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Wealden Times | WT192 | February 2018 | Wedding supplement inside

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WEDDING SUPPLEMENT <strong>inside</strong><br />

Inspirational Interiors • Fabulous Fashion • Delicious Dishes<br />

PRICELESS<br />

FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong>


Designers and makers of handmade kitchens<br />

The difference is in the detail


Please call for a brochure or visit our showrooms<br />

Unit 9, Chart Farm, Seal Chart<br />

Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0ES<br />

Tel: 01732 762682<br />

81 Calverley Road<br />

Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2UY<br />

Tel: 01892 520730<br />

www.rencraft.co.uk


We believe in a<br />

different perspective.<br />

Our Chichester kitchen, painted in Shell.<br />

Carter table £1,590 & bench £450<br />

Neptune Tonbridge, 1-2 Tannery Road,<br />

TN9 1RF, 01732 351866<br />

neptune.com/adifferentperspective


MINTERIORS<br />

JFine hand crafted kitchens and bespoke furniture


01580 291221 jminteriorsuk.uk Biddenden Showroom


“ONE OF THE<br />

FINEST SCHOOLS<br />

IN THE LAND”<br />

COUNTRY LIFE<br />

“OUTSTANDING”<br />

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS<br />

INSPECTORATE<br />

A LEADING BOARDING AND DAY SCHOOL<br />

FOR GIRLS AGED 11 TO 18 SET IN THE<br />

BEAUTIFUL AND EASILY ACCESSIBLE<br />

SUSSEX COUNTRYSIDE<br />

Open Mornings<br />

TUESDAY 13 TH MARCH <strong>2018</strong> THURSDAY 26 TH APRIL <strong>2018</strong>


A MAYFIELD EDUCATION COMBINES ACADEMIC<br />

RIGOUR, BREADTH OF OPPORTUNITY AND<br />

A STRONG SENSE OF COMMUNITY.<br />

The School has an excellent academic record, exceptional<br />

pastoral care and an extensive co-curricular programme.<br />

Every girl is encouraged and supported to find her strengths<br />

and develop them in an inspiring learning environment, which<br />

encourages independent critical thinking, determination<br />

and resilience. Mayfield girls develop a lifelong love of<br />

learning, a range of transferable skills that will prepare them<br />

for their futures and friendships that will last a lifetime.<br />

Mayfield’s ethos reflects its Catholic foundation and encourages<br />

integrity, initiative, respect and a desire to be the best you can be<br />

within a vibrant and inclusive community. For the past 150 years,<br />

Mayfield has nurtured generations of enterprising, purposeful<br />

young women with the skills and confidence to make a positive<br />

difference in the world.<br />

To experience all that is special about Mayfield, visit<br />

us on an Open Morning or Sixth Form Open Evening.<br />

To reserve a place or to book an individual visit, please<br />

email registrar@mayfieldgirls.org.<br />

We look forward to welcoming you.<br />

FACILITIES INCLUDE<br />

• Equestrian Centre on-site with facilities for up to 28 horses<br />

• Olympic sized indoor and outdoor sand schools<br />

• Heated indoor swimming pool<br />

• Tennis Academy<br />

• Fitness Suite and Dance Studio<br />

• Concert Hall<br />

• State-of-the-art Sixth Form Centre<br />

• Extensive daily minibus service covering<br />

large areas of Kent and Sussex<br />

• Weekly bus service to and from Central London<br />

• Close proximity to London airports<br />

REGISTRAR@MAYFIELDGIRLS.ORG<br />

WWW.MAYFIELDGIRLS.ORG<br />

01435 874642


5 High Street, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3EB<br />

01580 715144<br />

Email: kld@kingsfords.net www.kingsfords-solicitors.com<br />

We offer an excellent, swift and friendly service.<br />

Conveyancing - Wills & Estates - Commercial Law -<br />

Matrimonial Law - Prenuptial Agreements - Litigation -<br />

Employment Law - Family Law - French Property<br />

Conveyancing Services from £550.00+VAT<br />

Wills from £215.00+VAT / Mirror Wills from £295.00+VAT<br />

Lasting Power Of Attorney (LPA's) from £250.00+VAT<br />

(Initial fixed-fee appointments also available at our Cranbrook offices)<br />

Litigation Solicitor from £200.00+VAT<br />

Matrimonial Solicitor from £150.00+VAT<br />

We will always try and match any quotation<br />

Kingsfords Solicitors Limited registered office address 2 Elwick Road, Ashford, Kent TN23 1PD<br />

Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority 621466<br />

KingsfordSolicitorsWT186.indd 1 24/07/2017 16:55<br />

Do you have an electric or hybrid vehicle?<br />

Would you like to save up to £500 off<br />

a vehicle charging point with the OLEV<br />

grant funding scheme?*<br />

Electric vehicle charging points<br />

supplied and installed from<br />

just £149 inc VAT<br />

We install charge points in<br />

homes across Kent and Sussex<br />

CONTACT US FOR<br />

MORE DETAILS!<br />

Plug in, charge, drive!<br />

*Ts & Cs apply<br />

wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

10<br />

TotalQualityMaintenance<strong>WT192</strong>.indd 1 15/01/<strong>2018</strong> 12:20


Contents<br />

<strong>February</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />

52<br />

82<br />

118<br />

26<br />

43<br />

52<br />

77<br />

82<br />

103<br />

AND SO TO BED...<br />

Maggie Alderson finds houses<br />

with hideaway bedrooms<br />

FEBRUARY NOTEBOOK<br />

Interesting things to take note of<br />

this month around the Weald<br />

KALEIDOSCOPE EYES<br />

A set designer’s Margate<br />

house is a technicolour riot<br />

of colour and pattern<br />

GET THE LOOK<br />

Be inspired by Amy Exton’s<br />

masterly mix up<br />

TOWN & COUNTRY<br />

Caroline and Simon Kyriazis<br />

created a contemporary home,<br />

preserving all the original<br />

Victorian features they love<br />

GET THE LOOK<br />

Mix rich textures with<br />

chic neutrals, as in our<br />

second feature house<br />

105<br />

109<br />

111<br />

115<br />

117<br />

118<br />

MIGHTY OAKS<br />

Bespoke oak-framed buildings<br />

go up fast – and look like<br />

they’ve always been there<br />

DOORS OF PERCEPTION<br />

First impressions count,<br />

so make your home’s<br />

entrance is fabulous<br />

BOXES OF DELIGHT<br />

Try before you buy with<br />

beauty sample boxes<br />

says Josephine Fairley<br />

NATURE’S BOUNTY<br />

Get the update on <strong>February</strong>’s<br />

latest health and beauty news<br />

GET FIT FOR SPRING<br />

IN THREE MONTHS<br />

The second instalment of<br />

Sarah-Jane Holt’s programme<br />

HOMEMADE WITH LOVE<br />

A romantic Valentine’s dinner<br />

that doesn’t take all day to make<br />

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

Telephone 01580 714705 Email info@wealdentimes.co.uk Visit wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

Copyright © <strong>2018</strong> JPS Media Ltd. The views of the advertisers and contributors are not<br />

necessarily those of JPS Media Ltd.<br />

127<br />

133<br />

138<br />

143<br />

144<br />

READY STEADY... VEG!<br />

There might be a whiff of spring<br />

in the air, but hold off from<br />

planting veg warns Jo Arnell<br />

BIRDS AND BEES<br />

It’s time for schools to rethink<br />

sex says Susan Elkin<br />

WHAT’S ON<br />

Find out...<br />

COMPETITION<br />

Win an overnight stay at Denbies<br />

Wine Estate, with lunch,<br />

tours and a case of wine<br />

FABLES FROM THE FARM<br />

Jane Howard is concerned about<br />

the state of Britain’s trees (and<br />

all the deer aren’t helping...)<br />

WEDDING<br />

SUPPLEMENT<br />

31 pages of<br />

gorgeous<br />

inspiration for the<br />

most special day.<br />

After page 110.<br />

<strong>Wedding</strong>s<br />

A <strong>Wealden</strong> <strong>Times</strong> Supplement<br />

11


Guide price: £2,000,000<br />

Crowborough<br />

A substantial family house with ancillary accommodation set on a private road with wonderful views<br />

6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 3 reception rooms. Detached double garage (space for approx. 3 cars). 2 bed self-contained apartment.<br />

Beautifully maintained gardens, woodland, paddocks, swimming pool, stables and various outbuildings. In all about 11.5 acres. EPC: D.<br />

Guide price: £1,950,000<br />

Matfield<br />

A wonderful central village property, overlooking the village green, with ancillary accommodation<br />

4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 3 reception rooms. 2 bedroom cottage, detached period barn, detached office and outbuildings. Gardens<br />

and grounds with terrace, seating areas, petanque piste, vegetable / fruit garden, orchard, pond and paddock. In all about 2.3 acres.


Our understanding of the<br />

ever-changing market enables us<br />

to price your property accurately.<br />

And with our local knowledge<br />

and extensive network of London<br />

offices, you can rely on Knight<br />

Frank to get you moving.<br />

Call us today on 01892 310700 to<br />

discuss your property search or to<br />

arrange a free market valuation.<br />

Guide price: £1,100,000<br />

Ticehurst<br />

A substantial detached family house on the edge of the village<br />

5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 3 reception rooms. Integral double garage, detached garage and<br />

extensive off-street parking for a number of vehicles. Well-maintained gardens. In all about 0.36<br />

acres. EPC: D.<br />

@KF_HomeCounties<br />

KnightFrank.co.uk<br />

Guide price: £1,350,000<br />

Hartfield<br />

A stylish new build family house close to the village<br />

4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms. Double garage. Gardens and grounds. In all about 0.9 acres. EPC: B.


Our new apartment<br />

is just what we were<br />

looking for. Knowing<br />

everything is going<br />

to be taken care<br />

of is a joy.<br />

OPEN DAY SATURDAY 10TH FEBRUARY 10am - 4pm<br />

Opening in spring <strong>2018</strong>, Emerson Park, Hextable, will provide<br />

an exceptional choice of beautiful, elegant apartments all<br />

designed for active, independently-minded retirees. Live life to<br />

the full with exclusive private amenities, on-site services and<br />

fully-managed maintenance – all from as little as £315,000<br />

*.<br />

• Reception/concierge<br />

• Lounge, restaurant & bar<br />

• Exercise studio & gym<br />

• Hair and beauty salon<br />

• Cinema/TV room<br />

• Private transport service<br />

• Recreation and social<br />

events calendar<br />

• 24 hr emergency call<br />

system to on-site staff<br />

Take control today. To find out more, and<br />

to visit the show suite, call 01322 515417.<br />

LUXURY RETIREMENT COMMUNITY, HEXTABLE, KENT<br />

Emerson Park, Rowhill Road, Hextable BR8 7RL<br />

Web: www.cinnamoncc.com/emersonpark<br />

* Other costs and charges apply, please talk<br />

to our advisers for further information.


‘Our Focus Determines Your Reality’<br />

HARPERS AND HURLINGHAM<br />

HORSMONDEN OIEO £1,695,000<br />

Stunning Grade II Listed four roundel oast in rural setting<br />

Three reception rooms · Kitchen · Five bedrooms<br />

(one ensuite) · Two bathrooms · Two bedroom<br />

annexe · Workshop · Grounds approximately 2.18<br />

acres · Elevated terrace · EPC: n/a<br />

Cranbrook School Catchment Area<br />

CRANBROOK £1,350,000<br />

Striking Victorian family home in tucked away location<br />

Drawing room · Kitchen/dining/family room ·Utility<br />

room and cloakroom · Six bedrooms (two ensuite) ·<br />

Family bathroom · Grounds approx. 3.4 acres · Stables<br />

and outbuilding · Garaging · EPC: F<br />

Cranbrook School Catchment Area<br />

TENTERDEN £949,950<br />

Substantial Grade II Listed oast in farm hamlet setting<br />

Three reception rooms · Kitchen/breakfast room<br />

· Six bedrooms (one ensuite) · Family bathroom ·<br />

Enclosed gardens · Triple cart lodge with workshop<br />

· EPC: n/a<br />

Far reaching countryside views<br />

HORSMONDEN £895,000<br />

Stunning detached Victorian family home<br />

Two reception rooms · Kitchen/dining room ·<br />

Utility room and cloakroom · Four bedrooms<br />

(one ensuite) · Family Bathroom · Grounds<br />

approximately 1.5 acres · Triple garaging · EPC: F<br />

Convenient yet rural location<br />

Sales & Lettings Team<br />

Harpers&Hurlingham<br />

The Cornerhouse, Stone Street, Cranbrook<br />

01580 715400<br />

www.harpersandhurlingham.com<br />

LONDON OFFICE: KENSINGTON 020 7938 2311<br />

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


LAST FEW<br />

REMAINING<br />

SUTTON VALENCE, KENT<br />

AN EXCLUSIVE GATED<br />

DEVELOPMENT OF 5 BEDROOM<br />

DETACHED LUXURY HOMES<br />

PRICES FROM £975,000<br />

TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT PLEASE<br />

CONTACT THEA HEATON ON: 020 7205 2144<br />

OR EMAIL SALES@NEWCOURT.CO.UK<br />

WWW.NEWCOURT.CO.UK


StaplecroSS<br />

A Grade II listed country house with cottage & excellent leisure facilities<br />

· 4 Reception Rooms · Kitchen · 6 Bedrooms · 4 Bathrooms · Self contained<br />

cottage · Barn inc Swimming pool · Tennis court · Outbuildings · Circa 3 acres<br />

· Further land by separate negotiation<br />

Guide price £1,400,000<br />

StaplecroSS<br />

Recently extensively renovated to a high specification, a period country house<br />

flanking open fields to the rear · 3 Reception Rooms · Kitchen/Breakfast Room<br />

· 4 Bedrooms · 2 Bathrooms · Double Garage · Approaching 1 acre of Gardens<br />

and Grounds · EPC D<br />

Guide price £885,000<br />

Frittenden<br />

A deceptively spacious and inviting period cottage in the heart of the village<br />

with rural views · Cranbrook School catchment · 3 Reception Rooms · Study<br />

Area · Kitchen/Breakfast room · 4 Bedrooms · 2 Bathrooms · Landscaped<br />

gardens · EPC E<br />

oFFerS in exceSS oF £650,000<br />

Headcorn<br />

A bright and airy family house set in a quiet cul-de-sac location within walking<br />

distance of shops & mainline station · 2 Reception Rooms · Kitchen/Breakfast<br />

Room · 4 Bedrooms · Study · 2 Bathrooms · Garden · Garden Stores<br />

· Greenhouse · EPC C<br />

Guide price £625,000<br />

HorSmonden<br />

A delightful semi-detached period cottage amid enchanting gardens affording<br />

pastoral views · Cranbrook School catchment · No Onward Chain · Reception<br />

Room · Kitchen/Dining Room · 3 Bedrooms · Family Bathroom · Cottage<br />

Gardens · Workshop & Log Store · EPC F<br />

oFFerS in exceSS oF £550,000<br />

robertSbridGe<br />

In the heart of the village, a picturesque Grade II listed end of terrace<br />

residence, close to amenities & railway station · 3 Reception Rooms · Kitchen<br />

· Cellar · 4 Bedrooms · 2 Bath/Shower Rooms · Pretty Rear Garden with<br />

Garden Store<br />

Guide price £500,000<br />

cranbrook<br />

01580 720 000<br />

37 Stone St, Cranbrook TN17 3HF<br />

cranbrook@jackson-stops.co.uk<br />

jackson-stops.co.uk property experts since 1910


SOLD<br />

Residential Sales<br />

www.hobbsparker.co.uk<br />

Intelligent Marketing<br />

SOLD<br />

SOLD<br />

Appointed agents to<br />

sell in 2017<br />

SOLD<br />

Smarden Challock Appledore High Halden<br />

SOLD<br />

SOLD<br />

SOLD<br />

SOLD<br />

Throwley Woodchurch Little Chart Egerton<br />

SOLD<br />

SOLD<br />

SOLD<br />

SOLD<br />

Brook Pluckley Brookland Benenden<br />

SOLD<br />

SOLD<br />

SOLD<br />

SOLD<br />

Bethersden Rye Sheldwich Lees Woodchurch<br />

SOLD<br />

SOLD<br />

SOLD<br />

SOLD<br />

Little Chart Beckley Tenterden St Michaels<br />

SOLD<br />

SOLD<br />

SOLD<br />

SOLD<br />

Stalisfield Green Milstead Sellindge Tenterden<br />

SOLD<br />

SOLD<br />

SOLD<br />

SOLD<br />

Peasmarsh Aldington Brook Appledore<br />

Hobbs Parker Estate Agents<br />

Tenterden 01580 766766 | Ashford 01233 506260<br />

01580 766766


Rye, East Sussex - £550,000<br />

Stunning 16th Century Grade II listed town house in the<br />

Citadel opening onto a cobbled street opposite the church.<br />

Living room, dining room, kitchen, three vaulted bedrooms,<br />

bathroom, and shower room.<br />

Winchelsea, East Sussex - £395,000<br />

Restored Grade II* Listed 17th Century cottage in the<br />

Conservation Area. Reception room, kitchen, shower<br />

room, 1st floor sitting room, two bedrooms. Vaulted cellar.<br />

Landscaped garden.<br />

Winchelsea, East Sussex - £275,000<br />

A two bedroom mid terrace Victorian cottage situated within<br />

the Conservation Area of the Ancient Town with far reaching<br />

views. Living room, dining room, kitchen, bathroom, 2 double<br />

bedrooms. Garden. EPC E<br />

Rye, East Sussex - £675,000<br />

Spacious modern detached house on the edge of Rye. Living<br />

room, kitchen/dining room, master bedroom with ensuite and<br />

dressing room, 3 further bedrooms with one en-suite. Integral<br />

double garage with utility room and cloakroom off. Additional<br />

detached double garage. Garden. EPC C<br />

Winchelsea, East Sussex - Letting £1,500 pcm<br />

Renovated end of terrace rural property with stunning views.<br />

Reception room, dining room, kitchen, conservatory, study/<br />

bedroom 3, two double bedrooms. Parking and garden.<br />

Unfurnished. Deposit £2077. Fees Apply. EPC F<br />

Greatstone, Kent - £1.1m<br />

Unique beach house with widespread sea views. Bedrooms<br />

1 & 2 with sea views, ensuite shower rooms, 2 further<br />

bedrooms. First floor open plan living/dining/kitchen. Large<br />

balcony with sea views. Garden. Garage. EPC C<br />

RYE OFFICE 01797 227338<br />

MAYFAIR OFFICE 0870 112 7099<br />

phillipsandstubbs.co.uk


Highest Returns<br />

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Land Sales Support<br />

land-sales-support.co.uk<br />

Unlock the<br />

full value<br />

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We are a friendly, independent company<br />

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Kent to sell their land for its full value.<br />

Whether a garden plot or a large development site, with<br />

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expertly guide you through each stage of the process.<br />

Unlike some others we work solely for the benefit of the<br />

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• Free site visits and valuations<br />

• No upfront cost options<br />

• Land Promotion Agreement specialists<br />

To discuss the potential of your land or to<br />

arrange a free site visit please call us on<br />

01424 251976<br />

01622 673086<br />

enquiries@sibleypares.co.uk<br />

sibleypares.co.uk<br />

LandSalesSupport192.indd 1 15/01/<strong>2018</strong> 12:31<br />

Esquire Developments<br />

would like to invite you to<br />

the Penny Close Showhome<br />

Have the opportunity to view a range<br />

of bespoke homes with exclusive offers<br />

available for those looking to reserve.<br />

These two exclusive private gated developments<br />

offer executive 4 & 5 bedroom homes<br />

Showhome open<br />

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*Call for all other appointment<br />

times<br />

Prices from £475,000<br />

Penny Close, Boughton Monchelsea, Kent, ME17 4HY<br />

21 wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

SibleyPares<strong>WT192</strong>.indd 1 23/01/<strong>2018</strong> 09:57


ON YOUR<br />

DOORSTEP<br />

Elegantly crafted three, four and five bedroom homes.<br />

Just 400 metres from Tenterden’s boutique High Street.<br />

YOUR STYLE OUR QUALITY<br />

High specification homes available now with a bespoke range of<br />

premium fixtures and fittings and paint colours by Farrow & Ball.<br />

Prices from £440,000.<br />

Show homes open daily 10am to 5pm<br />

01892 854076 churchview-tenterden.co.uk<br />

RESERVE EARLY AND HAVE<br />

FIRST CHOICE OF<br />

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HOUSE TO SELL? Ask about our<br />

Easy Mover service created to<br />

help sell your existing home<br />

Ask about our Stamp Duty Paid deals on selected homes throughout January and <strong>February</strong> <strong>2018</strong>


01580 242700<br />

wealdproperty.net<br />

Residential Sales | Management and Lettings<br />

Weald Property - successfully letting and selling<br />

exceptional homes in the Weald since 1985<br />

BECKLEY<br />

OIEO £875,000<br />

A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO OWN A UNIQUE, BESPOKE<br />

ECO HOUSE IN A STUNNING WOODLAND SETTING<br />

3 bedroom detached home set in 11 acres of semiancient<br />

deciduous woodland with secluded garden<br />

and large decking area - there is a further large 2-bay<br />

garage/1-bedroom annexe, with office above, ripe for<br />

conversion into 2 bedroom annexe (stpc). EPC: A<br />

2 Windmill Oast,<br />

Windmill Farm,<br />

Rolvenden, Kent TN17 4PF<br />

sJD – Developing potential<br />

WealdProperty<strong>WT192</strong>.indd 1 11/01/<strong>2018</strong> 11:18<br />

If you think your land or property has development<br />

potential, why not give us a call without obligation<br />

and in confidence.<br />

Many of our clients retain our services and,<br />

in the majority of cases, pay our fees saving<br />

property owners significant costs.<br />

Call us now<br />

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

Contact Stephen Donnelly on<br />

07739 514350 or 0845 456 8969<br />

web: sjd-projects.com • email: steve@sjd-projects.com<br />

Commercial buildings for residential conversion • Former public houses • Redundant buildings for redevelopment<br />

Buildings for conversion or replacement • Houses for improvement • Large sites on the edge of town • Barn conversions<br />

Large gardens in residential areas • Major regeneration projects<br />

We are alWays on the lookout for lanD anD property With Development potential<br />

23 wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

SJDprojectsWT191.indd 1 30/11/2017 17:16


C<br />

M<br />

Y<br />

CM<br />

MY<br />

CY<br />

CMY<br />

K<br />

Luxurious new care home opening spring <strong>2018</strong><br />

We are the difference between quality and excellence and between<br />

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we will do whatever we can to be the difference you need.<br />

Residential Care | Dementia Care | Respite Breaks<br />

Call 01322 771792 | Visit cinnamoncc.com<br />

Emerson Grange Care Home Emerson Park, Rowhill Road, Hextable, Kent, BR8 7FP


MAXIMISE THE VALUE<br />

OF YOUR LAND<br />

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For a free appraisal call 0843 557 4080<br />

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“Guy and team at CHH did a fantastic<br />

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I would certainly use them again”<br />

David J (Oxted, Surrey)<br />

January 2017


HOUSE OF THE MONTH<br />

1.<br />

1.<br />

1. Stede Court<br />

And so to bed...<br />

Maggie Alderson finds homes with hideaway bedrooms.<br />

<strong>February</strong> always feels like a cheat. We’re well over a month<br />

past the shortest day, but it somehow always feels darker<br />

and gloomier than January. Maybe it’s because Christmas<br />

is over, but the memories of the festive season linger on, in the<br />

form of a spare tyre round the middle and a credit card balance<br />

so overinflated it wakes you up in the middle of the night.<br />

Searching around for reasons to be cheerful, Easter seems<br />

a long way off (and alarmingly fattening) and <strong>February</strong>’s<br />

traditional ‘holiday’, Valentine’s Day can be problematic, if<br />

you happen to be single, or not talking to your other half<br />

as a result of the aforementioned credit card statement.<br />

So there’s only one thing for it: spend<br />

as much time as possible in bed.<br />

Even if you don’t have a wall-mounted bedroom telly, the dream<br />

team of an iPad with Netflix and all the TV channel catch-up<br />

sites, means you can watch some of the best television ever made<br />

from the comfort of your duvet-snuggled nest. While snacking.<br />

The amazing Feud, with Jessica Lange and Susan Sarandon<br />

as Joan Crawford and Bette Davis would cure any malaise.<br />

Extended waking-hour bed dwelling has never been<br />

more enjoyable, so why not choose your next home<br />

with a really splendid master bedroom as your main<br />

priority? Here are four houses that fit the bill.<br />

Where? Stede Court sits in a rural elevated<br />

position on the south slope of the North Downs<br />

within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural<br />

Beauty, with outstanding vistas across the Weald<br />

to Sussex, Romney Marsh and the Channel. The<br />

property is set on the rural periphery of the village<br />

of Harrietsham with its primary school, shop, pub<br />

and station with links to three London stations in<br />

just over an hour, and excellent links to the M20.<br />

What? A magnificent unlisted Palladian style<br />

mansion with Tudor, Victorian and mainly Georgian<br />

architectural styles which reflect its history. Providing<br />

in excess of 9,200 sq ft of accommodation with<br />

exceptional entertaining space and lofty ceiling heights.<br />

All principal rooms afford spectacular vistas over open<br />

countryside and a plethora of splendid architectural<br />

features have been retained. The accommodation is<br />

extremely flexible, currently providing five reception<br />

rooms, indoor swimming pool and eight bedrooms.<br />

The master suite comprises a spacious bedroom with<br />

wide curved bay, dressing room and luxurious en suite<br />

bathroom, with double basins, claw foot bath and<br />

marble tiling. Outside are beautiful park-like grounds<br />

with sweeping lawns, clipped box hedging, topiary<br />

and well filled shrubberies, herbaceous borders and<br />

evergreens creating colour and interest throughout<br />

the seasons, and numerous specimen trees.<br />

How much? £2,250,000<br />

Stede Court is on the market with Jackson-Stops,<br />

Cranbrook 01580 720000 jackson-stops.co.uk<br />

(This house is co-listed with Strutt Parker,<br />

Canterbury, see details on next page).<br />

wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

26


2.<br />

3.<br />

4.<br />

2.<br />

3.<br />

4.<br />

2. Lillesden Park<br />

Where? Lillesden Park is set within 28<br />

acres of picturesque rolling countryside,<br />

on the outskirts of Hawkhurst, within<br />

walking distance of The Moor, a<br />

highly sought-after location displaying<br />

charming period buildings and open<br />

playing fields. A popular community<br />

village, Hawkhurst has excellent local<br />

shopping, plus a Waitrose and a Kino<br />

independent cinema. The nearest station<br />

is Staplehurst (20 minutes) from where<br />

it’s just over an hour to Charing Cross.<br />

What? A Grade II listed French<br />

Gothic mansion built in 1853 for Henry<br />

Lloyd, a co-founder of Natwest Bank, it<br />

has been divided into fourteen unique<br />

apartments, converted to a very high<br />

spec, with large windows overlooking<br />

the surrounding countryside. The large<br />

sitting room is at entry level, with stairs<br />

down to the kitchen/breakfast room,<br />

plus playroom and shower room. On<br />

the first floor are three bedrooms, all<br />

en suite. The master bedroom has a<br />

bathroom and generous dressing room,<br />

and wonderful views from the bed.<br />

There are 28 acres of landscaped gardens,<br />

bicycle storage and allocated parking.<br />

How much? Lillesden Park is on the<br />

market with Peter Buswell at £1,050,000.<br />

01580 755565 peterbuswell.co.uk<br />

3. The Manor Barn<br />

Where? The Manor Barn occupies<br />

a private position in the sought-after<br />

parish of Harbledown, 10 minutes from<br />

Canterbury. Trains from Canterbury West<br />

reach St Pancras in under an hour, or a<br />

choice of London stations are just over<br />

an hour from nearby Faversham. Dover<br />

and Eurostar terminals are also handy.<br />

What? Originally a disused barn dating<br />

from the 1300s in the grounds of the<br />

adjacent Manor House, the conversion was<br />

undertaken in consultation with renowned<br />

architect, Sir Thomas Croft. The kitchen,<br />

with double height ceilings and walk-in<br />

larder, adjoins outside decked terraces that<br />

link seamlessly with the internal space.<br />

All the reception areas enjoy views over<br />

the garden and across the lake, with the<br />

southern elevation glazed along its entire<br />

length. There is a cinema room with a<br />

cocktail bar and wine cellar. On the first<br />

floor are two large en suite bedrooms, with<br />

dressing rooms and seating areas, with<br />

three bedrooms and two bathrooms on the<br />

ground floor. Landscaped gardens, are by<br />

a RHS award-winning team with separate<br />

accommodation and a summerhouse.<br />

How much? The Manor Barn is<br />

marketed by Strutt Parker, Canterbury<br />

with a guide price of £2,450,000.<br />

01227 473720 struttparker.com<br />

4. Ellisfield<br />

Where? Ellisfield is situated in the parish<br />

of Barming, in a much sought-after semirural<br />

lane location position in a prestigious<br />

suburb location on the fringes of Maidstone<br />

town. It’s 10 minutes to East Malling station,<br />

then under an hour to London Victoria. The<br />

M20 motorway network is 10 minutes.<br />

What? Over three levels, this is a<br />

deceptively spacious ‘Tardis’ house offering<br />

flexible living accommodation in an<br />

extended, recently refurbished interior.<br />

There are four bedrooms, one with an en<br />

suite shower room and the master bedroom<br />

boasts a large decked terrace offering<br />

stunning countryside views. A shower room<br />

can be found on the first floor and a family<br />

bathroom on the ground floor as well as<br />

a sitting room and a dining room with<br />

double doors to a large decked terrace, with<br />

views directly over the garden. The kitchen/<br />

breakfast room has an adjoining utility room<br />

and staircase to the lower ground level with<br />

a fabulous garden room with bi-folding<br />

doors to the garden, a play-room and a<br />

large utility/laundry room. The property<br />

is set in approximately a half an acre plot<br />

with a well-maintained rear garden.<br />

How much? Ellisfield is on with<br />

Fine & Country, West Malling with a<br />

guide price of £750,000. 01732 222272<br />

fineandcountry.com<br />

27 wealdentimes.co.uk


DESIGN & PLANNING | RESTORATION | NEW BUILD | BARN CONVERSIONS | EXTENSIONS | JOINERY<br />

For a brochure or home consultation call 01797 366895<br />

www.anthony-hicks.co.uk


The Kitchen is the Heart of Your Home<br />

See how we can transform your home today www.bentonskitchens.co.uk canterbury@bentonskitchens.co.uk<br />

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


OUR WINTER PROMOTION<br />

Spend over £5,000 on a kitchen* and we’ll<br />

include the sink. Spend over £15,000 and we’ll<br />

include the sink and a Quooker boiling tap.<br />

Upper High Street,<br />

Heathfield,<br />

East Sussex,<br />

TN21 8NB<br />

01435 866435<br />

info@jonesbritain.co.uk<br />

jonesbritain.co.uk<br />

*Terms and conditions apply. Excludes worktops, white goods & labour.


Had enough<br />

of being<br />

overweight?<br />

Hands up all those who feel they’re in a<br />

constant battle to achieve and maintain<br />

the weight they want to be. How many<br />

diets have you tried and failed, feeling<br />

totally frustrated and not knowing what<br />

to do next?<br />

Having had a weight problem for 35 years, Rachel was<br />

desperate to find a way of being able to lose weight once<br />

and for all. ‘I had just about resigned myself to the fact that I would be<br />

overweight for the rest of my life, when I came across the principles<br />

of the Metabolic Weight Loss Programme. I followed these and to my<br />

amazement, I lost 3 stone in just over 3 months and then<br />

went on to successfully maintain my weight. The<br />

relief was enormous to have found something<br />

that finally worked for me.’<br />

Leading Weight Loss<br />

Consultant<br />

Rachel became passionate about<br />

wanting to help as many people<br />

as possible with their weight<br />

problems, which led her to<br />

become a qualified weight loss<br />

consultant. In the last 15 years,<br />

she has helped over 5,000 clients<br />

from all walks of life to help bring<br />

their dieting days to an end once<br />

and for all. Clients’ ages range<br />

from 8 to 90 years, so there is hope<br />

for everyone!<br />

A sustainable way to lose<br />

your weight and keep it off<br />

One of the popular aspects of the Metabolic<br />

Weight Loss Programme is there’s nothing<br />

faddish about it. There are no meal replacements,<br />

diet shakes or diet pills. All the foods on the programme are<br />

easily obtainable. Clients frequently say just how easy it is to follow,<br />

they don’t feel hungry and are not having to constantly battle with<br />

cravings. The four stages of the programme are tailored as necessary<br />

to provide the maximum results for each client.<br />

‘We set your target weight at the beginning and then get on with the<br />

business of helping you lose the weight, addressing any difficulties<br />

along the way, then we help you keep it off – for good!’<br />

Health Benefits<br />

With an average<br />

weight loss of 7-14lb<br />

a month for clients<br />

and hundreds of hand<br />

written testimonials,<br />

Rachel’s results speak<br />

for themselves.<br />

Rachel Ricketts, Weight Loss Consultant<br />

Clients often comment on how impressed their doctors are with their<br />

results. ‘My doctor is very happy, I’ve been able to come off blood<br />

pressure and cholesterol medication,’ says one. Another doctor said,<br />

‘All my lady patients on thyroid medication are struggling to<br />

lose weight, but you’ve lost 2 ½ stone despite being<br />

on thyroxin – well done!’<br />

One-to-one support<br />

Rachel and her team give weekly<br />

one-to-one consultations, guiding<br />

you through the programme with<br />

personalised support, lots of<br />

empathy and total conviction in<br />

the success of the programme.<br />

Email support is available in<br />

between consultations.<br />

For those who are not able to<br />

visit, a very successful remote<br />

support service is provided<br />

throughout the UK and overseas.<br />

With an average weight loss of<br />

7-14lb a month for clients and<br />

hundreds of handwritten testimonials,<br />

Rachel’s results speak for themselves. ‘I<br />

see real results daily, time after time I see<br />

people’s lives change in front of me.’<br />

Do visit www.rachelrickettsweightloss.co.uk for<br />

client’s videos and testimonials.<br />

Rachel offers free consultations for those who<br />

are wanting to lose their weight once and for all<br />

Call now: 01342 327396<br />

Email rachel@rachelrickettsweightloss.co.uk<br />

www.rachelrickettsweightloss.co.uk


SALE NOW ON<br />

Wake up beautifully<br />

At Hypnos, comfort comes guaranteed. But whilst every bed is individually handmade by master craftsmen<br />

using the very finest natural and sustainable materials, it is you who carefully designs the look of your bed<br />

and creates a beautiful centrepiece for your bedroom. So, to be sure that you enjoy a healthy night’s sleep and<br />

wake up feeling revitalised and refreshed, visit our Showroom and design a Hypnos bed that’s just right for you.<br />

www.hypnosbeds.com<br />

Gordon Busbridge Ltd<br />

THE FURNISHING STORE THE NAME TO TRUST SINCE 1911<br />

289/297 LONDON ROAD ST LEONARDS Tel: 01424 420368<br />

www.busbridges.co.uk<br />

58/58B SEASIDE ROAD EASTBOURNE Tel: 01323 730637<br />

email: sales@busbridges.co.uk<br />

Hypnos is proud to be Carbon Neutral


Section of Fashionista<br />

JUST TEN GALLERY<br />

RYE<br />

LIMITED EDITION FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY<br />

BY CLIVE SAWYER<br />

103a High Street, Rye, East Sussex TN31 7JN<br />

www.just-ten.gallery clive@just-ten.gallery M: 07738 715354


Resin Bound Stone<br />

The modern alternative to block paving or gravel<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

Maintenance free<br />

No weeds<br />

Porous for effective drainage<br />

Wide range of colours<br />

1 day installation by skilled craftsmen<br />

10 year guarantee<br />

See our website for the range of colours available.<br />

www.resindrivewaysrus.co.uk<br />

We provide paths, patios and driveways of all sizes.<br />

Please contact us to get an idea of costs for your project:<br />

0800195 6395<br />

contact@resindrivewaysrus.co.uk<br />

www.resindrivewaysrus.co.uk<br />

Our work features on Series 2 of Channel 4’s Ugly House to Lovely House with George Clarke


FREE<br />

NO OBLIGATION<br />

HOME VISIT,<br />

QUOTATION AND<br />

FITTING<br />

For the ultimate in timeless elegance look no further than<br />

Blind Blind Design’s Design’s range range of blinds, of shutters and and blinds. curtains.<br />

Call Freephone<br />

0800 988 1071 1071<br />

For Your Free Home Visit Visit<br />

Unit 6, 6, Harvington Business Park, Brampton Road, • Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN22 9AF<br />

Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm, Sat 9am - 2pm<br />

Telephone 01323 509 661. Freephone 0800 988 1071<br />

Telephone 01323 509 661 Freephone 0800 988 1071<br />

www.blind-design.co.uk<br />

www.blind-design.co.uk


Come and visit us in Tenterden. We now have a large barn situated just behind<br />

our showroom. In the barn we are able to display a fantastic selection of large<br />

handmade rugs and accessories. The two showrooms are a treasure trove<br />

of stunning rugs, kelims and interiors including kelim stools & chairs.<br />

We offer a bespoke rug making service from India and Nepal, any colour,<br />

any size. Also unique cushions and lighting designed in house.<br />

More By Design, 104 High Street, Tenterden, Kent, TN30 6HT. Tel: 01580 762524<br />

Website: www.morebydesign.com or www.handmaderugs.co.uk


Discover what’s new at Schmidt...<br />

DISCOVER<br />

OUR NEW <strong>2018</strong><br />

COLLECTION<br />

ONLINE<br />

FREE QUOOKER TAP<br />

With all orders from the new ranges<br />

Offer available throughout <strong>February</strong><br />

www.tunbridge-wells.home-design.schmidt<br />

20 Grosvenor Road | Tunbridge Wells | TN1 2AR<br />

T: 01892 547 132


Design & Planning<br />

Restoration<br />

New Build<br />

Barn Conversions<br />

Extensions<br />

Joinery<br />

COX<br />

Developments<br />

(Charing) Limited<br />

www.coxrestorations.co.uk<br />

www.coxdevelopmentscharing.co.uk<br />

NATIONAL AWARD WINNER COX DEVELOPMENTS<br />

(CHARING) LIMITED – BEST SMALL DEVELOPMENT<br />

For a free consultation please contact: 01233 714950<br />

www.coxrestorations.co.uk<br />

Established 1986


OAK FRAMED BUILDINGS<br />

HOME & GARDEN FEATURES<br />

QUALITY DECKING & CLADDING<br />

TUMBLED & CRACKED ENGINEERED FLOORING<br />

OAK & WALNUT FLOORING<br />

www.roundwood.com<br />

Tel: 01435 867 072<br />

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


Employed Skilled Workforce | Renovations & Extensions<br />

Conversions & Alterations | Design & Build<br />

A.T. Palmer Ltd<br />

RestoRation specialists est.1949<br />

T: 01233 770077<br />

Smarden Business Estate, TN27 8QL<br />

atpalmer.co.uk<br />

ATPalmerWT176.indd 1 09/09/2016 11:44<br />

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㔀<br />

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吀 䔀 䰀 㤀 㔀 㤀 㔀 アパートアパート 㐀 アパートアパート ⴀ 䰀 伀 一 䐀 伀 一 刀 伀 䄀 䐀 Ⰰ 䠀 䄀 䰀 匀 吀 䔀 䄀 䐀 Ⰰ 匀 䔀 嘀 䔀 一 伀 䄀 䬀 匀 Ⰰ 䬀 䔀 一 吀 吀 一 㐀 㜀 䄀 䄀<br />

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wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

40<br />

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


LIVING SPACES MADE BEAUTIFUL<br />

THIS KITCHEN WAS DESIGNED AND INSTALLED BY HKS<br />

OUR DESIGN<br />

YOUR SPACE<br />

KITCHEN BEDROOM BATHROOM LIVING SPACES<br />

01435 866166<br />

HEATHFIELD HILL HOUSE, MUTTON HALL HILL, TN21 8NL<br />

ALSO AT: ST LEONARDS-ON-SEA • EASTBOURNE • HAYWARDS HEATH<br />

www.hks-uk.com


L3ove<br />

For The of<br />

entertainment<br />

LADIES’<br />

NIGHT<br />

18+<br />

WED 14 FEBRUARY<br />

The perfect<br />

Valentine’s<br />

Day<br />

treat!<br />

HEN PARTIES WELCOME<br />

FRI 2 MARCH<br />

Treat your Mum<br />

TO AN AFTERNOON OF DELICIOUS<br />

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT<br />

THE LEGEND LIVES ON!<br />

SUN 11 MARCH<br />

TUE 20 –<br />

SAT 24<br />

MARCH<br />

TANGO<br />

MODERNO<br />

Paul Walden & Derek Nicol for Flying Music in association with Adrian Grant for Key Concerts present<br />

FEATURING THE SONGS OF<br />

MICHAEL<br />

AND THE<br />

JACKSON 5<br />

SUN 18 MARCH<br />

STARRING<br />

VINCENT<br />

SIMONE<br />

& FLAVIA<br />

CACACE<br />

MON 26 –<br />

SAT 31<br />

MARCH<br />

Huddersfield Examiner<br />

MON 9 –<br />

SAT 14<br />

APRIL<br />

is outstanding.<br />

Her performance<br />

is pure gold.”<br />

Yorkshire Post<br />

“Nick Lloyd<br />

Webber’s score<br />

is excellent.”<br />

Yorkshire Post<br />

WED 18–<br />

SAT 21 APRIL<br />

Photo of previous cast member<br />

TUE 8 –<br />

SAT 12<br />

MAY<br />

Written & Directed<br />

by Guy Unsworth<br />

Based on the TV series<br />

by Raymond Allen<br />

‘QUITE LITERALLY THRILLING’<br />

THE STAGE<br />

starring<br />

JODIE PRENGER SAM BAILEY NATALIE ANDERSON<br />

KEVIN KENNEDY JOEL MONTAGUE<br />

HHHH<br />

Starring<br />

Joe Pasquale<br />

Sarah Earnshaw Susie Blake<br />

ORCHARD GIFT VOUCHERS<br />

BOOK ONLINE<br />

orchardtheatre.co.uk<br />

/The Orchard Theatre @OrchardTheatre theorchardtheatre TICKET OFFICE 01322 220000


Build it!...<br />

If you enjoy our buildings feature this month be sure to visit The<br />

Kent Event Centre from Saturday 3 to Sunday 4 <strong>February</strong> for Build It<br />

Live. This is a must see for anyone planning a self-build, renovation or<br />

home makeover, with the chance to meet hundreds of the UK’s leading<br />

suppliers, try the PlotSearch Zone and attend a variety of free seminars<br />

and workshops. Plus the first 100 WT readers get free entry! To claim<br />

your tickets go to builditlive.co.uk/wealdenreaders and enter promotion<br />

code WEALDENREADERS. Each ticket permits two adults on either<br />

Saturday 3 or Sunday 4 Feb to Build It Live at The Kent Event Centre<br />

only. The tickets are not refundable and have no cash value. Visit<br />

builditlive.co.uk for tickets and information.<br />

Mark Gstohl<br />

<strong>February</strong><br />

notebook<br />

Exhibitions & events<br />

near you this month...<br />

DIRECT FROM LONDON’S WEST END<br />

HHHH HHHH<br />

Fat Tuesday...<br />

‘You can’t beat it!<br />

EVENING STANDARD<br />

‘...a wonderful show’<br />

WHATSONSTAGE<br />

Hastings takes its inspiration for its Fat Tuesday<br />

celebrations from a New Orleans Mardi Gras<br />

filled with music, dress-up, culture and let-yourhair-down<br />

partying. This fancy-free festival will<br />

launch on Friday 9 <strong>February</strong> and continue until<br />

Tuesday 13 <strong>February</strong>, with events including the<br />

Grand Ball, umbrella parade and the main event,<br />

‘A glitzy concert<br />

the Fat Tuesday Tour, with 24 bands performing<br />

of song and dance.<br />

across Hastings. For more information visit<br />

hastingsfattuesday.co.uk.<br />

THE HITS JUST<br />

KEEP ON COMING’<br />

DAILY TELEGRAPH<br />

Manor Mystery...<br />

Port Lympne Hotel’s popular Murder Mystery<br />

Dinner returns on Saturday 24 <strong>February</strong>. It’s a<br />

luxury three course dinner with drinks and a twist;<br />

throughout the evening a team of actors will unveil<br />

the story of a murder. Decipher the clues between<br />

courses and see if you can figure out who dunnit.<br />

For more information and booking call 01303<br />

234111 or email eventinfo@aspinallfoundation.org.<br />

Coming up Roses...<br />

For those looking to bring a touch of romance<br />

to the garden, Godinton House will be holding<br />

a workshop on Saturday 17 <strong>February</strong>. In this<br />

practical workshop head gardener, Viv Hunt, and<br />

horticulture lecturer/freelance gardener, Fiona<br />

Abrahams, will guide you through choosing,<br />

planting, maintaining and pruning roses. Booking<br />

is essential and refreshments and a light lunch are<br />

included. For details go to godintonhouse.co.uk.<br />

Jackson & co Photography<br />

Rustic <strong>Wedding</strong> Fair...<br />

Couples planning rustic weddings will love this<br />

free event set in Holmstead Events’ stunning<br />

wedding tipis at the Ridge Golf Club at Sutton<br />

Valence on Saturday 17 <strong>February</strong>. A host of local<br />

Kent vendors will be there offering one to one<br />

help, ideas and advice, including some familiar<br />

names from WT such as Home Gurr’own<br />

catering and event management, Blooming Green<br />

flowers and Hire Love event hire and styling.<br />

For more details visit homegurrown.co.uk.<br />

Fairytale Romance...<br />

What better venue to celebrate Valentine’s Day<br />

than the loveliest castle in the world? Leeds Castle<br />

is celebrating Wednesday 14 <strong>February</strong> by offering<br />

you a romantic evening including a three course<br />

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more details visit scallop.org.uk.<br />

43 wealdentimes.co.uk


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CPGlass<strong>WT192</strong>.indd 1 10/01/<strong>2018</strong> 11:55


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NEAR DISTANCES<br />

Editor’s<br />

Letter<br />

Welcome to <strong>February</strong>’s issue. This will be the last<br />

month I’ll be involved with for a little while, as<br />

maternity leave means I’ll be leaving the magazine<br />

in the very capable hands of Maggie Alderson. I have to<br />

say, I am thrilled to be able to include Amy Exton’s pretty<br />

incredible Margate house in my final issue. Jam-packed with<br />

every colour imaginable, she has created a photographic and<br />

film location that, unsurprisingly, has caught the eye of many<br />

a music video producer across a varied range of genres.<br />

Our second house shoot focuses in on pared back elegance<br />

as we explore Caroline Kyriazis’ Victorian townhouse.<br />

Working with, not against, the darkness of some of the<br />

rooms, she has created a cosy, welcoming and stylish<br />

family home whose ever-evolving decor she documents<br />

pictorially to her rapidly growing Instagram following.<br />

For our wedding <strong>supplement</strong>, Kate Watts has sourced<br />

some beautifully individual gowns and accessories.<br />

With a vampy twist and sleek silhouettes they’re just<br />

perfect for those longer winter and spring evenings.<br />

If romance is at the forefront of your mind this month, take<br />

a look at our Valentine’s Day recipes created by the talented<br />

mums behind Simply Nutritious Delicious. Anna and Mandy<br />

have worked with scallops, lamb and meringue to deliver a trio<br />

of exceptionally tasty dishes that are sure to be a hit on 14th.<br />

Enjoy your <strong>Wealden</strong> <strong>Times</strong> and see you<br />

soon. Over to you, Maggie!<br />

KEVIN DARKE<br />

NEAR DISTANCES<br />

OPENS 17 FEBRUARY<br />

<strong>Wealden</strong> <strong>Times</strong> Team<br />

Editor ............................................................................................ Lucy Fleming<br />

Editorial Assistant ........................................................................Rebecca Cuffe<br />

Digital Editor ...................................................................................Emily Pavey<br />

Fashion Editor ................................................................................... Kate Watts<br />

Design .........................................................................................Powerful Pierre<br />

Design Team ..............................................................................Anthony Boxall<br />

Rob Cursons<br />

Freya Bruce<br />

Tanya Goldsmith<br />

Managing Director ........................................................................ Julie Simpson<br />

Commercial Director ............................................................... Colin Wilkinson<br />

Sales Team ................................................................................ Hayley Biddulph<br />

Sarah Norwood<br />

Nick Robinson<br />

Distribution ....................................................................................... Kate Watts<br />

<strong>Wealden</strong> <strong>Times</strong> Events Team<br />

Sales Account Manager ...................................................................... Joy Adams<br />

Jude Brown<br />

Show Director ................................................................................. Flo Simpson<br />

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47 wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

McAllisterThomasFineArt<strong>WT192</strong>.indd 1 11/01/<strong>2018</strong> 16:13<br />

McAllister Thomas Half Page.indd 1 11/01/<strong>2018</strong> 15:43


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51 wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

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


Kaleidoscope Eyes<br />

Central Saint Martins graduate Amy Exton’s terraced Margate<br />

home is a riot of clashing pattern, vivid paint and leopard print in<br />

many guises – a love of which she lavishly pours into her work as a<br />

set designer<br />

Words: Jo Arnell Photographs: David Merewether Styling:<br />

Helen Bratby Garden photographs: Amy Exton<br />

wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

52


53 wealdentimes.co.uk


MARTIN MOORE STONE<br />

Tunbridge Wells 0330 311 6574<br />

www.martinmoorestone.com


Previous pages & above: Amy has hand painted her unique and colourful designs, sourcing a good deal of her furnishings from<br />

Margate. “There’s some interesting things here. It’s quite junky and there’s a lot of mid-century stuff around the place.” The bright<br />

pink sofa came from the Yard in the Old Town<br />

The sky is leaden and it is pouring with rain as I<br />

drive past the quaintly named Sea Bathing Hospital,<br />

then along the seafront towards the giant shed<br />

on the beach that is the Turner gallery. We’re in not-sosunny<br />

Margate where an incoming tide of creative energy<br />

is steeping the town in art and contemporary culture. In<br />

drab late winter sadly it is mainly hiding indoors. By the<br />

time I reach Amy Exton’s house in Cliftonville I’m more<br />

than ready for a little colour. Amy opens the door and I<br />

come out of the rain – and into the blue. A bright and<br />

brilliant cobalt blue. It is like stepping from grey old Kansas<br />

into technicolour Oz. Oh my! As Dorothy might say.<br />

The dazzle continues as we head out of the blue hallway<br />

and into the kitchen diner. On one side there is a black and<br />

white monochrome kitchen area, a sensible practical space,<br />

but on the other it’s definitely playtime. Kitsch, glam, and<br />

joyous, this is Acid House meets Hilda Ogden (except that<br />

Amy is far too young to be that familiar with the eponymous<br />

style queen). There are lions and tigers and leopards (not<br />

bears). Opposite the kitchen there’s a huge mural of a beach<br />

scene and on the adjacent wall and ceiling she has created<br />

and hand painted her unique and colourful designs.<br />

Amy studied Fine Art at Central Saint Martins before<br />

becoming a set designer for fashion and music videos in<br />

London. She has designed and decorated this house to be<br />

a location. Appealing as a set for photo shoots and videos,<br />

it is also a proper, functioning home. Amy explains: “I<br />

wanted to get into interiors and I lived with someone<br />

who had a location house in London – it was on a 1930s<br />

scheme, basically because they bought it from someone<br />

elderly and they hadn’t updated the decor, so it was all<br />

original.” She was able to experience how they let it out <br />

55 wealdentimes.co.uk


“I kind of made it up as<br />

I went along,” says Amy.<br />

“It was all decorated in<br />

my head before I moved<br />

but now it’s all completely<br />

different. You have to feel<br />

the space and live in it.”


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wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

58<br />

KibblewhiteWT167.indd 2 27/11/2015 12:46


This page: In contrast to the green of an amazingly shaped cabinet, Amy has painted the sitting room in coral, choosing<br />

silver for the ceiling “to lift the peachy look and stop it looking sticky.”<br />

for fashion shoots and saw the potential for having<br />

a location house of her own. It tied in well with her<br />

growing knowledge of set design. “So I thought I’d<br />

marry the two together and have some fun with it.”<br />

She started to look around for a house and made the<br />

move from London to Kent eighteen months ago. “I<br />

like the seaside and had thought about Margate,” she<br />

says. “And I even think I must have seen this place<br />

<br />

59 wealdentimes.co.uk


This page: Tropical birds and foliage feature on the upholstery of another sofa,<br />

alongside a neon light and a large spray-painted canvas which rests against one wall<br />

somewhere – it all stuck in my head<br />

and then a year later I came back down<br />

and it was still on the market.” Built in<br />

1902, the house is a tall centre terrace;<br />

all the properties around it were once<br />

part of a hospital and are arranged<br />

in a horseshoe shape around a useful<br />

off-street parking area. Amy’s house<br />

was part of a children’s tuberculosis<br />

ward. “When you look at the top of<br />

the doors you can see safety glass,”<br />

Amy explains, pointing upwards to the<br />

top of the high door, where she has<br />

disguised the municipal looking glass<br />

with a delicate wooden screen. “It’s<br />

been changed around quite a bit, but<br />

it has lovely high ceilings.” Previously a<br />

rental property, the interior was bland<br />

and unloved when she moved in. A<br />

blank canvas. “Yeah, very beige,” she<br />

says. “Brown carpets everywhere. It<br />

was kind of gloomy. It is a naturally<br />

dark house, most of it is north<br />

facing. The colour makes it cosier.” <br />

wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

60


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Woodwork 1-2.indd 4 11/12/2017 14:23<br />

Woodwork<strong>WT192</strong>.indd 1 08/01/<strong>2018</strong> 14:53<br />

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wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

62<br />

ClarksRugNation<strong>WT192</strong>.indd 1 03/01/<strong>2018</strong> DavidBrownWT190.indd 16:59<br />

1 20/11/2017 16:08


This page: The staircase is a riot of pink and orange and is home to<br />

an Elvis bust spray painted by Amy the day before our visit<br />

Amy confesses that some of the<br />

colourful cosiness has evolved because<br />

the building’s history has made the<br />

place seem a little creepy at times,<br />

something not helped by local tales.<br />

“Some neighbours told us they thought<br />

there was a ghost child here,” she<br />

remembers. “And then that night there<br />

was a lot of noise. It was coming from<br />

the roof, but we thought it was from<br />

all around us.” She pauses, smiling.<br />

“It turned out to be seagulls, but it<br />

freaked us out for a little while – I’m<br />

not superstitious, but I went extra<br />

colourful just in case.” Let’s hope that<br />

ghosts only like the gloom, and exorcism<br />

by paint is the answer. By that adage,<br />

absolutely no ghosts could live here.<br />

No structural work was needed, but<br />

Amy knocked through the kitchen <br />

63 wealdentimes.co.uk


This page: Amy has used ferns and evergreens to bring a slightly Victorian parlour overlay to the look of the bathroom, despite its<br />

bright pink walls<br />

wall to the dining area and put in a new kitchen and<br />

bathrooms. The kitchen units are from Ikea. “They were the<br />

cheapest, and the most interesting of the ones I looked at.”<br />

Painted black, the grain of the veneer still shows through<br />

the paint and gives them a textured look. “IKEA units are<br />

all the same,” she adds, “so you can change the cupboard<br />

doors and put different handles on. Black and white work<br />

well with the rest of the scheme, but to be honest, not many<br />

shoots feature the kitchen.” The kitchen is possibly going<br />

to be put to use in another venture, as Amy would like<br />

to start running a supper club in the evenings with Annie<br />

Nicholl of Annie’s Larder. “The kitchen is an important<br />

space, as cooking is the main thing I like to do,” she says.<br />

They are starting with a Valentine’s evening this month.<br />

A varied range of clients have already used the house and<br />

courtyard garden as a location. “I’ve been surprised at how<br />

well it’s gone so far,” she says. “It’s mainly fashion shoots and<br />

music videos – pop, rap, grunge. The pop people like the<br />

saturated colours, rap are darker and use smoke. Once when<br />

I got home, there was a man standing in the bath with a<br />

fish.” She laughs. “Apparently it was part of a grunge video.”<br />

This is her home, but she always has to have an eye for <br />

wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

64


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CharityFarm<strong>WT192</strong>.indd 1 17/01/<strong>2018</strong> G&CGallery<strong>WT192</strong>.indd 12:15<br />

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ADVERTISING FEATURE<br />

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Above: The walls of the bedroom have been painted a deep teal colour. “I was worried when I painted this room, as it came out much<br />

darker than I thought it would, but now the furniture’s in, it looks okay,” says Amy<br />

the location spaces. As she explains, “it’s very bold, but you<br />

can always paint over it. I’ve learnt that you have to be big<br />

and bold. You have to make backgrounds that people can<br />

use. And you also have to be flexible. I’m happy for people<br />

to move things around, and I’ll have to keep changing<br />

them. Upstairs the lounge has been shot too much. It’s<br />

quite niche, so I need to keep rotating things around.”<br />

She has sourced a good deal of her furnishings from<br />

Margate. “There’s some interesting things here. It’s quite<br />

junky and there’s a lot of mid-century stuff around the place.”<br />

The bright pink sofa came from the Yard in the Old Town.<br />

“It was from The Ivy club in London originally. I wanted<br />

the kitchen diner to have the table in a central position at<br />

first, but the sofa just had to go there, there was no other <br />

67 wealdentimes.co.uk


Left: The bedroom’s curtains<br />

perfectly match the teal used<br />

to paint the windows, radiator<br />

and walls Below: Amy has<br />

opted for a bright and brilliant<br />

cobalt blue in the hallway<br />

space where it would fit – and it looks OK.” If you didn’t<br />

know, you’d think the whole room was planned around the<br />

sofa, which belies an innate skill. “I kind of made it up as<br />

I went along,” she says. “It was all decorated in my head<br />

before I moved but now it’s all completely different. You<br />

have to feel the space and live in it.” Luck also has its part<br />

to play. “I couldn’t find a floor for this space for ages and<br />

I was just about to give up and choose something boring,<br />

when this suddenly came on the market.” We look down at<br />

the stripy floor. “It’s tiger bamboo – what could be better?”<br />

Geometric shapes and bright colours feature in most of<br />

Amy’s designs and she has received some interior decorating<br />

commissions on the strength of it. “I decorated the loos of<br />

Radio Margate” she says. “I went mad in those toilets with<br />

shape and colour, the brief was that it should be somewhere<br />

where people could go in and take selfies. They wanted<br />

it bold and bright. But they said no leopard print. I don’t<br />

know whether you’ve noticed,” she pauses and grins, “but<br />

I love leopard print. Every room has it and I like painting<br />

it too.” The work went down well, leopard print and all.<br />

The house is not quite finished and she is still tackling<br />

the landing and stairs. A Herculean task. “I’ve not enjoyed<br />

it – it’s so large. The preparation is key and I’ve run out<br />

of steam a bit,” she says. Even with the excellent help <br />

wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

68


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70<br />

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


The dazzle continues<br />

as we head out of the<br />

blue hallway and into<br />

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On one side there is<br />

a black and white<br />

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area, a sensible practical<br />

space, but on the other<br />

it’s definitely playtime


This page: The kitchen looks out onto the courtyard<br />

garden. Amy shares a studio in Margate with her fashion<br />

designer housemate and another friend, the illustrator<br />

Sprankenstein, who designed the mural on the wall.<br />

Bubblegum pinks combined with red and potted palms<br />

give the garden an uplifting feel no matter the season<br />

of her father, decorating the house has been arm achingly<br />

labour intensive and tiring, but it has given her an idea.<br />

“One of my next projects,” (there are many) “is to develop<br />

some patterns that can be made into wallpaper to sell.” This<br />

would also tie in with another business she has up-cycling<br />

and revamping reclaimed objects, statues and ornaments.<br />

Once sourced, she prepares them in a studio down the<br />

road that she shares with her fashion designer housemate<br />

and another friend, the illustrator Sprankenstein, who<br />

designed the mural outside on the courtyard wall. The<br />

ornaments are first primed and then spray painted with<br />

gloss. “It’s amazing how you can transform something<br />

so quickly,” she says. “I did the Elvis bust on the stairs<br />

yesterday. It was really dull to look at, so I sprayed it pink.”<br />

There is, Amy admits, a lot of pink in the house. “I’m drawn<br />

to it in interiors; I don’t know why. Coral is really in at the<br />

moment. The sitting room is coral, but I painted the ceiling<br />

silver to lift the peachy look and stop it looking sticky.” The<br />

look is enhanced by some satin curtains that were bought on<br />

Ebay and, by happy chance, they perfectly match the walls. <br />

wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

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4651 Gorringes (WT) (Feb<strong>2018</strong>) 130x185 Final.indd 1 1/9/18 4:08 PM<br />

Gorringes<strong>WT192</strong>.indd 1 10/01/<strong>2018</strong> 11:14


A varied range of clients<br />

have already used the house<br />

and courtyard garden as<br />

a location. “I’ve been<br />

surprised at how well it’s<br />

gone so far,” she says. “It’s<br />

mainly fashion shoots<br />

and music videos – pop,<br />

rap, grunge. The pop<br />

people like the saturated<br />

colours, rap are darker<br />

and use smoke.”<br />

A similar effect has been achieved with the curtains<br />

in the bedroom, where the background walls have<br />

been painted a deep teal colour. “I was worried when<br />

I painted this room, as it came out much darker than<br />

I thought it would, but now the furniture’s in, it looks<br />

okay.” Amy gestures towards two chests of drawers: one<br />

bubble gum pink and the other a bright canary yellow.<br />

Back to pink in the bathroom, Amy has used ferns<br />

and evergreens to bring a slightly Victorian parlour<br />

overlay to the look. The bathroom is demure compared<br />

to the other rooms, but still ghost-scarer bright.<br />

Upstairs on the landings and staircase we are saturated<br />

in vibrant pink and orange. “Pink has a weird effect when<br />

it is put next to orange,” says Amy, “especially when it’s in<br />

different lights. This part of the house is lighter, as it faces<br />

south and sunlight comes in through the windows. Some<br />

of the pink looks orange and the orange goes purple.”<br />

As if to illustrate the effect, the sun starts to shine through<br />

the window. The rain has stopped and the sky is clearing.<br />

Suffused with sunlight now, the whole house seems to glow.<br />

Amy’s amazing use of colour and vivacious design is<br />

an inspiration, an instant mood lift and a fitting and<br />

memorable experience. Viva Margate; here’s to an eclectic<br />

mix of sea air, busts of Elvis sprayed pink, a dash of<br />

leopard skin and a whole lot of fresh talent in town.<br />

Address Book:<br />

To find out about Amy Exton’s location house, set<br />

design and her current projects, visit amyexton.<br />

com and see margatelocationhouse.com<br />

Annie’s Larder annieslarder.co.uk<br />

Find Sprankenstein on Instagram @sprankenstein<br />

75 wealdentimes.co.uk


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Do you have a typical working day? The best<br />

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Enjoy tea and cake in the Street Food Café,<br />

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HOME & GARDEN<br />

Inside five large marquees, browse amongst handpicked<br />

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products and plants. wealdentimes.co.uk/events


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Can you describe your work?<br />

We are a Country Boutique who sell fashion accessories<br />

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Thursday Adult<br />

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Ticket validation by www.ticketsrv.co.uk<br />

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WITH BARCODE VISIBLE<br />

CONDITION OF ADMISSION<br />

PLEASE PRESENT YOUR OWN<br />

TICKET WITH BARCODE VISIBLE<br />

This ticket admits one person to the showground on the<br />

day shown. Each ticket has a unique code for scanning.<br />

CONDITION OF ADMISSION<br />

This ticket admits one person to the showground<br />

on the day shown. Each ticket has a unique code for<br />

scanning. Multiple ticket purchases - please ensure<br />

you print each of the tickets of your order and not<br />

the first ticket multiple times. This e-ticket must<br />

be kept clean and dry for verification on arrival.<br />

Damaged or defaced tickets will not be accepted.<br />

Tickets are non refundable.<br />

A pass-out stamp is necessary for readmittance.<br />

Please remember to bring cash and a chequebook<br />

to the fair, as many of our exhibitors are small<br />

artisan producers and do not have credit card<br />

facilities. However, you can obtain cash at the<br />

Ticket Office at the Entrance. Well behaved dogs<br />

Multiple ticket purchases - please ensure you print each of the<br />

tickets of your order and not the first ticket multiple times.<br />

This e-ticket must be kept clean and dry for verification on<br />

arrival. Damaged or defaced tickets will not be accepted.<br />

Tickets are non refundable.<br />

A pass-out stamp is necessary for readmittance.<br />

Please remember to bring cash and a chequebook to the<br />

fair, as many of our exhibitors are small artisan producers<br />

and do not have credit card facilities. However, you can<br />

obtain cash at the Ticket Office at the Entrance.<br />

Dogs, with the exception of guide dogs, are NOT<br />

permitted at <strong>Wealden</strong> <strong>Times</strong> Midwinter Fair.<br />

What do your customers say they like about<br />

your products? We do go the extra mile for our<br />

customers, being a small business we take the time<br />

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OPENING TIMES: 9:00am - 4:30pm<br />

TICKETS: £9 in advance, £10 on the gate<br />

DOGS: Welcome<br />

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FOOD & DRINK<br />

Eat a delicious lunch in our Street Food Café, enjoy tea, a slice<br />

of cake or a light lunch in our Café Bakery or sip on something<br />

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Inside five heated marquees you’ll find everything you need<br />

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Town & Country<br />

Through the invaluable help of a property finder,<br />

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Words: Jennifer Stuart-Smith Photographs: David Merewether Styling: Lucy Fleming<br />

wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

82


83 wealdentimes.co.uk


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Previous pages: Next to the kitchen is a cosy room known as ‘the snug’. Initially a very light grey, and devoid of much natural light,<br />

Caroline has worked with the darkness, choosing deep tones and adding little pops of colour Above: Caroline initially intended on<br />

turning the playroom at the front of the house into a snug. The walls are painted in Pavilion Gray and Mole’s Breath by Farrow &<br />

Ball and prints on the wall were found at Battersea Affordable Art Fair<br />

So, what exactly have the Victorians done for us? For<br />

those of you who remember the television series of a<br />

similar name, you may well know. Or, if not, its presenter<br />

Adam Hart-Davis sums it up neatly: “In 1875, the Bulldog<br />

Club defined the perfect British Bulldog in a booklet that was<br />

circulated to breeders everywhere. From dogs to engineering,<br />

from sports to space and time, the world was becoming<br />

obsessed by standards and the rules that defined them. This<br />

was the world of the Victorians.” Another thing that gives us<br />

a clue about the lives of the Victorians are their houses.<br />

Relatively ordinary on the outside – at least their proliferation<br />

has this effect on our judgement – it’s hard to step <strong>inside</strong><br />

a Victorian ‘family home’ without marvelling at the sheer<br />

scale of their interior spaces. By new-build standards, well,<br />

there really is no comparison. At least, this seems to have<br />

been the thinking of Caroline and Simon Kyriazis when they<br />

decided to leave Tooting in south London, with their children<br />

Tilly and Oscar, and move to Tunbridge Wells: “We love<br />

period houses,” says Caroline. “We had a Victorian terraced<br />

house in London and before that we had period flats.”<br />

And it wasn’t just the era that was the same: “This house is really<br />

similar in size and layout to our London home,” says Caroline. It’s<br />

easy to see why they wanted something similar: high ceilings, huge<br />

rooms, great layout and just the right amount of period detail<br />

to give it character, but without feeling stuffy. Unfortunately for<br />

them, the appeal of such houses had not gone unnoticed by other<br />

house-hunters. “As soon as a suitable house came on the market,<br />

which was not very often, it would get snapped up,” says Caroline.<br />

Being in London did not make house-hunting any easier. “We<br />

couldn’t get down in time and houses would sell overnight,”<br />

says Caroline. So, they decided to enlist the help of a property<br />

finder: “We wouldn’t have found this place without help from<br />

Fiona Penny,” says Caroline. “She has great relationships with the<br />

agents so knew about this house before it officially went on the<br />

market.” It worked out well for the sellers too, as Caroline and<br />

Simon made an instant decision when they viewed the house. “I<br />

was standing outside and I just got a feeling. It was really weird.<br />

I’ve had that with all of the places we’ve lived. I’ve walked in<br />

and thought ‘I love this house’,” says Caroline. “Fiona also has a<br />

great ‘little black book’ and helped us with everything from the<br />

removals company, to finding swimming lessons for the kids.”<br />

Despite finding their dream home, it still took a little <br />

85 wealdentimes.co.uk


This page: The kitchen’s bi-fold doors open out into the courtyard<br />

garden. Caroline sourced the metal kitchen table from eBay<br />

time for the family to settle in. “It was harder than I expected,<br />

to start with. It’s been challenging making new friends and<br />

building a network if, say, you need help, or someone to<br />

watch the kids and have no-one around you.” More than a<br />

year later, it’s as if they have lived here for years: “Tilly has<br />

settled in brilliantly now and Oscar is at the same school, just<br />

across the road. So, we got there in the end and I have met<br />

loads of people through the children and various events.”<br />

Inside the home, it is clear that Caroline has more than<br />

settled in. A comfortable and seemingly effortless style<br />

throughout makes it a very homely place to be: “It mainly<br />

needed cosmetic work – we haven’t knocked down any walls.<br />

I’ve always had a love of decoration and DIY, and I love<br />

transforming spaces just with paint.” Various greys and dark<br />

blues link the rooms, though few colours are identical. The<br />

only colour that runs through the house is Railings – a ‘soft<br />

black with blue undertones’ with which Caroline has painted<br />

every fireplace as well as the bannisters and balustrade of the<br />

stairwell. “I love the colours that Farrow & Ball do but I often<br />

use Valspar’s colour match service too,” Caroline admits.<br />

<br />

86


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Above: A brightly painted chest of drawers contrasts<br />

with the cool greys and blacks of the master bedroom<br />

Left: Along the corridor, the family bathroom is a<br />

tranquil haven of greys peppered with yellows and whites<br />

Given the couple’s love of grey as a backdrop,<br />

they were lucky to take on a home with a neutral<br />

grey colour scheme: “It was a much-loved family<br />

home which was a little tired in places and needed<br />

a bit of a revamp. We wanted to put our stamp on<br />

it. So lots and lots of painting has been done!”<br />

Caroline tells me this as we sit in the kitchen.<br />

There is a huge sash window, as well as bi-fold<br />

doors on to a little courtyard garden – both of<br />

which help to fill the room with natural light. The<br />

kitchen units are minimalist and pale cream. “The<br />

units were already here – we were lucky with that<br />

one!” says Caroline. In the middle of the room is<br />

a stark metal table that Caroline bought on eBay,<br />

flanked by benches topped with sheepskins. “The<br />

sheepskins just warm it up a bit. We love a bit of<br />

industrial style, rather than going too ‘countryrustic’.<br />

But to warm it up we use lots of cushions,<br />

soft furnishings, throws and things like that.”


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This page: Caroline’s workspace emphasises the benefits<br />

of home working. Her neat, mid-century-style desk –<br />

from Maisons du Monde – is next to a large window,<br />

with a view out over the back gardens of this quiet<br />

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The look works, as do the engineered oak boards that run<br />

throughout the downstairs. They were already here too.<br />

Next to the kitchen is a cosy room that, unsurprisingly,<br />

is known as ‘the snug’. “This is where we spend our<br />

evenings, by the open fire,” says Caroline. “This room<br />

was a very, very light grey and I wanted to make it a really<br />

cosy, warm space. It doesn’t get a lot of natural light, so<br />

I have gone with the darkness – then added little pops<br />

of colour. Mustard is one of my favourite colours at the<br />

moment.” Caroline is perfectly on-trend. She has gone<br />

for the same ‘warming’ style as in the kitchen, with<br />

different fabric textures including wool and faux fur.<br />

Next door again is the playroom at the front of the<br />

house. “We had thought about joining this to the snug,<br />

but have decided not to,” says Caroline. Like others, many<br />

of whom have learnt too late about the downside of ‘open<br />

plan’, Caroline and Simon can see the advantage of


In the master bedroom is a bay<br />

window and oversized armchair or<br />

‘love seat’. “We’ve had the armchair<br />

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They were in the first flat we<br />

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Above: The walls of the master bedroom are painted in Manor House Gray by Farrow & Ball. A king-sized bed by Sofa.com takes<br />

pride of place next to a pretty lantern window<br />

having two separate rooms. A fashionably worn leather sofa<br />

and a piano take pride of place in this room. “We get lots<br />

of morning sunshine in here, which is lovely, and there’s<br />

lots of storage to hide toys.” Storage; another great feature<br />

of older homes, that modern houses so often lack.<br />

In case we’re in any doubt that this is a period property, a<br />

magnificent cast iron fireplace with dark green tiles is the focal<br />

point of the room. Every room in the house has a fireplace, of<br />

varying size, with jewel-like tiles surrounding it in either dark<br />

green, blue or red. “We did look into putting a wood-burner<br />

in the snug, but it would have meant ripping out the fireplace<br />

and I love the fireplaces,” says Caroline. It’s easy to see why.<br />

Leaving behind the oak boards of the downstairs, we<br />

proceed upstairs, on thick pile carpet. The stairwell and<br />

landings are open and light, giving a feeling of spaciousness<br />

that is soon realised, even on the top floor. This is no<br />

poky attic area but home to the children’s bedrooms, a<br />

laundry room as well as Caroline’s ‘home office’.<br />

“I worked for a few months in a creative agency in<br />

Tunbridge Wells, doing marketing, then I had the summer<br />

off with the kids which was wonderful,” says Caroline. “Then,<br />

at the end of October I started my own business – Twelve<br />

Communications – specialising in digital marketing.” This<br />

move, into a home office, has transformed their lives almost<br />

as much as their move from London. “I work from home<br />

which means that I can pick the kids up and watch their class<br />

shows or help in class if needed,” she says. “We wanted a better<br />

work-life balance. In London I was working full time, the<br />

kids were in child care 7am until 6pm. They were long, long<br />

days for everybody and we thought ‘What are we doing?!’ ”<br />

The move suits Simon too. “Although Simon still commutes,<br />

he gets to sit and read on the train. When he comes home,<br />

the house is all sorted and I’ve done homework with the<br />

kids. Everyone is so much happier and less stressed.”<br />

Looking in on Caroline’s workspace emphasises the<br />

benefits of home working. Her neat, mid-century-style <br />

97 wealdentimes.co.uk


Above: The guest bedroom features a metal bed frame from Made.com<br />

desk – from Maisons du Monde – is next to a large window, with<br />

a view out over the back gardens of this quiet corner of Tunbridge<br />

Wells. There is another gorgeous fireplace, this time with Venetian<br />

masquerade masks on the mantlepiece. “They were a present from<br />

Simon,” says Caroline. The room has been replastered and painted<br />

in a moody dark blue from paint-makers Craig & Rose.<br />

Along the warmly carpeted landing, past the laundry room – “It may<br />

seem kind of strange, but it actually it works really well!” – are the kids’<br />

rooms. “Oscar’s room was difficult to fit furniture in because of the sloping<br />

ceiling. So I’ve had to do a bit of trading-in of old furniture and buy new<br />

stuff, to make the space work.” IKEA came up trumps. Tilly’s spacious<br />

room, at the front of the house, looks over the school playing field. “I would<br />

have loved to have had a room like this when I was little!” says Caroline.<br />

Again, IKEA made the desk and wardrobes: “IKEA furniture is great for<br />

kids, as it’s affordable and it doesn’t matter too much if it gets trashed.”<br />

Below Tilly’s bedroom is the master bedroom, or master suite as it is in fact.<br />

“This was another selling point when we viewed the house,” says Caroline.<br />

“We walked in here and I saw the potential with the en suite and thought<br />

‘this is literally like a hotel room’ – and it’s got the view as well.” A kingsized<br />

bed by Sofa.com takes pride of place next to a pretty lantern window.<br />

Close by is a bay window and oversized armchair or ‘love seat’. “We’ve <br />

wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

98


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• Complexes<br />

• Gazebos<br />

• Bespoke Buildings<br />

01323 765410 Quality in its finest form<br />

www.monarchoak.co.uk<br />

wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

100<br />

TenterdenRoofingWT187.indd 1 14/08/2017 MonarchOakWT147.indd 12:23<br />

1 15/04/2014 15:06


Above: Tilly’s spacious room, at the front of the house,<br />

looks over the school playing field Left: Oscar’s room was<br />

difficult to fit furniture in because of the sloping ceiling. His<br />

bed was from Little Home children’s range by John Lewis.<br />

had the armchair for more than 10 years, along with the leather<br />

sofa downstairs. They were in the first flat we had together,” says<br />

Caroline. Original pine boards also give this room a lived-in feel.<br />

A passage leads through to a large en suite bathroom. “I’ve got<br />

great plans for this bathroom!” says Caroline. “It’s just crying out<br />

for a free-standing bath... and I love the original floorboards.” It’s<br />

clearly got huge potential what with its high ceiling, his-and-hers<br />

basins and ornate fireplace. The window, like others in the house,<br />

is trimmed with scarlet stained glass. Like the rest of the house,<br />

the bathroom is a beautiful blank canvas. This late-Victorian<br />

house is enjoying a new era, and is clearly up to standard.<br />

Address Book:<br />

To read more about Caroline Kyriazis’ house you can<br />

follow her blog at hometwelve.com, Instagram @home.twelve<br />

and find out more about her digital marketing company<br />

Twelve Communications at twelvecommunications.com<br />

fiona Penny bespoke home finders<br />

01580 713825 fionapenny.com<br />

Maisons du Monde maisonsdumonde.com/UK/en<br />

101 wealdentimes.co.uk


COLLINS BESPOKE<br />

BEAUTIFUL KITCHENS<br />

www.collinsbespoke.com<br />

T. 01233 822595 E. info@collinsbespoke.com<br />

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


Dellis Extra Large Rug<br />

in Inky Blue, £249<br />

Made<br />

made.com<br />

Hemnes Day<br />

Bed, from £369<br />

Ikea<br />

ikea.com<br />

Logan Bench, £249<br />

Atkin and Thyme<br />

atkinandthyme.co.uk<br />

Helen Moore Luxury Faux Fur<br />

Feather Cushion in Latte, £55<br />

Black by Design<br />

black-by-design.co.uk<br />

Garden Trading Driffield Chair<br />

in All-weather Rattan, £18<br />

Garden Trading<br />

gardentrading.co.uk<br />

Rockingham, £2267<br />

Darlings of Chelsea<br />

darlingsofchelsea.co.uk<br />

Ochre Mini Geo<br />

Jacquard Cushion, £12<br />

Next<br />

next.co.uk<br />

Get<br />

Look<br />

the<br />

Carpetright Rustic Ikat Rug, £49.99,<br />

Christy<br />

christy-home.com<br />

Alresford Armchair in<br />

Mustard Yellow, £399<br />

Atkin and Thyme<br />

atkinandthyme.co.uk<br />

Sheepskin Ivory Rug, £60<br />

The French Bedroom Co<br />

frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk<br />

Orla Kiely Linear Stem<br />

Cushion Rose, £34.99<br />

Very<br />

very.co.uk<br />

103 wealdentimes.co.uk


The Oak Glasshouse Company<br />

We design & build oak sunrooms, oak kitchen<br />

extensions, oak orangeries and garden offices.<br />

Please phone or email to request a brochure,<br />

07522 544158, email info@theoakglasshouse.co.uk<br />

www.theoakglasshouse.co.uk


Mighty oaks<br />

With expert timber-frame craftsmen on the job, bespoke oak buildings can spring from nothing in a matter of weeks<br />

Crown Oak Buldings<br />

Can you describe a memorable recent project?<br />

We recently manufactured and assembled an oak frame<br />

double garage with a second floor leisure room, in our<br />

local area. To the rear of the building there is an oak<br />

balcony to allow the client to sit outside and take in<br />

the breathtaking views at the back of his property.<br />

What was the brief behind it?<br />

The client’s requirements were to have a garage for<br />

the cars and a storage area for garden equipment but<br />

also to have a garden room-style leisure area where<br />

they can relax and enjoy the views all year round.<br />

What materials were used in the construction?<br />

The main frame is manufactured from unseasoned structural<br />

grade oak and the cladding is softwood, although we can<br />

supply oak cladding if it’s requested. The client chose clay<br />

tiles to cover the roof and the joinery is kiln-dried oak.<br />

How long did it take to complete?<br />

On this occasion we didn’t do the ground works, as the<br />

client had already engaged a contractor to do this, but<br />

this would take approximately two weeks. Depending<br />

on the complexity of a project, it usually takes between<br />

eight to 10 weeks from the start of ground works to<br />

the final touch of plaster skimming the walls.<br />

A similar project would cost?<br />

For this project it cost approximately £65-£70k including<br />

the ground works, supply and assembly of the oak frame,<br />

walls, floor, rafters, pergola/balcony with balustrade and<br />

feature trusses <strong>inside</strong>. Then there is roofing, Velux, doors,<br />

windows and staircase, joinery and direct glazing.<br />

Internals would be £10-£15k, depending on the<br />

requirements of the project. This covers insulation,<br />

plasterboard, electrics and plaster skimming.<br />

crownoakbuildings.co.uk<br />

01732 866910 <br />

105 wealdentimes.co.uk


SPECIALIST PLANNING ADVICE<br />

www.therpp.co.uk<br />

CRANBROOK<br />

01580 <strong>2018</strong>88<br />

office@therpp.co.uk<br />

Residential Development<br />

and Extensions<br />

Listed Buildings<br />

Equestrian<br />

Planning Appeals<br />

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Certificate of Lawfulness<br />

Rural Buildings<br />

Objections<br />

Local Plan Submission<br />

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01285 323200<br />

Winner<br />

The Worshipful Company<br />

of Tylers and Bricklayers<br />

Triennial Award 2017<br />

“The highest standard of craftsmanship and roof<br />

tiling seen in the long history of the awards”<br />

– Bob Allies (Chairman of Assessors)<br />

Photo Claire Banks<br />

For free quotations and professional advice<br />

01797 270268 or visit www.kentpegs.com<br />

Traditional Craftsmanship<br />

for Modern Applications<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

RuralPlanningPracticeWT190.indd 1 13/11/2017 KarlTerryWT186.indd 12:37<br />

1 19/07/2017 15:56<br />

Garages & Porches<br />

Garden Buildings<br />

Homes & Extensions<br />

Quality Buildings at<br />

Competitive Prices<br />

chartwelloakbuildings.co.uk<br />

Call for a quote 01959 447477<br />

Filston Farm, Filston Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent TN14 5JU<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

106<br />

ChartwellOakBuildingsS31.indd 1 27/04/2017 CrownOakBuildingsWT165.indd 14:07<br />

1 19/10/2015 10:43


The Oak Glasshouse Company<br />

Can you describe a memorable recent project?<br />

The project was to build a 7m wide oak-framed<br />

extension with views across the Area of Outstanding<br />

Natural Beauty of the Wye Downs in Kent.<br />

What was the brief behind it?<br />

The brief was to create a very open space which<br />

enabled the client to feel connected to the natural<br />

surrounding in all weathers and times of the year.<br />

In order to keep the building as open as possible<br />

large A frames were required in the roof structure<br />

to produce a clear 7m wide open space. To preserve<br />

as much of the views as possible large triple-glazed<br />

panels were fitted on three sides of the building.<br />

What materials were used in the construction?<br />

The structure was built from a green oak frame<br />

as the principal structure, the windows were then<br />

constructed from triple-glazed panels and air-dried oak<br />

boards. Due to the amount of glazing in the building<br />

the roof and floor incorporated more insulation<br />

than normal to achieve the U values required.<br />

How long did it take to complete?<br />

The groundworks took four weeks while the oak<br />

frame was being built at the same time offsite. Once<br />

the oak frame was delivered to site it was completed<br />

in six weeks. This included the main oak frame, the<br />

glazing, the production and fitting of the bespoke<br />

doors and windows, and tiling the roof. The client<br />

then completed the interior fit-out works themselves.<br />

A similar project would cost from…<br />

A similar project to the same stage of completion<br />

and specification would cost around £60,000.<br />

theoakglasshouse.co.uk<br />

07522 544158<br />

Chartwell Oak Buildings<br />

Can you describe a memorable recent project?<br />

A large four-bay oak-framed barn. The ground floor is<br />

used for parking a mixture of collection cars and everyday<br />

vehicles, with spacious living accommodation upstairs.<br />

What was the brief behind it?<br />

The client needed the parking bays to be wide to allow ease<br />

of parking for large, modern vehicles. The upstairs living<br />

space needed to be big enough to incorporate a bathroom,<br />

kitchen and a large open living area, with adequate head<br />

room. The customer wanted the front elevation to be<br />

modest in appearance, to suit their personal preferences.<br />

What materials were used?<br />

We put in a lift to the second floor at the rear of the<br />

building, to increase head room upstairs whilst keeping bulk<br />

minimal to the front of the building. The main structural<br />

frame was green oak, clad in larch, and the roof is tiled<br />

with beautifully coloured, reclaimed, handmade Keymer<br />

tiles. Elegant European oak garage doors were installed and<br />

the fit-out upstairs was simple, clean and well finished.<br />

How long did it take to complete?<br />

The project, once on site, took about five<br />

weeks to get the groundworks and shell up, a<br />

further six weeks to complete the fit-out.<br />

A similar project would cost from…<br />

Basic prices from: groundworks £12,500 + VAT;<br />

shell £40,000 + VAT; fit-out £20,000 + VAT.<br />

chartwelloakbuildings.co.uk<br />

01959 447477<br />

107 wealdentimes.co.uk


Specialists in Traditional Oak Framed Buildings<br />

AT SACKVILLE OAK FRAMES, WE GUARANTEE THAT OUR WORK IS CONSIDERED,<br />

COMPOSED & NOT MASS-PRODUCED. EACH OAK FRAME WILL NURTURE, SUPPORT<br />

& ENHANCE YOUR HOME ENVIRONMENT.<br />

Sackville Oak Frames are specialists in Oak Framed Buildings; including Houses & New Builds,<br />

Extensions & Garden Rooms and Garages & Outbuildings. Call on 01580 212106 or visit the website<br />

to get in touch and find out how we can help you with your project.<br />

W W W . S A C K V I L L E O A K F R A M E S . C O . U K<br />

Find us on Instagram<br />

@sackvilleoakframes<br />

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


Rondo V pivot door<br />

in RAL, approx.<br />

£5676 +VAT<br />

Urban Front<br />

urbanfront.com<br />

English Door<br />

Company traditional<br />

4 glass door, £3000,<br />

Evolution Windows<br />

evolutionwindows.com<br />

Doors of perception<br />

First impressions count,<br />

so make your front door<br />

a fabulous one<br />

Ellipse door<br />

canopy in an aged zinc<br />

finish, £525, Garden<br />

Requisites<br />

garden-requisites.<br />

co.uk<br />

RAW Pivot<br />

in an Onyx metallic<br />

finish with a matching<br />

boarded panel,<br />

£14,000 +VAT<br />

Urban Front<br />

urbanfront.com<br />

Accoya French<br />

timber door in standard<br />

white, new leaves into the<br />

existing door frame, £4,600<br />

The Sash Window<br />

Workshop<br />

thesashwindow.co.uk<br />

Urban Glide22<br />

Sliding Door System,<br />

£14,812.50 +VAT<br />

Urban & Grey<br />

urbanandgrey.co.uk


<strong>Wedding</strong>s<br />

A <strong>Wealden</strong> <strong>Times</strong> Supplement


WT <strong>Wedding</strong> Supplement<br />

Exclusive over 21s Club in Tenterden<br />

Luxury Spa with saline hydrotherapy<br />

& swimming pools, steam rooms &<br />

saunas<br />

Large well equipped gym with<br />

Technogym bluetooth connectivity,<br />

kinesis wall & power plate<br />

Experienced fitness trainer to design<br />

a program to help you reach your<br />

fitness goals.<br />

Many different classes, see website<br />

for details<br />

Sponsored weight loss challenges with<br />

up to £20 donated to charity per kg<br />

Special benefits of membership such<br />

as 10% off spa treatments, food &<br />

drink and 50% off holidays in France<br />

& Spain<br />

Contents<br />

Spring Petals,<br />

page 22<br />

Gthfi fifififififififififififififithth ththththth ththththththth th thththththth thththth ththththth th thththththththth<br />

www.londonbeach.com 01580 767611<br />

TheLondonBeach<br />

Tenterden<br />

LondonBeach<strong>WT192</strong>.indd 1 16/01/<strong>2018</strong> 09:37<br />

A<br />

<strong>Wedding</strong><br />

Together we will create your unique, perfect day<br />

5 Grand Designs<br />

Eaton & Jones on a<br />

unique engagement<br />

ring commission<br />

7 Bra-vo!<br />

Luscious lingerie to<br />

take you from I-do to<br />

honeymoon<br />

8 Vamp it up<br />

Kate Watts styles bridal<br />

fashion with a romantic<br />

gothic twist<br />

Mother of the<br />

Bride, page 25<br />

22 Spring Petals<br />

This season’s most<br />

desirable flowers<br />

25 Mother of the Bride<br />

Rebecca Cuffe’s pick of<br />

fashion for MOBs<br />

27 The Perfect Setting<br />

Everything you need<br />

to know about four<br />

gorgeous local venues<br />

Mother of the<br />

Bride, page 25<br />

Bra-vo!, page 7<br />

01580 292992<br />

Sissinghurst Road, Biddenden TN27 8DQ<br />

www.bloomsburysbiddenden.com<br />

Cover image: Floral headdress, price on request Sissinghurst Flowers sissinghurstflowers.co.uk<br />

01580 852144; Georgina dress, from £1850, Tara Deighton Bridal & Bespoke taradeighton.<br />

co.uk 07825 585051; Pearl and diamante necklace, £156, The Bridal Boutique of Jules<br />

boutiqueofjules.co.uk 01304 389710<br />

wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

BloomsburysBiddendenWT180.indd 1 13/01/2017 16:02<br />

2


WT <strong>Wedding</strong> Supplement<br />

Editor’s Letter<br />

HEN PARTY<br />

& WEDDING<br />

FAVOURS IN ONE!<br />

Mother of the<br />

Bride, page 25<br />

Host part of your hen party in our working<br />

distillery, distilling your own gin recipe to suit<br />

the bride and groom, then bottle in miniatures<br />

for your guests to take home!<br />

www.greensanddistillery.com | 07971 164688<br />

Vamp it up,<br />

page 8<br />

There’s something particularly<br />

magical about a winter wedding:<br />

luxurious layers, hoards of<br />

candles to illuminate the long evenings,<br />

and, if your venue allows, a crackling log fire to<br />

warm your guests. Kate Watts has run with this seasonal<br />

theme to style a shoot that’s full of romance with a hint<br />

of gothic glamour, turn to page 8 to see her unique edit.<br />

Take your pick from our decadent selection of<br />

underwear on page 7 to keep that luxury bridal<br />

feel going from head to toe and point mothers of<br />

the bride (or groom) in the right direction with a<br />

selection of outfits that are bound to impress.<br />

Elsewhere, go back to basics with a run down of<br />

venues’ most frequently asked questions, find out<br />

how expert jewellers Eaton & Jones tackled a special<br />

engagement ring commission and discover spring blooms<br />

that grace stylish bouquets across the South East.<br />

GreensandRidgeDistillery<strong>WT192</strong>.indd 1 18/01/<strong>2018</strong> 12:03<br />

Bra-vo!, page 7<br />

3 wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

OldLondonBus<strong>WT192</strong>.indd 1 24/01/<strong>2018</strong> 14:14


The Romance of a Harp<br />

At your <strong>Wedding</strong><br />

Over 40 years experience<br />

specialising in coats of arms<br />

With over 10,000 coats of arms, crests &<br />

monograms seal engraved since 1970<br />

18 carat<br />

signet ring<br />

seal engraved<br />

Margaret Watson<br />

01342 810641<br />

01342 810641<br />

goldharp23@gmail.com<br />

goldharp23@gmail.com<br />

facebook.com/theuncommonharp<br />

facebook.com/theuncommonharp<br />

twitter.com/goldharp<br />

twitter.com/goldharp<br />

www.harpmusic.co.uk<br />

www.harpmusic.co.uk<br />

9 carat white<br />

gold cuff link,<br />

3D engraved<br />

coat of arms<br />

Rodney J Rigby F.I.P.G<br />

Goldsmith & Designer<br />

Hand & seal engraver<br />

Handmade signet rings, cuff links<br />

& bespoke 3D blazer buttons<br />

in gold, silver & platinum<br />

T: 01892 724951 info@rodneyjrigby.com<br />

MargaretWatsonHarpistWT180.indd 1 09/01/2017 RJRigbyLtd-90mmx130mm-<strong>February</strong>-2017.indd RJRigbyLtdWT189.indd 16:22<br />

1 1 06/02/2017 05/10/2017 23:46 12:19<br />

20% OFF<br />

ALL RINGS ONLINE & IN-STORE*<br />

7th - 14th <strong>February</strong><br />

www.cornelljewellers.co.uk<br />

Cornell, 12-14 Gabriel's Hill, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 6JG<br />

01622 753150<br />

*Excludes <strong>Wedding</strong> Rings, Bespoke & Sale Rings<br />

Discount will automatically be applied at the checkout with online orders<br />

wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

4<br />

Cornell<strong>WT192</strong>.indd 1 12/01/<strong>2018</strong> 10:43


WT <strong>Wedding</strong> Supplement<br />

Grand Designs<br />

The jewellers Eaton & Jones talk us through a very special engagement ring commission<br />

What’s your favourite engagement<br />

ring commission to date? We were<br />

commissioned to design a ring from two very<br />

sentimental inherited rings. They were antique<br />

pieces set with charming old cut diamonds; a<br />

diamond solitaire and a three stone diamond<br />

ring featuring two fantastic yellow diamonds.<br />

What materials did the design<br />

comprise? Together we carefully selected<br />

which of the large old cut diamonds to use,<br />

alongside the two stunning yellow diamonds.<br />

The ring was a complete handmade one<br />

off piece, made in 18ct white gold.<br />

What was the inspiration/brief<br />

behind it? The brief was to create an<br />

organic, elegant design, with curves and<br />

details reminiscent of Rene Lalique’s work.<br />

How long did it take to make? A<br />

special commission such as an engagement<br />

ring is not something to be rushed. It is a<br />

process that should be remembered and<br />

enjoyed! During the initial design stage<br />

we work very closely with the<br />

customer. This particular<br />

commission took eight<br />

weeks, from the very<br />

first meeting though<br />

to the finished ring.<br />

A similar design<br />

would cost from… To<br />

handmake a ring similar to<br />

this, using the customer’s stones,<br />

would be approximately £2000. To<br />

make the ring as a whole and supply<br />

stones would be approximately £5,000.<br />

Find Eaton & Jones at 102 High Street, Tenterden 01580 763357 eatonandjones.co.uk<br />

Shop Online, Click & Collect<br />

at shersbys.co.uk<br />

Specialising in bespoke handmade jewellery<br />

George Cottage, High Street, Cranbrook<br />

Cranbrook has free car parking<br />

Telephone: 01580 720003 Find us on Facebook<br />

www.eatonandjones.co.uk<br />

info@eatonjones.co.uk<br />

01580 763357<br />

5 wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

ShersbyJewellersWT191.indd 1 11/12/2017 Eaton&Jones<strong>WT192</strong>.indd 12:02<br />

1 15/01/<strong>2018</strong> 16:28


ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE<br />

Are you prepared for the future?<br />

Congratulations! You are getting<br />

married. The bride’s dress and<br />

groom’s outfit have been found, the<br />

guest list prepared, cake ordered<br />

and venue booked. The long-term<br />

weather forecast is warm and sunny.<br />

What about your prenup? How can<br />

you prepare yourself if your marriage<br />

breaks down? Here Sophie Barrett of<br />

law firm Cripps explains the issues.<br />

A prenup also limits the scope for<br />

uncertain, emotionally draining and<br />

extremely expensive court proceedings.<br />

It is, in short, a nice and tidy way of saying<br />

exactly what is to happen to your country<br />

cottage, £4k television, fancy sports car<br />

and American-style fridge freezer, without<br />

all the legal kerfuffle in-between.<br />

It sounds like a win-win situation, but…<br />

invariably work against you. Be honest<br />

and upfront about what you own and<br />

detail all of this in the agreement;<br />

3. Get legal advice! If both parties have<br />

obtained legal advice, this is a good<br />

indication both parties are fully aware<br />

of the implications of the agreement.<br />

Do I really need one?<br />

Sadly, it is impossible to say with any real<br />

certainty that you will still be together<br />

in three, five or 15 years’ time. Current<br />

statistics show a marriage now lasts,<br />

on average, 11.2 years with as many<br />

as 42 per cent ending in divorce.<br />

While it may be the last thing on your mind<br />

when you are preparing for your big day,<br />

it can pay (literally) to have a prenuptial<br />

agreement in place before you marry,<br />

to protect you in the event of divorce.<br />

Before you consider attending to this aspect<br />

of the ‘wedmin’, you will undoubtedly ask:<br />

What is a prenuptial agreement?<br />

Are these agreements really worth<br />

the paper they are written on?<br />

Yes, they are.<br />

It is important to note that prenups are not<br />

formally legally binding i.e. they cannot<br />

override the court’s broad discretion<br />

to divvy up and award the matrimonial<br />

assets as they see fit. However, a recent<br />

judgement from the Supreme Court<br />

has determined that the court should<br />

give effect to a prenup that has been<br />

entered into freely, with each party<br />

being aware of the implications of the<br />

agreement, unless it would be unfair<br />

to hold the parties to the agreement.<br />

This depends. A well-drafted, effective<br />

prenup can save much time, money<br />

and heartache in the future.<br />

However, the need and desirability for<br />

an agreement is relative to your assets.<br />

In short, the more assets you have,<br />

the greater the need and desirability<br />

for certainty as to how these assets<br />

would be treated upon divorce.<br />

In short, a prenup works much like a<br />

contract. You and your future spouse sign<br />

a document in which you have agreed<br />

how your assets and income should be<br />

divided between you on divorce. It can<br />

cover a number of scenarios according to<br />

which the assets are divided differently.<br />

For instance, according to whether or<br />

not there are children and/or for how<br />

many years you have been married. The<br />

key benefits of a prenup are giving a<br />

couple clarity and security at the outset<br />

of a marriage and protection from a<br />

later financial claim. You can choose to<br />

agree in it how you will manage your<br />

finances during your marriage, as well<br />

as give yourselves as much certainty<br />

and control as possible about how your<br />

assets should be divided on a divorce.<br />

If you are looking to enter into a<br />

prenup with your spouse-to-be,<br />

follow these three stages:<br />

1. Make sure you are both entering<br />

into the agreement of your own free<br />

will; if there is any sign, indication<br />

or evidence of undue pressure or<br />

influence (“I’m sorry Gemma, but if you<br />

don’t sign this agreement, I will not be<br />

marrying you, end of!”) the court will be<br />

unlikely to hold you to the agreement;<br />

2. Make sure you are both giving<br />

full information about all of your<br />

current assets. If it turns out, on your<br />

divorce, that you did not disclose your<br />

£500,000 pension pot or your holiday<br />

cottage in the Dordogne, this will<br />

Sophie Barrett<br />

To find out more about drafting<br />

a prenuptial agreement contact<br />

Sophie Barrett on 01892 506249<br />

or sophie.barrett@cripps.co.uk<br />

for a free, no obligation chat.<br />

www.cripps.co.uk @crippslaw This article gives examples and is intended for general guidance only


Flaunt Me Black Lace Robe,<br />

£19.99<br />

Lovehoney<br />

lovehoney.co.uk<br />

Bra-vo!<br />

WT <strong>Wedding</strong> Supplement<br />

Marie Jo B2B Pearl Range Bra<br />

£78.95, Suspender £48.95 and<br />

Briefs £35.95<br />

Siren & Pearl<br />

sirenandpearl.co.uk<br />

Ida Black Lace Bra<br />

& Thong Set, £69<br />

Luva Huva<br />

luvahuva.co.uk<br />

London Chemise in Moon<br />

White, £115<br />

Nui Ami<br />

nuiami.com<br />

Adora Balconette Bra, £32,<br />

and Brazilian, £20<br />

Figleaves<br />

figleaves.com<br />

Tabitha Ivory Balconette, £30,<br />

and High Waisted Briefs, £18<br />

Boux Avenue<br />

bouxavenue.com<br />

Longline bra £25, Briefs £12<br />

Next<br />

next.co.uk<br />

Erica Triangle Bra in Blush,<br />

£24 and Brief, £14<br />

Boux Avenue<br />

bouxavenue.com<br />

M&S Collection Bralet £14<br />

and Knicker £8<br />

Marks and Spencer<br />

marksandspencer.com<br />

Reger by Janet Reger Midnight<br />

Bra, £22 and Shorts £14<br />

Debenhams<br />

debenhams.com<br />

7 wealdentimes.co.uk


WT <strong>Wedding</strong> Supplement<br />

Vamp it up<br />

Photographs: David Merewether Styling: Kate Watts<br />

Hair & Make Up: Libby Meech and Mica Aherne<br />

Create some winter romance with layers of voluminous,<br />

delicate lace, sensual satin and handmade accessories


wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

10<br />

10


WT <strong>Wedding</strong> Supplement<br />

Previous page: Simone dress, from £1395, flower corsage choker, from £20, Tara Deighton Bridal & Bespoke taradeighton.co.uk<br />

07825 585051 Rachel Simpson Olivia shoes, £185, The Bridal Boutique of Jules boutiqueofjules.co.uk 01304 389710<br />

Opposite: Floral headdress, price on request Sissinghurst Flowers sissinghurstflowers.co.uk 01580 852144;<br />

Pearl bias cut dress, from £1350, Tara Deighton Bridal & Bespoke taradeighton.co.uk 07825 585051;<br />

Lisa Kay shoes £145, Melita of Chobham motherofthebridechobham.co.uk 01276 856308<br />

Above: Vintage chandelier earrings, £22, Victorian lace feather capelet, £180, Crystal Heirlooms crystal-heirlooms.co.uk<br />

07717 467049; Stephanie Allin Lucerne dress, £2175, The Bridal Boutique of Jules boutiqueofjules.co.uk 01304 389710<br />

11 wealdentimes.co.uk


ONE-OF-A-KIND HEADDRESSES AND ACCESSORIES<br />

individually hand crafted – exclusively for you<br />

Quintessentially British Bridal Boutique filled with bridal<br />

lace, tweed & jewels..<br />

Rosa Clará, Stephanie Allin, Eliza Jane Howell,<br />

Charlotte Balbier, Rembo Styling, Minna, Rachel Simpson<br />

and many more..<br />

By appointment only.<br />

01304 389710<br />

info@boutiqueofjules.co.uk<br />

www.boutiqueofjules.co.uk<br />

www.crystal-heirlooms.co.uk<br />

26 Dover road, Walmer, Deal, Kent. CT14 7JW.<br />

CrystalHeirlooms<strong>WT192</strong>.indd 1 12/01/<strong>2018</strong> BridalBoutique<strong>WT192</strong>.indd 09:41<br />

1 04/01/<strong>2018</strong> 12:32<br />

Chiddingstone Castle <strong>Wedding</strong> Fair<br />

on Sunday 18th March <strong>2018</strong> 11am – 3pm<br />

Find out more at www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk 01892 872744<br />

Photo by Matt Horan<br />

wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

12<br />

ChiddingstoneCastle<strong>WT192</strong>.indd 1 17/01/<strong>2018</strong> 17:23


Stephanie Allin Lucerne dress,<br />

£2175, The Bridal Boutique of Jules<br />

boutiqueofjules.co.uk 01304 389710;<br />

Victorian lace feather capelet, £180,<br />

Crystal Heirlooms crystal-heirlooms.co.uk<br />

07717 467049; Bouquet, price<br />

on request Sissinghurst Flowers<br />

sissinghurstflowers.co.uk 01580 852144<br />

13 wealdentimes.co.uk


Harrison White Photography<br />

THE PERFECT VENUE<br />

FOR YOUR WEDDING<br />

Tucked away behind Knole Park, Sevenoaks, St<br />

Julians is a beautiful 19th Century house and<br />

gardens with spectacular views across the valley.<br />

At St Julians, we believe that your wedding<br />

day is uniquely special, and we aim to make<br />

it unforgettable for you and your guests. Our<br />

friendly staff can assist you in every aspect of<br />

planning your wedding, and are always on hand<br />

to ensure that your day runs perfectly.<br />

ST JULIANS CLUB, SEVENOAKS, KENT, TN15 0RX<br />

01732 458261 • INFO@STJULIANS.CO.UK<br />

WWW.STJULIANS.CO.UK<br />

Kerry Ann Duffy Photography<br />

StJulians<strong>WT192</strong>.indd 1 24/01/<strong>2018</strong> 12:18<br />

wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

14<br />

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


Eliza Jane Howell<br />

Columba dress, £1680 The<br />

Bridal Boutique of Jules<br />

boutiqueofjules.co.uk 01304<br />

389710; Flower sash, from<br />

£145, Tara Deighton Bridal<br />

& Bespoke taradeighton.co.uk<br />

07825 585051<br />

15 wealdentimes.co.uk


cashmere and silk knitwear<br />

Introducing our new<br />

range Myrine Antwerp<br />

exclusive to Cashara for<br />

Spring/Summer <strong>2018</strong><br />

Hawkhurst-No6 The Collonade Rye Road Kent. TN184ES<br />

01580 752118<br />

Rye- No12 High Street Rye East Sussex. TN317JF<br />

01797 224369<br />

Lewes -27 High Street Lewes East Sussex. BN72LU<br />

01273 480896<br />

23 High Street, Tenterden TN30 6BJ<br />

Telephone 01580 761222 Shop online at www.cashara.co.uk<br />

CordeliaJames<strong>WT192</strong>.indd 1 10/01/<strong>2018</strong> Cashara<strong>WT192</strong>.indd 14:11<br />

1 17/01/<strong>2018</strong> 16:55<br />

LAST<br />

CHANCE<br />

10% OFF ALL<br />

MISTRAL!<br />

County Clothes Menswear<br />

Quality & Personal Service<br />

Canterbury Tenterden Reigate Sevenoaks<br />

County Clothes<br />

44<br />

Our lovely new collection from Mistral is spot on for colder<br />

days together with your favourite tunics, dresses and skirts<br />

with tights to mix and match. We also stock Adini and White<br />

Vanilla in addition to our core range of free size knitwear.<br />

Opening Hours: Tuesday—Friday 10.30am—5pm<br />

Saturday 10.30am—3.30pm<br />

44 High Street, Charing, Kent TN27 0HX 01233 714689<br />

Beat the Cold with a Free Hot Drink at Mulberry’s when<br />

you spend £40 or more at 44 during <strong>February</strong><br />

www.countyclothesmenswear.co.uk<br />

19 St Margaret’s Street<br />

Canterbury<br />

01227 765294<br />

2 East Cross, Tenterden<br />

01580 765159<br />

It’s time to<br />

weatherproof<br />

your wardrobe!<br />

6 High Street, Reigate<br />

01737 249224<br />

14 Bank Street<br />

Sevenoaks<br />

01732 454068<br />

wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

16<br />

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1 05/01/<strong>2018</strong> 10:00


Vintage kimono, price on request, Pearl bias<br />

cut dress, from £1350, Tara Deighton Bridal<br />

& Bespoke taradeighton.co.uk 07825 585051;<br />

1920s crystal choker, £210, Crystal Heirlooms<br />

crystal-heirlooms.co.uk 07717 467049<br />

17 wealdentimes.co.uk


BEAUTIFUL WEDDINGS<br />

BY THE BEACH<br />

Set behind the sand dunes, weddings at the Gallivant are<br />

beautiful, delicious and always take place on an exclusive<br />

basis, meaning guests can enjoy the entire hotel and its 20<br />

individually-styled bedrooms for themselves. During this time<br />

the Gallivant becomes a private beach house for you and your<br />

guests to enjoy.<br />

In the warmer months, guests enjoy weddings naturally flowing<br />

between the beach and the coastal styled marquee. In the<br />

cooler months, the open log fire in the New England Room<br />

and the heated marquee creates a beautiful Scandinavian/<br />

Hamptons themed environment.<br />

Special Offer for <strong>Wealden</strong> <strong>Times</strong> readers: For all weddings<br />

booked by readers before May <strong>2018</strong>, couples will receive a<br />

£500 bar tab. Please quote WT18 when enquiring.<br />

New Lydd Road, Camber, East Sussex, TN31 7RB<br />

01797 225 057 | events@thegallivant.co.uk | thegallivant.co.uk


WT <strong>Wedding</strong> Supplement<br />

Above: Pearl and vintage silver butterfly vine,<br />

£320, Crystal Heirlooms crystal-heirlooms.co.uk<br />

07717 467049; Vintage kimono, price on<br />

request, Tara Deighton Bridal & Bespoke<br />

taradeighton.co.uk 07825 585051<br />

Below: Lisa Kay shoes, £145, Melita of<br />

Chobham motherofthebridechobham.co.uk<br />

01276 856308<br />

19 wealdentimes.co.uk


Celebrating our opening in Canterbury with a special event<br />

Exclusive in-store promotions when you join us on<br />

Saturday 30th September 2017<br />

SALE<br />

up<br />

to50% OFF *<br />

46 Burgate, Canterbury, CT1 2HW<br />

*Selected Tel Lines 01227 Only 2 785888<br />

nd —31 st January <strong>2018</strong><br />

46 Burgate, Canterbury, CT1 2HW | Tel 01227 785888<br />

Paris, Aix-en-Provence, Bordeaux, Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Strasbourg, Toulouse, Geneva, Lausanne<br />

Paris, Aix-en-Provence, Bordeaux, Lille, Lyon, Marseille,<br />

Strasbourg, Toulouse, Geneva, Lausanne


Rembo Styling Levi dress, £1360, The<br />

Bridal Boutique of Jules<br />

boutiqueofjules.co.uk 01304 389710;<br />

Vintage floral spray headband, £190,<br />

Crystal Heirlooms crystal-heirlooms.co.uk<br />

07717 467049<br />

Props – Hire Love, eclectic prop hire<br />

and event styling. To find out more<br />

visit hire-love.com or contact<br />

hello@hire-love.com / 01622 749749<br />

WT would like to thank the<br />

team at St Mary in the Castle for<br />

allowing us to photograph at their<br />

historic location in Hastings. To<br />

find out about hiring the venue<br />

for your own wedding or event,<br />

visit stmaryinthecastle.co.uk, call<br />

01424 715880 or email<br />

21<br />

enquiries@stmaryinthecastle.co.uk<br />

wealdentimes.co.uk


WT <strong>Wedding</strong> Supplement<br />

Spring<br />

Petals<br />

WT discovers the most desirable blooms<br />

this season as recommended by creative<br />

florists from across the South East<br />

Samantha Reynold from Emily&Me<br />

“Spring is full of beautiful flowers. From well-known<br />

favourites like tulips, paper whites and hyacinth to more<br />

unusual anemone and ranunculus. Many popular wedding<br />

flowers are now available all year round including roses and<br />

hydrangea but the queen of late spring has to be the peony<br />

with its numerous varieties and soft fluffy blooms. A good<br />

substitute for these are David Austin Garden Roses. Here<br />

in the Emily&Me workshop, we find that their amazing<br />

scent and year-round availability make them perfect to<br />

use alongside other spring flowers such as sweet peas and<br />

cherry blossoms.”<br />

Emily&Me, 01303 267466 / 07581 294387 emilyandme.<br />

co.uk. Find out about Emily&Me’s new flower school at<br />

emilyandmeschool.co.uk.<br />

Sophie Hill from Astilbe & Sorrel<br />

“First up, peonies; these blousy blooms look stunning<br />

teamed with eucalyptus and outstanding on their own. I’d<br />

choose sweet peas for their heady scent, popular in<br />

ribbed glass jars and a pretty addition to any<br />

bouquet, grown in a range of colours from<br />

pastels to brights. Ranunculus pops up in<br />

striking shades too, adding a playful punch<br />

to bouquets and table centres. Lilac is a lavish<br />

addition to pedestal work, bringing a scent<br />

and style reminiscent of an English Country<br />

Garden. Anemones are foolishly pretty and<br />

popular amongst brides: they’re innocent<br />

and delicate, adding interest to bouquets,<br />

table jars and jugs too.”<br />

Find Astilbe & Sorrel at The Walled<br />

Nursery, Water Lane, Hawkhurst,<br />

TN18 5DH. 01580 754825<br />

astilbeandsorrel.com<br />

<br />

wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

22


Astilbe&SorrelladFIN_Layout 1 17/01/<strong>2018</strong> 09:37 Page 1<br />

Fabulous<br />

Luxury<br />

Bouquets for<br />

Valentine’s Day <strong>2018</strong><br />

Available for collection or delivery from Astilbe & Sorrel,<br />

The Walled Nursery, Hawkhurst, TN18 5DH<br />

Order now at astilbeandsorrell@gmail.com or 01580 754825<br />

astilbeandsorrel.com<br />

Prices from £45.00 for hand-tied bouquets, gift wrapped<br />

in water bubble and hand-stamped bag.<br />

WEDDING FLORIST OF THE YEAR 2014-2017/18<br />

KENT WEDDING AWARDS<br />

Finalist 2016<br />

KENT EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS AWARDS<br />

Regional Finalist (London & South East) 2014-<strong>2018</strong><br />

WEDDING INDUSTRY AWARDS<br />

Multi award winning <strong>Wedding</strong> Florist<br />

www.emilyandme.co.uk 07581 294387<br />

Sissinghurst Flowers<br />

made with love<br />

Astilbe&SorrelWT182.indd 1 17/01/<strong>2018</strong> Emily&Me<strong>WT192</strong>.indd 10:01<br />

1 16/01/<strong>2018</strong> 16:23<br />

Telephone 07880 721865<br />

clairejohnsonphotography@live.com<br />

www.clairejohnsonphotography.co.uk<br />

<strong>Wedding</strong>s Life Events Courses<br />

www.sissinghurstflowers.co.uk<br />

Telephone: 01580 852144 / 07977 142447<br />

23 wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

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1 12/01/2017 11:30


WT <strong>Wedding</strong>s Supplement<br />

Ali Langlay-Smith<br />

from Sissinghurst Flowers<br />

“With spring hopefully just around<br />

the corner, we can look forward to the<br />

seasonal flowers that are now just starting<br />

to poke their green shoots up through<br />

the ground. The first scent of daffodils,<br />

hyacinths and tulips is a scent awakening<br />

after the long winter. These fantastic fragrant<br />

flowers are not always so suitable for wedding<br />

flowers, unless they are in water, as they will<br />

wilt very quickly. The most popular flowers<br />

in spring are garden and spray roses, blossom<br />

twigs, clematis, waxflower, trailing jasmine,<br />

peony, lily of the valley, larkspur, astilbe and<br />

freesias. All these flowers have a huge choice<br />

of colour, so anything is possible. Rosemary<br />

and myrtle are also highly scented and have<br />

been traditionally used in wedding flowers.<br />

Myrtle means love and fidelity – always used<br />

in royal bouquets – I wonder whether it will<br />

be in Meghan’s?”<br />

For more info. on Sissinghurst Flowers<br />

call 01580 852144 / 07977 142447<br />

sissinghurstflowers.co.uk<br />

Cookery Courses ■ Chef’s Table ■ Private Parties<br />

Corporate Events ■ Hosted Meetings ■ Children’s Courses<br />

Chef’s Table Dining Experience<br />

with ever-changing menus created by Michelin trained chefs<br />

One Day & Weekend Cookery Courses<br />

with Rosemary Shrager & Iain More<br />

Telephone: 01892 528700<br />

Telephone: 01892 528700<br />

Email: school@rosemaryshrager.com<br />

Email: school@rosemaryshrager.com<br />

RSCookerySchool RSCookerySchool<br />

RSCookerySchool RSCookerySchool<br />

www.rosemaryshrager.com<br />

www.rosemaryshrager.com<br />

wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

24<br />

RosemaryShrager<strong>WT192</strong>.indd 1 23/01/<strong>2018</strong> 12:58


J by Jasper Conran Hat, £50,<br />

Debenhams<br />

debenhams.com<br />

Katie Loxton Mother of the<br />

Bride Pouch, £16.99<br />

Ashton House<br />

ashtonhouseliving.co.uk<br />

WT <strong>Wedding</strong>s Supplement<br />

Miss Heart4Heart<br />

Necklace, £170<br />

Folli Follie<br />

follifollie.co.uk<br />

Alcor Hat, £625<br />

Emily London<br />

emily-london.com<br />

M&S Collection Skirt, £49.50<br />

Marks & Spencer<br />

marksandspencer.com<br />

Vintage Rose Pendant &<br />

Brooch, £95<br />

Bill Skinner<br />

billskinnerstudio.com<br />

Mother<br />

of the<br />

Bride<br />

MOOD Shoes, £69<br />

Office<br />

office.co.uk<br />

Black satin cocktail dress with<br />

embroidered bodice, £395<br />

Experience the Difference<br />

experiencethedifference.co.uk<br />

Condici Dress and Crepe<br />

Jacket, £818.95<br />

Serendipity Fashions<br />

serendipityfashions.co.uk<br />

Suzannah Princess Dress Coat<br />

Powder Blue Crepe, £1150<br />

Suzannah<br />

suzannah.com<br />

Ombre Bebe<br />

Dress, £1,250<br />

Suzannah<br />

suzannah.com<br />

Red Herring, £29<br />

Debenhams<br />

debenhams.com<br />

Embellished Slip<br />

Dress, £78<br />

Oasis<br />

oasis-stores.com<br />

Cherry Blossom<br />

Drop Earrings, £75<br />

Bill Skinner<br />

billskinnerstudio.com<br />

Freesia Dress, £650<br />

Goat<br />

goatfashion.com<br />

John Charles London Satin<br />

Jaquard Dress, £785<br />

Melita of Chobham<br />

motherofthebridechobham.co.uk<br />

V by Very High Vamp<br />

Point Mule, £35<br />

Very<br />

very.co.uk<br />

Carla Ruiz Trouser Suit, £229<br />

Experience the Difference<br />

experiencethedifference.co.uk<br />

25 wealdentimes.co.uk


A Magical<br />

Setting...<br />

• Breathtaking Scenery<br />

• Excellent Food and Service at affordable<br />

prices, with off-peak discounts available<br />

• 3 Magnificent Function rooms,<br />

each self contained with their own Bar<br />

• Licenced for Civil Ceremonies<br />

• Ample parking<br />

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


The perfect<br />

setting<br />

The<br />

venue sets the whole<br />

tone of a wedding - here<br />

are some gorgeous spots<br />

to consider<br />

Foxhills<br />

How many guests can you accommodate? Foxhills can<br />

accommodate up to 120 guests for your wedding breakfast<br />

and 180 for your evening reception. There are also 70 luxury<br />

bedrooms and suites available on site.<br />

Can you arrange music/entertainment? Depending on what<br />

type of entertainment you wish to have on your special day,<br />

you can choose from our list of trusted suppliers (from a DJ<br />

to four-piece band), or you’re welcome to source and provide<br />

your own.<br />

Do you have in-house caterers or can couples arrange their<br />

own? Foxhills provides their own experienced catering team to<br />

ensure your day runs as smoothly as possible.<br />

Can couples bring their own wine – do you charge corkage?<br />

Couples are welcome to bring their own alcohol, however<br />

there is a corkage charge from £25 per bottle.<br />

How much do your wedding packages cost? Valid until<br />

31 May, <strong>2018</strong>, our all-inclusive package is just £9,000 and<br />

includes, for 70 people: a dedicated <strong>Wedding</strong> Coordinator,<br />

menu tasting for Bride and Groom, Master of Ceremonies,<br />

red carpet, cake stand and knife, drinks reception and<br />

wedding breakfast room hire, two glasses of Prosecco per<br />

person, half a bottle of house wine per person, three-course<br />

meal and evening bacon rolls per person, Junior Suite for<br />

Bride and Groom on the night of the wedding and private<br />

breakfast room.<br />

Foxhills, Stonehill Road, Ottershaw, Surrey KT16 OEL<br />

01932 704448 foxhills.co.uk<br />

<br />

27 wealdentimes.co.uk


WT <strong>Wedding</strong> Supplement<br />

Frasers<br />

How many guests can you accommodate?<br />

We pride ourselves in being able to<br />

accommodate small intimate weddings of<br />

20 guests right up to grander weddings<br />

accommodating up to 120 day guests.<br />

Can you arrange music/entertainment?<br />

We have a fantastic in-house DJ who works<br />

closely with us and we can also recommend<br />

excellent bands to suit your requirements.<br />

Do you have in-house caterers or can couples<br />

arrange their own? Our team of chefs create<br />

bespoke menus to suit any wedding, from<br />

afternoon tea and barbecues to seven-course<br />

tasting menus.<br />

Can couples bring their own wine – do you<br />

charge corkage? We charge corkage for table<br />

wine and toasting fizz.<br />

How much do your wedding packages cost?<br />

Packages are from £3,780.00.<br />

Frasers, Coldharbour Farm, Barham’s Mill<br />

Road, Egerton, Kent TN27 9DD<br />

01233 756122<br />

frasers-events.co.uk<br />

<br />

wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

28


Kent’s best kept secret<br />

Frasers<strong>WT192</strong>.indd 1 23/01/<strong>2018</strong> 14:56<br />

A venue with charm and elegance,<br />

exquisite cuisine, true quality of service<br />

and attention to detail<br />

Just got engaged? Memorable weddings require<br />

a breathtakingly different venue.<br />

Our weddings are exclusive at Bradbourne House with just<br />

one wedding per day and include many extras such as:<br />

• Toastmaster • Complimentary Tasting for the Couple • Red Carpet<br />

• Parkland and Grounds • Ornate Easel • Bride’s Changing Room<br />

• <strong>Wedding</strong> Consultant • House and Room Set Up<br />

• Selection of Table Linen • Cutlery Choices • Cake Stands and Knife<br />

Late availability packages available,<br />

please enquire for further information.<br />

Visit our <strong>Wedding</strong> Showcase on<br />

Sunday 25th <strong>February</strong>, 11am-4pm. To register your<br />

interest, please contact 01732 897436 or email<br />

lchalmers-stevens@baxterstorey.com<br />

www.bradbournehousekent.co.uk<br />

@BradbourneHouse BradbourneHouseKent BradbourneHouseKent<br />

29 wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

BradbourneHouse<strong>WT192</strong>.indd 1 24/01/<strong>2018</strong> 14:16


WT <strong>Wedding</strong> Supplement<br />

Dale Hill<br />

How many guests can you<br />

accommodate? Capacity is<br />

determined by table plan and layout,<br />

but 120 is a fair estimate.<br />

Can you arrange music/<br />

entertainment? Yes, we can organise a<br />

disco with a professional DJ.<br />

Do you have in-house caterers or<br />

can couples arrange their own? All<br />

catering in-house.<br />

Can couples bring their own wine<br />

– do you charge corkage? We do<br />

offer corkage should couples wish to<br />

bring their own alcohol, at £10 per<br />

bottle of wine, £12.50 per bottle of<br />

sparkling wine and £15.00 per bottle<br />

of champagne<br />

How much do your wedding<br />

packages cost? Our Winter <strong>Wedding</strong><br />

Package <strong>2018</strong> is £1999 all inclusive,<br />

with a maximum of 50 guests. Other<br />

all-inclusive packages are from £3450.<br />

Dale Hill Hotel and Golf Club<br />

Ticehurst, Wadhurst<br />

East Sussex<br />

TN5 7DQ<br />

01580 200112<br />

dalehill.co.uk<br />

Bradbourne House<br />

How many guests can you accommodate? Up to 100 guests for the<br />

ceremony and wedding breakfast and up to 200 guests for the evening<br />

reception.<br />

Can you arrange music/entertainment? Yes, we can. We work with a<br />

number of music and entertainment suppliers. We share our recommended<br />

list with each couple and are happy to discuss their entertainment<br />

requirements.<br />

Do you have in-house caterers or can couples arrange their own? We have<br />

a dedicated in-house catering team. The Head Chef has crafted a stunning<br />

culinary collection, offering a wide selection of sumptuous dishes to choose<br />

from, whether it’s the <strong>Wedding</strong> Breakfast, or Spit Roast for your daytime<br />

guests, or a delicious selection of Market Stall Pop Up food for your evening<br />

guests. The freshest, finest and, where appropriate, local ingredients, are<br />

brought to life by the Head Chef and his team for you and your guests to<br />

enjoy. Complimentary wedding tastings are available for the bride and groom<br />

and packages are tailored to suit your requirements.<br />

Can couples bring their own wine – do you charge corkage? Couples may<br />

bring their own wine and spirits, however we do charge a corkage fee.<br />

How much do your wedding packages cost? Each wedding at Bradbourne<br />

House is tailored to the couple, so prices do vary. Our Gladstone <strong>Wedding</strong><br />

package for 80 guests starts from £8,600.<br />

Bradbourne House, New Road, East Malling ME19 6DZ<br />

01732 897436<br />

bradbournehousekent.co.uk<br />

wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

30


Saltcote<br />

Place-Rye<br />

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ANNIVERSARIES<br />

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You are not simply with us for<br />

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come to feel part of the family.<br />

Saltcote<strong>Wedding</strong>s.co.uk<br />

celebrate@saltcote.co.uk<br />

SalcotePlace<strong>WT192</strong>.indd 1 09/01/<strong>2018</strong> 17:01<br />

A Special<br />

Gift For All<br />

Mums<br />

On Arrival<br />

Mother’s Day Lunch<br />

Sunday 11th March<br />

£23<br />

per person<br />

Treat Mum this Mother's Day at Dale Hill Hotel & Golf Club<br />

Enjoy a 3 Course Lunch in our Beautiful Countryside Surroundings<br />

£10 for Children under 12 years of age<br />

Afternoon Tea With A Glass Of Prosecco<br />

£19 per person<br />

Ladies Night<br />

Best of Michael Bublé - Friday 23rd March<br />

£35<br />

per person<br />

‘Butlers In The Buff’ on Arrival, 3 Course Dinner<br />

and Michael Bublé Entertainment Act.<br />

Residential Package - £150 per Couple, Includes 2 Tickets<br />

for Ladies Night, Accommodation & Breakfast.<br />

T: 01580 200112 E: reception@dalehill.co.uk W: www.dalehill.co.uk<br />

Dale Hill, Ticehurst, Wadhurst, East Sussex, TN5 7DQ<br />

31 wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

DaleHill<strong>WT192</strong>.indd 1 12/01/<strong>2018</strong> 16:55


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Purenique<strong>WT192</strong>.indd 1 08/01/<strong>2018</strong> TownCountryHomecareWT133.indd 14:49<br />

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Beauty products can be a serious investment, so<br />

why not try before you buy with sample boxes<br />

delivered to your door? says Josephine Fairley<br />

Britain’s Next<br />

Top Model beauty<br />

box, £18<br />

Latest in Beauty<br />

latestinbeauty.com<br />

Not so long ago, pretty much the only option<br />

for trying a new beauty product to see if you<br />

liked it was to spring for a full size. Sometimes,<br />

you could blag a sample from a consultant at a beauty<br />

counter, but generally only if you’d laid out for some<br />

goods in the range, or a new product was being launched.<br />

Result? I don’t know a single woman who hasn’t wasted<br />

money (as in: lots of money) on skin creams that brought<br />

them out in a rash, perfumes that didn’t suit their skin,<br />

lipstick that was the wrong shade… And so it goes on.<br />

So it’s no surprise that more and more women are turning<br />

to beauty boxes to try before they buy. And whether you<br />

spring for a one-off ‘special’ or subscribe to a regular<br />

delivery, I think they are the very best way for beautyhounds<br />

to trial what’s out there. Beyond that, they’re great<br />

for women who don’t love the process of beauty shopping;<br />

you get new launches and classic products delivered<br />

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111


Beauty<br />

The Velvet<br />

Collection, £19<br />

Perfume Society<br />

perfumesociety.org<br />

Birchbox (birchbox.co.uk) declares itself to be the UK’s No.1<br />

beauty box, and has tapped right into the current buzz for<br />

‘personalisation’, via a questionnaire which identifies your<br />

beauty issues and your style (are you a fashion-forward beauty?<br />

Classic? Adventurous?). Then for £10 a month, you’ll receive<br />

targeted samples, and get to pick one full-size product.<br />

You can start with just one, no-commitment box, right<br />

through to £110 for a yearly subscription (so that means<br />

one box free). The brands to expect? There are dozens,<br />

from Balance Me skincare through to Benefit via Paul & Joe<br />

and Percy & Reed (the portfolio is listed on their site).<br />

Latest in Beauty (latestinbeauty.com) offers the chance to<br />

build your own box – you choose exactly which and how<br />

many products you’ll receive each month, after browsing their<br />

selection of 200+ treats for face, body, hair. Simply choose<br />

your favourite products and it’s £9 a month for the Beauty<br />

Novice (three products), £15 for the six-product Enthusiast<br />

level, and £18 for the Beauty Guru, all with free p&p.<br />

Latest in Beauty also do some fantastic collaborations<br />

– from the Britain’s Next Top Model box (destined to<br />

thrill a make-up obsessed teenager) through to the Good<br />

Housekeeping Beauty Edit, featuring 12 of the stalwart<br />

magazine’s beauty faves. These boxes are individually priced<br />

(the value of the Top Model box is £120, for just £30).<br />

If you’re more drawn to natural products, you might<br />

want to check out the LoveLula Beauty Box– £13.95 a<br />

month (recurring), focusing entirely on the organic and<br />

natural brands featured on the lovelula.com website.<br />

One recent box contained a full-size of Madara Smart<br />

Rescue Cream (worth £31 alone), along with a fullsize<br />

Inika lipstick, a Laidbare moisturiser, shampoo<br />

and conditioner from The Seaweed Bath Company and<br />

a sample of REN’s talked-about Perfect Canvas primer<br />

(a brilliant new silicone-free under-make-up base).<br />

If you tend towards upscale products, check out the highly<br />

rated luxe box option, Cohorted (cohorted.co.uk). Very glossy<br />

and stylish-looking, the boxes themselves are black, satinfinish<br />

objects of beauty, finished with a hand-tied bow – as<br />

you’d really want from a subscription of £35 a month, frankly.<br />

As an example, their Christmas selection had a value of<br />

£90 – and included a Cargo Emerald City Palette (12 wearable<br />

eyeshadows), either a Huda Beauty Lip Strobe or a Tarte<br />

Glossy Lip Paint (you couldn’t specify which), Eyeko’s fab<br />

Skinny Liquid Eyeliner, and a Becca Shadow & Light Brow<br />

Contour Mousse, another great find. They put together a<br />

very slick online publication to go with each of their monthly<br />

box editions – and also offer special edition themed boxes,<br />

such as ‘The Perfect Thank You’ or ‘My Little Treat’.<br />

wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

112<br />

Mintd (mintdbox.com) is the other alternative, at the<br />

luxury end of the scale – voted ‘most expensive but also most<br />

luxury and premium’, in one newspaper review. At £70 a<br />

month, they’re not kidding. Again, you can opt to create a<br />

‘personalised beauty profile’, so Mintd can tailor products to<br />

you. But slightly defeating the object of the exercise, I’d say,<br />

you actually get full sizes (or super-deluxe sizes) of all the<br />

products, which could be a fast-track to a cluttered bathroom<br />

shelf or make-up bag. And while the value of the box of the<br />

items is impressive (£171 for a recent edition), surely the point<br />

of a beauty box is to let you have just enough of a product to<br />

make up your own mind about whether you’d want a full-size?<br />

Last, but not least, if fragrance is your thing, may I suggest<br />

The Perfume Society’s boxes, from the website/hub for scentlovers<br />

which I founded myself (perfumesociety.org)? We offer<br />

monthly themed boxes such as Latest Launches (talkedabout<br />

new scents), or The Velvet Collection, showcasing<br />

some of perfumery’s most opulent creations and seasonal<br />

themes such as the Travel Edition and Beautiful Blossoms.<br />

The Perfume Society boxes are completely unique, being<br />

entirely devoted to perfumes (although we do add a couple<br />

of beauty ‘extras’ to each box, as a gift from us). We feature<br />

fragrances from niche and independent names which thrill<br />

die-hard perfumistas, such as Atkinsons, Map of the Heart and<br />

the hot new brand Floral Street, along with well known names<br />

like Lalique, Prada, Issey Miyake, Annick Goutal and more.<br />

There are bespoke boxes produced for us by perfume houses<br />

themselves, from Ormonde Jayne through to Escentric Molecules<br />

and Shay & Blue, plus discovery boxes specially for men.<br />

Shopping without leaving the comfort of your armchair?<br />

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Nature’s bounty<br />

<strong>Wealden</strong> <strong>Times</strong> chats beauty regimes with makeup artist<br />

and co-founder of Votary skincare Arabella Preston<br />

Health & Beauty<br />

Credit: FreeImages.com/Bethan Hazell<br />

do you have a beauty<br />

regime? I cleanse every<br />

morning with a Votary<br />

Cleansing Oil and flannel.<br />

This soothes my skin and<br />

provides a gentle exfoliation<br />

at the same time. I then<br />

apply whichever Votary<br />

facial oil my skin needs that<br />

day. In the evening I cleanse<br />

again with a cleansing oil and<br />

flannel to remove make-up,<br />

then apply Votary Toning<br />

Serum. This contains low<br />

levels of glycolic to brighten<br />

and hyaluronic acid to plump<br />

and hydrate my skin. I then<br />

Soft, buttery and full of flavour,<br />

the versatile cashew has always<br />

been a favourite with vegetarian<br />

cooks, but the high vitamin and<br />

mineral contents make them a<br />

healthy store-cupboard option<br />

for meat eaters too.<br />

Packed with vitamins E, K,<br />

and B6, along with phosphorus,<br />

magnesium, zinc and iron, they<br />

also have a lower fat content<br />

than most nuts.<br />

apply our Intense Night Oil<br />

which contains a low level<br />

of retinoid. My skin prefers<br />

the lightweight texture and<br />

absorption of a natural<br />

plant oil over rich creams.<br />

do you have a particular<br />

product you couldn’t live<br />

without? Votary’s Rose<br />

Geranium and Apricot<br />

Cleansing Oil is my desert<br />

island product. I am<br />

passionate about teaching<br />

people that clean skin doesn’t<br />

have to mean dry and tight<br />

skin. It’s simply revelatory<br />

the first time you try it.<br />

Go (cashew) nuts<br />

Because they’re high in oleic<br />

acid (considered to be the<br />

source of the health benefits in<br />

olive oil) cashews are also more<br />

stable than most nuts and last<br />

for several months in a tightly<br />

sealed container in the fridge.<br />

Add them to sautéed<br />

vegetables or casseroles seconds<br />

before taking them off the<br />

heat, or make a delicious dairyfree<br />

parsley sauce in moments,<br />

What’s your ultimate<br />

pampering treat? I love a<br />

great massage, it has to be<br />

the right mix of relaxing<br />

and effective. I go to Greg<br />

at The Rye Retreat – he is<br />

also a brilliant reflexologist.<br />

I still don’t know why it<br />

works but it makes me feel<br />

so good I don’t care. Most<br />

of my beauty budget goes<br />

on my hair though. The<br />

older I get the coarser and<br />

curlier it’s got, so paying<br />

someone else good money<br />

to make it look decent has<br />

become crucial. It’s not an<br />

understatement to say that<br />

meeting my hairdresser, Lisa<br />

(also at The Rye Retreat),<br />

was a turning point in<br />

our move to the area!<br />

Who’s your style<br />

icon? Currently it’s Emily<br />

Weiss the CEO and founder<br />

of Glossier, a US beauty<br />

company that is disrupting<br />

the industry in a brilliant<br />

way. She also happens to<br />

be super chic and fun.<br />

Arabella lives in the Weald<br />

with her family. Votary<br />

products are available at<br />

Liberty, Regent Street and<br />

online at votary.co.uk<br />

in a high-speed blender: Soak<br />

a cup of cashews for 6 hours,<br />

drain and add to the blender<br />

with ¾ cup of water, a handful<br />

of fresh parsley, plus bouillon<br />

powder and sea salt to taste<br />

and blend on high till smooth.<br />

Yummy served warm over<br />

grilled fish or roast veg.<br />

Clean<br />

and green<br />

At this time of year your<br />

skin can take on a whole<br />

new persona and trying<br />

to keep the chill out<br />

and the moisture in can<br />

feel an impossible task.<br />

The key is to keep your<br />

skin balanced, nourished<br />

and hydrated, and<br />

incorporating a cream<br />

cleanser into your beauty<br />

regime is an easy way to<br />

do this. We tried Gentle<br />

Cleanse and Make-Up<br />

Remover, by organic skin<br />

care brand Green People,<br />

a no fuss cleanser that<br />

will remove make-up<br />

and purify the skin in<br />

one simple step. Its key<br />

ingredients include shea<br />

butter, rich in vitamins<br />

A & E, and squalene and<br />

jojoba, which hydrate<br />

and restore the skin’s<br />

vibrancy. The addition<br />

of delicate rose geranium<br />

not only leaves a beautiful<br />

scent, but normalises and<br />

balances, reducing any<br />

inflammation or redness.<br />

It left our skin feeling<br />

thoroughly cleansed,<br />

whilst its rich, creamy<br />

texture soothed and<br />

moisturised.<br />

Gentle Cleanse & Make-<br />

Up Remover costs £19 for<br />

150ml. greenpeople.co.uk.<br />

115 wealdentimes.co.uk


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<strong>February</strong>: Home Workout<br />

Exercise for 30 seconds, followed by a 30<br />

second rest, and repeat each exercise 4 times.<br />

Visit <strong>Wealden</strong> <strong>Times</strong> website for a<br />

video demonstration of all exercises<br />

1. Static lunge – Start with left foot<br />

forward and right foot behind, feet<br />

hips width apart. Keep your chest up,<br />

your weight on your front heel and<br />

drop your back knee down towards the<br />

ground, stopping just before it touches<br />

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Repeat with left foot forward.<br />

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Start with arms in front of you and hands<br />

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drive your heart rate up and work your<br />

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slightly behind you. Using your arms<br />

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arms going above your head. Think<br />

about landing softly through your feet,<br />

toes to heels, bend your knees making<br />

sure your knees don’t go over your toes.<br />

5. Cobras – A fantastic exercise to<br />

strengthen the upper back muscles that<br />

are integral for good posture. Start by<br />

lying on your front, forehead resting on<br />

the floor, chin tucked in so that the back<br />

of your neck is straight, with palms facing<br />

the ceiling. Squeeze between your shoulder<br />

blades, lift MAX up your Trainer chest slightly, M5 rotate<br />

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Food<br />

Homemade<br />

with love<br />

Friends, mums and self-taught home cooks Mandy Simmonds<br />

and Anna Stanford share their family-friendly recipes on<br />

Instagram – here is their take on a romantic Valentine’s dinner


Food<br />

The Instagram feed<br />

and website, Simply<br />

Nutritious Delicious,<br />

was inspired through Mandy<br />

and Anna's shared love<br />

of food and the desire to<br />

feed their families healthy,<br />

home-cooked wholesome<br />

meals that are beautifully<br />

presented and appealing –<br />

yet do not require hours of<br />

preparation in the kitchen.<br />

For years they’ve shared<br />

recipes with other parents who<br />

lacked inspiration for what to<br />

prepare for their families, so<br />

the next step was to put them<br />

out there for everyone. Simply<br />

Nutritious Delicious is not<br />

about faddy eating, omitting<br />

food groups or dieting. Mandy<br />

and Anna believe in the motto<br />

“everything in moderation”<br />

and focus on using fresh,<br />

additive free ingredients and<br />

local suppliers where possible.<br />

Their Valentine’s Dinner For<br />

Two is delicious, romantic and<br />

sophisticated, but doesn’t take<br />

hours to make – and most of<br />

it can be prepared in advance.<br />

Photographs: David Merewether<br />

Styling: Mandy Simmonds and Anna Stanford<br />

wealdentimes.co.uk


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Food<br />

Starter<br />

Scallops on Pea Purée with Pancetta<br />

Prep time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes<br />

• 6 fresh scallops – we<br />

sourced our scallops from<br />

Sankeys Fishmongers<br />

in Tunbridge Wells and<br />

Tonbridge<br />

• 200g frozen peas<br />

• 1 small onion or large<br />

echalion shallot finely<br />

chopped<br />

• squeeze of lemon<br />

• dash of olive oil<br />

• 10g butter cut into two<br />

knobs<br />

• 5 strips of pancetta<br />

Tip<br />

The pancetta and<br />

pea puree can be made in<br />

advance so that this starter<br />

dish only takes 3 minutes<br />

to create when you are<br />

ready to eat.<br />

1. Sauté the shallot or onion until soft in<br />

a dash of oil and a knob of butter.<br />

2. Add the peas and cook for 4 minutes. Season and add<br />

to a blender or bullet. Set aside somewhere warm.<br />

3. Add the pancetta to a hot pan and<br />

crisp on both sides. Set aside.<br />

4. Get a large frying pan hot and add a splash<br />

of oil. Season the scallops and add them<br />

to the pan in a clockwise circle so you<br />

know where to start turning first – you<br />

don’t want to overcook them.<br />

5. Cook the scallops for one minute<br />

on each side. Add the other knob<br />

of butter and the lemon juice.<br />

Coat the scallops quickly and<br />

remove from the pan.<br />

6. Put three spoonfuls of<br />

pea purée onto each<br />

plate, top each pea<br />

mound with a<br />

scallop and<br />

serve with<br />

a crisp of<br />

pancetta.


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122<br />

GeorgeInnRobertsbridge<strong>WT192</strong>.indd 1 19/01/<strong>2018</strong> 11:06


Main Course<br />

Food<br />

Côte de Bœuf, with<br />

Truffled Potatoes,<br />

Asparagus and Aioli<br />

Prep time: 15 minutes Cooking time:<br />

1 hour 15 minutes, plus resting time<br />

• 0.7kg piece of Côte de<br />

Bœuf – we sourced ours<br />

from Ian Chatfield in<br />

Tonbridge<br />

• 500g new potatoes<br />

• 100g asparagus tips<br />

• Bulb of garlic (one clove<br />

crushed)<br />

• Truffle Oil and/or Truffle Salt<br />

• 4 dessert spoons good<br />

quality mayonnaise<br />

1. To make the Aioli add<br />

one clove of crushed<br />

garlic to the mayonnaise<br />

and stir thoroughly.<br />

2. To make the Truffled<br />

Potatoes, parboil the<br />

potatoes in salted<br />

water for 5 minutes.<br />

3. Drain and steam dry<br />

and cut each potato<br />

in half lengthways.<br />

4. Heat up a good glug of<br />

olive oil in a roasting tin<br />

and add the potatoes, 5<br />

whole cloves of garlic, a<br />

few sprigs of rosemary<br />

and roast in a hot oven<br />

for 45-55 minutes.<br />

5. Drizzle with Truffle<br />

Oil and/or sprinkle<br />

with Truffle Salt.<br />

6. To make the Côte de<br />

Bœuf season with lots of<br />

salt and pepper and sear<br />

in a very hot pan with a<br />

small amount of ground<br />

nut oil for approximately<br />

3 minutes each side to<br />

get a golden crust.<br />

7. Throw in 4 whole cloves<br />

of garlic with the skin<br />

on then transfer to an<br />

oven at 210oC degrees<br />

for 10 minutes.<br />

8. Rest the meat for 20<br />

mins and carve.<br />

9. Steam the asparagus for 2<br />

minutes, drain and serve. <br />

123 wealdentimes.co.uk


Food<br />

PUDDING<br />

Meringue with Chantilly Cream and Raspberries<br />

Prep time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 30-60 minutes<br />

• 3 large eggs<br />

• 175g caster sugar<br />

• 125ml double cream<br />

• 50g icing sugar + 1<br />

tsp for dusting<br />

• ¼ tsp vanilla paste<br />

or ⅓ vanilla pod<br />

seeds scraped out<br />

• 100g fresh raspberries<br />

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. If<br />

making heart shaped meringues draw two hearts on<br />

the parchment paper and turn the paper over.<br />

2. Separate the eggs placing each white in a cup or small<br />

bowl before adding it to the whisking bowl. Discard<br />

the yolks or refrigerate them for another use.<br />

3. Whisk the egg whites in a clean mixing bowl on a<br />

medium speed for 4-6 minutes until you have stiff peaks.<br />

4. Continue mixing on a medium speed adding 1tbsp<br />

of the caster sugar at a time. Leave 5 seconds between<br />

adding each spoonful of sugar. The meringue mix should<br />

be stiff and glossy when all the sugar has been added.<br />

5. Spoon the meringue mixture onto the parchment paper<br />

and shape into two heart, round or oval shaped nests.<br />

6. Bake in the oven at 100°C (fan), 120°C (conventional<br />

or gas) or in the simmering oven of an Aga until the<br />

meringues sound crisp when tapped underneath and<br />

are just off-white in colour. Put on a rack to cool.<br />

7. To make the Chantilly Cream whip the double cream<br />

and icing sugar to soft peaks then add the vanilla paste<br />

or vanilla pod seeds and whisk for a minute more.<br />

Chill in the fridge until you are ready to serve.<br />

8. To finish the nests spoon the Chantilly Cream<br />

into the middle of the meringues, top with<br />

fresh raspberries and dust with icing sugar.<br />

Tip<br />

The meringues can be<br />

made up to a day ahead<br />

and stored in an<br />

airtight jar.<br />

wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

124<br />

simplynutritiousdelicious.com<br />

@simplynutritiousdelicious


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Garden<br />

Ready,<br />

steady...VEG!<br />

The daffodils are up, but don’t starting planting your<br />

kitchen garden yet cautions Jo Arnell<br />

On sunny days in <strong>February</strong> I’m sorely tempted to<br />

rush out and get cracking in the veg patch, but<br />

then hesitate – in the nick of time. I’m forced to<br />

remind myself that frosts can threaten for many months to<br />

come; it is still winter after all. So, on the back of the frostblackened<br />

mistakes of past seasons, I curb the urge to sow<br />

outside too early and distract myself with other tasks. There<br />

are some crops that can be sown early, but there are also<br />

things that need to happen now to make sure they get off to<br />

a good start. Good preparation makes good plants (chant this<br />

whenever you feel impatient to get growing) and this means<br />

having a thorough understanding of the soil your crops will<br />

grow in and, when and how to plant them. This way, once<br />

the soil warms up our veggies will get off to a flying start.<br />

Site and soil<br />

Most vegetable plants are greedy and will need the very<br />

best spot in your garden – somewhere sheltered, sunny and<br />

with good soil. The exact type of soil you have will dictate<br />

which vegetables will thrive in your patch. If your soil is<br />

clay then it may be harder to work in the winter – and then<br />

dry like concrete in the summer. Although a light sandy<br />

soil is easier to work and faster to warm in the spring, it<br />

leaches nutrients, dries out very quickly and will be less<br />

fertile. Where I live (on the borders of both the marsh<br />

and the Weald) the soil is fairly sandy and free draining<br />

in the main, which is ideal for root crops such as onions<br />

and carrots. Cabbages and Brussels sprouts are harder for<br />

me to grow, as they like compact, nutrient rich clay. The<br />

perfect soil is somewhere between sand and clay and is<br />

called loam – free-draining, but moist and nutrient rich.<br />

If you want to see what that looks like visit a garden or an<br />

allotment that has been diligently worked for many years.<br />

There you will find a dark, crumbly tilth that looks and<br />

smells healthy and life-giving – I want to say good enough<br />

to eat, as fundamentally the stuff of the soil, converted into<br />

plants by sunshine and rain, is what ends up on our plates.<br />

Whatever your soil, it will be transformed by the<br />

<br />

127 wealdentimes.co.uk


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128<br />

WCLandcraft<strong>WT192</strong>.indd 1 03/01/<strong>2018</strong> 17:17


Garden<br />

addition of organic matter, A sandy soil will hold together<br />

and retain more goodness, and clay soil ‘open’ up and<br />

become more free draining. Organic matter teems with<br />

microscopic life and it is this that helps the plants to<br />

grow. I will stop fetishising about soil in a minute, but the<br />

longer you associate with plants and their surroundings,<br />

the more you will focus on it. A good soil is key to<br />

growing vegetables successfully. So nurture it – build<br />

a compost heap, befriend a farmer, buy a horse…<br />

Sowing and planting<br />

Sowing vegetable seeds directly where they are to grow<br />

sounds like the quickest way to get a harvest, but it can be<br />

fraught with problems. One of the most annoying things<br />

that happens in freshly cultivated soil is when your crop<br />

germinates at the same time as masses of weeds. This is<br />

because the process of cultivation brings weed seeds up<br />

from under the surface of the soil and nearer to the light,<br />

triggering them into growth. The huge rash of weeds that<br />

appears can completely swamp your prized vegetable seedlings.<br />

The outrage continues, as weeds have a cunning habit of<br />

looking just like the crop they grow among – and it’s easy to<br />

pull up a precious baby vegetable along with the unwanted<br />

weedlings. Many gardeners recommend the ‘no dig’ method<br />

and try not to disturb the soil at all – laying down a weedblocking<br />

mulch in the autumn which should (in theory)<br />

break down into a lovely, plantable tilth by the spring.<br />

Sow under cover – this will give you more control over<br />

both germination and the early growth of your plants. This<br />

is useful at the start of the season when it is too cold to sow<br />

directly outside. Early crops like broad beans, peas, kale, leeks<br />

and calabrese (broccoli) can be sown in modules and planted<br />

out in a few weeks time, once the worst of winter has passed.<br />

It might seem like more work than direct sowing, but you will<br />

waste less seed, as no thinning will be needed, and if you sow<br />

into modules you can plant the plugs out neatly into rows at<br />

the correct spacing, without damaging the young plants’ roots.<br />

Sow direct – out into the ground once the soil has<br />

warmed – but that might not be until April. The key to<br />

spotting the right time for direct sowing is to look around<br />

for annual weeds. Once the weed seedlings start popping<br />

up you’ll know that the soil is warm enough for direct<br />

sowing of hardy vegetables. Sow thinly into a prepared<br />

seed bed (rake the soil into a fine tilth – like crumble<br />

topping) and sow in rows, as this will help you sort the<br />

seedlings from the random weedlings. The vegetable<br />

seedlings will show up as a straight line among more<br />

straggly weeds. Fast crops like beetroot, radish, rocket,<br />

salads and those that don’t like root disturbance, such as<br />

carrots, parsnips and spinach, are ideal for direct sowing.<br />

Buy plug plants – the garden centres are getting better at<br />

supplying a wider range of vegetable plants. They sell them in<br />

small strips ready to plant out at the correct distance as soon as<br />

you get them home. This does save time and is a good option,<br />

although you may not get exactly the variety you might choose<br />

if you were growing from seed – and it is more expensive.<br />

Some early vegetables to kick start the growing season<br />

Potatoes – start chitting early potatoes to give them a head<br />

start. Chitting is a strange process whereby you place your seed<br />

potatoes in the light (egg boxes are useful containers) and wait<br />

until little shoots start to grow before planting them outside.<br />

Tomatoes – these are not frost hardy, but take a<br />

long time to grow and ripen in our climate, so if you<br />

have somewhere you can keep them warm and well lit<br />

until the frosts have passed (May or June) so much the<br />

better. You will need to pot them on several times before<br />

then as they grow, so they’ll need plenty of space.<br />

Onions and leeks – onions can be planted out<br />

<br />

129 wealdentimes.co.uk


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130<br />

McGeachyGardenDesignWT190.indd 2 13/11/2017 BattleMowersWT182.indd 18:52<br />

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as sets (tiny onions), but will need to be started early<br />

if you are growing from seed. I find them tricky to<br />

sow direct, as the seedlings look like blades of grass<br />

when they first emerge and are easy to lose.<br />

Broad beans – these are very satisfying to plant – either direct<br />

(unless you have mice on your plot), or into modules. The seeds<br />

are large and germinate reliably in fairly cold conditions.<br />

Peas – like broad beans peas are easy to grow - but the<br />

mice adore them too, so they may be better sown under cover<br />

(a nice tight, mouse-proof cover) and planted out once they<br />

have grown a few leaves.<br />

Lettuce and salad – choose winter hardy salad crops and<br />

either sow directly and then cover with a cloche, or sow<br />

under cover to plant out as plugs.<br />

Kale – this superfood staple is a rugged, hardy leafy crop<br />

that can be sown early (and also late) in the year. Kale is very<br />

easy to grow, but will need protection from whitefly and<br />

caterpillars later in the season.<br />

Rocket and oriental greens – these are cool weather plants<br />

and grow better in the early spring or in the autumn; sown in<br />

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Gardenproud<strong>WT192</strong>.indd 1 16/01/<strong>2018</strong> 14:16<br />

A lot of what happens in the vegetable patch at this time<br />

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at the best of times. But it is<br />

never too early to start planning<br />

and preparing the ground,<br />

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131 wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

KateBallWT186.indd 1 11/07/2017 15:32


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BricklehurstManor<strong>WT192</strong>.indd 1 16/01/<strong>2018</strong> NorthbourneParkSchoolWT191.indd 11:44<br />

1 13/12/2017 11:31<br />

ealden <strong>Times</strong>_Jan <strong>2018</strong>_resized.indd 1 16/01/<strong>2018</strong> 11:37<br />

svs.org.uk<br />

One School,<br />

many journeys<br />

Every child is cherished for who they are<br />

Traditional values, small class sizes<br />

Glorious location, superb facilities<br />

Outstanding Early Years provision<br />

Proven exam success for independent and state entry<br />

Please contact Mrs Anne Leckie: T: 01622 842117 | E: leckiea@svs.org.uk<br />

wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

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Birds and bees<br />

Schools – and the government – need to re-think sex education says Susan Elkin<br />

Education<br />

Credit: FreeImages.com/Picaland<br />

Sex education in schools has matured a bit since the<br />

hilarious condom-on-the-banana era. From this academic<br />

year all schools in England will be required to teach<br />

Relationship and Sex Education (RSE).<br />

Primary schools are to concentrate on building healthy<br />

relationships and staying safe. Teenagers will learn about<br />

sex as well and the government has stated that all schools<br />

will “ensure that young people whatever their developing<br />

sexuality or gender feel that RSE is relevant to them and<br />

sensitive to their needs”. In other words transgender issues<br />

and other potentially tricky topics are firmly on the agenda.<br />

Cyberbullying, sexting and online safety are there too.<br />

Well, I’m all for openness, honesty and being direct with<br />

young people irrespective of their age and the delicacy<br />

of the subject. Two cheers for this initiative, then.<br />

I’m holding back the third cheer because I have serious<br />

reservations about the concept of turning learning about<br />

sex and relationships into a timetabled lesson with learning<br />

objectives, lesson plans and all the rest of it. Relationships and<br />

sex are part of life – all of life. They can’t be pigeon-holed or<br />

sidelined. Every teacher of every subject should be dealing<br />

00013MHSWT185x130_Layout 1 19/09/2017 14:03 Page 1<br />

with such important matters as and when they arise.<br />

The whole of English literature, for example, is<br />

about relationships of every kind. Was Shakespeare,<br />

for example, bi-sexual? Consider all those cross gender<br />

roles and talk about them. It’s quite a springboard.<br />

Students will meet characters such as Henry VIII and Oscar<br />

Wilde in history lessons. Geography could lead to some of<br />

the countries which still ruthlessly punish sexual minorities.<br />

Alan Turing could come up in science, while art history and<br />

music will throw up some colourfully complex personalities.<br />

In short RSE should be a cross-curricular subject<br />

tackled with confidence by every teacher as and when<br />

it’s relevant. We want young people to take this – and<br />

themselves – seriously and to learn from people they<br />

respect. It’s an excellent basis for exploring something<br />

so important in an atmosphere of mutual trust.<br />

RSE will never, in my view, work properly as a<br />

discrete lesson taught by some sort of ‘expert’ who’s<br />

probably a nurse or former PSHE teacher, who’s just<br />

done a two-day conversion course. To be really useful<br />

sex education must be grafted in, not bolted on.<br />

Not too big, Not too small, Just right.<br />

OPEN DAY<br />

9th March<br />

9.30-11.30am<br />

The perfect size school to unlock the potential in every child.<br />

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

and each year our pupils win scholarships to many leading independent senior schools.<br />

MARLBOROUGH<br />

HOUSE<br />

SCHOOL<br />

Marlborough House School, Hawkhurst, Cranbrook, Kent TN18 4PY 01580 753555<br />

133 wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

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time<br />

to visit<br />

Visit<br />

our March Open Morning to learn about<br />

our strong tradition of excellence and integrity,<br />

outstanding academic results and our renowned<br />

ability to prepare pupils for life.<br />

OPEN MORNING • Saturday 3 March <strong>2018</strong> • 9.00am to noon - please book online<br />

www.EastbourneCollegeOpenMorning.co.uk<br />

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

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


See potential.<br />

Realise the vision.<br />

Open Morning<br />

Come and see the difference<br />

Monday 5th March<br />

9.00 am – 12 noon<br />

Contact our Registrar for details:<br />

registrar@dulwichprepcranbrook.org<br />

dulwichprepcranbrook.org<br />

Dul WA Open Morning <strong>2018</strong>.indd 1 08/01/<strong>2018</strong> 16:17<br />

DulwichPrep<strong>WT192</strong>.indd 1 09/01/<strong>2018</strong> 15:34<br />

Open Day<br />

Saturday 24th <strong>February</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />

9.15am – 12 noon<br />

The Principal will speak at 9.30am<br />

Record breaking GCSE and A Level results in 2017 • Extensive co-curricular programme<br />

First-rate ISI Inspection Report • Nursery and Pre-Prep rated “outstanding”<br />

Boarding available from 11 • Scholarships available for 11+, 13+, 16+ entry<br />

Cathedral Chorister scholarships for 8+ boys & 10+ girls<br />

First rate independent education for boys and girls aged 3 - 18<br />

01634 888590 admissions@kings-rochester.co.uk www.kings-rochester.co.uk<br />

Extensive daily minibus service including: Gravesend, King’s Hill, Maidstone, Rainham, Sevenoaks<br />

135 wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

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NURSERY | PRE-PREP | PREP<br />

OPEN MORNINGS: Saturday 28th April <strong>2018</strong>, Saturday 6th October <strong>2018</strong><br />

www.junior-kings.co.uk<br />

OPEN DAYS<br />

13+ Entry<br />

Saturday 16th June <strong>2018</strong><br />

Saturday 6th October <strong>2018</strong><br />

Sixth Form Entry<br />

Saturday 23rd June <strong>2018</strong><br />

Saturday 22nd September <strong>2018</strong><br />

www.kings-school.co.uk


New Montessori Nursery<br />

Opening in Paddock Wood<br />

Please join us for our Open House<br />

days on Saturday 3 rd & 10 th March<br />

11am-2pm. Refreshments & Cake<br />

will be available<br />

• Age 2-5 years<br />

• Open 50 weeks a year<br />

• Sessions include mini-yoga,<br />

sign language, drama & cookery<br />

• After school workshops<br />

for primary years<br />

• Montessori holiday weeks for<br />

age 2 years onwards<br />

Contact us on 07848 855820<br />

trilliummontessorihouse@gmail.com<br />

St. Justus Church Hall, Mt Pleasant,<br />

Paddock Wood, TN12 6AG<br />

www.trilliummontessorihouse.co.uk<br />

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For boys and girls aged 2 to 13<br />

Listed in Sunday <strong>Times</strong> Top 100 Schools Guide <strong>2018</strong><br />

Call us on 01825 830 234 or visit<br />

www.skippershill.com to book<br />

Five Ashes, Mayfield, East Sussex, TN20 6HR<br />

OPEN MORNING<br />

Saturday 24th <strong>February</strong><br />

10am - 12pm<br />

137 wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

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What’s On In Xxxxxxx <strong>February</strong><br />

Art<br />

Sat 10 Feb – Sat 31 Mar<br />

Portico Art Gallery, 25 London<br />

Road, Riverhead, Sevenoaks,<br />

Kent TN13 2BU<br />

The Garden of kent<br />

An exhibition of artworks by local<br />

artists Katie Wilson and Lynda<br />

Beazleigh who met at Maidstone<br />

Girls Grammar School and later<br />

studied together in Canterbury.<br />

Now both raising families<br />

in Kent, the two artists have<br />

rekindled their work together.<br />

Entry: Free<br />

Info: porticogallery.co.uk<br />

Sat 24 Feb - Sun 22 April<br />

Maidstone Museum, St Faith’s<br />

Street, Maidstone, Kent<br />

ME14 1LH<br />

Roy Sparks: Past &<br />

Present<br />

Local artist Roy Sparks exhibits<br />

works from past and present<br />

including dynamic interpretations<br />

of landscape, sea and coastline<br />

with his distinctive use of marks<br />

on the surfaces presenting physical<br />

traces of experiences lived.<br />

Entry: Free<br />

Info: museum.maidstone.gov.uk<br />

Children & Families<br />

Sat 10 Feb - Sun 18 Feb<br />

Battle Abbey, High Street,<br />

Butter Cross, Battle TN33 0AD<br />

Early Man Quest<br />

Early Man, the latest kids’ classic<br />

film from the tribe behind<br />

Chicken Run and Wallace and<br />

Gromit comes to Battle Abbey.<br />

Explore the historic battle ground<br />

in search of all your favourite<br />

characters, follow the clues and<br />

complete the quest to uncover<br />

centuries of history.<br />

Entry: £1<br />

Info: english-heritage.org.uk<br />

Sat 10 Feb - Sun 18 Feb<br />

10.30am - 5.30pm<br />

Penshurst Place & Gardens,<br />

Penshurst, Tonbridge, Kent<br />

TN11 8DG<br />

Enchanted Gardens<br />

Trail<br />

Explore eleven acres of formal<br />

gardens to discover enchanted<br />

forest dwellers carrying clues to<br />

help unveil a hidden message on<br />

your trail sheet.<br />

Info: penshurstplace.com<br />

Mon 12 – Fri 16 Feb<br />

Dover Castle, Castle Hill, Dover,<br />

Kent CT16 1HU<br />

The Fairytale Castle<br />

Step into a castle full of real<br />

life fairytales brought to life in<br />

spelling adventures.<br />

Info: english-heritage.org.uk<br />

Festivals & Expos<br />

Sat 10 - Sun 18 Feb<br />

Various Locations<br />

Brighton Science<br />

Festival<br />

A festival aimed at 12-14 year<br />

olds but equipped to be fun for all<br />

ages. This festival is set to bring<br />

science to life and encourage the<br />

spirit of discovery with slime,<br />

magic and monsters.<br />

Info: brightonscience.com<br />

Fri 16 – Sun 18 Feb<br />

Dreamland, 49-51 Marine<br />

Terrace, Margate, Kent<br />

CT9 1XJ<br />

Geek<br />

This notorious gaming expo is<br />

coming to play this year; with<br />

tournaments, spectacles, cosplay,<br />

talks and workshops there is<br />

entertainment for gamers both<br />

casual and dedicated.<br />

Info: dreamland.co.uk<br />

Thurs 22 Feb - Sat 17 Mar<br />

The White Rock Theatre,<br />

Hastings<br />

Hastings<br />

International Music<br />

Festival<br />

In its 109th year, the Hastings<br />

International Music Festival<br />

continues to provide performance<br />

opportunites and annual grants<br />

to outstanding performers from<br />

around the world.<br />

Info: hastingsmusicalfestival.co.uk <br />

Ibbett Mosely<br />

AuctIoneers & VAluers<br />

Limited Liability Partnership<br />

The Dance Studios<br />

at Bloomsburys<br />

Retreat include<br />

private or<br />

group classes of:<br />

• POLE FITNESS<br />

• YOGA<br />

• PILATES<br />

• ZUMBA<br />

...and many more<br />

The Auctioneer's Next Sale Will Be On<br />

Wednesday 28th <strong>February</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />

Commencing at 12.30pm | Viewing 10.00am - 12.30pm<br />

The Auction Rooms, Argyle Road, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 1HJ<br />

Tel: 01732 456731 Web: www.ibbettmosely.co.uk<br />

125 High St, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1UT<br />

Registered in England No. 0C341637 Regulated by RICS Registered at the Sevenoaks office as Ibbett Mosely Surveyors LLP<br />

IbbettMosely<strong>WT192</strong>.indd 1 09/01/<strong>2018</strong> 17:00<br />

Gardening Courses<br />

www.bloomsburysbiddenden.com<br />

info@glampingkent.com 01580 292992<br />

Gift Vouchers for <strong>2018</strong> courses<br />

HORNBROOK MANOR FARM, WOODCHURCH<br />

Contact Jo 01233 861149 www.hornbrookmanor.co.uk<br />

wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

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What’s On In Xxxxxxx<br />

Fri 23 – 25 Feb<br />

Various Locations in<br />

Faversham, Kent<br />

Faversham Literary<br />

Festival<br />

In the festival’s inaugural year,<br />

authors including Fiona Melrose,<br />

Iain Sinclair, and Deborah Levy,<br />

visit three Faversham venues<br />

for a weekend of author talks,<br />

discussions, creative workshops<br />

and spoken word events.<br />

Info: favershamliteraryfestival.org<br />

Food<br />

Sat 24 Feb – Sun 4 Mar<br />

Various Locations in Rye, East<br />

Sussex<br />

Rye Scallop Week<br />

Indulge in Seafood delights<br />

with a variety of scallop dishes<br />

served in the area’s restaurants,<br />

tasting events, cookery schools,<br />

demonstrations and live music.<br />

Info: scallop.org.uk<br />

Garden<br />

Sat 17 Feb 9.30am – 2.30pm<br />

Godinton House & Gardens,<br />

Godinton Lane, Ashford, Kent<br />

TN23 3BP<br />

All About Roses<br />

In this practical workshop,<br />

head gardener, Viv Hunt and<br />

horticulture lecturer/ freelance<br />

gardener Fiona Abrahams will<br />

guide you through choosing,<br />

planting, maintaining and<br />

pruning roses. Booking is<br />

essential and refreshments and a<br />

light lunch are included.<br />

Entry: £55<br />

Info: godintonhouse.co.uk<br />

Mon 19 Feb 10am - 4.30pm<br />

Great Dixter House and<br />

Gardens, Northiam, Rye, East<br />

Sussex TN31 6PH<br />

Getting the Garden<br />

Ready<br />

Take a look behind the scenes<br />

at the complex planning needed<br />

to prepare Great Dixter for the<br />

spring and summer and learn<br />

how to replicate the techniques<br />

of head gardener Fergus Garrett<br />

in your own gardening projects.<br />

Entry: £110<br />

Info: Perry Rodriguez 01797<br />

252878 / greatdixter.co.uk<br />

Music<br />

Weds 7 Feb 1-2pm<br />

Clagett Auditorium, Cathedral<br />

Lodge, Canterbury Cathedral,<br />

11 The Precincts, Canterbury<br />

CT1 2EH<br />

Lunchtime Concert<br />

A snapshot of the best current<br />

and developing undergraduate<br />

talent of Canterbury Christ<br />

Church University’s musicians.<br />

Entry: £10 including sandwich<br />

lunch and hot beverage<br />

Info: 01227 865292 / canterburycathedral.org<br />

Weds 7 Feb<br />

Chromos, 77 Stour St,<br />

Canterbury, Kent CT1 2NR<br />

JAzz Date Night<br />

New Canterbury Jazz club, the<br />

Sax Cafe presents Sax in the<br />

City, a date night featuring the<br />

smooth sax of Jo Fooks, who<br />

will be performing American<br />

songbook classics. The candlelit<br />

Chromos cocktail bar will also<br />

have fresh stone-baked pizzas,<br />

salads and cocktails. Disabled<br />

access available.<br />

Entry: Buy one ticket Get One<br />

Free, Pre booking online £10, On<br />

the door £15<br />

Info: 07493 268690 /<br />

thesaxcafe.com /<br />

tickets: ticketsource.co.uk/<br />

thesaxcafe<br />

Sat 10 Feb 7pm<br />

St Ronan’s School, Water Lane,<br />

Hawkhurst, Kent TN18 5DJ<br />

Military Band Concert<br />

A performance by the Kohima<br />

Band of The Princess of Wales’<br />

Royal Regiment and Corps<br />

of Drums in aid of ABF, The<br />

Soldiers’ Charity.<br />

Entry: Adults £16, Children<br />

under 16 £8<br />

Info: Chris Parkinson: 01580<br />

388402 / cfgparkinson@tiscali.<br />

co.uk / Beech Tree Cottage, The<br />

Street, Benenden, Kent TN17<br />

4DB<br />

Sun 24 Feb 8.30pm - Late<br />

Hythe Imperial, Princes<br />

Parade, Hythe, Kent CT21 6AE<br />

Accoustic Evening<br />

with Nina Clark <br />

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FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong> HIGHLIGHTS<br />

Sun 4 Feb, 3pm<br />

RTWSO:<br />

PROKOVIEV’S<br />

PIANO<br />

CONCERTO NO. 3<br />

Mon 5 Feb, 7.30pm<br />

JIVE TALKIN’<br />

Tue 6 Feb, 7pm<br />

<strong>2018</strong> CHINESE<br />

NEW YEAR<br />

EXTRAVAGANZA<br />

Thu 8 Feb, 8pm<br />

ED BYRNE:<br />

SPOILER ALERT<br />

Fri 9 Feb, 7.30pm<br />

THANK YOU FOR<br />

THE MUSIC<br />

Mon 19 Feb, 7.30pm<br />

THE KING IS<br />

BACK – BEN<br />

PORTSMOUTH<br />

Sun 25 Feb<br />

SOMEONE LIKE YOU –<br />

THE ADELE SONGBOOK<br />

Wed 7 Feb, 7.30pm<br />

HORNE A’<br />

PLENTY<br />

Thu 22 Feb, 7.30pm<br />

FAIRPORT<br />

CONVENTION<br />

Tue 27 Feb – Sat 3 Mar, 7.30pm and<br />

2.30pm Wed, Thu, Sat<br />

THE SOUND OF MUSIC<br />

assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk | 01892 530613<br />

/ AssemblyHallTheatre / ahttw #yourlocaltheatre AssemblyHallTheatre<br />

AssemblyHallTheatre<strong>WT192</strong>.indd 1 16/01/<strong>2018</strong> 10:55<br />

Proudly presents a workshop with:<br />

22nd <strong>February</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />

Create your own original lampshade inspired by Cressida’s prints<br />

& the art of Bloomsbury. Course costs £125, running from<br />

10.30 am - 4.30 pm. Materials & Lunch / refreshments included.<br />

© Roger Foley<br />

© Manuela Zine<br />

© Richard Bloom<br />

Brighten up your spring with the<br />

International Garden Photographer of<br />

the Year exhibition.<br />

Sissinghurst Castle Garden<br />

17 <strong>February</strong> - 13 April <strong>2018</strong><br />

TN17 2AB / 01580 710700<br />

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/Sissinghurst-Castle-Garden<br />

©<br />

Email info@glampingkent.com for info.or call 01580 292992<br />

Bloomsburys, Sissinghurst road, Biddenden, Ashford, Kent TN27 8DQ<br />

wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

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What’s On In <strong>February</strong><br />

Nina Clark plays the iconic<br />

Champagne bar with a set<br />

spanning a hundred years of<br />

classics including jazz and blues,<br />

modern day and lyrical originals.<br />

Entry: Free<br />

Info: hytheimperial.co.uk<br />

Shopping<br />

Thurs 8 Feb 7pm - 10pm<br />

Silcocks Farm, Grange Road, St<br />

Michaels, Tenterden TN30 6TL<br />

Brocante<br />

The Three French Hens invite you<br />

to a Brocante.<br />

Entry: £5 including French fizz and<br />

canapés<br />

Info: 07983 360885 /<br />

info@thethreefrenchhens.co.uk<br />

Theatre<br />

Thurs 8 Feb<br />

Theatre Royal Margate,<br />

Addington Street, Margate, Kent<br />

CT9 1PW<br />

The Strange Case of Dr<br />

Jekyll & Mr Hyde<br />

This thrilling adaption of<br />

Robert Louis Stevenson’s dark<br />

psychological fantasy, will immerse<br />

audiences in the foggy streets<br />

of 19th century London, where<br />

murder, romance and betrayal lurk<br />

around every chilling twist and<br />

turn.<br />

Info: theatreroyalmargate.com<br />

Weds 14 - Fri 16 Feb 7.30pm &<br />

Sat 17 Feb 2.30pm & 7.30pm<br />

Sinden Theatre, Homewood<br />

School, Ashford Road,<br />

Tenterden, Kent TN30 6LT<br />

TODS Present ‘Sister<br />

Act’<br />

A lively, uplifting and popular<br />

musical comedy.<br />

Info: Tickets at Advantec, 6 The<br />

Fairings, Tenterden / tods.me.uk<br />

Weds 21 – Sat 24 Feb<br />

St Mary in the Castle, 7 Pelham<br />

Crescent, Hastings, East Sussex,<br />

TN34 3AF<br />

Hamlet<br />

Local professional theatre<br />

company performs Shakespeare’s<br />

great tragic drama.<br />

Info: stmaryinthecastle.co.uk<br />

Valentine’s Day<br />

Weds 14 – Thurs 15 Feb<br />

Hever Castle, Hever Road,<br />

Hever, Edenbridge, Kent<br />

TN8 7NG<br />

Dine & Stay<br />

Spend Valentine’s at the historic<br />

castle that saw the love story of<br />

Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn,<br />

with 125 acres of stunning<br />

grounds to explore, five star<br />

bedrooms, private drinks, and<br />

a harpist to play through a four<br />

course meal in the Tudor suite<br />

dining room.<br />

Entry: From £200 per person<br />

Info: hevercastle.co.uk<br />

Weds 14 Feb<br />

British Airways i360, Lower<br />

Kings Road, Brighton, Sussex<br />

BN1 2LN<br />

Valentine’s Day Flights<br />

Love is in the air. This Valentine’s<br />

enjoy a special flight for you<br />

and your loved ones with a glass<br />

of rosé per person and a box<br />

of chocolates per couple. Or<br />

for something more fun and<br />

alternative try the Drag Queen<br />

flight - an extended flight with a<br />

hilarious Drag act and a glass of<br />

Nyetimber sparkling wine.<br />

Info: britishairwaysi360.com<br />

Weds 14 Feb<br />

Leeds Castle, Maidstone, Kent<br />

ME17 1PL<br />

Valentine’s Dinner in<br />

the Castle <strong>2018</strong><br />

A romantic evening at the loveliest<br />

castle in the world. Enjoy an<br />

intimate dinner with a harpist,<br />

private tour of the castle after<br />

closing and options of rooms to<br />

stay overnight at the castle.<br />

Info: leeds-castle.com<br />

Sat 17 Feb<br />

Canterbury Cathedral Lodge,<br />

Canterbury, Kent CT1 2EH<br />

Valentine’s Dinner<br />

Enjoy a superb 4-course<br />

Valentine’s dinner with coffee and<br />

sparkling wine in the charming<br />

lodge’s restaurant, situated in the<br />

romantic grounds of Canterbury<br />

Cathedral and overlooking a pretty<br />

courtyard terrace.<br />

Entry: £34.95, Valentine’s<br />

Overnight Package £199 Double<br />

Occupancy<br />

Info: canterburycathedrallodge.org<br />

Sun 18 Feb<br />

St Mary in the Castle, 7<br />

Pelham Crescent, Hastings,<br />

East Sussex, TN34 3AF<br />

Valentine’s Opera<br />

Breakfast<br />

The Hastings Philharmonic<br />

presents a morning with arias<br />

by Mozart, Verdi, Puccini,<br />

Massenet, Wagner and Bizet.<br />

Info: musicglue.com/<br />

stmaryinthecastle<br />

<strong>Wedding</strong>s<br />

Thurs 1 – Sat 3 Feb<br />

County Square Shopping<br />

Centre, Elwick Road, Ashford<br />

TN23 1YB<br />

WEDDING FAYRE<br />

It can be so difficult to choose<br />

the venue, photographers,<br />

cake, flowers and of course that<br />

special outfit for the big day.<br />

Get the all important advice you<br />

need this month at the <strong>Wedding</strong><br />

Fayre at the County Square<br />

Shopping Centre in Ashford<br />

and speak to experts who will be<br />

there to help.<br />

Info: jean.moss@theme-events.<br />

co.uk<br />

Sun 4 Feb<br />

The Historic Dockyard<br />

Chatham, Church Lane,<br />

Chatham, Kent ME4 4TE<br />

<strong>Wedding</strong> Fair<br />

The Historic Dockyard hosts<br />

one of <strong>2018</strong>’s first wedding<br />

fairs in association with Kentish<br />

<strong>Wedding</strong>. See the unique venue<br />

spaces available at the historic<br />

site, meet local suppliers and<br />

coordinators and collect copies<br />

of the latest wedding magazines<br />

as well as a goody bag and entry<br />

into a draw to win a luxury spa<br />

day with your partner.<br />

Entry: Free<br />

Info: thedockyard.co.uk<br />

Sun 18 Feb 11am - 3pm<br />

Hall Place & Gardens,<br />

Dartford, Bexley DA5 1PQ<br />

<strong>Wedding</strong> Showcase<br />

Day<br />

Explore the atmospheric and<br />

historic spaces within this<br />

stunning house and modern<br />

Riverside Café.<br />

Entry: Free<br />

Info: hallplace.org.uk<br />

Sun 25 Feb<br />

The Ferry House Inn, Harty<br />

Ferry Road, Harty, Kent<br />

ME12 4BQ<br />

<strong>Wedding</strong> Fair & Open<br />

Day<br />

A great opportunity to see what<br />

could be the venue of your<br />

dreams, talk to reccommended<br />

local suppliers and ask any<br />

questions you may have<br />

Info: theferryhouseinn.co.uk<br />

Workshops<br />

Thurs 15 Feb 11.45am -3pm<br />

Huguenot Museum, 95 High<br />

Street, Rochester ME1 1LX<br />

Family Weaving with<br />

Ann Bowdler<br />

Enjoy this fun interactive<br />

workshop with Ann Bowdler<br />

to explore a range of weaving<br />

techniques.<br />

Entry: £1/ child<br />

Info: 01634 789347 /<br />

huguenotmuseum.org<br />

Listings are correct at time of<br />

going to press but may be subject<br />

to change. Readers are advised<br />

to check with venues before<br />

making arrangements. We can<br />

list your event in the next issue<br />

of <strong>Wealden</strong> <strong>Times</strong> for only £15!<br />

Please supply up to 50 words that<br />

should include date, time, venue,<br />

and any entry price to whatson@<br />

wealdentimes.co.uk or send with<br />

payment (cheques payable to JPS<br />

Media) to What’s On, <strong>Wealden</strong><br />

<strong>Times</strong>, Kettle Chambers, 21 Stone<br />

Street, Cranbrook, Kent TN17<br />

3HF. <strong>Wealden</strong> <strong>Times</strong> reserves<br />

the right to edit text to fit space<br />

allocated. If you would like your<br />

event listing to be accompanied by<br />

a full colour reproduction (42.5<br />

x 62.5mm) of a poster or other<br />

pictorial image, the total charge will<br />

be £95. Deadline for the March<br />

issue is 12 <strong>February</strong> <strong>2018</strong>.<br />

141 wealdentimes.co.uk


ClareLangdonWT184.indd 1 12/05/2017 JamesPMcNama<strong>WT192</strong>.indd 16:19<br />

1 22/01/<strong>2018</strong> 13:02<br />

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Competition<br />

Win lunch, b&b, wine and tours at<br />

Denbies wine estate worth £250<br />

Take some time out with an overnight stay at England’s largest vineyard.<br />

Denbies Wine Estate is located in the heart of the beautiful Surrey<br />

Hills, close to the historic market town of Dorking, with 265 acres<br />

under vine. Denbies Farmhouse B&B accommodation, situated within the<br />

vineyards, offers a uniquely peaceful setting, overlooking the garden and sweeping<br />

vines. The original farmhouse has been tastefully refurbished to accommodate<br />

seven, modern, double en-suite rooms, with a Full English breakfast served<br />

in the light, airy conservatory. The prize includes lunch for two people<br />

at the estate’s Gallery Restaurant, with Denbies award-winning wine, plus<br />

the Ultimate Wine Experience Indoor Tour, and the Outdoor Vineyard Train<br />

Tour. Rounding it all off is a mixed case of six wines to take home. Cheers!<br />

How to enter: For your<br />

chance to win the Denbies<br />

Wine Estate Gift Experience<br />

just answer the following question:<br />

How many acres does Denbies<br />

Wine Estate have under vine?<br />

Enter your answer with your<br />

contact details* in the online form<br />

at wealdentimes.co.uk/competition<br />

or post to: Denbies Wine Estate<br />

Competition, <strong>Wealden</strong> <strong>Times</strong>,<br />

21 Stone Street, Cranbrook, Kent<br />

TN17 3HF by 28 <strong>February</strong>. Prize<br />

comprises Denbies gift experience,<br />

overnight accommodation in the<br />

Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast, with<br />

lunch and a mixed case of six bottles<br />

of wine. There is no cash alternative<br />

and the prize must be taken before<br />

28 <strong>February</strong> 2019. *All entrants’<br />

details will be passed on to Denbies<br />

and <strong>Wealden</strong> <strong>Times</strong> Events. Please<br />

let us know if you do not wish<br />

your details to be passed on.<br />

Congratulations to Ingrid Marsden who wins our December competition for £250 to spend in the Glades Shopping Centre<br />

143 wealdentimes.co.uk


Jane Howard’s<br />

Fables from the Farm<br />

Britain’s trees are suffering from underplanting, over felling - and too many deer<br />

The best telly I saw over Christmas,<br />

by a country mile, was Dame Judy<br />

Dench’s documentary My Passion<br />

for Trees. “My life now is just trees,” she<br />

said, “trees and champagne.” How perfect<br />

is that? She has a secret wood at her home<br />

in Surrey where she has been planting trees<br />

for the past 30 years, and every time a<br />

friend dies she adds another tree for them.<br />

“It’s something living that goes on.”<br />

What a wonderful sentiment and the<br />

whole programme inspired me to think<br />

more carefully about the woodland at<br />

Coopers Farm.<br />

2017 was not a good year<br />

for trees in the UK. Less than<br />

700 hectares were planted –<br />

fewer than at any time since<br />

the Second World War. And<br />

this, hand in hand with a<br />

desire to cut down more<br />

and more of our senior trees<br />

especially in towns where<br />

they don’t ‘fit’ with 21st<br />

century urban living.<br />

Part of the problem is that we no longer<br />

understand trees in a way we once did.<br />

Thomas Hardy could identify trees in<br />

the dark by the sound the wind made<br />

blowing through their branches, but in a<br />

recent survey of 2,000 people – readers of<br />

BBC Gardeners’ World magazine, no less<br />

– only one in 50 were able to identify five<br />

varieties of tree by looking at their foliage.<br />

How sad is that?<br />

Closer to home, the situation at<br />

Coopers Farm is far from happy. We<br />

have recently joined up with about 20<br />

“Thomas Hardy<br />

could indentify<br />

trees by the sound<br />

the wind made<br />

through their<br />

branches ”<br />

other local landowners to form a collective<br />

‘cluster’. The idea being that flora and<br />

fauna don’t respect farm boundaries so any<br />

conservation issues are likely to be far more<br />

successful if implemented across swathes of<br />

land, rather than farm by farm.<br />

One of the most pressing issues, of<br />

concern to everyone in the cluster, is the<br />

damage being done by deer and a recent<br />

talk by the Deer Initiative Partnership<br />

– set up to promote the sustainable<br />

management of wild deer – was a real<br />

wake-up call.<br />

Six species of deer exist in the UK: red,<br />

roe and fallow deer are<br />

native species, with sika,<br />

muntjac, and Chinese<br />

water deer all introduced<br />

within the past 150 years.<br />

It is widely accepted that<br />

deer are more abundant<br />

and widespread now than<br />

at any time in the past<br />

1,000 years, indeed there<br />

may be as many as two million of them<br />

in the UK and, without natural predators,<br />

the population just keeps on growing.<br />

What is brutally apparent is that this<br />

number of deer is putting intolerable<br />

pressure on our woodland, leading to<br />

the loss of biodiversity and the decline of<br />

certain species of fauna and flora.<br />

I was quite shocked by the data, so<br />

I set about surveying our woods to see<br />

how bad the damage was. To do this you<br />

have to walk furtively about them with<br />

a clipboard, recording indicators such as<br />

deer seen (easy: none), pellet tallies (saw<br />

lots, but were they rabbit or deer?) and<br />

then a whole raft of clues such as couches,<br />

scrapes, wallows, wracks and slots!<br />

Once you’ve mastered this vocabulary,<br />

you can record bark damage, branches<br />

snapped, brambles nibbled and the<br />

numbers of young sapling trees. And<br />

here is the scary bit. In our 10 hectares of<br />

woodland I couldn’t find a single young<br />

oak sapling. Drastic action required.<br />

As a result Father Christmas delivered<br />

25 oak saplings, with stakes and deer<br />

guards, and I now intend to spend the<br />

next couple of months planting them<br />

round the farm.<br />

And inspired by Dame Judy’s idea of<br />

using them to remember dearly departed,<br />

Mum and Dad are in a hedge together;<br />

Auntie Mary, always a tad tricky, is on<br />

a bank on her own; and some dear<br />

university friends, all taken far too<br />

prematurely are gathered together in a<br />

clearing having a fine old time.<br />

Time will tell if it works, but in the<br />

meantime I will be keeping a very close<br />

watch on them all and making it my<br />

mission in <strong>2018</strong> to eat far more venison.<br />

Follow Jane Howard – and the farm<br />

– on Instagram @coopersfarm<br />

wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

144


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