs and show their prodigious talents to the full. 

Address Book: 

To see more of david donkin’s work, visit daviddonkin.com 

Visit Sue’s website susandonkin.com for more information on 

her paintings and commissions 


112

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114

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Kitchen& 

Bathroom 

A Wealden Times Supplement

MINTERIORS 

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WT Kitchen & Bathroom Supplement 

Contents 

Elegant Luxe, p. 17 

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8 Source of inspiration 

Emily Chalmers and Ali Hanan look at 

contemporary kitchens and bathrooms with a vintage 

flourish 

15 Sink and taps 

Sleek new kitchen styles 

17 Elegant luxe: kitchens 

Luxury kitchen projects 

21 Industrial components 

Metallic kitchen accessories 

23 Perfect partners 

Plant expert Sarah Wilson’s kitchen plant picks 

24 Elegant luxe: bathrooms 

Special places to bathe and relax 

TileLibraryWT182.indd 1 21/03/2017 10:48 

29 Get the loo 

The ultimate wcs 

31 Beautiful bathing 

Unusual designs for bathrooms with a difference 

33 On reflection 

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Source of 

Inspiration 

Emily Chalmers and Ali Hanan explore kitchens 

and bathrooms with a contemporary spin on 

vintage style in an extract from their book, 

Modern Vintage Style Photographs: Debi Treloar 


8


Blue & White: London based creative 

Ann Shore has put together a striking kitchen 

with her fresh, arresting palette of white and 

blue. She has used small pieces of masking tape 

to cover the fridge in a montage of blue and 

white images, including old magazine spreads, 

postcards and printed photos from around 

the world. Carrying on this theme, Ann has 

papered her breakfast bar stools – made from tall 

cardboard storage boxes – in recommissioned 

pages from books and magazines, to create 

a patchwork of memory and nostaglia. Her 

granite worktop on the cooking island carries 

on the theme, juxtaposed with crisp white 

cupboards. Wooden bowls and chopping 

boards bring in a sense of nature, like pieces of 

driftwood on a seashore, and contrast with the 

modern, polished-aluminium extractor hood. 

The modern vintage cook-eat 

space is the beating heart of the 

home. It juxtaposes the best of 

modernity with chic classics. Unlike the 

kitchens of yesteryear, we have many 

convenient, time-saving, high-tech 

devices, yet it makes sense to bring in 

a twist of vintage to inject wit, history 

and nostalgia. For every home needs 

a sense of humour and a little soul. 

The best kitchens incorporate 

brilliant details, perfect finishes and 

utilitarian functionality. Kitchens are 

practical, hardworking spaces which 

can be given style and personality 

when the correct balance of modern 

and vintage is struck. Although the 

details are important, start by searching 

for materials with clean, sleek lines to 

prevent the space from looking overcluttered, 

and build up from there. 

One of the easiest ways to bring 

modern vintage into your kitchen is 

with your cabinetry. You can either 

source old cabinets from local salvage 

or junkyards, or give existing cabinets 

a twist by decorating the doors with 

pretty, antique tiles, matte-sealed 

vintage wallpapers or industrialstyle 

surfaces. A quick, low-cost fix 

is to simply secure old glass knobs, 

colourful china handles or pewter 

cabinet pulls to modern cupboards. 

Otherwise, remove your cupboard 

doors entirely and keep vintage-style 

crockery, glassware, tea sets and other 

period pieces on display. Glass-fronted 

cupboard doors also showcase your 

finds. In traditional French country 

kitchens, the area below the kitchen 

sink was often disguised with a 

gathered curtain. For this look, source 

vintage fabrics in pretty florals or 

checks. Or go completely modern with 

bold graphics or giant polka dots. 

Worktops are the honed muscle 

of the kitchen. Hardworking wood 

– seen in old butcher’s blocks – 

has been a favourite for centuries, 

bringing in warm, honeyed hues to 

any kitchen. Stainless steel, however, 

has a slick, contemporary utilitarian 

feel, perfect for contrasting vintage 

details. If you’re replacing your 

Smart Spaces: In the Parisian home of artist Cécile Daladier and architect/designer Nicolas Soulier 

(above), the kitchen sink is integrated into the dining table, doubling up as a cook’s 

work surface when not an eating area. Quirky finds, like a silver Aladdin’s teapot on 

top of the cabinets and the handmade bowls, create areas of visual interest. Overall, 

they’ve kept the colour scheme white, giving this bijou space a sense of airiness. 



Top Tables: Invest in the right table. Or make 

your own. Old wooden beams have been crafted 

together to make a rustic-style table in Parisian 

restaurant Derrière, accessorised with contrasting 

chairs, like these rather elegant, fabric-covered 

dining chairs with glamorous brass studs. 

worktops, consider laminates. These 

surfaces have come such a long way 

from their Fifties heyday, coming 

now in a huge range of colourways, 

and instantly add retro flair. 

With so many hours being spent in 

the kitchen, floors need to be hardwearing 

and easy to clean as well 

as attractive. Linoleum has recently 

made a comeback as it’s natural, 

easy to install and comes in a huge 

range of designs. Unused rolls of 

vintage linoleum from the Twenties 

to the Fifties can often be found at 

salvage companies or in specialist 

stores, but there are now modern 

versions that come in vintage prints. 

Cork was extremely popular in the 

Twenties and gives a wonderful 

warmth underfoot. Of course 

wooden flooring, in any condition, 

is a firm favourite, straddling both 

vintage and modern styles. 

Tiles are great for adding a little 

twist of modern or vintage to walls. 

Zing up a plain wall with a pocket 

of busily patterned tiles or create 

a solid colour block of tiles in a 

retro colour, such as apple green or 

mustard. Glazed tiles reflect light, 

adding vivacity to your kitchen. Use 

them in unexpected places, such as 

on cupboard doors and worktops. 

Bring in colour by displaying 

vintage cookware, serve ware and 

Country Kitchen: In the home of artist Claire Basler, flowers are in abundance. Above 

the old vintage butler’s sink, blooms line up in re-employed grocery bottles. In brown 

enamel containers, she’s stacked her vintage silverware, found at market places, while a 

lemon yellow teapot resides on the hob. Claire shows off twists of must-have modernity, 

like the coffee machine and an industrial-style light to assist with food preparation. 

tools (think coffee grinders, retro 

blenders, old flour sifters, etc.) in your 

favourite period colours. Like the 

Sixties? Then go graphic black and 

white with your tiles and accessorise 

with harvest gold, burnt orange and 

olive green vases and teapots. If you 

prefer a Fifties look, think pastels: soft 

pink Smeg fridge, candy green tile 

splashbacks and baby blue crockery. 

Keep your eye out too for vintage 

cookware, like large enamel teapots, 

big copper pans and those details, 

like old nutcrackers, French herb 

cutters and marble chopping boards. 

Serve your food modern vintage 

style with antique silver cutlery, old 

photographic placemats, reclaimed 

linen napkins and vintage tumblers. 

Put your water in old milk bottles 

or ceramic milk jugs and eat, drink 

and be very, very merry! 

 


COLLINS BESPOKE 

BEAUTIFUL KITCHENS 

Designed and made in Bethersden, Kent 

www.collinsbespoke.com 

T. 01233 822595 E. info@collinsbespoke.com 

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


Old World Comforts: In Claire Basler’s 

bathroom, she has a generously sized vintage 

claw foot bathtub. Her trademark giant floral 

paintings, in this case irises on a silver canvas, 

provide a beautiful backdrop to bathe by. Linen 

towels hang from an old towel rail, heated by a 

shapely antique radiator. 

Reincarnate Key Pieces: An elegant, 

modern, square-legged side table becomes a 

practical bathing aid in Tim Rundle’s bathroom. On 

top, a vintage silver jug and soap dish reside, adding 

glinting, pretty accessories. Here, tiles play with 

proportion: large square floor tiles juxtapose with 

the tiny taupe and white mosaic tiles on the walls. 

The bath, painted in taupe, continues the natural, 

neutral feel. The large floor-to-ceiling window 

brings in the natural world, making this the perfect 

urban space in which to relax and reflect. 

There’s nothing quite like slipping into the warm, scented water of 

your own private oasis. Statistics show we spend three years of our life 

bathing, so investing some thought in the bathroom is well worth it. 

Bathrooms are our own private spaces, where we relax, wash and 

get ready to face the world or bid the day goodnight. Modern vintage 

bathrooms blend the best of contemporary conveniences with the 

beautiful classics the past has given us. The result is very, very relaxing. 

Modern life has given us the mod-cons that make a bathroom comfortable, 

yet it’s the old things, like the feel of a big brass tap/faucet, a sofa-sized 

bathtub, or the deluge of water that rains on you from a large Victorian 

rose head, which can make them truly luxurious. When it comes to 

designing your modern vintage bathroom, again it’s about contrast. Choose 

vintage or reproduction centrepieces (bathtub, lavatory, basi) to suit a fresh 

modern setting, or make your centrepieces chic and sleek, accessorising 

with traditional wall and floor finishes, or vintage textile accessories. 

Modern Vintage Style by Emily 

Chalmers & Ali Hanan is published 

by Ryland Peters & Small. 

WT readers can buy a copy for the special 

price of £14.99, including postage & 

packaging (RRP £19.99) by telephoning 

Macmillan Direct on 01256 302699 and 

quoting the reference KC5 


The Kitchen is the Heart of Your Home 

See how we can transform your home today www.bentonskitchens.co.uk canterbury@bentonskitchens.co.uk 

Showroom: 17 Maynard Road, Canterbury, Kent CT1 3RH Telephone: 01227 767576


1. 2. 

Sinks & Taps 

3. 

Update your kitchen with sleek, contemporary styles 

4. 

1. Blanco Panera-s stainless steel mixer, rrp 

£945.60 (special price £699) and Blanco Etagon 

500 if/a inset sink rrp £657.60 (sale price 

£479), Sink Emporium sinkemporium.co.uk. 

2. Blanco Pleon 6 split anthracite inset sink with 

Blanco Carena-s anthracite mixer, rrp £1048.80 

(sale price £749), Sink Emporium, as before 

3. Blanco Culina-s chrome mixer, 

rrp £595.20 (sale price £429) 

4. Based on the popular PuraVida design for 

bathrooms, Hansgrohe has come up with a 

digital source of water for the kitchen. The new 

electronic PuraVida kitchen mixer sports an 

exceptional design that offers convenient, digital 

operation. The tap comes in choice of brushed 

stainless steel or polished chrome, which combines 

beautifully with the strong lines characteristic of 

the latest kitchen designs. PuraVida electronic 

kitchen mixers provide the ultimate combination 

of superb eye-catching design with comfortable 

ease of use with a raised, pivoting spout that 

provides plenty of space beneath for filling 

large containers. The mixer is also available as a 

conventional, manual version if this is preferred 

to the electronic control. £1782 hansgrohe.co.uk. 


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


Elegant Luxe: Kitchens 

We speak to three kitchen companies about luxury projects they’ve undertaken and the design briefs behind them 

Charlie Kingham 

Estimated 

price: 

£29,000 

“Maintaining the highest quality without compromise, 

we create the finest furniture for our traditional 

kitchens. The unique design and exclusive detailing 

we have so painstakingly researched and refined, sets 

our period kitchens aside and hallmarks the delicate 

refinement that carries its own glorious attraction. 

This bright and bold kitchen was designed to fulfil the 

needs of a very busy household. With integrated wine 

storage above the cabinets and a separate drinks cabinet, 

we incorporated a vast amount of storage space. This 

included handy tray and chopping board pull outs. The 

glass on the cabinets allows lighting through to showcase 

the contents. The colour contrast on the island makes a 

sweeping statement and includes the convenient prep sink.” 

Marylebone, London / Guildford 

0207 935 2255 charliekingham.co.uk 

 



Approx 

price: 

£70,000 

Rencraft 

“This handmade bespoke 

luxury kitchen from 

Rencraft provides an elegant 

and sophisticated space 

for cooking, dining and 

entertaining. Every last detail 

has been carefully considered; 

from the bevelled panelling 

on the hand-painted chimney 

breast right down to the 

chamfer detail carved on 

to the corner posts. The 

interiors are made of walnut. 

The bespoke bar handles 

have been custom made to 

order and the splashback 

is antique bronze mirror. 

Storage solutions include 

large double door larders, 

butler cupboards and solid 

wood cutlery inserts. Sub- 

Zero & Wolf appliances 

seek to further enhance the 

sense of luxury.” 

Sevenoaks 01732 762682 

/ Tunbridge Wells 01892 

520730 rencraft.co.uk 

Collins Bespoke 

“A hand-made, painted, bespoke kitchen is a luxury. A 

hugely practical and useful luxury. Custom-designed, 

crafted by skilled cabinet-makers and finished by hand, 

Collins Bespoke’s kitchens are made just for their 

clients: imagine waking up each morning to such a 

unique and personal space. This is a wonderful luxury 

and one which can be applied to all our kitchens. 

One of our favourite kitchens of 2017 must 

be this one. It epitomises luxuriousness. The 

cabinetry is an example of beautifully crafted 

Beaded Shaker-style, finished in Farrow & Ball’s 

Plummett and Pavilion Gray. The mixture of greys 

with complementing silvery décor – stunning 

shimmery wall-paper and animal-print bar stools 

– and contrasting whites, give it a platinum showy 

effect. The space, with its high ceilings, enhances 

the island’s stage-like presence too, which has a 

luxurious feature of Dekton Aura worktops. 

Central to the cabinetry is an integrated appliance 

quartet of Miele ovens and warming drawers. 

Adjacent to this is a run of cabinetry-framed fullheight 

Miele wine coolers. This kitchen has been 

designed to be shown and is one in which entertaining 

must happen. It is wonderful.” Collins Bespoke, 

Bethersden 01233 822595 collinsbespoke.com 

Approx 

price: 

£38,000 

(ex. appliances) 


18

5 - SUSSEX STONE_PERIOD IDEAS 14/09/2017 10:21 Page 1 

2 

SussexStoneWT188.indd 1 14/09/2017 11:31 

traditional SUSSEX STONE handmade furniture 

Kitchens 

Bedrooms 

Studies 

Showroom: 78 London Road, Southborough 

Tunbridge Wells, Kent. TN4 0PP 

Tel: 01892 533273 

Web: Woodworkkitchens.co.uk 

Woodwork 1-2 ii.indd 2 31/05/2017 10:25 


WoodworkWT188.indd 1 15/09/2017 14:44

FREE 

NEFF DISHWAHER 

WITH CODE 

WT60 

Summer Sale 40% Off* 

Sleek, German engineering 

at direct from the factory prices! 

Why choose Kutchenhaus? As the largest retailer of German engineered kitchens in the UK we deliver 

pre-built luxury kitchens manufactured in Germany at direct from the factory prices. View your dream kitchen in 

our Southborough showroom, we also have a cinema room to keep the children entertained! 

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

*terms and conditions apply sale is for a limited time only

Ferm Living Wire Wall 

Display Rack, £89 

The Modern Nursery 

themodernnursery.com 

Small Reclaimed Teak 

Wine Rack, £125 

PUJI 

puji.com 


Nesta Table/Hanging Planter 

with Ceramic Pot, £45 

Black By Design 

black-by-design.co.uk 

Mitred Hem Linen 

Napkin in Charcoal, £12 

The Linen Works 

thelinenworks.co.uk 

Industrial 

Components 

Stelton Flow 1L Carafe, 

£39.95 

Black by Design 

black-by-design.co.uk 

Rebecca Cuffe’s metallic kitchen picks 

Brunï Espresso Cup, 

£20 Set of Three 

PIB 

pib-home.co.uk 

Matt Black Chasseur Cast Iron 

Round Casserole, from £70 

Amaroni Home 

amaroni.com 

Bloomingville 

Standalone Copper 

Pepper Mill, £29 

Cult Furniture 

cultfurniture.com 

Ruffoni Cremeria 

Fondue Set, £400 

Amara 

amara.com 

Large Metal Wall 

Clock, £79, PUJI 

puji.com 

Tractor Stool, £300 

Smithers of Stamford 

smithersofstamford.com 


KITCHENS 

FOR REAL COOKS 

It’s time for a new kitchen, the 

one you’ve always wanted. 

The complete kitchen service... 

Craftsmanship modern & ancient 

www.hammertons.co.uk 

01435 868611 

Sunset Farm • Heathfield Road 

Cross in Hand • TN21 0UJ 

...from a hinge to to a complete makeover 

100’s of Worktops l 1000’s of Doors 

door replacement l lmade to to measure service l l worktops 

appliances l sinks and taps l ldrawer replacement 

improved storage and access solutions 

door refurbishment service 

Instant hot water taps fitted 

The Kitchen Doctor's bespoke service supplies 

and The fits Kitchen comprehensive Doctor’s bespoke range service of components supplies and to 

fits a comprehensive range of components 

to 

give 

give 

your 

your 

kitchen 

kitchen 

a 

a 

new 

new 

lease 

lease 

of 

of 

life. 

life. 

01689 850000 01689 850000 

chris@thekitchendoctor.com 

chris@thekitchendoctor.com 

www.thekitchendoctor.com 

www.thekitchendoctor.com 

serving London and the South-East for 25 years 

Serving London and the South-East since 1984 

SAVE £££s 

Save energy. Kitchen lights 

replaced with long 

life LED units 

HammertonsWT176.indd 2 05/09/2016 KitchenDoctorS13.indd 15:54 

1 20/10/2015 11:36 


22 

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


WT’s Lucy picked up some 

excellent plant tips from Sarah 

at a recent Simply Garden talk 

at The Printworks, Hastings, 

where she found out about 

IKEA’s great new range of 

plant pots and cultivation 

units. Here are three of our 

favourites for kitchens... 

KRYDDA 

cultivation unit, £19 

A herb planter at Simply Garden 

Perfect Partners 

BITTERGURKA 

plant holder with LED 

cultivation bulb, £35 

Sarah Wilson from Simply Garden gives her suggestions 

for plants that thrive in a kitchen environment 

Herbs are an obvious choice for the kitchen, especially if you can find a 

warm and sunny spot for them. If you struggle to keep supermarket 

herbs alive, try growing your own from seed on the windowsill. This will 

save you money, plus the plants are likely to be healthier and last a lot longer. 

Air plants are like beautiful, mini ornaments but it can be easy to forget they need 

to be looked after like other plants. If you place them in your kitchen near the sink it’s 

easy to give them the occasional dunk in water or a quick spritz with your mister. Place 

them somewhere in your regular eyeline and you’ll be less likely to overlook them. 

You’re getting something out of the oven and catch your arm on the hot oven shelf, 

we’ve all done it. Aloe vera plants are legendary for their ability to heal burns, simply 

snap off a leaf and apply the gel inside directly to the burn. If you have a sunny spot 

and don’t overwater it, your Aloe vera will happily thrive with very little care. 

Kitchens can be humid environments, which perfectly suits humidity lovers like the 

Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata). This fern looks great displayed in a hanging pot 

which can be placed in the vicinity of moisture sources such as the sink or cooker. 

Beware temperature fluctuations though and keep this plant out of direct sunlight. 

The perfect plant to add interest to your kitchen shelves is the Ficus 

pumila. This tough little plant will cope with lower light levels and will 

trail beautifully, providing vertical interest. It loves moisture so water it 

every 3-4 days in a warm room. Look out for the variegated form if you 

fancy something slightly brighter than the straight green variety. 

SATSUMAS 

plant stand with 

5 plant pots, £30 

Visit Simply Garden at 51a George Street, Hastings, for expert advice, gardening 

essentials, plants, containers, courses and talks. 01424 319093 simplygarden.org 

23


Elegant Luxe: Bathrooms 

Bathe in sumptuous style with beautifully finished sanitaryware and fittings 

Image courtesy of European Bathrooms 

“Bathroom designer Villeroy & Boch 

has upped the luxe factor with its 

new Finion Collection. The epitome 

of indulgence, Finion combines 

delicately curved washbasins, baths 

and bathroom furniture with silver, 

gold and copper coloured accessories. 

For a stunning centrepiece, the 

Finion free-standing bath features a 

decorative metallic strip and soft LED 

lighting – giving a ‘floating’ effect.” 

POA, European Bathrooms, Windsor 

01753 865050 / Amersham 01494 

434349 europeanbathrooms.com 

Calypso Selter Pearl fitted furniture with white carcass, 

Cipollino Marble Calypstone worktop, Montana wc, Montana 

basin, Casola basin tap and Arada 1200 LED mirror. 

£3091.10 inc Vat. 

Cranleigh Bathroom Studios, Cranleigh 01483 272727 

cranleigh-bathroomstudios.co.uk 

Venticello 1200mm basin drilled with 3 tap holes in Alpine 

White Ceramic, £802 + Vat, Venticello 1200 vanity unit in 

Glass Gloss Grey with version 5 handle in copper, £1,368 + 

Vat, Dornbracht towel rails in Cyprum £546.70 + Vat each, 

Dornbracht MEM 3 hole mixer Cyprum £1941.30 + Vat 

Walton Bathrooms, Hersham 01932 224784 

waltonbathrooms.co.uk 

 


24

CATCHPOLE & RYE 

KENT ENGLAND 

EXCLUSIVE LUXURY BATHROOMS 

LONDON • TUNBRIDGE WELLS • ASHFORD 

T. 01892 526 996 www.catchpoleandrye.com

UK 

www.STONEWRIGHTUK.com 

Durable, Desirable, Affordable 

Natural Stone For Your Home 

THE BATHROOM SHOP 

Independent bespoke bathroom specialists 

k Bathroom installation 

k Sanitaryware, modern and traditional 

k Taps and showers, modern and traditional 

k Shower enclosures and bath screens 

k Fitted and free-standing furniture 

k Radiators, modern and traditional 

k Bathroom tiles supplied and fitted 

k Accessories and toiletries 

k Robes, towels, bathmats etc… 

• Natural Stone Floor Tiles • Fire Hearths • 

• Kitchen Worktops • Bathroom Tops • 

• Product Consultation Service • 

• Granite • Quartz • Marble • 

• Slate • Limestone • 

11 East Cross, Tenterden, Kent, TN30 6AD k Telephone: 01580 763207 

www.the-bathroomshop.co.uk 

BathroomShop 

@TheBathroomShop 

Instant estimate available at www.stonewrightuk.com 

Opening Hours 8.00am - 5.00pm Monday - Friday 

Saturday by appointment only 

Unit 1, Ninn Farm, Ninn Lane, Great Chart, Ashford, Kent TN23 3DA 

Tel: 01233 650944 E: info@stonewrightuk.com 

We can produce made-to-fit glass shower screens I Splashbacks I Replacement double 

glazed units I Balustrading I Glass partitioning I Mirrors I Glass roofs and Glass floors 

BathroomShopWT188.indd 1 13/09/2017 StonewrightUKWT172.indd 12:19 

1 12/05/2016 10:54 

Let our bespoke glass products 

bring your ideas to life 

G L A S S S E R V I C E S 

t 01303 264169 e glass@bowlphish.com w bowlphishglassservices.co.uk QUOTE BG5 


26 

BowlphishGlassServicesWT188.indd 1 18/09/2017 17:31

Heritage 

Penrose Freestanding 

Acrylic Double ended bath 

£1,400 inc Vat, Cranleigh 

Bathroom Studios 

cranleigh-bathroomstudios. 

co.uk 


Heritage Claverton wash 

basin 3 taphole, pedestal and 

Heritage Glastonbury 3 taphole basin 

mixer. Basin £230 inc Vat, pedestal 

£115 inc Vat, taps £275 inc Vat, 

Cranleigh Bathroom Studios 

cranleigh-bathroomstudios.co.uk 

“The West One Bathrooms design team recently completed this project: bringing an Arts & Crafts house into the twenty-first 

century with this luxurious master en suite bathroom. The design was kept open, with an open doorway through from the 

bedroom and dressing room, whilst providing privacy with a feature wall behind the bath to conceal the shower at one end and 

the loo at the other. Soft chalky textures give a warm, airy feel to the space, and a distressed plank effect floor and walls in the 

shower area give the feel of an old Parisian apartment. The overall result is one of calm and tranquillity, which hits the clients’ 

brief perfectly.” West One Bathrooms, Tunbridge Wells 01892 548111 / Oxshott 01372 841730 westonebathrooms.com 



Get 

the loo 

Flush with flair with our pick 

of the latest WCs 

3 

1 2 

5 6 

4 

1. Burlington chrome aluminium high level cistern floor standing WC, £1,084.01, Classic Tiles & Bathrooms Ltd. 

classictilesandbathrooms.com 2. Calm Grey Left Hand Combination Vanity Unit Set with WC, £314.97, Bathroom Takeaway, 

bathroomtakeaway.co.uk 3. Numi is Kohler’s most advanced WC, featuring a host of automated technology including a 

motion-activated, bidet style cleansing wands, warm air dryer, bluetooth, radio and lighting. It is also self-cleaning! £10,800, 

West One Bathrooms westonebathrooms.com 4. Victorian High Level WC, £590, The Pure Bathroom Collection from Smiths 

Briten, purebathroomcollection.co.uk 5. Sottini Iscara Back to Wall WC with slim close wrap over seat, £460, NJK Interiors, 

njkinteriors.com 6. Fusion L Vanity Unit in Walnut Effect, from £610, The Pure Bathroom Collection from Smiths Briten, 

purebathroomcollection.co.uk 7. Duravit Starck 2 New Rimless WC, for stockists see duravit.co.uk 

7 


LONDON 

AuT umN PrO m OTi ON NOW ON 

London . Tunbridge Wells . Oxshott 

0333 011 3333

Hib Spectre 50 LED 

Mirror – A stylish range mirror 

with chamfered LED Lighting, 

light adjusting switch, the ability to 

change from cool to warm white, a 

heated pad to clear condensation. 

Can be fitted landscape or 

portrait. £309, NJK Interiors 

www.njkinteriors.com 


The 

Copper 

Bateau with 

copper exterior and 

interior, from £6,000, 

Catchpole & Rye 

catchpoleandrye. 

com 

Beautiful 

Bathing 

Lavish your 

bathroom with 

statement design 

Clearwater 

Teardrop Bath, 

£2,195, Classic Tiles 

& Bathrooms Ltd. 

classictilesandbathrooms. 

com 

The 

Gridscape 

shower enclosure 

is available in a variety 

of finishes and coloured 

glass options, so you can 

mix and match the glass 

styles and textures 

West One Bathrooms Ltd. 

westonebathrooms. 

com 

Galleon 

cast iron Bath 

clad in zebra print 

on leather, POA 

Miscellanea of Churt 

miscellanea.co.uk 

Axor 

LampShower, 

from £1,610, 

Hansgrohe 

hansgrohe.co.uk 


5 Award winning 

kitchen designers 

C O M E A N D M E E T T H E B U R N H I L L T E A M 

Open 7 days a week 

01732 373515 

www.burnhillkitchens.co.uk 

l Family Run l Independent l Local


Round Gold 

Wall Mirror By 

House Doctor 

£59.95 

Ovohome.com 

ovohome.com 

Ferm LIVING Enter 

Mirror Small, £74, 

Cloudberry living 

cloudberryliving.co.uk 

Knightshayes Gold 

Sunburst Wall Mirror, £225 

The Chandelier & 

Mirror Company 

chandeliersandmirrors.co.uk 

Eclipse Mirror, 

£180, Lime Lace 

limelace.co.uk 

On Reflection 

Discover who’s the fairest 

of them all with our edit 

of bathroom mirrors 

Medina 

Mirror, £199, 

BoConcept 

boconcept.com 

Emily Mirror £69 

Pib 

pib-home.co.uk 

Living Hand 

Mirror, £47, 

BoConcept 

boconcept.com 

Ring Mirror, 

£229, BoConcept 

boconcept.com 

The Sensor Mirror Pro in rose gold is 

capable of over 50,000 colour variations to 

simulate natural sunlight for the brightest 

most colour-correct view – perfect when 

applying makeup. Choose presets or use the 

phone app to capture light settings from 

the environment around you, £219.99. 

Simplehuman simplehuman.com 


Potts Ltd 

Kitchens, Bathrooms & Interiors 

Superior Surroundings

Kiln Barn Road, East Malling, Maidstone, Kent, ME19 6BQ 

01732 848444 www.potts.ltd.uk

Barbour Hoxton jacket, 

£99.95, RM Williams Collins 

shirt, £85, The Golden Boot, 

Maidstone thegoldenboot.co.uk 


118

Layer Up 

Cosy casual menswear to take you through from autumn to winter 

Photographs: David Merewether Styling: Helen Barton 

Location: Blooming Green, Linton 


Celebrating our opening in Canterbury with a special event 

Exclusive in-store promotions when you join us on 

Saturday 30th September 2017 

46 Burgate, Canterbury, CT1 2HW 

Tel 01227 785888 

Paris, Aix-en-Provence, Bordeaux, Lille, Lyon, Marseille, 

Strasbourg, Toulouse, Geneva, Lausanne

RM Williams moleskin trousers, 

£115, jacket, £179, Barbour 

knit jumper, £109, County 

Clothes, Canterbury / Reigate 

/ Sevenoaks / Tenterden 

countyclothesmenswear.co.uk

STYLISH SHOES FOR STYLISH FEET 

dressing undeniable beauty 

www.odyl.co.uk 

01580 714907 

OdylWT188.indd 1 19/09/2017 ManukaShoesWT188.indd 10:41 

1 20/09/2017 12:13 

cashmere and silk knitwear 

Ladies Shopping Event 

Wednesday 11th October 5pm–9pm 

Come and enjoy a glass of champagne 

and canapés whilst browsing 

the new Autumn/Winter 2017 

collections, exclusively from Myrine 

Antwerp, Mala Alisha, Rino + Pelle, 

Bcharmd, Deck and many more. 

In conjunction with The Granary Spa, 

ladies can benefit from complimentary 

reflexology taster sessions and clothed 

hot lava shell upper back massages. 

Complimentary goody bags with all 

purchases and prize draws to win a 

luxurious pamper day at The Granary 

Spa and a Cashara gift voucher. 

01233 647647 www.thegranaryspa.co.uk 

23 High Street, Tenterden TN30 6BJ 

Telephone 01580 761222 Email sales@cashara.co.uk 

Shop online at www.cashara.co.uk 


122 

CasharaWT188.indd 1 13/09/2017 15:13

Hackett gilet £240, Scotch 

& Soda polo shirt (wine red) 

£38.50, blue chinos, £79.95 

Ralphs, Cranbrook, 

01580 712222

Scotch & Soda jeans, £95, shirt 

£79.95, jacket £158, Ralphs, 

Cranbrook, 01580 712222; 

Panama Jack Barkley boots, £149, 

The Golden Boot, Maidstone 

thegoldenboot.co.uk

AW17 Barbour & 

Harris Tweed now in 

44 

Now stocks exciting new collections from Mistral, 

White Vanilla and Tilley & Grace, which include smart 

casuals in a range of sizes, luxury ponchos and wraps, 

cashmere and jewellery. All this as well as our core 

range of easy to wear essentials. 

Tel: 01797 224271 

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

e: shop@thegoldenfleece.co.uk 

w: www.thegoldenfleece.co.uk 

@goldenfleecerye 

Opening Hours: Tuesday—Friday 10.30am—5pm 

Saturday 10.30am—3.30pm 

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

GoldenFleeceWT188.indd 1 13/09/2017 Elizabeth44WT187.indd 14:14 

1 17/08/2017 17:29 

New for 

Autumn/ 

Winter 17 

Opening times: Monday–Saturday 9.30am–5pm 

Hackett London 

Scotch and Soda 

Tresanti 

01580 712222 | ralphslifestyle@gmail.com 15 Stone Street, Cranbrook, TN17 3HF 


RalphsWT188.indd 1 14/09/2017 14:27

Shersby 

FINE JEWELLERS 

BillyRuffian. 

Diamond 

Bubble Rings 

Available in 

Platinum & 18 

carat gold 

MEN’S SHOES 

& ACCESSORIES 

Free striped socks 

with every pair 

George Cottage, High Street, Cranbrook 

Cranbrook has free car parking 

www.shersbyjewellers.co.uk Telephone: 01580 720003 

shersbyjewellers@aol.com Find us on Facebook 

billyruffianshoes.co.uk +44 (0)1234 816820 

LOVELL & VIE 

lingerie swimwear 

ShersbyJewellersWT187.indd 1 16/08/2017 BillyRuffianWT188.indd 17:02 

1 13/09/2017 10:13 

Aubade 

PrimaDonna 

Empreinte 

Marie Jo 

Wacoal 

b.tempt'd 

Chantelle 

Passionata 

Fantasie 

Hanro 

Yawn 

PJ Salvage 

Vanilla 

Huit8 

DKNY 

Moontide 

Watercult 

Hanky Panky 

46 Holly Bush Lane, Sevenoaks TN13 3TL 

01732 454445 www.lovellandvie.co.uk 

Hawkhurst-No6 The Colonnade Rye Road Kent. TN184ES 

01580 752118 

Rye- No12 High Street Rye East Sussex. TN317JF 

01797 224369 

Lewes -27 High Street Lewes East Sussex. BN72LU 

01273 480896 


126 

LovellAndVieWT188.indd 1 15/09/2017 CordeliaJamesWT188.indd 10:51 

1 13/09/2017 10:34

Barbour lace-ups (left), £125, 

Brogues (below), £119, 

The Golden Boot, Maidstone 

thegoldenboot.co.uk 


Barbour waxed jacket, £199, Schoffel Brancaster shirt, £69.95, The Golden Boot, Maidstone thegoldenboot.co.uk 


128

www.thegoldenboot.co.uk

We are nursery specialists, 

stocking all the major brands 

at competitive prices 

CLAIM YOUR 

IN-STORE VOUCHER 

£50 when you spend £500 

or £100 when you 

spend £1000 

www.littlepoppets.co Telephone: 01732 456497 

142c & 142d St Johns Hill, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 3PF 

Autumn Collections 

New to Heathfield! 

LittlePoppetsWT184.indd 1 24/05/2017 16:12 

at… 

N 

o. 

37 

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 

Heathfield High Street, offering quality clothing and 

accessories from brands including: 

Masai ∙ Adini ∙ Capri ∙ Two Danes ∙ Ochre Knitwear ∙ 

Eva Tralala ∙ Sahara ∙ Join ∙ Amazing Woman ∙ InTown 

We invite you to browse in our relaxed and friendly 

atmosphere. 

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


130 

No37-WT188.indd 1 18/09/2017 10:46

Hugo Boss jeans, £119, knit 

top £119, and jacket, £280, 

Ashworth & Bird, Reigate 

ashworthandbird.com 

wealdentimes.co.uk

County Clothes Menswear 

Quality & Personal Service 

Canterbury Tenterden Reigate Sevenoaks 

Stock up on your 

winter warmers 

Merino possum 

knitwear, 

brushed cotton 

shirts and fleece 

lined boots will 

keep you cosy 

this season. 

www.countyclothesmenswear.co.uk 

19 St Margaret’s Street 

Canterbury 

01227 765294 

2 East Cross, Tenterden 

01580 765159 

Don’t get 

left out 

in the 

cold 

6 High Street, Reigate 

01737 249224 

14 Bank Street 

Sevenoaks 

01732 454068 

LUXURY LEATHER 

GIFTS & ACCESSORIES 

FOR THE DISCERNING 

LADY OR GENTLEMAN 

IN YOUR LIFE. 

Call us on 01424 839814 or 

visit www.drewlennox.com 

Homeware, Womenswear 

Plants, Toys 

CountyClothesWT188.indd 1 11/09/2017 DrewLennoxWT188.indd 14:20 

1 19/09/2017 11:39 

Joules 

Seasalt 

White Stuff 

Thought 

Toggi 

Brakeburn 

Swattenden Lane | Cranbrook | TN17 3PS 

01580 713189 

www.charityfarmcountrystore.co.uk 

3 High Street, Lenham ME17 2QD 

Telephone 01622 859844 

no.3_shop www.no3lenham.co.uk 


132 

CharityFarmWT188.indd 1 06/09/2017 KSE-No3-WT188.indd 12:26 

1 20/09/2017 16:37

RM Williams jeans, £95, 

Fynch-Hatton shirt, £75, 

Olney Outback hat, £65, 

County Clothes, Canterbury / 

Reigate / Sevenoaks / Tenterden 

countyclothesmenswear.co.uk 

Many thanks to Blooming 

Green for allowing us to 

photograph amongst their 

farm buildings. Find out 

more about their PYO 

and wedding flowers at 

bloominggreenflowers.co.uk

Private Escort 

Care Service 

FACEBOOK.COM/LINDAPOPEOPTICIANS 

WWW.LINDAPOPEOPTICIAN.CO.UK 

RYE ROAD • HAWKHURST 

TELEPHONE 01580 753744 

Our Private Care Service carers can come 

to your house; help assist you with an 

outing in either your car or theirs. This 

help can form part of a tailored package 

of care that could help you stay in your 

own home for longer, rather than going 

into a care home before its really needed. 

We can assist those who need help due 

to frailty, disability or illness to live as 

independently as possible, with comfort 

and dignity, in their own home. 

www.townandcountryhomecare.co.uk 

Domestic 

Care 

£9.77 

per hour 

For a free assessment 

of your care needs or to 

receive your brochure 

Call us on 01580 762244 

Town & Country Homecare Limited 

102a High Street, Tenterden, Kent TN30 6HT 

Highest quality 

Tennis surfaces 

LindapopeWT188.indd 1 18/09/2017 TownCountryHomecareWT133.indd 16:12 

6 04/02/2013 16:20 

Mole, Wart & Verucca 

removal – minimum 

downtime, excellent results 

and all weather garden play areas 

MG Contracts is a family business with over 35 years’ 

experience in building tennis courts and sport areas. 

The company provides free surveys & quotations. 

All courts are constructed to high specifications 

and are supported with a long guarantee. 

Please contact us for further information: 

The Whym, Manchester Rd, Ninfield, East Sussex TN33 9JX 

01424 892265 07831 643835 mgsc@btconnect.com 

www.martingurrtennissurfaces.co.uk 

MG Contracts 

Before 

After 

Many people suffer from unwanted moles, warts, 

cysts and veins. These can be debilitating to your 

confidence, particularly when they are on the face. 

Wells Clinic offer a safe, effective, high frequency 

treatment which rapidly diminishes the unwanted 

lesion or blemish from your skin. And there’s very little 

bruising or swelling! 

From £155 including your follow-up session 

9 New Street, Ashford, TN24 8TN - 01233 661662 

71 London Rd, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1DX - 01892 530265 

37 Cambridge Rd, Hastings, TN34 1DJ - 01424 444633 

www.wellsclinic.com info@wellsclinic.com 


134 

MsgsportsWT185.indd 1 20/06/2017 WellsMedicalCentreWT188.indd 16:12 

1 20/09/2017 14:15

Beauty 

Cover Up 

Josephine Fairley shares her advice for 

achieving the perfect hair colour 

If it sometimes seems as if your colourist is speaking 

another language – well, he (or she) is. So this month, 

I thought I’d translate all the key terms into real-life 

words that any human being can understand – which 

should help you achieve the look you want, whether you’re 

having your hair coloured in a salon or doing it yourself. 

What I truly, truly recommend, though – if at all possible – 

is that as you start to develop grey, you have your hair coloured 

professionally at least once, and then at least occasionally. Yes, 

haircolouring can be pricy – and can carve huge chunks out of 

your diary to maintain. A sympathetic colourist, however, will 

be able to advise you on the best shade for your skintone. If 

they’re really generous-spirited, they may be able to point you 

in the direction of a particular shade in a drugstore/chemist 

brand that might work for you, or at least tell you where on 

the Hair Colour Level Chart you are (see below), and what 

level of shade would work best with your (undyed) colour. 

Balayage The technique of painting highlights directly onto 

the hair without using foils; this can enable a colourist to get 

closer to the parting/roots with the bleach. Can give a ‘beachy’ 

look and lessens the occurrence of unwanted regrowth lines 

sometimes associated with foil highlights or those pulled 

through a cap – but best left to true haircolour artists. 

Demi-permanent colour lasts up to 28 shampoos. Contains 

lower levels of peroxide (which means it’s 

TIP: 

After colouring, 

never shampoo for 24 

hours. This will help the 

colour to ‘set’, so it 

takes perfectly. 

less harsh and drying) than permanent 

colour. It’s great for creating naturallooking 

tone changes (such as taking 

brown hair to a rich auburn shade) 

and will cover grey. Gradually fades 

back to the natural underlying shade. 

Glaze, a.k.a. Gloss A pigment-laden 

or clear liquid used to enhance 

a hair colour temporarily. 

Highlights, streaks or chunks 

of lighter colour (created through 

the use of ammonia/hydrogen 

peroxide), applied through the 

hair – usually using foils. 

Permanent colour doesn’t wash 

out, and requires touching up of the 

roots every four to six weeks. It contains both 

ammonia and peroxide, so it can lighten, darken and/or 

completely change your hair colour; it can also cover grey. 

Peroxide Otherwise known as hydrogen peroxide, 

extensively used in haircolouring as a ‘developer’ or 

‘activator’. Its role is to open up the cuticle and allow 

bleach or colour into the cortex of the hair. 

Rinse See temporary colour, below. 

TIP: 

When it comes to 

covering a whole head of grey, 

don’t go darker. Not only does 

it showcase greys and regrowth, 

but it can look opaque, like 

you painted your head 

with shoe polish. 

Semi-permanent colour washes out after six to 12 shampoos. 

This enhances natural hair colour but won’t lighten it and 

won’t cover grey, although it can soften its appearance. (NB 

The reason haircolouring companies cite the number of 

washes rather than a time-frame is that some of us wash 

our hair every day, others as occasionally as once a week.) 

Semi-temporary Not to be confused with semipermanent 

(above): this colour lasts from 4-6 

washes, contains no ammonia and isn’t mixed with 

a ‘developer’ such as hydrogen peroxide. 

Single process All-over colouring of the hair, from the 

roots at the scalp right through to the ends, in one step. 

Temporary colour simply coats the hair shaft and rinses 

out after one shampoo. These cannot lighten hair, but 


Concept 

Hair 

salon 

50 High Street, Tenterden 01580 762 564 

Book online at www.williamcharleshair.co.uk 

or through our facebook page 

CL2 

HAIR 

DrChristineWT179.indd 1 09/12/2016 WilliamCharlesWT187.indd 11:22 

1 21/08/2017 12:50 

Damaged 

Dry 

Specialist in salon treatments and to take away! 

CL2 your complete solution for every season's hair care 

Frizzy 

Problem 

Hair 

01580 715456 www.cl2.co.uk Stone Street, Cranbrook 


136 

CL2WT179.indd 1 13/12/2016 17:13

TIP: 

‘If you have to put on 

more make-up to make your 

only temporarily 

new colour work, you’ve picked 

brighten or darken. 

the wrong shade. The one colour you 

Tint may sound like a should absolutely avoid when you’re 

subtle colour – but it’s over 40 or 50 is raven black. It will 

actually an alternative sap life and colour from your face,’ 

phrase used by hairdressers says New York haircolourist 

to describe permanent colour. 

Louis Licari. 

Tone-on-tone colour Another 

phrase for demi-permanent, see above. 

Now you’ve mastered this, get your head around Hair Colour 

Level Charts. These are why so many women head for the 

salon to have colour done (and that includes me.) There is an 

absolutely fiendish universal system for numbering haircolour: 

there are 12 levels, with 1 representing black and 12 representing 

ultra-light blonde. As a general rule, the first number on the 

label of a box of hair colour will tell you the colour level of 

that product. However, your own base colour – and where it 

falls in that spectrum from 1-12 – will affect the final shade 

on you personally. This is why colourists advise that you 

don’t stray more than one or two shades lighter or darker 

than your current natural haircolour, for optimum results. 

But remember: no matter what the language of haircolour, one 

picture speaks a thousand words. It’s all very well being able to 

speaka da lingo when it comes to knowing your semi-permanents 

from your demi-permanents – but, the biggest challenge can 

be successfully communicating actual shades and colours to a 

colourist. So: you say ‘brown’. Your colourist could be thinking: 

anything from milk chocolate to dark chocolate. At 

the same time, what’s ‘red’ to you might be pillarbox, 

to a colouring professional. (Yikes.) This is where 

photographs truly come into their own: brandishing 

a cutting torn from a glossy of the colour that you 

are hoping for, in front of your hairdresser, can 

save an awful lot of confusion. (And, potentially, 

tears.) So: keep tearsheets of anyone whose hair 

colour you’d love to emulate. You can then 

talk through what’s actually achievable and 

– crucially – what the upkeep would be. 

There has been one incredibly welcome 

innovation on the haircolouring front. 

Pioneered by 

Color Wow, there are quite a few touch-up powders 

on the market now. Basically, you brush these onto 

roots when regrowth is showing, and they’ll stay 

put till you wash your hair again. They can take 

a little time to get the hang of, but the compact 

has a brush, which you sweep over the powder 

and then apply along the parting, working 

along the hair shaft rather than ‘painting’ 

the scalp itself; 

Color Wow now have eight 

shades, from Platinum Blonde to Black (and 

there’s a Red, too), £28.50 at 

victoriahealth.com. 

And all I can add is: I hope this has helped 

you to get your head around the subject… 

For more beauty wisdom from 

Jo Fairley, visit beautybible.com. 

VibrantWomenWT188.indd 1 11/09/2017 15:21 

purely beauty 

Autumn Offers 

‘Get Polished’ 

Gel Manicure and Gel Pedicure 

Only 60! (Usually £74) - Approx 2hours* 

*Does not include removal 

‘Warm up & Glow’ 

Prescription Facial 

Back Neck and Shoulder Massage Hot Stone Massage 

Only 60 (Usually £75) - 1hr 30mins 

‘Pumpkin Princess’ 

LVL (Lash Lift) 

Gel Polish Application fingers or toes* 

Only 50 (Usually £70)- Approx 1hr 45mins 

*Does not include removal 

’Bright Eyed and Bushy Tailed’ 

Men 

Express Skin Treatment or Hopi Ear Candles 

With a 30 minute Deep Tissue Back Massage 

Only 45 (Usually £60) - Approx 1hr 

Take a look on our website for all our Autumn offers 

Offers Valid from 30th September - 30th November, T’s and C’s Apply 

Call 01580 753383 

Book Online at www.purenique.co.uk 

Beauty Salon Hawkhurst, TN18 4JU 


PureniqueWT188.indd 1 11/09/2017 10:37

Women’s health – New technology 

helping to beat Breast Cancer 

We do 

breast health 

checks… 

Our One Stop Breast Clinic now offers 

3D mammograms helping to detect 

Breast Cancer with greater accuracy 

If you are over 40 with no 

symptoms, you can 

self-refer for a 

3D mammogram* 

We are currently the only private hospital 

in Kent to offer the latest advances in 

digital mammography; 3D Digital Breast 

Tomosynthesis. 

Patients seen in our One Stop Breast Clinic 

will have the option of 3D mammography. 

The benefits speak for themselves: 

• Improves breast cancer detection by 

approximately 25% 

• Smaller cancers can be identified more easily 

• Particularly benefits those with dense breasts, 

especially younger women 

• Fewer patient recalls 

Early detection is key. Make Spire 

Tunbridge Wells your hospital of choice. 

What our patients say… 

I found the whole experience whilst 

having the scan to be very quick indeed 

and more importantly I was made to 

feel very comfortable by the staff’ 

TWells patient 

I just wanted to say how lovely the staff in 

x-ray department were yesterday when I 

went for a mammogram.Everyone was so 

friendly and professional 

Local GP Practice Manager 

To book an appointment in the One Stop Breast 

clinic call our Customer Services Executive on 

01892 741150 

www.spiretunbridgewells.com 

* Patients can self-refer for 3D mammograms if they are 

experiencing no symptoms and do not have any family history. 

Fordcombe Road, Fordcombe, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN3 0RD

Embrace Autumn 

Wealden Times talks healthy living with yoga teacher Lauren Glass 

Health & Beauty 

Do you have a beauty 

regime? I wash my face 

morning and night with Liz 

Earle Cleanse and Polish. 

In the morning I use my 

Clarisonic to exfoliate 

Heart of 

Oats… 

Because they contain betaglucan, 

a form of fibre, oats 

have the ability to reduce 

cholesterol, stabilise blood 

sugar and cut the risk of heart 

disease from blocked arteries. 

Not only are they super-good 

for you (they’re also high in 

Vitamin B1, magnesium, 

selenium and protein) but a 

bowl of porridge oats makes a 

cheap and tasty breakfast that 

will fill you up till lunchtime. 

Regular porridge oats can be 

processed with wheat so if you 

want to avoid gluten, go for 

the gluten-free varieties. 

One cup of oats cooked with 

two cups of milk or water and 

then use SkinCeuticals CE 

Ferulic, which increases UV 

protection, followed with a 

SkinCeuticals brightening 

moisturiser with SPF 30. 

Having spent my youth 

laying in the sun, slathered in 

Hawaiian Tropic, it’s time to 

take more care! At night I use 

a Bobby Brown moisturiser. 

Once a week I might use a 

mud or cucumber face mask. 

Do you have a particular 

product you couldn’t live 

without? As a dietitian and 

yoga teacher I believe a sense 

of health and wellbeing 

comes from within – 

eating well, getting plenty 

of rest and a daily yoga 

practice. I love Neal’s Yard 

Beauty Oil, a rich source 

of essential fatty acids and 

antioxidants, which I put in 

my N utriBullet with a variety 

of other wonderful things. 

a handful of frozen berries will 

turn into delicious porridge 

after just 3 minutes in a 

microwave at 600W. Soaking 

What’s your ultimate 

pampering treat? I love a 

massage or facial. I go on 

a yoga retreat once a year 

in Mallorca and I have 

a wonderful Thai yoga 

massage whilst I’m there. 

It’s a very physical massage, 

involving acupressure, 

yoga and Ayurvedic 

principles. It’s bliss! 

Who’s your style icon? 

I admire anyone who 

looks both stylish, but 

comfortable and happy 

in his or her clothes. I’m 

a huge admirer of Cate 

Blanchett’s style and talent. 

Lauren Glass is British 

Wheel of Yoga Level 

4 qualified and a BSc 

Registered Dietitian. She 

runs Apple Store Yoga. Find 

her on Facebook: Apple 

Store Yoga Goudhurst. 

the oats in the milk overnight 

before cooking makes them 

easier to digest and they’ll 

cook in half the time . 

Body 

Beautiful… 

As we all start to hunker 

down for the winter, the 

central heating is beginning 

to take its toll. The good 

news is that Ruby Red’s 

Skin Tonic Body Oil is 

the perfect antidote to 

dry and flaky winter skin. 

The smell alone will raise 

your spirits – its warm, 

peppery, citrussy scent makes 

you think of Christmas 

pomanders and it’s made 

from 100% essential oils 

rich in manganese which 

are instantly absorbed to 

nourish and pamper your 

skin. Use after bathing or 

showering for soft and supple 

skin all winter. Skin Tonic 

Body Oil, £32 for 190 ml 

rubyredcosmetics.co.uk. 

Ruby Red is an award- 

winning, natural skincare 

range that is free from 

SLS, parabens, sulphates, 

petrochemicals, synthetic 

aromas and dyes and made 

in UK. Their unique 

formulas combine traditional 

apothecary methods with the 

latest plant developments. 

See Ruby Red at Wealden 

Times Midwinter Fair on 

16,17,18 November at The 

Hop Farm, Paddock Wood. 

wealdentimes.co.uk/events 


My sciatica 

was so bad I 

thought I’d be 

housebound 

forever… 

IDD Therapy has 

changed Julie’s life 


Non-invasive 

treatment 

solves Julie’s 

back pain 

agony 

Three years ago, Julie Phillips cycled 500 miles 

across the Rift Valley in Kenya. At that time, her 

back pain and sciatica was just about manageable. 

But as the months rolled on, the pain worsened 

and she found it more and more difficult to stay 

mobile and carry on with her usual activities. 

Julie explains: “The pain was like a burning belt 

around my lower back which spread into my left 

thigh - I could only stand or walk for a couple of 

minutes without taking a rest. At 64 I thought I was 

going to spend my retirement as a disabled person.” 

Having tried various manual treatments without 

success, Julie ended up in limbo, feeling low. 

“I had physiotherapy sessions but they didn’t help. 

I even had hip injections but they only lasted a 

couple of weeks – and they were incredibly painful. 

I was given stronger painkillers but these 

made me giddy. I felt very despondent 

and didn’t know which way to turn.” 

Julie finally took matters into her own hands 

and found IDD Therapy, a targeted spinal disc 

treatment which was being offered at Wealden 

Osteopaths & Spine Centre in Goudhurst. 

“I made enquiries and found that IDD Therapy 

is particularly successful for long-term back 

pain and sciatica (pain radiating from the 

lower back, usually down one leg). 

At my initial assessment, the Clinical Director, 

James Pickering was confident that there was 

a good chance IDD Therapy could help me. 

Because my condition was severe, I knew I 

would need a series of treatments but actually, 

I felt a huge relief after the first two. 

With every session, the pain eased and I 

could walk a few steps more. By session 

number six I was feeling almost no pain. 

“I went for a four mile dog 

walk with my grandchildren… 

when we got home, the kids 

and the dogs were pooped!” 

I finished my IDD Therapy programme last 

summer and I’m feeling like a new person! I’ve 

got no pain and I’m completely active again. 

The other day I went for a four mile dog walk 

with my grandchildren… when we got home 

the kids and the dogs were pooped! 

I’m so relieved to have found IDD Therapy; 

I’ve truly been given a new lease of life.” 

James Pickering is delighted with Julie’s progess: 

“It’s wonderful to see patients like Julie doing so 

well with IDD Therapy after almost giving up hope 

of getting out of pain and back to ‘normal’. 

The treatment programme is an invaluable 

part of our services now and our first choice 

for long-term back, neck and sciatic pain.” 

To find out about IDD Therapy and other treatments 

offered at Wealden Osteopaths & Spine Centre call: 

01580 212833 or visit www.wealdenosteopaths.co.uk

Tone Up! 

Wealden Times asked Kent Health and Beauty Awards 

Personal Trainer of the Year, Sarah Maxwell, why she places 

such importance on post-pregnancy pelvic floor exercises… 

The most important thing you can do 

during the first few days after giving birth 

are pelvic floor exercises. These muscles 

come under great strain during pregnancy 

and childbirth, so it’s vital to start the 

exercises as soon as possible. Even if you 

have bruises or stitches, they’ll help you heal 

more quickly by improving circulation to 

the area and reducing swelling and bruising. 

What is the pelvic floor? The pelvic floor 

is a hammock of muscles that supports your 

lower organs. Just like any other muscles, 

your pelvic floor is weakened by childbirth, 

ageing, high impact exercise and obesity, so 

exercising it is a vital element in retaining 

core strength. These pelvic muscles also play 

an important role in bladder control (the 

ability to hold urine and not leak). This 

is a much more common problem than 

many of us realise, with 7 out of 10 people 

experiencing pelvic floor problems. 

How do I exercise my pelvic floor? 

• Start by squeezing and drawing in the 

muscles around your back passage and your 

vagina at the same time. You should have a 

sense of lifting every time you do this. 

• Hold them strong and tight, count 

to 3, then let them go and relax. 

• Repeat the squeeze and release 10 

times with 5 seconds rest in between. 

• Each day, gradually increase 

the length of time you are holding 

to a maximum of 10 seconds. 

• Build up to 3x10 sets of squeezes 

every day. Make sure you rest for 

Hydrotherm Massage 

The Hydrotherm massage is ideal for 

expectant mothers because the entire 

treatment is carried out lying on your back 

or side and at an incline to protect the baby. 

The massage takes place on two large, 

warm water-filled cushions placed on top 

of a regular massage couch, to support the 

spine. With knees slightly raised, and hands 

resting below the cushions to encourage the 

body to relax, the masseuse’s hands work 

between the plastic water-filled cushion 

and the client’s back. The sense of the body 

moving with the water is very relaxing – 

not unlike the sensation of a waterbed. 

This massage is also good for anyone 

a few seconds between each one 

because your muscles will get tired. 

• Whilst doing pelvic floor exercises, keep 

breathing steadily, don’t tighten your 

buttocks and keep your thighs relaxed. 

• Start by lying down with your knees 

raised and feet flat to the floor but, 

as your strength increases, there is no 

limit to where and what position you 

do them in: try standing in the queue 

at the supermarket or in the shower. 

• I recommend once a week, when urinating, 

you try to stop the flow midway. This will 

let you know if you are working the correct 

muscles and give you an indication of how 

your pelvic floor is improving. Don’t try this 

more than once a week as holding urine in 

regularly could result in a urinary infection. 

What should I do if I don’t see any 

improvement? In the first few days or 

weeks, it’s normal to feel as if nothing is 

happening after doing your exercises. Keep 

going, the feeling in your pelvic floor will 

return and, although you might not be able 

to feel it, it will be working. If you find that 

after exercising regularly for a few weeks 

there is no improvement, please contact your 

doctor to talk about it. 

Sarah Maxwell teaches regular fitness 

classes at her private studio in Cranbrook 

Kent and London. She can be contacted 

via email sarah@sarahmaxwell.com twitter 

@sarahmax100 or mobile 07973 

172245. Full details of her courses 

can be found at sarahmaxwell.com 

who doesn’t feel comfortable lying facedown 

on a massage couch as there are no 

uncomfortable face holes or cricked necks 

and no need to turn over during treatment. 

I had my Hydrotherm massage at 

Restoring Health in Chart Sutton and 

benefits included a great night’s sleep 

and sense of wellbeing plus significant 

relief from a whiplash injury 

The Restoring Health team offer 

Hydrotherm massages from £45 to 

£60 with a senior therapist. They also work 

with oncologists and offer this treatment 

to certain kinds of cancer patients. Visit 

restoring-health.co.uk for more information. 

Something for 

older ladies... 

Benenden Hospital, near 

Cranbrook, is offering a 

revolutionary new treatment, 

The MonaLisa Touch®, which 

could transform women’s lives. 

Vaginal atrophy is a thinning, 

drying and inflammation of the 

vaginal walls, which can occur due 

to the body having less oestrogen. 

Symptoms are often associated 

with the menopause, but they 

can also occur after breast cancer 

treatment. The MonaLisa Touch® 

is a non-surgical laser technology 

which addresses the symptoms of 

vaginal atrophy such as dryness, 

burning, vulvar itching and painful 

intercourse and is used widely 

across the world having treated 

more than 20,000 women. 

By acting on tissue of the vagina 

the laser stimulates the production of 

collagen, improving the functioning 

of the treated area and restoring 

proper blood flow, reversing the 

effects of vaginal atrophy. 

The treatment is carried out 

during three short sessions over a 

period of around 18 weeks, each 

treatment lasts just a few minutes 

and it doesn’t require an anaesthetic. 

Many patients report a significant 

improvement in symptoms 

even after the first session. 

To find out more contact 

Benenden Hospital’s Private Patient 

Office on 01580 242521.


142

Food 

Deliciously 

autumn 

The temptation to hibernate among the 

carbohydrates is strong this month; as the 

days darken and the nights get colder we 

seem to seek solace in the edible. Autumnal 

orchard fruits and root vegetables are classic 

harvest fare and, thankfully, they are naturally 

sweet, nutritious and satisfyingly filling too. 

So let’s hunker down, keep it simple and 

rustle up some seasonal comfort food. 

Recipes: Jo Arnell 

Photographs: David Merewether 

Styling: Lucy Fleming 

 


Christmas Dining 

Frasers are delighted to announce the launch of our festive 

menus, available from 17th November. Our set menus start 

from £26.50 per person. 

Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information 

or visit our website www.frasers-events.co.uk 

New Years Eve 

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

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

food and laughter, with a delicious 2 course hot buffet, then 

dance the night away to our resident DJ. £35 per person. 

Contact us to make your reservation. 

FrasersWT188.indd 1 14/09/2017 10:24 


144 

GoudhurstInnWT188.indd 1 19/09/2017 14:07

Food 

Coconut, carrot and coriander soup 

Serves 4 Prep time: 15 mins Cooking time: 30 mins 

Add a bit of spice to good old carrot and 

coriander soup with fresh and warming Thai 

flavours and the sweetness of coconut. Make 

a big batch and keep some in the freezer. 

• 250g roughly chopped carrots 

• 1 onion, chopped 

• 50g butter 

• 1L vegetable stock 

• 1 small bunch of coriander (save 

a few leaves to garnish) 

• 1-2 tsp green Thai paste 

• 1 tin coconut milk 

1. Lightly fry the onion in butter until 

soft, then put in a pan with the carrots, 

add the stock, bring to a boil and 

simmer until the carrots are cooked. 

2. Chop up the coriander (save a little for 

garnishing) and add, along with the 

green Thai paste and coconut milk. 

3. Use a hand held blender, or put 

into a liquidiser and blend until the 

soup has the right consistency. 

4. Simmer again for 10 minutes or so. 

5. Serve with a swirl of cream, a scattering 

of coriander and some crusty bread. 

 


Chicken casserole with 

apples and leeks 

Serves 4 Prep time: 15 mins 

Cooking time: around 1½ hours 

Food 

Chicken cooks beautifully in a casserole, 

releasing its own gentle favours, while 

allowing others to ride alongside. Apples 

and leeks are easy partners, adding a sweet 

autumnal twist to this stalwart staple. 

• A whole chicken - cut into quarters, 

or 4 chicken portions 

• 2-3 leeks, washed and sliced 

• 50g butter (or to taste) 

• 1 level tbsp plain flour 

• 2 apples, peeled, cored and cut into thin wedges 

• 150ml dry cider 

• 200ml chicken stock 

• 2 cloves minced/pressed garlic 

• 3-4 chopped sage leaves 

• salt and pepper, to taste 

1. Gently fry the leeks in butter and then lay in a 

shallow casserole dish with the apple wedges. 

2. Brown the chicken in the same pan (add 

a little more oil or butter if needed) and 

once the chicken is browned on both sides, 

place on top of the leeks and apple. 

3. Add the flour to the pan and mix into a 

paste. After 2-3mins gradually add the 

cider and then once the mixture thickens, 

add the chicken stock, sage and garlic. 

4. Pour over the chicken pieces, cover and place 

in a pre-heated oven (gas 4/180°C) for approx. 

1 hour (longer for really tender chicken). 


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148 

BellinTicehurstWT188.indd 1 13/09/2017 WealdSmokeryWT188.indd 10:42 

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Food 

Red velvet beetroot cake 

Serves 8-12 Prep time: 15 mins Cooking time: 25 mins 

Beetroot has an earthy sweetness, but paired with chocolate and 

cream cheese it brings depth and a perfect velvet texture to this 

cake. This is a comfort cake with the added satisfaction of a healthy 

vegetable thrown in - and no real need for red food colouring. 

• 350g self raising flour, sifted 

• 75g good quality cocoa powder 

• 1 tsp baking powder 

• 250g softened butter 

• 275g sugar 

• 4 eggs 

• 125g finely grated, cooked beetroot 

• 2 tbsps orange juice 

• Red food colouring (optional) 

For the cream cheese frosting: 

• 300g cream cheese 

• 75g softened butter 

• 200g icing sugar 

• 1tsp vanilla essence 

• Chocolate curls/hearts to decorate 

1. Grease 3 sandwich tins for the 3 tier cake, or 2 

(with more mixture in) for a two tier cake and 

pre-heat the oven to gas 4 (180°C). 

2. Cream together the butter and sugar until light 

and fluffy, then gradually add the eggs (add a bit 

of flour if the mixture starts to curdle). 

3. Stir in the other ingredients, pour into tins and bake for approx. 

25 mins (depending on your oven – check after 20mins). 

4. While the cake cools, beat together the frosting ingredients 

and spread between the layers and over the top of the cake. 

5. Decorate with chocolate if desired. 

Alongside whipping up tasty, seasonal recipes for Wealden 

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gardening workshops from her home in Woodchurch and 

offers expert advice on garden design and planting. To 

find out about her special Christmas workshop, and the 

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150 

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

Any old 

Iron? 

Jo Arnell turns salvage hunter to provide her garden with 

economical and beautiful focal points made from oftenoverlooked 

reclamation yard goodies 

annyauld… iern!” The scrap metal 

man would bellow from his horse-drawn cart, 

“Annyauld-iern! 

as he slowly trawled up our street collecting old 

water tanks, broken bedsteads and scrap metal. When I 

was little (in the nineteenth century, by the sound of this) 

I had no idea what he was shouting or why he wanted such 

things - the whole process was a dark mystery. I was an 

optimistically whimsical child, so it comes as no surprise 

to me now that salvage is so stylish and that scrap metal 

can have far more value than just its melted down price 

these days. And not just metal – lots of old household, 

agricultural and industrial objects have value and can 

be used to good effect in new and resourceful ways. 

Authentically rustic 

Found objects and bargains are satisfying to re-use. They 

bring with them a sense of the past and somehow these 

aged things have a more authentic feel, a patina that speaks 

of less mechanised, less throwaway times. The fact that 

they are less than perfect, or perhaps even broken, adds to 

their charm. It is more than this though – and something 

we are becoming increasingly aware of – salvage is not just 

fashionably retro; part of the appeal of the old and rustic 

is that there is little or no environmental cost involved. 

Environmentally friendly 

Many salvaged items don’t need restoration or remanufacture 

and can be used immediately. A few may 

have to be re-made, or up-cycled in some way, but the 

cost of this in environmental terms is far less than the cost 

of manufacturing an item from scratch. So, by re-using 

items – especially those that are environmentally costly 

to produce, or worse, to dispose of – we are doing a small 

bit to help. Some of the objects may even help wildlife 

directly, providing habitats and overwintering spaces. 

Uses for salvage 

Garden furniture – can be made from all sorts of salvaged 

materials. Old ladders are always useful – on their own, or 

as shelf supports. I’ve seen old sewing machine tables used 

as plant stands, scaffolding planks as table tops, wooden 

pallets fabricated into chairs, tables, decks, platforms 

and tree houses. But it doesn’t stop there – people have 

even been known to turn old cars – cut in half – into 

outdoor sofas. It’s amazing how many ingenious uses for 

things can be thought of once you get the salvage bug. 

Water features – can be made from old barrels, galvanised 

water storage tanks or really anything that will hold water. 

The important thing is that the inside of the container 

is protected from springing a leak. Barrels often have a 

waterproof layer on the inside and old tin or iron baths and 

tanks are usually galvanised – a chemical process that makes 

a tough, rust resistant coating to iron and steel. Quirky 

water cascades can be made from all sorts of ingenious 

water-holding objects, from old pots, pans and kettles to 

musical instruments. Rocks and stones are also very effective, 

either drilled through so that the water cascades down over 

them, or used to make small waterfalls or pool edging. 

Bird baths and feeders – pretty, but scratched, chipped 

or worn kitchen and dining items can make excellent 

containers, not just for plants, but as bird baths and 

feeders. I have a rustic lasagne dish that I didn’t much 

like, but it is easy to clean, has sloping sides and is 

just the right depth. It makes a perfect bird bath. 

Planters – like water features, need enough capacity 

to hold the growing medium, but don’t have to be 

 


Garden 

watertight, in fact some drainage through the bottom of 

the container is needed so that plants don’t get waterlogged. 

An exception might be something like a shallow, temporary 

planter – I use lengths of guttering pipe in the veg 

patch sometimes, as they are useful for growing a row 

of seedlings in prior to planting them out. You can just 

slide the contents of the pipe into a prepared groove once 

there’s a space on your plot – useful if you are sowing 

crops in succession or are gardening in a small space. 

Vegetable beds – can be constructed from many materials; 

wood is particularly effective; railway sleepers have always 

been popular, but can be expensive and bulky. Scaffolding 

boards make excellent edges for vegetable beds and are 

easier to cut and handle than sleepers. Just be careful when 

using treated wood near edible crops, as some preservatives, 

especially those used on older timber are toxic. 

Protection and supports – old windows make great 

tops for cold frames and several can even be used 

together to make a mini greenhouse. Without glass they 

can become plant supports, as can metal bedsteads, 

gates, ladders, old springs and fretwork panels. 

Garden ornaments – architectural finds, pieces of masonry 

and stone can make very effective garden sculpture and 

focal points in borders – there is huge satisfaction in 

finding something that looks wonderful in your garden 

setting, especially when you are saving huge amounts 

 


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154 

WCLandcraftWT181.indd 1 07/02/2017 17:19

of money. There is a fine line, however, between rustic 

charm and what might be considered to be a pile of junk, 

so be judicious and try not to get too carried away. Sticking 

to a theme can help, whether that’s a historical time 

period, or through using a limited range of materials. 

Sourcing salvage 

Antique and retro salvage has become so popular in the 

last few years that it is getting harder and harder to find a 

bargain. One man’s junk is also another’s priceless object, so 

it can sometimes be hard to discern the price you should pay 

for either. Boot fairs, salvage yards, junk shops and online 

auction sites can be good sources, but shop around carefully. 

If you are hunting in salvage yards, wear gloves and stout 

shoes so that you can look closely and rummage around. 

Be careful about sourcing objects online from pictures 

and check the descriptions carefully, as it can sometimes 

be hard to visualise the size and scale of what you see on a 

small screen. Do check the whereabouts of your treasures 

before pressing the button on auction sites, or you could find 

yourself trekking miles to collect them (I shan’t tell you how 

far I ended up going for the huge galvanised tank in the pic, 

suffice to say that they speak a different language there…). 

With a little imagination, some vision and the right space, 

unusual objects can be used in interesting ways in the garden. 

Originality, romance and rustic charm does not have to cost 

a fortune either. So let us pour fresh water into ancient tanks, 

plant new life around old bedsteads, apply some optimistic 

whimsy and salvage with style. Let’s put it out there. 

Check out freecycle.org, salvo.co.uk 

Local Salvage: Symonds Salvage Ltd. Bethersden symondssalvage.co.uk 

Authentic Reclamation Ltd. Stonegate 01580 

201258 authentic-reclamation.co.uk 

Station Antiques Ashford stationantiques.co.uk 

DDS Reclamation Margate reclamation-yard.co.uk 

Contact Jo for gardening courses, border planting and 

ideas: 01233 861149 hornbrookmanor.co.uk 


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156 

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

Garden 

Fall in Love 

Sue Whigham admires autumn displays of glorious colour 

Credit: Sue Whigham, FreeImages.com/Anette Kristensen 

It’s the first week of September and a glorious morning 

for a walk so it’s on with the boots, on with the 

dog’s lead and off down the lane. There are plenty of 

blackberries in the hedgerows and a pair of buzzards are 

mewing overhead. A group of swallows is gathering in my 

neighbour’s field and we come upon thirty or so rooks 

feasting on the recently harvested fields. Then through the 

stile and across the fields to the back of the church, gathering 

a few field mushrooms on the way whilst keeping our eyes 

peeled for the beginning of any change in leaf colour. Each 

year is different depending on conditions as far back as the 

spring, but this year, well, the cornus in the hedgerows has 

already turned a deep purple which, combined with blackberries, 

is pretty stunning. The hornbeams are losing their 

leaves faster than they have time to turn which, bearing 

in mind how dry it was this summer, is hardly surprising. 

Patches of the tall limes we pass have become a glorious 

yellow and the ash by the gate is just on the turn. 

In the garden two tree species are beginning to put on a 

show. On the strength of seeing an avenue of limes, Tilia 

cordata ‘Winter Orange’ at RHS Wisley a few years ago, 

we planted one here. This is a really lovely selection with 

red buds and bright orange winter shoots. It hasn’t flowered 

for us yet but we don’t want to be greedy as we now have a 

lovely autumn display of buttery yellow leaves and they are 

certainly enough to be going on with. The other tree that 

really is worth its weight in gold is Crataegus x persimilis 

‘Prunifolia’. I’m sure I’ve mentioned it umpteen times but it 

is a tree which deserves more than just one passing comment. 

What are its attributes? Well, it’s an all rounder really with 

showy blossom in the spring, and rather shiny oval leaves 

which by now have coloured up in varying shades of red and 

orange. These are accompanied by large clusters of red fruits. 

Leaves are green because of a pigment known as chlorophyll. 

We’ll all remember that from our Biology lessons at school. 

And so when a tree is healthy and happy this pigment 

dominates any other in the leaf and is absolutely vital to 

the tree. The energy stored by the chlorophyll from the sun 

is combined with the water taken up by the plant’s roots 

and carbon dioxide taken from the air to produce what the 

tree needs to survive, i.e. food. So this is why trees are so 

vital to us humans. They create oxygen by this process and 

reduce the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere which 

we create and which is definitely not beneficial to us. 

During the summer months, chlorophyll is 

constantly breaking down and being replaced by 

the tree and during the approach to autumn, and 

then into winter, is withdrawn from its leaves. 

This is a bit like closing down a valve to reduce the flow 

of water in a plumbing system and is so clever. Where 


Garden 

Credit: FreeImages.com/Vera Berard 

the leaf joins to the tree, at the leafstalk base, is a thin 

layer called the ‘abscission layer’, which is the ‘valve’ that 

ensures that production of chlorophyll stops and that any 

remaining nutrients are drawn into the twigs of the tree. 

This is a ‘process of subtraction’ as the tree’s metabolism 

slows right down. So as the green pigment reduces, it leaves 

behind yellow and orange pigments known as carotenoids 

and xanthophylls. Reds are rather different and are caused 

by anthocyanins which are pigments produced well after 

the growing season ends. All completely fascinating stuff. 

Human activity and resulting climate change is starting 

to have an effect on autumn colour. For instance the overuse 

of fertilisers leaves excess nitrogen in cultivated soils 

resulting in nearby trees storing less sugar in their leaves 

than they would in a pristine environment thus reducing 

the strength of the bright autumn hues in their leaves before 

winter sets in. As I mentioned when talking about the 

local hornbeams losing their leaves so rapidly and before 

they colour up fully, drought, too, affects autumn colour. 

Conversely, excessive rainfall and cloud cover affects colour 

photosynthesis, essential to produce red anthocyanins 

which result in those fantastic autumn displays. 

You’ll know that people flock to New England to see 

the autumn fall colours. They’re known as ‘leaf peepers’ 

over there and they descend in great numbers in what is 

normally a rather sleepy and rural part of the States. Here 

we have the wonders of Sheffield Park, now a National Trust 

property near Uckfield in East Sussex. Originally laid out 

by Lancelot (Capability) Brown in the 18th century, many 

of the trees have been planted for their autumn colour, 

the most stunning of which in my mind are the black 

tupelos or Nyssa sylvatica. One exceptional cultivar is N. 

sylvatica ‘Sheffield Park’, a selection of the species raised 

by the previous owner of Sheffield Park, Arthur Soames. 

It bursts into glorious colour a week or two before other 

tupelos. The colours reflected in the four lakes which form 

the basis of this landscape are breathtakingly beautiful. 

Trees for good autumn 

colour might include: 

Acer campestre (Field Maple) 

Often a constituent part of native hedges, this 

plant makes a medium sized tree with foliage 

turning yellow with tinges of red in the autumn. 

There are many lovely cultivars which are worth 

a try including ‘Streetwise’ which is a Hilliers 

selection and which combines an upright 

habit with brilliant yellow autumn colour. 

Cercidiphyllum japonicum (Katsura) 

This tree has been thought to be related to the tulip 

tree and has tiny red flowers which emerge just 

as the new bronze pink leaves show. It is happiest 

in a sheltered spot and has gentle autumn colours 

in a soft yellow or smoky pink. These colours 

combine with a pungent burnt sugary scent. 

Liriodendron tulipifera 

The tulip tree, in the Magnoliaceae family, 

is a large tree with rather beautiful and very 

curious foreshortened leaves which turn 

a lovely clear yellow in the autumn. 

Malus tschonoskii 

A lot of the crab apples colour up well but this 

is one of the best. A Japanese variety whose 

leaves have rich tones of purple and scarlet, 

yellow and orange in the autumn. With its 

upright habit it’s a useful tree for quite confined 

spaces and is a particularly strong grower. 

Parrotia persica. 

Actually this is more of a shrub than a tree and has 

been on my wish list for years. Otherwise known as 

Persian ironwood as it is native to Northern Iran, 

Parrotia persica combines a gorgeous flaking bark, 

not unlike that of a London plane, with a riot of 

autumn colour and curious red flowers which come 

straight off the stem rather like the Judas tree. 

Sue Whigham can be contacted on 

07810 457948 for gardening 

advice and help in the sourcing 

and supply of interesting 

garden plants 

Correction: In September’s 

issue, in Sue Whigham’s article 

‘Lavender’s Blue’ LIanata 

should have read L. Ianata

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Education 

How do schools quantify success? 

In an age of increasing exam pressure and rigorous assessment, WT speaks to three schools to find out 

what’s being done to reward achievement and identify students that may need extra support 

Vicky Ellis, Head 

Banstead Prep School 

How does Banstead Prep quantify 

success? I strongly believe that 

succes s within school is about 

far more than exam results, it 

encompasses everything we do. I 

subscribe to Winston Churchill’s 

definition of success: “Success is not final; failure 

is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” 

How are achievements celebrated at your school – 

both inside and outside the classroom? We focus on 

the positives and reward the effort pupils demonstrate to 

achieve, not just the achievement itself. Children are praised 

throughout each day for academic effort, attainment and 

conduct. Commendations are awarded for superb pieces 

of work and also to praise determination, perseverance, 

thoughtfulness or manners. The whole school comes together 

for our Friday Celebration Assembly to acknowledge 

achievements both inside and outside the classroom, award 

certificates for external accomplishments and to celebrate 

sporting successes and the weekly house point total. 

Are prizes offered to pupils that excel in certain areas? 

How do you ensure that prize-givings don’t de-incentivise 

pupils who have not been awarded a prize? At BPS we have 

a termly prize-giving, which allows for a greater number of 

pupils to be acknowledged. Prizes and cups are awarded across 

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as for endeavour and the key characteristics needed to learn 

and succeed, such as perseverance, resilience and teamwork. 

How do you monitor your pupils’ progress and help 

those who are struggling in certain areas? Across the 

whole curriculum, pupils’ progress is tracked against 

key performance indicators. At a glance we know if a 

child is working towards an objective, working within 

age related expectations or has mastered a concept and 

is working at greater depth. Analysis shows us where 

additional support or intervention is needed and our 

highly experienced SENCO co-ordinates additional 

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What can be done to ease exam pressure during peak 

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teaching within the normal school timetable should be 

adequate preparation for 11+ assessment, but parents can 

exert further pressure and workload through external tutoring. 

At BPS we work hard to help parents identify aspirational 

but realistic school choices – if a child needs a tutor multiple 

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worries through our pastoral system of Form Teachers and 

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bansteadprep.com 

 


Education 

Vanessa Coatz, 

Deputy Head at 

Marlborough House School 

How are achievements celebrated 

at Marlborough House – both 

inside and outside the classroom? 

Our annual Prize-giving, weekly 

assemblies and daily lunchtime 

notices provide us with regular opportunities to reward 

children for their successes in front of their peer-groups. We 

have a ‘Good Marks’ system and the always popular ‘Star of 

the Week’ for our younger pupils. Our weekly Bulletin, which 

goes to all families, carries news of achievements of current 

and past pupils and in addition we publicise the children’s 

charity work and community activities via the local press. 

Are prizes offered to pupils that excel in certain areas? 

How do you ensure that prize-givings don’t de-incentivise 

pupils who have not been awarded a prize? We believe 

in recognising excellence in all its guises across every area 

of school life. For example, in assemblies, we not only 

celebrate academic and sporting achievements, but we also 

recognise children for being their ‘best selves’. This can range 

from good citizenship and resilience in learning to simply 

demonstrating kindness and consideration for others. 

How do you monitor your pupils’ progress and help those 

who are struggling in certain areas? The size of our school 

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assessment, ambitious targets and a weekly meeting where 

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periods? We encourage our children to recognise that all 

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shine and excel, and with the support of our dedicated 

staff, they clearly do. marlboroughhouseschool.co.uk 

Mark London, Head 

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How are achievements 

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has two campuses in Surrey, 

at Cobham and Egham, and student successes are 

celebrated within and beyond the classroom. 

This summer our senior students, aged 17-18, 

celebrated their final year at school with a graduation 

ceremony. As well as congratulating them on all their 

hard work throughout the year, we also recognised a 

number of outstanding contributions to school life. 

The school’s Founders’ Award was presented to 

Morgan Peterson at ACS Cobham for excellent academic 

achievement and involvement in school life, whilst 

 


162

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 

DPC-AdvertArt-WealdenTimes-185x130-NH-ARTWORK.indd 1 10/08/2017 12:16 

Sutton Valence School 

DulwichPrepWT187 - Ad 1 - Place 1st.indd 1 11/08/2017 14:24 

svs.org.uk 

Open 

Mornings 

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

WWW.ASHFORDSCHOOL.CO.UK 

#ADVENTUROUSLEARNERS 

ASHFORD SCHOOL 

ADVENTUROUS LEARNERS 

JOIN THE ADVENTURE 

OPEN DAYS 2017 

THURSDAY 12 OCTOBER 

TUESDAY 7 NOVEMBER 

WEDNESDAY 22 NOVEMBER 

MONDAY 4 DECEMBER 

TO BOOK A PLACE PLEASE CONTACT THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE: 

01233 739030 REGISTRAR@ASHFORDSCHOOL.CO.UK 

CO-EDUCATIONAL DAY, NURSERY & BOARDING SCHOOL FOR BOYS & GIRLS AGED 0-18

Education 

ACS Egham International Baccalaureate Art student, Julia 

Worden, received the High School Student Council Art 

Appreciation Award for her piece ‘All Things Are Possible’. 

Last year, ACS Egham also recognised the fundraising 

successes of students involved in the school’s Project 

Nepal, who raised over £15,000 to support a Nepalese 

community. ACS Cobham recently honoured its 

athletics teams which reigned victorious at the 

International School Sports Tournament, competing 

against 75 other students from across Europe. 

How do you monitor your pupils’ progress and help those 

who are struggling in certain areas? Across our schools 

we are using some pretty advanced data analysis to measure 

and track students’ progress. Data can be evaluated by year 

group, class, and subject, for example, and helps teachers 

to see which students are performing beyond expectation, 

and which ones may be struggling. It also helps teachers 

and students set appropriate goals for future development. 

Dedicated counsellors are also assigned to each year 

group – Lower, Middle and High School. Counsellors 

work closely with class teachers, heads of department and 

parents to support students academically and emotionally. 

Every counsellor runs an open door policy for students, 

ready to talk about any concerns from academic, coping 

with personal issues to planning for their educational 

futures. In High School, there are additional specialist 

university advisors, who are able to assist students in 

their UK and worldwide university applications. 

ACS Cobham also offers an enrichment programme, 

designed for students who require an additional 

level of challenge to enable them to reach their full 

potential. If parents would like to find out more about 

how we support student learning, they can visit us at 

one of our open days – acs-schools.com/opendays. 


periods? The exam period can be a challenging time 

for students and our counsellors practise mindfulness 

with students to combat exam anxiety. Through simple 

breathing exercises and meditation, mindfulness training 

gives students the tools to remain calm, sustain their 

attention and stay focused – all essential exam skills. 

The ‘Five Senses Drill’ is one of our students’ favourite 

mindfulness exercises, it’s a simple three-minute 

breathing exercise and easy to remember in the heat of 

the moment. After two deep breaths, meditators silently 

note three things they see, hear, feel and note what they 

smell and taste before finishing with two more deep 

breaths. The drill is designed to help panic-stricken 

students focus on their immediate surroundings and 

keep calm in the event of an exam stumbling block. 

Our counsellors also work with students to develop crucial 

time management skills, helping them to establish their own 

revision schedule and hone a crucial life skill. 

acs-schools.com 

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

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 

CanterburyCathedralChoirED04.indd 1 06/06/2017 SpringGroveSchoolWT187.indd 15:31 

1 15/08/2017 12:47 

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 


166 

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

More like a 

family than a school 

That’s thinking differently 

Co-educational day and boarding for pupils aged 3 to 18 

At Dover College, we support each other in an environment that feels more like 

family than school. 

With a maximum of 15 pupils per class, our creative teaching encourages independent 

and critical thinking. Together, we achieve exceptional results. 

Day pupils and UK boarders mix with friends from across Europe, Africa, Asia 

and the Americas and this inclusivity teaches everyone to think differently, to be 

unprejudiced, cosmopolitan and outward. 

Our pupils are encouraged to discover and foster talents in academia, sport, music, 

drama and the arts, develop confidence and realise their dreams.


Feeding body, 

mind and soul 

The word holistic can be found scattered in many a 

school brochure, but what does it actually mean? 

To start with the body. As all children at Fosse have a 

cooked lunch, and many also have breakfast and tea 

too, it is essential that the food they eat is of the best 

quality. This term The Balanced Food Co. have joined the school. 

Simon Silvester (worked with Albert Roux, Marco Pierre White, 

Gary Rhodes and Raymond Blanc) and Ian Summers (worked 

in some of the world’s finest hotels and restaurants including 

The Savoy, Maxim’s de Paris and The Royal Crescent in Bath) 

are producing food that the children (and staff) absolutely love 

eating, never have we seen such clean plates at the end of lunch. 

Bake Off is obviously having an effect on the children 

judging from some of the lovely comments chef has had 

from them, “this is the perfect amount of cinnamon” Hattie 

said of an individual apple crumble, and Oliver “there were 

a hundred different colours of tomato, it was amazing”. 

All children have a right to be physically fit so there is a great variety 

of PE in the curriculum with sports clubs and many fixtures with 

other schools. The early morning running club is very popular, 

particularly since a cross country track through woodland was 

established last year. “I really like doing timed sprints” said Fletcher. 

Fosse has many excellent swimmers as we are lucky to have an indoor 

pool so every child enjoys learning to swim from the age of three. 

Moving on to mind and soul; l ast year Mindfulness was introduced 

to the children and our evaluations during the year showed that 

many children benefitted from this regular time of quiet focus. 

This year the theme is ‘Growth Mindset’, summed up by the 

phrase “I can’t do it” followed by the all-important “Yet”. 

Forest School is now fully integrated into the curriculum for 

the two to eleven year olds and apart from all the personal 

and social skills that are learned, being outside in the forest 

has a remarkable effect on the wellbeing of everyone. 

So, body, mind and soul – an holistic approach. 

Alison Cordingley, Headmistress 

Fosse Bank School, Mountains, Noble Tree Road, Hildenborough TN11 8ND 

www.fossebankschool.co.uk • Tel: 01732 834212 • E-mail: admissions@fossebankschool.co.uk

Tried & Tested 

Susan Elkin hopes change is on the horizon when it comes to exams 

Education 

Credit: FreeImages.com/Picaland 

Exam passes are not the same as education. League tables 

which evolved in the 1990s and the ‘results’ culture they 

engendered have a lot to answer for. But I detect a welcome 

whiff of change in the wind. In January of this year Amanda 

Spielman was appointed Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, 

Services and Schools (snappy job title) to replace Michael Wilshaw. 

By June she was firmly telling a conference in Berkshire that 

Ofsted would in future be looking very critically as schools whose 

‘badges and stickers’ approach turns them into ‘exam factories’ rather 

than providers of a well rounded education. “We should be ashamed 

that we have let such behaviour persist for so long,” she declared. 

Revolutionary stuff! If schools are, at last going to be judged 

more on Real Education than by counting Grade 9s or A*s then 

Ms Spielman gets three very loud cheers of approval from me. 

Of course, we want our children to pass their exams – 

usually a stepping stone to the next stage of their chosen path. 

But the exam should simply be a full stop at the end of an 

interesting course. If the material has been taught and learned 

with enthusiasm then the exam, apart from a practice paper 

or two in the final run up to it, should take care of itself. 

At present we have Year 10 students being presented with 

a list of ‘assessment objectives’ on day one and being shown 

how to tick the boxes to meet them. That’s cramming, not 

teaching. 00013MHSWT185x130_Layout Where’s the infectious passion 1 19/09/2017 for the subject? 14:03 Page 1 

Then there’s the unhealthy obsession with grades. A journalist 

colleague told me the other day that her daughter cried, yes 

cried, because she ‘only’ got five As and five A*s in her GCSEs. 

The pernicious atmosphere in which these young people are 

force fed to produce exam results like Dordogne geese destined 

for foie gras, is causing many mental health problems. 

It’s OK to fail – or at least to scrape in with a grade C or a 4. 

That’s life. And in a year or two it won’t matter in the least what your 

grades were. Contrary to what your exam factory might tell you 

when you’re 16, nobody in adult life will care whether your GCSE 

maths was a 9 or a 5 as long as they can see that you can do the job. 

As a teacher, latterly in a very high performing school, I often 

counselled distressed students who hadn’t achieved the mark they 

hoped for. “Have you done your best?” I would ask. If the answer 

was yes I’d then say: “Well in that case, neither I, the school or your 

parents can ask any more of you. And you can live with yourself.” 

If on the other hand the student admitted that she could 

have done more, then I’d advise her to rethink her work 

so that she wouldn’t look back regretfully in the future. 

And meanwhile keep singing in the choir and playing 

hockey because there’s more to all this than exams. 

I think Ms Spielman and I would get on rather 

well. And she is in a position to make a real difference. 

Please assert your authority, Chief Inspector. 

Not too big, Not too small, Just right. 

The perfect size school to unlock the potential in every 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. 

MARLBOROUGH 

HOUSE 

SCHOOL 

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


MarlboroughHouseWT188.indd 1 19/09/2017 14:17

@saintronans 

/SaintRonans 

www.saintronans.co.uk 

© Sarah Clark Photography 

PREP SCHOOL OF 

THE YEAR 2017/18 

“They do things differently at 

Saint Ronan’s - delivering a first 

class education, with dollops of 

humour and eccentricity” 

Tatler Schools Guide 2018 

Discover Saint Ronan’s 

Book an appointment on 01580 752271 or e-mail emmatv@saintronans.co.uk 

Boys & Girls 3-13 years | Founded 1883 | Hawkhurst, Kent | 01580 752271

100 Years of Education, 1000 Years of History 

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 

DPC-AdvertArt-WealdenTimes-185x130-IT.indd 1 10/08/2017 11:58 

DulwichPrepWT187 - Ad 2 - Place 2nd.indd 1 11/08/2017 14:24 

The door 

that opens 

so many more... 

100 

Ye 

Y 

ars 

Battle Abb 

of 

Education, 1000 

Enabling ideas and confidence to flourish, inspiring minds and 

unleashing potential. A first class education at Battle Abbey 

will open doors to a whole world of opportunities. 

912 

Y 

ars 

Ye 

- 2012 

of History 

SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING 

Battle Abbey School 

12th October 2017: 18.30pm - 20.00pm 

November 

OPEN DAY (Bexhill site) 

Battle Abbey Prep & Nursery School (Ages 2 - 11) 

11th November 2017: 10.00am - 12.00 noon 

Battle Abbey School 

Battle Abbey School 1912 - 2012 

Tel: 01424 772385 www.battleabbeyschool.com 


BattleAbbeySchoolWT188.indd 1 11/09/2017 10:52

Registered charity 1101358 

Where are the skills our children will need 

to discover new planets? 

Well, creative thinking skills are embedded in the 

curriculum at Sevenoaks School, so in theory we need 

look no further. 

Our alumni certainly go on to achieve extraordinary 

things; equipped as they are with the skills they need to 

change the waiting world. 

Lars Blackmore for example, mastered creative 

thinking at Sevenoaks. He left in 1998, studied robotics 

at MIT, earned a PhD and went to work for NASA. Primary 

objective: how best to land a craft on Mars. 

It’s worth considering then, that many of the skills 

your child may need to make a significant impact, can be 

acquired here at Sevenoaks. 

www.sevenoaksschool.org 

Every day at Sevenoaks, students practise creative thinking, critical thinking, complex problem solving, negotiation, team working and 

service provision – essential skills our alumni will use to excel at jobs which have yet to be invented and to reshape their universe.

25th October - 29th October 

What’s On In Xxxxxxx 

October 

Art 

Tues 3 Oct – Sat 23 Dec 

Tues – Sat 9.30am – 4.30pm 

Artichoke Gallery, Church 

Street, Ticehurst, East 

Sussex TN5 7AE 

THE ELEMENTS 

“When all that glitters is 

not gold but that doesn’t 

stop us dreaming” - 

An underlying connection 

between science and art forms 

the basis for an exhibition that, 

at first glance, may appear 

to be somewhat eclectic. 

Entry: Free 

Info: 01580 200905 / 

artichokegallery.co.uk 

Business 

Weds 4 Oct 10am – 3.30pm 

Hadlow Village Hall, 

Williams Field, Marshall 

Gardens, Hadlow, Tonbridge, 

Kent TN11 0HQ 

Business Booster Day 

Women in Rural Enterprise 

(WiRE) hosts a day of 

networking and talks with 

local business owners 

Entry: £12 including 

lunch and refreshments 

Info: facebook.com/ 

groups/KentWiRE 

Weds 11 Oct 9.30am – 1pm 

Blue Hen Flowers, Upper 

Scullsgate Cottage, 

Benenden, Kent 

TN17 4LE 

Workshop for 

small businesses 

An interactive morning with 

Chloe Scragg of Executive 

Support Consultants. Take some 

time to share experiences and 

problems over coffee and cake 

with other wonderful small 

businesses and freelancers. Learn 

how to navigate the tools and 

systems on the market, focus 

your energies, utilise your best 

skills, up-skill, find proactive 

people to help you, work more 

efficiently, run social media, and 

take your business up a gear. 

Circus Wealden Times Printers.pdf 1 9/12/2017 10:59:16 AM 

Entry: £35 

Info: 01580 240838 / 

bluehenflowers@gmail.com 

Children & Families 

Weds 25 – Thurs 26 Oct 

10.30am – 12.30pm or 

1.30pm – 3.30pm 

Hayloft Learning 

Centre, Knole House, 

Sevenoaks TN15 0RP 

Family workshop: 

Paper lanterns 

A messy hands-on family day 

creating beautiful paper lanterns 

to take home with all materials 

supplied. Booking is essential 

and the event is suitable for 

children aged 5+ who must be 

accompanied by an adult. 

Child: £5 

Info: 0344 249 1895 / 

nationaltrust.org.uk/knole 

Sat 28 – Sun 29 Oct 

Sussex Country Gardener 

Mark Cross, Crowborough, 

East Sussex TN6 3PJ 

Amazing Animal 

World and Spooky 

Halloween Trail 

Kids can enjoy 45 minute 

animal encounters with 

opportunities to handle, feed 

and learn about different 

animals, or explore a spooky 

trail in search of creatures, 

witches and prizes. 

Info: sussexcountrygardener.co.uk 

Fairs & Festivals 

Sat 7 Oct 

Cranbrook High Street 

Cranbrook Apple Fair 

Cranbrook’s quirky fair is 

spicing up this year’s celebration 

with a cowboys and aliens 

theme. Entertainment includes 

a Red Arrows flight simulator, 

live music, stalls, games and a 

fancy dress competition with 

prizes including a VIP trip to 

the Harry Potter Experience. 

Entry: Free 


CranbrookAppleFair 

 

Jugglers 

Tickets 

£7 

Under 2s 

FREE 

C 

M 

Y 

Magicians 

Book online 

millbrookgc.co.uk 

CM 

Paulos CIRCUS at Millbrook 

MY 

CY 

CMY 

K 

Acrobats 

Millbrook Garden Centre 

Staplehurst Road, Marden, 

Kent. TN12 9BT 

01622 832299 

Facebook /MillbrookGCStaplehurst 

Show Times 

Wed-Sat 12.30pm & 3.30pm 

Sun 11.00am & 2pm 


MillbrookWT188.indd 1 13/09/2017 16:21

What’s On In October 

BLUEBELL RAILWAY 

Registered Charity No. 239992. Company No. 633098 

Visit the Bluebell Railway this Autumn and enjoy a journey through 

the beautiful Autumnal Sussex Countryside. Souper Steam:-Enjoy a bowl 

of soup or a cream tea on board. Available on selected dates-booking 

advisable. 

Now booking 

for Santa 

Specials. See 

website for 

details 

For more details see website 

www.bluebell-railway.com 

01825 720800 

Shefield Park Station TN22 3QL 

KentWildlifeTrustWT188.indd 1 15/09/2017 BluebellRailwayWT188.indd 12:25 

1 20/09/2017 15:36 

OCTOBER HIGHLIGHTS 

Thu 5 Oct 

DIRE STRAITS: 

UK 

Fri 6 Oct 

THE HOLLIES 

Sat 7 Oct 

GET READY 

Wed 11 Oct 

LULU 

Sat 14 Oct 

THE SELECTER/ 

THE BEAT 

Sun 15 Oct 

TOTALLY TINA 

Tue 17 Oct 

TAP FACTORY 

Wed 18 Oct 

RIP IT UP 

Thu 19 Oct 

BE BOP A LULA 

Sat 21 Oct 

KILLER QUEEN 

Sun 22 Oct 

JOHN MAYALL 

Mon 23 Oct 

NINA CONTI 

Wed 25 Oct 

KATE RUSBY 

Thu 26 Oct 

MISTER MAKER 

AND THE 

SHAPES LIVE! 

Sun 28 Oct 

JOE BROWN 

Mon 29 Oct 

KING OF POP – 

THE LEGEND 

CONTINUES 

Tue 31 Oct – Sat 4 Nov 

SON OF A PREACHER MAN 

assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk | 01892 530613 

/AssemblyHallTheatre /ahttw #yourlocaltheatre AssemblyHallTheatre 


174 

AssemblyHallTheatreWT188.indd 1 08/09/2017 16:27

Original artwork on show alongside 

playful props and costumes 

Michael Foreman 

Painting with 

Rainbows 

29th September - 26th November 2017 

An exhibition from Seven Stories, 

The National Centre for Children’s Books’ 

INCLUDED WITHIN YOUR 

ANNUAL TICKET 

One of Britain’s best-known and 

internationally acclaimed creators 

of books for children. 

thedockyard.co.uk 

Illustration © Michael Foreman 

The Contemporary 

Craft & Design Fair 

2017 

Purchase direct from the very best 

artists and craftmakers in the UK 

CHD-WT188.indd 1 04/09/2017 16:01 

“Usual 

high standard 

of covetable things 

- as enjoyable 

as ever” 

B Stockwell, 

Ashford 

Sevenoaks School 

SEVENOAKS 

20 - 22 October 

Signposted from A225 • FREE PARKING 

11am to 5pm Friday 

10am to 5pm Weekend 

Admission £4.00 

READER OFFER - Free entry for one with this advert! 

To qualify please complete and hand in on entry to the show. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. 

Name 

(Ref: WealdenTK17) 

Address 

Town 

Post Code 

Email 

www.craftinfocus.com T: 01622 747325 


CIF_Sevenoaks_17_130x185.indd 1 13/09/2017 12:07 

176 

CraftinFocusWT188.indd 1 13/09/2017 12:21

Ibbett Mosely 

AuctIoneers & VAluers 

Limited Liability Partnership 

The Auctioneer's Next Sales Will Be On 

Wednesday 4th October 2017 & 

Wednesday 1st November 2017 

Commencing at 12.30pm | Viewing 10.00am - 12.30pm 

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 

IbbettMoselyWT188.indd 1 18/09/2017 16:42 

You are invited to 

Antoine & Lili 

Celebrating our opening in Canterbury with a special event, 

exclusive in-store promotions when you join us on 

Saturday 30 th September 2017 

at 46 Burgate, Canterbury, CT1 2HW 

Telephone 01227 785888 

Made in France 

AntoineEtLiliWT188-eighth.indd 1 14/09/2017 12:58 

Clangers, Bagpuss and Co 

Sissinghurst Castle Garden 

11 November 2017 - 4 February 2018 

Organised by the V&A Museum of 

Childhood, Clangers, Bagpuss and Co 

tells the story of these much-loved 

family favourites. 

Call 01580710700 for details 

nationaltrust.org.uk/sissinghurst-castle-garden 

When you visit, donate, volunteer or join the National Trust, your 

support helps us to look after special places for ever, for everyone. 

© National Trust 2017. The National Trust is an independent registered charity, number 205846. 

Photography © National Trust Images\Bagpuss © Smallfilms, Image © Victoria and Albert Museum, London. 

#nationaltrust 

Mon 9 – Sat 14 Oct 

Various locations in Tunbridge 

Wells including The Pantiles 

Tunbridge Wells 

Puppetry Festival 

A colourful celebration of 

puppetry in all its various 

forms with an exhibition about 

Disney’s highly acclaimed stage 

musical, The Lion King, as 

well as puppetry performances 

including puppet cabaret, Punch 

and Judy and shadow puppetry 

among the varied eclectic mix 

of events on its schedule. 

Info: twpuppetryfestival.org 

Thurs 12 Oct 9.30am 

– 4.30pm 

Stonegate Village Hall 

and grounds, Forge 

Field, Stonegate, 

Ticehurst, Wadhurst, 

East Sussex TN5 7ED 

Cottenden 

Christmas Fair 

Cottenden Fair is back to kick 

off the Christmas spirit with 

a mix of home, garden and 

interiors products including 

artisan and brocante pieces as 

well as fashion clothing and 

accessories, and gifts. Meet with 

friends, shop over a prosecco, 

lunch, or barista coffee and cake. 

Info: Instagram/Facebook 

ourcountrymarket 

Entry: Charity donation to 

children’s charity REACT 

Sat 14 Oct 10.30am – 3pm 

The Vestry Hall, Cranbrook, 

Kent TN17 3HA 

KITSCH AND STITCH 

VINTAGE AND MAKERS 

AUTUMN FAIR 

Enjoy browsing the beautiful 

vintage and handmade stalls 

including jewellery, handknitted 

gifts, artwork, textiles 

and vintage collectables. There 

will also be a wonderful tea 

room serving homemade 

cakes and lunches. 

Entry: Free 


kitschandstitchfair 

Sat 28 October 10.30am – 4pm 

King Charles Church Hall, 

3 Warwick Park, Tunbridge 

What’s On In Xxxxxxx October 

Wells, Kent TN2 5TA 

VINTAGE FAIR 

Squirrel Vintage has organised 

a fantastic market with carefully 

chosen traders from all over 

the South East and London as 

well as music from a Northern 

Soul DJ. This fair will be 

packed with vintage 20s to 

80s fashion and accessories, 

salvaged homeware and 

furniture, costume and antique 

jewellery and original records. 

Entry: £1 (under 16s free) 

Info: ruthjvintage@gmail.com 

/ facebook.com/squirrelvintage 

Halloween 

Fri 20 – Tues 31 Oct 

Dreamland, 49-51 

Marine Terrace, Margate, 

Kent CT9 1XJ 

Screamland 

Dreamland descends into 

darkness this Halloween with a 

strictly 12A rated live immersive 

theatrical experience. Tickets 

include access to six screamworthy 

interactive Scare Mazes, 

as well as unlimited use of all 

rides, plus there will be some 

spooky sideshows and live music 

and DJs on the scenic stage. 

Info: dreamland.co.uk/screamland 

Tues 24 Oct – Fri 27 Oct 

Kent and East Sussex Railway 

Fright Night Express 

Take a spine-tingling ride on 

the Fright Night Express and 

enjoy spellbinding adventures 

with the ‘Mr Mystery’ magic 

show, pumpkin carving, face 

painters and birds of prey 

flying demonstrations. Plus 

on Friday 27 visit Northiam 

for a live firebreather, 

spooky music, hotdogs, hot 

snacks and muchboxes for 

children. Booking essential. 

Info: kesr.org.uk 

Thurs 26 – Sat 28 Oct 

Chiddingstone Castle, Hill 

Hoath Road, Chiddingstone, 

Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7AD 

School of Witchcraft 

and Wizardry 

Never before has the prospect 

of school over half term been 

SissinghurstCastleWT188.indd 1 14/09/2017 12:26 


“Don’t 

miss it” 

THE TIMES 

(on Hamlet) 

Glyndebourne Tour 2017 

Mozart’s Così fan tutte | Rossini’s Il barbiere di Siviglia | Brett Dean’s Hamlet 

TUE 31 OCT - SAT 4 NOV 

marlowetheatre.com (bkg fee) 

TOUR 2017 IS SPONSORED BY 

01227 787787 (bkg fee)

What’s On In October 

so magical. This very Potter 

event gives children aged 

seven to twelve a chance to be 

‘sorted’ into their house, attend 

Potions classes, go to Choir 

Practice, experiment with spells, 

hang out at Flying School and 

explore the Castle, which will 

be closed to usual visitors. 

Pre-booked tickets essential. 

Entry: Children £12, 

Accompanying Adults £10, Family 

Ticket £40, Party Ticket £120 

Info: 01892 870347 / 

chiddingstonecastle.org.uk 

Health & Wellbeing 

Wednesdays Oct 4 – Nov 

29 and one weekend all 

day session (date tbc) 

10.30am – 1pm 

Goudhurst Parish 

Hall, Balcombes Hill, 

Cranbrook TN17 1AT 

Mindfulness in 

Goudhurst 

Practise meditation, explore 

the effects of stress, and find 

strategies to cope with long 

term stress and the challenges 

of everyday life. This course is 

taught in groups with a Bangor 

University qualified instructor. 

Info: 07593 959039 / 

facebook.com/taketheoneseat 

Workshops 

Tues 10 Oct 10am - 4pm 

Belmont House and Gardens, 

Belmont Park, Throwley 

Road, Throwley, Faversham, 

Kent ME13 OHH 

Autumn Forage 

Spend the day exploring nature, 

in this course on foraging, plant 

identification and fire lighting. 

After collecting your ingredients 

you can prepare them with 

campfire cooking techniques 

in the expedition style camp. 

Entry: £40 

Info: 01795 890228 / 

belmont-house.org 

Sun 15 Oct 11am – 3pm 

Wivelsfield Church 

Hall, Church Lane, 

Wivelsfield, Haywards 

Heath RH17 7RD 

Wealden Buildings 

Study Group 

New members and guests are 

welcome to join this voluntary 

group’s winter meeting 

with illustrated talks by Dr. 

Caroline Adams on ‘Elizabeth 

in Chichester’ and Vincent 

Reed on ‘Restoration of 

Historic Wooden Panelling’. 

Entry: £5 

Info: wealdenbuildings.org 

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/Bedge10 

BedgeburyWT188.indd 1 07/09/2017 15:38 

Music & Theatre 

Weds 18 Oct 7pm 

Chromos Cocktail 

Bar, 77 Stour Street, 

Canterbury CT1 2NR 

The Sax Cafe Presents 

Derek Nash 

A new live music event with 

Derek Nash. This leading 

saxophonist (who you may 

have seen on Jools Holland) is 

leader of the award-winning 

group Sax Appeal and a 

featured member of the Jools 

Holland Rhythm & Blues 

Orchestra. Spend an evening 

in Chromos, Canterbury’s 

freshly opened events venue, 

chilling with some cool jazz. 

Entry: £10 online (booking 

fees apply), £15 on the door 

Info: thesaxcafe.com / 

ticketsource.co.uk/thesaxcafe 

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 November 

issue is 13 October 2017. 

KENT PAINTERS GROUP 2017 

27th annual art exhibition & sale 

Sevenoaks School TN13 1HU 

FRIDAY 28 OCTOBER 

6.30 - 9pm 

Opening Drinks Party with the Artists 

All Welcome 

SATURDAY 29 OCTOBER 

SUNDAY 30 OCTOBER 

Sponsored 

by 

10am - 4pm 

Exhibition and Sale including 

Unframed Work 

Lunches and refreshments available 

Proceeds go directly to Mental 

Health and learning disability 

charities in Kent 

MENCAP MacINTYRE & RETHINK 

www.kentpaintersgroup.co.uk 

ENTRY 

FREE 


KentPaintersGrouPWT188.indd 1 13/09/2017 10:04

Garden Services 

Wealden Wealden Times Times - Bazaar - Classified 

SALE NOW ON 

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Main dealer for 

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For further information please phone 01424 773096 

or-email: battlemowers@btconnect.com www.battlemowers.co.uk 

visit our showroom at The Granary, Station Rd, Battle. TN33 0DE 

BattleMowersWT188.indd 1 04/09/2017 14:28 

Special Branch 

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A RANGE OF CANOPIES DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY 

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Durable and attractive aluminium structures are available with 

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SBI Ltd est. 1998 – Over 1000 customers – BBSA registered 

Freephone 0800 037 9383 or call 01622 890623 

(Design by Mimi Pinto www.mimipinto.com) 

Probably the most experienced, established 

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Geoff Tiltman 

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curtains & blinds 

Tracks & poles 

Measuring & fitting service 

Home consultation 

Fabrics & design advice 

Telephone 01233 850829 

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Home & Interiors 

SBI-S36.indd 1 08/09/2017 16:13 

SpecialBranchWT188.indd 1 13/09/2017 11:06 

Piano Shop 

GeoffTiltmanWT168.indd 1 18/01/2016 ClareLangdonWT184.indd 15:41 

1 12/05/2017 16:19 

Nevill Estate Yard, Eridge, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 9JR 

01892 543233 

www.thepianoshopkent.co.uk

Competition 

Win A FLINT & FLAME 

8” SANTOKU KNIFE 

WITH A WOODEN BOX 

Over recent years, Flint & Flame 

have become a major player in 

the UK kitchenware scene with 

their outstanding range of knives. Made 

from the highest quality German carbon 

steel, and celebrated by top chefs and 

passionate home cooks alike, their knives 

make a fantastic addition to any kitchen. 

The 8” Santoku is a great knife, you can 

chop the whole length of the blade due to 

its flatter design, with its razor sharp heel 

it is amazing for spring onions and herbs 

and also ideal for your larger items such as 

cabbages, swedes and squashes. It features a 

wide blade making scooping or crushing a 

joy. Its bevelled edge prevents food sticking 

to the blade and hindering your next chop. 

A fantastic Japanese style chef knife that 

will tackle most jobs in the kitchen. 

You will be able to see Flint & Flame 

at Wealden Times Midwinter Fair 

from 16-18 November at The Hop 

Farm, Paddock Wood. Book your 

tickets online at wealdentimes.co.uk/ 

events. To find out more about Flint 

& Flame, visit flintandflame.co.uk. 

How to enter: For 

your chance to win a Flint 

& Flame 8” Santoku knife 

with a wooden presentation 

box, just answer the following 

question: What are Flint & 

Flame’s knives made from? 

Enter your answer with your 

contact details* in the online 

form at wealdentimes.co.uk/ 

competition or post to: The 

Flint & Flame Competition, 

Wealden Times, 21 Stone 

Street, Cranbrook, Kent 

TN17 3HF by 31 October. 

There is no cash alternative 

and the prize must be taken 

before the end of January 

2018. *All entrants’ details 

will be passed on to Flint & 

Flame and Wealden Times 

Events. Please let us know 

if you do not wish your 

details to be passed on. 

Congratulations to Mrs. J Collins who wins our September competition 

for a Greensand Ridge gin making experience for two 


Jane Howard’s 

Fables from the Farm 

Jane contemplates the rather gruelling life of a bee 

This is definitely my favourite 

time of year. I love the sense 

of getting ready for the winter 

months while still enjoying some 

wonderful warm autumnal weather. 

And few pastimes are more enjoyable 

than picking blackberries. However, I’m 

never quite so enthused about using 

them once I’ve gathered them in. None 

of the tribe seem to want crumble 

anymore and, despite best efforts – I 

even bought a sugar thermometer – my 

bramble jelly remains resolutely slack. 

But maybe that’s because I’m not taking 

the harvesting seriously enough. 

There is a wonderful 

book, first published in 

1954 by Dorothy Hartley, 

Food in England, full of 

recipes, anecdotes, wit 

and wisdom in which she 

goes to great lengths to 

explain how to get the best 

from your brambles. Gripping reading, 

honestly... “In early September the 

lowest berry of each cluster swells and 

ripens alone, these are the largest and 

sweetest berries and should be enjoyed 

raw. Go back later in the month to 

pick the next in the bunch to ripen, 

the secondary berries, these are less 

juicy but the best ones for jam. And 

if you haven’t had enough by then, 

you can go again in October for the 

last of the crop to ripen but they will 

be smaller, have many more seeds 

in proportion to pulp and are only 

“a colony will have 

to fly the equivalent 

of three times 

round the world 

to fill one jar” 

good for mixing with apples in pies 

and crumbles.” So there you have it! 

So the runny jam has been made and 

now sits in serried ranks on the pantry 

shelf alongside the freshly spun honey 

which is especially delicious this year 

because we had so many flowers in 

what was an exceptionally dry spring 

and early summer – remember? 

In effect the bees have also been 

filling their larders in preparation for 

winter. In July, there would have been 

about 50,000 worker bees – the girls 

– in the hive plus a queen and some 

males known as drones. The workers 

spend their days flying 

from flower to flower 

collecting nectar and 

bringing it back to 

the hive. Each journey 

produces enough nectar 

to fit on a pin head 

and a colony will have 

to fly the equivalent of three times 

round the world to fill one jar. When 

they arrive back, home-based bees take 

it from them and plaster it liberally 

around the walls of empty honeycomb 

cells. This allows the water to 

evaporate and once the content is down 

to about 17%, the honey is scraped 

up and put into one cell and capped 

over with a wax seal where it will last 

for eternity – they found perfectly 

good honey in Tutankhamun’s tomb. 

There is only one queen in the hive 

and, far from being regal and in-charge, 

she is basically no more than an egg 

laying machine. Her life starts like 

any other bee, as an ordinary egg, but 

she is fed on royal jelly and is reared 

in a special cell for 16 days when she 

emerges in her full glory. She then 

makes a single ‘virgin flight’ (bees have 

been doing it long before Richard 

Branson got in on the act) where she 

meets up with the drones from other 

colonies and is mated with enough 

sperm to allow her to lay up to a million 

eggs. She usually lasts in the hive for 

three years and will be kept warm 

and fed over the winter by the worker 

bees tucking into their honey stores. 

No such luck for the boys! The 

drones are tolerated all summer 

as they hang around waiting for a 

passing virgin queen, but as all that 

business only happens in the good 

weather, time comes there are no 

more virgins and they are no longer 

required. In Bee World there are no 

passengers, no full pantry beckons 

and rather gruesomely they are 

driven out of the hive, stung and one 

wing is chewed off. Not so sweet. 

Follow Jane Howard – and the farm 

– on Instagram @coopersfarm 

freeimages.com/thomasfleenor 


182

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Wealden Times | WT188 | October 2017 | Kitchen & Bathroom supplement inside

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